Trying to select a mini PLC

chiraldude · Jun 19, 2014

I have a home automation project and am trying to pick a mini (low budget) PLC.
What I need:
3 analog inputs and 1 digital input
1 analog output 2 digital outputs
PID temperature control
This will be to control a wood stove.

I found the AB Micro810 and it almost has what I need but the one thing it lacks is analog or even PWM output.

I think I could work with the digital outputs and build an external circuit to approximate analog output but I wonder if there is another option? Is there anything in the price range of the 810 that has analog or PWM output?

StoneMan · Jun 19, 2014

Check out the Click from Automationdirect.com, the programming software is free. I have only done one small project with one, no analog involved.

(8{)} ( .) · Jun 20, 2014

Home automation?! Arduino, Arduino, Arduino!

Good Luck,

(8{)}

.)

(Yosi)

dploof23 · Jun 20, 2014

I second the click.

You could use the:
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc..._(Stackable_Micro_Brick)/PLC_Units/C0-02DD2-D

as a base unit, with a:
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...Stackable_Micro_Brick)/Analog_I-z-O/C0-04AD-1

analog expansion inputs to cover all of your I/O requirements.
I'm not sure on the temp loop PID though. Pretty straight forward to roll your own though....

Also if you need thermocouple input that is a different module, and you will need a 24 vdc power supply.

Dave

T Gibbs · Jun 20, 2014

Click doesn't have PID, but like dploof23 said, It's not that hard to make your own.

MarkNightingale · Jun 20, 2014

Look at the Unitronics range.

You get a small HMI and a PLC which has all kinds of different I/O, and also does PID.

Cheers

Mark

geniusintraining · Jun 20, 2014

I would step up and spend a little more on the CPU as it will save you money in the long run...

By the time you spend all the time trying to make your own code (PID) and trying to figure out a work around on the I/O some times is cheaper to buy something that is not the bottom line, my time is money so when saving 1-2 hundred on the hardware and spending 10 hours more trying to figure it all out just does not make a lot of sense to me

I do love the Click PLC and have installed many but I am also building a home system and I am going to use a MicroLogix 1100 , I do want to control it remote and the Ethernet port will work great, I would stay away from the Micro8xx , I just dont like them

chiraldude · Jun 20, 2014

I have looked at Arduino and it is a good possibility but there are so many options and I suspect I would end up buying too many components I would end up not using before I arrive at a solution, spending more than I would for an all in one item like the Click PLC.

Thinking about it some more, I think I should drop 2 of the analog inputs. These would be for ambient air and thermostat setpoint. The main focus of my project is to achieve longer, more efficient burn times in the stove. Maintaining steady room temp means opening a window when too hot and adding wood when too cold. Trying to control burn rate and efficiency at the same time with PID loops would be tricky at best.

Probably going with the Click model suggested by dploof23. I would need a thermocouple sensor for measuring the flue temperature and Automation Direct has them for about $70.

chiraldude · Jun 20, 2014

geniusintraining said:
I would stay away from the Micro8xx , I just dont like them

Can you be more specific about what you don't like about the Micro8xx? I was planning on using a Micro820 for a work project. The work thing is much simpler than the stove controller with no analog or PID. Just digital IO.

icky812 · Jun 20, 2014

There is a Click PID example over on the AutomationDirect Forums that Bernie wrote quite a while back.

geniusintraining · Jun 20, 2014

chiraldude said:
Can you be more specific about what you don't like about the Micro8xx?

I dont like the software, if you need just a digital I/O then take a look at the Click

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...lers/CLICK_Series_PLCs_(Stackable_Micro_Brick)

Don't get me wrong... you really can NOT go wrong with just about any PLC, I have programmed just about everyone on the market and for the most part they are all the same input/logic/output so budget is on everyone's mind but I really like some more then others... its just a personal preference

Some people like Ford's and others like Chevy's... if you get from A to B then they both have done there job

Point being, if you want to try the Micro8xx I think it will do the job just download the software on all of them and what you like the best go with that one

Micro8xx http://www.rockwellautomation.com/r...es/connected-components/tools/workbench.page?

Click http://support.automationdirect.com/products/clickplcs.html

RSLogix http://www.ab.com/linked/programmablecontrol/plc/micrologix/downloads.html

They are all free

chiraldude · Jun 20, 2014

I did download the CC Workbench software for the Micro8xx and would agree it is not that user friendly.
The problem with Click is that buying things from AutomationDirect is frowned upon for work stuff. When you have prints that call for specific part numbers you need to know that you can get an equivalent replacement part down the road if someone decides to duplicate or a repair is required. The Micro820 is new and is under the Allen Bradley umbrella which makes everyone more comfortable.

Stephen Luft · Jun 20, 2014

Greetings,

Based on your requirements, might I suggest the FMD88-10 from Triangle Research. It has everything you are requesting, with room to spare. More information can be found through this link to our web site.

http://www.eternity-sales.com/tri-plc/fmdseries.htm

The Nano-10 would have been an excellent fit had you not required an analog output and one additional analog input.

Triangle Research offers a starter kit to all first time purchasers of the product.

Disclosure...ESI is an authorized distributor for Triangle Research.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. You can respond to this post, pm, or through the email link provided below.

Hope this helps.

adisharr · Jun 20, 2014

chiraldude said:
I did download the CC Workbench software for the Micro8xx and would agree it is not that user friendly.
The problem with Click is that buying things from AutomationDirect is frowned upon for work stuff. When you have prints that call for specific part numbers you need to know that you can get an equivalent replacement part down the road if someone decides to duplicate or a repair is required. The Micro820 is new and is under the Allen Bradley umbrella which makes everyone more comfortable.

I tried CC workbench a while back and was not impressed. I expected more from Rockwell. You're certainly right about people being more comfortable when they hear the AB name though. It's really a shame because they will never get the chance to see how far Automation Direct stuff has come over the years. The Do-More platform is fantastic.

shooter · Jun 20, 2014

i second yosi, arduino is the cheapest.

Trying to select a mini PLC

chiraldude

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StoneMan

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(8{)} ( .)

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dploof23

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T Gibbs

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MarkNightingale

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geniusintraining

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chiraldude

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icky812

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chiraldude

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adisharr

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shooter

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