starter-kit . do i need buy some extras to run it?

Hello everyone, I want to start programming and decide what SIMATIC S7-1200 starter kit would be great to learn. Only one issue in don't really get on with it. 

With this starter kit (Starter-Kit CPU 1212C + KTP700 Basic Siemens S7-1200 - 6AV6651-7DA01-3AA4) do I need some extra like Power supply unit and Compact Switch Module?

As I bit googled and suppose this starter kit require some dc power + 24v and compact switch module. but do I really need them? does anyone familiar with these? or if know what exactly I need to get started as I don't want to buy any unnecessary extras as they are pricey. 

My plan is to get Starter-Kit CPU 1212C + KTP700 with screen and use FACTORY IO for visual testing/learning

Any suggestions or recommendations?

Many thanks 

1. Power supply.

The controller from the starter kit has AC power - that is, it can be turned on from a 220V network. Additionally, it has a built-in 24V 300mA power supply.

The KTP700 Basic has 24V power. Panel consumption according to specifications - typical 230mA, maximum 440mA.

Therefore, an additional power supply is better to purchase. It is not necessary to use a power supply from the S7-1200 line - you can use any power supply with a 24V output.

2. Switch.

PLC has one Ethernet port, the KTP700 also has one Ethernet port. To connect the PLC + KTP700 switch is not needed.

But when you want to download the program to the PLC or KTP700 from the computer, you will have to constantly change the cables. Therefore, the presence of a switch is optional, but more convenient with it.

It is not necessary to use the CSM1277 switch - for educational purposes, you can connect through a regular office switch.

 What about digital/analogue input/output modules?

or communication modules?

do I need them to buy them just for learning and what they are for? 

Konstantin_D

1. Power supply.

The controller from the starter kit has AC power - that is, it can be turned on from a 220V network. Additionally, it has a built-in 24V 300mA power supply.

The KTP700 Basic has 24V power. Panel consumption according to specifications - typical 230mA, maximum 440mA.

Therefore, an additional power supply is better to purchase. It is not necessary to use a power supply from the S7-1200 line - you can use any power supply with a 24V output.

2. Switch.

PLC has one Ethernet port, the KTP700 also has one Ethernet port. To connect the PLC + KTP700 switch is not needed.

But when you want to download the program to the PLC or KTP700 from the computer, you will have to constantly change the cables. Therefore, the presence of a switch is optional, but more convenient with it.

It is not necessary to use the CSM1277 switch - for educational purposes, you can connect through a regular office switch.

The main task of any PLC: read the values ​​from the inputs to which the sensors are connected -> execute the program -> write the values ​​to the output -> return to step 1, and so on.

The CPU1212C controller has:
- 8 discrete inputs
- 2 analog inputs 0..10V
- 6 relay outputs

You can write some kind of program with such a set. But when you start working with real tasks, this set may not be enough. Then you need to use additional input / output modules.

Some equipment supports communication protocols for exchanging data with PLCs (frequency drives, smart sensors, etc.). A much larger amount of information can be exchanged via the communication interface than through conventional inputs / outputs.

Over the years of the development of automation, many different protocols have been written. The most supported Siemens are Profinet and Profibus, Modbus RTU and TCP are also widely distributed. No additional modules are required to work with Profinet and Modbus TCP.

On the Siemens website you can find VERY much information on controllers. But usually it is written in a very official language and requires some knowledge. Perhaps you should read the books of Hans Berger.