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Windows-Based Portable PLC Programmer

Product News Tuesday, December 21, 2010: Qualitrol

Program Logistics Controllers (PLCs) took the automotive industry by storm during the late 1990’s and continues to be the most common process control tool in manufacturing industries, along with several niche industries such as food, mining and the environmental control. As technology does, PLCs have transformed to more advanced versions of its functionality, features and capabilities including desktop logic applications permitting programming to be conducted via a personal computer. With the range of programming available today, desktop computers have become the more favored environment for PLC programming.

Whether as a designated terminal or through a computer, these programmable controllers play an integral role in industries saving time and money. However, figuring out how to run DOS under Windows and the inability to use personal computers in the field are two reported issues from technicians and PLC users. Software compatibility tends to be an issue, as most DOS-based programming software is unable to communicate with a PLC under certain versions of Windows. Issues such as these can be easily solved, though, thanks to the Windows-Based Portable PLC Programmer which is a terrific example of how PLCs have transformed to better meet the needs of industry customers.

Developed by Qualitrol International, the Windows-Based Portable PLC Programmer allows you to run any DOS-based PLC programming software on a laptop allowing you to take it with you into the field. With its full windows capabilities, you are also able to use email, the internet and other standard computer features from the same programmer. Its Ethernet and wireless connections provide options depending on the scenario, always ensuring 11 hours of battery life giving flexibility and dependability all wrapped into one device. It is compact, lightweight and includes a 10.1” widescreen display along with 1 GB RAM and 160 GB hard disk drive, with an optional 32 GB solid-state drive for environments that require an even higher level of durability.

Qualitrol International’s Portable PLC Programmer also eliminates the worry over corrupt floppy disks or how to get DOS to run under Windows, and no more moving parts thanks to its solid state disk drive. This state-of-the art PLC programmer is pre-tested and includes pre-installed software, along with the ability to run multiple PLC programming packages at the same time. Perhaps what sets it apart most, though, is its Logic Development Platform (LPD) allows you to run modern Windows PC programs in addition to virtualized hardware that runs both older DOS programs along with the newer Windows programs—all from the same programmer without the need to even close other applications.

Arguably the most significant advantage to LPD is that the program is pre-installed, pre-configured and pre-tested to ensure the VHD installations work flawlessly with the LPD program hardware. All the user needs to do is power it on and begin using it. Qualitrol International’s Windows-Based PLC Portable Programmer and its LPD advantage offers significant time-savings, as well as flexibility and functionality saving its users the headache of DOS programming and troubleshooting issues, leaving more time in the field and not stuck behind a desktop computer all day!

View more information on Qualitrol International’s Windows Based PLC Programmer.