PLC (Ladder program) to PIC code converter

[lazy-b]

Guys: have you encounter a program or compiler that convert a PLC Programmable Logic Controller (Ladder Program) to PIC code?

I have constructed a Belt Feeding Machine, its Job is to Pick a Stack of Leather Belt and Feed to another Machine for Process...I just use 2 pneumatic cylinder, AC Motor with Lead Screw to Lift a Stack of Belt. this Machine look simple, but its use up all those 16 Input and 8 Output of PLC.

I just use all the component from a Surplus Shop...I have also found a Keyence PLC controller with 16 input and 8 output.....its cheap with all Optically isolated I/O Port, have also come with the Development tools, Simulation programs.

my Original plan is to use just a simple BASIC STAMP 1 or Stamp 2 to control this Machine....I just use this Keyence PLC for my learning purposes only.....After a few weeks for reading, I was able to make it works.

my problem is I plan to construct the 2nd machine and the Keyence PLC is not available anymore....my worst case is to go back to PIC controller.

[Dan Baldwin]

I use the Automation Direct(www.automationdirect.com) D0-06DR in the control systems that I build. It has 20 DC digital inputs and 16 relay outputs. It costs $215.00 for the PLC, $149.00 for the programming software, and $29.00 for the programming cable. I've been using them for a couple of years, and so far I've had no failures.


Dan

[Chamkeeper]

Lazy-b,

It's not very likely you will find a PIC ladder logic program. It has more to do with history than software. The first PLCs, GE Series 1s, Old A-Bs, and many others were used to replace huge control panels full of interconnected mechanical relays. The schematics for these panels look like (simple) ladder logic. In order to get the engineers and technicians of the time to transition smoothly into the new devices, things had to look familiar. So ladder logic software was developed to fill lthe gap.

Of course, things have come a long way. I have personally used Allen-Bradley, GE, Automation Direct, Seimens and a couple others I can't recall. Almost any of them are reliable. If you are going to build one off machines, Automation Direct PLC's are a good value. The other end of the line is a high end PLC. At my current place of employment we use exclusively Allen-Bradley stuff. Everything in our plant is connected together on communication networks. The networks enable us to record data, connect to operator interfaces, and transfer information from PLC to PLC. If you forsee a need for this in the future, now is the time to get a unit capable of commincating with other PLCs and PCs.

I agree with Dan on the Automation Direct stuff if simple will do. I use their D0-05 to run a sprinkler system at home. This unit was $99 and $99 for the software. I had to spend another $39 for a real time clock unit. The unit I use will not communicate very easily. I can not comment on the d0-06 model as I have no personal experience with it.

If you want to use PICs, Atmels are cheap and available, and there is a free Basic program available for more simple programming, do a search for BASCOM.

hope this helps,

Cham

[lazy-b]

Guys: Thanks.....for your information.....my original Plan is to use PIC controller, In fact I already got a PIC16F877 its 40 PIN DIP with More than 24 I/O port.

Its so happen, I just found a cheap BRICK-TYPE PLC KEYENCE KV-24 with 16 input and 8 output, with Document/program on CD and Cable for only less than USD 60 only in a surplus store.....WOW thats cheaper that making your own MicroController, considering with all Optically Isolated, tenminal block, and fully compatible with 24 Volts Sensor/Solenoid.....its my First project using a PLC base Controller.

Its like building Plane with Ready-made Receiver and Servo.....With KEYENCE PLC you just attach the Sensor directly to its Terminal Block.....When I use a PIC, have to make a level converter or make an Opto-coupler interface to the Sensor.

BASCOM, that a nice Basic Language for micro-controller, I still have this Intel 80C52 chips Its a Intel 8032 with built-in Basic Interpreter.....I use to play with this controller, I was able to copy
the Contents from 80C52 and transfer it to EPROM 2732, and make a cheap Micro-controller using 8032 with EPROM basic interpreter......Remember also the ZILOG Z8 DEBUG......Those days before the PIC BASIC STAMP1 and STAMP2......Now almost everybody use PIC controller

Thats the dis-advantages getting some items from a surplus store. Items availability is not guarantee.

I guess, I have to re-invent the wheel again, if I can not find a cheap Keyence PLC controller....Have to go back to pic controller and re-write the whole program again.

Ellion

[amit gupta]

we have developed 16f877 based logic control card.there are 3 versions. 8i4o/14i/8o and 22i/11o. all inputs are optically isolated. in 8i4o the output are relay in other two the output are optically isolated.these cards are ladder logic based programmable. they have 16 timers/8 counters and 256 internal relays. we offer software free and also the programming cable. if any body interested contact me at indectrona@hotmail.com

[lazy-b]

Amit_gupta: Thanks...........its an old project, have able to shifts the PLC controller to Microchip Controller 16F877.........They been using it for almost 3 Years and it never failed.

Look like I have rewrite the whole program and use 16F877 micro-controller.......I just make my own PCB using 16 Input and 16 Output, all I/O is Opto-Coupler.......its a little complicated to make a Multi-Tasking, but its do-able.

here is the actual video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpjNBb1VDhg