Allen-Bradley (A-B)

SLC-100 Programming Software? (M5E30)

I discuss a reader's question about where you can find the programming software for a SLC-100 (and 150) in this episode of The Automation Minute. [vimeo 731509958 w=750 h=420] The Automation Minute, Season 5 Episode 30 Show Notes: Episode Links: - Download A-B & Icom SLC-100 & SLC-1500 Programming Software and Manuals: SLC-100 /...

Sharing Data Between A-B Programmable Controllers (MSG)

Recently, one of our community members asked how he could go about sharing data between various Allen-Bradley PLCs. First he needed to share Tag Values between two ControlLogix controllers, after which he needed to read data into his ControlLogix from various legacy A-B PLCs. Over the last thirty years I've found...

How To Program A-B’s First PLC

In our previous article we discussed the hardware details of Allen-Bradley’s first programmable controller, the PDQ-II. Now in today’s article we’ll take a detailed look at the program side, including programming options and procedures, as well as what mnemonics (aka instructions) were available for use in PDQ-II programs. PDQ-II programs...

The PDQ-II: Allen-Bradley’s First PLC

It was the summer of 1969, and Information Instruments, Inc (3I) became the second company (after DEC) to supply a “Standard Machine Controller” to the GM’s Hydra-Matic division, several weeks ahead of Bedford Associates and their legendary Modicon 084. While GM Hydra-Matic Computer Group was extremely happy with how the...

IFM – Temperature Sensor: Setup, Wire, Use with S7-1500, CompactLogix (S47)

In this episode of The Automation Show I setup a new IFM TN2511 Temperature Sensor, then wire it up to both a S7-1500 and CompactLogix to test it out. For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below the video.  The Automation Show, Episode 47 Show Notes: A huge thank you...

Are Your Allen-Bradley Products Obsolete? Here’s How To Find Out

The Allen-Bradley brand has been around for over a hundred years, and in the last fifty years they've released thousands of different electronic products, including PLCs, VFDs, and HMIs. So it's no surprise today that Rockwell Automation customers may be unsure of which products used in their plants are still...

System Design – How To Use Rockwell’s New Ethernet/IP Capacity Tool

In today's article I'll show you how to use Rockwell's new Ethernet/IP Capacity Tool. The replacement for Rockwell's discontinued Ethernet/IP Capacity Tool can now be found inside of Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB.) Note: To learn how you can get a free copy of IAB, check out my previous article HERE. To access...

How To Enable Legacy PLCs In Integrated Architecture Builder

So you've updated Rockwell's Integrated Architecture Builder to gain access to new devices like the 5580 and 5380 Controllers. Then later you realize you can no longer create projects with older controllers like the ControlLogix 5560, CompactLogix L23 and L3x, and the PLC-5. Fortunately, the good folks over at Rockwell provide...

How To Download, Use, and Update Rockwell’s Integrated Architecture Builder

In today's article I walk you through how to find, download, install, use, and update Rockwell's free Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB) software. UPDATE - June, 2022: Rockwell made some changes to their website and I documented the new procedure to download IAB in the below article: - How To Download Rockwell's...

Find Allen-Bradley Parts and Prices with Proposal Works

In this article I'll walk you through the process of looking up Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software Catalog Numbers and Prices by downloading, installing, and using the free Proposal Works application. Start by navigating your web browser to www.ab.com: 2) Once there, search on "Product Selection Toolbox": 3) Then select it from...

How To Find Your Local Rockwell Distributor or Representative

A common question my students ask is about who should they call to purchase Allen-Bradley Software and Hardware. To address this I send them a link to Rockwell's website, which will allow them to look up their local Rockwell representative or distributor. These reps can help them with the following...

How to find and download Rockwell and Allen-Bradley software updates

In today's article I'll walk you through how to download Rockwell and Allen-Bradley software updates for purchased software. NOTE: If you need to download free software like RSLinx Classic Lite, you can skip to step 2, and in Step 3 choose "Find Downloads" to search for the software you wish...

I want to learn A-B PLC’s, which model should I get?

This is a common question I get here on the blog and from my students at TheAutomationSchool.com. And while Rockwell has released many different platforms since 1970, there's one current gen and one last gen I usually recommend. Budget Minded First let's assume you're on a budget and need to get started as...

What are “Temporary Activations” (and how do I get one?)

Rockwell's Temporary Activations are designed to give prospective customers the ability to "try out" or "demo" Rockwell software products for a limited time. And the way you request a Temporary Activation (TA) for a Rockwell software product is to call your local Rockwell Authorized Distributor (or Rockwell Automation Representative) and ask for...

Sample Code – How to download free A-B Sample Programs and AOIs (M2E38)

Learn how to get free A-B PLC Sample Programs in The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 38: UPDATE: Check out the new 2017 version of this video here [vimeo 261565039 w=640 h=360] If you've found this video helpful, checkout my training courses here. Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the...

What do you think of Rockwell’s new website?

Question of the Week: What do you think of Rockwell's new website? Over the weekend I went up to AB.com to grab some manuals and low and behold their homepage was completely different. My first reaction wasn't good because I had memorize the location of all the most important links. However, after a...

Do not delete: Why you should keep your Rockwell software order email

Stop! Don't delete that email you received after ordering software from Rockwell! In fact, you really should take a moment to file that email away someplace safe, someplace you can get to quickly for months and years to come. Why? We'll, as we discussed back in January in this article, when you provide your email...

Stunning Video – Automation Company’s Van Used In Robbery

Happy Friday! In today's article we're going to take a walk on the lighter (and less technical) side to discuss new security video of a brazen heist carried out with what appears to be an automation company's van. Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction... I think most of us have probably experienced those times in the office when...

Find Rockwell downloads and updates (P25)

In The Automation Podcast: Episode 25, we discuss where you find Rockwell downloads and updates. Note - You'll find more information about Rockwell downloads and updates in our companion content below: Blog: How to find and download Rockwell Allen-Bradley Software Video: Finding Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation Product Downloads Video: Getting Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software Updates Listen to the...

Rockwell Software Support for Windows 7, 8 and XP (P24)

In The Automation Podcast: Episode 24, we discuss Rockwell Software support for Windows 7, 8 and XP. Note - You'll find more information about Rockwell Software support in our companion content below: Blog: Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software support for Windows 7 Video: Using Rockwell Automation's Product Compatibility website Listen to the Podcast: