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Using Alpha to control external device

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    Using Alpha to control external device

    The goal is straightforward: Trigger a relay/PLC that will deliver 12 volts to a device for X amount of seconds. Alpha, of course, isn't generating the 12v. Alpha would need to send the signal that starts/stops the relay/PLC.

    Using a device similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN%C3%82-C...52086284&psc=1

    My client is wanting to use Alpha because other off the self controllers do not have all of the features he wants.

    Anyone happen to know of a PLC or 12v relay type device that will connect to a PC that can then be accessed by Alpha?
    Mike Brown - Contact Me
    Programmatic Technologies, LLC
    Programmatic-Technologies.com
    Independent Developer & Consultant​​

    #2
    Re: Using Alpha to control external device

    I would think you would need use Alpha Anywhere + node.js (or node.js alone but this is an Alpha forum after all... )

    Then with node.js use something like node-hid:

    https://github.com/node-hid/node-hid

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Using Alpha to control external device

      This can address devices.
      https://www.z-cron.com/
      Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
      Albert Einstein, (attributed)
      US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Using Alpha to control external device

        Mike
        The hardware isn't the problem its communicating with the device thats the tricky part.
        If its just one relay you could use the serial port and RS232 cable.
        There are numerous threads on the forum on this
        Start here https://documentation.alphasoftware....erial%20IO.xml

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Using Alpha to control external device

          Stay with big brands (Siemens-Rockwell) that will still produce replacement parts in 20 years from now.

          Avoid serial communication. Stay with Ethernet.

          Stay with standards protocols (Modbus TCP) that will make your app (almost) independent of hardware models.

          You should look for a .Net modbus TCP software that you can call from xbasic.

          Regards.

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Using Alpha to control external device

            You could use a library like this:

            https://www.automatedsolutions.com/p...et/default.asp

            There are many other.

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Using Alpha to control external device

              Thanks everyone. The client decided to go a different direction.
              Mike Brown - Contact Me
              Programmatic Technologies, LLC
              Programmatic-Technologies.com
              Independent Developer & Consultant​​

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