Choosing between an all-in-one PLC training station and a bare controller is not about brands on paper. It is about what you need to do next: program a conveyor sequence, measure an analog level, or teach a student to download an HMI screen. The four products here span USD 152 to USD 4,000, so the real decision is how much training and I/O functionality you want upfront.
Quick Take
If you want a complete classroom-style trainer with HMI, analog, and encoder, the Omron PLC Training Kit includes all three. If you want a new compact smart relay with built-in LCD, the Crouzet Millenium 3 is the lowest-priced option. The TESTED Omron NX102-9000 is a used mid-price controller, and the TECO kit packages a 24V controller with software, a USB cable, and an HMI display.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Price | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| TECO PLC Programmable Industrial Logic Controller Training Kit 24V, Software HMI | USD 399.97 | |
| TESTED Omron NX102-9000 PLC Programmable Logic Controller | USD 499.00 | |
| PLC Training Kit/ Omron | HMI + Analog + Encoder | Industrial Automation Trainer | USD 4,000.00 | |
| NEW CROUZET 88974043 MILLENIUM 3 CD12 PLC SMART PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER | USD 152.00 |
Decision Matrix
| Use Case | Best Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Full hands-on training with HMI and encoder | Omron PLC Training Kit | New, comprehensive, with CP1L-EM platform and exercises for encoder, analog, solenoid, and HMI |
| Lowest-priced smart relay with LCD | Crouzet Millenium 3 | New, 8 digital inputs, 4 relay outputs, DIN-rail mounting |
| Used mid-priced Omron controller | TESTED Omron NX102-9000 | Tested used unit for those bringing their own I/O |
| Software-bundled 24V PLC kit | TECO Training Kit | Includes USB cable, software, keypad HMI, and analog inputs |
Product Notes
TECO PLC Programmable Industrial Logic Controller Training Kit 24V, Software HMI
The TECO kit is a new, self-contained programming station at USD 399.97. It bundles a 24V PLC controller with an HMI display and keypad, a USB programming interface cable, a 24VDC DIN rail power supply, a DIN rail, and a USB drive with software and electronic manuals. The controller has 8 DC inputs, 4 relay outputs, analog inputs from 0-10VDC, and a real-time clock. That makes it a useful place to start for ladder or function-block programming. The trade-off is the small program capacity-300 lines or up to 512 function blocks-so larger programs may not fit. If you need a complete kit with software included, this is the one to compare against the Crouzet.
TESTED Omron NX102-9000 PLC Programmable Logic Controller
This used Omron NX102-9000 is listed at USD 499.00. The condition is listed as 'Used,' and the description says used and refurbished items receive power-on testing and basic function checks, which lines up with the 'TESTED' label. It is a controller only: accessories, manuals, cables, and other items that are not in the pictures are not included, per the listing. That makes it a sensible pick if you have your own enclosure, power supply, and programming setup. The limitation is the bare-bones nature: if you are looking for an all-in-one training box, this is not it. You would need to add your own I/O and HMI.
Omron PLC Training Kit with HMI, Analog, and Encoder
This new Omron training kit is the most expensive item in this guide at USD 4,000.00, but it is also the only one that explicitly combines an HMI, analog inputs, and an encoder. The description walks through exercises: measuring encoder position, calculating belt speed, ejecting a product with a linear solenoid, simulating analog variables on the 0-10V channels, generating LED alarms, and downloading configurations to the HMI. The CP1L-EM platform is listed as the controller platform. If you need a complete station for teaching or learning industrial automation, that bundled hardware justifies the price. The limitation is cost: at USD 4,000, it is higher than the other three products combined, so you need a clear training or commissioning budget.
NEW CROUZET 88974043 MILLENIUM 3 CD12 PLC SMART PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER
The Crouzet Millenium 3 CD12 is a new smart relay priced at USD 152.00, making it the lowest-priced PLC in this comparison. It provides 8 digital inputs and 4 relay outputs, an LCD with white backlit characters, and a memory size of 368 bits/200 words. The description says it is non-expandable, so you get exactly this configuration. It runs on 100-240VAC and can be mounted on a DIN rail, and it uses M3 Soft software for programming. If you want an economical, compact controller for simple logic and you do not need analog inputs or a separate HMI, this is the most direct pick. The caveat is that it does not include analog input channels or an HMI training screen, so for analog or HMI practice you would need one of the Omron or TECO kits.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- For a complete PLC + HMI + analog + encoder training experience: Choose the Omron PLC Training Kit if you need the full set of components in one station.
- For the lowest listed price in this guide: Choose the Crouzet Millenium 3 for simple discrete control and DIN-rail mounting.
- For a used mid-priced Omron controller: Choose the TESTED Omron NX102-9000 if you already have peripherals and want an Omron PLC.
- For a software-bundled 24V kit with HMI: Choose the TECO training kit when you want to start programming without a separate HMI purchase.
Match the hardware to your training or production goal, and you will get the most from each of these listed prices.
