IDEC releases WindLDR version 8.2.2 PLC programming software

November 14, 2016 — IDEC Corporation announces Version 8.2.2 of its WindLDR PLC programming software, a PC-based platform used to program IDEC’s FC6A MicroSmart PLC. The software can also be used to program IDEC’s entire line of PLCs.

IoT capability is provided by custom web pages which can be configured for remote monitoring and control. Web pages are created with the built-in Web Page Editor using drag and drop functionality with no HTML programming required.

When used with the MicroSmart FC6A PLC, these web pages are stored in the PLC, which functions as a web server when its built-in Ethernet port is connected to the Internet. These web pages can be accessed via any web browser running on any Internet-connected device such as a remote PC, a tablet or a smartphone. Connecting the MicroSmart to the Internet also provides email and text notification functionality, which can be used with third-party email servers such as Gmail and Yahoo.

WindLDR is an icon-driven programming tool combining logic and intuition with an interface. Programming IDEC’s controllers with WindLDR is simple and intuitive with either Ladder Logic or Script, the latter similar to the C programming language. The Script language can be used to create more complex programs, particularly those with multiple sub-programs and custom function blocks. Even without Ladder Logic prior programming experience, programmers can use the built-in editors, shortcuts and debuggers to quickly configure programs.

Once a program is created, it’s ready for transfer to a PLC, with the option to include accompanying comments. Programs can be downloaded with the comments attached to operands and rungs, with this information stored in the PLC processor. Using these comments, users can review programming code to provide clarification and streamlined maintenance.

Shutting down a PLC to make minor changes can be a major hassle, so WindLDR allows editing and downloading of programs while the PLC is still in Run mode. This function allows users to write new values to counters, timers and registers at any time without switching between editor mode (used for programming) and monitor mode.

Ladder programs can be simulated in WindLDR with the built-in Simulation mode. This function provides a means to test and verify functionality of ladder programs without having to download the program to an IDEC PLC. Software programs from IDEC FC4A and FC5A PLCs can be automatically converted by the WindLDR programming software for execution on the MicroSmart FC6A PLC.