The group undertook the second practical activity in Advanced Motor Control PLC

Programming on May 6, 2024. In this activity, the objective was to perform the forward
and reverse connection, enabling the motor to operate in both directions with the aid of
interlocking, which prevents one coil from being energized if the other is engaged.
Additionally, pilot lights were utilized to indicate the forward and reverse directions.

The group began to study the PLC program required for the activity. They utilized
the programming language for ladder diagrams to operate the motor in both forward
and reverse directions in the GX Works2 application. After compiling the program, they
proceeded to upload it into the PLC.

They immediately performed the practical activity after uploading the program to
the PLC. The group proceeded with wiring the connection for forward and reverse on the
board, dedicating the entire day to the task. The board did not work properly on their
first attempt. Upon discovering the issue, they troubleshot it numerous times, checking
the components, the connections of the wires and ports, and the PLC program itself.
Despite their efforts, the board still did not run properly. Consequently, they decided to
continue the work the following day, as it was already 8 PM.

On their second attempt on the afternoon of May 8, they troubleshooted the

issue again to identify the error. They checked to see whether the issue was with the
connection or the program. They found out that there were many missing connections
on the board and rewired the entire board. When they tested it again, it finally worked.
They made it work after some troubleshooting and multiple attempts. As future
Electrical Engineers, the challenges they faced in conducting this laboratory made them
realize that engineers must be good logical thinkers and have excellent analytical
abilities, especially in situations like this.