Created Date: July 31,2012

Created by: Bob S BN

You say you have a functional system, but then say you don't understand the logic and sequencing of instruction.

Do you mean you have a system wired, but don't know where to start on the programming??

I took a quick look and didn't find any PAC examples on the AD site. But if it's ladder logic you need to understand, perhaps you can load the demo version of the DirectSoft 5 or Click PLC programming software and check out some of the example programs here.

http://support.automationdirect.com/examples.html

I haven't messed with the P3000 at all but the ladder logic and PLC operation are probably about the same, just different addressing schemes for the I/O.

Hope this helps get you started,

Created Date: July 31,2012

Created by: abd

Thanks for the prompt response!

Yes, I have a system wired up with a relay switching on an LED for learning purposes (first DO on P3-08TD2S). I am able to communicate with the programming software, including loading and executing code.

So yes, I am looking for direction on starting programming. I will follow your advice and check out the ladder logic examples for other systems. I was hoping to stay in the P3000 world as that is the hardware I have on my desk, but gotta start somewhere!

I am somewhat surprised at the lack of example documentation for this platform as the other platforms seem very well supported. This system has been around for 3-4 years also. If I had made the selection of hardware myself, I would have bought into something more well supported, but...

Thanks again for your help.

Created Date: July 31,2012

Created by: Bob S BN

I am somewhat surprised at the lack of example documentation for this platform as the other platforms seem very well supported. This system has been around for 3-4 years also.

I can't say for sure as to why there aren't more programming examples, but I suspect that most who would choose that higher end system would already have programming experience on smaller hardware.

If one had experience with ladder logic programming on any other platform, the conversion would most likely just involve understanding the quirks of a new software package.

Do you have any experience reading Ladder diagrams for machine wiring? Kind of similar to ladder programming. You'll need draw yourself a plan for what you need the controller to do to start with, such as, if switch "A " is on, the activate output "G ".

Hopefully the example programs I showed you earlier will help make some sense of it all to get you started.

Created Date: August 01,2012

Created by: lasernerd

Thanks for the prompt response!

I am somewhat surprised at the lack of example documentation for this platform as the other platforms seem very well supported. This system has been around for 3-4 years also. If I had made the selection of hardware myself, I would have bought into something more well supported, but...

I gotta say I'm a big AD fan. I have 3 D0-06's and 2 Clicks running machines in my shop (and making my life a whole lot easier), assorted VFDs and a wack of aux components to make everything work, and have never experienced anything but great support, very functional products, and fantastic prices.

I can't help but get a little bit cranky when someone comes here, having purchased an F1 car of a programmable controller with seemingly zero experience in ladder logic, and starts complaining that they 're having trouble finding the manuals. The manuals are linked to in not less than two separate locations on the PAC cpu product page and I suspect a simple google search would have found them as well.

I suppose the scope of this forum is to assist those who do not know (I very much fit into this category) but doing no leg work and then slandering a good and decent company in their own well-stocked support forum is over the top.

It behooves one to do at least the most rudimentary leg work. There is a great sense of accomplishment in trundling into an unknown world, figuring things out, and making a result by oneself. I think AD does an excellent job in this regard.

Created Date: August 17,2012

Created by: MikeMc

I agree with you LaserNerd about ADC. I have put hundreds of their PLCs in the field and for the most part, have never regretted it. With I could say the same about the PAC. I am getting ready to deploy a large system using the "F1 " and have ran into lots of problems getting there. I hope that the next firmware/software updates will clear up most of these issues.

As for abd, lighten up. All of us started where he is (but maybe without the money for a PAC). I have been working with ADC every since they started and I remember my first days of trying to program their controllers. Of course jumping into remote serial communications with other equipment probably was not the best choice I ever made for a starting job but ADC tech support got the there, even way back then.

Mike

Created Date: July 31,2012

Created by: abd

Hello all,

I am new to PLC (PAC) programming and am beginning to work with the P3000 system. I have a functional system with DIO / AI, but am in need of some example application code to increase my understanding of program flow.

I have looked exhaustively on this forum and the internet to no avail. I have found the PID video series, which is helpful. But what I really need is a simple program with some (almost) line-by-line descriptions of how the ladder rungs are actually executed. The documentation for each instruction is decent, but the examples they give do not provide the code leading or trailing the rung that is being described. I am sure all of this is very simple, so I just need to begin to understand the logic and sequencing of the instructions so that I can proceed. I am literally at square one with all of this.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Andy