Telemecanique Tsx: 17 Programming Software !!install!!

The Telemecanique TSX 17 is a very old programmable logic controller (PLC) platform (originating in the late 1980s and early 1990s). Because it predates modern Windows-based environments and standard USB connections, finding and using the software requires specific legacy knowledge.

Here is a breakdown of the software and hardware requirements for programming a TSX 17.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

If you manage to get your Telemecanique TSX 17 programming software running, here are the most frequent issues:

1. The Software

The standard software used for the TSX 17 series was PL7-2 or PL7-3.

  • PL7-2: Typically used for the TSX 17-10 and TSX 17-20 models. It uses "Ladder" logic and "Literal" (instruction list) programming.
  • PL7-3: A more advanced version often used for larger TSX 7 series, but compatible with TSX 17.

Schneider Electric (who acquired Telemecanique) has discontinued this software. It is no longer sold or supported through official channels. You generally have to look for legacy automation software archives or forums (like PLCS.net) to find copies of PL7-2 on floppy disk images. telemecanique tsx 17 programming software

Important Note on Compatibility:

  • This software was designed for MS-DOS or early versions of Windows (3.1 / 95).
  • It will not run natively on modern Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit).
  • Solution: To run this today, you typically need to use a DOS Emulator like DOSBox or run a Virtual Machine (VM) with Windows XP or DOS installed.

Part 4: How to Connect to the TSX 17 PLC

The software is useless without a physical connection. Here is the anatomy of a working connection.

Hardware Required:

  1. TSX PCX 1131: The classic programming cable (RS-232 to 8-pin mini-DIN).
  2. TSX SCA 115: An adapter for the older 25-pin SUB-D connectors on very old PLCs.
  3. Homemade alternative: A null-modem cable wired specifically for Pin 2 to Pin 3, Pin 3 to Pin 2, Pin 5 to Pin 5, plus a loopback on the PLC side (pins 4 & 6 jumpered, pins 7 & 8 jumpered).

Connection Protocol (PL7-17 for Windows): The Telemecanique TSX 17 is a very old

  1. Power down the TSX 17 PLC.
  2. Connect the cable to the "TER" (Terminal) port on the PLC. Do not use the AUX port.
  3. Power up the PLC. Ensure the green "RUN" LED is either on or off (not flashing red).
  4. Open PL7-17. Click "Online" > "Connect" .
  5. The software will ping the PLC. If successful, you will see a dialog box showing the Firmware version, RAM size, and I/O configuration.
  6. You can now:
    • Upload: Transfer PLC program to PC (File > Transfer > PLC to PC).
    • Download: Transfer PC program to PLC (Caution: This overwrites the machine logic).
    • Monitor: Watch ladder logic execute in real-time.

Troubleshooting "No Response" errors:

  • Issue: Timeout error. Fix: Lower your PC's CPU speed (use MOSLO or disable cache in BIOS).
  • Issue: Checksum error. Fix: Your cable is too long (keep under 15 meters) or you have a ground loop.
  • Issue: Dongle not found. Fix: The parallel port must be set to ECP or Bi-directional in BIOS.

Legitimate sources:

  1. Original Customer Disks: Many long-running factories have the original 3.5" floppies in a safe. You need a USB floppy drive to read them.
  2. Used Equipment Resellers: Companies like Radwell, PLC Center, or EU Automation sometimes possess legal copies of the software when selling refurbished TSX 17 units. Ask them for the installation media.
  3. Industrial Auctions: When a plant closes, pallets of documentation often include software binders with floppies.

Option 3: Virtual Machines (VMware or VirtualBox)

Running Windows 98 or Windows XP as a VM on modern hardware.

  • Pro: Excellent file management (share folders with the host).
  • Con: USB-to-serial passthrough is notoriously unreliable. A VM often drops bytes, corrupting the PLC program transfer.
  • Best for: Offline editing and printing documentation, not online changes.

Grafcet (Sequential Function Chart)

A significant strength of Telemecanique was Grafcet (SFC). The software allows:

  • Step boxes (S0, S1, etc.)
  • Transitions with logic conditions.
  • Simultaneous branching and alternative branching.

Ladder Logic (Most Common)

You will see a left rail (power) and right rail. Elements include: PL7-2: Typically used for the TSX 17-10 and

  • ---] [--- Normally Open contact
  • ---]/[--- Normally Closed contact
  • ---( )--- Coil output
  • ---[TIMER]--- On-delay timer (e.g., %TM1)
  • ---[COUNTER]--- Up/down counter (e.g., %C1)

Addressing System:

  • Inputs: %I0.0 to %I3.7 (depending on rack)
  • Outputs: %Q0.0 to %Q3.7
  • Internal Bits: %M0 to %M255
  • Words: %MW0 to %MW511

2. Software Identification

The TSX 17 series belongs to the "Telemecanique Series 7" family. It is crucial to distinguish the TSX 17 from the newer TSX 37 or TSX 57 (Unity) platforms.

Primary Programming Software:

  • Name: PL7-2 or PL7-3
  • Platform: DOS-based (later versions had limited Windows 3.1/95 compatibility shells).
  • Function: This software was used for writing Ladder Logic (LD) and Instruction List (IL), configuring I/O modules, and performing diagnostics.

Note on Compatibility:

  • PL7 Junior / PL7 Pro: These were designed for the TSX 37 and TSX 57 series. They cannot communicate with a TSX 17.
  • Unity Pro: The modern Schneider Electric software does not support TSX 17 hardware.