Your source for PLC Products and Training, Field Device Simulators including 4-20mA instruments, and UL508A Control Panels
We are a UL508A certified panel shop who also sells products used in the industrial automation industry.
We offer a full line of high quality PLC programming cables, PLC products, and electronic simulators and testers plus repair services for PLC and HMIs.
In addition to our PLC products, we offer PLC trainers to help you get started learning about industrial control panels. You can also find many great articles and a series of lessons in our support section to help you with your PLC training.
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Our Most Popular Articles
- Motor Poles & RPM
- RsLogix 500 - Downloading and installing RsLogix 500 and RsLinx for FREE
- Where can I download RsLogix 5000 / Studio 5000 Logix Designer and what is the price/difference of each version.
- 3-Wire Control - Start Stop Circuit
- RsLogix Lesson - Timers - TON, TOF, and RTO explained
- Reading wiring diagrams and understanding electrical symbols
- Electrical Contacts - Normally open and normally closed contacts
- RsLogix 500 - Where can I download RsLogix 500 and what is the price/difference of each version?
- Motors - Horsepower and Amps of 230VAC and 460VAC 3 Phase 60hz Electric Motors
- Using a Multimeter, Voltmeter, Ammeter, and an Ohmmeter
Information
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Support
- Drivers, Software, and Manuals
- Application Examples
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Technotes
- Technote #1 - PLC Tools SIM-ALP battery life
- Technote #2 - PLC Tools SIM-ALP2 fine increment improvement
- Technote #3 - Clarification of power up procedure and power icon on the PLC Tools SIM-ALP2 and SIM-IPE
- Technote #4 - What types of analog signals can the PLC Tools SIM-ALP2 connect to
- Technote #5 - How to use the PLC Tools SIM-ALP2 with 1762-IF4 and 1762-IF2OF2 module in Current Source and Two-Wire modes
- Technote #6 - How to convert our START STOP motor starter panel to an HAND OFF AUTO
- Technote #7 - What does the "OPEN WIRE" banner mean on the PLC Tools SIM-ALP2
- Technote #8 - Revisions to Industrial Control Panel Trainer to make way for HMI and other improvements.
- Technote #9 - Motor Starter Control Panel Naming Revisions CP-EMSXX
- Technote #10 - How to convert our NO BUTTON motor starter panel to an START STOP
- Technote #11 - Determining the PLC Tools SIM-ALP2 0-20mA Engineering Units from 4-20mA scaling parameters
- Technote #12 - Using a 2 AA battery adapter to extend the operating time of the PLC Tools SIM-ALP2 Analog Simulator
- Technote #13 - Wiring Color Codes for Pre-Wired Trainers
- Technote #14 - PLC Trainer Naming Revisions
- Videos
- FAQs
- Sample PLC Programs
- Standard Drawings
- Newsletter
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Lessons
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PLC Training Getting Started
- PLC Training - About Us
- PLC Training - Notes to Instructors and Employers
- PLC Training - Notes to Students
- PLC Training - What type of PLC should I start with? Allen Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, Automation Direct?
- PLC Training - What Type of Laptop do I need for Programming PLCs? Brands? Ports? Memory? Speed? What Matters?
- PLC Training - What should be in my PLC programming laptop backpack? - Tools, PC, programming cables
- PLC Training - What tools should you have in your vehicle for PLC programming and working on industrial equipment
- PLC Training - Warnings and precautions before you get started
- PLC Training - Lockout Tagout (LOTO)
- PLC Training - Getting familiar with your trainer
- PLC Training - Electrical Contacts - Normally Open and Normally Closed Contacts
- PLC Training - Reading electrical wiring diagrams and understanding schematic symbols
- PLC Training - How to get a Job Programming PLCs
- PLC Training - 44 Questions and Answers about PLC Programming! Part 1
- PLC Training - 44 Questions and Answers about PLC Programming! Part 2
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RsLogix 500 PLC Training
- Getting Familiar with RsLogix 500 Lessons - Downloading and Installing the Software, Going Online with Your PLC
- RsLogix 500 Lessons on Basic Bit Instructions, Timers, Counters, How a PLC Scans and Executes Code
- RsLogix 500 Lessons on Analog, Math Instructions, and Dealing with PLC Faults
- RsLogix 500 Training - Programming Machine Sequences to do an Automatic Process
- RsLogix 500 Training - Miscellaneous Topics and Lessons in Development
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Studio 5000 PLC Training
- Where can I download Studio 5000 Logix Designer / RsLogix 5000 and what is the price/difference of each version.
- How to Download and Install Allen Bradley's RsLinx Lite Classic for Free
- How to wire an Allen Bradley Compactlogix PLC
- How to connect to an Allen Bradley Controllogix or Compactlogix PLC over USB using Studio 5000
- How to connect to an Allen Bradley Controllogix or Compactlogix PLC over Ethernet using Studio 5000
- How to upload a program from an Allen Bradley Compactlogix or Controllogix PLC using Studio 5000
- How to download a program to an Allen Bradley Controllogix or Compactlogix PLC using Studio 5000
- How to create a new program in Studio 5000 for the Controllogix and Compactlogix PLC
- Studio 5000 XIC XIO and OTE Bit Instructions for the Controllogix and Compactlogix PLC
- Studio 5000 Alias Tags. How to create and use them to make addressing easier.
- Studio 5000 Timers TON TOF RTO Explained including the EN Enable, TT Timer Timing, and DN Done bits
- Studio 5000 CTU and CTD Counter Instruction for Allen Bradley's Controllogix and Compactlogix
- Studio 5000 Adding Expansion Modules to an Allen Bradley Compaclogix PLC
- Troubleshooting RsLinx Browsing Programs Caused by Harmony Files
- Solve the Yellow Question Mark on Allen Bradley Devices in RsLinx by Downloading EDS from the Device
- Understanding the Key Switch on Allen Bradley PLCs. 3 Positions, 4 Modes. Run Remote Program.
- How to connect to an Allen Bradley Controllogix PLC over USB with Studio 5000 and RsLinx
- How to Connect to an Allen Bradley Controllogix PLC over Ethernet with Studio 5000 and RsLinx
- How to download a program to an Allen Bradley Controllogix PLC using Studio 5000
- How to use Controlflash Plus to Fix Download Problems to an Allen Bradley Controllogix PLC
- Allen Bradley Controllogix PLC Performance. L6X vs L8X.
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CCW Micro800 Training
- Where Can I Download Allen Bradley's Connected Components Workbench for the Micro800
- How to use the Allen Bradley Micro800 Simulator in Connected Components Workbench
- Wiring an Allen Bradley Micro820 PLC Inputs and Outputs or a Micro800, Micro830, Micro850, Micro870
- Allen Bradley Micro 820 - Going Online Over Ethernet with Connected Components Workbench CCW Software
- Connecting to an Allen Bradley Micro 800 PLC over Serial or USB
- Uploading from an Allen Bradley Micro800 Micro820 PLC with Connected Components Workbench
- Downloading to an Allen Bradley Micro800 Micro820 PLC with Connected Components Workbench
- Allen Bradley Connected Components Workbench - Micro 820 Firmware Upgrade. How to Update Firmware in CCW and Handle Update Errors.
- Using the Logix Theme of Connected Components Workbench to Make it More Like Studio 5000
- Understanding the scan cycle of an Allen Bradley Micro800 Micro820 PLC
- Basic Bit Instructions in Connected Components Workbench. Direct Contact, Reverse Contact, Coil
- Allen Bradley Micro800 Timer Instructions in Connected Components Workbench Software
- Allen Bradley Micro800 Counter Instructions in Connected Components Workbench Software
- How to Program a Seal In Rung for an Allen Bradley Micro800 using the Connected Components Workbench
- Using the SET RESET OTL/OTU instructions in Allen Bradley Micro800 Connected Components Workbench
- Different Ways to Program a START STOP Control for a Motor in an Allen Bradley Micro800 PLC
- How to make Allen Bradley Micro800 Micro820 Outputs Retentive and How Power up Affects Instructions
- What Happen When You Have Duplicate Outputs in an Allen Bradley Micro800 PLC? Last Rung Wins = FALSE
- How to Wire Analog 0-10VDC inputs and outputs to an Allen Bradley Micro800 Micro820 and Program Them
- How to wire analog 4-20mA sensors to the 0-10VDC inputs of an Allen Bradley Micro820 PLC and scale
- Write a User Defined Function Block for Allen Bradley Micro800 PLC in Connected Components Workbench
- Allen Bradley Micro800 Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text Programming
- How to Configure Trends in Connected Components Workbench for the Allen Bradley Micro800 PLC
- Allen Bradley Micro800 HSC High Speed Counter Configuration for Encoders in CCW
- How an Encoder Works. Determining Direction and Position.
- Encoder A and B Channel Signals are Phase Shifted 90 Degrees. Clarification on our Encoder Lesson.
- Calculating Rate on a High Speed Counter in an Allen Bradley Micro800 Micro850 PLC
- How to Configure Input Filters in Connected Components Workbench for the Allen Bradley Micro800 PLC
- How to connect to an Allen Bradley Micro800 PLC that has DHCP enabled
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Allen Bradley Powerflex 525 AC Drive Training
- Using the Allen Bradley Powerflex 525 AC Drives Front Keypad and Setting Basic Parameters
- How to Reset an Allen Bradley Powerflex 525 AC Drive to Factory Defaults
- How to Wire and Configure an Allen Bradley Powerflex 525 AC Drive for 2 Wire Control
- How to Wire and Configure an Allen Bradley Powerflex 525 AC Drive for a START/STOP 3 Wire Control
- How to Wire an Allen Bradley Powerflex 525 AC Drive for Reverse Operation
- How to Add a Potentiometer Speed Control to an Allen Bradley Powerflex 525 AC Drive
- How to Wire a 0-10VDC Analog Meter to the Analog Output of an Allen Bradley Powerflex 525 AC Drive
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UL 508A Control Panels
- Introduction to Electrical Control Panels including PLCs and HMIs
- Control Panel Building Getting Started Part 1 of 6
- Control Panel Building Cutting Holes in Enclosures Part 2 of 6
- Control Panel Building Mounting Components Part 3 of 6
- Control Panel Building Power Wiring, Control Wiring, and Shielded Cable Wiring Part 4 of 6
- Control Panel Building Mounting the Panel in the Enclosure Part 5 of 6
- Control Panel Building Testing and Finishing Touches Part 6 of 6
- Cutting Holes in Control Panels - Cutoff Wheel vs Jigsaw vs Plasma. Which one Wins
- Using an Oscillating Multi-Tool to Cut the Corners on Square Holes in Industrial Control Panels
- Installing a Through the Door Disconnect the Right Way
- How to Neatly Wire Push Buttons on a Control Panel Door
- Drilling holes in an UL 508A Industrial Electrical Control Panel
- DIN Rail Cutter - A BIG Time Saver When Building Industrial Electrical Control Panels
- Wire Ferrules - When to Use, How to Crimp, Insulated vs Non-Insulated, and UL 508A Guidelines
- Terminal blocks Explained. An Important Part of a Professional Industrial Control Panel.
- Terminal Block Jumpers - They Can Save You Time, Money, and Headaches
- How to Cut Extruded Aluminum Profiles. Are Aluminum Cutting Blades Worth It? Miter Saw or Band Saw
- Control Panel Building - NEMA or UL Enclosure Ratings
- Control Panel Building - IP Enclosure Protection Ratings
- Control Panel Building - Environmental Ratings NEMA and IP
- UL 508A Industrial Control Panel Building Tips. Using Templates to Save Time and Fastener Lengths
- Shielded Cable - Uses and Terminating
- Short Circuit Current Rating Calculations
- Identifying Industrial Control Panel Components
- How to Make Money Scrapping Copper and Sorting to Maximize Your Money While Not Wasting Your Time!
- Electrical Control Panel Layout
- How to Wire a Subpanel
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PID Proportional Integral Derivative Lessons
- PID Control. What hardware do you need to learn Proportional Integral Derivative Control
- PID Control. Why Won't Manual Control Work? Do We Need Proportional Integral Derivative Control?
- PID Control. Does ON OFF Control Work? When to use & when you need Proportional Integral Derivative
- PID Control. How to Configure the PIDE Instruction in Studio 5000 for Allen Bradley PLC Process...
- PID Control. Wiring the Analog Inputs and Analog Outputs to an Allen Bradley Micro800 Micro820 PLC
- PID Control. Programming a PID instruction in an Allen Bradley Micro800 Micro820 PLC using CCW
- PID Control. Wiring the Analog Inputs and Analog Outputs to an Allen Bradley Micrologix PLC
- PID Control. How to program a PID instruction in RsLogix 500 for Allen Bradley Micrologix and SLC
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Analog Circuits Training
- Analog Circuits Training - Understanding Analog Circuits 0-10VDC 4-20mA
- Analog Circuits Training - Wiring a Potentiometer to a Meter - Basic Voltage Circuit
- Analog Circuits Training - How Voltage Dividers Work and Calculating Resistor Values
- Analog Circuits Training - Analog 4-20mA Current Circuit Types - 2 Wire and 4 Wire Current Source
- Analog Circuits Training - How a PLC Input Reads a 4-20 mA signal
- Analog Circuits Training - Binary to Integer and Integer to Binary Conversions
- Measuring a 4-20mA Signal with a Voltmeter
- Analog Circuits Training - Analog Scaling using y=mx+b
- How to measure a 4-20mA signal without blowing the fuse in your voltmeter
- How to Change a Blown Fuse in the mA Circuit of a Multimeter and How to Check if Yours is Blown
- Ohm's Law Power Formulas and Pie Chart
- Detecting an open circuit in a 4-20mA loop using the PLC Tools SIM-ALP2
- Resistor Color Code Chart and Standard Resistor Values
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Industrial Control Wiring
- Contactors and Relays - Starting Motors, Sending Signals...What's the Difference?
- Using a Multimeter, Voltmeter, Ammeter, and an Ohmmeter
- Industrial Switch Types | Toggle, Push Button, Selector Switch, Etc.
- Control Wiring - Sinking and Sourcing, NPN-PNP Devices and PLC Inputs
- Control Wiring - 2 Wire Control - ON/OFF Circuit
- Control Wiring - 3 Wire Control - Start Stop Circuit
- How to Wire a HOA Hand Off Auto Control Circuit
- How to Wire Series and Parallel Control Circuits
- Calculating Volts and Amps on Series and Parallel DC Circuits.
- How to Wire a 3 Way Switch. Carrier...Traveler...What?
- Wiring - Typical wiring color codes
- Control Wiring - Sensor Types, Mechanical Switch, Proximity, Retroreflective Photoelectric, Diffused Photo Electric
- Control Wiring - Transformer Wiring Primary and Secondary
- Wiring - Transformer Overcurrent Protection for Primary and Secondary Windings Using Fuses or Circuit Breakers
- Conventional Current Flow vs Electron Current Flow
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Motors, AC VFD Drives, and 3 Phase Power Training
- 3 Phase Power - Making 3 Phase Electrical Power from Single Phase
- How to Run a 3 Phase Machine with Single Phase Power with a AC Drive including VFD Installation
- How to Make 3 Phase Power from Single Phase Power Using a Rotary Phase Converter including 480VAC
- How Does a Rotary Phase Converter Make 3 Phase from Single Phase?
- Motor Poles & RPM
- AC Circuit Troubleshooting with a Non Contact Sensor Compared to a Meter
- How Do Motors Rotate? Magic? Squirrels? Magnetic Fields
- What does the inside of an AC motor look like?
- 3 Phase Motors and Rotating Magnetic Fields. Using a Compass to Show How Motors Rotate
- Do Rotary Phase Converters Hurt Sensitive Electronics?
- Wiring - Determining Wire Size and Voltage Drop for Amps - 240/120 VAC
- Wiring - Determining Wire Size and Voltage Drop for Amps - 480/277 VAC
- Wiring - Maximum Number of Conductors in Conduit
- Introductions to Servo Motors and Motion Controllers
- Motors - Horsepower and Amps of 120VAC 1 Phase 60hz Electric Motors
- Motors - Horsepower and Amps of 230VAC and 460VAC 3 Phase 60hz Electric Motors
- Wiring - What is VA Volt-Amps and KVA Kilovolt-Ampere and How to Calculate It
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STEM with Tim - Fun Experiments to Learn about Electricity
- STEM Books for Kids. Help Your Kids Excel at Science, Math, and Critical Thinking.
- Learn about Electricity with Aluminum Foil and a Magnet - STEM with Tim
- How Does a Plasma Ball Work? STEM with Tim
- How magnets produce electricity using a magnet and coil of wire. STEM with Tim
- How to Make a Homopolar Motor from Battery and Learn Fleming's Right Hand Rule
- How Do Transformers Work? Using Two Contactor Coils and a Bolt to Show How Magnetic Flux Works
- Women in Engineering
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PLC Training Getting Started
- Contact Us