How to include TcOpen in a project

As a TwinCAT 3 developer, you already have everything you need.

Your project looks like this. It's probably a bit more complex than this. plc visual studio twincat 3.

1. Create a new C# class library project (.NET4.8, .NET5, NET6 when supported) in your solution and name it PlcProjectConnector

  • Right-click on the solution in Solution Explorer and select Add > New Project.

  • On the Add a new project page, enter library in the search box. Choose C# from the Language list, and then choose All platforms from the Platform list. Choose the Class Library template, and then choose Next.

  • On the Configure your new project page, enter PlcProjectConnector in the Project name box, and then choose Next.

  • On the Additional information page, select .NET4.8 or .NET5 (or NET6 when supported), and then choose Create.

Microsoft Create a class library project tutorial => link

2.Expand your newly created project, right click on Dependencies and select Manage NuGet Packages.

managenugetpackages

Click on Browse, search for TcOpen.TcoCoreConnector and click on Install

browse_nugets

Microsoft NuGet Package Manager tutorial => link

  • If you have Inxton Builder extension just click on the Inxton build icon.
    • If you don't have it expand Dependencies-> Packages in your Solution Explorer and right click on TcOpen.TcoCoreConnector and select Open folder in File Explorer. You will get to your NuGet folder (in my case C:\Users\jozef.chmelar.ml.MTS\.nuget\packages\tcopen.tcocoreconnector\0.4.2-alpha.453 ). There's a directory called lib and in it there's TwinCAT library TcoCore.library

3. Install this library as you would a regular TwinCAT library

Right click on PLC project: - Context menu of the References object in the PLC project tree - Button in the Library Manager - Advanced - Library repository - Click on Install and locate the .library file

Tutorial by Beckhoff here.

Done!

Now that you have TcOpen in your project I recommend to read more about it here. Or write your first sequence! here.

If you prefer a working template check out TcOpen.Hammer