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[Earthdoc]

My company manufactures treatment systems and we use approximately 250 PLCs per year.  Currently we use a unit from a company (www.eosresearch.com). We use primarily the B2 unit.  We are looking for something that give equivalent PLC based equipment with more expandability.  Looking through the hardware, it appears that there is quite a variety to chose from.  Our major concern is programming.  The EOS unit takes about 6-8 hours to program a typical system and customize for each project.  We are willing to invest some dollars to come up with a similar interface with some additional functionality.  What is your recommendation for starting.  Basically the B2 unit offer modem connection, 22 discrete/10 analog inputs, 14 discrete / 5 analog outputs.  I feel that we can build a comparable unit for less money and add in an HMI possibly.
Basically, where do we start?

[support]

We would suggest you look at one of the T100MD+ PLC at the page:

  http://www.tri-plc.com/t100md.htm

These PLCs have the power, flexibillity and expandability that make them suitable for many different control applications.  The main difference betwee the 3 models of T100MD+ PLCs are the number of digital I/Os and analog I/os that are available each model.

These PLC can be programmed using our "Ladder+BASIC" programming language which combines the best features of ladder logic and BASIC language.  You can connect them RS232 or RS485 devices, MODBUS RTU,  modem, wireless modem, ethernet adapter,  LCD display etc etc. Many users find the language powerful and easy to learn.  

You can buy a T100MD+ starter kit (the one for T100MD888+ is only $259) which comprises the PLC, programming software, programming cable and all the user manuals. Add your own 12 to 24VDC power supply and a Windows PC and you are set to go and explore the wonders that the T100MD+ can accomplish

[Earthdoc]

Great, we will probably order a unit.
A couple more questions, mainly communication related.  If the unit is connected to a modem, can the PLC initiate the unit to call out...say on an alarm condition or possibly to fax out an alarm...email would be even better.
Ethernet does not represent a problem if we have cable or DSL at a site.  Our systems are shipped across the country and typically we have a dedicated phone line ran to the sites.
Also, lastly, we are interested in someone writing code in maybe VB to allow us to set up a remote user interface...Is there someone in particular that I can talk to at your facility and is OK to post such requests on the forum..

Thanks,
Mel

[support]

The T100MD+ PLC has the ability to dial a modem and then establish a connection with another modem to exchange data.

   http://www.tri-plc.com/TLeval/Help/plc2modem.htm

So you can have the PLC connected to a modem (RS232 type) at a remote site with a phone line and the PLC can periodically dialed into the PC and open a file, save data etc.

Howvever, we don't sell the modem so usually the user will have to find a suitable modem with RS232 interface to connect to the PLC. most off-the-shelve PC modem (RS232 type) will work.

If your facility has Ethernet or WiFi then you can connect the PLC to the Ethernet via the Ethernet XServer. The PLC become accessible from the Internet.

We are equipment supplier but we don't do integration of projects. Our users normally do the work themselve or work with a third party system integrator or consultant to handle such project.  It is OK for you to post your request here and if there are individuals who wish to take up the project on a consultancy basis they will be able to send you a message.