DirectSOFT Frequently Asked Questions
Use "Ctrl-F" to search for specific words in this FAQ.
Question:
Will DirectSOFT programming software connect to the GE Series 1 CPUs?
Answer
DirectSOFT will recognize the GE Series 1+ CPUs but not the GE Series 1
To identify which CPU you have
- Disconnect power from the base
- Remove the CPU from the base
- Look for the part number on the label
If you have a part number of IC610CPU101 or 104
- You have a GE Series 1
- - DirectSOFT will NOT connect
If you have a part number of IC610CPU105 or 106
- You have a GE Series 1+
- DirectSOFT will connect.
DirectSOFT will also connect to the TI305 CPU 325, 325S, 330, 330S, and 335.
A D3-232-DCU (Data Communications Unit) is required when connecting to any of these CPUs with DirectSOFT.
FAQ ID: 100
Question:
How do I stop my computer from accessing the floppy drive every time I start DirectSOFT?
Answer
You have a project in the DirectSOFT Launch > Projects folder saved to the floppy. You can click on the project in the Projects folder and press the delete key to remove the entry. DirectSOFT will give you the option to remove the files along with the entry in the documents list. DirectSOFT will no longer try to access the floppy on startup.
FAQ ID: 231
Question:
When I load my program with PID loops into a new processor, my loops are not present. Why not?
Answer
Since the PID configuration information is stored in V-memory and System V-memory, reloading the program will not restore the V-memory contents.
- Use File >> Save Project >> To PLC to restore the complete project and the PID tables will be restored.
- You can also restore the PID configuration by using PLC >> Copy Config Data From Disk To PLC and check "System Variable Memory" and "Variable Memory".
To fully backup a PLC project, while connected to the PLC, use File >> Save Project >> To Disk. This will save the ladder project and the V-memory data. If you use "Program" you will only get the ladder code, and not the V-Memory data.
FAQ ID: 232
Question:
How do I cut and paste from one program to another. Every time I try, the clipboard is empty when I try to paste?
Answer
Both programs need to be open on the DirectSOFT desktop at the same time. Open program A, enter edit mode, and minimize on the desktop. Open program B, enter edit mode and minimize on the desktop. Restore program A, copy rungs, minimize A. Restore B, paste rungs.
FAQ ID: 233
Question:
My documentation files in DirectSOFT have been corrupted. How do I repair them?
Answer
You can copy a backup filename.esd file over the corrupted esd file and restore the nicknames, wiring information and descriptions. You can copy a backup filename.lcd file over the corrupted lcd file and restore the ladder rung comments. You can copy a backup filename.scd over the corrupted scd file and restore the stage comments.
FAQ ID: 234
Question:
DirectSOFT installation stops shortly after entering the password key code.
Answer
The Microsoft Foundation Class Library file mfc42.dll must be up to date before DirectSOFT can be installed. Run MFC42DLL.EXE directly from the DirectSOFT CD-ROM, using Windows Explorer. Restart Windows. Then run DS32PgmDS32P30.exe directly from the DirectSOFT CD-ROM, using Windows Explorer.
FAQ ID: 235
Question:
I can't get PC-R30-U to install.
Answer
Any prior version of DirectSOFT must be installed on your system. You do not need to install the most recent version of DirectSOFT. With any prior version of DirectSOFT loaded, the upgrade will load successfully.
FAQ ID: 236
Question:
Can I use DirectSoft through my USB port?
Answer
DS 3.0 and later will work through a USB port adapter USB-RS232
FAQ ID: 237
Question:
Which Automationdirect.com, Koyo, TI, and GE PLCs are supported by DirectSOFT?
Answer
Use this table to see if your PLC is supported by DirectSOFT.
FAQ ID: 239
Question:
Does your software access or program Allen-Bradley PLCs?
Answer
No, our software does not access nor program the Allen-Bradley PLCs.
FAQ ID: 240
Question:
I upgraded to the new DirectSoft, but I can't get a link to my PLC.
Answer
When communicating through F2/FA-UNICON and FA-ISONET in DirectSoft 3.0 it is sometimes necessary to go into the link editor and under Flow Control change NONE to RTS/CTS in order to get the software to create a link. This was not necessary in the 16 bit software.
FAQ ID: 241
Question:
With DirectSOFT, how many drums can you have active at one time?
Answer
You can use as many drums as you'd like as long as you do not use the same address in each drum. If you do have the same address used, you must use stage logic in order to separate the drums.
Also, as drums use counter locations, there is a limit to how many there can be.
FAQ ID: 243
Question:
Can the DP software share tags with DirectSOFT?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 244
Question:
Is DirectSOFT tested to QS9000?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 245
Question:
Can you program DirectSOFT in Boolean?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 246
Question:
Will DirectSOFT work with a GE Series One Jr?
Answer
No. DirectSOFT will work with the GE Series One Plus (IC610CPU105 and IC610CPU106).
FAQ ID: 247
Question:
Can I use "PC-Anywhere" software to run DS32 from a remote location?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 249
Question:
I've forgotten my CPU password. What can I do?
Answer
Contact Tech Support. They will request that you to send the unit to them. The unit will be returned to you with password and program removed. We cannot remove the password without clearing CPU memory.
FAQ ID: 251
Question:
How do you get the status on the ladder view?
Answer
Click on debug and then all status on
FAQ ID: 252
Question:
Does your DirectSOFT software do simulation mode?
Answer
Not at this time.
FAQ ID: 253
Question:
Will the DSdata talk OPC?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 343
Question:
Can the password be ALL characters?
Answer
No, the first character can be a capital "A" or a number, but the rest must be numbers.
FAQ ID: 346
Question:
Can DirectSoft do rung executions one at a time?
Answer
No, but it can do 1 scan at a time.
FAQ ID: 414
Question:
Will DirectSoft run on Windows NT?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 473
Question:
Will DirectSoft run on Windows ME?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 474
Question:
I only have one license. Can I uninstall on one computer then reinstall on a different one?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 475
Question:
Can DDE Server use SNMP protocol over Ethernet? If not, can it be modified to use SNMP as a custom solution?
Answer
No, It doesn’t support SNMP protocol. Even if it was customized it could not support it.
FAQ ID: 476
Question:
Can you change a K value of a timer in Dataview?
Answer
No, when presets are entered as K values they can only be altered via a program change. If you need to be able to change presets via data view or an external device, you must use V locations for the presets.
FAQ ID: 560
Question:
Is there any way other than the compare function to align a DirectSoft project and the contents of my PLC?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 561
Question:
Can I run 16 bit and 32 bit on the same computer?
Answer
Yes, but both packages cannot be running at the same time .
FAQ ID: 562
Question:
With Directsoft 32, how you can assign a different path to the directory.
Answer
Find ds300.ini, find [PATH], then change to the path you wish.
FAQ ID: 614
Question:
What is the most common or best supported protocol using Directsoft?
Answer
K-Sequence.
FAQ ID: 615
Question:
Will the SR1 PLCs communicate with Directsoft?
Answer
No.
FAQ ID: 616
Question:
How do I set the clock in DirectSoft when using a D2-240?
Answer
Using DirectSoft, go to PLC >> Setup >> Calendar
FAQ ID: 630
Question:
The software installed but did not create a link. What do I do?
Answer
Locate the DSX00.ini file (X can be 2,3,4, or 5) in the Windows directory. Find [devasync.dll] and set all except the current comm port in use =0. i.e. If comm1 is being used to connect the PC to PLC it should look like this :
[devasync.dll]
COM1Enable=1
COM2Enable=0
COM3Enable=0
COM4Enable=0
COM4=4,3,2,0,0 }
COM3=4,3,2,0,0 } these settings will vary
COM2=4,3,2,0,0 } from PC to PC
COM1=4,3,3,0,2 }
ModemEnable=0
COM5Enable=0
COM8Enable=0
COM7Enable=0
COM6Enable=0
[devether.dll]
EthernetEnable=0
Ethernet=3,25,5000,0,0,1,0
FAQ ID: 631
Question:
Every time DirectSoft starts up, it takes forever to search for all of my links. How can this be avoided?
Answer
If you prefer to not have DirectSoft search for active links upon startup, you can disable this completely by going to C:/Windows/DSX00.ini and find the [COMM SERVER] header. Under this header place Autosense=0 . This will disable DirectSoft from auto searching for active links.
** The X in the .ini file will vary according to the version of DirectSoft the customer is running:
Version 1.0 = DS100.ini
Version 2.X = DS200.ini
Version 3.X = DS300.ini
etc.
** Also there are more than one set of .ini files on the hard drive. One is in the DirectSoft directory the other is in the Windows or WINNT directory. As stated above the one in the Windows or WINNT directory is the one to modify.
** At least one link must be configured in the software for this to work.
FAQ ID: 632
Question:
Can I connect to and view a ladder program from a Siemens 335/37 CPU with Directsoft?
Answer
Yes, as long as customer has support installed for the 305 series PLC.
FAQ ID: 673
Question:
Can 2 Directsoft licenses be installed on one computer?
Answer
Yes, they just need to be in separate directories.
FAQ ID: 674
Question:
How do you change the watchdog timer?
Answer
Go to PLC on the tool bar, Setup in drop down menu, then Watchdog timer. It will adjust as high as 9998 ms.
FAQ ID: 724
Question:
Do you have a version of Directsoft software that will not allow the user access to the entire program?
Answer
No, if you access the project, the user can view and make changes to the entire program.
FAQ ID: 754
Question:
Do your PLCs support Wonderware?
Answer
Yes, via our OPC server, PC-KEPOPC.
FAQ ID: 755
Question:
Will Directsoft work without the CD in the drive?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 756
Question:
Does Directsoft support Omron PLCs?
Answer
No, it will not.
FAQ ID: 757
Question:
Will Directsoft support Ethernet?
Answer
Yes.
FAQ ID: 758
Question:
Will DirectSOFT program a TI 435 PLC ?
Answer
Yes
There is a list of PLC DirectSoft supports;
A list of PLCs supported by DirectSOFT
FAQ ID: 796
Question:
Q: In DirectSOFT how do you branch a rung?
Answer
A: By pressing CTRL and the up or down arrow keys.
FAQ ID: 797
Question:
Q: Can LOOKOUT and DirectSOFT be open at same time?
Answer
A: Sure, if they are both the same version.
FAQ ID: 798
Question:
Q: Will a Winplc work with DirectSOFT?
Answer
A:No
FAQ ID: 799
Question:
How does the the DEMO version of the DirectSoft Programming software Different from the Purchased version?
Answer
The DEMO Version:
1) Can Save OnLine / Monitor Status on a 100 Ladder-word program (maximum) in the PLC.
2) Can Monitor Status on a maximum of 4 items in Data View.
3) Can have 4 Data Views max.
4) Can have only 1 Comm Link active at a time.
5) Can have only 1 Ladder (Stage, Mnemonic, XRef/Usage) View open at a time.
6) Cannot Save to Disk.
7) Displays a 'Nag Dialog' encouraging Customers to purchase the Full Version of DirectSOFT-Programming!
8) Cannot use the DRUM instruction that is available in some CPU's (because of the 100 word maximum)
FAQ ID: 941
Question:
Where can I find more FAQs (Items not covered in this series of FAQs?
Answer
DirectSOFT FAQs on HOST Engineering Website
FAQ ID: 1091
Question:
Where can I get a DirectSOFT5 manual?
Answer
A DirectSOFT5 manual is provided with each purchase of a full version of DirectSOFT5 software. There is also a copy of the manual in electronic pdf file format (DS-User-Manual.pdf) in the DirectSOFT5 directory where DirectSOFT5 is installed in the C:\DirectSOFT5\Help\ folder.
FAQ ID: 1223
Question:
Will DirectSoft run on Windows 7 ?
Answer
This may be of some help;
Windows 7 and Directsoft
FAQ ID: 1285
Question:
Will the USB-RS232 work with my version of Windows?
Answer
Over the course of the product's life, there have been three versions:
- Gold Cable - Windows 7 and older versions, will not work on Windows versions newer then Win 7
- Black Cable - Windows 10 and older Windows versions, will not work on Win 11
- Gray Cable - Windows 11 and older Windows versions
Under most circumstances, the operating system of the computer you connect to this device will find and install the correct driver automatically. In the event you need to manually download the driver:
- The USB-RS232 is a GOLDX GXMU-1200, the driver can be download from Titanium Tech
- This device uses a Prolific chipset internally. You could also use the driver available at the Prolific's website.
You have to log into their site with user: guest password: guest
FAQ ID: 1441
Question:
What is new in DirectSOFT version 6.0?
Answer
New! Over 40 new IBoxes including:
2 New IBoxes for PEERLINK support:
ECRDPL - ECOM100 Read Peerlink Status
ECWRPLPA - ECOM100 Write Peerlink Pause
1 New IBox:
MOVER - Move Real.
2 New IBoxes to move multiple words:
MOVRANGE - Move Range of V using MOV
MOVEFOR - Move Range of V using FOR/NEXT
2 New IBoxes: Added Double versions of the
FILTER/FILTERB IBoxes:
FILTERBD - Filter Over Time - Binary Double
FILTERD - Filter Over Time - BCD Double
2 New Absolute Value IBoxes:
ABSBIN - Absolute Value - Binary
ABSR - Absolute Value - Real
4 New IBoxes: Created 4 IBoxes to convert Binary values to Real values (16 bit and 32 bit):
BINTOR - Unsigned Binary to Real with Implied Decimal Point
BINTORD - Unsigned Double Binary to Real with Implied Decimal Point
BINSTOR - Signed Binary to Real with Implied Decimal Point
BINSTORD - Signed Double Binary to Real with Implied Decimal Point
4 New IBoxes: Created 4 IBoxes to convert Real values to Binary values (16 bit and 32 bit):
RTOBIN - Real to Unsigned Binary with Implied Decimal Point and Rounding
RTOBIND - Real to Double Unsigned Binary with Implied Decimal Point and Rounding
RTOBINS - Real to Signed Binary with Implied Decimal Point and Rounding
RTOBINSD - Real to Double Signed Binary with Implied Decimal Point and Rounding
1 New IBox: Created a CTRIO Edit Level Response IBox.
CTRELVL - CTRIO Edit Level
2 New CTRIO Register Read/Write IBoxes:
CTRRGRD - CTRIO Register Read
CTRRGWR - CTRIO Register Write
3 New CTRIO Mode 2 IBoxes
CTRVEL2 - CTRIO Velocity Mode 2
CTRRTLM2 - CTRIO Run To Limit Mode 2
CTRRTPM2 - CTRIO Run To Position Mode 2
3 New ERM IBoxes:
ERM - ERM Config
ERMSLAVE - ERM Read Slave Error Codes
ERMSTATS - ERM Read Status
10 New IBoxes to Increment or Decrement by a given value:
DECBYBIN - Decrement by Binary
DECBYBIND - Decrement by Binary Double
DECBYBCD - Decrement by BCD
DECBYBCDD - Decrement by BCD Double
DECBYR - Decrement by Real
INCBYBIN - Increment by Binary
INCBYBIND - Increment by Binary Double
INCBYBCD - Increment by BCD
INCBYBCDD - Increment by BCD Double
INCBYR - Increment by Real
3 New HI/LO Alarm IBoxes:
HILOALBD -- Hi/Lo Alarm - Binary Double
HILOALD -- Hi/Lo Alarm - BCD Double
HILOALR -- Hi/Lo Alarm - Real
2 New IBoxes support Scaling:
SCALEB - Scale Value - Unsigned Binary
SCALEBD - Scale Value - Unsigned Double Binary
FAQ ID: 1588
Question:
What programming software does the following extensions belong to: *.EBU *.EXP *.LAD *.NAM?
Answer
These extensions belong to the GE Logicmaster software.
From DirectSoft programming software, go to File, select Import and then select Program. Change the File Type to Logicmaster (*.lad).
FAQ ID: 1593
Question:
What programming software uses the extension *.VPU?
Answer
This extension belong to the TiSoft software. From DirectSoft programming software, go to File, select Import and then select Program. Change the File Type to Tisoft (*.vpu).
FAQ ID: 1594
Question:
Where can I find previous versions of DirectSoft?
Answer
There is a download page for DirectSoft legacy versions: DirectSOFT Support Resources
FAQ ID: 1646