Waltech LadderMaker Ladder Logic Software

 

WLM screeshot

VIDEOS:

Click for a video, v. 107a video-icon.png

Click for an earlier video video-icon.png

Version 105 video video-icon.png

Features:

  • Easy to learn and use Graphical Programming.
  • Written in Python
  • Linux and Windows packages available
  • Integrated USB uploading to hardware

Compatible hardware:

  • Waltech PLC V2.
  • Arduino Uno.
  • Arduino Mega
  • Arduino Nano

Download:

5/12/2015 version 110a

Fixed upload to new Mega bootloader.

More than one ADC can be used now.  Multiple parallel circuits warning. 

↓ LadderMaker Python Source v.110a 

11/08/2014 version 1.07a

Added Arduino Nano support. PWM, ADC elements available on Arduio Uno and Nano. Note: There are fewer input and output pins now to make room for PWM and ADC. 

Some bugfixes. Thanks to Adam J. and Mark W.

↓ LadderMaker Python Source v.107a 

↓ LadderMaker for Windows v.107a

Notes:

Unzip download. No installation required.

Running Python Source: Browse to Program folder, open a terminal, and run main.py. Requires Python 2.7 and pyQt4. Must be run in a terminal for USB testing and upload to work. 

LadderMaker Linux Boot Disk iso. Download, burn iso to a CD, and boot to the CD. Laddermaker folder is on the desktop.

Check the version. If a later version of the Source is available here, download it, and replace the Program and Helpers folders in MyApplications/WaltechLadderMaker folder

Windows Build: Requires no other components. Browse to 'program' folder and double click main.exe.  Change in Device Manager if needed.  Tested on Windows 7. 

Ladder Maker for windows package does not show the element icons on some Windows installations.  Try installing VC++ redistrubutable 2008. VC++_Link.  

An alternate is to use the python source, and install Python, Qt, and PyQt:  XP Links here:     ↓Python 2.7   ↓QT      ↓PyQT  

Mac: The latest versions need to be tested and adjusted for Mac usage, so for now we are recomending using a virtual machine such as VirtualBox, and running Linux or Windows.

For version 0.92 and older only: download Ladder Maker Source.  Install Xcode and MacPorts.  Run the following: 

  • sudo port selfupdate
  • sudo port install py27-pyqt4 (wait long time)
  • sudo port install avr-gcc
  • sudo port install avr-libc
  • sudo port install avrdude

Introduction to Ladder Logic: On Slideshare- LINK

C code from LadderMaker

Posted by admin on February 15, 2016

The C code that LadderMaker generates can be used in The Arduino environment with some modification.

  1. From the terminal that Laddermaker is running in copy everything between "Making C" and "saving C and Compiling"copy_code.jpg
  2.  Paste into a totally blank Arduino IDE project. No setup, no loop.
  3. Delete two instances of "inline"delinline.jpg
  4. Change "operator" to "Operator" in five instances.changeOperator.jpg
  5. Choose Arduino board and compile. 

Adding USB Arduino access in Linux

Posted by admin on May 09, 2015

LadderMaker access to an Arduono via USB on Linux. 

This is a step-by-step cut-and-paste guide to adding a rules file so that non-root users can have access to an Arduino via USB.  This applies to Ubuntu, but should work for other Debian based Linuxes, such as Mint.

Cut and paste the following commands into a Terminal:  (LXterminal is recommended, as it allows mouse right click pasting)

cd /etc/udev/rules.d

sudo nano arduino.rules

This will open an editor, editing the file arduino.rules.  Paste the followint into the file: 

SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ACTION=="add", ATTRS{idVendor}=="2341", ATTRS{idProduct}=="00[0-a][0-f]", MODE="666", SYMLINK+="arduino arduino_$attr{serial}", GROUP="dialout"

SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ACTION=="add", ATTRS{idProduct}=="6001", ATTRS{idVendor}=="0403", MODE="666", SYMLINK+="arduino arduino_nano_$attr{serial}", GROUP="dialout" 

SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ACTION=="add", ATTRS{idProduct}=="7523", ATTRS{idVendor}=="1a86", MODE="666", SYMLINK+="arduino arduino_nano_$attr{serial}", GROUP="dialout" 

Type ctrl X.  When prompted: type Y, enter.  This will save the file.

Now disconnect and reconnect the Arduino.

Some Notes on LadderMaker

Posted by admin on April 07, 2015

1)

Many people have commented that the inputs are inverted.  This was done intentionally so that pull-down is active, and optical isolation or pushbuttons will work as expected. The internal pull-ups are activated in the Arduino on all inputs. 

input.png

 

2)

There is a new version of LadderMaker almost ready to publish.  It will be version 108.  The bug that prevents more than one ADC input from working is fixed.  There is also more entries in arduino.rules so that more versions of the Nano will work under Linux.  

3)

There remains an issue with two or more parallel (OR) rungs.  OR rungs that are shorter than the one above, that are not left justified do not work properly:

no_work.png  (Does not work.) 

 

This does work:

OK.png (Works.)

 

I am trying to get this bug fixed, but for now a workaround using internal outputs will be the only option for multiple parallel rungs. 

--Karl

Arduino Mega and new functions for Ladder Maker

Posted by admin on July 05, 2014

Ladder Maker verson 104 now has the following new features:

  • Arduio Mega2560 support
  • Pulse Width Modulated outputs (for the Mega2560 only)
  • Analog inputs (for the Mega2560 only)
  • + - ÷ x
  • < > + ≤ ≥
Some notes: multiple PWM elements can be connected to a single output.  The first active PWM element will apply.  This way several speeds can be used on a single output.
 
Timer and Counter can now be used with math.  A 16 bit register stores their value. and is available by charing the name.