Hey everyone, I'm considering delving into the world of PLCs. Would investing in an Arduino PLC be a wise choice for beginners? Or are there more budget-friendly alternatives that you recommend? Let me know your thoughts!
While I have experience with Arduino, I have yet to dive into using their PLC since it's a relatively new concept for me and I haven't found a specific need for it. Nevertheless, I have heard that the Arduino PLC supports various IEC languages like LAD, FB, STL, SFC, and CFC, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to delve into programming practices. While the programming environments and hardware configurations of bigger brands may seem overwhelming, it's important to start somewhere and build your knowledge and skills on any brand. The Arduino PLC seems like a promising platform for beginners in PLC programming, with added capabilities for Industry 4.0 applications that are worth exploring or at least becoming familiar with.
The basic model of the Arduino PLC is competitively priced, comparable to Automation Direct's basic Click Plus model. If you are in the US, I would suggest starting with a Click Plus from Automation Direct as they have a strong presence in the industrial world and offer expandable options. However, the Arduino PLC supports all IEC languages, providing a wide range of programming capabilities. It might be beneficial to consider the main PLC vendor in Ireland before making a decision. Additionally, a Siemens 1200 could be a suitable starter package to explore.
These PLCs are a cost-effective solution for automation tasks. While the software is free, each PLC requires a runtime license costing around $20-30 US. The ability to utilize all IEC languages at this low price is a no-brainer. I own a Portenta Machine Control that I may test for my home aquarium setup in the near future. It is important to note the firmware maturity level. I encountered issues with the PMC in the past, such as it ceasing to evaluate IO after a few weeks of use. However, firmware updates may have addressed these issues. It was concerning that even the simplest routines, like checking an analog input and activating an output, would stop functioning after a short period. Additionally, there were inconsistencies with the DigIn0 state in the code compared to the actual board indicator light. Considering these factors, caution is advised when using this product for machine control purposes.
JeremyM mentioned that the PLCs are a relatively new and cost-effective option. While the software is free, each PLC requires a runtime license, typically priced at $20-30 US. The ability to leverage all IEC languages at such an affordable rate is a no-brainer. JeremyM is considering powering up his Portenta Machine Control again in a few months to test its suitability for a home aquarium. It is important to be cautious of the firmware maturity, as issues with the PMC's firmware, such as halting IO evaluation after a few weeks of runtime, have been experienced in the past. However, improvements may have been made since then. Despite encountering challenges with the PMC, JeremyM found success with an esp32 system for monitoring plant soil moisture levels and sunlight once he resolved programming bugs. It's worth noting that despite being marketed for machine control, the Portenta series may be better suited for industrial environments.
JeremyM mentioned that the software is free, but each PLC requires a runtime license which costs around $20-30 US. However, there has been an update with a new PLC line called OPTA IDE where the runtime is now included in the price. We recently formed a partnership with them and are now distributors for their products. They are also providing training for our trainers, which will be available later this month. If you are thinking of getting started with PLC, consider purchasing an Arduino PLC as it is a great way to dive into programming. Arduino OPTA offers the flexibility of programming in six different languages, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
It's great that you're taking an interest in PLCs! Starting with an Arduino PLC could be a good first step as they're very user-friendly and have widespread community support for beginners. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, I'd recommend you consider Raspberry Pi. While it might have a steeper learning curve compared to Arduino, it's a cost-effective and versatile choice with a strong community support as well. And don't forget, whichever you choose, the key to mastering PLCs is hands-on experience and application in real-world scenarios. Happy learning!
Hey, great to see you're interested in PLCs! Arduino PLCs are a fantastic choice for beginners due to their simple coding interface and supportive community. However, if you're budget-conscious, Raspberry Pis and PIC microcontrollers are also good options that are a bit cheaper. Remember though, the most important factor when choosing is compatibility with your project's needs, not just the price. Happy exploring in the PLC world!
Hey! Investing in an Arduino PLC is definitely a smart move for beginners since it offers a great balance of affordability and functionality. The open-source community around Arduino means there are tons of resources, tutorials, and project ideas to help you get started. Plus, if you're looking for something even more budget-friendly, you might consider the Raspberry Pi for basic automation projects, but keep in mind it’s a bit less user-friendly for PLC-specific tasks. Ultimately, it depends on what you aim to build, but you can’t go wrong with Arduino!
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Answer: 1. Q: Is an Arduino PLC a good choice for beginners interested in learning about PLCs? Yes, an Arduino PLC can be a good choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and wide availability of resources for learning.
Answer: Yes, there are budget-friendly alternatives available in the market that offer similar features and functionalities to Arduino PLCs.
Answer: Factors to consider include ease of programming, availability of learning resources, compatibility with software, scalability, and community support.
Answer: Some budget-friendly alternatives to Arduino PLCs include Raspberry Pi PLC, Siemens LOGO! PLC, and Omron CP1L series PLCs.
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