Here’s a Quick Way to Connect RS232 Equipment

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Most programmable controllers will come with an RS232 communication port. This recommended standard (RS) has voltage signals between 3 to 15 volts DC concerning the ground/common pin. RS232 devices are called DTE (data terminal equipment) or DCE (data communication equipment). The maximum cable length for the communication cable is 15m; however, depending on the environment, … Read more

The Secret Of Getting Rid Of Noise On Your Analog Signal

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In industrial environments, we often get noise on the analog signal input to PLCs or other controllers. Motors, lousy wiring, etc., can generate noise. Placing a 1- 100 uF capacitor on the input signal and ground (common to the cabinet)  will reduce the noise the input receives. If you have any questions or need further … Read more

Who Else Wants To Lean PLC Programming For Free?

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I have always been an old-school programmer. Hardware in front of you hooked up to all of the I/O. I have recently looked at the automation direct do-more designer software solution. The Do-More Designer Software will allow you to build your ladder logic, download it into a simulator (which comes with the software), and run … Read more

Here’s a Quick Way to Understand PLC Inputs and Outputs

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The term I/O means Input/Output. I/O can come in two different types; Discrete or Analog. Most people starting out learning about programmable logic controls (PLC) are taught all about discrete inputs and outputs. Data is received from devices such as push-buttons, limit-switches, etc., and devices are turned on such as motor contactors, lights, etc. Discrete … Read more

Here’s a Quick Way to Convert Grey Code into Binary for PLC

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Grey Code Grey Code is used because only one bit of data will change at a time. The following chart shows the conversion of Grey Code to Binary. Number Binary Code Grey Code Number Binary Code Grey Code 0 0000 0000 8 1000 1100 1 0001 0001 9 1001 1101 2 0010 0011 10 1010 … Read more

What Everybody Ought to Know About PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Numbering Systems

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plc basics programmable logic controller

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are the same as computers. They only understand two conditions; on and off. (1 or 0 / Hi or Low/ etc.) This is known as binary. The PLC will only understand binary, but we must display, understand and use other numbering systems to make things work. Let’s look at the following … Read more