operator interface suggestions

Hello
I have 10 CNC machines that our company would like to have cycle counters from each output to one operator interface. They want cheap, so i am looking at that. Maybe just have one input from each machine to a small PLC and then to a operator interface. From this interface I will need to reset both shift and daily counters.
I am looking at the Direct View 1000 from automation direct and also the DL-06 PLC. This will give a little future expansion and I believe will do what I need. The price isnt bad.
The question I have, Does anyone have any good/bad experience with the Direct View 1000. Is there another recomendation that I may want to look at.

Thanks for any info/help

Bob

The DL-06 is an excellent choice...

The DV-1000 in my opinion is outdated. It works similar to the old AB DTAM displays, where it's just a 'dumb' terminal (it has no application program). You have to do more programming in the PLC to use it (though it's not that difficult).

A better choice might be an EZ-Text or Optimate panel. Besides being cheaper, they are better suited for you application. I've been using a lot of EZ-Texts lately, but I'm thinking about reverting back to the Optimates. The EZ-Texts are the latest, but I don't exactly like these 'latest' features (things like 'local messages' are IMO useless). Oh, and that futuristic bezel shape just too tacky for me...

You can also keep costs down by using the Optimates. The configuration software (OP-WINEDIT) is only US$26, where the EZ-Text software is US$139 (still dirt cheap though!)...

If you need local control to select/reset your counters, pick the OP-420. If you're looking for display ONLY, go with the OP-440. Actually, for display only, you could stick a D0-06LCD display panel right on the front of the DL-06 for US$59, though you'll have to put a window in your enclosure so you can see it!

beerchug

-Eric

Opti-mate's

I agree opti-mates would certainly do a Great job. I use the 1500's never had a problem. Just make sure all the protocals match. Also the optimates are only capable of 9600bps so dont expect fast updates.

thanks for the info, I will give it a shot.

Bob

Re: Opti-mate's

mnehez said:

Also the optimates are only capable of 9600bps so dont expect fast updates.

Click to expand...

9600bps is the default, but all the Optimates I've used can run 19.2kbps (when connected to a Koyo). In any case, don't let this scare you Bob. I understand what mnehez means, but 'slow' is a relative term. 9600bps is considered 'slow' when compared to 19.2 or 38.4kbps...

More 'relative' things...

I remember when I got my first 1200bps dial-up modem to replace a 300baud. "Wow, this is so FAST now!"...

I also remember when an audio cassette player (anyone remember cassettes?) was the only method to back up PLC programs. And that wasn't very long ago (relatively speaking)...

Now we complain that T1 lines and cable modems just aren't fast enough...

beerchug

-Eric

As long as we're on the subject of 'I rememebr when....'

I got taken to task on another forum for expressing a lack of sympathy for a poster who complained about having to 'lug his laptop' out to the PLC to debug programs or download changes. I told him that I could remember celebrating the day a 50 pound Compaq replaced the 90 pound dedicated programmer. The guy responded that he was seeking serious answers, not a history lesson.

I know what you 'meant' Steve, but...

Steve Bailey said:

...90 pound dedicated programmer...

Click to expand...

I may be dedicated, but I'm twice that weight!...

beerchug

-Eric

I may be dedicated, but I'm twice that weight!...

Click to expand...

At 2.5 times that weight, does that make me a committed programmer or simply one that ought to be committed?

I remember one of those 50+ lb programmers (laptops).
Speed isnt a real problem here as the machine have 6 minute cycle times.
thanks again

Bob

You could use a Siemens TD200 2 line 20 char per line for a low cost solution. This runs about $180 including a connecting cable.

A PLC with 14 in and 10 out would be S7-224 and runs about $265 and is fully expandable with digital/analog/ethernet capabilities. The 224 is available for use on systems between 90V and 265V AC and has a built in 24V DC Power Supply for it's inputs and for powering the operator interface.

If you want a better touch screen the Siemens TP070 costs something like $420 plus a $20 cable and is really easy to program.