Namellac (Customer) asked a question.
1 Arduino based PLC - WIFI preferable
1 Power supply
1 SD-CARD port - for logging and data backup
1 Beam Break Sensor OR
1 Induction Sensor
1 enclosure to house all.
Must be Heat resistant (our shop floor can get to over 120F degrees)
I have an ARDUINO OPTA in inventory, but we need something more industrial grade.
Use Case: We'll be counting pieces that come a machine (we have over 100 machines)
We can do that with either Beam Break or Induction. Each machine has its own PLC, but we don't want to risk putting anything new on them. Just need to know what pieces/parts I need. the configurator tool is not exactly intuititive. I don't know what connects to what in the automationdirect world.
Thanks,
Craig Alleman
MD Products
Go with a P1AM-100 CPU as it is Arduino compatible. Go with the P1-01AC power supply to power it.
For a sensor, you need an input module, 24VDC power supply (I/O power should be separate from the power supply for the CPU, I normally go with one with a 60W output) and the appropriate terminal block for the module. You don't write that you need to operate any output devices like valves, motor starters, lights, etc. but you may want to have that for future. For space savings, I like the the P1-15CDD2 combo module, which has 8-inputs (sink or source) and 7 source outputs.
Good luck.
Any recommendations on the WIFI? I see it has Ethernet on board, but we have 100 machines in 40 acres under roof.
i am a big fan of the P1AM-200 because the faster processor and the ability to use circuit python
as far as WIFI i think the best option would be a P1AM-PROTO with a WIFI coprocessor
https://www.adafruit.com/product/4264
What would be the best way to connect that?
it communicates over SPI. i think it will fit in the P1AM-PROTO and you will need to solder jumpers to the correct pins
https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-airlift-featherwing-esp32-wifi-co-processor-featherwing/pinouts
https://github.com/facts-engineering/P1AM-Design-Files/tree/master/P1AM%20Shields/P1AM-PROTO
neglected to mention all will go within a metal enclosure. What do I do for the WIFI antenna?
They make ESP32 dev boards with external antenna connectors but it will require a few more steps than the adafruit board that is all setup for you
https://www.cytron.io/tutorial/esp32-as-wifi-co-processor-for-raspberry-pi-pico
https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-a-wifi-co-processor-to-circuitpython-esp8266-esp32/esp8266-or-esp32
Thanks for everybody's help. Nice to see such a helpful community.