Logging function
The logging function is an optional extension that can be enabled for specific cycles. It outputs diagnosis information during cycle execution – either to the PLC, to a file, or to both destinations simultaneously.
The respective parameter section indicates whether the logging function is available for a specific cycle.
Logging is enabled by additional input parameters when the cycle is called. Internally, the sub-cycle SysUtilLog.ecy is used for this purpose. Logging adds to the runtime. It is therefore recommended to deactivate logging for production (@P200=0 or omit the parameter).
Operating principle
When logging is enabled, additional information is logged during cycle execution. This is particularly useful during start-up, troubleshooting and process optimisation. Each log output contains:
- a timestamp of the event
- the name of the calling cycle
- a message containing optional parameter values
Depending on the mode selected, the log messages are sent to the PLC, written to a file, or both.
Caution: When the logging function is enabled, the command #FILE NAME is active until the end of the main program. If further #MSG SAVE commands follow without another #FILE NAME, the data continues to be written to the file specified in @P201.
Parameter
The logging function is controlled by two optional input parameters that can be specified in each cycle call.
Optional logging parameters
Input parameters | Description |
@P200 | Logging mode 0 = No logging (default) – no logging data is generated "ALL" or 1 = Logging to PLC and to file – complete output "PLC" or 2 = Logging only to PLC – output only to PLC interface "FILE" or 3 = Logging only to file – output only to log file Text values can also be combined, e.g. if **"PLC |
@P201 | is the filename for log output Default: The filename is freely selectable to write various cycles to separate log files, for example. |
@P202 | 0 = #FLUSH WAIT deactivated - The log message can be output during search decoding before the machine has physically reached the relevant point in the program. 1 = #FLUSH WAIT activated (default) - Forces a synchronisation between decoding and machine cycle. The log message is only output at precisely the moment when the machine runs through the code section in the main routine. |
Log format
The log message consists of the following components:
Field | Description |
Timestamp | Date and time of log entry |
Cycle name | Name of active cycle that triggers the log entry (e.g. |
Message | The actual informative text |
The message is output in the text file as follows:
The message is output in the PLC as follows:
Syntax of logging cycle
Logging is enabled by adding the parameter @P200 and optionally @P201 to the existing cycle call. No change is required in the cycle itself.
Placeholders | Description |
| Name of the calling cycle (without path) |
| Logging mode (0, 1 or "ALL", 2 or "PLC", 3 or "FILE") |
| Desired name of log file |
Programming example
Measurement cycle with complete logging
In this example, the measurement cycle SysMeasWcs1 is called. Complete logging is enabled by @P200="ALL" (to PLC and file). The log output is written to the file CncCycles.log.