Nixter (Customer) asked a question.

July 20, 2023 at 5:09 PM
Is it possible to export and import using an XML, CSV, or other text based file formats in order to make edits either with a text editor, spreadsheet program or a program that I can write myself and then import the modified files

I'm new to using the Automation Direct Productivity PLCs and Productivity Suite software (veteran A.B. / Rockwell system integrator and programmer).

 

I know that I can export and import the tag database in CSV format, edit it and import it back into Productivity Suite software. However, I'm wondering if there are other editable components I can export, edit and import back in.

Specifically, I'd like to:

  • Create or edit UDS files and import them back into Productivity Suite.
  • Create or edit rungs of ladder code using a program I have written, to automate some of the ladder logic programming.

 

This is something I can do with the Rockwell software, as it can export / import XML files, making it possible to automate the creation of code for their PLCs.

 

Currently, the UDS file is exported is in a binary format. Would it be possible to obtain information regarding the binary file format or a software utility or library that would allow me to read and edit it outside of the Productivity Suite software?

 

I haven't tried this yet, but I noticed that the UDS definitions and declarations are exported as part of the tag export to a CSV file. If I edited the UDS definitions and imported this tag file back into Productivity Suite, would it update the UDS definitions?

 

Thank you,

 

Nick

 

P.S. I am very favorably impressed with the Automation Direct hardware and software and can see myself using it for more of my work in the future (instead of A.B. / Rockwell).

 

 

  • 6 answers
  • 1.25K views

  • ADC_AutomationControls_PE03 (AutomationDirect)

    The tag export will only export tag instances of a UDS definition and will not work to modify the UDS definition, which is why you got the error when you tried to export, modify, and reimport the UDS tag. You could however create another tag instance of the UDS definition in the csv file and reimport it. Currently, the UDS definitions and ladder code are not intended to be edited outside of Productivity Suite.

    Selected as Best

  • Nixter (Customer)

    Well, I just tried modifying the UDS in my exported tag file, but when I tried importing it, the following message popped up:

     

    Screenshot Import-ErrorIt sure would be nice to be able to export, edit and import UDS files. 😀

     

    Nick

    Expand Post

  • ADC_AutomationControls_PE03 (AutomationDirect)

    The tag export will only export tag instances of a UDS definition and will not work to modify the UDS definition, which is why you got the error when you tried to export, modify, and reimport the UDS tag. You could however create another tag instance of the UDS definition in the csv file and reimport it. Currently, the UDS definitions and ladder code are not intended to be edited outside of Productivity Suite.

    Selected as Best

  • Nixter (Customer)

    So, I can use the exported tag file to create new UDS definitions (on import), but not modify existing ones. That's good to know.

     

    May I suggest that a wonderful enhancement to the Productivity Suite would be to add a feature similar to what Rockwell software provides (exporting and importing XML tag files, program files, UDS files, etc.) to facilitate creation or editing of files that can be imported into the programming software. I use that feature to make myself a more productive programmer - by automating the creation of both PLC and HMI code.

     

    Thanks!

     

    Nick

    Expand Post

  • ADC_AutomationControls_PE03 (AutomationDirect)

    Just to clarify, the exported tag file can be used to create new tag instances of an existing UDS definition(s). You are not able to create new UDS definitions in the exported tag file that can be imported.

     

    Thank you for the suggestion. I will pass it along to our product development team for evaluation.

  • Nixter (Customer)

    Understood. Thank you for the clarification and also for passing my suggestion along to the product development team.

  • hadwalterss (Customer)

    It's great to hear you're diving in with your experience from Rockwell. When it comes to editing components like UDS files or ladder code, using XML, CSV, or other text-based formats is a smart move. I've found tools like https://notesonline.com/notepad helpful for organizing project notes and tweaking formats before import.As for UDS files in binary format, exploring software utilities or libraries could definitely be the key to editing them outside of Productivity Suite. It's awesome that you're exploring these possibilities—I'm sure your expertise will shine through in your projects.

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