In this article I am going to go over what I think are the essential tools every PLC Programmer needs in their backpack. Of course, this is highly subjective and I’m sure there are going to be items you think should be included which aren’t, or items I’ve listed that you’ll say, why does he include that!
That said, I certainly welcome all your comments and feedback and will update the article as needed. What I wanted to do is cover off the items I typically carry with me when on-site servicing a customer’s piece of automation equipment.
These will be items I either directly carry with me into the plant, or have on hand if needed in my vehicle. If your interested in learning more about what the essential tools every PLC programmer needs, be sure to keep reading.
Essential Tools Every PLC Programmer Needs
Let’s start with the basics. It’s a given that you are going to require a laptop and a bag to carry it and your equipment. The equipment you’ll likely have immediately on hand will mostly consist of cabling, digital multi-meters and small handheld tools.
Starting from the beginning, let’s list the tools every PLC Programmer should have with them when travelling to a customer site.
1. Laptop with sufficient horsepower
Choosing a laptop that has enough processing power and RAM is crucial. Often times you may be required to run one or more virtual machine to support some of the legacy systems that are still out there.
To take some of the guess work out of deciding which laptop you should consider purchasing, check out my comprehensive laptop reviews.
Typically my host machine will run Microsoft Windows 10 Pro so I get the power and speed of the latest and greatest operating system. Then I will have 2 virtual machines configured with the following operating systems:
2. Solid Carry-bag for your laptop and tools
Next you are going to need something to carry your laptop and other gear to bring along with you as you travel from one end of the plant to the other. I have had various laptop backpack bags that will do the job, however, I prefer a good roller bag with extension handle.
They tend to be able to store more – laptop, cables, multi-meters etc., and they don’t put a strain on your back. If you’re in the market for a new bag, roller or backpack let me recommend two:
- SwissGear Rolling Case And Matching 15.4″ Laptop Case
- SwissGear The Sherpa 15.6″ Padded Laptop Travel Bag
I actually own the first Swiss Army Gear Roller Bag in the list and have been very happy with the space it provides. I have a 17″ laptop and it fits no problem in this bag.
I’ve used it in harsh environments for about the last 8 years and its still works well. And like I mentioned, the other nice advantage of these rolling bags is they don’t hurt you back!
You should also consider a good wireless mouse, I recommend the Logitech Wireless Mouse.
3. A top rated digital Multimeter
The Fluke 87-V MAX is a top-of-the-line digital multimeter with a rich set of features and a highly durable build quality. It has a wide range of selectable functions to test temperatures, current, capacitance, voltage, frequency, and resistance.
Check out my electricians buying guide for a comprehensive review of even more multimeters.
4. An assortment of communication cables
An assortment of communication cables are essential. These will include USB, RS232 Serial, Ethernet to name a few. Also be sure to have the following:
5. Wiring tools and testers
Ethernet testing and crimping tools. As most in the industry are aware the shift to Ethernet/IP technologies are largely taking over the automation world. This means that a good Ethernet cable tester and crimping tool is an essential part of any PLC Programmer’s tool bag. I recommend the following:
Wire strippers/cutters and a small assortment of screwdrivers, Allen-keys (metric and standard) and wrenches. You should also consider the following:
- Electrical Insulated Screwdriver Set
- Safety shoes and glasses (must)
- Lock and tags for proper Lockout/Tagout (must).
- Electrical Insulated Screwdriver Set
Cell phone charger, laptop charger and USB flash drives. Always have your laptop and cell phone charging cable on hand and a good portable flash storage drive. Here are a couple I recommend for speed and reliability:
Items To Keep In Your Work Vehicle
It’s always a good idea to keep a good supply of pens, service forms and business cards in your work vehicle with a few of each on hand in your portable bag discussed previously. Other things to consider would be the following:
- Folding table and chair.
- Zip ties and Brady BMP61 Portable Handheld Label Printer
- Assortment of connectors (i.e., RJ45, BNC, Gender Benders), resistors, potentiometers.
- Spare safety glasses and a flashlight.
- Various Fluke leads and a Weller Self-igniting Cordless Butane Soldering Iron Kit
.
- A good set of calipers such as the Mitutoyo Absolute Scale Digital Caliper.
Conclusion
Well hopefully I’ve given you some good things to think about here. There’s nothing worse than being on a service call and realize, “oh shoot I forgot that at the shop”! This is certainly not an exhaustive list so feel free to leave a comment if I have omitted something you feel should absolutely be here.
I do encourage you to become a member of our growing community of professional engineers, technicians and technologists, Register Here!
Also, check out our YouTube Channel to see some great videos…and don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel!
If you enjoyed this article be sure to check out some of these good reads too:
- How To Become A PLC Programmer
- ControlLogix 5580 Processor Line Reviewed
- How Much Does A PLC Programmer Make
- PLC Versus Microcontroller – What’s In Your Plant?
- Essential Tools Every PLC Programmer Needs
- Difference Between DCS And PLC
- How To Implement A ControlLogix PID Controller
Lastly, if you run into any problems in your day-to-day engineering activities please be sure to check out our Live and Interactive PLC Forum!
And if you so desire, assist other community members by replying or offering helpful information to the questions or challenges they may be facing right now!