Beginer kits

[gera]

Hi everyone! I just joined this site and I am interested in learning about PLC, I am going back to school to finished a degree in Mechanical Eng. and I want to be prepare and learn more about this kind of subjects. I am a manufacturing technician and work for a company that uses PC's to control motors, sensors, and things like that but I want to increase my knowledge and maybe open another posibliity for a better o different job. Because I don't work with PLC's I want to know if there are beginers kits that I can buy to trained myself and at the same time have some fun.
thanks,

Gerardo

 

[OkiePC]

Welcome to the forum, Gerardo.

Look here:
http://ind-concepts.com/
http://www.thelearningpit.com/
http://www.ronbeaufort.com/

Paul

 

[mendonsy]

Here's another alternative:
http://www.factorymation.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.403537/.f
These are PLR's which are a simplified version of a PLC.

 

[gera]

Thanks for the information.

 

[Daniel_LeRoy]

You already have found one of your best resources. PLCS.net!

I recommend buying a PLC (ebay or automation direct) and start doing some programming in your garage, maybe control some lights or something. Start figuring out what you can control. (make a parking sensor or something)

If you buy a used PLC be aware that software comes at a huge price sometimes. Certain companies will give you the software but the big name ones aren't cheap.

 

[gera]

You already have found one of your best resources. PLCS.net!

I recommend buying a PLC (ebay or automation direct) and start doing some programming in your garage, maybe control some lights or something. Start figuring out what you can control. (make a parking sensor or something)

If you buy a used PLC be aware that software comes at a huge price sometimes. Certain companies will give you the software but the big name ones aren't cheap.

thanks, That's is exactly kinda what i am looking for ideas and basic traiing info that I can do at my garage to learn things better.. I had been reading through the website that you guys said and liking it.-- Thanks again!!

 

[Daniel_LeRoy]

thanks, That's is exactly kinda what i am looking for ideas and basic traiing info that I can do at my garage to learn things better.. I had been reading through the website that you guys said and liking it.-- Thanks again!!

Well once you get the PLC and what ever you control; lights, fan, etc. The most important thing is to start practicing the logic. Start learning the ladder logic. Start with,I want a switch and I need to turn this output on and off. Then say okay I want a timer and I want the light on for a second then off for a second. Then just start getting more and more complicated, for example ten lights and do a fancy sequence. Once you have the basics of sequencing and timers and latches then you can start with the real fun stuff. lol like network communications, touchscreens, servo controls, etc.

 

[bce123]

download the new do-more software from automation direct it has a built in simulator to play with

 

[gera]

very nice, very interesting stuff... really motivated...

 

[shooter]

also free is codesys from www.3s-software.com