Start PLC programming
I am interested in PLC programming and my idea is to just try it. So I need to simulate some real system because it will soon be looking for some hardware. This is how I want to do it (example):
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Simulate some real system, i.e. water tank with diverter and inlet valves, some water level sensors, of course. They are controlled and checked by the PLC.
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PLC simulator for controlling valves and receiving values from a sensor. Also send data to some HMI / SCADA (PLCsim?)
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Some software for programming logic in a PLC. (Step 7?)
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Some GUI for the end user to manually check values and control valves (InTouch ?, ControlWeb ?, WinCC ?, LabView?)
I don't know if this is possible using software and if there is a chance it will work. Your advice and ideas are appreciated.
thank
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Sure. If the problem is money, AutomationDirect.com has a new product called Do-more, where the software is free (it's called Designer) and comes with a free PLC simulator.
Then I would recommend writing separate code blocks to simulate a "process" where READ code from outputs (discrete and analog) and WRITE to inputs (discrete and analog) based on Output states (both time and random external events - think butterfly effect ).
Disclosure: I work for Host Engineering, Do-more developers.
If money is NOT an issue, I know there are many PLC simulators and process simulation software out there that someone could possibly recommend.
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