Telemecanique Tsx 17 Programming Software 🆒

Technical Report: Telemecanique TSX 17 Programming Software

Subject: Identification and usage of programming tools for the obsolete Telemecanique TSX 17 PLC platform. Date: October 26, 2023 Status: Retrospective Technical Analysis

Part 1: Understanding the TSX 17 Ecosystem

Before touching the software, you must understand the hardware it speaks to. The TSX 17 series (often referred to as the "Micro" range) included several form factors: telemecanique tsx 17 programming software

• TSX 17-10: The smallest brick-style PLC.
• TSX 17-20: The mid-range model with more I/O capacity.
• TSX 17-40: The high-end rack-mountable version.

These PLCs used proprietary processors (6809-based) and required specific communication protocols. Unlike modern USB or Ethernet programming, the TSX 17 era relied on RS-232 and the proprietary TER (Terminal) port via a TSX PCX 1131 or TSX SCA 115 interface cable.

The programming software was not the modern "EcoStruxure Machine Expert" (formerly SoMachine). Instead, it was a DOS-based or early Windows 3.1/95 application with a distinct interface. Part 1: Understanding the TSX 17 Ecosystem Before

Key technical notes

• Memory: many TSX 17 CPUs have limited RAM (example: 24 KB program RAM, ~2 KB data) with battery-backed retention; external cartridges for program backup are supported.
• I/O: typical micro-PLC configurations include 12 isolated 24 VDC inputs and a couple of relay outputs on compact models.
• Indicators: front-panel LEDs indicate I/O states, BATIBUS status (DEF, NET, DATA, ON) and can display contents of SW16 if configured.
• Power supply: variants exist with 110–240 VAC input or 24 VDC versions; check the specific model datasheet before wiring.

Ladder Logic (Most Common)

You will see a left rail (power) and right rail. Elements include:

• ---] [--- Normally Open contact
• ---]/[--- Normally Closed contact
• ---( )--- Coil output
• ---[TIMER]--- On-delay timer (e.g., %TM1)
• ---[COUNTER]--- Up/down counter (e.g., %C1)

Addressing System:

• Inputs: %I0.0 to %I3.7 (depending on rack)
• Outputs: %Q0.0 to %Q3.7
• Internal Bits: %M0 to %M255
• Words: %MW0 to %MW511

The Migration Path: PL707 for Windows 95/NT/XP

Because PL707 was a DOS application, running it on modern Windows (10 or 11) is impossible without emulation. But for two decades, engineers ran PL707 on:

• Windows 95 / 98: Native DOS mode worked perfectly.
• Windows NT 4.0 / 2000: Required the "NTVDM" (NT Virtual DOS Machine) and careful configuration of direct hardware access to the COM port.
• Windows XP: The last Microsoft OS with decent DOS support. XP could run PL707 via "Command Prompt" with the "Use VDD" (Virtual Display Driver) setting enabled for the COM port.

7. Programming Workflow (Typical)

1. Connect the programming PC to the TSX 17’s programming port (TER or AUX) using the correct cable.
2. Boot MS‑DOS (or open a DOS prompt if using Windows 95).
3. Run PL707 – usually by typing PL707 or PL7.
4. Set communication parameters (default: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, even parity).
5. Write/Edit ladder logic or IL.
6. Compile – check for syntax errors.
7. Transfer to PLC (or save to disk).
8. Switch to Monitor mode to debug and force values.

Technical Report: Telemecanique TSX 17 Programming Software

Subject: Identification and usage of programming tools for the obsolete Telemecanique TSX 17 PLC platform. Date: October 26, 2023 Status: Retrospective Technical Analysis

Part 1: Understanding the TSX 17 Ecosystem

Before touching the software, you must understand the hardware it speaks to. The TSX 17 series (often referred to as the "Micro" range) included several form factors:

• TSX 17-10: The smallest brick-style PLC.
• TSX 17-20: The mid-range model with more I/O capacity.
• TSX 17-40: The high-end rack-mountable version.

These PLCs used proprietary processors (6809-based) and required specific communication protocols. Unlike modern USB or Ethernet programming, the TSX 17 era relied on RS-232 and the proprietary TER (Terminal) port via a TSX PCX 1131 or TSX SCA 115 interface cable.

The programming software was not the modern "EcoStruxure Machine Expert" (formerly SoMachine). Instead, it was a DOS-based or early Windows 3.1/95 application with a distinct interface.

Key technical notes

• Memory: many TSX 17 CPUs have limited RAM (example: 24 KB program RAM, ~2 KB data) with battery-backed retention; external cartridges for program backup are supported.
• I/O: typical micro-PLC configurations include 12 isolated 24 VDC inputs and a couple of relay outputs on compact models.
• Indicators: front-panel LEDs indicate I/O states, BATIBUS status (DEF, NET, DATA, ON) and can display contents of SW16 if configured.
• Power supply: variants exist with 110–240 VAC input or 24 VDC versions; check the specific model datasheet before wiring.

Ladder Logic (Most Common)

You will see a left rail (power) and right rail. Elements include:

• ---] [--- Normally Open contact
• ---]/[--- Normally Closed contact
• ---( )--- Coil output
• ---[TIMER]--- On-delay timer (e.g., %TM1)
• ---[COUNTER]--- Up/down counter (e.g., %C1)

Addressing System:

• Inputs: %I0.0 to %I3.7 (depending on rack)
• Outputs: %Q0.0 to %Q3.7
• Internal Bits: %M0 to %M255
• Words: %MW0 to %MW511

The Migration Path: PL707 for Windows 95/NT/XP

Because PL707 was a DOS application, running it on modern Windows (10 or 11) is impossible without emulation. But for two decades, engineers ran PL707 on:

• Windows 95 / 98: Native DOS mode worked perfectly.
• Windows NT 4.0 / 2000: Required the "NTVDM" (NT Virtual DOS Machine) and careful configuration of direct hardware access to the COM port.
• Windows XP: The last Microsoft OS with decent DOS support. XP could run PL707 via "Command Prompt" with the "Use VDD" (Virtual Display Driver) setting enabled for the COM port.

7. Programming Workflow (Typical)

1. Connect the programming PC to the TSX 17’s programming port (TER or AUX) using the correct cable.
2. Boot MS‑DOS (or open a DOS prompt if using Windows 95).
3. Run PL707 – usually by typing PL707 or PL7.
4. Set communication parameters (default: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, even parity).
5. Write/Edit ladder logic or IL.
6. Compile – check for syntax errors.
7. Transfer to PLC (or save to disk).
8. Switch to Monitor mode to debug and force values.