| Answers |
Can I run more than one SERCOS Master CX1500-M750 in one CX configuration? (08. Oct. 2007)
No, it is not possible to run more than one SERCOS master in one CX configuration.
But it is possible to use another Fieldbus master or slave beside the SERCOS master.
 top |
 |
CX1020/CX1030 with RAM extension and Windows CE 5? (20. Sep. 2007)
The Beckhoff Windows CE 5 image does only support up to 256MB-RAM.
With the new Windows CE 6 this limit does no longer exist.
Beckhoff is working hard to deliver the new Windows CE 6 images as fast as possible.
top |
| |
Can I mount the CX1020 in positions other than upright? (19. Sep. 2007)
Yes,
but you have to order the CX1900-0120 Option "active cooling". This option is the same cartridge cooling unit known from the CX1030. Depending on the installation position, eventually a power supply type CX1100-001x is needed.
top |
| |
Do I need to register TwinCAT on my CX? (15. Jun. 2007)
No, TwinCAT self-registers on every CX hardware according to the level printed on the front CPU cover. As a consequence it is not possible to run a TwinCAT NC license on a CX with PLC level.
The TwinCAT level is burned into the hardware of the CX and cannot be changed.
top |
| |
Do I need to reinstall TwinCAT when I exchange my CF card ? Do I need to reregister TwinCAT? (18. May. 2007)
I think the question addresses reregistration of TwinCAT. No, reregistration of TwinCAT is not necessary, if a CF card is swapped from one unit to another. TwinCAT self-registers on a CX hardware according to the level printed on the front CPU cover. As a consequence its is not possible to run a TwinCAT NC license on a CX with PLC level.
The TwinCAT level is burned into the hardware of the CX and cannot be changed.
top |
| |
How does the CX detect that I have a CX with TwinCAT PLC (or NC PTP) after I installed a new image on my CF card? (26. Apr. 2007)
TwinCAT detects that it is running on a CX system and then checks for the TwinCAT level which is recorded in the CPU hardware of the hosting unit. The TwinCAT registers itself for exactly that level.
top |
| |
Is there any performance difference between TwinCAT on Windows CE as compared to TwinCAT on Windows XPE ? (06. Feb. 2006)
No, there is no TwinCAT performance difference, since the same binary code is executed on the same CPU. E.g. the time required to process a certain PLC code is identical on both systems. As well identical is the processing time required for one TwinCAT axis.
top |
| |
Can every available fieldbus interface be used under WinCE and Windows XPE? (02. Feb. 2006)
YES.
In early CE4.1 based images we did not support Sercos.
CE4.2 image (v1.91 and above) support Sercos.
top |
| |
Which visualization software can I use for WinCE and Windows XPE? (02. Feb. 2006)
On Beckhoff CE based devices (CX9000 / CX1000 / CX1020 / Ethernet-Panels) we offer pre installed SCADA software packages.
See detailed list and order info in documentation for embedded CE devices :
- Zenon (CopaData)
- TwinCAT Target Visu (Beckhoff)
- QVis (Kinz)
- Movicon (Progea)
- WebStudio (InduSoft)
On Windows XPE we do not offer a bundle, the customer is expected to approach the SCADA manufacturers directly.
top |
| |
Can I run SERCOS with CX1000 ? (02. Feb. 2006)
Yes, it is possible to run SERCOS on CX1000. This can be done by using the SERCOS-Master CX1500-M750 and TwinCAT NC PTP. SERCOS operations are possilbe with Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE (above image version 1.91)
top |
| |
Can the new power supply CX1100-0004 also be used with CX1000 ? (06. Jan. 2006)
No, CX1100-0004 may not be used with CX1000, it is designed to work with CX1020 only.
The reason for this is that only CX1020 gives out EtherCAT bus signals to the power supply CX1100-0004, which the links to the EtherCAT I/O terminals.
top |
| |
Does CX1000 with Windows XP Embedded detect and support USB-HDD and USB CD-RW drives ? (04. Jan. 2005)
The following table summarizes the drives recognized by the Beckhoff standard XPE images delivered with CX1000:
|
Image Name
|
USB-HDD
|
USB CD-ROM
|
|
CX1800-0200 (LF)
|
+
|
-
|
|
CX1800-0201 (HMI)
|
+
|
+
|
|
CX1800-0202 (NET)
|
+
|
+
|
In all case where a Beckhoff XPE images detects a CD-RW, it can only be used as a CD-ROM .
top |
| |
Is there a list of commercially available hardware components that have been used/tested together with CX1000 ? (03. Sep. 2004)
Currently, there only is a hardware compatibility list for Windows XPE, which can be found at:
http://infosys.beckhoff.com/content/1031/cx1000_sw/html/cx1000_xpe_hw_list.htm
top |
| |
Is it possible to run a screen resolution of 1280x1024 with CX1000 ? (13. Jul. 2004)
Yes, it is possible to run a 1280x1024 resolution with the CX, both with DVI and VGA. If you press the button “List all modes” in the display property settings, you will be able to set this resolution.
We have not advertised it, because at this resolution only a colour depth of 8 bpp is supported (256 colours), and this makes XP look rather funny – but it is possible.
Also please do not use VGA connection at such resolution, because the signal quality for VGA is very poor and gives you a bad picture on a CRT ! If you use DVI connection to a flat panel display, the picture is sharp and clear – but you only have 256 colours.
top |
| |
Can power be switched off at any time to a CX1000 without damage ? (13. Jul. 2004)
This depends on the operating system and on the application software running on CX1000.
With just Windows CE it is no problem to switch-off power at any time. The system will boot up again, once power is back.
With Windows XPE, the system is more vulnerable to power loss, unless the user enables the so called EWF (Enhanced Write Filter). Once this filter is enabled, all write operations which normally would go to the system partition (e.g. to the windows registry), are redirected to RAM and cannot cause damages in case of sudden power interruption.
Please note, the factory setting for CX1000 is "EWF disabled"
More information on how to enable/disable the EWF can be found at:
http://infosys.beckhoff.com/index.php?content=content/1033/cx1000_sw/html/cx1000_os_xpe_ewf_setup.htm
Once EWF is enabled, all changes to registry are temporary. E.g. if the TCP/IP address change of the system should be permanent, please disable EWF first, do the change, and then enable EWF again.
If the integrity of application data is needed, the solution is to either:
a) write data to the NOVRAM
or
b) use a CX1100-0900 capacitor UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
top |
| |
What size do the images available for CX1000 occupy on the compact flash ? (15. Jun. 2004)
The following table shows the size of used disk space for the various CX-Images:
Image
|
Used Disk Space (approx.)
|
CX1800-100
|
10 MB
|
CX1800-101
|
20 MB
|
|
|
CX1800-200
|
100 MB
|
CX1800-201
|
180 MB
|
CX1800-202
|
280 MB
|
In addition to the base footprint of Windows CE images, the SCADA Runtimes take this footprint on the storage:
QVis: approx. 1 MB
zenOn: approx. 4 MB
panelWorX: approx. 5 MB
top |
| |
How many serial ports are supported in the CX1000 system ? (12. May. 2004)
The maximum number of serial ports supported with CX1000 is 3 ! This requires ordering the option CX1000-N002 (RS232) or CX1000-N005 (RS422/RS485).
If more than three ports are needed, please consider using serial communication terminals KL6001.
top |
| |
How many axes can I run with TwinCAT NC PTP on my CX1000? (16. Dec. 2003)
There is no limitation on the number of axes. It depends on what else needs to be run at the same time: large PLC program, SCADA software etc. We have applications running one axis with a 2 ms cycle time but also applications running six axes with a cycle time of 4 ms.
As a rule of thumb: add one millisecond to the cycle time for each installed axis, e.g. set the cycle time of the NC SAF task to three milliseconds for three servo axes.
top |
| |
Is Linux supported on CX1000 ? (16. Dec. 2003)
Beckhoff does not deliver nor support CX1000 with other OS than Windows CE.NET or Windows XP Embedded. However there are companies who have successfully implemented Linux (as well as DOS, QNX and RTKernel) on CX1000. Please contact us for details
top |
| |
How accurate is the CX1000 Realtime Clock ? (15. Dec. 2003)
The accuracy of the CX1000 RT clock is approx. +-1minute / day. I f a higher accuracy is required, a sychronization with external clocks is required periodically.
top |
| |
When should I use WinCE.Net and when should I use Windows XPE as the operating system?
If there is already a custom software developed for Windows NT/2000/XP then most probably Windows XPE is the right choice, because this avoids redevelopment.
If the application is being written from scratch, then it is possible to freely decide between Windows CE and Windows XP, because the development tools from Microsoft (Visual Studio .NET 2003) support both. Even sophisticated graphical applications can be programmed for CE.NET.
A comparison between XPE and CE.NET can be found at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/Embedded/evaluation/choose/default.asp
In terms of TwinCAT Runtime functionality there is no difference between Windows CE.NET or XP Embedded.
top |
| |
Which size of compact flash memory should I use (WinCE.Net/Windows XPE)?
For Windows CE.NET a 64 MByte CF card is more than sufficient, because the CE image occupies roughly 10 MBytes only. Larger sizes CF cards can be ordered, if a lot of user data is to be stored by the application.
For Windows XP Embedded, the minimum card size required is 128 MByte. We do recommend though using a 256 MByte or 512 MByte. Depending on the storage size at order, the XP Embedded image is more complete.
The following matrix shows the images loaded by default depending on the RAM size and CF size at order time:
For Windows CE.NET:
|
RAM
Size
|
Compact Flash
Size
|
Image Number
|
Image Description
|
|
32
|
All
|
CX1800-0100
|
CE.NET Low Footprint (LF)
|
|
128
|
All
|
CX1800-0101
|
CE.NET HMI Image
|
For Windows XP Embedded
|
RAM
Size
|
Compact Flash
Size
|
Image Number
|
Image Description
|
|
128
|
128
|
CX1800-0200
|
XPE 128MB Image
|
|
128
|
256
|
CX1800-0201
|
XPE 256MB Image
|
|
128
|
>=512
|
CX1800-0202
|
XPE 512MB Image
|
If another image than the default is required (e.g. one would like to order a 512 MB CF card with a XPE 128 MB image CX1800-0200 ), this must be explicitly specified on the order paper.
top |
| |
When should I use 16/32 MB and when 64/128 MB memory?
32 MByte CX1000 should only be used for small scale Windows CE.NET applications or applications that run TwinCAT automation programs (PLC or NC) with a non-sophisticated self-made user interface.
128 MB RAM memory is mandatory in the following cases:
- CX1000 in combination with Windows XPE.
- CX1000 with a .NET application (regardless of the operating system)
- CX1000 with a SCADA application (regardless of the operating system)
top |
| |
When should I use CF cards and when IBM microdrives?
We do not support the usage of IBM (Hitachi) microdrives at all. Only industrial grade, industrial temperature CF cards should be used with CX1000, because of the ambient temperature specification of up to 55 degree Celsius. Please do not use commercial type CF cards because Beckhoff will not take any responsibility if they are operated in
CX1000.
top |
| |
Where can I find technical documentation for CX1000?
It is available on the Beckhoff web site.
See also the famous Information System containing technical info but also sample code and other hints.
top |
| |
Which options (e.g. fieldbus interfaces, additional serial com ports) are pre-assembled and which options can be ordered separately?
The system interfaces CX1000-N001, N002, N003 and N005 are preassembled at factory site and cannot be removed/added at customer site. Attempting to do this, results in damage. This is so, because these interfaces are connected to the main CPU board not only through PC104 connectors but also through additional cabling.
All fieldbus master and slaves as well as all power supplies CX1100-0001, 2, 3 can be mounted and dismounted by the user, as described in the documentation.
It is assumed that the units are ordered with the needed interfaces right from the beginning.
Units can be sent back to Beckhoff for retrofitting additional system interfaces if needed, please approach the Beckhoff service department.
top |
| |
How many fieldbus interfaces can be attached to the CX1000 CPU and how can they be configured?
A maximum of three master or slaves can be attached to a CX1000 system. They do not need hardware configuration; unless they are of the same type e.g. two Profibus master modules. In this case, the second master needs another physical address, preprogrammed by Beckhoff. A special master unit like this has a specific order number, please contact us
in case of such an application.
top |
| |
Can I use 2 CX1000 CPUs for redundancy systems?
No. The concept of CX1000 does NOT allow to plug two CPU units together on the PC104 bus.
top |
| |
When I use the CX1000 with TwinCAT (PLC or NC PTP) is a full version or a runtime version installed?
No, only the TwinCAT Runtime is installed. The TwinCAT tools like System Manager or PLC Control are supposed to be run on a programming station like PC and/or laptop. On this programming station, a regular TwinCAT license is required.
top |
| |
Is TwinCAT NCI available for CX1000?
It is technically possible but there is no product in the pricelist for this combination. Please speak with sales in case you need this functionality, at this point it can be decided to deliver CX1000 combined with TwinCAT NC I on a “per case” basis. It is important to mention that NC I is only possible with a CX1001-0x2x unit based on
Windows XP Embedded. It is not possible with Windows CE.NET !
top |
| |
When should I use a Scada software and when should I use a MS programming language?
Using a Scada software always implies a licence cost per unit. This license cost depends on the chosen product. Programming an user interface from scratch is a balance between the effort involved versus the license cost of SCADA licenses per unit.
There are other decision criteria as well e.g. if FDA compliance is needed, than it might be more favourable to use a FDA-compliant SCADA software.
top |
| |
Why are different images for WinCE.Net and Windows XPE available and what are the differences between them?
There are different images because of the size they require on the CF card. As a general rule, the operating system image occupies about 70% of the compact flash card e.g. if an 512 MB CF card is ordered with a XPE CX1000 system, about 350MB are taken away by the OS.
top |
| |
How much memory for my application is available?
This depends on the image used, but in general this is the free RAM memory:
| For Windows CE.NET with LF Image: |
free RAM ~ 16 MByte (for a 32 MByte CX1000) |
|
free RAM ~ 112 MByte (for a 128 MByte CX1000)
|
|
|
| For Windows XPE with 512 MB Image: |
free RAM ~ 63 MByte (for a 128 MByte CX1000) |
top |
| |
Can I update to new image versions? How?
For Windows CE.NET this is fairly simple: just copy all the image files to the new compact flash card. The card must be formatted with FAT16 file system (FAT32 will not work!). This card does not need any boot sector, so a simple file copy is sufficient. This can be done with a PCMCIA adaptor in a laptop. The BIOS software of the CX1000 with
Windows CE locates and loads the file called NK.BIN.
For Windows XPE it is also possible to copy the image files, but in addition the new compact flash card must be bootable. This is automatically the case if it is ordered through Beckhoff. We do not advise using other compact flash cards than those supplied by Beckhoff.
top |
| |
What is the performance of the CX1000 ?
According to our measurements CX1000 is able to execute 1024 mixed PLC instruction in about 50 microseconds. These mixed instructions include integer and bit operation in various sizes as well as floating point instructions.
For the NC operation, one can count on a base time consumption of 200ìs and add about 100ìs per each axis. For example a system with a configured NC task and two axes, a total of 200ìs + 2 x 100ìs = 400ìs is consumed for the operation of motion control.
More detailed information and comparison may be found at http://www.pc-control.net/ in the pc-control magazines 2/2002 (look for “Customized Automation” article) and 2/2003 (look for “TwinCAT performance” article). Please look into the “archive” section of
the online site of the Beckhoff pc-control magazine.
top |
| |
What kind of operator panels can I use for the CX1000?
A variety of displays may be used with CX1000.
All displays with a VGA input can be connected through the connector adaptor CX1900-0101 to CX1000; this means that also standard desktop monitors can be used. The maximum resolution here is 1280 x 1024, 75Hz.
All displays with a DVI input (Digital Video Interface) can be directly connected to CX1000 without the need of any adaptor. The maximum resolution with DVI is 1024 x 768, 60Hz.
The entire range of Beckhoff control panels with DVI input may be attached to CX1000.
Touch screen is connected through USB in this case.
top |
| |
How many local bus terminals can be attached to the CX1000?
The maximum number of terminals is 64 (without terminal extension), respectively 255 (with terminal extension). The K-Bus terminal power supply of the CX1000 is able to supply 1.7A current on the K-Bus.
top |
| |
How can I wire the UPS system to CX1000?
At present it is only possible to use an off-the-shelf UPS system with a potential free contact output signalling external power loss. This signal can be read through the terminals into the PLC program which then needs to initiate a shutdown after waiting for the power to return for a predefined period of time e.g. 5 minutes.
top |
| |
What is the start-up time of CX1000?
Start-up time with Windows CE.NET and TwinCAT is about 18 seconds.
Start-up time with Windows XPE and TwinCAT is about 1 minute 30 seconds.
Start-up time are very dependant on the CF media used. The above numbers are for newer CF cards (October 2003).
top |
| |
What kind of devices can be connected to the USB port?
Mass storage devices like USB keys and USB drives are supported with both Windows CE and XP Embedded. Also supported are Human Interface Devices like mouse and keyboard. Care must be taken with Windows CE.NET: it is not so “forgiving” like Windows XP and if devices are attached that do not exactly follow the USB specifications (e.g. on
reporting the power consumption), they will not work.
top |
| |
Which approvals does CX fulfil and which certificates are already available?
At present, CX has the CE certification and follows the CE standards. UL approval is under preparation.
top |
| |
Can I run other OS then Windows on CX1000?
Technically it is possible to run other OSes like DOS, QNX and Linux on CX1000. From the commercial point of view, Beckhoff is supporting the implementation from the hardware side only on a “per case” base. Please contact sales for further definition.
top |
| |
Can I get CX1000 system with my customized image pre-installed?
Yes. The procedure is such, that a custom image is assigned a specific order number and if this specific number is mentioned on the order sheet it will be preinstalled by Beckhoff production. This only makes sense if the specific image is kept stable for a longer period of time e.g. one year or more.
top |
| |
Can I use the modules N002 (2xRS232) and N005 (2xRS422/485) together?
No, this is not possible because they share the same serial port lines. So either N002 OR N005 may be selected, but not both!
top |
| |
Why is the navigation switch shown in the catalogue not available?
The implementation of the navigation switch has been delayed to the start of 2004.
Several settings that initially were to be done through the navi-switch (like TCP/IP address and screen resolution) can be set remotely through Ethernet by TwinCAT >=2.9
Implementation of the navi-switch is delayed, not cancelled
top |
| |
How can I use Wireless LAN with CX1000
At present, Wireless LAN can be used only with WLAN devices attached to either the USB or RJ45 port of CX1000. It is not possible to plug in a WLAN CF card into the CF slot of the CX1000, because this slot only supports IDE mass storage devices.
top |
| |
