How to Connect a Three-wire DC Sensor to a PLC

An application calls for a three-wire DC sensor to report to a PLC. How should they be connected together?  Check the input card of the PLC and find the voltage rating. Does it operate on DC voltage? Also determine whether the input needs to be sinking (NPN) or sourcing (PNP.) Look at the sensor and make sure the voltage rating and PNP / NPN type is the same. If there is a mismatch, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for both devices to determine compatibility.

If the PLC's input card is rated for DC voltage and it is a sinking (NPN) type input and also if the sensor operates on DC voltage in the same range and its output is sinking (NPN), then the two should be compatible. Connect the PLC to the power supply, but do not turn the power supply ON yet. Then connect the sensor's positive source voltage wire, which is normally brown, to the positive terminal of the power supply. Connect the negative or neutral sensor wire, normally blue, to the power supply as well, but on the negative terminal. Then connect the sensor's signal wire, normally black, to the PLC input card at the number address that you will assign as the sensor in the PLC program. When the sensor is activated, it will connect the PLC output to neutral or ground, which the PLC will interpret as a "true" condition and respond as programmed.

If the PLC's input card is rated for DC voltage and it is a sourcing (PNP) type input and also if the sensor operates on DC voltage in the same range and its output is sourcing (PNP), then the two should be compatible. Connect the PLC to the power supply, but do not turn the power supply ON yet. Then connect the sensor's positive source voltage wire, which is normally brown to the positive terminal of the power supply. Connect the negative or neutral sensor wire, normally blue, to the power supply as well, but on the negative terminal. Then connect the sensor's signal wire, normally black, to the PLC input card at the number address that you will assign as the sensor in the PLC program. When the sensor is activated, it will connect the PLC output to the positive terminal of the power supply, which the PLC will interpret as a "true" condition and respond as programmed.

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How to Connect a Microsoft XBOX to a PC

Would you like to play video games in your computer room without using a stand-alone television? Play your Microsoft XBOX game system on the same monitor that your computer uses. It’s not that hard to set up.

Buy an inexpensive TV tuner card or video capture device. Find one that is compatible with your PC. If the tuner card has a PCI connection, check inside your computer for an available PCI slot. Also verify that the tuner card has the correct input jacks so that it will be compatible with your Microsoft XBOX adaptor. You may have to buy a different adaptor for the XBOX. Install the tuner card in your PC and install the necessary software and drivers.

Connect your XBOX to the tuner card's input jack using a coaxial connection or A/V. The software included with the card will provide you a full-screen window to view the tuner card's input source.  Insert a game and power ON the XBOX. A splash screen should appear for the Microsoft XBOX on your computer monitor. Now play till your heart's content.


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How to Connect a Nintendo Wii to a PC

In some rooms, it is not practical to have multiple television sets. If you spend a lot of time at your computer and you would like to play your Nintendo Wii game system on the same monitor that your computer uses, it’s not that difficult to set up.

Purchase a cheap TV tuner card or video capture device from either your local electronics store or online. Be sure to choose one that is compatible with your PC. If the tuner card is a PCI card, check inside your computer for an available PCI slot. Also verify that the tuner card has the correct input jacks that will be compatible with your Nintendo Wii adaptor. You may have to purchase a different adaptor for the Nintendo Wii, but that should be easy to find. Install the tuner card in your computer and install the necessary software and drivers.

Connect your Nintendo Wii to the tuner card's input jack via coaxial connection or A/V. The software included with the card should allow you to view the tuner card's input source in a full-screen window. Be sure to set the Nintendo Wii's light bar on top of your computer monitor so that the controls will function properly.  Insert a game and turn the power to the Nintendo Wii on. You should see the splash screen for the Nintendo Wii appear on your computer monitor and you should hear sounds from the game playing from your computer's speakers.


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How to Connect a Playstation to a PC

Connect your Playstation game system to the same monitor that your computer uses, it’s easy and inexpensive set up.

Buy a cheap TV tuner card or video capture device from an electronics store or from the Internet. Locate one that is compatible with your PC. If the tuner card uses a PCI connection, look for an available PCI slot inside your computer. Does the tuner card have the correct input jacks that will be compatible with your Playstation adaptor? You may need a different adaptor for the Playstation, but that should be easy to locate. Install the tuner card into your computer and load the drivers.

Connect the Playstation to the input jack on the tuner card via the coaxial connection or A/V. View the tuner card's input source in a full-screen window using the software included with the card.  Power the Playstation on. The splash screen for the Playstation will appear on your computer monitor. You should hear the game's music from your computer's speakers. Don't stay up too late playing.


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