akYtec continues to advance its ALP programming environment, introducing substantial enhancements in recent updates. Here's a detailed look at what version 2.9 and the newest release 2.10 bring to the table, making your programming and visualization tasks easier, faster, and more effective.

Version 2.10 highlights

New device: PR205 with color display and Ethernet

akYtec expands its second-generation device range with the PR205 controller, featuring color display and Ethernet connectivity, perfect for advanced control and visualization tasks.

Enhanced visualization editor for PR205

• Completely new visualization editor, designed specifically for this device.
• Rich library of visualization elements for intuitive interface creation.
• Transitions between screens now controlled by variables or physical buttons.
• Built-in display simulation for effortless debugging and project visualization.

Networking and device management enhancements

• Support for network templates to simplify setup across second-generation (PR103, PR205, PR225)
• Easy switching between different modifications within the same device family.
• Group polling capability for efficient data handling across multiple second-generation devices.

Updates for PR200 and SMI200

• Visibility management for rows and visualization controls, providing more interface customization flexibility.

German-language documentation

• Added comprehensive help resources available directly in German.

Firmware enhancements

• PR103 firmware (v1.11.1) now supports group polling, platform switching, retain memory integrity checks, and fixes analog input accuracy issues.
• PR200 firmware (v2.73) introduced visibility control for visualization elements.

Notable bug fixes

• Corrected "Change byte order" checkbox logic for first-generation devices (checkbox state will invert once for older projects upon initial opening after update).
• Fixed various stability issues when editing variables and visualization screens.
• Resolved Bool array variable assignment errors during simulation.
• Improved functionality when copying graphic controls linked to variables.

Version 2.9 highlights

New ST code simulation mode

• Introduced simulation mode for Structured Text (ST), allowing detailed step-by-step code debugging.
• Variables can now be monitored and modified directly within the simulation.
• Clear visual indicators of variable statuses and values in real-time.

Non-volatile variable management

• Non-volatile variables are now accessible for direct binding with visualization controls or device parameters.
• Network Slave variables are no longer non-volatile by default, providing better control over memory usage.

"Replication master" plugin for Win- and Linux-based systems

• Simplifies the replication process for Linux kernel-based operating systems.
• Allows easy configuration of replication procedures via command-line interfaces.

akYtec Cloud master plugin has been released

• Export Device to Akytec Cloud - allows exporting the configuration of network variables for polling in the Akytec Cloud service

Redesigned target platform selection

• Improved platform selection interface with devices grouped by product lines for easier navigation.
• Detailed summary information displayed for selected devices, including screen type, network interfaces, I/O types, and availability of expansions.

Improved variables table management

• Enhanced variable tables now support organizing variables in categorized catalogs.
• Easy export/import of variables from CSV files with built-in validation for increased reliability.

Enhanced commenting and code organization

• Support for multi-line comments on variable blocks, function blocks, and I/O points, improving project readability.
• Simplified tab navigation, providing an intuitive coding workflow.

Firmware updates

• PR103 firmware (v1.10.1): optimized non-volatile memory usage.
• PRM.X.1 firmware (v1.10): improved stability and performance.

Important bug fixes in 2.9

• Corrected deletion errors related to variable searches.
• Improved search accuracy for variables containing spaces.
• Fixed issues with macro deselection and incomplete function library displays.
• Solved display inconsistencies in projects without visualization screens.
• Eliminated startup warnings related to offline usage.

Upgrading to the latest version

By updating to the latest ALP versions (2.9 and especially 2.10), you can benefit from enhanced device support, more powerful programming tools, streamlined interface improvements, and critical firmware updates.

Simply connect your PC to the internet and update ALP, or visit the akYtec Downloads section to download the latest version of the software.