Anyone still got Mitsubishi PLC4B software kicking around?

[Captain_Goofy]

I know this is a long shot, but does anyone still have a copy of Mitsubishi’s old PLC4B development software for Meldas? Pretty sure it was DOS-based and way before my time, but I’ve got a machine that still wants it. I’m not looking for a sales pitch on “just upgrade the control”... trust me, if I had the budget, I would. Right now the goal is just to get the thing talking again without junking it. If anyone’s got it archived, knows a backchannel to get it, or even remembers how painful it was to run that software, I’d appreciate the lead.

 

[the nonchalant guy]

Had the same thing with my older Mitsubishi controls and unfortunately PLC4B was the only option for some of the Meldas 500 series since newer tools like GX Developer never supported them. It was DOS based and not the most user friendly but it did the job if you could get it running on the right hardware or in an emulator.

I did a quick check and some people have mentioned that ladder editing can be enabled directly from the operator panel by changing parameters. If you are set on finding PLC4B your best bet is usually reaching out on machining forums or checking with service techs who worked on these controls years ago since Mitsubishi no longer distributes it.

 

[IVGrbn]

I know this is a long shot, but does anyone still have a copy of Mitsubishi’s old PLC4B development software for Meldas? Pretty sure it was DOS-based and way before my time, but I’ve got a machine that still wants it. I’m not looking for a sales pitch on “just upgrade the control”... trust me, if I had the budget, I would. Right now the goal is just to get the thing talking again without junking it. If anyone’s got it archived, knows a backchannel to get it, or even remembers how painful it was to run that software, I’d appreciate the lead.

This is a tough one, PLC4B is deep vintage! The software itself is only part of the puzzle since the crucial element is the physical interface card/driver required to connect that DOS machine to the control. I suggest checking with an independent Mitsubishi service tech, or call Mitsubishi Electric FA distributors and ask for their most experienced applications engineer. Also check industrial surplus or auction sites for old programmer's laptops that might still have it installed!

 

[Gimm3gimlet]

@Captain_Goofy seconding the panel programming check. Before you chase down PLC4B, check your manual (or search forums) for the parameter that enables direct ladder editing on the operator panel. It's usually a hidden parameter (like $#1111) that lets you do minor edits and troubleshooting directly on the control, which might be enough to get you running

 

[SunnyD]

Before you go down the DOS rabbit hole, have you checked if you can enable the onboard ladder editor? On many Meldas 500 series, if you go to the Machine Parameters and set Parameter 1001 bit 1 to '1', you can actually view and edit the ladder directly on the CRT/LCD