brwatch

brwatch ist a small and portable service tool for B&R automation controls (PLC). It runs on Microsoft Windows and enables you to list, watch and change process variables, start and stop task, search and reboot CPUs, change IP-settings. Additionaly it logs PV values to CSV- Files.

Download

It makes heavy use of PVI ('process visualisation interface') package from B&R.

Disclaimer

brwatch comes „as is“, e.g. without support and warranty. You can freely copy it but use it at your own risk.

PVI

brwatch needs a previously installed PVI Development Setup to run.

• INA/ANSL

  All B&R Controls support INA protocol for online communication, but newer plc support ANSL, too. Since version 4.x PVI supports both INA and ANSL. Brwatch supports both as well but not simultaneously. So starting with V1.1/PVI4.x the newer ANSL protocol could be an alternative by setting 'ANSL=1' in brwatch.ini. In this case, of course, you will not be able to contact old AR 3.x based PLC.

• PVI License

  Without a PVI license 1TG0500.02 (+ TG Guard e.g. 0TG1000.02) PVI will run for two hours. After this period brwatch will stop working and PVI-Manager must be stopped and restarted again. Do not blame brwatch for that and contact your local B&R office to buy a valid license.

Usage

1. download EXE
2. see brief manual

Development

The project is done in plain old 'C' language (not C++) and makes use of pure Win32-API-calls. Find compiled EXE in releases

Build

mingw32-make.exe -f Makefile.win clean all

IDE / Compiler

Embarcadero Dev-C++ it is shipped in a package with TDM-GCC 9.2.0 32/64bit

A short hint from Koen (Thanks!): "Note: To anyone trying, best to install DevC in a folder without brackets. The default location in Windows 11 is 'C:\Program Files (x86)". However the 'Clean' command fails on the round brackets in the path. If you install under 'C:\DevC' for example, there is no issue. This seems to be a bug with DevC DEL command."