Low Cost PLC for Beginners | How to Get Started with Your Own PLC!

[@stephenwilson1012]

So this is where the How Its Made guy went

[@caffeinatedinsanity2324]

I learned quite a bit about programming with Arduino at home to be honest. The use of C/C++ should help me if I need to use similar languages such as Strctured Text or Siemen's SCL. Powerful for creating more complex data analyzing functions that ladder would struggle with. OR I learned to use directly communication interfaces instead of the libraries to communicate with a device, like I did with an AM2320 sensor. But of course if you need to get familiar with Siemen's stuff, their starter kit is ideal.

[@kelseeshriver4440]

Where would you recommend someone just starting to go to begin there journey in PLCs

[@logicmonster6197]

What is better for realpars courses , Siemens s7-1200 plc starter kit or Phoenix contact starter kit ? And why ?

[@realpars]

Great question, and one we could start more than a few debates with! If you want to learn and practice established programming techniques using industry-tested hardware and programming software built a library of IEC-compliant instruction sets, choose the S7 starter kit. If you want to learn and practice programming techniques using traditional and language-based (Java, Python, C++, etc.) programming software built a library of IEC-compliant instruction sets, choose the PLC Next starter kit. Both starter kits are similar in power and functionality, both have modular I/O (DI, DO, AI) and both can be expanded quite easily. I would likely give the S7 starter kit the edge on the processor provided, but the additional languages afforded by the programming software make the PLC Next starter kit better for exploring different programming approaches and experimentation. For about the same price as the PLC Next starter kit, there is an S7 starter kit that includes an HMI terminal. While not a great advantage, it does give the student the added aspect of configuring and downloading an HMI program. Your choice of which one better suits your needs! Both are excellent platforms for learning and exploring PLC logic! You can't go wrong with either!

[@burnedupsparkytipsandrevie9597]

It's a good deal but automation direct's click plc is cheaper and has free programing software no matter the "experience level". y'all make great programing videos

[@Morberis]

Even better you can use Codesys and a BeagleBone or a Raspberry Pi. Works great for home automation.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Click is a very basic PLC platform!

[@eliaslehtola1937]

How is the power supply to Siemens S7-1200? In my EU country we have AC 230V/50Hz with Europlugs or CEE7/4 (or Type F). Do I need to buy separate converter for the PLC?

[@realpars]

The S7-121C AC/DC/Relay version (6AG1212-1BE40-2XB0 or -4XB0) allows an input voltage of 85 - 264 VAC at 47 - 63Hz). The connections at the PLC are screw terminals. A typical wall cord for your area can be used with the plug at the PLC end removed and the bare power wires connected to the L, N, and G terminals at the PLC. (Never wire the PLC when the power plug attached to a power source!)

[@primozhorvat8096]

Hello, im really interested into starter kit, but which external analog input extension goes with this hardware? Thank you

[@realpars]

The analog inputs (2 total) for the S7-1200 Starter Kit CPU's are 0-10V analog inputs, perfect for potentiometers and voltage-based sensors. A 4-20ma sensor with a 500ohm resistor in series becomes a 2-10V input which, with proper scaling, works just fine! I use a small 4-20ma pressure transmitter in this fashion with my S7-1200 starter kit.

[@primozhorvat8096]

@@realpars thank you for your info! But what if i need more analog inputs? - so if i understand correctly, i cannot use NTC thermistor sensor? Thanks!

[@coolsheatingacservices7375]

So what is the cost or price?????

[@realpars]

Hello, @coolsheatingacservices7375. This link should give you an idea depending on where you are in the world. us.automationparts.com/siemens/automation-plc-and-process-control/6AV66517DA023AA4 Happy learning!

[@davidandrewkaye]

Can this be power to a 230v power supply

[@generaltechnologyknowledge5165]

Good video and good explanation

[@MainlyWebStuff]

Thanks for posting this - the starter kits seem like a nice way to get into PLC programming. What do you recommend for a low voltage system? Subscribed.

[@realpars]

My recommendations are: 1) Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 starter kit - 6ES7212-1BE34-4YB0, 2) Phoenix Contact Starter kit - PLCNEXT TECHNOLOGY STARTERKIT - 1188165

[@KrishnaYadav-zm4xu]

please explain all instruction of Gx works 3 software

[@Andreas-kp9pj]

2 years later - none of the S7 1200 Starter kits are available in Europe...

[@realpars]

It's unfortunate indeed

[@man.g2475]

Hi! I have a question. Do I need to have a PC to run the software or is an apple mac also supported?

[@realpars]

Only PCs running 64-bit versions of Windows 7 or 10 are supported by the TIA Portal software. Sorry.

[@man.g2475]

@@realpars Appreciate your answer . I'll try a second hand PC for my lesson. Thanks!

[@waseemomran1341]

Hello, As you mentioned in the first low price skid, it is included 2 analog input. Do you mean 8 bits accuracy for each? Thanks

[@realpars]

The analog inputs are 0-10V, 10-bit analog inputs.

[@waseemomran1341]

@@realpars So it' doesn't support the HART protocol of 4-20 mA

[@talktoeric]

Can I use an Automation Direct PLC instead?

[@realpars]

Of course! Automation Direct has a full line of low-cost PLCs and other hardware. However, the programming of these PLCs is somewhat different than the TIA Portal environment used to program Siemens PLCs. The ladder logic used for A-D PLCs is also based on IEC-61311-3, so you will be able to write programs for the Productivity, Click, or DL CPUs to perform most of the same tasks as any program written for Siemens CPUs.

[@marchmonkey7768]

do you ship to South East Asian Region? how much does the shipment costs?

[@realpars]

Hi there, Thanks for your comment! That depends on the country, we currently only ship to Malaysia and Singapore in Asia. The shipping fee also depends on the number of items you wish to order and the weight and measurements of those. You are able to see the breakdown of the price by adding the item to your card, filling in your shipping details and before the actual payment you will see a final price breakdown. marketplace.realpars.com/ Hope this helps! If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!

[@marchmonkey7768]

@@realpars so there's no way to ship it here in the Philippines?

[@marchmonkey7768]

@@realpars or do you have any distributor here in Philippines?

[@diegocamilopenaramirez6101]

Can i use OPC with these PLC? There are Open source software for these PLCs?

[@realpars]

Yes, an OPC UA is built-in to S7-1200 and S7-1500 PLCs. The required client software license needed to access data from the PLC is included with the starter kits. The programming software (TIA Portal Basic STEP 7) is also included with the starter kit. This is not considered to be Open-Source software., but it allows programming in ladder, function block, and structured text.

[@caseyrichter6193]

Hi, all I live in the US and have noticed that this kit is Euro based. I am wondering if the system and programs will run my PC? Thanks in advance.

[@realpars]

Yes. I have purchased items from the Realpars store (I am in the US), and I got a favorable exchange rate on the purchase (through my credit card transaction). The Siemens software is the same worldwide, and it will run on PC's with the appropriate versions of Windows for the product of interest. For example. TIA Portal v16 needs Windows 10 64-bit Professional or Enterprise to load properly, as do many other SIemens software products.

[@caseyrichter6193]

@@realpars thank you very much.

[@arbjful]

What are the restrictions for the Step 7 software offered in the starter kit?? I want to develop demonstration kit for integrating with a automation device. Is there a RS485 port available in this PLC??

[@realpars]

The restriction on the STEP7 software is that it is the Basic version, good only for programming S7-1200 PLCs and WinCC Basic Panels. There is only a Profinet port available on the S7-1212C included in the starter kit, but an RS-485/RS-422 port can be added with an add-on card: CM-1241 RS-485 communication module.

[@marchmonkey7768]

at what operating system will these kits work?

[@realpars]

For the TIA Portal programming software, you should use Windows 10, any version.

[@marchmonkey7768]

@@realpars thanks a lot

[@adewalesolomon568]

Please I have a question? Is there any certificate issue if I take online courses

[@realpars]

Hi Adewale, Thanks for your comment! You can certainly purchase our Certificate of Completion over learn.realpars.com/products/certificate, please bear in mind that we are able to issue your well-deserved certificate once you have completed at least 280 video courses. I hope this helps- please let me know if you have any other questions, and I'll do my best to assist.

[@TheBeautiGTV]

is the 1BE34 have a life time license???

[@realpars]

Yes, this starter kit includes a floating license that does not expire for TIA Portal Basic, which can be used for programming S7-1200 PLCs. To program other Siemens PLCs, a TIA Portal Professional license is required.

[@Raees_Malik8512]

Excellent explanation 👌. Very helpful topics and easy to understand

[@realpars]

Thanks a lot for your kind comment, Raees! Happy learning.

[@fiifinenyi2156]

I think Realpars should have a branch that can serve customers in Africa

[@robertlacoste3315]

Automation Direct..... I have it in about 100 machines. Cutting, indexing, pressing, heating, controlling robots, master to Allen Bradley controllers, monitoring heatolators, chillers, pretty much every brand of VFD, controlling servo drives, and tied to our ERP system. Excellent free tech help from them even though we do things with the product AD says wow to. From click to productivity and C more HMI panels it’s by far the best and least expensive control system. I have lines managed by AD’s productivity that have more then 60 devices with some sort of controller. UR, and Nachi robots, compact logic controlled accessories, Leutze programable Safty relays, multiple heatolators and chillers, motor drives, 6 rfid read and right devices, AB and AD HMi’s. AD as far as I’m concerned has the lowest cost and best control products offered anywhere , and their support blows all others out of the water

[@alexandrecouture2462]

100% agree. Also, they sell the products at one price for everybody, which is extremely useful for smaller-size automation business.

[@billfreiberg2786]

Automation direct is amazing. Holds up just as well as any of them if setup and wired properly. I love their hmis.

[@kfosshag]

Excellent 👍🏻👏🏻

[@phuciendj1572]

This is a great recommendation.😍😍😍😍😍

[@realpars]

Thank you!

[@arowhead9]

if you wanta go full power for cheep you can convert any pc with an intel nic into a backhoff plc

[@johnt.8936]

How?

[@mustafaimad3109]

Do you have trainings courses?!

[@realpars]

Hi Mustafa, Thanks for your comment! You obtain full access to our complete course library (400+ video courses) by subscribing to either our monthly package for €22.12 a month or our yearly package for €159.28 You can subscribe through the following link bit.ly/3ad3dGg Besides, you will have access to our Technical Team - consisting of high ranking engineers with a lifetime of experience - who are here to help you out with any questions you might have along the way! I hope this helps- please let me know if you have any other questions, and I'll do my best to assist.

[@mustafaimad3109]

RealPars thank you very much dears

[@waseemomran1341]

Do you have any training courses in SPI SmartPlant Instrumentation?

[@realpars]

Hi Waseem, Thanks for your comment! We currently do not have a video course on that topic, but it's a great topic suggestion I will pass this on to our course developers! Thanks for sharing and happy learning!

[@ie3562]

Excellent 👍

[@rajamuhamadsyuwari261]

Im thinking about this for awhile! HAHA

[@rkonaveen6792]

Can you please explain Delta plc...!

[@realpars]

Hey! Thanks for your comment and your suggestion. I will pass this on to our course developers! Thanks for sharing and happy learning!

[@rkonaveen6792]

@@realpars Yah ok. Thank for your information...

[@jenishthumar1904]

@@rkonaveen6792 every suggestions are replyed with this comment. And then nothing.

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

How come or am I just missing something, why aren't PLC's used in home automation?

[@stjonal]

They might be a bit overkill. simple microcontrollers can furfill the same functions, but at the fraction of the cost.

[@shifasivakasi8959]

V good vedio ☺

[@bluediamond105]

I used to work for shultz steel in south gate CA , we used the S7 but they also have allen bradly (old ones and new ones) I honestly think siemens is way superior and user friendly ,sadly cause of the plandemic they laid off all new people ,me included, I would love to continue studies on PLC here in souther CA but cerritos college only offers allen bradley

[@ashtonatrc466]

bro i work at shultz in MS and am trying to get a kit to learn with. Thats awesome

[@bluediamond105]

@@ashtonatrc466 Im not there no more, I am not black

[@debihsofiane3229]

Thank you

[@imadbouheroud3675]

Thanks

[@lct9031]

Hi Realpars I want to buy myself a starter kit but stuck which one to choose.... according to the specs - Kit 1, programming interface is Ethernet and network type is Profinet, then Kit 2, programming interface is Profinet and network type is Ethernet. What does the different network types and different programming interfaces mean?

[@realpars]

6es7212-1be34-4yb0: this kit contains a license for the OPC-UA runtime. No HMI. (can be added later with the additional purchase of an HMI panel) 6av6651-7ha02-3aa4: this kit has a KTP-300 basic HMI panel. No OPC-UA runtime (can be added later with the additional purchase of a runtime license) Both starter kits are programmed in the same way and come with TIA Portal Basic v16. The license does not expire.

[@kaddybhatt892]

I like your style #kaddy bhatt

[@zhoulong5637]

cool，thx

[@brandonly27]

Quick delivery? Real Pars told me the lead time on starter kit is 1 year.

[@realpars]

Hi Brandon, Thanks for your comment! Unfortunately, due to a global shortage of necessary components, the manufacturer is dealing with long delays. This shortage has unfortunately affected all Siemens Starter Kits at the moment. We hope that this will be resolved shortly, but unfortunately we do not have any control over this. Our apologies for the inconvenience!

[@brandonly27]

@@realpars Then you shouldn't say quick delivery.

[@brandonly27]

@@realpars I ordered a starter kit 3 months ago. as it said it was in stock on the website. I was not told about any delay and someone LITERALLY just contacted me from RealPars telling me about the delay. 3 months after I ordered and paid for the kit. You're going to call me and tell me 3 months after I ordered the kit that there is a delay on the orders. How does that happen?