This is an interesting re-start of a thread from more than 6 years ago.

I thought I had read that GE and Fanuc had "split the sheets" and they have.

http://www.automationworld.com/news-5878

I understood the agreement to disagree meant that GE kept the software and Fanuc took the hardware, but, apparently I misunderstood.

It will be interesting to see how GE goes forward with the control system line, if they'll revamp it taking into account some of the comments in this thread.

cww had a comment in this thread from a year ago that I've heard echoed many, many times: The software tools since LogicMaster suck.

'Nuff said.

 

> As far as I have searched this site (which I believe is a really good one) I
> have noticed that everybody talks mainly about Allen Bradley, Siemens and
> Modicon. Is there something wrong with GE Fanuc? I really beleive is a good
> technical option, compared to AB PLC5 and Siemens S7. Am I THAT wrong?

>Is GE Fanuc that BAD?

>I would Appreciate any comment.

I have been programming GE and GE Fanuc PLC's for 25 years. I also have programmed AB PLC/5's and Automation Direct 305's. In my opinion there is no comparison. I like GE Fanuc's software as well as hardware better than the other two. I started programming Series 6 PLC's with LM6 and Series One's with LM1F. Programmed 90-30's amd 90-70's with Logicmaster 90, a short time with Versapro and now program with Proficy ME. GE Fanuc PLC's instruction set is much easier to structure. Bear in mind it does not have alot of built in features like Allen Bradley such as timer and counter instructions. I am now doing alot of design work with the GE VersaMax Micro PLC line which is an excellent line for small to medium jobs (20-50 i/o)even with motion control. If you need help, just write me.

john_jones [at] morrisbb [.] net

 

With the PLC/5, you are comparing late 80's early 90's tech. PLC/5 have held up VERY well compared to their contemporaries. BUT... The Control Logix platform with the Logix 5000 series is far beyond any other platform. Not even in the same generation. If you haven't used it, and I mean used it a lot, you have no idea what it can do. It can program in archaic fashion and look just like a PLC/5 (or many others). But, it's exhibits features of modern programming languages such as inheritance with UDT's (their user defined structures). 3 dimensional arrays. The speed and memory is faster. Memory is measured in Megs not K bytes. Real memory you can get to, not extended registers. Memory is not partitioned off into Special prefixed areas. You can define anything as anything with the symbolic addressing. It is a more flexible addressing than Ge/Fanuc. I haven't even scratch the surface, which should be done in an advanced class. I use a lot, GE/Fanuc, Omron, Mitsubishi, Yaskawa, Siemens, Toyopuc (yuck!), PLC/5's, (and various others, even Modicons in the old days) and there is no comparison with Control Logix.

 

Chris Jones or Barry Bryant You both seem to sound fairly knowledgeable about GE Systems.. Would you happen to know what would be the best way (if any) to monitor a VersaMax's Analog I/O with RS View.

Our current platform is primarily AB and changing it now is not an option. Therefore I am wanting to tie the VersaMax into our ethernet and if possible historically trend it using our current RSView Pro.
If you have any suggestions please respond to me at [email protected].

Thanks in Advance!!!

 

I am sorry that you believe rockwell is the be all end all for PLCs. They are not even IEC61131-3 compliant - a standard which everyone is working toward except for them. I work with controllers that can do all variable programming with up to 10 dimensional arrays, and can even compile my own c libraries to work with the programming platform built in IEC compliant functions. I can make my own functions, compile them as libraries, share them with other programs and still keep the code proprietary by hiding the source. I can also give the libraries with all the source available so others can adapt to their needs. Also, I do not have to pay rockwell 5 grand a year for support. People have been trapped by their marketing prowess in the US to believing they are the must have, when really they are the must get rid of (at least if value the bottom line at your company). Rockwell even competes with its own integrators.

Just say no

 

General comment on this post:
GE Fanuc is no longer, they are now GE Intelligent Platforms.
As for hardware and technology, The GEIP PAC is considerably more capable than all competitors in the areas of RAM, Speed, capability, flexibility, and cost. http://www.ge-ip.com/products/family/pacsystems

As for the Series 1 and 6 they are still being used in some areas and industries. The Sreies 6 with its 4 bit processor is still one of the fastest I/O processors ever built.

As for specifying a manufacturer for your process all you can be sure of is getting their most expensive product. One is always further ahead to specify the best technology and system available for your current project. Also this is the only way to get the best at the best price.