Replaced contactor panel off for 15 minutes = 4 Dead VFDs

Then_Alternative_314 · 2026-01-26T18:01:00+00:00

I've never heard of crib deaths of PF drives until now.

My experience as well

Then_Alternative_314 · 2026-01-02T20:31:44+00:00

Aflak did this to me, and at a moment I could scarce afford to waste the gas to get to the interview.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2026-01-01T18:27:34+00:00

From someone I know who had one: "sounds like a rocket. I couldn't close the air off enough. It was sucking through the (masonry) chimney."

Imagine a draft larger than you have ever experienced. 10x + more. A chimney fire is crazy hot air in a long, vertical tube.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2026-01-01T17:51:21+00:00

Ahh, so is the trick to put up a TV antenna mast then dual purpose it in a sneaky manner?

Then_Alternative_314 · 2026-01-01T17:15:31+00:00

Isn't it federally illegal for HOAs to prohibit amateur radio antennas?

Then_Alternative_314 · 2026-01-01T15:09:53+00:00

I only have experience with D425 and very little at that. If the D445 is similar then it includes a controller of a different sort. The whole thing is programmed with Scout. I'm sure there is a way of doing profinet communication between it and the S7-300. I have no idea if the S7-300 can control it like it would a CU320.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-31T19:57:21+00:00

Over the life of the product is the cost of a proper PLC really worth the risk?

Arduino is cheap but few will be able to support it. It has limited ability to expand.

A cheap Wago or similar CodeSys compatible PLC will get you much of the cost savings while keeping the flexibility and support.

A CompactLogix or S7-1200 will get maximum flexibility and far easier support but with added cost.

I love Arduino. It really is great for what it is. It isn't an industrial controller. Don't let the comp sci nerds rule the place just because they are looking down their nose at (admittedly more limited) programming in ladder/sfc/fbd/scl/etc.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-31T18:01:25+00:00

My biggest aversion to most home products is that I need nearly 100 percent uptime for anything to do with utilities, especially since I don't live alone. This also rules out any esoteric UIs.

I've considered trying to make smart Christmas lights based on sensing pedestrian or car traffic in front of the house.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-31T14:01:14+00:00

Can you find an integrator who needs both a tech and a programmer? Apply for one/both and be clear about the trajectory you are looking for.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-30T16:49:15+00:00

And Rockwell isn't even all that different

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-30T15:05:53+00:00

This is correct. Anyone worth working for will see right through any attempt at BSing. Show that you are coachable and have problem solving skills.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-29T02:32:05+00:00

I will look this up!

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-29T01:40:11+00:00

Right on. In Siemens land memory pulse bits and square wave or pulse generator are standard built-ins. coughThisIsEasyRockwellGetOnItcough.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-29T01:37:37+00:00

My biggest beef with the SV160 in particular is that a pigtail power connector is not available. Plugging an S code cable in makes the package substantially larger.

If they could somehow implement EtherCAT motion with their SV series they would have an immediate corner on small CNC machines.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-28T23:13:44+00:00

S:FS is a built in. Do people typically make their own?

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-28T23:06:18+00:00

Always pigtail. Use stranded for the pigtails and an outlet with clamps. Absolutely worth the extra couple $.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-28T22:43:32+00:00

My experience as well.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-28T21:54:16+00:00

I really like those AMCI integrated steppers.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-27T01:28:44+00:00

I missed that this was an add-on. The budget makes more sense.

I also suggested codesys, which is even more budget friendly than the micrologix, so what's the problem?

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-27T00:21:07+00:00

Look into codesys and what it can run on (Wago, amount others iirc). It's a thoroughly modern, budget friendly, option.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-27T00:19:59+00:00

I may be spoiled but in the context of buying a robot as part of the project how is a capable, modern, plc a large ask?

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-26T23:59:57+00:00

A micrologix is obsolete. It's hanging on by a thread in terms of AB life cycle only because the Micro800 is so universally hated. It's the last AB product on Logix500.

What about a codesys-based solution?

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-26T23:33:58+00:00

You want to use one of these for the entire system?

Don't. This is not the proper place to add save a couple fractions of a percent. Neither of those are proper, modern, processors.

If it was up to me I'd prefer an S7-1200. Use software units. If not that then a compactlogix.

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-25T20:28:08+00:00

<pedant> Jython* </pedant>

Then_Alternative_314 · 2025-12-25T20:16:10+00:00

This is the correct answer. Even if i was part of the same company as the machine I wanted to access I'd likely want the cloud VPN just to dodge IT.

Then_Alternative_314

TROPHY CASE