Here is a question from one of our GE PLC and GE Cimplicity ME users and the answer from one of our in-house PLC engineers:

Question:  In Logic Developer – PLC/Cimplicity ME, I would like to save the project on CD for our customer.  How would I find the files to copy, or does the backup retain all project data (symbols)?

Answer: If you use the backup function in  Machine Edition it will save everything, including logic, configuration, symbols, etc, in one zip file.  You can create a backup in Machine Edition a couple of ways.  With Version 5.9 or later, with your project open, under the File commands there is a selection that says save and backup project.  This will save the project and let you designate where the backup zip file will go.  You can also open Machine Edition and without a project open, you will see in the Navigator a list of projects on your computer.  If you right click on a project name, you will get a pop-up window and one of the selections is Back Up.

I have been asked by several customers about compatibility between Windows 7 and GE Proficy Machine Edition (ME).  Currently, Windows 7 and GE Proficy Machine Edition are not compatible.  Compatibility is projected for late 4Q10 or 1Q11.  No specific date is available.

If you have a PC with Windows 7 and need GE Proficy ME to run on it, the only workaround that we are aware of is to install a Virtual Machine with a Windows XP operating system and then install Proficy Machine Edition in the Virtual Machine.  There are several Vitrual Machine software packages out there.  Microsoft and Sun have downloadable versions available and VMWare is available for purchase (VMWare only works if you have the hardware USB license for Proficy ME).

Qualitrol solves this problem with its new Logic Developer Platform (LDP).  We have a fully-loaded compact PC that runs GE Proficy ME in Windows 7.  We have solved all of the installation issues and issues with the USB serial port - you just power it up and go!

If you have questions on working with Virtual PC and Proficy ME or want more information on our LDP, please contact our technical team at 1-800-784-9385.

Question:  What Programming Languages are supported by Proficy Machine Edition (ME)?

Answer:  The Proficy Machine Edition (ME) software Logic Developer PLC supports Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagrams, and Instruction Listing programming. Not all of these are supported by all CPUs; for example, Function Block Diagrams are only supported in Rx3i and Rx7i systems.  The standard version can program GE Fanuc Versamax, GE Fanuc Versamax Micro, and GE Fanuc 90-30 PLCs, the the Professional Version is required to program GE Fanuc 90-70, Rx3i and Rx7i systems.