Anyone here use/program PLC's??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TomJ · #1 03-03-2005, 01:03 PM

Am trying to find a "useable" SW for programming PLC's to use for an automated biodiesel processor. Can't afford some $1k program and may not even end up using one in the end anyway, but they seem to be a reliable choice, can be had cheap (Mit FX0 20chnl for $40) and I think would work well for controlling much of the process, temp switches, etc.

So..., if anyone would be willing to trade their suggestions on SW and some tutoring on PLC programming for MB parts, injector rebuilding, etc., please email me ASAP.

TomJ · #2 03-03-2005, 08:52 PM

Anyone? Suggestions? Tips?? ANYTHING???!!!!????

Angel · #3 03-03-2005, 09:23 PM

At school we use a program called "logixpro" (by "the learning pit" (?))
google either and see if you can find something (my diallup prevents me from easily doing this for you...)

-John

Southern · #4 03-03-2005, 11:06 PM

I program PLC's for a living amongst other things. I deal mainly in industrial PLC's, mainly Allen-Bradley & Modicon. The programming software I use is the expensive stuff from the manufactures. I'm not familiar with the models you have listed. The "cheap" PLC's I know of are from PLC Direct.

TomJ · #5 03-03-2005, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjnonnie

I program PLC's for a living amongst other things. I deal mainly in industrial PLC's, mainly Allen-Bradley & Modicon. The programming software I use is the expensive stuff from the manufactures. I'm not familiar with the models you have listed. The "cheap" PLC's I know of are from PLC Direct.

Finally, SOMEONE who knows these things. I could also use the Omron and Allen Bradley units, similar in price to what I'm looking at using and same channels.

Any chance I could pick your brain now and then for some coaching on the programming? I can compensate you in parts or ???

TwitchKitty · #6 03-04-2005, 12:02 AM

Google basicstamp. I read about it some but never actually used it.

http://www.parallax.com/

Southern · #7 03-04-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomJ

Finally, SOMEONE who knows these things. I could also use the Omron and Allen Bradley units, similar in price to what I'm looking at using and same channels.

Any chance I could pick your brain now and then for some coaching on the programming? I can compensate you in parts or ???

Feel free to pick away.

I used to program Omron PLC's many years ago but they are pretty much all the same except for Modicon. Modicon PLC's use networks instead of rungs and the program scans up & down instead of left to right which can make a difference if certain items are scan critical.

Another option to low cost PLC's are Siemens. Siemens make a good low end of PLC with lots of features and their software is much more reasonable then Allen-Bradleys (Rockwell Software).

Mark V · #8 03-04-2005, 06:34 PM

I used a PLC and software from Nais which was pretty straight forward the vendor I bought the PLC from gave me a copy of the software free, probably a common thing once you getaway from the big PLC vendors like A-B, Omron and the like. Unit was about the size of a pack of smokes and I was surprised what it would do. cheap as well if I recall right.

SYRacing · #9 03-07-2005, 11:45 PM

check out some of the PLCs on www.automationdirect.com
they are nicely priced and would make a nice control setup for your car.
I'm getting one sent to me at work as a demo, I program PLCs as well, only A-B Micrologix 1000,1200,1500.
I could easily write the ladder logic program for you and help you with any design issues you have..
For controlling temperature you will need a thermocouple input module for the automation direct units.....they are $200. The processor itself is around $200 I believe and the software is $100.
Lots cheaper than AB!
Considering the RSLogix software is almost $1000

250 Coupe · #10 03-08-2005, 05:11 AM

I would go the Basic stamp route.

A basic stamp and a few other chips can do every thing a plc can and more. Check out the manufactures site
http://www.parallax.com/
and the LOSA, List Of Stamp Applications
http://www.hth.com/filelibrary/txtfiles/losa.txt

At work we have AB PLCs including the Micrologix series, 5/250, PLC5 and the new stuff the name of which escapes me right now. Some of our programs are thousands of rungs long.

I wouldn't be suprised if the lower end PLCs didn't have a chip with "PIC" in the part number. The same series that Parallax uses for the Basic Stamp.

Michael

TomJ · #11 03-08-2005, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 250 Coupe

I would go the Basic stamp route.

A basic stamp and a few other chips can do every thing a plc can and more. Check out the manufactures site
http://www.parallax.com/
and the LOSA, List Of Stamp Applications
http://www.hth.com/filelibrary/txtfiles/losa.txt

At work we have AB PLCs including the Micrologix series, 5/250, PLC5 and the new stuff the name of which escapes me right now. Some of our programs are thousands of rungs long.

I wouldn't be suprised if the lower end PLCs didn't have a chip with "PIC" in the part number. The same series that Parallax uses for the Basic Stamp.

Michael

Thanks for the info, I have been looking at that and PC cards instead of PLC's lately. Too expensive for the indiv SW for PLC's and they aren't as flexible as a PC.

I'll look into these and LYKWIT.