PLC or Arduino for remote observatory control...

[clive milne]

Would anyone care to comment?

best
~c

[AndrewJ]

PLC can mean many things here as its just a generic term.
they are ( normally ) designed for limited process control
ie open/close roof etc, not full automation ( ie scope control )

also Arduinos dont get stuxnet?????

Andrew

[Nath2099]

I've been using NodeMCU WiFi boards a lot lately, very handy.

[redbeard (Damien)]

Arduino is cheap and heaps of resources on the web.

I guess you will be controlling things like relays, RS232, RS422/485, reading sensors info, limit switches etc, all of which will need to be interfaced to the Arduino or PLC. I know there are Ascom Arduino projects out there.

Either way, it's what you interface with it that counts. I only have experience with Arduino, PIC micros and AMX controllers but if you are a PLC guru, then you will already know what you have for options as far as interfacing.

Reliability would be very crucial I would say.

Either way, great fun!

Cheers,

Damien.

[julianh72 (Julian)]

I'm an Arduino fan, but I'd make a suggestion to also consider something like a Raspberry Pi or similar. For pretty much the same sort of price as an Arduino, you get a full PC which can run Linux or Windows, so as well as writing your own code, you can run "Industrial Strength" commercial software, but still have access to all the I/O pins, etc.

[rally]

Clive,

Something that can control the observatory electrics is one thing, Something that can interface with all your other software and sub systems such as the planetarium software, weather monitoring equipment, shutdowns systems etc is another

So having ASCOM compatibility may or may not be an essential requirement for you.
Or INDI compatibility if you're Linux based

There are also a few amateurs developing Raspberry Pi based systems for observatory control - I read a thread on Cloudy Nights about that.

There are also some low cost well proven commercial solutions available on the market as well.
I dont think you could buy the raw components to make one from scratch for less than it costs !

[clive milne]

Thanks for the advice gentlemen...

I'm way more familiar with PLC's than the other solutions having worked in maintenance of industrial process control for over 10 years... but, I take your point(s) ASCOM compatibility probably should be prioritised.

Off the shelf? would anyone care to point me in the right direction?

cheers,
~c

Incidentally... part of the control system would include (observatory) temperature management, so at least 2 or 3 analogue inputs would be desirable. control output could be as a simple as a couple of solid state relays... I like PLC's because the architecture is solid, reliable, idiot proof and can be expanded easily.


I have no experience with the other options.

best,
~c

[clive milne]

Rally... thanks for the PM.

That is exactly what I am after.


cheers,
~c