One of the most commonly used functions of the Zen relay, was the time clock functionalities for day, week, and calendar cycles. This functionality is not present by default on C series PLC's without a custom function block. This functionality is restored with the CP1W-DAM01 option board.

Day Timer Example

 

 

Calendar Timer Example

 

 

Previously with the ZEN relay, a maximum of 16 screens could be set to display both messages and parameters. 

With the CP1W-DAM01 module you can now display 16 message screens, as well as an additional 16 parameter screens (User Monitor Screen).

Message Screen

A full list of Character codes and their corresponding Hexadecimal value can be found in the next section.

 

 

Character Codes

The character codes follow the standard ASCII format.

 

 

User Monitor Screen

 

 

Unfortunately, the CP1W-DAM01 unit does not have a built in function to enable/ disable daylight savings time. This will need an additional function block to recreate the daylight savings function. 

Refer to the links below if you wish to implement daylight savings functionality to your PLC. These examples are for New Zealand Date/Time format.

Function Block Documentation

Function Block example program

Function Block Download

Using Function blocks in Cx-Programmer

Like the Zen, the CP1L has built in Analog input. Depending on what model of CP1L is used, will determine how many analog inputs are available and how they are wired.

Analog input of the ZEN relay (V2)

Analog input of the CP1L-EL/EM 

Other CP1L Models

The standard counter in the from the ZEN Relay can be re-created by using the CNTR instruction in CX-Programmer. This instruction operates differently to the ZEN counter. 

The ZEN Relay used one input to increase the value, and a second input to set whether the counter increments/ decrements.

In contrast, the CNTR instruction uses one input to increment and another input to decrement the counter. 

To mirror the functionality of the ZEN timer, implement the coils as shown below. Here the decrement input 0.02 acts a switch for the count direction.

Timers in CX-Programmer are based around the ON delay timer. Where the ZEN relay allowed you to specify the timer type, you will need to draw the appropriate ladder logic depending on what you want to do.

The circuit diagrams below show how you might implement different timer variations using the TIM instruction.

One Shot Timer

Turns ON the ouput for a set time - regardless of how long the input signal is. This is useful where there is contact debounce on the input.

Off Delay Timer

Used to hold an output ON for a time delay after the input has been turned OFF.

Twin Timer

Used to set seperate ON and OFF times.

T0 = Output ON time. #20 = 2s.

T1= Output OFF time. #30 = 3s.

The Zen relay uses a comparator bit in the ladder logic which is configured using the contacts P, A, and G.

In CX-Programmer, comparisons are made using the corresponding instruction. There are 72 different comparison instructions, hence, the correct comparison instruction must be used for the datatype it is comparing. Most applications will use the standard Symbols as shown below.

To insert and instruction, select the position you wish to place the instruction, and press the keyboard shortcut ‘i’, then type the symbol you wish to use. Alternatively, select the ‘New PLC Instruction’ as shown below, then place the new instruction in your ladder program.

A comprehensive list of Comparison Instructions can be found under section 3-6 of the CP1L/CP1H Programming Manual.

Example