How PLC Outputs Work – Discrete and Analog

This post is a further follow-up from my original ‘Here’s a Quick Way to Understand PLC Inputs and Outputs.’ There are two different kinds of PLC outputs, Discrete and analog. Discrete outputs are either ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’; 1 or 0. You can think of them as a single light bulb. Analog outputs have a range … Read more

How PLC Inputs Work – Discrete and Analog

This post is a further follow-up from my original ‘Here’s a Quick Way to Understand PLC Inputs and Outputs.’ There are two different kinds of PLC inputs, Discrete and analog. Discrete inputs are either ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’; 1 or 0. You can think of them as a single switch. Analog inputs have a range to … Read more

Learn PLC Programming without spending a dime!

plc basics programmable logic controller

I have been writing PLC programs for over 20 years. I often get asked what the best way to learn PLC programming is. Programming in the way I was taught in college was with the Motorola 6809. (Yes, I know that I am dating myself) This was microprocessor programming, but it was the best way … Read more

The Secret of Using Counters – PLC Programming

We will now look at the secret of using counters in the PLC. (Secret Using Counters) Counters are used in the majority of PLC programs. This is especially true if part of your SCADA system. Counters like the animated picture above count things. In this situation, we count the number of turns the little guy … Read more

The Secret of Using Timers – PLC Programming

We will now look at the secret of using timers in the PLC. Timers are used in the majority of PLC programs. There are also a wide variety of off-the-shelf industrial timers that you can use. The implementation of timers can be vast; however, it all starts with a TIMING CHART. Timing Chart – Secret … Read more