BRX Do-More PLC System Hardware / Unboxing

The BRX Do-More series of programmable logic controllers is a stackable micro brick. This is sometimes also referred to as a shoebox PLC because of the shape and way in which expansion modules are added. This new BRX Do-More series PLC is the latest in the Do-More series of controllers that have hit the market.

Do-More H2 (Micro Modular PLC)
Do-More T1H (Stackable PLC)
BRX Do-More Series PLC (Stackable Micro Brick)

The BRX Do-More series offers built-in data logging, integrated motion control, customization communication ports, and expansion capabilities. These features like other Automation Direct products are offered at a very good price point. BRX Do-More series of controllers will use the same software as the other Do-More PLCs (Do-More Designer) and is a free download. We will be looking at this full-featured software that comes with a simulator later in this series.

We will be walking through allot of the features of this powerful controller. Let’s start by looking at the hardware.

System Hardware – BRX Do-More

PLC CPU Units – – BRX Do-More

The PLC units come in four different types depending on the number of inputs and outputs that are on the unit.
No I/O Micro PLC unit – (BX ME)
10 Point Micro PLC unit – (BX 10/10E)
18 Point Micro PLC unit – (BX 18/18E)
36 Point Micro PLC unit – (BX 36/36E)
These CPUs (Central Processing Units) are also known as MPU (Multi-Processing Units) because of the communication capabilities.
The 18 point or above units have a customizable label window so you can enter additional information on the controller directly.

Expansion Modules – BRX Do-More

There is an expansion port to the right of the MPU unit. You can add up to 8 – 16 point modules for a total of 128 additional I/O. (Discrete Inputs and Outputs)
Units can be mounted with 32mm DIN rail or surfaced mounted. Remember to leave enough room in the panel to the right of the MPU for possible future expansion of the system. The Colour of the module will indicate what expansion module you have. Blue (X) is for inputs and Red (Y) is for outputs. Ziplink wiring is available on some of the units. This is a prewired cable going from the I/O module to a terminal block and will save time in the installation process.
Expansion modules come in a variety of different options to hook up to your input and output requirements.

Inputs come in 8, 12, or 16 points. You can choose voltage input ranges 3-5 VDC, 12 – 24 VDC, or 120 – 240 VAC.

Outputs come in 8, 12 or 16 points as well. 12 – 24 VDC Sinking (NPN) / Sourcing (PNP), 120 – 240 VAC Solid State or 5-48VDC / 24-240VAC Relay

Combination expansion modules are also available so you can ensure that you get only what is required for your system.
The following link will take you to just the expansion modules for the BRX Do-More series.
Analog modules are coming soon. Some MPU units will have one input and output on the base unit.
Note: When mounting a system in a panel, use fuse protection. The BRX MPU and I/O do not have internal fuses. Please refer to the BRX manual for further details.

Communication – BRX Do-More

All of the MPU units of the BRX Do-More series will have serial communication on board. Most of them will also have an Ethernet port (BX-DM1E).
The protocols that are supported are:
EtherNet/IP (built-in Ethernet port only)
Modbus TCP
Modbus RTU
ASCII
K-sequence (DirectLOGIC users)
Custom protocols (ASCII over serial, TCP or UDP over Ethernet)
The BRX also has POMs (Pluggable Option Modules)

These units are hot swap-able so you just unplug and plug at will with any of these additional ports.
USB – Serial communication – Ideal for programming
RS485 – Serial communication
RS232 Terminal or RJ12 Connection serial communication
Ethernet – Modbus TCP or custom protocols TCP or UDP

Memory – BRX Do-More

1MB of internal RAM data storage comes with every BRX Do-More CPU. This can be expanded with an optional 32GB of external MicroSD data.
The integrated data logging capability and the Ethernet communication add the ability to collect the process/machine data locally and deliver real-time operational technology to upstream systems. (IIOT) Industrial Internet of Things

BRX Do-More Series PLC from Automation Direct – Power to deliver

Overview Link (Configure and purchase a system)
Manuals and Product Inserts (Installation and Setup Instruction)
Do-More Designer Software v2.0.3 (Free Download Link) – The software will contain all of the instruction sets and help files for the BRX Do-More Series PLC.

Next time we will install the software (Do-more Designer) for the BRX Do-More PLC.

Watch on YouTube: BRX Do-More Series PLC Unboxing

Watch on YouTube: BRX Do-More PLC System Hardware

If you have any questions or need further information please contact me.
Thank you,
Garry

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