The Machine Simulator (MS) is part of the EasyPLC software suite. It has many built-in machines that can be programmed. The gantry loader is one of these machines. It will pick up metal boxes from a conveyor and place two on a wooden pallet. The Click PLC will be used to program this virtual machine.
Using the Click Plus PLC, we will connect the simulator to the gantry loader machine. This will be done using Modbus TCP (Ethernet) for communications. Using the five steps for program development we will show how this is programmed. The logical sequence step will include a flow chart and a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations will be done using indirect addressing in the Click PLC. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
Tag Archives: PLC Tutorial
PLC Learning Series – Programming Steps
Developing a programmable logic controller (PLC) program can be broken down into five different steps. These programming steps are as follows:
Five Steps to PLC Program Development
Step 1 – Define the task
Step 2 – Define the Inputs and Outputs
Step 3 – Develop a logical sequence of operation
Step 4 – Develop the PLC program
Step 5 – Test the program
These five steps to PLC program development will help you in understanding, programming, and troubleshooting your automated machine.
We will be looking at each of these steps in a little more detail as we discuss the PLC programming development. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
PLC Learning Series – Program Cyclic Scan
Programmable logic controllers (PLC) use a cyclic scan. The time that it takes to complete one scan is called Scan Time. Typical scan times range from 10 milliseconds to 10 microseconds. This translates from 0.01 to 0.0001 seconds per PLC scan. Understanding how the program scan will help us in programming and troubleshooting the PLC.
The simplest scan cycle of a PLC consists of 4 steps. Read inputs, execute program, diagnostics, and communication, and update outputs.
We will be looking at each of these steps in a little more detail as we discuss the PLC program cyclic scan. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
PLC Learning Series – Understanding Numbers
All programmable logic controllers (PLC) have the same numbering system at their core. This is the same with all computers as well. The status of any memory location can be either on or off. A one (1) will represent an on or “True” status and zero (0) will represent an off or “False” status. This is called binary.
Understanding PLC Numbering Systems
We will be looking at how numbering systems work and some of the common systems that programmable logic controllers use. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
EasyPLC – Installing the Software
EasyPLC Software Suite is a complete PLC, HMI, and Machine Simulator Software package. This PLC learning package includes the following:
Easy PLC – PLC Simulation that will allow programming in Ladder, Grafcet, Logic Blocks, or Script.
HMI System – Easily create a visual human-machine interface (HMI)
Machine Simulator – A virtual 3D world with real-time graphics and physical properties. PLC programs can be tested using the EasyPLC or through other interfaces. (Modbus RTU, TCP, etc.)
Machine Simulator Lite – Designed to run on Android Devices.
Machine Simulator VR – Virtual Reality comes to life so you can test, train or practice your PLC programming.
We will be installing the software and showing you how to order your software package for machine simulation (MS). This includes activating your license. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!