What's the cheapest hardware/sw como to get started in PLC programming with ladder logic? Cubloc?

Question

We use several AB SLC500's at work, many sit in a box, unused.

I've been wanting to get in to robotics and microcontroller programming in a way that would benefit me at work. I want to bridge the gap between my Industrial Engineering career and my programming/electronics interests.

This isn't really in my job description so I have to learn and experiment on my own time. Spending thousands of dollars to get RSLogix and a SLC500 isn't feasible.

I've looked at Basic Stamps, but that's nothing I could implement at work. Same with Oopics, ATOM, Rabbit, etc. Even bare bones mircrocontrollers like the PIC, AVR, and Z8 Encore look to me like something our Maintenance guys would scoff at as a toy.

My biggest problem is that beginners' MC's BASIC and C program implementations don't help me with AB's Ladder Logic.

Is the Cubloc system a good way for a newbie with intermediate programming and electronics skills to get started?

Answer 1

At some level ladder logic is common to all PLC's. There are some differences between brands at the IDE (Integrated Development Environment ) Level i.e the programming software...

I have used Allen Bradley, ABB , GEFanuc, Keyance, Unitronics and Koyo PLC's. With the exception of ABB all have used a ladder logic interface for programming.

With that said there are some cheap PLC's on the market. Many PLC's manufacturer's are now providing starter kits based arround their low end product line. Micro & Nano sized PLC's with as little as 4 digital outs and 5 digital inputs are available for $200.

GeFanuc sells starter kits for arround $350 which include a Micro PLC, Software, cable and small interface module.

The advantage to using a brand name starter package is that the programming software is the same as that used to program the larger models. (The version supplied with the starter only works with the low end PLC)

Keyence selles a small nano PLC the KV-10 for arround $200 and the software is about $80.

PLC's are basically a micro controller with isolated I/O and other safeguards. They are rugidized to perform in aggressive industrial enviroments while being easy to maintain and repair. By repair I mean replace I/O modules or the entire PLC quickly.

As a side note the Basic Stamp BS2 has an industrial PLC version. (programmed in basic) Which provides the ruggedized I/O protection I was mentioning eariler

Answer 2

Cubloc Plc