News & Events : News Feed/Blog

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

March 30, 2023

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

SoftPLC 5.1 Firmware Release

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 or 4.x firmware should contact support@softplc.com to discuss a version upgrade for their specific SoftPLC hardware model.

In Stock: A-B RIO/DH Gateways

June 23, 2022

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 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.

TOPDOC NexGen Release 5.0.4

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.

Podcast - Automation Interface Exchange

Dec. 3, 2021

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>

TOPDOC NexGen Patch to release 5.0.3

Dec. 3, 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 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.

IMPORTANT! TOPDOC NexGen Update

Oct. 28, 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.

TOPDOC NexGen version 5.0 Released

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 renewal cost for your license(s) will be sent upon request to support@softplc.com.

"End of an Era" - Lee is Retiring

June 25, 2021

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.

You can send messages to Lee at support@softplc.com and we will forward them if they arrive after his last day.

Smart SoftPLC & Gateway -v4 Coming Soon!

Nov. 16, 2020

Version 4 of the Smart SoftPLC/Smart Gateway hardware will be available in stock by the end of 2020.  The new products will include the same features of the existing product, plus many enhancements including:

• Faster 64bit, quad-core CPU with 512MB RAM and 8GB on-board flash memory
• 5 GB Ethernet ports, 4 on a switch with multiple MAC ID's
• (2) USB 2.0 host ports
• (3) configurable communication ports - choose any mix of A-B "bluehose" (Data Highway Plus or Remote I/O), RS-485, or others
• embedded WiFi/Bluetooth, option for embedded cell modem

Product literature and web site updates coming soon!