PLC Programmers! Recommendations

[ElectricMatt]

I am an electrician that does mostly industrial and industrial control work. I have a good understanding of control systems and a limited understanding of PLCs.

I have done a little, very light, PLC programming. However, I would like to move into more PLC design and programming then electrical work.

I have found several different curriculums out there, and I do not want to waste my money on programs that are half baked. I would like any recommendations on how to expand my knowledge further on this subject please.

Thanks


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[gar]

190131-2202 EST

Buy a simple PLC, study the manual, and play.

Basically you need to understamd logic. and the rules for the particular PLC.

Find out what AND, OR, NOR, NOT, NAND. XOR, and timers are and do.

.

 

[ptonsparky]

I agree with Gar. Buy something and jump in. I started with ABs MicroLogix 1000 because that was well represented in the area. Sales and Tech school. Nothing was free from them and full retail pricing. Ouch. Support is excellent and should be for the money spent.

I found low end units from an online supply house that perform very well at low cost plus the programming is at no additional cost. Same with the HMIs. Buy one of those as well and use it as your test stand I/O.

 

[Coppersmith]

I did a quick search and I see lots of PLC simulator references. A simulator is a software representation of the PLC and may save you from having to buy actual hardware at least initially. I would check that out first.

 

[ElectricMatt]

That’s what I thought. Are there any resources that you would recommend to help learn the structure and functions.

Thank you for you’re recommendations by the way. It is much appreciated.


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[ElectricMatt]

I did a quick search and I see lots of PLC simulator references. A simulator is a software representation of the PLC and may save you from having to buy actual hardware at least initially. I would check that out first.

Yes I have used some of the emulators. They are good, but limited. Just looking for the next step.


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[petersonra]

a simulator is just not the same thing. get some actual hardware and software. something that you can program and see it actually do something. even if it is just flashing a light.

there are plenty of PLCs available these days with free software and hardware that is in the $100 range.

 

[milldrone]

There are some Youtube videos by Ron Beaufort, if you want to know how a PLC works under the hood. I recommend you watch them in order. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlsJxSK8tPE

 

[ElectricMatt]

Great recommendations. Just what I was looking for. Thank you all for your input.


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[SceneryDriver]

Buy yourself a Click PLC from AutomationDirect, and wire up some switches to simulate inputs. The Clicks are cheap as chips, and their software is free.

I'd recommend a model with an Ethernet port. That way you don't have to mess around with a serial cable.

https://www.automationdirect.com/ad...(stackable_micro_brick)/plc_units/c0-10dd1e-d

You'll need a 24VDC power supply to operate the PLC:

https://www.automationdirect.com/ad...ower_supplies/24vdc,_din_rail_mount/psv24-30s

The 30W supply I linked to will easily operate the PLC, and any indicators or (small) relays you'd want to run with the outputs (watch the max current for the outputs. Clicks are limited to 100ma per output).



SceneryDriver

 

[ptonsparky]

Buy yourself a Click PLC from AutomationDirect, and wire up some switches to simulate inputs. The Clicks are cheap as chips, and their software is free.

I'd recommend a model with an Ethernet port. That way you don't have to mess around with a serial cable.

https://www.automationdirect.com/ad...(stackable_micro_brick)/plc_units/c0-10dd1e-d

You'll need a 24VDC power supply to operate the PLC:

https://www.automationdirect.com/ad...ower_supplies/24vdc,_din_rail_mount/psv24-30s

The 30W supply I linked to will easily operate the PLC, and any indicators or (small) relays you'd want to run with the outputs (watch the max current for the outputs. Clicks are limited to 100ma per output).



SceneryDriver

Get one of their small HMIs as well. They have a new lower end that is Ethernet ready. A bit pricey compared to the others but nice.

 

[SceneryDriver]

Get one of their small HMIs as well. They have a new lower end that is Ethernet ready. A bit pricey compared to the others but nice.

Good point. How do you like the newer, larger c-more Micros? I've only used the wee little ones with a monochrome screen and serial connection. I was actually thinking about ordering one for an upcoming project, but I'd love a recommendation.


SceneryDriver

 

[ptonsparky]

Good point. How do you like the newer, larger c-more Micros? I've only used the wee little ones with a monochrome screen and serial connection. I was actually thinking about ordering one for an upcoming project, but I'd love a recommendation.


SceneryDriver

see PM.