which plc to get?

[djmx2002]

Hey everybody, i want to put together a control system for my aquarium. i came to a concusion after reading alot and driving my girl friend crazy about it for about a week already....

i want some plc unit that has some builtin clock in it, and if anyone have any refrences to plc in general, also programming.

Thanks

[shouldabenacowboy]

What are you looking to control? A PLC may be a bit overboard for what you are trying to control....maybe something like a Reef Keeper controller would be better for you? I guess it depends on what you are trying to do with it

SBC

[djmx2002]

I am looking to build a power center basicly that will house all the electrical connections for the aquarium components,

- lights, i am to be able to set timers for the lights, it will control one display tank 135 gallon, prop tank, sump, and refugium tank.

- be able to control the temp for the aquariums, and monitor them.

- be able to crate some kind of wave controling device.

- also install some kind of smoke detectaor in case some emegency occur and have the controller notify me by TXT message or something.

- be able to monitor the aquarium via a computer

be able to shut down and start any pump, skimmer, and so one...

i was also was looking to use set of relays, but i read that alot of people having problems with timers, so am i.

now the reefkeeper control runs at about 250$

i would like to lower that budget since i sow some plc units that starts off at around 100$

[Donw]

You wont get far for $100 but you can start with just power control and move up from there.
I'd look a the Applied digital Ocelot and its modules. If your not a plc programmer it probably a easier option. Connect it to this.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/58414power_module_001.jpg

And you can have your way with pumps, lights or what ever.
Or you can use it stand alone just connected to switches.

Don

[eameres]

Sweet, didn't realize those were available!

[djmx2002]

i do have some programming background tho

[djmx2002]

Well the Applied digital Ocelot is a PLC

[Donw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9290866#post9290866 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by djmx2002
Well the Applied digital Ocelot is a PLC

No its a hybrid plc. The programming is not a language. Its one that a 10 year old can program.

Don

[djmx2002]

but basicly i tell him if that than than and i program him but with very easy to program laungage right?

and can i connect relays to it to activate the lights pump etc.?

and i also saw this control AquaController Jr. anyone have experience with those?

[Donw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9291388#post9291388 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by djmx2002
but basicly i tell him if that than than and i program him but with very easy to program laungage right?

and can i connect relays to it to activate the lights pump etc.?

and i also saw this control AquaController Jr. anyone have experience with those?

Yes but many times the functionality of the AC Jr. the only limit is your imagination and wallet.:)

Don

[djmx2002]

ya their modules are pretty pricy, as well the software... 375 or something....

what about the LOGO controler?

[Donw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9291560#post9291560 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by djmx2002
ya their modules are pretty pricy, as well the software... 375 or something....

what about the LOGO controler?

Any plc is going to be expensive. To get functionality your going to have to spend some money. The ocelot is as cheap as Ive seen other that ebay used.

Don

[easttn]

All you would ever want to know about Siemens PLCs.

Siemens Links (http://www.siemenslinks.com/)

Just take your time, plenty of data here.

Mods its all open domain, information is not funded, supported, or or endorsed by SE&A.

Enjoy the keyboad drooling.

[djmx2002]

thanks.

[djmx2002]

i just came accross some product line that is called TECO

anyone have ever heard about their products?

here is the website, let me know what you think,
http://www.teco.com.tw/sa/en/teco_product.asp?teco_cat_id=2

[Icefire]

http://cgi.ebay.com/GE-Fanuc-Series-90-Micro-Programmable-Controller-IC693U_W0QQitemZ220082929138QQihZ012QQcategoryZ97184QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/GE-Fanuc-90-Micro-PLC-Cable-Software-and-Manuals_W0QQitemZ260088234312QQihZ016QQcategoryZ97184QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Easy to program, cable easy to make but need DOS (win 95-98)

[djmx2002]

what about this guy?

come with couple of modules :

http://cgi.ebay.com/Koyo-DIRECT-LOGIC-205-Programmable-Controller-System-EX_W0QQitemZ190084334997QQihZ009QQcategoryZ97184QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosti ng

[Icefire]

Problem is programming cable/software will cost you 100-250$+

GE 90 micro are old, software is free, cable easy to make

[djmx2002]

THey have the program free for 100words, would it be enough?

and they have the cable for 30 dollars on automationdirect.com

[djmx2002]

bump

[FuzzyLogic]

100 words is not much. Your program logic will quickly consume that. That is, if you really want to get your moneys worth out of that PLC. I would suggest you stay with a manufacture that has plenty of FREE resources for you to learn. The more common the PLC, the more free resources you will find on the internet. AB and Siemens fit that description. Easttn's link above is a good place to start.

[Icefire]

My GE 90 Micro has 6000 words in program alone, 2000 in registry.

I doutb 100 Word is enought.

[djmx2002]

thanks