Tag Archives: plc programming examples

BRX Do-More, Communication, Do-More Designer, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, PLC, PLC Learning

BRX Do-More PLC to Modbus TCP RTU Remote IO Controller BX-MBIO

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The BRX Do-More PLC can communicate to a remote I/O (input and output) controller modules using the Modbus protocol for communications. The BX-MBIO provides both Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP interfaces. Modbus RTU is a serial communication and Modbus TCP is an Ethernet communication. Modbus RTU is supported over an RS-485 serial connection. Modbus TCP is supported over an Ethernet connection. They function as listening/replying devices (slave, server) and can connect with any mastering (master, client) device that communicates using the Modbus protocol.
Previously we looked at the BX-MBIO Modbus RTU TCP Remote IO Controller wiring and configuration.
Modbus RTU TCP Remote IO Controller BX-MBIO
– BX-MBIO Hardware Video
– BX-MBIO Powering and Configuring Video

We will connect the BRX Do-More PLC to the Modbus remote IO. This will be done using the Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU protocol. Ethernet and serial RS485 communication to the BX-MBIO unit will be the media.
The BX-MBIO remote I/O expansion units feature the following:
• RJ45 Ethernet port for communications via Modbus TCP
• RS485 serial port for communications via Modbus RTU
• Supports up to 8 additional Expansion Modules (Add the discrete or analog I/O you require)
• AC and DC powered units available
• AC powered units include an integral 24VDC auxiliary output power supply
• Power connector and serial port connector included
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

BRX Do-More, Communication, Do-More, PLC, PLC Learning, Scan

BRX Do-More PLC Ethernet Remote IO Controller BX-DMIO

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The BRX Do-More PLC has its own line of remote input and output expansion units. You can add up to 8 I/O expansion units per controller (CPU) and 8 BRX expansion modules per expansion unit. This will make your system grow with your needs.

The remote I/O expansion units feature the following:
• All units have built-in Ethernet port, 10/100 Mbps
• MBIO units have onboard RS-485 port with removable 3-Pin connector
• Support for 8 expansion modules
• AC and DC powered units available
• AC powered units include an integral 24VDC auxiliary output power supply
• Power connector and serial port connector included

We will be looking at the BX-DMIO-M. This is the Do-More Ethernet Remote I/O supported protocol unit. We will discuss the hardware and then connect and configure the unit to work with our existing BRX Do-more PLC. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

Capacitive, Inductive, Inputs, PLC Basics, Sensors

Wiring 3 Wire DC NPN and PNP Sensors

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I recently received a question on PNP and NPN sensors. They wanted an explanation of what a sink is and how to wire one. Confusion over the Normally Open and Normally Closed function of the sensor is also a common question. Several diagrams will show a resistor attached to the blue wire and a load across the others, what does it all mean?

It is quite confusing sometimes the language we use for these devices. Sometimes it is the way we talk about the sensor and sometimes about the device we are connecting. (PLC)
We will break it down and go over the wiring to a PLC input. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

Analog, Click, Inputs, Outputs, PLC, PLC Basics, PLC Learning, Sensors

Universal Signal Conditioner and Isolator

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Signal conditioners are used with analog current and voltage signals. They have the ability to change your input analog signal to another output analog signal. As an example, we can have 4-20mA analog input and change it to a 0-10VDC output signal so we can wire this into our PLC. Typically signal conditioners will also electrically isolate the input and output signals. This is either done by magnetic or optical isolation. You would usually specify the input and output signals that are required in your circuit to choose the signal conditioner required. Using a universal signal conditioner will take a variety of signals and is a great product to use in troubleshooting analog circuits.

We will be using a universal signal conditioner to convert a thermocouple temperature input into a 0-10VDC linear output. This will be wired into the analog card of the Click PLC.
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

Capacitive, Click, Inputs, PLC, PLC Basics, PLC Learning, Sensors

Wiring a Capacitive Proximity NPN PNP Sensor to the Click PLC

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A proximity sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact like a limit switch. No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is increased with less maintenance.
A capacitive proximity sensor will detect ferrous and non-ferrous objects. The sensor works by oscillating the charge on the plates in the sensor. When an object is placed in front of the surface, the amount of current flow is detected. (Capacitance) The dielectric of objects will determine the distance that the object can be detected.

We will be wiring a capacitive proximity switch into the input of our Click PLC. The CK1-00-2H is an 18mm diameter, NPN/PNP N.O./N.C. selectable output with a 12mm sensing distance. That means that the sensor can be wired as positive (Sourcing) or negative (Sinking) switch. This unshielded 10 Hz switching frequency sensor also has a 4-pin M12 quick disconnect. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

Click, Inductive, Inputs, PLC, PLC Basics, PLC Learning, Sensors

Wiring an Inductive Proximity NPN PNP Sensor to the Click PLC

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A proximity sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact like a limit switch. No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is increased with less maintenance.
An inductive proximity sensor will detect ferrous metals. The sensor develops an electric field when metal (sensing object) is introduced usually killing the oscillation circuit of the sensor triggering the output.

We will be wiring an inductive proximity switch into the input of our Click PLC. The AM1-A0-4A is an extended range 12mm tubular sensor that can be wired into the PLC as a sink or source input. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

Click, Inputs, Outputs, PLC, PLC Basics, PLC Learning

Wiring Push Buttons and Selector Switch to Click PLC

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A push button (pushbutton) is a simple human interface for controlling some aspect of a machine or process. The push button requires a force to push the button to change the electrical operation from off to on or vice versa. The condition of the output is usually momentarily. Some common everyday pushbuttons we use are keyboards keys.

A selector switch is also a mechanical device that will require a force to turn the electrical operation from off to on or vice versa. The selector switch usually locks into a position.

We will be wiring two illuminated pushbutton switches into our Click PLC. A selector switch will also be wired in. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

PLC, PLC Basics, Productivity 1000

Productivity 1000 Series PLC Documenting the Program

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Last time we created our first program and transferred this to our connected Productivity 1000 Series PLC. This was programmed with our computer running the Productivity Suite Software. One of the most important aspects of programming the PLC is to document. This will aid you and your team in programming, troubleshooting and modifying the automation control system. Your documentation should read like a book so information can be quickly obtained when required. Time spent on the documentation will be priceless when you go to read your program in 1, 3 or 10 years from now. The Productivity Suite software provides several different methods for documenting your program.

Tag Names and Details, Task Names and Descriptions, Rung Comments and Instruction comments are the ways that we will be looking at documenting our program.
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

PLC, PLC Basics, Productivity 1000

Productivity 1000 Series PLC First Program

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Last time we connected the Productivity 1000 Series PLC with our computer running the Productivity Suite Software. A micro USB and an Ethernet (RJ45) communication link was made to our programmable logic controller. We will now create our first program for our Productivity 1000 Series PLC. Our program will be a simple start stop circuit for a motor. Here is a post that will explain the logic behind our program circuit.
https://accautomation.ca/how-to-make-a-start-stop-jog-circuit-in-a-plc/
The latest Productivity Suite software version is 3.1.0.11. This is the programming software that we will be using to create our logic for control.

Let’s get started. Continue Reading!

Click, Communication, HMI, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, PLC, Suppanel

Suppanel Android HMI to Click PLC

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Suppanel is an Android app that is used to create a human machine interface (HMI). This HMI panel can be created on your computer, tablet or phone using the appropriate operating system or software. You can use this software to create panels that you can control or modify values in your automated system. These panels can be shared with other Suppanel users.

We will be creating a Suppanel Panel to monitor and control a Solo Process Temperature Controller via the Click programmable logic controller (PLC). The Click will be communicating to the Solo with serial RS485 using Modbus RTU protocol. The Suppanel HMI will be communicating to the Click PLC using Ethernet Modbus TCP protocol.

Watch on YouTube : Suppanel Android HMI to Click PLC

Let’s get started. Continue Reading!