Modsoft Alternatives: What Other Software Can You Use to Program Modicon PLCs?
Modsoft Download: A Guide to Programming Software for Legacy Modicon PLCs
If you are working with legacy Modicon PLCs, such as the 984 series, the Compact, the Momentum, or the Quantum, you might need a programming software that can handle these devices. One of the options you have is Modsoft, a DOS-based software that was developed by Schneider Electric (formerly Modicon) in the late 1980s. In this article, we will explain what Modsoft is, what it can do, how to download and install it, how to use it to program Modicon PLCs, and what are some alternatives to it.
Modsoft Download
What is Modsoft and what can it do?
Modsoft is a programming software for legacy Modicon PLCs that runs on MS-DOS operating system. It supports the creation, testing, and documentation of PLC programs using the 984 Ladder Logic (LL984) language. It also allows online and offline operations, such as uploading, downloading, monitoring, debugging, and modifying PLC programs. It has a graphical user interface (GUI) that uses menus, windows, icons, and mouse. It can communicate with PLCs via serial (COM1-COM4), Modbus Plus, TCP/IP, or TCP/IP to Modbus Plus bridges.
Modsoft features and benefits
Some of the features and benefits of using Modsoft are:
It supports a wide range of legacy Modicon PLCs, such as the 984 series, the Compact, the Momentum, and the Quantum.
It uses the LL984 language, which is a graphical representation of relay ladder logic that is easy to understand and program.
It has a GUI that makes it user-friendly and intuitive.
It has online and offline capabilities that enable users to perform various tasks with PLCs.
It has a built-in documentation system that allows users to create and print reports, cross-references, comments, and symbols.
It has a project management system that allows users to organize and manage multiple PLC programs.
Modsoft limitations and drawbacks
Some of the limitations and drawbacks of using Modsoft are:
It runs on MS-DOS operating system, which is outdated and incompatible with modern Windows operating systems.
It does not support IEC 61131-3 standard programming languages, such as ladder diagram (LD), function block diagram (FBD), structured text (ST), instruction list (IL), or sequential function chart (SFC).
It does not support newer Modicon PLCs, such as the M340 or the M580.
It is no longer sold or supported by Schneider Electric.
How to download and install Modsoft?
Modsoft system requirements and compatibility
To run Modsoft on your computer, you need to have the following system requirements:
A PC with an Intel 80386 processor or higher.
A minimum of 4 MB of RAM.
A minimum of 10 MB of free hard disk space.
A VGA monitor with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels or higher.
A mouse or a compatible pointing device.
A floppy disk drive or a CD-ROM drive.
A serial port ( COM1-COM4) or a Modbus Plus network adapter for PLC communication.
Modsoft is compatible with the following MS-DOS versions:
MS-DOS 5.0 or higher.
PC-DOS 5.0 or higher.
DR-DOS 6.0 or higher.
Modsoft is not compatible with the following Windows operating systems:
Windows 95 or higher.
Windows NT or higher.
Windows XP or higher.
Windows Vista or higher.
Windows 7 or higher.
Windows 8 or higher.
Windows 10 or higher.
To run Modsoft on a Windows operating system, you need to use a DOS emulator, such as DOSBox, VMware, or Virtual PC. However, this may cause some issues with PLC communication and performance.
Modsoft download sources and steps
Modsoft is no longer sold or supported by Schneider Electric, so you cannot download it from their official website. However, you can find some unofficial sources that offer Modsoft download links, such as the following:
PLCforum.uz.ua: This is an online forum for PLC enthusiasts and professionals. You can find a Modsoft download link in one of the posts, along with some instructions and tips on how to install and use it.
The Automation Blog: This is a blog that provides news, articles, tutorials, and videos on industrial automation topics. You can find a Modsoft download link in one of the articles, along with some information and screenshots on how to use it.
PLC Compare: This is a website that compares different PLC models and brands. You can find a Modsoft download link in one of the pages, along with some details and specifications on the supported PLCs.
To download and install Modsoft from these sources, you need to follow these steps:
Download the Modsoft ZIP file from one of the links above and save it to your computer.
Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
Run the SETUP.EXE file from the folder and follow the instructions on the screen to install Modsoft.
Restart your computer and run Modsoft from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
How to use Modsoft to program Modicon PLCs?
Modsoft project creation and configuration
To use Modsoft to program Modicon PLCs, you need to create a project and configure it according to your PLC model and settings. To do this, you need to follow these steps:
Run Modsoft from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
Select File > New Project from the menu bar or press Ctrl+N to create a new project.
Enter a name for your project and select a folder to save it.
Select your PLC model from the list of supported devices and click OK.
Select Project > Configure from the menu bar or press F9 to configure your project settings.
Select the Communication tab and choose your communication method (serial, Modbus Plus, TCP/IP, or TCP/IP to Modbus Plus bridge) and parameters (port, baud rate, parity, etc.).
Select the Options tab and choose your project options (language, memory size, scan time, etc.).
Select the Documentation tab and choose your documentation options (report format, print options, etc.).
Select OK to save your project configuration.
Modsoft programming languages and editors
Modsoft uses the LL984 language to program Modicon PLCs. This is a graphical representation of relay ladder logic that uses symbols and contacts to create logic circuits. You can use two editors to create and edit LL984 programs in Modsoft: the Ladder Editor and the Logic Editor.
The Ladder Editor is a graphical editor that allows you to draw ladder diagrams using symbols and contacts. You can access it by selecting Program > Ladder Editor from the menu bar or pressing F4. You can use the toolbar buttons, the keyboard shortcuts, or the mouse to insert, delete, move, copy, paste, or modify symbols and contacts. You can also use the toolbar buttons or the menu options to zoom in or out, scroll up or down, or print the ladder diagram. You can also use the toolbar buttons or the menu options to perform online and offline operations, such as uploading, downloading, monitoring, debugging, or modifying the PLC program.
The Logic Editor is a text-based editor that allows you to enter and edit LL984 instructions using mnemonics and operands. You can access it by selecting Program > Logic Editor from the menu bar or pressing F5. You can use the keyboard to enter, delete, move, copy, paste, or modify instructions and operands. You can also use the toolbar buttons or the menu options to perform online and offline operations, such as uploading, downloading, monitoring, debugging, or modifying the PLC program.
Modsoft online and offline operations
Modsoft allows you to perform various online and offline operations with your PLC program, such as uploading, downloading, monitoring, debugging, or modifying. To do this, you need to follow these steps:
Connect your PC to your PLC using the communication method and parameters that you configured in your project settings.
Select Online > Connect from the menu bar or press F2 to establish a connection with your PLC.
Select Online > Upload from the menu bar or press F6 to upload the PLC program from your PLC to your PC. This will create a copy of the PLC program in your project folder.
Select Online > Download from the menu bar or press F7 to download the PLC program from your PC to your PLC. This will overwrite the existing PLC program in your PLC with the one in your project folder.
Select Online > Monitor from the menu bar or press F8 to monitor the status and values of the symbols and contacts in your PLC program. This will display a live view of the ladder diagram or the logic instructions with color-coded symbols and contacts that indicate their states (on/off).
Select Online > Debug from the menu bar or press F10 to debug your PLC program. This will allow you to set breakpoints, step through the program execution, watch variables, modify values, and force outputs.
Select Online > Modify from the menu bar or press F11 to modify your PLC program online. This will allow you to make changes to your ladder diagram or logic instructions while the PLC is running. However, this is not recommended as it may cause errors or unexpected results.
Select Online > Disconnect from the menu bar or press F3 to disconnect from your PLC.
What are some alternatives to Modsoft?
Modsoft is not the only programming software for legacy Modicon PLCs. There are some alternatives that you can use instead of Modsoft, such as the following:
ProWORX 32
ProWORX 32 is a Windows-based programming software for legacy Modicon PLCs that was developed by Schneider Electric as a successor to Modsoft. It supports LL984 language as well as IEC 61131-3 standard languages (LD, FBD, ST, IL, SFC). It has a modern GUI that uses menus, toolbars, windows, icons, and mouse. It can communicate with PLCs via serial (COM1-COM4), Modbus Plus, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, or USB. It has online and offline capabilities that enable users to perform various tasks with PLCs. It has a built-in documentation system that allows users to create and print reports, cross-references, comments, and symbols. It has a project management system that allows users to organize and manage multiple PLC programs. You can download ProWORX 32 from the Schneider Electric website or from other online sources.
PLC WorkShop for Modicon
PLC WorkShop for Modicon is a Windows-based programming software for legacy Modicon PLCs that was developed by FasTrak SoftWorks, Inc. It supports LL984 language as well as IEC 61131-3 standard languages (LD, FBD, ST, IL, SFC). It has a modern GUI that uses menus, toolbars, windows, icons, and mouse. It can communicate with PLCs via serial (COM1-COM4), Modbus Plus, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, or USB. It has online and offline capabilities that enable users to perform various tasks with PLCs. It has a built-in documentation system that allows users to create and print reports, cross-references, comments, and symbols. It has a project management system that allows users to organize and manage multiple PLC programs. You can download PLC WorkShop for Modicon from the FasTrak SoftWorks website or from other online sources.
Unity Pro / Control Expert
Unity Pro / Control Expert is a Windows-based programming software for Modicon PLCs that was developed by Schneider Electric as a successor to ProWORX 32. It supports LL984 language as well as IEC 61131-3 standard languages (LD, FBD, ST, IL, SFC). It also supports function blocks (FB) and structured function blocks (SFB) that are specific to Modicon PLCs. It has a modern GUI that uses menus, toolbars, windows, icons, and mouse. It can communicate with PLCs via serial (COM1-COM4), Modbus Plus, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, or USB. It has online and offline capabilities that enable users to perform various tasks with PLCs. It has a built-in documentation system that allows users to create and print reports, cross-references, comments, and symbols. It has a project management system that allows users to organize and manage multiple PLC programs. You can download Unity Pro / Control Expert from the Schneider Electric website or from other online sources.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained what Modsoft is, what it can do, how to download and install it, how to use it to program Modicon PLCs, and what are some alternatives to it. We have learned that Modsoft is a DOS-based programming software for legacy Modicon PLCs that uses the LL984 language and has a GUI. We have also learned that Modsoft has some features and benefits as well as some limitations and drawbacks. We have also learned that there are some other programming software options for Modicon PLCs, such as ProWORX 32, PLC WorkShop for Modicon, and Unity Pro / Control Expert.
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments about Modsoft or Modicon PLCs, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Modsoft and Modicon PLCs:
What is the difference between Modsoft and Concept?
Modsoft and Concept are both programming software for legacy Modicon PLCs developed by Schneider Electric. However, they have some differences in terms of features and compatibility. Modsoft uses the LL984 language and runs on MS-DOS operating system. Concept uses the IEC 61131-3 standard languages (LD, FBD, ST, IL, SFC) and runs on Windows operating system. Concept also supports function blocks (FB) and structured function blocks (SFB) that are specific to Modicon PLCs. Modsoft is compatible with the 984 series, the Compact, the Momentum, and the Quantum PLCs. Concept is compatible with the 984 series, the Compact, the Momentum, the Quantum, and the Premium PLCs.
How can I convert Modsoft programs to Concept programs?
You can use a conversion tool called Modsoft to Concept Converter (MCC) that was developed by Schneider Electric. MCC allows you to convert Modsoft programs to Concept programs without losing any functionality or documentation. You can download MCC from the Schneider Electric website or from other online sources.
How can I convert Modsoft programs to Unity Pro / Control Expert programs?
You can use a conversion tool called Unity M Converter (UMC) that was developed by Schneider Electric. UMC allows you to convert Modsoft programs to Unity Pro / Control Expert programs without losing any functionality or documentation. You can download UMC from the Schneider Electric website or from other online sources.
How can I run Modsoft on a Windows operating system?
You can use a DOS emulator, such as DOSBox, VMware, or Virtual PC, to run Modsoft on a Windows operating system. However, this may cause some issues with PLC communication and performance. You can find some tutorials and guides on how to use these emulators on the internet.
Where can I find more information and support for Modsoft and Modicon PLCs?
You can find more information and support for Modsoft and Modicon PLCs on the following sources:
Schneider Electric website: This is the official website of Schneider Electric, the manufacturer of Modicon PLCs. You can find product information, manuals, technical documents, software downloads, and customer support.
Modicon PLC Forum: This is an online forum for Modicon PLC users and experts. You can find discussions, questions, answers, tips, tricks, and resources on Modicon PLC topics.
Modicon PLC YouTube Channel: This is a YouTube channel that provides videos on Modicon PLC topics. You can find tutorials, demonstrations, reviews, and interviews on Modicon PLC products and software.
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