Feasibility

[EvEm_Relic]

I'm looking for information for a beginner to decide if it is feasible for me to use a PLC to control a fan and a motor.

The two factors are cost and learning curve. From what I've read so far it should be cheap if you know what to buy.

I will need to be able to send an instruction from a PC to a) turn a 12v fan on and b) start a motor. And an instruction to a) turn the fan off b) reverse the motor.
The motor will be opening a door to allow air to the fan.

What I'm looking for is some pointers so that I can buy the right parts. I'm hoping to use either free software or a script to send the instructions.

Failing this I could have a temperature sensor trigger the two actions. Any information that helps me decide what to use so I can see if it will be too difficult would be appreciated.


Relic

[sparky]

Relic

I would need more information to be able to say for sure but I think something like the Siemens logo would do what you need. Follow links to the web site.

General info
http://www.automation.siemens.com/logo/index_76.html
Catalogue
http://www.automation.siemens.com/sa...n/st70k1ae.pdf

Other manufacturers make similar devices.

Its programming language is based on logic so AND OR NOT type blocks.
Its a long time since I used one but I think you can program using the front panel so no need for connector leads and software.

Sparky

[C.J.]

One of the Allen Bradley Pico Logix controls might serve in this application also. I don't know about easily sending signals from a PC to control any economy PLC. I would think a temperature switch wired to a digital input would be much easier.

Here's a link to the Allen Bradley Pico Logix page. Click on the PicoSoft link to get to the page with the free software download.


http://www.ab.com/programmablecontro...ico/index.html