PLC Programming is challenging; it doesn't have to be costly. We recommend that those who are looking to get into this career invest in an entry level PLC that allows them to practice without breaking the bank. Once you land your first job, you may choose to purchase additional hardware. However, the emphasis of this tutorial is on those who are just getting started.
A complete guide to the BOOTP / DHCP tool from Rockwell which is a necessity when it comes to working with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Learn about the proper use of this tool as well as some of the common pitfalls for those who need to set an IP address of their PLC.
Electrical panel wiring diagrams are used to outline each device, as well as the connection between the devices found within an electrical panel. As electrical panels are what will contain control systems, panel wiring diagrams are commonly encountered by PLC technicians and engineers. Although electrical panels may not be overly complex from the first glance, a lot of engineering goes into selecting proper devices, sizing wiring and designing the layout of the panel that is documented by the electrical panel wiring diagrams.
A limit switch is an electro-mechanical device used to send an electrical signal based on a physical interaction. Limit Switches are used to detect the presence of objects, thus allowing the system to take desired action.
The MicroLogix 1100 PLC is still heavily used in the industry and is one of the most recommended PLCs for learning PLC programming. The MicroLogix 1100 PLC is compact, offers a variety of I/O configurations and is inexpensive relative to other Rockwell options. Furthermore, the MicroLogix 1100 PLC is programmable using the free version of RSLogix 500 that can be downloaded from the official Rockwell website.
The best way to learn PLC programming is to get hands-on experience. However, as many are trying to learn how to program these devices before landing a job, it becomes crucial to invest in your own hardware in order to accelerate the learning process. That being said, a PLC programmer will face three challenges when it comes to building an effective PLC trainer.
Understanding the Hardware is the first step of working with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). This is a complete introduction to the entire ControlLogix platform which is the flagship product from Rockwell Automation.
A step-by-step guide to assembling the hardware and adding the 1769-IF8 module into a program that is downloaded to a CompactLogix 1769-L24ER-QB1B processor.
A complete guide to picking the perfect PLCs / HMIs system for your needs.
Sending data between two Programmable Logic Controllers can pose a challenge. However, in the current manufacturing environments, it’s an absolute must. Learn one of the simplest ways to pass data between a MicroLogix 1100 PLC and a CompactLogix L24ER PLC.
A complete step-by-step guide to the job change process in Cognex In-Sight. Learn how to go from one job to another where a unique job is created for each product type.
A step-by-step guide to flashing a 1756-L24ER-QB1B Allen Bradley processor. The procedure to flash most of the similar Allen Bradley PLCs is the same and should reapply completely.