Rockwell Automation recently released version 26 of its Studio 5000 Logix Designer software for programming its CompactLogix and ControlLogix PACs.
The download weighs in at 3.20gb, and with a good high speed connection users can expect it to take just under 30 minutes.
The download package includes RSLinx 3.73, as well as FactoryTalk Services Platform 2.73 and FactoryTalk Activation 3.62.11.
What’s new in version 26?
Operating system support:
Version 26 supports Windows 7 Pro (64bit) and Home (32bit) with Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard with Service Pack 1, Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1 Professional (64-bit), as well as Windows Server 2012 Standard.
Kinetix 5700 Servo Drive System:
Version 26 also includes added support for the new Kinetix 5700 multi-axis servo system designed for machines with large axis counts and higher power requirements.
More information about the Kinetix 5700 will be available when the user manual, publication 2198-UM002, is released.
License-Based Source Protection:
Finally, version 26 includes support for “Licensed-Based Source Protection.”
License-Based Source Protection controls permissions to Use, View, Edit, Copy, Export, and Protect Studio 5000 components.
Once you apply Source Protection, those protected components can only be altered or viewed by someone with a license and permissions required for access.
This feature uses technology new to the Studio 5000 product, including the USB “CmStick” that will contain licenses and permissions, as well as the CodeMeter WebAdmin portal which can be access via the icon installed along with Studio 5000 Logix Designer.
For more information on version 26 see the official product release notes available via the link below:
So what happened to version 25?
Great question!
While I can’t find it publically documented anywhere, word on the street is version 25 (like version 14) was a single customer release.
Why the public release has to skip a version when a private release is issued I don’t know, but for now that’s all I’ve heard about the mysterious version 25.
So, what do you think of version 26 so far?
Do you feel like the added features are too few to warrant a major release?
Or, are you of the mind that smaller, more frequent releases are better?
Let us know what you think by filling out the “post a comment or question” link below.
Until next time, Peace ✌️
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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator
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Be warned version 26 does not work with RS Emulate!!
Good afternoon Daniel,
Thanks for the heads up!
Shawn Tierney
Good point Daniel and very disappointing. This post is getting old but I checked a couple weeks ago and still no v26 Emulate. This problem with not keeping up with the current Studio version also happened for a while with v24. Why would Rockwell ever allow this to occur? Anyone that knows I would be glad to hear.
And more on topic to your original question Shawn I think the major releases are way to frequent. Leaves me feeling like my versions that are only a few months old are full of bugs. The frequent fatal error crashes with v24 attest to that.
Good morning Steve,
I was also disappointed when I heard v24 might be the last version of Emulate and SoftLogix.
Maybe they are working on something better, something more like Emulate 5 and 500 (and other PLC mfgs) which emulates the PLC without having to change the PLC file?
Not hat I’ve heard anything, but if I do I’ll post an update,
Sincerely,
Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com
Good evening Shawn,
I purchased a PC windows 8,64 bit .it can support for studio 5000 version 26 and FT View SE version 8 ?.
Good morning Vijay,
Last time I checked it did:
https://theautomationblog.com/rslogix-5000-and-studio-5000-support-for-windows-xp-7-8/
https://theautomationblog.com/factorytalk-view-support-for-windows-xp-7-8/
Hope this helps,
Shawn Tierney
Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com
Company just recently purchased Studio 5000….Now that V26 is out, should I download this version? A lot of the PACs here at my plant are working off of V24 and some as old as version 20….what is your recommendation?
Afternoon Kev,
It doesn’t hurt to download a copy and have it ready if you ever need it, but I often recommend taking the minimalist approach of only installing the versions you actually need.
Also, with versions 27 and 28 both likely coming out this year, you may find you next system skips over 26 for one of these never versions.
Hope this helps,
Shawn Tierney
Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com
Hi Shawn,
Is there a limit to the number of people that can be on-line with a controller making changes at the same time? What safeguards are there to synchronize the changes so all on line users are seeing the same version of code?
Paul,
Great question!
I’ve never found where a limit was published, but do know that Studio has built-in indicators showing you if someone else is online and if they’re editing the routine you’re viewing.
Also, after some recent internal testing I would suggest you definitely want to avoid two users editing the same routine at the same time because when one accepts his edits the other’s will be lost.
There’s also a great article on Rockwell’s knowbase on the subject which I’ll link to below (note – it requires a tech connect contract)
https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/25961
Hope this helps!
Shawn Tierney
Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com
Shawn, thanks for the help. I downloaded the doc.
Paul
You’re very welcome Paul – best of luck!
Shawn Tierney
Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com
I use redundancy so I’m still on version 20. I wonder when that will be added to one of the newer versions.
Good morning Ben,
The word on the street is redundancy is being added to v24 and may be out later this year,
Hope this helps,
Shawn Tierney
Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com