When you need logic and an operator screen in the same panel, two very different listings show up. One is a compact all-in-one with a 5-inch touchscreen and pulse outputs for motion; the other is a complete PLC & HMI starter kit from IDEC with a 4.3-inch color TFT and industrial networking. The listed prices are far apart-$95.99 versus $1,185.12-so the right choice depends on project scope.
Quick verdict
If you are building a compact positioning station-a few inputs, relay outputs, and two axes of stepper or servo-the 5-inch integrated controller gives you the screen and logic in one package for the lower listed price. If you need industrial networking, future I/O expansion, or up to four pulse channels, the IDEC starter kit is the more versatile base, and it includes the 60W power supply, software, and cables described in the listing.
Both listings are for new equipment, and both combine a programmable logic controller with an HMI screen, so the comparison comes down to physical scope, connectivity, and motion capacity.
At a glance
| Spec | 5-Inch Integrated PLC/HMI | IDEC FC6A Starter Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 95.99 | USD 1,185.12 |
| Price bar | ||
| Display | 5-inch HMI touchscreen | 4.3-inch color TFT |
| Digital inputs | 9 | 9 |
| Relay outputs | 8 | 7 |
| Pulse/motion | 2 axes at 100 kHz | 4 pulsed outputs |
The display sizes are close, but the larger 5-inch screen on the all-in-one unit is a tangible difference for operator readability. The IDEC kit counters with a stronger communication list and four pulse outputs.
Where each product wins
- The 5-inch integrated controller wins for self-contained machines that want the touchscreen and PLC in one unit, with a larger 5-inch display and 8 relay outputs.
- The IDEC FC6A starter kit wins for networked, expandable machines: Ethernet and RS-232C/RS-485, 4 pulsed outputs, and expansion up to 400 I/O.
Product notes
PLC Controller Programmable Logic Controller 5" HMI Touch Screen For Industrial
This all-in-one unit combines the operator panel and programmable logic in a single housing, which keeps wiring and panel space to a minimum. The 5-inch touchscreen is the larger of the two displays, and the listing specifies 9 digital inputs, 8 relay outputs, and 2-axis pulse output at 100 kHz for stepper or servo drives. That makes it a natural fit for packaging, labeling, and positioning machines where the operator needs a direct view of the process. The integrated design is ideal for a small panel where a separate HMI would not fit. The motion capability is limited to two pulse axes, so a four-axis servo system is outside what this listing provides. The I/O count is limited to the 9 inputs and 8 relay outputs shown, so a machine that needs substantially more I/O will require a different controller.
KIT-FC6A-16-RA-HG1G IDEC Programmable Logic Controllers, FC6A Series PLC & HMI
This starter kit brings the PLC and HMI together in one part number, with a 4.3-inch color TFT, 9 digital inputs, 7 relay outputs, and 4 pulsed outputs. Communication is a strong suit: the listing includes Ethernet, RS-232C/RS-485, and Modbus RTU master/slave, and the platform is expandable to 400 I/O. That makes it the better base for a machine that has to talk to a plant network or grow over time. The bundled power supply, software, and cables reduce the number of separate components you need to order. The downside is the smaller 4.3-inch display compared with the 5-inch unit, so operators who need large touch targets at a distance may find the screen size more restrictive. If your application depends on fewer than four pulse channels and no expansion, the smaller screen is a real trade-off.
Final choice by use case
Choose the 5-inch integrated PLC controller if your project is a self-contained, compact machine with up to two pulse axes and you want the screen right on the controller.
Choose the IDEC FC6A starter kit if you need Ethernet or RS-485 communication, more than two pulse channels, or the option to grow to 400 I/O later. In short, let I/O count, pulse channels, and networking decide rather than screen size alone.
