I
Ignoramus8797
Note sure if sci.engr.control is dead or not.
I am messing with my welding machine -- former 3 phase Hobart CyberTig
-- by changing it to use a PCTI SCR firing controller. Without tiring
you guys with details, it will also have a switchable voltage range,
0-90VDC and 0-300VDC (the latter for plasma cutting).
I have gotten to the point where basic stick welding works fine.
Now I am facing a task of making a real control system for it. I could
do it with relays, but that is cumbersome and hard to reconfigure.
I am now considering some programmable control, since it makes making
changes considerably easier. I am a computer programmer, so I know
the basics of programming. I had some suggestions in the past that I
shoudl consider the microcontroller route, and now I agree.
It would be good to get something that could handle maybe a dozen
inputs, have a dozen or so outputs, and is programmable via serial
port.
Not sure what exactly I need, PLC or microcontroller or whatever, but
it needs to have relay outputs and discrete and non discrete inputs
and outputs.
I would greatly prefer something that can be i nterfaced to through
Linux, since that's what I have, but I could use Windows software
also.
I have 12VDC and 120 VAC power inside the welder.
Any suggestions? Used stuff is fine with me. I saw some Omron Sysmacs
sold on ebay for not too much, anyone knows if they are any good?
thanks
i
I am messing with my welding machine -- former 3 phase Hobart CyberTig
-- by changing it to use a PCTI SCR firing controller. Without tiring
you guys with details, it will also have a switchable voltage range,
0-90VDC and 0-300VDC (the latter for plasma cutting).
I have gotten to the point where basic stick welding works fine.
Now I am facing a task of making a real control system for it. I could
do it with relays, but that is cumbersome and hard to reconfigure.
I am now considering some programmable control, since it makes making
changes considerably easier. I am a computer programmer, so I know
the basics of programming. I had some suggestions in the past that I
shoudl consider the microcontroller route, and now I agree.
It would be good to get something that could handle maybe a dozen
inputs, have a dozen or so outputs, and is programmable via serial
port.
Not sure what exactly I need, PLC or microcontroller or whatever, but
it needs to have relay outputs and discrete and non discrete inputs
and outputs.
I would greatly prefer something that can be i nterfaced to through
Linux, since that's what I have, but I could use Windows software
also.
I have 12VDC and 120 VAC power inside the welder.
Any suggestions? Used stuff is fine with me. I saw some Omron Sysmacs
sold on ebay for not too much, anyone knows if they are any good?
thanks
i