Watlow F4 Controller vs. Sigma Systems/InTest TS Controller

[diarmaede]

Hello,

I need to replace some old Sigma Systems C4 controllers on old Sigma System thermal chambers with electric heating and LN2 cooling.  I want to upgrade the controllers to models that I can connect via Ethernet cable and run in a multi-tiered LabVIEW environment.  In the past, I have used Watlow F4 controllers almost exclusively.  They are robust, well-supported and cost effective.  The F4T supports "Ethernet Modbus," so I think it will serve my purposes.  All that said, some advice and information from people with experience would be appreciated.  Specifically:

1.  Has anyone run Sigma chambers using Watlow controllers and LabVIEW drivers?  Any problems in doing so?

2.  Do the TS controllers have any significant advantages over the Watlows?

3.  Does old LabVIEW code designed to work on Watlow's serial Modbus system work on a "Ethernet Modbus" system?

4. I haven't gotten price quotes in on the TS controllers yet.  Does anyone have a good idea of what they cost?

5.  Anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance.

[Watlow]

The Series F4T has an Ethernet port that will communicate using Modbus TCP through a generic Modbus driver from NI or Standard Bus protocol through a NI driver supplied by Watlow. For further support, please contact Watlow at wintechsupport@watlow.com or call 507-494-5656 to speak to an application specialist.