HELP on Allen Bradley SLC500

You really need to better explain what you want to do and why before anyone can help you.

The answer to both your questions is simple: NO.

Jake

Hy Jake,

I need to do that things just for protection of my software. To stop it at a certain date, just to give to my customer an evaluation period for the system...

I've some little "payment-problem" with a few customers...

Tank you Bye

g.v.

Hy Jake,

I need to do that things just for protection of my software. To stop it at a certain date, just to give to my customer an evaluation period for the system...

I've some little "payment-problem" with a few customers...

Tank you Bye

g.v.

If an evaluation period is desired, then password protecting the processor would achieve the desired result. The only way past it is to clear the memory. So the program goes away too. People do this all of the time with proprietary systems that offer support and to keep unscrupulous competitors from stealing the designs.

As far as software time bombs, there could be some legal problems, whether they paid you or not. Unless the fact was disclosed in the contract. A simple condition to compare processor date against a preprogrammed death date and force the program into a latched Estop. Just give yourself plenty of time for the follow up visit or it may be your last sale.

After payment another site/modem visit would be required to download a clean program.

I had some>Hy Jake,

Having implemented a system with a pre-programmed shutdown date (it was for a demonstration facility only) I agree that the fact that the system would cease to operate after a given date/time is necessary. I linked mine to the fact that it was a temporary installation and that as such it needed re-inspection and safety certification for continued operation beyond the initial period. After such re-inspection and certification the operating period could be reset for another short duration.

The linking of continued operation to safety inspection is, in my view, quite valid and, of course, you want to be paid for conducting those inspections.

If it is equipment that could remain safe in operation then there are other (legal) means by which any money owed could be extracted from the client.

Steve,

I pretty much agree with all your comments here, but I did want to add a few things.

The OP worried me a little with the framing of the question, as the information could be used for various nefarious purposes. Locking the processor may be a necessary option, but not deleting the code contained within.

I do not believe that programmed shutdowns are a viable protection scheme if the processor is controlling real-word I/O... triggering an orderly, safe shutdown has the potential of costing a client a lot of money, and raises all kinds of legal issues that I would not wish to confront. Triggering a processor fault by deleting a running program could be deadly.

The A/B line password protection scheme will not allow anyone to view or download the code without an identical off-line version of the program residing at the workstation. Therefore, copying is effectively prohibited.

We 'usually' provide the programming for all clients, as it is often very valuable for them to have access in order to troubleshoot issues. Newer versions of RSLinx alone will allow looking into the data registers, and if documentation is provided, many times that's enough to pin-point problems.

As you said, there is too much work around to worry about nutty schemes insuring payment... you just do business with those who will pay for your effort.

Jake

I don't see how that can be if it's written into the contract and known to the customer before any work is undertaken. I did a job on spec using that approach. (Part of the arrangement was that I was free to peddle the work to his competitors if the prospective customer declined to buy.) The customer needs to know the date of the shutdown and understand that you are willing to extend it is you can be persuaded that an extension is warranted.

Jerry

How would shutting down a process (costing the client money) help you get paid? I would suggest two things:

1. Password the program and let it go at that. Sooner or later they will need or want an enhancement/repair.
2. Simply do not do work for customers that don't pay promptly. There's plenty of work out there if you're any good at all. I only do work for companies that will pay within 60 days. The ones that pay in

Despite the fact that the software is yours until paid for, many folks will see a programmed shutdown as extortion and react accordingly.

Sorry to be so wordy here...but this is a "near and dear" issue for me. Our clients always receive complete docs with lush comments. Why? So when the thing quits at 0300 on a Sunday morning, I can continue sleeping.

I can only say... Yep... We really do, too. And I always appreciate it when I have to work with somebody else's stuff.

Have you ever tried to get a OEM at 0300 on a Sunday? Forget it... it ain't happening.

We give the client the code, and even put a disk sleeve in the door so a tech can find it!

I guess it's all about who your client base is...

Jake