ACC Automation: PLC & Industrial Control Learning
Practical Tips and Techniques
Looking at a stop-start jog circuit in the PLC will help us understand the differences in hard-wiring the circuit and programming. Basic Start Stop Circuit Let’s start with the primary start-stop circuit. Here is what it looks like hard-wired. (Physical switches wired to outputs devices, such as motor contactors and relays.) When the start pushbutton … Read more
I am adjusting for daylight saving time (DST) in Do-More PLC. When does daylight savings time (DST) start and end? On the first Sunday in November, areas on Daylight Saving Time return to Standard Time at 2:00 am local time. Canada Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 am local time on the second Sunday in … Read more
Here is a Method That is Helping PLC Programmers to Program Faster Three Free PLC Programming Software Tools Adjusting Daylight Savings Time In Do-More Now You Can Have Robust Data Logging for Free (PLC Program – Modbus TCP (VB6) – Access Database – Web Server) Part 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 … Read more
ACC – Helping you with your automation control tasks Practical tips and techniques for automation control tasks. We will answer questions and provide sample programming solutions. I am an automation specialist who guides individuals to understand and implement PLC programming so you can quickly implement your own control solution. Every other week we produce a blog post. … Read more
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming is often thought of as something everyone can do easily. We often design the system, install the hardware and then start to think about the PLC program and programmers. This approach can be improved. The landscape of PLC programming is changing, and we must also change. Computer Programming / PLC … Read more
With today’s new processing and networking power, the future looks bright for programmable logic controllers and their programming. This has allowed the role of the PLC to expand. System Design: PLC design has changed significantly. Computer processing power has now added the following to programmable controllers: Micro USB slots (Data Storage) Ethernet ports WiFi RS232 … Read more
Everywhere you look, there are signs of doom for Canadian Manufacturing. The unemployment rate and companies moving or going out of business seem to be common themes. However, we have an increase in manufacturing output. How are manufacturing jobs disappearing and output increasing? Investment in the business Take a look around. Businesses that are … Read more
A collection of random thoughts on PLC programming and doing more than just basic logic and making your program intuitive. PLC programs usually control the logic between the inputs and outputs. If this turns on and that is not on, then this output is on, blah blah blah. Programmable logic controller programs can go far … Read more
Turn a capacitive proximity sensor into a level sensor. This is ideal for tanks and vessels you cannot drill through the side for mounting. Wrap the bare wire around the sensing head and extend it to the length you need to detect. Insulate the wire using electrical tape, but leave the end exposed. This acts … Read more
DC Solenoids are the worse culprits for electrical surges in your system. When the electrically generated field collapses, an opposite polarity voltage is generated. This voltage spike can be high enough to weld the contacts on a PLC output relay. To protect your PLC output relay, use a diode to ensure that the voltage spike … Read more