Does WindLDR have a simulation mode?

Yes. WindLDR includes a built-in simulation mode that lets you test ladder logic on your PC without connecting to a physical PLC.

Where are device addresses configured in WindLDR?

I/O device addresses and expansion module assignments are configured in the Function Area Settings dialog, accessible from the Configuration menu.

WindLDR Interface Overview — Navigating the Programming Environment

Quick Answer

WindLDR's interface consists of a project tree for organizing program blocks and configurations, a ladder/FBD/ST editor for writing logic, a device monitor for live value inspection, and configuration dialogs for I/O, communications, and special functions.

WindLDR Main Window Layout

The WindLDR workspace is divided into several areas:

Menu and toolbar — File operations, communication controls, edit tools, and online monitoring functions
Project tree (left panel) — Hierarchical view of program blocks, I/O configuration, communication settings, and special function setup
Editor area (center) — Ladder diagram, FBD canvas, or structured text editor depending on the active program block
Output/message window (bottom) — Compilation results, errors, warnings, and search results

Function Area Map

The Function Area Settings dialog defines the FC6A's memory allocation for all resource types:

I/Q relays — Physical input and output mappings
M relays — Internal memory bits
T timers — Timer allocation and configuration
C counters — Counter allocation
R data registers — 16-bit word storage
D special registers — System and function parameters

Ladder Editor

The ladder editor provides a toolbar with common instructions (contacts, coils, timers, counters, math, comparison) that can be dragged onto rungs. Instruction parameters are entered in a dialog when placing each element. Cross-references show every usage of an address across the program.

Device Monitor

The device monitor reads and displays live memory values from the connected FC6A. You can monitor I, Q, M relay states, R register values, timer/counter accumulated values, and special registers. Values can be written directly for testing and commissioning.

Simulation Mode

WindLDR includes a built-in simulator that executes the ladder program on the PC without hardware. Force input states manually and observe output behavior to verify logic before downloading to the PLC. The simulator is useful for debugging complex sequences and training.

Help and Documentation

WindLDR includes integrated help with instruction descriptions and examples. IDEC also publishes comprehensive FC6A hardware manuals and WindLDR programming guides on their website as free PDF downloads.