Zelio 2 - PLC Software Review

WARNING: Read at your own risk

Bluff your way to programming a Zelio

I would like to share with you some screenshot of the software Zelio 2 version 4.1 PLC programmer. You might learn something about Zelio just by looking at the screenshot and find out if Zelio is just the right PLC for your requirements.

Zelio is a PLC in the true sense that it is a Logically Programmable Controller, but it does not have Arithmetic, Move, and Binary manipulation, it does not have PID. And unlike the RS-Logix, it does not have the ability to display variables during monitoring.

The next important step that the Zelio should have is MOVE function. The higher models have Fast Counter(one), ModBus I/O and Analog comparators.

It is very capable of automatic gates, building management controls, farms, etc. You dont have to use a high-end PLC to control motorized gates, your boss should sack you if do so.

Remember: if you are going to invest time in PLC mastery, learning the "better" software is a good investment. However, focusing on RS-Logix alone is not a good idea, there are PLC application were we dont need expensive RS-Logix and the PLC's that it can run. Many version of RS-Logix is not free, not good for Linux lovers.

Software should be FREE!!! Not good for enterprise too, because it means fewer employable candidate means higher salary. Imagine if MS-Windows is not "FREE" in many 3rd world countries.

EDIT MODE

In Screenshot 1. The first thing to notice is that it has a grid. This grid is made up of 5 columns and 120 rows. the sixth column is the output. You can basically make only 5x120 input combinations and 120 outputs, including internal outputs(timers, text, internal relay, etc). You can see that I can make as many cross branches as I can, and it wont matter.

In Screenshot 2. The same Screenshot 1 is enhance for details.

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Below is the same ladder program, while in ZELIO ENTRY TAB and how it will look like in the Zelio "very" mini-HMI.

Below is the TEXT ENTRY TAB

text entry

SIMULATION MODE

Below is the screenshot of simulation mode. Notice the missing EYE.

Discrete Input is the physical input, ie on/off switches, limits, etc. You can lock any input with a mouse, re-click to reset.

Zx - is the push button below the very mini-HMI. Also known as Z-input. You can only push ONE-AT-A-TIME with a mouse.

Discrete Output - notice Q4 is off.

Now check the Ladder diagram, the red line means it is active, while blue is in-active.

Notice also the RUN in the top right corner. Remember this is just the simulation mode. You dont need the actual PLC to do this, unlike other PLC software whose owners are too greedy.

Actually, if you have a kid and you want them to be technically inclined, you can show them this software.

simulation p1

Below is the screenshot for Accelaration and Simulation Limits.

simulation p2

Below is the Zelio HELP

zelio help

Below are the different Input and Output screen shot

Discrete Input

Z-input

Auxillary Relays - (internal relays in some PLC programs)

Discrete Outputs

Timers

Timer Parameters

Notice below the Timer Parameters window that it has a Reset Option. The use of reset is dependent on what selection was made. Unlike the selection above.

Counter

Counter Comparator

Clock Input

Clock Parameter

Text Output or HMI output

Text Parameters

LCD Backlighting Output

Winter Summer Input

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