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  3. Ladder Logic any experts here?

Ladder Logic any experts here?

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  • R Ron Nicholson

    I started to do some LAD stuff for a Rockwell system we used. This was about 10-12 years ago. I never got very deep. I did a DuckDuckGo search and found these Siemens ladder logic documentation[^]. The first link[^] Seems promising. Probably not your equipment, but it might help bring back memories. HTH. P.S. I'm sure you've already searched and didn't find what you need, so feel free to ignore me. :)

    Jack of all trades, master of none, though often times better than master of one.

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    glennPattonWork3
    wrote on last edited by
    #8

    The Siemens stuff is odd, Siemens web site is very awkward to navigate, you need to login to get access to bits and can be awkward and is generally awkward to use... I point people to it as a "don't do this" example.

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    • G glennPattonWork3

      Hi All, I have been given the task (read 'saddle with') of reverse engineering and modifying a Siemens conveyor system. The thing uses a version of Ladder Logic (if you don't know it's a Programming system that was designed to be easy to read, I think we all know what that creates). I used a simple form Allen-Bradley form back at college (many moons ago!) I appear to have lost all reference I had for it. The situation is the system works, I don't want to risk breaking it. So if anyone has a reference it would be very nice! Glenn

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      fgs1963
      wrote on last edited by
      #9

      Glenn, The latest Siemens PLC development tool is called TIA (Totally Integrated Automation). It is a free download and has a 14 day demo license. It also includes full help files. I think its at v17 or v18. If you don't find what you need elsewhere, this might be an avenue to get there. BTW: Previous to TIA they used Step 7 (v5.x) and it had the same free d/l, demo and help system concept. It might be more appropriate if you're dealing with "old" logic. Not sure if its still available from Siemens.

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      • F fgs1963

        Glenn, The latest Siemens PLC development tool is called TIA (Totally Integrated Automation). It is a free download and has a 14 day demo license. It also includes full help files. I think its at v17 or v18. If you don't find what you need elsewhere, this might be an avenue to get there. BTW: Previous to TIA they used Step 7 (v5.x) and it had the same free d/l, demo and help system concept. It might be more appropriate if you're dealing with "old" logic. Not sure if its still available from Siemens.

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        glennPattonWork3
        wrote on last edited by
        #10

        Aah version 18! The PLC wouldn't run if I compiled in 18, I had to use 17. Also have you tried the Siemens site for help it's a nightmare! try to create an account it opens Outlook if you have open already, in Browser tab. Has the font set too small to read at a distance. Also which genius created the acronym TIA for Totally Integrated Automation, we have another pointless TLA...

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        • P PIEBALDconsult

          If only they were similar to these binary load lifters I have...

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          glennPattonWork3
          wrote on last edited by
          #11

          Hmm Sigourney Weaver reference?

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          • G glennPattonWork3

            Aah version 18! The PLC wouldn't run if I compiled in 18, I had to use 17. Also have you tried the Siemens site for help it's a nightmare! try to create an account it opens Outlook if you have open already, in Browser tab. Has the font set too small to read at a distance. Also which genius created the acronym TIA for Totally Integrated Automation, we have another pointless TLA...

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            fgs1963
            wrote on last edited by
            #12

            Yup - been a Siemens customer for ~25 years. Step 7 from the start and TIA for the last 5 years. As for the Siemens site being a nightmare... 100% agree but its way better than it used to be. X|

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            • G glennPattonWork3

              Hi All, I have been given the task (read 'saddle with') of reverse engineering and modifying a Siemens conveyor system. The thing uses a version of Ladder Logic (if you don't know it's a Programming system that was designed to be easy to read, I think we all know what that creates). I used a simple form Allen-Bradley form back at college (many moons ago!) I appear to have lost all reference I had for it. The situation is the system works, I don't want to risk breaking it. So if anyone has a reference it would be very nice! Glenn

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              Ralf Meier
              wrote on last edited by
              #13

              Hi Glen, I can't find a real question from you - no matter ... I would say that I'm very familiar especially with Siemens-PLC's - I'm working with it the last 35 years ... so if I could help you ...? Independant : there is a very good PLC-Forum in Germany (www.SPS-Forum.de) where you can ask questions (normally in German but English is also possible) which I would recommend to you ...

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              • R Ralf Meier

                Hi Glen, I can't find a real question from you - no matter ... I would say that I'm very familiar especially with Siemens-PLC's - I'm working with it the last 35 years ... so if I could help you ...? Independant : there is a very good PLC-Forum in Germany (www.SPS-Forum.de) where you can ask questions (normally in German but English is also possible) which I would recommend to you ...

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                glennPattonWork3
                wrote on last edited by
                #14

                Hi, Sorry about that don't really have any questions yet, before I open the box I kinda like to know I have access to someone who might know enough to help me shut the box. A pre-emptive cry for help if you like. There are issues that need sorting that aren't directly software linked (like a sensor going into error constantly, the patch cable had come out!). I was more after someone I could ask if my Ladder Logic was correct. It seems from the way it's set up, it won't need as much alteration as I thought. One line going a speed when called via a push button, another line going the opposite way when called by a button and a roller table non-powered between them. At the moment it looks like we can just flatten the square and go from there with no alteration (until the ammount of room is changed so we either need to lengthen it or shorten it) Thanks Glenn :-D

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                • G glennPattonWork3

                  Hi, Sorry about that don't really have any questions yet, before I open the box I kinda like to know I have access to someone who might know enough to help me shut the box. A pre-emptive cry for help if you like. There are issues that need sorting that aren't directly software linked (like a sensor going into error constantly, the patch cable had come out!). I was more after someone I could ask if my Ladder Logic was correct. It seems from the way it's set up, it won't need as much alteration as I thought. One line going a speed when called via a push button, another line going the opposite way when called by a button and a roller table non-powered between them. At the moment it looks like we can just flatten the square and go from there with no alteration (until the ammount of room is changed so we either need to lengthen it or shorten it) Thanks Glenn :-D

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                  Ralf Meier
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #15

                  So let's make it short ... if you have any specific questions feel free to ask me - or do it inside the Forum I suggested to you (where I am one of the Moderators). Independant - I'm quite sure that you could be helped to solve your issue ... but for that it's necessary to habe the relevant source-code. But some question from me : - which kind of Siemens-SW are you using ? - is that code written in Step7-Classic or TIA ? - do you know that normally you could switch from Ladder (KOP) to Instructions-List (AWL - sorry I only know the German words) or Function-Plan (FUP)

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                  • R Ralf Meier

                    So let's make it short ... if you have any specific questions feel free to ask me - or do it inside the Forum I suggested to you (where I am one of the Moderators). Independant - I'm quite sure that you could be helped to solve your issue ... but for that it's necessary to habe the relevant source-code. But some question from me : - which kind of Siemens-SW are you using ? - is that code written in Step7-Classic or TIA ? - do you know that normally you could switch from Ladder (KOP) to Instructions-List (AWL - sorry I only know the German words) or Function-Plan (FUP)

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                    glennPattonWork3
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #16

                    I think we are using TIA version 17... if that makes sense, the ladder appears inside funtion blocks (which confused me!) I will get over to the Forum you suggested, I know the registering process can take a little time. The source code is a collection of three files (does that sound right?). I'm having to pick up a project that got part done, then Covid happened and the guilty party (person that had all the knowledge) left!

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                    • G glennPattonWork3

                      Hi All, I have been given the task (read 'saddle with') of reverse engineering and modifying a Siemens conveyor system. The thing uses a version of Ladder Logic (if you don't know it's a Programming system that was designed to be easy to read, I think we all know what that creates). I used a simple form Allen-Bradley form back at college (many moons ago!) I appear to have lost all reference I had for it. The situation is the system works, I don't want to risk breaking it. So if anyone has a reference it would be very nice! Glenn

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                      Nelek
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #17

                      I can help you out with that, Glenn. I am maybe not as good as Ralf aobve, but I am pretty good too. Give me a PM here and I will answer you per mail, where we can continue writing or arrange a live conversation

                      M.D.V. ;) If something has a solution... Why do we have to worry about?. If it has no solution... For what reason do we have to worry about? Help me to understand what I'm saying, and I'll explain it better to you Rating helpful answers is nice, but saying thanks can be even nicer.

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                      • F fgs1963

                        Glenn, The latest Siemens PLC development tool is called TIA (Totally Integrated Automation). It is a free download and has a 14 day demo license. It also includes full help files. I think its at v17 or v18. If you don't find what you need elsewhere, this might be an avenue to get there. BTW: Previous to TIA they used Step 7 (v5.x) and it had the same free d/l, demo and help system concept. It might be more appropriate if you're dealing with "old" logic. Not sure if its still available from Siemens.

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                        Nelek
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #18

                        v17.x.x

                        fgs1963 wrote:

                        It also includes full help files.

                        And they actually are not that bad.

                        fgs1963 wrote:

                        It might be more appropriate if you're dealing with "old" logic.

                        Not only might, should. There are "breaking" changes in some important libraries

                        M.D.V. ;) If something has a solution... Why do we have to worry about?. If it has no solution... For what reason do we have to worry about? Help me to understand what I'm saying, and I'll explain it better to you Rating helpful answers is nice, but saying thanks can be even nicer.

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                        • F fgs1963

                          Yup - been a Siemens customer for ~25 years. Step 7 from the start and TIA for the last 5 years. As for the Siemens site being a nightmare... 100% agree but its way better than it used to be. X|

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                          glennPattonWork3
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #19

                          Quote:

                          As for the Siemens site being a nightmare... 100% agree but its way better than it used to be. Dead | X|

                          Oh dear :bob: worse? :wtf:

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                          • N Nelek

                            I can help you out with that, Glenn. I am maybe not as good as Ralf aobve, but I am pretty good too. Give me a PM here and I will answer you per mail, where we can continue writing or arrange a live conversation

                            M.D.V. ;) If something has a solution... Why do we have to worry about?. If it has no solution... For what reason do we have to worry about? Help me to understand what I'm saying, and I'll explain it better to you Rating helpful answers is nice, but saying thanks can be even nicer.

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                            glennPattonWork3
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #20

                            Hi, Thanks for that, I was having a minor panic attack! I have been billed as an expert, I am not, I have used Allen-Bradley (strangely while I was doing a contract at Siemens). Before that a course at college too long ago. I have access to experts Yayy CP! Glenn

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                            • G glennPattonWork3

                              Hi, Thanks for that, I was having a minor panic attack! I have been billed as an expert, I am not, I have used Allen-Bradley (strangely while I was doing a contract at Siemens). Before that a course at college too long ago. I have access to experts Yayy CP! Glenn

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                              Nelek
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #21

                              I even tried a time ago to open a section about it in the forums, articles. But there was not a big resonance and I dropped the idea.

                              M.D.V. ;) If something has a solution... Why do we have to worry about?. If it has no solution... For what reason do we have to worry about? Help me to understand what I'm saying, and I'll explain it better to you Rating helpful answers is nice, but saying thanks can be even nicer.

                              1 Reply Last reply
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                              • G glennPattonWork3

                                The Siemens stuff is odd, Siemens web site is very awkward to navigate, you need to login to get access to bits and can be awkward and is generally awkward to use... I point people to it as a "don't do this" example.

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                                milo xml
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #22

                                Their website is the worst.

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                                • G glennPattonWork3

                                  I think we are using TIA version 17... if that makes sense, the ladder appears inside funtion blocks (which confused me!) I will get over to the Forum you suggested, I know the registering process can take a little time. The source code is a collection of three files (does that sound right?). I'm having to pick up a project that got part done, then Covid happened and the guilty party (person that had all the knowledge) left!

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                                  fgs1963
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #23

                                  glennPattonWork3 wrote:

                                  the ladder appears inside function blocks (which confused me!)

                                  It's actually pretty cool and very functional (pardon the pun). It's been like this for decades so Siemens was actually ahead of the curve compared to many PLCs. Here are a few basics that might help. OB1 is the "main" cyclic function that loops endlessly. OB100 is a "first scan" function that runs one time at PLC power-on before OB1 starts looping. OB## are interrupt functions that only occur when a fault occurs (hardware or software). FC## are functions with inputs and outputs but no internal storage FB## are functions with inputs, outputs and internal persistent storage (called STATS) DB## are data blocks that maintain persistent storage. Every FB call requires an associated DB but DBs can also stand alone. With "Multi-Instance" calls you can call an FB multiple times. Each instance has it's own unique inputs, outputs and DB (persistent storage). Think of it as a class in C++.

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                                  • G glennPattonWork3

                                    Hi All, I have been given the task (read 'saddle with') of reverse engineering and modifying a Siemens conveyor system. The thing uses a version of Ladder Logic (if you don't know it's a Programming system that was designed to be easy to read, I think we all know what that creates). I used a simple form Allen-Bradley form back at college (many moons ago!) I appear to have lost all reference I had for it. The situation is the system works, I don't want to risk breaking it. So if anyone has a reference it would be very nice! Glenn

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                                    iplaykeys
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #24

                                    My advise is to find out how it's supposed to work, then get a Click PLC from Automation Direct and re-implement it.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
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                                    • G glennPattonWork3

                                      Hi All, I have been given the task (read 'saddle with') of reverse engineering and modifying a Siemens conveyor system. The thing uses a version of Ladder Logic (if you don't know it's a Programming system that was designed to be easy to read, I think we all know what that creates). I used a simple form Allen-Bradley form back at college (many moons ago!) I appear to have lost all reference I had for it. The situation is the system works, I don't want to risk breaking it. So if anyone has a reference it would be very nice! Glenn

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                                      petechic
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #25

                                      You can email me. In engineering, it is a very common programming standard, along with other standard you would be more familiar with. It can be converted to a more procedural style with fancy Allen-Bradley tooling, modified, then converted back. You usually want a systems integrator to do it, because you’re running equipment. Give me a shout. pjschieck@aol.com

                                      Pete Schieck Legal/business refs: build-a-concert.com/legal

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                                      • P petechic

                                        You can email me. In engineering, it is a very common programming standard, along with other standard you would be more familiar with. It can be converted to a more procedural style with fancy Allen-Bradley tooling, modified, then converted back. You usually want a systems integrator to do it, because you’re running equipment. Give me a shout. pjschieck@aol.com

                                        Pete Schieck Legal/business refs: build-a-concert.com/legal

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                                        glennPattonWork3
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #26

                                        Cheers, the issue is I have do a bit a college many moons ago. I remember enough to be dangerous. Didn't know anyone in address my book, I know VHDL, C, C++, C#, Java, VB not ladder! :)

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                                        • G glennPattonWork3

                                          Cheers, the issue is I have do a bit a college many moons ago. I remember enough to be dangerous. Didn't know anyone in address my book, I know VHDL, C, C++, C#, Java, VB not ladder! :)

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                                          petechic
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #27

                                          The coolest tip I can give to a C programmer would be that 110V is on one side of the ladder, and NEUTRAL is the other side. Each step (rung) of the ladder is a Boolean switch (or multiple) to turn ON a light. FYI: Rockwell inspection rungs are different than standard Boolean logic, so it can be tricky. But, with your procedural knowledge, it just takes a bit of converting bools to electrical ‘switches.’ PLCs (the controller) are simply arrays of Boolean-mapped (as in truth tables) relays in an electrical panel … really, really small relays. I always have to take a refresher video when I convert, as I program in C and ladder. Typical Rockwell ladder rung: If (on the left side of the ladder rung) the switch is closed (e.g. light switch)… then complete the circuit to the light circuit, which is represented as a COIL on the right of the rung. Execution order (PLC ‘scan’) is top-to-bottom of rungs. Rockwell uses ‘tasks’ to break ladders into logical sections. Good luck. Rockwell is the best.

                                          - Pete

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