New - building a PLC trainer

[ircheapo 0]

Hi guys, New here, and would like some opinions. I recently acquire an Allen Bradley MicroLogix 1000 (for a cheap price $60 aussie dollar). Looking to build a PLC trainer, it only comes with the installation booklet and unit. So now I need to buy the programming cable, been looking on ebay but unsure weather it is right as it is made in China and would like your opinion if its good to buy. *seems dodgy - but could be a good buy Allen Bradley Programming PLC Cable USB-1761-CBL-PM02 For Micrologix 1000 Serie http://www.ebay.com/itm/Allen-Bradley-Programming-PLC-Cable-USB-1761-CBL-PM02-For-Micrologix-1000-Serie-/251329020798?pt=BI_Control_Systems_PLCs&hash=item3a8460837e *this one looks a lot safer Allen Bradley Micrologix 1761-CBL-PM02 AB Cable + USB Turn Serial Line http://www.ebay.com/itm/Allen-Bradley-Micrologix-1761-CBL-PM02-AB-Cable-USB-Turn-Serial-Line-/400422979534?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3b11c7ce For my PLC trainer design Im just making it very simple, input will just be switches and outputs will be light bulbs. Also could you recommend any free demo software for this unit, so far I haven't seen software specifically for this MicroLogix 1000. Thank you in advance. Kind Regards, Bill

[ASForrest 12]

Welcome to the forum :) I'd be going for the second cable there. Probably the first one would work, but the second option is just a standard serial cable, with a USB to serial adaptor, which is a pretty standard combo. I use them regularly, and it works fine (well, any USB to serial converter is going to give you grief to some extent, it's part of their job description, but nothing too serious). There are a few tricks to using USB to serial adaptors, which no doubt you'll come across in due course ;) As far as your software, check out this post: http://forums.mrplc.com/index.php?showtopic=12217 Particularly note this part: "Now… RSLogix 500 Starter, will only work with one type of PLC, that is the 10 point Allen Bradley PLC, this model number is 1761-L10BWB and 1761-L10BXB I have verified it on BXB but not on the BWB and I also think it will work on the 1761-L10BWA, the BXB has transistor outputs the BWB has relay outputs, you can get more information at HERE" If you don't have one of those models, unfortunately no free software for you! Edited 26 Jun 2014 by ASForrest

[ircheapo 0]

thanks mate, I was thinking the same thing, can't go wrong with the second option. Luckily I have the 1761-L10BWA. Kind regards, bill

[DATAfiend 0]

Hey guys, I'm going on EBAY to get the RSLogix. Any tips on what I should get? I'm just getting startd.

[Mickey 71]

Which RSLogix are you getting? RSLogix5, RSLogix500, RSLogix5000? What PLC do you have? Edited 18 Apr 2015 by Mickey

[DATAfiend 0]

this one:http://www.ebay.com/itm/251919891971?_trksid=p2055359.m1431.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&autorefresh=true looks like i've been outbid! Edited 19 Apr 2015 by DATAfiend

[Mickey 71]

If you find one then see link for free software to program it. Software will work for the ML1000 and the ML1100. http://www.rockwellautomation.com/support/plc/micrologix.page