Software : Actron : ActSip and ActGraph

Actsip and ActGraph are tools for programming, startup, debugging and documentation of Hitachi programmable logic controllers (PLC).
The strength of such tools today is just as important from an economical point of view as reliability and price of hardware.

The Actsip family covers Hitachi’s currently produced lines of PLC, from the smallest to the largest(*). It allows the user to choose between all the common programming methods, from ladder diagram to Grafcet and presentation system.

To achieve this large width, Actsip is divided into a number of program modules, which are combined to different Actsip products. In all cases, independently of the size of the PLC or programming method, the user works in the same way with the computer. This makes the system very easy to learn and it is without learning thresholds when other parts of the Actsip system is used. Everywhere during programming there is extensive help, relevant for the situation. On top of this, detailed and instructive manuals are included in the package.

Common features
The program modules in the Actsip family all have easy to use menus, extensive help texts and clear error messages. The setup of computer, PLC, printer, documentation, etc. are done in a free and easy manner.

Symbolic addresses, or short comments, can be used everywhere instead of physical addresses. It makes it easier to program, it improves documentation and only unused addresses are being suggested, automatic allocation.

There are easily handled functions for making project changes, moving parts of projects or changing addresses. Macros can be used, either as ready solutions or to multiply useful routines.

Printout of ladder diagram together with corresponding instruction list gives a clean and informative documentation, that is easy to keep updated with project changes.

Programming can be both connected to the PLC, ON-LINE, or be prepared using only computer, OFF-LINE. When connected, program transfer or status indication of current values, monitoring, can be done.

Program module Actsip-E
Ladder and instruction programming for series E, EB, EC and EM(II).

This module allows making the PLC project on screen, either in ladder diagram or instruction list. It is easy to switch between these two methods of programming. In the ladder diagram a large background screen is used, which can be scrolled in all directions. This means that the physical computer screen is not a limitation.

There is also plenty of space for comments to all instruction blocks, which is important for documentation and understanding the project.

Program module Actsip-H
Ladder and instruction programming for series H (H20-64, H200-252, H300-H2002).

This module corresponds to Actsip-E for the more powerful H series. The way to construct the project is identical, as are menus and the help system. Only where extensions have to be made because of differences in the PLC’s, the handling differs. There is automatic allocation, macro functions and flexible entering of comments. Since the programming of H series allows large projects these functions are of even greater economical value here. The documentation and printouts are also here first class.

As help in the programming, there are a lot of powerful "arithmetic instructions". To select between these, there is an on screen help box. Configuration of the PLC is simple and particularly at ON-LINE programming the configuration is automatic. All types of configuration can be handled, from simple to complex networks. Work can be done either OFF-LINE or ON-LINE using an address to any unit in the network. Due to the large number of I/O in the H series, a well tried database driver is used. This means that very large projects can be done without long delays in the program. It also means a maximum safety concerning program errors and lost data.

Program module ActGraph
Grafcet programming for series E, EB, EC, EM(II) and series H (H20-64, H200-252, H300-H2002).

This module is a stand alone programming system for all PLC in the Hitachi family, where the center of the programming is "Grafcet" as the widely accepted standard IEC 848. Programming is done by building the Grafcet directly on screen. This way of visualizing a process to control flow is very close to the human way of thinking at construction, description and documentation. Thanks to his users save a lot of time and resources using this tool, even compared to other Actsip tools.

Grafcet is optimal for sequential control, graphs. Control of a more parallel nature, e.g. separate regulators, are made with logic boxes and macro boxes, programmed in Boolean expressions and in PLC instructions. The project can zoomed up or down to show more or less detailed information. The project can be PLC independently. Graphs, logic boxes and macro boxes can be combined freely. After selecting PLC, coding and transfer to PLC is done. The project status can be monitored on screen directly in the graphs.

Products

Actsip-Mini: Actsip-E (only EC).
Actsip-Medium: Actsip-E and Actsip-H (only H20-H252).
Actsip-Large: Actsip-E and Actsip-H for all PLC.
ActGraph-Mini: ActGraph (only EC).
ActGraph-Medium: ActGraph (all E, only H20-252).
ActGraph-Large: ActGraph for all PLC.
Actsip-TOT-Medium: Actsip-E, -H and ActGraph (only H20-252).
Actsip-TOT-Large: Actsip-E, -H and ActGraph for all PLC.
See also: Software Compatibility Guide

Lighthouse PLCs, Inc.
To find out more about the software, or obtaining pricing, please get a quote or contact us.

(*) This excludes the S-10Alpha series PLC