How To Learn Siemens PLC Programming

[mrincredibleParticipantKarma: 53Rank: Padawan]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone here can offer some suggestion around getting up to speed on Siemens PLC programming. I’ll admit, my experience is pretty limited to Rockwell/Allen-Bradley but I can’t imagine its a huge leap to move into the Siemens world??? At least I’m hoping! Obviously, there’s a lot of YouTube content out there so that’s not my question really. What I’m asking is:

1. Can someone recommend a Siemens PLC that is widely used (I’m not really familiar with their product line) that I can setup at home that will give me everything I need to become proficient with their line of controllers. I don’t mind spending a little.

2. Any good books (free or otherwise) that will be helpful.

Thanks!

[PLCGuruKeymaster]

Hi there Mr. Incredible…new movie coming out I hear! To your questions.

My first thought would be to check out your local community colleges to see if they offer any courses that you can pick up in the evenings or when your schedule permits. This will definitely be the most cost effective way to learn Siemens PLC’s, and they typically will supply the hardware (which can get expensive) and software for you to train on.

If this isn’t an option, then like you said there is a plethora of content online for you to get started via YouTube or other online tutorials, however, without having the hardware and software this may not be meaningful.

You did say you had a bit money that you would be willing to spend. My recommendation would be to look at something like a Siemens S7 1200 controller. Theses controllers are compact and will provide you with everything you need to get started with Siemens. I’ve seen a couple pre-built trainers on Amazon you can check out here: SIEMENS S7 1200 PLC Trainer, ANALOG, Software, Ethernet ~ PLC TRAINING STARTER KIT WITH TIA Portal. It is a little pricey, so depending on your budget it may or may not be an option.

As for a good text, I personally own this book and have found it to be quite good: Automating with SIMATIC S7-1200: Configuring, Programming and Testing with STEP 7 Basic V11; Visualization with WinCC Basic V11

Good luck and come back and let us know how things are going!

[Ron RobertsonParticipantKarma: 13Rank: Padawan]

Mr. Incredible,
I agree with Mr. Graham , might also look on ebay for a S71200 for TIA Portal experience. BTW you can get a 30 day trial license to play with . Most distributors will have sample SW or can direct you to a download. You can also program the S7300 and S7400 series in portal, if your looking for Step 7(S7 Classic) instruction, you tube or 3rd party with be best (least expensive) source, although Siemens probably still offers a course, expect to drop 2-3 thousand for a week. See “https://www.sitrain-lms.com/”

Hans Berger books are also excellent and found on Amazon.

[RDH69ParticipantKarma: 14Rank: Padawan]

I bought on ebay,  the s71200 and it is very good to practice with, i am somewhere between  beginner and amateur , can do enough to write complete programs and testing. i just started wincc advanced- using a pc as your hmi controller- still in practice on that one- really like siemens. did AB for several years,

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