Trying To Source 12volt Controllers / Timers

[stolly]

Hello, just wondering if anyone can give me any info etc on where to source a programable 12V controller / timer. What I am after is a unit that can send power to 12V solenoids in a pre-programmed sequence and hold them open for a certain amount of time. It would need to do it all in a sequence and on a repeatable loop. Any suggestions?

thankyou

Edited June 3, 2009 by stolly

[Mr Jollwah]

http://australia.rs-online.com/web/search/...Time%20Switches

[heller44]

Maybe something more along the lines of http://australia.rs-online.com/web/search/...t&R=0499845

As controllers go it is reasonably easy to learn to program.

Depends on wether you want just straight on / off for solenoids, or varying duty cycle ie pwm control.

[Duncan]

so....what do you need to do this for?

[stolly]

so....what do you need to do this for?

-something totally removed from cars, have to design and manufacture a machine for directly injecting fertilizer into the ground around the root zone of trees. Everything has to be automated so anyone can drive it and everything happens in a sequence. Will end up needing a controller that can handle up to 20 functions.

..Any ideas?

[Jmaac]

+1 plc or you could just build the whole thing with relays

Edited June 10, 2009 by Jmaac

[heller44]

Relay logic on a moving piece of equipment? Maybe 30 years ago.. just begging for 50% downtime otherwise.

PLC only way to go, or embedded microcontroller.

If the operation is reasonably simple, you could use that logo that I posted earlier with an expansion module to cater for a greater number of I/O, or just go for something that isn't as much of a toy.

My recommendation, find someone who has a bit of background in automation controls to do this for you.. mind you, they usually aren't cheap.

[stolly]

-Thanks for the advice Heller44, I rang thoes people from the link you gave me, the bloke that I spoke to for some help was as handy as a violet crumble in a knife fight. He said that you can only get the PLC's with 4 outputs and that they can't be expanded on? Do you happen to have any contacts for someone that could supply something along these lines? Bearing in mind that it may need to control up to 20 functions and we need to be able to easily change the timing / sequence that solenoida are on/off.

thanks again. - Also is in an agricultural dirty / dusty environment.

[heller44]

Control 20 functions, need a dust and waterproof enclosure, Human machine interface, that sort of programming, you really do require an automation tech / engineer sort of level of knowledge.. Going well past the capabilities of a logo and a beginners ability. Not really the same as a 12v timer / controller is it.

If this is for some sort of educational project purpose then maybe it is a bit more than you can chew, plus cost of parts will be prohibitive.. If it is for a commercial enterprise then I really suggest getting a quote or few from some engineering contractors in this field.. Only way I can see it ever working.

ps, rs just sell stuff, not support.

[stolly]

Thanks for the advice, - it's for a commercial project. I'll keep searching and come up with something.

[heller44]

Commercial project.. ok, I'll send you a pm. I gather you are over east somewhere otherwise I'd say come around for a beer and discuss it.

[gumflapper]

i use these at my work

http://australia.rs-online.com/web/search/...amp;cm_vc=av_au

they are very reliable and very easy to use

the software to program it with is here

http://www.schneider-electric.com/corporat...;p_range_id=542# - download v4.3

only thing is you have 2 buy the usb cable to connect it from your pc to the unit itself or you can try and program it thru the screen but i think programming it thru the screen is bullshit! lol much easier to do it thru the computer. the logic controller will let you program it in either ladder or FBD. if you need more input/outputs just select a larger controller. if you need help programming it let me know.

adam

edit: gave you the wrong url... fixed

Edited June 13, 2009 by gumflapper