Copyright © 1998-2017 Luca Gallina

Runmode, programming Siemens PLCs

Free tools, hints, tips and tricks. Interesting and specialized applications are also on sale, all developed by programmers for programmers.

About me

I am Luca Gallina, a free lance professional who started programming Siemens PLCs in 1988.

My resume is also available here

Profile

Freelance programmer/analyst with extensive experience on Siemens Step5 / Step7 PLCs and with automated systems integration from the conceptual design stage to commissioning.

• Specialised in developing standard functions, software drivers and pre-commissioning simulations on S7 PLCs.
• Have worked for different software houses, including a Siemens Industrial Service company, and therefore in touch with various automation fields.
• Good problems solving and analytical skills.  
• Ability to work independently or within a team environment.
• Developer of software tools, utilities and serial protocol drivers for Siemens Step7 systems.

Professional experience

• Full-time automation programmer since 1988, planning, developing, commissioning and documenting software for automated machines and plants.
• Most experience concerns Siemens S5 and S7 PLCs in various industrial fields
• Experience as software specialist and consultant for Italian Siemens Service.
• Experience in open and closed loop positioning modules, multi-axis machinery applications.
• Developed S5/S7 blocks libraries for third parties.
• Developed specialised software with Borland Delphi and MS Visual Basic.
• Developed PC-based CASE utilities, simulation applications and other PLC programming aids.
• Knowledge of PLC communication processors (Serial, Profibus, Industrial Ethernet).
• Experience in communications, including protocols reverse-engineering.
• Developed HMI applications, using Siemens Protool / WinCC Flexible or PC programming languages.
• Experience in small and large projects, in team projects as well.

Industries

• Special machines
• Handling and transport, warehouse storage and retrieval
• Metal forming, bending, milling
• Iron and steel
• Glass
• Packaging
• Food and beverage
• Water treatment

PLC Controllers and languages

SIEMENS

• Specialised in Siemens STL /AWL (assembler-like) and SCL (Pascal-like) languages
• Siemens S7 300/400 series PLCs
• Siemens SIMOTION D motion control system
• Sinamics S120 drives, Sinamics G120 drives, Simodrive 611 drives (analog and Profibus controlled)
• communication processors CP343/443, CP341/441
• high speed counters, open-loop positioning modules FM350/351
• closed-loop positioning modules FM354, NC modules FM357
• Moby RFID systems
• Siemens S5 100/115/135/155 series, communication processors CP 521/523/524/525,
  HMI processors CP 526/527/528, high speed counters, open-loop positioning modules IP 385, IP240, IP241, WF 706, closed loop positioning modules IP 266, IP246, WF 721/723, WF726.
  
  

CODESYS

• CODESYS v.3 for Schneider SoMachine
  
  

OTHERS

Past experience in programming other PLCs brands: Allen-Bradley, Omron, GE, Schneider (Telemecanique), Hitachi, Mitsubishi, April, Klockner-Moeller, Texas Instruments, Honeywell System 9000.

Microcontrollers

Microchip PIC microcontrollers  (programmed in C)

Computer science

• Programming languages:   Pascal (Delphi, Lazarus), C (for microcontrollers), MS Visual Basic,
• Operating systems:  DOS, MS Windows from 3.x up to Win7, Linux.
• Specific programs:   AutoCAD, Visio, HTML editors, MS Office suite, DTP programs.

Teaching skills

Experience as PLC programming instructor at professional schools and industrial companies.

Languages

• Italian
• Good English
• Some French

Logistics and Airport relevant information

My skills and experience in developing automated storage systems (belt and tray conveyors, barcode readers and printers, RFID devices, items tracking, communication with higher-level computer systems) can be applied to Baggage and Freight Handling Systems.

As aviation fan, I am aware of avionics instrumentation and ground systems concepts (e.g. Airport Light Processor, Runway Safety System).  I am familiar with aviation jargon and ATC communications.

Stage automation relevant information

I developed stage automation projects based on custom-made cards for stepper motors control (laser mirrors and gratings positioning) and touch screen interface.  Microcontrollers programmed in C, user interface programmed in Delphi. Communication via DMX protocol.