Programming instructions

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LESSON 3 – Programming Equipment
This lesson discusses the hardware and software requirements to program a PLC. The
student will also be shown how to connect the system together. Alternatives to using a
laptop to program are also covered.
Lesson Objectives: At the conclusion of this lesson, you will be able to…
9 List the hardware required to program a PLC with a laptop.
9 Describe alternatives to using a laptop for programming.
9 Describe how to connect a PLC system to a laptop.
9 List the types of software used to program a PLC.
Materials: FX-Series PLC Training Manual
3.1 Hand-Held Programming Units
Most programmers will use a laptop computer for making changes. Due to
issues of expense or security this may not always be the case. Convenience
may also be a factor: who wants to find and connect a computer and cable, and
wait for the boot-up, etc. when all you want to do is change a timer, add a contact
or make and address change.
The FX-10P-E and FX-20P-E can be useful for situations like these. They are
handheld LCD display programmers that connect directly to the PLC. These
units allow for programming changes and monitoring.
FX-10P-E – This unit permits on-line program changes only. The display is 2
lines by 16 characters in size. It can read programs from the PLC, write to the
PLC, monitor the program, and change the states of devices (forcing bits).
FX-20P-E
– This unit is a more powerful version of the FX-10P-E. The display is
backlit and has a size of 4 lines by 16 characters. It supports both online and
offline programming.
3.2 Programming Software
There are 2 software packages that can be useful in the programming and
troubleshooting of all Mitsubishi PLCs. These packages are GX-Developer and
GX-Simulator. Some users may be familiar with some of the previous software
packages, including MEDOC (DOS application), FX-WIN, and GPP-Win
(previous version of GX-Developer). This class will deal with the latest version of
GX-Developer.
GX-DEVELOPER
– This is Windows based software (95, 98, NT, 2000, XP). It
can be used to program all PLC lines, including FX-series, Q-series, A-series and
the Motion A-series PLCs. This software, which replaces the previous Windows
package, GPP-WIN, has a large number of troubleshooting and diagnostic