Common Questions Archives

How do I change the IP address of my HMI?

Open the System Settings Log in to the Settings Menu Change the Network Settings

Can I use PROFINET with Maple Systems Product?

Yes, we have several products that support PROFINET. HMI products, Network Switches, CODESYS enabled HMIs

Can Maple Systems HMIs communicate with Arduino Opta? I would like to use AFX00001, AFX00002, or AFX00003 if possible?

Yes, the the AFX00001, AFX00002, AFX00003 modules support Modbus TCP (Ethernet) and Modbus RTU (RS485 serial) protocols. All of our HMI/CMT and HMI+PLC combo units support communications to these modules.

Does Maple Systems products support Siemens WinCC or WinCC Unified SCADA platforms?

All of our Windows based IPCs and Touch Panel PCs can run WinCC Runtime Advanced as well as WinCC Unified. Using our IPCs running WinCC, you’ll generally get a higher performance device per dollar with a more ruggedized enclosure with higher screen resolution, more RAM and SSD options, and the ability to run other industrial software on the same machine with more advanced remote access tools.

Can Maple Systems products connect to Ignition SCADA?

You can use our Windows or Linux based IPCs and Touch Panel PCs to run Ignition Edge locally.
You can also use our HMIs to communicate with Ignition via Modbus TCP, OPC UA, and MQTT, which makes a programmers life easier when building distributed edge gateways, dashboards, or data collection nodes within an Ignition-powered architecture.

Where can I find support documentation for my HMI?

Our Support Center contains numerous resources that can help you quickly learn what you need to know about setting up and programming Maple Systems HMIs.

Can I add custom branding to my HMI?

Yes. We know that maintaining consistent branding can be critical for OEM suppliers, so Maple Systems offers custom branding services that allow you to choose the logos or text that will be visible on your devices when they are shipped

Can this HMI withstand the conditions that exist at my worksite?

Maple Systems HMIs are certified to operate in some of the most challenging environmental conditions in the world. With models certified by UL, IP, NEMA, RoHS, CE, ATEx, C1D2, and more, there is a Maple Systems HMI for nearly any situation or environment

I have specific size requirements. Do you have an HMI that will work for me?

Our HMIs with built-in touchscreens are available with display sizes of 4.3”, 7”, 9.7”, 10”, 12”, 15”, or 15.6”, & 21.5″, as well has headless HMIs that can connect to an external monitor of your choice, including big screen TVs

Are there any ongoing licensing costs or subscription charges I should be aware of?

No. Buying a Maple Systems HMI gives you access to everything you need to program, connect, and run your device without any subscriptions or ongoing license fees

Do I need to pay an additional license fee to activate features on my HMI?

The vast majority of features in EBPro do not need additional licensing, but a few situations may require a license fee to activate specific functions.

For features like our built-in CODESYS runtime, OPC/UA messaging, or the EasyAccess 2.0 VPN service, users must pay a one-time activation fee to enable these functions on the HMI.

What is the upfront cost of buying an HMI?

Maple Systems offers HMI models at a range of price points that will fit into almost any budget. Our Basic HMI Series starts at $345, and includes the EBPro configuration software and full access to…

Can I expand the HMI’s storage memory capacity?

Yes. Maple HMIs support storage expansion through external HDD, USB flash drive, or SD card, depending on the HMI model.

I need to use an IP camera and other peripherals in my project. Do Maple Systems HMIs support these devices?

Maple Systems HMIs are compatible with a wide range of peripheral devices such as printers, barcode scanners, cameras, keyboards, mice, flash storage drives, and more. For projects using multiple USB devices at once, a USB hub can expand a single USB port into many, allowing several devices to connect simultaneously.

What kind of communication ports are available on your cMT HMIs?

Related Links
Product
• cMT/HMI
Software Downloads & Upgrades
• EBPro
Manuals & Guides
• cMT Quick Start Guide
• EBPro Programming Manual
• EBPro Quick Start Guide
Tech Notes
See our list of Tech Notes
Solutions
See our Case Studies & Solutions
See our SCADA Systems Design Guide
Controller Information Sheets
See our list of Controller Information Sheets
Communication Cables
See our list of Communication Cables
Videos
See our list of Training Videos

Can this HMI communicate with my PLC?

Maple Systems cMT HMIs support over +400 PLC and controller communication protocols, allowing our HMIs to communicate with most common devices. Our cMT HMIs also support protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP or Modbus RTU, opening them up for use with a wide range of devices.

Which software is used for your HMIs?

EBPro is the free, full-featured HMI configuration software used for most standard HMI products (panel-mount, headless, and web HMIs). It includes powerful simulation tools that allow users to test projects offline before purchasing hardware.

What is HMI and PLC?

PLCs are industrial digital computers designed to execute real-time control operations in manufacturing and process automation environments. HMIs are graphical user interfaces that control and interact with industrial automation systems. HMI+PLC combinations are devices that consolidate both control processing and operator interface functions within a single compact unit.

What is an HMI display?

HMI Display systems serve as graphical Human Machine Interfaces that enable operators to monitor and control machinery through real-time process data visualization. Free configuration software like our EBPro, facilitates bidirectional PLC communication for data extraction…

What is the OSI Model?

The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model is a conceptual framework that defines how data moves through a network in seven layers — from the physical hardware connection to the software applications users interact with. Each…

What does ATEX stand for?

ATEX is the abbreviation for Atmosphere Explosible, ATEX refers to the risk of explosion that can occur in environments when flammable gasses or dust are present. Used by the EU Directives meant to regulate devices…

What does OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) mean to Maple Systems?

For Maple Systems, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) represents a key performance metric used to help customers monitor, analyze, and improve manufacturing productivity through their industrial automation products — especially their HMIs, PLCs, and SCADA solutions.…

Do your HMIs have RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) capabilities?

Yes, all our HMIs and cMT HMIs support RFID card authentication via the use of a USB RFID card reader. We also have one 10.1″ HMI with a radio frequency identification scanner built into the front bezel.

What is a node?

In computer networking, a node is any physical or virtual device that is part of a network. This includes hosts like HMIs and PLCs, as well as devices that help manage network traffic, such as routers, switches, and access points.

What is a host?

A host is any device that connects to a network and can send or receive data. This includes computers, servers, PLCs, HMIs, smartphones, tablets, printers, and much more

What is Firmware?

Firmware is a type of software that is embedded into hardware devices to control and manage their operations. Unlike regular software that can be easily updated or removed, firmware is typically stored in non-volatile memory,…

What is EtherNet/IP?

EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is an industrial networking protocol that operates over standard Ethernet infrastructure. EtherNet/IP is an open and standardized protocol governed by the ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association). It uses the standard TCP/IP suite for communication but is specifically designed to handle real-time control and monitoring in industrial environments.

How long will it take me to setup my cMT iV Display unit?

Minutes… even seconds! Simply plug it in, power it up, type in IP address of the HMI you’d like to remote into and you’re done.

Do your cMT iV Display units work in harsh environments?

Backed by strong environmental certifications like NEMA4 and an IP66 rating, you can control your operations in harsh environments, even bad weather by using the cMT iV Series Display with a headless HMI placed in…

For HMI screens, can a cMT iV Display unit be used instead?

Even the toughest equipment can break. That’s no truer than with the monitors and panels that controllers rely on for critical information, like HMIs. Screens, especially touchscreens, are the most susceptible to the forces of…

Do your cMT Display units work with the Headless HMIs?

Yes! Adding a cMT Display unit to your existing Headless HMI system gives you an easier view into your HMIs operations.

How many HMIs can I connect to from one cMT Display device?

Using cMT Viewer, a single cMT iV Series Display device can simultaneously connect to up to six cMT and cMT-X HMIs for full access to their projects. Additionally, up to 10 cMT iV Series Displays can…

How will a cMT Display unit save me money? Why wouldn’t I just purchase an additional HMI?

Our CMT display units come with the cMT Viewer app preinstalled. This app allows you to remotely access any HMI on the manufacturing floor, allowing you to view and modify the project, clear any alarms,…

Can I add EasyAccess2.0 to a cMT iV Display unit?

Yes, adding EasyAccess2.0 will give you access to your system from anywhere in the world, not just the manufacturing floor

How do I disable the WAN capabilities of an HMI or cMT?

To disable internet access over the HMI’s ethernet port, set the gateway and DNS addresses of the WAN port you want to disable to 0.0.0.0 in the system settings for your device under the Ethernet port Network settings:

How long can an HMI hold its program while powered off?

The program will be retained for the lifespan of the HMI. The program is stored in the non-volatile flash memory (solid state memory), which can last anywhere from 10 years to 100 years, depending on…

What is PROFINET?

PROFINET (Process Field Network) is an industrial Ethernet-based communication protocol used for automation and control systems. PROFINET is designed to enable real-time communication between industrial equipment in manufacturing environments and uses the TCP/IP stack for…

Can I have my LAN ports configured to different networks?

Yes! You can have each LAN port on a cMT or HMI configured for a different network or subnet, in fact, we recommend doing so to keep the ports from conflicting.

What’s the difference between the two LAN ports on my HMI/cMT?

The specifics will likely differ based on which device you’re specifically working with, but in general, LAN 1 is the port you’d use for a network connection that goes out to the internet, where LAN…

How to fix the “building font file failed” error message?

When downloading a project using a newer EBPro version or using a particular font you may likely hit the “building font file failed” error message when compiling your project: Certain fonts, such as Bahnshrift, are…

What is the String Table?

The string table in EasyBuilder Pro is a centralized database for managing multilingual text used in HMI projects. By pre-configuring texts and their corresponding numbers in the string table, text can be changed dynamically on the HMI.

What is a WORD?

In EasyBuilder Pro, a WORD refers to the size of the data type configured for the system. This is the standard size used to store data in registers and memory locations within the system. Our LW, PLW, RW, RW_A, EM0-15, RECIPE, RWI, PRW registers store WORDs into addresses.

What is a Client?

In a Server-Client topology, a client is a device or application that requests and utilizes services or resources provided by a server. The client initiates communication with the server, sending requests for data, processing, or specific functionalities.

What is an APIPA or Local-Link Address?

An APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) or Link-Local Address is a self-assigned IP address automatically generated by a device when it cannot obtain an IP address from a DHCP server

What is a Configuration File

Ensure you have an available *.conf file to download onto the HMI. Inside EasyBuilder Pro navigate to the Project tab > Download (PC -> HMI). On the Download window enable “use system settings file”. Next,…

What is the WATCH feature

The WATCH feature allows the end-user to view the contents of a register-address in a message of an event. Users may set register-addresses from the PLC, Remote HMI, or Local HMI. The register-address will display…

What is the difference between Human Machine Interface (HMI), and Operator Interface Terminal (OIT)?

All OITs are HMIs, but not all HMIs are OITs. OIT (Operator Interface Terminal) usually means a dedicated terminal with graphics and/or text that provides data/control of a local (rather than remote) piece of equipment…

What is HMI?

What is an HMI or Human Machine Interface? A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a user interface that facilitates communication between a person and a machine, or system. While this can technically refer to any screen…

What is a Blanket Purchase Order?

Using a blanket purchase order is a common strategy for customers with ongoing projects. Often, an OEM solution has continuing needs for regular fulfillment of hardware, and the management of inventories and pricing are critical…

Do you have outdoor rated HMIs?

When looking for an outdoor rated HMI, many factors should be considered as outdoor rated can encompass a wide-range of certifications and hardware specifications. Many of our Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), Industrial PCs, and HMI+PLCs…

How to comply with CFR 211 (FDA 21 CFR Part 11) when using a Maple Systems HMI

FDA 21 CFR Part 11, by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US government, definesthe criteria under which electronic records and electronic signatures can be treated withsame degree of validity as paper-based records. Since…

Gmail Security Authorization for Graphic HMIs

To help keep your account secure, starting May 30, 2022, Google will no longer support the use of third party apps or devices which ask you to sign into your Google Account using only your…

Recipe Database vs. Recipe Database Editor

When you create a recipe database in EBPro, the recipe data is actually stored in the EBPro project. You can view and edit the recipe data by opening the Recipe Database (under the Data/History menu)…

Floating Point Rounding Errors

Generally, “floating point error” refers to when a number cannot be stored in the IEEE floating point representation. Integers are stored with the right-most bit being 1, and each bit to the left being double…

Device Polling (Pulling) Time / Refresh Rate

The device polling time, or the time between reads of a single address/tag, is influenced by a variety of factors and is dependent upon the application. From the HMI side, turnaround delay time (time delay between…

Can I overlay objects on a video stream from an IP or USB web camera?

No, because the video input is constantly being updated it is not possible to overlay HMI objects on to of a video stream from an IP or USB camera.

RW Memory is not saved after cycling power on the HMI

When making any changes to the RW memory area, the changes are stored in RAM memory initially and after 60 seconds, written to permanent flash memory. Therefore, when testing the RW memory, make sure you…

What is the difference between a compiled project and a compressed project in EBPro?

An EBPro project file is saved with a *.emtp extension (*.cmtp for CMT Series). This is the development project that can be opened and edited in EBPro. Before you can download a project to an…

Macros, References, and Examples

Our Macro Reference Manual provides a great deal of information and examples for programming Macros. We highly recommend reviewing the Manual, which can be downloaded from our Support Center here: https://maplesystems.com/support-center/manuals-guides There is also a very helpful tutorial…

How to Create Multi-color Shapes in EBPro

The System Shape Libraries in EBPro allow you to customize the colors but only allow for two states. In order to have three or more states with custom colors, you must create a new Shape…

How to Enable VNC on Standard HMIs

The Standard Series HMIs now support VNC (EBPro v6.03.02.257 or later). Since the B-Series do not have the VNC tab in the System Settings window to enable VNC, it needs to be done with System…

Scadapack Floating Point values are not displaying correctly on my HMI

Maple Systems HMIs use the Modbus protocol to communicate with the Scadapack PLC. 32-bit floating point numbers use two consecutive 16-bit registers to contain all 32 bits. The Scadapack stores the high word/low word in…

How to allow multiple users to connect to one HMI via VNC

In order to enable a VNC connection to an HMI press the System Settings Icon in the lower right corner of the HMI screen and select the gear icon. After entering the correct password, press…

Data Log Export via EasyWeb

When connecting to your cMT-X Series through EasyWeb, you are able to export data logs, event logs, and operation logs as well as make backups of the database directly to your PC.

Can I connect a different antenna to the Wifi-capable cMT SVRs?

Yes, you can replace the stock antenna with an aftermarket one. The antenna connector on the cMT-SVR is RPSMA Female.

How to automatically update HMI local time for daylight savings.

If your HMI has access to the internet, you can configure the project to sync with an NTP server on a regular basis, which would allow the HMI to automate daylight savings adjustments. If your…

Data Transfer will not allow me to select my PLC

The Time-based Data Transfer Object (Global) is restricted when transferring bits. It can only transfer bits from a PLC to the HMI. It cannot transfer bits from the HMI to a PLC and therefore will…

Troubleshooting CANbus SAE J1939 connection when no data is showing up.

Don’t forget your terminating resistors! Both ends of the CAN bus should be terminated with 120O resistors. Forgetting the resistors can result in signal reflection which will corrupt the data packet and ultimately result in…

What is the range of the Wifi on the CMT-SVR-200/202?

The WiFi spec for the cMT-SVR-200 series is IEEE 802.11 b/g/n. 802.11b/g has a range up to 150 feet (can be affected by building materials). 802.11n has a range of up to 175 feet (can…

Dynamic Limits for Numeric Objects in EBPro

If you are wondering how you can assign tags for dynamic limits in a Numeric Object, take note of the “Usage…” note in the Object Properties window. The Numeric Object uses the tag assigned in…

How do I import Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix tags using an RSLogix L5X project file in EBPro?

With the Allen-Bradley Compact/Control Logix “Free Tags” drivers in EBPro, you can import tags using an .L5X project file exported from your RSLogix software. This method is preferred over using a CSV tag file, because…

What VESA mount options do your products have?

A VESA mount is a standard hole pattern that allows HMIs, displays, industrial monitors, and panel PCs to be securely attached to mounts or arms. Most Maple Systems devices use either a 75×75 mm or 100×100 mm VESA pattern (check your model’s datasheet for exact details). Compatible mounting options include fixed wall mounts, swivel/tilt brackets, desk arms, and heavy-duty industrial arms, as long as they match the device’s VESA pattern and weight requirements.

Why am I getting a Macro warning W2: “Variable not initialized.” after upgrading EBPro?

In EBPro v6.05.01.565, a variable check is performed when saving and compiling a Macro. This check will trigger a “warning W2: variable not initialized.” for each ‘declared’ variable in the macro which has not been…

Storage Space Insufficient message pops up on HMI screen

If the “Storage Space Insufficient” message pops up on the HMI screen (Window number 8 in EBPro), it is likely caused by not having a USB flash drive or SD card connected to the HMI…

How to clear HMI memory

When using a Maple Systems HMI, the project, recipe (RW, RW_A, db), data log, event log, and operation logfiles are stored in permanent HMI (flash) memory. There are several ways to clear data in flash memory.

Can I change what address an object is referencing at runtime?

Yes. You can dynamically change the address referenced by an object using the index feature. This allows you to create and indirect pointer or offset into PLC or HMI memory. In the object properties window…

How to enable VNC in a cMT-FHDX

Since the Settings window for the cMT-FHDX does not have an option to enable the VNC server, you can do it with a System Bit in the HMI. LB-12092 is used to enable/disable the VNC…

Using the PLC to change screens or windows on the HMI / cMT.

This can be done by using a PLC control object (found on the Objects tab in EBPro) select “Type” as “Change window” and select a register/tag on your PLC for the trigger address. When the…

How to initialize data on my PLC from the HMI at power on?

There are several ways to accomplish this. To set a few registers or bits you can place Set Bit or Set Word objects on the common window (window #4). These objects have an option for…

Fonts are too large

If you open a project in EBPro that was created on another computer and the fonts appear too large, there is a setting in the display properties of the computer that may need to be…

My HMI freezes and stops responding

One issue that can cause the HMI to freeze or respond very slowly is large graphics in the HMI program. This requires extra processing by the CPU to resize the graphics when the windows change.…

I’m trying to display a string in an ASCII object but I can only see two characters, how do I display the whole string?

To display the entire string the number of words needs to be set in the ASCII display object. On the general tab of the ASCII object’s properties window click on the address settings button: Set…

Is there a system register that stores the HMI serial number?

No, the serial number for the HMI is not stored in a system register, and can only be found on the sticker on the back of the HMI. If you would like to have this…

Where are the Find and Replace tags in EasyBuilderPro?

On the Home tab in EBPro in the “Editing” category there is an Find/Replace tool (icon of eye-glasses) that can be used to find and change the names of tags used in the project.

Can I reverse the word order for a registers I’m reading on a PLC?

This depends on the driver. Some drivers will allow you to configure the word order globally for the driver. This would be done from a Data Conversion button on the Device Settings window. In EBPro…

How to read a 32-bit register using a 16-bit protocol like Modbus?

When you want to read 32-bit register using a word addressed protocol like Modbus all you have to to is set the format to a 32-bit format (32-bit signed, 32-bit unsigned, 32-bit float) on the…

How to transfer data from one PLC to another using the HMI, or from PLC to HMI.

Method 1: The GetData and SetData functions can be used to transfer data from one tag to another in a macro. Use GetData to grab the value from one tag and store it in a…

Why will my HMI will not go into portrait mode?

To get the HMI into portrait mode: First, make sure the HMI project was created in portrait mode.Second, go into the System Settings window on the HMI and make sure it is set to 90…

HMI importing Allen Bradley CompactLogix / Contrologix tags using “Get Tag Info” and just gets a spinning cursor forever and no tags?

The issue could be related to the firmware version on the PLC. Currently, Get Tag Info seems to work with firmware v20 and v24 but not anything higher. If this is the case we recommend…

How to clean an HMI screen

Resistive touchscreen surface material is PET (polyethylene terephthalate, also called polyester). Capacitive touchscreen surface material is tempered glass. Both surfaces can be cleaned with the following method. Using a cleaning solution of 75% alcohol or…

FAQ Category: Common Questions