I am the engineer for a small HOA that owns/manages a 40 acre lake with 6 sluice gates. The sluice gates were installed to prevent the operation/destruction of the flashboard system originally installed to provide an elevated reservoir level. I need to find a logic controller that will receive input from the level sensors and raise the gates a set amount than wait a set time before raising or lowering the gates. I am trying to maintain this reservoir at a level that will not allow more than 6 inches over the gates. I can install magnetic reed switch level sensors in a dampened level container to detect the reservoir level. I must keep this system simple. I was considering a timer switch that would connect when the level sensor closed and operate the gate actuator for 60 seconds than wait 5 monutes then if the level sensor was still closed operate the actuator another 60 seconds than wait 5 minutes. This system has 2ea 6ft gates with actuators then 4ea 4 ft gates with one actuator controlling 2 gates. I would want to operate the 6 ft gates first then the 2ea 4 ft gates. I am trying to maintain a balanced outflow as the gates are installed on each side of the spillway. Therefore needint 2 controllers. There is 120/240 single phase power at each site. Do I need a logic relay or a logic controller? Where can I obtain some fast and simple training to program this if needed? I am a retired consultant and have an above average computer knowledge, but also a below average threshold of frustration!!!
I would apreciate any recommendations. I have wanted to try PLC's for years but do not know where to start.
Thanks in advance!
