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Version: 5.2.0.1

Beckhoff ADS Reader

Description​

Beckhoff ADS Reader is used for reading variable values from Beckhoff TwinCAT using ADS protocol.

note

For using Beckhoff ADS channels you need to put the AdsToJava-3.dll in a folder and start the Orchestra applications with this argument -Djava.library.path=<Path to the DLL folder> .

Creation​

To create a Beckhoff ADS Reader, follow the steps described in the general description of Scenario Elements.

Configuration​

The dialog to configure the Beckhoff ADS Reader looks like:

ads_connection_view.png
Base view of the Beckhoff ADS Listener

Beckhoff ADS Connection is the only property you need to configure the Beckhoff ADS Reader.

Input Message​

The channel expects following message type to read a value from a variable in TwinCAT.

ads_reader_messagetype.png
Message type for Beckhoff ADS Reader
  • variable: <class name>.<variable name> as attribute of the value
  • dataType: data type of the variable as attribute of the value. As data type name, all type names found in the TwinCAT can be used here.
  • isArray is an optional attribute. Has to be true if the user wants to read a value of an array variable.
  • arrayLength is the length of the array. Is only needed if isArray is true.
  • stringLength is the length of the string defined in TwinCAT. Is only needed if isArray is true and dataType is STRING.

Example

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1" standalone="no"?>
<AdsReadRequest>
	<value variable="MAIN.stringVar" dataType="STRING"/>
</AdsReadRequest>

Example for reading array value

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<AdsReadRequest>
	<value variable="MAIN.myStringArray" dataType="STRING" 
		isArray="true" arrayLength="5" stringLength="20" />
</AdsReadRequest>

Output Message​

The response message type of the Beckhoff ADS Reader looks like:

ads_reader_output_messagetype.png
Output message type for Beckhoff ADS Reader
  • value response value from TwinCAT
  • variable: <class name>.<variable name> as attribute of the value
  • dataType: data type of the variable as attribute of the value

Example

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<AdsReaderResponse>
	<value variable="MAIN.stringVar" dataType="STRING">Hello World</value>
</AdsReaderResponse>