Hey there, fellow learner! Are you interested in PLC programming, but feeling discouraged by the high cost of physical PLCs? Well, do not fear, because I have great news for you! Gone are the days when you had to rely solely on training kits to test your PLC programs. These days, there are more affordable and accessible options available, such as the Easy PLC training suite. The software is more budget-friendly than traditional physical PLCs and provides a user-friendly interface perfect for beginners. With its intuitive design and comprehensive tutorials, Easy PLC makes it easy to learn and master PLC programming. So why spend a fortune on expensive physical PLCs when you can achieve the same level of proficiency with a more affordable option?
There are two popular training kits available in the market:
I prefer the Easy PLC suit over factory IO, because of:
- Budget-friendly with lifetime license validity
- Flexibility in project building
- No need for physical PLC In built HMI software
Easy PLC suit
Easy PLC software suit is a complete PLC, HMI, and Machine simulator software package. It includes:
1. Easy PLC
The PLC simulation will allow programming in the ladder, grafcet, logic blocks, or script. It has a virtual PLC you can connect with it virtually. The programming software has all the instructions you need for programming.
2. HMI system
Easily create a virtual HMI that no software offers. You get an option to launch the HMI screen with the machine simulator, it gets configured automatically and you can control the machine from the screen.
- HMI screen- The software offers a blank space to drag and drop the IO devices.
- Properties- You can change the font size, and color of text, and set connections of the devices.
- Tool Boxa. Standard control
b. Graphics control
You can find different indicators such as level, LED, numeric, etc.
c. External control
3. Machine simulator
A virtual 3D world with real-time graphics and physical properties. PLC programs can be tested using EasyPLC or through other interfaces like Modbus RTU, TCP, etc.
a. Library
The machine simulator provides you with the library of the machine. You can develop your programming skills using these machines. These machines have demo mode so that you can understand the working of the machine.
b. Editor
The machine simulator has editor mode so that you can create your own machine setup by using different tools such as a robot, conveyor, pneumatic cylinder, etc.
c. Machine simulator architecture
Machine simulator architecture
1. Vision option- You can use different camera options such as drone, 3D camera, and human to view your machine's working.
2. PLC control- You can control the PLC operation from here.
3. IO Drivers
4. Outputs- All the digital and analog output devices of the machine is shown here with their status.
5. Inputs- All the digital and analog input devices of the machine are shown here with their status.
Install Easy PLC suit
1. Download the Easy PLC demo
2. Select software version
3. Extract and run as administrator
After installation, you can see these three icons on your desktop. Now you need a machine simulator which is not available for free. Please follow these steps to purchase the MS software.
4. Steps to purchase Machine simulator
Easy PLC Products
- Standalone License - The standalone license allows EasyPLC + Machines Simulator to access a single computer. This license type can be activated/deactivated as many times as necessary, allowing it to be moved between computers. You can only run the software on one computer at a time.IMPORTANT: With this type of license it is necessary to have an Internet connection while using the software. Using this license you will have access to:- Machines Simulator & Machines Simulator Lite- EasyPLC + Virtual PLC + HMI SystemThis license does not expire over time, nor does it need to be renewed.
- USB license - All software modules are installed directly from the USB key. The USB license gives you the ability to have the software on multiple operating systems for computers, laptops, or virtual computers but requires the USB stick to be plugged into the system that is being used. It is a single-use at a time but multiple uses from access to access if you change computers. Internet connection is not required using this license! Licenses do not expire over time nor do they need to be renewed. Using this license you will have access to:- Machines Simulator & Machines Simulator Lite- EasyPLC + Virtual PLC + HMI System
- Tutorial Manager - The tutorial package offers 20 practical automation examples with problems & solutions for PLC programming. All exercises are solved for three different PLC systems: EasyPLC, Siemens TIA Portal, and Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Logix Designer. This module will be added to the license you have chosen (Standalone or USB).
- Machines simulator VR - Do you want a more real experience? use Machines Simulator VR, the software designed for Virtual Reality! Once you have created your system with Machines Simulator Editor (or using the already predefined systems), launch Machines Simulator VR, put on your headset, and enter the REAL VIRTUAL WORLD, touching the environment, sensors, pallets, boxes, etc… You will test the virtual system like you were in the real world, a really amazing experience. Machines Simulator VR introduces you to virtual reality through a VR headset compatible with Steam VR.
- GET UPTO 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL EASY PLC PRODUCTS ON USING MY COUPON CODE - Avinash
Install Standalone License
- Select Single PC license
- Click on Add to card and click on View cart
- Apply coupon code. Use my coupon code - avinash to get 10% off
After applying my coupon code, you can see the purchase has been reduced to 76.50 Euros. Here you can select PayPal or credit/debit card methods to purchase this package.
Note: - You get a lifetime license at this cost, also you can update the software version whenever it is available. - You can use this PC license for only one computer.
5. Installing machine simulator
Once you complete the purchase process, you will have to share your PLC software ID at
easyplc@nirtec.com to get a license. Easy PLC> Help > About
After that, you will receive an email from the Nirtec team with the links to the rest of the Easy PLC software package suite and your license file. Install the machine simulation software.
After completion of the downloading process, you can see one more shortcut on your desktop.
Now, copy the license file from the mail and paste it into the directory of Easy PLC and Machine Simulator.
Now the Easy suit is available to use.
Launch your Graphy