Could this be another possible controller. Certainly the programming
language will have a  shorter learning curve.
 C. Smith

 Possibly but I'll bet it is not $90 :)

 Paul Lamar

 True, it's $195 in 100 qty. But it is built to industrial standards, in
 addition to the simplified programming, has common up to date porting,
 could be updated by user without having a dergee in computer science, just
 a few thoughts.  Minimum cost isn't always the only criteria for a given
 solution.  Is the $90 you refer to the price of the USBiDAQ?  If so doesn't
 the complete system require another host computer resident in the
 installation on board the aircraft?  If so, then you now have price parity.
 I have seen the inside of the USBiDAQ, and I can't quite say for sure if
 the production standards are going to stand up to a flying aircraft.

 I dunno, just thought I'd toss it out there.
 C. Smith

 It is also missing the counter timer and PWM.
 It won't store data and it won't drive a glass cockpit.

 Paul Lamar


Paul,

Here is a $69.00 PLC with free software.  Don't shoot the messager.


http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Programmable_Controllers/CLICK_Series_PLCs_%28Stackable_Micro_Brick%29

Joe Berki

See the list below.
This has way less capabilities than the Hytek Automation unit.
RS232 has disappeared off the face of the PC earth :)
Only 2 channels of A to D instead of 8. No resolution
mentioned so it is probably embarrasslying low :)
No counter timer which is essential to measure RPM.
No PWM to control the injectors.

As I said you still need a PC to store data and control a display
for a glass cockpit.

Keep them coming. There may still be something out there
better than the Hytek but I have not found it yet.
I  also know the Hytek  works.

http://www.hytekautomation.ca/

Paul Lamar

------------------------------------------------------------
# Expandable I/O

    * A powered CLICK CPU module by itself can be used as a complete PLC control system
with eight input points and six output points built-in,
    * Or, the PLC system can be expanded with the addition of up to eight I/O modules.
    * A variety of I/O modules are available for flexible and optimal system
configuration. The I/O numbering system is decimal.

# Built-in Communications

    * CLICK Basic CPUs have two built-in RS-232 communications ports that can be
configured for either MODBUS RTU or ASCII networks.
    * CLICK Analog CPUs have an additional built-in RS-485 communications port

# Analog Input/ Analog Output ... New!

    * Analog CPU modules have built-in analog I/O (2-channel analog inputs and 2-channel
analog outputs).
    * Each channel can be separately set for voltage (0 to 5 VDC) or current (4 to 20 mA).

# Calendar / Clock & Battery Backup ... New!

    * Analog CPU modules include the real time clock and battery backup for the internal
SRAM.
    * Battery allows data to be stored for 5 years.

# FREE PLC Programming Software

    * The CLICK PLC supports a very simple, but useful set of 21 easy to use instructions.
    * The 21 instructions cover most applications that are suitable for this class of PLC.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Here are the capabilities of the Hytek.

Paul Lamar