RCX Series PLC for Automation Control

The RCX Series, from Horner Automation, has been discontinued and is no longer in production, so only what remains in our in-house stock is available for purchase. We recommend considering the Micro CPU Series or the new Canvas CPU Series.

RCX Series PLC Automation Controller

Unlock powerful, reliable industrial control with an RCX Series PLC. These compact, screenless automation controllers are built for flexibility, connectivity, and streamlined machine automation. With all the benefits of a traditional PLC with modern networking capabilities, the RCX Series combines robust logic performance with versatile communications and expansion options to fit a wide range of applications.

• constructed with a plastic chassis and supports Plastic SmartStack I/O for local I/O (up to 4 modules)
• logic engine supports 16k / 256k logic, scanned at 0.2mS/K, with 32Kb of register memory and a Start/Stop push button
• features a MicroSD memory slot, one RS-232 port, one RS-485 port, one CsCAN port, and a full 10/100 Ethernet port (HE-CX251 only)
• the Ethernet port supports HTTP web serving, FTP file transfers, SmartRail Ethernet I/O, Modbus/TCP Commander/Responder (Master/Slave), EGD, and more

Seamless Expansion via Remote I/O

The RCX Series is capable of handling all Horner I/O expansions including: SmartStack, SmartRail (built-in Ethernet Port), SmartStix, SmartBlock (CsCAN port), and SmartMod. The SmartStack I/O expansion system allows the RCX Series to use both digital and analog I/O boards. Up to 4 I/O boards may be stacked onto a single RCX unit, giving you flexibility with various I/O combinations. Together with Ethernet, CAN, and Serial I/O capabilities, the RCX Series can use all I/O combinations possible.

RCX Series - Compact PLC for Industrial Automation

At the heart of the RCX Series is the HE-CX251, which features a high-capacity 256 KB logic engine that scans at lightning-fast speeds to handle complex logic with precision and responsiveness. This controller supports standard ladder logic programming (via Horner’s free Cscape software), making development intuitive and efficient for engineers familiar with IEC-based environments.

The HE-CX251 integrates a full 10/100 Ethernet port for seamless network integration, supporting HTTP web serving, FTP file transfers, Modbus/TCP commander/responder communications, and SmartRail Ethernet I/O. With multiple serial ports (RS-232/RS-485) and a CsCAN port, it ensures reliable data exchange across devices and networks.

Screenless PLC from Horner Automation

Built to adapt to evolving system requirements, the HE-CX251 supports up to four SmartStack I/O modules, thus enabling flexible configurations of digital and analog inputs/outputs right at the controller. Plus, the MicroSD memory slot lets users easily store programs, data logs, and backups for maintenance and analytics. The RCX Series delivers industrial-grade performance in a compact, cost-efficient footprint. Its blend of power, modularity, and connectivity makes it an ideal choice for OEM machine builders, process automation, and distributed industrial control.

New Product Announcement

While some models of the Remote Compact Controller Series are still available for purchase, the RCC Series is "marked as mature" and will soon no longer be in production or supported. For new users of Horner Automation or new applications, we recommend the Micro CPU Series or the all-new Canvas CPU300.

Micro CPU Series

The Micro CPU Series packs Horner's same trusted performance for automation control into a small, streamlined package. The Micro CPU200 and Micro CPU250 PLCs can easily expand with up to 7 OCS-I/O modules locally. The Micro CPU Series provides the same reliable, powerful control capabilities as the well-established Micro OCS Series - just without a built-in display. Best of all, it easily mounts on a DIN-rail.

With the Micro CPU200 and Micro CPU250, operators can easily connect and manage equipment. The Micro CPU Series features a USB-C programming port and support for serial, Ethernet, and CAN communications as a standard, as well as support for WebMI for use as a remote interface.

Furthermore, the Micro CPU250 offers all the same amazing features as the CPU200, but it also includes built-in I/O for an even more streamlined solution. The CPU250 comes with up to 34 I/O points – a whopping 16 (8 in + 8 out) of which can configure as analog! Our Micro CPU modular automation controllers bring powerful control and flexible and expandable input and output options together in one easy-to-install device, perfect for a wide range of industrial applications.

Canvas CPU300 and HMI Connect Displays

For even more functionality, the new Canvas CPU300 is a great option. On its face, it looks like a traditional PLC with capabilities including local logic, expansion via OCS-I/O, and a full array of communications ports. However, the CPU300 includes logic, graphics, and programs using Cscape 10 in a single application file. The Horner CPU300 includes a suite of new connectivity including USB-C, dual Ethernet ports with support for a built-in switch, and a new display connection for remote displays in Horner's HMI Connect Series.

The HMI Connect Series seamlessly integrates with Horner CPU300 controllers, require absolutely no setup or configuration, and they can mount wherever you want! Connecting via a single, robust cable, these HMIs really shine with unseen flexibility in automation control design. HMI Connect touchscreens are available in 4", 7", 10", and 15" Resistive Touch displays (IP65 rated), as well as 7" and 10" Advanced LCD with PCAP (capacitive) Touchscreen (IP67 rated) for outdoor applications. These HMI displays feature a powerful multi-core SOM with performance on par with Horner’s Canvas Series of all-in-one controllers. The HMI Connect series delivers flexible, rugged operator interfaces that seamlessly extend Horner’s modular controller ecosystem.