what is a cost effective PLC - PLCS.net

Aquarod · July 6th, 2006, 08:49 PM

Hi, it's been about 15 years since I worked with PLC's so I am sure many advances have been made.
Just getting back into it as I have been doing calibrations by hand and a sight glass and want to automate and think it should be simple, I hope.
Here is what I am trying to do, I have a tank that I fill with water 100 cm high hold for 2 min. log the level and temp of the water, then drop 3 cm hold for 2 min etc. then when I reach the bottom change I fill the tank with a differnt temp of water and do it all over again. So is there an inexpensive PLC that can control the valves the pump and has both analog and digital inputs and outputs that is easily programmed since I only have a ladder logic background?

Tark · July 6th, 2006, 09:02 PM

I would start here -

http://web5.automationdirect.com/adc...g/PLC_Hardware

Take a look at the DirectLogic 05 or 06 models they can both handle what you want to do depending on how many inputs and outputs you need.

Aquarod · July 6th, 2006, 09:05 PM

Thank you I'll do it.

Terry Woods · July 6th, 2006, 09:48 PM

Automation Direct (AD).

Stephen Luft · July 6th, 2006, 10:35 PM

Much will depend on if you are doing this once or if you are an OEM that will repeat the process.

If you are doing this once only, then your cost will be higher, as a result of one time costs, such as software.

The example provided - Automation Direct, will cost you $395.00 for the software plus the cost of the controller. With others, the cost will be higher. Some, including my company provide programming software that is free of charge.

With regards to your application...are you using an ultrasonic level sensor?

The cost of PLCs is dependent on three things, number of I/O, type of I/O and quantity of units purchased.

Please note that I am employed by Entertron...a ePLC manufacturer.

Hope this helps.

God Bless,

To Terry - I believe that is the shortest post I have ever seen you do.

HenryLamboo · July 7th, 2006, 02:34 AM

Look also at www.unitronics.com. This OPLC has an operator interface and the software is free. Support is good.

Gambrinus · July 7th, 2006, 03:45 AM

I'm concordant with HenryLamboo. Unitronics OPLC are very easy in programming. I don't like ladder, but ladder of this OPLC is quite to use, IMHO. And you'l haven't any doubts in HMI programming thanks to OP and PLC integration.

Gerry M · July 7th, 2006, 10:49 AM

What are you using for the logging? How much data will there be?

Jimmie_Ohio · July 7th, 2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Luft

To Terry - I believe that is the shortest post I have ever seen you do.

If this forum ever has a "shortest post" contest, I'm not putting any money on Ron Beaufort!

Just kidding. Ron's posts may be the most consistently thorough that you will find here. The process of explanation and examples requires great detail that Ron is always so willing to contribute.

geniusintraining · July 7th, 2006, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmie_Ohio

Ron's posts may be the most consistently thorough that you will find here. The process of explanation and examples requires great detail that Ron is always so willing to contribute.

Jimmie, I could not agree anymore, there have been many people that have given very good detail explanations, but Ron's have been classic's...if you get time check out this post on MRPLC http://forums.mrplc.com/index.php?showtopic=8180 ...Phil should start a best of Beaufort link

But I also have to say that Terry's have been very entertaining

TimWilborne · July 7th, 2006, 06:25 PM

Yes Ron has absolutely the best explainations. Many people, including me, make post that are short and to the point. I like to think of Ron's as a shotgun post. He is going to answer your question, explain to you why it is so, and answer most questions that may come up while you are working out your problem

Ron Beaufort · July 9th, 2006, 06:43 PM

thanks guys ...

ayman metwally · July 10th, 2006, 11:01 AM

Here's the link:

http://www.ind-info.com/case-studies.html

July 6th, 2006, 08:49 PM	#1
Aquarod Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Camano Island, WA Posts: 2	what is a cost effective PLC Hi, it's been about 15 years since I worked with PLC's so I am sure many advances have been made. Just getting back into it as I have been doing calibrations by hand and a sight glass and want to automate and think it should be simple, I hope. Here is what I am trying to do, I have a tank that I fill with water 100 cm high hold for 2 min. log the level and temp of the water, then drop 3 cm hold for 2 min etc. then when I reach the bottom change I fill the tank with a differnt temp of water and do it all over again. So is there an inexpensive PLC that can control the valves the pump and has both analog and digital inputs and outputs that is easily programmed since I only have a ladder logic background?

July 6th, 2006, 10:35 PM	#5
Stephen Luft Lifetime Supporting Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South Portland, ME Posts: 671	Much will depend on if you are doing this once or if you are an OEM that will repeat the process. If you are doing this once only, then your cost will be higher, as a result of one time costs, such as software. The example provided - Automation Direct, will cost you $395.00 for the software plus the cost of the controller. With others, the cost will be higher. Some, including my company provide programming software that is free of charge. With regards to your application...are you using an ultrasonic level sensor? The cost of PLCs is dependent on three things, number of I/O, type of I/O and quantity of units purchased. Please note that I am employed by Entertron...a ePLC manufacturer. Hope this helps. God Bless, To Terry - I believe that is the shortest post I have ever seen you do. __________________ Stephen Luft - Eternity Sales (website) (email) Distributing: Triangle Research and Westermo A view into the bigger picture - (jewishheritagerevival)

July 7th, 2006, 02:34 AM	#6
HenryLamboo Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Achterhoek Posts: 87	Unitronics Look also at www.unitronics.com. This OPLC has an operator interface and the software is free. Support is good.

July 9th, 2006, 06:43 PM	#12
Ron Beaufort Lifetime Supporting Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 5,698	new record? thanks guys ... __________________ 2-B ? Best regards, ----+----] [----+------------( )---- Ron \| \| PLC Boot Camp - Retired \| 2-B \| +----]/[----+ I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

July 10th, 2006, 11:01 AM	#13
ayman metwally Lifetime Supporting Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Cairo Posts: 258	Here's the link: http://www.ind-info.com/case-studies.html __________________ Ayman Metwally



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July 6th, 2006, 09:02 PM	#2
Tark Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 503	I would start here - http://web5.automationdirect.com/adc...g/PLC_Hardware Take a look at the DirectLogic 05 or 06 models they can both handle what you want to do depending on how many inputs and outputs you need.

July 6th, 2006, 09:05 PM	#3
Aquarod Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Camano Island, WA Posts: 2	Thank you I'll do it.

July 6th, 2006, 09:48 PM	#4
Terry Woods Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 3,170	Automation Direct (AD).

July 7th, 2006, 03:45 AM	#7
Gambrinus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Riga Posts: 248	I'm concordant with HenryLamboo. Unitronics OPLC are very easy in programming. I don't like ladder, but ladder of this OPLC is quite to use, IMHO. And you'l haven't any doubts in HMI programming thanks to OP and PLC integration.

July 7th, 2006, 10:49 AM	#8
Gerry M Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Auburn, NY Posts: 255	What are you using for the logging? How much data will there be?

July 7th, 2006, 06:25 PM	#11
TimWilborne Lifetime Supporting Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Roanoke, VA Posts: 2,210	Yes Ron has absolutely the best explainations. Many people, including me, make post that are short and to the point. I like to think of Ron's as a shotgun post. He is going to answer your question, explain to you why it is so, and answer most questions that may come up while you are working out your problem

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