PLC programming and equipment

[theoss]

Realise this isn't really what this place is about, but I remember there were some members here who know this stuff.

I've been having (another) go at learning a bit of programming. I've got a fair grip on 'small' contollers, such as Logo, but I'm struggling with Siemens S7- far too many functions available for a beginer to get to grips with, yet extensively used functions aon logo, such as latching relays, don't seem to be available.

I've been told that Mitsubishi is easier to learn, and to that end I have aquired a couple of old controllers, but I need software and leads- anyone have anything they want to sell?

 

[gridley51]

I used to do a fair bit of plc installation and programming on machines I was automating.My first choice when I started was Siemens (S5 then),but unfortunately could not get either Siemens rep or their agent in Scotlands rep to come and see me.
So I called Mits.They put me in touch with a private reseller in Glasgow who came along and explained everything and answered all my questions.He got an order for four plc`s and four expander units,cables etc and I stuck with Mits for ever more.
In these days everybody`s software for programming was £1000 so I did it the long way,draw up a ladder diagram and manually programme through a keypad.Not difficult if your comfortable with electrical drawings.
Programming has moved on and there are a few ways to programme now such as list ans statement? as well as the old way.
I have a mate who is new to plc`s,he`s using things from Automation Direct,programming with a laptop and doesn`t give it a second thought.
The only plc`s I touch now are existing ones on my own machines so I have software for Siemens.
I can help with Siemens stuff and I may have an old version of Melsec and I`ve also got some older Mits stuff.
Mark.

 

[Luke]

I use Siemens kit pretty much every day. Mostly Drives and Motion Control, but also a lot of S7-300 PLC stuff.

Which PLC do you have? 300 series? (Simatic Manager/Step7) 200 series?(Microwin)

I'll help as best I can.

 

[gridley51]

What drives do you work on Luke?I`ve got 6RA`s,6RB`s and 610`s.I had 611`s but got rid.

 

[graffian]

If you find a copy of the software I would be interested, I was thinking if putting a PLC on my milling machine. The draw bar release needs some relay logic and someone who saw me sitting with a pile of relays and scratching my head, said 'you need a PLC'. He gave me an old Moeller PLC, he did dig out the Moeller software floppies, but the floppy drive I found wouldn't read them.

 

[Luke]

I was doing some training for some customers on 6RA70 just yesterday.

Mostly the new Sinamics range - S120 and G120, as well as Micromasters. I've got a job in Ireland coming up replacing some 6SE42s with S120 - I'd not seen them before, until this job. 611 upgrades are reasonably common.

 

[Robotstar5]

If you find a copy of the software I would be interested, I was thinking if putting a PLC on my milling machine. The draw bar release needs some relay logic and someone who saw me sitting with a pile of relays and scratching my head, said 'you need a PLC'. He gave me an old Moeller PLC, he did dig out the Moeller software floppies, but the floppy drive I found wouldn't read them.

Providing you don't need vast amounts of I/O, a Siemens Logo! would be a good PLC to use, fairly easy to program, available from RS (and elsewhere) We use them at work a lot in small projects.
I may have some software you could have

 

[theoss]

Providing you don't need vast amounts of I/O, a Siemens Logo! would be a good PLC to use, fairly easy to program, available from RS (and elsewhere) We use them at work a lot in small projects.
I may have some software you could have

Just to add to that;

Here is a logo in last years very tidy christmas lighting sequencer;


Siemens logo 0BA2 by theoss, on Flickr

The one on the right I don't think is any longer available- if you need extra inputs/outputs, there are expanders available. I've just about got the hang of logo, with the exception of analogue functions- although I couldn't imagine entering a program without software and using the small screen.
They are often available on ebay for around 45 quid- but be careful what you buy as older and latest versions all look the same. I think the latest is a 0BA6, but older versions starting with 0BAO, often appear and they don't have as many functions. Best deal I got was a buy it now for 50 quid which included a the controller, lead, software and manual.

For Siemens PLC I have a basic S7200, which was also bought as a kit, and included Step7 Microwin 32, version 3.1.2. The manual is like a london phone book and it's hard to filter out the basics I need from the complicated stuff. Seeing some simple sample circuits in function block would probably be a good start.

 

[Wedg1e]

I quite like the Mitsu Melsec FXo series, nice and compact with enough I/O for the systems we build. I have both the handheld programmer and the Mitsu GX software (although the 'simulate' mode is crap).
Think they've been deleted by Mitsubishi now but they come up on Ebay all the time, along with the red programming cables that techies have 'lost'

 

[Robotstar5]

I've got some Allen Bradley & Mitsi PLC's in the loft, will look them out if any ones interested.

 

[graffian]

I've got some Allen Bradley & Mitsi PLC's in the loft, will look them out if any ones interested.

Might be..
I originally just wanted to switch a pair of solenoids on, for fixed periods and only when a few conditions were met, maybe half a three inputs. But
I can see a lot more would be good, maybe I could run the spindle through it and link all the estop stuff. Not in any great rush, though I should be as the machines been sitting in the corner of the garage for 2 years.

 

[Robotstar5]

But I can see a lot more would be good, maybe I could run the spindle through it and link all the estop stuff. Not in any great rush, though I should be as the machines been sitting in the corner of the garage for 2 years.

Will have a look, wouldn't advice using PLC's in e/stops, unless it is purpose built for the job e.g Pilz

 

[madhan]

I got a SIEMENS LOGO! 12/24RCo and I need a programming software, so that I can upload and download it from the PC to the PLC. Can you pls help me on this. my email ID is madhanrajk1972@yahoo.com. thanks in advance.

 

[piman]

Hello Robotstar,

What Allen Bradley bits do you have?

I've been using a couple of Micrologix 1200s that I bought on E Bay. Programming software was about £100 from Rockwell, which is adequate for basic ladder programming.

Alec

 

[Robotstar5]

Hello Robotstar,

What Allen Bradley bits do you have?

Just checked, it was an SLC500 and Dataliner but both sold on ebay some time ago, sorry.

 

[daleyd]

I'd agree with the thought that as well as just the plc you should also factor in the cost of software, cable, memory card if needed ( most Siemens need a proprietary card) etc. things can add up by the time you finish

 

[Robotstar5]

I got a SIEMENS LOGO! 12/24RCo and I need a programming software, so that I can upload and download it from the PC to the PLC. Can you pls help me on this. my email ID is madhanrajk1972@yahoo.com. thanks in advance.

I got mine from RS - Link do they have similar suppliers in Oz?