Brief Description
- Be able to recognise S7 hardware and be able to replace modules when a fault occurs.
- Be able to operate the Step 7 software to make it perform certain tasks.
- Understand basic S7 instruction set and be able to make minor modifications to software.
- Be able to backup and restore a PLC program when required.
- Be able to perform basic system diagnostics when a problem occurs.
- Understand PLC to HMI communications
- Create and make alterations to HMI screens
Course Content
To fault find a system you need to know EXACTLY how it works
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The Led on the output card means i am getting voltage out right? does it?
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What exactly happens in between? theres more than just a program in the CPU
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How exactly does it scan the program?
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What is this Watchdog Timer? Is it that important?
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Can I use the same output twice? That’s bad programming isn’t it?
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A PLC is a logic controller, so use a logical approach to fault find it.
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What are the 8 simple test points to check?
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The PLC is in RUN, that means theres a program right? does it?
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FORCING a bit and toggling a bit is pretty much the same yeah? depends on which PLC
Then you need to know the specifics
- How do I check power is ON and PLC is in right mode (RUN or Program)
- Check for a fault condition (is SF LED ON)
- Establish a link to the PLC (accessible nodes)
- If comms problem check PG/PC interface
- Create a blank project and take a backup (just in case I mess up)
- Open project for PLC and go OnLine
- Interrogate Diagnostics Buffer
- Identify if it is a hardware or software fault?
- Change the battery
- Change modules if necessary, (with spares and without spares)
- Identify if it is a PLC or Comms fault (Profibus or MPI)
- Check all settings against a template, Node Address etc.
- Check Hardware Configuration
- Clear Memory and Download program
- Check software against latest copy (Compare function)
- Monitor program
- Searching for specific operands and instructions
- Changing timer, counter values On Line
- Making minor mods Off Line and On line
- Check or create a VAT table to establish parameter status
- Force a parameter if required
- Call up reference data to assist with software diagnostics
- Archive and Retrieve project
- Display Documentation (Symbols, Comments)
- Reassign an I/O address and change software addresses (Rewire Function)
- Basic Analog Input configuration
- Printing Cross Reference / Program Listings etc.
- Understanding HMI to PLC comms
- Create a simple HMI application
- Add Push buttons, data display and alarms to an existing HMI
Background information also covered
Understanding of the following:
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Number formats, bits, bytes, words, double words
- Binary, HEX,octal,floating point, integer
- Data types and parameter types, Bool etc.
- Block types
- Variable types (local and global)
- How to monitor various blocks
- Ladder, STL programs
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Basic Instructions, contacts, Set, reset etc.
- Timers, Counters
- Comparators, Maths
- How to make minor mods
- Altering values in a VAT table
- Back tracking through a program to establish where power flow stops
- Overall reset procedure
- Fault finding tips
Course Documentation
- S7 Simatic Manager Reference Guide
- WinCC Flex Reference Guide
Course Equipment (per delegate)
- S7 300 or 400 PLC
- WinCC HMI (shared 1 HMI per 2 delegates)
- PC or Laptop
- Real IO Simulator
Reviews
Excellent Course
Course: Siemens S7 1200 and WinCC HMI Basics
Course covered TIA Portal introduction and programming. Instructor has sound knowledge and experience in the field and is able to pass this on. Highly recommended.
- Sean (October 27, 2021)
Great course
Course: Siemens S7 300/400 PLC & WinCC Flex HMI Level 2
Very good and in depth course with lots of information we covered a range of PLCs and programs. Mick made it very simple to understand and answered all questions we had. Very knowledgeable and friendly instructor
- Harry Tredaway (October 1, 2021)
PLC Training course
Course: Siemens S7 1200/1500 and WinCC TIA Portal Level 2
Very good course, plenty of information and a friendly instructor. Highly recommend if you need to know more about PLCs,
- Luke thackery (October 1, 2021)
My experience
Course: Siemens S7 300/400 PLC & WinCC Flex HMI Level 1
Great experience Tutor was very helpful and friendly Learnt a lot would definitely recommend
- Joel Chapman (October 1, 2021)
Highly recommend
Course: Siemens S7 EAL Level 3 Unit (601/5326/ X Programmable Logic Controllers 3)
Excellent course. Would highly recommend, especially for any engineers leaving the forces and going in to a maintenance role
- Steven Meldrum (December 18, 2020)
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