We have a Client that has an industrial facility with several pieces of equipment operating off various PLCs. The facility operator had an outside contractor that would edit their ladder logic and upload for the different pieces of equipment as needed. That specific contactor is no longer in business but has turned over the ladder logic programs to our Client. They have asked us if we could start taking over the various programming of the logic for them. Although I do know ladder logic, what I don't know is what software to use to for such a task (such as RSlogics, studio 5000, etc...). Is there one software program that can be used for all or is it specific to a particular PLC? What software would be recommended?
ladder logic software
- Thread starter mjmike
- Start date
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
Perhaps more details, how many PLCs, how critical is the process, do they require 24 hour support?
But, if you have to ask about what software to use, this is something you should pass on. Each PLC brand has its own software, and even different versions of the software. And the the software is expensive to buy. It will be a very steep learning curve, do you have adequate other work to cover your expenses while getting set up?
But, if you have to ask about what software to use, this is something you should pass on. Each PLC brand has its own software, and even different versions of the software. And the the software is expensive to buy. It will be a very steep learning curve, do you have adequate other work to cover your expenses while getting set up?
Krusscher
Senior Member
- Location
- Washington State
- Occupation
- Electrician
Have to agree with Tom here. I was pretty good with programming GE PLC's but I worked at a place with AB and it was like I had to learn all over again. Depending on what they have you probably need 3 or 4 different programs to work on AB PLC's cause they like to make everything difficult unfortunately.
You probably want to take a few basic AB classes before you take this on but in the end it might not be worth it and you could do more damage then good if this isn't something you do often.
You probably want to take a few basic AB classes before you take this on but in the end it might not be worth it and you could do more damage then good if this isn't something you do often.
Krusscher
Senior Member
- Location
- Washington State
- Occupation
- Electrician
I think it might depend on where you are at. I think AB is big enough that there should be some sort of training through a distributor near you if contact them. The reason you need so many different programs for AB is because they made a new program for every generation of CPU it seems and their HDMIs have there own software as well along with the networking. GE was nice cause it only had the PLC and HDMI software that was all you needed to program any one of there PLC's
Krusscher
Senior Member
- Location
- Washington State
- Occupation
- Electrician
You can check with a local college as well. The community college I work at has PLC classes that are all done on AB platforms.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
The cost of the software is nothing by comparison to the cost of learning to use it. It is not something you will be real effective at just by taking a few weeks of classes.
Likely there is some system integrator in the area that would be a better option for taking on this task.
By the way, most of the ab classes are about $1100 per day.
Likely there is some system integrator in the area that would be a better option for taking on this task.
By the way, most of the ab classes are about $1100 per day.
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Electrical Engineer
Every brand of PLC will have its own software, there is no “universal” package that crosses platforms. So if they have multiple brands, managing that is going to be a challenge. You can get training on one and that may HELP in understanding another, but there will be differences. Being that Rockwell (A-B) is dominant in North America with over 58% market share for controllers, if you have to invest in training, I would go that route.
RS Logix 5000 software was just the old name for what is now Studio 5000, if you get new Studio 5000 package it is generally backward compatible to older versions to program any CompactLogix or ConttolLogix PLC. The “studio” aspect is that it now includes the software for programming other things like VFDs and HMIs. Every Rockwell distributor is required by contract to provide training services to clients, so contact your local distributor to get their schedule. But small PLCs like the MicroLogix and Micro800 require a different program, which is available for free now (depending on the version). The old MicroLogix small PLCs require RS500, the newer Micro800s require Connected Components Workbench software.
Ps: If they still have old PLC 5 systems, they need a version of the old software that will be compatible, but they really should be replacing that as they are now obsolete.
RS Logix 5000 software was just the old name for what is now Studio 5000, if you get new Studio 5000 package it is generally backward compatible to older versions to program any CompactLogix or ConttolLogix PLC. The “studio” aspect is that it now includes the software for programming other things like VFDs and HMIs. Every Rockwell distributor is required by contract to provide training services to clients, so contact your local distributor to get their schedule. But small PLCs like the MicroLogix and Micro800 require a different program, which is available for free now (depending on the version). The old MicroLogix small PLCs require RS500, the newer Micro800s require Connected Components Workbench software.
Ps: If they still have old PLC 5 systems, they need a version of the old software that will be compatible, but they really should be replacing that as they are now obsolete.
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