Programming instructions

features, as well as the ability to easily communicate over networks. It also has

import capabilities to bring in programs written in older software packages.

GX-DEVELOPER-FX – This is Windows based software (95, 98, NT, 2000, XP),

is based on the GX-Developer software package. This software has all the

features of GX-Developer, but only supports the entire FX Series and its

functionality. This package is offered at a discounted price versus the entire GX-

Developer package, making it a cost saving option for anyone who does not

need to program the rack-based PLC controllers.

GX-SIMULATOR – This Windows based software isn’t used to program PLCs,

but to assist in program troubleshooting. This software will actually act as a PLC,

allowing a GX-Developer program to be tested, without having to download to an

actual PLC system. This software is not included with GX-Developer, it must be

purchased separately. It must be loaded on the same computer that GX-

Developer is installed on.

Using GX-Simulator in troubleshooting allows the programmer to debug roughly

90% of the problems in a program before hardware is ever connected. It has the

ability to simulate discrete and analog I/O, serial and network communications,

and special function modules. You can build timing charts and simulate inputs

such as a run signal based on the run output turning on automatically. You can

step the processor through the system step by step, partial execution, or skip

steps.

3.3 GX-Developer Overview

This section will provide an overview of things to remember when installing and

using GX-Developer. This not intended to be a full tour of GX-Developer’s

features. That will be accomplished during the coursework.

INSTALLATION

IMPORTANT:

Before installing GX-Developer, make sure to remove any

previous version of GX-Developer or GPP-WIN using the Add/Remove

Program utility in Windows Control Panel. Do NOT delete the directories

and attempt to reinstall. The uninstall process will not erase any of the

PLC programs that have been previously created.

When Windows does the Program Remove, it will display a message that

states some elements could not be removed, please remove manually.

These are the previously created PLC programs, so their removal must be

done manually at your discretion.

The CD should have an automatic menu loaded when inserted into your

PC. If it does not, run the program by double clicking on the autorun.exe

file located in the root directory of your software CD. You can also open

the Windows Start Menu, select Run, and type or browse to

X:\autorun.exe, where X is your CD drive letter.