GX DEV Undocumented Feature

[Goody]

Today I learned something new by accident about GX Developer 8 I'm sure it's an undocumented 'feature' but maybe it's just me that didn't know about it. Either way, it needs saying here because the ramifications of it could be dangerous. I am building a panel with a FX1N and a E1070 HMI. I was at the bench testing stage and in 'monitor write' mode I was using 'dummy' M contacts to simulate field devices I wanted to put an extra line in the logic so I used SHIFT/INSERT Except by accident, I pressed SHIFT/ENTER The 'BLUE SQUARE' CURSOR was over an M relay contact and this action FORCED IT ON. I didn't realise it had forced it on but I heard a contactor come in inside the panel. Ugh, I thought, a contactor should not have come on just then - and then I saw the M relay was on Hitting SHIFT/ENTER again forced it off. It works on all bits as a shortcut to forcing them. Maybe you all already knew this (I certainly didn't) and when you do know, it can be a handy feature But, I'm glad I found out on the test bench and not on a live working machine.

[Crossbow]

Shift-Enter is one of the well-documented methods of forcing a contact. Shift double click also works.

[Goody]

Thanks Crossbow - but I can't find any reference to it. I'd bet not many knew about it either and if they didn't they do now and might avoid accidentally forcing a bit

[JRoss]

I was taught that key combination when I first learned Mitsubishi programming, and have used it often since. I have no idea whether it's documented, since I don't think I've ever read the GX Developer manual!

[panic mode]

I don't remember earliest reference to it or any document but it was mentioned here and there. this one is some 10 year old (post 7):http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5027

[Crossbow]

GX Developer version 6 manual, page 18-4. IB(NA)0800031. So going back to 1999. I don't have access to manuals for GPPWIN5.