Loaded question...

Bogaat · Mar 20, 2015

Hi guys. I am trying to select both a controller and HMI solution. We are in the process of designing/testing water treatment solutions as well as climate/irrigation controls for greenhouse growers. I am currently using Opto22 controllers, but have serious issue with their software quality (happy with the hardware and control script). I would continue to use their hardware if I can fill in these other pieces. Ideally I would have a solution that I could drop into a client site and they instantly have web access for control of the greenhouse (assume they have internet and an Ethernet connection). If I could have a magic rack/box with controller and built in web server, that would be perfect. I need the hardware to be affordable and dependable...potentially in a warm environment. I would like the HMI solution to support html5/js and not have outrageous licensing or yearly fees. The main thing is that I don't want to add the burden of supporting a PC with web/opc servers to my clients. Think packaged solution...for a farmer (ok, a farmer with a tablet and smartphone). All thoughts are greatly appreciated!

CapinWinky · Mar 20, 2015

All B&R PLCs have an integrated web server that cab do what you want. They also have units rated for use on ships, so I'm sure they can survive a greenhouse.

BobB · Mar 20, 2015

I use Omron PLCs and touch screens for this all the time. The advantage of having the touch screen is local control -= particularly if the phone dies or gets lost. No phone - no control. The Omron PLCs do not have web servers built in but the touch screens certainly do. The touch screens do not break down either - have never lost one - unlike some other brands.

keithkyll · Mar 20, 2015

Is VNC enough? Consider KEP HMIs. 8000 series have Ethernet ports.
Link

CapinWinky · Mar 20, 2015

Good point, all B&R PLCs can host multiple VNC HMIs as well, probably the easier way to do this.

BrianNStPaul · Mar 20, 2015

The Siemens S7-1200 series of controllers have a built in webserver, and work well with the Siemens Basic panels. The videos show some of the connectivity options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4_vTcj9Ymc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8dqSkLWQWo

Not particularly powerful controllers, but relatively low cost.

dginbuffalo · Mar 20, 2015

How about a Red Lion Graphite HMI/Controller? You can attach different I/O modules that fit your scheme and you have an HMI and webserver. Powerful software and easy to use in my opinion.

gclshortt · Mar 20, 2015

Yes this is a loaded question...
I would use the Do-More PLC from automation direct.
The following is how to log information from the controller and share this on a web server.
http://accautomation.ca/now-you-can-have-robust-data-logging-for-free-part-1/
Here is a link to their website:
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Programmable_Controllers/Do-more_Series_PLCs_%28Micro_Modular_-a-_Stackable%29

Note: Price is very competitive.
Regards,
Garry
www.accautomation.ca

OkiePC · Mar 21, 2015

Another very low cost option with free software. You'd need some sort of PC to utilize the visualization and a method to access it. I have not used these, but they do look appealing:

http://velocio.net/

osmanmom · Mar 21, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQXIM9t91Do

jdbrandt · Mar 22, 2015

Bogaat said:
Hi guys. I am trying to select both a controller and HMI solution. We are in the process of designing/testing water treatment solutions as well as climate/irrigation controls for greenhouse growers. I am currently using Opto22 controllers, but have serious issue with their software quality (happy with the hardware and control script). I would continue to use their hardware if I can fill in these other pieces. Ideally I would have a solution that I could drop into a client site and they instantly have web access for control of the greenhouse (assume they have internet and an Ethernet connection). If I could have a magic rack/box with controller and built in web server, that would be perfect. I need the hardware to be affordable and dependable...potentially in a warm environment. I would like the HMI solution to support html5/js and not have outrageous licensing or yearly fees. The main thing is that I don't want to add the burden of supporting a PC with web/opc servers to my clients. Think packaged solution...for a farmer (ok, a farmer with a tablet and smartphone). All thoughts are greatly appreciated!

ProFace HMI+Control suits all the real needs. The HTML5/JS is all propeller-head talk, to me, so you'd need to look that up. But, for under $1,200, you have the PLC, HMI, and developement software to run it all.
(The OP didn't say it had to be 'thrifty', but its replacing Opto, so, pretty much anything expensive is going to be disqualified right away, IMHO)

Cody · Mar 23, 2015

Look at SoftPLC's Micro - its low cost, with an embedded web server and firewall, and more. They cite experience with greenhouse applications on their site. http://softplc.com

Bogaat · Mar 23, 2015

Thank you for all of the feedback. I have some new options to review. I will be back with any specific questions...you guys rock.

Loaded question...

Bogaat

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CapinWinky

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keithkyll

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gclshortt

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