Introduction to Configuring a BMX PRA 0100 from Control Expert
Original instructions
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At a Glance
Control Expert allows configuration of BMX PRA 0100 modules through the Ethernet I/O scanning tab. The PRA device configuration is done in a second instance of Control Expert.
Configuring a PRA
The following procedure configures a PRA device:
Step
Action
Results
1
Open the Ethernet network configuration screen.
2
In the Module Utilities zone select YES for IO Scanning.
3
Select the I/O Scanning tab.
I/O Scanning screen opens.
4
Enter, on a free line, the IP address for the connection you want to use to communicate with the PRA.
NOTE: The IP address in the I/O Scanning table must be the same as the IP address of the PRA device.
5
Enter RD length and WR length on the same line.
6
Validate the I/O Scanning screen.
7
Click on the ... button (that is next to Device Name cell on the same line).
The Property box opens.
8
Select PRA in the Device Type drop-down menu.
9
Enter a Device Name (following the naming rules).
10
You have 2 choices:
  1. If you want to now configure a PRA, click on the Launch PRA button.
    Click on Yes in the “Confirm device name and type” Message Box and go to Step 11.
  2. If you want to configure a PRA later, click on the OK button.
    Click on Yes in the “Confirm device name and type” Message Box.
    NOTE: The Device Name becomes red in the I/O Scanning table. This indicates that a PRA has not been configured for the table line that contains the Device Name
    To configure a PRA later:
    • Carry out Step 7.
    • Click on the Launch PRA button.
NOTE: While the second PRA instance of Control Expert is running no changes can be made to the Ethernet Editor in the first (master) instance of Control Expert.
Results for both 1. and 2. are:
  • A Control Expert message box opens: “The device name and device type won’t be modifiable. Do you want to confirm the device name and device type?”
  • The Device Type and Device Name are verified and saved.
  • The Property box closes.
11
After the second instance of Control Expert opens:
  • File menu → Open
  • Change the file type to .XEF
  • Open the PRA application template, PRA_Template.XEF
12
When your PRA application is configured:
  • If desired, you can build the PRA application now.
  • Save the application.
    NOTE: The Save As function is not available. To copy your PRA application use the Export or Save Archive function.
  • Close this instance of Control Expert.
    NOTE: You are asked if you want to save the PRA application in the master application *.stu file. If you select No, all changes are lost.
NOTE: Later you can build your PRA application by carrying out Step 7. Because the PRA application is saved (embedded) in the master application *.stu file, it is opened. You can then build the PRA application.
NOTE: If there is no PRA application in the master *.stu, an empty application is opened (as happens the first time the Launch PRA button is used in the Property box)
13
Build your Control Expert application.
14
STOP the PLC.
15
Transfer:
  • Control Expert application to the PLC
  • PRA configuration to the PRA device
    NOTE: There are no imported variables, the user must ensure the synchronization of the data exchange.
16
RUN your application in the PLC.
NOTE: When the second (PRA) instance of Control Expert is closed, there is no indication if the PRA application has been built or not.
Copy an Existing PRA Application
This following procedure copies an existing PRA application:
Step
Action
1
From the Control Expert I/O Scanning table using the ... button, open an existing PRA application.
2
In the second Control Expert instance, save the existing PRA application with a new name as a *.sta or .xef file.
3
Close this second Control Expert instance.
4
In the Control Expert I/O Scanning table create a new PRA application on a new line.
5
Import or Open the *.xef or *.sta file previously saved.
6
If desired, build the new PRA application and transfer it to the PRA device.
7
Close the second Control Expert instance.