Insights In Automation’s
SLC-500 and MicroLogix Index (78)
Updated on April 1st, 2015
Today we’re featuring all the articles, podcasts, and videos we’ve done on the topic of the Allen-Bradley SLC-500 and Micrologix.
If there’s a new SLC-500 or MicroLogix topic you’d like to see covered, let us know by clicking on the “post a comment or question” field at the bottom of this page.
March 2, 2015
“Everything you need to know to get started using PLCs!” Today I’m proud to announce the release of my very first DVD training video, “Micro Programmable Controller Basics.” This release is the culmination of nearly a year’s worth of weekends and vacation time, all for the sole purpose of producing …
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February 11, 2015
When I began my quest last May to create an affordable PLC training video, I knew the cost of the video itself wasn’t the only obstacle. More ambitious students would want to buy a physical PLC and test out their programs with actual inputs and outputs. And in my twenty fives years …
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January 28, 2015
As I began production of my Micro Programmable Controller Basics DVD last May, I realized that people who wanted to learn PLC’s on their own would likely need help finding low cost alternatives to expensive industrial programming cables. With that in mind, I ordered both the official vendor cables as well …
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January 26, 2015
I often get asked what is the best way to learn how to program PLC’s? In my opinion, there’s nothing like first hand experience. Therefore, I always recommend buying a small Micro PLC to use at home as the best way to learn. But then comes the obvious next questions: Which Micro? What …
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January 7, 2015
Last year I purchased a copy of Rockwell’s RSLogix Micro Starter programming software (~$150) which programs all of Rockwell’s MicroLogix programmable controllers. Note: The programming software for the MicroLogix 1000 and 1100 is made available from Rockwell as a free download – more details in this article. In today’s article, I’ll share with you pictures of …
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December 31, 2014
Welcome to the third article in our “Best of 2014″ series. Today we’ll list the seven most popular SLC & MicroLogix blogs of 2014. As we mentioned yesterday, older blogs have a distinct advantage as they’ve been around longer than newer ones. With that in mind, it doesn’t surprise me to see a couple of our Best …
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February 13, 2015
Today we dig into our mailbag for another edition of “Insight’s Inbox.” Reader Question: I’ve run into an issue for which I would like to ask your opinion. Here in our plant we have SLC-500, specifically a SLC-5/03, which controls our material handling system. Whenever I connect to the SLC-5/03 to attempt to make a …
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December 31, 2014
Welcome to the third article in our “Best of 2014″ series. Today we’ll list the seven most popular SLC & MicroLogix blogs of 2014. As we mentioned yesterday, older blogs have a distinct advantage as they’ve been around longer than newer ones. With that in mind, it doesn’t surprise me to see a couple of our Best …
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October 29, 2014
The SLC-500 is a very popular PLC with over a million installed processors in facilities around the world. Over the years many of those facilities have modernized their sites by adding plantwide ethernet networks, and I often get calls asking how they can add their legacy SLC-500 systems to those Ethernet networks. Note: For our previous articles …
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October 27, 2014
The MicroLogix is a very popular Micro Programmable Controller, and I often get calls asking how they can be added to an Ethernet network While we’ve previously discussed options for adding Ethernet to PLC-5 processors, in today’s article we’ll discuss what it takes to add Ethernet to non-Ethernet MicroLogix. Upgrading to a MicroLogix with built-in Ethernet In many …
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October 24, 2014
Welcome to The Automation Blog’s “Flashback Friday!” Today I’m highlighting my RSLogix 500 “Providence Beer” demo. The year was 1996 and I was tasked with designing a “hands-on” seminar for the new PanelView 550. The hands-on labs I needed to create would include setting up communications, as well as basic screen creation. In order to do this, I would need …
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October 22, 2014
In today’s article we’ll review the communication protocols supported by all the models and series of Allen-Bradley MicroLogix programmable controllers. MicroLogix 1000 Protocol Support: Channel 0: Series A: DF1 Respond Only Series B: Same as series A Series C & Analog: DF1 Full Duplex, DF1 Half Duplex Slave, DH-485 The MicroLogix 1000’s single serial …
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October 21, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 43, Shawn Tierney walks you through using the MicroLogix 1100’s LCD to enable its DCOMM mode.
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October 20, 2014
In today’s article we’ll review the communication ports found on the Allen-Bradley series of MicroLogix programmable controllers. MicroLogix 1000 Communication Port: Channel 0: 8 Pin Mini-Din The MicroLogix 1000 includes a single RS-232 serial port for communications. This port is an 8 Pin Mini-Din style. To convert this communications port from RS-232 to RS-485, an …
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October 14, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 42, Shawn Tierney walks you through using the MicroLogix 1100’s LCD to change its digital Trim Pot values.
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October 7, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 41, Shawn Tierney walks you through using the MicroLogix 1100’s LCD to change its mode.
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September 30, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 40, Shawn Tierney walks you through using the MicroLogix 1100’s LCD to find its IP and MAC address.
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September 23, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 39, Shawn Tierney walks you through adding expansion I/O to the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 Programmable Controller.
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September 10, 2014
The MicroLogix 1400’s LCD, unlike the MicroLogix 1100’s, can be used to set the unit’s IP Address. In today’s article we’ll show you the steps to do just that. Setting the IP Address of a MicroLogix 1400 using the built-in LCD: 1) When the MicroLogix 1400 is powered on, it displays the I/O Status screen as shown below: …
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September 2, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 38, we look at the programming cables for and communications ports of the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 Programmable Controller.
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August 26, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 37, we look at the wiring terminals of the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 Programmable Controller.
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August 13, 2014
The MicroLogix 1400 has an extensive installation document referred to as “installation instructions” which you can obtain electronically from Rockwell’s website HERE. While these “installation instructions” cover many different topics, in this blog article I’ll be focusing on the installation and mounting of the controller itself. To allow for installation in the …
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August 12, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 36, I introduce you to the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 Programmable Controller.
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August 11, 2014
In 2008, forteen years after the original MicroLogix 1000 was released, and three years after the MicroLogix 1100, Rockwell introduced the MicroLogix 1400. This new micro PLC built on the success of the MicroLogix 1100, expanding on the built-in I/O count as well as the number of expansion modules supported. Featuring 32 digital I/O, 6 optional analog I/O, and support for any seven 1762 expansion …
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August 7, 2014
In The Automation Podcast: Episode 26, we discuss two different options when choosing a Beginner’s PLC.
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August 6, 2014
The MicroLogix 1100 includes an Ethernet port with a fixed MAC address, as well as a settable Ethernet IP address. In today’s article we’ll show you how to find both. Finding the MAC address on a MicroLogix 1100: 1) Thankfully, each MicroLogix 1100 comes with it’s unique MAC address stenciled on it. …
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August 4, 2014
The MicroLogix 1100’s LCD display allows access to many of it’s features and functions. In today’s article, we show you how to use it to change Trim Pot values: Changing Trim Pot values on the MicroLogix 1100 1) When the MicroLogix 1100 is powered on, it displays the I/O Status screen as shown below: 2) To …
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July 30, 2014
The MicroLogix 1100’s LCD display allows access to many of it’s features and functions. In today’s article, we show you how to use it to enable default comms: NOTE: When “Default Comms” is enabled, the MicroLogix 1100’s Channel 0 serial port is toggled back to the factory default settings. These settings include …
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July 28, 2014
The MicroLogix 1100’s LCD display allows access to many of it’s features and functions. In today’s article we show you how to use it to change this PLC’s mode: Changing the MicroLogix 1100’s mode 1) When the MicroLogix 1100 is powered on, it powers up displaying I/O Status seen below: In the …
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July 25, 2014
The MicroLogix 1100’s base I/O can be expanded using 1762 I/O modules. In this article we’ll describe the details of how this is accomplished. On the right side of the front of a MicroLogix 1100 you’ll find a removable plastic cover covering the battery compartment as well as the 1762 I/O expansion port. The first step in adding 1762 …
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July 23, 2014
The MicroLogix 1100 use to come with an extensive installation document referred to as, “installation instructions.” However, these days it seems the best way to get a copy of that document is electronically from Rockwell’s website HERE. While these “installation instructions” cover many different topics, in this blog article I’ll be focusing …
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July 21, 2014
In 2005, eleven years after the original MicroLogix was released, and five years after the previous model launched, Rockwell introduced the MicroLogix 1100. This new MicroLogix represented many firsts for the MicroLogix line, including Online Editing, Ethernet communications, and an LCD display built into the front of the unit. The MicroLogix 1100 did come equipped with the same an 8 …
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July 16, 2014
Free is good One of the best kept Rockwell secretes is for the last few years they have offered RSLogix Emulate 500 for free. With this software, you can test your SLC-500 or MicroLogix programs right on your PC, without the need to connect to a physical unit. And Emulate …
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June 16, 2014
When looking to upgrade older PanelView 550 or 600 models, it’s common to consider the PanelView Plus 600 as a suitable replacement. For starters, most of the new PVPlus models will fit in the older PanelView cutouts. And, Panelbuilder32 programs import into View Studio mostly intact. Note: For more information about migrating …
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May 23, 2014
Welcome to The Automation Blog’s “Flashback Friday!” This blog series highlights automation articles and content that I originally posted on my previous website(s) between 1999 to 2013. Today I’m highlighting an RSLogix 500 program I wrote for the SLC-500. In the early spring of 2000, a good friend of mine asked for help creating a program that would sort racers based …
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May 19, 2014
Today, Ethernet is the network of choice for automation systems. In years past, Ethernet was an expensive and costly add-on. However, more and more small programmable controllers are now coming with Ethernet as standard. Below we’ll cover what is available today for small Ethernet Programmable Controllers from Allen-Bradley. Micro820 and 850 If …
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May 6, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 35, I show you how to add expansion I/O to an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500 Programmable Controller.
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May 1, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 34, I explain the DCOMM button and Trip pots found on the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500.
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April 29, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 33, I walk you through the cabling needed to connect your PC’s serial port to an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500 Programmable Controller.
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April 24, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 32, I walk you through the input and output terminals on the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500 Micro Programmable Controller.
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April 23, 2014
The MicroLogix 1500′s base I/O can be expanded using the popular line of 1769 expansion I/O, also known as Compact I/O. In this article we’ll describe the details of how this is accomplished. The right side of the MicroLogix 1500 I/O base is equipped with a 1769 expansion I/O port. Out of the box …
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April 22, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 31, I introduce you to the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500 Micro Programmable Controller.
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April 21, 2014
As seen on The Automation Minute earlier this week, the MicroLogix 1500 comes with an extensive installation document. That document is also available electronically on the manufacturer’s website HERE. While these “installation instructions” cover many different topics, in this blog article I’ll be focusing on the installation and mounting of the controller. To …
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April 17, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 30, I walk you through how to add expansion I/O to an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 Micro Programmable Controller.
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April 16, 2014
In 1999, five years after the launch of the MicroLogix 1000, the first entry in Rockwell’s second generation of MicroLogix family was released. The MicroLogix 1500 was substantially different from the MicroLogix 1000 in many ways, the most obvious being the fact that it’s Processor was removable from the I/O base. Also unlike …
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April 15, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 29, I walk you through using the DCOMM button and Trim Pots found on an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 Micro Programmable Controller.
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April 14, 2014
The MicroLogix 1200′s base I/O can be expanded using 1762 I/O modules. In this article we’ll describe the details of how this is accomplished. The right front of the MicroLogix 1200 has a small cover over top of a 1762 I/0 expansion port, and the first step in adding 1762 I/O to a MicroLogix 1200 is to power …
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April 10, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 28, I walk you through the cabling needed to connect your PC’s serial port to an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 Micro Programmable Controller.
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April 9, 2014
As seen on The Automation Minute earlier this week, the MicroLogix 1200 comes with an extensive installation document. That document is also available electronically on the manufacturer’s website HERE. While these “installation instructions” cover many different topics, in this blog article I’ll be focusing on the installation and mounting of the controller. To …
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April 8, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 27, I walk you through the Terminal Blocks on the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 Micro Programmable Controller.
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April 7, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 26, I introduce you to the MicroLogix 1200.
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April 7, 2014
In the year 2000, six years after the MicroLogix 1000 launch and one year after the launch of the MicroLogix 1500, the MicroLogix 1200 was released into the market. This new MicroLogix represented the lower end of Allen-Bradley’s second generation of Micro hardware, with the MicroLogix 1500 representing the higher end. The 1200 was released in two …
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April 4, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 25, I walk you through the cable and connections you’ll need to program a MicroLogix 1000.
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April 4, 2014
How to get free programming software for the MicroLogix 1000 and MicroLogix 1100: Step 1: Visit http://www.AB.com Step 2: Search for MicroLogix Downloads Step 3: Choose the second link in the return results Step 4: Click on RSLogix Micro Starter Lite Step 5: Choose your save location and download Optional …
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April 3, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 24, I show you where to get free RSLogix and RSLinx software for the MicroLogix 1000 (and 1100.)
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April 2, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 23, I explain the wiring terminals of the MicroLogix 1000.
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April 2, 2014
As seen on The Automation Minute earlier this week, the MicroLogix 1000 comes with an extensive installation document. This document is also available on the manufacturer’s website HERE. While these “installation instructions” cover many different topics, in this blog article I’ll be focusing on the mounting of the controller. To allow for installation …
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April 1, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 22, I introduce you to the basics of the MicroLogix 1000.
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March 31, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 21, I walk you through the unboxing of an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000.
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March 31, 2014
Launched in 1994, the MicroLogix 1000 was the first Micro PLC released from Allen-Bradley. Seen as a replacement for the bulky SLC-500 Fixed unit, the MicroLogix 1000 was substantially smaller and less expensive. However, the MicroLogix 1000 initially only came in two versions: 16 I/O and 32 I/O. And, unlike …
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March 25, 2014
In The Automation Minute: Episode 20, I walk you through my Kickstarter project page. The project is all about raising the funds needed to produce a “step-by-step” automation training DVD.
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March 19, 2014
Recently, a client asked me which A-B Micro PLC’s supported HSC and PTO functions, as well as how fast each is. Below is the results of my research: Note: The below are best case based on choosing the DC I/O model of the Micro with the most high speed digital inputs …
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March 5, 2014
In The Automation Podcast: Episode 16, we discuss how you can add DH-485 to your MicroLogix, SLC-5/04, SLC-5/05, and PanelView Plus 6 400 and 600.
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February 4, 2014
Having used Rockwell’s Translate PLC-5 SLC utility on multiple occasions, and having discussed it’s practical use with other programmers time and again, I recently sent the following recommendations to Rockwell: INTs vs. DINTs One of easier things I would like to see changed in the “Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 utility” is the automatic …
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January 22, 2014
If you have a PLC-5 or SLC-500 program you would like to import into RSLogix 5000, look no further than Rockwell’s free “Translate PLC-5 SLC 2.0 utility.” This utility can save you hundreds of hours of manually re-entering code, and is available free of charge from the public Rockwell Tech …
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January 20, 2014
A few weeks ago, a client asked me to review his SLC-500 program files. He wanted my advice on how difficult it would be to convert them to CompactLogix. When I received his files, the first thing I did was power on my primary Windows 7 64bit virtual machine. Then I opened each of …
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December 30, 2013
Welcome to the first article in our “Best of 2013″ series. Today we focus on our seven most popular Programmable Controller blogs. However, we should keep in mind that older blogs have a distinct advantage as they have been around much longer. And it wouldn’t surprise me to see a few …
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December 20, 2013
Continuing this week’s theme of profiling Rockwell’s free application code, today we’ll take a look at their Pump Station Controller Pre-packaged Solution. Similar to the CCBB and CCAT we previously reviewed, Rockwell’s Pump Station Controller is designed around “component” level devices, specifically the MicroLogix 1400 and PanelView Component. Similar to CCBB …
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December 16, 2013
Rockwell’s Connected Components Building Blocks (or CCBB for short) is quite possibly the best kept secrete on AB.com. In an apparent effort to answer the long standing call for sample code, Rockwell launched the CCBB initiative years ago. And in my experience, I have to say they did a very good …
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December 10, 2013
In The Automation Podcast, Episode 7, we discuss PLC and PAC non-volatile and volatile memory as used in the PLC-5, SLC-500, CompactLogix and ControlLogix. Note: You can read more about ControlLogix and CompactLogix non-volatile memory in our companion blog article HERE. By Shawn Tierney
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October 9, 2013
Over the years I’ve heard more than my fair share of complaints about Allen-Bradley’s 1747-PIC’s lack of Microsoft Windows support. In fact, every time I now hear someone complain I can’t help but say, “It’s a DOS product! From 1990! What other ‘90 products do you have that support Windows …
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October 8, 2013
It’s a common question that clients ask, “Which MicroLogix’s support Modbus?” In this article I’ll detail the answer. MicroLogix 1000 Today’s MicroLogix 1000 still has just one Mini-Din RS-232 “Channel 0″ communication port limited to DF1 and DH-485. So for applications requiring Modbus you’ll need to look elsewhere, as the …
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September 12, 2013
The MicroLogix 1400 is one of the few Allen-Bradley PLC’s with a small LCD display and navigation keys on the front of the unit, and these can be used to find the PLC’s MAC and IP address. Displayed once? This built-in LCD display is actually quite functional, allowing users to access a lot of information about the PLC. However, …
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September 10, 2013
Yesterday we discussed replacing a Fixed SLC-500 with a MicroLogix. However, if the replaced SLC was on a DH-485 network, most ikely the replacement will also need to be. What is DH-485? DH-485 is a protocol that was originally only available in the SLC-500 family of PLC’s via RS-485 ports dedicated for that purpose. However, …
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September 9, 2013
Recently a client called asking what I thought would be the best PLC to replace a Fixed SLC-500. Specifically he was looking to replace a 1747-L40A. To pick a replacement we first needed to understand what this part number represents, and we covered this in detail in our last article here. We found that the 1747-L40A consisted of (24) …
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September 6, 2013
Recently a client called asking what I thought would be the best replacement for a 1747-L40A. But to understand how to size a replacement for this PLC, we’ll first need to understand what that part number represents. In this article I’ll review the models that make up the Fixed Style SLC-500 family of products. Back in …
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August 26, 2013
So you’re new to the world of PLC’s (Programmable Logic Controllers) and are looking to buy a beginner’s PLC to work with at home. I’m going to assume you’re on a budget, so getting the most “bang for your buck” will be important. You also may not own a 24vdc power supply, …
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July 22, 2013
Rockwell Automation has a reputation of charging for their PLC programming software, and that’s true for most of the packages that program their Programmable Controllers. However, RA does make several software packages available free of charge, and I’ll detail those over the next two days. Click here for the second part of this article We’ll start at the Rockwell …
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I hope the above article listing all our articles, podcasts, and videos about the SLC-500 and MicroLogix helpful.
If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please feel free to leave them with us by filling out the “post a comment or question” link below.
Until next time, Peace ✌️
If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.
Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator
Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.
I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting
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