Programable logic Controllers

Question

I am trying to build a robot and I am trying to control it both autonomously and with a touch screen that would be wired in. I am trying to find a programmable logic controller that can handle that in either Visual Basic, Java, C or C. I would also like it to control pneumatic and electrical motors. I have found some PLCs but how can that control a larger motor. Do I need relays? Can this be done for under 250$?

Answer 1

It sounds like you want a microcontroller, and not a PLC.

The BasicStamp is programmed directly in Basic.  Most any other PIC type microcontroller or 8051 class microcontroller have many C and C++ compilers available.

http://www.parallax.com/

http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg...

Parallax will also have motor driver kits and relay boards for switching larger currents.

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