Allen Bradley PLC RSLogix 5000 Basic FlexLogix

Software: RSLogix 5000
PLC-Type: Allen Bradley FlexLogix

Brief Description

• To understand exactly how a PLC works
• To understand basic PLC concepts
• Be able to troubleshoot a FlexLogix/ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC systems in a competent and confident manner
• Be able to understand ControlLogix hardware configuration and be able to add or replace modules when a fault occurs.
• Be able to operate the Allen Bradley software to make it perform common tasks.
• Understand basic instruction set and be able to make minor modifications to software.
• Be able to backup and restore a PLC program when required.
• Be able to perform basic system diagnostics when a problem occurs.
• Be able to understand and back track through a simple programs

Course Documentation

• Training Log
• Pre Course Exercises
• Course Exercises
• Post Course Exercises
• Filofax Pocket Reference Guides

Course Content
To fault find a system you need to know EXACTLY how it works

HOW EXACTLY DOES A PLC WORK?

• Am I getting the input to the PLC?
• The Led on the output card means i am getting voltage out right? does it?
• What exactly happens in between? ,theres more than just a program in the CPU
• How exactly does it scan the program?
• What is this Watchdog Timer? Is it that important?
• Can I use the same output twice? That's bad programming isn't it?
• A PLC is a logic controller, so use a logical approach to fault find it.
• What are the 8 simple test points to check?
• The PLC is in RUN, that means theres a program right? does it?
• FORCING a bit and toggling a bit is pretty much the same yeah? depends on which PLC

Then you need to Know the specifics

HOW DO I DO THE FOLLOWING?
(some straight forward some not so)

• Check power is ON and PLC is in right mode (RUN or Program)
• Check LEDs for fault definition ( what exactly does the LED tell me)
• Check and Change Modules if required (with spares and without spares)
• Removing modules with power ON ( will I blow anything up)
• Establish link to PLC (RSLinx)
• Link to CPU via RS232 port, Ethernet or DH+ module
• Checking Ethernet connections using PING instruction (very useful)
• Create a blank project and take a backup (just in case I mess up)
• Open the correct project Off Line and link to PLC
• Interrogate errors in Controller Properties, common faults
• Identify if it is a hardware or software fault?
• Identify if it is a PLC or Comms fault
• Access fault information about I/O cards
• Change the battery, (with power ON of course)
• Working with CPUs with Non Volatile (EEPROM) memory
• Check all settings against a template, Node Address etc.
• Check Hardware Configuration, I/O errors
• Clear Memory and Download program
• Monitor program
• Is it Latched or Unlatched I'm never quite sure?
• Altering values in Tag tables
• Back tracking through a program to establish where power flow stops
• Searching for specific operands and instructions
• Using Bookmark function
• Changing timer, counter values On Line
• Making minor mods Off Line and On line
• Creat a Trend to trend address status or values
• Altering timer, counter and other values if required
• Force a parameter if required
• Toggling addresses to move program on in sequence
• Call up documentation to assist with software diagnostics
• Printing Cross Reference / Program Listings etc.

Background information also covered

Understanding of the following:

• Number formats, bits,words,double words
• Binary, Real, Integer, DINT,
• Basic Communications, RS232 and Ethernet
• Network Basics
• Setting up a simple Ethernet network
• Tasks, Programs and Routines
• How to monitor various blocks
• Understand basic Ladder programs
• Basic Instructions, contacts, Latch, Unlatch etc.
• Timers, Counters
• Comparators, Maths
• Fault finding tips

Course Equipment Per Delegate

• FlexLogix PLC
• PC or Laptop
• Simulator