Dr. Kindorf Posted August 8, 2006 Report Posted August 8, 2006 Hello, Is anyone aware of a PC based app that has a date and time GUI that can drive discrete outputs according to times and dates programmed in a calendar format? Something similar to a PC based energy management system, but a little simpler for the end user. I have several applications where a customer just wants to schedule certain equipment to start up or stop on certain days at certain times. I could write something for a PLC with an HMI using clock tags, however that is a bit of work just for a simple calendar program. Mostly what they use now are multichannel electronic time clocks, however if any of you have used them, you know they are a bit convoluted and I usually have to go out to the customer's site and reprogram them after they have totally confused themselves setting them. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dr. Kindorf Quote
TimWilborne Posted August 8, 2006 Report Posted August 8, 2006 What exactly is the interface to be used for? Is it just for an occasional change in a setting or will it be used daily. PC method will be expensive compared to other options but need more details to be sure. Thoughts off the top of my head before getting more info. 1. Something like AB Pico controller. Small graphic interface, pain for daily use 2. Something like AB Micrologix 1100. Small graphic interface that is easier to use or web interface from a PC to change values 3. Weekly timer that is specialize for this type of thing. Usually one output but some have more. Can be programed daily, work week, weekend, or full week. Usually around 4 to 8 time settings. About the same as programming a VCR Quote
Sleepy Wombat Posted August 8, 2006 Report Posted August 8, 2006 Surely a specialty timer manufacture must of come up with a computer inteface for a time clock application programming...mabey theben might have one..... If they havn;t then theres an idea TW Quote
Sleepy Wombat Posted August 8, 2006 Report Posted August 8, 2006 did a bit more re searching. not the easiest to find.... but here is a link to the theben time switch that is programmable either by a PC or the front screen. http://www.theben.de/zeitsteuerung0.html?L...mp;prod_id=3219 Quote
Dr. Kindorf Posted August 9, 2006 Author Report Posted August 9, 2006 Thanks for the info Mr. Sleepy..I've actually looked at a few programmable timers, however most of them seem limited to one or two channels and still require the uninitiated to have a fair list of programming instructions in front of them . An example of what I'm encountering is , for instance, I currently have a plant that needs a main boiler to come on along with varied sets of circulating pumps throughout the plant to come on a couple of hours before a shift to allow the machinery to warm up, and at the shift's end,shut off the boiler, but allow the pumps to run for two hours to cool off the machines.( In addition, controlling the air compressors and the lighting would be a bonus) I am doing this very easily right now with a two circuit time clock( which being only two circuit still limits me to controlling the boiler with one time channel, and having to turn on all of the plant equipment together with the other channel) whose contacts are connected to a PLC, which provides the proper start and stop intervals to the respective motor starters. This is all fine until the Plant Manager wants to change the schedules. It is then that the typical user unfriendliness of an electronic time clock comes into play. A simple PC screen that would display a menu of date and time to control the loads would be so much more foolproof. I'm thinking of writing a link to the PLC with an Access database,but for such a simple function is still a bit of work. Maybe it just has to be done... Quote
Sleepy Wombat Posted August 9, 2006 Report Posted August 9, 2006 Look at bit closer at the site... you can get 2,4, 8 and 16 channel models.. here is a 16channel model http://www.theben.de/zeitsteuerung0.html?L...mp;prod_id=3225 PC programmable with their software... go to the download section also have a look at Obelisk (Not Asterix ) programming software.... Quote
Dr. Kindorf Posted August 10, 2006 Author Report Posted August 10, 2006 (edited) Mr. Sleepy,I checked out the Demo Software for the Theben clock...it's exactly what I was looking for...Simple and flexible GUI, with an editable holiday scheduler. Thanks for the info... Edited August 10, 2006 by Dr. Kindorf Quote
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