Invented in 1968 by Dick Morley, the programmable logic controller (PLC) is a simple rugged industrial computer. This free plc training series is designed for everyone to learn about these controllers. PLCs are constantly evolving and continue to be the best option for a variety of industrial automation applications.
Even though the PLC is changing, core items remain the same. We will be discussing this in more depth for each of the components mentioned in the picture above. Let’s get started learning about PLCs. Keep on Reading!
Tag Archives: plc training
Omron PLC Node-RED Serial Communication
PLC manufactures have their own proprietary protocols. These methods of communication will allow you to program the controller. Other protocols will allow you to collect and log information from the programmable logic controller. Node-RED has the ability to read and write to the Omron controller using special protocol commands.
We will connect Node-RED to the Omron CP1H PLC. A serial RS485 interface will be used for communication to the industrial controller. We will demonstrate reading and writing using Host Link (C-mode commands) to the Omron PLC. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
BRX Do-More PLC Peerlink Ethernet Network
The BRX Do-More PLC Peerlink Ethernet communication network is one of the easiest networks to set up and run. Peerlink is a shared programmable logic controller (PLC) common memory area within a local network. Do-More central processing units (CPUs) or DirectLogic PLC systems using ECOM100 modules can read the entire area and write to their programmed area if selected.
The network uses TCP/IP broadcast packets to publish the blocks of data PEERLINK (PL) memory to all of the devices attached. This broadcast will share the data network to the local domain only. Each member can optionally send data to the other members of the data-sharing network by electing to “publish” one or more blocks of PEERLINK (PL) memory.
This can sound confusing at first, but it is the simplest network to set up. You can have your Peerlink network up and running in a matter of minutes. We will be setting up and demonstrating the Peerlink network using a BRX BX-DM1E-18ED13 and the Do-More Simulator. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Productivity Suite PLC Simulator Software Free Download
The productivity suite software now contains a plc simulator. The software is a free download and is available from automation direct. This software will now allow you to test or troubleshoot your program without the physical hardware present. The entire family of controllers can use the simulator. P1000, P2000, and P3000 emulation can happen on the following parts of the productivity series hardware:
– P1000 CPU’s and local I/O stack, P2000 and P3000 CPU’s and local bases
– All basic I/O modules, both analog and digital
– Modbus TCP Server/Client connections on external Ethernet port
The simulation mode is available on the Productivity Suite version 3.8.x.x or higher. We will be discussing the PAC (Programmable Automation Controller) PLC Simulator. Testing this simulator will be done using our first program (Start-Stop Circuit) and the PID instruction in our Productivity 1000 series. We will also be connecting to physical hardware after using our simulator to test the program. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
Productivity 1000 PLC Documenting the Program
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!