22 Feb
2007
22 Feb
'07
6:11 a.m.
ard at p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell) wrote:
That's true for stuff that is built or irreversibly programmed for a particular
application, but there were modular systems as well, which could be used for quite a lot
of things. The 'process' can often also be scaled for a demonstration model -
University has a nice display of a PLC running a model 'production line' built
from Fischertechnik:
http://www.rt.eei.uni-erlangen.de/FGdes/index_en.html
As I happened across process control stuff, some of it inevitably found its way into my
collection, namely:
-some Simatic N boards (eurocard form factor, DIN connectors) which fit into a small rack
and realize simple logic functions like gates and flip-flops (several per card) up to
counters and comperators. The person I got them from originally intended to implement some
security functions for his model railway with them, reducing the possibility of accidental
crashes, but now controls everything by computer.
-Simatic C1 trainer set consisting of a piece of DIN top-hat rail mounted on a wooden base
and stuffed with "blocks" (functions like the boards; sized like circuit
breakers, connectors on the front) together with a 24V supply and a switches/indicators
panel, complete with a bunch of wires for setting up the connections. I had that wired up
as a 4-bit binary counter when they wanted a prop with lights blinking in a clever fashion
for our A-level party.
-Simatic S4, microprocessor based PLC (8086 I think?). It is programmed (either with a
hand-held LCD device or with a luggable CP/M machine plus the appropriate software and
interface)...by designing a Ladder Diagram or "Kontaktplan", a schematic of how
you would implement the function you want with relays. The program is then stored in an
EEPROM cartridge. I/O is also 24V DC, 230V AC modules were available. I tested it but
don't know what to do with it yet; I thought about building a lights and switches
panel and implementing a tic-tac-toe engine as a demonstration program.
-Sinumerik mate TG, a controller for CNC lathes. This is unfortunately incomplete, since I
only have the electronics cabinet, but not the proprietary display unit which also
incorporates the character and (I suppose) vector generator circuitry - It was originally
there, but was junked before I realized I wanted the thing. I can only hope I'll ever
find one again...used replacements are EUR 3000,- upwards.
Not much analog stuff here yet, unfortunately - apart frome some chart recorders by HP and
Kipp & Zonen (Netherlands). The one HP is a two-channel recorder with fine hoses for
ink distribution to the pens and rubber balls for priming - What do the cartridges look
for those like? Can you still get them? (It came without.) The other HP is an analog x/y
and x/t plotter with plugin slots for pre-amplifier and filter modules.
Don't have anything pneumatic or fluidic yet, althought I consider these technologies
very interesting.
BTW: If somebody has analog control and/or CNC/PLC stuff floating around and wants it gone
or swapped, we might try to work something out; I'm located in Germany and will be
present at the VCFe 8.0, 28./29.04. in Munich.
Greetings,
--
Arno Kletzander
Stud. Hilfskraft Informatik Sammlung Erlangen
www.iser.uni-erlangen.de
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process-control equipment. I helped get me through college by
working as an instrumentation technician summers. Really primitive
I think the main problem is that it's difficult to recreate enough of the
'process' at home to be able to use this equipment, so it would be a
static collection. Of course some meaursing instruments can be used for
other purposes, but then people do collect measuring instruments.