DrNickburns

http://learn.automationdirect.com has some awesome stuff

It's alive! Thanks for the help guys! I made a video, here ya go!

Here's my first project! thanks for the help guys

Someone else mentioned that usually the PLC should be powered by its own power supply; and all other components, e.g. lights, pumps etc are powered by a separate supply. Makes sense.. by the way this is the pump I got. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290420390091&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_4714wt_1139

Yes, a 12V car battery..

I'm well on the way now! I've written a basic program to take input from a temperature sensor and turn on a red or green LED depending on the temperature. I got all the parts from automationdirect yesterday and had it all wired up and working today. I've just ordered two capacitive proximity sensors and a water pump (from ebay) that should allow me to do the project. I've written ultra complicated software programs that do crazy stuff, but using temperature to turn off or on a red or green light was weirdly satisfying. Perhaps its because I've never done anything that takes "real world" conditions "thinks" then performs an action "in the real world". Strangely satisfying! Attached is a list of stuff I ended up getting as a precursor to doing the "water pump project" - all from automation direct.

WORKED! Now that I understand the wiring, I took it a step further and connected a temperature transmitter and have it turning on a green light when the temp is below 75, and a red light when the temp is above 75. Piece of cake! I bought two of (these sensors and a water pump that runs on 24vdc to continue on that other project. I understand that the capacitive sensors are digital, and I'll need to learn how to work with digital inputs next!

I am new to PLCs, but my first project is a switch that is plugged into AD1V (analog) and it sends a command to close Y1. This is an automation direct CLICK PLC, and i'm using the Click software. The Y1 led indicator comes on, but I'm confused about where the light would get its voltage. I have a 24 VDC light that has two wires + and -. Where do they actually get wired to the PLC? And where does the 24 VDC come from to power the light? Confused!

Thanks guys!

Hey I'm new to PLCs in general, but I am a programmer by trade. I'm interested in learning to work with them just for fun. I've come across this demo I'm wondering if anyone can identify what type of PLC and water level sensor he is using? I'm trying to copy what he has done here to learn how to work with PLCs and sensors. Any help is appreciated!