docs: add TwinCAT setup guide and prerequisites

Author: elkoDev

TcAutomation/README.md

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 ## 1 Prerequisites
 
 - [Inno Setup](https://jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php)
+- TwinCAT XAE Shell 15.0 properly installed and configured (see [TwinCAT Setup Guide](TWINCAT_SETUP.md))
 
 ## 2 Build Project
 

TcAutomation/TWINCAT_SETUP.md

@@ -0,0 +1,118 @@
+# TwinCAT Setup Guide
+
+This guide covers the prerequisites and setup steps for working with TwinCAT XAE Shell 15.0.
+
+## 1 Prerequisites
+
+- Windows 10/11
+- TwinCAT XAE Shell Version 15.0 (compatibility with other versions has not been tested)
+  - **Tested Version**: TcXaeShell 15.0.34829.251 D15.9
+  - **Edition**: Express
+  - **Framework**: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8.09221
+- 7-day trial license (or full license)
+
+## 2 TwinCAT Installation
+
+1. Download and install TwinCAT XAE Shell 15.0 from [Beckhoff's website](https://www.beckhoff.com/en-en/support/download-finder/software-and-tools/)
+2. Follow the installation wizard
+3. Verify the installation by checking the version (Help → About in TwinCAT XAE)
+
+### 2.1 Verified Components
+
+The framework has been tested with the following TwinCAT components:
+
+- **TwinCAT XAE Base**: 3.1.0.0
+- **TcXaeShell**: 1.15.0
+- **TcXaeHelper**: 4024.65.0.0
+- **TcXaeModules**: 4024.65.0.0 (TMC Editor, TMC Code Generator)
+- **TwinCAT Measurement**: 4.48.45.0
+- **TwinCAT Scope**: 4.48.92.0
+
+## 3 License Setup
+
+TwinCAT requires a valid license to run. For development and testing purposes, you can obtain a 7-day trial license:
+
+1. Create a new TwinCAT XAE project (File → New → Project → TwinCAT XAE Project)
+2. Add a PLC project to your solution
+3. Try to activate the configuration or switch to Run Mode
+4. A license popup will appear automatically, offering a 7-day trial license
+5. Follow the prompts to request and activate the trial license
+
+**Note:** The 7-day trial license needs to be renewed after expiration. You can renew it by repeating the process above.
+
+## 4 Hyper-V Compatibility Issue
+
+TwinCAT requires direct hardware access and **does not work with Hyper-V enabled**. If you're running Windows with Hyper-V or WSL2, you need to disable it.
+
+### 4.1 Disable Windows Core Isolation (Memory Integrity)
+
+Windows Core Isolation with Memory Integrity can interfere with TwinCAT. You need to disable it:
+
+1. Open Windows Security (Windows Defender)
+2. Go to **Device Security** → **Core Isolation Details**
+3. Turn off **Memory Integrity**
+4. Restart your computer
+
+
+### 4.2 Solution: Dual Boot Configuration
+
+Instead of permanently disabling Hyper-V, you can create a dual boot option that allows you to choose whether to boot Windows with or without Hyper-V.
+
+#### 4.2.1 Create Boot Entry (PowerShell Script)
+
+Run the following PowerShell script **as Administrator**:
+
+```powershell
+# Get GUID of current Windows boot entry
+$sourceGuid = "{current-boot-entry-guid}"  # Replace with your actual GUID
+$description = "Windows 11 - No Hyper-V (TwinCAT)"
+
+# Create new boot entry
+$bcdCopyOutput = bcdedit /copy $sourceGuid /d $description
+
+# Extract GUID
+if ($bcdCopyOutput -match "\{[0-9a-fA-F\-]+\}") {
+    $newGuid = $matches[0]
+
+    # Disable Hyper-V for this boot entry
+    bcdedit /set $newGuid hypervisorlaunchtype off
+
+    # Set boot timeout (optional)
+    bcdedit /timeout 5
+
+    # Display result
+    Write-Host "`n New boot entry successfully created:"
+    Write-Host "   Description: $description"
+    Write-Host "   GUID: $newGuid"
+    Write-Host "`n Select '$description' on next boot for TwinCAT without Hyper-V."
+} else {
+    Write-Host " Error: Could not extract GUID."
+}
+```
+
+#### 4.2.2 Find Your Current Boot GUID
+
+To find your current Windows boot entry GUID, run the following command as Administrator in PowerShell:
+
+```powershell
+bcdedit /enum
+```
+
+Look for the entry marked as `{current}` and note its GUID.
+
+#### 4.2.3 Result
+
+After running the script, you'll have two boot options:
+
+- **Windows 11** - Normal boot with Hyper-V enabled (for WSL2, Docker, etc.)
+- **Windows 11 - No Hyper-V (TwinCAT)** - Boot without Hyper-V for TwinCAT development
+
+Simply select the appropriate option when starting your computer.
+
+## 5 Verify Installation
+
+After setup, verify that TwinCAT is correctly installed:
+
+1. Open TwinCAT XAE (Visual Studio Shell)
+2. Check that TwinCAT system tray icon appears (orange/blue)
+3. Switch to Config Mode and then Run Mode to verify functionality