How do I get started?

As a Contract Engineer I have used Allen Bradley, GE and Modicon PLC's on many projects.

I also generated Logics/LADDER functionally describing each instrument setpoints, interlocks, Analog and digital loop diagrams and so on.

I never had time to attend classroom to learn "how to program". Is there any way I can get started at home?

I do not have any programming experience just Modicon and was half hour lecture long time ago. I do not have programming software/training software. Can any one help me to get started.

Thank you!

Emin Kurt

I reccomend the site at www.plctalk.net as the best place to start
Just goto the top of the page and click on 'learn PLCs' and you're away.

Doug

Check out The Learning Pit or LADSIM for simulators.
http://www.thelearningpit.com
http://www.bytronic.co.uk

You could also purchase a Micro PLC 'starter kit' from any of several PLC vendors. These are relatively inexpensive and include a PLC and software.

What kind of work do you do where you have "used PLCs on many projects", but don't have to program them?

What Modicon PLC family are you working with? What programming language are you going to use, 984 Ladder logic or IEC certified?
For demo copies of both types of software, which include simulators, go to http://www.modicon.com.

All Modicon controllers must first be Configured (chose processor type, port assignment, etc.) then Traffic Copped (I/O mapped - assign addresses to I/O cards). After this you can begin programming.

Modicon has 4 basic types of addresses, 0xxxx are discrete coils (internal and external), 1xxxx are discrete inputs, 3xxxx are 16 bit inputs (i.e. analog), 4xxxx are 16 bit registers (i.e. analog out, timers/counters, and math results).

To Steve

From EKurt

I said "Contract Employee" The client usually use permanent employees to perform the programming.

Emin Kurt