PLC Pie Guy
Member
While I agree that learning how to program the Micro 800 series of PLC's is a good thing to do, you won't be having to jump from the MicroLogix 1100 anytime soon. It's listed as "active mature" which means it is still fully supported but there is a recommend replacement for it (the Micro 800 in some cases the CompactLogix in others). There has been a lot of discussion with regards to what means what when AB lists a product as something other active but the reality is it could last another 5+ years before they list it as discontinued. Having said all of that, the Micro 800's have become a good product as has CCW (make sure you get the latest version) so there are good reasons to switch over to them.
Just on my experience over the past few years....
We get a LOT of machines through here. 90% of the smaller stand alone machines are either small logix processors or Micro800 line up. I saw a new Pallet Wrapper come in about 5 years ago with a Micrologix but since then, no Micrologix to speak of. Now I do have a bunch of Micrologix on older equipment....