I often get private messages or comments from friends asking me questions about PLCs . As an experienced user, I feel it's very important to help everyone, since I also went from a novice to an expert. Today, I'll share some typical questions with you.
How can someone with no prior knowledge learn this skill? Is it even possible to learn it?
This is the most frequently asked question, and the one I least want to answer. Not only when learning PLC, but also when learning musical instruments and many other skills, there are always people asking this kind of mindless question! I'm not trying to discourage you, but if you can ask this kind of question, you definitely won't learn it. Who doesn't start from scratch? What do you mean by "foundation"? Learning any skill starts from nothing. You don't need any prior knowledge! Take schooling, for example. We go from elementary school to middle school and then to high school, right? Elementary school lays the foundation for middle school; it doesn't automatically get you into middle school!
So, don't be afraid!! The reason you're asking this question is simply because the initial learning curve is a bit steep. Don't rush, take it slow.
2. Could you provide some materials? Could you provide some instruction manuals? Could you provide some programming software?
Regarding this question, I just want to say that we live in the internet age, and information access is extremely convenient. Of course, the Jicheng Training Network forum has a lot of materials, all of which are free to download. If you want to know more about learning materials, you can also join the Jicheng Training PLC learning and exchange group: 513217853. There are many PLC experts there, and you can ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.
3. What should I do if I can't understand other people's programs?
You're overthinking this. Other people's programs reflect their thought processes, so it's normal not to understand them! Understanding other people's programs is very tiring. PLC programming is different from computer programming; it's closely related to production processes and mechanical equipment. It's perfectly normal not to understand the program just by looking at it.
All you need to do is understand the basics of loop self-locking, interlocking, classic start-stop, and the principles of timers and counters. Because all programs are combinations of these elements.
4. Which one should I learn? Siemens, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric, Omron—there are so many!
This is a question that many beginners find confusing. Actually, it doesn't matter which one you learn to drive; it's like driving a car. If you can drive a Mercedes, you can't possibly not be able to drive a BMW. If you drive a Mercedes every day, and then you're given a BMW and say you can't drive it, well…!
Our purpose in learning PLCs is not to learn a particular brand of PLC, but to learn a programming mindset, a problem-solving method, and to accumulate experience. Therefore, which brand you learn is not important; what's important is dedication. Don't learn for the sake of learning. With so many PLC manufacturers, which one should I learn from?
5. Should we buy a PLC?
It depends on the individual. If you have money, you can buy one. If you have a tight budget, you don't need to. Modern PLC software has simulation functions and can simulate most functions, such as bus communication and inter-PLC communication. Hardware-dependent functions may not be able to be simulated, but beginners don't need to master these.
6. What should I do if I'm afraid of damaging the parts and don't dare to do it?
Don't be afraid, believe in yourself, and be bold! PLC is a practical skill; you'll never learn it without hands-on experience! You just need to be bold and careful! When wiring, be sure to check carefully. If the PLC says DC24V , but you insist on plugging in AC220V, who can you blame?
Therefore, don't have so many doubts when learning PLC. If you want to master this skill, just study diligently and don't have any worries. There are many articles on WeChat official accounts that provide a systematic PLC learning experience from basic to advanced levels, and the Jicheng Training website has a lot of video materials for beginners.
