DirectSOFT32 - DDE/OPC Data Server README
Version 3.0c (Build 52) (25 May 2000)
This document describes some of what's new in this release of the DirectSOFT32 - Data Server (DSData). It also includes updated information for the documentation provided with DSData. The information in this file and in the Help system is more up-to-date than that in the manual.
Please review this and any other documentation files installed in the program folder carefully. They contain important new information not found anywhere else.
Contents
Part Note
Part 1: A Personal Note from the DirectSOFT32 Software Design Team
Dear Automationdirect.com Customer,
Look for YOUR very own feature!
If you requested a feature in DSData (or suggested that we fix a particularly annoying bug!), be sure to look for your DIRECT impact on our software products.
Thanks for all of your ideas!
P.S. If you don't find YOUR feature in DSData yet, please:
Our software engineers enjoy hand-crafting your software solutions!
Very directly yours,
The DirectSOFT32 Software Design Team
Part 2: Getting Started
See the DirectSOFT32 - Data Server user's manual for information on getting started with DSData and Windows.
Part 3: What's New in Version 3.0c (Build 52) (25 May 2000)
Part 3a: What Was New in Version 3.0c (Build 51) (May 2000)
Part 3b: What Was New in Version 3.0c (Build 50) (April 2000)
Part 3c: What Was New in Version 3.0c (Build 48) (March 2000)
Part 4: Technical Support Procedures
If you need technical assistance, you may find the information you need on our web site at www.automationdirect.com or at www.hosteng.com. If you prefer, you can send email to tech@automationdirect.com. Or you may call Automationdirect at 1-770-844-4200 -- our technical support team is available to answer your questions weekdays from 9 AM - 6 PM EST. Or you can fax the information to us at 1-770-886-3199 any time of day.
Please provide the Version information when requesting technical support. You'll find it under the Help/About... menu.
Part 5: Documentation Changes
None at this time. We request that you contact us with any corrections, enhancements, changes that you would like to see in the documentation via fax (1-770-886-3199) or email to tech@automationdirect.com. Please always check the On-Line Help files and our web site at www.automationdirect.com for updated and new information.
Part 6: Help File Changes
None at this time. We request that you contact us with any corrections, enhancements, changes that you would like to see in the documentation via fax (1-770-886-3199) or email to tech@automationdirect.com. Please always check the On-Line Help files and our web site at www.automationdirect.com for updated and new information.
Part 7: Sample Files
The DirectSOFT32 - Data Server includes sample documents for popular Windows applications like Visual Basic, Excel, Quattro, and Lotus. They show examples of how you can use DSData to monitor and fine tune data in your PLC from within your favorite Windows application, using DDE or OPC as appropriate. Please take the time to review these samples to get a feel for the types of syntax each application uses to access your PLC. These sample documents are located in the Projects\Examples\DSData directory.
Part 8: Known Problems and Conditions
Find a Problem?
Please report any problems to Automationdirect via email to tech@automationdirect.com or by calling
1-770-844-4200.
Windows 95 Users only: "Windows Socket 2 Update" is required for
Ethernet Communications
The DirectSOFT32 - Data Server uses Winsock Version 2 for Ethernet communications
between your PC and PLCs. Winsock2 was released with Windows NT 4 and
Windows 98. If you are currently running Windows95 and you use or will
use Ethernet to communicate with your PLCs, you can upgrade Winsock 1.1 (which
came with Windows 95) to Winsock 2 using a free installation program available
on Microsoft's
web site at this location.
If this URL no longer exists (because Microsoft does like to reorganize their
website on a daily basis), go to http://www.microsoft.com
and search for the exact phrase "Windows Socket 2 Update"
FIRST, finish installing the DirectSOFT32 - Data Server. THEN run the "Windows
Socket 2 Update" install program.
Some Dialogs May Be Hidden Behind Other Windows
Sometimes communication or modem status dialogs are not displayed as the
top window. You can sometimes ALT-TAB to the correct application.
If this doesn't work, try minimizing non-DirectSOFT/LookoutDirect applications
to bring it to the front.
Use Control Panel To Modify Modem Properties
On the Port tab for Modem devices in the Link Configuration dialog, the
[Properties] feature does not work. To modify a modem's configuration,
shut down all DirectSOFT32 and LookoutDirect applications, and edit the modem
configuration via the Start->Settings->Control Panel->Modems dialog.
Part 9: Undocumented Features
Uninstalling DirectSOFT32 - Data Server
Please note that if you choose to uninstall DirectSOFT32 - Data Server,
it will NOT remove any document files you have created. It will also
leave user configuration files and data files that have been modified while
using DSData. Feel free to delete these files yourself, if you wish.
*All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective manufacturers. Automationdirect.com, PLCDirect by Koyo, Inc., Koyo Electronics Industries Co., Ltd., and Host Engineering, Inc. disclaim any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
README File for DirectSOFT32 - Data Server Version 3.0c
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