newer to PLC for help

[James]

I am a newer to PLC and want to land a job
in this field, I want to practice at home
for PLC and there are some questions need you concern, maybe these are stupid questions.

I know Allen Bradlley SLC 500 is popular model in North America, I want to buy one from ebay, what other accessories do I need to buy except for PLC, such as Cable, software? Is there any input simulator for
this model? What's the software name for SLC 500 and can I buy it from ebay also?

Thanks very much

[Allen Nelson]

Software: RSLogix 500. Although you can also use APS (by Allen-Bradley), or Icom's AI software. Make sure it is for the 500 (SLC) series, not 5 (PLC-5) or 5000 (ControLogix)

The software sometimes appears on eBay, too. When buying the software, make sure that the original software key is included (it will have a brand label with the serial number printed on it). Even if the activation file has been moved, if you own the disk, you own the licence, and can re-activate the disk from the AB.com web site.

Cables: That will depend on which SLC you buy. If it's a 5/03 or greater, than a simple null-modem cable is all you'll need (2-3, 3-2 & 5-5). Older SLCs (500, 5/01 and 5/02) require a 1747-PIC module. I forget what the SLC 100 and 150 need, but it's something different again. Personally, I'd stay away from the latter, but those will be cheaper and more likely to be found.

Simulation: I'm not aware of any specialty modules for simulation. You have a few choices: If the SLC you buy has I/O, go to Radio Shack and get some lights, relays, switches, pots, meters and lots of wire. Wire some outputs to inputs, or through relays. Have fun, be creative, get messy. Simulate I/O modules. This is what I usually do. You need to disable the slots that the I/O module should be in (otherwise, when the SLC doesn't see the module in the slot, it will fault). Because the slot is disabled, but the card is defined in the Module Configuration, you are free to read and, more importantly, write to that address as if the module was there.

Hardware When you buy the SLC ("processor"), you must also get a rack and a power suppply.


One last tip - go to AB.com and get a parts list/catalog, so when you go to eBay you know that a 1747-L542 is a SLC 5/04, and which I/O modules are which.

OR....
If you want to skip the lesson that having a real, physical PLC will give you (about wiring, communication, configuration, etc), and just want to focus on the programming, go to The Learning Pit. Their software is based on the Allen Bradley model, and has a similar "look and feel" to RSLogix. It is also a PLC emulator, which means you can watch your program run as if it were a "real" PLC. But at a serious cost savings over even an eBay SLC.

[TimothyMoulder]

>>If the SLC you buy has I/O, go to Radio Shack and get some lights, relays, switches, pots, meters and lots of wire. Wire some outputs to inputs, or through relays. Have fun, be creative, get messy.<<

Another Magic School Bus fan!

TM

[James]

You are great!

[Alan Case]

If price is a concern, then look at one of the micrologix 1000 range. They are aabout $100 on ebay which is a lot cheaper than all the bits for a slc. Also check the official rockwell price for a micrologix demo price. They have an online shop to check prices at. Regards Alan