The trainer's that we use are manufactured by Amatrol. From what experience I have on their equipment (we have more than just plsc, theres a motor control/electrical systems trainer, pneumatics/hydraulics trainer, and a mechanical drive systems trainer) it is top of the line. the setup is fairly simple: there are 2 24VDC input cards and 2 24VDC output cards. Slots 0 and 2 (1 and 3 for SLC500) are inputs, which each come from one of 2 simulator panels, and there are 2 outputs on slots 1 and 3 (slots 2 and 4 for SLC500), one for each panel. Their panels include an operator station, with 3 NO pushbuttons and 1 NC pushbutton, along with 1 2 position SS and 1 3 position (on off on) SS. There is also a reversing motor panel, with a small DC motor, 2 relays, one for each direction, and 2 limit switches. There is also an I/O simulator station with 16 switches and 16 indicator lights. Theres a pneumatic panel, with 2 cylanders, one with a 2 position sol valve, and one with a 3 position sol valve. Theres a BCD station with a thumbwheel and an 8 segment LED display. Theres also an analog simulator with a pot to vary input voltage,a nd a voltmeter display, to display actual input voltage, or display output voltage.
I learned almost all of my ladder on a SLC 500. Its the main PLC that is used for teaching. We are going over the PLC 5 so that we can learn differences. Later on, we will be mounting a ControlLogix on there, as well as a Siemens. Not sure on the Siemens model no. though, bc it is brand new.
One of the most interesting things aobut the Amatrol trainers is the fault system. The PC is connected to a special terminal on the trainer, which goes to several different places. It can fault out switches, relays, fuses, the MCR relay, and even fault I/O cards. It has helped me quite a bit on the job, bc it makes it easier to troubleshoot. You can learn what specific symptoms are for certain problems and have a better understanding of them in the field. I am employed as a maintenance technician at one of our local plants, and I got that job bc of hte training I've gotten here.
OK, anyway, thats the whole setup and background info. I'm not looking to develop a specific application for it right now, I jsut want to see what I can do with ST, and how flexible it is. I like using ladder bc its easier for me to see just exactly what the PLC is thinking, but I wanted to explore what there is to offer.