Created Date: November 09,2013

Created by: plcnut

I do not have enough experience to know what the limiting factor might be or even if there would be a limiting factor.

Hard to say, without knowing what you are wanting to do.

There will be a learning curve required again with the DoMore

Yes there will be a learning curve... But you will never want to go back once you try it!

If the CMore is capable of ethernet, then why might I need ethernet on the PLC?

You can use Ethernet (with a switch) to connect all you PLC's and Cmore's together to share information, as well as to make it possible to view information remotely. The DoMore also can do remote I/O through the Ethernet port, meaning you can have inputs and outputs scattered all over a facility/machine that are all being controlled by one central PLC (this has it's benefits as well as drawbacks).

Am I missing some other reason that I should consider to help me determine which PLC to use?

The DoMore has the ability to "talk " to almost anything, as well as extensive string handling capabilities (including logging). It also can use indexing for addressing and supports 1-D arrays. These are all really great features, but it's hard to say what will truly benefit you without knowing a little more about your app.

I hope this helps :)

Created Date: November 11,2013

Created by: jwbaker3

I have been doing grain handling/bin site automation for about 9 years. I use the 205 system with a 260 cpu on all be a couple of systems (the 260 vs the 250 mainly because of the PID loops for the dryers). I just completed my third project with the Do-More and like Plcnut said I will not go back unless I have too. It reduced my programming time a lot. I had to go work on a system I programmed in 2006 yesterday and the whole time I was thinking how much better I like Do-more. I use the 205 system because it is easy to expand, most of the time we are back adding something to the system in less than a year once the Farmer understands what we can do with the system. We use the 05 and click's on small stand alone projects that we know are not going to have anything added. I have used 06's and networked them with a 205 systems on some projects. Not knowing what you are wanting to do, I would say do your self a favor use the Do-more so it will be easier to expand as you want to add to the system. Plus it is always good to learn something new.

JW

Created Date: November 12,2013

Created by: mvisto

Thank you for your comments PlcNut & JWBaker. I appreciate the response.

I am looking at replacing my bin dryer & auger transfer system with a continuous flow dryer, wet and dry legs, and chain drags. We are on single phase power and will need to use derated VFD's for the legs. The dryer has multiple 7.5 hp fans and is a relay wired drying system without any option for PLC control.

I have converted my continuous flow bin dryer (Sukup brand, like a Shivvers System) to a plc several years ago to use a better analog moisture sensor in the unload auger. The system automates the startup process, the drying and unload process, and monitors the multiple auger unload system with amp sensors.

The future goal was to be able to monitor and perform minor control of the drying settings with the webserver on the HMI.

With the new system, I want to be able to determine if the system is working properly without physically being at the site, especially the dryer. This will be a work in progress with additional functionality added as I learn and adapt.

With single phase power, I am not allowed to start more than one 7.5-10 hp motor at a time and I am limited to 10 hp on single phase. Larger motors must be 3 phase motors soft started with a derated vfd. One of the primary purposes of the plc would be an orderly startup sequence to get everything running. Amp and rpm sensors would be utilized to monitor the transfer processes. System automation, especially of the dryer, would be next.

A couple questions:

AD states that the GS drives cannot be derated for single phase. I am looking at TECO and Hitachi. I want to control the drive with the plc. It look like I can use discrete for start/stop and Fwd/Rev, an analog output for speed, and an analog input for amps being used. Modbus is also available. How are you using an inverter drive and plc together?

What automation systems are you using on the dryer, and are you rolling your own moisture controller or using an off the shelf system?

Have you done any remote monitoring of the grain site and dryer? Are you using the CMore HMI for this? Any concerns for remote control that you have addressed for safety reasons? I have thought of using a lockout switch to disable remote control and warning sounds and lights with delayed startup in case someone is near the equipment. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Any other general thoughts on Grain Handling control and automation like pay attention to this or that, or make sure you do not do this would be very appreciated.

I had been doing wiring and automation with relays, amp meters and timers for years when I first discovered PLCs. The simplicity of the wiring is phenomenal with the plc compared to relay wiring. But if I had to learn the DirectLogic PLC vs the Click PLC, I never would have taken the time. The Do More look like the best of all worlds, the power of the DirectLogic with the simplicity of programming of the Click.

Thanks.

Created Date: November 12,2013

Created by: plcnut

You definitely need to go with the DoMore for this type of project.

It was not with grain, but I have built a rather sophisticated drying system using a D2-260, so it could certainly be done with a DoMore (I was working in Seed Cotton).

I don't have time to elaborate right now, but it sounds like you are on the right track.

Also, Modbus is the way to go with the drives, Ethernet or RS485, and you don't even need any discrete wiring. You can read and right any parameter you need to with out the expense of running multiple wire and sensors...(as long as the drive you select allows it).

Created Date: November 09,2013

Created by: mvisto

Hi, I have been using analog Click CPU's for several personal projects in my farming operation and Click has been the only PLC that I have used. (Both with and without a CMore HMI). I am wanting to incorporate a PLC into my grain handling system and this will be my most ambitious project yet. I have become very comfortable with the Click system, especially now with the new analog modules, but I am concerned that maybe the Click might become a limiting factor. I do not have enough experience to know what the limiting factor might be or even if there would be a limiting factor.

I have looked over the DoMore PLC, especially the new terminator IO style. There will be a learning curve required again with the DoMore and it would be a more expensive PLC system. And I am not sure if the added functionality would be required for my project. I am aware of the stage programming, PID's, the additional looping constructs, and the inclusion of ethernet. So:

If the CMore is capable of ethernet, then why might I need ethernet on the PLC?

Am I missing some other reason that I should consider to help me determine which PLC to use?

Any other thoughts would also be beneficial. Thanks.