ACC Automation: PLC & Industrial Control Learning
Practical Tips and Techniques
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
Normally open (NO) contacts or inputs in the PLC ladder logic program do not mean the same as a wired normally open switch. NO contacts on the ladder logic provide the logic condition for the rung to turn on the output. We will be looking at three things about the normally open (NO) contact on … Read more
The newest Do-More Designer Programming Software (2.9) version includes a Modbus I/O Scanner. This Modbus scanner will simplify Modbus RTU serial communications to any device. Communications are done independent of the PLC scan time and will have little or no ladder logic for the program. We will be communicating to a Solo process temperature controller … 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