A PLC Trainer Kit is a combination of materials which allow a PLC programmer to practice their craft which is programming PLCs! It’s an exciting step in the journey, but can be an expensive one if you’re unfamiliar with what’s out there.
On this page, you will find a full breakdown of a PLC Trainer Kit I did for myself. I use this kit on a regular basis for filming my tutorials, testing certain PLC programs and practicing new concepts.
May 28, 2013 - Rockwell Automation released the Allen-Bradley Stratix 5700 managed industrial Ethernet switch, which now includes an optional integrated Network Address Translation (NAT) feature. The hardware-based NAT feature allows for high performance and simplified integration of IP-address. Stratix 5700 Ethernet Managed Switches User Manual IMPORTANT This manual has been replaced by Stratix Managed Switches User Manual, publication 1783-UM007. Rockwell Automation 1783-BMxxx Stratix 5700 Ethernet Managed Switches User Manual User Manual. Reset the switch to factory defaults, E in the. Rockwell Automation Equipment. Rockwell Automation 1783-BMxxx Stratix 5700 Ethernet Managed Switches User Manual User Manual Page 240.
Keep in mind that your build may change depending on your experience, desire to keep learning PLCs, budget as well as access to some of these components. In a lot of cases, you may substitute what I have with a similar device.
If you’d like to blindly copy what I have, here’s the full list. However, I recommend that you read the comments & notes below as I would invest in certain other items if I was to start over.
Approximate Cost (as of March 19th, 2019): 250$ USD
Link: See on eBay
1606-XLP72E | 110VAC to 24VDC 72W Power Supply
Approximate Cost (as of March 19th, 2019): 30$ USD
Link: See on eBay
2711P-RDT10C | PanelView Plus 1000 HMI Terminal
Approximate Cost (as of March 19th, 2019): 600$ USD
Link: See on eBay
Siemens
Simatic S7-1200 1212C | Siemens based PLC
Approximate Cost (as of March 19th, 2019): 200$ USD
Link: See on eBay
There are many PLC platforms which have a solid base, good hardware as well as support. Although we recommend that you explore all of them, our goal is to focus on top brands based on their usage in the field, documentation availability as well as technical support. That being said, we will be focusing primarily on Allen Bradley which is one of the most dominant brands in North America. We encourage you to take the time to find out what’s the most commonly used platform within your market.
Buying a First Allen Bradley Programmable Logic Controller
We strongly believe that the first PLC you invest in should be a budget conscious one. Unless you had the opportunity to work with PLCs at work, it’s important to understand that these devices require a lot of patience, time and technical knowledge. You will make mistakes which may inadvertently damage the unit, you may give up on it altogether or realize that this controller is more than enough to land your first job and continue practicing in the field!
Although we recommend an entry level PLC, don’t expect one to come cheap. These processors are packed with features and are still utilized all over the industry in small to medium applications. It will keep you learning for months to come and will give you access to 90% of the instructions you’d see on a modern PLC unit.
MicroLogix 1100 Series Programmable Logic Controller
The MicroLogix 1100 PLC is one of the most popular PLCs for beginners & those looking to get some practice on RSLogix 500. This PLC is cost effective & packed with many features you need to learn in order to become a competent programmer. Furthermore, this PLC is ready to be programmed over EtherNet, is capable of communicating with many HMI models and can be extended through local I/O points.
Several models are available for the MicroLogix 1100 series. Although they are all great starting controllers, we would recommend getting either the 1763-L16AWA or the 1763-L16BWA model. The reason being is that these two provide an internal power supply which means that you can power them directly from a 110VAC outlet. The other two models would require an external power supply of 24VDC. Between the 1763-L16AWA and the 1763-L16BWA, the L16BWA will give you access to 24VDC I/O which is the standard for many plants. That being said, 110VAC (provided by the L16AWA model) is still being used as well. Therefore, it’s a matter of preference.
Technical Data Sheet: MicroLogix 1100 Datasheet
Programmable within the RSLogix 500 Environment.
Onboard Input/Output terminals – Digital Inputs / Analog Inputs / Digital Outputs available depending on model.
EtherNet & RS232 Dedicated Ports – Easily Programmable over EtherNet with support for RS232/485 for older equipment.
1762 Expansion I/O can be easily added as needed onto the dedicated port.
Onboard LCD with status indicators & setting display.
PLCs are considered industrial equipment and thus aren’t readily available on traditional websites. Furthermore, you will find that purchasing a unit through the manufacturer or a distributor is not very cost effective. Our number one source for training components is eBay followed by local electronics shops and control systems auctions.
Buying on eBay is highly recommended. You can find quality products at very low prices. You can also use the eBay / PayPal protection in case the product arrives damaged or defective.
1763-L16AWA Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 220$ USD
Link: 1763-L16AWA View on eBay
1763-L16BWA Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 290$ USD
Link: 1763-L16BWA View on eBay
1763-L16BBB Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 210$ USD
Link: 1763-L16BBB View on eBay
1763-L16DWD Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 205$ USD
Link: 1763-L16DWD View on eBay
CompactLogix Series Programmable Logic Controllers
A major advantage of investing in a CompactLogix processor is the fact that you can program it in RSLogix 5000 as well as Studio 5000 (depending on the model). However, it’s important to note that those software packages are fairly expensive. It’s recommended that you either have access to them through your employer or manage to find a license before considering to invest into the CompactLogix family.
If you’re convinced that you require PLC practice with the most recent technologies, a CompactLogix processor would be the right move for you. Depending on the flavor of the processor, you can get away with the main processor only or may require additional components such as a power supply, expansion modules, and a terminating resistor. Let’s explore some of the most common units we’d recommend.
Technical Data Sheet: CompactLogix 5370 Datasheet
I personally own one of these processors and it’s an absolute pleasure to work with. The processor can be easily flashed up to firmware version 30 which allows me to use Studio 5000 and practice some of the latest instructions. Furthermore, the PLC has onboard I/O which makes it compact and allows me to interact with hardware very easily.
This processor comes from the CompactLogix 5370 family and the exact part number I’ve worked with the most is 1769-L24ER-QB1B. It features 16 input points and 16 output points based on 24VDC signals which may be sunk or sourced depending on the common.
Technical Data Sheet: CompactLogix 5370 Datasheet
Buying on eBay is highly recommended. You can find quality products at very low prices. You can also use the eBay / PayPal protection in case the product arrives damaged or defective.
1769-L24ER-QB1B Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 950$ USD
Link: 1769-L24ER-QB1B View on eBay
An L30ER processor can be often seen in the field. This processor packs quite a bit of power into a small form factor. That being said, you will need a few extra pieces of hardware and the small form factor is somewhat a deception. The biggest item you will need is the power supply as the L30ER processor doesn’t accept any power input. This will drive the price of the processor up as an Allen-Bradley 1769 family power supply can cost at least 100$.
The processor doesn’t have any onboard I/O, but can be extended through the same cards as the L24 processor or any other CompactLogix processor which supports the 1769 cards.
Technical Data Sheet: CompactLogix 5370 Datasheet
1769-L30ER Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 600$ USD
Link: 1769-L30ER View on eBay
1769-PA2 Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 80$ USD
Link: 1769-PA2 View on eBay
Networking is becoming increasingly critical for plant operations. Therefore, as a control systems engineer or PLC programmer, you’re required to have an understanding of networking technology. The most fundamental block you’ll be working with is a switch. Allen Bradley provides a wide range of switches: managed and unmanaged.
A managed switch has a lot of advantages over an unmanaged one. It can be configured to suit specific needs, it provides critical analytical tools and it can be easily reconfigured remotely through RSLogix or Studio 5000 software.
Although they are pricier, the final network is much more robust. I’ve seen many facilities which haven’t done this upgrade and constantly suffered because an unmanaged switch would cause a problem intermittently and there was no way to determine where the issue was.
Note: there are many models of these switches. I’d recommend looking at the datasheet before you make your selection. The part numbers will affect the features provided by the specific switch.
Technical Data Sheet: Stratix 5700 Datasheet / User Manual
1769-L30ER Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 600$ USD
Link: 1769-L30ER View on eBay
1769-PA2 Model
Lowest Price (as of nov 26th 2018): 80$ USD
Link: 1769-PA2 View on eBay
Purchasing your first Programmable Logic Controller may seem like a big investment, but is well worth it for a fruitful career. Nothing can replace the time spent working at your own pace on a piece of hardware you own. That being said, you must choose carefully as these units don’t come cheap due to their heavy reliability within manufacturing environments.
Allen Bradley Stratix 5700 Installation Manual
We highly recommend that you do your research and start with something on the cheaper side. Not only because it may be sufficient to land your first job, but also because you may not realize that working with these processors is tough and requires a lot of patience.