Low-cost PLC about to hit South Africa
February 2003
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
A new brand of PLC is coming to South Africa. Flexible Electronic Systems says that the new PLC (also referred to as a smart relay) will cost less than a set of two timers.
The PLCs are made in China and come as part of a surge of new automation products to hit the world market from the mass production capital of the world. Programming is as easy as drawing a picture of what is needed and the software comes free with the PLC. There is an optional LCD screen that clips on to the PLC and allows direct programming on the unit. FBD is the programming language for both the LCD interface and Windows-based software. There are some fancy features that can be added on, such as a voice module that can play pre-recorded messages from the PLC, as well as phone a preset number and play them over the phone.
Remote control of the unit is also possible through DTMF tones over the phone or via a modem with a PC. PLCs can be networked and monitored through a scada package - which also comes free with the unit.
For more information contact Pascal Schmitz, Flexible Electronic Systems, 082 506 8312, [email protected]
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