Anybody try to run reef tank with PLC?

[trigger0214]

Kudos if you know what a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is.

I work with numerous automation enginners. It occured to me that I could eliminate the octopi of wires and timers on my tank and consoilidate them into one of these beauties (maybe an Allen Bradley or the like).

They have low end models for around a $100 bucks, which is cheaper than what I paid for my wave timer - I believe). After a rungs of lader logis (set-up and modify in PC and download to PLC), this baby could control my waves, night and day lights, have feed modes, water change mode, and much more.....

Any of you tried this? Hmmmm....maybe this is good business? 8O

 

[Anonymous]

I do a bit of work with Fanuc PLC's. Not so much the ladder logic programming, but reading/writing registers and interfacing with them. A lot of Cimplicity work.
I've thought about this a few times myself. But usually came to the conclusion that I could make a more robust system with a cheapy PC with a discrete I/O card in it. A simple VB app could do more than a complex ladder program.
But for a very simple, reliable solution a cheap PLC would probably work fine.

 

[Anonymous]

PLC is getting cheaper, but for most of us, it is a lot of work if you don't already in the trade, and it just won't be a better idea than the off-the-shelf items that is overpriced, and don't really do all the neat stuffs that a customized PLC can do.

Great project for the DIY forum, however.

 

[das75]

Been heavily involve with Campbell Scientific devices for about 15 years, so had plans when starting this hobby to use them. Ended up just using timers and thermostats to do everything I want. Simpler and way cheaper, just can't make a fancy graph of my water temperature.

 

[Anonymous]

I'll have my fully loaded Siemems PLC up and running soon. A friend of mine works there, and has programmed most of it, with the help of several other Techs @ Siemens. Touch screen, several analog controlls (for PH, Temp, etc) and far more digital ones then I'll ever use. I can't wait

Not a cheap, nor easy way to go, yet. The programming is pretty sick stuff, far above my head. When he sent me my first unit (yah, I have several from trading frags MAJOR frags) and I got the program, I became pretty sad due to the fact I doubt I'll ever have the time to learn it's programming

When he's finshed in a week or two, we'll post pics and a detailled description here

 

[Anonymous]

That's the problem with using a PLC over a PC. They require someone to program it, and the language is probably proprietary and obscure. Using a PC based solution you can write something in any language you want, and create as simple or complex an interface as you'd like.
The advantages of the PLC are mostly it's small size, fewer parts, and reliability.

 

[l8_apex_it]

Not really PLC but..

I've been playing around with a basic stamp and plan on using that to control my tank. LCD display for real time tank parameters and UI, Lighting, canopy fans with speed control, x10 to start window mounted AC, moon lighting ( varying intensity over the month), and general temperature logging to PC.