What You Need to Know About GX Works2 Version 1.98 15 and Its New Functions

GX Works2: The Ultimate PLC Engineering Software

If you are looking for a powerful and easy-to-use engineering software for your programmable logic controllers (PLCs), you might want to check out GX Works2. This software is developed by Mitsubishi Electric, one of the leading manufacturers of PLCs and factory automation devices in the world. In this article, we will introduce you to GX Works2, its features, benefits, and how to use it. We will also tell you what's new in the latest version 1.98 15, which was released in October 2021.

gx works 2 1.98 15

What is GX Works2?

GX Works2 is an integrated PLC engineering software that supports the entire engineering process from system design, programming, debug, and maintenance. It is compatible with FX, L and Q Series controllers from Mitsubishi Electric, which are widely used in various industries and applications.

GX Works2 conforms to the international standard IEC 61131-3 for programming languages, and allows developers to mix and match between five different languages: ladder diagram (LD), function block diagram (FBD), structured text (ST), sequential function chart (SFC), and instruction list (IL). Each language has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the programming style and application.

GX Works2 also provides various tools and functions to improve the efficiency and quality of PLC engineering, such as grouping, structuring, simulation, debugging, monitoring, parameter setting, batch control, project management, program standardization, and coordination with other factory automation devices.

Features of GX Works2

Here are some of the main features of GX Works2 that make it stand out from other PLC engineering software:

All-in-one package

GX Works2 integrates all the capabilities required for PLC engineering in a single package. You don't need to install or switch between different software for different tasks or modules. You can use GX Works2 to configure, program, simulate, debug, and maintain your PLC system with ease.

Make full use of MELSEC PLC modules

GX Works2 enables full use of high-function and high-performance CPUs and modules from the MELSEC PLC series. You can access all the features and functions of these modules from GX Works2 without any hassle. For example, you can use the standard simple motion module setting tool to configure, start up, adjust, operate, and maintain the simple motion module.

Inherits customer assets

GX Works2 allows you to reuse your existing program assets created by GX Developer, the previous PLC engineering software from Mitsubishi Electric. You can import your GX Developer projects into GX Works2 without any modification. You can also export your GX Works2 projects into GX Developer format if needed. This way, you can protect your investment and save time and effort.

Sophisticated operability

GX Works2 has a user-friendly interface that incorporates the favorable functions of GX Developer and improves them further. The performance has also been enhanced to operate smoothly with improved responsiveness. You can customize your workspace according to your preferences and needs. You can also use various shortcuts and tips to speed up your work.

International Standard IEC 61131-3 compliant

GX Works2 follows the international standard IEC 61131-3 for PLC programming languages. This means that you can use any of the five languages supported by GX Works2: LD, FBD, ST, SFC, or IL. You can also use multiple languages in one program if you want. This gives you more flexibility and compatibility in your PLC engineering.

Benefits of GX Works2

By using GX Works2 as your PLC engineering software, you can enjoy many benefits such as:

Improving design and debug efficiency

GX Works2 helps you to design and debug your PLC programs faster and easier. You can use the grouping and structuring functions to organize your programs into logical units that are easy to understand and maintain. You can also use the simulation and debugging functions to test your programs before downloading them to the PLCs. You can monitor and modify your programs online or offline as well.

Providing maintenance that meet your needs

GX Works2 helps you to provide maintenance that meet your needs and expectations. You can use the parameter setting function to configure various parameters for your PLCs and modules without using a manual. You can also use the intelligent function module monitor function to confirm the parameter settings and measured values easily. You can also use the batch control function to control multiple devices at once.

Facilitating project management

GX Works2 helps you to facilitate project management by providing various tools and functions. You can use the project information function to manage basic information about your project such as name, version, date, etc. You can also use the comment function to add comments to your programs or devices for documentation purposes. You can also use the backup/restore function to save or load your project data securely.

Promoting program standardization

GX Works2 helps you to promote program standardization by providing various tools and functions. You can use the library function to create or use libraries of common programs or devices that can be reused in different projects. You can also use the label batch conversion function to convert labels between different languages or formats easily. You can also use the program comparison function to compare two programs for differences or similarities.

Enhanced coordination with factory automation devices

GX Works2 helps you to enhance coordination with other factory automation devices by providing various tools and functions. You can use GX Works2 to set and monitor various automation devices on any platform such as PCs or tablets. You can also integrate with high-performance and high-function devices such as simple motion modules, power measurement modules, iQ Sensor Solution compatible sensors, etc.

How to use GX Works2

If you want to start using GX Works2 for your PLC engineering projects, here are some basic steps that you need to follow:

System requirements

Before installing GX Works2 on your PC or tablet, make sure that it meets the minimum system requirements as follows:

• Operating system: Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP (32-bit or 64-bit)

• CPU: Intel Core i5 or higher (recommended)

• Memory: 8 GB or more (recommended)

• Disk space: 10 GB or more (recommended)

• Display: 1024 x 768 pixels or higher (recommended)

• Communication port: USB port or Ethernet port

• Internet connection: Required for online registration and updates

Installation procedure

To install GX Works2 on your PC or tablet, follow these steps:

• Insert the installation DVD into your DVD drive or download the installation file from Mitsubishi Electric website.

• Run the setup.exe file from the DVD or folder.

• Select your language and click OK.

• Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.

• Register your product online using your serial number.

• Check for updates online using iQ Update Service.

Basic operation

To use GX Works2 for your PLC engineering projects, follow these steps:

• Launch GX Works2 from your desktop or start menu.

• Create a new project or open an existing project.

• Select your PLC type and model from the device list.

• Add or edit your programs using the programming languages of your choice.

• Use the simulation and debugging functions to test your programs.

• Download your programs to the PLCs using the communication port of your choice.

• Use the monitoring and modifying functions to check and change your programs online or offline.

• Use the various tools and functions to improve your PLC engineering efficiency and quality.

What's new in GX Works2 version 1.98 15?

GX Works2 is constantly updated to provide better performance and functionality for its users. The latest version 1.98 15 was released in October 2021 and it includes some new features and improvements such as:

Support for Universal model high-speed CPUs

GX Works2 now supports the Universal model high-speed type QCPU module which has a greatly improved operation and processing speed for basic operations, structural instructions and FB call functions. Use GX Works2 to easily control the next-generation high-speed CPU equipped with advanced functions.

Coordination with PX Developer for process applications

GX Works2 now coordinates with PX Developer, another PLC engineering software from Mitsubishi Electric, to create sequence and loop control programs for process/redundant CPU. You can use both software to design and debug your process control system with ease.

Batch control of various factory automation devices

GX Works2 now provides more powerful coordination with various automation devices. You can use GX Works2 to set and monitor various devices on any platform such as PCs or tablets. You can also integrate with high-performance and high-function devices such as simple motion modules, power measurement modules, iQ Sensor Solution compatible sensors, etc.

Bug fixes and improvements

GX Works2 also fixes some bugs and improves some functions based on user feedback. For example, it improves the stability of online editing, enhances the compatibility with Windows 10, adds more languages for label conversion, etc.

Conclusion

GX Works2 is an integrated PLC engineering software that supports the entire engineering process from system design, programming, debug, and maintenance. It is compatible with FX, L and Q Series controllers from Mitsubishi Electric, which are widely used in various industries and applications. It conforms to the international standard IEC 61131-3 for programming languages, and allows developers to mix and match between five different languages: LD, FBD, ST, SFC, or IL. It also provides various tools and functions to improve the efficiency and quality of PLC engineering, such as grouping, structuring, simulation, debugging, monitoring, parameter setting, batch control, project management, program standardization, and coordination with other factory automation devices. The latest version 1.98 15 includes some new features and improvements such as support for Universal model high-speed CPUs, coordination with PX Developer for process applications, batch control of various factory automation devices, bug fixes and improvements.

If you are interested in using GX Works2 for your PLC engineering projects, you can download a free trial version from Mitsubishi Electric website or contact your local distributor for more information. You can also check out the online manuals and tutorials for more details on how to use GX Works2 effectively.

FAQs

• What are the advantages of using GX Works2 over GX Developer?GX Works2 has more features and functions than GX Developer, such as grouping, structuring, simulation, debugging, parameter setting, batch control, project management, program standardization, coordination with other factory automation devices, etc. It also supports more PLC types and models than GX Developer. It also has a more user-friendly interface and better performance than GX Developer.

• Can I use GX Works2 on a tablet or smartphone?Yes, you can use GX Works2 on a tablet or smartphone that runs on Windows operating system. However, you need to make sure that your device meets the minimum system requirements for GX Works2. You also need to have a communication port such as USB port or Ethernet port to connect to your PLCs.

• How can I update my GX Works2 to the latest version?You can update your GX Works2 to the latest version by using iQ Update Service. This is an online service that automatically checks for updates and downloads them to your PC or tablet. You need to have an internet connection and register your product online to use this service.

• How can I get help or support for using GX Works2?You can get help or support for using GX Works2 by accessing the online manuals and tutorials that are available on Mitsubishi Electric website or within the software itself. You can also contact your local distributor or Mitsubishi Electric technical support center for more assistance.

• How much does GX Works2 cost?The price of GX Works2 depends on the type and number of licenses that you need. You can choose between single-user license or network license depending on your needs. You can also choose between standard edition or professional edition depending on your features and functions that you need. You can contact your local distributor or Mitsubishi Electric sales representative for more information on pricing and availability.