martinav (Customer) asked a question.

Edited February 14, 2022 at 10:25 PM
'Right Size' PLC for production test

I have developed a PLC system on the BRX platform that performs a pressure test for our product. I am looking to make this into a more production worthy system, 'right-size' it, and then setup about 8 identical test stands.

 

  1. I originally setup a BRX because of the REST API so I can push data to SQL.
  2. Would the Click work better.? I would like any insight on the comparison between BRX and Click with regards to power and features. At this point, I'm not sure how to categorize what is a big project vs small. My project did fit ealily within the capacity of the BRX.
  3. Is programming 'better' in the Click software vs BRX? I think the CLick is newer. Regardless, how to compare them?

 

My needs are to control a test stand for valve certifications. Basically control pressure to a test rig, monitor via a rs-232 pressure gauge, collect data, and post to SQL. Plus other ancillary things. I have successfully created a program in Do-More that performs the test cycle quite well. I used AdvancedHMI to handle the panel on my PC. That worked fine for my development. I purchased an EA7 c-more panel to get me closer to production. I also had luck communicating with Node-Red from my BRX. I had not finished pushing that into SQL, but that would be a Node-Red thing at that point. But getting the data into Node-Red I did find success.

 

I will also need to get data from SQL based on results of barcode scanner. Also via REST API. I havent done this yet, but with the success of pushing date out of the BRX, i'm confident I can accomplish this, also with NodeRed.

 

Basic hardware setup:

1-PLC (BRX currently)

2-pressure transducers for basic pressure reading (4-20mA)

1-RS-232 pressure gauge for continuous and accurate (calibrated) pressure reading

3-solenoid valves for pressure control (120VAC) (PLC->relays)

1-c-more panel (EA7 EA9)

1-thermocouple (RTD)

1-barcode scanner (RS-232)

 

To make this happen, I had to get quite the stack to run it all.

BX-08AD-3

BX-4UT4T2

BX-SERIO-2 (Could have used a BX-P-SER2-RJ12 in lieu of module, but kind of wanted option to add a 3rd RS-232 device)

 

I'm open to advice and alternatives!

  • 24 answers
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  • RBPLC (Customer)

     

    1. Would the Click work better.? I would like any insight on the comparison between BRX and Click with regards to power and features. At this point, I'm not sure how to categorize what is a big project vs small. My project did fit ealily within the capacity of the BRX.

     

    If you already have the system programmed with the BRX, stay with the BRX. The Click can do many things but is outclassed in almost every respect compared to the BRX platform. The only thing that the Click has going for it is slightly lower price point and wireless on new processors. Programming environment and instruction set is vastly inferior to BRX.

     

    1. Is programming 'better' in the Click software vs BRX? I think the CLick is newer. Regardless, how to compare them?

     

    In short, no. There's not much comparison between the instruction sets between the two controllers. Everything the Click can do, the BRX can do it easier. Many things the BRX can do, the Click cannot do. If you're trying to pinch pennies, you could potentially use the Click but you'll be giving up a ton of features that you'll probably regret down the road if you ever want to expand your system.

     

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  • RBPLC (Customer)

     

    1. Would the Click work better.? I would like any insight on the comparison between BRX and Click with regards to power and features. At this point, I'm not sure how to categorize what is a big project vs small. My project did fit ealily within the capacity of the BRX.

     

    If you already have the system programmed with the BRX, stay with the BRX. The Click can do many things but is outclassed in almost every respect compared to the BRX platform. The only thing that the Click has going for it is slightly lower price point and wireless on new processors. Programming environment and instruction set is vastly inferior to BRX.

     

    1. Is programming 'better' in the Click software vs BRX? I think the CLick is newer. Regardless, how to compare them?

     

    In short, no. There's not much comparison between the instruction sets between the two controllers. Everything the Click can do, the BRX can do it easier. Many things the BRX can do, the Click cannot do. If you're trying to pinch pennies, you could potentially use the Click but you'll be giving up a ton of features that you'll probably regret down the road if you ever want to expand your system.

     

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  • martinav (Customer)

    @RBPLC (Customer)​ ,

     

    Nope not worth it then. I love the package of the Click, but if thats the case, with regards to programming, then I'll just go for bigger enclosures. Thx for the feedback!!

     

    Rod

  • Garry (Customer)

    Hi @martinav (Customer)​ 

    The BRX handles ASCII and the Serial port programming better than the Click. However, both are functional.

    You would have to consider your time involved in converting your existing code to the Click PLC vs the money saved for 8 units.

    Here is a post on using Node-Red to SQL Database.

    https://accautomation.ca/node-red-sql-database-log-modbus-logging/

    This is from the Node-RED series:

    https://accautomation.ca/series/node-red-iot-enabling-software/

    Regards,

    Garry

     

    Expand Post

    • martinav (Customer)

      Oh, great links there @Garry (Customer)​ . I'll def needs some help in full development mode on the nodered stuff.

       

      Yea, this has nothing to do with money. Relatively speaking stuff from AD is mega cheap. I really liked the package size of the click. I was hoping for perhaps better programming features, and apparently that isnt the case. So, regardless of cost and size, I'll be sticking with the BRX.

       

      BTW, thanks for your youtube stuff too. That got me through a ton of DIY ladder logic programming.

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      • RBPLC (Customer)

        1) Which BRX are you using? You could potentially use a non-built in I/O version to reduce the footprint.

        2) The Productivity1000 has a much better feature set than the Click if you're really concerned about the size of the unit. The 1000 is probably the most compact of the PLCs. In general, the Productivity series is much more comparable to the BRX. The Productivity does have some advantages such as 2D arrays and UDTs with structures. Overall program control is better with the BRX, in general.

        Expand Post

      • martinav (Customer)

        @RBPLC (Customer)​ ,

        Oh, thats a good point. I have the BX 18E. I do use 4 i/o channels, built in RS232, ethernet, and when I add external buttons and switches, I'll probably chew up a few more i/o. I feel like this is a good cpu that will allow for a few additional without adding basic i/o cards.

         

        I also use the 24vdc output to run relays for my 120vac pneumatic valves. However, I did just get an external dc power supply to drive a c-more panel and a network switch.

        Expand Post

      • Garry (Customer)

        Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it.

        Garry

      • martinav (Customer)

        Heck yea, @Garry (Customer)​ , your videos on RS232 were primary for me getting data off my Crystal XP2i Digital pressure gauge. The manufacturer had zero information on how to do it, and you at least made the BRX side of it intelligible.

      • Durallymax (Customer)

        @RBPLC (Customer)​ The 2 analog Input requirement would push him to the 36pt monster. I like the smaller BRX, wish they offered more analogs on them though.

      • RBPLC (Customer)

        There's not a compelling reason in my mind to use the 36 pt variant in most instances. I would just add an analog input card. I prefer the non-IO versions and just adding whatever cards are required.

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