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 However an expired key cannot be used with a newer version of the software.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.