Hello,
What would be the cheapest PLC running codesys I would be able to get my hands on? I like to expand my mind and I started out as an AB guy who bought a s7-1200 trainer system cause AB is #1 the US, Siemens is close so I figured I could branch out, and would like to again. That little trainer has gotten me work.
I want to be able to practice more than ladder also I hear good things about codesys.
I worked mostly with Siemens TIA and for a couple of year was stupid enough to invest a lot of time learning their platform; I very much regret that now. About a year ago, or slightly more, I realized I spent too much time learning platforms and did not develop my system design/engineering skills.
You have three components, Language, Tool and Methodology. If I am starting today, I would learn just enough of the tool (platform: Siemens, AB, whatever) so that I can get to develop my language (Ladder, ST, STL , etc) skills, again just good enough, so that I can develop my system design skills to the best I can. And as my design skills is improving I would improve language skills with it.
I would learn the basics of any platform only when I need to, or in preparation to work with one and use my research skills to find answers to specific tasks. Learn skills to search online and in forums and do not in any way hesitate to ask on forums, contrary to what others would suggest. Whatever is fastest, which for Siemens and AB is usually web search(including forums). How do I convert 200 words to arrays of bool using this platform, who cares how, learn it today finish your task, document it somewhere so you may find it later and forget it. On with the show.
Edit: I forgot to reply to your question
Go on Codesys site and look for all supported platforms.
Someone here mentioned Beijer and I contact them a couple of years ago and I like their products specs but have yet to try it.
I also heard or read that Beckhoff finally release their long promised CX7000, not sure how much but that is most likely will be my next toy.