Eplan Manual
Eplan Manual
Eplan Manual
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Table of Contents
Preface
Notes for the Reader
EPLAN Preplanning
Extensions to the User Interface
New features in the property dialogs
Containers as a New Segment of Pre-Planning
Extended Numbering Settings for PCT Loops and Segments
Creation of Schematics from the Pre-Planning
Updating Macros
Synchronizing Pre-Planning Parts with the Detailed Planning
Segment Templates
Segment Template Navigator
Create Segment Templates
Assign Segment Templates
Editing Segment Templates
Segment Templates and Macros
11
13
15
17
17
19
20
21
23
23
24
24
26
27
28
29
30
32
33
36
38
39
40
41
42
45
46
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
48
50
51
Store subprojects
Fitting Text
Fitting Text in Alignment Boxes
New Check Run Messages for Texts
Change and Device Protection
The New Change Protection
Configure Protection
Extensions in Device Protection
Representation in the Navigators
Change Protection for Structure Identifiers
Remove Protection
User-Defined Properties
Creating User-Defined Properties
Using User-Defined Properties
Removing User-Defined Properties
Conversion of the User-Defined Supplementary Fields
Extended Support of EN Standard 81346
Extensions for Reference Identification
Use Object Identifier for Structuring
New Master Data for the Extended Reference Identification
Graphical Editor
Hyperlinks to cross-references
Extension for Structure Boxes with Recesses
Cross-references
Form-based contact image
User Interface
New design for EPLAN icons
Displayed Values for the Settings from the Layer
51
54
57
58
59
60
63
64
65
65
66
67
69
70
70
72
73
75
77
78
78
79
79
79
83
83
83
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
86
87
96
97
97
97
98
100
101
101
103
103
103
104
104
105
105
106
106
108
108
109
109
109
113
113
115
120
120
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
121
125
125
126
126
127
128
129
130
130
134
135
135
136
136
139
139
141
142
142
144
144
144
147
148
149
151
152
152
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
153
155
156
158
160
161
165
166
168
171
172
173
174
Defining Several Surfaces on the Same Space Level as a Mounting Surface 174
Simplified Procedure when Defining Mounting and Base Points
175
Changing the Description of a Mounting Point
177
Defining and Editing Placement Areas in Schematic Projects
177
177
181
181
181
182
182
183
183
185
185
186
187
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
188
189
190
193
193
194
195
197
197
203
203
208
209
214
218
219
219
220
221
224
225
227
228
228
230
232
232
233
235
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
241
246
246
257
259
260
261
261
262
263
263
265
265
266
266
267
267
267
267
268
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
10
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Preface
Dear EPLAN users,
Worldwide initiatives such as "Industry 4.0", "Smart Manufacturing" and
"The Internet of Things" require the manufacturing industry to use ever more
intelligent items and automated tools for engineering. With consequences
and new challenges for engineering and increased expectations for the
design systems.
The future increase in data and communication requires higher data quality,
consequent data consistency, highest system compatibility and an improved
interaction of the design systems and tools and in the interplay with existing
ERP, PDM and PLM solutions. The aim: More efficiency in the product development and a high-quality documentation for manufacturing, mounting, testing, commissioning and maintaining.
The EPLAN Platform aims to support the goals of these initiatives lastingly.
One the one hand through rapid acquisition and structuring of the data for
engineering and on the other hand through higher quality and consistency of
the data throughout all process steps of the product development and production.
Extended support for the standard IEC 81346 with function, location and
product aspects provides you with new and improved possibilities to structure your projects and to automate many of your daily tasks in engineering.
The quality and structure of the documentation is also decisive to this purpose the EPLAN Platform also supports the IEC 61355 standard.
11
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
12
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
13
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Tip:
Useful tips to facilitate your interaction with the program are presented
after this image.
Example:
Examples are highlighted by this symbol.
User interface elements are marked in bold (and blue) so they can immediately be located in the text.
Italic Italic or bold text provides particularly important information that you
should definitely pay attention to.
Code examples, directory names, and direct input (among others) are displayed in a non-proportional font.
Function keys, keyboard keys, and buttons within the program are shown
in square brackets (e.g., [F1] for the "F1" function key).
To improve the flow of the text, we often use "menu paths" in this document (for example, Help > Contents). In order to find a particular program function, the menus and options shown in a menu path must be
selected in the sequence shown. For example, the menu path mentioned
above calls up the EPLAN help system.
In combination with settings or fields (e.g., check boxes) which can only
be switched on or off, in this document we often use the terms "activate"
(after which the setting is active ) and "deactivate" (after which the setting is inactive ).
14
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
EPLAN Preplanning
With EPLAN Preplanning you can realize initial planning activities regarding
technical aspects in the engineering process early on in the EPLAN platform.
The engineering process of a machine / higher-level function consists of individual phases through which the concept is adjusted and specified from initial
rough drafts and ideas, until all documents and information have been created that are necessary for the manufacture and construction of the machine.
In the project phase of pre-planning, concepts are worked out for the technical scope of machines / plants and estimates are done on initial quantity
structures. The goal is to determine the concept that is most advantageous
technically speaking, and to define the defaults for the subsequent detailed
planning. Based on pre-planning, later on schematics can be created and
details of the plant worked out.
After we presented the pre-planning as an optional extension for the EPLAN
Platform for the last version, EPLAN Preplanning is now available both as a
stand-alone variant and as an add-on variant.
EPLAN Preplanningis optionally available as an add-on variant for the following program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 Select
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional
EPLAN Electric P8 Professional+
EPLAN Fluid
EPLAN Fluid Professional.
For EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate the add-on is part of the delivery scope by
default.
15
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The segment templates allow you to create fundamental standards for the
project planning, transfer predefined data automatically to the segments so
that you do not have to enter the data individually at each segment.
Special templates and master data allow the output of function lists for
building automation conforming to the standards VDI 3814 and DIN EN
ISO 16484-3.
16
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
17
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Planning objects
The order of the tabs has been changed in the properties dialog of the planning objects. The Macro tab has been moved between the two other tabs
Parts and Templates. In the course of this change the previous tab PLC /
Documents has been divided amongst the two new tabs PLC and Documents / Pages.
Assigning a segment template
In the properties dialogs of the segments the new Segment template box is
displayed on the first tab. This field displays the segment template which is
assigned to the segment. For more information, see "Segment Templates"
(see page "24").
Assigning documents and / or pages
In the pre-planning you now have the possibility to assign external documents and / or project pages to the segments. The new tab Documents /
Pages is available to this purpose both at the structure segments and the
planning objects.
18
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
(Delete) to
For more information on this topic, go to the online help and look up the section "Linking Segments with Pages".
19
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
You can now carry out separate specifications for the automatic numbering
of segments and PCT loops in the new fields Minimum number of digits,
Filler character, Start value and Increment.
On the basis of these settings EPLAN automatically suggests a designation /
PCT loop number when creating segments / PCT loops, when copying and
pasting or when inserting macros with these objects. In the case of PCT
loops the settings for the PCT loops with identical designation are also taken
into consideration during numbering.
20
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
21
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
and can no longer be edited, deleted, etc. Changes through the pre-planning
are possible by using the functionality Update detailed planning.
If the check box is deactivated, the pages generated from the macros remain
unprotected and can be edited subsequently.
Notes:
Objects for which the change protection has been activated are identified in the tree views of the navigators by the
icon.
22
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Updating Macros
In order to update macros placed on project pages or their data the following
two new functionalities are now available in the pre-planning navigator:
Place macro again:
If a stored macro is replaced by a different macro at a planning object in
pre-planning, you can replace the macro placed on the project page by
using the Place macro again popup menu item in the pre-planning navigator. The previously placed macro for the planning object marked in the
pre-planning navigator is then deleted and the new macro subsequently
placed.
Update detailed planning:
Placeholder objects in macros can be used to apply data from the properties of planning objects to the placed functions in the detailed planning. If
you have modified the planning object data in pre-planning (e.g. selected
another value set for a placeholder object in the macro), you can use the
Update detailed planning popup menu item to apply the modified data
to the placeholder object placed in detailed planning.
23
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
To carry out a synchronization select the menu items Utilities > Synchronize > Parts > Pre-planning --> Main function. As is usual in the
EPLAN Platform, the scope of the synchronization depends on which segments you have marked in the pre-planning navigator. After you have confirmed the subsequent message with [OK], the parts information of the
marked segments including all the subordinate segments is synchronized.
For more information on this topic, please refer to the online help in the section "Synchronizing Pre-Planning Parts with the Detailed Planning".
Segment Templates
You can predefine all the relevant data for a segment in a segment template.
You can repeatedly use these predefined data when creating new structure
elements, planning objects, etc. Through the assignment of a segment template the data defined there are transferred to the segment and you do not
have to enter the data individually at each segment. The data of the assigned
segment template can be displayed at the segments.
Segment templates are stored project-specifically. Each segment template
has a unique indentifying name, a description and a segment definition. The
segment template continues to dispose of all the properties of a segment
with the same segment definition.
24
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Tree view
In the Tree tab, the segment templates are displayed in their hierarchical
structure. The top hierarchy level is the project. Below that the segment templates of a project are structured in the following hierarchy levels:
Basic segment definitions (for example "Structure segment", "Planning
object", "PCT loop", etc.).
Segment definitions (for example "Structure segment general", "Planning
object general", "Loop").
The New segment template popup menu item for creating segment templates is available on this level.
Segment templates: The user-defined segment templates are displayed
on the lowest hierarchy level. Segment templates are identified by the preceding icon . Otherwise, the same icons are displayed for the basic segment and the segment definitions as in the pre-planning navigator.
Note:
After the data import of an EPLAN PPE project further predefined planning
objects (such as "Sensor", "Actuator", "Pick-up", etc.) and segment templates are available in the segment template navigator. These segment
templates are based on the specifications from EPLAN PPE. During conversion the specification number in PPE becomes the identifying name of
the segment template.
25
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
List view
In the List tab, the segment template name, the segment template description, the segment definition name, the designation and the description of the
segment, as well as structure identifiers for the identifier blocks "Higher-level
function" and "Mounting location" are displayed by default. In addition, further structure identifiers and properties can be displayed by using the Configure representation popup menu.
26
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
27
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
28
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
You can furthermore carry out the following functions for segment templates
in the pre-planning navigator:
Removing the assigned segment template from the segment:
An assigned can be removed again. To do so, open the respective property dialog of the segment with the <Segment display name> tab. Click
(Delete) next to the Segment template field. The property values
defined in the segment template will be deleted at the segment.
Resetting to values of the segment template:
You can use the new popup menu item Reset to segment template to
reset the changed property values of a segment to the values pre-defined
in the segment template.
You can use the new check run message 028018 "Difference between segment and segment template (property '%1!s!')." from the message class 028
"Pre-planning" to find out at which segment there are differences between
the segment and the assigned segment template.
29
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The project-specific segment templates allow, for example, manufacturerindependent macros to be created. If you change the part in the segment
template and select for example a part of a different manufacturer, the
parts are then changed at all the planning objects linked to this segment
template.
30
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
New reports
In addition the following new report types are available for the pre-planning:
Pre-planning: Segment template overview: Overview of all the segment
templates.
Pre-planning: Segment template plan: One report is created per segment
template. Various properties of the segment template can be output in the
process, for example those parts that are entered at the segment template. In addition, the properties of the segments can be output that use
the segment template.
Assembly/Module overview: Overview of all assemblies and modules
used in the project. You can use the Record type property to differentiate
between assemblies and modules. This report type can also be used to
report those assemblies / modules that have been included into pre-planning through the data transfer of hook-ups in EPLAN PPE projects. For
more information, please read the section "Reports" (see page "120").
Appropriate forms are supplied in the master data for these new reports (see
section "Master Data: Forms and Plot Frames" on page "257").
31
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
32
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
33
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Segment / Object
Higher-level function
- PI system
- Designation
Structure segment
- Designation
- Description
The structure identifiers are determined on the
basis of the configuration in EPLAN PPE.
PCT loop
PCT loop
34
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Planning object
- Description
- Segment definition
Specification
Segment template
Hook-up
Assembly
Orders
- Omitted -
Container
Container
Property
User-defined property. Property groups are displayed as part (additional node) of the identifying
property name.
External document
Document
35
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
For more information on this topic, please refer to the online help in the section "Data import of EPLAN PPE projects".
36
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
37
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
38
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The creation and filing off of subprojects allows extensive projects to be
divided so that they can also be edited by external persons (with installed
EPLAN program variants) . Filing a subproject off to a local data medium
allows a defined part of a project to be edited - even when a permanent network connection to the original project is not available.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Defining Defined Working Sections for Subprojects" on page "39"
"Managing Subprojects" on page "42".
39
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Whether the defined working sections are clearly separated from each other
or overlap is shown in the dialogs for defining the defined working sections in
the new Status column by means of an icon.
Icon Meaning
Defined working section does not overlap with other sections.
Parts of this defined working section are also contained in other
defined working sections.
40
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In order to differentiate the numerous criteria better these are divided into different hierarchy levels (page, layout space, etc.). New filter criteria for preplanning are now also displayed for selection in this dialog (see the following
section "Consideration of the Pre-planning in the Defined Working
Sections").
Benefit:
The new filter criteria make it possible to also use the objects from the welldefined tree structure of the pre-planning navigator in order to divide a project into different defined working sections.
The dialog Criteria selection has been extended with the "Pre-planning"
hierarchy level. If you set such a property for structure identifiers or, for
example, the property Segment definition: Name (identifying) (ID 44001)
as the filter criterion, only those segments (including the subordinate segments) that fulfill this criterion are displayed in the pre-planning navigator. In
addition, all the higher-level segments up to the filtered segment are also displayed in the navigator.
41
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Notes:
The pre-planning filter criteria for the defined working sections have no
effect on the segment templates in the segment template navigator. All
segment templates are always displayed.
The two new hierarchy levels "Page" and "Layout space" are additionally displayed in the dialog Criteria selection. Sequentially numbered
projects can now be included better during the division into defined working sections by using the associated properties.
For more information on the topic "Defined working sections" please refer to
the online help in the section of the same name.
Managing Subprojects
The new dialog Subprojects is now available in the EPLAN Platform for the
management of the subprojects. To access this dialog open a project in the
"Exclusive" editing mode and then select the menu items Project > Subprojects. You may only select one project, otherwise the Subprojects menu
item is grayed out.
Note:
The project has to be opened in the "Exclusive" editing mode in order to
work with subprojects. When you select the menu items Project > Subprojects, an internal check is therefore carried out whether the project is
opened exclusively. If this is not the case, the project is closed and
automatically opened exclusively. If this is not possible, a message is displayed that exclusive access is not possible and the action is aborted.
42
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The subprojects specified by the defined working sections that are possible
for the selected exclusively opened project are displayed in this dialog.
The Subprojects table displays information such as the status, subproject
number, scheme name and description of the associated defined working
section for the subprojects.
The subprojects are numbered consecutively in the sequence of the defined
working sections and supplemented with preceding zeroes (for example
EPLAN-DEMO_[003]). If a defined working section is added later, the next
higher free subproject number is assigned to the associated subproject.
43
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
icon.
44
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
For more information about change protection, see the section "Change and
Device Protection" (starting on page "58").
45
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
All the functions and interruption points in the subproject that have a
cross-reference to an object lying outside this subproject automatically
receive the Cross-reference (external) (ID 25102) property. The crossreferences to the counterpieces located in the original project are stored
by means of this property. In addition, all the objects with a cross-reference to the original project are protected against changes by means of
the Change protection (ID 3014) property.
In the original project the corresponding pages, layout spaces, pre-planning segments and structure identifiers are blocked for changes. The
Change protection (ID 3014) property is activated automatically for
these objects. The number of the filed-off subproject is displayed in the
Subproject number (ID 25101) property at the pages, layout spaces and
pre-planning segments of the original project.
The created subprojects are displayed in the page navigator. This contains the name of the original project to which a three-digit number in
square brackets is attached. This is the subproject number (for example
EPLAN-DEMO_[003]).
After being filed off the subproject can either be edited directly or be passed
on to external editors in the form of a data backup.
46
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
47
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The following has to be taken into account for the displayed values of this
property:
The "@" in the value of this property stands for the position of the respective cross-reference in the cross-reference list.
If there are several cross-references to different objects in the original project, the external cross-references are listed in several lines.
An external cross-reference to a contact image contains information
about the contact image symbol including the connection point designations, in addition to the cross-reference.
In order to differentiate the cross-references to the original project from the
other cross-references, you can specify a prefix in the form of any character
or string for these cross-references. The Prefix for cross-reference
(external) input box is available to this purpose in the project-specific settings for the cross-references. (The menu path for the settings dialog is:
Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Cross-references /
contact image > General.)
Store subprojects
The data backup function can be used to send subprojects to external editors
and restore them after editing has been completed.
In order to store a subproject open the original project again in the "Exclusive" editing mode and then branch to the dialog Subprojects. Mark the filed
off subproject and click the [Store] button. A multiple selection of filed-off subprojects is also possible here.
48
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
During storing the pages, layout spaces and pre-planning segments are
copied from the respective subproject 1:1 into the original project. In the process the respective objects (pages, layout spaces, etc.) in the original project
are overwritten, the external cross-references removed and the change protection for the respective defined working section removed. The subproject
number as the editor of a defined working section is removed in the dialogs
for the defined working sections. The subproject as such no longer exists
after storing.
Note:
If the protected defined working section was changed in the original project
or if pages, layout spaces or pre-planning segments outside this defined
working section were created in the subproject, a corresponding prompt is
displayed whether the subproject should be stored nevertheless. At the
same time module-specific check run messages are created in the message management. (see the following section) "New Check Run Messages for Subprojects"). This allows you to stop storing and branch to the
causing objects (pages, layout spaces, etc.) by means of the message
management.
After a subproject has been stored, you may have to still correct the sorting of
the structure identifiers and update or create the reports.
Subsequently subprojects can again be generated and edited externally in
the course of further editing by external editors.
49
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
50
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
51
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
Fitting of the texts in the alignment box can in particular make the structure
of the report pages clearer. Manual time-consuming revision of truncated
texts or texts that are difficult to read is superfluous.
In addition, this new functionality allows simple printing out of labels for
item labeling. The texts for labeling are fitted exactly through the scaling on
the basis of correspondingly designed tables that you place in forms for
reporting or via macros on graphics pages.
The new display property Text fitting permitted is now available in order to
scale a text correspondingly in an alignment box without it being truncated.
This check box allows the scaling of texts. Fitting itself is carried out through a
subsequent action either automatically during reporting or manually via the
menu items Edit > Text > Fit texts in alignment boxes.
52
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In the course of this extension the settings of the existing hierarchy level
Frame were divided up into the two new hierarchy levels Text box and
Alignment box.
53
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
54
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
55
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
The following illustrations show the effects of the different settings on a text
in the alignment box. The source text contains one line feed.
Text height fixed and Remove breaks are selected:
Text width fixed, Text height fixed, Text fitting permitted are selected.
After fitting in the alignment box:
56
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
By using the specified check runs you can rapidly check a project for corresponding problems in the test display, if necessary correct them directly
and thus increase the documentation quality notably.
Enter the minimum font size in the new project setting Min. font size for
test. This setting can be found under: Options > Settings > Projects >
"Project name" > Graphical editing > General.
57
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
Objects can now be protected against all changes by means of the new
change protection. Meaning that you can ensure that sections that have
been planned completely or parts that have already been produced can no
longer be changed in the EPLAN Platform. If necessary, you can remove
the protection for a specific purpose.
Since a few versions you have already had the option to protect complete
devices or individual functions or connections. This protection mainly applies
to those parts that have been assigned to a device, but it also prevents functions from being deleted. In order to differentiate this type of protection better
from the change protection function, it is now called Device protection.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"The New Change Protection" on page "59"
"Configure Protection" on page "60"
"Extensions in Device Protection" on page "63"
"Representation in the Navigators" on page "64"
"Change Protection for Structure Identifiers" on page "65"
"Remove Protection" on page "65".
58
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
59
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
An automatic change protection becomes effective at the following applications in the EPLAN Platform.
In EPLAN Pro Panel:
When 3D models are imported from CAD programs, the imported 3D
objects in the design space are protected against change. The required
components from EPLAN Pro Panel can nevertheless be added to the 3D
models for the 3D mounting layout.
In pre-planning
When pages are created by using macros, the created pages can be protected against changes. The project-specific setting Change protection
when creating pages has to be activated to this purpose.
In subprojects:
When subprojects are created, the filed i-off objects (pages, layout
spaces, etc.) are protected in the original project against changes. In addition, a change protection can also be assigned to the filed-off subprojects.
Configure Protection
The new dialog Configure protection is now available to help you in managing the various protection mechanisms in the EPLAN Platform better. To
open this dialog, select the menu items Edit > Other > Configure protection.
Note:
The availability of the dialog Configure protection can be specified in the
"User Rights Management" extension module.
60
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Information about the protection of the marked objects is displayed in this dialog. You can recognize whether an automatic or manual change protection
and / or device protection is activated for the respective objects.
The Currently activated for field shows whether an automatic change protection is activated for the marked objects and which type of change protection this is. The entries in this field cannot be modified.
You have the following options during the configuration of the protection:
61
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
62
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
As is usual in the EPLAN Platform, the data displayed in the dialog Configure protection and the scope of the configuration depend on which
objects you have marked. If, for example, you have selected the node
=EB3+ET1 in the page navigator in the example project, and activate a
manual change protection, all the pages below this node as well as the
objects located on the pages are protected.
New name:
ID:
Locked function
Device protection
20475
Activate protection
Deactivate protection
The device protection is used to protect a device so that the associated functions / planning objects and thus the corresponding predefined data are not
changed unintentionally through graphic actions. Please also note the following for device protection:
In order to activate or deactivate the device protection for all the functions
of a device, you still select the renamed menu items Project data >
Device > Activate device protection or > Deactivate device protection.
The device protection can now also be assigned to the segments from the
pre-planning.
63
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The device protection can now no longer be activated by using the Device
protection property for individual functions. This property cannot be
edited manually in the properties dialog. In order to activate or de-activate
the device protection for functions or segments, you now use the dialog
Configure protection. The Device protection field is then displayed to
this purpose.
The assigned parts cannot be changed at devices / functions / segments
with device protection. Neither is a device selection possible. Function
templates cannot be assigned to a segment with a device protection.
Objects with device protection cannot be deleted in the respective project
data navigator (for example, device / pre-planning navigator).
A change protection can be activated additionally for an object with device
protection. Objects at which a change protection is activated, cannot have
a device protection assigned additionally.
For more information on this topic, please refer to the online help in the section "Device protection".
64
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Remove Protection
In special situations it may be necessary to remove the change and / or
device protection completely from a project. You can use the compressing of
projects function (via the menu items Project > Organize > Compress) to
do so. Several settings are available to this purpose in the dialog Settings:
Compression in the new hierarchy level Remove protection. These can be
used to remove the respective protection selectively.
65
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
User-Defined Properties
EPLAN provides several options for creating additional user-defined properties. These properties extend the properties existing by default and are used
for the entry and display of additional information.
This functionality for the segments and segment definitions of pre-planning
were introduced in Version 2.3. With the new version you can also use the
user-defined properties at other objects (project, pages, functions, etc.) of the
EPLAN Platform. These properties are stored project-specifically and transmitted together with the project.
Benefit:
Through the user-defined properties we provide you with a consistent
concept for the input and display of additional information, with which you
can adapt the EPLAN Platform to your individual requirements.
Through the specification of default values for selection lists at the userdefined properties the users can choose between predefined values
instead of entering own values. This results in uniform entries and guarantees correct results during the use of user-defined properties when filtering reports.
The extended user-defined properties replace the previous user-defined supplementary fields in the EPLAN Platform. Correspondingly you can no longer
select the "User supplementary fields [1] [100]" in the property dialogs of
the project, of pages and functions, and the associated settings dialog Settings: Supplementary fields has been removed.
66
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
67
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The user-defined properties that exist in the current project are displayed in a
tree view in the left-hand section of the dialog Configure properties. This
field is empty if you have not created any properties yet.
You can create new user-defined properties, export them and import them
from a different project into the current project by using the buttons above the
tree view.
In the right-hand section of the dialog you specify the identifying name and
the displayed name for a new user-defined property.
Notes:
Within a project, the identifying name must be unique and cannot be
subsequently changed any more.
If the Display identifying numbers setting is active, the identifying
name is displayed in the user interface. This corresponds to the display
of the property numbers (IDs) of the EPLAN properties.
For the further configuration of the property you can specify which type of
input is possible, which default values are available in a selection list and in
which category the property is displayed.
The Usage drop-down list is new in the dialog. Through the list you specify
the objects for which the property is to be available.
Interruption point: The property is available for interruption points.
Part reference: The property is available for part references and is therefore displayed in the Parts tab of the properties dialog of main functions.
In addition one indexed property is automatically generated at each object
which can have a part.
Function: The property is available for any functions in all trades.
68
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
69
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
70
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
EPLAN.[Property user].UserSupplementaryField[Number]
Property user: Can be one of the following values: Function (= func-
71
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
72
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
When this check box is activated, the settings in the Product aspect group
box are then available in the dialog Extended project structures. As
already mentioned in the News 2.3, the program behavior also changes with
this setting. For more information on this, look up the online help on the Structure tab.
Simplified representation for the full DT
If the Use for structuring setting is activated in the dialog Extended project
structures for product aspects the dialog Full DT is now represented simplified.
73
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In this case the identifier block for the device is no longer divided into prefix,
identifier, counter and subcounter in the DT field, but rather displayed as a
product aspect in the Structure identifier table. This table only lists the structure identifiers that have been specified as "identifying" or "describing" in the
project structure. For more information on the modifications in this dialog
please refer to the section "Devices" (see page "101").
Changed behavior for interruption points
If the Use for structuring setting is activated, product aspects are now also
nested at interruption points. This means that interruption points that are
placed in structure boxes also include the structure identifiers (including the
product aspects) of all other structure boxes in which the interruption points
are located.
74
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
75
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The object identifier may only be used in combination with the Document type identifier block. A combination of object identifier and other
identifier blocks is not possible.
In the case of such structuring, the full page name consists of the object identifier, the document type, and the page name. The contents of the object identifier can be the structure identifier of an identifier block (e.g., the mounting
location or the product aspect) or a free text.
Example:
The full page name K01.Q01&EFS/1 is made up of the following elements:
Object identifier: -K01.Q01, here, the product aspect is used as object identifier.
Document type: EFS
Page name: 1
If the Use for structuring check box is activated, the behavior regarding the
input and evaluation of the page structure changes. Thus, for example, the
object identifier is displayed in the Structure identifier table in the dialog
Full page name. You can edit the object identifier. For more information on
this topic please refer to the online help for the dialog Page structure.
76
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Tip:
If you use the extended reference identification, the page structure is not
used for the structuring of the devices. To nevertheless use various
aspects (functional aspect (=), location aspect (+), product aspect (-)) as
structure elements for the devices we recommend placing a structure box
around the complete page. Then the structure identifiers of the box are
inherited to the devices and these structures can also be adapted when
pages are copied.
77
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Graphical Editor
Hyperlinks to cross-references
The cross-references displayed in the graphical editor for interruption points,
in the contact image, etc. now behave like hyperlinks. If as you are used to
in MS Word you press the [Ctrl] key and move the cursor to the displayed
cross-reference, the form of the mouse cursor changes to a hand. With a
mouse click you can jump to the counterpiece of the respective cross-reference.
Benefit:
The direct and intuitive jumping of cross-references by means of the jump
function facilitates your navigation in the project.
On report pages you can also use this method to jump to cross-referenced
objects in the schematic.
In the course of this extension the behavior during the opening of hyperlinks
has been generally standardized. If an inserted hyperlink is to be opened by a
mouse click, you have to press the [Ctrl] key beforehand.
Cross-references in PDF
The displayed cross-references in an exported PDF file now also behave like
hyperlinks. It is not necessary to press the [Ctrl] key, the possible jump
points in the PDF are displayed directly.
78
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Cross-references
Form-based contact image
In the EPLAN Platform you now have the possibility to represent the contact
image at contactors and motor overload switches in different tabular forms.
In order to be as flexible as possible in this new tubular representation, we
use form technology here. In such a form-based contact image the connection point designations, the symbol graphic and the cross-reference can,
for example, be listed for each contact of a device.
79
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The new technique of a form-based contact image allows you to represent
the contact image in different tabular forms. This also makes contact
image tables possible as they are usual in Japanese schematics or special
factory standards.. You can form the tables individually by adapting the
forms.
Example:
The following image shows a form-based contact image in tabular form
with symbol graphics.
80
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
81
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
When you activate the Embedded form option, the Form field located under
it is enabled and all the settings below the Standard option are grayed out.
You can select a form for the tabular contact image by means of the dropdown list of the Form field. Subsequently the contacts of the contact image
are represented in the desired tabular form.
Tip:
The cross-references that are displayed in a table of a form-based contact
image act like hyperlinks (see the section "Graphical Editor" (starting on
page "78")).
Forms for the contact image
The new form and report type "Distributed device list" (*.f45) is used for the
representation of the form-based contact image and the cross-references.
The corresponding forms are supplied in the master data (see the section
"Master Data: Forms and Plot Frames" (starting on page "257")).
Outputting a distributed device list as a report
You can additionally use the new report type "Distributed device list" when
generating reports. A corresponding entry is available in the Select report
type field of the dialog Select report to this purpose.
In such a function-specific report one report page is generated per device at
an unfiltered output. In a distributed device list a device, its associated crossreference functions and properties of the functions (for example placements,
function texts, symbol graphic, etc.) are displayed.
A possible application is, for example, the placement of a distributed device
list for a contactor whose coils and contacts are distributed across several
schematic pages as an embedded report on an existing project page.
82
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
User Interface
New design for EPLAN icons
As of Windows 8 a new design was introduced for the user interface. EPLAN
has followed this trend and designed the icons in the user interface correspondingly. In this process the icons in the EPLAN Platform have been conceived so that they remain visually attractive under Windows 7.
Example:
The following figure shows you the Standard toolbar in the new design (for
an opened project).
Benefit:
The values for the display properties that take their setting from the selected layer are recognized immediately. The detour through the layer management is no longer required.
83
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
The layer "EPLAN400, Property placement.Device tags" is set by default
for the DT (displayed) property displayed in a property arrangement. The
values for the display properties Font size and Color that were specified
for this layer in the layer management are now displayed in the Assignment column.
84
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
The followng figure shows the redesigned dialog Properties (rectangle)
as an example.. At the graphical elements the various tabs were combined
into a dialog.
Tip:
At a polyline the individual line segments "Segment 1", "Segment 2", etc.
were represented below the "Segments" tree node. If you have selected
such a segment in the tree, you can use the
(New) and
(Delete) buttons or the corresponding popup menu items in the dialog Properties
(polyline) to create a further segment or to delete an existing one.
85
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
86
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
Please note that the units which do not belong to the International System
of Units (SI) are based on the U. S. system of units (for example "mile",
"feet", "fl.oz"). This aspect is important in such cases where there is a different between the U. S. measure and other variants of the unit (for
example at volume measure such as "pt" (= pint), "gal" (= gallon) etc.).
Benefit:
More transparent settings and menus as well as uniform control elements
in the EPLAN platform will make it easier for you to navigate the program.
87
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Settings
The following unnecessary settings have been removed:
The User-defined supplementary fields settings..
The user-defined supplementary fields have been replaced by the userdefined properties as of Version 2.4. Therefore the associated project-specific settings dialog Settings; Supplementary fields has been removed.
For more information, please read the section "User-Defined Properties"
(starting on page "66").
The Standard-independent icons in tree view setting.
In the Settings: User interface dialog, this user-specific setting has
been removed. Concerning the icons of the project structure levels
(higher-level function, mounting location, etc.), the standard-compliant display is now always used in the tree views.
The Size of system messages file setting.
This workstation-specific setting was now replaced by a fixed value and
removed from the user interface of the Settings: System dialog. The setting does, however, still exist in the settings database and has a default
value of "30 MB".
Menu items
In the Project menu, the following menu item was removed:
New (Wizard).
New projects can be created just as easily by means of the Project >
New and Project > PPE >New menu items or in project management.
If you create new projects in such a way, the settings that were distributed
across the different tabs in the project wizard (Project, PPE, Structure,
etc.) can be determined in the subsequent dialogs of the menu items and
88
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
89
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In the Project data and Utilities menus, the following menu options for settings were removed:
Settings (Number) and
Settings (Number using PLC data )
(in the Project data > Devices menu).
Settings (distributed terminals)
(in the Project data > Terminal strips menu).
Settings
(in the Project data > PLC menu).
Settings,
Settings (cable connections), and
Settings (automatic)
(in the Project data > Cables menu).
Settings
(in the Project data > Connections > Numbering menu).
Settings
(in the Utilities > Automated processing menu).
Settings
(in the Utilities > Translation menu).
90
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
These settings for certain functionalities continue to be available in the program. On the one hand, the associated settings dialogs can be opened for
executing the respective functionalities (e.g. the numbering of devices).
On the other hand, you can branch to the corresponding settings dialog in
the settings. Here you can quickly find the desired dialog by means of the
Find functionality.
(The settings for the project data can, e.g., be found below the settings category Projects > "Project name" > Devices. Translation settings are distributed across the settings categories Projects > "Project name" >
Translation and User > Translation.)
The following menu items were additionally removed from the Project data
menu:
PLC > Bus configuration navigator.
Based on the restructuring measures in the area of PLC data, the bus configuration navigator is no longer necessary, and thus the associated menu
item was removed. For more information, please read the section "New
Features in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Extension Module" (starting on page "158").
Connections > Correct.
This menu item was used to open the dialog Correct connections. The
previous functionality here, Merge connection definition points, which
was hardly used, has been removed. The other two correction possibilities for net definition points are now located in the settings for compressing projects (via the menu items Project > Organize >
Compress). The two check boxes Merge net definition points and
Remove superfluous net definition points are now located in the
91
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
dialog Settings: Compression below the Net definition points hierarchy level.
In the Options menu, the following menu item was removed:
Mini toolbars.
This rarely used menu item for the formatting of text and graphical elements as well as the associated button of the View toolbar were
removed.
In the Utilities > Data transfer menu, the following menu items were
removed:
EPLAN 21, EPLAN Cabinet, EPLAN PPE > Master data, and EPLAN
PPE > Project.
These relatively unused menu items for the data transfer of older EPLAN
products were removed from the user interface.
In the Help menu, the following menu items were removed:
Index and Find.
Once you have called up the online help by means of the Help > Contents menu items, you can then switch to one of the available tabs with
the other search possibilities of the online help (Index, Find, etc.).
EPLAN on the Web, EPLAN support on the Web, Create EPLAN support request on the Web, and News about EPLAN on the Web.
These different, confusing menu items for opening EPLAN-specific Internet pages were combined into the new Create EPLAN support request
menu item. Using this menu item you can now open the EPLAN-specific
Internet page for logging on to the EPLAN Solution Center. If required you
can navigate to EPLAN's other Internet pages from here.
92
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
93
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
By removing the functionalities for the basic symbol, the corresponding dialogs become more transparent. The maintenance efforts for the master
data are significantly minimized.
Tip:
If you want to determine the assignment of connection points, place the
symbol and number the connection point designations consecutively. To
do so, manually enter the connection point designations - separated by a
paragraph mark each - in the first tab of the properties dialog in the Connection point designation field. Display in the graphical editor will then
show the sequence of the function connections according to the connection point logic.
94
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The Basic symbol field was removed from the following locations in the
EPLAN platform:
Dialog Function definitions.
(This dialog can, for example, be called up from the Symbol / function
data tab of the properties dialog by clicking [] in the Definition field.)
Dialog Function definition assignment.
(This dialog is displayed during the data transfer of symbol libraries from
EPLAN 5 / fluidPLAN and EPLAN 21 as well as during function definition
assignment for the symbols of a symbol library.)
Dialog Connection point designations and descriptions.
(Menu path: Utilities > Master data > Connection point designation /
description.)
In the Insert menu of the symbol editor, the following menu item was
removed:
Menu item Basic symbol.
During master data generation, new symbols are almost always created
by copying and modifying existing ones.
The Basic symbol library drop-down list was removed from the following
locations in the EPLAN platform:
Dialog Symbol library properties - <Library name>.
(This dialog is opened when generating and copying a symbol library.
Menu path: Utilities > Master data > Symbol library > ....)
Dialog Settings: Symbol libraries.
(Menu path e.g.: Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" >
Management > Symbol libraries.)
95
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
New name:
General DTs
General devices
(or Gen. devices)
PLC
Fluid devices
Mechanical devices
96
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
New name:
Select directory
In addition the [Create new folder] button has been removed from this dialog for directory selection. You can still create new directories by using the
popup menu items New > Folder.
Project Editing
Extended project databases
In preparation for the 64-bit version of the EPLAN Platform and further future
developments the project databases have been extended and optimized for
Version 2.4. These modifications and optimizations make it possible to create new projects essentially with new project databases.
Consequences for legacy projects
In order for old projects to be edited (or also just viewed) in the new EPLAN
version, updating of the project databases is absolutely essential for these
projects. Old projects are updated the first time they are opened with the current EPLAN version. At the time, you will be prompted whether you wish to
import the project in the current version.
97
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
If you confirm with [Yes], the project is first updated and then opened. In addition, a backup copy with the not-updated project databases is created in the
project directory.
If you do not update an old project, you will not be able to open this project in
the version 2.4.
Warning:
New projects and old projects that have been updated will no longer be
able to be opened with old EPLAN versions.
98
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
server setting dialog. The entries here are required for the SQL server
logon.
Creating a project management database
It is also possible to create a new project management database in the settings dialog. To do so, click the
(New) button for the respective option
(Access or SQL-Server). Depending on the selected option a new Access or
SQL database is created.
To this purpose you can also assign a name freely for the project management database instead of the previous specification Projects.mdb. The
newly created database will then be entered in the settings as project management database and is therefore automatically selected.
Notes:
During an initial installation of the EPLAN Platform in the 32-bit version
an empty project management database called Projects.mdb is supplied and displayed in the Access field. In the case of an update installation an existing database is retained and also displayed in the Access
field.
This behavior also applies to an initial or an update installation of the 64bit version. If you use the Microsoft Office applications (including
Microsoft Access) in the 32-Bit version in this combination, the EPLAN
project management cannot be opened with the set Access database
due to incompatible drivers.
In this case a corresponding message is displayed when the project
management is opened. After confirmation with [OK] the settings dialog for the project management database is opened, and you can create a suitable SQL-Server database for the 64-bit version.
99
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
To see which versions of the Microsoft SQL server are supported for the conversion of the project management to an SQL server by the EPLAN platform,
see the section "Software Requirements and Approvals" (see page "265").
icon.
100
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Devices
Improved Representation of the Full DT
The used structure identifiers are displayed in the dialog Full DT together
with the visible device tag of the function and can be changed by you. This
dialog was changed for Version 2.4 so that an improved representation and
layout of the identifiers is achieved.
The two fields Displayed DT and Full DT are now located in the dialog
above the structure identifiers. The structure identifiers themselves are now
positioned in a table. In the process only those identifier blocks are listed that
are specified as "identifying" or "describing" in the project structure in the
Structure column of the Structure identifier table. The adjacent column displays the associated prefixes.
In the Value column, the structure identifiers can be edited. In order to select
an existing structure identifier click in the respective cell on [] and then
branch to the selection dialog.
101
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
A tree view was extended to the selection dialog for the structure identifier.
This corresponds to the changes in the structure identifier management (see
section "Structure Identifier Management" on page "106"). In addition you
can use a filter to reduce the number of displayed structure identifiers in the
selection dialog.
Note:
The structure identifiers are now displayed in table form also at the structure boxes in the Identifier tab and in many other dialogs (such as Full
page name, Structure identifier of layout space etc.).
The further layout of the dialog depends on the settings for the project structure. Different editing fields are displayed for the DT:
Group boxes for the DT: If you are working without extended reference
identification, the known DT and Subordinate DT group boxes are
shown.
Table: If you are using the extended reference identification, the editing
fields for the DT are shown in a table (see section "Extensions for Reference Identification" on page "73").
Table for fluid power functions: If you have specified by means of a project
setting that the trade identifiers are to be used as identifiers (media
codes), the table for the DT at fluid power functions disposes of column
headers in accordance with the standard DIN ISO 1219-2. For more
information, please read the section "New Features for EPLAN Fluid" on
page "219".
102
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Part Selection
Taking account of function templates
The "main template" is now taken account of during the part selection. The
main template is the first function template in the Function templates tab of
the parts management whose function definition is set to "Main function".
The value from the Technical characteristics field in the Technical data
tab is only transferred during the part selection if no value is entered for this
property at the "main template" or if there are no function templates.
Further information about the data transferred during the part selection is
available in the Online Help in the section "Overview of the transferred part
data".
103
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
By using "talking" designations you can now identify a hyperlink i.e. an
external document more easily. Access and handling of the linked documents has been facilitated greatly also for occasional users (for example
in Service).
Defined Devices
Standardized behavior during transfer of the plug DT and the channel
designation
During the configuration of devices data are transferred to the components at
specific actions. In the past the transfer of the plug DT and of the channel
designations did not behave the same at all the actions. This behavior has
now been standardized. The Plug DT property is only transferred from the
part to the target components in the following cases:
A value is already entered at the Plug DT property at the target component. An existing plug DT is, however, never overwritten by an empty
value.
No plug DT is entered at the target component, but an incorrect value for
the Plug DT (automatic) property would arise through the DT transfer.
This behavior applies while creating a device, while inserting a device, while
placing a function through the use of a macro, during the device selection,
when using unplaced functions / function templates and while assigning functions / function templates to a component.
104
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
The same behavior also applies to the Channel designation and Channel designation (automatic) properties.
For more information on this topic, please refer to the online help in the section "Transfer of the Plug DT and of the Channel Designation".
In order to avoid confusion with the exclamation mark that is displayed in the
navigators of functions (such as the device navigator) for functions that have
errors after check runs, EPLAN Platform now uses the new icon
case.
105
in such a
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In addition to display in table form in the List tab, the structure identifiers of
an identifier block are now also represented as a tree (in the Tree tab).
106
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The tree view provides a better structured and clearer display of the structure identifiers in projects that have a substructure. The tree view allows
rapid predefinition of structure identifiers.
The following has to be taken into account for the tree view of the structure
identifier management:
The dialog New identifier is opened in the tree view by means of the
(New) button. This view can be used to create a new structure identifier
and at the same time enter the various structure descriptions.
You must take into account which hierarchy level is currently marked in
the tree view when executing most functions. If, for example, you have
marked the <Empty identifier> node, a new main identifier is created
when the
(New) button is used. If an existing identifier is selected, a
sub-identifier is created by the same means.
Analog to the tree view of the project data navigators you can also have
the structure descriptions displayed in the tree of the structure identifier
management. The Configure representation menu item in the popup
menu is available to this purpose.
The functionalities of the two buttons [Sort] and [Extras] are only available in the list view.
107
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Connections
Association of connections
In the past you could use the two properties Cable connection (ID 31058)
and Conduit connection (ID 31086) to specify for a connection whether the
respective connection is a part of a cable or a conduit. In reality these two
properties are mutually exclusive, but could be activated simultaneously for a
connection in the past.
Since further "multi-part" connections ("Phase busbar connection", "Line")
have been added to this version, you now specify the association by using
the new property Connection: Association (ID 31142). You can select one
of the following values in the drop-down list of this property:
0 = Individual connection
1 = Cable
2 = Conduit
3 = Phase busbar
4 = Line.
Benefit:
Contradictory settings at the connection definition points are avoided
through the new property Connection: Association.
The properties Cable connection and Conduit connection are no longer
offered for selection When configuring filters for reports, labeling and block
properties, but rather the property Connection: Association.
108
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
New name:
Distributor / connector
For more information, please read the section "Connection Splicers / Line
Connectors in Electrical Engineering" (starting on page "147")
Message Management
Checking the part master data
The message management offers you the possibility to check whether the
part master data created by you and stored in the parts database are correct
and complete.
109
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
You have the possibility to rapidly check the quality of your master data by
means of the new check runs for the parts master data. The previous timeconsuming manual checking of the individual data in the parts management is superfluous. The quality of the master data is decisive for high-quality project planning and can be ensured in the long term through the new
check runs for parts data.
To check the part master data you can use the following nine check run messages in the message class 501 "Part master data":
Message 501001 "The macro %1!s! entered at the part does not exist."
Message 501002 "The image file %1!s! entered at the part does not
exist."
Message 501003 "The document %1!s! entered at the part does not
exist."
Message 501004 "The function definition %1!s! entered at the part is
obsolete."
Message 501005 "The layer %4!s! assigned to the macro %1!s! (%2!s! /
%3!s!) is user-defined."
Message 501006 "The elements of the macro %1!s! (%2!s! / %3!s!) are
not grouped."
Message 501007 "The height and/or width is not specified at the part:
Height=%1!s! Width=%2!s!."
Message 501008 "The connection point pattern %1!s! entered at the part
does not exist."
110
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Message 501009 "The drilling pattern %1!s! entered at the part does not
exist."
Procedure
A project has to be opened in the page navigator so that check runs can be
executed. Therefore first create a project that serves as a so-called "test project". The test project may not contain any project pages. In this project the
check run settings that are required to check the parts database are carried
out.
After the test project has been created, we recommend the following procedure:
If necessary - configure the display of the message management so that
the new column Part number is displayed here. The part number of the
faulty part is displayed here.
Select the parts database to be checked in the parts management.
Create a check run scheme for the parts master data. If desired, store a
describing text here, for example the name of the parts database to be
checked.
Specify the scope of the check run and store it in the scheme. For
example, set the type of check to "No" for all check run messages and
assign the "Parts master data" type of check "Offline" to the desired
check run messages.
Specify the master data that are to be checked in the parts master data
navigator and carry out the check run.
111
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
The scope of a check run depends on the respective selection. If you have
marked a project (or a page) in the page navigator, the selected project
data are checked. If, on the other hand, you have marked a hierarchy level
in the tree of the parts master data navigator, the parts master data are
checked. In this case only one project may be opened.
Result
After you have carried out the check run the result is displayed in the dialog
Message management - <Project name>. Faulty or incomplete parts can
be identified in it on the basis of the output part number. You can use the
Properties popup menu item to jump directly to the reported part in the parts
management.
Display of faulty parts master data
Parts with faulty or incomplete information are identified in the parts master
data navigator and in the parts management by a red exclamation mark.
If you want to display only those parts that were reported as faulty in the parts
master data navigator or in the parts management, you can create a fieldbased filter to this purpose and use the Messages in message management (ID 20930) property as the filter criterion.
If you have eliminated the fault for a part and then repeat the check run, the
corresponding message is no longer displayed in the message management
and the exclamation mark at the parts disappears.
112
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Form Editor
Improved design of dynamic areas
The positioning and editing of placeholder texts in the dynamic areas has
been improved in this version for the form editor. It is now possible, for
example, to distribute the placeholder texts evenly in an area.
Benefit:
The improved editing and positioning of placeholder texts facilitate the layout and design of tables on report pages. Convincing and informative structuring of the machine / plant documentation also facilitates processes
downstream of the engineering, such as the manufacturing, commissioning and servicing.
When you insert or open such an area in a dynamic form, the new tab Placeholder texts is now available in the dialog Dynamic area.
113
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In this tab all the placeholder texts that are assigned to the respective area
are listed in a table. In a newly inserted dynamic area you can then quickly
and easily specify new placeholder texts and settings for the position of these
placeholders for the report.
In the table you can carry out settings for the most important display properties of the placeholder texts (Activate alignment box, Draw alignment
box, Width of the alignment box). Please note the following:
You can use the
text.
(Edit) button.
In the Position drop-down list you specify how the placeholder texts are distributed in the dynamic area. Placeholder texts without activated alignment
box always retain their position irrespective of the selected setting. The following options are available:
114
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Retain position: The positions of all the placeholder texts are retained.
Fit placeholder texts: The placeholder texts are fitted into the area. To this
purpose the cell in the Width column is grayed out for the lowest placeholder text with activated alignment box. The width of the alignment box
for this placeholder text is calculated from the width of the area minus the
width of the alignment boxes of the other fitted placeholder texts.
Space placeholder texts evenly: The placeholder texts are fitted evenly
into the area. Thus the cells in the Width column for placeholder texts
with activated alignment box are grayed out. The widths of the respective
alignment boxes are calculated so that they fit the set grid of the form.
When you confirm with [OK], the dialog is closed and the settings for the
placeholder texts are implemented. The next time the dialog Dynamic area
is opened again, the Position drop-down list contains the value "Retain position" again.
115
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Select the report type for the next form from the Report type drop-down list.
Depending on the form type of the opened form, different entries are available for selection here. For most form types, the "Summarized parts list" and
the "Parts list" are available. The table in the section "Available report types"
lists which next form is available for the respective form type.
The dialog Insertion point of next form was redesigned in the course of the
extension described here. You now carry out the further settings for the next
form in a new properties table:
The form of the next form is now entered directly at the insertion point of
the next form. This is carried out in the properties table by using the Form
property. The Value column can be used to select a suitable form or to
116
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
117
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Formtype
Next form
Summarized Parts list
parts list
Assembly /
module overview
Identical
form type
Additional
Cable diagram
Cable overview
Terminal-strip
overview
Terminal diagram
PLC diagram
PLC card
overview
Plug diagram
Plug overview
Terminal
overview
Terminal
line-up diagram
118
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Connection
list
Topology:
Routing path
list
Topology:
Routed
cables / connections
Pre-planning:
Planning
object overview
Pre-planning:
Planning
object plan
Pre-planning:
Structure segment plan
119
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Reports
Creating an assembly / module overview
To generate reports on the module or assembly parts existing in a project,
you can use the new report type "Assembly/module overview" in the Select
report dialog. In this special report an overview is generated for each module
/ each assembly occurring in the project. In such an overview all the parts of a
module / an assembly are listed one by one.
By default both the module parts and the assembly parts existing in the project are reported during reporting of this type. You have the possibility of limiting the output to one of the two part types by means of a filter in which you
use the property Record type (ID 20486) as a filter criterion.
When outputting these new report types, the form is used that is specified in
the project-specific Settings: Output to pages dialog for the new form type
"Assembly/module overview (*.f44)".
An example of a practical application for assembly/module overviews is the
reporting of assemblies that are included into pre-planning through the data
transfer of hook-ups in EPLAN PPE projects. An appropriate form is supplied
in the master data for the reporting of these assemblies (hook-ups). You can
furthermore add a graphics to the assembly/module overview by using one
of the techniques common to the EPLAN platform (image file / storing a
macro for module / assembly parts in the parts management; inserting a
corresponding placeholder text in the form).
120
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
The following figure shows the reporting of an assembly (hook-up) that was
allocated to a planning object of the pre-planning after the data transfer of
an EPLAN PPE project as an example of an assembly/module overview.
Notes:
The modules / assembles are always broken up to the lowest possible
level in an assembly/module overview.
Please also note that the settings in the dialog Settings: Parts do not
have any effect on the creation of an assembly/module overview.
121
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In order to use deviating forms you had to go in the past to the report templates and there assign a different form in the forms property. In the case of
embedded reports (with manual placement of the report on an existing page)
this procedure did not function.
Benefit:
The new setting Form (deviating from settings) allows a simplified procedure when reporting with deviating forms. You can now furthermore also
create embedded reports with deviating forms.
The machine / plant documentation is upgraded in value through the reporting of the project data with informative forms and furthermore facilitates
processes downstream of the engineering, such as the manufacturing,
commissioning and servicing.
After you have determined the report type when generating a report, a dialog
with different settings for the respective report is opened. This dialog now disposes of the new drop-down list Form (deviating from settings).
122
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
All the forms stored in the project are offered for selection in this drop-down
list. Often only the form that is entered in the settings is initially displayed
here. In order to assign a deviating form click "Browse" in the drop-down list
and use the subsequent dialog Select form to select the desired form.
In the course of this extension the dialog was renamed to Settings <Report type>.
Further effects:
Report blocks with deviating form:
If you have selected a deviating form when creating a new report, the
form in the dialog Reports is entered in the Form property of the report
block. The property located under it Update using this form is activated.
Editing report blocks:
These two properties can now be edited at all the report blocks. When you
activate the Update using this form property the Form property is
enabled and you can select a different form for an existing report.
Updating reports:
If the Update using this form check box is activated for a report block,
the form entered in the Form property is used when updating reports.
Creating a report template:
If you have selected a deviating form for a report block, this form is
entered in the Form property at the template when the template is created.
Reporting templates:
When templates are reported, the forms entered at the associated report
blocks are overwritten! It is irrelevant whether the forms for the templates
are entered at the templates or originate from the settings.
123
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The activated property Update using this form results in the following
effects at Generate project reports:
Embedded reports:
Embedded reports are only updated. The form entered for a corresponding report block is retained.
Report pages:
When a project is reported, the templates existing in the project are used.
This means that report pages with deviating forms are only retained if
there are no templates for the respective report type or if there are templates at which the deviating form is stored.
Note:
Forms for the report can be stored at some main functions (cable, terminal
strip, plug definitions, etc.). These forms take priority over all other specifications, i.e. also over the forms entered at the templates.
124
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Parts Management
Update the parts database
When starting the program following an initial installation, the current parts
database will be available to you immediately.
If you work with several EPLAN versions (e.g., when switching to version 2.4)
and have in version 2.4 an "older" parts database, you will be prompted upon
opening parts management to update the parts database. If you answer this
prompt with [Yes], the parts database is updated.
If you click [No], then the parts database is not updated. The parts management data fields will then remain empty and cannot be edited.
Other program features which also access the data in the parts database will
output an equivalent message if the parts database does not correspond to
the current version.
Note:
If you work with several EPLAN versions, then we recommend using the
latest EPLAN version when editing and managing the parts database. An
updated parts database can be opened in older EPLAN versions, for
example, to select parts or devices, but cannot be edited.
125
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
126
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
To this purpose the ATEX identifier field was added in the Certification
group box of the Prices / Other tab. You can enter up to 50 characters (letters and numbers) here. The corresponding property Certification: ATEX
identifier (ID 22270) can be used like the other certification properties in the
EPLAN Platform (for example as a filter criterion during the part selection or
as a placeholder text for output in reports such as the parts list).
Benefit:
The mounting depth is taken into account individually during part placement without 3D graphical macro.
With the mounting depth you specify how far an item projects into another
item against the Z-axis and referenced to the mounting surface after the
parts placement.
Enter the mounting depth in "mm" in the Mounting depth field (default is
0.00 mm). This part property is only taken into consideration at a 3D part
placement if no 3D graphical macro is used for the part placement.
127
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
(1) Item (door), (2) Mounting surface, (3) Part placement, (4) Mounting
depth
New name:
Texture
You can the [] button to select an image file (*.bmp, *.gif etc.) in this
field. An image file stored in this field will then be displayed in the layout
space during part placement - if the part dimensions exist - on the front side
of the placed 3D object. Using an image file as texture displays the surface of
a 3D model in more detail and more realistically or illustrates the photo of an
original item.
128
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Despite renaming the selection of other file types such as Cabinet drawings,
ACIS files, etc. remains possible. An entered Cabinet graphical macro is only
taken into consideration if the EPLAN parts management was used in the discontinued program EPLAN Cabinet.
Removed Fields
The following fields which are no longer used have been removed from the
user interface of the EPLAN parts management in this version.
Identifier (Technical data tab)
Connection point designation (function templates tab)
Symbol library (function templates tab)
Symbol number (function templates tab)
Nominal width (Process engineering tab).
These fields were also removed at other points in the user interface. The
corresponding part properties are no longer available in the filters and configuration files.
Note:
The fields listed here were only removed from the user interface of the
mentioned tabs. But for reasons of compatibility, these properties continue
to be included in the parts database.
Tab "Function templates"
As a result of a modified part selection the Part selection group box has
been removed. Only the Technical characteristics field remains and is now
located on the Technical data tab. For more information, please read the
section "Part Selection" (on Page "103").
129
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Settings
Common settings dialog for part selection and parts management
In the past the part selection and the parts management had two different settings dialogs in the EPLAN Platform. This situation with for example differing
tree configuration for the part selection and parts management made handling in part more difficult. With the new version the two previous settings dialogs have been replaced by a single common settings dialog.
Benefit:
Uniform and well structured settings for the parts facilitate the handling of
the part selection and the parts management.
130
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The new dialog Settings: Part is located, for example, in the settings under:
Options > Settings > User > Management > Parts. The settings for the
database and the part selection in this dialog continue to be stored as a
scheme.
Settings for the database
Only one database is now still used for the part / device selection and the
parts management. You can now select between the following options in the
database settings:
Access
SQL server
API.
131
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In contrast to the previous version, you no longer have to branch to a followup dialog at the settings for the database of part / device selection in order to
recognize which database is set here.
You do not need set an ODBC part selection any more. The evaluation of
our customer-focused improvement program showed that both this setting
and the possibility to set the part properties which are stored in the project are
only used by very few users.
Notes:
The API option continues to apply only for a part / device selection via
API. If you have selected this option, the program uses the entered
Access or SQL-Server database as the database for the part / device
selection, even if the respective option is not activated. If databases are
entered for both options (Access and SQL-Server), the EPLAN Platform accesses the Access database.
With Version 2.4 all the part properties are now always stored in the project. Therefore the table with the settings for storing part properties has
been removed. If you do not want to store certain parts data (such as
prices) permanently in the project, you must explicitly delete the corresponding part properties by using the menu items Utilities > Parts >
Delete stored properties before you pass on the project.
132
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
133
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
134
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Utilities
Extensions when synchronizing functions
A function can occur more than once in the schematic in different representation types (multi-line, overview function, etc.). You can synchronize
the functions in order to harmonize the properties of the functions that are displayed in a distributed manner.
When doing this, you now also have the option of applying the properties of
the selected topology functions or the properties of the selected functions
with the "Functional" representation type to the other representation types.
To this purpose the following menu items were added to the menu Utilities >
Synchronize > Functions:
Topology --> All representation types
Functional -- > All representation types.
The functionality for converting superfluous main functions has been adapted
(menu path: Utilities > Synchronize > Functions > Correct main functions). The previously missing options Topology, P&I diagram and Functional have been added to the dialog Correct main functions. In addition,
all the options were arranged in the sequence of the representation types during global editing.
When you select one of the options, the main functions with this representation type are retained and all the superfluous main functions are converted into auxiliary functions during correction.
135
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The new translation settings result in improved consistency and uniform
handling in the translation function. Only the desired parts data are translated, so that a possible revision of these data is not required.
To this purpose the new settings dialog Settings: Parts management has
been added to the EPLAN platform. The menu path to this dialog is: Options
> Settings > User > Translation > Parts management.
136
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In this dialog you can select which multi-language fields in the parts management are to be translated. To this purpose all the relevant properties from the
parts management are listed in the Describing properties field. If the check
box in front of the property is activated, the property is translated in the next
translation run.
Open the settings in the parts management
You can also open these new settings for the scope of translation in the parts
management from the dialog Parts management. Select [Extras] > Settings > Translation in the parts management to this purpose.
137
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In the subsequent Settings: Translation dialog, you can find all translationrelevant settings for translation in parts management. Thus, in addition to the
previously displayed project-independent settings (now: Project-independent tab) the new settings for the extent of the translation are shown on
the Parts management tab and the settings for the dictionary on the User
tab.
Renamed property
In the course of extending the translation settings, the Description property
from the Address tab has been renamed to differentiate it better from other
description texts:
Old name:
New name:
ID:
Description
Description (address)
22922
138
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
139
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Pre-planning placements:
With this category you compare the graphical placements of the segments. Accordingly you can select the placement properties (Graphical
placement, Page name, etc.) for the comparison at this object type.
Pre-planning segments:
This category is used to compare the segments existing in the project
(placed or unplaced). The Properties for planning objects and structure
segments are offered in the Do not compare field for this object type.
In addition, you can select the user-defined properties of pre-planning for
the property comparison here. The property group (for example data, settings, etc.) in which the user-defined properties are displayed depends on
the configuration of the properties.
Example:
After you have created a reference project, change the properties of a
placed segment (for example the property Expenditure planning). Subsequently you specify in the settings for the property comparison that the
Expenditure planning property (from the "Data" property group) is to be
compared in the "Pre-planning segments" category. In a subsequent property comparison a change marker is added both to the segment in the preplanning navigator and to the placement in the graphical editor.
If, however, only the graphical placement of the segment is modified (e.g.
the segment is moved on the page), then neither the associated segment
of the pre-planning navigator nor the placement is marked in the case of a
properties comparison with identical setting (because the property to be
compared, Expenditure planning has not changed).
140
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The popup menu item Synchronize selection has been added to the dialog
Results of property comparison - <Project name> to help you find the
changed segments in the project. When you select this popup menu item for
a segment, the respective segment is marked in the opened pre-planning
navigator.
Benefit:
Removal of the MS Access database in the revision control is a further step
in ensuring problem-free migration to the 64-bit version of the EPLAN Platform. In addition, the removal of the database selection provides results in
a simplified workflow for a property comparison of projects.
By default, the revision results list is overwritten during each new project comparison. If the comparison result is to be retained, you can use the new setting Collect comparison results in the dialog Compare properties of
projects.
If this check box is activated, the revision results list is not overwritten during
a properties comparison of projects, but the results are appended to the existing list.
141
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
At each call up of the dialog, the check box is deactivated and must be consciously activated by the user before the start of the project comparison, if
so required.
Change in "Add revision markers"
Deleted revision markers are now restored from the revision results list.
However, the workflow has been simplified through the removal of the database. If you now select the menu items Utilities > Revision control > Property comparison of projects > Add revision markers, the revision
markers are restored directly (without having to select the database).
Properties
Renamed Properties for Structure Identifiers
Non-uniform designations are in part used in the properties for sub-identifiers. The terms were standardized for this version.
The following table lists these changes using "Higher-level function" as an
example. The changed terms are analog for the properties of the other identifier blocks (functional assignment, mounting location, etc.).
142
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Old name:
New name:
ID:
Sublevel function
1121
11011109
Description: Higher-level
function
1130
Description: Complete
higher-level function
1150
11311139
143
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
144
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
For the numbering of terminals the dialog is called Number terminals and
for the numbering of pins Number pins. To open the respective dialog
select, for example, the menu items Project data > Terminal strips > Number terminals or the menu items Project data > Plugs > Number pins.
Allowing changing of the sorting
By default the sorting and thus the sequence of the terminals / pins within the
terminal strip / plug is retained during numbering.
With the new version you can now also allow a change in the sorting during
numbering. If the new check box Allow change in sorting is activated to
this purpose, the sorting and thus the sequence of the terminals / pins within
the terminal strip / plug can change during numbering, if the sort code of the
terminals / pins is empty. Manually entered sort codes remain unchanged
and are taken into consideration in the numbering sequence.
Fill gaps
The new check box Fill gaps can be used to specify that existing designations within the terminal strip / plug are to be taken into consideration during
numbering. (This check box is available if the Only number marked ones
option is activated.)
Benefit:
Existing designations can now be taken into consideration when numbering terminals or pins. This avoids duplicate designations.
If the Fill gaps check box is activated, the first free designation starting from
the start value is assigned to the first terminal (or first pin) marked with a "?".
Subsequently, numbering is continued using the specified increment, with
existing designations being skipped.
145
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
By default, the check box is deactivated and existing designations are not
taken into consideration during numbering. In this case multiple designations
within the terminal strip / plug can occur.
Example:
In this example eight general terminals are numbered, with the Only number marked ones option being activated. The start value and the increment are set to the value "1".
Fill
gaps
Enabled 1, ?, 3, 4, ?, ?, 7, 8
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Disabled 1, ?, 3, 4, ?, ?, 7, 8
1, 1, 3, 4, 2, 3, 7, 8
146
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
147
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
For more information about these logical connection symbols, please refer to
the online help in the section "Connection Symbols: Connection Splicers and
Line Connectors".
148
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
149
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
150
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
During routing the connection splicers are determined that are connected via
routing points directly to the routing track. The DT of these connection
splicers is entered in the new property Topology: Connection splicers
passed through (sorted) (ID 31137). This property can also be output in the
topology reports mentioned.
151
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
152
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The drawing of topology routing paths as polylines means that you can
now change the direction of topology routing paths without having to place
additional routing points.
The various intermediate points of the routing paths are placed by left clicks.
The polyline is completed with a click on a routing point, a topology function
or a topology interruption point. This places the end point of the routing path
and the properties dialog of the routing path is opened.
Tip:
If you want to place the target of a routing path (for example a routing point)
later, you can place the end point of a routing path freely by pressing the
[Space] bar or by using the context menu item Complete routing path.
In the Format tab of the properties dialog of a routing path you can edit the
specific settings of the polyline. The topology routing paths inserted in previous versions are retained as lines.
The automatic length of a topology routing path drawn as a polyline (property
Topology: Routing length (automatic)) is determined automatically from
all the sections of the routing path (segments of the polyline).
153
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The fill capacity function provides feedback on the space reserves in topology routing paths. This way, you can see where you must modify specific
routes in order to force routing through less crowded routing paths.
Certain prerequisites have to be fulfilled so that the fill capacity can be calculated:
The connections passing through the routing paths are assigned parts
with defined external diameters.
You have defined the cross-sections of the routing paths. For this you
must enter the routing path cross-section with unit in the property Topology: Routing path cross-section for the routing paths for which the fill
capacity is to be calculated.
You have routed connections in the routing path network.
If these prerequisites are fulfilled select the new menu item Determine fill
capacity in the menu path Project data > Topology. The fill capacity (as a
percentage) is calculated and entered into the new property Topology: Fill
capacity (ID 20332) of the respective routing paths. Calculation of the fill
capacity is carried out project-wide.
Tip:
To display the fill capacity on the schematic page add the Topology: Fill
capacity property to the property arrangement of the routing paths. This
property shows the fill capacity in percent.
154
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In addition you can also use the property Topology: Fill capacity for the
column configuration of the list view in the topology navigator or as a placeholder text in the forms for the topology reports (Topology: Routing path list,
Topology: Routing path diagram).
Note:
Connections which have cable connection points but are not assigned to a
cable (via cable definition line) are not taken into consideration during the
fill capacity calculation.
Benefit:
The fact that the connection point pattern is extended automatically during
routing at terminal strips that occur in routing path networks makes manual
and time-consuming adapting of the local connection point patterns superfluous.
To make this possible a terminal strip with the "Topology" representation
type may occur in several routing path networks, but only once within the
same routing path network.
155
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
To check this you can use the following new check run messages in the message class 027 "Part master data":
Message 027025 "Terminal strip definition exists several times in the
same routing path network."
Benefit:
The automatic generation of topology functions at routing points allows you
to route connections between different structures simply without having to
tediously determine the affected functions in a project and placing them
individually as topology functions.
Starting point for this procedure are the routing points where you select the
desired functions. Unplaced topology functions are generated for the selected functions and these are connected through unplaced routing paths with
the routing point. Through subsequent routing you create routing connections
between the functions in the Identification structure 1 and the functions in the
Identification structure 2.
Generating topology functions
To route connections between two identification structures after multi-line
planning in the topology, first insert two routing points and connect them
through a routing path with each other. The routing points and the routing
156
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
path can, but do not have to be, placed on a topology page. It is also possible
to route connections between more than two identification structures. In this
case, further routing points are required.
Mark the first routing point on the topology page of in the topology navigator.
Then select the new menu item Generate topology functions in the menu
path Project data > Topology.
The main functions existing in the project that do not yet exist as topology
functions are listed in the Generate topology functions dialog then opened.
Select the desired functions for the first identifying structure by moving them
into the section New topology functions by using the arrow button
After you have closed the dialog with [OK], the unplaced topology functions
are generated and connected via unplaced routing paths with the routing
point. Use the same procedure to generate unplaced topology functions and
routing paths for the second identification structure at the second routing
point.
Routing connections
Subsequently route the connections by using the menu items Project data >
Topology > Route. In the process unplaced routing connections are generated between the functions in the first identification structure (selected at
Routing point 1) and the functions in the second identification structure (selected at Routing point 2).
Placing topology functions and routing paths
If you want to place the topology functions and routing paths subsequently,
first place the unplaced topology functions on the schematic page of the routing point and then use the functionality of the automatic placement of
unplaced routing paths.
157
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
New Features in the "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" Extension Module
Note:
The "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" extension module is available as an
option for EPLAN Electric P8 Select. This extension module is part of the
standard scope of delivery for EPLAN Electric P8 Professional, EPLAN
Electric P8 Professional+, and for EPLAN Electric P8 Ultimate.
The "EPLAN PLC & Bus Extension" extension module helps you to design
PLC controllers and bus systems.
New concept for the bus configuration
With the new EPLAN version we are introducing a new concept for designing
the bus configuration. The beginning of designing in EPLAN Electric P8 is
simplified correspondingly.
The bus systems are now drawn graphically by means of bus ports in singleline display. From this graphical display EPLAN then determines the PLC
configuration.
In view of these changes the communication units as well as the navigator
dialog Bus configuration which has become superfluous as a result have
been removed.
158
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The new concept facilitates the designing of the bus structure. EPLAN Electric P8 determines the bus configuration on the basis of a simple single-line
drawing with bus ports. Other devices (inverters, motors, valves, etc.) with
bus ports can now also be part of a bus system. Devices with several differing bus systems are supported better.
An overview of the changes:
The bus data are now no longer entered at the communication units at
the PLC boxes but rather at the bus ports.
A general performance improvement could be achieved for the PLC data
through internal restructuring of the PLC objects. In the course of this
modification some properties and fields were furthermore moved in the
user interface. Properties no longer required have been removed.
A CPU has to be selected for the export or import of assignment lists. The
new popup menu item allows you to rapidly create a specific filter for the
desired CPU.
Importing of PLC data has also been simplified. During importing you are
now supported by new easy-to-understand messages. The complicated
dialog Synchronize / import PLC data has been removed.
We are furthermore providing new interfaces to further PLC configuration
programs for the PLC data exchange function.
159
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
160
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
161
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Based on the connection information of the placed functions, the configuration data is determined for the exchange with external PLC configuration programs. Bus connection points must not exist in the project once again with
another representation type, with the exception of the "Overview" representation type.
As a result of these changes, the Bus data tab is now no longer available at
the PLC boxes, but only at single-line PLC connection points with the function
definition "Network / bus cable connection".
In this tab, you define the properties for the selected bus port that it has within
a bus system.
Extended function definitions
In preparation for the new concept the function definitions for network / bus
cable connections were already extended in the last version (e.g. switch connection point). In this version the new function definition "Network / bus cable
connection point, end" has been added.
162
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
163
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
164
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In the new PLC structure data tab you determine the properties for the
entire PLC card within a bus system. In addition you determine the assignment of the PLC card to a rack.
165
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Data such as the configuration project, station ID, etc. can now only be
entered at a main function. If the Main function check box is deactivated for
a PLC box, this tab is no longer available.
PLC-specific settings for a CPU
In the past the PLC-specific settings were only saved project-specifically.
With the new version you can now also assign a manufacturer-specific
scheme to each CPU.
To do so activate the check box of the CPU property in the property table of
the PLC structure data tab. This enables the new property PLC-specific
settings (ID 20315) and you can select a manufacturer-specific scheme
instead of the entry "From settings" (= scheme from the project settings).
New schemes are created as in the past through the settings.
Assigning PLC boxes to one or more CPUs
Through the new properties CPU: Name [1] to CPU: Name [4] you assign
one or more CPUs to the PLC box. All PLC addresses with the same CPU
belong in an assignment list. By entering different CPUs, multiple PLC controllers can be managed in one project. This means that inputs can be
addressed by CPU 1 and outputs by CPU 2.
If the PLC box is itself a CPU, activate the CPUcheck box, enter its name in
the CPU: Name [1] property and leave the other three properties empty.
166
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
167
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
168
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
169
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
170
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
171
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
172
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
173
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The combination of several different sized mounting surfaces into one
space level defines a common mounting surface. This facilitates the placement of items and the processing in 3D mounting layout.
If after selecting the menu items Edit > Device logic > Mounting surface,
you now click a surface in a 3D object that lies on the same space level as
other surfaces, this is recognized by the program.
In such as case a query is displayed with which you can combine the respective surfaces into a common mounting surface. In addition, the surfaces found
on the same space level are displayed within yellow frames.
Click [Yes] to combine them. If you click [No] at the query, only the originally
selected surface is defined as a mounting surface. After this query has been
answered the properties dialog for the mounting surface is opened.
174
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
The yellow highlighted surfaces in the left-hand section of the figure lie in
the same level. The right-hand section shows the common mounting surface that would arise if these two surfaces were combined.
In the layout space the defined mounting surfaces are only displayed
graphically when placing components or when the size of the mounting surface is changed.
Benefit:
The new procedure for the definition of mounting and base points allows
the positioning of these points independently of the coordinate system of
the layout space. This significantly simplifies the insertion of mounting and
base points on non-orthogonal surfaces.
175
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
The defining of mounting points are part of both EPLAN Pro Panel and
EPLAN Pro Panel Professional. The defining of base points is a functionality of EPLAN Pro Panel Professional and of EPLAN Pro Panel Professional+
The new procedure for defining mounting points is shown below. The definition of base points is analog.
After you have selected the menu items Edit > Device logic > Mounting
point, click in the layout space on the surface whose Z-direction you want to
use for the mounting point. The mounting point to be defined is shown at the
cursor. The alignment of the X-, Y-, and Z-axes of the mounting point is also
indicated by a coordinate cross.
Using the shortcut key [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [R] you can rotate the alignment of
the XY plane in steps of 90. Through the Placement options popup menu
you can additionally set any rotation angle for the X-axis in the dialog Placement options. This ensures that the 3D object to be placed on the mounting
point is rotated.
Subsequently click to place the mounting point. Enter the corresponding values in the fields Name and Description of the properties dialog then opened.
The setting options for the direction and rotation have been removed here.
You can carry out a subsequent change of the rotation or alignment of a
mounting or base point by using the menu item Rotate around axis. For
more information, please read the section "Rotating Objects about a Freely
Selectable Axis" on page "177".
176
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
177
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The fact that the edges or auxiliary lines can be used as the axis of rotation
makes it possible to rotate 3D objects also around non-orthogonal lines
and surfaces, independently of the coordinate system of the layout space.
This helps, for example, when doors have to be installed with door version
left or right and door leaf, hinges or locks have to be rotated in to the correct
position and collision checks carried out in different installation positions.
Tip:
Select the menu items View > Mounting aids to display mounting points,base points and your 3D coordinate systems in the layout space.. The X,
Y, and Z axes of these coordinate systems can be used as axes of rotation.
178
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In the course of this extension the submenu items X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis
for selecting the respective axis of rotation were removed. Now select the
menu items Edit > Graphic > Rotate around axis.
After you have selected the object or objects to be rotated, you have to specify the axis of rotation. When you move the cursor over a possible axis of
rotation, it is highlighted. Click the desired axis, edge or line.
If you have selected an edge or a line as an axis of rotation, specify with
the next entry in which direction the object is to be rotated around the axis
of rotation. Click an end point of the edge or line determined as axis of
rotation.
Example:
30 rotation around the edge with different starting points on the axis of rotation
Selected axis of rotation: Edge
Result
Left
Rotation to the
left
Right
Rotation to the
right
179
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
If you have selected an axis as the axis of rotation, this step is superfluous.
Subsequently enter the angle of rotation in the input box. The possible values
for the angle may be positive or negative.
Example:
30 rotation around edge or line
Axis of Rotation
rotation
Edge
Line
180
Result
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
181
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
With the configurable tree view for 3D object selection, the identifying of
identically named 3D objects (e.g., logic items) is facilitated by the display
of additional identifying information (such as the item description).
Note:
The same configuration is used for the three dialogs Layout space - <Project name>, 3D object selection, and Show / hide 3D objects. If you
change the configuration of tree or list view for one of these dialogs, the
change affects the others, too.
182
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
To this purpose the known drop-down list Property arrangement and the
corresponding buttons have been added to the Display tab for the model
views. The
(New) button can be used to select, amongst others, one of
the following properties for the property arrangement of the model view:
Remark (ID 20045)
Model view: Basic item (ID 36509)
Model view: Layout space description (ID 36505)
Model view: Layout space name (ID 36504)
Model view: Description (ID 36500)
Model view: Apply viewpoint to mounting surface (ID 36508)
Model view: Frozen (ID 36502)
Model view: Scale (ID 36510)
Model view: Name (ID 36503).
The selected properties can be stored by the usual method as user-defined
property arrangements and are then available at the other model views in the
project.
183
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
With the new placement option you can control during the insertion of
mounting panels and enclosures how and where these items are to be classified into the hierarchy of a layout space.
The new Integrate into enclosure hierarchy check box is now available in
the dialog Placement options in order for these to be integrated into the hierarchy. This check box is only available when items with the "Mounting panel"
or "Enclosure" function definition are placed.
If the check box is activated, an item (mounting panel or enclosure) that is
to be placed in an enclosure is integrated in the hierarchy of the layout
space navigator below the item on which inserting took place. This setting
allows, for example, mounting panels to be placed on each other with spacing, with each additionally placed mounting panel being located hierarchically below the mounting panel on which it was placed.
This check box is deactivated by default. In this case the mounting panels
and enclosures to be placed are integrated in the hierarchy directly below
the layout space node. This setting allows mounting panels to be placed
adjoined with them placed located in the same hierarchy level.
184
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Tip:
You can use the Move functionality if you want to change the hierarchy
assignment of mounting panels or enclosures in existing projects subsequently. When the item is located at the cursor, select the Placement
options popup menu item, activate the Integrate into enclosure hierarchy check box and then move the item to the desired target item. During
renewed placement the moved item is subordinated in the hierarchy structure to the item onto which it was moved.
185
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
With the new version you can now also place several terminal strips completely. Prerequisite is again that no part of these terminal strips may have
been placed yet. If you now mark several terminals from different terminal
strips in the 3D mounting layout navigator, the prompt Place parts of several terminal strips is displayed after you have selected the Place popup
menu item.
If you respond with [Yes], you can subsequently place several terminal strips
completely. If you respond with [No], you can only place the selected terminals individually on the respective rail one after the other.
Benefit:
Thanks to the selection list you can achieve a clear selection of the desired
point (mounting point or base point) in the layout space in the case of overlapping interactive points and areas.
186
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The found interactive points and areas are listed in this selection list. You can
select the individual entries in the list by clicking on them or by using the
cursor keys. The respective associated point or associated area is highlighted and a preview of the placement to be expected at this point is displayed. The desired entry is selected for placement with a double-click or
[Input].
187
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The drilling patterns already existing in the manufacturing information of
the machine manufacturer can be transferred into the EPLAN Pro Panel
Professional master data and be used further there. This and the possibility
of defining drilling templates graphically make it easier for you to create
drilling templates, reduce the work required work for master data creation
overall and makes it possible for you maintain the master data centrally in
one instance, the EPLAN parts management.
The following is possible:
Drilling templates are created from Kiesling item files.
User-defined outlines that can be used to create drilling patterns in the
parts management are created from Kiesling outline files.
Graphical elements from DXF/DWG files (for example exported from
Steinhauer eCAB or a CAD system) are combined into drilling patterns
using the drilling pattern frames.
188
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The drilling pattern originating from importing and graphical definition can
be assigned to existing parts and thus be used for further engineering and
machine manufacturing.
189
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Notes:
With this method only drilling patterns for individual items can be generated from Kiesling item files (*.PBT or *.PVB). The definition of complete mounting panels as a drilling pattern is not possible.
A user-defined outline is created from a Kiesling outline file (*.PKU).
A"NC Kiesling" record is already assigned to this outline. After the
import you create a drilling pattern with drill type "User-defined outline"
that uses the outline created by the import of the PKU file in the parts
management.
Importing of drilling data from Steinhauer eCAB machine tools can be
effected through an export as a DXF file and subsequent import into
EPLAN Pro Panel.
190
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Preconditions:
The project has to be a macro project.
A special import scheme is required for the identification of the objects as
items, cut-outs or outlines during importing. Select the menu items
Options > Settings > User > Interfaces > DXF / DWG export and
import and create a new scheme.
To ensure that the DXF / DWG elements are imported in a scale of 1:1,
set the Scaling factor setting on the Export tab to "1".
Assign the four new EPLAN layers for the drilling pattern creation
(EPLAN802 - EPLAN805) to the respective CAD-specific layer names for
items, drill holes, threads and outlines on the Layers tab. These layer
names are specified in the company-specific dialog Settings: NC Export
DXF.
Example:
Name (layer)
Description
CAD name
EPLAN802
Component
EPLAN803
Drilling
EPLAN804
Thread
EPLAN805
Contour
191
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Use the previously created import scheme to import the DXF / DWG
graphics (for example by using the menu items Page > Import > DXF /
DWG as new pages of the project).
After importing you have to break up the blocks possibly contained in the
DXF / DWG graphics.
The outlines contained in the DXF / DWG graphics have to be closed.
Inserting drilling pattern frame and generating drilling patterns
In order to combine the graphical elements of an imported DXF / DWG graphics that are to belong to a drilling pattern insert a drilling pattern frame on the
corresponding page. To do so select Insert > Box / connection point /
mounting panel > Drilling pattern frame.
Enter the name, a description and a directory for the user-defined outlines to
be created in the properties dialog of the drilling pattern frame. The name of
the drilling pattern frame is used for the file name of the drilling pattern to be
created.
To create the drilling patterns select the menu items Utilities > Generate
drilling patterns / outlines > Automatically from macro project. A query
is displayed whether the process is to be applied to the entire project or only
to the marked drilling pattern frame. After the query has been answered, the
drilling patterns are created in the parts management in a top view.
192
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
193
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Several causes are possible for the first check run. These are output in the
placeholder text "%1!s" of the message:
No drilling pattern name available.
Block not broken up.
Outline not closed.
No cut-out identified.
194
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
195
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
196
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
197
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
Importing with a sequence of various dialogs and status recognition makes
it possible for you to control the process interactively. Importing of external
data is simplified. You can use a synchronization dialog to consciously
decide which data are to be imported. It is also possible to delete devices
or routing connections that only exist in the EPLAN project.
Importing the data
As in the past importing of devices and routing connections is carried out in
two separate steps be means of the following menu items:
Project data > Devices > Import
Project data > Connections > Import (routing connections).
198
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The two import dialogs Import device data and Import connection data
that are opened through these menu items have been changed in view of the
extensions already described.
The new field Type of data source is used to specify whether you want
to import MS Excel or text files.
Select the file to be imported by using the [] button of the Data source
field.
You can carry out some settings (Number of headers, Separator at text
files) in the follow-up dialog Select data source which were available in
the Options tab of the dialog Settings: Import tab in versions prior to
2.4.
In the Field assignment field you select an assignment scheme for the
data to be imported.
Correct assignment between the data fields in the data source and the
EPLAN properties is important for successful importing. You can use the
[] button to branch to the dialog Field assignmentin which you can edit
the assignment and store it as a scheme.
You are supported by program when editing the assignment. Various
icons in the Status column are used to indicate whether a data field exists
in the data source and can be identified or whether a data field does not
exist.
Synchronizing data during importing
After you have carried out your settings in the import dialog a synchronization
dialog is opened. The dialogs Synchronize devices and Synchronize routing connections display the device data / connection data from the data
source and if they exist the corresponding data from the EPLAN project in
a table.
199
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In order to reduce the amount of data displayed in the dialog you can select a
filter or create own filter schemes. In addition you can reduce the displayed
scope by filtering according to the status of the data by means of the Filter
(status) drop-down list.
The data from the source file are displayed in the left-hand section of the
table next to the Status column. In the process the EPLAN properties to
which the external data field designations from the source were assigned are
used as column headers. The columns in the right-hand sections next to the
Status column show data of devices / routing connections that already exist
in the project.
The Status column displays whether devices / connections are not yet contained in the project, whether they already exist in the project, or whether the
devices / connections in the data source and in the project have different editing states (for example other property values).
200
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Different actions are possible for the devices / routing connections depending
on the displayed status:
Status Meaning
Possible
action
Import or
None
None
None
Note:
Fields with changed property values have a dark-gray background.
Assigning a part
Often, part numbers which do not exist in the EPLAN parts management are
assigned to the devices / routing connections in the external data source, or
no part numbers are assigned. In this case you can assign suitable parts
from the parts management to the data being imported if other part properties can be used for identification of the parts.
201
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
Part numbers that do not exist in the parts management are displayed in
the synchronization dialogs in the Part number column, formatted in bold.
The following requirements apply for the assignment of parts:
Devices:
In addition to the part number the order number and / or the type number
has to be assigned to a device in the data source.
Routing connections:
In addition to the part number the connection color / number and / or the
connection cross-section / diameter has to be assigned to a routing connection in the data source.
For field assignment, these external data fields must be assigned the
corresponding EPLAN properties.
In order to assign a suitable part from the parts management to a device /
routing connection, mark the corresponding row in the table in the synchronization dialog and select the popup menu Assign part.
If a part is found in parts management for which the prerequisites of above
are fulfilled, this part will be assigned.
If no assignment is possible, click the [...] button in the Part number column
to open the part selections and select a part there manually.
The import is carried out with the selected actions after the synchronization
dialog has been closed with [OK]. This creates multi-line unplaced main functions with one or several parts or non-routed routing connections in the project.
202
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
For more information on this topic, go to the online help and look up the section "Importing Devices and Routing Connections into a Project".
Benefit:
The bending forms of copper rails occurring in reality can now be implemented using the various bending possibilities (edgewise bending, flat
bending) with EPLAN Pro Panel Professional.
When placing a busbar in the opened layout space select the Insert > Busbar (bending) menu items. In the dialog then opened Busbar (bending) the
two options Flat bending and Edgewise bending are now available for the
selection of the bending type.
203
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Flat bending:
With this setting, the busbar is bent around the edge which is defined in
the "Width" value of parts management.
Edgewise bending:
With this setting, the busbar is bent around the edge which is defined in
the "Depth" value of parts management. For an edgewise bending a far
larger bending radius is required than for a flat bending.
204
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
After you have selected a suitable part and a form drawing, entered the bending radius and specified the bending type, the busbar is placed at the desired
position by a single click.
Mounting surface Copper
When placing busbars a "Mounting surface Copper" is now created on each
surface of a straight segment. This means that new bending positions can be
inserted on all the surfaces of a busbar. This now makes edgewise bending
possible as well.
Editing edgewise bending
Irrespective of whether a busbar with flat bending or edgewise bending was
created, placed copper rails can be changed using the following functionalities:
Change length
Change angle
Change bending positions
New bending position
Delete, Copy, Paste, Cut, Move, Duplicate, Edit properties, Unite, Rotate
around axis.
Adding a new bending position
It is possible to add further bending positions with any bending type to a
placed bent busbar with a specific bending type (flat bending or edgewise
bending) . Select the menu items Edit > Graphic > New bending position.
Alternatively you can click the new button
Pro Panel options toolbar.
205
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
If a flat bending is to be inserted, all entries have to be made in an isometric 3D viewpoint on the surfaces of the top or bottom side of the rail
segment.
If an edgewise bending is to be inserted, all entries have to be made on
the lateral surfaces of the rail segment.
Flat and edgewise bendings can be inserted together at one individual
busbar; this way, the item can be defined as bent by different axes in the
space.
Display in the copper unfold
Note:
For the creation of the copper unfold you must have created a bending
table which contains the bending angles and bending radii available for the
copper items to be unfolded for each material thickness. The menu path to
this setting is: Options > Settings > Company > Machining > Copper
bending.
The edgewise bendings are also displayed in an unfold placed on a project
page. Such a bending is provided with the following bending notes:
"Edgewise <Bending angle value><Bending radius value>"
(e.g. Edgewise 90 R5.00mm).
In the case of edgewise bending, an arrow at the bending line indicates the
side of the busbar where it is to be bent edgewise.
206
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
Section of a bent copper rail with two bending positions to illustrate the differing representation of bending positions in unfolding: (1) Edgewise bending, (2) Flat bending
Unfold:
207
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The numbers in the unfold shown have the following meanings: (1) Outer
outline, (2) bending line, (3) bending extents, (4) bending notes, (5) arrow
for identification of an edgewise bending.
Export of manufacturing information
The information for edgewise bendings are also taken into consideration during the export of manufacturing data via the menu items Utilities > Reports
> Machining > Copper NC or Copper DXF.
To allow for mechanized cutting of copper rails, all the unbent busbars with
the "Busbar" function definition are included in the export via the above-mentioned menu items. Only unbent busbars with a length that is equal to the
delivery length of the busbar part are excepted.
208
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The fact that you save the settings for bundling as a scheme means that it
is no longer necessary to adapt the bundling settings constantly. The settings can be adapted rapidly to the requirements from the enclosure
manufacturing by means of the various criteria.
Settings for bundling
The detailed settings for a bundling scheme are specified in the new dialog
Settings: Bundle. This settings dialog can be accessed, for esample,
through the menu path Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" >
Routing connections > Bundle. Each bundling scheme can contain further
schemes for filtering, sorting, and bundling criteria.
In comparison to the previous versions many more criteria for bundling are
available when specifying these schemes.
209
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In addition, you can carry out specifications for the position in connection
point pattern in the sort settings and the settings for a new bundle. The settings in the By connection point position group box can be used to combine the wires per connection point layer in one bundle. This is important for
devices whose connection points are located on two or more connection
point layers over each other. These are wired during production from bottom
to top.
Bundling Connections
In order to bundle routing connections you select, for example, the popup
menu item Bundle in the connections navigator.. The appearance of the dialog subsequently opened, Bundle routing connections, has been modified
due to the extensions.
210
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Select the scheme or schemes that you want to use for the bundling of routing connections in the Bundling scheme column in the Settings table.
If you mark a scheme in the Bundling scheme column, you can use the [...]
button to also branch to the dialog Settings: Bundling. There you can select
a different bundling scheme, change the filters and criteria of a scheme or create a new scheme.
211
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The toolbar above it can be used to add new schemes to the table or to
remove schemes. In addition, the sequence of the schemes can be changed.
According to the sequence determined here, bundles are created successively with a consecutive bundle number per scheme.
Example:
Bundle scheme arrangement:
Topmost scheme:
Filter criterion: Connection color / number = RD (red)
Second scheme:
Filter criterion: Connection color / number = BK (black)
Third scheme:
Filter criterion = no filter.
In this arrangement with three bundling schemes the criteria for sorting
(connection cross-section / diameter) and for a new bundle (connection
cross-section / diameter) are the same for all schemes.
Result:
First, all red wires are individually bundled by cross-section (Bundle
number e.g. 1).
Then, all black wires are also individually bundled by cross-section
(Bundle number e.g. 2,3).
Finally, all other colors except red and black are bundled by cross-section (Bundle number e.g. 4,5,6).
212
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The settings Start value, Increment, Apply to entire project and Preview
of result were already contained in the "old" dialog and have remained
unchanged.
The Bundle by enclosures setting has been removed. Use the Grouping
sign for item designation (automatic) (ID 36002) property now as the sorting criterion if the bundling is to be carried out separately for each enclosure
or each mounting panel.
By contrast, the following fields are new:
Number of wires per bundle maximum:
The maximum number of wires per bundle is the number of wires that the
wire fabrication machine can combine into one bundle. If the determined
number is exceeded, a new bundle is automatically created. If the setting
remains empty, a bundle can contain an unlimited number of wires.
Total conductor cross-section maximum:
The maximum total of conductor cross-sections is the machine-specific
limit value for the sum of the cross-sections of all wires. If the determined
sum is exceeded, a new bundle is automatically created. If the setting
remains empty, the sum of the conductor cross-sections is unlimited.
Bundle daisy chains with priority:
If this check box is activated, routing connections in a net which contains
more than one connection are combined in one bundle prior to all other
routing connections.
After you have closed the dialog Bundle routing connections with [OK],
bundling is carried out. The connections are assigned to the bundles determined. The bundle number is entered in the Bundle property of each connection.
213
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
214
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In addition to the two columns Source and Target, the columns DT (identifying) and Function definition are now displayed by default in the dialog
Generate phase busbar connections.
The generation and deleting of phase busbar connections has been simplified. In this dialog mark the respective connections and then select the
popup menu items Generate phase busbar connection or Delete phase
busbar connection. The dialog no longer has to be closed to apply such a
change. The changed function definitions are displayed directly. The properties that were entered at the respective connection are deleted when phase
busbar connections are generated or deleted.
Assign phase busbar
In EPLAN Pro Panel Professional it is now also possible not only to generate
phase busbar connections, bur also to configure the phase busbars yourself
and to assign device tags for these devices. In the process the phase busbars behave analog to the cables and conduits. A phase busbar combines
several phase busbar connections by means of a device tag.
In the course of this extension the new context menu item Assign phase
busbar is available in the dialog Generate phase busbar connections.
This popup menu can be used to assign the connections selected beforehand to a phase busbar. In the process the selected connections are converted into phase busbar connections, in as far as not done yet.
215
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
After the popup menu item has been selected, a subsequent dialog of the
name is called up. In the DT field enter the desired device tag for the phase
busbar, or select the DT via the [] button by means of the dialog DT selection. The identifier "W" is used by default for phase busbars.
In addition you also have the possibility to assign a part to a phase busbar
here. To do so, click the [] button that is located next to the part field, after
which you can select a suitable part for the phase busbar in the part selection. As a result the phase busbar is displayed in the 3D mounting layout navigator and can be inserted afterwards as a 3D part placement in the layout
space.
In the dialog Generate phase busbar connections the associated DT is displayed at all the selected connections after the assignment of a phase busbar. You can change a made assignment by calling up the dialog Assign
phase busbar again.
Inserting phase busbars in the schematic
Phase busbars can now also be taken into consideration in the schematic directly during designing. As at a cable definition a definition line is inserted and
several connections running parallel as combined as a phase busbar.
To insert a phase busbar on a schematic page select the menu items Insert
> Phase busbar. After you have drawn the definition line over the desired
connections, the properties dialog is opened.
A device tag is entered automatically in the DT field on the new Phase busbar tab. You can select a suitable part for a phase busbar through the device
or part selection.
216
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
The following points furthermore have to be observed for inserting phase busbars:
A connection definition point is placed automatically on each intersection
of the connections with the phase busbar definition line. The value "Phase
busbar" is set at such a connection definition point for the new property
Connection: Association (ID 31142).
This ensures that the function definition "Phase busbar connection" is
assigned to the connections passing under the phase busbar definition
line. Such of connections are no longer be considered when calculating
the wiring and during wire fabrication.
The phase busbars are also displayed in the device navigator as devices.
When you have assigned a part to a phase busbar, the device is also displayed in the 3D mounting layout navigator. From there the phase busbar
can be dragged-and-dropped in the opened layout space (for example
onto the connections of a motor overload switch).
To allow inserting of phase busbars, the new symbol PHSDL as well as a
new function definition (Phase busbar under Electrical engineering // Electrical engineering special function // Phase
busbar definition // Phase busbar definition) have been
217
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In order to delete such connections from the project, you can use the project
compressing function (menu path: Project > Organize > Compress). To do
so activate the check box for the hierarchy level Remove unplaced connections in the dialog Settings: Compression.
For more information on the topic "Phase busbar connections" please refer
to the online help in the section "Phase busbar connections: Principle".
218
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
By means of the functional extensions and new master data you can edit
schematics of fluid power plants in accordance with the current standard.
We discuss the following topics in the next sections:
"Device Tags" on page "220"
"New Project Settings" on page "221"
"New Properties" on page "224"
"New Trades" on page "225"
"New Check Run Messages" on page "227"
"Editing the Assignment to a Trade in Tables" on page "227"
"Online Numbering" on page "228"
"Identification of Fluid Lines" on page "230"
"Identification of Interruption Points" on page "232"
"New Master Data" on page "232".
219
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Device Tags
The latest version of the DIN ISO 1219-2 standard stipulates the following ID
code for fluid power items:
Plant designation (higher-level function number, entered without preceding sign)
- (fixed pre-defined separator)
Media code (trade identifier)
Circuit number
. (fixed pre-defined separator)
Item number (consecutive number).
Example:
220
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
221
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
222
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
The following figure shows the column headers conforming to the standard
for a fluid device in the dialog Full DT after activation of the setting Fluid
power: Use trade identifier as identifier (media code).
Note:
The general changes in the Full DT dialog are described in the "Devices"
section (see page "101").
In accordance with the DIN ISO 1219-2 standard the media code can be omitted if only one medium is used within the higher-level function. This requirement can be fulfilled by using the second new setting.
223
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
New Properties
The following new properties are used in order to assign the designations for
fluid power used in the DIN ISO 1219-2 standard to the existing properties of
the EPLAN Platform:
Circuit number (ID 20317): This property shows the content of the property DT: Counter (ID 20014).
Item number (ID 20318): This property shows the content of the property DT: Subcounter (ID 20015).
Media code (ID 20316): This property shows the content of the property
DT: Identifier (ID 20013). If the project setting Fluid power: Use trade
identifier as identifier (media code) is activated, the trade identifier is
displayed.
224
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Trade identifier:
Hydraulics
Pneumatics
Cooling
Lubrication
Cooling lubricant
Gas technology
New Trades
Further trades were added to the EPLAN Platform so that the modified identification regulations can be applied. The following new trades are thus available in the parts management (in the dialog Trade / subtrade), in the page
property Trade (ID 11037) and in the property Trade (ID 20466):
Cooling lubricant
Gas technology.
The property Trade (ID 20466) can be used, for example, to also set the
trade in the properties dialog of a fluid device. The following entry is furthermore also available for this property and for the trades in the parts management:
Fluid power (undefined).
You can, for example, use this "trade" if you are uncertain about how to classify a part / function in a specific fluid-power trade and want to assign a
unique trade later on.
225
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
226
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
This dialog offers all fluid power trades assigned to the part as well as the
additional "Fluid power (undefined)" trade for selection. You must select one
of these trades. This trade will then be assigned to the functions of the
device.
Filtering by undefined trade
You have the possibility to filter by the "Fluid power (undefined)" trade and
then apply a special trade to the corresponding functions. For this purpose,
the new "Fluid power undefined" filter is available in the device navigator. In
this scheme from the new master data for the DIN ISO 1219-2 standard, the
Trade property (ID 20466) is used as filter criterion. The value for this filter is
set to "Fluid power (undefined)".
227
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Online Numbering
When inserted into a schematic from a symbol library, or when macros are
inserted, fluid devices are automatically identified and numbered. This procedure is called online numbering. The program first only takes into account
the fixed DT elements defined in the numbering format.
If you have specified in the DT settings that the trade identifier is to be used
as an identifier (media code) and you insert a fluid symbol or macro into the
schematic, a media code, a circuit number (beginning with "0") and an item
number are assigned to the components.
When symbols are inserted, the trade last used is set by default. If you use
the Trade property at a function to change the association to a trade, the
media code and thus the displayed DT are adapted correspondingly. In the
case of macros, the trade is stored at the associaated functions.
228
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Preferred numbering
You make numbering settings to define how the program is to perform numbering of fluid DTs. (These settings are located in the menu path: Options >
Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Devices > Numbering (online).)
If you have selected the With prompt option, the dialog Insertion mode is
displayed when a macro is inserted or a copied or cut symbol is pasted. If you
select the Number option here, you can let either the circuit number or the
item number be incremented. By default the item number is incremented during online numbering. If you activate the Number circuit number if existing check box instead, the circuit number is incremented.
Example:
You copy the fluid device with the identifier -P1.1 and paste the copy three
times. In the dialog Insertion mode you select a numbering format for
fluid power (for example "Identifier + counter fluid power").
Device
source
Newlycopiedfluiddevice
-P1.1
-P1.1
existing deactivated ( )
Number circuit number if
existing activated ( )
The Higher-level function number identifier block belongs to the DT structure of the project and is not changed in all numbering methods.
229
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
230
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
Possible line identifiers with the use of a line number:
Identification Line type
2-20
1-30x5
3-10/6
231
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
232
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
In addition, the fluid-power symbols and macros have also been updated.
These master data have now been adapted so that they can be used both for
the standard DIN ISO 1219-2:2012 and for the standard IEC 81346.
For more information, please read the section "New Features in the Master
Data" (starting on page "246").
233
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Data from the manufacturing are included automatically in the documentation and ensure standard-compliant documentation of the hose
lines (reports).
If required, hose line configurations can be adapted completely individually to international standards and special type codes of manufacturers.
234
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
235
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
236
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
237
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
238
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
239
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
240
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
241
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
242
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
243
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
244
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
245
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
FTR_DU // 1274
FLTR_DU // 1275
FTR_DU3 // 1277
FLTR_DU3 // 1278
246
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
S_ZG_R // 1296
S_ZG_L // 1297
O_ZG_R // 1298
O_ZG_L // 1299
LSW1A // 1407
ZG_Z // 1300
LSW2A // 1408
LSW3A // 1409
New symbols have been added to the symbol libraries IEC_single_symbol, GOST_single_symbol and GB_single_symbol. The following new
symbols, among others, are available to you here:
FTR_DU // 1274
FLTR_DU // 1275
FTR_DU3 // 1277
FLTR_DU3 // 1278
LSW1A // 1407
LSW2A // 1408 BS_CBOX // 1575 BS_CBOX_PLUG // 1576 BS_CBOX_PLUG_1 // 1577
LSW3A // 1409
247
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
BS_CBOX_PLUG_
BS_CBOX_PLUG_
BS_CBOX_LEFT
BS_CBOX_LEFT_
M // 1578
FEM // 1579
// 1580
PLUG // 1581
BS_CBOX_LEFT_
BS_CBOX_LEFT_
BS_CBOX_LEFT_
PLUG_1 // 1582
PLUG_M // 1583
PLUG_FEM // 1584
NFPA standard
New symbols have been added to the symbol library NFPA_symbol. The
following new symbols, among others, are available to you here:
FTR_DU // 1274
FLTR_DU // 1275
FTR_DU3 // 1277
FLTR_DU3 // 1278
248
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
S_ZG_R // 1296
S_ZG_L // 1297
S_ZG_R // 1298
O_ZG_L // 1299
LSW1A // 1407
ZG_Z // 1300
LSW2A // 1408
LSW3A // 1409
New symbols have been added to the symbol library NFPA_single_symbol. The following new symbols, among others, are available to you here:
FTR_DU // 1274
FLTR_DU // 1275
FTR_DU3 // 1277
FLTR_DU3 // 1278
LSW1A // 1407
LSW2A // 1408 BS_CBOX // 1575 BS_CBOX_PLUG // 1576 BS_CBOX_PLUG_1 // 1577
LSW3A // 1409
249
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
BS_CBOX_PLUG_
BS_CBOX_PLUG_
BS_CBOX_LEFT
BS_CBOX_LEFT_
M // 1578
FEM // 1579
// 1580
PLUG // 1581
BS_CBOX_LEFT_
BS_CBOX_LEFT_
BS_CBOX_LEFT_
PLUG_1 // 1582
PLUG_M // 1583
PLUG_FEM // 1584
Fluid power
Further adaptations in the symbol graphic have been carried out for the
updated standard DIN ISO 1219-2:2012 in the symbol libraries HYD1ESS,
HYD2ESS and PNE1ESS. In the process old symbols for piston rod connections were replaced by the following new symbols:
Z14.1.2_08 // 1531,
Z14.1.2_09 // 1532,
Z14.1.3_08 // 1533,
Z14.1.3_09 // 1534,
Z14.1.2_08_1 // 1535,
Z14.1.2_09_1 // 1536,
Z14.1.3_08_1 // 1537,
Z14.1.3_09_1 // 1538.
250
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Example:
Symbols
251
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Process engineering
In the PID_ESS symbol library, the symbols were adjusted to the updated
DIN ISO 10628-2:2012 standard. At the same time, the symbol graphic
was corrected for other symbols.
All in all, the symbol graphic was adjusted or corrected for the following 82
symbols:
V_02 // 15,
VS_01 // 16,
VAS_01 // 17,
V_3W_01 // 18,
V_3WS_01 // 19,
V_KH_01 // 20,
V_KHS_01 // 21,
V_EV_01 // 22,
V_EKH_01 // 23,
V_EV_03 // 24,
V_EKH_03 // 25,
V_03 // 26,
V_04 // 27,
V_3W_05 // 29,
KL_01 // 32,
RFV_01 // 33,
RFV_02 // 34,
RFV_04 // 36,
RSKL_01 // 37,
RV_01 // 38,
RV_STET_02 // 46,
VS_STET_01 // 47,
KL_STET_01 // 48,
BEH_04 // 81,
BEH_HK_07 // 101,
RUE_01 // 141,
RUE_02 // 142,
FP_03 // 148,
FP_04 // 149,
FP_05 // 150,
FP_06 // 151,
FP_10 // 155,
VD_02 // 161,
VD_03 // 162,
VD_06 // 165,
VD_12 // 171,
VD_15 // 172,
VD_13 // 203,
VD_14 // 204,
WAA_03 // 210,
VTL_01 // 211,
VTL_02 // 212,
VTL_03 // 213,
V_3W_02 // 246,
V_3W_04 // 248,
F_03G // 1002,
F_06G // 1005,
F_07G // 1006,
F_13G // 1012,
F_14G // 1013,
F_15G // 1014,
V_4W_01 // 1054,
V_21 // 1055,
V_EV_04 // 1056,
V_EV_05 // 1057,
ZUB_09 // 1079,
ZUB_16 // 1086,
FABS_02 // 1106,
FABS_04 // 1108,
FABS_06 // 1110,
FABS_07 // 1112,
FABS_11 // 1116,
FABS_13 // 1118,
252
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
SZ_08 // 1125,
SZ_09 // 1126,
SZ_10 // 1127,
T_08 // 1136,
T_09 // 1137,
T_10 // 1138,
Z_05 // 1143,
Z_06 // 1144,
Z_11 // 1147,
SZ_04G // 1193,
SZ_05G // 1194,
SZ_06G // 1195,
T_04G // 1203,
T_05G // 1204,
T_06G // 1205,
Z_14 // 1206,
Z_16 // 1208,
Z_02G // 1212,
ANT_11 // 1241.
253
New symbol
Replaced symbol
New symbol
Replaced symbol
RL_02 // 9
RL_02_a // 11,
RL_03 // 10
RL_03_a // 12,
BEH_E_01 // 83
BEH_E_01_a // 85,
BEH_E_02 // 84
BEH_E_02_a // 86,
BEH_E_05 // 88
BEH_E_05_a // 89,
BEH_HK_03 // 94
BEH_HK_03_a // 97,
BEH_HK_04 // 95
BEH_HK_04_a // 98,
BEH_HK_05 // 96
BEH_HK_05_a // 99,
WT_02 // 182
WT_02_a // 103,
WT_03 // 183
WT_03_a // 104,
WT_04 // 184
WT_04_a // 105,
WT_05 // 185
WT_05_a // 106,
WT_06 // 186
WT_06_a // 107,
WT_07 // 187
WT_07_a // 108,
WT_08 // 188
WT_08_a // 109,
WT_09 // 189
WT_09_a // 110,
WT_10 // 190
WT_10_a // 111,
WT_11 // 191
WT_11_a // 112,
WT_12 // 192
WT_12_a // 113,
WT_13 // 193
WT_13_a // 114,
WT_14 // 194
WT_14_a // 115,
WT_16 // 196
WT_16_a // 117,
WT_17 // 197
WT_17_a // 118,
WT_18 // 198
WT_18_a // 119,
F_06 // 122
F_06_a // 127,
F_07 // 123
F_07_a // 128,
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
New symbol
Replaced symbol
New symbol
Replaced symbol
F_08 // 124
F_08_a // 129,
F_09 // 125
F_09_a // 130,
F_10 // 126
F_10_a // 131,
ABS_01 // 134
ABS_01_a // 135,
ABS_03 // 136
ABS_03_a // 137,
ABS_05 // 143
ABS_05_a // 139,
ABS_06 // 144
ABS_06_a // 140,
FOE_01 // 207
FOE_01_a // 205,
WT_25 // 225
WT_25_a // 224,
WT_26 // 227
WT_26_a // 226,
WT_29 // 234
WT_29_a // 233,
WT_31 // 236
WT_31_a // 235,
WT_27 // 238
WT_27_a // 237,
ZUB_28 // 770
ZUB_28_a // 769,
F_12G // 1010
F_12G_a // 1011,
ZUB_10 // 1069
ZUB_10_a // 1080,
ZUB_25 // 1098
ZUB_25_a // 1095,
ZUB_26 // 1099
ZUB_26_a // 1096,
FS_04 // 1152
FS_04_a // 1103,
FS_07G // 1158
FS_07G_a // 1156,
FABS_06G // 1164
FABS_06G_a // 1165,
Z_08G // 1220
Z_08G_a // 1218,
Z_09G // 1221
Z_09G_a // 1219,
ANT_02 // 1233
ANT_02_a // 1232,
BEH_DR_01 // 1255
BEH_DR_01_a // 1251.
NWBCPP // 237
NWBCPPO // 238
NWBCPPM // 239
254
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
232
233
234
NWBCPPJICFEM_O // 235
NWBCPPJICFEM // 244
6 new connection splicer / line connector symbols for electrical engineering have been added to the symbol library SPECIAL:
TE // 321
255
TEND // 322
CRE // 329
LPE // 331
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
LE // 332
COE // 335
Note:
The symbols from the "Connection splicer / line connector" category exist
for electrical engineering, fluid power and process engineering. The symbols from the various trades differ in their symbol names, function definitions and properties.
In addition, a new symbol for the phase busbar definition is available in
the symbol library SPECIAL:
PHSDL // 81
A new symbol for black boxes has been created for the symbol library
SPECIAL. These symbols allow boxes to be drawn as polygons in process
engineering:
256
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
DCPE2 // 55
graphic)
F45_002_C.f45 (Subform for the form F45_002_AB.f45)
Within the framework of the extensions for the DIN EN 81346 standard, the
following plot frame was created:
FN1_012.fn1.
Fluid power
For the realization of the DIN ISO 1219-2:2012 standard, 13 new forms were
created:
F01_FT006.f01 (file type "Parts list")
F01_FT007.f01 (file type "Parts list"; for a lubrication / maintenance list)
F03_FT001.f03 (file type "Device tag list")
F03_FT002.f03 (file type "Device tag list")
F03_FT003.f03 (file type "Device tag list")
257
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Within the framework of the extensions for the DIN ISO 1219-2:2012 standard, the following plot frame was created:
FN1_FT007.fn1.
Four new forms have been created for the hose line configurator (EPLAN
Fluid Hose Configurator):
F01_DIN_20066.f01 (file type "Parts list"; for the output of hose lines in a
parts list)
F26_DIN_20066.f26 (file type "Title page / cover sheet")
F45_DIN_20066.f45 (file type "Distributed device list"; for the output of
258
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Pre-planning
Four new forms have been created for pre-planning:
F40_004.f40 (File type "Pre-planning: Planning object overview"; for a
259
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Pre-planning
A new project template Preplanning_tpl001.ept has been created for
pre-planning. The two templates VDI3814_tpl001.ept (project template) and VDI3814_bas001.zw9 (basic project) have been created for
the output of function lists for building automation.
260
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Benefit:
The EPLAN Solution Center is an optimized support system with improved
service. As a result, we can now process your individual support requests
even more efficiently.
Your inquiries are created and managed in the EPLAN Solution Center on
the basis of simple, ergonomic dialogs. Settings once configured are stored
automatically for future inquiries. You can view the processing status of your
inquiry at any time.
A knowledge database has been integrated into this support system, which
already contains a large number of answers to frequently asked questions.
As soon as your inquiry is received, the knowledge database the EPLAN
Knowledge Center automatically suggests initial solutions, provided the
topic has already been dealt with before. The knowledge database is expanded continuously.
A link to the EPLAN form is also integrated into the EPLAN Solution Center.
This allows you to use the discussion platform directly.
For the time being, the EPLAN Solution Center is only available on the German EPLAN webpages. In the future, we will localize the new support system
for further EPLAN languages and install it on a global basis.
261
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
262
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
Please note that you cannot use your login information that you use for logging into EPLAN Support. You must register once before being able to use
the EPLAN Solution Center. Enter the e-mail address that you have used
so far also for communicating with EPLAN Support in the E-mail field, and
then click [Send].
To log into the EPLAN Solution Center, enter in the fields User name and
Password the data that you received in a reply e-mail from EPLAN.
Confirm your information by clicking [Login]. The first time you log in, you
will be prompted to change the password that was assigned to you. Then, the
start page of the EPLAN Solution Center opens.
Validation Code
To use this new version of EPLAN, you need a new validation code. This is
provided on the delivery note sent with your storage medium. In addition, you
have the option of retrieving the validation code via the internet (see the following section).
263
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Note:
Please note that you must be connected to the internet to download the validation code. You cannot retrieve a validation code for network licenses or
licenses without a dongle.
The Enter validation code dialog has been enhanced to allow you the
option of retrieving the validation code online.
This dialog, for example, opens when you start the application for the first
time after an installation. Click the new [Retrieve online] button.
The Company name and Serial number are automatically entered into the
open Set validation code online dialog. This data is needed to retrieve the
validation code successfully.
Up-to-date information
If you would like to receive information in the future (such as our
eNewsletter), please activate the I would like to receive further information check box. EPLAN will then save your personal details (Name, Phone,
E-mail address, etc.).
264
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Internet settings
The settings for the existing internet connection are adopted by default. You
can also use a proxy server as a network component via the [Settings] button and the dialog that then opens. If this is the case, you must enter the
corresponding information on Address, Port, etc. Please consult with your
administrator about the settings in this area.
Returning the validation code
Click [Send] to send the encoded data to EPLAN. If your details are already
held by EPLAN and are valid, a validation code is created and sent to the
license dialog. Then start the application by clicking [OK].
General requirements
The Microsoft .NET framework 4.0 is required to operate the EPLAN platform. Further information and the current version of this Microsoft component are available for download from the Microsoft website.
You will find .NET Framework 4.0 on your EPLAN storage medium. Switch
here to the following directory:
cd-rom\Services\Net Framework 4.0\en_US
265
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
Operating systems
The EPLAN platform supports the 64-bit variants of the Microsoft operating
systems Windows 7 and Windows 8.
The installed EPLAN language must be supported by the operating system.
The EPLAN platform has been cleared for the following operating systems:
Workstation
Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate
Microsoft Windows 8 (64-bit) Pro, Enterprise
Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-bit) Pro, Enterprise
Server
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64 bit)
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit) Terminal Server with Citrix
XenApp 6
Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (64 bit)
Microsoft products
Prerequisite for the generation of Microsoft Office file formats from EPLAN is
an executable installation of an Office version approved by EPLAN.
Microsoft Office 2010
Microsoft Office 2013 (32 bit and 64 bit)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11
266
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
SQL server
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
Microsoft SQL-Server 2012
Autodesk products
AutoCAD 2014 (32 bit and 64 bit)
AutoCAD 2015 (32 bit and 64 bit)
Autodesk Productstream Professional 2011
Autodesk Vault 2013
Autodesk Vault 2014
PDF redlining
Adobe Reader Version X
Adobe Acrobat Version X Standard / Pro / Pro Extended
Adobe Reader Version XI
Adobe Acrobat Version XI Standard / Pro
267
EPLANNEWS
for Version 2.4
Status:30.06.2014
268