Programmable Controllers

PLCs vs PACs: Did Digi-Key get it right? I’m not so sure… (qa230316)

Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 03/16/23: There's no question that Digi-Key has contributed to the industry with its many high quality (and completely free) technical articles. But the question today is if they got the difference between PLCs and PACs right in their recent article, a...

S7 PLCSim, TIA Portal v18 – Create and Test PLC Programs (T010)

In this edition of Automation Tech Tips, I walk through how to create your first PLC Program in TIA Portal v18, and then run it inside of the free PLCSim software. NOTE: If you need to learn how to use the S7 PLC, check out my S7 PLC Course. It...

Industrial PLCs based on Arduino and Raspberry PI (P143)

Today my guest is David Peterson from Control.com who comes on the show to share his experience with PLCs based on Arduino and Raspberry Pi in Episode 143 of The Automation Podcast. For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below the video. Watch the Podcast:  Listen via Apple, Google, Pandora,...

CompactLogix – Why Does Its IP Address Keep Changing? (qa230221)

Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 02/21/23: A reader recently asked why does his CompactLogix's IP Address keep  reverting back to the old value every time he cycles power, and I share my thoughts on that in today's Automation Q&A. NOTE: You'll find the articles mentioned in this...

TIA Portal – How To Download A Free Trial (2023, T007)

In this edition of Automation Tech Tips I walk through how to download the free trial of TIA Portal v18. NOTE: If you need to learn how to use TIA Portal, check out my S7 Level 1 PLC course. It comes with instructor support and never expires. Automation Tech Tip Video:...

RSLinx – What To Do When The Ethernet/IP Driver Won’t Find Your Device (T006)

In this edition of Automation Tech Tips, I walk through how to setup the Ethernet Devices Driver in RSLinx Classic, which can be helpful if your device is not showing up in the Ethernet/IP driver. NOTE: If you need to learn how to use the CompactLogix, check out my CompactLogix...

BOOTP-DHCP Utility – Why Won’t It Disable BOOTP? (qa230210)

Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 02/10/23: I was recently asked by a community member what to do if the BOOTP-DHCP Tool/Utility wouldn't disable the BOOTP setting in a PLC and HMI, and I share my thoughts on that question in today's Automation Q&A below. NOTE: For our...

Message (MSG) – ControlLogix to PowerFlex 525? (qa230208)

Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 02/08/23: Recently I was asked by a community member if they could use a MSG instructions in a ControlLogix to communicate with a PowerFlex 525, and I share my thoughts on that question in today's Automation Q&A below: NOTE: If you need...

Micro800 – Can I use the USB Port to Read Data? (qa230202)

Automation Q & A from the Morning Show dated 02/02/23: Recently I was asked by a community member if they could use the USB Port on a Micro800 to connect to a third party RFID device to read data into the PLC, and I share my thoughts on that question...

CCW – How to use the free Micro800 Simulator (T004)

In this edition of Automation Tech Tips I walk through how to use the free PLC Simulator for the Micro800 that comes with CCW. For the written version of this video, click here. Note: If you need help learning to use CCW with the Micro800 line of PLCs, check out...

CCW – How to download Connected Components Workbench for free in 2023 (T003)

Note: If you need help learning to use CCW with the Micro800 line of PLCs, check out my Five-Star rated Micro800 Nano Basics online course. It comes with support and never expires. Automation Tech Tip Video: [vimeo 794267835 w=750 h=420] Article: How to download Connected Components Workbench Step 1) Navigate to www.ab.com: Step...

OpenPLC (P139)

Today my guest is Thiago Alves who introduces OpenPLC in Episode 139 of The Automation Podcast. For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below the video. Watch the Podcast:  Listen via Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, TuneIn, YouTube, Rumble, Amazon Music, RSS, or below: The Automation Podcast, Episode 139 Show...

PLC-5 – Why is 1771 I/O Addressed in Octal? (qa230130)

Automation Q & A for 01/30/23: Recently I was asked why a PLC-5's I/O is addressed in Octal, and I answer that question in today's Automation Q&A below: NOTE: If you need to learn how to use and program the PLC-5, check out my Ultimate PLC-5 online course. It comes with support...

RSEmulate, RSLogix – Create, Download, Test a Program (T002)

NOTE: The free "RSLogix Micro Starter Lite" software only works with the MicroLogix 1000, MicroLogix 1100, and free SLC-500/MicroLogix Emulator, Emulate500. To learn how to get all the software covered in this video for free, see our previous episode here. Note: If you need help learning to use RSLogix, check...

RSLogix Micro, RSLinx, RSEmulate 500 – How to download for free in 2023 (T001)

NOTE: The free "RSLogix Micro Starter Lite" software only works with the MicroLogix 1000, MicroLogix 1100, and free SLC-500/MicroLogix Emulator, Emulate500. If you need help learning to use RSLogix, check out my Five-Star rated PLC Basics online course. It comes with support and never expires. Automation Tech Tip Video: [vimeo 793095153...

Studio 5000 – V35: What’s New

Late last year Rockwell released version 35 of Studio 5000 Logix Designer, and in today's article I'll cover the highlights of what's new and updated in the latest release. New Features: Axis Test Mode: Feature simulates real-time motion control behavior at the axis, module, or group level, without requiring connected...

TIA Portal – v18: What’s New (P132)

This week our guest is John DeTellem from Siemens, and he covers What's New in TIA Portal V18 in Episode 132 of The Automation Podcast. For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below the video. Watch the Podcast:  Listen via Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, YouTube, Amazon Music, Stitcher,...

ControlLogix – Seven Things New Users Need To Know

In today's article I'm going to share what I've found have been the most important things new users must know about ControlLogix before they start using these programmable controllers for the first time. After reviewing the list, if you think something should be added or removed, please feel free to...

Studio 5000 – Pricing, Packages, Features & Bundles

In today's article I'm going to take a detailed look Studio 5000 pricing, available packages and bundles, and what features are included with each as it stands today. Studio 5000 Mini: Ladder Logix only for CompactLogix only The “Mini” edition of Studio 5000 Logix Designer only programs the “CompactLogix” family of...

RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000 Logix Designer

To program a CompactLogix or ControlLogix controller you're going to need a copy of Studio 5000 Logix Designer, which was formerly known as RSLogix 5000 prior to the version 21 release: If you don't have a copy, you can purchase it using this link to Rockwell’s new online software portal,...