What PLC should I use?

[Guest Thomas Björklund]

I intend to build my own simple version of the "intelligent home" using a PLC. I have checked a few of the large manufacturers' web pages, but I have a hard time making up my mind about which model to choose. This is the reason why I'm posting this message, since I hope that you guys might be able to provide me with some valuable input. What I need is a PLC can be wall mounted (no bare circuit board), preferably on a DIN rail. I need approximately 32 low voltage inputs, 32 output relays that can handle 240V AC and a few amps each, and four 0-10V analogue or PWM-capable outputs. What would be nice to have is the capability to have a distributed solution, so that all I/O does not necessarily need to be located at the same phycial location. Further, it would be nice if one could connect two PLCs of the same type, and let them share I/O. First of all, is a PLC the right thing for me to buy, or should I go for a PIC instead? The Siemens Logo! seems nice, and there are plenty of them available on eBay. However I got the impression that it does not have any PWM-capable outputs, and the analogue modules are quite expensive. I would appreciate alternative suggestions of which PLCs/PICs to use, preferably not too expensive. Thanks!

[Chris Elston]

Your postive that you want to use a PLC instead of X10? I guess I would use a PLC to even though X10 would be the best solution. Is cost a factor?

[GerryM]

Siemens is on the expensive end. Maybe unitronics, automationdirect.com, ez-automation, or entertron would be less costly. There's another one, but I can't remember the name. Like chako said, X10 is made for home use.