PLC Textbooks

Hello all,



Does anyone have a favorite PLC textbook that is in print, and is suitable for a community college? I must pick a new book sometime in late June, early July.



My basic requirements are simple:



I must be able to obtain a sample copy for evaluation.



I would prefer a text based on AB SLC500's, as my labs are built with these PLC's.



I would also prefer that the text be based more on the system and functionality, rather than strictly programming. I am teaching technicians, rather than engineers.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

My two cents:

I would not recommend "Technician's Guide to Programmable Controllers" by Richard Cox. I used this in my last course and found it to be rather dated and full of errors/typos.

We have selected "Programmable Logic Controllers" by Frank Petruzella for the next class and it looks more promising. It also comes with a lab manual and a copy of the LogixPro simulator software.

Both books are geared toward Allen-Bradley PLC's.

Hope this helps,
John

This book by Hugh Jack

http://claymore.engineer.gvsu.edu/~jackh/books/plcs/pdf/plcbook4_7.pdf

is excellent.

Alaric,

I agree at first glance, this is an excelent book. Far better than the book I ditched.

Kolyur,

I will certainly check the Petruzella, book out.

Thank you both,

Robert

The local college here also uses the book by Mr. Petruzella... It seemed to work fairly well when I was taking classes there.

I use the Petruzella text as well!

kolyur said:

We have selected "Programmable Logic Controllers" by Frank Petruzella for the next class and it looks more promising. It also comes with a lab manual and a copy of the LogixPro simulator software.

Click to expand...

You can get an instructors copy by contacting McGraw-Hill. The LogixPro simulator software that comes in the text/lab manual bundle is a great tool. I find that students learn to program very quickly using LogixPro. Not to mention they can continue using it at home during and after the course is over.

Thanks,


I have a copy on the way.