IDEC is pleased to announce the newest solution for PLC to PC communication, WindSRV software.

This software acts as a server application for any OPC and DDE compliant Windows software, using RS232, RS485, or ethernet to link it to an IDEC PLC. Once you install WindSRV on your PC, you will have a low-cost monitoring system without purchasing any additional hardware.

WindSRV requires no custom drivers, no extra programming skills, and no special cables. It is a true "plug and play" application, with a demo included on the CD (using OPC, Excel, and the MicroSmart PLC) for easy start-up and troubleshooting.

Linking client applications is simple using an easy-to-follow five-step process. Define the channel object (communication driver), define the device object (PLC), tag the object (user defined and dynamic tags are allowed), select Quick Client to access your PLC remotely, then follow your completed link to your PC software.

WindSRV-compliant programs include Microsoft® Excel© and Access©, Siemens WinCC®, GE Cimplicity®, Kepware QuickClient, Visual Basic, Visual C++ applications and user interfaces, and any other OPC/DDE compliant program. (For a full list of supported applications, please see the WindSRV brochure, catalog #EP970).

You can connect your PC running WindSRV to as many IDEC PLCs as you like; when you purchase the software, you will buy a license for the number of PLCs you want to access. (WINDSRV-1 allows you to link to a single PLC, WINDSRV-4 up to four PLCs, etc. WINDSRV-U is for any number of PLCs. See chart at left for part numbers and pricing.)