dnsalter (Customer) asked a question.

January 16, 2021 at 1:34 PM
Help with selecting modules for a project

I'm working on a relatively large project as part of uni and I would just like some input on whether this platform with be acceptable and capable of handling what I need.

 

Essentially, I need to be able to control 6 solenoid valves (2 of these and 4 of these), 3 stepper motors, a large electric actuator (controlled by this), and have some options for sensors (these I guess). For the solenoid valves I figured I could use the P1-08TD1, for the sensors the P1-08ND3, and maybe a P1-04PWM for the motors/actuator?

 

As far as power is concerned, could I use a separate power supply for each module just to ensure they're relatively isolated from each other or would I need to have 1 high powered supply?

 

Thanks!

  • 38 answers
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  • RBPLC (Customer)

    A few questions:

    1) Do you intend to use the P1AM-100 or the P1-540/P1-550? If the P1AM-100, why specifically?

    2) What type of control are you wanting to do with the stepper motors and actuator?

    3) You might be able to get by with P1-08TD1 for direct control of the solenoid valves but would at a minimum need coil suppression. It would probably be more prudent to use interface relays with the P1-08TD1 or use the relay output module.

     

    The platform will most likely do what you want not knowing what type of control is needed for the stepper and actuator. For simple control the platform would work but for more advanced control options the 2k/3k or BRX would probably be better options. At present time there's not "much" C programming in industrial settings and the P1AM-100 does not provide many of the niceties (out of the box) that other controllers offer in terms of watch windows, trending, diagnostics, online edits etc. If you're looking to learn something that's much more widely adopted in industrial settings you'd be better served to get something that is programmed in ladder or structured text (which AD currently doesn't offer).

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  • dnsalter (Customer)

    1) I wanted to use the P!AM-100 purely because I'm more familiar with the arduino platform so I thought something like that would work well

    2) For the stepper motor, I would only need to rotate them a certain amount then reverse to the original position. The speed is relatively unimportant, the angle does not have to be extremely precise. As far the the actuator, I only need to extend and retract it with sensors at different locations so certain events can be triggered at specific extension distances

    3) The relay module makes sense, I was initially thinking of using relays with an arduino mega until I found this so I'll look more into that.

     

    Thanks for your comment! It's super helpful so far. I don't need extremely precise controls overall, so I'm hoping I can make this work because it looks like a super interesting platform.

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    • RBPLC (Customer)

      1) I wanted to use the P!AM-100 purely because I'm more familiar with the arduino platform so I thought something like that would work well

       

      Many younger people and pure programmers are choosing arduino and raspi based controllers because of their familiarity with these platforms. Many "old-heads" don't get it (neither do I) because these platforms are wide open but everything is done from scratch (libraries are available but this is not the same as established industrial platforms). These often don't make sense in true industrial applications because of the variety of personnel that often have to troubleshoot equipment and finding machine faults is arguably much more difficult.

       

      For the application described, this platform should work. Others on this forum who use the P1AM-100 can point you to libraries needed to accomplish what you've described.

       

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      • dnsalter (Customer)

        If I were to go ahead and move to a P1-540/P1-550 how would that look in regards to controlling everything I need? Would I be able to reliably control stepper motors and an h-bridge motor controller driving an electric linear actuator (as I mentioned in my initial reply)? I would love to learn more about PLC due to its prevalence in industry but I just want to make sure I can do everything I need.

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      • Garry (Customer)

        Here is the series on the Productivity Open P1AM.

        https://accautomation.ca/series/productivity-open-arduino-compatible-industrial-controller/

        Most of the posts use ProductivityBlocks to help ease the transition from PLC to C++.

         

        Here is the series on the Productivity 1000 Unit.

        https://accautomation.ca/series/productivity-1000-plc/

         

        Both units will do the job that you want. The PLC has the following advantages over the Arduino unit:

        • Online monitoring - You can see the operation of the logic as it happens within the PLC. You cannot do this with the P1AM unless the code is written.
        • Online editing - You can change the PLC program as it is running. The scan is held just long enough to enter the new program changes and then release it again. The Arduino P1AM will stop the execution of the code while the new code is downloaded.
        • Built-in Documentation for the PLC. When monitoring the logic, documentation can be seen so the code can be understood. In the Arduino, only the source code is documented and cannot be seen online with the unit.
        • The PLC has built-in watchdog timers. This will automatically ensure that the execution of the logic is not halted. You would have to program this feature into the Arduino P1AM.
        • The PLC is great if you have multiple people troubleshooting and modifying the program.

        The advantage of the Arduino P1AM is that the code cannot be seen unless you have the source. (OEM) The code is well protected. It's a good system if you are planning to make multiple (Original End Manufacture) machines. You can also add special electronic devices (Shields) that can be added to the Arduino.

        Just some thoughts.

        Regards,

        Garry

         

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      • dnsalter (Customer)

        Funnily enough I am actually watching your videos right now! The more I look at things, it seems like using a PLC would probably be a better option for my use case. My only concern now is that I select the correct modules to control everything I need to. If you look at my previous comments you can see what I need to manage, do you have any resources to help me with that? In the mean time I will continue reviewing your videos. Thanks!

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      • Garry (Customer)

        It looks like you have everything covered from looking at the above.

        I would always get surge suppressors for your DC valves. This will protect your output PLC cards.

        Regards,

        Garry

      • dnsalter (Customer)

        Here's another question for you, for each module could I have a separate power supply? For example, the PWM module I would need the outputs to be 5V based on the requirements for my stepper/actuator controller boards. For the rest I could use 24V (for the inductive sensors and the solenoid valves). Based on what I'm seeing in your videos, a single power supply is always used for the entire system.

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      • David_H (Customer)

        All the IO cards can be wired with independent power supplies. The internal circuitry is powered from the controller power supply, but is isolated from the load circuitry. So, for a sourcing output, simply wire your +5 or +24v from the power supply to the common terminal on the IO card, as required. Each card will have it's own documentation including wiring diagrams.

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