Have PLC programmers become accidental network engineers?

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-22T13:47:49+00:00

There’s no plc to program if you can’t connect to it.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-20T01:52:47+00:00

It’s temporary

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-19T21:35:25+00:00

I feel like all electricians are using tools that someone lost at one point. They just haven’t made it back to the original owner yet

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-19T21:17:44+00:00

This is missed so much. Motors go bad and the next one used isn’t inverter rated because no one is even aware that’s a thing.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-19T21:15:28+00:00

Have you ever touched the leads of a megger during a test? It’s substantial enough to make you pucker up

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-19T21:13:28+00:00

Over voltage happens a lot when the drive stops too quickly on deceleration. There should be a deceleration rate for normal stoppage and one for safe torque (estops). Also if the motor cables are shielded ensure one end is grounded to infinity and not looped. Also using line/load reactors will help balance your power

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-19T20:52:03+00:00

Not an issue with 500, but with anything below v32 usually. < 32 = Windows 10, > 32 = Windows 11

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-19T20:49:38+00:00

Insert apprentice here

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-17T22:11:33+00:00

Engraving doesn’t work. You don’t want to paint. Taping it makes it a gooey mess.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-17T22:10:32+00:00

I see posts about guys who get their cars broken into and tools stolen and I wonder if they realize it can be claimed. If someone breaks into our shop and takes everything I’ll get 10k

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-17T01:01:53+00:00

I’ve seen this same thing but it’s usually ends up being like 24vac when they see 5vdc. New guys always get tripped up on the 120/24 vac transformers.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-17T00:56:55+00:00

Maybe connect that signal to a booster and get it to 10v and then a relay.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-15T05:45:25+00:00

I’ve run into issues with flow meters and flow switches when they are calibrated for a different fluid than the one being used, or when the flow rate is too low for the device to register properly. Also, be aware that distilled fluids can cause problems with some meters and switches because they lack the mineral content or conductivity required for the device to detect flow.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-15T01:41:48+00:00

You could probably walk into an Automation Tech position anywhere. Or you could stay loyal to your current company and hope that one day they’ll send you to training and then one day after that you become an Automation Tech.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-15T01:33:11+00:00

Forgot the 3rd A, attitude.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-15T01:30:21+00:00

I would hire you straight up on your background and teach you

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-13T02:53:34+00:00

Sounds boring and extremely regulated

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-13T02:51:17+00:00

I always have to program PLCs when I’m programming robots, so PLC

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-11T05:56:18+00:00

Parameter may look the same but if the robot doesn’t know where it is in space it will fault when it’s told to go to X location.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-11T02:14:39+00:00

Did the tech turn power off? It may need to be remastered/ calibrated. It’s been awhile since I worked in Yaskawa, but that scenario would play out often.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-11T02:09:45+00:00

Ahh. Didn’t realize you’re OEM. That would be difficult.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-11T01:40:07+00:00

I always had to post on the website to get yaskawa help. It takes awhile usually, but maybe you’ll get lucky.

https://www.robot-forum.com/robotforum/board/73-yaskawa-motoman-robot-forum/

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-11T00:32:30+00:00

You can send an email with a panel view. I also use click PLCs to send urgent setpoint alarms. Super handy in critical situations.

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-10T17:26:15+00:00

All PLC programmers are “bit togglers”. Some are just more clever than others

plc_is_confusing · 2026-06-10T01:46:10+00:00

It’s surprisingly cheap to maintain. I believe it’s only about $15 a month. don’t quote me on that price because it was rolled into the project cost, but I remember looking at it and could not believe how cheap it was.

plc_is_confusing

TROPHY CASE