Teaching PLC's

[gregorsc]

Hi. I am an instructor with the IEC of Cincinnati and we have received some Allen-Bradley PLC'S. They are MicroLogix 1000 analog 1761-L20AWA-5A. We do not have any software to use for programming. Does anyone know where I can get this software?Also if there is any advice on devloping a PLC trainer I would be greatful.

 

[cschmid]

The software is RSLogix 500 can only be purchased from Allen Bradley.. the software has a single user license with it..It is prioritery software and has a cookie that embeds itself on the computer.. That is Allen bradleys down side to their software, other wise it is good software and they are good PLC's.. The microLogix 1000 has a training package that can be purchased with it or you can build your own..depends on how elaborate you want to get..

 

[petersonra]

Hi. I am an instructor with the IEC of Cincinnati and we have received some Allen-Bradley PLC'S. They are MicroLogix 1000 analog 1761-L20AWA-5A. We do not have any software to use for programming. Does anyone know where I can get this software?Also if there is any advice on devloping a PLC trainer I would be greatful.

You can get the starter software package for around $500.

My suggestion would be to put it inside a box, with the analog inputs wired to pots, the digital inputs to switches, and the digital outputs to lights. You can buy a plastic box and the other devices for under $200 total.

You will need a programming cable as well. Maybe drill a hole through the box so you can communicate to the PLC with the box closed.

AB does have some pretty good training material available, but it is not downloadable. You might be able to get it though a friendly local distributor.

 

[Overkill]

Contact your local AB distributer for the software.

As far as advice on developing a PLC trainer, first I would need to know how much you know about PLC programming. Second, whats the objective of this class? Is it an introductory class just explaining what a PLC does? or might these guys be sitting in front of a laptop trying to troubleshoot one day?

The reason I ask this is because, looking back, my instructor didnt know much about programming. He basically only knew relay logic which is nothing more than boolean mathematics teached at the 6-8th grade level.

After graduation, I found myself sitting in front of a laptop trying to troubleshoot a lengthy PLC program, and my only thought was WTF!!! So I taught myself what was going on inside that little black box.

Remember, at the basic level, the PLC has a processor, so one must understand how computer programming works. Bits, bytes, words, double words, arrays, pointers, indirect addressing, etc.

Any specific questions, feel free to ask.

 

[clayton]

what do you recomend for learning plc's A/B specifically.

books, computor tutorials,?? DvD's?

rslogix500

 

[cschmid]

I believe a little of all.. Books hands on and visual makes a good learnig curve.. There are allot of materials available and you can even get a Allen Bradley rep to come in and guest lecture for you.. they are a reasonable operation to deal with just not free.. but non of the PLC companies are free and they al use there own language...

 

[sparky_magoo]

In the late eighties/ early nineties, I worked with Siemens PLC's. I had to learn ladder logic. I used a hand held programmer to set up the PLC's.

Does anyone remember this ancheint stuff? I would love to learn modern PLC's. Is there anything online to bring me up to date?

 

[Overkill]

what do you recomend for learning plc's A/B specifically.

books, computor tutorials,?? DvD's?

rslogix500

Is that a question or comment?

If its a question, click here for some basic RSLogix tutorials.

 

[mdshunk]

In the late eighties/ early nineties, I worked with Siemens PLC's. I had to learn ladder logic. I used a hand held programmer to set up the PLC's....
Does anyone remember this ancheint stuff?

:grin:

I used to work on the Allen-Bradley PLC-1. The programmer was the size of a large suit case, and weighed about 50 pounds. Green screen monochrome monitor built into the programming terminal. I/O cards the size of an unabridged dictionary. All in all, it was a pretty easy system to work on.

 

[ray cyr]

At the technical institute that I am attending, the class that I am in is just finishing the trimester that includes PLC training. Our textbook (with it's accompying workbook) is "Programmable Logic Controllers" by Frank D. Petruzella. It comes with a CD ROM that includes a very good PLC simulation program that is based upon the A/B format. You can check it out at
www.thelearningpit.com

 

[GeorgeB]

In the late eighties/ early nineties, I worked with Siemens PLC's. I had to learn ladder logic. I used a hand held programmer to set up the PLC's.

Does anyone remember this ancheint stuff? I would love to learn modern PLC's. Is there anything online to bring me up to date?

That is NOT ancient! In the late 70's I worked with TI, Omron, and Modicon. The TI and Omron required "statement logic", still used in some systems today, and very similar to assembly language programming.

New packages cost less, do much more in smaller packages, and have better programming and operator interfaces. If you knew your Siemens, you know 90% of what you need to know today; each product is a little different, uses different software, and has individual advantages.

DO NOT sell yourself short!

 

[cschmid]

I remember when relay logic took cabinets and when programable controlers needed specific interfaces just to program. now there are many and you can do alot. once you got the basics of how the programing works the rest is logical..

 

[Controls]

Most of P.L.C controllers have the same concept when it comes to functionality of the hardware. I/O, CPU,power supply,rack design,communication modules etc.As it is already mentioned by other members that P.L.C logic programing contains similiar instructions.However, the way these instructions (bits,times,Counters,FIFOs, words, Block transfers, etc) inserted,used can be different when it comes to the programing software used by different manufacturers, sometimes,even within the same manufacturer. A/B has P.L.C 2,3 and 5, Rslogix5,500 and 5000, compact logix...GE-Fanuc, Siemens S7.. .There are many P.L.C manufacturers in the market. I guess, it is important to understand the fact that teaching P.L.Cs can be range from very basics to very advance levels. Not to forget the other interface,interlocks that will be associated with P.L.Cs: such as HMI,panelviews,bar code readers, vision systems,wireless comminications.... Best way to learn P.L.Cs is just like everything else in any other technical field :using technical training books, an official training and doing actual programing are necessary to become good at it.

 

[tom baker]

ATP (publisher of the best motor control book) has a new text out on PLCs
http://www.go2atp.com/stores/1/Introduction_to_Programmable_L_P279C23.cfm
Its based around the AB SLC/Micrologix line, and includes free AB RSLogix Starter software that is used an AB Micro 1000, you can buy this PLC for $100.
I've seen the text and its excellent.
Another lower cost book is by AB called Micro Mentor, its about $10.
I also have some training programs from Koldwater Software, they are pretty good, but the ATP book is the best I have seen
Hands on classes cost $300 to $500 a day...and you still need to practice.

 

[Overkill]

Why pay for knowledge. Knowledge should be free and enjoyed by all who care to learn, hence the popularity of forums. Theres millions of people willing to share there knowledge, keeping mankind on there destination to wherever.

Enough of that little rant.....HERES a free link a PLC programming guide.

Enjoy.

 

[cschmid]

I agree that knowledge should be free..yet we all know that in reality education is key to good future..you need to have an education from a respectable facility in order to make any headway other wise it is a struggle to prove your education..So build yourself a good program that employers are happy with so you can help place your students..

 

[petersonra]

It is difficult and expensive for an employer to determine what your skill level is, so it is easiest for him to accept formal education over informal education since he can see the certificates from the classes you took, he can't see inside your brain.

Having said that, I think 2 weeks of actual experience in most anything trumps a stack of certificates.

 

[Ground Rat]

PLC's

PLC's

I have been viewing the site for some time and finally got the nerve to post a reply, I and an instructor with the US Coast Guard and teach a PLC's. Our current course is 10 days, I teach Allen Bradley 500's and GE Fanuc Series 90-30. I am currently building a course for Sieman's S7-300 and S7-400. The book I use in class is Programmable Logic Controllers 3rd by Frank D. Petruzella, its a real good book. Also, there is a web site, www.plcsimulatro.com, real good simulator for ladder logic.

Each manufacture has simulators for sale, they run around 4-5 thousand, but if you teach, they are worth the money, I have 9 each AB 500 simulators and they have been working great since 1999.

If you have any questions just let me know.

Ground Rat

 

[rickymcc]

PLC book

PLC book

Hi,
I am an Electrical Instructor for the Tennessee Technology Center in Murfreesboro Tn. I teach plc's to apprentices and maintenance techs. I recommend the book "introduction to programmable logic controllers " by Gary Dunning. It is available from Delmar publishers. I like it because it uses Allen-Bradley Plc's as its main reference , and is written so the average maintenance person can understand it.

Ricky McConnell

 

[weressl]

Teaching PLC's

Hi. I am an instructor with the IEC of Cincinnati and we have received some Allen-Bradley PLC'S. They are MicroLogix 1000 analog 1761-L20AWA-5A. We do not have any software to use for programming. Does anyone know where I can get this software?Also if there is any advice on devloping a PLC trainer I would be greatful.

Make sure that the PLC is new.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks....