12 posts in this topic

Hi Everyone

We are setting up a initial training in PLC programming for technicians, I got some experience with SIEMENS S7 but this seems to be an expensive choice, we would like to opt for a budget PLC but at the same time would like a user friendly software for teaching......I would like to have views of users of other PLC brands such as OMRON, MITSUBISHI or even Schneider???

thanks

Jay

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To expose students to PLC concepts and ladder logic, I would recommend the Click from Automation Direct.  Low cost, free software, and training videos available.  However, at some point you will need to use the brand and model(s) that students will be using, either in programming or troubleshooting.  I do 3 day classes through our local community college.

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Omron CP1E is pretty cheap I'd say... Software is actually easy, but learning instructions maybe a bit complicated at times (Japanese love to write long manuals).

Price-wise you can get a Lite version of the software (CX-One Lite) which supports CP1E series.

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Hello

Thanks for the tips and advice.....

Jay

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If you go for Omron, I would recommend NX1P2.  It's far more expensive than CP1E, but it's also IEC compliant programming languages and current programming software.  So the knowledge would be useful with other IEC compliant controllers.  CP1E programs like a legacy Omron device, which is not directly how most PLCs work anymore.

My understanding is there is also a lite version of Sysmac Studio to lower the cost.

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If you go for Mitsubishi, you should NOT go for an Alpha (which I personally call a "Smart Relay" and has nothing to do with PLC programming -> it's own trivial software). I would recommend a FX5U with the newest GX Works3 software where you can choose classic ladder or IEC style for any given project. I am not very familiar with other PLC brands, so I am not sure what the learning curve is compared to them (e.g. Siemens), but the little I've seen of others is that the learning curve of the software is more or less the same.

The FX5U even have built-in RS485/422 comms, two analog inputs and one analog outputs (all FX5 sizes). Everything can be programmed in GX Works3.

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Hi Friend,

Do you haveany idea of how to create queue in mitsubishi PLC?

Regards,

Mani

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@Mani1424: You should start a new topic instead of hijacking someone else's topic when you are asking new questions. To answer your question, FIFW/FIFR (standard FIFO) will get you started. Post a new topic if you get stuck.

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To teach PLC's without having to spend any money, I would look at the Do-More Designer Software from Automation Direct. This is a free software package that comes with a simulator. The simulator will also allow you to communicate to it via Modbus TCP (Ethernet). You can also use the serial ports on the computer to simulate serial communications.

https://www.automationdirect.com/do-more/brx/software/simulator
http://support.automationdirect.com/products/domore.html
 

Team this software up with AdvancedHMI and you will have a good training environment. AdvancedHMI is written in VB.Net and runs in Visual Studio. This is also all free. AdvancedHMI will communicate Modbus TCP to the Do-More Designer Simulator.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/advancedhmi/
 

Here is quick link to show you how to get started.
http://accautomation.ca/create-a-plc-with-hmi-training-and-learning-environment-free/

Regards,
Garry

AdvancedHMI Deployment 070-min.png

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On 8/5/2017 at 6:20 AM, innoaloe said:

Software is actually easy, but learning instructions maybe a bit complicated at times (Japanese love to write long manuals).

Haha this made me smile, the amount of time spent breaking down the explanations for some of the instructions in CX-Programmer due to Japanese to English explanations haha.

On 8/7/2017 at 11:12 AM, Crossbow said:

If you go for Omron, I would recommend NX1P2.  It's far more expensive than CP1E, but it's also IEC compliant programming languages and current programming software.  So the knowledge would be useful with other IEC compliant controllers.  CP1E programs like a legacy Omron device, which is not directly how most PLCs work anymore.

My understanding is there is also a lite version of Sysmac Studio to lower the cost.

Sysmac would have advantages to teach in that there is a much more modern approach with the Instructions, Functions & Function Blocks, gets you thinking in a much more object orientated manner than CX. That said CX is a really simple program to pick up, and at the end of the day it depends what you're trying to teach, which in this case sounds like just grasping ladder logic, inputs & outputs, memory and addressing etc, as opposed to specific user interface/syntax. Probably the fact that you have to manage memory in CX is beneficial in itself in that it will have the students thinking about where and how bits & words are placed in the PLC. I'd say be much easier learning to manage memory, then moving to un-managed memory than the other way around.

 

 

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Here are a couple of other thoughts:
http://accautomation.ca/plc-programming-example-process-mixer/
Factory IO provides a 3D simulation of the process. Testing of the program is important and should be done in a variety of ways. Factory IO provides a straight forward method of seeing your program in action before you wire your application.

You can download a 30 day trial.
Factory IO Website is at the following URL:
https://factoryio.com/
Documentation is well done. Start at the ‘Getting Started’ at the following URL:
https://factoryio.com/docs/
Video of Factory IO in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJpGJQ8MwCk

 

Since training is a common subject here is some information for PLC beginners.
http://accautomation.ca/programming/plc-beginners-guide/
PLC Beginner’s Guide to PLC Programming
There are many different PLC manufacturers with different hardware and software. All of the programmable logic controllers have similar basic features. Here is how I would approach learning about basic PLCs.
Here is a list of the basic elements of a PLC system. This is common to all PLC models.

PLC’s can be programmed in several different languages. The most common are Ladder and STL.
What Everybody Ought to Know About PLC Programming Languages

If you have gone through the above material, you are probably looking to try some of this new knowledge. Here is a series based upon free software and PLC simulator from Automation Direct. Most of this information will apply to a majority of PLC manufacturers. It is all written in ladder logic.
Learn PLC Programming – Free – Video Series

Developing the PLC program is a process that can be clearly defined. Here is a series that will show you the five steps along with some practical examples.
Five Steps to PLC Program Development

The next step is to further develop your PLC environment by using an HMI. (Human Machine Interface)

What you want to do now is to look at the PLC’s that are being used in your area. What manufacturer is the most common? What are the models that they are using?
I would then try to get some hardware and software from the manufacturer that you will be using. Visit their website and contact their office for information.

 

Hope you can get some information from this.
Regards,
Garry

 

 

 

Process Mixer Test Factory IO 010-min.png

Process Mixer Test Factory IO 020-min.png

Edited by gclshortt

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