Cheap Easy Way To Display Integer

[rwraley 1]

Does anyone have a recomendation on a cheap easy way to display an N file integer short of a panel view or microview. I have a micrologix that reads pulses from encoder and ends up in an integer file as RPM. This is the only data that I need to display. Are there any simple numerical interfaces out there that can accomplish this without all the bells and whistles. Thanks.

[Stupidav 1]

Depending on the MicoLogix you have. If you have an Analog output, you could address it out to an genaric LED display, depending on the accuracy that you need. Otherwise I would use something like the PicoGFX or even a EZAutomation EZText Display for around 200-250. I am sure that there are probably other methods but these are the cheapest that I have used and know that would work.

[gravitar 3]

Here's a crazy thought, you could assemble 7-segment LED displays onto a perfboard and drive them directly from a DC discrete output card. It would probably make sense to use TTL BCD-to-7-segment driver chips (7445 if memory serves) to simplify the wiring. Heck if you could strobe them fast enough you could probably drive quite a few digits from one 16-pt output card. The ladder code could become a nightmare for that though! You asked for cheap, it can't get much cheaper than that! Red Lion might have something like this that is pre-packaged and professional looking if that is a concern, but obviously it would be a little more $$ than homebrew

[Snerkel 0]

Just a thought, never tried it but.... Get a digital voltmeter, a capacitor and a couple of resistors. Voltmeter across cap along with one resistor, other resistor feeds cap from PLC output (assuming you have a digital output). Then using a variable pulse train from the output you should be able to generate a voltage across the cap to represent the speed (ish). May take some playing with but it is the cheapest way I can think of doing it.

[Wordman 0]

Find a old computer, and send ASCII via rs232 to hyperterminal

[gravitar 3]

To make those kind of recommendations, we need to know what model of micrologix he has.. It may not have ASCII or PTO instructions!

[rwraley 1]

Gravitar, It's a 1761-L16BWA, series E, frn 1.0

[Wordman 0]

Aww, the Micro 1000 can't do ASCII control

[gravitar 3]

No ASCII, no pulse-train, no expandable I/O... I think you're going to need a device that can connect over DH485/RS232. A MicroView, DTAM, Panelview 300, or aftermarket equivalent is probably gonna be the cheapest.

[Ron_Smith 13]

Too bad you can't upgrade to an 1100. It comes with an LCD built in that will display integer values. 1100.bmp Edited 27 Mar 2006 by Ron_Smith

[TimWilborne 108]

That might be worth a look. It may end up being more cost effective depending on what other upgrades you may be considering.