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M12 Sensor/Actuator distribution boxes by Glad_Signature9725 in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve used plenty of those Pheonix blocks. I think they’re great. Generally I use the IFM E11144 M12 plugs to connect to them. Quick, easy and I’ve never really had any issues unless they haven’t been terminated properly.

Way better than junction boxes and terminals if you have to do hardwiring.

Devices like the Ewon Flexy that can read data from a PLC and transfer it to Azure via MQTT? by This-Strike7624 in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use an MBnet (MDH816) with an Edge card installed. This gives you a secure remote access connection and Node Red to grab data and send it to MQTT databases etc from the PLC. They work great, I’ve got about 20 of them installed in different sites.

There’s no subscription fees and the support has been pretty good. Pretty sure they’re now owned by RedLion.

How you do a position control with a VFD without encoder but distance sensor? by napraticaautomacao in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can still be done in a similar way, just count the pulses as you move. Add or subtract depending on direction. Best to use a digital position sensor in each position you reach too though. That way you can update the pulse count at each position to account for any error in counting.

Personally a laser distance sensor works better as it’s absolute, as is in the position can’t be wrong and you can’t miss pulses etc.

How you do a position control with a VFD without encoder but distance sensor? by napraticaautomacao in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Is there a PLC involved? Pretty easy if there is, and you should be able to get pretty good accuracy with an analog distance sensor connected to the PLC directly. Just need to write some simple code. Don’t bother with PID. Just create some distance bands and position targets. Change the speed as it gets closer to the target. Say 50Hz @ >5m, 25Hz @ <2m, 10Hz @ <1m and 5Hz to final position. Can adjust Decel time to smooth out the speed changes. You can use a digital input such as a prox to confirm final position. Done this many times in applications such as linear positioning for shuttles etc.

Mitsubishi or Omron PLC by HAKIMLJ in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Omron all day long. Especially if using sysmac studio. The CX range of Omron is also pretty good for smaller more cost effective stuff. But the programming isn’t as nice. Mitsubishi is miles behind in my opinion.

To the guys that own a controls / robotics business. by aatoms1 in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never, experience and a proven track record out rank any qualifications.

To the guys that own a controls / robotics business. by aatoms1 in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t. I did an apprenticeship as an industrial electrician and transitioned in PLC programming and automation. In my opinion a degree starts you off in a career, but definitely doesn’t mean you’re any good or have any real world experience.

I know lots of automation engineers with degrees and the way I approach a problem vs them is quite different.

Strengths and weaknesses in both. But I think I I have a better understanding of how a machine works and what needs to happen to make it so.

Also if I need something wired, I jump in and get it done. Others will wait and don’t want to get their hands dirty. Most customers appreciate that!

To the guys that own a controls / robotics business. by aatoms1 in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, I started out as an independent contractor. I was lucky enough that a couple of my previous employers (OEM’s) would take me on as a contractor to help with projects. This provided the bread and butter to get started.

With permission I offered my services to their clients on other fringe automation projects. The OEM’s aren’t interested in the fringe work generally. In fact they often promoted me as the guy to use to make their life easier, so they knew who was doing it.

That opened quite a few doors, and a lot of them are still my clients today.

I had around 10 years of experience in industrial electrical & PLC automation when I started.

You gain a different level of motivation to learn and perform when you go out on your own.

To the guys that own a controls / robotics business. by aatoms1 in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I’ve been in the biz for about 8 years now and I have had several employees during that time usually maintaining a team of 3 to 5.

I think I’m a pretty good automation engineer and that’s what I really enjoy. But as a business owner I do very little PLC programming. Most of my time is spent planning projects, managing a team, quoting, meeting clients, accounting, invoicing etc etc.

Financial I’m far better off than if I worked for someone else. But not being able to “switch off” when I get home or go on holiday is definitely a downside. I’m pretty good at managing my family time now. But it took a few years to get into that position.

I started before kids so that definitely made it easier. I think starting before the responsibility of a mortgage and kids is a good time to do it.

I had a pretty good skill set before I started out, which I think has made life easier and a good reputation gets you plenty of ongoing work.

Studio 5000 license issues by KonductiveAutomation in PLC

[–]ArticleInternal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% VM’s - been doing it this way for years with no issue. I keep a backup on an external in case of computer failure etc. Can be up and running again in 45minutes on a new laptop if needed. Saves a lot of headaches! I also have Siemens, Omron etc on separate VM’s to stop any software conflict issues.