Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
(OP)
I only have experience with Mitsubishi and Allen Bradly PLCs, so I could use some advise as to what would be a good PLC to go with on my next project. I am replacing an old Texas Instruments (Siemens)PLC which is stricly used for monitoring purposes in a chemical plant... Inputs are mainly RTDs, thermocouples, some discrete alarm points, and 4-20mA from pressure transducers... So I need 250 - 300 points, lots of rack space. Since the PLC is not used for control, I can get away with using a fairly simple (featureless) but robust PLC.
The only other requirement is that it be compatable with iFIX SCADA software... or have a equivalent manufacturers software package. I have a quote on a Siemens replacement (500 Series) but the cost is fairly steep. I am looking for a cheaper PLC which will do what I want. Eg. maybe OMRON, AB, ABB, IDEC, etc... Anyone have opinions on what is cheap and good??? Thanks. This forum is a very helpful tool for me, a newbie to the Plant Engineering game!
The only other requirement is that it be compatable with iFIX SCADA software... or have a equivalent manufacturers software package. I have a quote on a Siemens replacement (500 Series) but the cost is fairly steep. I am looking for a cheaper PLC which will do what I want. Eg. maybe OMRON, AB, ABB, IDEC, etc... Anyone have opinions on what is cheap and good??? Thanks. This forum is a very helpful tool for me, a newbie to the Plant Engineering game!
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
The most inexpensive PLC that I know of is Koyo. The web address is www.automationdirect.com
If you are only using it for I/O, perhaps you can go a different route. Several companies offer stand alone I/O modules which can be scanned by your iFIX system. I don't have their anmes off-hand, but if you like I can try to find them.
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
iFIX is DDE/OPC compliant. You run KEPdirect (ethernet based OPC server) the iFIX package becomes the client. This allows all of automationdirect's (Koyo) i/o to be used as dumb i/o. No processor required, so the speed is increased. And since this is ethernet, the amount of i/o is almost unlimited.
Look up KEPdirect at the website:
http://www.automationdirect.com/store/sw/kepdirect.html
Carl
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
$158, 9-slot rack $130, I/O 16input $72 and around $700 for Lookout 100 point, you should be done for about $1100. Just a thought, hope it helps.
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
I found just what I was looking for. I purchased two Millenium II (by Crouzet). A controller with 8 DI's & 4 DO's was $123. The complete kit with controller, software and com cable was $198.
They have controllers with more I/O also. The controllers can communicate to each other and also by modbus.
The programming is great (and fun). Just point, drag and drop blocks or wires. It's a lot like Triconex Trident programming.
You can test and watch the program run on the PC or on line with the PLC. These little PLC's are great! check them out.
www.crouzet.com. Drop a reply back to let me know what you think after you check these out.
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
However, the Forry does cost more than the Crouzet. I gotta check that out myself. Anyone else tried the Crouzet?
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
Since you're familiar with AB, you probably already know the software. The price difference in the hardware will be offset by the lack of a learning curve.
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
and
EngineerBSME
I agree with arte and skills. We are an OEM company and 1 year ago developed a new product that needed to be as inexpensive in design as possible and reliable. Our higher end design incorporated an Omron CPM 40 with expander modules. I found the Millenium unit, and it fit our requirements very well in both cost and reliability. Our end product operates in an enclosure, outdoors, from Louisiana to Canada, (temp.extremes) It is extremely easy to program even for non PLC types.
nickbo
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
Jay in Dallas
Visit the Omron Forum at MrPLC.com
http://forum.mrplc.com/index.php?s=4454fd0d987c1931fde6ac268057d702&act=SF&f=17
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs
RE: Looking for Opinions on different PLCs