Take a Look at... WindLGC Programming Software for IDEC SmartRelay.

 

  WindLGC is a programming software for IDEC SmartRelay built by IDEC Company ©. SmartRelay is a compact CPU that can replace multiple relays, timers, delay relays and counters,  having a total of 8 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs, could be added modules  to reach 24 digital inputs, 8 analog inputs and 16 digital outputs, it is  a very good alternative for low cost applications, and applications  where complex hardware is not required, also to replace a conventional relays logic for a compact solution that requires less space and provide more reliability. For applications such as: motor starting control, control of pumps, air conditioning systems, light system, among others.

  IDEC has a website, very well designed and organized, as I think should be the websites for programmers and PLC systems integrators, you can get all the technical specifications and catalogs of their products, besides it is added additional technical documents like CAD drawings of all IDEC products, Video tutorials, Application notes,  Approvals and standards. Furthermore, you could download a demo version of WindLGC programming software for SmartRelay. This demo version actually is a full-functions version. No limits to create, save and simulate programs. The only limitation is you can’t communicate with the SmartRelay.

  I had a small project where I required to program one of these IDEC SmartRelay, so downloaded the WindLGC for programming SmartRelay. There are two options for download on the website: Windows 32-bit OS and Windows 64-bit OS, unfortunately the software is not compatible with Windows 8 yet, Believe me when I say is not compatible, I have tried to install on a laptop with Windows 8 using Windows XP compatibility mode and still did not work.

  Fortunately, still having an old PC with Windows XP installed (certainly that I consider the most acceptable windows versions), and downloaded compatible Demo for Windows 32-bit OS version.  The installation requires having previously installed Java Run-time, otherwise it indicates an error and the Installation is cancelled.

  Once the software is installed on the first run displays help with a basic operation tutorial. Actually, the Software is very intuitive, allows to develop the program in ladder diagram (LAD) or function block diagram (FBD). I decided to develop the program in ladder diagram (Image 1),

Image 1. Main Page

  The Software displays a worksheet and a side toolbar, where we get all the possible logic functions that can be implemented within our ladder diagram (image 2).

Image 2. functions

  The side toolbar contains logic functions normally open or normally closed Digital input/output, analog input, analog output, analog ramp control, PI controller, logic functions AND, NAND, OR, NOR, XOR, NOT, Delay timers, retentive On-delay, interval time-delay relay/pulse output, edge-triggered interval time-delay relay, random generator, Stairwell light switch, dual function switch,  Asynchronous pulse generator, Seven-day time switch, twelve-month time switch, up/down  counters, operating hours counters, frequency trigger, Among Others.

  When you select a function such as contact (normally Open or Normally Closed) software displays a window to select from SmartRelay which physical input that will correspond to that function (Image 3).

Image 3. Input Properties

  Likewise, when you select an output or an Output-Not, the software displays a window to select from SmartRelay which physical output that will correspond to that function (Image 4).

Image 4. Output Properties

  We can add comments or identification to each function within our diagram, to do this right-click on the Block constant and then left-click on comment tab from windows properties showed (Image 5).

Image 5. Adding comments

  We could generate a variable for use internally without generating an output physical from the SmartRelay, when including a new output and the parameter window is showed select internal memory marker  (Image 6). 

Image 6. Internal memory Marker Output

  To interconnect the functions, thus create the wired logic use the Connect tool, press button <F5>, thereby continue drawing, connecting and creating logical functions.

  If you wish the ladder diagram could be converted  to function block diagram, using the Convert to FBD button, the software open a new tab and create a new file based on the ladder diagram but now become a function block diagram (Image 7). 

Image 7. Function Block Diagram

  Once we have completed the diagram we could run a simulation of it. simulator option allows us to simulate the behavior diagram logic offline. press button <F3> Simulation, then program enters in simulation mode and displays a lower toolbar with the status of input and output variables. In simulation mode our diagram turns red and blue, red indicates where we have electric power supply, and blue where don't (Image 8). 

Image 8. Simulation mode

  We can push the buttons to inputs (I1 and I2 in this case) that are showing in the bottom bar, and we notice how the status outputs changed, when an output is high the bulb turn on. when is low the bulb turn off . We have an option to configure the inputs as switch or as push button. Entering into the Simulation Parameter option, and there set up which will be behavior for inputs during the simulation. (Image 9). 

Image 9. Simulation Parameter Option

  In addition, there is a button on the bottom toolbar called power that lets reset the simulation, and returns variables to initial values.

  We can set different properties for our logic diagram by pressing <Alt+Enter>displays a window with properties such as: Creator, project name, customer, version. Parameter tab have options to include a program password to avoid unwanted users that may access the program when is downloaded in SmartRelay (Image 10).

Image 10. Project Properties

  The demo version does not allow download the program to the SmartRelay, but we can save it in a file (*.lld), or export in a file (*.pdf). The software also has an option to determine which is the right model of SmartRelay that we can use with our ladder diagram, by pressing Determine Relay option, the software displays a detailed window with information such as: I/O required, program memory required , among other things, at the bottom of the windows shows SmartRelay's models available for our logic diagram (Image 11).

Image 11. Dertermine Relay Option

  As we can see, the software is very easy to use, is dedicated to the programming of SmartRelay to allows programs the logical diagram and to simulates it and make sure effectiveness, before download it and run it into the SmartRelay. The solution offered by IDEC in this particular case is a low cost and easy applicability for those projects where complex hardware is not required.

  

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