Process Visualization (Level 3)
What you'll learn
- By the end of this course, you will have created HMI / SCADA interfaces using various technologies allowing operators to interact with a live, running system.
- Using the provided PLC program as the basis for our interfaces, you'll be creating graphical interfaces to run the process and log data into a SQL database.
- You'll know how to map data between RSLogix 500 projects and several visualization technologies.
- You'll have some AMAZING demo projects to show off in interviews.
Requirements
- You will need to download a VERY LARGE archive in order to take full advantage of this course. That file is OVER 10gb! The alternative is to download a LOT of software individually and install and configure it all bit by bit. While I DO provide guidance for doing that in the course, I CANNOT provide one-on-one support.
- All software required for this course (except for VMWare if you use a Mac) will be provided. That being said, the versions provided are unregistered, not activated and running in demo mode. Continued use of these programs requires purchase, activation and licensure, however all of it will work for a limited time (adequate to complete this course). So you won't have to pay for software to learn, but the software WILL eventually stop working at the end of the various trial periods.
- The only software you need to worry about being able to run is VMWare. If you have a Windows PC, you can download VMWare Player for free. If you have a Mac, you will need to purchase a copy of VMWare Workstation... or use a Windows computer.
- Familiarity with RSLogix 500, RSLinx and RSLogix 500 Emulate is required for this course.
Description
As a PLC programmer, there are two sides of the coin that you MUST know to get the job done, and those are the PLC and the HMI. In my first two PLC courses (always cheaper on PLC Dojo), you learned the ins and outs of PLC and have already created some pretty complex programs to run machines.
But if people aren't able to interact with those machines, they aren't going to be of much use! In this course, you're going to learn about HMI and SCADA by creating graphical interfaces operators will use to monitor automated process, establish operating parameters, and even acquire and warehouse data from a running system.
There are multiple solutions on the market to accomplish these tasks, and as such, we're going to be covering several. Wonderware (Schneider Electric / Indusoft) is perhaps the top solution in the world of process visualization. As such, we'll be working extensively with that technology, but we won't limit ourselves to a single package.
We'll also be working hands-on with InduSoft, EasyBuilder 5000 and AdvancedHMI, and hands-off with FactoryTalk View Studio and C-More so by the end of this course, you're going to actually know and have working experience with most of what people are using in the world of automation today.
What's covered in each of the five PLC courses I teach here and on my own PLC Dojo site?
PLC Fundamentals (Level 1) teaches you how to program with the focus on ladder logic, which is the most popular PLC programming language. The goal is to teach you everything you need to know to make a PLC do what you want it to do. You are also given all the software necessary to both CREATE and RUN your own programs live - right on your own computer.
Applied Logic (Level 2) forces you to take what you've learned and solve problem after progressively harder problem unassisted. You get a spec and are told simply: "Make it work, and don't progress until you have." After, you get to watch me solve each one as well. By the end, you don't just know how to program - you are a PROGRAMMER.
Process Visualization (Level 3) gives you both knowledge and experience in FIVE different HMI / SCADA development environments. By the end, you've created several COMPLETE visualization (screen) projects that you can actually run on your own computer (and SHOW PEOPLE in an interview) with no additional hardware.
IEC Paradigms (Level 4) is only for the heavyweights. This course teaches you how to program using all five IEC programming languages (plus one more) in multiple environments. There are projects as well, so by the end, you have seen it all and DONE it all as well. There won't be anything anybody can show you that you won't already be familiar with.
TIA Portal Master Project (Level 5) is the culmination of everything. In that course, you'll program an entire power plant using all five PLC programming languages (in PARALLEL!) with a full HMI. It's a massive and complex project that really showcases your talents in an interview!
Who this course is for:
- This course requires students to already know the basics of PLC programming. You should already be familiar with RSLogix 500 memory / IO addresses. As we will be developing interfaces against a running instance of a PLC program running live on RSLogix 500 Emulate, you should already be familiar with that software as well as RSLinx and RSLogix 500.
- For those lacking the requisite knowledge to make the most of this course, my first course "PLC Programming from Scratch (PLC I) covers everything you'll need and a whole lot more.
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Instructor
- 4.7 Instructor Rating
- 34,737 Reviews
- 92,017 Students
- 7 Courses
My PLC courses cost LESS on PLC Dojo.
By degree, I'm an MBA, however after a few years on the road full-time as a management consultant, I fell into and in love with engineering.
My PLC / HMI experience includes projects from $10k up to about $40m, primarily within the realm of chemical processing and filtration. I am competent programming Rockwell, Siemens and a handful of smaller technologies.
I've also had the pleasure of designing most of the same systems I used to program. My competencies in this area include full design, 3D modeling and drafting of assembly and fabrication drawings in AutoCAD and / or Inventor. I've designed mobile systems that were built in shipping containers up to one that filled a two-story building.
Before engineering, I developed and implemented CI (Continuous Improvement) management systems in companies across America in various industries to include a military finance organization, a printing company, a mortgage bank, a candy factory (my personal favorite), a nuclear products manufacturer, a major producer of coiled aluminum and several more.
So as not to only be useful in a factory or an office, I'm also hold the following NASM certifications: Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Specialist and Behavior Change Specialist. And yes - I have a full gym where my living room should be.
And when I get tired of all that, I also have my own photo / recording studio. A guy has to keep busy, right? I'm BUSY generating TONS of useful, good stuff on YouTube!
For people into this sort of thing, I teach the Bible pretty seriously. On my website (Mind of Paul dotcom) I have produced TONS of resources dedicated to helping people understand that Book more clearly, a ton of videos on YouTube and I've now published two books on Amazon as well. If you're stuck in a confusing, institutional interpretation of the Bible that pits Paul against Jesus, the Old Testament against the New and portrays God as this ever-changing being who comes with different laws, covenants and expectations for different peoples at different times, I can help you find your way out.
Apart from things professional, I'm into rucking, cycling, running, lifting, PS5, XBOX, Steam Deck, studying incessantly, accumulating tattoos and spending all my time with my doggie (Mr. President).
Life is short. You only have one life to live. SO DO EVERYTHING!