We’ve been busy here at PLCGurus.NET! We are building a FREE Studio 5000 Video Training Series so our community members and user base can benefit from learning at their own pace on a widely used programmable automation controller (PAC) platform. To do that, we will require a few elements to be successful:
- A copy of the Studio 5000 Software (v21 and above) w/ RSLinx installed.
- A copy of the Studio 5000 Logix Emulate Software (or actual Logix Hardware).
- A willingness to learn fun new things!
No prior knowledge of the Studio 5000 environment is necessary, this series assumes you are new to the ControlLogix platform of controllers, Studio 5000, and the associated Studio 5000 Emulator software. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, continue reading…
Studio 5000 Video Training Agenda
Here is a list of the learning outcomes we aim to cover off in this video series:
- Configuring the Studio 5000 Emulator software and RSLinx.
- Creating a new Studio 5000 project and downloading it to the Emulated Controller.
- Adding Simulated I/O to the project Controller I/O Tree and work with that I/O in various programming scenarios.
- Adding Ladder Logic Instructions and Tags both Offline and Online.
- Create and understand the function of Alias Tags in a Logix Controller.
- Understand task types and the periodic task scan through practical examples.
- Create and apply User Defined Types (UDTs) through practical examples.
- Discuss common controller faults and apply corrective action methods.
- Explore the power of Studio 5000 trending through practical examples.
- Create custom Add On Instructions (AOIs) and use them in a practical example.
This list is not exhaustive by any means, rather a living, breathing template of where we plan to go – not necessarily where we will end up!
What Is Studio 5000?
Studio 5000, or Studio 5000 Logix Designer as it’s officially referred, is the next generation software suite to support Allen-Bradley’s latest platform of controllers. It’s built on, or more appropriately, it’s a step above and away from it’s predecessor software – RSLogix 5000. As Rockwell Automation puts it,
“Studio 5000 Logix Designer is the one application to configure, program and maintain the entire Allen-Bradley® Logix 5000 family of controller’s products and related devices. Its intuitive programming environment allows users to work collaboratively to design and maintain their systems.”
There is one subtle, but significant caveat if intending to use this next-gen software – it will only support “multi-core” Logix controllers. Meaning, if you intend to use Studio 5000 Logix Designer v21 or above, your choice of processors is limited to 1756-L7x and as of the writing of this article 1756-L8x ControlLogix processors and the CompactLogix line of controllers, 1769-L1xER, 1769-L2xER, and 1769-L3xER.
What Is Studio 5000 Logix Emulate?
Studio 5000 Logix Emulate contains a virtual chassis that allows you to configure emulation modules. Emulation modules run as Windows services that simulate the behavior of Logix5000 controllers and certain I/O modules. Or if you ask Rockwell Automation:
“Studio 5000 virtual design increases design productivity, reduces risk, and decreases overall project costs. Studio 5000 Logix Emulate is at the core of Studio 5000 virtual design, which enables Machine Prototyping, Throughput Analysis, Virtual Commissioning and Operator Training Solutions (OTS). Logix Emulate provides the ability to validate, test and optimize application code independent of physical hardware. New interface capabilities provide connectivity to 3rd party simulation and Operator Training Systems allowing users to simulate their entire process and train teams in a safe, virtual environment.”
Enough Talk – Let’s Get Started!
Okay, okay we’ve rambled on enough, let’s do the deep dive and get started into the first video in the series now!
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