Can normal PLC be use?

[Sherman]

Can we use PLC for aquarium control?

 

[ZaneTer]

Good morning Ang

Yes, we can definitely use a PLC for aquarium control. This is exactly how i control my reef. It allows me remote access, event logging, alarm logging, monitoring and control. What type of PLC were you thinking of using? If you are opting for Siemens you are welcome to take a copy of my code for PLC and HMI.

Thanks
Zane

 

[Sherman]

Thank You ZaneTer.
I still have no idea which PLC to use.
Which Siemens model you using? I see if I can get in Singapore.
If really cannot get Siemen then I will see what is available in Singapore.
Can PLC do what Apec can do now?

 

[Sherman]

Thank You ZaneTer.
I still have no idea which PLC to use.
Which Siemens model you using? I see if I can get in Singapore.
If really cannot get Siemen then I will see what is available in Singapore.
Can PLC do what Apec can do now?

 

[Sherman]

Thank You ZaneTer.
I still have no idea which PLC to use.
Which Siemens model you using? I see if I can get in Singapore.
If really cannot get Siemen then I will see what is available in Singapore.
Can PLC do what Apec can do now?

 

[Silver14SS]

Good morning Ang

Yes, we can definitely use a PLC for aquarium control. This is exactly how i control my reef. It allows me remote access, event logging, alarm logging, monitoring and control. What type of PLC were you thinking of using? If you are opting for Siemens you are welcome to take a copy of my code for PLC and HMI.

Thanks
Zane

Please share details, that sounds very interesting!

 

[ZaneTer]

Thank You ZaneTer.
I still have no idea which PLC to use.
Which Siemens model you using? I see if I can get in Singapore.
If really cannot get Siemen then I will see what is available in Singapore.
Can PLC do what Apec can do now?

You are welcome

1) I am using a S7-315PN as the PLC (s7-300s or s7-1200s would also work fine)
2) TIA Portal V15 to run as a soft HMI on an old laptop.
3) Pretty much all PLCs can do what Apex does plus quite a lot more.

Try to find one second hand and bear in mind that these are modular machines. You have to buy cards that provode the functional

 

[ZaneTer]

B

Please share details, that sounds very interesting!

Be careful what you ask for

 

[ZaneTer]

Hardware:

 

[ZaneTer]

Control Code:

 

[ZaneTer]

 

[ZaneTer]

Temperature page, bear in mind not connected currently with the development laptop hence the ####

 

[ZaneTer]

The screen i currently have

 

[ZaneTer]

Feel free to ask any questions

 

[Greybeard]

I'm an industrial software engineer... primarily use Allen Bradley PLC's, I'm quite familiar with their capabilities. Compaired to a modern industrial PLC, the Apex is a cheap toy... and that's what I use. Why? Toy? Sure, but it does what I need it to do... and the 'Cheap' part is true, as well. No way I could build a DIY a reef controller using Allen Bradley components for less than what an Apex will cost you. I did wire up a DIY breakout box... use sensors and valves that don't say Apex on them. Aside from cost, well, form factor... a big stainless steel cabinet wouldn't really work for me.

 

[ZaneTer]

Me too... I also completely agree with your points. It wont be cheaper to build one yourself and the learning curve can be steep yet the rewards are so much greater. The reliability and freedom is unparalleled with a "true" controller. I did have P4 but that died in less than a year and left a very sour taste after the experience. The down side to using your own controller is that you must build it all yourself, others can help but ultimately it is all your responsibility... also dont forget that bad code in = bad results out.

 

[ZaneTer]

Sorry should have added I am an engineer for Siemens

 

[Sherman]

You are welcome

1) I am using a S7-315PN as the PLC (s7-300s or s7-1200s would also work fine)
2) TIA Portal V15 to run as a soft HMI on an old laptop.
3) Pretty much all PLCs can do what Apex does plus quite a lot more.

Try to find one second hand and bear in mind that these are modular machines. You have to buy cards that provode the functional

Thank You for sharing all these important info.
Let me check if I can get one of the Siemen PLC

 

[ZaneTer]

If you can then I’ll Dropbox to you tia portal v15. You will need a few lessons to begin.

 

[siggy]

I have been playing with the AB micro logix at work for the simple reason of Cost. Ebay is a great source and I see them for $100, just need to check that it has Analog I/O or you will have to add a module.

 

[kenbut]

I used a Schneider twido in the past.Good option as software is free from Schneider. Easy to program and way more functions than apex.