OkiePC
Lifetime Supporting Member
We have a customer that has 6 machines running GE Series 90-30 PLCs. In order to support them, they bought a used Dell Full size desktop PC with Windows XP that allows them to run Logic Master 90 software. They also have a USB programming cable that works.
I helped them out a couple of times even though I have nearly zero GE experience, was able to figure out COM settings and Google Fu my way in to get them online and clear faults and put the PLC back in RUN mode. I also made a printout of two of their programs (pretty simple discrete I/O, ~80 rungs of code) and have a copy of one machines project folder.
They are making plans to upgrade the controllers, but in the meantime would like us to set them up with a laptop that can run a newer version of Windows and still allow them to maintain those machines (like clear fault tables when a card fails, or troubleshoot I/O). The PC they're using now is cumbersome and they realize they need to protect it, so they completely disassemble it after each use and store it in an office. When they need to get it out, they load it on a plastic cart and roll it to the machine, plug in the monitor, mouse, keyboard, USB converter, and power cords. Boot it up and wait. You know this drill.
Can we install LM90 and expect it to run on Windows 10? How about Windows 11?
Can we get them a newer version of 90-30 software like Proficy Machine Edition and expect it to work with their old CPUs?
Is there a significant advantage to moving them to Proficy Machine Edition?
I have a couple of photographs but not serial numbers and the complete project file for one machine and just the printed report (txt file) for another. They are all similar machines that control just the discrete I/O on plastic pipe extrusion lines.
I helped them out a couple of times even though I have nearly zero GE experience, was able to figure out COM settings and Google Fu my way in to get them online and clear faults and put the PLC back in RUN mode. I also made a printout of two of their programs (pretty simple discrete I/O, ~80 rungs of code) and have a copy of one machines project folder.
They are making plans to upgrade the controllers, but in the meantime would like us to set them up with a laptop that can run a newer version of Windows and still allow them to maintain those machines (like clear fault tables when a card fails, or troubleshoot I/O). The PC they're using now is cumbersome and they realize they need to protect it, so they completely disassemble it after each use and store it in an office. When they need to get it out, they load it on a plastic cart and roll it to the machine, plug in the monitor, mouse, keyboard, USB converter, and power cords. Boot it up and wait. You know this drill.
Can we install LM90 and expect it to run on Windows 10? How about Windows 11?
Can we get them a newer version of 90-30 software like Proficy Machine Edition and expect it to work with their old CPUs?
Is there a significant advantage to moving them to Proficy Machine Edition?
I have a couple of photographs but not serial numbers and the complete project file for one machine and just the printed report (txt file) for another. They are all similar machines that control just the discrete I/O on plastic pipe extrusion lines.
Last edited:
