Hello, After connecting all the PLC variables to a profinet process data item, I noticed the datatypes of my externals should be changed. I have about 200 Proces Data Items, but since I changed the datatypes of the externals I recieved errors: the datatypes of the external variable and the global variable are different. If I delete all the PLC global variables, I have to reconnect all de PDI’s.. Is there a way I can change the datatype without deleting them? thanks. Arne
Hi Arne, sorry for keep you waiting. As soon as a global variable is assigned to a process data it can not be changed until it is disconnected.
This is also an intentional behavior to ensure the consistency of the process data. On the other hand I understand your point by changing e.g. a bulk of globals (without pd connection) when the referring external changed. I’ll suggest our product management to think about such an option… Have a great weekend! Frank
When we talk global variables, it would also be a good idea to have to comments updated in the programming sheet. In case we have to modify the comment in the global variable list, we have to manually correct the comment in the programming sheet. A re-build should update the comments in the programming sheet. Also, in PCWorx we have had the comment displayed when hovering the mouse pointer over a variable in the programming sheet. It would be nice to have this function in Engineer. Especially when your variable names correspond to the component name in the electrical diagrams. A -300B6 doesn’t mean much if you don’t have diagram at hand. But if the comment is displayed - and you have entered the right information - it has a meaning. So, remember: Use the comments. A program with V001, V002 and so one, isn’t a program. Peter Paul