PLC Programmer

They were probably referring to modern programmers that connect to the USB port of your PC. The software comes with the programmer.

We can use any laptop with serial port , need to purchse :

1. Software : Simatic Manage from Siemens ( though Demo version is available with Siemens System houses but is slow )

2. Special cable from Siemens to connect to PLC.

I am using it for Step 7 ( latest model of Siemens ).

Thanks,

The software is manufacturer specific, and typically covers a range of their PLCs but not necessarily all, especially software tailored to their low end PLCs. The PC or laptop connects directly to the PLC (with the exception of the addition of a converter if needed). The PC or laptop is the programmer once the software is installed.

You purchase this software from the PLC vendor or manufacturer.

Any necessary cables will be provided either with the PLC, the software, or as a package sold separately.

Depending on the brand and model of the PLC it may be a USB, Ethernet or RS-232 connection to the PC or laptop, and in some cases an RS-485 (Modbus) connection which would require a converter in the form of a separate box, or plug in card in the PC.

Basically its all much simpler now, and you get the software and any connection cables (and converters if necessary) from the PLC vendor. The current software for most PLCs is very good compared to years back.

Just a minor word of warning if using a laptop without a serial port with a PLC that requires a serial connection, some third party USB to RS-232 converters have not worked in some installations, so stick to what you can get from the PLC vendor, or their recommendation. The same potential problem applies to a USB to RS-485 converter or any other converter.

Greg

There are two types of Programming software for Simens S5 Series PLCs you may contact me at aksasee@yahoo.com for further information.

A K Sasee

hi,

there are so many types of PLC, but these all will not communicate with one software, first to chose plc, now a day plc providers arrange free software with plc. you can use it easily.

check this link http://www.plctechnician.com/

Habib Hiader,

Karachi.

I'm not sure if you're refering to Siemen's Fastrex (sp?) PLC or not. It is a PLC base program use in Windows, thereby allowing you to use your computer (laptop or desktop) to program Siemens PLC. I believe it's use for Siemen Step 7 program.

MidniteFighter

It's unclear whether you will be working on S5 systems (which are "mature") or S7 which is the current platform.

S5 can be programmed with Step 5 from Siemens or 3rd party software. It all runs on a laptop.

S7 is programmed with Step 7. Simatic Manager is program which manages various pieces of Siemens software to integrate them into a cohesive system, for example Step 7 and WinCC Flex which is the Siemens HMI software.

Step 7 comes in 3 versions - Lite, regular and pro. Lite is fairly inexpensive and can generally be used if no networking is required or other special applications. Regular & Pro are over $2000 and $3000 US respectively.