Yes the plc5, slc500 and micrologix have many similarities, there are some instructions available in higher end models that arent in others.
A low cost solution to this is to purchase a Micrologix 1000 ($99 US) which offers a free version of RSLogix500. This should have all the instructions shown but not avaialble, actually you may be able to download that version of RSLogix regardless, will have to check. Another maybe cheaper option for the Micrologix 1000 is find it on ebay.com.
If you are versed in PLC programming then making a transition to AB shouldnt be difficult, mostly just familiarizing yourself with the Instruction Set. An employer shouldnt discriminate on the fact of not being familiar with a certain plc but should look at background of ability to program, of course at any interview you may have to convince people of capabilities. Never show doubt, programming is programming, if familiar with machines, inputs and output devices then "act" like you know what you are doing, even if you havent done it before.
I will give a simple example. I am not "great" in many areas like plc programming like some here. I wouldnt apply "great" to any of my skills. What I do is get the job done, quickly, efficiently, and find the information that is needed to explain it to superiors/customers. I was hired by a company approximately 1.5 years ago, at the time I didnt take the time to understand the pay raise/merit system they had in place, I hired in at top level (F9) for an hourly position. I was with the company for a year at the F9 level starting rate which I lived with but didnt like because I like the plant and the position I had. In that year period I did things no technician had ever done before, mainly it was knowing what to do to solve problems and state them(also willing to spend time/call ins ect). My skills with computers surpassed any tech before me (and many engineers). When the time came and with a little push by me I was given a double raise for my position and when June comes I expect to top out for my classification. I have made my place at this plant.
What all that diatribe means is that never admit you "can't", "can't never could". When talking to an employer never state you do not know AB but state that your strength is with Omron (an example) but have dealt with AB (one of those white lie things) and that the transition should be simple because of your overall knowledge of machines and programming. Emphasize/show abilities (my trick is to have a laptop with plc programming software which I take with me and attempt to show and tell with). Take the time to create a PowerPoint presentation on CD and/or create a website (the knowledge benefits from that can be astounding). The cost nowadays is minimal (maybe $10 yr for domain name and $60 yr for host), geez that is nothing compared to what I have paid in the past.
As you can tell I have a tendency to ramble, I apologize. Hopefully I stated something that may assist you in future endeavors.
