RSLogix 5000 Tutorial

This is a free introductory tutorial on how to create an automation program for a ControlLogix or CompactLogix processor using the RSLogix 5000 programming environment from Rockwell Automation.

If you would like to follow along with the tutorial, Rockwell Automation has graciously offered a 90 day demo of RSLogix 5000 as a free download. It’s fully functional, except it won’t communicate with a real PLC.

The tutorial explains how to write the automation program including the ladder logic and sequential function chart for a domestic washing machine. I chose a washing machine because it’s quite simple, and it’s something that everyone is familiar with. I should, however, note that you would never put an industrial controller into a domestic washing machine, and you probably wouldn’t ever use a servo motor for the agitator, but I wanted to demonstrate a little motion control as well. I have heard that newer washing machines actually have VFD control, but I admit that servo control is overkill.

I also don’t have any real knowledge of how a washing machine works internally, other than using my imagination, so please don’t use this as a reference if you happen to be designing, programming, or building a real washing machine!

1. Creating a new project
2. Customizing the editor and colors
3. Adding I/O cards
4. Creating the axis for the servo motor
5. Program structure: High level program layout
6. Program structure: How to layout routines
7. Mapping your inputs
8. Mapping your outputs
9. Create fault logic
10. Create the low level machine control routines
11. Create the automatic sequence
12. Tie the automatic sequence logic to the outputs

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