Online mode
In online mode, there is an online connection between your programming device / PC and one or more devices.
An online connection between the programming device/PC and the device is required, for example, for the following tasks:
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Testing user programs
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Displaying and changing the operating mode of the CPU
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Displaying and setting the date and time of day of the CPU
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Displaying module information
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Comparing blocks
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Hardware diagnostics
Before you can establish an online connection, the programming device/PC and the device must be physically or remotely connected. As an alternative, some devices support a simulation mode. In this case, a connection to the device is simulated via the PLCSIM virtual interface.
After establishing a connection, you can use the Online and Diagnostics view or the "Online tools" task card to access the data on the device. The current online status of a device is indicated by an icon to the right of the device in the project tree. You will find the meaning of the individual status icons in the relevant tooltip.
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Note Some online functions depend on the scope of the installed software or whether a project is open. |
Standby or hibernation of the programming device / PC
If the programming device / PC is changed to the standby or hibernation mode when there is an online connection, all online connections are terminated. When the programming device / PC wakes up from hibernation, the online connections are not automatically re-established.
Note that suddenly terminating an online connection can lead to loss of data or a connected device may interrupt program execution.
Performing an LED flash test
In many online dialogs you can perform an LED flash test, if the device connected online supports this feature. If you select the "Flash LED" check box, an LED flashes on the currently selected device. This feature is useful, for example, when you are not sure which device in the hardware configuration corresponds to the station currently selected in the software.
Read any additional information and learn about the possible limitations to the LED flash test in the respective device documentation.