I'll second that opinion on the Automation Direct units. Cheap, flexible,
and you can get a version of their DirectSoft programming software for the
PC to handle only the models of PLC you want. It's cheapest ($99) for the
$99 DL05 or DL105 series units only, $149 for the DL05/06/105 series PLC's,
and most expensive ($495) for the software that handles pretty much the
whole product line. I use the DL05 and DL06 units for most of my fluid/valve
control systems and detector control systems. For $200, you can get a DL05
series PLC and the DirectSoft programming software, and learn all about
ladder logic programming, drum controller instructions, PID controls, stage
programming, etc. Manuals can be downloaded from the automation direct
website for free. Good stuff!

Al Raisanen



"ERich10983" wrote in message
...
A local inventor developed a machine for installing hooks on plantpots.
Doesn't sound like a useful thing, but a typical greenhouse might have to
do 6
million of these pots for Walmart in a short growing season. Anyway, we
used
an AutomationDirect 205 PLC that was perfect and did everything we wanted.
The
distributor, however, decided that we should use Omron for export to the
European market. After some difficulty, we translated the program to use
the
different PLC. I've used both before, so no real big deal.

Then! they decided that we should use the AB PLCs because their
maintenance
department was more familiar with them.

What a headache! That is the most unfriendly software I've used in some
time.
Almost like programming in machine language again. It took me about a
week to
finally figure out how to make things start to work again. Three weeks
before
the machine control was back to where we started.

I've used a lot of different PLCs, but this was the worst for learning on.
Of
course, if you do master this one, the others will be a piece of pie,
(apple,
of course).

Of all the PLCs, I really like the DL series by AutomationDirect the best.
They make some really nifty ones for only $99 that will handle most
control
functions, even stepper control. You might be better off getting one of
those
and passing the AB unit on to someone already equipped to deal with it.

Earle Rich
Mont Vernon, NH

Already being subjected to telephone polling surveys for president. Too
Early!