Downloading the APP S7 Verification Application
In this blog Post you will find an application which allows users to read and write to any variable in a S71500, S7 1200, S7 400 and S7 300 over ethernet. The application is free for use and will run on Windows 10 through to Windows XP sp3. To download the application, please select the link below:
APP S7 Tag Verification.zip (341.05 kb)
Using the Application for Verification, Commissioning and Development Testing
What is this application and why would you use it? The S7 is a common PLC used in numerous pieces of equipment found through many industries. During instrument verification testing or general communication testing, its extremely handy to have a simple interface that allows executers to access variables without gaining access to the source code.
How to use the Application
The use of the application is described in a Youtube video which is linked below. If your a bit lost and you require further guidance, please reach out to aphillips@appliedprojectsengineering.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ReVdDioQdI
Datatypes for use
As a summary, I will list each variable used in the application. Practically all datatypes can be used within the S7. Selecting DATATYPE will display all options available.
A table highlighting the types used can be seen below.
|
Memory Type
|
Range
|
Description
|
Read/Write
|
Data Type
|
|
I
|
I
|
0.00 - 65535.7
|
Input Memory
|
R/W
|
Bit
|
|
IB
|
0 - 65536
|
Byte
|
|
IW
|
0 - 65535
|
Word
|
|
ID
|
0 - 65535
|
Double Word
|
|
Q
|
Q
|
0.00 - 65535.7
|
Output Memory
|
R/W
|
Bit
|
|
QB
|
0 - 65536
|
Byte
|
|
QW
|
0 - 65535
|
Word
|
|
QD
|
0 - 65535
|
Double Word
|
|
M
|
M
|
0.00 - 65535.7
|
Internal Memory
|
R/W
|
Bit
|
|
MB
|
0 - 65536
|
Byte
|
|
MW
|
0 - 65535
|
Word
|
|
MD
|
0 - 65535
|
Double Word
|
|
DB
|
DBX
|
1.0 - 65535.65535
|
Data Block
Memory
|
R/W
|
Bit
|
|
DBB
|
Byte
|
|
DBW
|
Word
|
|
DBD
|
Double Word
|
|
* T
|
0 - 255
|
Timer Acc.
|
R/W
|
Word
|
|
* C
|
0 - 255
|
Counter Acc.
|
|
Word
|
VERY IMPORTANT - READ ME
If using TIA and reading - writing values in datablocks, the datablock must have the optimised block access disabled. This is purely a memory allocation requirement that stops the application working with datablocks correctly.
Filling in the User Interface
The interface must be filled in correctly to operate. Reading requires only changing the VARIABLE. Writing requires that you also enter a VALUE.
IP ADDRESS: Each S7 1500 - 1200 has an inbuilt ethernet card. Only the local IP is required of the PLC i.e. 192.168.1.231
RACK: Leave this at 0. This can be seen in the Hardware configuration on simatic manager or TIA
SLOT: This is 2 for the S7 400/300. This is 1 for the S7 1500/1200
VARIABLE: This address is the specific item we want to read from or write to. All variables have an address in TIA or simatic manager
DATATYPE: There are numerous Datatypes supported which can be found beside the relevant address in TIA TIA or simatic manager
VALUE: Reading will return the current value back here. Writing will require a value to be placed here i.e. TRUE for DB1.DBX 1.1 which is a BOOL
ERROR: Any communications issues will appear here including if a Variable does not exist. This is useful for Testing feedback
Support
This application is a feature of a Historian application called Net Historian. The Content can be customised if required for specific client use. If you have queries, please reach out to contact@appliedprojectsengineering.com