ACC Automation: PLC & Industrial Control Learning
Practical Tips and Techniques
The EasyPLC Software Suite is a complete PLC, HMI, and Machine Simulator. This quick start aims to help you quickly learn this software suite. The manual that comes with EasyPLC Software Suite can always be referenced when required. We will be using the simple conveyor in the machine simulator. The EasyPLC PLC will be used … Read more
A human-machine interface (HMI) is present in some form for every PLC. The HMI connects a user to a machine system to exchange information or control data. This interaction with the system can be through hardware or software. HMIs offer different people information and control in many ways for the automated system. Operators, supervisors, mechanics, … Read more
Accelerate Learning … Accelerate Machines… Accelerate Knowledge… ACC Automation In this Covid-19 world, we are continuing to adapt. Social distancing, mask-wearing, hygiene, etc are the way we currently live. Video conferencing with Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet are the norm in business today. Information is knowledge, and everyone more than ever wants to be able … Read more
All programmable logic controllers (PLC) have the same numbering system at their core. This is the same with all computers as well. The status of any memory location can be either on or off. A one (1) will represent an on or “True” status and zero (0) will represent an off or “False” status. This … Read more
EasyPLC Software Suite is a complete PLC, HMI, and Machine Simulator Software package. This PLC learning package includes the following: Easy PLC – PLC Simulation that will allow programming in Ladder, Grafcet, Logic Blocks, or Script. HMI System – Easily create a visual human-machine interface (HMI) Machine Simulator – A virtual 3D world with real-time … Read more
All Solo Standard Process Temperature Controllers that support RS-485 serial communications can use the SL-SOFT configuration and monitoring software. This free package will communicate to monitor multiple SOLO controllers using Modbus RTU or Modbus ASCII protocols. We will be installing the SL-SOFT configuration and monitoring software package on our Windows 10 PC. Communicating through our … Read more
PLC manufactures have their own proprietary protocols. These methods of communication will allow you to program the controller. Other protocols will allow you to collect and log information from the programmable logic controller. Node-RED has the ability to read and write to the Omron controller using special protocol commands. We will connect Node-RED to the … Read more
We will now look at the C-More Micro program quick start. This will demonstrate how to quickly get your C-More Micro Program up and communicating to your programmable logic controller. (PLC) The general steps involved with a human-machine interface (HMI) program will include, program development, ladder logic, and HMI program development. We will be breaking … Read more
The C-More can create a drop-down menu. This applies to all models of the HMI controller. A drop-down is a menu that offers a list of options. The currently selected item in the list is always displayed. When the visible item is selected (touched), other items from the list “drop-down” into view, and the operator … Read more
Node-RED will be used on the Raspberry Pi 4 to communicate serial Modbus RTU to a Solo process temperature controller and Click PLC using twisted pair RS485. This will be done on the same serial network so the devices will be daisy-chained together on the two wires. We will be reading the PV (present value) … Read more