Have started a knew job where plcs rule, I need to know more about them and how to determine if fault is Plc or external?

 

First what is the type/make of PLC?
So does it mean you have been thrown in the deep end with no experience of them?
The beauty of the PLC is the onscreen ladder makes diagnosis relatively easy, compared to the old relay logic panels, there are books out there but it helps to zero in on the type used where you are working.'
Max.

 

Assuming you know the basics of PLC functioning, I'd suggest getting hold of datasheets/manuals for specific PLCs and studying those in detail.

 

I see in the post title you mention PIC's ? Some use the same terminology for both PIC's and PLC's.
Max.

 

First what is the type/make of PLC?
So does it mean you have been thrown in the deep end with no experience of them?
The beauty of the PLC is the onscreen ladder makes diagnosis relatively easy, compared to the old relay logic panels, there are books out there but it helps to zero in on the type used where you are working.'
Max.

It's a Siemens used in a case erector

 

I see in the post title you mention PIC's ? Some use the same terminology for both PIC's and PLC's.
Max.

Sorry just bad predictive

 

I see in the post title you mention PIC's ? Some use the same terminology for both PIC's and PLC's.
Max.

Never worked with plcs ever

 

The PLC has its basis in Boolean arithmetic, when writing a program, there is the basic rung method which simulates an electrical schematic system.
As it was originally developed in N.A. it uses the same system of two vertical power rails, on the left and right hand sides with the logic progressing from left to right ending with the output function (or result) on the right hand side.
Simulating the electrical schematic it replaces.
After becoming familiar with this method, many PLC's have the ability to just use a form of straight boolean, and go back and forth between the two.
I have not used the Siemens but I assume where you are there is a programming/diagnostic terminal that can usually be used off line and the ladder displayed on it, if so it should be possible to use it to do some familiarization off line.
Also I would assume there should be programming manuals on hand to refer to.
If you are at all familiar with the older relay logic/hard wired systems, it should not take too long to come up to speed.
(Historical reference: GM and Dick Morley).
Max.

 

It's a Siemens used in a case erector

I must admit I had to Google 'Case Erector', worked on a few machines but had never heard of that one!
Max.

 

Have you visited http://www.industry.usa.siemens.com...tems/industrial-automation/plc/pages/plc.aspx for more information?

 

Thanks to all who replied, a big help.

 

Hello,

You might also want to have a look here:
PLC Manual Basic Guide to PLCs

This was found using the following query:
PLC tutorial

Bertus

 

Never worked with PLCs? Even with an electrical background, You have a lot of reading to do.

 

Just a little more on your question of trouble shooting, I assume these are M/C's purchased by the company, so you may not have the Siemens Ladder software for monitoring etc.
This helps tremendously when trouble shooting as the whole PLC Pgm can be monitored in 'real time' otherwise without it, you are virtually limited to monitoring the I/O indicator LED's on the unit itself and this will only give you limited info.
If it is not available, and down time of the machine is critical, it would pay to press for the aquasition of the software.
Max.