Trying to Learn PLC Programming 4

[sinueus]

Hi,
I always fall short on job applications because I can't program PLCs and the classes cost a fortune. I have the LogixPro sample diskette but that only allows ladder logic programming and working with that does not qualify me as a PLC programmer. I am thinking about buying a used PLC and learn to do it myself. There is one for sale in ebay that includes the following modules:

ALLEN BRADLEY 1746-A10 SLC 500 10-SLOT RACK W/ MODULES
1746-P4 SLC 500 POWER SUPPLY
(3) 1746-IA16 SLC 500 INPUT MODULE
(2) 1746-OW16 SLC 500 OUTPUT MODULE
(1) 1747-SN SLC 500 REMOTE I/O SCANNER

I think the numbers in parenthesis mean the number of modules included but I am not sure.

My question is: How much would I have to spend to get a system running so I can learn to program it? I am laid off so I can't afford to go overboard with this project.
Thanks for the replies.

 

[desnov74]

You know I took two courses at a community college. I was the only BSEE, everyone else was a techie. It was hands on and relatively cheap. I got access to the lab. We had a small starter kit for the first class, and the second class moved on to programming three diferent forms of machinery.

It was only like $300 for a 16week course, and I eventually got a job out of it.

 

[desnov74]

Didn't GM have a four step standard for documenting and writing PLC code?

A couple of links I found on PLC programming standards:

http://instrumentation.co.za/article.aspx?pklArticleId=4564&pklCategoryId=67

http://www.control.com/thread/1026152366

 

[hughjack]

You can find a book on PLC based control systems (with Allen Bradley) at the link below.

http://engineeronadisk.com/V2/engineeronadisk.html