plc controlled growroom

Looking for help setting up PLC controlled grow. Hoping to find some hardware help, I/O cards and such!!

Depends on how good you are at programming, and plc's have expensive software you need to get to program them. I wouldn't think it would be worth the hassle unless you have everything available for free. I was going to use a Rockwell PLC to do something and ask them about student software and they wouldn't even budge, they wanted me to spend big $$$ for the software, which is bad because they have some decent smaller PLC's that aren't that expensive and have the I/O ports built in. The software is 10x more than the PLC so I said forget it. They aren't interested in the smaller guy, they just want the big fish.

I think you'd be better off with a Basic Stamp andhave it control relays to turn on/off what you needed, plus it's $100 for everything I believe, software, programming kit, etc.

You can also take an old laptop/computer and write a program in basic and control the relays thru the printer port. This is probably the easiest option.

Just depends on what you know, what you have available to you and which way interests you the most.

got everything necessary already the software and such also I have written a couple programs am an antry level controls engineer. I know I can handle it alll on my own but was hoping to get some advice from someone on sensors and examples of some code if possible. trying to gather ideas basically. Id like to hear from you if you have any knowledge here

what PLC are you using ? Model/Type/Maker ?

Then you need to get the basic manual out and read up on what cards/sensors they make for your type of PLC. Then you have to read up on the programming instructions on the sensors.

Also get the programming manual. Then write an outline of what you want your program to do, then get the instructions to do it with.

Programming a PLC isn't hard it's just getting everything gathered up. Do you have a job with access to PLC's ? then you can look at the program and if it had someone that knew how to program you could learn a lot from just ready thru the program and understanding how it works.

Sensors aren't that hard, it's usually just 1's and 0's, then turn something on or off. Unless you want to do high speed A/D for temperature control.

What are you planning on controlling with PLC ????? What do you want the program to do ? You can make things as simple or as difficult as you want.

im using the allen bradley slc 5/04. the rack also with 1746-IA16 AC input cards, and 1746 ow16 output cards. I know IA 16 isnt very useful for the inputs I am looking at the IB-16 card it accepts DC inputs. Also am figuring I would need an analog input card. I would like the outputs to be DC but if i use relays I should be fine with the AC outputs I believe. I am planning or automating the lights, fans(hood, exaust, circulation), pump, CO2, temp, and eventually the nutrients. Any advice is appreciated

Does the 504 have a RS232 port on it? You can import a lot of analog info (temp and CO2 a LOT cheaper that way if you OK with a little electronic design work) My CO2 meter outputs analog and serial for the temp and CO2 levels.

(been picking at making my own CO2 meter, but thats a back burner project)

As I said in the other thread, and analog module isn't going to help with a thermocouple as-is. Better off with a thermistor and a little conditioning.
You also may find yourself buying relays for the lights.
CO2 monitoring is going to be a bit pricey. starting at $200 for the meter alone.
And why do you want DC digital inputs? (I like them) but what are you sensing thats a DC? A IB16, if I remember right, is 10-30VDC (I use them all the time but at 24VDC)

And remember the cardinal rule: NEVER address (turn on) a real world output more then once. (I also never use the set and reset for same logic; much prefer a self latching rung with a drop out bit)

bigbud, first thanks for the reply!!! Second, could you give a couple more hints on how to use the rs232 port as an input for temp and co2. Not quite sure yet what I would use the DC inputs for. Maybe door monitoring, maybe an input to for selector switch to change between veg and flowering this way you just flip the switch and the code will run for flowering or veg. Ideally I ould love an hmi maybe a panelview 550 or something. Been toying with the idea of using a computer as an hmi but thats for the future. I would really love to see how you use rs232 as an input for temp and co2. I have a service contract with allen bradley from work im just trying not to call them if i dont have to.Please lemme know if you have any help. I already have relays for the lights.

Dude I just had this crazy vision that marijuana evolved into robots and genetically altered humans to develop chlorophyll so they could grow us and harvest our genitals!!!

it is obvious that automation has changed the world as we knew it. Sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad. But there is no doubt that automated hydroponics is the way of the future. Furthermore, there is nothing better than packin a pipe full of yummy goodness and then sinking your mind into some hardcore programming programming. I knew long ago I would automate a growroom after I built a bong out of an old dustbuster. Ahhh, the good old days. Push a button and feel your lungs be forced full of smoke. Sometimes I would even light the bowl and hold down the switch and watch my dustbuster fill my room full of smoke. Thank god I grew up and found PLC's.

you guys are crazy

Perfect, I checked out the ad595 and it is perfect!!! This chip amplifies and conditions on its own. Electronics are great. I figure I can wire this puppy up using my 24vdc supply. Type k thermocouple and be good to go. Next step is to get the pH and co2 moitoring figured out.

For anyone interested here is a link that provides an inexpensice kit for temperature control. This will give you the ad595 amp/conditioner, printed circuit board and terminal for connections. This is prefect for integrating to plc or pic.

http://store.makerbot.com/thermocoup...-v1-0-kit.html

I prefer the 24VDC control, only because its low voltage and safe to work on live (might kill items is not paying attention, but won't kill you )

If the 504 does DF1, look at the c-more micros at automation direct. You can add on a IF to it for hooking to ab AB via DF1. And its a LOT easier to program then a PV. They have a couple sizes and touch screen. B&W, but you can change the backlight color on the fly. I used one in my set up. Call up what I want, change what I want, etc.

As for the serial, you'll need the protocol of the CO2 meter. (a BASIC module can work nice as a serial port and co-processor)

I've kinda dropped out from using a PLC. Using standard home automation now (Insteon and x10) Its a LOT easier to check and adjust from 2000 miles from home.

danksmoker77 said:

bigbud, first thanks for the reply!!! Second, could you give a couple more hints on how to use the rs232 port as an input for temp and co2. Not quite sure yet what I would use the DC inputs for. Maybe door monitoring, maybe an input to for selector switch to change between veg and flowering this way you just flip the switch and the code will run for flowering or veg. Ideally I ould love an hmi maybe a panelview 550 or something. Been toying with the idea of using a computer as an hmi but thats for the future. I would really love to see how you use rs232 as an input for temp and co2. I have a service contract with allen bradley from work im just trying not to call them if i dont have to.Please lemme know if you have any help. I already have relays for the lights.

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