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I have a question or two for you folks who use PLC's. First a little background.I am designing a drop in replacement for typical PLC's that will run PC compatible software. Since this project does not have to generate revenue, I can consider
each facet carefully for value, utility, and cost. I asked what kind of connectors are preferred a while ago ( "http://www.control.com/1014311117/index_html":http://www.control.com/1014311117/index_html ) and got some very good input. I have a couple more things I'm looking at and I thought I'd get some more input from users.
How important is packaging? I've noticed that PLC's are beginning to look more like consumer products than industrial products. They've even gotten curves and styling that have nothing to do with function. Packaging is extremely expensive to do in small quantities and has to be considered very critically. Almost every PLC I've seen is mounted in some sort of enclosure along
with the wiring, terminal strips, contactors, etc. This in my mind sort of defeats the purpose of the fancy styling as it's dark in there once
you close the door. Would an open card rack product be acceptable? Is it necessary to hire european designers to grace the inside of a Hoffman enclosure? What is actually needed? Is money spent on beauty money well spent?
On the subject of power. Bulk power is much less expensive that the dedicated supplies that plug into a rack. Almost any collection of automation hardware is going to have a 24VDC supply there anyway. Would 9-30 VDC power only be acceptable? If not, why not? I have seen enclosures that had 6 or 8 separate power supplies in them from wall
warts to very spendy din mounts, all providing 24 VDC.
Your opinions are appreciated. All offlist responses will be kept strictly confidential.
Regards
cww
Curt Wuollet
<[email protected]>
each facet carefully for value, utility, and cost. I asked what kind of connectors are preferred a while ago ( "http://www.control.com/1014311117/index_html":http://www.control.com/1014311117/index_html ) and got some very good input. I have a couple more things I'm looking at and I thought I'd get some more input from users.
How important is packaging? I've noticed that PLC's are beginning to look more like consumer products than industrial products. They've even gotten curves and styling that have nothing to do with function. Packaging is extremely expensive to do in small quantities and has to be considered very critically. Almost every PLC I've seen is mounted in some sort of enclosure along
with the wiring, terminal strips, contactors, etc. This in my mind sort of defeats the purpose of the fancy styling as it's dark in there once
you close the door. Would an open card rack product be acceptable? Is it necessary to hire european designers to grace the inside of a Hoffman enclosure? What is actually needed? Is money spent on beauty money well spent?
On the subject of power. Bulk power is much less expensive that the dedicated supplies that plug into a rack. Almost any collection of automation hardware is going to have a 24VDC supply there anyway. Would 9-30 VDC power only be acceptable? If not, why not? I have seen enclosures that had 6 or 8 separate power supplies in them from wall
warts to very spendy din mounts, all providing 24 VDC.
Your opinions are appreciated. All offlist responses will be kept strictly confidential.
Regards
cww
Curt Wuollet
<[email protected]>