Which control do you recommend?

[asteroidehk 1]

In the Plant We have AB PLCs, but all of them are different: DH485, DH+, RS232, Ethernet port or no free ports, between another limitations.

So, We think to add a new control in 10 points (machines),
This control will turn some light to certain hour in every point.

For example:

08:00 light green - check in
08:30 light amber - check pokayoke
11:00 light blue - lunch time
...
...
...
14:00 light red - check out

The time could be the same for all the points, but lunch time could change, also check pokayoke or another activity.

The area is 70m x 100m aprox. for the 10 points. (2 lines of 5 points)

I had though in a individual control for each point. Maybe ML1100 or Micro800PLC.

An issue that I see in this individual control, is the syncronization time, I do not want at 8:00 one or two lights Green turn on after or before than the others.


Also, the Boss wants a central control. To have the possibility of turn on some light when required.

Also, i had though in a Master PLC and 1734 Point I/O, but I think this option is too expensive.

What do you think or what do you recommend?



Thanks in advance

[Armadillo852 25]

Why not use one PLC and just hard wire out to the lights? Or wireless to the lights? The area isn't that big. 

My preference would be to go Ethernet. Why mess with outdated communication protocols?