CodeSys Text Export

This tool exports Structured Text (ST) source code from a CodeSys/Machine Expert project with these key features:

1. Creates a directory structure matching the project structure
2. Each ST element (Programs, Function Blocks, Functions, etc.) gets exported to .st files
3. For Function Blocks and Interfaces, all their sub-elements (methods, actions, properties) are kept together in the same file

For example, a Function Block called FB_Motor with methods and actions would be exported to a single FB_Motor.st file like this:

FUNCTION_BLOCK FB_Motor
VAR_INPUT
    Enable : BOOL;
    Speed : REAL;
END_VAR

VAR
    isRunning : BOOL;
    currentSpeed : REAL;
END_VAR

    METHOD Start
    VAR_INPUT
        acceleration : REAL;
    END_VAR
        isRunning := TRUE;
        currentSpeed := Speed * acceleration;
    END_METHOD

    METHOD Stop
        isRunning := FALSE;
        currentSpeed := 0;
    END_METHOD

    ACTION Update
        IF isRunning THEN
            // Update motor logic
            currentSpeed := Speed;
        END_IF
    END_ACTION

END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

Installation

1. If your Windows doesn't have python3.9 or higher installed, install it from Microsoft Store/python.org or any other source.

2. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator

   • Right-click on Command Prompt/PowerShell and select "Run as administrator"
   • Windows UAC prompt will appear for confirmation

3. Install the CodeSys Bridge package:

   pip install codesys-bridge
   

4. Run the bridge installation:

   codesys-bridge
   

The installer will:

• Install into the CodeSys Script Commands directory
• Automatically detect all installed SE Machine Expert V2.x versions
• Create or update the configuration files

You have to restart CodeSys/ME after installation for the script icon to appear. "Text Export" should become visible in Tools -> Scripting menu.

What Gets Installed

The installer adds the following to each installation:

• Updates to config.json - Adds or updates the CodeSys Bridge Script entry
• Reference to cs_export.py - The main bridge script

Surfacing icon for Text Export

After that you should look for the new icon and add it to your toolbar.

Go to Tools -> Customize -> Add Command -> ScriptEngine Commands -> Text Export

Requirements

• Windows operating system
• Python 3.9 or higher
• Administrator privileges (for SE Machine Expert installations)
• EcoStruxure Machine Expert V2.x and/or CodeSys 3.5.x installed

Notes

• The script will automatically install to all detected V2.x versions
• Existing installations will be updated if already present
• The installation is non-destructive and will preserve other script commands