Complete PLC Reference 2

[jaraff6675]

I looking for a published book or maybe company reference literature that would ultimately give me a strong understanding of PLC programming, communication/linking, troubleshooting, all aspects. I do know I can aquire AB literature. I'm looking for what is the best info to have..?? Beginning to advanced...

Thank You in advance!!!

 

[danw2]

"Programmable Logic Controllers: An emphasis on Design and Application", by Kelvin T. Erickson; a professor at University of Missouri, Rolla.

It's a huge, thick book 1450 pages, that covers each problem from 5 different brand approaches: Modicon, controlLogix, PLC-5/SLC-500, S7-300/400 & Ge Fanuc. It is not a theoretical, academic tome, it is more a practical approach with various applications and the programming for each.

And there's a fairly intensive chapter on communications, one short chapter on HMI's.

It amounts to a broad overview of a practical approach to PLCs with examples showing differences between the mid to higher end PLCs:

Modicon Quantum/Momentum
A-B ControlLogix
A-B PLC-5/SLC-500
Siemens S7 300/400, some 200
Ge Fanuc

I paid $75 USD for it at the show. The web site probably charges shipping.

http://www.dogwoodvalleypress.com/p...ion/default.asp

 

[skills]

You can go to

http://www.automationdirect.com

and

http://www.ezautomation.net

and download any of the manuals, guides, and literature for any of their products. Their material is product specific but generally informative as well. There are several sites that have good literature; but, I am at a loss at the moment for the urls.

http://www.paragontechnicalsystems.com

 

[jaraff6675]

Thank You Very Much!! to danw2 and skills for your response. I will be getting that book it seems to cover a wide variety of information I'm looking for. I will also check out Automation Direct, I've used there software and SLC's before.
Has anyone out there heard of the PLC programming course from George Brown College located in Canada??? It's a distant learning course, and if so is it worth the $1600. for the course... they use a PC simulated PLC for training.
How about training from Allen-Bradley sites??

Thanks Again!!

 

[mls1]

Hugh Jack of Grand Valley State University has a PLC book you can download for free here:

http://www.eod.gvsu.edu/~jackh/books/plcs/

It's not bad but it covers too many topics.

I can't speak about the George Brown College course specifically, but generally how much you get out of it will depend on what you know to begin with. If you don't know basic ladder logic, I'd recommend just picking up a few free references and maybe a cheap PLC and learn on your own. It's not rocket science. Then, once you've got the basics down, take a course to get more advanced topics like PID loops, etc.

 

[pooslinger]

If you have a community collage in your area, take a PLC class. I have sent Instrument techs to these kinds of classes and they do a good job. I have done "real world" presentations in the class in the past. There are people looking for a new carrier and experienced people taking it as a refresher. Chances are your employer will pick up the tab. Also get to know the instructor. He or she might be a good asset in the future.

 

[HCBFlash]

Here's a convenient one:

http://www.plcs.net

I've surfed his website lots of times, his course is probably a good starter course.

Please let us all know how this works out for you! and don't forget faq731-376

 

[jaraff6675]

Thanks to all for the help!! All suggestions were useful! I know I'm more informed now than I was before the post.