Can you get your pops to give us a summary on the control hardware/platform used? I'm a programmer myself... no EE...
but most of those modular hardware platforms are actually pretty straight-forward for this type of automation and I'm betting I
could figure out enough to cobble one together... the software would be a piece of cake for me given that the hardware likely
comes with what we call an "SDK" which makes programming their specific stuff far easier than starting from scratch...
I'll copy and paste what he emailed me for you guys about the panel he built.....
The control system is based on an industrial PLC (programmable logic controller) called momentum. made by Schneider Electric (Modicon for those interested). The unit runs on 24VDC so a power supply is needed. It has 8 discrete inputs and 8 discrete outputs. The analog module has 8 analog inputs and each point is configurable for 0-10 VDC or 4-20mA as required. The outputs have interposing relays as the controllers typically can not handle the currents used in your application. I used one of the software platforms available from Schneider called " proworks". It utilizes a programming style known as LL984 or simply "ladder logic.". It is fairly easy to navigate if you have any industrial programming experience. Novices will find the help files sketchy. This controller, once programmed, is a stand alone system and the unit has a backup battery to retain the program if powered down. It does not have ANY human machine interface. I am using an old home computer as the HMI. It communicates with the PLC via ethernet. The application is generically referred to as SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition). It is a free demo package from Inductive Automation called "Ignition" It is Java based and runs as a webpage. I run it under Firefox. The problem is this demo runs for 2 hours max and then shuts down and must be restarted. Keep in mind that the controller runs continuously without the need of the HMI. The licensed version is pricey ( last I checked it is over 15000.00) yes , really! The programming was tough for me as I had no experience with Java. The program utilizes an SQL database as its backbone. It has almost unlimited potential to build your own graphics or pick from the included library. the trend screens are invaluable for tuning the system and if I used an inexpensive commercially available HMI package, i would have to do without trend analysis. The advantage in using scada is that most computers with 10-100 NIC cards are ready to go with no modification required. You can share this with every one with a request that they please share thier designs with me. I might pick up a few pointers that way.
Thanks,
Dennis