ajb (Customer) asked a question.

January 9, 2022 at 11:20 AM
Which PLC for thermocouple measurements and access to log file?

I want to use a PLC to gather temperature data. I will log the data to a networked computer either via MQTT or by polling the PLC via Ethernet/IP (haven't decided which yet). One requirement that I have is that the PLC be WiFi enabled. Another requirement is that the system needs to be reasonably resilient. That is, if the WiFi network or the networked computer goes down for some time, then the PLC should queue up the data for later retrieval.

 

Are the only PLCs that have built-in WiFi the Click Plus PLCs? I suppose that I could use a WiFi to Ethernet bridge to WiFi enable any other PLC.

 

While the Click Plus PLCs do have data logging to an SD card, there appears to be no way to access that remotely or send it to a remote computer. Is this correct?

 

It seems that with the BRX PLCs, I could trigger the device to send me the log file via FTP. Is there another way to access the log file via a networked computer?

 

This is for a new development. I used the BX-DM1E-M-D for my last project. I will need to build 8 almost identical PLC solutions for use throughout the factory floor. Given my requirements as follows, which PLC would you recommend?

 

- data logging of between 4 to 8 temperatures

- Ethernet/IP and/or MQTT

- thermocouple module available (some 4 inputs, some 8 inputs)

- ability to get the log file from the PLC via a networked computer or send the log file to a networked computer

- built-in WiFi (I can work around this requirement)

  • 8 answers
  • 400 views

  • RBPLC (Customer)

    I would find a workaround to the WiFi requirement because WiFi enabled PLC's in general are few and far between. I would go with the BRX as it's the most capable in terms of data logging/manipulation and file storage/transfer that AD offers.

  • Todd Dice (Customer)

    If having a log file emailed works for you, it can be done with a Productivity 1000 PLC. I do that now when an operator tests a heated hose. The log file includes hose part#, serial#, date, time, and ohm reading.

  • z28z34man (Customer)

    This sounds like the perfect application for a P1AM. You can use a ESP32 as a wifi adapter a i know it has been done before with success or use the P1AM-ETH to a wifi bridge as it has been done before with success as well

     

    @FACTS_AdamC (AutomationDirect)​ mentioned this one in a different thread

     

    https://www.adafruit.com/product/4201

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  • shane717 (Customer)

    be sure to put it on a ups or battery backup to keep your data if power is lost as well

  • PouchesInc (Customer)

    A BRX seems perfect for this to me (with a wifi bridge you can get for $50), but if you prefer coding in C then a P1AM is also capable of everything you need.

 

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