EPLAN NEWS

for Version 1.9 Hotfix 1

Copyright 2008 by EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG.
EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG assumes no liability for either technical or printing errors,
or for deficiencies in this technical information and cannot be held liable for damages that may result
directly or indirectly from delivery, performance, and use of this material.
This document contains legally protected ownership information that is subject to copyright. All rights
are protected. This document or parts of this document may not be copied or reproduced by any other
means without the previous permission of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG.
The software described in this document is subject to a licensing agreement. Its use and reproduction
are only permitted within the framework of this agreement.

RITTAL is a registered trademark of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG.

EPLAN , EPLAN Electric P8 , EPLAN Fluid , EPLAN PPE , and EPLAN Cabinet are registered
trademarks of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG.

Windows NT , Windows 2000 , Windows XP , Windows Vista , Microsoft Windows , Microsoft

Excel , Microsoft Access and Notepad are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

CLIP PROJECT and INTERBUS are registered trademarks of Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co.

AutoCAD , Autodesk Inventor and VoloView Express are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.

SIMATIC HW Konfig is a registered trademark of Siemens AG.

InstallShield is a registered trademark of InstallShield, Inc.

Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.
All other product names, trade names, and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective owners.
EPLAN uses the Open Source software 7-Zip (7za.dll), Copyright by Igor Pavlov. The source code
of 7-Zip is subject to the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). The source code of 7-Zip and
details on this license can be found on the following website: http://www.7-zip.org
Note: The hardware requirements specified by the operating system manufacturers are valid
for the hardware that is used. Hardware combinations that cause faults according to information from manufacturers may also affect the operation of EPLAN. Therefore an accurate basic
installation of hardware, operating system and hardware drivers (e.g., graphics board driver
etc.) is essential for a smooth operation of EPLAN. The main conditions and areas of application specified by the hardware manufacturers also apply to the operation of EPLAN.

Table of contents

Table of contents
Preface................................................................................................................... 7
User's Comments ................................................................................................ 8

The EPLAN Data Portal ........................................................................ 9

Creating a user account..................................................................................... 10
Using the EPLAN Data Portal navigator ............................................................ 11
Importing parts via the EPLAN Data Portal........................................................ 16
Part selection via the EPLAN Data Portal .......................................................... 16

EPLAN Schematic Generator............................................................. 18

General prerequisites......................................................................................... 19
Starting and configuring the ESG_Excel_Editor ................................................ 20
Configuring the Typical File ............................................................................... 22
Generating schematics ...................................................................................... 26
Using transfer files from EPLAN 5 ..................................................................... 27

Performance Improvements............................................................... 28
Network and Multiuser operation ....................................................................... 28
Updating connections ........................................................................................ 28
Data backup....................................................................................................... 28
Path numbering ................................................................................................. 28
Displaying PPE projects in the page navigator .................................................. 28

Migration ............................................................................................. 29
Symbol Library Import........................................................................................ 29
Recognizing the original library.......................................................................... 29
EPLAN 5 / fluidPLAN data import...................................................................... 29
Parts at auxiliary elements................................................................................. 29
Line thickness of graphical elements ................................................................. 29
Adoption of device connection points without DT .............................................. 30
Page properties in placeholder objects .............................................................. 30
Adoption of cover pages .................................................................................... 30
EPLAN 21 data import ........................................................................................ 30
Adoption of conductor data ................................................................................ 30
Properties of part placements ............................................................................ 30
Sources and targets of cables ........................................................................... 31

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Table of contents

Other new features of the entire EPLAN platform ............................ 32

Symbol selection ................................................................................................ 32
Support for symbol selection.............................................................................. 32
Project template.................................................................................................. 32
Missing project settings in the project template ................................................. 32
Graphical editor .................................................................................................. 32
Quick snap......................................................................................................... 32
Settings................................................................................................................ 34
Optimize terminal server .................................................................................... 34

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8...................................................... 35

The new add-on "EMI Cabling for Autodesk Inventor".................................... 35
Inserting a mechanical model into an EPLAN project ........................................ 36
Displaying the tree structure of the mechanical drawing.................................... 37
Assigning data ................................................................................................... 39
Calculating cable lengths ................................................................................... 40
Updating cable lengths ...................................................................................... 41
Exporting cable master data and cable data...................................................... 41
Cables .................................................................................................................. 42
Numbering cables at PLC connection points ..................................................... 42
Long structure identifiers for cables ................................................................... 42
PLC connection points....................................................................................... 43
Adoption of path function texts for PLC connection points................................. 43

New features in the "API Extension" add-on .................................... 45

Other new features and information.................................................. 46
New master data features .................................................................................. 46
Master Data: EPLAN 5 / fluidPLAN data import................................................. 46
Master Data: Symbols........................................................................................ 46
Master Data: Settings for messages and check runs......................................... 47
Customer queries and messages...................................................................... 47
Activation number .............................................................................................. 50
Installation........................................................................................................... 50
Approved client operating systems .................................................................. 52
Windows XP Professional SP2 .......................................................................... 52
Windows Vista ................................................................................................... 52
Approved server operating systems................................................................. 53
Windows 2003 Server SP2 ................................................................................ 53
Windows 2003 Server R2 .................................................................................. 53

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Table of contents
Approved database systems for parts management / selection .................... 53
Approved Microsoft Office Excel Versions ...................................................... 54
Unsupported operating systems ....................................................................... 54
Windows 2000 Professional............................................................................... 54
Windows 2000 Server no longer supported ....................................................... 54
Hardware Requirements for the Workstation................................................... 55
Hardware Requirements for the Network ......................................................... 56

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Table of contents

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Preface

Preface
Dear EPLAN users,
This new version of EPLAN offers numerous new features and expanded
functions and also now provides access to the EPLAN Data Portal. You
can now conveniently access manufacturer data (technical information,
macros, data sheets, product images, etc.) from EPLAN via the Internet
and thus simplify your engineering. You can quickly and easily download
part data create your own personal account today and accelerate your
engineering.
Accelerate is also the right word for describing the improved performance in the network, data connections and backups. The software also
provides convincing performance in large projects, with short run times
and fast functions. Expansions such as quick snap and improved symbol
selection make planning more ergonomic.
Further highlights affect the "EPLAN Schematic Generator", which has
been completely reworked and is now optimally designed for EPLAN
Electric P8 and EPLAN Fluid. Top performance, many new features
and improved details now give extra impetus to automated schematic
generation.
The new optional "EMI Cabling for Autodesk Inventor" module brings
mechatronics to life. You can plan cable paths and lengths in combination with the mechanical construction. Automatic data synchronization
between EPLAN and Autodesk Inventor based on the original
3D model provides more integration here.
We wish you much pleasure and success with your new EPLAN.
Your EPLAN Software & Service team

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Preface

User's Comments
Important information:
Before installing the version take the information about installation,
approval and hardware requirements from Page 50 on into account.
Before you begin reading, please note the following symbols and styles
used in this document:
Note:
Text preceded by this image contains extra notes.
Example:
Examples are highlighted by this graphical symbol.
Tip:
Useful tips to facilitate your interaction with the program are presented
after this image.
User interface elements are marked in bold (and blue) so they can
immediately be located in the text.
Italic text provides particularly important information that you should
definitely pay attention to.
Code examples, directory names, and direct input (among others)
are displayed in a non-proportional font.
Function keys, keyboard keys and buttons within the program are
shown in square brackets (e.g., [F1] for the "F1" function key).
To improve the flow of the text, we often use "menu paths" in this
document (for example, Help > Contents). In order to find a particular
program function, the menus and options shown in a menu path must
be selected in the sequence shown. For example, the menu path
mentioned above calls up the EPLAN help system.
In combination with settings or fields (e.g., check boxes) which can
only be switched on or off, in this document we often use the term
"activate" (after which the setting is active ) and "deactivate" (after
which the setting is inactive ).

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

The EPLAN Data Portal

The EPLAN Data Portal

The new version now allows you to access the new EPLAN Internet
portal the EPLAN Data Portal. This portal provides you with categorized master data of popular manufacturers for downloading. In addition
to parts data, this master data also includes schematic macros, multilingual parts information, preview screens, documents, etc. The data is
directly integrated into the EPLAN platform and is continually updated
and expanded.
Benefit: The EPLAN Data Portal enormously simplifies parts selection
for the designer. He or she can now access categorized
master data without performing time-consuming searching in
extensive catalogs, which greatly reduces planning time.
You need the new "EPLAN Data Portal" add-on in order to access the
portal. This add-on can be used with the following variants of the EPLAN
platform:
EPLAN Electric P8 (Version 1.9.6)
EPLAN Fluid (Version 1.9.6)
EPLAN PPE (Version 1.9.6).
All EPLAN customers with a valid software maintenance contract are
eligible for access to the EPLAN Data Portal.
Note:
Please note that you must be connected to the Internet in order to use
the EPLAN Data Portal and you must make sure that access is not
prevented by a firewall or any other security mechanism! If you have
problems, you should first check your firewall, virus scanner or proxy
settings.
After installation via the usual EPLAN installation wizard, the add-on is
integrated into the user interface of the EPLAN platform as a "normal"
navigator dialog.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

The EPLAN Data Portal

Note:
Please note that, in contrast to other program variants, the EPLAN Data
Portal is only available with English and German as program and
installation languages!

Creating a user account

You must first create a user account before you can use the EPLAN
Data Portal. To do this, in your program variant (EPLAN Electric P8,
EPLAN Fluid, EPLAN PPE) you open a settings dialog via Utilities >
EPLAN Data Portal > Settings.

In the Portal tab, you must enter the following information:

Access:
By default, the Portal URL field contains the correct Internet address of
the EPLAN Data Portal. The Timeout (sec.) field contains the maximum
time (in seconds) permitted for establishing a connection before the
connection process is canceled with an error message.

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The EPLAN Data Portal

If you have accidentally changed this default setting, you can restore the
original default value via [Reset].
Login data:
You enter a freely definable User name and Password here. For
security reasons, you should use these two values only for logging on to
the EPLAN Data Portal.
The Connection tab is only of interest if you use a proxy server. If so,
then you must enter the corresponding values into the fields Address,
Port, etc.
Enter your data and then click [Create new account].
You confirm your registration in the subsequent Create account dialog.
Enter your data and accept the Terms of Use. Then click [Close]. You
are now registered as an authorized user.

Using the EPLAN Data Portal navigator

After registering, you can open the EPLAN Data Portal navigator in your
EPLAN program variant by selecting the menu items Utilities > EPLAN
Data Portal > Navigator. The navigator opens and you are automatically
logged in to the portal.

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The EPLAN Data Portal

After starting the EPLAN Data Portal navigator, a list of all manufacturers
who provide their data here is displayed. Most graphical elements of the
Data Portal are buttons or hyperlinks. As soon as the cursor moves over
an appropriate position, it changes to a hand symbol. For example, if you
click the logo of a manufacturer, then their products are shown in a list
with the designation "Catalog".
You can branch to the different EPLAN Data Portal functions via the
toolbar directly under the product logo.

Below the toolbar is a title bar showing you which list, function or part in
the Data portal you have currently opened (in the illustration: list of the
Manufacturers). Clicking causes you to jump back to the previous
page.
You can use the following buttons in the toolbar:
Button

Meaning
Switches to a display of the available manufacturers.
Switches to the catalog display. The catalog lists all
available generic product groups, including the
respective product groups, for which parts are available
in the Data Portal.
Switches to the parts display ("List") (see section "Parts
list").
Opens the Search dialog. This allows you to define
search criteria such as (e.g.) manufacturer, product
group or identifier.
Opens the Settings dialog. Here you can make user
interface settings and also view and edit the detail and
list views of the EPLAN Data Portal.

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The EPLAN Data Portal

Button

Meaning
Opens the shopping basket display (see section "The
shopping basket").
Opens the Edit user profile dialog. Here you can view
your user account information, e.g., validity range,
stored in the portal and also edit certain values.
Logs off the current user and re-displays the login
dialog.
Opens the help system for the EPLAN Data Portal.

Filtering in the EPLAN Data Portal

If you (e.g.) click a particular manufacturer or product, then you create
filter criteria. The respective filter criteria are displayed above the list
view.
Example:

In this example, filtering occurs for parts in the "Terminals" product group
within the "Electrical engineering" generic product group.
A
button is located after the filter criteria, which you can use to delete
the criterion and automatically update the display. For example, to delete
twice. If you wish to delete all
the filter shown above, you must click
the currently set filter criteria, then click

in the title bar.

Parts list
Various criteria (e.g., manufacturers, subgroups , languages, features)
are displayed above the actual parts list and you can use these to filter
for parts.
A separate bar then provides buttons for paging sideways or to the
beginning or end of the parts in the database (<< < Backwards;
Forward > >>). The number of parts currently shown on the page
and the total number of parts conforming to the filter criteria are also
displayed. For example, the entry "Parts 1 to 10 of 2957" indicates that
10 parts per page are displayed and a total of 2957 parts conform to the
filter criteria. The number of parts displayed per page is defined in the
settings.
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The EPLAN Data Portal

Example:
For example, the list of displayed parts in the EPLAN Data Portal can
appear as follows:

Additional buttons are located directly above a part, and you can use
these to (e.g.) import part data or place a part in the shopping basket.
Button

Meaning
Jumps to the first part on the page in the list.
Only available when the selected part contains a macro!
Imports a macro. The macro then hangs on the mouse
pointer and can be placed in the graphical editor.
Inserts the part as a device in the graphical editor. The
part is first imported into the EPLAN parts management
when doing this.
Imports the part into the EPLAN parts management. A
subsequent dialog shows the number of associated files
and you must decide the manner in which these files
are to be adopted in the parts management.
Adopts the parts in the shopping basket.

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The EPLAN Data Portal

As well as the part number, additional Basic data such as manufacturer,

type number, designation, etc., are displayed for each part. Depending
on the EPLAN Data Portal settings, preview screens, available
languages and fulfilled features can also be displayed.
Clicking the part number or preview screen displays a Detail view of
the part. In addition to the basic data, the detail view shows further
information such as order number, description and documents. Some
texts are displayed in abbreviated form. For example, click after the
"Description", to show the description text in all available languages
stored in the EPLAN Data Portal.
If documents are stored with a part, then the detail view shows an
icon for each document ( for documents that exist as files and are
downloaded on import;
for documents that only exist as hyperlinks).
You open the respective document by clicking the icon.
Note:
Please note that these fields are only displayed for a part when they
actually contain a value, if (e.g.) no identifier is defined then this field is
suppressed in the display.
The shopping basket
You can use the shopping basket to initially gather a number of different
parts and then later import them in a single step.
The shopping basket view is the same as the parts list. However, filters
cannot be used here and other functions are also available.
The following buttons are available in the shopping basket:
Button

Meaning
Imports all parts in the shopping basket.
Removes all parts from the shopping basket.
Removes a selected part from the shopping basket.

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The EPLAN Data Portal

Importing parts via the EPLAN Data Portal

Parts in the EPLAN Data Portal can be imported into the parts
management in the following ways:
A part in the (parts) list of the navigator via the

button

One or more parts in the navigator shopping basket via the

button

One or more parts via the menu path Utilities > EPLAN Data Portal
> Import via Portal.
The subsequent Import part dialog provides you with the data and
functions of the EPLAN Data Portal without requiring you to open the
navigator. Select one or more desired parts and click one of the
buttons shown above.
Depending on the manner in which the import is started, a part often has
several files that are downloaded from the web server. For example, the
following files are possible:
xml files with part data
Macros (*.ems)
Image files (*.gif, *.bmp, *.jpg, etc.)
Document files (*.pdf).
The Parts import dialog opens first. This dialog lists the files belonging
to the requested part package. Using the options in the lower section,
you specify the import settings. Clicking [OK] starts the part import.

Part selection via the EPLAN Data Portal

If you are logged in to the EPLAN Data Portal as an authorized user,
then you can directly select parts via the Data Portal when editing
schematics.
To do this, in the Parts tab of the property dialog, select "EPLAN Data
Portal" as the Data source. Then click [...] in the Part number field. The
subsequent Select part dialog accesses the EPLAN Data Portal and the
parts are already filtered by the component identifier.

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The EPLAN Data Portal

to select the desired part. This is followed by the same process

Click
as normally occurs when importing parts via the EPLAN Data Portal.
Note:
If you have already selected the EPLAN Data Portal as the data source
for a component, then the "EPLAN Data Portal" scheme is used as the
default setting for the part selection (e.g. under Options > Settings >
User > Management > Parts selection) and the Parts selection is
always carried out via the EPLAN Data Portal!

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17

EPLAN Schematic Generator

EPLAN Schematic Generator

Note:
The "EPLAN Schematic Generator" add-on module is not included in the
standard scope of delivery and must be licensed separately.
For this Hotfix we provide you with the EPLAN Schematic Generator
(ESG) as an independent product. The design and operation of all
dialogs in the EPLAN Schematic Generator has been reworked to
reflect the style of the EPLAN platform. However, old xls typicals can
still be used. The first time they are opened, they are converted into
ESG_Excel_Editor and can then use identifiers such as "Functional
assignment", "Installation site", etc., in addition to the previous "Higherlevel function" and "Mounting location" structure identifiers.
Benefit: The EPLAN Schematic Generator allows you to automatically
generate schematics based on macros. Previously created
electrical constructions and plant plans can be easily and
quickly changed by editing tables and then output to new or
existing projects.
This add-on is supplied on a separate installation CD and can be used
with the following EPLAN platform program variants:
EPLAN Electric P8 (Version 1.9.6)
EPLAN Fluid (Version 1.9.6).
Note:
Please note that version 1.9.6 of the EPLAN Schematic Generator is
currently only available in "German" and "English" program languages!

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EPLAN Schematic Generator

The ESG consists of the following elements:

ESG_Excel_Editor:
You use the ESG_Excel_Editor to configure the Typical file and
control the ESG module.
Typical file:
In the Typical file you enter information on the macros to be used for
schematic generation, e.g., macro names, control commands, and
project data.
ESG module:
The ESG module automatically generates schematic pages based on
macros and a Typical file.

General prerequisites
The EPLAN Schematic Generator is approved for the same operating
systems as the EPLAN platform. More information is provided in the
chapters beginning at page 52.
Your system must satisfy one of the following requirements in order to
install and use the EPLAN Schematic Generator (ESG):
Microsoft Office 2007 or
Microsoft Office 2003 with the KB907417 update.
Note:
We recommend first downloading update "KB907417" from the Microsoft
website and installing it together with your Microsoft Office version. The
installation CD also has the necessary Service Pack installation program
in the service\patch directory.
To use the functions of the EPLAN Schematic Generator for schematic
generation, you also require the EPLAN platform program variants
mentioned in the previous section.
In Excel, the security level for Excel macros must be set to "Medium" (in
Excel: Tools > Macro > Security), otherwise macros cannot be
executed.

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EPLAN Schematic Generator

Starting and configuring the ESG_Excel_Editor

After you have successfully installed the EPLAN Schematic Generator
via the EPLAN installation wizard, open the "ESG_Excel_Editor".
To do this, double-click the file ESG_Excel_Editor.xls.
Note:
After a standard installation for "All users" under Windows XP, the
ESG_Excel_Editor.xls file is located in the ..\Documents and
Settings\All Users\Application Data\EPLAN\Schematic
Generator\<Version number>\CFG configuration directory. With a

corresponding standard installation under Windows Vista, the file is

stored in the following directory: ..\User\Public\EPLAN\Schematic
Generator\<Version number>\CFG.
Tip:
To start the "ESG_Excel_Editor" more quickly, we recommend that you
create a desktop shortcut for the ESG_Excel_Editor.xls start file.
After you have clicked the [Activate macros] button in the Excel
security warning, the ESG_Excel_Editor opens. Here you define the
basic directories and files needed by the ESG for generating schematics.
You also use this for controlling the schematic generation. In addition to
the standard Excel functions, the ESG_Excel_Editor also contains the
ESG toolbar (EPLAN Schematic Generator), the Settings worksheet
and the Info worksheet.

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EPLAN Schematic Generator

EPLAN Schematic Generator:

In this area you define the settings for the ESG_Excel_Editor and the
ESG module. You can use the Language drop-down list to set the dialog
language of the ESG_Excel_Editor. The Version, File name and the
Program directory of the ESG_Excel_Editor are shown in the fields
underneath.
EPLAN Electric P8 / EPLAN Fluid:
You use these settings to establish the connection between the ESG and
the respective EPLAN program variant. To do this, click the Program
directory field. The drop-down list shows all versions installed on your
system that can be used with the ESG. Select a version. This loads the
currently set EPLAN macro directory into the Macro directory field. Click
[...] to select a different macro dictionary.

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EPLAN Schematic Generator

Typical:
Here you define the template for a Typical file that is copied into the
*.edb project directory of the selected target project, assuming that this
directory does not yet contain a *.xls Typical file. You also define which
Excel rows and columns contain headers and data.
An appropriate template is provided in the template directory of the
EPLAN Schematic Generator.
Project structure:
You use these settings to define which identifier block columns in the
Typical file are to be displayed and which are not displayed. You also
define whether the Page name column is displayed or not.
If a column from the Typical file is to be displayed, then select the
"Available" entry for the corresponding field.
Target project:
Here you define the EPLAN project where the automatically generated
schematics are to be output. To do this, click the [....] button next to the
File path field and select a target project. The Typical file is then opened
and you can configure it.
If the *.edb project directory of the selected target project does not yet
contain an *.xls Typical file, then the Template in the template directory
that you specified in the File path field of the Typical area is copied into
the project directory and opened.
If you wish to save your ESG_Excel_Editor settings before closing Excel,
select the menu items File > Save.

Configuring the Typical File

Once you have selected a target project in the ESG_Excel_Editor, a
Typical file in the project directory (e.g., typical.xls) is automatically
opened. In this file, you define all the project data and macro placement
information that you require for generating the schematics.
A Typical file is a normal Excel file consisting of one or more worksheets.
However, the content of the tables must conform to certain rules.
Worksheets that do not contain a valid worksheet identifier in cell "A1"
are not accepted by the ESG module when generating schematics.

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EPLAN Schematic Generator

The headers of some columns are defined by settings in the

ESG_Excel_Editor (Project structure area) and the sequence of these
heading must not be changed. These are followed by columns where the
macro variables are entered and by user-defined columns.
Example:
The following schematic illustration shows the structure of a Typical file.

For this example, the structure identifiers "Functional assignment",

"Installation site", "Higher-level function number", "Document type" and
"User-defined" in the ESG_Excel_Editor were set to "Not available".
Entering macros
In the first column of this file below the header row you enter the
page and/or window macros that will later be used for generating the
schematic pages.
Select a field in the first column and click
in the ESG toolbar. The
Page preview / Macro selection dialog opens.

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EPLAN Schematic Generator

In the Macros tab, select a macro and drag it into the selected field via
Drag & Drop.
Tip:
You can open the target project in the page navigator of your program
variant and the page preview of the EPLAN Schematic Generator at the
same time. When you create a new page in the EPLAN page navigator,
then this change is immediately available in the page preview of the
EPLAN Schematic Generator. Press [F5] to see this change. The pages
are updated.

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EPLAN Schematic Generator

Entering macro data

Entry of data into a data row where the name of the macro has been
entered is done in the usual way:
By entering the page names and structure identifiers in the
appropriate columns (e.g., Page name, Higher-level function, etc.)
you define the project page where a macro is to be placed and the
page structure layer into which this project page is to be sorted.
A macro containing an exclamation mark "!" in the ! column (column J
in the Typical file illustration) is deactivated. The macro is then
ignored when reading variables and generating schematics.
If coordinates are not specified, then a macro is placed at its original
insertion point. You define the Macro placement in the Typical file
using control commands and by specifying coordinates.
For example, by using the control command ####[X/Y] in a data row,
you can place a subsequent macro at specific [X] and [Y] coordinates.
To do this, enter the values for the [X] and [Y] coordinates in the X
and Y columns for the respective macro.
If an Excel data row has no entry then the macro receives the value
from the row above. The rows are searched upwards until an entry is
found. Values entered into the Excel table are valid until a new value
is found. This means that the same value need not be entered
multiple times for the same macro.
The EPLAN Schematic Generator toolbar also has the following
buttons available:
Button

Meaning
Directly generates the schematic pages in the target
project using the currently active worksheet in the
Typical file.
Opens the Generate dialog. This dialog allows you to
select one or more worksheets and start the schematic
generation via [Generate].
Opens the selected macro in the macro preview.
Opens the Variable <Worksheet name> dialog.
Allows you to read all variables in the macros.
Opens the Typicals dialog. This dialog shows all
worksheets in the Typical file. It allows the selection of
one or more worksheet names and definition of the
sequence.

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EPLAN Schematic Generator

Note:
The multifunction bar of Excel 2007 contains the EPLAN Schematic
Generator toolbar in the Add-Ins tab.
Colors in the Typical file
After entering the macros into the Typical file, the Excel cells are
automatically colored as soon as you open the Variable <worksheet
name> dialog. The colors help you with orientation in the Typical file.
Excel cells with macros that have been commented out are not colored.
Color
Meaning
For the 1st column <Typical worksheet identifier>:
Red
The ESG cannot find the macro. Possible causes:
1. The relative or absolute file path is not correct.
2. The macro is not located in the macro directory that
you have specified in the ESG_Excel_Editor.
Dark blue
The table cell contains a relative or absolute file path of a
Page macro. The ESG recognizes the entry as a page
macro (*.emp).
Light blue
The table cell contains a relative or absolute file path of a
Window macro. The ESG recognizes the entry as a
window macro (*.ema).
For the variable columns:
Green
The macro contains the Variable.
Light green

The macro contains the Calculation variable.

Yellow

The Excel cell contains an Excel formula.

Light yellow

The Excel cell contains an Excel validation rule.

Generating schematics
The
button allows you to generate schematic pages exclusively from
the currently active worksheet of the Typical file.
Or you can select multiple worksheets for the schematic generation. To
do this, click
in the ESG toolbar. All available worksheets are listed
in the Available typicals field of the Generate dialog. Use the
button
to move the desired worksheets to the Selected typicals field. Click
[Generate] to start the schematic generation.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

EPLAN Schematic Generator

The ESG module starts. The data is written to a *.txt transfer file, e.g.,
typical.txt. The schematic pages are generated in the target project.
Existing pages are overwritten when the schematic generation is
repeated.
Note:
You can also directly use these internal transfer files to generate
schematics. The typical.txt file has a tab-delimited structure. The
contents, e.g., control commands for macro placement, are similar to the
Typical file.

Using transfer files from EPLAN 5

To allow you to continue using transfer files (typical.txt) from
EPLAN 5 for schematic generation, we provided the file ESG.exe.
This file is stored in the Bin directory of the Schematic Generator on
installation. A directory path can (e.g.) appear as follows:
"C:\Program Files\EPLAN\Schematic Generator\1.9.6\BIN\ESG.exe"

The ESG.exe file, supplied for reasons of compatibility, is called up via

command line parameters. The parameters you can use for calling this
are listed in the online help of your EPLAN program variant (in the
section "Command Line Parameters (ESG)"). The "EPLAN Schematic
Generator" help folder provides more information on the EPLAN
Schematic Generator.
Note:
Please note that the best results in a data import of EPLAN 5 data are
provided when using data from the latest version of EPLAN 5 (5.70).

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

27

Performance Improvements

Performance Improvements
Network and Multiuser operation
The volume of transferred data could sometimes cause problems in
Network and Multiuser operation in earlier versions of the EPLAN
platform. The currently available version greatly reduces the volume of
data transported by EPLAN in Network operation. In addition to this,
blockages caused by long access locks in particular reading and writing
operations have been fixed and this has greatly improved project editing
in Multiuser operation.

Updating connections
Updating connections via Project data > Connections > Update is
now much faster than in previous versions. Significant performance
improvements have been achieved, especially in projects with many
interruption points and projects with terminals and plugs for which
jumpers must be generated.

Data backup
Adjustments within the unpacking functions have improved the performance of the data backup system (e.g., when restoring projects).
The larger the packed project, the more obvious the improvements.

Path numbering
With certain large projects, the path numbering was very slow. When you
now start the path numbering via Utilities > Update path designations
you will see that this function is now much faster.

Displaying PPE projects in the page navigator

With large PPE projects, expanding the tree structure in the page
navigator could take several seconds. The display speed is now much
faster in the new version.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Migration

Migration
Symbol Library Import
Recognizing the original library
EPLAN now provides more support than ever when importing symbol
libraries. In the EPLAN 5 symbol file import dialogs, the program now
automatically suggests an assignment table for the Original library
field, based on an internal comparison. As previously, the names of the
libraries are examined first. If this is unsuccessful, then the symbols
contained in the libraries are also compared. The table providing the
best match is then suggested by EPLAN.
The same applies to the Origin drop-down list for symbol library
assignment in the project import wizards.
Benefit: This allows better recognition of renamed EPLAN standard
libraries and avoids symbol assignment errors.

EPLAN 5 / fluidPLAN data import

Parts at auxiliary elements
The data import has been changed so that when importing projects from
EPLAN 5, part numbers are no longer adopted at explicitly indicated
auxiliary elements. However, if an EPLAN 5 auxiliary element has no
main element, then it will also not become a main element in EPLAN
Electric P8. A project check in EPLAN Electric P8 generates an appropriate error message. This change makes the parts list for corresponding
projects in EPLAN Electric P8 identical to those in EPLAN 5.

Line thickness of graphical elements

When importing EPLAN 5 projects where the "Line thickness for
symbols" is set, the line thickness set in the EPLAN 5 parameters is
directly adopted for the graphical elements on import.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

29

Migration

Adoption of device connection points without DT

If the schematic pages of an EPLAN 5 project contain device connection
points without DTs, then the connection point designation can now be
adopted as the DT on import. The targets are output correctly in the
cable overview after performing an update.

Page properties in placeholder objects

If EPLAN 5 projects with placeholders linking to page properties are
imported, then the Page properties check boxes for the generated
placeholder objects are selected on import. The page properties are also
displayed when the corresponding Placeholder object dialog is opened.

Adoption of cover pages

When importing from EPLAN 5 projects, pages of "Title page / Cover
page" type are now imported as graphical pages. The forms stored in the
title pages are adopted as title page forms (*.f26) and also as graphical
page forms (*.f28).
Benefit: The changes to the import process mean that manually
inserted texts, images, etc., on title pages are retained after
the import.

EPLAN 21 data import

Adoption of conductor data
When importing EPLAN 21 projects, all conductor data (including SH for
the shields) is adopted and the corresponding connection point
definitions are written in EPLAN Electric P8.

Properties of part placements

Describing properties, e.g., function text, technical characteristics, etc.,
that are also displayed at the part placement in EPLAN 21, are now
adopted as properties of the main function after importing. Identifying
properties such as the device tag remain unchanged.
The values of the main function can be displayed at the part placement.
To do this, in the Property selection dialog, switch to the Device tab
and select the desired describing property.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Migration

Sources and targets of cables

When importing EPLAN 21 projects, the cables are now adopted so
that the "Source and target" of cables in EPLAN Electric P8 reflect
the "Source and target" in EPLAN 21. For some cables, the "Cable:
Exchange source and target" property is activated.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

31

Other new features of the entire EPLAN platform

Other new features of the entire EPLAN

platform
Symbol selection
Support for symbol selection
When you select a symbol in the preview of the tree view in the Symbol
selection dialog, the corresponding symbol description is now always
displayed. Regardless of whether a symbol is selected in the tree, the
list, or the symbol preview, the selected symbol is simultaneously also
displayed in the Graphical preview.
If you select a symbol in the symbol navigator, then EPLAN now shows
the symbol description in both the status bar and the Property preview
dialog.

Project template
Missing project settings in the project template
The setting Also insert macro boxes (Options > Settings > Projects >
"Project name" > Graphical editing > General) is now also saved in
the template when creating an *.ept project template (e.g., via Project
> Organize > Create project template).

Graphical editor
Quick snap
When selecting and placing symbols in the graphical editor, you are now
supported by a new snapping mode. This mode can be switched on and
off for the respective action via the [Q] key. The mode is deactivated
again after the action has been performed.
Benefit: This mode allows you to select symbols more reliably and
place them at the desired connections more quickly.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Other new features of the entire EPLAN platform

Quick snapping helps you:

When Selecting a symbol (when nothing is hanging on the cursor) in
the schematic.
Press [Q] before moving the cursor over the symbol. If the Quick
snap is activated then, in this case, the insertion point is used as the
snap point. The cursor is then pulled to the insertion point. This is
indicated by a small circle in the graphical editor.

When Placing (inserting, moving, duplicating, etc.) symbols or

macros.
First select the desired action (e.g., Insert > Symbol), and then press
[Q]. In this case, the activated Quick snap affects the connection
points of the symbols. The connection point of a symbol is then
preferably pulled to an existing or possible connection line. This is
indicated by a small double-cross in the graphical editor.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

33

Other new features of the entire EPLAN platform

Settings
Optimize terminal server
For using EPLAN via a terminal server or via a Remote Desktop
connection, a new settings dialog exists under Options > Settings >
Workstation > Display > General.
If the Optimize terminal server check box is selected, then the view
is more quickly updated for the above-mentioned EPLAN applications
when moving the mouse or for other user interface changes.
If the check box is not selected (default setting), then no optimization
occurs.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

The new add-on "EMI Cabling for Autodesk
Inventor"
Note:
The "EMI Cabling for Autodesk Inventor" add-on module is not included
in the standard scope of delivery and must be licensed separately.
The new EPLAN EMI technology (EPLAN Mechatronic Integration)
allows mechanical and automation engineering to access common
design data.
The basis for this is a linking of EPLAN data with design data from
Autodesk Inventor. The EPLAN project data is directly linked to the data
from Autodesk Inventor. This allows direct access to the mechanical
3D model from within EPLAN. The mechanical project data and the
automation technology data can now be synchronized based on a digital
prototype.
Benefit: This EMI technology accelerates cross-trade design by
avoiding errors and simplifying the work processes. The
electrical engineer can use the 3D model to create (e.g.) all
the production documents for cabling in EPLAN Electric P8
early in the project. A physical prototype is not necessary
this makes processes parallel and avoids later changes in
production.
EMI makes the 3D model available to the electrical engineer in EPLAN
Electric P8, which allows the planning steps needed from an electrical
engineering point of view. He or she can navigate in the model but
cannot change any of the mechanical characteristics. However, he or
she can pass on the planning data from the electrical design to the
mechanical engineer. After importing the data via the import interface in
Inventor, the mechanical engineer can refine the mechanical details.
To use this new technology, in addition to EPLAN Electric P8 you must
also posses Autodesk Inventor and the new "EMI Cabling for Autodesk
Inventor" add-on. For successful assignment of the design data, your
data must exist both as an EPLAN project and also as an Autodesk
Inventor project.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

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Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

Inserting a mechanical model into an EPLAN project

To display the 3D model from Autodesk Inventor in an EPLAN 3D view,
and to access the model data, you must first insert it into your project as
a preview screen.
Notes:
In order to display a mechanical model in EPLAN, it must be created
in "Autodesk Inventor Professional 2008", "Autodesk Inventor Professional 2009", "Autodesk Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2008" or
"Autodesk Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2009".
To avoid compatibility problems with "EMI Cabling", for Inventor
projects we recommend using the Inventor version currently used
within your company.
Open a project page and then select Insert > Graphic > Mechanics
drawing. In the subsequent Inventor Datei dialog use the file selection
to select a file (e.g., an Inventor assembly (*.iam) or an Inventor item file
(*.ipt)). Click on [Open].

Place the preview screen of the mechanical model by specifying two

points on the page, in the same way as with an image file.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

Note:
An inserted mechanical model is stored as a link in the current project
directory. This means that only the preview screen and not the original
3D model is saved when the project is backed up. If you wish to send the
project to another user, then you must also send the corresponding
Inventor project.

Displaying the tree structure of the mechanical drawing

Via Project data > Mechatronics > Navigator open the new EPLAN
EMI navigator dialog, which will later display the structure of the Inventor
file.
The task of EMI is to make the 3D model available to the electrical
engineer. To do this, select the inserted image and then select Popup
menu > Edit document internally. The drawing is then loaded and a
3D view of the original Inventor model is loaded into the EPLAN main
window as a subordinate window with its own title bar.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

37

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

You can enlarge or reduce the 3D model using the zoom function, via the
menu item View > Zoom, the mouse wheel, and also using the popup
menu to some extent. The View menu also contains the two new menu
items 3D viewpoint and Rotate viewpoint. You can use these menu
items to select a special view of the drawing and change the drawing
viewpoint by moving the mouse.
To reveal a new toolbar providing the above-mentioned menu items as
buttons, right-click a free area in the menu bar or toolbar and then select
the 3D viewpoint toolbar in the popup menu.
Select Popup menu > Options > Save view as preview screen, to
save a selected view as the preview screen for the inserted model.
When you position the cursor on an object in the 3D view, then a tooltip
displays information on the object.
At the same time, the 3D view shows you the tree structure of the
mechanical drawing in the mechatronic navigator. The electrical engineer
can then filter the relevant data via the Only electrical engineering
filter.
When the 3D view is closed via , then you can no longer access the
data in the mechatronic navigator.
Tip:
You can also externally edit the 3D model. To do this, select the
inserted preview screen and then select Popup menu > Edit document
externally. The drawing is then opened in the "Autodesk Inventor"
program. You can then edit the 3D model in Inventor.
Note:
We do not recommend opening a 3D model in the EPLAN 3D view and
the "Autodesk Inventor" program at the same time, because this can lead
to multi-user conflicts between EPLAN and Autodesk Inventor.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

Assigning data
The data in the mechatronic navigator initially has no references to the
devices in the corresponding EPLAN project. To do this, open the device
navigator via Project data > Devices > Navigator.
To assign electrical engineering data to mechanical data, select a
function in the device navigator and user Drag & Drop to pull it onto a
suitable component in the mechatronic navigator.

If the assignment is successful, then the device tag of the assigned

function is displayed at the corresponding component in the mechatronic
navigator. In the case of a wrong assignment, e.g. when you want to pull
a device tag from the device navigator onto a component in the
mechatronic navigator, EPLAN displays an appropriate message.

You remove an unwanted assignment by clicking the corresponding

component in the mechatronic navigator and then selecting Popup
menu > Delete assignments.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

39

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

Tip:
With assigned components, it is also possible to synchronize the
selection in the open navigator dialogs. For example, if you have
selected an assigned motor in the graphical editor or the 3D view, you
can also select the motor in the mechatronic and device navigators via
Find > Synchronize selection.
The assignment of the data is retained after closing the 3D view and also
when EPLAN is exited and restarted.

Calculating cable lengths

The assignments must be performed in order to determine where
the logically defined connections in EPLAN are represented in the
mechanical layout. Once the devices have been assigned, the cable
lengths can be determined and synchronized based on the mechanical
specifications in the 3D model and the electrical wiring specifications.
To do this, select a cable definition line in the graphical editor and then
select Project data > Mechatronics > Calculate cable lengths. The
calculated cable length is entered into the Length field of the property
dialog for the selected cable and if the Property arrangement is set to
"Default" then this will also be displayed at the cable definition line in the
schematic.
If the selected cable is not assigned to an appropriate device in the
mechatronic navigator, then the cable length cannot be calculated. If all
connected devices in EPLAN have not been assigned to corresponding
components in the mechatronic navigator (e.g., a missing terminal strip
assignment), then EPLAN displays an appropriate message.
Note:
A cable laying path must be defined in the Inventor model so that the
cable lengths can be calculated.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

Updating cable lengths

Once an assignment between EPLAN devices (cables) and an Inventor
3D model has been done, then the cable lengths can be quickly updated
after the drawing has been changed. To do this, select the respective
cable definition and execute the Calculate cable lengths function again.
The drawing is loaded and the calculations are performed without
opening the 3D view as an independent window.

Exporting cable master data and cable data

When routing cables in Autodesk Inventor, cables and wires are
mechanically bound to the model. In order to also use EPLAN master
data for this, it is possible to export this data as an Inventor library file
(*.iwl). You can export this type of file to any directory via Project data
> Mechatronics > Export cable master data, and this file is designated
as a "Cable and wiring harness library" in Autodesk Inventor.
You can also export the cable information for making the cables in an
Inventor-compatible format. To do this, select the desired cable definition
line and then select Project data > Mechatronics > Export cable data.
The cable data is then exported to the project directory of the inserted
mechatronic model. This creates two files, EPLAN_CableData.csv and
EPLAN_CableFormat.cfg, which you can later access from Autodesk
Inventor.
In Autodesk Inventor you import these files using the Import harness
data function. The imported wiring harness data is first displayed and
then imported by clicking [OK]. To ensure that the wires are correctly
connected, the Automatic route function must then be performed.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

41

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

Cables
Numbering cables at PLC connection points
If a cable at a PLC connection point is numbered using the "According to
source and target" Format, then the associated Plug DT of the PLC
connection point is now taken into account and is shown as a property in
the cable DT after numbering. The same applies to the "According to
source", "According to target" and "According to target and source"
numbering formats.

Long structure identifiers for cables

In projects with complex identifier structures (functional assignment,
higher-level function, installation site, etc.) the cable identifiers can
become very long after numbering "According to source and target" (or a
similar format). If the identifier structure of a cable contains the same
identifier as the source and / or target, then this identifier can now be
suppressed in the counter of the cable DT.
Example:
Cables with an identifier scheme for higher-level function and mounting
location (structure identifier =A1+O1); numbering with format "According
to source and target"
Source:

A1+O1-K1

Target:

A1+O2-K2

Full DT (previously):

A1+O1-W(A1+O1-K1/A1+O2-K2)

Displayed DT (previously):

-W(A1+O1-K1/A1+O2-K2)

Full DT (now):

A1+O1-W(-K1/+O2-K2)

Displayed DT (now):

-W(-K1/+O2-K2)

When numbering cables by "Source and target" (or similar formats) the
device structure is now no longer removed but is shown in the Full DT of
the cable.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

PLC connection points

Adoption of path function texts for PLC connection points
The latest version extends the evaluation of path function texts for PLC
connection points (and device connection points). At PLC connection
points and device connection points, searching first occurs against or
towards the connection point direction, as in the past. If no path function
text is found, then the "Function text (automatic)" of the connected
sensor or actuator is displayed.
If none of the above cases apply, then a search is made for a path
function text in the existing paths (in a similar manner to terminals).
Depending on the connection point direction, a found function text is
adopted from the left or from above.
The following table clarifies the "preferred" adoption in the standard
search sequence (with the deactivated project setting Reverse search
direction for PLC connections). The paths are first searched against
the connection point direction and then towards the connection point
direction.
Connection point
direction
(above)

(below)

(left)

(right)

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Adoption of the function text from

left
(search direction first downwards, and then
upwards)
left
(search direction first upwards, and then
downwards)
above
(search direction first to the right, and then to
the left)
above
(search direction first to the left, and then to
the right)

43

Special topics EPLAN Electric P8

Example:
The PLC connection points with the addresses "A3.1", "A3.2" and "A3.3"
adopt the "Spare" path function text from the left.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

New features in the "API Extension" add-on

New features in the "API Extension"

add-on
Note:
The "API Extension" add-on is not included in the standard scope of
delivery and must be licensed separately.
A unified, and especially high-performance, programming interface (API,
Application Programming Interface) is available for EPLAN platform
products. This add-on the EPLAN API allows you to develop your
own tailor-made solutions in collaboration with EPLAN or other partners.
The following section provides information on the various new features of
the EPLAN API.
The EPLAN.EplApi.Base namespace of the EPLAN API now has
a new class Languages. You can now use the new GuiLanguage,
AlternativeLanguage and HelpLanguage properties to query the
values of the Dialog language, Alternative language and Help system
language user interface settings in EPLAN.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

45

Other new features and information

Other new features and information

New master data features
Master Data: EPLAN 5 / fluidPLAN data import
Assignment tables have been created for the fluidPLAN KLT_ESSD
and KLT_ESSE refrigeration symbol libraries. When importing
project data, these symbol libraries are now replaced by the KLT_ESS
EPLANFluid symbol library. The symbols are automatically assigned.

Master Data: Symbols

For the symbol with the description "Solenoid valve, double-acting
valve (part 4)" (Symbol name: Y_2Y_4, Symbol number: 1188) the
signal type of function connection 1 has been changed from
"Undefined" to "Actuator". This change has been made in the
following symbol libraries:
IEC_single_symbol
GOST_single_symbol
GB_single_symbol.

For the symbol with the description "Photoelectric switch, NC contact,

with plug-in connection" (Symbol name: SOLRX, Symbol number: 206)
the signal type of function connection 1 has been changed from
"Sensor" to "Device power supply". This change has been made in the
following symbol libraries:
IEC_symbol
IEC_single_symbol
NFPA_symbol
NFPA_single_symbol
GOST_symbol
GOST_single_symbol
GB_symbol
GB_single_symbol.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Other new features and information

Master Data: Settings for messages and check runs

In the "EPLAN 5" check run scheme, message number 004006 with
the message text "PLC box without connection point" has been
deactivated (Type of check "No").
In the "EPLAN 5" check run scheme, message number 004022 with
the message text "Connection point description assigned more than
once at a channel (address) of a PLC" has been deactivated (Type of
check "No").

Customer queries and messages

Note:
Please note that the following EPLAN service is not possible in all
countries.
A large number of your queries and wishes have contributed to the new
version of the EPLAN platform. Please note that not all queries can be
listed within the scope of this document. You can, however, query the
status of your message ("issue") with us at any time.
After we have received your message by telephone or e-mail, our
support department will send you an e-mail confirmation.
Example:
Dear Ms./Mr. Bloggs,

Regarding your support query:

You can also follow the progress of your query online at

http://www.eplan.de/tracking.php?TRACKING_LINK=987ad69098a9c323b1f3cbaf82a8f645&
issue_no=xxxxxx.

After clicking the hyperlink, your Internet browser opens and

automatically connects to the "EPLAN Support Call Tracking" page.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

47

Other new features and information

You need the following information to log on here:

Your Username.
The first five digits of your Software service number.

After filling out the form, confirm this information by clicking [Login].
You will be redirected to your message. This will show you an overview
of your support query.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Other new features and information

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

49

Other new features and information

Activation number
If you already have an activation of version 1.9 then you do not need a
new activation number.
In contrast to this, users with activation of older EPLAN versions require
a new activation number. This is provided on the delivery note sent with
your storage medium.
For a version downloaded from the website:
http://www.eplan.de/d/service/support_eplan/
your activation number is sent by e-mail.

Installation
Warning:
Data of previous versions generated with the EPLAN platform can still be
used in the latest version. Due to the new features, data processed with
the latest version cannot always be processed by earlier versions. We
explicitly advise against mixed operation using different versions of the
software on the same data.
The EPLAN platform products can now also be installed on "Windows
Vista Enterprise", "Windows Vista Business N" and "Windows Vista
Ultimate" operating systems (see "Approved client operating systems" on
page 52).
In the installation wizard you can now define whether the application is to
be installed for Anyone who uses this computer or Only for me. For a
new installation this results in a different directory structure.
The directory structure for Anyone who uses this computer stores the
sample data in a public folder. If you select the Only for me option then
this data is stored in the user-specific area of the user currently logged
on.
Note:
Please note that this setting cannot be subsequently changed.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Other new features and information

Under the Windows XP operating system, the data is installed by default

in the following directory:
Anyone who uses this computer:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\EPLAN

Only for me:

C:\Documents and Settings\<Your user name>\Application
Data\EPLAN

Under the Windows Vista operating system, the data is installed by

default in the following directory:
Anyone who uses this computer:
C:\Users\Public\EPLAN

Only for me:

C:\Users\<Your user name>\EPLAN

Note:
Please note that to see the application data under Windows XP, you
must make the following settings in Windows Explorer:
Select Tools > Folder options. Open the View tab and in the
Advanced settings field look for the Hidden files and folders folder.
Select the Show hidden files and folders option here. The
Application Data folder will now be visible.

EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

51

Other new features and information

Approved client operating systems

Windows XP Professional SP2
The EPLAN platform supports the operating system Windows XP
Professional SP2 with all Hotfixes and Updates.
Note:
Please note that Service Pack 1 of Windows XP Professional is no
longer supported by Microsoft as of 10.10.2006. General support for
Windows XP Professional will end on April 14, 2009.

Windows Vista
The new Windows Vista operating system was released by Microsoft at
the beginning of 2007. This product is divided into Vista Home Basic,
Vista Home Basic N, Vista Home Premium, Vista Enterprise, Vista
Business N and Vista Ultimate. The EPLAN product platform is released
for the following 32 bit or 64 bit Vista operating systems:
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Business N
Windows Vista Ultimate.
Note:
Further information on the operating system is available on the Microsoft
website.

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EPLAN NEWS 1.9 HF1

Other new features and information

Approved server operating systems

Windows 2003 Server SP2
The EPLAN platform supports the operation system Windows 2003
Server SP2 with all Hotfixes and Updates.

Windows 2003 Server R2

The EPLAN platform supports the operating system Windows 2003
Server R2 with all Hotfixes and Updates.
Note:
Please note that the EPLAN platform may not be installed on servers
that run Back Office products from Microsoft (e.g., proxy servers, SQL,
Exchange, domain controllers) or other suppliers (e.g., Novell Netware,
Lotus Notes or Linux servers).

Approved database systems for parts

management / selection
The EPLAN platform supports the following Microsoft SQL Server for
changing the parts database to use an SQL server:
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 SP2 Express / Workgroup / Standard or
Enterprise Edition.
This support also applies to setting the internal part selection to use an
SQL server.
The EPLAN platform supports this Microsoft SQL Server for all client and
server operating systems approved by us.
Note:
Other database systems from other manufacturers are not currently
supported.

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Approved Microsoft Office Excel Versions

The EPLAN platform is approved for the following Excel versions:
Microsoft Office Excel 2003 SP2 and SP3
Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Excel 2007 SP1.

Unsupported operating systems

Windows 2000 Professional
The EPLAN platform no longer supports the Windows 2000 Professional
operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft.

Windows 2000 Server no longer supported

The EPLAN platform no longer supports the Windows 2000 Server
operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft. Microsoft has
ceased official support for this operating system.
Note:
Further information on the life cycle of operating systems is available on
the Microsoft website.

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Hardware Requirements for the Workstation

The computer platform is a PC with an Intel Pentium 4 or compatible
processor.
Minimum requirements for single-user operation and projects <= 100
logic pages:
Processor

Comparable to an Intel Pentium 4 at 2.4 GHz

Comparable to an Intel Core Duo at 1.73 GHz

Memory

1 Gbyte

Hard disk

100 Gbyte

Monitor / graphics
resolution

1280 x 1024

Minimum requirements for multi-user operation or projects > 100 logic

pages:
Processor

Comparable to an Intel Pentium 4 at 3 GHz

Comparable to an Intel Core 2 Duo at 2 GHz

Memory

2 Gbyte

Hard disk

100 Gbyte

Monitor / graphics
resolution

1280 x 1024

Recommended configuration:
Processor

Comparable to an Intel Pentium D at 3 GHz

Comparable to an Intel Core 2 Duo at 2,4
GHz

Memory

2 Gbyte

Hard disk

160 Gbyte

Monitor / graphics
resolution

2-screen solution 21" or 16:10 graphics

system with a resolution of 1680 x 1050

Multiple-button mouse recommended for individual function assignment.

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Hardware Requirements for the Network

Minimum requirements:
Network transfer rate of the
client computer

100 Mbits/s

Network transfer rate of the

server

1 Gbits/s

A file server dedicated solely to the EPLAN data is required for

multi-user operation.

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