Nano Basics Extended
Learn to setup, use, and program the Allen-Bradley Micro800 PLC with CCW (Connected Components Workbench) including:
| ✓ Download and install free Software | ✓ Size a System and Choose Components |
| ✓ Set up Comms Hardware, RSLinx Drivers | ✓ Connect and Flash Firmware |
| ✓ Create/Test Motor Control Ladder Prog | ✓ Create/Test Part Sensing Ladder Prog |
| ✓ Create/Test Machine Runtime FBD Prog | ✓ Create/Test Part Counting FBD Prog |
| ✓ Add, Configure, and Use Expansion I/O | ✓ Add, Configure, and Scale Analog I/O |
| ✓ Setup and Configure Comms to VFDs | ✓ Create and test PanelView 800 Prog |
📢 2027 Update
Enrollment in this course now also includes enrollment and early access to the new 2027 Edition. Learn more here »
| Buy For Someone Else (Voucher) | Open Course Data Sheet (PDF) |
Note: to purchase this course for someone else, choose “Voucher.” Enrolling three or more people? Contact us here to learn about our group enrollment program.
At a Glance
- Format
- Online, self-paced
- Lessons
- 25+ online lessons
- Skill Level
- Basic PLC knowledge required
- Access
- Lifetime, no expiration
- Certificate
- Yes, with PDHs
- Starting Price
- Standard Level 1: $49, Extended Level 1 & 2: $99
- Content Last Reviewed
- March 17, 2026
On This Page
What You’ll Learn
By the End of This Course, You’ll Be Able To:
- ✓ Download and install the free programming software
- ✓ Size a system and choose components
- ✓ Set up communications hardware and RSLinx drivers
- ✓ Connect to the controller and flash firmware
- ✓ Create and test a motor control Ladder Diagram program
- ✓ Create and test a part sensing Ladder Diagram program
- ✓ Create and test a machine runtime Function Block Diagram program
- ✓ Create and test a part counting Function Block Diagram program
- ✓ Add, configure, and use expansion I/O
- ✓ Add, configure, and scale analog I/O
- ✓ Set up and configure communications to VFDs
- ✓ Create and test a PanelView 800 program
What You Receive With Your Purchase
- ✓ Immediate online access
- ✓ Twenty-five plus online lessons
- ✓ Fourteen program file downloads
- ✓ Online instructor support
- ✓ PLC App Simulator for Win10 & 11
- ✓ No expiration date
- ✓ Take lessons in any order
- ✓ Retake lessons as needed
- ✓ Completion certificate with PDHs
- ! PLC hardware & software is NOT included
Proudly Serving Thousands of Individuals and Companies
Nano Basics Extended Level 1 & 2 Online Training Course
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to learn how to use, program, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley’s Micro800 PLCs.
All you need is basic PLC knowledge, a Windows PC, and our affordable Nano Basics Extended Level 1 & 2 Edition online course.
Nano Basics is the perfect online course for electricians, technicians, and engineers who want to learn to set up, troubleshoot, and program Allen-Bradley’s Micro800 family of PLCs.
Taught by a factory-certified PLC specialist with over thirty-five years of experience, this course teaches you everything you need to know to get started using Micro800 PLCs with confidence.
Unlike other vendors’ courses that only become available after you purchase their expensive hardware or trainers, Nano Basics doesn’t require any additional parts — we show you how to download and use the free edition of Allen-Bradley’s Micro800 programming and simulation software.
For those who’d prefer to learn with a physical PLC, we also cover which Micro800s and programming cables work best and why, how to set them up and program them, and we provide a list of the components and devices used to build the affordable, homemade PLC trainer used in this course.
We stay involved after the sale: our expert instructors visit The Automation School each weekday to answer questions in the lesson discussion area, and you’re welcome to retake any lesson at any time — none of our courses expire.
Finish the course and pass all the quizzes, and you’ll earn an official Completion Certificate from The Automation School listing the Professional Development Hours you’ve completed.
Topics Covered in Nano Basics
Below is a summary of the topics covered in each level. For a complete list of topics, see the course lesson list.
Level 1 Topics:
- Understand the design of the four Micro800 Nano PLCs
- How to choose components and configure a system
- How to get the free programming software and how it works
- Set up Micro800 and RSLinx Ethernet and USB communications
- How to flash controller firmware over Ethernet and USB
- Create and test a Motor Control program in Ladder Diagram
- Create and test a Part Sensing program in Ladder Diagram
- Create and test a Machine Runtime program in Function Block
- Create and test a Part Counting program in Function Block
- Create and test a Calculations program in Structured Text
Level 2 Topics:
- How to export and import programs between models
- How to add, configure, and scale analog inputs
- How to add, configure, and scale analog outputs
- How to add, configure, and scale universal analog I/O
- How to add, configure, and use expansion I/O
- How to set up and configure Modbus to VFDs
- How to create a PanelView 800 program for the Micro800, Part 1
- How to create a PanelView 800 program for the Micro800, Part 2
- Importing MicroLogix programs into the Micro800 using v10
- Bonus lesson: unboxing of all four Micro800s
- Bonus lesson: unboxing of plug-in and expansion I/O modules
Who Should Take This Course
Anyone who has basic PLC knowledge and wants to learn how to set up, program, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley’s Micro800 line of PLCs.
Who This Course Is NOT For
- Complete beginners who don’t know what a PLC is, or how ladder logic works — start with our foundational PLC Basics course first, then come back to this one
- Anyone looking for training on other PLC platforms — this course covers the Allen-Bradley Micro800 family and Connected Components Workbench (CCW) only
- Anyone who only needs HMI screen-building skills, without PLC programming
- Anyone looking for lessons on basic electricity or basic wiring skills — while the course covers how to find I/O wiring diagrams, it does not teach those topics
- Anyone who feels the need to complete the optional hands-on exercises, but is unable or unwilling to use one of the free or low-cost options covered in free preview Lesson 1.02. This is rarely a problem, but obviously some initiative is required of students who wish to complete the optional hands-on labs on their PC.
Meet Your Instructor
Shawn Tierney
Industrial Automation Instructor
Founder of The Automation School, The Automation Blog, and host of The Automation Podcast and Show
Hi, I'm Shawn Tierney, and I've spent more than 35 years helping electricians, technicians, engineers, and programmers learn how to setup, program, and troubleshoot industrial automation products and systems.
During my first 25 years I attended over fifty weeks of Rockwell Automation training, and earned several certifications, including becoming a Rockwell Automation Certified Controls & Information Specialist.
And since 2015 I've focused full-time on creating practical online and in-person training courses to help people like you build and maintain real-world PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
Throughout my career I've trained thousands of automation professionals in manufacturing, OEM, and system integration environments. Every course I create is based on practical field experience, emphasizing techniques you can immediately apply on the plant floor.
My goal is simple: help you become more confident, more productive, and more valuable as an automation professional.
- 35+ Years in Industrial Automation
- Rockwell Automation Certified Controls & Information Specialist
- Instructor to Thousands of Automation Professionals
- Creator of The Automation School
- Author of The Automation Blog
- Host of The Automation Podcast and Show
Learn more about Shawn at The Automation Blog.
Video: Hardware, Software, and Simulation Options
Course and Bundle Pricing
| Feature | Nano Basics Standard Level 1 |
Nano Basics Extended Level 1 & 2 |
A-B Mega Bundle Save 45% |
A-B Ultra Bundle Save 45% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $49 | $99 | $699 | $899 |
| Instant & lifetime access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PLC App Sim (Win 10/11) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Digital Twin for PLC Lab 3D | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lesson Q&A support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Live Q&A (Lesson 1.11) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Completion certificate with PDHs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Intermediate (Level 2) lessons | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bonus videos | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Micro800 course | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MicroLogix courses | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| CompactLogix courses | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| ControlLogix courses | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| PanelView Plus / FTViewSE courses | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| CCW VFD Quickstart | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mastering PLCLogix / Factory I/O | — | — | — | ✓ |
| SLC-500, PLC-5, SLC-100 & DeviceNet | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Enroll | Buy Online Course | Buy Online Course | Buy 11 Course Bundle | Buy 17 Course Bundle |
Note: to purchase this course as a gift, or for someone else to take, choose the Voucher option at the top of the page.
Video: Hands-on Exercises
Note: If the sample lesson video above does not load, your place of business may be blocking our video host, Vimeo.com. To verify this, try viewing the video on your cell phone or home PC, or ask your IT department to unblock educational videos hosted on Vimeo.com. You can also view another sample lesson here.
Lesson Snapshots
Student Reviews
All students who complete the course are invited to leave a review, and you can see all the existing student reviews on the Reviews tab above.
Course Requirements
Requirements to follow along and/or complete any optional exercises
Students who wish to complete any optional exercises, or just follow along with the instructor as he teaches, will need the following:
- An internet connection to take this online course, as well as to download the free CCW programming software from Rockwell’s website
- To write programs, an installed and working copy of Connected Components Workbench (CCW), which is free
- Any Micro800 controller and compatible programming cable (most use USB or Ethernet)
- Note: the Micro810 requires an optional USB adapter to be programmed with CCW
- A Windows PC compatible with the above software and controller (USB and/or Ethernet port)
- Optionally, any input (push buttons, switches, etc.) or output (pilot lights, relays, etc.) devices you’d like to use with your Micro800 — a list of the devices we use is provided
- Note: while the course covers how to find I/O wiring diagrams, it does not include lessons on basic electricity or basic wiring skills
To learn if your PC’s Windows Operating System is compatible with the version of Connected Components Workbench you’d like to use, see Rockwell’s compatibility page.
Course Pre-sales Questions
Have a question about this course? Send it to the instructor below.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Is this course beginner friendly? Do I need previous PLC experience?
If you already have basic PLC knowledge and know how to use a Windows PC, then you’re ready to take this course.
That said, if you’re completely new to Programmable Controllers, I encourage you to take my PLC Basics course first, then come back to this one.
Who is this course designed for?
I designed this training for electricians, technicians, and engineers who want to learn how to set up, troubleshoot, and program Allen-Bradley’s Micro800 family of PLCs.
How long does it take to complete?
The video lessons total more than five hours of instruction. However, that does not include any additional time you choose to spend completing the optional hands-on exercises.
And since all of my courses include lifetime access, you can return and review any lesson as often as you like.
Do I need physical PLC hardware and/or a physical PLC trainer?
No. You do not need a physical Micro800 controller or hardware trainer to complete this course.
All hands-on exercises are optional, and I cover several free and low-cost ways to complete them without purchasing hardware, including:
- The free edition of Allen-Bradley’s Micro800 programming and simulation software, Connected Components Workbench (CCW)
- The Micro800 simulator (Lesson 3.15)
- My PLC Application Simulator for Windows 10 and 11 (Lesson 1.05)
- A digital twin of the course trainer for PLC Lab 3D
- Factory I/O with the Micro800 (Lesson 1.06)
And for those who’d prefer to learn with a physical PLC, I cover which Micro800s and programming cables work best and why, and provide a list of the parts used to build the affordable, homemade PLC trainer used in this course.
For more detailed information about these options, please watch Lesson 1.02, which is available as a free preview before purchasing the course.
What software do I need to complete the optional hands-on exercises and labs?
You only need Connected Components Workbench (CCW), Rockwell’s free Micro800 programming software.
I show you how to get the free software and how it works, and Lesson 2.31 walks through installing CCW on Windows 10.
Is instructor support included?
Yes.
When you enroll in this course, you receive more than just the video lessons and downloadable materials – you also receive direct access to the instructor for lesson-related questions.
At the bottom of every lesson is a discussion area where students can post questions, and I personally answer them.
And if a written response isn’t enough to resolve your question, eligible students may also schedule a short Microsoft Teams meeting with me during office hours (see Lesson 1.11).
Note that the number of complimentary live meetings available depends on the course you’ve purchased, and these sessions are specifically intended to answer questions related to the course material, and not as a free consulting or tech support service.
For those students seeking assistance beyond the course content, paid mentoring services are also available for topics covered in my training (see Lesson 1.12).
Is the course self-paced?
Yes.
The course is completely self-paced, allowing you to progress through the lessons according to your own schedule, and in any order you like.
Because all of my courses include lifetime access, you can also revisit and review any lesson as many times as necessary.
Does the course include labs?
Yes.
This course includes optional hands-on exercises (see Lesson 1.03) that allow you to apply what you’ve learned throughout the video lessons and demonstrations.
For students who don’t own a Micro800 controller, I also discuss several free and low-cost ways to complete the optional exercises in Lesson 1.02, which is available as a free preview before purchasing the course.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes.
Once you’ve passed all required quizzes and marked every lesson complete, a link will appear on the course homepage allowing you to view, print, and download your course completion certificate.
Your certificate also lists the Professional Development Hours (PDHs) you’ve earned while completing the course. Please note that time spent completing the optional hands-on exercises is not included in the PDHs listed on your certificate.
Is the new 2027 Micro800 course included?
Yes.
Enrollment in the Nano Basics Extended Level 1 & 2 Edition also includes enrollment and early access to the new 2027 course, Micro800 Programming Level 1.
What’s the difference between the Standard and Extended editions?
The Standard Level 1 Edition covers the Level 1 topics: Micro800 hardware, selecting components, CCW, communications, flashing firmware, and Ladder Diagram, Function Block, and Structured Text programs.
The Extended Level 1 & 2 Edition adds the Level 2 lessons (exporting and importing programs, analog and expansion I/O, VFD communications, PanelView 800, and importing MicroLogix programs), bonus videos, and the new 2027 Micro800 course.
See the pricing table above for a full comparison.
Technical Questions
Which Micro800 controllers are covered?
The course covers the Micro810, 820, 830, and 850 controllers, as well as how to choose controllers and components, and how to configure a system.
The Extended Level 1 & 2 Edition also includes bonus unboxing videos of all four Micro800s, as well as the plug-in and expansion I/O modules.
Does the course cover communications and RSLinx?
Yes.
The course shows you how to set up Micro800 and RSLinx Ethernet and USB communications.
Will I learn how to flash controller firmware?
Yes.
The course covers how to flash controller firmware over both Ethernet and USB.
Are analog I/O and expansion I/O covered?
Yes.
In the Level 2 lessons, you’ll learn how to add, configure, and scale analog inputs, analog outputs, and universal analog I/O, as well as how to add, configure, and use expansion I/O.
Do you cover integrating VFDs in this course?
Yes.
The Level 2 lessons cover setting up and configuring Modbus to VFDs (Lesson 4.60) and Ethernet to VFDs (Lesson 4.70), and the bonus videos cover setting up a VFD’s EtherNet/IP address via keypad and via BootP.
Is the PanelView 800 covered?
Yes.
The Level 2 lessons include a two-part walkthrough on creating a PanelView 800 program for the Micro800.
Programming Questions
Which programming languages does the course teach?
The course covers three of the Micro800’s programming languages through real-world examples:
- Ladder Diagram: Motor Control and Part Sensing programs
- Function Block Diagram: Machine Runtime and Part Counting programs
- Structured Text: a Calculations program
Does it help if I’m migrating from MicroLogix?
Yes.
The Level 2 lessons include importing MicroLogix programs into the Micro800 using v10.
Practical Questions
Can I learn without access to a PLC?
Yes.
As explained in the hardware question earlier in this FAQ, you do not need a physical PLC or a paid software license to complete this course, since CCW is free and I cover several free and low-cost simulation options.
For more information, please refer to Lesson 1.02 or the previous hardware question.
Can I use Simulation with this course?
Yes.
Lesson 1.02 covers all of the different simulation options available, from the free Micro800 simulator built into CCW, to more advanced options.
License Agreement and Permitted Use of Our Online Courses
This section covers the license agreement and permitted use of our online courses and course bundles, which also includes any course materials, code snippets, downloads, and provided software — taken together, referred to collectively as a “course.”
The purchase of a single copy of a course grants a single individual the right to use the course for personal instruction and reference only. Purchasing a course for yourself (or for another) does not grant anyone the right to distribute or share that work beyond the single individual who registers to take the course.
Show more
This means the course and course materials may not be shared with friends, relatives, co-workers, students, or anyone else, as each sale is for an individual license to access, view, and take the lessons, quizzes, and exercises, and to download any course materials, documents, code, files, and software included with the course.
This per-person licensing helps ensure that the instructor — who created the course and exclusively holds its copyright — can cover the cost of creating it, keeping it available to new and existing customers, and answering ongoing student questions, while receiving fair compensation for a course licensed on a per-person basis.
It is unlawful to share this copyrighted course and course material even if you do not charge or profit from doing so — including for non-profit and governmental organizations — since this proprietary educational work is designed as a chargeable training resource, not one made freely available to the public.
Any unauthorized sharing of the course or course materials would reduce the potential for additional sales and licensing, directly impacting the instructor’s ability to cover costs, keep the course available, and support customers who purchased it lawfully.
If you have questions about the above, please contact us using the “Contact” link in the site menu.
Course Content
Reviews
This course very challenging with so many options in re: to programming whether its a LD or FBD you choose very powerful CCW apps. Thanks to our great professor, Shawn.
I really enjoyed this course ! Excellent instruction by Shawn with clear examples. I was able to build my CCW PLC project from scratch using this course. 5 star !
The course helped me to learn the basics, but would recommend to Shawn if you add more lesson on FBD programming and also share some useful resources for our reference. Thanks
1- High quality videos,2- Full explanation, 3- Instructor is an expert in his field and very helpful
About the Instructors
