I am new to the forum. I have searched the net for almost 6 months on this and haven't really found a good response....
I have been around the block a few times with various control systems(Arduino/Labview/AllenBradley/general SCADA) and am trying to figure out how to build a "proper" control system on the cheap. I used to use alot of Labview in School so that is how I ended up here.
What I want to do is have Hand Control at the Machine (Arduino Control System / or something) be able to switch that to Auto/Remote (Labview or some other language) then have that talk to SCADA (Thingspeak, SQL, havent figured this part out yet).
My question is how would you do it? I am a pretty good programmer and know just about every language so nothing is off the table. Seriously I would like to see some creative action.
I dont think LIFA is the best cause I need LOCAL control of all the variables. I would like to have PID loops etc running on the Arduino. I need to be controlling serial attached machines. I have some RS-485/232 going to VFDs and a dSPiN as well.
However, when I want to control it remotely, I would like to be able to pass set points if in auto mode or even better, in addition, be able to override auto and drill down into each attached component and control it in Hand remotely.
I know I could do this by building everything in VIs then linking through LIFA and using the VI as my hand/auto. However, I do not trust the link between LIFA and the Arduino that much. Also I do not know the capability of LIFA to do the RS-485 and serial data to the dSpiN. I need to be on Ethernet/Wifi, and if the controller goes down we may have a legitimate safety problem; hence why I want local control as my backup.
Further more how would you do the SCADA? I dont want to spend 4K on a Full Labview License.....I would prefer just using the iPad app and some free online services...I will have a server running all the time as well.
If LIFA can be used to do some of this please let me know....Any links to past projects by people would be a huge help.
My Plan right now is:
Machine Data/Control sent to Arduino over RS-485 , 4-20ma and SPI.
Local Control on the Arduino. Local Arduino connected LCD displays Key Parameters.
Send Local Main Variables *Set Point / Run / Stop Etc / Key Data* over Serial or Hacked LIFA to Labview over ethernet or wi-fi.
Labview acts as main supervisory "go-between" and provides all main "in house" HMI support
Real time proccesing happens in Labview and is displayed on labview VIs; Realtime data is also sent out remotely over a service for world wide access.
Labview also sends all real time data to historical service of some kind either (web based or local based) (will be locally hosted)
Access historical data remotely by some means (API / Webservice)
Remote World Wide Access to Labview and thus machine, through Labview iPad app or VPN into house.
World Wide Historical Access through API or Webpage.
That is where I am at in my thinking. Please blow it up and make it better.
I appreciate y'alls help. I posted this in the Arduino Section and they told me to post here.
~Colin
