Download
Downloads and uploads are started using the green arrows in the top function menu. Upload and download are Plug & Play, connect the PLC via cable to the serial or USB interface and start the download or upload. Comments on the variables are not transferred.
During the download you can see how much of the memory on the PLC is being used. This information can also be called up directly in the "Online" menu under "Check Program Size". As the model numbers are stored in the PLC flash, XCPPro also warns you if you have preset the wrong PLC model in the project and corrects it automatically if required.
Next to the download and upload arrows you will find the start and stop buttons for the PLC. During the download, the PLC goes into stop mode. A run mode store is not yet possible in the current versions. The program can be password protected.
Monitoring tools
Ladder Monitor
The Ladder Monitor, the Data Monitor and the Free Monitor are available for monitoring. The Ladder Monitor shows the status of the logic in the ladder diagram. The value of registers, flags or outputs can be changed by right-clicking on an element. It is not yet possible to force individual variables.
Data monitor
The data monitor displays memory areas in table form. Individual cells can be changed by double-clicking. In the tabs below you can change the display format of the register contents, e.g. to HEX or ASCII.
Free Monitor
The Free Monitor allows you to freely compile variable lists for observation. The display format can be set for each variable and the comment is also displayed. The contents can also be changed here by double-clicking.
Debugging tips
The "PLC Status" menu in the project tree on the left is useful. There you will find a simple error list under "Error Details". You can also see the scan cycle in this menu, but it is also displayed at the bottom right of the program. All this information can also be found in the various system flags or system variables. You can find an overview of this in the appendix to the hardware manual.
There are various flags and registers that help with debugging. All outputs can be switched off with M8034. Interrupts can also be suppressed. Various settings can also be made in the system flash registers. FD8000, for example, defines the time for the input filters in ms. You can find an overview in the appendix to the hardware manual. You can also see the English names of the system flags and registers in the Comment Editor.
The program sequence can be terminated before the last line is reached by inserting the END instruction. The program then starts a new cycle. This allows parts of the program to be tested bit by bit.
That was basically the most important information about the THINGET XC series, you now have all the important information you need to start programming. Further details can be found in the hardware manual and programming manual.