DirectSOFT Version 6 PLC Programming Software Updated: 07/06/2023
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DirectSOFT Version 6 PLC Programming Software

DirectSOFT6 programs the entire DirectLOGIC family

PC-DSOFT6 is our DirectLOGIC PLC programming package, with a host of features that make it easier to program your PLC. It supports full-featured 32-bit Windows-based programming for all six DirectLOGIC PLC families, including all DL05s, DL06s, DL105s, DL205 CPUs, DL305 CPUs, DL405 CPUs, and most of their Koyo cousins. The software supports a wide array of on-line/off-line programming and documentation features. Fill-in-the-blank-style IBox instructions make writing your program faster and easier (certain DirectLOGIC CPUs required).

Please note: DirectSOFT6 PLC Programming Software is used with the DirectLOGIC PLCs; it is NOT for use with the Do-more PLCs. The Do-more Designer programming software is the proper programming software for use with the Do-more PLCs.
 

Simplified packages make your selection fast and easy
  • PC-DS100 FREE full-featured software package,
    allows a maximum of 100 words for programming, editing, and downloading in any DirectLOGIC CPU. A perfect solution for small applications! Programs that are larger than 100 words can be created and saved but NOT reopened or downloaded without upgrading to the full version.
    Download PC-DS100 now
     
  • PC-DSOFT6 Windows PC programming and documentation software,
    Version 6 programs DL05/06/105/205/305/405 systems. Package includes software CD and manual.
     
  • PC-R60-U DirectSOFT upgrade,
    Version 6.0. Allows you to upgrade from a previously purchased DirectSOFT 16 or 32-bit software version. Package includes software CD and manual. Not compatible with any free versions of software. Proof of existing purchased license required.
     
  • Money-Back Guarantee on Software
    Yes, we're confident that our software can stand up to the test, but you should be the judge. That's why we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, even on our software packages.
What's New! in DirectSOFT6?
DirectSOFT Software for DirectLOGIC PLC programming has never been easier! Along with several improved operational features, we have taken the guesswork out of everyday programming with the new IBox instructions.
  • 40+ new IBoxes are available in DirectSOFT6 and are compatible with DirectLOGIC DL05, DL06, D2-250-1, D2-260, and D4-450 CPUs that have supporting firmware
  • Configurable toolbars
  • Extremely fast status updates
  • New Trend View feature for monitoring and debugging
  • Graphic Ladder View
  • Ladder box leg labels
  • Graphic Stage View
IBox Instructions
The most notable feature in DirectSOFT6 is IBox instructions. These fill-in-the-blank instructions are designed to make your programming experience quicker and easier than ever. IBox instructions are available in six categories.
  • Memory
  • Discrete Helper
  • Analog Helpers
  • Math
  • Communications
  • Counter I/O

DirectSOFT6 includes these features:

  • IBoxes "fill-in-the-blank" instructions (for DL05, DL06, D2-250-1, D2-260, D4-450, and D4-454 only)
  • Tabbed views to optimize your viewing area.
  • Fully customizable Tool Bars - dock-able, lock-able and group-able.
  • Dock-able windows allow you to relocate Data View and Cross Reference views, auto-hide, or tear away and place them outside the DirectSOFT6 workspace - even on a second display! - for full ladder viewing optimization.
  • User Interface Themes allow you to give DirectSOFT6 the same look and feel as your favorite Windows applications.
  • "Tip of the Day" is a good way to learn new features and short cuts.
  • Export documentation for use in the new C-more panels.

Program editing features

  • Full-screen point and click editing with the mouse and icons.
  • New - "Tip of the Day" gives you programming guidance, information on short cuts and tips for taking advantage of new features.
  • Browsers help you find proper addresses, contacts, coils, and box instructions.
  • Edit Tool Box contains icons and hot-key equivalents for all elements.
  • Fully-customizable and 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 in a tabbed view that automatically tracks program elements as you browse your ladder program.
  • On-screen Element Usage view in groups of 8, 10, or 16 points per line.
  • Predefined aliases for common items such as timer and counter current values.
  • Access V-memory (Data Registers) with fill-in-the-blank Memory Editor.
  • Easily cut and paste program elements, single rungs, or groups of rungs.
  • Cut and Paste rungs (with documentation) between programs,
  • Search for program elements by name, address, rung number, or instruction type.
  • Search for constants.
  • PID Setup is easy with fill-in-the-blank style for alarms, mode, process variable, ramp/soak table values, setpoint, gain, etc.
  • PID Loop tune and trending dialogs are standard.

Documentation features

  • Import & export program mnemonics and rung comments to a single TXT file that does not have to be in DirectSOFT format.
  • Export (nickname type, PLC address) to C-more in CSV format.
  • Spreadsheet-style documentation editor for easy access.
  • 16-character nicknames for addresses make troubleshooting and programming easier.
  • 16-character wiring information allows you to tie PLC addresses to panel wiring numbers.
  • 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.
  • Free-form program Title page can be selected at time of printing.
  • Import & Export feature for all program 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.
  • View program mnemonics.
  • Stage view available for programs created with RLL-Plus instructions.
  • Choose Rung Numbers or Addresses for Ladder View.
  • View multiple programs at the same time.
  • Tabbed views allow you to easily switch between views and optimizes your viewing area.
  • Use split screen to view different sections of the same program
  • Use Zoom to enlarge or reduce the screen area for better viewing.
  • Customizable desktop themes, display colors for editing, unsaved changes, documentation, etc.

System setup features

  • Set up PID loops with easy-to-use dialog boxes.
  • Set PLC communication parameters through PC ports, modems or Ethernet.
  • Setup D0-DCM menu is available for the DL05 and DL06 communications module.
  • Change PLC mode of operation.
  • Clear PLC memory by type or all.
  • Select or change retentive memory ranges.
  • Read PLC I/O configuration
  • Change I/O configuration (if allowed by the PLC).
  • View PLC firmware revisions.
  • Configure DV-1000.

Online operation features

  • Online help system with supported CPU instruction list
  • DSLaunch as a central manager for all projects, links and applications.
  • 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.
  • Display nicknames in Data View.
  • Save and store Data View windows by name.
  • Choose data format for Data View window display (BCD, Binary, Decimal, Signed Decimal, etc.).
  • Choose status symbol (switch, text, etc.) for discrete points in Data View.
  • 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 message.
  • Automatic project backup of the 4 most recently saved changes to your project.
 PC System Compatibility
Following are the recommended system requirements for running DirectSOFT6 on a PC:
  • 1 GHz CPU
  • CD/DVD drive OR an Internet connection for loading software
     
  • Windows XP (Pro and Home, 32-bit) - this Operating System is no longer supported by Microsoft, but it will most likely still work with DirectSOFT.
    Windows Vista (Home, Basic and Premium, 32 or 64-bit) - this Operating System is no longer supported by Microsoft, but it will most likely still work with DirectSOFT.
    Windows 7 (Home, Professional, and Ultimate, 32 or 64-bit)
    Windows 8 (Home, Pro and Enterprise 32 or 64-bit; Windows 8 RT edition is NOT supported).
    Windows 8.1 (Home, Pro and Enterprise 32 or 64-bit; Windows 8.1 RT edition is NOT supported).
    Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education; Windows Mobile and Mobile Enterprise NOT supported).
     
  • 512 MB RAM and 50 MB free hard disk space
  • At least one unused serial communications port or USB port using our USB-RS232, USB-to-serial adapter and/or 10-Base-T or 10/100-Base-T Ethernet network card
  • Color SVGA monitor (1024 x 768)
     
  • Laptops:
    DirectSOFT6 is perfectly suitable for use with laptop computers as long as they meet the requirements shown above. If your laptop has a USB port, consider using a USB to serial adapter, USB-RS232. If your laptop has an Ethernet port and you are considering a DL05, DL06, DL205 or DL405 PLC, consider using the Hx-ECOM100 Ethernet Communications Module to connect your PC to the PLC (The D2-230 does not support the ECOM).
     
  • Monitors:
    Any size monitor will work, however, larger, higher resolution monitors enhance the features of DirectSOFT6.
Service Packs

DirectSOFT 6


If you have DirectSOFT v6.0 or later you must use the Help-> Check For Updates utility to get the latest update.

You do not need to re-enter your product key during the installation of the update.

View the Release 6 Revision history

 

Demo Versions of DirectSOFT


There is no "real" demo for DirectSOFT6, instead we now have DirectSOFT100 which gives you the same features as the full version of DirectSOFT6 but allows only 100 Words of ladder code to be downloaded to the PLC. DirectSOFT100 can program all of the  DL05/06/105/205/305/405 systems. A keycode is not required to install DirectSOFT100.

DirectSOFT100 can be downloaded for free at www.Automationdirect.com


Take a test drive of the DirectSOFT32 (v4.x) Programming for Windows! This is a limited use version. Refer to the restrictions below:

  • Can Save Online / Monitor Status on a 10 Ladder-word program (maximum) in the PLC.
  • Can Monitor Status on a maximum of 4 items in Data View.
  • Can have a maximum of 4 Data Views.
  • Can have only 1 Communication Link active at a time.
  • Can have only 1 Ladder (Stage, Mnemonic, XRef/Usage) View open at a time.
  • Cannot Save to Disk.
  • Displays a 'Nag Dialog' encouraging Customers to purchase the Full Version of DirectSOFT-Programming!

The installation Product Key is: DSP-DEMO

DirectSOFT32 v4.0 (Build 25) Demo   ( ~11.5 Mb )

 

Documentation

User Manuals

Product Advisories

  • None at this time

NOTE: you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files (available at Adobe Acrobat Free Reader ).