There are reduced cost versions (OEM versions) that support only certain families. This affords the OEMs an economical way to ship a copy of the programming software with their machines.
There is also a site license version available for corporations that need several copies of the programming software at the same physical location.
Version 4.0 of DirectSOFT32 includes:
- Support for new DL06 and D2-260 CPUs
- ASCII in/out and MODBUS instructions for DL06 and D2-260 CPUs
- Support for new DL205 local I/O expansion system in D2-250-1 and D2-260 CPUs
- Support for new LCD instructions in the DL06 CPU
- Project backup feature and preferences with auto-backup settings for "file freshen" frequency
- Import/export program (mnemonics and rung comments) allows for archiving a program in a single TXT file that does not need to be in the form of a DirectSOFT32 file format.
- Export to EZTouch/Text operator interface CSV import format (nickname, type, PLC address) to use the same tags in our PLC program and operator interface configuration.
Program editing features
- Full-screen point and click editing with the mouse and icons
- Browsers help you find proper addresses, contacts, coils, and box instructions.
- Win98/NT/2000/XP features (tear-off toolbars, ToolTips, long filenames, common file browsers)
- Project information data with each project including creation and save dates, links, PLC type, project description and version, and company/department/programmer.
- On-screen cross reference
- Access V-memory (Data Registers) with fill-in-the-blank Memory Editor
- Easily cut and paste program elements, single rungs, or groups of rungs
- Search for program elements by name, address, rung number, or instruction type
Documentation features
- Import/export program mnemonics and rung comments to a single TXT file that does not have to be in DirectSoft32 format
- Grid-based documentation editor for easy access
- 6-line x 16-character address description provides more detailed information about the program element
- Rung comments can be up to 20 lines of 69 characters each
- Cut, copy, and paste documentation between program elements
- Import/Export feature for document
Printing features
- Print any available view, including ladders, charts, and mnemonics
- Print multiple columns
- Use zoom to enlarge or reduce print size
- Preview the printouts before you send them to the printer
- Create custom printouts by selecting exact items to include for each view
- Print program documentation, including nicknames, descriptions, rung comments, etc.
- Print program Cross Reference or Element Usage Table
- Print PLC V-memory or Data Register contents
Display and viewing features
- View program ladders, program mnemonics
- Stage view available for programs created with RLLPlus instruction
- View multiple programs at the same time
- Use split screen to view different sections of the same program
- Customize display colors for editing, unsaved changes, documentation, etc.
System setup features
- Set up PID loops with easy-to-use dialog boxes
- Change PLC mode of operation
- Clear PLC memory by type or all
- Select or change retentive memory ranges
- Read PLC I/O configuration, or change I/O configuration (if allowed by the PLC)
- Set PLC communication parameters through PC ports, modems, or Ethernet
- View PLC firmware revisions
Online operation features
- Online help system with supported CPU instruction list
- Automatically build and store communication links to the PLC, even using modems or Ethernet
- Visible indication of PLC communication link status
- Status mode provides visible power flow condition for program elements, current values for timers and counters, and current values for V-memory or Data Register locations. Even status for Drum steps, outputs, event and/or time transitions, etc.
- Custom configure Data View windows to monitor various elements
- Save and store Data View windows by name
- Change PLC values from Data View windows
- View multiple PLCs simultaneously (not available with OEM packages)
- Expanded Ethernet support for intranet/internet connectivity, allowing PLC monitoring and programming to be executed from throughout the enterprise network.
Maintenance and debugging features
- Automatic error checking during program entry
- Program syntax check
- Monitor PLC scan time
- Perform PLC I/O diagnostics
- View PLC errors and/or user error messages