Small Skid System

[Roy Matson]

Hi,
We often construct small skids for clients doing research.

I have often used Opto22 for these skids
Sometimes we use Labview running on a PC
The budget doesn't allow for proper PLCs such as AB

Since we are starting a couple of new projects I thought it might be a good idea to look at other small scale Lab scale systems.
Any suggestions for

Inexpensive hardware
Inexpensive software with no licence fee
Floating point Maths
Easy access to historical data e.g. CSV format
Suitable to install in Class 1 Div 2 environment.

Thanks
Roy

 

[TConnolly]

http://www.beckhoffautomation.com/

 

[shooter]

Roy have a look at arduino, all software is free, and open source.
one board complete is about 25 $
it works with labview
one drawback is it is running on 5 volts, so you will need some optocouplers etc.

 

[shooter]

and yes beckhoff i like too, however they do cost.
the software is free (codesys) and this can be used via C into this arduino.

 

[Roy Matson]

I'm surprised no-one mentioned Automation Direct.

I have never used one but I see several posts on here about them.

Which models do floating point math?

I visited the Beckhoff website bur found it user unfriendly, that doesn't bode well IMHO

Thanks
Roy

 

[kvogel]

Look at IDEC Pentra models. I have had great luck with them. Better pricing than most Automation Direct products. Faster processing than many plcs's and very flexible (no back plane needed).

Ken