A-B 1747-PBASE BASIC Development Software

The BASIC development software provides the user with a structured 

and efficient means to create BASIC programs for the module. This 

software is loaded into a an MS-DOS compatible personal computer. It 

uses the personal computer to facilitate editing, compiling 

(translating), uploading, and downloading of BASIC programs. 

The BASIC development software has a menu-driven, window-type 

environment that offers: 

• pull-down menus to access all editor functions.

• function key access to frequently used functions.

• multiple window editing.

• cut and paste support between windows.

• search and replace support.

• search between files support.

• built-in calculator that can paste results into your program.

• ASCII look-up table.

• line draw editor to create operator interface images without having to enter ASCII characters.

• keystroke macros.

• undo and redo functions.

• extensive help messages for each menu, menu option, and for keywords embedded in the menu text.

• capability to create user-defined macro libraries.

• sophisticated debug tools including watch windows, single-step 

operation, and go to cursor breakpoint operation.

• syntax checked translations to native BASIC to reduce debug time.

• BASIC translator that steps through the BASIC program and identifies errors.

• ASCII terminal mode.

• hex file transfer support.

The development software enables you to program the module from a 

personal computer connected to either the module’s DH485 or PRT1 

ports. The software allows direct access to the module through 

terminal emulation over an RS-232/423 or DH485 network.

Refer to the BASIC Development Software Programming Manual, 

publication 1746-PM001, for additional information on the software.

Typical Configurations

The typical configuration of the SLC system that incorporates your 

BASIC or BASIC-T module depends on whether the module is:

• integrated with a SLC 500 fixed or modular controller.

• programmed directly with an ASCII terminal or programmed 

using a personal computer with the BASIC development 

software, 1747-PBASE.

• communicating with a DH485 network or with an external 

source through a modem using DF1 protocol.

Module Integration

The module is a single-slot module that is inserted into a slot in the 

expansion chassis of your SLC 500 fixed controller or an open slot in 

the 1746 I/O chassis of your SLC 500 modular controller. The module 

may be inserted in any slot of the 1746 I/O chassis except the first slot 

of the first chassis, which is reserved for the SLC modular processor. 

Typical SLC fixed and modular configurations are shown in the 

following figures.

Module Programming Interface 

Your module can be programmed using an ASCII terminal with ASCII  terminal emulation software. 

You can also use a personal computer  with the BASIC development software (catalog number 1747-PBASE).  

Use an ASCII terminal to enter a BASIC program one line at a time to  the module. 

Use a personal computer with the BASIC development 

software to create a BASIC program that is then downloaded to your  module. 

Typical programming interface configurations include:  

• ASCII terminal interface - Figure 1.4. 

• BASIC development software interface (RS-232) - Figure 1.5. 

• BASIC development software interface (DH485) - Figure 1.6.