If you own a valid license for RSLogix 500 (any version), some legal interpretations allow you to use a legacy master disk as long as you do not run two instances concurrently. Consult an attorney familiar with software copyright and first‑sale doctrine in your jurisdiction.
Before we dive into use cases and installation, let us break down the string: 81000 CPR9 w Master Disk Exclusive.
Even the legendary master disk can hit snags. Here are fixes for frequent problems:
Issue: Installer says “Please insert Disk 2” but you have only one CD.
Fix: The “Exclusive Master Disk” is sometimes a single CD, but some OEM bundles spanned two floppies. If you have a single CD, check for a “/exclusive” switch: setup.exe /exclusive forces single‑disk mode. rslogix 500 81000 cpr9 w master disk exclusive
Issue: RSLinx cannot see the PIC driver.
Fix: The CPR9 PIC driver requires a true hardware COM port (or a quality USB‑to‑DB9 adapter with proper FTDI chip). Also run PICConfig.exe from the RSLogix installation folder.
Issue: Windows XP gives “16‑bit subsystem” error during install.
Fix: The installer includes 16‑bit stubs. Run Setup.exe in Windows 98/Me compatibility mode and as Administrator.
Issue: Master disk has physical damage (scratches, mold on floppy).
Fix: Immediate data rescue by a professional service (e.g., FloppyDiskRescue.com). Once imaged to a clean ISO or IMG file, you can burn a new CD or mount via virtual drive (e.g., Daemon Tools for XP). If you own a valid license for RSLogix
Regardless of the “Master Disk Exclusive” modifier, the base CPR9 version includes:
| Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | Ladder Logic Editor | Drag‑and‑drop rung editing, search/replace across subroutines | | Data Monitoring | Real‑time viewing of timers, counters, integers, floats | | Project Verifier | Checks for duplicate outputs, overlapping addresses | | Force Table | Force I/O points on/off for debugging | | RSLinx Lite | Embedded communication driver (DF1, DH485, Ethernet) | | Online Editing | Modify rungs while the PLC is in Run mode (MicroLogix, some SLC) | | Password Protection | Lock subroutines or entire projects |
The Exclusive Master Disk additionally contains: Before we dive into use cases and installation,
In the world of industrial automation, few strings of text carry as much specific weight as "RSLogix 500 81000 CPR9 w Master Disk Exclusive." To a novice, it looks like a random jumble of numbers and acronyms. To a controls engineer responsible for a legacy production line, it represents the master key to a system that may have been running flawlessly for two decades.
Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix 500 is the industry-standard programming software for the SLC 500 and MicroLogix families of PLCs. However, versioning, catalogs, and licensing have evolved dramatically since the software’s heyday in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This article dissects the specific configuration implied by this keyword: Catalog Number 81000, CPR 9 (Service Release 9), and the elusive "Master Disk Exclusive" media.
This guide assumes you need to configure and use the master disk (exclusive) mode for a Rockwell Automation SLC 500 family controller (commonly SLC 5/03, 5/04, 5/05; CPU part numbers like 1747-? and catalogs often referenced as 1747-CPR9 family or 1747-CPU/8100 style) with RSLogix 500. It covers preparation, establishing exclusive (master) disk ownership, downloading/uploading, and safe switching back. Follow manufacturer procedures and site safety rules.
If you are lucky enough to possess an original RSLogix 500 81000 CPR9 w Master Disk Exclusive, follow this procedure carefully. Treat the disk as irreplaceable.