QuickStart Manual

QS–DSOFT32–M
 WARNING

Thank you for purchasing automation equipment from Automationdirect.com. We want your new DirectLOGIC
automation equipment to operate safely. Anyone who installs or uses this equipment should read this publication (and
any other relevant publications) before installing or operating the equipment.

To minimize the risk of potential safety problems, you should follow all applicable local and national codes that regulate
the installation and operation of your equipment. These codes vary from area to area and usually change with time. It is
your responsibility to determine which codes should be followed, and to verify that the equipment, installation, and
operation are in compliance with the latest revision of these codes.

At a minimum, you should follow all applicable sections of the National Fire Code, National Electrical Code, and the
codes of the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA). There may be local regulatory or government
offices that can also help determine which codes and standards are necessary for safe installation and operation.

Equipment damage or serious injury to personnel can result from the failure to follow all applicable codes and
standards. We do not guarantee the products described in this publication are suitable for your particular application,
nor do we assume any responsibility for your product design, installation, or operation.

Our products are not fault–tolerant and are not designed, manufactured or intended for use or resale as on–line control
equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail–safe performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities,
aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems, in
which the failure of the product could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental
damage (”High Risk Activities”). Automationdirect.com specifically disclaims any expressed or implied warranty of
fitness for High Risk Activities.

For additional warranty and safety information, see the Terms and Conditions section of our Desk Reference. If you
have any questions concerning the installation or operation of this equipment, or if you need additional information,
please call us at 770–844–4200.

This publication is based on information that was available at the time it was printed. At Automationdirect.com we
constantly strive to improve our products and services, so we reserve the right to make changes to the products and/or
publications at any time without notice and without any obligation. This publication may also discuss features that may
not be available in certain revisions of the product.

Trademarks
This publication may contain references to products produced and/or offered by other companies. The product and
company names may be trademarked and are the sole property of their respective owners. Automationdirect.com
disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Copyright 2002, Automationdirect.com Incorporated

All Rights Reserved

No part of this manual shall be copied, reproduced, or transmitted in any way without the prior, written consent of
Automationdirect.com Incorporated. Automationdirect.com retains the exclusive rights to all information
included in this document.
 AVERTISSEMENT

Nous vous remercions d’avoir acheté l’équipement d’automatisation de Automationdirect.comE. Nous tenons à ce que
votre nouvel équipement d’automatisation DirectLOGIC fonctionne en toute sécurité. Toute personne qui installe ou
utilise cet équipement doit lire la présente publication (et toutes les autres publications pertinentes) avant de l’installer ou de
l’utiliser.
Afin de réduire au minimum le risque d’éventuels problèmes de sécurité, vous devez respecter tous les codes locaux et
nationaux applicables régissant l’installation et le fonctionnement de votre équipement. Ces codes diffèrent d’une région à
l’autre et, habituellement, évoluent au fil du temps. Il vous incombe de déterminer les codes à respecter et de vous assurer
que l’équipement, l’installation et le fonctionnement sont conformes aux exigences de la version la plus récente de ces
codes.
Vous devez, à tout le moins, respecter toutes les sections applicables du Code national de prévention des incendies, du
Code national de l’électricité et des codes de la National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA). Des organismes de
réglementation ou des services gouvernementaux locaux peuvent également vous aider à déterminer les codes ainsi que
les normes à respecter pour assurer une installation et un fonctionnement sûrs.
L’omission de respecter la totalité des codes et des normes applicables peut entraîner des dommages à l’équipement ou
causer de graves blessures au personnel. Nous ne garantissons pas que les produits décrits dans cette publication
conviennent à votre application particulière et nous n’assumons aucune responsabilité à l’égard de la conception, de
l’installation ou du fonctionnement de votre produit.
Nos produits ne sont pas insensibles aux défaillances et ne sont ni conçus ni fabriqués pour l’utilisation ou la revente en tant
qu’équipement de commande en ligne dans des environnements dangereux nécessitant une sécurité absolue, par
exemple, l’exploitation d’installations nucléaires, les systèmes de navigation aérienne ou de communication, le contrôle de
la circulation aérienne, les équipements de survie ou les systèmes d’armes, pour lesquels la défaillance du produit peut
provoquer la mort, des blessures corporelles ou de graves dommages matériels ou environnementaux (”activités à risque
élevé”). La société Automationdirect.comE nie toute garantie expresse ou implicite d’aptitude à l’emploi en ce qui a trait
aux activités à risque élevé.
Pour des renseignements additionnels touchant la garantie et la sécurité, veuillez consulter la section Modalités et
conditions de notre documentation. Si vous avez des questions au sujet de l’installation ou du fonctionnement de cet
équipement, ou encore si vous avez besoin de renseignements supplémentaires, n’hésitez pas à nous téléphoner au
770–844–4200.
Cette publication s’appuie sur l’information qui était disponible au moment de l’impression. À la société
Automationdirect.comE, nous nous efforçons constamment d’améliorer nos produits et services. C’est pourquoi nous
nous réservons le droit d’apporter des modifications aux produits ou aux publications en tout temps, sans préavis ni quelque
obligation que ce soit. La présente publication peut aussi porter sur des caractéristiques susceptibles de ne pas être offertes
dans certaines versions révisées du produit.

Marques de commerce
La présente publication peut contenir des références à des produits fabriqués ou offerts par d’autres entreprises. Les
désignations des produits et des entreprises peuvent être des marques de commerce et appartiennent exclusivement à
leurs propriétaires respectifs. Automationdirect.comE nie tout intérêt dans les autres marques et désignations.
Copyright 2002, Automationdirect.comE Incorporated
Tous droits réservés
Nulle partie de ce manuel ne doit être copiée, reproduite ou transmise de quelque façon que ce soit sans le consentement
préalable écrit de la société Automationdirect.comE Incorporated. Automationdirect.comE conserve les droits
exclusifs à l’égard de tous les renseignements contenus dans le présent document.
 1
Manual Revisions
If you contact us in reference to this manual, remember to include the revision number.

Title: DirectSOFT Quick Start User Manual

Manual Number: QS–DSOFT32–M

Issue Date Effective Pages Description of Changes

Original 9/96 Cover/Copyright Original Issue
Contents
Manual Revisions
1 — 57

2nd Edition 2/97 Contents Down size format

Manual Revisions
1 — 56

3rd Edition 6/98 Contents Add D3–350

Manual Revisions Release 2.3 (3 diskettes)
1 — 56

4th Edition 8/99 Contents Release 3.0,

Manual Revisions 32–bit application (CD)
1 — 56

5th Edition 8/02 Contents Release 4.0,

Manual Revisions 32–bit application (CD)
1 — 34
 1 i
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The Purpose of this Supplementary Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Who Can and Should Use DirectSOFT32? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
PLC Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Supported Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Preparing for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting to Know Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Check Your PC Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DirectSOFT32 package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation of DirectSOFT32 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 1: Load the CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 2: Review your options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 3: Enter the Security Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 4: Unpacking the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 5: End Other Windows Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Step 6: DirectSOFT32 License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Step 7: Enter Your Name and Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Step 8: Select Installation Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Step 9: Select Installation Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Step 10: Custom Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Step 11: Program Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Step 12: CTRIO Workbench Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Step 13: ERM Workbench Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 14: Program Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Begin Editing a Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 1: Enter the Program Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 2: Start a New Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 3: Switch to theEdit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 4: Using the Ladder Palette to Enter the First Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Step 5: Enter the Input Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Step 6: Enter Ouput Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 7: Element Entry Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Step 8: Enter the END Coil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Step 9: Accepting and Saving the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Establish the Communication Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Setup the Communication Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Use the Link Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Step 1: Select the Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Step 2: Select the Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Step 3: Choose the Protocol and Node Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Step 4: Cannot Make a Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Step 5: Name the Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Link Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Download the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Download the Program to the PLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
ii
Table of Contents

Monitoring the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Monitor the Ladder View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Details of the Data View Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Data View Options Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Change Value Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Enter the New Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Documentation Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Options Dialog Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
The Documentaion Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
The Comment Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Comments are Free-Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Selecting Rungs for Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
DS400.ini File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Example PC Configuration: Using an Ethernet card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Example PC Configuration: Using a Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Startup Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
USB–to–Serial Converters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Microsoft ActiveSync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Adding AutoSense=0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Adding Dump=1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
 11
Introduction

Introduction
The Purpose of This Quick–start manual will show a person the basics of getting started using
this Supplementary DirectSOFT32 without referring to the DirectSOFT32 Programming Software
Manual Users Manual. This manual is not intended to replace reading the
DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Users Manual. This manual is a
supplement to those who may not be familiar with similar PLC programming
software.
Who Can and If you have a PLC belonging to the DirectLOGIC CPU family, you can use
Should Use DirectSOFT to create your ladder logic programs. The families of PLCs (DL05,
DirectSOFT32? DL06, DL105, DL205, DL305 and DL405) that currently exist under this description
are shown below. The DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Users Manual details
all of the programming tools made available to the user. Besides being easy to use,
DirectSOFT32 version 4.0 includes the following features:
D set up a DV1000 Data Access Unit
D tune PID loops for the DL05, DL06, D2–250–1, D3–350, and D4–450
D set up the parameters for Drum Sequencers in the DL05, DL06, DL105,
D2–250–1, D3–350, and D4–450
DirectSOFT will also work with many DirectLOGIC compatible products (not
shown in the diagram). If you fall into this category, however, the chart on the
next page shows you a complete list of which products work with the software.
Diagram Showing
the Basic System
Compatibility Your computer
with DirectSOFT
installed

DL405 & DCM DL305 & DCU DL205 CPUs DL06

A(G
C (L
L)A
C
OUTPUT:
G
N 0VC0
)24V Y0Y2
Y1C1
Y3Y5
Y4Y7
Y10
Y6
C2
6–240V
Y12
C3
Y11Y15
Y13Y17
Y14
Y16
N
.C
.
40VA
DL405 CPUs INPUT:3 – 12 15mA
– 24V
50–60Hz

C0
X1
X0XC1
X3X
X2X54XC2
6X11
X13
X10X14
XX16
7X12
C3 C4
XX22
X17
15 X23
X2021
NN
..C
.C .

PORT1PORT2

Excellent choice if bottom Use an RS422 DCU Built-in ports. Two Built-in Ports
Two or three built-in port on DL405 is already if multi-drop and a Requires RS232/422 PID loops
ports being used third port is required. converter if multi-drop Baud rates up to
Max. baud= 19.2K Allows higher Maximum baud Max. baud= 38.4K 38.4K baud
performance with rates rate= 19.2K
up to 38.4K baud

DV-1000 Data Access Unit DL450 DL340 CPU DL05 DL105

Can be used with any Setup for Drum
PLC belonging to the Sequencer and
DL05, DL105, DL205 or PID Loops
DL405 families. Two built-in ports Two Built-in Ports One Built-in Port
Using DirectSOFT Allows higher
performance with Requires RS232/422 Max. baud= 9.6K Max. baud= 9.6K
greatly simplifies setup.
rates up to 38.4K converter if multi-drop Setup for Drum Setup for Drum
baud Sequencer Sequencer
Max. baud = 38.4K

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

2
Introduction

PLC Compatibility
Direct-
Direct- Direct- Direct-
SOFT DirectSOFT
SOFT SOFT SOFT
Family CPU Program- Programming
Site OEM DSData
ming Single Family
Licenses License Server
PC–PGMSW
DL05 Requires Rel. 2.4a or later 3 PC–PGM105 or 3 3
PC–PGM–BRICK
DL06 Requires Rel. 4.0 or later 3 PC–PGM–BRICK 3 3
DL105 F1–130** (requires Rel. 2.4a or later) 3 PC–PGM105 or 3 3
PC–PGM–BRICK
DL205 D2–230 3 PC–PGM205 3 PC–D2OEM 3
D2–240 3 PC–PGM205 3 PC–D2OEM 3
D2–250 (D2–250–1 requires Rel. 4.0 or later) 3 PC–PGM205 3 PC–D2OEM 3
D2–260 (requires Rel. 4.0 or later) 3 PC–PGM205 3 PC–D2OEM 3
DL305 D3–330*, D3–330P* 3 PC–PGM–305 3 PC–D3OEM 3
D3–340 3 PC–PGM–305 3 PC–D3OEM 3
D3–350 (requires Rel.2.4a or later) 3 PC–PGM–305 3 PC–D3OEM 3
DL405 D4–430 3 3 PC–D4OEM 3
D4–440** 3 3 PC–D4OEM 3
D4–450** (requires Rel 2.4a or later) 3 3 PC–D4OEM 3
GE Series 1 IC610CPU105* 3 3 PC–D3OEM 3
IC610CPU106* 3 3 PC–D3OEM 3
TI305t / 325–07*, PPX:325–07* 3 3 PC–D3OEM 3
SIMATIC 330–37*, PPX:330–37* 3 3 PC–D3OEM 3
TI305t
TI305
325S–07* (or 325 with Stage Kit) 3 3 PC–D3OEM 3
330S–37*, PPX:330S–37* 3 3 PC–D3OEM 3
335–37, PPX:335–37 3 3 PC–D3OEM 3
TI405t/ 425–CPU, PPX:425–CPU ** 3 3 PC–D4OEM 3
SIMATIC PPX:430–CPU 3 3 PC–D4OEM 3
TI405t
TI405
435–CPU, PPX:435–CPU ** 3 3 PC–D4OEM 3
* — requires Data Communications Unit (D3–232–DCU) ** — also DC versions
NOTE: In general, the compatible products listed offer similar features and are even identical in some cases. However, DirectSOFT32 has not been completely tested with the compatible
products. There may be some aspects of system operation that may not be supported, or, that may not work the same as previous software packages.

Supported Devices One of the benefits with the DirectLOGIC family is the wide variety of programming
connections. For example, you can use DirectSOFT32 to communicate directly with
a PLC or you can use a communications device, such as, the DL405 Data
Communications Module. Below is a list of supported devices:
Data Communication Devices:
D DL405 Data Communications Module (D4–DCM)
D DL405 Ethernet Communications Module (H4–ECOM)
D DL305 Data Communications Unit (D3–232–DCU, D3–422–DCU)
D DL205 Data Communications Module (D2–DCM)
D DL205 Ethernet Communications Module (D2–ECOM)
I/O Modules:
D DL405 Slice I/O Modules
D D2–RSSS (Slice protocol)
D T1K–RSSS (Slice protocol)

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 33
Installation

Preparing for Installation

Getting to Know DirectSOFT32 Programming Software runs under 32–bit Windows operating
Windows systems (98/NT/2000/XP). Please take a moment to study your PC’s reference
manual on the operation of Windows 98/NT/2000/XP.

Check Your PC Please check the following requirements when choosing your PC configuration.
Hardware
Requirements

System Requirements
D Pentium/Celeron CPU, 333 MHx (or higher)
D Windows 98/2000/NT 4.0 or later, and all XP
versions (No DOS, OS/2, Macintosh, Linux or
Unix Versions, or 16 bit versions available)
D 32Mb free RAM
D 11Mb available hard drive disk space
D CD-ROM drive
D At least one unused serial communications port
D Color SVGA monitor

Tip on Monitors: Any size monitor will work, but larger monitors enhance the
display capabilities of DirectSOFT32.

Power Supply We highly recommend that you use power surge protection for the computer running
DirectSOFT32. A quality surge protector will protect your computer from most
surges and spikes however, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) will provide the
ultimate protection. A UPS provides complete isolation between the AC power
source and the computer and has battery backup for blackout and brownout
conditions.

DirectSOFT32 Now is the time to review the contents of your DirectSOFT32 software package. You
package contents should have the following items:
D CD ROM
D Quick Start Manual
D Programming Manual
D License Agreement
D Registration Card

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

4
Installation

Installation of DirectSOFT32 Software

Step 1: Insert the DirectSOFT32 CD into the CD drive.
Load the CD
Step 2: The CD will begin its auto-install
Review your feature. This CD also contains demo
options versions of other software products.
You will see a screen that provides
you with different options. You can
browse the CD or install a program.
When you are ready to install the
program, click on that selection.

Step 3: The product key code is located on a

Enter the Security removable label attached to the
Code outside of the DirectSOFT32 box.
Remove the label and place it on the
CD jewel case or a safe place of your
choosing. Enter the product key
code in the window and click the OK
button.
Note: The key code must be entered
exactly as it appears (dashes,
spaces, capital letters, etc).
If you have entered the number
incorrectly, the OK button will not be
accessible.
Step 4: The installation process begins by unpacking the information on the CD that
Unpacking the corresponds to the security code entered. “Pop–up” windows will show you the
software status of the unpacking.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 55
Installation

Step 5: The installation issues a reminder to

End Other exit all other Windows applications.
Windows Tasks If you are unsure of the programs
which might be running, press
Ctrl–Alt–Delete, select the Task
Manager and close the programs
which are running. If everything is
closed, click Next to continue.

Step 6: The next screen displays the

DirectSOFT32 software license agreement. If you
License agree to the terms and conditions,
Agreement click Yes to continue.

Step 7: The next information required to

Enter Your Name enter is your name and the name of
and Company your company. This will register the
software copy to you.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

6
Installation

Step 8: The program destination folder

Select Installation selection dialog lets you choose the
Directory folder where the DirectSOFT32 files
will be loaded.

Step 9: Chose the type of installation to have

Select Installation performed. The Typical install loads
Type everything DirectSOFT32 has to
offer (Program Files, Example Files,
Help Files, Files). The Custom
option lets you choose which
features to install. The Compact
option installs the Program Files
only. Generally the choice will be
Typical installation. Click on Next to
begin the installation.

Step 10: If Custom installation is your choice,

Custom you will be prompted to select the
Installation features to be installed.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 77
Installation

Step 11: Once the installation begins, the window below will appear to provide the status of
Program the install.
Installation

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

8
Installation

Step 12: After the DirectSOFT32 install status window reaches 100%, the screen will
CTRIO Workbench change to the CTRIO Workbench installation. The CTRIO Workbench is a utility
Installation used to setup the H2–CTRIO and H4–CTRIO modules. These are High–Speed
Counter I/O modules offered as options for the DL205 and DL405 PLC families.
This is an optional installation. If you do not want to install the CTRIO Workbench,
simply click on Cancel. If you do chose to install it, click on Next. You will be asked
the same questions which were asked for the DirectSOFT32 installation.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 99
Installation

Step 13: Once the CTRIO Workbench installation is either finished or cancelled, the
ERM Workbench following ERM Workbench installation screen will appear. The ERM Workbench is
Installation a utility used to setup the Ethernet Remote Master modules, H2–ERM and
H4–ERM. These modules are used to slave I/O over a high–speed Ethernet link.
This too is an install option. If you do not want to install the ERM Workbench, simply
click on Cancel. If you do chose to install it, click on Next. You will be asked the
same questions which were asked for the DirectSOFT32 installation.

Step 14: After all of the software has been

Program successfully installed, the Setup
Verification Complete window will appear. You
can either check the options
offered and click Finish or just click
on Finish. The DirectSOFT32
software installation is now
complete.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

10
Getting Started

Getting Started
Before beginning to edit a program, you need to open DirectSOFT32. Click on
Start in the lower left–hand corner of the computer monitor. Now go to
Programs, place the pointer on DirectSOFT4 then click on DSLaunch (rocket)
in the drop–down window. The following DSLaunch window will appear. From
this window, additional utilities, such as, the DSData Server, CTRIO WB, etc.,
can all be launched from one central place. This same place is used to create
and manage PLC programs and the communications between your personal
compter and the PLC.
Notice the different areas which are pointed out in the Launch window.

Windows–type Menu
Tree

Utilities, such as the

DSData Server

Documents – Projects Installed Support

most recently used are
listed first

Communication Links
to PLCs

D Applications — These are the applications currently installed in

DirectSOFT32. They are visible in the Menu Tree under the Applications
folder/icon and are linked to applications that have been designed for
launch from DirectSOFT32. For example, to create a new program
double-click the DirectSOFT32 Programming name.
D Utilities — There are several utilities available under the Utilities
folder/icon. Some of the utilities can be purchased from
AutomationDirect, such as, DSData Server. Other utilities will come with
DirectSOFT32 Programming Software. These utilities are ERM
Workbench, CTRIO Workbench and NetEdit.
D Projects — These are created in DirectSOFT32. A project (also called a
document) is the collective name for your program and all its
documentation. When you create a new project, or work on an existing
project, you will see it listed in the Menu Tree under the Projects folder/icon
by name. Documents are listed in the “most recently used” order.
D Comm Links — The “links” are for communication links between your
personal computer and one or more PLCs. The links are not only for the
control programs. Instead they are communication links (i.e., the link
between the computer and printer). Any application can use the link. When
you create links, they will appear in the menu tree under the Comm Links
folder/icon.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 11
11
Getting Started

Begin Editing a Program

Once the DirectSOFT32 Programming Software is installed in you computer, you
will want to begin to use it. The following steps will show you the basic steps for
editing with DirectSOFT32. This will not be an attempt to teach you how to
develop a control program, but it will give you the basics to get started using
DirectSOFT32 so that you can edit a program.
Step 1: To begin a new program (project) double–click on DirectSOFT Programming 4
Enter the Program located in the Applications folder of the menu tree.
Mode
Step 2: You should now see the New Project window. You can name a project using any
Start a New Project combination of 15 characters (including spaces). “EXAMPLE1” is the project name
used for this example. Move the selection bar to the PLC Family and CPU Type. For
this example, use a PLC belonging to the DL05/06/105/DL205/DL405 families. Click
on OK after you have made your Family and Type selections. If you have a DL305
type PLC, be sure to select it from the choices. Keep in mind the available
mnemonics, processing rules and even the tool bar characteristics are tailored to the
Family and Type selections that you make.
Use this icon to
start a new project
and open up a
fresh program
window.

New Project
Window
Type in a name
for your project
Select the
PLC Family..
Select the
CPU Type..

..then click on
OK

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

12
Getting Started

After clicking OK to enter your project name, you will see ladder logic rungs ready to
be edited. This is the View Only Mode at this point. In this mode, the cursor is always
hollow and programming is not allowed. Viewing a project is all that is allowed.
If you are a “seasoned” programmer, you may not like the appearance of the display.
This would be a good point to select the color options of your choice. Refer to the
DirectSOFT32 Programming Software User Manual, PC–DSOFT32–M, chapter 4,
to setup the appearance of the programming window.

View Only
Mode
(cursor is hollow)

Step 3: The Edit Mode is used to write the control program. You have the option of entering
Switch to the the Edit Mode in three different ways, the most common being to click on the Edit
Edit Mode Mode button on the top tool bar. It will be yellow in color and indicate OFF. Another
way to turn on the Edit Mode is to click on Edit at the top menu bar, then select Edit
Mode. The last way to enter the Edit Mode is to hold down Ctrl + E (press the Control
key and the E key simultaneously).
DirectSoft32 will indicate the Edit Mode to be active when the cursor box becomes
solid and the Edit Mode button turns white and changes from OFF to ON. The Tool
Palette will also appear on the bottom of the programming window.

Edit Mode
(cursor box is solid)

Tool Palette

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 13
13
Getting Started

Step 4: The Ladder Palette can be very helpful, especially in the beginning while learning to
Using the Ladder program with DirectSOFT32. Later, you may prefer to use the faster Hot Keys
Palette to Enter instead of clicking on the tool buttons. The hot keys are shown on each tool button
the First Element and appear whenever your cursor is on the tool button. Refer to the DirectSOFT32
Programming Software User Manual for more details. The Ladder Palette shown
below may not be exactly like the one you have on your computer screen. The tools
used in the Ladder Palette will depend on which CPU your PLC is using. This
example shows the elements common to all of the CPUs.

Normally Open Contact Normally Closed Contact

Normally Open Immediate Normally Closed
Contact Immediate Contact
Equal-To Contact Not-Equal-To Contact
Greater-Than-or-Equal-To
Less-Than Contact
Contact
Browse Contacts Browse Coils

Browse Boxes Browse Elements

Wire to Output Wire Connection to Stage

Use the Ladder Pallete to enter the first instruction of the program. First, move the
cursor to the desired location for the first element. This is done with either the mouse
or the up and down arrows on the keyboard. When using the mouse, simply position
the mouse arrow to the point where you want the element to be placed and click the
left mouse button. In this example, a normally open contact will be placed at the first
position on Rung 1. Position the cursor at the beginning of the rung and click on the
Normally Open Contact symbol on the Tool Pallete.
Step 5: You will see the cursor change to a box with an open relay contact, a window with the
Enter the Input text cursor blinking at the end of address C0 (highlighted) and a green indicator. If the
Element green dot changes to red, it means that the address is incorrect, not valid or a wrong
character. For example, if you typed the letter O instead of the digit 0, the indicator
would turn red and stay red until you correct your mistake. Enter X0 while C0 is
highlighted. After the address has been entered and the error indicator is green,
either click on the check mark (3) or press the Enter key.

Enter X0

Notice the Error

Indicator will be
green when a
valid contact is
entered

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

14
Getting Started

The instruction has been entered and the cursor has moved to the next entry
position. Notice the yellow vertical bar that appears next to the rung. Since this is not
a color manual, a light colored vertical bar is seen in the screen example. The yellow
bar indicates that an instruction or instructions have been entered, but that the
program has not been accepted (compiled).
Rungs that have already been accepted into compiled memory will have a green bar
instead. Without being compiled, you will not see the icons for Save to Disk or Save
to PLC enabled. This means in order to save your program anywhere you will have
to Accept your editing first. For example, if you wanted to stop working with
DirectSOFT right now, you would first want to accept all the edited rungs so that you
could save the revised program to disk.

Yellow color coded

bar indicates the
rung has not been
accepted yet

Step 6: Next, move the cursor to the end of the rung, over the NOP. Click on the Browse
Enter Ouput Coils button on the tool palette. The Instruction Browser will appear with the
Elements Standard Coil selected as the default. Click OK to enter a standard coil.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 15
15
Getting Started

Step 7: The Instruction Browser will be replaced with the element entry box. The default
Element Entry address, C0, will be highlighted. Key in Y0 > Enter. When the address is entered
Window correctly, the error indicator will be green.

Enter Y0 here

Rung 1 has just been programmed. This rung can be downloaded to the PLC
element except for one missing element. The program must be terminated with
an END Coil rung.

Step 8: To program this rung, move the cursor so it is over the NOP in the next rung, and click
Enter the END Coil on the Browse Coils button. The Instruction browser will appear. Either move the
up/down arrows or use the mouse to select Program Control in the Coil Class
section of the window. END will be at the top of the Coils list and it will be highlighted.
Click on OK to enter the element.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

16
Getting Started

Two rungs are now programmed for this example. This program can be downloaded
to a PLC the way it is or , if desired, additional rungs can be added to the program .
The END coil needs to be at the end of the program. Continue to practice what has
been covered before continuing.
Step 9: We will continue with this example to keep things simple. The program needs to be
Accepting and accepted in order to be downloaded to the PLC. Click on the Accept button in the
Saving the menu toolbar to compile the program. Notice that the two diskette buttons on the left
Program of the menu toolbar are enabled to Read from Disk or to Write to Disk, they are not
“grayed out”. In this case, you will want to click on the Write button to save the
program (it is not necessary to save the program in order to download the program to
a PLC). It is a good practice to save your work as you edit a program. A mistake may
be made at times and you may want to restore the program to the state that it was
before the mistake was made. To do this, the Read button can be clicked on, and the
previously saved program will refresh the screen and programming can continue.

Note: When the program is saved by clicking on the Write to Disk button, the ladder
program is all that is saved. Once you have a larger program than what has been
done here, you will want to save all that you have done. This is accomplished by
selecting File > Save Project to Disk. You can also click on Backup to accomplish
the same thing with the addition of a Backup file. For more detail about saving the
project refer to the DirectSOFT32 Programming User Manual, pages 3–6 and 6–25.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 17
17
Establish the Communication Link

Establish the Communication Link

Setup the This section will discuss the configuration of a standard communication link which
Communication will use the serial port of your PC. If you are creating a serial Link that will connect
Link through a modem, or an ethernet link, refer to the DirectSOFT32 Programming
Software Users Manual, Chapter 9. This example will step you through the setup
using the Link Wizard.
Use the Link To use the Link Wizard connect the programming cable from the serial port of the
Wizard PC to the serial port of the PLC. Also, be sure that the RUN/TERM/STOP switch on
the PLC is in the TERM position. The Link Wizard can automatically determine the
majority of communication settings for the PLCs. To establish a new link, activate the
Link Wizard in the Launch Window by right–clicking on the Comm Links icon then
click on Add Link.

Right–click Comm
Links to add a new
link

Step 1: The following window will appear showing a list of Ports. Select the port you will use
Select the Port and click Next >.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

18 Establish the Communication Link

Step 2: The next window will show a list of PLC Families. Select the PLC family by clicking
Select the Port once with the mouse on the appropriate choice. If you are unsure of the PLC family
but know which communications protocol to use, select the “Not Sure” choice. If
you are using a DirectLogic compatible PLC the Link Wizard will try and detect the
PLC type automatically. Click on Next when you are finished.

Step 3: Select either DirectNET or K-sequence protocol. If during the previous step you
Choose the selected one of the the families listed, the highlight bar will be on a valid protocol for
Protocol and Node that family. The choice of protocol to use will depend on two factors:
Address Whether or not the PLC supports the protocol on the port where you are
connecting. See DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Manual,
Appendix A for a list of protocols available for ports on DirectLogic
and compatible CPUs.
D If you need to perform write operations to individual Discrete I/O
points or control relays. In this case you must select the K-sequence
protocol. DirectNET protocol cannot write to individual bit locations.

If the PLC has been configured with a node Address other than 1, enter that address
now. Click Next when finished.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 19
19
Establish the Communication Link

Step 4: The Link Wizard will attempt to establish a communication Link with the PLC using
Cannot Make a the node address and protocol you have selected. It will try the combination of 9600
Link Baud, and Odd Parity. If this combination is unsuccessful, an ’auto–baud’ sequence
will be used to try and determine the correct baud rate and parity combination. If
these attempts are unsuccessful, the following dialog is displayed. You can click the
Link Editor button, and manually attempt to adjust the port configuration, or you can
consult the DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Manual, Appendix B.

Step 5: If the Link Wizard is successful in communicating with the PLC, you will be prompted
Name the Link to enter a unique name and description for the Link. Each Link must have a unique
name. The name can be up to 16 characters and can contain space characters. The
description field allows 32 characters. Enter the name for the link and description
then click Finish to return to the DSLaunch window.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

20 Establish the Communication Link

Link Status After creating a link, the name of the link will be displayed in the menu tree under the
Comm Links icon. When you click on the link all of the configuration information will
be displayed on the DSLaunch window. The status field is color–coded to help easily
identify the link status.

Green — link is already enabled (means it is active and you can use it).
Yellow — paused (you are currently changing the link parameters).

Red — link is disabled (inactive). This does not indicate a problem with the
PLC, but that you cannot communicate until the link is active. If a
link becomes disabled, DirectSOFT32 will automatically attempt to
enable the link when you double-click on the link project.

Link Status

Available
Links Link Information

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 21
21
Download the Program

Download the Program

Download the Now that your PC and PLC are properly linked, the program can now be
Program to the downloaded, or written, to the PLC. Return to the example program (Example1)
PLC which was previously edited. If the program is no longer open, displaying on your
computer screen, it can be opened by pointing the mouse arrow to the name of the
program, Example1, and double–clicking on it.
Now, refering to the example below, click on PLC on the menu toolbar. A drop down
window will appear. Find and click on Connect.

The Select Link window will appear, like the example below. Select the link which
we made earlier, then click on Select.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

22
Download the Program

DirectSOFT32 automatically compares the program stored on disk with the

program stored in the PLC. The following dialog box will appear. There are four
buttons on the bottom of the window. Since we are dealing with a new program,
select the Use Disk button. The Use PLC button is used whenever you have edited
a change to a program and you are going online to load the changed program. The
other two buttons are self–explained.

After clicking on the Use Disk button, the programming window will look a bit
different, it has acquired another toolbar. This toolbar can be referred to as the online
toolbar. Also, there are indicators under the online toolbar indicating that the PLC is
okay, the PC is online with the PLC and the PC is in Program Mode. At this point the
program has not been written to the PLC .

Whether you are writing to a new PLC or to a PLC that is being re–programmed, it is
good practice to clear the PLC memory before writing the new program to it. To do
this, click on PLC on the menu toolbar, then click on Clear PLC Memory in the
drop–down menu.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 23
23
Download the Program

The Clear PLC Memory dialog window will appear. There are several options
listed in the window that will show unchecked boxes for each option. For our
download example, click the ALL box to place a check (3) in it. All of the options
will “gray out” and the boxes will have check marks in them. Click OK to begin
the clear memory process.

The following indicator will appear showing the beginning and end of the memory
clearing process. When the window vanishes, the clear memory process will be
complete. Notice that the program in the Ladder View is no longer there. Since
your program is already saved to disk, you will need to read your program from
disk to restore it to view. The program can now be written to the PLC.

Notice the two left–most buttons on the online toolbar. These buttons are
symbols of a PLC. They are highlighted to indicate that the PLC is ready to have
a program written to it or to have a program read from it. We will write the
program to the PLC. Click the mouse on the WriteP button. An indicator similar
to the one above will appear. The red bar will flash to indicate the program is in
the download process. It will be in view for the amount of time corresponding to
the length of the program.

Click on this button Click on this button

to write the program to change the PLC
to the PLC. Mode.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

24
Download the Program

The program has now been written to the PLC. All that needs to be done now is
to put the PLC in the RUN mode. Click on the Mode button on the online toolbar.
This will bring the PLC Modes dialog window into view. Click on Run then OK
and the PLC will be in the RUN Mode.

Now that the example program is in the RUN Mode, you will want to monitor the
program online while the PLC is running.

RUN Mode

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 25
25
Monitor the Program

Monitoring the Program

Monitor the Ladder There are many things that can be monitored in the relay ladder program by simply
View clicking the Status button on the online toolbar. Clicking on the Status button will
either turn ON the monitor mode of the relay ladder view or turn it OFF. You can
watch inputs and outputs turn ON/OFF, monitor counters and timers and the status
of compare contacts. Notice that each element in the example below is backlit. The
backlighted element means that the input or output is ON.

Monitor Using A good tool for monitoring the program is a Data View window. Data View will allow
Data View you to monitor and manipulate the status and data for the various elements and
memory locations used in the program. If you have programmed in other languages
before, you may know this type of window as a Watch Window. You can access this
window by clicking on Debug > Data View, and New. The following is an example of
a Data View window for a typical program.

When you open a new Data View, DirectSOFT32 automatically provides a title for
the window. These Data View windows are by default assigned the names Data1,
Data2, etc. in order. You can change these names in the Options dialog of View
from the main menu bar.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

26
Monitor the Program

Details of the The example shown below illustrates the basic components of the Data View
Data View Window window.
Status Column
Data Format
Clear Edits Buffer
Word Size

Read Only button

Edits Column
Read/Write button

Element Column

Write All the Edits to PLC

Write the Selected Edit to PLC

To make the Data View window active, click on Debug on the main menu toolbar, then
All Status On.

Data View Options The Data View window can be tailored to your liking. Select View on the main menu
Window toolbar, then Options. When the Options Dialog appears, click on the Data View tab
to see the following view.

Enable this if you

want to show the
data format in the
first column beside
the Element. This
will only be visible
when the status is
turned OFF.

The default General Settings (left hand side of the window) are typically left as
shown. Occasionally, you may want to enable the top setting, Col 1 shows display
format (binary, hex/decimal, etc.). This feature will only show the display format in
the first column when working offline or with the Status OFF. However, not all
requirements are the same. You can experiment with these general settings to see
which ones you need. More details of the Data View window can be found in chapter
10 of the DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Users Manual.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 27
27
Monitor the Program

The Change Value I/O points can be turned ON/OFF and data values can be written to memory
Window locations by using the Change Value window. It is not necessary to enable Status to
change a value, but it is highly recommended to see visible results.
There are several ways to access the Change Value window.
D Click on the element you want to change (in any window) and then use
the Debug > Change Value menu option, or use the Hot Key CTRL +
SHIFT + F2.
D Click on the element you want to change and then use the Change
Value button.
D If status is on and you are not using the Edit Mode, double click on the
element to display the Change Value window.

There are two command buttons located on the right side of the window, Read from
PLC and Write to PLC. DirectSOFT32 automatically reads the value from the PLC
when the window appears. If you want to read the data again, click on the Read from
PLC button. After you have entered a new value (OFF, ON, or data) click on the
Write to PLC button to write the change to the PLC.
Element
address

Shows current
value from PLC
Read from
and Write
to PLC
Select new buttons
value either
bit or binary
field

Enter the New The Change Value window shows the current value stored in the PLC and allows
Value the entry of a new value. There are several data formats, therefore the value which is
entered depends on the format selected. For example, if viewing the I/O point as a
bit, On or Off is selected. If the I/O point being viewed is binary, a binary bit pattern is
entered. Enter a new, then click on the Write to PLC button to change in the PLC.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

28
Documentation

Documentation

Documentation Documentation refers to rung comments, element nicknames, element

Options descriptions, etc., which are intended to make the program a little clearer for anyone
to read it. Documentation can be added to a program at any time, but it is good
practice to include it as the program is being edited.
Most documentation refers to individual elements and is therefore specific in
nature. Listed below are five types of documentation used in DirectSOFT32.
D Elements - the addresses for the single elements, i.e., X1, Y10, etc.
D Nicknames - alpha-numeric names can be used for the various types of
program elements. It is usually easier to remember the name Start
Switch than it is to remember that X1 is the input point for the switch.
D Descriptions - longer descriptions of the element. You can also use this
area to include brief troubleshooting steps, etc.
D Wiring Information - the wiring information can help you quickly identify
the panel wiring for a specific point. For example, you may know that X1
is the Start Switch, but you usually have to find another print to know
which wire number to start tracing.
D Rung Comments - rung comments are assigned to an individual rung.

Rung Comment
Wiring Info

Description

Nickname
Element

Options Dialog The documentation types can be selected for the Ladder view in the Options dialog
Window window. There is a tab for each view, however, the Ladder View will be the only view
explained here. The Options Dialog features are discussed in detail in the
DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Users Manual, Chapter 4. A quick way to
open the Options dialog is to place the mouse cursor in the programming window of
your Ladder View, and click the right mouse button. This opens a “pop–up” menu
that, among several choices, allows you to select Options from the menu. This will
bring up the Options dialog window. The Options dialog window can also be
opened by clicking on View from the main menu toolbar, then click on Options.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 29
29
Documentation

Shown below is the Ladder view window. Check the boxes beside the types of
documentation to be visible in the Ladder view. Detailed explanations of each type of
documentation are on the adjacent page.

.
Click on the OK button, after making your choices.

NOTE: Once you click on OK for the settings of the Options dialog, DirectSOFT32
saves the documentation settings for that view. If you click on the New Views box,
the same settings will become the new defaults for the current project as well as any
new projects opened thereafter. You can change the settings again at any time.

The Documentaion The Documentation Editor allows quick and easy entry of nicknames, wiring
Editor information and descriptions for program elements. The editor can be accessed by
clicking on Tools on the main menu toolbar, then click on Documentation Editor
from the drop–down menu, or use the Hot Key, CTRL + D. Practice using the
documentation features in the program which was started earlier.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

30
Documentation

The Comment Each rung in a DirectSOFT32 program may have associated comments. Unlike
Editor some programming packages from other vendors, the comments are not tied to the
outputs and are not in sequential order. Instead, the comments in DirectSOFT32
remain with the rung number, i.e., if you enter comments for Rung 2, they stay with
Rung 2. To enter rung comments, open the Comment Editor by clicking on Tools
from the main menu toolbar, then select Comment Editor from the drop–down menu,
or use the Hot Key, CTRL + K. The Comment Editor can also be opened by
double-clicking on the comment.

Previous Next button

button

Comments are Start typing the comments as necessary. Since the ladder view is a full screen editor,
Free-Form you do not have to backspace an entire sentence to enter text or to fix a spelling error.
Instead, position the cursor over the location you want to re–edit and click the left
mouse button. Start entering the new text.
Selecting Rungs You can use the Previous or Next command buttons to scroll through the rungs. You
for Comments can also find a specific rung by using the Goto command button. DirectSOFT32 will
only let you enter comments for rungs that contain program elements. You cannot
enter comments for rungs that do not contain instructions.
This manual only introduces a person to some of the documentation features
available with DirectSOFT32. The documentation features are discussed in
detail in the DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Users Manual, Chapter 6.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 31
31
Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Guide

It is useful to have an understanding of what DirectSOFT32 does with the

communication resources on your PC to be able to communicate with a PLC. The
following information is provided to help resolve PC to PLC communication
problems.

DS400.ini DirectSOFT32 can connect to the PLCs serially using a COM port, a modem or a
File USB–to–serial adapter. It can also connect via Ethernet using an ECOM module.
You can control which communications resources on your PC you want to let
DirectSOFT32 use. This is done through entries in DS400.ini. This file will be in your
”Windows Folder”. By default, it will be in different places for different operating
systems. For Windows 98/ME/XP, the file will be the ”C:\Windows” and for Windows
2000 / Windows NT, it will be the C:\WinNT” folder. The DS400.ini file can be opened
by clicking on the DS400.ini icon DirectSOFT32 launch window Utilities folder. You
can edit this file with any text editor program such as Notepad. You must restart
DirectSOFT32 if any changes are made to the DS400.ini file.

The sections of the DS400.ini file we’re concerned with are [devasync.dll] and
[devether.dll]. These groups are where you can enable and disable communication
resources for DirectSOFT32 to use. These settings do not affect other applications
on your PC that use these resources; they only affect DirectSOFT32. Here’s what
these sections look like after a normal installation:

[devasync.dll]
COM1Enable=1
COM2Enable=1
COM3Enable=1
COM4Enable=1
ModemEnable=1
COM5Enable=0
COM6Enable=0
COM7Enable=0
COM8Enable=0

[devether.dll]
EthernetEnable=1

Setting a particular entry to a value of 0 excludes that resource from

DirectSOFT32’s use. A value of 1 enables it for DirectSOFT32’s use. You should
set the values for these entries so they match the resources that are physically
present on the PC and are available for DirectSOFT32 to use.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

32
Troubleshooting Guide

Example PC Let’s consider a common PC configuration with:

Configuration: D one serial port (COM1)
Using an
Ethernet card D a built–in modem using COM2 that DirectSOFT32 will not use
D an Ethernet card that DirectSOFT32 will use to communicate via an
ECOM module
Your DS400.ini can be configured to look like this:
[devasync.dll]
COM1Enable=1
COM2Enable=0
COM3Enable=0
COM4Enable=0
ModemEnable=0
COM5Enable=0
COM6Enable=0
COM7Enable=0
COM8Enable=0

[devether.dll]
EthernetEnable=1

Example PC Let’s consider a laptop PC with:

Configuration: D no serial ports
Using a Modem
D USB–to–serial adapter configured as COM5 that DirectSOFT32 will not use
Da built–in modem using COM2 that DirectSOFT32 will use
D an Ethernet card that DirectSOFT32 will not use
Your DS400.ini can be configured to look like this:
[devasync.dll]
COM1Enable=0
COM2Enable=0
COM3Enable=0
COM4Enable=0
ModemEnable=1
COM5Enable=0
COM6Enable=0
COM7Enable=0
COM8Enable=0

[devether.dll]
EthernetEnable=0

NOTE: If you make changes to DS400.ini, you must restart DirectSOFT32 to

make the changes active.

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

 33
33
Troubleshooting Guide

Startup Issues The first time DirectSOFT32 starts up its communication server, it attempts to build
links to PLCs that it can find based on the resources that are enabled by DS400.ini.
The communications server will try fixed combinations of baud rate, parity and
station number for both K–Sequence and DirectNET protocols. If a PLC responds, a
Link will be created.

It’s this attempt to create a Link that can cause problems. Most of the time, if
DirectSOFT32 attempts to use a resource that physically isn’t present on the PC
nothing happens. But this action can have adverse effects on some PCs, especially
in situations like leaving EthernetEnable=1 on PCs that don’t have an Ethernet card
installed and configured or if the IPX protocol is not installed.

If you make changes to DS400.ini, you must restart DirectSOFT32 to make the
changes active.

USB–to–Serial The use of USB–to–Serial adapters has become an issue since more and more PC
Converters vendors remove serial ports from their PCs in favor of additional USB ports. In
theory, there should be no problems with this as long as the USB–to–Serial drivers
function like a standard PC serial port. We have made some changes to the
communications server to better handle these adapters.
It is highly recommended to install the device drivers for the USB–to–Serial
adapters before you physically attach the adapter to your PC. This is common
practice for all USB devices and it does matter for some vendor’s products.

Microsoft ActiveSync is the software used to synchronize data between the PC and a PDA
ActiveSync running Windows CE or Pocket PC. This software has a undesirable habit of
attaching itself to the serial ports on the PC it’s installed on so that it can auto–detect
the presence of the PDAs.

The symptom of this problem you see in DirectSOFT32 is the error dialog:
”Error connecting to PLC! ”
”Error: cannot access comm port. The port may not be present or another app may
be using it”

You can restrict the COM ports that ActiveSync has control of under it’s
File–>Connection Settings menu.

Adding Once you have created Link(s) to your PLCs, these links will be validated each time
AutoSense=0 you start DirectSOFT32. The communication server will use the Link’s parity, baud
rate, protocol and station number settings to see if the PLC is still available. This
process can take quite a bit of time if you have several Links or if you have Links to
PLC that are not hooked up because the attempts to communicate must time out.
You can add an entry to the [comm server] group in DS400.ini that will keep
DirectSOFT32 from validating any links on startup.
Add Autosense=0 and restart DirectSOFT32:

[Comm Server]
Autosense=0

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02

34
Troubleshooting Guide

Adding Add Dump=1 to the [devasync.dll] group in DS400.ini to enable some low level
Dump=1 communications debugging for serial and modem connections. Use DBWin32, a
debugging aid for Window NT/95, to view the debugging information. To start
DBWin32, click on Start–>Programs–>DirectSOFT32–>DirectSOFT32 Program
Tools–>DBWin32 Logger. The DBWin32 dialog window will be displayed. When you
launch DirectSOFT32, you will be asked if you want to enable the debugging mode.
If you answer yes, the debugging output will be sent to the DBWin32 dialog window.
Add Dump=1 and restart DirectSOFT32:
[devasync.dll]
COM1Enable=1
COM2Enable=0
COM3Enable=0
COM4Enable=0
ModemEnable=0
COM5Enable=0
COM6Enable=0
COM7Enable=0
COM8Enable=0
Dump=1

DirectSOFT32 Programming Software Quick–start Manual, 5th Edition, 8/02