SparkFun Forums

[DrProton]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for a gift for my Dad. He's into electronics and model trains and can do some simple (basic) programming. What I'd like to get him is a small PLC type device to control his train layout with. It should 8+ digital I/O (small relay outputs would be ideal), and at least 2 PWM outputs. Something based on a high-level programming language basic-like language would be ideal. Also something not too expensive. What products out there might fit the bill?

Thanks!

[Shifted]

You might want to look at the DirectLogic PLC's, perhaps a DL105. I don't know if they have a model with PWM output though. The only one I know of that has a PWM output is an Allen Bradley Micrologix 1500, but they are $1000+.

[SOI_Sentinel]

And industrial hardware also requires software to program. The DL105 is NOT a free SW environment IIRC.

Given he's into electronics, I'd consider an Arduino and a Protoshield. Then he can build his own interface electronics.

[wiml]

The Arduino's programming environment is C-like, rather than BASIC-like, but it seems like a good fit otherwise, since it's so flexible. Maybe you could interface it with a Phidgets relay board? I'm surprised there isn't already a relay shield for the arduino.

You could get a BASIC Stamp and a relay board (Parallax even sells a PLC enclosure for stamps).

There are sometimes ads for inexpensive PLC or PLC-like controllers in the back of magazines— flipping through a recent CCInk I see an ad for an inexpensive PLC from tri-plc.com, which seems to be a ladder-logic simulator rather than running BASIC or another programming language.

[riden]

A PICAXE based system might be another option. They are inexpensive and have a BASIC like syntax. The development environment is free.

[muntron]

You do not specify what price range you consider inexpensive so how about something like http://www.mikroe.com/en/tools/picplc16b/ ? For small programs, their basic compiler is free.

Or perhaps a couple of these: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ucts_id=20 ?

[GTBecker]

... electronics and model trains and can do some simple (basic) programming...

Once he has control of his layout, give him a front end to drive!

http://www.raildriver.com/