Rp5brew..would you mind letting me know your PID settings for the Spyder? I'm also curious what all you're controlling with a 4024?
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The out of the box PLC's can be useful in brewing but the software lacks the flexibility to do much more than simple process control. Beyond that and you are into roll your own software application to bring all the rest of the functionality into play....
Been working in building automation for about 16 yrs now. lots of good stuff out there, have worked with Alerton, Andover, Automated Logic, Johnson, Honeywell, Trane and now lots's of Tridium.
EasyI/O is a really neat controller. Cheap, web based and lot's of points. Need Workbench to program but that's the problem with most building automation is you need licensed software.
Keep thinking of building something with all the parts i have laying around but i still like the simplicity of a propane burner. Looking at electric right now as i ran out of propane on my last boil
Controls Engineer (Electrical Engineer by degree). I have been in the automation field for almost 5 years.
Mr. muhteeus you just screwed up, we expect perfection from now on.
As a homebrewer I don't have to live by standards.
Cheers,
ClaudiusB
Ladder logic and free HMI/SCADA packages is not what I was talking about. What I have done is build an entire SCADA software package to accomplish the tasks that I needed done with the IO hardware I chose to use.Controls Engineer (Electrical Engineer by degree). I have been in the automation field for almost 5 years.
Not sure what you mean by out of the box? Click and similar? If so I agree, but they are more than enough to run a home build or even a simple pro brewery. If that's not what you meant... then you should know that PLCs (or DCS or PACs) run the entire manufacturing world. The "software" is a machine level programming language that is essentially unlimited in capability. If you are referencing the HMI/SCADA (user interface) side of things, there are numerous free/cheap options that are shockingly easier to use than you would imagine. PM me if you need more details
When you get to analog proportional control of fluids and gas in your home brewing system let me know.
I bought the liquid flow meters, pressure transmitters, Mass Flow controllers, Swagelok 3 way, Belimo proportional ball valves, and various RTD's and thermocouples for around $20 - $35 each on Ebay. Most expensive item was a STEC 4550 30 SLPM mass flow controller for $75. The purchase time was spread over about 9 months in 2004, but I had design and operating parameters worked out, just a process of finding parts at the right price.
Software was a couple year evolution from Java to .Net for final application that integrates recipe generation with process control and run time access to all tuning parameters.
Finished system has 32 analog points and 32 digital points for brewing and fermentation control.
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