ACC Automation: PLC & Industrial Control Learning
Practical Tips and Techniques
We will now install Guest Additions on our Windows 11 VirtualBox. Oracle VirtualBox is a widely used software that provides a virtual environment for operating multiple operating systems on a single computer. It enables users to create virtual machines and install various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. One of the most beneficial features … Read more
Retrieving your windows 11 product key is easily done using the windows registry editor. If you have a licensed version of Windows, it can be quite frustrating to not be able to find the product key when you need it. You may have purchased a new computer that comes with Windows 11 preinstalled, but the … Read more
TwinCAT 3 is a popular automation software suite developed by Beckhoff Automation. We will install TwinCAT 3 on a VirtualBox running Windows 11. TwinCAT3 provides an integrated development environment (IDE) for programming, configuring, and commissioning automation systems. It is ideal for developing and testing your PLC code before purchasing hardware. If you plan to work … Read more
What is a proximity switch? A proximity switch is a type of sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object without physical contact. It uses electromagnetic fields, light, or sound to sense the proximity of an object. This technology is widely used in various industries for automation and control purposes. Proximity switches are … Read more
This introduction to IoT Industry 4.0 overviews the concepts and practical approach to the Industrial Internet of Things. Industry 4.0 builds on the digital revolution brought by Industry 3.0, which introduced computers like PLCs to the manufacturing floor and took us to the next level of technological advancement. The Internet of Things (IoT) protocol and … Read more
The Arduino Opta IoT PLC offers a hassle-free programming experience through its integrated Ethernet feature and efficient Arduino PLC IDE software. First, we’ll connect the Ethernet cable to the OPTA IoT PLC and find its IP and MAC address. After that, we’ll configure the default programming port to Modbus TCP (Ethernet) via the Arduino PLC … Read more
In this tutorial, you will learn how to program a chain conveyor transfer using Do-More. The EasyPLC software suite includes a Machine Simulator (MS) with pre-programmed machines, including the chain conveyor. This machine can move boxes of various sizes along the production line, transferring them to different locations. We will use the Do-More Designer PLC … Read more
The Arduino Opta can be programmed with basically two different software packages. The Arduino IDE and the Arduino PLC IDE. Arduino IDE is the traditional programming package for sketches (programs). C++ is used in sketches to develop your logic. Arduino PLC IDE will transform the Arduino Opta into a micro-PLC controller. Programs can be written … Read more
PLC programs scan cyclically. This means that it is repeated many times and in the same order. The primary sequence of a PLC scan is reading the inputs, executing the program, diagnostics, and communication, and updating the outputs. We will look at these scan items with particular attention to how the ladder logic program is … Read more
Logic circuits in a PLC ladder logic program are either on or off. The inputs change, which will affect the outputs. This can be expressed in a timing diagram. The timing diagram or chart will show you how the ladder logic program will respond to the changing states of the inputs and outputs. This visual … Read more