ACC Automation: PLC & Industrial Control Learning
Practical Tips and Techniques
A stack light is a valuable tool for displaying the status of a machine or process. This is used to draw the operator’s attention to the operation or condition of the machine. It is usually a vertical tower of colored lights programmed to turn on or off in various combinations to indicate different conditions. For … Read more
We will now wire a stack light to the Click PLC. Stack lights are usually modular stackable components that provide a visually illuminated and audible indication for machines, systems, and processes. They are usually located on top of equipment to provide this notification to personnel in the area. Stack lights are also known as signal … Read more
Traffic lights are used just about everywhere on busy roads around the world. They can help prevent traffic accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly in the right direction by regulating the flow of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The most common traffic light uses red, yellow, and green lights, along with arrows or flashes to … Read more
The Machine Simulator (MS) is part of the EasyPLC software suite. It has many built-in machines that are used to show different programming techniques. The warehouse stacker example is one of these machines. Pallets are loaded and unloaded into the stacker machine. A maximum of 30 pallets can be stored. The stacker will work as … Read more
Photoelectric sensors detect the presence or distance of objects in various industrial applications. They typically integrate all necessary optics and electronics into a single unit, requiring only a power source to function and provide an output based on their specifications and the object detection criteria. Photoelectric sensors, also called photo eyes, detect object presence or … Read more
The automatic packing machine in the Machine Simulator (EasyPLC) Software Suite is an excellent way to learn PLC programming. We will use the Do-More Designer simulator to program this scene from the Machine Simulator Software suite. This suite was previously called EasyPLC but has since changed its name to better describe this industry-leading learning software. … Read more
The Machine Simulator (MS) is a valuable component of the EasyPLC software suite. It offers a range of built-in machines, including the robot packing machine, which effectively demonstrates various programming techniques. We will use the Click PLC programming software to showcase a sequencer application for this example. In this scenario, the robot is tasked with … Read more
The click plc has a real-time clock that will allow us to control outputs based on a date or time of day. This real-time clock (RTC) can be set from the click programming software or through the program of the controller. Our programs in the click can use the following calendar and clock values: SD19 … Read more
We will now look at the click plc modbus ascii protocol. This communication will happen in PLC ladder logic and communicate through the serial port (RS485) to a Solo process temperature controller. Modbus ASCII will be the communication protocol. Modbus is a communication method used for transmitting information over serial lines between electronic devices. The … Read more
We will now look at the capacitive pushbutton sensor switch and indicator. Normal pushbuttons on a panel are usually a mechanical device. They can become “sticky” when too much dirt or oil is present. Capacitive push buttons do not have moving parts to stick, so the life expectancy is increased. Disinfectant sprays can be applied … Read more