Is there a good website for learning? How did YOU learn to program PLCs? What functions did you find ost useful?
thanks!!
2007-01-19 05:13:17 · 5 answers · asked by mike c 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I learned by following a manufacturer's course (Modicon) and doing projects. The best functions are the simplest ones: OR, AND, NOT, add, sub, div, mult, SR.
2007-01-19 05:24:42 · answer #1 · answered by catarthur 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've had a lot of computer programming experience... but I starting learning more about PLC's when I started getting into robotics... PLCs are simple input and output signals with a logical program called "Ladder Logic". There are a lot of help sites out there for the basic concepts. But the best help will probably come from buying a PLC and playing with it. You need to pick one that is cost effective and has a good programming interface. I recommend the Mitsubishi or better yet, the NAIC Aramat PLC. The Aramat is very inexpensive and has an easy to use programming interface.
Once u have one to play with, you can do all kinds a cool stuff. If you don't want invest a bunch of money in other controls, there are probably things around your house that you can modify for fun. For example. Your electric garage door and sprinkler system are ran by PLCs. Try interating the inputs and outputs to make your own invention.
Here's one that I thought of trying for fun, but have never done it...
Use the photo eye's on your garage door, that cause the door to automatically open if someone breaks the beam. Place them in your yard near an area that you don't want a person or dog to walk. connect the output to your PLC and then connect the input to that area of your lawn's sprinkler system. Anytime someone walks through that section of your lawn, turn the sprinklers on for a few seconds, then turn them off. Sounds fun, doesn't it? lol
The key to learning is just coming up with ways to utilize them and then playing with them... Most PLC's will come with book to help you learn how to program.
Another great way to start, especially if you're wanting to make a career of it, is to go to college. There are many schools that offer degrees in programming robotics, etc. If you still in high school, take as many mathmatics courses as you can now! It will greatly help you in college and may even help you with some scholarships.
Good luck and have fun!
2007-01-21 03:05:26 · answer #2 · answered by JT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what method you want to learn. Originally PLC's were programmed in ladder logic, a system developed to be understood by electrical engineers as it mimicked the relay type drawings they were used to. More recently PLC's may be programmed in higher level languages. The basic ladder function sets are available in the manufacturers manuals, most of which can be downloaded off the Internet. Take a look at Allen Bradley, Siemens, GE, Mitsubishi etc
2016-05-24 07:43:55 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best way is to go to the manufacturer (or rep) of the PLC. Honeywell, Allen Bradley, to name a few... the new systems have accompanying PC software allowing plain english on screen programming, including complex sequencing and sensor signal evaluation... Just plug in the unit to your RS-232 (or USB?) and hack away...
2007-01-20 08:15:59 · answer #4 · answered by Gunny T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋