Everything You Need to Know About PLCs
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or new to the field of automation, learning how to use a new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) can be a challenge. Searching through multiple sites for the information you need to get your PLC up and running can take up precious time, delaying deployment while issues are being resolved. To make this process as painless as possible, the following page provides a central access point for everything you need to know about Maple Systems PLCs.
Video Tutorials
Do you need help learning how to add a Maple Systems PLC to your project? Our tutorials provide step-by-step instructions and videos so you can follow along when learning how to use your PLC. The following section contains our entire collection of video tutorials for Maple Systems PLCs in one place.
MapleLogic Software Overview
Skills you’ll gain: The basics, features, and programming environment of our MapleLogic PLC programming software.
How to Set Up Your Maple PLC and HMI with Modbus
Skills you’ll gain: The basics, features, and programming environment of our MapleLogic PLC programming software.
How to Set Up your Maple Modular PLC as a Modbus TCP Master Device
This tutorial will cover Modbus TCP communication between two Maple PLC’s using an Ethernet Module.
How to Set Up your Maple PLC as Modbus RTU Master Device
This tutorial will cover Modbus RTU communication between two Maple PLC’s. A Maple Modular PLC as the slave device and a Maple Micro PLC as the master device.
How to use the PLC Simulator and Online Edit in MapleLogic
This tutorial will cover downloading and uploading a scan program in MapleLogic using the PLC Simulator as well as Online Edit Mode.
How to Program a High Speed Counter
This tutorial will cover the configurations for using the built-in High Speed Counter for the Maple Modular and Micro PLC’s.
How to Read Temperature using a Thermocouple
This tutorial will demonstrate how to read temperature with a thermocouple using a Maple Modular PLC and a Thermocouple Module in MapleLogic.
How to Read Temperature using an RTD Sensor
This tutorial will demonstrate how to read temperature with an RTD Sensor using a Maple Modular PLC and an RTD Module in MapleLogic.
Allocating your I/O Expansion Module and Online Communication
Skills you’ll gain: Allocating and configuring your I/O modules as well as going online with your Maple PLC.
PLC Registers and Data Types
Skills you’ll gain: What data types are available, to address memory, and simple ladder programming.
How to Program Timers
Skills you’ll gain: Understanding of various timers, how to implement timers, and when certain timers should be used.
How to Program Counters
Skills you’ll gain: Understanding of various counters, how to implement counters, and which timers should be used in a given situation.
How to Set Up your Maple Modular PLC as a Modbus TCP Master Device
This tutorial will cover Modbus TCP communication between two Maple PLC’s using an Ethernet Module.
How to Set Up your Maple PLC as Modbus RTU Master Device
This tutorial will cover Modbus RTU communication between two Maple PLC’s.
How to Troubleshoot and Reset Error Codes in your PLC Diagnostics
This tutorial will cover troubleshooting the PLC Diagnostics in MapleLogic. It will demonstrate the steps in resetting any error codes within your CPU and I/O Modules.
What is a PID Controller?
In this tutorial you will learn about PID functionality, as well as how it is used in Industrial Control environments.
What is a High Speed Counter How is it Used with an Encoder?
In this tutorial you will learn about high speed counters and how they are used with encoders as well as how they are both utilized together in Industrial Control environments and configured in the control software (MapleLogic).
PLC Programs, Special Configuration and Communications
Skills you’ll gain: Learn the various types of programs, special configurations, and communication configurations to set-up your program.
How to Turn a Pump On and Off Using Digital I/O
Skills you’ll gain: This tutorial will demonstrate how to turn a pump on and off using digital I/O and configuring in the PLC Control Software (MapleLogic).
How to Read the Analog Input from a 0-10V and 4-20mA Pressure Sensor
Skills you’ll gain: How to wire your input and output devices, configure multiple channels, and how to read current and/or voltage signals.
How to Configure your I/O Modules Virtually
This tutorial will cover how you would configure your I/O modules virtually in MapleLogic and converting them into ladder diagram without having the physical hardware.
Manuals & Guides
Here you’ll find our collection of user manuals for Maple Systems PLCs, as well as individual modules. Meticulously designed to supplement your understanding of PLCs, these manuals provide a good starting point for those who want to know more about their PLC hardware.
Software Downloads
The MapleLogic configuration software is free to use, and can be downloaded using the link below. Visit our Software & Upgrades page to see our entire collection of applications and utilities available for download.
Sample Projects
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced PLC user, sample projects can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance your proficiency in programming PLC applications. These resources are designed not only to demonstrate the capabilities of our PLCs but also to serve as a springboard for our clients to develop their unique applications, tailored to their specific needs.
Controller Cables
Controller cables are used to connect the PLC to other devices, enabling communication between them. Devices using serial protocol have different pinout configurations from model to model, so it is important to make sure that the cable used is compatible with both devices. The table below contains links to our Communication Cables page that can be used to find the right cable for your project.
| Maple Micro PLCs |
|---|
| PLC-FB0808P / PLC-FB1616P0202 / PLC-FB1616R0202 |
| Maple Modular PLCs |
| PLC-ES0808P / PLC-ES0806R / PLC-ES1616P |
| HMI + PLC |
| HMC2043A-M / HMC2070A-M /HMC4043A-M / HMC4070A-M / HMC4101A-MHMC3043A-M / HMC3070A-M / HMC3102A-MHMC7030A-L / HMC7030A-M / HMC7043A-M / HMC7057A-M / HMC7070A-M |