A very simple PLC application & zero budget for hardware ??
A very simple PLC application & zero budget for hardware ??
(OP)
This is a story of rubbing two nickels to make a dime.
I've been assigned to make a simple PLC application:
INPUTS: two temperature sensors (thermocouples)
OUTPUT: 4-20mA to drive a VFD (that operates a cooling fan)
Existing equipment:
Cooling fan + ABB VFD (already tested), and a PanelView Plus with a broken screen (that I can get repaired for $300).
I'm looking for a cheap way to build the hardware/software here.
ROUTE #1: Rockwell
- buy a cheap Rockwell PLC (even used), like a CompactLogix (suggestions here are appreciated), with the necessary cards (thermocouple and analog output)
- buy the software license
- repair the HMI (hopefully is compatible with CompactLogix)
I will probably spend $2000 here
ROUTE #2: third parties (here is where I need your comments)
- trying to find on the market a cheap PLC + HMI (touchscreen) + software bundle that will get me running
- I've started to look at Schweitzer for the package which seems fairly cheap
- Any other third-party options?
Thanks to everybody that will take the time to contribute
P.S. the budget is not really zero, but is quite limited 😁
I've been assigned to make a simple PLC application:
INPUTS: two temperature sensors (thermocouples)
OUTPUT: 4-20mA to drive a VFD (that operates a cooling fan)
Existing equipment:
Cooling fan + ABB VFD (already tested), and a PanelView Plus with a broken screen (that I can get repaired for $300).
I'm looking for a cheap way to build the hardware/software here.
ROUTE #1: Rockwell
- buy a cheap Rockwell PLC (even used), like a CompactLogix (suggestions here are appreciated), with the necessary cards (thermocouple and analog output)
- buy the software license
- repair the HMI (hopefully is compatible with CompactLogix)
I will probably spend $2000 here
ROUTE #2: third parties (here is where I need your comments)
- trying to find on the market a cheap PLC + HMI (touchscreen) + software bundle that will get me running
- I've started to look at Schweitzer for the package which seems fairly cheap
- Any other third-party options?
Thanks to everybody that will take the time to contribute
P.S. the budget is not really zero, but is quite limited 😁
RE: A very simple PLC application & zero budget for hardware ??
xnuke
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RE: A very simple PLC application & zero budget for hardware ??
RE: A very simple PLC application & zero budget for hardware ??
It happens from time to time we get these offers for these, one in all small PLC:s like this one even from very well known manufacturers but then there is usually licenses costs involved.
What you can find in US or Canada I don't know.
3,400 SEK is around 314 USD.
NAFO Sergeant Anna Gr 69th Sniffing Brigade
RE: A very simple PLC application & zero budget for hardware ??
1. The AB Micro800 series is reasonably priced. They are about 1/6th the cost of Compact Logix. They are the only AB controller that offers free software.
2. You could also find a used micrologix 1100 and the required cards on ebay. You will have to buy the software.
3. Automation direct (as has been mentioned earlier), but then you will have screen compatibility issues
4. Use a raspberry pi and a nextion screen. This isn't a PLC, but you could do this project for about $200 in parts. That includes a CPU, screen, temperature probe (serial), a relay output card, and an analog output card.
RE: A very simple PLC application & zero budget for hardware ??
" We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know." -- W. H. Auden
RE: A very simple PLC application & zero budget for hardware ??
Yes, ControlLogix controllers aren't cheap. I have never seen one fail.
Micro800 and Automation Direct stuff is a different story.
If you buy a used ControlLogix controller like you suggest, you better check compatibility with the controller, firmware versions and connected equipment because you can't just willy-nilly start connecting stuff up like that anymore.
L3x compact and L6 processors are mostly unsupported now so if you buy anything like that you'll pretty much be on your own.
Brad Waybright
The more you know, the more you know you don't know.