Automax Programming Executive Software Download
After acquiring Baldor (which had previously acquired Reliance Electric), ABB now holds the intellectual property rights for AutoMax. While officially "end-of-life" (EOL), ABB maintains archives for legacy customers.
Occasionally, original installation disks appear on eBay or industrial surplus sites. If you find a sealed, original AutoMax Programming Executive box with floppies and documentation:
The AutoMax Programming Executive is a Windows-based software suite used to configure, program, and monitor the AutoMax Distributed Control System (DCS), originally developed by Reliance Electric (now part of Rockwell Automation). Core Programming Features
The software serves as a comprehensive development environment for industrial automation:
Multi-Language Support: It includes editors and compilers for three primary languages: Ladder Logic, Control Block, and Enhanced BASIC.
Multi-Tasking Architecture: Supports the concurrent operation of up to 32 tasks in a single AutoMax rack (with some versions capable of up to 64 tasks in the offline Task Manager).
Variable Mapping: Allows programmers to map symbolic names to physical I/O bits and registers, enabling code to reference variable names instead of physical memory locations.
Online/Offline Editing: Provides tools for real-time process monitoring and the ability to modify ladder logic while the system is online. System Configuration & Management
Integrated Operating System: The software contains the necessary operating system files for AutoMax Processors, UDC (Universal Drive Controller) modules, and PMI (Power Module Interface) hardware.
Distributed Power System (DPS) Support: Optional DPS drive software integrates with the Executive for configuring A-C, D-C, and brushless drives within a single platform.
Network Communications: Manages data sharing across high-speed networks between multiple AutoMax racks and non-AutoMax devices.
Diagnostic Tools: Built-in diagnostics and on-line monitoring assist in troubleshooting hardware and software operations. Versions and Compatibility
AutoMax® - Run-Time Programming Executive - Literature Library
The AutoMax Programming Executive software is the legacy engineering environment used to program and configure Reliance Electric AutoMax distributed control systems, now managed under Rockwell Automation. Software Downloads & Acquisition automax programming executive software download
Since this is a legacy product, it is no longer available as a standard free download. You generally have two paths to acquire it:
Official Purchase: The software is typically ordered as catalog number 57C601 through authorized Rockwell Automation distributors.
Documentation Access: Manuals and installation instructions (like the AutoMax Programming Executive V4.2 Manual) are available for free via the Rockwell Automation Literature Library. Solid Features & Capabilities
A "solid feature" of this software is its role as a centralized hub for managing a complete distributed control rack. Key features include:
Integrated Multi-Language Support: Allows programming in multiple languages within the same environment, including Control Block, Ladder Logic, and Enhanced BASIC.
Rack Configuration & Variable Mapping: A critical feature where programmers "map" variable names to physical I/O bits and registers, allowing application tasks to reference names rather than hardware addresses.
Online Debugging & Monitoring: Provides real-time access to monitoring variable values, starting/stopping tasks, and performing online edits to ladder rungs without stopping the processor.
OS Management: The software is used to download the specific Operating System (OS) files required for each processor or Universal Drive Controller (UDC) module in the rack. Technical Compatibility Supported Operating Systems Key Hardware Compatibility v3.9a Windows 95/98/ME, Windows XP Processors 57C430, 57C431, 57C435 v4.3a Windows XP, Windows 7 (32-bit) All standard AutoMax and UDC modules J2-3102-3, AutoMax Programming Executive Version 4.2
AutoMax Programming Executive is a legacy industrial automation software originally developed by Reliance Electric (now part of Rockwell Automation) to configure, program, and monitor AutoMax Distributed Power Systems
. It serves as the primary interface for managing tasks across multiple processors and coordinating AC/DC drive systems, particularly in heavy industrial environments like paper mills. Rockwell Automation Core Functionality Multi-Language Support
: The Executive includes editors and compilers for creating application tasks in Control Block PC/Ladder Logic Operating System Management
: It contains the specialized system files (OS) required for AutoMax Processors, Universal Drive Controller (UDC) modules, and Power Module Interface (PMI) hardware. System Configuration
: Users use the software to "map" variable names to physical I/O bits and registers, allowing application tasks to reference logical names instead of hardware addresses. Multi-Tasking If you find a sealed, original AutoMax Programming
: Advanced versions (like V3.5+) support up to 32 tasks per rack, with offline management capable of handling up to 64. Rockwell Automation Software Access & Downloads
Because AutoMax is a mature, legacy product, Rockwell Automation no longer actively promotes it. Modern downloads are generally restricted to the following: Control.com J2-3102-3, AutoMax Programming Executive Version 4.2
AutoMax Programming Executive is a legacy industrial software application originally developed by Reliance Electric and later maintained by Rockwell Automation
. It is used to configure, program, and monitor AutoMax Distributed Power Systems (DPS). Rockwell Automation Availability and Download Status
Direct public downloads for the AutoMax Programming Executive are largely unavailable
because the software was discontinued and is classified as a legacy product. Rockwell Automation Discontinuation
: The software (models 57C610 and 57C611) was officially discontinued on June 30, 2016 Official Source
: Historically, the software was provided via physical media (CDs or floppy disks) rather than digital downloads. Rockwell PCDC : While modern software is available on the
Rockwell Automation Product Compatibility & Download Center (PCDC)
, legacy AutoMax software typically requires a valid support contract or a direct request to Rockwell Automation Technical Support Rockwell Automation Software Versions and Components Description Compatibility (e.g., 3.9A) Legacy version used for older processors. Windows 95/98/2000/NT4.0 (e.g., 4.3A) Updated version for Distributed Power Systems. Windows 95/98/2000/NT4.0 Executive Software
The core application including compilers for BASIC and Ladder Logic. DPS Software
Optional add-on required specifically for configuring drives. How to Obtain the Software
If you do not have the original media, you can try these alternative paths: Variable Mapping : Allows programmers to map symbolic
The AutoMax Programming Executive (primarily version 4.3A) is widely regarded in industrial sectors as a robust but increasingly rare legacy platform for Reliance Electric Distributed Control Systems (DCS). Now managed under Rockwell Automation, it is primarily used to maintain existing high-end machinery rather than for new developments. Software Overview & Performance
Multi-Language Power: Users from forums like PLCtalk highlight its unique ability to run Ladder Logic, BASIC, and Control Block programs simultaneously, making it more flexible than contemporary units like the PLC-5.
OS & Hardware Control: It contains the operating systems required for AutoMax Processors and Universal Drive Controller (UDC) modules, allowing deep integration with drive systems.
Task Management: Experienced programmers appreciate its multitasking capabilities, supporting up to 32 tasks in a single rack, which can be loaded or stopped individually without disrupting the entire system. Critical Limitations & Modern Challenges
OS Compatibility: The final release (v4.3A) only supports 32-bit Windows XP and Windows 7. Versions prior to this require Windows 95/98 or even DOS, often necessitating the use of specialized virtual machines or legacy hardware.
Accessibility: There is no free demo or trial. The software is typically obtained by purchasing part number 57C601 through an authorized Rockwell Automation distributor.
Learning Curve: Documentation notes that it must only be handled by "qualified personnel" due to the risk of bodily injury or equipment damage if configured incorrectly.
Migration Inevitability: Experts on Reddit and other platforms suggest that because the software and hardware are legacy, many facilities are actively migrating to Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, which adopted much of AutoMax’s core technology. User Perspective User Sentiment Versatility High; lauded for its hybrid programming environment. Setup Ease
Low; often requires specific text editors (like PFE32) and meticulous OS setup. Reliability High; systems often run for decades without intervention. Support
Limited; Rockwell classifies it as a legacy product with minimal active marketing.
For engineers looking to transition away from this legacy system, this guide explores migrating from AutoMax to modern platforms: Automax to ControlLogix John Shaddon YouTube• Apr 30, 2016
AutoMax Programming Executive Version 3.5 - Literature Library
If you have successfully downloaded the software but are having trouble connecting to the PLC:
