PLCs....?

[energysolutions]

Hi Folks,

Has anyone any info on PLC training courses or where they can be taken?

I have began dabbling with these and would like some training possibly leading to a recognised qualification if possible

I have came across online courses/distance learning which means it would be possible to progress at my own pace but I wonder if the lack of input from a proper tutor would be a problem

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance

PS - Just noticed its my first post so Hi everyone

 

[RWJ]

Hello
:welcome:


Not sure what PLC courses are...... Sorry!! I thought they might me something like pic chips???????

 

[energysolutions]

Hi RWJ,

Thanks for the welcome

Up until recently I didnt know what a PLC was either (Programmable Logic Controller) - basically they are elaborate relays that can be manipulated to control various things and accept inputs/signals from sensors etc

Very interesting stuff and pretty impressive what can be achieved with them - I reckon I have just scratched the surface and want to take it to the next level now

 

[RWJ]

Sounds cool.... I was on the right thought wave length and didn't really mean pic chips but could think what it was..

and I've still never seen a training course!!!!

Although I wouldn't mind more information myself.

 

[Richard Burns]

Not totally sure but I think you get courses from the manufacturers of the modules, tends to get you stuck with their make.

I think there are a couple of threads on the forum about PLCs, try a quick search.

Hope you enjoy the forum.

 

[Andy 7671]

From my little view of this subject. its kinda catch 22, Siemens Allen Bradley, Scada etc all do courses, but only relevent to their product, so you need to know what you need before you can learn it.

Unless you enroll for 2 year day release, Im guessing really, but would like answers as well.

 

[energysolutions]

Hmmm, I see your point about the various manufacturers and each will only focus/train within their own brand

I have used Siemens products and believe that they and Allen Bradley are the most common

I have googled this subject but still cant find any direction except the distance learning but I do wonder if it isnt too complex a subject to attempt in this way

 

[Andy 7671]

You could always post your questions on here or there, can you get hands on experience at work..?

 

[energysolutions]

True, I can get some experience at work (occassionally get breakdowns on some machines I work with) but I actually bought some Siemens PLCs to have a play around with

I wrote a few simple programs and had a fiddle before using one of them to control a new system I was involved with which was a compressor feeding 9 air valves

The PLC could open valve 1, then fire the pump up (so it wouldnt have to pump against a closed valve) and run for a set period before opening valve 2 (with a slight overlap on valve 1) then close valve 1 and so on, it had to do this for two complete cycles before closing everything down

If any part of the cycle needs tweeked it just needs a few clicks on a computer - no rewiring etc

These are the future

 

[pmac10]

these have been around since the 1960's, in my opinion Siemens would be the favoured supplier in Europe, go across the pond and that would switch to Allen Bradley from Rockwell Automation.
have a look on this website http://www.plctalk.net, its a great resource, but use the search feature first as they can get a bit irate answering the same questions, but remember they are handing out free advice, the same advice they're likely charging top dollar for during the day.
my local college (probably not local to you), runs a plc course, evening class, 2 hours a week for 30 odd weeks that leads to an Edexcel qualification of some description, might be worth checking your local college

 

[energysolutions]

Thats good info pmac10 - cheers

I have came across plctalk.net and found it useful on occasion

Have you had any experience with the PLC course? Judging by your location it IS local to me - which colleges are you aware of that offer it? This is EXACTLY the type of thing I`m after

Probably pushing my luck but dont suppose you know the best place for a high voltage course too?

 

[Guest123]

PLC Training Courses and PLC Programming

 

[Andy 7671]

Jeez, competetive pricing structure, think Ill give him a call tomorrow.

Cheers Lenny

 

[energysolutions]

Cheers Lenny

I had stumbled across that site before via Google - have anyone any personal experience of this company before I gift them some of my hard earned?

 

[Darkwood]

I can recommend a seimens LOGO' - pure 7th generation starter pack for about £150 + vat, it comes with a full working kit that once you've figured it all out can be used as you see fit.
It took me less than a week to get the basics and utilise it into a project i was doing and id never used one before, but a good sense of logic gates is all you require.
I think it comes with a easy follow book too if your new to logic gates and their meanings so id save your brass with courses etc and get a working kit and have a play, design all on computer then plug and load to plc, you may need to buy lead though and they aint cheap.