# How to input a string value

## To input a string value for PLC5 and SLC controllers

For PLC5 and SLC controllers, there are two types of data files that hold string values: ST (String) and A (Ascii).

- When using ST Data Files, each element holds 82 characters. To input strings from an ST (String) data table, browse to the data table element that holds the string, for example, ST12:0. You do not need an added syntax display and can input up to 82 characters in each element.
- When using A (Ascii) Data Files, each element holds two characters. To input more than two characters, you must add an Lx (length) modifier to the connection. To input strings from an A (Ascii data table), first, browse to the data table element that holds the string, labeled A9:0. Next, add a comma and Lx modifier along with a value, for example, A9:0, and L10 will display 20 characters. To display the full 82 characters supported by the String Input and String Display, use the following syntax; A9:0,L4.

## To input a string value for Logix Controllers

- For Logix controllers there is a String Data type to hold string values. To show and input strings from a String Data type tag, browse to the string tag that holds the string, for example, MyString. You do not need an added syntax to display and you can input up to 82 characters in each element.

## See also

Causes of run-time errors for the string input enable button

Set up connections for the string input enable button (Connections tab)

How Enter key handshaking works at run time