Yes. WindLDR is a free download from IDEC's website with no license fee or activation key required.

What USB driver does WindLDR use?

WindLDR uses a USB-to-serial driver included in the installation package. It installs automatically on most Windows systems.

How to Install WindLDR and Connect to an IDEC FC6A PLC

Quick Answer

WindLDR is free PLC programming software from IDEC. Download it from the IDEC website, install on Windows, create a project matching your FC6A CPU model, and connect via USB or Ethernet to go online.

Downloading WindLDR

WindLDR is available as a free download from IDEC's global website. No license key, registration fee, or activation is required. This is a significant advantage over competitors — Rockwell's Studio 5000 and Siemens TIA Portal both require paid licenses.

System Requirements

Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
.NET Framework 4.6.2 or later
USB port (for USB connection to FC6A)
Ethernet port (for TCP/IP connection)
1 GB free disk space

Installation Walkthrough

Download the WindLDR installer from the IDEC website.
Run the installer as Administrator.
Accept the license agreement and select the installation directory.
Complete the installation — the USB driver is included and installs automatically.
Launch WindLDR from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Creating a New Project

Select File > New.
Choose the CPU type matching your physical FC6A model (e.g., FC6A-C40R1AE for a 40-point All-in-One with relay outputs — Plus CPUs use FC6A-D16/D32 part numbers).
Select the I/O configuration to match any installed expansion modules.
Name the project and save.

Connecting via USB

Connect the PC to the FC6A USB 2.0 Mini-B maintenance port. IDEC documents the HG9Z-XCM42 USB maintenance cable (Type A to Mini-B); a compatible Mini-B cable that enumerates the IDEC USB driver also works.
Windows should recognize the device (confirm in Device Manager) and assign a COM port for the USB CDC interface.
In WindLDR, select Online > Set Up (opens the Communication Settings dialog).
Click the USB tab and confirm the assigned COM port, then click OK.
Use Online > Download (or Home > Download) to transfer the user program, or go online/monitor per your WindLDR version. The download includes ladder logic plus Function Area Settings.

Connecting via Ethernet

Connect the FC6A Ethernet port to the same network as the PC (CAT5 STP per IDEC guidance).
Factory default network settings are typically IP 192.168.1.5, subnet 255.255.255.0, gateway 0.0.0.0 (confirm in Function Area Settings / HMI module — do not assume 192.168.1.1). Set the PC to the same subnet or change the PLC IP first over USB.
In WindLDR, open Online > Set Up, select the Ethernet tab, and enter the FC6A IP address.
Click OK, then download or monitor as needed.

Going Online

Once connected, WindLDR can monitor live values, force I/O (where permitted), and download/upload the user program. The status bar shows connection state, CPU mode (RUN/STOP), and scan time.

Firmware Version Check

After connecting, read PLC status / system software version from the online/monitor tools for your WindLDR version (path labels vary slightly by release). If a firmware update is needed, download the update from IDEC and apply it over USB per the FC6A user's manual.