As the others have indicated, there is no need to purchase LM90-30 software. You can download it from the GE Fanuc support website. The next question is, why LM90?
It's an obselete, DOS-based package. You may be able to get it to run and to communicate with your PLC under the latest Microsoft operating systems, but you should expect problems.
If you are going to purchase anything, purchase Cimplicity Machine Edition Logic Developer PLC. Part number IC646MPS001, list price $800 US. You'll need a computer with at least a 500 mHz pentium-class CPU and 128 meg of RAM. (They recommend 1 GHz and 256 meg) If that's not available, then purchase VersaPro, part number IC641VPS300, list price $800 US. Note that the sales people are going to promote CME, and for good reason. It's the package that will be supported into the future. As new products are introduced, they will only be supported by CME.
The only reason to buy any package other than CME is if you don't have enough computer to run it on. When I did the 'Where to buy' thing on the GE website, Barbados wasn't a choice, but I entered 'Caribbean Islands' and got the following contact, which looks like the Miami sales office. GE Industrial Systems Telephone: 1-305-551-5177 Fax: 1-305-551-5129. Rick, As I understand it, the issue of compatibility betwen VP and firmware revision level is this. Under certain conditions, VersaPro may cause older firmware versions to stop executing the program when you access the fault tables.
There may be other issues, but this is potentially the most serious. VersaPro can be set up to prevent you from downloading to a too-old firmware version (default setting), to warn you that you are trying to download to an older version, or to unconditionally permit you to download. TDK, I've always said that for some enterprising Master's candidate at the University of Virginia School of Management, there's a case study in how not to manage software just waiting to be written out on Highway 29. LM90 was a fine piece of DOS software, but it was a horse that GE Fanuc tried to ride for too long, and then they mismangaed the transition to a Windows package. VersaPro was too little, too late. CME has the potential to be a very good package, but it is a resource hog.
The one that says DEMO, lm9030d.zip. The demo version is fully-functional. However, the program size is limited to 750 bytes for MAIN and 750 bytes/program block. RUNNING LM90 FROM A DISK THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE LM90 SOFTWARE If you need to run LM90-30/20/Micro from a disk that does not contain the software, you should setup the $PLCROOT environment variable in your AUTOEXEC.BAT to point to the location of the LM90 software: I am not positive what the 9.05 Special 1 and 2 do specifically besides fix a problem with downloading. I switched to VersaPro so dont use much now.
Bernie, I downloaded lm9030d.zip and installed it on a spare hard drive I had lying around. It installs to a directory named LM90demo, and you launch it with a file called lm90demo.bat. A standard installation would be to a directory called LM90, and LM90.bat would launch it. It's version 8.02. The last version level is 9.05 The service packs for v9.05 on the GE Fanuc support website won't work with the demo v8.02.
They require you to be at v9.05 to work properly. The highest level CPU that you can configure with version 8.02 is a CPU352. CPUs 360, 363, 364, and 374 hadn't been released when v8.02 was current.
There are probably a few other modules that won't be supported. I didn't dig any deeper than the CPUs.
As far as program size is concerned, I was able to open folders with MAIN blocks in excess of 2 Kbytes. I was also able to communicate with a 90-30. I seem to remember from back in the days when I was selling that product line that if renamed the directory LM90 and then went in and edited a couple of the DOS files to modify any references to the LM90DEMO directory to read LM90, you could get around any restrictions on the size of files that could be saved. I can't remember any more details. At some point, you have to ask yourself if 'free' software it worth the time it takes to use it. As always, your results may vary.
A small number of users have experienced flu-like symptoms, dry mouth, fatigue, and.ual side effects. See your distributor if you have any of these symptoms.
Your Personal PLC Tutor Site - Interactive Q & A - 'Demo Programming Software' This board is for PLC Related Q&A ONLY. Please DON'T use it for advertising, etc.
Your Personal PLC Tutor Site - Interactive Q & A 'Demo Programming Software' New Here? Archived thread - Read only (Public) Original message - (811 posts) Dec-20-01, 12:46 PM (EST) 'Demo Programming Software' The question about free programming software comes up so often, that I thought maybe it's time to put together a list that we can refer people to. It's Christmas, after all. Many manufacturers offer demo software that runs with some limitations.
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How about if those who know the packages and how to get them, post the links in your responses to this thread. List the restrictions, particularly those that relate to file size, memory access, ability to save, communications with the PLC, or anything else that could affect the ability to use any programs created with the demo program when you get the official version. In the future, we can refer questioners to this thread in the archives.
I can start with GE Fanuc: For Logicmaster 90-30 and 90-70 (DOS), you can download demo packages at the following locations. 90-70 90-30 These are fully functional, including the ability to communicate with the PLC and to save files.
There are restrictions on the maximum size of the program. For VersaPro (Windows) software, I couldn't find any downloads at the web site. However, the local distributor may be willing to give you a VersaPro CD. You can install the software and run it for up to four days without registering it. After four days, you have to uninstall and then reinstall. There are no restrictions on file size, ability to save, or communications capabilities in the unregistered version.
You do not lose any program files if you uninstall and reinstall after the four day timeout. Table of contents, Mark Baker, Dec-20-01, (1), Mark Baker, Dec-20-01, (2), Bernie Carlton, Dec-20-01, (3), Ron P., Dec-20-01, (4), Steve Bailey, Dec-20-01, (5), rsdoran, Dec-20-01, (6), rsdoran, Dec-20-01, (7), Steve Bailey, Dec-20-01, (8), rsdoran, Dec-20-01, (9), Barrington, Dec-23-01, (10) Messages in this topic - (122 posts) Dec-20-01, 03:03 PM (EST) 1. 'RE: Demo Programming Software' Mitsubishi UK will alow you to download FX GP win full working version for all Mitsubishi FX range of PLCs you are limited to 600 steps of code but it is free and a good little package.
Click the Link below and select. Regards Mark - (122 posts) Dec-20-01, 03:11 PM (EST) 2. 'RE: Demo Programming Software' PLC Man has nearly the whole shooting match if some of it is a little dated, still worth tinkering with. Click the link Reagrds Mark - (47 posts) Dec-20-01, 04:03 PM (EST) 3.
'RE: Demo Programming Software' Automation Direct has demo software available. Go to 'Technical Support' then under the 'Downloads' column select 'Free Demos'. The list of the software with the limitations are listed.
(47 posts) Dec-20-01, 05:40 PM (EST) 4. 'RE: Demo Programming Software' Demo is not yet available but might be worth keeping for future reference. The free DEMO version of our new Pull-Planner™ 2000 for Windows™ Software Program - (811 posts) Dec-20-01, 06:32 PM (EST) 5.
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'RE: Demo Programming Software' What I had in mind was PLC programming software. If this is going to turn into a backdoor method of advertising, I'll ask Phil to remove this thread. (341 posts) Dec-20-01, 06:41 PM (EST) 6. 'RE: Demo Programming Software' Found this while answering another post, thought some may be interested. Its Modicon's ProWorx Nxt software (NOTE the following is their ad ) supported controllers includes the MODICON 584, 984A, B & X, 984 - 380 to 785e, Modicon Micro, A120 Compact and Compact TSX, Momentum and Quantum Look under Control Software for ProWorx - (341 posts) Dec-20-01, 06:58 PM (EST) 7. 'RE: Demo Programming Software' BTW I am not sure if this applies directly but Phil made it so I thought maybe it would be appropriate.its the manufacturers link page.
(811 posts) Dec-20-01, 08:20 PM (EST) 8. 'RE: Demo Programming Software' Yeah, I know that Phil has links to the manufacturers. I'm hoping that people who have direct knowledge about the demo programming software packages will post the URLs of the applicable pages. When you don't know your way around a manufacturer's website, you can waste a lot of time runing down blind alleys. Also, not all manufacturers offer demo versions of their software, so it would be helpful to know whether or not to bother searching.
Lm90 Software Download
Finally, one of the things frequently left out of the demo version is the communication driver. If you're an unlucky tech with a sick PLC to troubleshoot, looking for a quick way to debug a system, there's no point in downloading a demo package that can't talk to the PLC. That's why I'm hoping for commentary on the limitations of the demos.
(341 posts) Dec-20-01, 09:22 PM (EST) 9. 'RE: Demo Programming Software' Steve ok just thought mite be nice ta plug Phil a little. Another note is the use of words pertaining to software. Now this may not be exact, just an observation OK. Demo usually means can see how used but not use. Trial versions can be used either in limited basis or for limited time.
Allen Bradley is a good example, most of what they offer are demo versions of RSLogix.just a video presentation thing. Modicons ProWorx NxT that I posted offers a trial version that you can use up to 25 rungs. Others you can use but cant print.etc etc. Can write/print cant connect. I have another one.PLC Communicator V2.0 for use with AB PLC2.
They call this a demo but it works in a limited fashion. Versions for Win9x and 2k So my theory/observation doesnt work in all cases. (94 posts) Dec-23-01, 09:08 AM (EST) 10. 'RE: Demo Programming Software' STEP 7-Micro/WIN 32 Evaluation Version 3.3.2 E English This demonstration package has the complete functional scope of the normal product (for 60 days). Rate this topic (1=skip it, 10=must read)?.