PLC Learning Tools

• Hands-On Training Courses - InterConnecting Automation, Inc.
  
  
• Training Videos - InterConnecting Automation, Inc.
  
  
• Training Books, Schools & Organizations



• Free Online Tutorials - AutomationDirect's Video Learn site
  

Training courses for PLCs taught by seasoned veteran Doug Bell of InterConnecting Automation, Inc. who has used many of our products to solve difficult, real-world application problems. The three-day classes are held at AutomationDirect in Cumming, Georgia and in other cities nationwide. These hands-on PLC training classes use custom-built panels that contain our D4-450 CPU, a variety of I/O modules, operator panels, and DirectSOFT.

Introductory PLCs

• PLC family overview for all DirectLOGIC products
• Basic PLC theory of operation including CPU, bases, discrete I/O, analog I/O, and communications
• System configuration techniques
• Simple RLL programming including timers, counters, drums, basic math, and more.
• Advanced programming including number conversions, subroutines, RLL Plus, PID theory, etc.

Advanced PLCs

• Create programs based on specs given to you in class
• Learn table and pointer commands
• Wire, program and use Terminator and 205 remote I/O
• Writing and structuring programs using Stage
• Debug, diagnose and program PLC over cell phone
• Networks: serial RS-232 and RS-422
• Networks: Ethernet
• Networks: MAC-IP-PLC-Addressing
• Networks: multiple PLCs
• Networks: control motor speed from a master PLC to a slave w/motor/encoder setup
• Networks: using Read and Write commands and network wiring

PID Loops

• Learn PID short cuts and tools
• Learn to setup, tune, troubleshoot and debug PID loops.
• Adjust the gain, reset, rate, and many other PID parameters, to see how they affect the loop

Introductory PLC Training

Advanced PLC Training

PID Training

NOTE: AutomationDirect does not set prices or take reservations for these classes. For additional information including course prices, schedules and reservations contact:

InterConnectingAutomation
12154 North Ridge Trail
Hales Corners, WI 53130
Phone: 414-425-8348
Fax: 414-425-8363

Doug Bell can relate to the day-to-day problems associated with using and troubleshooting PLC systems. He started his career on the factory floor at Crown Cork & Seal, one of the world’s premier suppliers of cans and closure systems. After Crown, he established a successful firm to design and implement control applications, including programming and startup. His qualifications include:

• 20 years experience in PLC and control system design at more than 45 facilities worldwide.
• Managed the specification, procurement, programming, site startup and maintenance of automation projects
  
• Applications experience includes electronic feeder controls, HVAC controls, automated test stations, coating systems, printing lines, motion control systems, high speed applications, communication systems, device-level network applications, PC-based control solutions, HMI systems ...
  
• Experience in training both factory technicians and operations personnel

In the automation and controls business for more than 20 years, Mr. Bell has used both our products and competitive products and now offers training classes at several locations throughout the country.

Doug Bell of InterConnecting Automation, Inc., offers two PLC video training packages on PLC basics and PLC analog I/O. Both packages include pre-wired hardware trainers. The analog I/O trainer is an add-on to the basic PLC trainer.

Here is a list of generic training books that teach some of the basics of PLCs. (Note: we do not sell these books, they are for reference only!)

• Two video tapes showing examples of programming with DirectSOFT. You can get “Hands-On” experience by following along with the instructor who is using the same hardware. (DirectSOFT V2.4a, or later, can be used with this course.)
• Pre-wired PLC trainer using the AutomationDirect DL05 PLC with pushbuttons, lights, selector switches and a programming cable ready to plug into your computer
• A DL05 Users Manual, which is referred to throughout the video and is great for future reference

Video course content:

• Basics: introduction, basic wiring, logic AND & OR, sensors, relays, reasons for using a PLC, AutomationDirect PLC families
• CPU Internals: scan time, addressing, I/O (Xs and Ys), commands
• I/O: inside the I/O boards, octal addressing, programming methods -- hand-held programmer - DirectSOFT
• DirectSOFT: getting started, the launch pad, links, offline vs. online programming, maneuvering through & using DirectSOFT, creating and editing rungs
• Programming & Debugging: using inputs and outputs, debugging and status mode, PLC commands, troubleshooting

Benefits of video training courses:

• Work in your own home/office
• No need to travel anywhere
• Learn at your own pace
• Refer to the video at any time — you’ll still have the hardware to experiment with

• Two 2-hour analog training videos,
• firmware upgrade instructional video,
• a pre-wired analog trainer
• and DL05 analog I/O module and manual.

PLC Pre-wired Analog I/O Trainer:

• This unit is a “plug-and-play” add-on to the DL05 PLC Trainer or any existing DL05 PLC.
• Two 0-10 VDC meters
• Two 0-5 VDC potentiometers
• 24 VDC wall-mount power supply
• DL05 analog combo module, plus prewired cable from the trainer to the module, ready to plug into your DL05 PLC trainer or any existing DL05 PLC.

Video course content:

• Analog I/O principles - voltage, current, thermocouples
• PLC analog modules - input, output, thermocouple
• Configuring the analog I/O modules in the PLC
• DL05 PLC analog tutorial includes configuration, wiring, scaling (standard and nonstandard) and programming, using the potentiometers and voltmeters on the trainer unit
• Application programming examples, including controlling motor speed with a drive and an analog output card in a PLC

To order the PLC Logic and Principles video or the PLC Analog I/O video, contact:

InterConnectingAutomation
12154 North Ridge Trail
Hales Corners, WI 53130
Phone: 414-425-8348
Fax: 414-425-8363

• Programmable Controllers, Theory and Implementation
  Author: L. A. Bryan
  Publisher: Industrial Text Company, Atlanta, GA
  
• Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers, Sensors, and Communications, 2nd Edition
  Author: Jon Stenerson
  Publisher: Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ ISBN: 0-13-746124-0
  
• Programmable Logic Controllers
  Author: Frank D. Petruzella
  Publisher: Macmillan/McGrawHill, New York, NY
  
• Automação Aplicada (Applied Automation)
  Author: Marcelo Georgini
  Publisher: Editora Érica, São Paulo, Brazil
  www.editoraerica.com.br (All examples are based on AutomationDirect PLCs)

Schools and Organizations

Many local technical schools and community colleges offer courses that can help you understand basic principles that relate to PLCs. We would suggest courses in the following:

- Basic Electricity/Electronics
- Industrial Electricity
- Instrumentation
- Programmable Controls
- Microprocessors (optional)

View List of Schools that teach industrial technology courses using AutomationDirect equipment .

There are also other organizations that specialize in offering PLC related information and/or training courses. The Instrument Systems and Automation Society (ISA) offers a wide range of classes that cover many different skill levels.

Instrument Systems and Automation Society (ISA)
67 Alexander Drive
Research Triangle Park
Raleigh, NC 27709
Ph. 919-549-8411, www.isa.org

Note: AutomationDirect has not evaluated any classes, instructors, and/or materials provided by any organization listed. Therefore, we are not in a position to recommend one over another.

Learn.AutomationDirect.com is an online streaming tutorial site offering training and information on a wide range of practical automation products.

• Selecting A PLC Part 1 of 3 (General PLC Knowledge) Length: 05 min 35 sec
• Selecting A PLC Part 2 of 3 (General PLC Knowledge) Length: 16 min 04 sec
• Selecting A PLC Part 3 of 3 (General PLC Knowledge) Length: 17 min 45 sec
• PLC Memory Types (Doug Bell Training) Length: 05 min 26 sec
• Creating 0 Speed Identifier in Ladder Logic (Doug Bell Training) Length: 04 min 00 sec
• Direct Logic PLC Addressing (Doug Bell Training) Length: 07 min 46 sec
• Direct Logic Communications (Doug Bell Training) Length: 03 min 57 sec
• Selecting PLC Output (Doug Bell Training) Length: 02 min 13 sec
• How to create a one shot toggle in ladder logic (Doug Bell Training) Length: 05 min 03 sec
• Remote I/O Part 1, Introduction (What you should know before using Remote I/O) Length: 05 min 08 sec
• Remote I/O Part 2, Basics (Covering the basics before using Remote I/O) Length: 11 min 47 sec

• DirectSoft5 (Navigating DS Launch) Length: 06 min 32 sec
• DirectSoft5 (Editing DS500ini File) Length: 06 min 01 sec
• DirectSoft5 (Creating A Link) Length: 04 min 12 sec

• Ethernet Communications PRE-RECORDED Webinar, 6 part series, total viewing time: 55 min 54 sec
• DirectSoft5 Introduction PRE-RECORDED Webinar, 4 part series, total viewing time: 1 hr 06 min 40 sec
• DSoft5 IBox PRE-RECORDED Webinar, 4 part series, total viewing time: 47 min 06 sec
• DSoft5 IBox Part II Communications PRE-RECORDED Webinar, 4 part series, total viewing time: 49 min 51 sec
• DSoft5 IBox Part III CTRIO PRE-RECORDED Webinar, 6 part series, total viewing time: 51 min 26 sec

All of these video tutorials and webinars plus training videos for our other products can also be found on the AutomationDirect Learn site. www.learn.automationdirect.com

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