Podcast: A-B PLC Migrations

Last update on Sept. 21, 2023.

We're the guest on the Automation Blog's Podcast October 4th, with the topic of A-B PLC Migrations.  Listen/watch anytime after 3:30 EST at https://theautomationblog.com/category/content-type/video/.

Continue reading

Can't get MicroLogix 1400? Here's your in stock solution!

Last update on April 14, 2023.

Our MLXP3xx series combines a Micro or NeoPAC SoftPLC with an Xpress I/O block to create the best MicroLogix alternatives:

  • Convert existing ladder logic & documentation files. Our conversion utility generates a better result than Rockwell's Micro800 or CompactLogix conversions!
  • Physical size similar to the 1766-L32xWxx controllers - with options to add more I/O if needed.
  • Data table addressing compatible with existing HMI applications
  • Supports peer-to-peer messaging to other Rockwell products
  • and more!
MLX Series NeoPAC

Continue reading

SoftPLC 5.1 Firmware Release

Last update on Sept. 26, 2022.

Version 5.1 of the SoftPLC runtime firmware is now released!  New features include support for larger MSG packets on PCCC Ethernet, support for MSG routing through multiple PCCC Ethernet and DH+ networks (eg; via ControlLogix 1756-DHRIO interface cards), and improved runtime fault reporting enhancements.  This release also includes an updated Ethernet/IP driver which enhances communications between SCADA/HMI software (eg: PanelView/Factory Talk, Ignition) and SoftPLC controllers and gateways.

Contact support@softplc.com for a copy of the detailed release notes.  Users with version 5.x firmware can purchase this as a revision update.  Users with 3.x ...

Continue reading

In Stock: A-B RIO/DH Gateways

Last update on March 30, 2023.

We provide gateways to provide communication between devices on Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (RIO) or Data Highway Plus (DH+) networks and devices on other networks such as Ethernet/IP, ModbusTCP, DF1, Modbus serial and others, and both models are in stock:  our Smart and NeoPAC SoftPLC Gateways.

ProSoft Discontinued RIO/DH+ Gateway

ProSoft Technology recently discontinued their AN-X2-AB-DHRIO product, which was the only other supported gateway on the market.  SoftPLC Gateways provide more functionality than the ProSoft model (see the "Compare" tab at http://softplc.com/products/comm/abgw_landpg/) and are value priced options for customers needing "blue-hose" communications for partial system upgrades.

Continue reading

TOPDOC NexGen Release 5.0.4

Last update on April 15, 2022.

A minor update to TOPDOC NexGen is now available for download in a password protected zip file at http://softplc.com/support/resources/software/.  Contact support@softplc.com for the unzip password.

This update is date coded 5.0.211214 (displays at the bottom of the initial splash screen).  It is release 5.0.4 and fixes a minor issue in the smart.tlm editor related to selection of Tealware analog input modules.

Continue reading

Podcast - Automation Interface Exchange

Last update on April 15, 2022.

We recently participated in an Automation Interface Exchange podcast with one of our Distributors.  A preview is below.

You can listen to the entire Podcast here:  https://www.rockinterface.com/knowledge-center/podcasts/2x04/

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pJpb8vK0d94" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Continue reading

TOPDOC NexGen Patch to release 5.0.3

Last update on April 15, 2022.

An update to TOPDOC NexGen is now available for download in a password protected zip file at http://softplc.com/support/resources/software/.  Contact support@softplc.com for the unzip password.

This release fixes a bug in "Detect On Net" with saving settings and creating a new PLC configuration file set on the TOPDOC PC.  This bug is only present in release 5.0.2 (5.0.211027 on the initial splash screen), not in earlier versions.

Continue reading

IMPORTANT! TOPDOC NexGen Update

Last update on Nov. 1, 2021.

An update to TOPDOC NexGen is now available for download in a password protected zip file at http://softplc.com/support/resources/software/.  Contact support@softplc.com for the unzip password.

This release fixes a bug when addresses like T3:0/12 (which is a CTL word reference) are used, which can cause the APP to become corrupted when saved.

It also adds a textual "device type" field in an updated "detect on net" packet reply as well as revising the ModbusTCP editor to handle both old/new replies.

Continue reading

TOPDOC NexGen version 5.0 Released

Last update on June 29, 2021.

TOPDOC NexGen version 5 is now available!  This is a major upgrade and supports all SoftPLC controllers or gateways with version 4.6 and later firmware.  Features include:

  • 64-bit software
  • Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is embedded
  • Supports new features of SoftPLC v5 runtime firmware, the Smart SoftPLC (v4) and NeoPAC (v2) hardware
  • Multi-level security options for SoftPLC access

You can download the upgrade from our website.  Email support@softplc.com with your registration number(s) for the unzip password.  Customers in warranty or under software support extensions can use the upgrade at no cost.  If your support has expired, the ...

Continue reading

"End of an Era" - Lee is Retiring

Last update on June 25, 2021.

"End of an Era" - Lee is Retiring

Lee Parmeter, who has been with SoftPLC Corporation since 1987 is retiring at the end of June, 2021.  Most of our customers have interacted with Lee over the years in his role as head of Technical Support.  What you may not know is all the other things he did at SoftPLC like product & system testing, selecting hardware and components for our products, application and TLM programming, customer training and even system integration.  His decades of knowledge of PLC's and ladder logic, computer operating systems, computer and I/O hardware, I/O bus networks and more will be sorely missed ...

Continue reading

Yearly archives