About (DCIPLC version 3).

PCB.

4-2002

Back

Read also: the Elektor article.
DCIPLC is a ladder logic editor and PLC(Programmable Logic Controller) simulator that incorporates basic functions used in PLC programming.
The program is designed to allow you to easily prepare a PLC program bij simply placing blocks. The length of the ladder logic diagram is limited to 99 lines. With inputs, outputs, timers, counters, clocks and flags you can develop ladder programs.
Ladder logic diagrams, which are in many ways similar to relay logic diagrams, are frequently used to graphically generate programs.
When putting together a ladder logic diagram, you should always bear in mind that the symbols in the diagram represent instructions rather than physical contacts.
When the instructions in the program are executed, the states of the inputs are monitored. Depending on these states, various ouputs are set either High or Low.

Concept.
DCIPLC also has the added benefit of being capable of controlling external hardware(32 inputs and 32 outputs) via a serial port(RS232). Also included a schematic for building the hardware.

The DCIPLC editing screen


Editor.

The editing screen is where the ladder program is created.
The standard toolbar
This includes the buttons to open an new file, open an existing file, print, save, Run mode, Edit mode and view the declaration list.
The second toolbar
This toolbar contains the ladder symbols that are used to create the ladder diagram.
DCIPLC features a total 32 inputs, 32 outputs, 32 timers, 32 counters, 32 clocks and 32 flags.
Show toolbar functions.

Creating a Ladder Diagram

A ladder diagram can be quickly generated by 'Click' the required controls from the control panel and Click them on the screen. Once you have dropped a symbol onto the screen, a dialogbox appears where you can enter information about that control.

Testing a ladder diagram

To test a ladder diagramprogram, or to run it without the hardware, you can use the simulation mode. To do so, click on 'simulation mode' in the 'status' menu.
A window will appear, in which you can enter the states of the 32 inputs and check the states of the outputs.

Running.

DCIPLC gives a visual representation of the states of the inputs and outputs and also displays the current values of timers and counters.

Commenting your ladder diagram


Comments.

To show the comment editor:
1.Choose Tools| Show comment editor from the main menu.
2. Maximizes the window to fill the entire screen.
The comment editor is displayed at the bottom of the window.
You print the comments bij clicking Print|Comment file.
Click the right mouse button in the editor to view the popup menu.
Choose Tools| Hide comment editor from the main menu to hide the comment editor.

Run mode

After the hardware has been connected, you can make the proper port settings using the 'Ports' menu. You can choose from COM1-COM4, and you can also set the speed.
It is a good idea to initially set a low speed and then check in RUN mode whether the inputs generate the proper responses and the ouputs are correctly driven.
Click on 'RUN mode' in the 'Status' menu, or click on the toolbar button with the green arrow.
You can return to the edit mode at any time by clicking on 'Edit mode' in the 'Status' menu or by clicking on the button with the red circle.
This causes all hardware outputs to be reset to zero.

To Top.

Download.

Terms of Use
This program may be distributed freely, but the program is not to be altered in any way.
Also the readme.txt file has to be distributed along with this program.
This software is provided "as is", without any guarantee made as to its suitability or fitness for any particular use. It may contain bugs, so use of this tool is at your own risk. I take no responsilbity for any damage that may unintentionally be caused through its use.

Reporting Problems:
If you encounter problems, download the latest version to see if the issue has been resolved.
If not, please send a bug report to:

Mail to: E-Mail
This is FREEWARE, but any mail, gift or fee will be a method to encourage me to write another (better and nicer I hope !) version.

This project is purely a hobby of mine, so I do hope to have some understanding if I won't reply all the e-mails.
This program runs under Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows Millenium!
When using Windows NT or Windows 2000, the run-function won't work.
This is because these operating systems don't allow normal programs to directly address the serial-ports registers.
Use small fonts: to avoid problems with dialogwindows.
Warning : not all resolutions are supported.
See also the chapter Screenresolutions:.
The examples are located in the directory \Examples. The DCIPLC-files have the extension: *.plc.
The schematic can be found in the file : "Schemaplc.pcx".
Interface example for I/O.

To installing DCIPLC
Do not install DCIPLC over previously installed version!
1. Unzip DCIPLC.zip.
2. Run setup.exe. The DCIPLC setup wizard starts.
3. Follow the instructions that appear.

DOWNLOAD PAGE.

Thanks for visiting this site.
To top