JDoggyDrums (Customer) asked a question.
Hello everyone, and thanks in advance for the help. I've been tasked with rebuilding the electronics on a machine that essentially functions as a count filler for citrus (or other similar objects). The machine has 15 hoppers that collect a certain amount of fruit and when that amount is reached, an operator can choose to release that fruit for bagging via foot pedal or other means. This machine is from the late 1980's or so and the control electronics are trash. All boards are corroded and rusted. New parts aren't available.
The idea is to use one of the two systems offered here to make our own control system for the machine. Functionally, the control system would need to:
- Give run/stop command to up to 3 VFD driven 3 phase motors.
- Control machine positioning via 2-3 proximity sensors (acting like encoders)
- Interface with an HMI or GUI as an operator control device.
- Allow for up to 15 relay type I/0 commands to various solenoid or similar type devices.
I know this is quite vague, but I'm familiar with control wiring and relay logic as I've built quite a few machines in our facility from scratch, but we are looking to take a new direction on this machine. Also, I've done some basic coding through arduino IDE and RSLogix before, but I'm very much a novice at both systems. I'm open to suggestions and would love to get some help in narrowing down what system would be most doable in my situation. Thanks!
I'll start with I am old school with over 35-years experience programming in ladder. I have not worked with an Arduino, so my response is based on this.
For your item #2, I would go with a Productivity 1000 (P1K) over a Click. The scan time of a P1K is head and shoulders faster than Click, and by positioning based on a proxes, the P1K will be more accurate. Productivity Suite is very similar in look and feel to RSLogix 500. I'll also point out with Automation Direct products, you don't need communications software (like RSLinx) to make their software talk to things.
The other items are easily accomplished with the P1K: GS drives (I'd go with GS20), C-more HMI, and the P1K has a 16-point relay output module available.
Good luck!
Thanks a lot for the info. I'll continue doing research for now, but if a more standard PLC route is chosen, looks like the P1K is a better choice for sure, especially after looking more into the hardware. Honestly, the price point is so low on both setups, I might just get P1AM and the P1K just to have and learn (work can pay for it).
P1K has a great price point and made in Florida. Can't say where Allen-Bradley makes their PLC's but I doubt it's in the USA.
Not sure that I would say MADE in Florida. Engineered in Florida may be more accurate.
A P3-550 and a P1-540 on my bench says 'Made In Taiwan.'
Looking at the P1K modules themselves, they do say, "Made in Taiwan." I could swear the bags they come in has, "Made in USA." Maybe they mean the bag? 😑
the bag i have says designed and assembled in Florida USA. made in the USA from imported parts
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An older P1-540 I have in my office says made in Taiwan and newer P1-550 i just got a week or so ago says made in the USA from imported parts
>Looking at the P1K modules themselves, they do say, "Made in Taiwan." I could swear the bags they come in has, "Made in USA." Maybe they mean the bag?
Or just the label?
That gray vertical bar is the list attempting to build.
>edit
An older P1-540 I have in my office says made in Taiwan and newer P1-550 i just got a week or so ago says made in the USA from imported parts
Confirmed on P1-540 and -550 boxes in my stock.
Thanks, Z.
And thanks FACTS, for more jobs of building stuffs here. I hope that you can continue to do so.
Taiwan is a good option. China is not so trustworthy.
Another productivity fan here. I use both the P1AM and P1-5XX but for a project of this size I would use the P1-550 mainly because I am more comfortable in ladder logic than i am in C. The cost increase of the P1-550 over the P1-540 is minimal and the added benefits from the remote IO port are compelling especially if you will be using a GS drive.