Choosing between a complete PLC & HMI starter kit and a bare CPU module can feel like comparing two different projects. In the PLC and HMI world, one option arrives as a ready-to-run package with the screen and controller matched, while the other is a replacement brain for an existing control system. If you are building a machine from scratch, the IDEC FC6A PLC & HMI kit bundles the controller, HMI, software, power supply, and cables in one box. If you are upgrading an existing DirectLogic 205 system, the AutomationDirect D2-260 CPU swaps into that system at a much lower price. The real question is whether your project needs an integrated package or just a new processor.
Quick Verdict
Pick the IDEC FC6A kit when you want a matched PLC and HMI in a single package and do not want to piece together components. Pick the AutomationDirect D2-260 when you already have a DirectLogic 205 system and only need a new CPU.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Condition | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IDEC FC6A PLC & HMI Kit | USD 1,185.12 | New | Complete new control panel builds | |
| AutomationDirect D2-260 CPU | USD 130.00 | Used | Replacing or upgrading a DL205 CPU |
Where Each Product Wins
IDEC FC6A PLC & HMI Kit
The IDEC option is a complete starter package. It combines a 16 I/O FC6A PLC with an operator interface in the same kit, and it is expandable to 400 I/O. Built-in Ethernet and RS-232C/RS-485 communication make it easy to connect to plant networks. This is the product to choose if your machine needs both logic and a screen and you want them to work together out of the box.
AutomationDirect D2-260 CPU
The D2-260 is a different kind of buy. It is a CPU module for the DirectLogic 205 series, not a complete system. It provides 30.4K words of total memory, supports up to 16 independent PID loops, and runs more than 280 instructions. It also handles native ASCII IN/OUT strings. If you already own the supporting hardware, this CPU can upgrade the processing power of your existing setup without forcing a complete redesign.
Product Notes
IDEC FC6A PLC & HMI Kit
The reason to put this kit on your shortlist is completeness. The listing covers the FC6A Series PLC, the HG1G 4.3-inch color TFT HMI, software, a 60W power supply, and cables, so you avoid the 'which accessory goes with which part' confusion. It also gives you a new-condition starting point for a control panel. The limitation is that the pieces are bundled, so you cannot buy just the PLC and skip the screen and software. If you already have an HMI and programming environment, you are still investing in the full kit.
AutomationDirect D2-260 CPU
If you already own a DirectLogic 205 system, this used CPU is a straightforward way to upgrade your processing power. It gives you additional processing capability, and the used condition is the trade-off. The biggest limitation is the condition: this is a used module, not a new one. It is also a CPU-only product, so it is not a standalone control system.
Final Choice by Use Case
- New machine build: Go with the IDEC FC6A PLC & HMI Kit. The USD 1,185.12 list price buys a complete PLC and HMI starter package, so you can focus on wiring and programming instead of sourcing parts.
- Existing DirectLogic 205 upgrade: Go with the AutomationDirect D2-260 CPU. At USD 130.00, it adds memory, PID loops, and instruction capacity to an existing DirectLogic 205 system without replacing the whole system.
- Tightest budget: The AutomationDirect D2-260 CPU at USD 130.00 is the less expensive entry point, but remember it is a CPU-only module, so the rest of the system has to come from your existing setup.
