PL2260+ - Notes for First Time Users.

WHAT IS IT:
PL2260+ is a Windows GUI based application compatible with Win 11 to XP (Service Pack 2 or above) for computer control, over a serial communications port, of many Data I/O and other device programmers. It can also be used with non-Win computers under WINE Compatibility Layer with a different installation process.
The Program is donated to the programming community free of cost and license. Usage is purely by your choice and author assumes no responsibility or risk associated with it usage.

WHAT'S IN A NAME:
The application name was chosen by the initial desire to update a Data I/O PromLink application for Data I/O Series 22 and Model 60. Hence the name PL2260. The plus sign was added to acknowledge the many more programmer models, including non-Data I/O, that have since been added.

HOW TO INSTALL:
PL2260+ is distributed in a compressed ('zip') file. After extraction, install PL2260+ by executing the file 'setup.exe'.

PREREQUISITES:
A. PL2260+ is best viewed on screens with resolutions of at least:
1024x768 (4x3 ratio) or 1366x768 (16x9 ratio).
B. Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1 (3.5 SP1 for Win XP) is required. This is more fully explained at the bottom of this document.
C. For most supported progrmmers, a 'null' modem serial cabling is used to connect between host computer running PL2260+ and the programmer. For computer's without a serial port, a USB-to-Serial adapter will work quite nicely.

GETTING STARTED:
When PL2260+ is successfully launched there are a few simple steps to follow:
A. At top left, click 'Select Programmer' to match your programmer model.
B. At top right, your computer's available COM (serial) port(s) should be listed. (If not, click 'List Ports' button.) Highlight (click) the COM port to use.
C. Near there, click the serial baud rate to match programmer setting (usually 9600).
D. Make certain you have set the programmer into Remote Mode.
E. Click the 'Make/Test Connection' button to establish connection between programmer and Pl2260+.
F. When ready to work with an IC device, click the 'Select IC Device' to match the manufacturer and part number of the device. (Note: This can optionally be done in advance of step E above.)
G. If you have a preference or need for a specific type of formatted file, click the 'Select IO Format'. If unsure, just leave as 16, Absolute Binary.
H. At this point it is advisable to close PL2260+ as you will then be given the option to save all your preceding settings. Then, each time you launch PL2260+, all your selections will be populated for you.
(As you get more familiar with the program, you will find other means to save settings without needing to exit the program.)

To assist in the learning process, you'll note that there are many 'tips' that appear when hovering the mouse cursor over elements on the screen.

You'll also note the two buttons near bottom left and right in Blue font: "Show More" and "Show All". They open additional panels providing access to more information and features of PL2260+. 
 

ADDING .NET FRAMEWORK 3.5.1 
The installation of PL2260+ will check for the the .NET prerequisite. If it is not present and computer is internet connected, it will attempt to download from Microsoft and install. A computer restart may be required.
However, there have been reports that this has not always been successful for Win XP computers, perhaps due to outdated internet browser. Below are instructions for manual steps to assure its installation.

For Win 7 through Win 11 (See also the included PDF file):
(Computer must have internet access.)
1. Navigate to 'Control Panel', 'Programs and Features', 'Turn Windows features on or off'.
2. Scroll down to 'Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1.
3a. If that box is already checked then no further action is required.
3b. If not, check the box (no need to check its subordinate boxes), and click 'OK'. Windows will install the .NET Framework. 

For Win XP:
1. Windows XP version must be at Sevice Pack 2 or above.
2. To check if already installed, navigate to 'Control Panel', 'Add or Remove Programs' then scroll down to see if 'Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1' is listed.
3a. If already present, no further action required.
3b. If not,you must download the official offline full redistributable package (roughly 230280 MB) from an archive source (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=25150). This may need to be done with a more modern computer as the older internet browser on the XP computer may not succeed. Transfer it to your XP machine, and run the installer directly.
4. Restart the computer.
