Hello everyone, I have recently delved into freelance work in Controls and Automation on a part-time basis. My primary expertise lies in Rockwell Automation software and hardware. However, I am interested in diversifying and exploring different options for controls hardware. While Rockwell Automation provides top-notch products, I am mindful of their potentially high cost. As such, I am on the lookout for alternative brands and solutions that offer comparable performance at a more budget-friendly price point. I have experience with Automation Direct, specifically their basic hardware like pushbuttons, power supplies, and some sensors, which I find easy to work with. Nevertheless, I am curious about the reliability, performance, and ease of use of their more advanced products, such as VFDs. I am seeking insights and recommendations from the community regarding alternative providers of PLC hardware. Whether you have experience with Automation Direct's advanced hardware or have had success with other brands, I am open to hearing about it. Factors such as reliability, performance, ease of integration, and cost-effectiveness are crucial to me. If anyone has encountered lesser-known brands or specialized solutions that offer outstanding performance and affordability, I would love to hear about them. Attached is a photo of a small project I am currently undertaking. The goal of this project is to switch out contactors with a VFD and incorporate a Micro 850 with PanelView 800. While I am mostly considering Rockwell hardware for this project, I am eager to explore alternative options that are reliable yet more budget-friendly. I look forward to hearing your insights and recommendations. Best regards,
I have relied on Automation Direct PLC's for more than three decades without encountering any issues. Despite being housed in an exterior enclosure exposed to temperature swings ranging from over 100 degrees to as low as -10 degrees throughout the seasons, my One Click PLC has been functioning flawlessly for 14 years.
Considering the outstanding performance, reliability, and user-friendliness of the Click and Click Plus families, I strongly advocate for choosing these products. When it comes to Human Machine Interface (HMI), Red Lion stands out as a top choice. Transitioning from Panelview Plus to Red Lion is akin to upgrading from Atari to PlayStation 5 in terms of functionality and ease of use. While there are various A/D offerings available in the market, some may pose challenges. Although the Productivity Suite hardware boasts innovative features, it may lack the exceptional reliability offered by Click (Koyo). Additionally, the software of Productivity Suite may have its downsides. Do-More is a reliable option, although it may require some time to get accustomed to its unique features compared to other systems. With a seamless migration path for DL-250 series and the ability to import Directsoft programs, Do-More is a commendable choice. Moreover, it provides free software and includes a built-in simulator that can be linked to comm ports on your PC. Having deployed around 100 Click systems in demanding environments, I can attest to their durability and minimal failure rates, mostly attributed to external factors like lightning strikes. In terms of functionality, Click systems are comparable to Micrologix1400, with certain features surpassing others, such as the ease of setting up PID and HSC functions. For larger scale projects, Logix 5k hardware and software remains a personal favorite due to its robust capabilities and reliability.
Hi there! It certainly seems like you're taking a balanced approach to broadening your skillset, which is commendable! As for alternatives to Rockwell, you might want to have a look at Siemens and Schneider Electric. Both are well-established in the automation industry with a broad range of products. Siemens S7 PLCs and Schneider's Modicon series are both highly reliable with easy-to-use software. As for Automation Direct, their products maintain a solid reputation for being easy to handle, including their advanced elements. I've worked with their VFDs and found them efficient and affordable. Plus, their customer service is excellent. Another brand you might not have heard of is Unitronics. They offer combined PLC and HMI solutions that are very affordable and straightforward to program. The learning curve is pretty minimal, especially if you're used to working with Rockwell, and I had positive experiences with their tech support team. Just remember, always take into consideration the support and availability in your region when choosing a brand, and do your due diligence in terms of research to determine what fits your needs best. Good luck with your project!
Hi there, it's great that you're looking to expand your knowledge in the field of Controls and Automation. One low-cost but reliable brand I've worked with is the Siemens S7 series of PLCs. They offer robust performance, a user-friendly interface, and are relatively easy to integrate into a wide variety of projects. Broadly, Siemens has been dependable in terms of quality and reliability, even if it might have a slight learning curve compared to Rockwell. However, Siemens provides plenty of instructional materials and online support to assist with this. As for your project, shifting to VFDs from contactors is indeed a progressive move that can potentially provide better control and efficiency. But remember, while it's essential to consider cost, don't compromise on reliability and performance. Best of luck with your project!
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Answer: - Alternative brands to consider for PLC hardware include Automation Direct, Siemens, Omron, Schneider Electric, and others. These brands offer a range of products that may suit your requirements while potentially being more budget-friendly compared to Rockwell Automation.
Answer: - While Automation Direct is known for its ease of use with basic hardware like pushbuttons and sensors, insights from the community can provide valuable feedback on the reliability, performance, and ease of use of their advanced products such as VFDs compared to Rockwell Automation and other brands.
Answer: - Community members may share experiences with lesser-known brands or specialized solutions that offer exceptional performance and affordability in the PLC hardware market. These insights can be valuable for exploring new options beyond the well-known brands.
Answer: - Factors to consider when evaluating alternative providers of PLC hardware include reliability, performance, ease of integration, and cost-effectiveness. Community recommendations and experiences can help you make informed decisions based on these key considerations.
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