Senior System Specialist PLC Skills and Requirements

DIAGNOSTIC SKILLS
Can identify the control panel(s) and knows how to turn it on and off following JCI proper safety
precautions and LOTO procedures
Can read, comprehend, and interpret ladder logic
Can read, comprehend, and interpret a schematic diagram and identify physical components
Can mark up a schematic diagram with field modifications
Can use a multi-meter / tell-tale fuses to trace wiring and signal paths
Can use an ammeter properly to trace 4-20ma loops, and calibrate isolators
Can operate a loop generator / calibrator
Can describe how a fixed speed capacity control system works, and can tune anti surge by
operating a unit to determine its’ range and set points
Can use an oscilloscope
Can operate a Hart 275 or 375 communicator for smart transmitters
Can use a digital storage scope and report data on transient events
Can describe how a variable speed capacity control system works, and can tune both anti surge
maps
Can read, comprehend and interpret the basic capacity and controls diagram of any Industrial
product
Can read an HMI display and report what is displayed separating what is relevant from irrelevant
Can interpret the HMI display and take corrective actions

CONTROL SYSTEM HARDWARE SKILLS

Knows to let the VFD capacitors drain off before touching anything
Can locate the plc processor to read the status lamps and report to factory
Knows the status of the processor status lamps and can take appropriate action
Knows when it is appropriate swap components to trace problems to faulty hardware
Follows and troubleshoots relay logic status with relative ease
Can remove and replace an A-B 1794 terminal base without damaging pins (sounds easy, but its
really not)

CONTROL SYSTEM SOFTWARE SKILLS

Has a computer and knows how to turn it on
Can copy / rename / move / manage files on a computer
Can receive a compressed software upgrade file via email, and put it on a flash card for upgrade
Can administer the flash card upgrade, and knows when the upgrade was successful
Can use communication software to connect to plc using rs-232 (with phone assistance)
Can perform a ladder upload for the factory to diagnose
Can use communication software to connect to plc using rs-232 (without assistance)
Can use communication software, and modify computer configuration, to connect to plc network
with Ethernet (with phone assistance)
Can use communication software, and modify computer configuration, to connect to plc network
with Ethernet (without assistance)
Can set IP addresses in a new unconfigured plc component
Can commission a new plc with upgraded firmware
Can connect to a plc that has Control net (sounds easy but its not)
Can navigate ladder logic and describe logic operation for factory diagnostics
Can explain what functions the different gains of a PID loop are for
Can tune a PID loop reasonably well
Can navigate ladder logic, identify the problem, and perform simple adjustments and confirm
changes back to factory
Can set up an opc/dde data logger or RS-trend
Can modify ladder logic without direct or indirect step-by-step support from the factory
Can modify HMI to add or delete items on the HMI display
Makes ladder logic changes online, with the machine running, with confidence while other
onlooker may be present
Can create / modify a protocol translator configuration
Can enter multiple branch ladder logic from opcodes