anybody know a good book about PLCs

[sandbarDan]

I noticed on a old thread that alot of bbcers had industrial electrical type maintenance jobs. I just started a new job last week, a little more advanced equipment than my last job . Alot of the equipment is automated and runs with PLCs. I will probably take a class or two in the future but was wondering if any bbcers out there know of any good plc training books avialable on amazon or somewhere to get me started in the meantime. Dont worry guys my new employers already know I dont have any expirience with PLCs .

[oiltech09]

We use AB exclusively. I think there is a free download of their software. You are in a great field automation is not going away

[cubswin]

most of the manufactures are going to have some training. My company does some automation work, but my division is mostly concerned with data collection. I'll try and check with the actual automation guys about training tomorrow if I get a chance.

[JR19]

Logix Pro PLC Simulator is what I used for training,when I was in school. I think you can get a free download but I am not sure if it was open to the public or for students at our school...IM sent

[JR19]

http://www.thelearningpit.com/lp/logixpro.html

I found the link to download Logix Pro. I still have the workbook and you can use it if you can get the simulator to download to your PC.

[-Joe-]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by oiltech09 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">We use AB exclusively. I think there is a free download of their software. You are in a great field automation is not going away</td></tr></table>

AB is 99% of what we install. The SLC 500 with some of the new 5000 series. They do have a free software you can download. Also google Logix. You need to decide whether you are looking on the maintenance end of troubleshooting or are you wanting to get into programing? Two totally different monsters.

[Dbl00CustomBaits]

I just push buttons until it works. If it doesn't work, it needs replaced.

[crich84]

Whatever you do, reading about it wont make you proficient at any plc. Your book will help but your co-workers that do have a good handle on it will be able to help out more than anything. My last job had at least 5 different plc's. I had only worked with AB so the learning curve was a little steep! Direct training with experienced techs was what got me through.

[sandbarDan]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by -Joe- &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

AB is 99% of what we install. The SLC 500 with some of the new 5000 series. They do have a free software you can download. Also google Logix. You need to decide whether you are looking on the maintenance end of troubleshooting or are you wanting to get into programing? Two totally different monsters.</td></tr></table>

I am looking into the maintenance and troubleshooting. My job is to fix stuff when it breaks . Other than clearing faults and pressing reset buttons thats about all I know about the controls in PLC driven equipment. My supervisor knows alot more than me thankfully. I dont want to just depend on him to teach me. On the plus side he really likes fishing but doesnt have a boat. So I guess I can trade PLC knowledge for boat rides maybe

[Igore67]

As stated above, I've got PLC books and they help but the best training is AB classes or a programming class at a community college.

[Roddy]

I design industrail controls and I also teach plc training classes for maintenance personnel.
If you can pick up much from a book I'll be impressed. The simulation software on the other hand is a great tool. If you can get someone with some knowledge to mentor you a little that would be the best. Good luck with your new job.

If you do a little google searching there is some stuf out there. This is from a class at Penn State. https://www.courses.psu.edu/e_....html

[ol man river]

dont let all the fancy wording with the PLC's freak you out….as with all electrical troubleshooting……everythings a switch .

[cyclone70]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Roddy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I design industrail controls and I also teach plc training classes for maintenance personnel.
If you can pick up much from a book I'll be impressed. The simulation software on the other hand is a great tool. If you can get someone with some knowledge to mentor you a little that would be the best. Good luck with your new job.</td></tr></table>

What Roddy says,the programmer can make the program as simple or as complicated as he wants and some do it on purpose.Some of the ladder logic
gets very involved depending on the function of the machine and the number of PLC's tied together.The learning curve can be drastic.We try to keep the programs as simple as possible for the field tech. guys.

[BassTuner]

Hands on will be your best bet, ask tons of questions and understand how the machine operates that the PLC run and it may help you understand. I believe ours in Direct Logic, basicly all I/O blocks controled by a PC.

I'm thinking about taking a class to enhance my knowledge more as well. I would def use your fishing knowledge to barter ....

[Charles Prestridge]

For me, the 1st thing is to just start learning and thinking in Ladder logic format. Going from schematics to ladder logic is a little different.

Then start learning the difference between internal PLC relays/timers/etc and the external hardware.

Then dive into the inputs and outputs of the PLC.

Then start learning the software for the particular PLC's you will be working with.

The differences between brands can be no big deal to completely different. For me, some want you to think backwards. Once you get used to thinking backwards, it becomes normal.

I used to love Texas Instruments PLC's and TISOFT software. It was so straightforward. Then Seimans bought them and Germans don't engineer anything simple.

Good luck

[sandbarDan]

thanks for all the replys guys. They like me so far at the new job so hopefully I can keep it that way. I cant stand not knowing how stuff works so I know I will get it all figured out eventually. I have manuals for all the equipment at home with me so if I can stay awake long enough everthing will be fine. Probably take a class or two at etown cc once I get settled in a little at the new job. Barely know my way around the building at this point

[KellyJoe]

Just remember with most anything electrical. If you ever let the smoke out, it'll probably never work again.