29: From Blocks to Candy: Learning OOP Function Blocks in TwinCAT 3 (Part 2)

This is the second part of our vending machine project.

You will learn more about object orientated programming in TwinCAT 3. At the end of this video you will have a fully functional candy vending machine for greedy and picky ninja monkeys.

Here you can download the full TwinCAT project from GitHub.

28: From Blocks to Candy: Learning OOP Function Blocks in TwinCAT 3 (Part 1)

Let's build a candy vending machine together!

In this first video about function blocks in TwinCAT 3, we will create a complete project together with you, which will introduce you to object-oriented programming in TwinCAT 3.

Here you can download the full TwinCAT project from GitHub.

27: Migrate 4024 to 4026

Big news: With the updated package manager, it is no longer necessary to migrate TwinCAT 3 4024 to 4026 via a PowerShell script.

In diesem kurzen Video zeigen wir euch, wie ihr TwinCAT 3 4024 mit dem Beckhoff TwinCAT Package Manager Installer auf TwinCAT 3 4026 migrieren könnt.

Here is the link to the TwinCAT Package Manager (TwinCAT 3.1 Build 4026).

26: Where the (FUN) ends

In this video, we will have some more (FUN). This time, we will try out what can go wrong when using a reference as the return value of a function.

We even prepared a TwinCAT project for you. Here you can download it.

25: Just for (FUN)

In this video, we talk about the next POU in TwinCAT 3: the function.

We explain how to declare a function, how to call it, and how it differs from other POUs.

So have (FUN)!

24: POUs – Programs

In this videos we talk about programs in TwinCAT 3. So we invited an expert: MAIN.

Together we will examine how a program is called, we will create tasks and programs, look at how a program is defined in a task and how changes in the task settings affect the execution of a program. We will also call a program from another program and explain how input and output parameters work.

23: FOR, WHILE and REPEAT Loops

In this video, we show you how to use the FOR, WHILE and REPEAT loops.

We solve everyday challenges of a ninja monkey with the help of 3 different loops.

We also take a quick look at the EXIT instruction.

22: IF, CASE, JMP and RETURN Instructions

In this video, we talk about the IF, CASE , JMP and RETURN instructions in Structured Text (ST).

We look at the syntax of each instruction and show you how to use them in TwinCAT 3.

21: Pointers and References

In this video, we take a look at the key differences between pointer and reference – two powerful functions that can significantly improve your TwinCAT 3 projects.

For even more insights, check out our blog article on this topic.

20: Structures – Alignment and Dynamically Created Structures

In this video we talk about the alignment in TwinCAT 3 and in this context also about the attribute pack_mode.

We also discuss the __NEW and __DELETE operators, the enable_dynamic_creation attribute, how to allocate memory, and what a dynamically created structure is.

19: Structures

In this video we talk about structures.

In this part we show you the basics: How to create them, how to get access to a structure component and how you can extend a structure.

18: Enumerations

This video will will explain how to use an enumeration.

We will also talk about the attributes 'strict, 'to_string' and 'qualified_only'.

17: Arrays

In this video we talk about one-dimensional and multi-dimensional arrays of fixed and variable length.

Also, we will explain how to use the checkBound functions.

16: Special Data Types

In this video, we explain the special data types XINT, UXINT, XWORD and PVOID.

Variables with these data types are converted to a platform-compliant data type, depending on the target system.

15: Subrange Data Types and Range/LRange Check

In this video, we talk about the subrange data types and explain how the the Range/LRange check function works.

14: Type Conversion and the Two’s Complement (Part 2)

This is part two of the topic "type conversion".

In this video, we explain how a sign change can occur during a conversion. Here we talk about the two's complement.

13: Type Conversion Basics (Part 1)

This video explains the implicit and explicit type conversion in TwinCAT 3.

We also talk about the 'TO_type' operator.

12: Standard Data Types

In this video, we talk about the standard data types in TwinCAT. These data types are all described in the IEC 61131-3 standard.

11: Identifiers

In this video, we talk about identifiers and explain some rules which you should follow, and which are helpful to know.

10: Loading Program Code/ Login PLC

In this video, we explain how you can load a project on the PLC and how to start it.

Also, you will learn how to update the program on the PLC and how to deal with differences between the project in the IDE and on the target.

9: I/O Configuration

In this video, we explain how to do the I/O configuration.

8: Connecting to the Target System

In this video, we will show you how to connect to the target system and briefly explain how the connection works.

7: How does EtherCAT work?

In this video, we talk about the fieldbus, we briefly explain EtherCAT and how the master-slave communication works.

6: How to Import and Export a PLC Project

In this video, we will show you how to import and export a PLC file.

5: Creating a PLC project

In this video, we will show you how to create a new PLC project in TwinCAT 3.

4: UI Overview

In this video, we would like to give you an overview of the components of the TwinCat 3 user interface.

We also explain the different runtime states.

3: Creating a new TwinCAT project

In this short video, we create a new TwinCAT project together.

2: Installation

In this video, we will install TwinCAT 3 together.

We will show you where to find the download file and how to install TwinCAT on your PC.

Link to the Beckhoff website: https://www.beckhoff.com/

1: Basics

In this video, we introduce the TwinCAT 3 development environment.

We will explain the two main parts: XAE and XAR. We will also discuss the differences between “TwinCAT Standard” and “TwinCAT Integrated”.