In this book, I teach the basics of Programmable Logic Controllers and how to program them, their uses and applications. This will give you the knowledge you need to start writing your own PLC programs immediately. I also teach some advanced topics of PLCs that will put you on the path to becoming an expert in programming PLCs. Therefore, before you finish reading this book, you will have a very clear understanding of ladder logic programming structure of and you will also be able to apply it to real-world industrial applications.

If you want to master PLC programming, the best thing to do is study and use real industrial applications such as those I provide in this book. This is because good scenarios and industrial applications will make you learn better and faster the features and functions of the RSLogix 500 software.

In this book, the methods I present are those that would usually be employed in real world industrial automation, and they are all you will ever need to know. So, you will find the knowledge you acquire from this book very helpful, especially if you have little or no knowledge of PLC programming, and also if you are any skillful PLC programmer, no matter the level of your skill.

If all you have is just a PLC user manual or if you only refer to the help contents in a PLC documentation, you will be far from acquiring the skills you need to become an expert in PLC programming. Therefore, you will find my book very helpful for acquiring PLC programming skills. Not only will it give you a good start if you have never laid your hands on a PLC before, it will also teach you some advanced tricks and techniques for designing and developing anything from small to complex programs using only RSLogix 500 software.

A question I am often asked by beginners is where they can download a free version of RSLogix 500 to practice. I provide in chapter 3 of this book links to web pages where you can download a free version of RSLogix 500 and a free version of the RSLogix Emulate 500. Therefore, you do not even need to order any PLC to start learning, running and testing a ladder logic program.

Not only do I show you how to obtain the above-mentioned Rockwell Automation software for free and without hassle, I also illustrate with very clear screenshots every step of the installation, configuration, navigation and how to use the software to write ladder logic programs.