This document provides an overview and instructions for using Constructor 10 electrical diagramming software. It includes a table of contents, legal information, installation instructions, definitions of key terms, and descriptions of the main editing screen, menu selections, symbol libraries, and basic concepts of the software. The document provides guidance for beginners on getting started with a new project and learning the program features.

2. Constructor 10
© CMH Software, Inc.
254 Taylor Rd Libby, MT 59923
Phone 406-293-4977 Fax 406-293-5075
sales@cmhsoftware.com
Web: http://www.cmhsoftware.com

3. Constructor 10
Table of Contents
Chapter 1.......................................................................................................1
Legal Information.....................................................................................1
Installation...............................................................................................4
An Overview............................................................................................4
Getting Started........................................................................................5
What’s new in this version.................................................................5
Definition of Terms..................................................................................6
Basic Concepts.......................................................................................8
Parts of a Diagram..................................................................................9
Chapter 2.....................................................................................................10
Main Editing Screen..............................................................................10
Main Menu Selections...........................................................................11
Electrical Components..........................................................................15
New Project Wizard...............................................................................20
Toolbar Tabs.........................................................................................21
Ladder Diagram Tab.......................................................................21
Document Tab.................................................................................21
Wire Labels Tab..............................................................................21
Workbook Tab.................................................................................21
Notes Tab........................................................................................22
Document Toolbars.........................................................................22
Ruler................................................................................................26
Split Screen Displays............................................................................27
Display Ladder Diagram .................................................................27
Display Active Help ........................................................................28
Display Simulation Log ...................................................................28
Display Workbook...........................................................................29
Display Notes .................................................................................30
Environment Options.............................................................................31
Ladder Diagram Options.......................................................................34
Project Options......................................................................................36
Power Points.........................................................................................38
Transformers.........................................................................................39
Insert PLC I/O, Terminal Strips, Soft Starters or VSD...........................41
Assigning Panel Buttons.......................................................................42
Set Diagram Size..................................................................................43
Toolbar..................................................................................................44
Set Diagram Spacing............................................................................44
Reference Boxes...................................................................................45
Drawing Tools.......................................................................................46
Zoom and Magna Pointer......................................................................47
Drawing Objects Zoom..........................................................................47
Sound Effects........................................................................................48
Wire Numbers.......................................................................................50
Chapter 3.....................................................................................................51

4. Constructor 10
The Symbol Editor.................................................................................51
Symbol Classes....................................................................................57
Your First Custom Symbol....................................................................63
Chapter 4.....................................................................................................64
The Basics............................................................................................64
Your First Drawing................................................................................77
Symbol Library......................................................................................77
Legends................................................................................................82
Wire Labels...........................................................................................83
Printing..................................................................................................85
Print Menu Selections...........................................................................86
Chapter 5.....................................................................................................89
Technical Support.................................................................................89
File Formats and Information................................................................90
Common Tech Support Questions........................................................90
Index.....................................................................................................92

5. 1
Constructor 10
Chapter 1
The Constructor
Legal Information
THE CONSTRUCTOR software and manual are copyrighted by CMH
SOFTWARE, INC. Use of this software indicates your acceptance of
the following LICENSE STATEMENT, CMH DISCLAIMEROF
WARRANTY,LIMITATIONOFLIABILITY,LIMITEDWARRANTY ON
MEDIA, AND CHOICE OF LAW.
LICENSE STATEMENT
THE CONSTRUCTOR is licensed for the exclusive use of the
original purchaser for use on one computer only.
This software is copy protected, CMH SOFTWARE, INC.
authorizes you to make backup copies of the software for your
archives only, for the sole purpose of protecting your investment
from loss.
CMH DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED"AS IS"WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND, AND CMH SOFTWARE, INC. EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES,INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITEDTO
THEIMPLIEDWARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CMH SOFTWARE,
INC. DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS
OF THE USE OF SOFTWARE OR ANY ACCOMPANYING
WRITTEN MATERIALS IN TERMS OF THEIR CORRECTNESS,
ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHER WISE.
THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE
OF THE SOFTWARE AND

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WRITTEN MATERIALS IS ASSUMED BY YOU. IF THE SOFTWARE
IS DEFECTIVE,YOU, AND NOT CMH SOFTWARE, INC. OR ITS
DEALERS, DISTRIBUTORS, AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES,
ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING,
REPAIR OR CORRECTION. CMH SOFTWARE, INC. DOES NOT
WARRANT THAT THE SOFTWAREWILL WORKCORRECTLYIN
YOUR MULTI-USER OR NETWORK ENVIRONMENT. SOME
STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY
TO YOU.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
IN NO EVENT WILL CMH SOFTWARE, INC.,OR ITS
DEVELOPERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, OR
AFFILIATES BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES
FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION,LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, AND THE
LIKE) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE
SOFTWARE OR ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS, EVEN
IF CMH SOFTWARE, INC. OR AN AUTHORIZED CMH
SOFTWARE, INC. REPRESENTATIVE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. BECAUSE SOME
STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES,
THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
LIMITED WARRANTY ON MEDIA
CMH SOFTWARE, INC. WARRANTS THAT THE MAGNETIC ME-
DIA ON WHICH THE CONSTRUCTOR IS DISTRIBUTED,IS FREE
FROM PHYSICAL DEFECTS. CMH SOFTWARE, INC. WILL RE-
PLACE DEFECTIVE MEDIA, PROVIDED YOU ARE A REGIS-
TERED USER AND RETURN THE ITEM WITH DATED PROOF
OF PAYMENT TO CMH SOFTWARE,INC., WITHIN 90 DAYS
FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE.

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CHOICE OF LAW
THESE STATEMENTS SHALL BE CONSTRUED,
INTERPRETED, AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF MONTANA.
T r a d e m a r k s a n d T r a d e N a m e s
· IBM is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines Corporation.
· Windows, Windows XP, and Windows Vista are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
S y s t e m R e q u i r e m e n t s
· A minimum of a 800-megahertz Pentium IBM Compatible
computer. As expected, the speed of the processor is a
determining factor in overall performance of the program.
We recommend a 2 gigahertz or faster processor.
· Microsoft Windows XP or later. The Constructor is also
compatible with Vista and Windows 7.
· Microsoft mouse or other Windows compatible pointing device.
· 55 meg of free hard-drive space.
· Color monitor at 800 x 590 resolution or larger.
· 48 Meg of RAM is suggested.

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Installation
1. Start Windows. No other application should be running while The
Constructor is being installed.
2. InsertThe Constructor installation CD into your CD drive.
3. If Auto-Run is enabled on your computer a Setup screen will
appear. Follow the instructions.
4. If the Setup screen does not appear go to START then RUN
Type "D: Setup" in the text box. If you are installing from a CD drive
other than D, type that drive's letter followed by ":Setup".
5. Click OK.
6. The installation dialog boxes will appear, giving you various
installation options.
7. Proceed with the on-screen instructions for these options.
An Overview
The Constructor is a state of the art drawing, editing and testing
electrical package. The ability to create electrical diagrams
quickly and then to RUN your diagram sets The Constructor above
all other CAD programs. Symbols are stored in symbol libraries
that allow for fast retrieval and placement in your diagrams. We
would like to thank our many customers that took the time to pass
on many of the suggestions you now see in The Constructor.
Please take some time and learn the new features. The ability to
create diagrams quickly along with the ability to test the diagram
makes The Constructor a valuable addition to your electrical
software library.

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Getting Started
The default setup in The Constructor will allow most users to get
started as quickly as possible.
If you’re new to the Constructor, the best and fastest way to get
started is to click on Help in the program and then click on the
Learning Center web page link. This page will contain all the
Constructor instructional videos available. Watching them will
help you learn to use the program quickly.
What’s new in this version
Active Help - View help for whatever your mouse cursor is over in
the program. Requires split screen mode.
Documents - Add a document to your project.
Notes - Add notes to your project.
Workbook - Add text pictures and links to your diagram. The links
allow you to control the diagram in the simulation mode.

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Simplified rung and column spacing - Arrow keys on the toolbar
allow fast and easy diagram spacing changes.
Automatic wire number generator - Generate wire numbers based
on a variety of common formats.
Generate and print wire labels - Once you have your wires num-
bered (manually or automatically) select a sheet label for you la-
ser or inkjet printer and print your labels.
Wire colors - Select from a list of 20 wire colors.
Simplified legend editor - Modify one of our legends with your text
and /or pictures for a custom legend quickly.
Link to our Learning Center web page - This page has links to
instructional Constructor videos.
Definition of Terms
Associated Reaction: If you need to simulate a switch closing or
opening because of non electrical conditions (light, temperature,
pressure and others) this is how you do it.Any load except a relay
coil can have any number of switches associated with it. When the
load is activated, the switches will be activated. For example when
a light is turned on, a switch could close or open.
Drawing Layer: This layer is visible in the Edit mode and when
printing. It is not visible in the Run mode.This layer may be made
visible or not and locked or not.
Drawing Tools: These are objects such as circles, boxes, and
text that you can use in your diagrams. These are placed on a
different layer (Drawing layer) than the electrical symbols and
their connecting lines (Grid layer).

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Grid Layer: This layer consists of the electrical symbols and their
connecting lines. The electrical simulations (Run mode) take
place on this layer. This layer may be made visible or not and
locked or not.
Legend: This is where you place the information about the
diagram and your company such as company name, date, diagram
name, drawn by, description, company logo, etc. The legend is
made with the drawing tools and is saved as a legend file with a .leg
file name extension.
Panel Buttons: are twenty buttons that can be assigned to
contacts, switches or pushbuttons to RUN the circuit.
Power Points: are the points in your diagram where power is
supplied in the RUN mode. These may be a single-phase or
three- phase source or a combination of both.
Symbol Class: is a collection of properties assigned to a symbol.
The class affects how a symbol will run and the options available
during editing.All symbols will be assigned to a class.
Template: is a commonly used section of a diagram that may be
placed in other diagrams. An example might be a three-phase
power section that you want to use in other diagrams. Other CAD
programs may call these blocks.
The Symbol Editor: is a separate program included with The
Constructor that allows you to create and edit symbols.
The Symbol Library: is a collection of symbols, custom or those
included in the package. We have included a variety of JIC, IEC
and other symbols to get you started.
Toolbar: is the area below the menu containing most of the
commonly used functions in The Constructor.

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Basic Concepts
The Constructor is used to draw electrical ladder diagrams and is
an electrical drawing, teaching and testing tool. Symbols from a
symbol library are placed in predefined areas on your screen. This
eliminates lining up the symbols. There is also a second drawing
layer that allows text, lines, boxes and other drawing objects to be
placed at any location on your diagram. They may be snapped to a
grid if desired. Once your circuit is drawn, you may "RUN" your
diagram. By the term, "RUN” we mean you will be able to operate
your circuit and see and hear the actions produced.Afew
concepts you will need to keep in mind while using The
Constructor. While we use the standard Window formats where
possible, the complexity of the program has required a few
unusual procedures. These are documented in this manual and in
the help files.
In the run mode, the software simulates a hard-wired circuit; in this
version, no feedback through coils or loads is permitted.
Such being the case, all simulations are estimates ONLY. This
is a tool, not a replacement for thorough testing of
electrical circuits after they are built.
We hope you'll find The Constructor a useful tool in your software
library and we welcome any suggestions or comments you have
about the program.

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Parts of a Diagram
A diagram created with The Constructor is made using a
combination of some or all of these parts:
1. Symbols from one of the libraries - contacts, relays, etc.
2. Drawing Tools - lines, boxes, text, etc.
3. Electrical Components - PLC I/O modules, terminal strips, soft
starters, or variable speed drives.
4. Templates - parts of other diagrams that you have saved as a
template.
5. Legends - where you fill in the diagram information such as
date, name, drawn by, etc.
6. Border - you may select one of eight styles to border the entire
diagram or each page.
7. Sounds - many of the symbols used can now have a sounds
assigned to them: switches, pushbuttons, relays,sirens, motors,
etc.

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Chapter 2
THE CONSTRUCTOR
Main Editing Screen
This is where you will be doing most of your work. On the top left
side you will see the FILE name. The default file extension is .lad.
On the left next to this, you will see your diagram size displayed.
In the Symbol box, your current symbol will be displayed. If a
symbol hasn't been selected, then it will just say "Symbol". With a
split screen, as shown below, you can use our Active Help system
to learn the program quickly.

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Main Menu Selections
· File
1. New Project - This selection clears your screen and prepares
for a new project. You can choose the default setting or go to the
New Project Wizard.
2. Open Project - This selection loads a previously saved project.
3. Save Project - This selection saves your project under a
previously selected name.
4. Save Project As - This selection saves your project under a
name you are prompted for.
5. Export Ladder Diagram - This allows you to export your
diagram in a DWG, DXF, JPEG or other formats which other
programs can import or open.
6. Grab a Diagram Clip - This allows you to save a section of the
diagram as a bitmap. The clip section may be selected from your
screen.
7. Load LastAuto Save - If available, this selection allows you to
load your last file saved with theAuto Save option. This option is
turned on or off in the Environment Options page.
8. Print -This selection allows you to preview and print or plot your
diagram.
9. Print Preview -This selections allows you to preview the
document, labels, workbook or notes.

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10. Printer Setup - This selection allows you to select and setup
your printer or plotter.
11. MRU’s - The four latest files accessed will be listed here. To
reload these, just click on the file name.
12. Exit The Constructor - This selection exits the program, you will
be prompted as far as saving your work before the program ends.
· Edit
1. Undo - This selection allows you to reverse the last change you
made to your diagram.
2. Redo -This selection allows you to reverse the change of the
Undo command.
3. Cut - This selection cuts (removes) the selected area and
places it in a special clipboard (not the Windows clipboard).
4. Copy - This selection copies the selected area and places it in
a special clipboard (not the Windows clipboard).
5. Paste -This selection pastes the contents of the special
clipboard onto your diagram.
6. Delete - This selection deletes the selected drawing object.
7. Drawing Object Options - This selection brings up the drawing
object options screen. The drawing tools may be moved,
sized,deleted, copied, cut and pasted from here. Colors and line
styles are also selected from here. This selection is available when
a drawing object is selected.
8. Insert/Delete Rungs & Columns - This selection brings up the
Insert/Delete screen where you can insert or delete columns and

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rungs. You may want to experiment with the insert and delete
options until you are comfortable with them. If the update drawing
objects checkbox is checked, the drawing objects will be moved
along with the symbols.
9. Change the Wire Color - This selection allows you to change the
wire color on selected or highlighted wires in your diagram.
10. Clear the Wire Labels - This selection allows you to clear the
wire labels of selected or highlighted wire number boxes.
11. Lock / Unlock the Wire Labels - This selection allows you to
unlock or lock selected wire number boxes.
12. Select All -This selection selects the entire grid. This allows
you to delete, copy, or cut the entire grid.
13. Insert Template -This selection allows you to insert a template
into your diagram. Once it is inserted, it may be moved by moving
the mouse over it, holding down the left mouse button, and
dragging it to the desired location. We have included a number of
templates with the program as samples.
14. Save As Template - This selection allows you to save a
section of your diagram as a template. Select the area of your
diagram you wish to save as a template. Once selected, right click
over the top of the selected area. This will pop-up a selection that
will allow you to "Save as Template". Commonly used sections of
your diagrams may be saved and reused in other diagrams.
· Run
1. This selection toggles between OFF and RUN.
· View

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1. Split Screen Vertically -This selection splits your screen
vertically. The dividing bar between the screens is movable, as you
prefer. The left screen will display the same location as the full screen
when you split it. The right screen will display the upper most left
corner of your diagram initially. If you move to a different location in
either window, then un-split the screen, then split the screen again,
both screens will return to the last locations.
2. Split Screen Horizontally - This selection splits your screen
horizontally. The dividing bar between the screens is movable, as
you prefer. The top screen will display the same location as the full
screen when you split it. The bottom screen will display the upper
most left corner of your diagram initially. If you move to a different
location in either window, then un-split the screen, then split the
screen again, both screens will return to the last locations.
3. Display Symbol Library - This selection displays the Symbol
Library screen. (See Symbol Library)
4. Display Panel Buttons - This selection displays the circuit panel
buttons.
5. Display Volume Controls - This selection displays the sound
effects volume controls.
6. Symbol Grid - The grid layer is visible when this is checked. It
can be turned on or off by clicking on this option.
7. Reference Boxes - The Reference Boxes are visible when this
is checked. The Reference Boxes can be turned on or off by
clicking on this option.
8. Drawing Layer - The Drawing Layer is visible when this is
checked. The Drawing Layer can be turned on or off by clicking on
this option.

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· Options
1. Change Diagram Size - This selection allows you to set the
diagram size. (See Change Diagram Size)
2. Ladder Diagram Options -This selection allows you to add a
legend to your diagram and modify it if needed. You can also set
the symbol description and wire id text font, size, and color from
this option. (See Ladder Diagram Options)
3. Environment Options -This selection allows you to set up your
program preferences. (See Environment Options)
4. Program Options - This selection allows you to enter owner
information, various permission and password settings.
5. Setup Sound Effects - This selection allows you to set up your
sound effect preferences.
6. Sound Effects Enabled - This selection allows you to toggle
your sounds effects on or off.
7. Snap Drawing Objects to Grid -This selection turns on the
Snap to Grid feature. Drawing Objects will snap to the grid. To set
the grid options (spacing and color) select Options on the main
menu, then select Environment Options, then select Snap to Grid.
Electrical Components
· Power Points
1.Add Three-Phase Power Point Set - This selection allows you
to add a set of 3 (three-phase) power points to your diagram.

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These points will be automatically placed on your diagram, they
may be moved by you.
2. Add Single-Phase Two-Wire Power Point Set - This selection
allows you to add a set of 2 (single-phase) power points to your
diagram.
3. Add Single-Phase Three-Wire Power Point Set - This
selection allows you to add a set of 3 (single-phase center
tapped) power points to your diagram.
· Transformers
1. Add Three-Phase Transformer -This selection allows you to
add a standard Three-Phase transformer to your diagram.
2. Add Single-Phase Transformer, CT Secondary, Single
Winding Primary - This selection adds a two-wire primary/center
tapped secondary single-phase transformer to your diagram.
3. Add Single-Phase Transformer, CT Secondary, Parallel
Winding Primary - This selection adds a parallel primary/center
tapped secondary single-phase transformer to your diagram.
4. Add Single-Phase Transformer, CT Secondary, Series
Winding Primary - This selection adds a series primary/center
tapped secondary single-phase transformer to your diagram.
5. Add Single-Phase Transformer, Two-wire Secondary,
Single Winding Primary - This selection adds a normal single-
phase transformer to your diagram.
6. Add Single-Phase Transformer, Two-wire Secondary, Parallel
Winding Primary - This selection adds a parallel primary/ two-wire
secondary transformer to your diagram.

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7. Add Single-Phase Transformer, Two-wire Secondary, Series
Winding Primary - This selection adds a series primary/two-wire
secondary transformer to your diagram. This is a commonly used
control transformer (480V Primary- 120V Secondary) for many
diagrams.
· Add PLC I/O Module - This selection allows you to add a PLC
I/O module to your diagram. There are seventeen generic
diagrams included with the software and optional libraries
available from us for the following manufacturers:
Allen Bradley
Automation Direct
GE Fanuc
Idec
Modicon
Mitsubishi
Omron
Siemens
Telemecanique
and more...
· Add Terminal Strip - This selection allows you to add a
terminal strip to your diagram.
· Add Soft Starter - This selection allows you to add a soft
starter to your diagram. There are four generic diagrams
included with the software. There is an optional library
available.
· Add Variable Speed Drive - This selection allows you to add a
variable speed drive to your diagram. There are four generic
diagrams included with the software. There is an optional
library available.

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· Draw
These selections are all drawing tools, they will not be shown in the
run mode. They may be snapped to the grid if desired. These
tools may also be selected from the Toolbar on the main screen.
These tools are used in a similar fashion. Move the cursor to where
you want to start, then hold down the left mouse button. Drag the
mouse to the opposite side and release the mouse button. To
select a drawing object click on it with the left mouse button.
Once an object is selected you may right click over it and pull up
a menu selection with various options.
1. Line - This selection allows you to draw a line.
2. Circle - This selection allows you to draw a circle.
3. Ellipse -This selection allows you to draw an ellipse.
4. Box - This selection allows you to draw a box.
5. Rectangle- This selection allows you to draw a rectangle.
6. Rounded Box- This selection allows you to draw a rounded
Corner box.
7. Rounded Rectangle- This selection allows you to draw a
rounded corner rectangle.
8. Text Box-This selection allows you to draw a text box where you
may place text. Drawing tool text boxes have a blue border. Once
the box is drawn, click inside the box. This will change the interior to
a white background. You may now add text to the box.

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· Tools
1. Print Diagram Technical Information-This selection prints a list
of information our tech support people may need about the
diagram.
2. Print Diagram General Information-This selection prints a list of
the symbols used, coil/contact assignments, location and
description of the symbols.
· Help
1. This selection brings up our help selections. In the help section
of the program, you'll find the answers to most of your questions.
This section also contains information about contacting us and the
Internet download wizard . The wizard allows you to get the latest
filesforthesoftwareautomaticallyifyouhavean Internet
connection. The learning center web site link has videos that will
help get you going with the program.

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New Project Wizard
To start a new project, select Menu then select “Default Settings”
or “New Project Wizard”. If you select New Project Wizard a new
window will appear. Here you will set your project options such as
number of rungs and columns, power type, diagram size, sound
options, and others. You can also choose to include a legend,
document, notes and workbook with your project. The Default
Settings is a template that you can’t delete but it can be modified
to your personal preferences. You may also create other custom
project templates using the “Save Template As” button.

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Toolbar Tabs
Ladder Diagram Tab
This tab displays the ladder diagram main screen. Here you
design your ladder diagram.
Document Tab
This tab displays the Document editor. This editor is similar to
most text editors (Word) and functions in much the same way.
You may create one document for your project. If you already
have text you want to include in the document you can insert it or
just copy and paste it into the document.
Wire Labels Tab
This tab displays the wire label page. On this page you can select
a wire label template from our list or make a custom template, add
wire numbers from your diagram to the labels and print to your
labels. Our templates are based on 8.5” by 11” sheets of wire
labels. Our templates include labels from Brady and others.
Workbook Tab
This tab displays the Workbook editor. This editor is similar to
most text editors (Word) and functions in much the same way.
The Workbook is different than the other text tabs (Document or
Notes) in that from your ladder diagram you can add Action Links
from switches, pushbuttons or contacts to this page. This way if
you split your screen while viewing your ladder diagram you can
operate your diagram from the links you placed in your Workbook.
Load up a sample diagram and check out how the Workbook
action links work.

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Notes Tab
This tab displays the Notes editor. This editor is similar to most
text editors (Word) and functions in much the same way.
Document Toolbars
1A Undo
Reverses the last command or the last entry you typed.
1B Redo
Reverses the action of the last Undo.
1C Cut
Removes and copies the selection items to the clipboard.
1D Copy
Copies the selected items to the clipboard.
1E Paste
Inserts the contents of the clipboard as the current cursor location,
and replaces any selected items or text.
1F Print
Opens the print preview screen.

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1G Find/Replace
Search for and replace text in the document.
1H Insert Hyperlink
Click to insert a hyperlink in your document. This link may go to a
file or program on your computer or to an Internet address.
1I Insert Image
Click to insert an image in your document. Most image formats are
supported.
1J Insert Text Frame
Click to insert a text frame in your document. Once inserted, click
on it to move or resize it.
1K Insert Text File
Click to insert a text file previously saved. These text file formats
are available for insertion: txt, doc, docx, rtf, htm, and html.
1L Display Header/Footer
Display the heater and footer text frames.
1M Header/Footer Properties
Set the header and footer properties such as distance from the
edges and whether to have a different header for the first page of
a document.
1N Header/Footer Switch
Switches between the header and footer text frames.
1O Previous Header/Footer
This selection if available, allows you to choose the previous
Header/Footer.
1P Next Header/Footer
This selection if available, allows you to choose the next
Header/Footer.

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2A Style
Assigns a style to the current paragraph, selected paragraphs, or
to a selected object.
2B Font
Allows you to select a font name from the list or enter a font name
directly
2C Font Size
Allows you to choose between different font sizes from the list, or
to enter a size manually
2D Bold
Makes the selected text bold. If the cursor is in a word, the entire
word is made bold. If the selection or word is already bold, the
formatting is removed
2E Italic
Makes the selected text italic. If the cursor is in a word, the entire
word is made italic. If the selection or word is already italic, the
formatting is removed.
2F Underline
Underlines or removes underlining from the selected text.
2G Left
Aligns the selected paragraph(s) to the left and the right page
margins.
2H Right
Aligns the selected paragraph(s) to the right page margin.

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2I Center
Centers the selected paragraph(s) on the page.
2J Justify
Aligns the selected paragraph(s) to the left and the right page
margins.
2K Zoom
This drop down selection allows you to set the current zoom level
for the page.
2L Numbering On/Off
Adds or removes numbering from the selected paragraphs. To
define the numbering format, choose Format - Bullets and Num-
bering.
2M Bullets On/Off
Assigns bullet points to the selected paragraphs, or removes them
from bulleted paragraphs. To define the bullet format, choose For-
mat - Bullets and Numbering - Attributes.
2N Tab Stop
Click to set the tab stop style - Left, Right, Center and Decimal.
Choose a tab stop style, then click on the ruler to set the locations
of the tab stops. To remove tab stops, drag them off the ruler.
2O Text Symbols On/Off
Show or hide non printing formatting symbols.
2P Text Color
Click on the color box to apply the color to the selected charac-
ters.
2Q Text Background Color
Click on the color box to apply the color to the selected charac-
ters.

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Ruler
3A Tab Style
Click to set the tab stop style - Left, Right, Center and Decimal.
Choose a tab stop style, then click on the ruler to set the locations
of the tab stops. To remove tab stops, drag them off the ruler.
3B Left Page Margin
Drag to change left page margin. To set the page margins initially,
go to File - Page Setup
3C Indent
Set the left paragraph indent (top arrow) and the hanging indent
(bottom arrow).
3D Tab Stop
Drop your tab stops on the ruler at the desired locations. The tab
stops will be displayed on the ruler according to the tab style.
3E Right Page Margin
Set the right page margin. To set the page margins initially, go to
File - Page Setup
3F Right Indent
Set the right side paragraph indent.

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Split Screen Displays
In the split screen environment you can view your diagram and a
variety of other support and information screens. Click on the
icons at the top of the right or bottom screen. This picture shows
the Active Help system being displayed.
Display Ladder Diagram
This will display the ladder diagram. This is useful if you have a
large diagram and need to see two different sections while you
energize it.

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Display Active Help
This displays help for whatever your mouse cursor is currently
over. We have over 500 active help screens in the Constructor to
help you learn the program quickly.
Display Simulation Log
This selection displays a log window that will show you what
happens in the circuit when it is energized. This file may be saved

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for reference. The description (what you placed in the
description text box) of the symbol is listed first, then what
happened, then the time. The first set of time numbers indicates
the time (hours, minutes, seconds) since the circuit was
energized. The second set indicates the time since the
previous event occurred. The log display may be cleared at any
time by pressing the Clear button under the File menu.
Display Workbook
This picture shows a project workbook. Limited Workbook
creation and editing may be done on the display screen. More
advanced features may be used by clicking on the Workbook tab
on the toolbar.

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Display Notes
Any project notes may shown here. Limited note creation and
editing may be done on the display screen. More advanced
features may be used by clicking on the Notes tab on the toolbar.

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Environment Options
· General
1. Power Indicator - Changes the colors on the power indicator.
2. Power switch label - Changes labeling on the power switch.
3. Type of cross over connections - Sets options for cross overs
and connections.
4. Project - Sets start up option as a new screen or last screen
worked on.
5. Default Diagram File name Extension-Sets the default file
name extension for your diagrams.
6. Auto Save-Turns the Auto Save feature on or off and sets the
time between saves. You can protect your work by using Auto
Save to save a temporary copy of your diagram periodically as
you work. To recover work after a power failure or similar problem,
restart your computer and start The Constructor. The Load Last
Auto Save option will be available on the File Menu. Click it to
load the last saved file. If the Constructor is exited normally, the
Auto Save file is erased on exit. This option is available (if turned
on) while you are in The Constructor and after a non-normal
shutdown (power failure, computer crash).
7. Path to Export Converter Program- Sets the path to the utility
program we use when you export files. The default location will be
used here. If you installed the converter program in another
location you will need to change this path.

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· Snap to Grid
1. Drawing Layer Snap to Grid - Allows you to set the grid
spacing and grid color for the drawing layer grid. Drawing tools
may be set to snap to this grid. To view or hide the grid, go to the
View menu selection. To turn on or off the snap to grid option,
go to the Options menu.

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· Drawing Zoom Window
1. Use Drawing Zoom Window Checkbox - if checked a zoom
window will appear when you are drawing with the drawing tools
and stop moving the mouse for whatever the delay setting is set
for on this window.
2. Window size - You may choose small, medium or large.
3. Delay - This allows you to set the delay before the zoom window
appears. Most people prefer a 500 to 1000 millisecond delay.

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· Colors
1.Adjust the slider to select the desired hue for the program forms
and controls.
2. Select a desired Color Scheme from the menu. Backgrounds
from White to Black are available in the list.
Ladder Diagram Options
These options allow you to change the legend and font options on
your diagram.

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· Font
1. Symbol Description Text - Allows you to select font, font size,
and color for your description text boxes.
2. Wire Number Text - Allows you to select font, font size, and color
for your wire number text boxes.
3. Terminal ID Text - Allows you to select font, font size, and color for
your terminal ID boxes.

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· Legend
This screen allows you to select a legend or change the legend
for the current diagram. Select one of our legends, then you may
change the text and pictures of the legend by clicking on it. This
would be done to change a date or project name for example. You
can also save a modified legend here. If you don’t save your
legend changes then any changes you made are only available to
your current project.
Project Options
· Owner Information - Here is where you can enter your
information, such as your name and address.
· Permission Settings - Here you can decide what the user can
or can’t do with the project. For example, if you create
projects for students, you might want to lock various portions
of the project so they can’t be modified. Just remember to
unlock the project if you need to make modifications.

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· Password - This screen allows you to password protect your
project. Passwords are not case sensitive and may be up to
20 characters long. If a password is used and forgotten, we
can supply you with the Password Hint, if you send us your
diagram.

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Power Points
This is where your diagram will get its power from in the Run mode.
These power sources can be three-phase or single-phase or a
combination of both. In this version, you can have a maximum of
ten power sources. These sources may include any combination
of power points and transformers. Generally, the more power
sources you have in a diagram the slower the circuit will react in the
energized mode. These are isolated power sources as far as the
simulations are concerned. This means that one set of power
points will not work with another set. When you print your diagram,
these Power Points will not be printed.
· Adding Power Points
When you start a new diagram, a set of power points is usually
(depending on your environment options) placed in the top left
corner of the diagram. To add another set of Power Points click on
the POWER POINTS from the main menu then select the type of
Power Points you would like to add and click on it. The Power
Points will be added to your diagram.
· Moving Power Points
All Power Points can be moved if needed by dragging (left click
and hold) them to a new symbol location.

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· Removing Power Points
These points cannot be removed (deleted) like a normal symbol
but they can be removed from a pop-up menu. Place the mouse
pointer over the Power Point and right click it. This will pop up a
menu giving you the option to remove this set of Power Points.
· Converting Power Points
To convert a power point set from one form to another form
(such as three-phase to single-phase) place the mouse pointer
over the power point and right click. This will pop up a menu
giving you the option to convert the power points.
· Changing Power Point Flow Color
To change the Power Point flow color, place the mouse pointer over
the power point and right click. This will pop up a menu giving you the
option to change the color of this Power Point. (This color
change is for this Point only. In a set of three, all three can be set to
the same color or different colors.)
Transformers
Like Power points, transformers are where your diagram will get
its power from in the Run mode. These power sources can be
three-phase, single-phase or a combination of both. In this
version you can have a maximum of ten power sources. These
sources may include any combination of power points and
transformers.
Generally, the more power sources you have in a diagram, the
slower the circuit will react in the energized mode. These are
isolated power sources as far as the simulations are concerned.
This means that one transformer will not work with another
transformer. This means that if you have two single-phase
transformers you cannot connect a load to a secondary lead of
each transformer and expect the circuit simulation to work.

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· Adding Transformers
To add a transformer, click on the Electrical Components from the
main menu then select the type of transformer you would like to add
and click on it. The transformer will be added to your diagram. It
may then be moved into the desired position in your diagram.
· Moving Transformers
Transformers can be moved if needed by dragging (left click and
hold) them to a new symbol location. If the location is valid
(enough free space) then you will see a gray transformer snap
into place as you cross over valid placement locations. When
this happens and you release the left mouse button, the
transformer will be placed in this location.
· Rotating a Transformer
Transformers can be rotated 180 degrees. Place the mouse
pointer over the transformer and right click on it. This will pop up a
menu giving you the option to rotate the transformer. In our
simulations the primary of your transformers must be connected
either to a power point set or a secondary from another
transformer. You cannot connect the secondary of your
transformer to a power point set and feed your load with the
primary.
· Removing a Transformer
Transformers cannot be removed (deleted) like a normal
symbol, but they can be removed from a pop-up menu. Place
the mouse pointer over the Transformer and right click on it.
This will pop up a menu giving you the option to remove the
Transformer.

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· Changing the Transformer Flow Color
To change the Transformer flow color, place the mouse pointer
over the transformer and right click. This will pop up a menu
giving you the option to change the color of each secondary lead
on this transformer. (This color change is for this transformer only.
In a set of three, all three can be set to the same color or different
colors.)
· Connection Labels
To change the transformer connection labels, place the mouse
pointer over the transformer and right click. This will pop up a
menu giving you the option to change the connection labels.
Insert PLC I/O, Terminal Strips, Soft Starters or VSD
To add a PLC I/O module or a terminal strip to your diagram click
on Electrical Components on the main menu. Then select Add
PLC or terminal strip. Select the component, click Open and it will
be placed on the diagram. It may then be dragged to the desired
location. Text may be placed in the text boxes (blue outlines) by
left clicking in the box and then typing in your text. If you have
purchased an optional PLC library you will have over 1400 PLC
modules to select from. If you do not have an optional library you
will have a selection of generic I/O modules to choose from.
On input modules, lines may be connected on the left side of the
modules to the terminals. On output modules the lines are
connected on the right side. On the “brick” style of PLC module,
lines are connected at the top and the bottom to the terminals. If
you desire, a module or strip may be saved as a template (with
your text and other symbols) for use in other diagrams. Select the
module and other symbols then right click on them. Then select
Save as Template.

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Assigning Panel Buttons
While in the edit mode click on the Display Panel Buttons icon
on the main toolbar. This will pop-up the panel buttons screen.
To assign a panel button, left click on a button. This will pop up
an assignment screen which will allow you to assign panel
buttons to contacts, pushbuttons, switches etc. You may label
the panel button in the Button Label window. The screen will
show you all your contacts, switches, pushbuttons, etc. in the
upper Selections window. Click on the symbol you want assigned
to the panel button, then click on the Add Item button to place it in
the lower Assignments window. Once assigned these buttons
are used to control your diagram in the Run mode. In the
Constructor up to ten switches or contacts may be assigned to
a single panel button. If you are assigning a push button to a
panel button only one may be assigned to each panel button.
There are twenty panel buttons available for use. The panel
button screen is moveable and used to run your diagram. The
screen will resize itself automatically in the Run mode.

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Set Diagram Size
This window allows you to set your diagram size. This size should
also depend on your printing options (small printer or a large
plotter).You will see the maximum number of rungs and columns
listed. This will change depending on your symbol spacing. If you
try to reduce your diagram size smaller than a currently loaded
diagram, you will receive a message telling you the minimum size
possible. It is best to keep your diagram size as small as possible
when you will be running your circuits. There is more of a running
delay as the diagram size increases.

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Toolbar
The toolbar section allows you to perform some of the more
common procedures in The Constructor such as cut, copy
and paste, saving and loading a file, selecting the symbol
spacing, displaying the symbol library window, displaying the
simulation log, displaying the sound volume controls, splitting the
screen, printing, turning the grid and drawing layer on or off, and
increasing or decreasing the rung and column spacing. You can
also select various drawing tools from the toolbar for use in your
diagram. These tools include text, lines, boxes, and circles. Most
operations can also be performed from the menu selections.
Set Diagram Spacing
On the toolbar there are 4 sets of arrows, by clicking these the
spacing between columns and rungs are increased or decreased.
When you are decreasing the spacing check to make sure any text
isn’t being clipped because the text boxes are getting too small. If the
text is clipped increase the spacing or select a smaller text size by
selecting Options, then Ladder Diagram Options from the toolbar
menu. From here you can change the font size and other options.

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Reference Boxes
When you place a symbol in your diagram a symbol description
box (green)will appear above it or to the right of it in the case of a
vertical symbol. Terminal ID boxes (blue) are placed below each
symbol. If you place a wire, a wire ID box (red)will appear above it.
If you need to increase the size of these boxes use the arrow keys
on the toolbar to increase or decrease the spacing of the diagram.
These boxes are for your reference and can be turned off from the
View menu or from the toolbar; this will enable you to get a better
idea what just the diagram looks like. As you type text into these
boxes, you will notice the text will be justified to end up closest to the
wire or symbol. This is not something that can be modified. If you
need more space for symbol description text you can select
”Maximum Text Area” from the Text Layout drop down menu on
the Toolbar.

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· Placing a Drawing Tools object
To place the object, select it from the toolbar, left click and hold
where you’d like it placed then drag the object to the location you
want it and then release the mouse button. Azoom window will
appear if you stop moving the mouse for 1 second or more. This
allows you to place drawing objects more precisely than normal.
This window can be turned off or sized in the Environment
options menu from the options menu on the toolbar.
· Moving a Drawing Tools object
To move the object, select it and drag it to the new position. The
object may also be moved with the drawing tools property options
menu. Once the object is selected click on the options button to
bring up the property menu. Click on the Position arrows to move
the object.
Drawing Tools
The drawing tools are objects you can place on your diagram.
The objects consist of lines, circles, ellipses, squares,
rectangles, rounded rectangles, rounded squares and text.
These objects are visible in the Edit mode and when the
diagram is printed but not in the Run Mode. If you need more
text to describe a symbol or the diagram you can use the
drawing tools text to add as much text as you need.
These objects may be considered to be on a different layer than
the symbols of your diagram. They may be placed anywhere you
would like to place them. They are not limited, as the symbols
are, to predefined locations in your diagram.

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Zoom and Magna Pointer
While you are in the Edit or Run modes you can change the
screen zoom level from 20% to 100% with the zoom control at the
bottom left corner of the screen. If you have a split screen each
screen will have it’s own zoom control. This means you can use
one screen to see the whole diagram (20% zoom level) and the
other for looking at a portion of the diagram (100% zoom level).
The Magna Pointer window (upper left corner of the screen) shows
what is currently under your mouse cursor at a 100% zoom level.
This is helpful when you are using the lower zoom levels.
Drawing Objects Zoom
There is a pop-up zoom window to help you precisely place
drawing objects. This window will pop-up after you have selected
a drawing object and stopped moving the mouse for 1 second.
This window may be disabled, resized or the timing changed in
the Environment Options menu. This window will help if you’re
having trouble with exact placement of your drawing objects.

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Sound Effects
You can add a new dimension to your diagrams with the addition
of sound to The Constructor. This is especially helpful as a training
tool. Hearing a motor start or a siren wail adds another dimension
to your diagrams. When you Run your diagram not only can you
see the circuit, you can now hear the circuit.
Up to 18 individual sounds may be assigned to a ladder diagram
with an additional sound for the main breaker and a background
(ambient) sound. Sounds are assigned to each of the 20 channels
available and then by right clicking on a symbol in the edit mode,
you can select “Set Sound Effect”. From here you can select the
sound you want played. For example when a motor symbol is
powered a motor starting sound is heard or when a pushbutton is
pressed a click is heard.
Some symbols may have a large selection of sounds (sirens)
while others (pushbuttons) may only have one or two sounds
available. Additional sound libraries are available from us.

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By default 12 channels are assigned sounds from the library and
symbols that are created with these classes will have those sounds
assigned to them:Switch, Pushbutton, Motor, Horn/Buzzer, Relay,
Light, Multi-Position Switch and Counter.
To turn the sound effects on or off select Options, then click “Sound
Effects Enabled” to toggle the effects.
“New Project” sound options are set in the New Project Wizard.
To view or change the sound effect channels on the diagram your
currently working on, select Options then select Setup Sound
Effects. To view or change the sound effect channel volumes for
the current Diagram, select View then select Display Volume
Controls. Each channel has a slide volume control you can set.

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Wire Numbers
In the Constructor you can add wire numbers manually or
automatically. Every wire you place has a wire id or number box.
A number of different wiring number formats are available.
Automatic numbering is done on the horizontal wires first, top to
bottom, then the vertical wires, left to right. An undo feature is
available by clicking the Edit menu then Undo Generate Wire
Numbers.
Right clicking on the number box will give you a number of options
for the wire and the box.

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Chapter 3
The Symbol Editor
· What is the Symbol Editor
1. This is a separate drawing program used to create symbols
used in The Constructor. All the symbols contained in the
program were drawn with the Symbol Editor.
· How to use it
1. If there is a symbol you need for your diagram and it is not in the
included library you can draw your own. There are some
restrictions if the symbol is to be an active symbol.
· Main Screen
1. The main screen is designed to make symbol design and
editing fast and easy.

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· Menu Selections
File
· Save Symbol - This button saves the symbol.
· Save Symbol as - This button brings up another window that
allows you to enter the save information-name, and where you
want thefilesaved.
· Clear Screen - This allows you to clear the symbol editing
screen.
· Exit - This exits the Symbol Editor and puts you back in The
Constructor.
Edit
· Cut - This selection cuts the selected object and places it in our
storage area.
· Copy - This selection copies the selected object and places it
in our storage area.
· Paste - This selection pastes the selected object from the
storage area to the current frame.
· Delete - This selection deletes the selected object. Note that
once an object is deleted it is not recoverable.
· Move Forward - This selection copies the selected object
forward (to the top or front).
· Move Backward - This selection moves the selected object
backward (to the bottom or rear).

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· Rotate +90 degrees - This selection rotates the selected
object 90 degrees clockwise.
· Rotate -90 degrees - This selection rotates the selected
object 90 degrees counterclockwise.
· Rotate frame +90 degrees - This selection rotates the entire
frame 90 degrees clockwise.
· Rotate frame -90 degrees - This selection rotates the entire
frame 90 degrees counterclockwise.
· SelectAll -This selection selects all the objects in the frame. This
is useful for cutting or copying the entire frame.
· Clear frame - This selection clears the entire frame. Note that
once a frame is cleared the previous contents are not
recoverable.
· Display Properties - This selection allows you to make parts of
the symbol visible or not in the edit, run and printing modes.
Colors may also be changed here for one or more selected
parts of the symbol. The Rotate/Flip selection allows you to keep
a group of objects, like the lines that make up the “R” in the
middle of an indicator light upright, even if the symbol is placed
on a vertical symbol cell.This allows you to have one symbol
instead of two.

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· Drawing Selections
1. Pointer - This selection allows you to select objects from your
symbol for editing. This is done by clicking on the object with the
left mouse button. Once selected, a variety of editing functions
can be performed on the object. The object can be moved or
resized once it is selected.
2. Dot - This selection allows you to color individual boxes on your
grid. The color can be selected from the vertical color bar. Place
the mouse pointer over the box you wish to color and click the left
mouse button.
3. Line - This selection allows you to draw lines on your grid. The
color of the line can be selected from the vertical color bar. Place
the mouse pointer where you want the line to begin, click and hold

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the left mouse button, then drag to the point you want the line to
end. Release the left mouse button.
4. Box -This selection allows you to draw an unfilled box on the
grid. The color of the line can be selected from the vertical color
bar. Place the mouse pointer where you want the box to begin,
click and hold the left mouse button, then drag to the opposite
corner of the box. Release the mouse button.
5. Filled Box - This selection allows you to draw a filled box on the
grid. The color of the line and the filled color can be selected from
the vertical color bar. Place the mouse pointer where you want the
box to begin, click and hold the left mouse button, then drag to the
opposite corner of the box. Release the mouse button.
6. Rounded Corner Box - This selection allows you to draw an
unfilled rounded corner box on the grid. The color of the line can be
selected from the vertical color bar. Place the mouse pointer where
you want the box to begin, click and hold the left mouse button,
then drag to the opposite corner of the box. Release the mouse
button.
7. Filled Rounded Corner Box - This selection allows you to draw
a filled rounded corner box on the grid. The color of the line can
be selected from the vertical color bar. Place the mouse pointer
where you want the box to begin, click and hold the left mouse
button, then drag to the opposite corner of the box. Release the
mouse button.
8. Circle - This selection allows you to place a circle on the grid.
The color of the circle can be selected from the vertical color
bar. Place the mouse pointer where you want the circle to begin,
click and hold the left mouse button, then drag until the circle
is the correct size. Release the mouse button.
9. Filled Circle - This selection allows you to place a circle on the

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grid. The color of the circle and the filled area can be selected from
the vertical color bar. Place the mouse pointer where you want the
circle to begin, click and hold the left mouse button, then drag until
the circle is the correct size. Release the mouse button.
10. Arc -This selection allows you to place an arc on the grid. The
color of the arc can be selected from the vertical color bar. This
selection is probably the most difficult to use drawing selection.
Some practice may be required. Place the mouse pointer where
you want the arc to begin, click and hold the left mouse button,
then drag until the arc is the correct size. Release the mouse
button. You will see a gray circle, from here move the mouse
pointer to a point on the circle, click then move to the end of the
arc, and click again. The arc you just defined will remain. It's
probably best to just get the arc drawn then resize and move it into
position. After practicing, you will notice that how you select the arc
points affects what part of the circle remains as the arc. If you select
the left side of the circle then the right side for the second point, the
arc will be the upper section. If you select the right side of the circle
then the left side for the second point then the lower section of the
circle will remain as the arc.
· Other Screen Information
1. Picture - Displays the original and any modifications.
2. Position - A display showing the column and row position of the
cursor.
3. Drawing Colors - A display showing your border and fill colors.
These colors are selectable from the vertical color bar.
4. Frame selection buttons - These buttons will allow you to move
back and forth between one to eight frames, depending on the
symbol class. As a minimum, you will need two drawn frames for
each active custom symbol. One will be energized and the other
will be non-energized. An inactive symbol only needs one frame.

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5. Objects - Displays the number of objects the currently displayed
symbol has. One thing to keep in mind is that you want this number
as low as possible. Aline is counted as one object, as is a single
point. It is better to use a line to draw a number of points than a
number of single points if they are in a line.
6. Properties button - This button will pop up the properties
window for the symbol you are working on. Depending on the class
of the symbol, various property information will be presented here.
You can also choose a picture to use when the symbol is ex-
ported in a diagram.
Symbol Classes
The symbol class determines what properties and options are
available for each symbol; the actual drawing of the symbol really
plays a very small part when you want to energize your diagram.
Please study these classes before you design a custom symbol.
Once a symbol is assigned to a class, it can not be reassigned. If
you start out with an Inactive class and draw your pictures, you will
not be able to energize this symbol. It's really not too difficult, just a
few things to remember. Symbols in the contact class can be
assigned to relays, pushbutton control heads and multi-position
switches. Symbols in the switch class can be associated with the
Horn/Buzzer, Indicator Light and Motor classes. We have
assigned different names to the various classes. These names
indicate the most common use of that class, but you may want to
use the "Light Class" for symbols other than lights.

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The Classes:
· Inactive
1. Inactive Symbols - These classes are for all symbols that can
not or will not be energized. An example is a semiconductor or
something we do not support in our energized mode. If you are
not interested in energizing your drawing and want to just print
it, this class is fine. You may select from a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or
wireless class.
· Switches - Symbols may have a sound effect added to it.
1. Switch SPST NC - This class is for single pole single throw
normally closed switches.
2. Switch SPST NO - This class is for single pole single throw
normally open switches.

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3. Switch SPDT-This class is for three-wire switch (Form C).
4. Switch DPST - This class is for double pole single throw
switches and includes a 4-way (crossover) style switch.
5. Switch DPDT - This class is for double pole double throw
switches.
6. Switch TPST - This class is for triple pole single throw switches.
All these switch classes allow you to associate (SeeAssociated
Reaction) the switch to a load (any load except a relay coil). Once it
is associated to a load you can add a time delay (on or off delay) to
the switch. Symbols in this class may have a sound effect added to
it.
· Loads - Symbols may have a sound effect added to it.
1. Horn/Buzzer - This class is a load class.
· Indicator Lights - Symbols may have a sound effect added to it.
1. Indicator light - This class is a load class for indicating lights.
2. Push to Test Indicator light - This class is a load class for a three
wire push to test indicator light.
· Common Point - This class of symbols are used to simulate
common connection points in the diagram without actually having
to run connecting lines to each point. This allows you to have
power points or grounds at multiple points in your diagram without the
connecting lines.Any common point symbol may be assigned to
any other common point symbol. To make different points
common you need to assign the points to each other. You may
have multiple common points such as grounds, three phase
power points, and so on.

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· Two-wire relay coil - Symbols may have a sound effect
added to it.
1. Two-Wire Coil -This class is the normal relay class. When
power is applied to this coil, the contacts assigned to it will change
states. These next two characteristics are part of this class:
Delay to On - This property is for timing relays with delay on contacts.
Its operating characteristics are as follows:Time delay
initiated upon application of power to the coil.After the delay has
timed out, the contacts assigned to this coil will change states. If
there are instantaneous contacts assigned to the relay they will
react as soon as power is applied to the coil. If the power to the coil is
interrupted, the timing cycle will start again when the coil is powered
again.
Delay to Off - This property is for timing relays with delay off
contacts. Its operating characteristics are as follows:Time delay
initiated upon removal of power to the coil. After the delay has timed
out, the contacts assigned to this coil will change states. When the
coil is powered again, the timing cycle is reset.
2. Two-Wire Interval -This class is for timing relays with interval
contacts. Upon application of power to the coil, the contacts
change states and the timing period begins. At the completion of
the preset time delay, the contacts change to their non-powered
state.
3. Two-Wire Recycle or Repeat - This class is for timing relays with
recycle contacts. Its operating characteristics are as follows:
Upon application of power to the coil, the off time is initiated. At the
end of the off preset time, the coil is activated and the on delay starts.
At the end of the on preset time, the coil is deactivated and a new
cycle begins. The on and off cycles will continue to alternate
until power is removed from the coil. This timer can also be setup to
start with the "on" time instead of the default "off" time.

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4. Latching with manual reset - This class is for latching relays
with a manual reset. To reset a latched relay while running the
circuit hold down the "Shift" key and place the mouse pointer over
the latch relay coil and right click.
· Three Wire Relay Coil - Symbols may have a sound effect
added to it.
1. Latching with Electric set/reset - This class is for three wire
latching relays.
2.Alternating Relay coil - This class is for three wire alternating
relays. When power is removed from the trigger wire (T) the
contacts assigned to the coil alternate states.
· Four Wire Relay Coil - Symbols may have a sound effect
added to it.
1. Standard with Dry Contact - This class is for a four wire coil with
dry contact. Timing functions (on-off delays) may be used with this
coil. Contacts activate when the dry contact is closed.
2. One Shot with Dry Contact - One shot relay class with a dry
contact for a trigger.
3. One Shot with Trigger - One shot relay class with a trigger that
requires power.
· Contact
1. Normally Closed - This class is for a N.C. contact. This class
can be used for a contact for a relay, an auxiliary contact for a
pushbutton or a contact for a multi-position switch.
2. Normally Open - This class is for a N.O. contact. This class
can be used for a contact for a relay, an auxiliary contact for a
pushbutton or a contact for a multi-position switch.

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3. SPDT - This class is for a three-wire contact (Form C). This
class can be used for a contact for a relay, an auxiliary contact for a
pushbutton or a contact for a multi-position switch.
· Pushbutton Control Head - Symbols may have a sound effect
added to it.
1. Normally Closed - This class is for a pushbutton with a N.C.
contact.
2. Normally Open - This class is for a pushbutton with a N.O.
contact.
· Motor - Symbols may have a sound effect added to it.
1. Single-Phase - This class is for single-phase motors of any
voltage.
2. Three-Phase -This class is for three-phase motors of any
voltage.
3. Wye-Delta - This class is for a motor that is started with a wye-
delta starter.
· Multi-Position Switch Control Head - This class is for a multi-
position control head. You can have a control head with up to
eight positions. Any number of contacts can be assigned to
each position. This class uses a special dialog box to assign
contacts to each position. Symbols may have a sound effect
added to it.
· Counters - These classes allow you to make up, down and up/
down counters. Symbols may have a sound effect added to it.
· Phase Loss Monitors - This class is for a three phase loss
monitor. When power is removed from one phase, contacts
change state.

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Your First Custom Symbol
It’ll probably be best if you can find a symbol in the default library that
reacts like the symbol you want to create. In other words, a symbol
from the same class as your custom symbol will be. That way you
can load that symbol and just modify the appearance of it, then
save it under a different name.
If you plan on being able to Run the symbol then you will have to
create an On and an Off state for each symbol. Each symbol is
assigned a symbol class which determines how it functions when
power is applied to it or when you click on it.
For example, a symbol made for the Normally Open Switch class
does not allow power flow in the first frame but does allow power
flow when you click on it (second frame) in the Run mode.The fuse
symbol located in the default library is made with this class so you
can click on the fuse and simulate it blowing in the Run mode.

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Chapter 4
The Basics
This section will describe some of the more common diagram
creation procedures.
· Manipulating Symbols
1. Adding Symbols -To add a symbol to your diagram follow this
procedure: First, you need to open the library where the symbol is
contained. In the case of new users, the default library is named
Default. To open this library you will need to click on the box that says
Symbol (right side of toolbar). This will pop up a Symbol library
screen. Select the Default library and all the symbols that are
available in this library will be shown. Click on the desired symbol
with the left mouse button. Once selected, the symbol library
screen will disappear and you'll be back to the main screen. Move
the cursor to a vertical or horizontal cell and click the left mouse
button at each location you wish to place this symbol.Afast way to
open your library is to right click on an empty cell.This will bring up
your symbol library. Select the symbol with the left mouse button
and the symbol will be placed in the empty cell. Once a symbol is
placed on your diagram, you can view information about
the symbol by placing your mouse cursor over the symbol
and viewing the Active Help information about the symbol.
2. Deleting Symbols - To delete a symbol from your diagram
follow this procedure: Place the mouse pointer over the symbol
and click the right mouse button. This will pop up a menu with the
Delete selection. Click on this and the symbol will be deleted from
your diagram.
3. Moving Symbols -To move a symbol, place the mouse pointer
over the symbol, hold down the left mouse button and drag the
cursor to the desired location, then release the mouse button.

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Asymbol can be moved to any empty cell. Text in the symbol text
box is moved with the symbol.
4. Rotating Symbols - To rotate a symbol, place the mouse
pointer over the symbol and click on the right mouse button.This will
pop up a menu with the Rotate Symbol selection. Click on this and
the symbol will be rotated 180 degrees.
5. Crossing over wires - The Constructor allows you to cross over
wires as you draw your circuit. Where a vertical and horizontal wire
cross each other a small box will appear. The default for two wires
crossing is a connection point. If you need to change this
connection to a cross over then follow this procedure: move the
mouse pointer into this box and click the left mouse button. The
first of two cross over options will appear. Click again and the
second option will appear and finally click again to change from a
cross over back to a connection point.
6. Adding drawing objects to your diagram -This procedure
allows you to add various drawing objects to your diagram such as
text, boxes, lines, and more. These objects are placed over your
diagram in a separate layer. They can be viewed or printed with the
diagram or turned off. Click on the Drawing Tool icons to select a
drawing object to add to your diagram.
7. Rung Numbers - Rung numbers may be placed on your diagram
automatically or manually. If you have the rung numbers box
checked in the New Diagram Options, they will be placed
automatically. To place them manually, select the Rung Number
symbol from your default library. Place the symbol where you want
the first rung number to begin, this must be a horizontal symbol cell.
Then place the symbol at the end position directly below the upper
Rung Number symbol. Right Click on the upper Rung Number
symbol. This will pop-up a menu that will allow you to Fill Below.
Click on this and the rest will be filled in for you. Right click on the
top rung number symbol to configure the number. You may use the
actual rung number from the diagram (See Status Bar) or you can
start with any number up to five digits. View the Rung number video in
the Help Learning Center for more help with Rung numbers.

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8. Contact Locations - Contact Location symbols display the
location of any contacts that are assigned to a relay coil.AContact
Location symbol is placed on the right side of a relay coil.Any
number of Contact Location symbols can be placed in the
diagram.As with the Rung Number symbol, a Contact Location
symbol will display the contact location numbers in the Run mode
and when the diagram is printed. View the Rung number video in the
Help Learning Center for more help with contact locations.
9. Moving/Drawing Objects - Drawing Objects may be moved by
selecting them and dragging them to a new position. There are a
couple of options that may be used for different needs. Once a
Drawing Object is selected, it may be moved in reference to rung
and column spacing by holding down the CTRL key before the left
mouse button is pressed in the drag process. An example where
this may be useful is when you use the insert rung or column
feature. When you insert a rung, the symbols move but the
drawing objects do not. Once you have inserted the rung, turn off
the Grid Layer and select the drawing objects you want to move.
Turn the grid layer back on. Hold down the CTRL key and drag the
objects one space to the bottom.This way the drawing objects will
be back in line with the symbols of your diagram.
10. Cutting, Copying, Pasting, and Deleting groups of objects
-This procedure allows you to cut, copy, paste, or delete groups
of symbols. You need to first select the symbols to work with. You
must select at least two objects to cut or copy. This is done by
moving your mouse to a corner of your object area. Then you
click and hold the left mouse button down, drag the mouse to the
opposite corner of the area and release the mouse button. The
symbols and their text boxes will be selected. The selected objects
will be white in color with a gray background. Once the symbols
are selected, then you may cut or copy them into the storage area.
They may also be deleted. If you right click inside the selected
area, you will get a pop-up window with the cut, copy, or delete
selections. Once you have a group cut or copied into the storage
area, you may then paste the group into your drawing by clicking
on the paste menu item.

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The group will be pasted into your diagram as close as possible to
the upper left corner of the visible screen. If you have other
symbols in the way, then it will be pasted as close as possible. You
will need to keep in mind how large the pasted group is and the
space you have available. Once the group is pasted, it is possible
to move it by clicking inside the selected area with the left mouse
button, holding the button down and dragging the frame to the
desired area. When you release the left mouse button, the contents
of the frame will snap into the frame. If they don’t it may be that there
are other symbols inside the frame. In this case, the frame will need
to be repositioned or the other objects removed.
IF YOU WANT TO RUN YOUR CIRCUITS YOU WILL NEED TO
LEARN THESE PROCEDURES
11. Switch Class or Contact Class - You will need to learn the
difference in these classes. Contacts and switches in these
classes may be normally open or normally closed. In addition,
both may have a time delay function (on or off delay). Switches in
the Switch Class may be associated (see Associated Reaction)
with the horn, light, or motor classes. This is the class you
would use to simulate a thermal overload contact for a motor.
Contacts in the Contact Class can be assigned (see Assigning
Contacts) to electromagnetic relays, pushbuttons, and multi-
position switches.

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12. Assigning Contacts - First, you need to right click your
contact.
This will pop up a selection box. Click on the Assignment selection.
Another dialog box will pop up containing a list of all the
pushbuttons, multi-position switches, and relays you have in your
diagram. If you have named them, their names will appear in the list
under Description. If you have not named your pushbuttons, multi-
position switches, or relays you will assign the contacts by the
location of the correct component. Click on the tab that contains
the type of component you want the contact assigned to. Then
click on the correct component. Click the correct Reaction Type. A
normal contact would be Instantaneous, a time delay contact would
be Delayed. The final step is to click the OK at the bottom of the form.
13. Setting up time delay contacts - To set up a time delay contact,
first assign the contact to the coil (See Assigning Contacts). Then
right click on the relay coil. The various types of relay coils will have
different options. To set up a standard relay coil for timer options,
click on "delay settings". This will pop up a timer dialog box. You can
then set your "delay to on" or "delay to off" times, then click OK at the
bottom of this box. Other relays are set up similarly, by right clicking
on the relay coil. Information is given in the setup boxes as far as how
the timers will operate in the circuit.

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This is a standard relay delay settings dialog box.
14. Associated Reaction - If you need to simulate a switch
closing or opening because of non-electrical conditions, (light,
temperature, pressure and others) this is how you do it. Any
load except a relay coil can have any number of switches
(symbols of the switch class) associated with it. When that load
is activated, the switches will be activated. For example when a
light is turned on a switch could close. To associate a switch
with a load, right click on the switch in the design mode. This
will pop up a selection box. Select the load you want to
associate the switch to and click OK at the bottom of the form.
Note: if the load you have switches associated to is made
defective (shorted or opened) when the circuit is energized the
associated switches will not function.

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15. Locking/Unlocking Contacts and Switches - Once a
symbol from the contact or switch class is assigned to a relay or
associated with a load it can be locked from the edit or the run
mode. In the locked mode, the contact or switch is in the manual
mode only. That is to say, you can move the contact to a different
state by clicking on it, but any operation by assignment or
associated reaction is prevented, as is any spring return function.
This feature is mainly used in troubleshooting circuits. To lock a
contact or switch in the run mode, place the mouse pointer over
the contact or switch and click the right mouse button. The word
"Locked" will appear next to the contact or switch. To lock the contact
or switch in the edit mode, right click on the contact or switch. Select
lock from the menu and left click on it. To unlock the component
just follow the same procedures as above and the
component will be unlocked. The changes you make in the
energized mode will only stay this way until you exit the energized
mode. If you want the changes to be more permanent, change
them in the design mode.
16. Defective Symbols - Loads can be made to simulate a
defective component. Load symbols such as lights and coils can
be set as defective in either a shorted or an open condition. These
options are available in the design or energized mode.

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Right click on the load in the design mode and then select which
defective state you want the load to operate in. This load will stay in
this condition until the defective state is turned off in this mode. In the
energized mode, a load can be shorted by clicking the right
mouse button while over the load. Also in the energized mode, the
load can be opened by clicking the left mouse button while over
the load. The changes you make in the energized mode will only
stay this way until you exit the energized mode. If you want the
changes to be more permanent, change them in the design mode.
Motors have two more options besides open and shorted. These
are loaded (an overload) and locked (a locked rotor or shaft).
These are mainly used to simulate a locked rotor or overloaded
condition for an overload. Any switch associated with the motor will
not operate in the locked condition. You can use associated
reaction to have a normally closed (overload) switch open when
the motor is in an overloaded or locked mode.
17. Highlighting groups -This feature allows you to highlight a
group of symbols. The highlighting is a white background
surrounding the symbols. Groups are defined as symbols that are
assigned to each other, such as a relay coil and all the contacts
that are assigned to it. Only one group at a time can be
highlighted. This highlighting is only visible in the edit mode. To turn
highlighting on or off right click on one of the symbols in the group
and select highlight. This group will remain highlighted until you turn
off the highlighting or exit The Constructor. This feature allows you
to quickly identify symbols that are assigned or associated with
one another. The Constructor also features automatic highlighting
of groups when the mouse cursor is over a symbol of the group.
The automatic highlighting is shown with a light blue box.

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18. Multi-position switches -To set up a multi-position switch,
first place the switch symbol on your drawing. Place the desired
contacts on your drawing. Right click on each contact, then left click
on "assignment".Assign each contact to the multi-position switch.
Once this is done, you need to right click on the multi-position switch,
then left click "Configure Contact".This will pop up a configuration
screen.All the contacts that are assigned to the switch will be
shown. In the white boxes below each switch position, left click to
activate that contact with that switch position.An "X" will be placed in
each box when it is selected. To de-select the contact, just left
click on it again. While in the energized mode, if you left click on the
symbol it will move to the next position counterclockwise. If you right
click on it, it will move to the next position clockwise.

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19. Common Points - These are used to simulate common
connection points in the diagram without actually having to run
connecting wires to each point. This allows you to have power
points or grounds at multiple points in your diagram without the
connecting wires. Any common point symbol may be assigned to
any other common point symbol. To make different points
common you need to assign the points to each other. You may
have multiple common points such as grounds, three phase
power points, and so on.
20. Running your diagram -To Run your diagram you need to
make sure the contacts in the diagram are assigned to the

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appropriate coils, timers, and switches. Once this is done you can
click on the Power Switch. This will toggle it from off to on. To turn it
off, just click on it again. The circuit should react like a hard-wired
circuit would react. Various components can be manipulated by
clicking on them with the right or left mouse button. If you place your
mouse cursor over a symbol in the edit mode a popup box will
appear. Click on it for a list of symbol options. You may also right
click on a symbol to display the options.
The various symbols react differently to mouse clicks as this list
shows:
· Inactive symbols - No mouse interaction.
· Switch symbols - Left click toggles back and forth between the
first and second symbol frame. The second frame allows power
flow in the case of a normally open switch and disrupts power
flow in the case of a normally closed switch. Right click - If the
switch is associated with a load then the Right Click will lock or
unlock the switch. If there is no association then the Right click is
inactive.
· Contact symbols - Left click toggles back and forth between the
first and second symbol frame. The second frame allows power
flow in the case of a normally open contact and disrupts power
flow in the case of a normally closed contact. Right click - If the
contact is assigned to a relay, pushbutton, or selector switch
then the Right Click will lock or unlock the contact. If there is no
assignment then the Right click is inactive.
· All Relay Coil symbols - Left click toggles the coil from a normal
to an open condition. If there are contacts assigned to it they will
revert to their normal (un-powered) state when the coil is
opened. Right click toggles the coil from a normal to a shorted
condition. If the coil is powered by a power source and shorted,
the circuit will trip and the breaker on the main screen will trip to a
midway point (yellow). You will need to reset it to power your
circuit again.

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· Latch Relay Coil symbols - Shift + right click over the coil
releases a latched relay and all the contacts assigned to it.
· All Motor symbols - Left click toggles the motor from a normal
to an open condition. If there are switches associated with the
motor, they will revert to their normal un-powered state. Right
click toggles the motor from a normal to a shorted condition. If the
motor is powered by a power source and shorted, the circuit will
trip and the breaker on the main screen will trip to a midway point
(yellow).You will need to reset it to power your circuit again.
Shift + Left Click - This toggles the motor from a normal condition
to a loaded (overloaded) condition.
Shift + Right Click - This toggles the motor from a normal
condition to a locked (locked rotor) condition.
· Pushbutton Control Head symbols - Left click toggles back
and forth between the first and second symbol frame. The
second frame allows power flow. Right click will lock or unlock
the contact.
· Indicator Light symbols - Left click toggles the light from a
normal to an open condition. If there are switches
associated to it, they will revert to their normal (un-powered)
state when the light is opened. Right click toggles the light
from a normal to a shorted condition. If the light is powered
by a power source and shorted, the circuit will trip and the
breaker on the main screen will trip to a midway point
(yellow).You will need to reset it to power your circuit again.
· Push to Test light symbols - left click activates the push to test
feature.
· Horn/Buzzer symbols - Left click toggles the horn from a normal
to an open condition. If there are switches associated with it they
will revert to their normal (un-powered) state when the coil is

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opened. Right click toggles the horn from a normal to a shorted
condition. If the horn is powered by a power source and shorted,
the circuit will trip and the breaker on the main screen will trip to a
midway point (yellow).You will need to reset it to power your circuit
again.
· Common Point Class - No mouse interaction.
· Multi-position Selector Switch Class - Left click moves the
frames backward towards the first position (frame). Right Click
moves the frames forward. To move to the last position (frame)
on an eight-position selector switch you would need to click the
right mouse button 7 times.
21. The Power Switch controls all the power on your diagram. If
you have a three-phase source and a single-phase source, they
both will be controlled by the Power Switch. In future versions of
this program we may allow the various power sources to be
controlled with separate switches.
22. Printing your diagram -You can print your diagram out on any
Windows compatible printer or plotter. Depending on the size of
your diagram, your print may be on multiple pages.
23. Sending your diagram to another Constructor user -
When you save your diagram the symbols and legends contained
in that diagram are saved with it. This means that if you have a
custom symbol in your library that the other user doesn't have they
will still be able to view and run your diagram.
24. Status Bar - This area is at the bottom of your screen. It will
show you the mode you are in - Design, Energized or Main
Breaker Tripped (a fault).As you move the mouse pointer over the
screen, you will notice the location information (rung and column)
being displayed along with the type of symbol you are over.

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25. Using the mouse - Most of the actions in The Constructorare
carried out with your mouse.Atwo-button mouse is required. If you
have a mouse with a wheel it can be used for scrolling the diagram.
Here are the ways you will be using your mouse:
· Click - Means to point to an object, then press and release the
left mouse button. Clicking is used mainly for selecting.
· Double-click - Means to point to an object, then quickly press
and release the left mouse button twice.
· Drag - Means to press and hold down the left mouse button,
move the mouse pointer to the desired location, then release
the mouse button. This is mainly used to move symbols on
your diagram and to select areas for cutting and copying.
Your First Drawing
Please take a little time to work with The Constructor before you
need that diagram for the boss in 20 minutes. The program is
relatively simple to use, but a little practice time is recommended.
We have tried to make The Constructor easy to use for new users
and advanced enough for the "power" users. If you need more in-
depth help, please look in our help section in the program. If you still
need help, please give us a call for technical support. We hope you'll
find this a helpful addition to your software library. We would like to
invite you to call or write with your comments and suggestions.
Symbol Library
These are areas where you keep your symbols. For example, you
might have a library named Control for control symbols or One
Line for one line symbols. You need to keep a few things in mind
concerning libraries. There can only be one symbol of a particular
name in each library. You can’t have two symbols named Coil in
the same library. You can have different symbols named Coil in
different libraries though.

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There is a special library named TrashCan that the program cre-
ates when you delete a symbol. Deleted symbols are placed here
until they are deleted again, then they are gone, permanently.
Usually, it is not a good practice to use your TrashCan library
when drawing a diagram. This library is the only library that might
have two different symbols with the same name. If you used one
of these symbols in your drawing and then tried to use the other
one, you would continue to get the first symbol you selected be-
cause of the way the program works. When a drawing is saved all
the symbols used in that drawing are saved with it (embedded).
This way a diagram can be sent to another Constructor user and
displayed even if he doesn’t have all or the same symbols in his
libraries. The Constructor includes built-in libraries of 600 plus
symbols. You can add to these with your own custom symbols.
Additional symbol libraryies may also be purchased from CMH
Software.
· Displaying a Symbol Library
To display your library or libraries, click on the symbol box. The zoom
level may then be selected. As you move the cursor over the
symbols and stop, a popup screen will appear with a full size
(100% picture) and the name of the symbol. The libraries may
be scaled from 20% to 100% by using the zoom menu or drop
down list. They may be resized by placing the mouse cursor

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over the edge of the library, left clicking and dragging the side to the
desired location.
· Default Library
The default library included with The Constructor is called Default.
· Selecting a Library
To select a library click on the symbol box, then click on the library
box to select your library.
· Viewing a Library
The entire library may be viewed or you may select a certain
category, like switches or contacts, to display. Click on the Display
menu and select what you’d like to see. This is handy for finding a
particular symbol in a large library.
· Adding a Library
To add a library, click on the symbol box. Then click the File
menu, and then click the New Library menu. This will pop up a
new screen where the drive, directory, library description, and file
name can be selected. Once this is done, click the OK button and
the library will be created.
· Renaming a Library
To rename a library, click on the symbol box. Then click the File
menu, and then click the Rename Library menu. This will pop up a
new screen where the library description can be changed. Once
this is done, click the OK button and the library is renamed. The
description names of your libraries must all be different. This
would be needed if you were to receive a library from another
Constructor user and the library description name was the same
as one of your present libraries.

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· Deleting a Library
To delete a library, click on the symbol box. Then select the library
to be deleted. Click the File menu, then click the Delete Library
menu. You will be asked if you want to delete the current library. If
you click on the Yes, this library will be deleted. Please note the
contents of this library are placed in a specially created library
called TrashCan (See TrashCan).
· Naming a Library
See adding a library.
· TrashCan Library
This library is automatically created when a symbol or a library is
deleted. The symbol you deleted is placed in this library until it is
deleted (emptied) from here. A symbol in this library can be cut,
copied and pasted into other libraries. A mistakenly deleted library
or symbol can be recovered from here. We don’t recommend us-
ing the TrashCan library directly when drawing your diagrams.
This special library cannot be renamed.
· High-lighting Symbols
Before a symbol can be cut, copied, or deleted it must be
highlighted. This is done by holding down the SHIFT key and
clicking on the symbol.
· Selecting a Symbol
To place a symbol in your drawing, it must be selected. This is
done by clicking on it with the left mouse button. The selected
symbol will have a rotating dashed line around it, and it will be
placed in the symbol box on the toolbar. It will be the active sym-
bol until another is selected or the program is closed.

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· Displaying the Symbol Picture/Name/Class
This is done by moving the mouse pointer over the symbol; a
popup window will show the picture, name and class of the
symbol.
· Cut, Copy, and Paste Symbols
Once a library is selected, a symbol or group of symbols can be
cut or copied, then pasted into another library. To select one
symbol hold down the SHIFT key and click on the symbol with the
right mouse button. The symbol will turn gray indicating that is has
been selected. Other symbols are selected in the same way. All of
the symbols can be selected by clicking on the Edit menu, then
the Select All option. Once a symbol or symbols are selected they
can then be cut (removes them) or copied (copies them) and then
pasted into another library.
· Maximum number of symbols
This is variable and depends on the number of components in
each symbol but 500-750 symbols per library would be an
average. The Title bar will show how full your library is getting.
The default library is 50% full.
· Deleting a symbol
First the symbol or symbols is selected (please see cut, copy, and
paste) then in the Edit menu click Delete.
· Adding a New Symbol
First, open the library you would like to add the new symbol to.
Then click File then New Symbol. This will load the Symbol Editor
where you can create your symbol. Once the symbol is created, it
is saved by clicking on File, then Save As. The symbol is then
given a name, click OK to save the symbol.

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· Editing an Existing Symbol
Open the library with the symbol, and then click on the symbol to
be edited with the right mouse button. Next, click on Edit, then Ed-
it Symbol. This will load the symbol into the Symbol Editor where
the editing may be done. Once the editing is done, the symbol is
saved by clicking on File then Save.
Legends
We use the term legend to refer to the text placed at the bottom of
a diagram showing the diagram name, company name,
description and other information. To add a legend to your
diagram follow this procedure:
· On the Main Menu, under Options, choose Ladder Diagram
Options.
This will load the Ladder Diagram Options Screen. Then select
Legends and select Add Legend. Select a legend from our
samples, then click on the text to to modify and add your own
information. If the legend has a picture, you can also edit the
picture with one of your own pictures. Normally, the best design
for a Legend would be a long, shallow rectangle. Once your
editions are done, they will apply only to the current diagram
you’re working on. To save the legend for use with other
diagrams, select “Save as”. A dialog box will prompt you for the
file name, description, and directory to save the Legend File to. If
we don’t have a legend you can use, send us a FAX (406-293-
5075) with the legend layout you would like, and we’ll create one
for you. Include your email address in the FAX so we can send
the legend file back to you. A legend may be up to six inches high
and twenty four inches long.

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Wire Labels
In the Constructor you can add wire labels to your diagram auto-
matically or manually. Then you can print out these wire labels on
label sheets. We have templates for various Brady, and Panduit
label sheets.
After your diagram is finished and you’ve add the wire numbers,
go to the Wire Labels tab and select a template for your labels.
Here we’ve selected a Brady Jet-30 template. Now you add
your wire numbers from your diagram and add any custom
numbers (yellow boxes) you want to print, then click OK.

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Now the numbers are added to the template and are ready to
print. Notice the numbers are printed multiple times in the label
for easier viewing when placed on the wire.

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Printing
The print command on the File menu, allows you to select how
the current diagram will be printed. The Constructor can print from
the run mode or from the edit mode. Select Print from the File
menu when you are ready to print. The actual printed output is
determined by the selected printer setup options and the
settings on the print page. Options here include printing at
various scales for a larger or smaller diagram, page orientation
and others. A preview screen is provided to evaluate what the
diagram will look like when it is printed. If you have a printer that
prints in black only and you have a diagram that has multiple
colors, the print will be all black, there will be no gray dithering. If
you have a color printer, your print will be in the colors used in
your diagram. The only exception to this is a "white" color. If you
have used "white" as a power flow color you'll be notified of this
when you click on the Print button. White is not a color as far as
most printers are concerned. You'll need to change the power
flow color to something besides white if you want to see that
line printed in the Run mode. You have the option of printing
the whole diagram or individual pages if there is more than one
page.

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Print Menu Selections
· Printer
1. Print Setup -This selection will display the printer setup window.
Various printing options may be set from here including orientation,
B/W or Color, and others.

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2. Print - This selection prints the selected pages to the selected
printer.
· Print Screen Buttons & Windows
· Diagram Preview Window -This window on the left side of your
screen shows your diagram. The zoom buttons allow you to
zoom this window from 10%- 100%. This does not effect the
printed size of your diagram. Also shown are the page
outlines for your reference.
· Print Scale Buttons - These buttons change the print scale of
your diagram. If you need to make the diagram smaller to fit
on your paper this is where you do that.
· Zoom Buttons - These buttons zoom the pages of the diagram
in the Diagram Preview Window.
· Pages Selected - This shows the number of pages selected for
printing. To toggle a page from selected or not selected click
on it with your left mouse button. A selected page is white, a
page not selected is black.
· Print Range - This section allows you to print the entire diagram
or just a selected range of rungs and columns. Another way
to print a selected area is to select the area on the main
editing screen and right click on the area. This will bring up a
selection that will allow you to print this area.

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· Printer Setup - This button pops up the printer setup screen for
changing your printer and it's various options.
· Page Options - This button pops up the print options screen
where you can add borders, border styles, legends and
choose how diagrams are printed.
· Print - This button prints all selected pages at the current scale.
Close - This button closes the print screen and returns you to
the main Constructor screen.

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Chapter 5
Technical Support
Although we hope you won't need assistance installing or using our
software, we are committed to providing customers with quality
technical support. This software includes 30 days of telephone
technical support for the installation of this program. Email tech
support is always free. Please have your software serial number
available when you call and if possible be at your computer. These
are the ways to contact us:
· By telephone 1-406-293-3616 M-F 8:00AM - 4:30PM
· By email cmhtech@cmhsoftware.com
· By FAX 1-406-293-5075
· We also provide technical support information on our web site at
http://www.cmhsoftware.com
· If the problem is with the initial installation of our software, then
please call our toll free number 1-800-680-7638 and ask for
Tech Support.

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File Formats and Information
· DXF - File extension for diagrams saved as a DXF (Drawing
Exchange Format) file.
· DWG - File extension for diagrams saved as anACAD file.
· LAD - Default file extension used by us for diagram files. During
the program installation you can have this .lad extension
assigned to the Constructor. This will allow you to start the
Constructor by clicking on one of your ladder diagram files.
· LEG - Default file extension used by us for legend files.
· SLB - Default file extension used for the symbol libraries, both the
default and any custom libraries.
· TPL - Default file extension used by us for templates.
Common Tech Support Questions
Q. I installed the software on my work computer. Can I install it at
home since I bring my work home?
A. Yes, as long as you are the only one using the software.
Q. How do I email a diagram to another person that doesn’t have
the Constructor program?
A. Export your diagram as a jpeg or other format and attach the
picture to your email.

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Q. I ordered the PLC I/O library but I don’t see the model I need. How
do I get the one I need?
A. Email us the model you need and we’ll see if we can make one
up for you. Email: cmhtech@cmhsoftware.com

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A
Action Links..................... 21
Active Help......................... 5
Adding drawing objects... 65
Assigning Contacts.......... 68
Assigning Panel Buttons.. 42
Associated Reaction.... 6, 69
B
Basic Concepts.................. 8
C
Clear Screen.................... 11
Color Scheme.................. 34
Contact Location symbol. 66
Contact us........................ 89
Crossing over wires......... 65
Custom Symbol............... 63
D
Defective Symbols........... 70
Definition of Terms............. 6
Deleting............................ 66
Description Text............... 35
Diagram Options.............. 34
Diagram size.................... 43
Document Toolbars......... 22
Download wizard............. 19
Drawing Layer.................... 6
Drawing Tools.................... 6
Drawing tools................... 18
Drawing Tools.................. 46
E
E-mail............................... 89
Editing Screen................. 10
Electrical Components....... 9
Environment Options....... 31
Export.............................. 11
F
File Formats..................... 90
G
Getting Started................... 5
Grid Layer...................... 7, 8
Groups............................. 66
H
Help................................. 19
Highlighting groups.......... 71
Hue.................................. 34
I
Insert Rungs & Columns.. 12
Installation.................... 4, 89
L
Lad Extension.................. 10
Learning Center............. 5, 6
Legend............................. 36
Legends........................... 82
Library.............................. 64
Locking/Unlocking........... 70
M
Magna Pointer................. 47
Main Menu....................... 11
Manipulating Symbols...... 64
Adding Symbols......... 64
Deleting Symbols....... 64
Moving Symbols......... 64
Mouse clicks.................... 74
Mouse interaction............ 74
Multi-position switches..... 72
N
New Project Wizard......... 20
Number Text.................... 35
O
Owner Information........... 36
Index

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P
Panel Buttons.................... 7
Password......................... 37
Permission Settings......... 36
PLC I/O module............... 41
Power Indicator................ 31
Power Points................ 7, 38
Power Switch................... 76
Print Menu....................... 86
Print Setup....................... 86
Printing............................. 85
Program Colors................ 34
Project Options................ 36
R
Reference Boxes............. 45
Rotating Symbols............. 65
Ruler................................ 26
Run.............................. 8, 73
Rung Numbers................. 65
Rungs and columns......... 43
S
Set Diagram Size............. 43
Set Diagram Spacing....... 44
Simulation Log................. 28
Snap to Grid..................... 32
Sound Effects...... 14, 15, 48
Split Screen..................... 14
Split Screen Displays....... 27
Display Active Help.... 28
Display Diagram......... 27
Display Log................. 28
Display Notes............. 30
Display Workbook...... 29
Status Bar........................ 76
Support Questions........... 90
Symbol Class..................... 7
Symbol Classes............... 57
Symbol Editor.............. 7, 51
Symbol Library............. 7, 14
System Requirements....... 3
T
Technical Support............ 89
Template............................ 7
Time delay contacts......... 68
Tool Bar Tabs.................. 21
Document Tab............ 21
Ladder Diagram Tab.. 21
Notes Tab................... 22
Wire Labels Tab......... 21
Workbook Tab............ 21
Toolbar......................... 7, 44
Tools................................ 19
Transformers....... 16, 39, 40
U
Undo................................ 12
V
View................................. 14
W
Web site........................... 89
What’s New........................ 5
Wire colors......................... 6
Wire labels......................... 6
Wire Labels...................... 83
Wire Numbers.................. 50
Z
Zoom................................ 47
Zoom Window.................. 33
Zoom window................... 46

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VectorDraw Information
Trademarks
VectorDraw, VectorDraw Developer Framework (VDF), VectorDraw Fi-
leConverter, VectorDraw Professional, VectorDraw Standard, Vec-
torDraw Viewer, VectorDraw CE-Viewer and their logos are trademarks
of VectorDraw Software Corporation. All other trademarks used are the
properties of their respective owners.
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has been made to ensure that the information contained in the help files
is correct as of the time of publishing. We are not responsible for any
errors or omissions. VectorDraw Software Corporation liability is limited
to the amount you paid for the product. VectorDraw Software Corpora-
tion is not liable for any special, consequential, or other damages for
any reason.
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tion for any purpose and without fee is hereby granted after our permis-
sion, provided that the above copyright notice appear in all copies and
that both the copyright notice and this permission notice and warranty
disclaimer appear in supporting documentation, and that the name of
VectorDraw not be used in advertising or publicity pertaining to distribu-
tion of the software without specific, written prior permission.
VectorDraw Inc. disclaims all warranties with regard to this software,
including all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness. In no
event shall VectorDraw be liable for any special, indirect or consequen-
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