Greetings Sheryl ...
if you're presently using Mitsubishi and are considering branching out into Allen-Bradley, then you might want to consider the following ...
the RSLogix5000 software that you've asked for is the "latest" that AB has available ... (whether it's the "greatest" or not is still being debated) ... it can be used to program the new ControlLogix and CompactLogix processors (and some other things that you're probably not interested in just yet) ... these PLC hardware platforms might be a little bit "pricey" if you're just taking your first steps into experimenting with AB ... I assume that you're probably looking at using an AB system on the same scale (I/O count, etc.) as the Mitsubishis that you're already working with ...
the biggest problem with having JUST the "demo" version of the RSLogix5000 software is that you won't be able to learn much about how it works – because you probably won't have a processor to program with it ... (correct me if you already have a processor – and tell us what type) ...
so ... you might want to consider buying a small MicroLogix 1000 or MicroLogix 1100 system instead ... these use AB's RSLogix500 software (that's 500 – not 5000) and you can download a free legal copy of that from AB's website ... (forum members: please correct me if I'm wrong – I THINK that all MLX-1000 and MLX-1100 systems can now be programmed with the free download version of the RSLogix500 software) ...
if you buy a MicroLogix processor, remember to order a programming cable too ...
so ... for a couple of hundred dollars or so, you could start learning more about Allen-Bradley's systems – and have a working demo unit to practice with ... I doubt very seriously that you'll be able to come up with a working hardware platform for the RSLogix5000 software as cheaply – and I'm pretty sure that the free RSLogix5000 "demo" software will only work "offline" (so it can't be used on an actual working system) ... also I believe that the free RSLogix5000 "demo" download software will only run for 90 days before it "locks out" ... on the other hand, the free RSLogix500 software should keep running forever ...
a final thought ... the RSLogix5000 software can be MUCH more intimidating for most beginners ... the RSLogix500 seems a lot more manageable – especially when someone is trying to "learn on their own" ... and so, if I were you, unless I had some SERIOUS reason to jump into the Control/CompactLogix/RSLogix5000 end of the pool, I'd carefully consider going with the smaller (and less expensive) MicroLogix-1000/1100 hardware and the friendlier RSLogix500 software ... this should help you get familiar with Allen-Bradley's way of doing things – and then you can always move along once you've gotten your feet wet ...
note to forum members: please double-check my understanding of the hardware systems that can be programmed with the free RSLogix500 downloads (1000/1100) – and also the capabilities and limitations of the free RSLogix5000 "demo" software ... I've never really worked with either of the download versions ... thanks ...
