PLC programming (trainer)

[The Hobbit]

So I see value in learning to program PLCs. Does anyone here know of any resources to assist in learning these? Mainly like a trainer module, probably similar to a raspberry pi (maybe even a pi?). Looking at learning this with an eye towards automated industrial equipment.

[XEMON]

PLC are a bit different than microcontroller/computer as every manufacturer have their own way of doing things and their own software ...

If you want to learn it with an emphasis on industrial application, i would stay away from the pi and esp "PLC firmware". they are so far from anything industrial they will be more confusing than helpful.
Are you in the North America? Whats your budget?

I built my own "trainer bench" and , over the years, upgraded it to have a full simulated plant under my desk for testing.

[The Hobbit]

XEMON I’m in the US and have a scratch of knowledge on PLCs already. My goal is to get familiar with using a PLC in automation tooling (fabrication/assembly). I’m guessing I would be best suited to purchase and become familiar with a specific brand/model and utilize it for any projects.

[XEMON]

In the US, you will mostly see A&B.

find a used Micro800 PLC on ebay (if you find an 820 it gets you analog without needing a module).
The micro800 needs CCW, its not the best software, but its free and they've been doing lots of improvements on it over the last few years.
With that, get a few 24vdc lights and some switches (I built my first one on a perf board) and start making things 😁

[The Hobbit]

In the US, you will mostly see A&B.

find a used Micro800 PLC on ebay (if you find an 820 it gets you analog without needing a module).
The micro800 needs CCW, its not the best software, but its free and they've been doing lots of improvements on it over the last few years.
With that, get a few 24vdc lights and some switches (I built my first one on a perf board) and start making things 😁

Thanks, Allen Bradley was my thought.

pardon my ignorance but what is ccw in this context?

[XEMON]

CCW (Connected Component Workbench) is the software needed to program the micro800 series PLC.
If you get another A&B software (studio 500, ... ) youll be looking at several hundreds dollar a year for licensing.

[The Hobbit]

Thanks, you’ve definitely been a help.

[XEMON]

glad to hear, dont hesitate to reach out 👍

[XEMON]

digging through my stash for some testing i found an tester PCB i did a while back (raw PCB with a few buttons and LED 24v compliant to test IO on the PLC; nothing fancy or pretty)
Some wires broke, but i can re-solder them if you do not have a soldering iron.

If you want it its yours 👍