work project

hi guys, i have a project at work that will have 15 inputs and 9 outputs and the company want to use a mitsubishi alpha2 logic controller is this wise or will a plc be better?

stu

Hi Stu,
It depends on the complexity, but the plc option is probably the best.
The FX0N range is about as cheap as the Alpha & you can probably follow the logic easier as well

I would recommend a mid sized micro, or a small plc.

For the micro, a 28 point GE Fanuc VersaMax Micro, or an Entertron ePLC.

regards.....casey

the company want to use a mitsubishi alpha2 logic controller

Click to expand...

Saw one of these the other day. They are unusual in that the software uses gates. Electronics people love them.

They are really quite a good little unit and have quite a lot of features for a small unit. Unfortunately, I have not been able to use something this small for years. Minimum 100 I/O out to monsters these days.

You could do a lot worse.

One advantage in using the Alpha instead of a small PLC such as FX or Versamax micro is that the alpha has a small display. Depending on your application this can be used to display alarms, enter values etc.

this machine has 2 cylinders operating forward and back with 2 sensors on each cylinder. and will send a signal to operate 3 differant bits of kit i am going to put a safety relay in the panel which will feed an input. do you still think that the alpha2 will be ok .

stu

Well, it does do 15 inputs and 9 outputs. So you are maxed out there. Expansion is available. Optional programming software recommended, unless you can figure out how to use AB Picosoft (which is free).

At $399 USD they are kinda pricey. Moeller, the original and actual manufacurer is cheaper. The programming logic being 4 functions long may become somewhat of a pain. It is nice to have the display, or be able to program on the unit itself, but I think you will find it somewhat difficult to do so. I took a look and my last price for a Moeller 12in/6 out with a 12/6 expansion module was $285. An 8 in with 6 xstor out was $79.

I was one of the original proponents whem K-M first introduced the "easy" years ago (mid 90's), with 4 in and 4 out. But as the years have passed, I find the micro's and small plc's more practical. And generally, more more cost effective.

This really doesn't seem like something the customer should have spec'd. It is nothing like a plant full of PLC5's, or a ControLogix system.

regards.....casey