This page explains how to import TwinCAT tags from TMC, TPY, XML files, or directly from Beckhoff devices, enabling swift creation of tags, templates, and device configurations. By double-clicking on TwinCAT and executing it, users enter a configuration dialog to input the AMS Net ID and AMS Srv Port, setting up device configuration for communication with Beckhoff devices and facilitating direct TwinCAT tag import.

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Instructions

This section explain step-by-step how to import TwinCAT tags from TMC, TPY, XML files, or directly from the Bechkoff devices into a solution; automatically creating thousands of Tags, Templates, and all device configurations in just a few seconds.

Wizard Startup

On the Solution Designer, go to Solution → Import Tags and select "Import Beckhoff TwinCAT configuration." Double-click or press the "Execute" button to open the initial configuration popup.

Initial Configuration

In the initial configuration dialog, enter the TwinCAT device information. This information will be used to create the Device configuration for future communication between the runtime solution and the Bechkoff device. Also, it will be used to import the TwinCAT tags directly from the devices.

  • AmsNetID: The IP address of your device (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
  • AmsSrvPort: The communication port (default: 44818). Port number is typically 801 or 851.

Sync Device Node

The "Sync Device Node" dialo will appear. It contains two options to load the imported TwinCAT tags:

  • From a local file: Provide the path of your target file (supported files: TMC, TPY, and XML).
  • From PLC Memory: If you choose PLC Memory option, it will connect to the Bechkoff device using the AMS Net Id and Port configured in the previous dialog, and it will get all the TwinCAT tags when you click on the Refresh button. In this case, you do not need the Filename.

Prefix Option (Optional)

Select "Add NodeName as Prefix" option to automatically add the PLC's name as a prefix to all imported tags. It improves organization, especially in solutions with multiple PLCs.

Refresh

Click "Refresh" to display a preview of available tags.

When you click the Refresh button, the TwinCAT tags will be appear for you to select what you want to import to your solution. You can use the Import column to enable or disable each specific tag.

Import

Finally, press "Ok" to start the import process.

When you finish verifying and selecting the TwinCAT tags, click the Ok button to create the Tags, Templates, Device Channel, Node, and all Points.

After the first import, you have the option to Sync the TwinCAT tags already imported with the current file or device configuration. To do this, go to Devices → Nodes, select the Node, and click on the Sync button.

After the Sync Device Node appears, select the File or PLC and click on the Refresh button. The TwinCAT tags that were already imported will be showed in the list as X.

Tutorial

The tutorial in the image below shows how to import tags from TwinCAT.

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