How to startup / shutdown TwinCAT System from console / C# program?

Question

How could I start/restart/shutdoown TwinCAT System runtime from console or C# application? I need a functionality equivalent to the TwinCAT toolbar buttons System Start/Restart on the lower right. Thanks.

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 07 '19 at 17:35

2

You can use the TwinCAT automation interface, which is accessible by linking the automation interface DLL from a C#/.NET-program.

Specifically, to start/restart TwinCAT you use the ITcSysManager::StartRestartTwinCAT - method

answered Jan 07 '19 at 17:35

Jakob

1,288
7
13

1

Thank you, I have linked the automation interface DLL but when I instance the `systemManager = new TcSysManager();` as seen in the TwnCAT documentation it throws me a runtime error of _missing method exception: no constructor without parameters defined for the object_. But I can neither put a constructor with parameters because it says it does not exist and gives me a compile error. – Beorne Jan 08 '19 at 09:13

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 20 '19 at 20:14

This can be accomplished be accomplished using the C# .net ADS library. To change the TwinCAT runtime between Config and Run, connect to the System Service ADS port (port 10000) and set the state to AdsState.Run or AdsState.Config.

All valid state values can be found here. All the port values can be found here.

static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        //Create a new instance of class TcAdsClient
        TcAdsClient tcClient = new TcAdsClient();

        try
        {
            // Connect to TwinCAT System Service port 10000
            tcClient.Connect(AmsPort.SystemService);
            // Send desired state
            tcClient.WriteControl(new StateInfo(AdsState.Config, tcClient.ReadState().DeviceState));

        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            Console.WriteLine(ex.Message);
            Console.ReadKey();
        }
        finally
        {
            tcClient.Dispose();
        }
    }

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Oct 18 '20 at 21:59

TcXaeMgmt needs to be installed to PS v4.0+ https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/TcXaeMgmt/3.2.21

Than in Powershell type: Set-AdsState Stop or Set-AdsState Start

Details here: https://infosys.beckhoff.com/english.php?content=../content/1033/tc3_ads_ps_tcxaemgmt/4130762891.html&id=4912948515382920501

How to startup / shutdown TwinCAT System from console / C# program?

3 Answers3

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