Hi guys,

Does anyone know a software capable of programming Unitronic PLCs with function blocks instead of ladder logic?

 

What you using at the minute, U90?

Dave

 

I am using Crouzet PLCs now but I want to switch to Unitronic due to their higher capabilities. I am planning to use Vision 280.

 

I am using Crouzet PLCs now but I want to switch to Unitronic due to their higher capabilities. I am planning to use Vision 280.

Ah right, I thought you mention you were using them already. When you mentioned ladder-logic I thought of U90. For the Vision 280 have a look at VisiLogic: http://www.unitronics.com/Content.aspx?Page=Downloads&CatId=4

I wouldn't like to hazard a guess at how suitable it is for your requirements so have a look at it - it's a free download.

Dave

 

I have already downloaded it. You can only use ladder programming, so I have to familiarize myself with it instead of using function blocks.

 

I have already downloaded it. You can only use ladder programming, so I have to familiarize myself with it instead of using function blocks.

So it's like U90 for the M9x controllers. Seems like a trend for Unitronic IDEs.

Sorry I cannot suggest anything beyond that.

Dave

 

Thanks Dave for the response.

Which PLC brands do you think are good?

 

Which PLC brands do you think are good?

Many of guys I work with use and recommend Siemens PLCs (the SIMATIC series), however they are quite expensive and perhaps overkill for many applications. I don't really work with PLCs so my recommendations are both second-handed and limited even if I am moderately familar with the family of Unitronic PLCs.

Dave

 

I concur with Dave. SIMATIC series are nice PLCs. Other brands that I encountered widely used in plants are Mitsubishi MELSEC FX, Allen Bradley and Omron. They can all be programmed using function blocks.

 

Allen Bradley

Allen Bradley are also recommended for a wide range of programmable controllers.

Dave

 

Thanks for the response guys.

 

Thanks for the response guys.

No problem, mik3.

As a suggestion, have you considered contacting Unitronics to see if they make a functional-block add-on for Visilogic? I would have thought if they did they would have made it publicly available from their website, but on the off-chance they have something specific they don't distribute openly it might be an idea to flash you question past them.

Dave

 

No problem, mik3.

As a suggestion, have you considered contacting Unitronics to see if they make a functional-block add-on for Visilogic? I would have thought if they did they would have made it publicly available from their website, but on the off-chance they have something specific they don't distribute openly it might be an idea to flash you question past them.

Dave

I may ask them but it is ok for me to use ladder as I have got the main idea of it. I prefer function blocks because it is more familiar and friendly to me.

 

I may ask them but it is ok for me to use ladder as I have got the main idea of it. I prefer function blocks because it is more familiar and friendly to me.

Agreed. I would be inclined to exhaust all avenues at Unitronics first, but I guess if it isn't a necessity then that's not too bad. Good luck.

Dave