While the MicroLogix 1000 is the least expensive RSLogix based PLC from Rockwell Automation (starting around $150,) it's also the most limited.
That in mind, in today's article we'll compare the MicroLogix 1000's “Program Files” with the MicroLogix 1100's, as they are the only two MicroLogix PLCs supported by the free version of RSLogix Micro we discussed last week.
When you create a new MicroLogix 1000 program, you'll notice that unlike other MicroLogix, the SLC-500 and PLC-5, you have several Ladder Program Files created for you automatically, instead of just the typical default ladder program 2:
This is because the MicroLogix 1000 has very limited memory, and to accommodate this Rockwell expands the program files to the maximum supported in this processor.
What this means is, you not only can't create additional Ladder files, but LAD 3, 4, 5, and 16 have already been assigned functions. This leaves Lad 6-15 for user subroutines:
The MicroLogix 1100 on the other hand is more like the rest of the MicroLogix line (and the SLC-500 and PLC-5.)
When you create a new program, you'll see just the standard LAD 2 program file:
And like the SLC-500 and PLC-5, you can right click on “Program Files” to create new Ladder routines:
Note: While you can create Ladder Programs 3 through 255, you likely wouldn't have enough memory in the 1100 to actually file all 254 program files with programs of any substantial size:
And that's it for our look at the differences in Program files between the MicroLogix 1000 and 1100.
If you'd like to learn how to use and program both the MicroLogix 1000 and 1100, I suggest checking out my affordable MicroLogix video training course at PLC Basics Second Edition.
And to see a video of the comparison, check out the below episode of The Automation Minute:
Until next time, Peace ✌️
Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator
Have a question? Join my community of automation professionals and take part in the discussion! You'll also find my PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.
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Shawn is a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who as a pre-teen in the early 80's discovered his passion for programing on the newly released Apple II and VIC-20 computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, Shawn worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus full time on teaching online PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at The Automation School, as well as publishing industrial automation news, interviews, and how-to articles & videos at The Automation Blog.
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