IDEC PLCs and HMIs

While the info is fresh in my mind, I thought I’d make a few notes from the 3-day training class on IDEC PLCs and HMIs.

In General:

• Excellent hardware quality
• compact size
• low cost
• software is inexpensive (free with purchase of kit or training class)
• support is included (no support contracts)

The PLCs available are in 2 groups:

1. The FC5A (MicroSmart Pentra) – ($199 to $500) flagship model of PLC, about to be replaced with the 6 series which will come out in a few months
   1. FC5A-D____(E) – SlimCPU, up to 15 expansion modules (only 7 analog or comms).  (E) suffix has Ethernet port, capable of MODBUS/TCP
   2. FC5A-C_____ – built in power supply, some can have up to 4 expansion modules, Ethernet not available
2. FT1A (SmartAXIS and SmartAXIS Touch) – lowest cost model (start at $155)
   1. FT1A-B___ – built in power supply, with or without LCD screen, some have Ethernet, some have serial ports, relay or transistor outputs
   2. FT1A-C___- 3.7″ touchscreen with I/O, Ethernet

Pros:

• some of the standard inputs can act as high-speed counters (including dual phase for encoders) (some of the standard outputs can act as high speed outputs also)
• program documentation (rung comments and tag descriptions) can be stored in the PLC
• multiple people can be online / monitoring at same time
• online edit mode on most units for online changes
• can be programmed very quickly because of keyboard shortcuts
• built in email alerts, data logging, web page (basic)

Cons:

• manual memory management and memory assignment
• ladder logic only (FT1A’s have function block option, but entire program has to be FB, mixing not allowed)
• PLCs have limited communications ability

IDEC MicroSmart Pentra PLCs

IDEC SmartAXIS PLCs

HMI:

• 5.7″ 256 color 320×240 $677
• 5.7″ 65k color 640×480 $940
• 12″ 65k color 800×600 $2000

Pros:

• simple programming
• data logging, alarms, remote viewing

Cons:

• can have only one host PLC (or maybe 2 if one of them is MODBUS)
• ‘text slots’ for units and alarms is a bit outdated