The Automation Blog’s “Best Of 2013” Programmable Controller blogs

Best of 2013 PLC Blogs Featured ImageWelcome 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 of our “late 2013” blogs show up in next year’s “Best Of” list.

But semantics aside, lets get right to the list of The Automation Blog’s most popular Programmable Controller articles of 2013!


Data Logging Options For CompactLogix and ControlLogix 

Data Logging Featured ImageFirst on our list is an article from August 27th about Data Logging options for Logix processors.  In this article we covered six different ways to log data, spanning free sample code to a full blown historian. You can read about all six options in the full article HERE.


Getting Allen-Bradley (A-B) Programmable Controller data into Excel using RSLinx Classic

RSLinx Classic Topic for Excel Featured ImageContinuing the theme of data acquisition, in this article posted on September 30th, we walk you step by step through getting Programmable Controller data into Microsoft Excel. You can see all the steps in the full article HERE.


What you need to know before upgrading to RSLogix 5000 v20.03

RSLogix 5000 v20.03 Download Notice Featured ImageIn this article posted on October 14th, we discuss why RSLogix 5000 v20.03 is different, and what you should consider before upgrading to it. Find out what you need to know before moving to 20.03 in the full article HERE.


Why your CompactLogix or ControlLogix Real Time Clock (DateTime) may be a few hours off

RSL5K DateTimeOff4Hours Featured ImageMany are finding their Logix processor’s realtime clock is always off a few hours, and it this article posted on  July 2nd, we explain why this is. Find out for yourself in the full article HERE.


How to add Ethernet communications to a non-Ethernet PLC-5

PLC-5 Ethernet OptionsThe manufacturing world is moving to Ethernet, but you can’t always afford to replace your legacy PLCs. So in this article posted on August 19th, we discuss the pro’s and con’s of five different means of putting PLC-5’s on Ethernet. You can see all five in the full article HERE.


Adding a MicroLogix to a DH-485 network

MicroLogix and DH485When migrating from an older SLC-500 to a newer MicroLogix, you may find the need for the new PLC to connect to an existing DH-485 network. So in this article posted on September 19th, we discuss the different ways you can achieve this. Find out the details in the full article HERE.


Beginner’s PLC

Micro 810 and MicroLogix 1000And in our final “best of” PLC articles for 2013, from back on August 26th we discuss what makes a good “Beginner’s PLC.” You’ll find details of my recommendations in the full article HERE.


I hope you’ve found this “best of 2013” article helpful.

If you have your own favorite “programmable controller” article, or have a question about one of the above articles, please feel free to click on the “post a comment or question” link below.

Have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve and Day!

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 Tierney

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Hello – I am new to the site. I found you when looking for a way to convert a SLC500 program and PLC to a Micrologix, which I have done (1747-L40A to 1762-L40AWA) once I changed the OSRs to ONSs. At least the program on RSLogix now shows it error-free. Your article refered to the next one being about cabling to the display, but I have not found it. My display is an AB SLC500 DTAM 1747-DTAM, Ser D. Would you please direct me to cabling info? Many thanks – Tim

    • Good afternoon mastenbrook,

      The 1747-DTAM connected to the SLC-500 1747-L40A using an RJ45 communicating via DH-485 over RS-485.

      The MicroLogix 1200 only has RS-232 ports, and while they can be set to DH485, you’ll need a 232 to 485 converter.

      I would recommend checking out the 1761-NET-AIC which is most often used for this purpose. The manual can be found at http://www.ab.com/literature.

      Hope this helps,

      Shawn Tierney

      Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com

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