T
I am looking for help in how to tackle a PLC based project for a machine
with an IP67 operator interface and mobile broadband connection for a
hydraulic press machine.
Initially I need to model/describe what is it that I need the machine to do.
I propose using the waterfall model of software development (shows my age)
which I believe is adequate for a project of this nature:
1. *Requirements
specification*<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_Requirements_Specification>
2. *Design* <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_design>
3. Construction (AKA
*implementation*<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implementation>or
coding)
4. Integration
5. Testing and *debugging* <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debugging> (AKA
Verification)
6. *Installation*<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Installation_(computer_programs)>
7. *Maintenance* <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_maintenance>
I can write it down and describe the functions. What I want to ensure is
that I'm using an industry standard representation. I can do a flowchart by
hand but would prefer to do this with software. Any pointers as to where to
find a template for an automated machine would be helpful. I'd love an Excel
spreadsheet model to help with this.
The machine will be a hydraulic press with hydraulic rams controlled via
electro hydraulic solenoid valves switched by the PLC. Ideally 12V DC
operation but if I have to go to 24V DC I will. Digital IO = 16 digital IO
with room to expand to 32 IO and possibly 64 IO. Analog IO = 4.
PLC scan time not important. Ability to retain (no-volatile) logs of
operational data is critical - things like hours of operation, output, idle
times...
For the PLC programming, Structured Text would be my preferred method
although I can handle ladder logic. No idea as to program size as yet. Need
USB interface.
Operator interface will be flat panel, touch screen, IP67. Color possibly
depending on cost. PLC and other electrical items will be housed in an IP67
enclosure.
Communications - local. I'd like to be able to interface a laptop to
the PLCvia a standard CAT 5 RJ24 ethernet cable via a web browser. If
available -
wirelessly connect.
Communications - remote. The machines will be used in fields. I need the
ability to be able to connect to them remotely via a mobile phone
connection. Ideally mobile broadband (hundreds of kbps) but HSDA/GPRS (10's
of kbps) at a minimum. I'm looking for a functional equivalent of *
www.logmein.com* <http://www.logmein.com/> (LogMeIn Free) for PC's for the
PLC world if such an animal exists.
Tall order but I'd appreciate it if you can point me in the right direction.
__________________________
Tom Reaney
REANEY COMPUTER
*www.reaneycomputer.com* <http://www.reaneycomputer.com/>
*[email protected]* <[email protected]>
(087) 745-4566
========================
with an IP67 operator interface and mobile broadband connection for a
hydraulic press machine.
Initially I need to model/describe what is it that I need the machine to do.
I propose using the waterfall model of software development (shows my age)
which I believe is adequate for a project of this nature:
1. *Requirements
specification*<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_Requirements_Specification>
2. *Design* <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_design>
3. Construction (AKA
*implementation*<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implementation>or
coding)
4. Integration
5. Testing and *debugging* <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debugging> (AKA
Verification)
6. *Installation*<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Installation_(computer_programs)>
7. *Maintenance* <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_maintenance>
I can write it down and describe the functions. What I want to ensure is
that I'm using an industry standard representation. I can do a flowchart by
hand but would prefer to do this with software. Any pointers as to where to
find a template for an automated machine would be helpful. I'd love an Excel
spreadsheet model to help with this.
The machine will be a hydraulic press with hydraulic rams controlled via
electro hydraulic solenoid valves switched by the PLC. Ideally 12V DC
operation but if I have to go to 24V DC I will. Digital IO = 16 digital IO
with room to expand to 32 IO and possibly 64 IO. Analog IO = 4.
PLC scan time not important. Ability to retain (no-volatile) logs of
operational data is critical - things like hours of operation, output, idle
times...
For the PLC programming, Structured Text would be my preferred method
although I can handle ladder logic. No idea as to program size as yet. Need
USB interface.
Operator interface will be flat panel, touch screen, IP67. Color possibly
depending on cost. PLC and other electrical items will be housed in an IP67
enclosure.
Communications - local. I'd like to be able to interface a laptop to
the PLCvia a standard CAT 5 RJ24 ethernet cable via a web browser. If
available -
wirelessly connect.
Communications - remote. The machines will be used in fields. I need the
ability to be able to connect to them remotely via a mobile phone
connection. Ideally mobile broadband (hundreds of kbps) but HSDA/GPRS (10's
of kbps) at a minimum. I'm looking for a functional equivalent of *
www.logmein.com* <http://www.logmein.com/> (LogMeIn Free) for PC's for the
PLC world if such an animal exists.
Tall order but I'd appreciate it if you can point me in the right direction.
__________________________
Tom Reaney
REANEY COMPUTER
*www.reaneycomputer.com* <http://www.reaneycomputer.com/>
*[email protected]* <[email protected]>
(087) 745-4566
========================