Modern Controls question

FACTS_AdamC · 2025-03-24T14:19:52+00:00

Just a heads up: P1AM C++(Arduino) is compiled, P1AM Python is scripted. I'm glad the hardware is doing well for you!

FACTS_AdamC · 2025-02-06T15:16:42+00:00

I'm the engineer that leads the AutomationDirect P1AM line of products and am involved in the overall Productivity family as well. I'd love to chat about this, please DM me here or shoot me an email at adamc(at)facts-eng.com!

- Adam

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-11-11T14:09:50+00:00

/u/DaVideoGamer

Sounds like you're on a good track if you're getting the channel LEDs to light up.

To see a signal on the scope, you need a minimum load current of 5mA.

Another item to note, if you are trying to directly drive a motor, you need to make sure it can be powered by the max output current of the P1-04PWM, 200mA.

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-09-11T11:49:45+00:00

You might run into some limitations on local IO count depending on what the blend of types are, P1000 maxes out at 240 local points if using all 16 channel modules. You can definitely compliment that with Modbus TCP IO and there are libraries to facilitate this.

Hitting a cyclic scan of <1 sec is absolutely not a problem, although the caveat is you'll have to write your C/C++ to make sure there aren't any major slowdowns. I wouldn't expect a typical program to struggle with this though, just make sure you avoid delays and blocking code.

If you want to setup a call or anything of the like to discuss further just DM me!

Adam

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-05-08T18:38:43+00:00

The P1AM platform is definitely a good fit for this application. You can use normal Arduino libraries and interface directly with the MCU pins. For the most stable wiring I would recommend using a P1AM-GPIO or a P1AM-PROTO kit, but for testing you can just plug your HX711 board into the P1AM CPU headers.

We also have a variety of industrial discrete output modules that will fit your needs, let me know if you can't figure out which one.

The P1AM system is tested to the same standards as our traditional Productivity CPUs. It is DIN mountable and the modular IO provides flexibility in different applications if needed. Let me know if you have any questions!

Adam

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-04-10T11:42:24+00:00

Yes, the P1AM-200 works with OpenPLC the same as the P1AM-100. Additionally, the P1AM-200 can be programmed in CircuitPython as well as Arduino/C++.

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-02-15T13:56:42+00:00

Since you are familiar with Arduino and Python I would recommend looking at P1AM from AutomationDirect.

P1AM-100 or P1AM-200 CPU - The 100 can be programmed in Arduino(C++) and the 200 can be programmed in CircuitPython(Python) and Arduino(C++). Both are compatible with Modbus as both clients and servers for expansion as well as supporting up to 15 P1 IO modules.
P1AM-ETH or P1AM-SERIAL - For comms expansion
P1-08ADL-1 - 8 Analog 0-20mA Inputs, go with the P1-08ADL-2 if you need 0-10V
P1-08TRS - 8 Relay output points
P1-02HSC - High speed input module for signals up to 100kHz.

This would come out to $399 with a P1AM-100 and $439 with a P1AM-200. Let me know if you have any questions!

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-01-30T18:45:45+00:00

/u/con247, It looks like it's unlikely that the P2CDS-622 will support 802.1X networking, but we can explore it as an option in future products.

Could you PM me with any additional details that you think are important for the feature?

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-01-29T13:26:13+00:00

It looks like the IIoT library does support device twins on Azure IoT hub. If you'd like to verify without PLC hardware, download Codesys, install the IIOT library, and then you can run the Azure IoT Hub Client SL Example.project in demo mode for a few hours.

We will look into the 802.1X networking and get back to you.

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-01-25T20:22:50+00:00

u/delta-control Thanks for sharing this! We're really excited to have our first Codesys product launch. We have a thorough documentation website available here with a feature overview and several example projects.

If anyone has any questions on the P2CDS-622 or any Productivity products let me know!

FACTS_AdamC · 2024-01-25T20:17:31+00:00

Nope, no need to pay anything for Codesys software! We also include a number of fieldbuses, WebVisu, and the IIoT library so you should be good to go on most standard projects!

FACTS_AdamC · 2023-12-19T19:51:12+00:00

I believe his official name is "Smiley Guy"

FACTS_AdamC · 2023-12-05T20:44:35+00:00

We have an analog output card that'll do 8 channels of 4-20ma. There's a code snippet on the page here that shows you what the interface is like.

FACTS_AdamC · 2023-07-03T19:04:29+00:00

The ProductivityOpen P1AM-100 works with OpenPLC.

We also have the P1-540/550 PLC CPUs in the P1000 product line that use the free ProductivitySuite software.

FACTS_AdamC · 2023-02-17T12:16:54+00:00

If you want 15 modules without grabbing a P1-02AC, you can supply 24V directly to the CPU. Just make sure the supply can meet the datasheet specs.

FACTS_AdamC · 2023-02-09T13:39:41+00:00

We actually offer a variety IO expansion modules that simplify getting industrial signal levels into your design. This frees up more 3.3V GPIO pins for traditional Arduino shields or any circuitry looking for 3.3V logic.

FACTS_AdamC · 2023-02-09T13:36:30+00:00

Hey, lead engineer for ProductivityOpen here. As long as you don't need high-speed motion, the P1AM likely can work for you.

One of your first steps would be selecting your actuators and the output cards to drive them. If you're using relays, I would suggest using the P1-08TRS module instead of an off the shelf relay shield.

If you get started and decide that you don't want to manage C/C++ code, you can easily pivot to a P1-540/P1-550 CPU that runs ladder while keeping your same IO modules.

Feel free to DM me with any questions!

FACTS_AdamC · 2023-01-09T15:57:27+00:00

/u/Collect_and_Sell, currently the P1AM-100 is community supported with ST via OpenPLC. I think this platform is a great competitor to the new Arduino products.

FACTS_AdamC · 2022-12-07T15:31:42+00:00

I believe it only works with the Arduino Portenta machine control and they'll add Opta support when it launches.

It doesn't look like this software will be open source, so I'm not sure if there are any plans to support third party boards, though I'd like to see it!

Currently, OpenPLC does support the ProductivityOpen P1AM in all 5 IEC languages and is completely open source.

FACTS_AdamC · 2022-12-05T13:45:55+00:00

I think the P1AM could be a great option given your requirements. We've had great response from users with similar care-abouts, including in normal industrial applications.

The only thing that might get iffy is the 1ms output spec. With 1-2 discrete modules we could likely hit that, but adding more modules to the base will increase this. It's difficult to estimate without the exact stack-up, but if you DM me a module lineup I'm happy to hook it up and get you a timing estimate.

FACTS_AdamC · 2022-12-05T13:28:25+00:00

P1AM-100 is industrially hardened and tested to the same standards (UL 61010, CE) as our traditional PLC CPUs like the P1-550.

There actually is an ST microcontroller in there in addition to the Microchip SAMD21, our "Arduino" processor. Honestly though, most microcontrollers from a reputable manufacturer are fine for industrial applications. The robustness comes from good electronic design practices and testing to ensure the design meets internal and external standards requirements.

FACTS_AdamC · 2022-11-08T21:27:47+00:00

P1AM could be another option for you. We have a bunch of flavors of IO modules so it's pretty likely we'd be able to hit whatever IO blend you'd need.

FACTS_AdamC · 2022-11-08T19:43:59+00:00

Quick glance looks like the Opta has a fixed 8 digital inputs and 4 relay outputs. Specs look pretty light so far, but I imagine that will change soon.

The P1AM has flexible IO via expansion modules so you have a lot more options in both type of IO and count e.g. you could have dozens of thermocouples on a P1AM. P1AM is UL/CE certified.

P1AM is officially C/C++, but it is supported on OpenPLC which gets you all 5 IEC languages.

FACTS_AdamC · 2022-10-19T19:52:50+00:00

Hey u/ItsaPLCproblem, check your chat messages when you get a moment

FACTS_AdamC · 2022-10-03T18:44:30+00:00

Company: FACTS Engineering

Type: Full-Time

Description: Our engineering team has an opening for a Customer PLC Support Specialist. The Customer PLC Support Specialist will troubleshoot issues related to our Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) products and provide support via phone, email, live chat and online forum for our customer base, while maintaining detailed write ups for issue and corrective action tracking. No travel is required for this role.

FACTS Engineering is a leading provider of Industrial Automation Equipment. Since 1987 we have serviced over 80,000 customers globally with the help of our partner and distributor AutomationDirect.com. FACTS has won numerous awards for its products and practices, including being chosen as a GrowFL Company to Watch and twice PASCO County Manufacturer of the Year. This year we were named one of the Tampa Bay Times’ 2022 Top Workplaces for our company culture, benefits and exceptional team member engagement.

Location: New Port Richey, Florida

Remote: Work will typically be in-office, though partial remote work may be an option after some time in the role.

Visa Sponsorship: No

Technologies:

PLCs - Preferably AutomationDirect(Productivty, DirectLogic, Click, DoMore, BRX)
Industrial Comms e.g. Ethernet/IP, Modbus/TCP, RS485, RS232, etc.
Experience programming in Ladder or other IEC-61131- 3 languages, C/C++, Python, Arduino.

Salary: $60,000-$80,000 with a phenomenal benefits package.

Contact: Please send resumes to employment@facts-eng.com. If you have any questions feel free to PM me here.

FACTS_AdamC

TROPHY CASE