PLC-2 Software

europachris

Member
Join Date
Apr 2002
Location
Milwaukee
Posts
3
I'm just starting to get into PLC programming as part of my job. I do find it quite interesting and fun. I have the opportunity to pick up an old PLC-2 setup for nothing. I figure it would be a lot of fun to play with at home and practice programming. I realize it's rather obsolete, but for the price, it can't be beat. My real job will entail SLC 5/04's and RSLogix/DeviceNet, so that will be 'cutting edge'.

Anyway, there's no software with the PLC-2, is there any place to get a copy (not from A-B)???? Keyword is C-H-E-A-P!

Thanks for any help in advance!

Chris Beck
 
That has been asked alot check the archives . I'm not sure if there is a free version. Just keep in mind that the addressing scheme in the plc2 is rather different from the other products. Compared to the 5's and 500's its like a rock for a note pad and a chisel for a pen!!!


Drewcrew6
 
I am curious, if you will be dealing with SLC 5/04 at work can you get a copy of their RSLogix to use at home or on a laptop? IF that is possible then why not look for an SLC (on ebay maybe). Usually there is a way to get a working copy from work but that detail I will leave up to you, and its very possible to find an SLC 500 reasonably priced. Then you may learn on what you will deal with. With AB it can get expensive because you will need an adapter/cable also even for the PLC2.

Two (2) more options that are cheap:
http://www.automationdirect.com
You can get a DL05 for $99 and the software for $99 and cable for $27

http://www.fujielectric.com/distr/elc.htm
You can get a plc for as low as $81 with the software being a free download. For training purposes this may be good cheap investment.

I dont know much about the Fuji plc's but the Automationdirect products are a very good choice, been used for a long time and probably will see alot of in the future.
 
Do yourself a favor, dont even use the model 2. Like rs suggested, find a SLC or Micrologix on Ebay & use the software at your work to learn & practice.
 
Thanks for the info! I see the point in not fiddling with the PLC-2. I'll have a copy of RSLogix500 soon through work, so that won't be a problem. I'm currently going through the AB programming courses locally, and the introductory course dealt with both PLC-5 and SLC500. Good stuff.

Part of my enjoys tinkering with old obsolete stuff, but there is a point where it becomes just too much of a hassle.

Chris
 
Thanks for the link, Sid. I've already got that one up and running. It's a good start to fiddle with. In talking with my instructor, he also said to stay away from learning the PLC-2 unless I plan to get into the service and support business. He's been with A-B since the early 80's, so he's seen it all, from the original PLC. Says the -2 is a great PLC, but way obsolete and it programs quite differently than the newer stuff when getting into the more advanced things.

I'll have laptop setup with RSLogix500 soon, so I'll just go with that for now.

chris
 
PLC-2

I agree, don't even waste your time on a PLC-2, especially if it is a PLC-2/30. I programmed those things for years, not a fond memory. If someone gave me one I would gut it, turn it on its back and plant flowers in it.

Roger
 
I use my old PLC2's as boat anchors. A micrologix is probably the cheapest and best training tool for you right now being that the micro's use the same software as the slc's
 
I guess I got lucky... check around at your job.. I bet there's someone there with a copy of plc2 software and cables. Mine sent me two cables and a decent programming software. Though you'll need a pcmk series A card (which you might also be able to find at your current job). I picked up a full plc 2/17 rack and even have a TC input card. It came with a plc 2/15 for remote ops.
Granted some of the cards seem a bit odd to me, not quite sure about them.. but for what I spent ($60 total) there's nothing out there that can touch it for that price.
Outdated? Yeah, but for the hobbyist that wants play/create things at home it is great!




Regards,
Russ
 
This thread is old, but I constantly stumble upon it when searching for PLC2 related info and wanted to add my two cents to others. It's not the easiest PLC to work with, but a working laptop setup to program a PLC2, and a bit of practice on it would be very useful professionally. Especially if you are an independent contractor (and in industry, one day you probably will be). There are still lots of these out in the wild, and few people with the equipment to deal with them. They also all need replacing, and if you're the PLC2 troubleshooting guy, you'll also get to be the PLC2 replacement guy.

So, I disagree with most of the above posters, and would jump at the chance to own a PLC2.
 

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