If you're shopping for programmable logic controllers and HMIs, the first fork in the road is whether you need a controller and touch screen in one purchase or just the touch interface to pair with a controller you already have. The Crouzet MTP8/70 HMI and the IDEC FC6A series starter kit take opposite sides of that question, and their prices reflect it: roughly $786 separates the two, from $1,185.12 for the IDEC kit up to $1,971.92 for the Crouzet touch panel.
Quick verdict
Go with the IDEC KIT-FC6A-16-RA-HG1G when you're building a small machine from scratch and want a single box that includes a PLC, a 4.3-inch color TFT HMI, software, a 60W power supply, and cables. Choose the Crouzet MTP8/70 when you already have a Millenium 3 controller in place and just need an 8/70-series touch panel to give it a modern operator interface.
At a glance
| Product | Listed price | What you're getting |
|---|---|---|
| Crouzet MTP8/70 HMI 88970496 / 88970495 | USD 1,971.92 | Dedicated Millenium 3 touch panel, new open box |
| IDEC KIT-FC6A-16-RA-HG1G | USD 1,185.12 | PLC plus 4.3in HG1G color TFT, software, 60W PSU, cables |
Where the Crouzet wins
The Crouzet is a touch-panel product through and through. Its part number ties it directly to the Millenium 3 line, and the manufacturer part reference MTP8/70 88970496 / 88970495 makes it clear you are getting an operator interface rather than a mixed bundle. For a panel replacement on a machine that already has its logic handled, that focus is exactly what you want. The condition is described as new open box, so you know you are getting a full unit rather than a worn pull.
Where the IDEC wins
The IDEC kit is the more complete starting point. It bundles a 16-I/O FC6A PLC with 9 digital inputs and 7 relay outputs, a 4.3-inch HG1G color TFT, programming software, a 60W power supply, and cables. It also brings Ethernet and RS-232C/RS-485 communication, plus Modbus RTU master and slave support, so it can talk to a wide range of field devices. For a new control panel, this is a nearly ready-to-wire package.
Product notes
Crouzet MTP8/70 HMI 88970496 / 88970495
If your control scheme already revolves around a Millenium 3 controller, this 8/70-series touch panel gives you the operator-facing piece without forcing you to buy a second processor. The "User KIT" wording and the two part numbers on the label point to a dedicated interface kit, and the new-open-box condition means you can expect a clean unit rather than used gear. The trade-off is that you are paying for an HMI only; there is no PLC, power supply, or programming software in this package. At its listed price, it makes sense when the controller side is already settled and the missing piece is a touch panel.
IDEC KIT-FC6A-16-RA-HG1G
This is the one-box answer for a small machine build. The starter kit pairs the FC6A PLC with a 4.3-inch HG1G color TFT, and it explicitly lists software, a 60W power supply, and cables in the kit. With 9 digital inputs, 7 relay outputs, four pulsed outputs, and expansion support, it gives you room to grow beyond the base 16 I/O. Communication is well covered with Ethernet and RS-232C/RS-485, and the Modbus RTU master/slave support is useful for connecting VFDs or sensors. The limitation is the display: the HG1G is a color TFT, but for a machine that needs a larger operator screen, you would have to add a bigger HMI later. For the price, it is the product to start from when you need both logic and a screen.
Final choice by use case
If you are upgrading an existing Millenium 3 setup and only the operator interface is missing, the Crouzet MTP8/70 is the direct fit. If you are designing a small control panel and want a PLC, touch screen, programming software, power supply, and cables in one purchase, the IDEC FC6A starter kit is the more complete route.
