PLC Beginner’s Guide to PLC Programming
There are many different PLC manufacturers with other hardware and software. All of the programmable logic controllers have similar basic features. Here is how I would approach learning about basic PLCs.
ACC PLC Simulator — Free Browser-Based PLC Trainer
Practice real PLC ladder logic right in your browser. No hardware, no downloads, no license required. The ACC PLC Simulator uses standard PLC register conventions and includes interactive 3D scenes that respond to your logic in real time.
ACC PLC Simulator – How to Use the Free Browser-Based PLC Trainer – Video
ACC PLC Simulator – Control Panel Scene Tutorial – Video
ACC PLC Simulator – Conveyor Scene Tutorial – Video
Connect the ACC 3D Scene to a BRX Do-More PLC via Modbus TCP – Video
YouTube Series – ACC PLC Simulator
The Biggest Obstacles in PLC Programming Nobody Mentions
What is a PLC? (Programmable Logic Controller) – Video
Top 7 problems with beginners using ladder logic – Video
PLC Programming Concepts NOT Well Understood
– Part 1 – Scan, Ladder Logic – Video
Creating a Virtual PLC Programming Environment – Video
– Retrieving Your Windows 11 Product Key – Video
PLC Training Series – Tutorial for Everyone
Introduction PLC Learning Series – Video
What are PLC Inputs? – Video
– Testing and Wiring PLC Digital Inputs – Video
What are PLC Outputs? – Video
Memory Backup – Video
Learn the 4 Basic Variable Types in PLC Programming – Video
Understanding Number Values – Video
Program Cyclic Scan – Video
Programming Steps (PLC Program Development) – Video
HMI Interfacing – Video
Wiring a Stack Light – Video
PLC Hardware / Wiring Guide
Here is a list of the essential elements of a PLC system. This is common to all PLC models.
- How PLC Outputs Work
- Understanding the PLC Program Scan
- Who Else Wants To Know How A PLC Scans?
- What is a Proximity Switch? (Sensor) – Video
- Here’s a Quick Way to Wire NPN and PNP Devices
PLC Online Ladder Programming – Testing or Training
PLCs can be programmed in several different languages. The most common are Ladder logic and STL.
Here is a simple online PLC ladder editor. It will allow you to create some simple ladder logic and test it.
PLC Fiddle – Online PLC Ladder Editor – Video
– Basic Gate Ladder Logic Challenges (Video Solutions available after the challenge) – AND, OR, NAND, NOR, EXOR, EXNOR
– Timer Challenge (Video Solutions available after the challenge) – On-Delay Timer, Off-Delay Timer, Pulse Output Timer
– Counter Challenge (Video Solutions available after the challenge) – Motor Starter service Counter, Count Down, Hour Minute Second Counter
– Math Challenge (Video Solutions available after the challenge) – Occupancy Count, Degree F, and C Determine the Scan Rate of PLC Fiddle
– Compare Challenge (Video Solutions available after the challenge)- Motor Starter Service Stop, Flasher, Simple Traffic Light
– Shift Register Challenge (Video Solutions available after the challenge) – Shift Register, Shift Register Output
If you have gone through the above material, you are probably looking to try some of this new knowledge. Here is a series based on free software and a PLC simulator from Automation Direct. It is all written in ladder logic. Most of this information will apply to a majority of PLC manufacturers.
PLC Beginner’s Series with Free Simulator – Do-More Designer
- Learn PLC Programming Free Now Introduction
Learn PLC Programming – Free – Video Series Playlist
1 – Installing the software
2 – Your first PLC program
3 – Program Documentation
4 – Start / Stop / Jog Circuit
5 – Jog Circuit memory retentive
6 – Understanding decimal and binary numbering
7 – Binary Interpretation
8 – The Secret of Timers
9 – The Secret of Counters
The Most Powerful PLC Instruction? – Video
PLC Program Development
Developing the PLC program is a process that can be clearly defined. Here is a series showing you the five steps and some practical examples.
Click PLC – Easy Transfer Line Programming – Video
Productivity PLC Simulator – Chain Conveyor MS – Video
Box Dumper Easily Learn PLC Programming (Do-More Designer Simulator) – Video
- Five Steps to PLC Program Development
- PLC Programming Example – Process Mixer
- PLC Programming Example – Shift Register (Conveyor Reject)
- PLC Programming Example – Paint Spraying
- PLC Programming Example – Delay Starting of 7 Motors
- PLC Programming Example – Pick and Place
- PLC Programming Example – Sorting Station (Shift Register)
- PLC Programming Example – Palletizer
- Building a PLC Program that you can be Proud of… (Looking at PLC ladder logic programming in several different ways.)
Creating the Ultimate Automation Training Setup
Part 1 – Video
PLC Interface: HMI – Human Machine Interface
The next step is developing your PLC environment using an HMI. (Human Machine Interface)
- Create a PLC with HMI Training and Learning Environment Free
- Deploying an AdvancedHMI Project
- What Everybody Ought to Know About IP Addressing
What you want to do now is look at the PLCs used in your area. What manufacturer is the most common? What are the models that they are using?
I would then try to get some hardware and software from the manufacturer you will be using. Visit their website and contact their office for information.
PLC Programming Guide Resources
Here are some free PLC manuals available on the web:
A Practical Guide to Programmable Logic Controllers
Engineering on a Disk
Lessons In Industrial Instrumentation
Automation Direct EBooks
– Practical Guide to Discrete Sensors for Industrial Applications
– A Practical Guide to AC Motors
– Practical Guide to Pneumatics
– A Practical Guide to Programmable Logic Controllers
– An Industry Guide To Control System Engineering
I hope this is helpful to you.
Regards,
Garry