/diy/ - Do It Yourself

>>1207635
>SLC500
absolutelydisgusting.jpg

>wasting time with ancient garbage
>not selling your stolen SLC500 shit on eBay to fund the rest of the project
>not using a fucking arduino memecontroller
>not using any number of less expensive PLCs that interface with modern computers (wut iz usb) like Automation Direct or Velocio

SLC500 belongs in the trash.

>>1080554
Why? I doubt you can download the software to program it. You've better off getting a Micrologix 1100 and Rslogix starter for free.

There are lots of other options that come in under $100. You can even "write" ladder logic and compile it for an arduino with Soapbox Snap.

Pic related, I used to be a project engineer and I programmed a lot of PLCs. Allen Bradley CompactLogix and Opto22 primarily.

I'll dump a handful of other "neat" pictures.

PLCs! Finally a topic I can talk about... I was a project engineer/manager at my previous job and spent a ton of time on PLCs (technically PACs).

Just use a relay. They are super cheap. You can get small ones in whatever voltage you need. How fast do you intend on switching the device? Large SSRs are <$10 on Amazon and you can get various small relays from whatever electronics supplier you like.

Transistors are fine, but I think relays are better because the available formfactors lend to control panels better and they are widely recognized in industry. Always try to avoid rigging shit together.

My recommendation for a CHEAP PLC is Velocio (http://velocio.net). They have some really affordable shit with some decent modules (like a relay board). I have one and it's good for the price. You can do Ladder programming or flow charts. It even lets you NAME variables and inputs/ouputs.

The software is kind of clunky, but it's functional. They are a small company, but their support is good.

I've used Automation Direct's DirectLogic controller before and fucking HATE it. I don't have any experience with the CLICK stuff.

I have a lot more experience with Opto22 (awesome product) and Allen Bradley CompactLogix though.

(Picture related. Panel on a refurbished machine where I used to work. If you think this is messy, you should have seen it before. I was constantly fighting with technicians to make them do neater work.)