PCAN Explorer 7 Upgrade
How to Upgrade to PCAN-Explorer 7
Thinking about moving from PCAN-Explorer 6 to version 7 but not sure how the process works? You're in the right place.
Upgrading involves a few decisions around licence type, activation method, and which add-ins you need - and depending on when you purchased version 6, you may be eligible for a significant discount.
Read through this guide, then fill out the request form at the bottom and we'll come back to you with a personalised quote.
What's New in Version 7?
Version 7 is a significant step forward — not a routine update. Key changes include:
- Full support for CAN CC, CAN FD, and CAN XL
- 64-bit architecture for better performance with large trace files and high bus loads
- Python scripting support (VBScript also retained)
- Multiple symbol files per connection — load databases from different suppliers simultaneously
- Advanced filtering across CAN, CAN FD, and CAN XL
- Floating licence option for engineering teams
- Modernised interface with project-based workflow
- 12 months of maintenance included as standard
For a detailed breakdown of every change, read our full PCAN-Explorer 7 article.
Upgrading from PCAN-Explorer 6 — FAQs
Will my existing PCAN-Explorer 6 add-ins work with version 7?
No - add-ins are version-specific and cannot be transferred between major versions. You will need to purchase new version 7 add-ins. The good news is that when you fill out our upgrade request form, we'll identify exactly which add-ins you had and advise on the equivalent version 7 options.
Can I open my existing PCAN-Explorer 6 projects in version 7?
Yes, in most cases. Projects from earlier versions can be opened directly in PCAN-Explorer 7. Two things to be aware of: the Line Writer add-in is no longer available in version 7 (the Plotter add-in is its more capable replacement), and any Callback Libraries (.dll files) will need to be recompiled as 64-bit to work with version 7.
Can I upgrade from a Single User licence to a Floating licence at the same time?
Yes. You're not restricted to upgrading like-for-like. Any qualifying PCAN-Explorer 6 licence can be upgraded to any version 7 configuration — including switching from a single user to a floating licence, adding add-ins you didn't previously have, or going straight to the Full Bundle.
What do I need to provide to request an upgrade?
Just your PCAN-Explorer 6 licence ID — this is all we need to identify your licence age and calculate your discount. You can find it in PCAN-Explorer under Help > About PCAN-Explorer, or in the PEAK License Manager. You don't need to list your current add-ins separately as these are visible from the licence ID.
What add-ins are available for version 7?
There are four add-ins available, all of which must match your PCAN-Explorer 7 licence type:
- Plotter — graphical, time-based visualisation of signal values
- Instruments Panel — build custom dashboards and generate CAN messages via input controls
- Bus Descriptions — direct support for CANdb (.dbc) and AUTOSAR XML (.arxml) files
- J1939 — full J1939 and J1939 FD support including diagnostics and parameter handling
Licensing & Dongles — FAQs
What are the licence options?
There are two licence types. A Single User licence is activated on one machine and is ideal for individual engineers or dedicated workstations. A Floating licence is hosted on a licence server and can be used by any machine on your network, with one concurrent user per seat purchased. Both are perpetual licences with 12 months of maintenance included.
What is a "seat" in a floating licence?
A seat represents one simultaneous user. If you purchase three seats, any three engineers can run PCAN-Explorer at the same time — a fourth would need to wait until a seat becomes free. Importantly, seats refer to concurrent users, not installations. The software can be installed on as many machines as needed.
How does the floating licence server work?
The licence server is hosted on your own infrastructure — it's not a cloud service. You set it up using the built-in WIBU CodeMeter licensing system that comes with PCAN-Explorer 7. Once configured, any authorised user on your network can check out a licence seat. VPN access is also supported, so remote or multi-site teams can use it too. A setup guide is provided by PEAK-System to walk you through the configuration.
What is a USB dongle and do I need one?
A dongle is entirely optional. By default, your licence is activated on a specific PC (for Single User) or server (for Floating). A dongle is simply a physical USB key that stores your licence instead — plug it into any compatible machine and the software runs from there. It's useful if you work across multiple computers or need to take the software on-site.
One important point: the dongle is a container, not a licence. It doesn't come with a licence pre-installed. The licence is purchased separately and then moved onto the dongle. Dongles are also interchangeable — they're not serialised, so one can be replaced for another if needed.
Can I move my licence between a PC and a dongle?
Yes. Licences can be transferred between a PC and a dongle (and back again) as needed. After each transfer there is a 24-hour waiting period before another transfer can be made.
Can a single dongle hold multiple licences?
Yes. One dongle can store multiple PCAN-Explorer 7 licences, or a single licence with multiple floating seats.
Does offline working require a dongle?
For Single User licences activated on a PC, no permanent internet connection is needed — but the software does need to connect to the PEAK licence server at least once every six months to remain active. If you need to use the software in a fully offline environment, activating the licence on a dongle removes this requirement. Note that Floating licences currently require access to your licence server at all times — fully offline use of floating licences is not yet supported, though it is on the roadmap.
Upgrade Pricing
Upgrade discounts are based on how long ago you purchased your PCAN-Explorer 6 licence:
| Licence age | Upgrade discount |
|---|---|
| Under 12 months | Pay the difference only |
| 12–24 months | 50% discount |
| 24–36 months | 30% discount |
| 36–48 months | 15% discount |
| Over 48 months | Standard upgrade pricing applies |
Discounts apply to qualifying licences only. Provide your licence ID in the form below and we'll confirm exactly what you're eligible for and come back to you with a personalised quote.
