Allen-Bradley PLC Instructions
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is an electronic device that resembles a computer and is used to monitor specific incoming and outgoing actions. The machines can be used for any number of processes, including monitoring temperatures or fluid levels, automating livestock water and feedings, and even to control timed or synchronized lighting setups. An Allen-Bradley PLC comes with its own operating system which, when used in conjunction with a PC and emulator, is fully customizable. Most of the needed supplies are included with the Allen-Bradley PLC. Setting up a PLC is a technical process; it is recommended for inexperienced users to seek professional assistance when setting up and operating a PLC for the first time.
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Things You'll Need
- 4 Plastic keying bands
- Wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- 2 Star washers
- Ethernet cable
Instructions
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1
Remove any source of power input from the hardware. Turn the power button to the "OFF" position while working with hardware. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to yourself and damage to your equipment. Adjust the backplane switches to the appropriate settings. This will vary between users. Put Switch 1 to the “ON” position. This controls whether the outputs remain in their current state in the event of a failure. Turning Switch 1 to the “OFF” position also will turn the outputs off in case of failure. Switches 2 and 3 always should remain in the “OFF” position. Switches 4 and 5 controls the number of slots you will be using. Turn them both “OFF” for 2-slot use; turn 4 to “OFF” and 5 to “ON” when using one slot, or turn 4 to the “ON” position and 5 to the “OFF” position when using a half-slot. Turning on 4 and 5 simultaneously is not allowed. Turn off switches 6 and 7 to transfer memory at powerup. Turn them both on to transfer only when the processor memory is not valid. To restrict memory transfers, switch 6 to “ON” and 7 to the “OFF” position. Turn switch 8 on or off to enable or disable memory protection, respectively.
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2
Key the chassis to accept the proper power supply module. Use the plastic bands that shipped with your system. Slide the keying bands between 40 and 42 and again between 54 and 56. Position the power module between the key bands, and press the module firmly into the chassis slot. Swing the latch located on the end of the chassis slot closed to secure the power module in place.
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3
Ground the chassis to the chassis mounting bolt attached to the enclosure wall. Remove the bolt and nut with a wrench. Use the wrench to scratch away any paint where the head of the bolt would rest. Fit a star washer on the bolt and insert it back into the chassis. Slide the ground lug and equipment conductor from the power module on the bolt, followed by a second star washer, and secure the assembly on the chassis wall with the nut.
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4
Remove the battery cover door from the side of the chassis using a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew it. Connect the supplied batter to the battery connector cable and insert the battery into the slot. Reattach the battery cover door and tighten the screw into place.
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5
Locate the Station Address switches on the back of the processor. Looking at the processor from the side, push the station address switch down if using 57.6 Kbaud station or slide it up if using a 230 Kbaud station.
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6
Locate the two ControlNet knobs. Set the left knob to “00” and set the right knob to “1.” These are the default settings for the processors' NET address.
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7
Install the chassis into the assembly container by pushing out the side wings on the locking bar located on the top of the assembly container. With the wings gently pushed out, lift the bar up. Release the wings and slide the chassis into an open slot along the pair of card guides inside of the container. Push the locking bar’s wings back out and lock the bar back into place.
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8
Press the “Power” button on the front side of the container to power up your system. Once the LED turns red, it should stay on to signify proper function. Connect the system to your computer using the provided Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the cable into the Ethernet slot on the PLC system and the opposite end directly into your computer or Ethernet hub.
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Tips & Warnings
Never work on the inside of your PLC without first removing the battery and all inputs from the device. If you do not do so, you risk personal electrical shock and damaging your equipment.
References
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