Month: March 2021

FTVersionTrak v2.1.2 Release Notes

Posted: 3/1/2021

Solutions

  • Multiple File Units
    • Working directories to which Step 7 project files are checked out can be specified.
  • Repository Search
    • Wildcard characters are supported when searching for files.
  • Other
    • Added support for expiration dates past 12/2021. Click here for more information.

FTSolution for APT v2.4.0 Release Notes

Posted: 3/1/2021

Features

  • Individual Projects, or all Projects within a Solution, can be archived to and restored from a single backup file.
  • The date and time of the internal PLC clock and calendar can be set when online in Debug mode.
  • A summary of the PLC status, including memory usage, faults, and scan times, is available when online in Debug mode.
  • Contrasting colors indicate forced Symbols in the I/O Symbol Tables.
  • Forced values appear in the Forces dialog.
Solutions
  • CFC Editor
    • Fixes the issue of Scaled Integer declarations not shown in the list of the symbols valid for assignment to Process Variable settings of an object. For example, the settings of Wild Process Variable of Ratio Station CFB.
    • Resolves the issue of CFC Diagrams not registered with the project they belong to.
  • Declarations Editor
    • Addresses an issue of an internal symbol $DP_VERSION showing in the drop-down list of symbols that can be used for a symbol setting for which a valid assignment is either an integer literal or an integer constant declaration.
  • Solutions Management
    • Fixes error “The file cannot be added. A duplicate object has been detected” shown to user when a unit is removed and then re-added as an existing item in the same application session.
    • Fixes error “Object reference is not set to an instance of an object” shown when user executes command “Generate Reports” on an object file node that is shown under the Compile folder of the project in Solution Explorer, but the object file is missing in the file system.
  • Other
    • Added support for expiration dates past 12/2021. Click here for more information.

FasTrak Software Key Programming Utility Update

Posted: 3/1/2021

The software key programming utility used to program FasTrak hardware keys has been changed to program expiration dates into the indefinite future. The following new software versions have been released to support this change.

  • PLC WorkShop for Siemens 505 V5.11
  • 505 Simulator V2.34
  • PLC WorkShop for Modicon V5.81
  • Modicon Simulator V1.06
  • PLC WorkShop for S5 V5.13
  • PLC WorkShop for Square D V6.23
  • FTVersionTrak V2.1.2
  • ControlShop
    • FTLogger V3.06
    • FTTrender V2.06
    • FTAlarm V4.04
    • FTBatch V2.03
  • FTSolution for APT V2.4.0
  • FTSolution for APT Hardware Debugger V1.0.1
  • FTSolution for APT Simulator V2.34
  • FTVersionTrak for APT V2.1.2

FasTrak Hardware Key
When inserted into a computer’s USB port, a FasTrak hardware key enables the full functionality of the software. The key has been programmed with an expiration date that corresponds to a customer’s warranty or maintenance agreement period. When a maintenance agreement is renewed, the key is reprogrammed with the corresponding expiration date. Software will continue to run after a key has expired. However an expired key cannot be used with a newer version of the software. FasTrak recommends that customers update their keys each time they renew their maintenance agreements so that they can take advantage of any new features as they are added.

FasTrak Site License
Some customers use keyless site license files instead of hardware keys. The site license file enables the full functionality of the software. Some customers use installation keys to install FasTrak software products and site license files; the installation key is not used to run a software product. This type of site license is referred to as a key-on-install site license. The following information does not apply to customers with keyless or key-on-install site licenses.

Software Upgrade Required to Update FasTrak Hardware Key Beyond 2021
In order to update FasTrak hardware keys with expiration dates beyond 2021, customers will first need to upgrade to the software versions listed above (or subsequent versions) on all computers that are used to run the software.

Note:  For users of PLC WorkShop for Siemens 505 V4.70 and earlier, upgrading will introduce a file format change that was made in V4.80 released on 7/31/2014. Program files created or saved by Version 5.11 and higher will not be accessible by V4.70 and earlier WorkShop versions. V5.11 WILL accept program files created in all earlier versions of WorkShop.

Note:  For users of PLC WorkShop for Modicon V5.49 and earlier, upgrading will introduce a file format change that was made in V4.50 released on 12/16/2005. Program files created or saved by Version 5.81 and higher will not be accessible by V5.49 and earlier WorkShop versions. V5.81 WILL accept program files created in all earlier versions of WorkShop.

Customers Who Do Not Wish to Upgrade Software Versions
Customers who do not wish to upgrade to these new software versions will be able to continue running older software versions. When running the software with a key that has gone out of date, a message will display indicating that the key has expired. After the message is cleared, the software will continue to run as normal. Customers covered by active maintenance agreements, but with keys that have expired, will be able to upgrade to a later software version at any time by contacting FasTrak’s Technical Support team at 262.238.8088, Option 3 or by email.

Please contact Technical Support at 262.238.8088, Option 3 or by email if you have any questions about upgrading your software or updating your FasTrak hardware key.

FTVersionTrak for APT v2.1.2 Release Notes

Posted: 3/1/2021

Solutions

  • Multiple File Units
    • Working directories to which Step 7 project files are checked out can be specified.
  • Repository Search
    • Wildcard characters are supported when searching for files.
  • Other
    • Added support for expiration dates past 12/2021. Click here for more information.

FTSolution for APT V2.4.0 Release

Posted: 3/1/2021

FasTrak SoftWorks, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of FTSolution for APT V2.4.0. FTSolution for APT is a Microsoft Windows-based direct replacement for Siemens-obsoleted DOS APT software designed to extend the life of Siemens and CTI 2500 Series PLCs and APT programs.
Along with other performance improvements, FTSolution for APT V2.4.0 adds the following capabilities:
  • Archive and Restore:  Individual Projects, or all Projects within a Solution, can be archived to and restored from a single backup file.
  • Set PLC Clock:  The date and time of the internal PLC clock and calendar can be set when online in Debug mode.
  • PLC Status:  A summary of the PLC status, including memory usage, faults, and scan times, is available when online in Debug mode.
  • Forced I/O Indication:  Contrasting colors indicate forced Symbols in the I/O Symbol Tables.
  • Forced Values in Forces Windows:  Forced values appear in the Forces dialog.

View release details

Purchase FTSolution for APT to take full advantage of this, and future, enhancements. Purchase includes a warranty offering 12 months of free updates and technical support.