New to the forum here.
I work for a company that builds automatic car wash systems and we are currently using Omron PLC's (CP1L) and Red Lion HMI's. I'm looking at replacing the HMI and PLC and have everything PC based using a I/O interface. I have no experience doing this however I am looking to learn and get more familiar with doing a project like this. The company already has software, this however is written in Ladder Logic code if any one has ideas or experience your input would be helpful.
Thanks
Stick with your PLC and Red Lion HMI if it is all working well.
Why change, and why even think of going PC based, if by PC you mean something based on Microsoft Windows ?
If by PC you mean a computer that might operate with a form of GNU/Linux and then program some software to do what you need, then maybe, though the issue of safety systems may need to be addressed.
I work with both PLCs and SCADA and also with Arduino type boards for various projects.
I will always use proven industrial based hardware for critical systems where timing and safety risks are concerned.
I imagine a car wash will need some form of safety logic, at least an emergency stop button or two, correct ?
Can you imagine implementing a system based on non conforming hardware which fails at some point or does not operate correctly on emergency stop, causing personnel injuring or loss, what the insurance company will say ?
If your safety systems are hardwired, then you could possibly do the whole thing in your existing Red Lion HMI, if you are using a late model Graphite controller, by adding the I/O modules on the back and programming the Red Lion to do the functions.
The Red Lion is programmed in a similar way to Arduino, in that it is programmed in C, using Crimson 3.0, and you can do some pretty nifty stuff in that and have a web server and email/SMS alarm system as well, all included.
Paul - VK7KPA