I am searching for a 12vdc programmable relay set or a PLC which ever will work. It needs to have at least 2 relays and be able to use a ground to trigger the relays. I would like to be able to program it with my laptop. I have seen some on ebay but I don't really know what I am looking for. thanks in advance. also needs to be fairly inexpensive.

 

I work on pc systems that run plc IO controllers in various factories. They use them to control the machinary. They are programmed in 'Ladder code' or similar logical sequence of timed event with many many sensors on the machinary.

The most widely used software to drive plc controllers is 'RS-LOGIX' The downside is a yearly license to use the solftware is very expensive.

What exactly do you want to control? knowing this I'll be able to give you some advice and point you in the right direction.

 

I am going to use it to turn the solenoids off and on for the honda auto trans. The honda auto trans uses 2 solenoids to shift from 1st thru 4th. in first gear solenoid b is energized when the car shifts to 2nd solenoid a & b are energized. when it shifts to 3rd solenoid b is de-energized and when it shifts to 4th both a & b are de-energized. I already have one that a dude made me. it has a motorola chip on it and I use a msd rpm switch to change gears at a certain rpm. I also can override it and press a button to change gears. I just would like to have something that would be relatively easy to locate. this board is suppossedly not in production anymore.

 

bump

 

You may want to check "the12volt.com".

Wes

 

havent been on in a while sorry.

Plcs are not what you want for your project, I would suggest looking ate compact programmable interface devices like they sell at our http://www.maplin.co.uk shops. try maplin.com for stateside. But plc systems is toobulky/expensive/needs pc to run it/excessive for what you want to do.

I'll have a look around and try find somthing appropriate for you dude.