Contacts

Contacts are graphic components of Ladder Diagram (LD) diagrams. Depending on the type of contact, it represents the value or function of an input or internal variable.
These contact types are available from the LD stencil:
  • Direct Contact
  • Reverse Contact
  • Pulse Rising Edge Contact
  • Pulse Falling Edge Contact
Change the type of a contact at any time after insertion.
When inserting contacts in program organization units (POUs), assign variables using the
Variable Selector
. Names of assigned variables display above the contact elements within POUs. Replace existing variables by double-clicking the variable names to access the
Variable Selector
 or by single-clicking variable names to select from drop-down combo boxes containing the global and local variables. Also, single-click existing variables, then type literal values in the text boxes provided. When inserting literal values beginning with a letter or an underscore, enclose the variable name in single quotes as follows: 'abc'.
  1. Select a variable from the drop-down combo-box:
    ldr_cl1
  2. Type a literal value in the text box:
    ldr_cl2
When selecting items such as local variables, controller variables, system variables, and defined words from the drop-down combo box, typing characters in the text box focuses on the possible items. Focus on listed items by typing letters, digits, and specific special characters: !, #, $, %, &, \, *, +, -, /, <, :, =, >, ?, @, ^, _, `, |, and ~.
While dragging contacts from either the
Toolbox
 or within a diagram, the language editor displays the possible drop points. Drop points are displayed as plus signs in a black circle. For elements, the possible drop points are displayed on the rung.
Drop points on a rung while dragging elements over the rung
ldr_dpct
TIP: When dragging contacts, the possible drop points on a rung are displayed while moving over the rung.
Task
Procedure
Drag a contact
To reposition a contact within the diagram, select the contact while holding down the left mouse button, then drag the contact to the required location on a rung where a drop point is displayed.
Insert a contact
  1. From the
    Toolbox
    , drag the desired contact type into the language container and place it on the rung where a drop point appears.
  2. In the
    Variable Selector
    , select the required variable, then click
    OK
    .
Insert a parallel contact
While inserting or dragging an element, drop points indicate the possible locations where the element can be placed on a rung.
  1. From the
    Toolbox
    , drag the branch element on the existing contact in the language container.
  2. From the
    Toolbox
    , drag the desired contact type on the branch.
  3. In the
    Variable Selector
    , select the required variable, then click
    OK
    .
Change the type of a contact in LD
In the language container, select the contact, and then press the space bar.
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