Ladder Logic 304: Timer Application
Today’s post is in response to Dave Tompkins, who posted a request for help last week for an application. Since he posted it on one of my series posts on ladder logic (204: Auto Sequences) I decided to frame it …
Tag: programming
Non-Native Devices: .eds and .gsd files
When designing a control system, sometimes it becomes necessary or advantageous to communicate with devices that were not made by the PLC manufacturer. If these devices need to be placed on an Ethernet, DeviceNet or Profibus network there are methods …
Ladder Logic 303: PLC Forensics
Today’s topic involves a project I have been working on over the last few months. The project consists of adding process equipment including tanks, pumps, valves and instrumentation to an existing system… while it is running. Because production runs 24 …
Random Thoughts 1
Hello again from Miami. This time I drove down here since I needed to spend a couple of weeks on my current project, upgrading a juice and beverage compounding system. When I’m out of town for a long time its …
After the Training – Maximizing your Investment
Greetings from not-so-sunny Jupiter, Florida. Despite the lack of sunshine, the weather is nice. I have spent the last several weeks teaching in my home state of Tennessee, and… brrr… Minnesota. I am down here for a couple of weeks …
PLC Articles – Software and Hardware
Since I started this blog in early 2011 I have written a lot of articles on PLCs. The PLC is a major part of many industrial facilities and machines, and indeed has been an important part of my career. Now …
The Importance of Machine Documentation
Automated machinery can be very complex and cost millions of dollars. When it breaks down seconds can count… lost production affects the bottom line and can lead to lost customers when deadlines aren’t met. So why is machine documentation considered …
Idec PLCs
Today’s post continues the series on PLC platforms started last year. This is another guest post from Steve Myres, who also wrote an article on Indirect Addressing. Articles in this series include Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Koyo and Panasonic platforms. I wrote …
Dynamic (Indirect) Addressing
Today’s post is another guest article, this one written by Steve Myres. Steve owns Automation Solutions, a controls integration company that also provides machine mechanical, electrical, and fluid power troubleshooting and design. ************************************************************ Dynamic addressing In this article, I’ll describe …
Automation Direct (Koyo) PLCs
This post is a continuation of a series I started a couple of weeks ago on PLC platforms. So far I have covered Allen-Bradley and Siemens, this week I am going to discuss the Automation Direct and Koyo platform. Koyo …