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Vladimir Romanov

In this class, you will learn absolutely everything necessary to land a job as an entry level PLC technician (engineer, etc.).

We will cover basic topics such as what a PLC is used for, how it is able to receive and process Inputs & Outputs. We will take a much deeper dive with hands on labs and practice sessions during which I will give you specific real world scenarios to work with and give you tips and common pitfalls. These lessons are designed to strengthen your knowledge of PLCs and give you an edge during interviews.

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In this class, you will learn absolutely everything necessary to land a job as an entry level PLC technician (engineer, etc.).

We will cover basic topics such as what a PLC is used for, how it is able to receive and process Inputs & Outputs. We will take a much deeper dive with hands on labs and practice sessions during which I will give you specific real world scenarios to work with and give you tips and common pitfalls. These lessons are designed to strengthen your knowledge of PLCs and give you an edge during interviews.

At the end of each section, you will face a quiz which will allow you to test yourself on the material you have learned before moving to the next section. As some one who has administered interviews to PLC technicians, these questions are crucial in making sure that you've understood the material presented.

What are the requirements for the class?

  • You don't need any hardware or software to follow the lectures, however, it is highly recommended to get some practice before going into an interview. If that's not possible, I would advise spending some time working with an emulator and browsing through data sheets and manuals which will be presented to you in the course.

What can I expect from this class?

  • The main objective of this course is to get you job-ready by the time you finish the last lecture.
  • You will have a good understanding of what a PLC does, how it does it as well as what the outcomes of those actions are.
  • You will be comfortable creating basic ladder logic programs and troubleshoot complex existing ones.
  • You will be able to create simple Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens and controlling them via a PLC.
  • You will have a good understanding of manufacturing systems as a whole.

What is the target audience for the class?

  • Electrical Engineers looking for a crash course on PLCs.
  • Electrical Technicians / Electricians looking to expand their knowledge into controls.
  • Software Engineers who are seeking to learn about controlling hardware.
  • Manufacturing Operators looking to progress in their career.
  • Anyone interested in how manufacturing processes are executed.
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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand how a programmable logic controller (plc) works
  • Understand how to programm a plc
  • Showcase several completed projects to an employer
  • Pass a technical plc interview

Syllabus

Introduction
Course Overview
Course Extras, Bonus & SolisPLC.com Announcement
Course Notes & F.A.Q.
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This quiz will test your basic understanding of PLC systems, why they are in place to day and what has driven their development. These questions may come up on an interview, but will rarely be used to test your skills.

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops a range of PLC skills through hands-on labs
Offers downloadable copies of RSLogix 500, RSLinx and RSLogix 500 Emulate
Covers troubleshooting fundamentals and how to work with forces to toggle inputs and outputs
Teaches basic ladder logic programming and how to understand and analyze complex rungs
Provides an overview of PLC hardware, inputs, and outputs, providing a solid foundation for understanding PLC systems
Taught by Vladimir Romanov, an experienced instructor in the field of PLCs

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Reviews summary

Entry-level plc programming with rockwell

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in PLC programming, specifically focusing on Rockwell Automation's RSLogix software (500 & 5000) and FactoryTalk View ME for HMIs. It is designed to take students from scratch and equip them with practical, job-ready skills. Students appreciate the emphasis on hands-on labs and projects, which simulate real-world scenarios, helping them prepare for technical interviews and troubleshoot common issues. The course covers essential ladder logic instructions, hardware overview, and good programming practices. While the course aims to be comprehensive for entry-level roles, learners note that practicing with actual hardware or emulators is highly recommended to fully grasp the concepts, as the course itself doesn't require hardware.
Includes content relevant to technical interviews.
"The quiz questions felt very similar to questions I've encountered in interviews."
"Tips on common pitfalls and troubleshooting are great for interview discussions."
"It gave me confidence discussing PLC concepts in job interviews."
Training specifically on RSLogix 500 & 5000 and FTView.
"Learning RSLogix 5000 and FactoryTalk View ME was the main reason I took this course."
"The explanations for using Allen-Bradley specific instructions were clear."
"Good introduction to programming and configuring Rockwell PLCs and HMIs."
Includes labs, mini-challenges, and projects for practice.
"The mini challenges and final projects were essential for understanding how things work in practice."
"Appreciated the step-by-step demonstrations of programming within the software."
"Getting practice with the provided emulator helped reinforce the ladder logic concepts."
Equips students with job-relevant PLC skills.
"I feel much more confident about applying for PLC roles after this training."
"The real-world scenarios discussed were invaluable for understanding applications."
"The course materials give me concrete examples of projects to showcase to potential employers."
Requires emulator or physical hardware for full experience.
"Wish there was more guidance on affordable hardware options for practice."
"The emulator works for programming logic, but doesn't fully replicate real I/O interaction."
"To truly master the concepts, having access to physical hardware is important after the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PLC Programming - Training from Scratch on RSLogix500 & 5000 with these activities:
Collect PLC programming resources
Collecting PLC programming resources will help you build a valuable library of information that you can refer to in the future.
Browse courses on PLC Programming
Show steps
  • Find PLC programming resources online.
  • Save the resources to a folder on your computer.
  • Organize the resources into categories.
Read "Programmable Logic Controllers: A Practical Approach"
This book will provide you with a strong foundation in PLC programming.
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Take notes on the key concepts.
  • Complete the practice exercises.
Use online simulators
Using online simulators will help you practice PLC programming without having to purchase any hardware.
Browse courses on PLC Programming
Show steps
  • Find a website that provides online PLC simulators.
  • Choose a simulator and try it out.
  • Practice writing PLC programs and testing them in the simulator.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Watch PLC programming tutorials
Watching PLC programming tutorials will help you learn the basics of PLC programming and get started with your own projects.
Browse courses on PLC Programming
Show steps
  • Find a website or YouTube channel that provides PLC programming tutorials.
  • Choose a tutorial and watch it.
  • Take notes on the key concepts.
  • Try to apply what you've learned to your own projects.
Join a PLC programming study group
Joining a PLC programming study group will help you learn from others and get feedback on your work.
Browse courses on PLC Programming
Show steps
  • Find a PLC programming study group to join.
  • Attend study group meetings.
  • Participate in discussions.
Write a basic PLC program
Creating a simple PLC program will help you solidify your understanding of the basics of PLC programming.
Browse courses on PLC Programming
Show steps
  • Choose a simple PLC project to work on.
  • Learn the basics of ladder logic.
  • Write the ladder logic program for your project.
  • Test and debug your program.
Solve PLC coding challenges
Solving PLC coding challenges will help you improve your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of PLC programming.
Browse courses on PLC Programming
Show steps
  • Find a website or book that provides PLC coding challenges.
  • Choose a challenge and try to solve it.
  • If you get stuck, don't give up. Try to find a solution online or ask for help from a friend or colleague.
Build a simple PLC project
Building a simple PLC project will help you apply your knowledge of PLC programming and gain practical experience.
Browse courses on PLC Programming
Show steps
  • Choose a simple PLC project to work on.
  • Gather the necessary materials.
  • Build the PLC project.
  • Test and debug your project.
Write a report on PLC programming
Writing a report on PLC programming will help you consolidate your knowledge and understanding of the subject.
Browse courses on PLC Programming
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your report.
  • Research your topic.
  • Write your report.
  • Proofread your report.

Career center

Learners who complete PLC Programming - Training from Scratch on RSLogix500 & 5000 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Automation Engineer
Automation Engineers design, develop, and implement automated systems using various technologies, including PLCs. This course offers a solid foundation in PLC programming, essential for Automation Engineers. It covers the basics of PLC hardware and software, programming techniques, troubleshooting methods, and best practices. By mastering these concepts, you will gain a competitive edge in the job market and enhance your ability to create and maintain efficient automated systems as an Automation Engineer.
Controls Engineer
Controls Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems, often utilizing PLCs. This course offers a thorough introduction to PLC programming, covering essential concepts, programming techniques, and practical applications. The knowledge gained from this course will enhance your ability to design, troubleshoot, and optimize control systems effectively, making you a valuable asset as a Controls Engineer in various industries, including manufacturing, automation, and robotics.
Industrial Automation Technician
Industrial Automation Technicians specialize in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated systems, often involving PLCs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of PLC programming, covering fundamental concepts, programming techniques, and real-world applications. By mastering the skills taught in this course, Industrial Automation Technicians can expand their knowledge and become more proficient in maintaining and troubleshooting PLC-based systems, ensuring smooth operation and maximizing productivity in industrial environments.
PLC Programmer
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have become essential components of various industries, including manufacturing, automation, and healthcare. As a PLC Programmer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining PLC systems, which control automated processes through customized software. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to PLC programming, covering fundamental concepts, programming techniques, and real-world applications. With a solid foundation in PLC programming gained from this course, you will be well-prepared to succeed as a PLC Programmer, enabling you to program and troubleshoot PLC systems effectively.
Process Control Engineer
Process Control Engineers design, implement, and maintain control systems for various industrial processes, often utilizing PLCs. This course offers a solid foundation in PLC programming, covering essential concepts, programming techniques, and practical applications. By completing this course, Process Control Engineers can enhance their ability to develop and optimize PLC-based control systems, ensuring efficient and reliable operation of industrial processes in fields such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and energy production.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes, often involving PLCs. This course provides a practical introduction to PLC programming, covering topics such as hardware configuration, ladder logic, troubleshooting, and HMI integration. By understanding the principles of PLC programming, Manufacturing Engineers can make informed decisions about PLC-based automation solutions, improve process efficiency, and enhance product quality within manufacturing environments.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers specialize in the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems, including those involving PLCs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of PLC programming, from basic concepts to advanced techniques. By completing this course, Electrical Engineers can expand their skillset and become more proficient in integrating PLCs into their electrical system designs, enabling them to create innovative and efficient solutions for various industries.
Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment, including PLC-controlled systems. This course offers a practical introduction to PLC programming, covering basic concepts, troubleshooting techniques, and industry best practices. By completing this course, Maintenance Technicians can enhance their ability to diagnose and resolve PLC-related issues efficiently, ensuring optimal system performance and minimizing downtime in various industrial settings.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robotic systems, often incorporating PLCs for control and automation. This course provides a practical introduction to PLC programming, covering topics such as hardware configuration, ladder logic, troubleshooting, and HMI integration. By understanding the principles of PLC programming, Robotics Engineers can enhance their ability to design, implement, and maintain PLC-based control systems for robotic applications, enabling efficient and precise operation in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Electrical Maintenance Technician
Electrical Maintenance Technicians maintain and repair electrical equipment and systems, including those involving PLCs. This course offers a practical introduction to PLC programming, covering basic concepts, troubleshooting techniques, and industry best practices. By completing this course, Electrical Maintenance Technicians can enhance their ability to diagnose and resolve PLC-related issues efficiently, ensuring optimal system performance and minimizing downtime in various industries.
Test Engineer
Test Engineers evaluate the functionality and performance of products and systems, often utilizing PLCs for automated testing. This course offers a practical introduction to PLC programming, covering basic concepts, troubleshooting techniques, and industry best practices. By completing this course, Test Engineers can enhance their ability to develop and execute PLC-based test sequences, ensuring the quality and reliability of products in various industries, including electronics, automotive, and aerospace.
Field Service Engineer
Field Service Engineers provide technical support and maintenance for equipment and systems in the field, often involving PLCs. This course offers a practical introduction to PLC programming, covering essential concepts, troubleshooting techniques, and industry best practices. By completing this course, Field Service Engineers can enhance their ability to diagnose and resolve PLC-related issues efficiently, ensuring optimal system performance and minimizing downtime for customers in various industries.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex systems, often incorporating PLCs. This course offers a solid foundation in PLC programming, covering essential concepts, programming techniques, and practical applications. By completing this course, Systems Engineers can enhance their ability to design and implement PLC-based subsystems effectively, ensuring optimal system performance and reliability in various industries, including aerospace, defense, and healthcare.
Project Engineer
Project Engineers manage and execute engineering projects, often involving the integration of PLCs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of PLC programming, covering fundamental concepts, programming techniques, and real-world applications. By mastering the skills taught in this course, Project Engineers can expand their knowledge and become more proficient in specifying, implementing, and managing PLC-based systems, ensuring successful project outcomes in various industries.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems, sometimes collaborating with PLC programmers to integrate PLCs into larger systems. This course provides a practical introduction to PLC programming, covering basic concepts, ladder logic, and troubleshooting techniques. By understanding the principles of PLC programming, Software Engineers can enhance their ability to collaborate effectively with PLC programmers and develop robust and efficient software solutions in various industries.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in PLC Programming - Training from Scratch on RSLogix500 & 5000.
A practical guide to using PLCs in manufacturing systems, covering topics such as system design, programming, and troubleshooting. It provides real-world examples and case studies.
Provides an overview of industrial automated systems, including PLCs, sensors, actuators, and motion control systems. It good resource for understanding the broader context of PLC programming.
A textbook commonly used in academic institutions to teach PLC programming. It covers the fundamentals of PLC hardware and software, as well as ladder logic and troubleshooting techniques.
A comprehensive guide to PLC programming for industrial automation, covering topics such as hardware, software, and programming techniques. It includes real-world examples and case studies.
This textbook covers the fundamentals of PLCs, from their history and evolution to their applications in industrial automation. It valuable resource for those new to PLCs or seeking to refresh their knowledge.
A textbook commonly used in academic institutions to teach control systems engineering. It provides a comprehensive overview of control systems theory and design, including topics such as feedback, stability, and performance.

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