The Automation Blog
Using Function Blocks in the S7-1200
When we develop programs in any application, it's important for the project to be as efficient, as consistent, and as accurate as possible.
Something that Siemens has incorporated into their PLC’s to help with efficiently...
Technology Object – PID_Compact
So far in this series I've created a functioning PLC program in my S7-1200, and an HMI project in my Basic Panel to manipulate and operate the program.
Now I'm looking to enhance my application...
Siemens HMI Basic Panel – First Graphic Display
Now that I have my KTP700 Basic HMI included in my TIA Portal Project, it is time to create a couple of graphical displays that will allow me to interact with the program that...
Siemens HMI Basic Panel – First Project
I've been working through my “Home Sprinkler System” project, and now have an S7-1200 PLC that contains a small but functioning program that will run a sequence of sprinklers around my lawn.
The next step...
PLCnext: The Next Generation of PLCs (P68)
In this episode of The Automation Podcast, I sit down with Ira Sharp from Phoenix Contact to get up to speed on their next gen PLC line, PLCnext.
For more information, check out the "Show...
S7-1200 First Program – Home Sprinkler System
In my previous articles I've covered installing and licensing the TIA Portal software, setting up and configuring the CPU and I/O modules, as well as compiling and downloading a program, and then going online...
S7-1200 Going Online, Run Mode, LED & CPU Status
In the last article I ended after compiling and downloading to the S7 1200.
In this article, I am going online with the CPU, changing the Mode to “RUN” and exploring the status information and...
TIA Portal First Steps: Add CPU, Configure, and Download
In my last few articles I've covered unboxing my new Siemens Starter Kit, assembling the hardware, connecting power, installing and licensing the TIA Portal software, and creating my first project.
In this article, I will...
Licensing and Opening TIA Portal for the First Time
In my first article on the Siemens Starter Kit, which includes the S7-1200 FailSafe CPU, I covered unboxing and contents, powering up the unit and loading the Simatic software.
The next step seems to be...
Time Synchronization in ControlLogix Systems
In my living room sits this clock, given to my great-grandfather in 1991 for fifty years of service. As I wind it up every few days, it gives me several important reminders in life.
To...
Siemens S7-1200FC Failsafe Starter-Kit
Since the beginning of my career back in 2000, I have worked with quite a few different automation vendors and products.
The first PLC I ever touched was an old Allen Bradley SLC 100, and...
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How To Use Moxa's Remote Connection Gateways
Learn how to use Moxa's Remote Connection Gateways and Client Software in this episode of Automation Tech Tips.
For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below the video.
Automation Tech Tips Episode 1 Show...
Industrial Raspberry Pi Project, Part 2
So, now I have a project and a target concept to build, I must dedicate myself fully to what components to use.
At this point, I have what feels like a lot of time, but...
Honeywell Experion Controllers with PM I/O
Many Distributed Control Systems (DCS) that were created in the 1970s and 1980s were developed with proprietary hardware and software.
These Distributed Control Systems were very robust, and many are continuing to operate until this...
Control System Power Supplies: Run to Failure or Preventive Maintenance?
“Has it really been ten years since that was installed?”, is a question that comes to my mind quite often. I look around sometimes and wonder where the time has gone.
We install control systems...
First Look: MOXA Ethernet Switch, EDS-2005-EL
We take a first look at the EDS-2005-EL Ethernet Switch from MOXA in this episode of The Automation Minute.
The Automation Minute, Season 5 Episode 7 Show Notes:
Special thanks to Moxa for sending us a...
Converting a VMware VMX file for use in VirtualBox
In the previous article we created a virtual machine from a legacy windows 2000 computer to be able to run it on a newer PC using VMWare Workstation.
This allowed us to support this system...
Creating a Virtual Machine out of a Windows 2000 system
Everyone still has that needed legacy software or software platform that was used on Windows NT, 2000, XP etc. and it is still needed to configure a legacy support system that you are still...
ControlLogix Redundancy v33: Six Things You Need To Know
You might be very happy with NOT touching your Logix 5561 redundant controllers running at firmware version sixteen, and I don’t wish to persuade you otherwise.
But if you are thinking about upgrading to something...
