When you are building a PLC and HMI setup, the first fork in the road is usually whether to start with the controller brain or with the operator interface. The AutomationDirect P1-550 is a programmable controller CPU. The Allen Bradley PanelView 800 Trainer is an HMI training kit. They solve different halves of the same problem, so the right choice depends on what you already have and what you want to learn.
Quick Verdict
If you need a CPU with multiple communication ports and enough memory for real logic, pick the P1-550. If you need a complete HMI teaching package, pick the PanelView 800 Trainer.
Comparison at a Glance
The table below summarizes the list prices and the type of setup each one fits.
| Product | List Price | Price Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| AutomationDirect P1-550 Programmable Controller CPU | USD 211.65 | |
| Allen Bradley PanelView 800 Trainer 2711R-T7T | USD 949.99 |
Both units are sold as new and made in the United States. The P1-550 is a CPU-only controller; the PanelView 800 Trainer is an HMI-focused training bundle.
Where Each Product Wins
- AutomationDirect P1-550 CPU wins if your priority is a controller core with Ethernet, serial, and USB connectivity, along with 50 MB of ladder memory and a microSD slot, and you already have a way to view or run the controller.
- Allen Bradley PanelView 800 Trainer wins if you want a self-contained operator-interface trainer with a 7-inch Ethernet color HMI, swivel base, power supply, Ethernet cable, and manuals together in one kit.
Product Notes
AutomationDirect P1-550 Programmable Controller CPU
The P1-550 is a new AutomationDirect Productivity1000 CPU with up to 50 MB of ladder memory and a microSD card slot. Its ports include two Ethernet 10/100Base-T RJ45 jacks, one RS-232 RJ12, one RS-485 terminal, and one microB-USB, plus a battery included with the unit. Choose it when you want a controller brain with multiple ways to connect to field devices and a memory size that suits ladder-logic programs. The trade-off is that it is just the CPU: you must supply external 24 VDC, and you will need a separate HMI or PC interface for operator interaction. There is no built-in touchscreen or display included, so plan around that when you design your panel.
Allen Bradley PanelView 800 Trainer 2711R-T7T
This is a complete training kit built around the Allen Bradley PanelView 800 7-inch Ethernet color HMI. The bundle includes the HMI panel, a swivel base, a power supply, an Ethernet cable, and printed manuals, so you can assemble a dedicated operator-interface station without hunting down separate parts. It uses the free CCW software for programming, and Allen Bradley has published extensive resources for learning the HMI. Choose it when the goal is hands-on practice with panel design and PLC-to-HMI communication. The main limitation is the setup commitment: you provide the computer, an Ethernet switch or router, and a static IP address, and the kit does not include structured lessons.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you are building a new control system and already have an operator interface or PC-based display in mind, the AutomationDirect P1-550 CPU gives you a capable controller core for USD 211.65. If you are learning or teaching HMI technology and want a complete operator-interface trainer with all the hookup pieces, the Allen Bradley PanelView 800 Trainer is the more finished package at USD 949.99.
