PLC's and HMI's in harsh environment

[bob1371]

Hello

I have a friend who is building a street rod. He has seen me use plcs to control things in a small haunted house for Halloween and also a light display for Christmas. I currently have a couple of plc's sitting here at home and he as asked if a PLC and Hmi could be used for a custom guage display in the car. He was looking at a custom digital dash but I think we can install a nice HMI and have the plc pretty much control everything in the car. My worries are with the environment. In the summer with windows rolled up and car sitting all day in the sun or in winter months with its zero degree's and you go warm up your ride (condensation/moisture).
I know this can be done if the equipment will withstand the elements.

thanks for any input.

Bob

 

[iknowsomeplc]

Panelviews and PanelView Plus HMIs from Rockwell Automation have NEMA 4X Outdoor for wash down or rain , 25 mm/1-inch diameter nozzle delivers 240 liter/minute (65 gal/min) along all potential points of water entry, 0-55° C temperature rating ,High shock and vibration ratings (2g to 500Hz, 15g) allow for machine mounted solutions.

 

[Tom Jenkins]

I think AutomationDirect.com mounted a PLC and HMI in their Trans-Am race car. There used to be photos on the web site, but I can't find them now.

 

[Rick Densing]

Remember, some PLC/HMI combos have pretty high latency. His digital dash may lag the car by .5 to 2 seconds.

 

[bob1371]

Thanks for the info.

If I do this I will be sure to get some pictures and let ya know how it turned out.

Bob

 

[dt]

Automovation?

Check out this web site: http://www.atsi.cc/
I discovered it by accident. Looks like they have some interesting products (12 vdc) at very good prices. Spec's are there too. Personally, I'm a part-time firefighter, and I'm working on a plc based system to control a pump truck. I plan to use a touch screen arrangement in the cab for the operator, but temperature and vibration are certainly concerns to be reckoned with.
Good luck,
dt