I know this is not a standard “help” question but I am unschooled in the PLC world and internet searches have not yielded a suitable avenue to pursue. I really need a quick reality check to push on to the next level.
I built a vending machine by repurposing an old Dixie Narco VMC and components to unlock a series of 24V fail secure locks. It works, but it is far from elegant and there are a lot of unneeded steps. Also, to duplicate the machine would be costly having to buy the VMC, MDB , boards, servos etc. I believe that using a PLC that can talk to an MDB and Credit Card Reader instead would streamline the process and increase efficiency. I think the programming should be straight forward and have been searching for someone to assist me(would like someone close by the Dallas Fort Worth area to better facilitate hands on issues and upgrades), but I have come up empty. Are the requirements below do-able or would the required programming, electronics and wiring harnesses make it a waste of time?
Specifically:
Card Swipe and approval would signal PLC to vend
Simple digital customer interface (insert card, approved, swipe again, declined, make selection, sold out, Door _-_ is open, remove item and close door, thank you)
On-machine ability to set and change prices and reset when product refilled
PLC(s) would operate up to 64 locks
In a perfect world, would like 4 zones with each zone filled with a different product (with up to 16 locks in each zone).
So, Customer would select A, B, C, or D and next door with that product in it would unlock …. Each lock is only activated once and then next lock in that zone is activated for the next sale and when all products in that zone are sold… interface would read “sold Out”
Lock would be energized for up to 60 seconds (in case it closed before customer retrieves item) and small light over the opening lock would illuminate to guide the customer…..same circuit as the lock
Machine requires internal (on machine) reset to tell it when product is refilled.
If zones cause too much increased programming or cost then would switch to traditional letter number key in and have sign that alerts customer to ensure product is present before selecting door to open.
If 60 second activation creates issues I can spring load the doors to ensure they remain open until item is removed.
So…. Is this relatively simple…and if so… What is the most appropriate/economical PLC that would work with an appropriate/economic al wireless Credit Card reader and MDB (or is an MDB is even required)?
I built a vending machine by repurposing an old Dixie Narco VMC and components to unlock a series of 24V fail secure locks. It works, but it is far from elegant and there are a lot of unneeded steps. Also, to duplicate the machine would be costly having to buy the VMC, MDB , boards, servos etc. I believe that using a PLC that can talk to an MDB and Credit Card Reader instead would streamline the process and increase efficiency. I think the programming should be straight forward and have been searching for someone to assist me(would like someone close by the Dallas Fort Worth area to better facilitate hands on issues and upgrades), but I have come up empty. Are the requirements below do-able or would the required programming, electronics and wiring harnesses make it a waste of time?
Specifically:
Card Swipe and approval would signal PLC to vend
Simple digital customer interface (insert card, approved, swipe again, declined, make selection, sold out, Door _-_ is open, remove item and close door, thank you)
On-machine ability to set and change prices and reset when product refilled
PLC(s) would operate up to 64 locks
In a perfect world, would like 4 zones with each zone filled with a different product (with up to 16 locks in each zone).
So, Customer would select A, B, C, or D and next door with that product in it would unlock …. Each lock is only activated once and then next lock in that zone is activated for the next sale and when all products in that zone are sold… interface would read “sold Out”
Lock would be energized for up to 60 seconds (in case it closed before customer retrieves item) and small light over the opening lock would illuminate to guide the customer…..same circuit as the lock
Machine requires internal (on machine) reset to tell it when product is refilled.
If zones cause too much increased programming or cost then would switch to traditional letter number key in and have sign that alerts customer to ensure product is present before selecting door to open.
If 60 second activation creates issues I can spring load the doors to ensure they remain open until item is removed.
So…. Is this relatively simple…and if so… What is the most appropriate/economical PLC that would work with an appropriate/economic al wireless Credit Card reader and MDB (or is an MDB is even required)?
