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I’m here to sing the praises of the Magic Module. Another thread recently discussed affordable Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). One of the recommendations was from Automation Direct. I needed to do some sequencing of HVAC zones, plus some timing of water heaters for a time-of-use electric schedule. Tried the model from Automation Direct, but returned it as in part, overkill, and in part, insufficient. Besides, it’s programmed in Ladder Logic, which just confuses the heck out of me.
Searched further, because I needed to do this stuff. Found something called the Magic Module, by Elk Products, coincidentally 45 min away from me in NC. http://www.elkproducts.com/. For about $300 I got a PLC capable of controlling my 6 zones, and 2 water heaters with room to spare. Has real-time clock, temperature sensor, and X-10 controls, plus voice control, if desired. It installed exactly as they described, and it programs with a BASIC-like language, which is much more familiar to me.
My HVAC contractor turned from skeptic to fan, and is already planning to use it on a combo solar/geothermal house. If you need a PLC, or other home automation, it’s certainly worthwhile to look at this. They did great tech support, too.
*I have no connection to this company, other than in the last week as a customer*
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I'm here to sing the praises of the Magic Module. Another thread recently discussed affordable Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). One of the recommendations was from Automation Direct. I needed to do some sequencing of HVAC zones, plus some timing of water heaters for a time-of-use electric schedule. Tried the model from Automation Direct, but returned it as in part, overkill, and in part, insufficient. Besides, it's programmed in Ladder Logic, which just confuses the heck out of me.
Searched further, because I needed to do this stuff. Found something called the Magic Module, by Elk Products, coincidentally 45 min away from me in NC. http://www.elkproducts.com/. For about $300 I got a PLC capable of controlling my 6 zones, and 2 water heaters with room to spare. Has real-time clock, temperature sensor, and X-10 controls, plus voice control, if desired. It installed exactly as they described, and it programs with a BASIC-like language, which is much more familiar to me.
My HVAC contractor turned from skeptic to fan, and is already planning to use it on a combo solar/geothermal house. If you need a PLC, or other home automation, it's certainly worthwhile to look at this. They did great tech support, too.
***I have no connection to this company, other than in the last week as a customer***