Building a PLC Program – Part 5 – Simon Game

We will now look at the Game of Simon for our part 5 in this series of building a PLC program. Learning all about bit manipulation and sequencers Simon is a memory game introduced in 1978. It has four colored buttons, each producing a particular tone when it is pressed or activated by the device. … Read more

Create a PLC HMI Training Learning Environment

We will now create a PLC with HMI Training and learning environment. We will use the Automation Direct Do-More programming software tied into the Advanced HMI learning package via Modbus TCP. All of the software is free and fully functional. Learn PLC programming and use a powerful HMI (Human Machine Interface) easily and freely. Setting … Read more

Now You Can Have Data Logging Free

A data logger is also known as a data recorder or data acquisition. It is a method to record data over some time and events. The recorded information can come from sensors in the field. They can be digital or analog. Digital data can be used for counts, times, events (motor overload), etc. With the … Read more

Learn PLC Programming without spending a dime!

plc basics programmable logic controller

I have been writing PLC programs for over 20 years. I often get asked what the best way to learn PLC programming is. Programming in the way I was taught in college was with the Motorola 6809. (Yes, I know that I am dating myself) This was microprocessor programming, but it was the best way … Read more

How to Implement Omron PLC Host Link Protocol

The hostlink communication protocol is a method developed by Omron for communication to PLCs and other equipment. This ASCII-based protocol is used over RS232 or RS422/RS485. It is a many-to-one implementation, meaning you can communicate with up to 32 devices back to a master. (1: N) This communication on the industrial floor can control PLCs, Temperature … Read more

Now You Can Have Robust Data Logging for Free – Part 12

Now You Can Have Robust Data Logging for Free – Part 12 HTML and Scripting Languages  We have the following accomplished: PLC program Visual Basic Program Data collected in a Database IIS web service established ASP Script Written Let’s take a closer look at the ASP Script ( AccRL.asp) that was written in part 11: … Read more