This for PLC people:
Hi all, I like this thread and would like to see it stay alive or better, expand into thread(s) related to making control program interfaces for PLC, X-10 and other methods of control / remote interface.
Currently, tablets cost far less than industrial operator interfaces (like the ones I am dealing with all the time) and Customers are more and more used to a central operating interface or a portable interface. Tablets are of course far more powerful and I have not encountered a site that does not have wireless network infrastructure supporting TCPIP.
I have been making interfaces for PC using browser tools and applets but can not of course make this scheme for an Android Tablet since there is no chance to run the applets (JRE issue). But that might not be the end of it.
Since the PLC's are address-based and open for read/write comm on TCPIP, an app should be possible that allows B4A to be used to make control interfaces and use say a (tool) that provides interfaces for the comm and address schemes for specific PLC's who have open protocol.
This would be a powerful addition to the B4A offering and open another area of use, likely to be large as the number of different PLC's supported.
I am working with the Panasonic PLC's right now although I have worked with many. Panasonic had been extremely generous in helping those who develop. Their software for PC interface is java-intensive and requires JRE for use. They also have an open protocol available on their site. It is quite easy, with commands in HTML possible to read / write values to and from addresses.
Right now I have a Customer asking for control by Tablet for his new product where I provided an HTML interface. This is really making me think before developing, if such an app or parts of it already exist. Searching various combinations of "PLC" related phrases, this and one other are the only hits I have found on B4A.