Your cart is currently empty!
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…
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. Each host typically has its own IP…
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…
What is Bridge Mode?
Bridge Mode allows a device to function as a network switch, forwarding traffic between LAN ports without modifying packet data. This creates a seamless connection between devices, enabling communication as if they were on the…
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. One thing to keep…
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…
What is a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)?
A virtual local area network (VLAN) segments a physical network into smaller, isolated networks. It can help improve security and performance on a network. Layer 2 switches may create and segment VLANs but cannot route…
What is a Layer 3 Network Switch?
A layer 3 network switch operates at the Network Layer of the OSI model. Click here for more information about the OSI Model. Layer 3 network switches forward data based on IP addresses. Unlike layer 2 network…
What is a Layer 2 Network Switch?
A layer 2 network switch operates at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model. Click here for more information about the OSI Model. Layer 2 network switches forward data based on MAC addresses. They…
What is the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model?
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is a reference model which describes seven layers of communication between computing systems over a network. These seven layers are as outlined: The OSI model was developed by the…
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…
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. These addresses are in the…
How to find the IP address of an HMC on a network
HMC To view the programmed Ethernet parameters of your HMC2, HMC3 or HMC7 on the network, press and hold the lower right corner of the screen while powering on. On a HMC4 series screen, press/click…
Define User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a communications protocol that is primarily used for establishing low-latency and loss-tolerating connections between applications on the internet. It speeds up transmissions by enabling the transfer of data before an…
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.
Cannot view Webscreen on HMC.
Try PINGing the device from the PC that you are trying to view the webscreen from. If the PING is not successful, check the physical connection, then confirm that the Ethernet parameters are set correctly on…
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…
When I log into WebView / EasyWeb I see a warning telling me the connection is not secure because it is using a Self-signed certificate. Is it safe to proceed?
When first logging in to WebView or EasyWeb 2.0 you may get a message warning that the website’s certificate could not be verified. The exact wording and look of the message will depend on the…
How to access multiple devices behind a BACnet/IP to MS/TP Router
In order to access multiple devices when using the “BACnet/IP” protocol driver in EBPro, each device must be assigned a different “Device ID” and “HMI Port Number” in the System Parameters > Device Settings >…
How to set up communication between Standard, Advanced or High Performance Series HMI and Maple Systems PLC
Setting up communication between a Maple Systems HMI and Maple Systems PLC is easy. We created a step by step tutorial showing you how to set up Modbus RTU and TCP communications.
What is the default IP address on the HMI+PLC (HMC)?
By default, the IP address on the HMC will be 192.168.0.254 or 192.168.5.81
How do I find the IP address on my HMI+PLC (HMC)?
The maintenance mode that displays the ethernet parameters can be entered by holding the lower right corner of the display while the unit is powered on. By default, the IP address should be 192.168.0.254 or…
What TCP Port do I use with downloading a project to a cMT via Ethernet?
To download a project to a Maple Systems cMT via Ethernet you would use TCP Port 80.
How do I move data from one area of memory to another?
You can use the Data Transfer object in EBPro to move data from a block of registers in one area of memory and write the data to a block of registers in another area of…
Define Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to…
How do I setup the IP address of an HMI and the development PC to allow Ethernet communications?
Refer to Tech Note 5077, “IP Addresses of an HMI and a PLC” on how to set the IP address of the Maple Systems HMI, set the IP address of the PC, change the setting…
How are ASCII Serial Communications handled in a Maple Systems HMI?
The Free Protocol driver along with Macro commands can be used to send and receive ASCII data on an HMI. The OUTPORT macro function is used to send an ASCII string out of your HMI’s…
What TCP Port do I use with EasyAccess 2.0?
EasyAccess 2.0 uses TCP Port 443.
How do I configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with an Allen-Bradley Compact/Control Logix PLC?
Many PLCs have actual, physical memory locations that can be referenced. Not so with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs. They use symbolic Tags, which means the tag file needs to be imported into EBPro in…
Define Virtual Network Computing (VNC)
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a graphical desktop sharing system that uses the Remote Frame Buffer protocol (RFB) to remotely control another computer. It transmits the keyboard and mouse events from one computer to another,…
Can I connect several HMIs to one PLC?
Yes, several Maple Systems HMIs can be connected to one PLC. The HMIs can also directly share data. You will need to set up a local and a remote HMI in the Systems Parameters and…
Define Internet
The Internet is the global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and…
What are the best practices that should be followed when installing multiple HMIs in an RS485 network configuration?
Control systems often require operator input from a number of different locations in the system. Since it is not cost effective to run a separate communications line from the host to each terminal location, a…
How do I import RSLogix 500 Symbols into the Tag Library?
In Tech Note 5084, “RSLogix 500 Symbols imported into EZware Tag Library” we describe the process for importing RSLogix 500 Symbols into the Tag Library. This Tech Note explains how to export a CSV tag…
How do I Upload / Download a project from / to my HMI?
EBPro is used to Upload/Download from all current generation HMIs. To avoid any confusion, in all of our documentation: Upload means transfer the project file from the HMI to your PC. Download means transfer the…
How do I configure a Maple Systems HMI to allow the PLC IP address to be changed from the touch screen?
By updating local memory registers on the HMI, you can change the PLC IP address, switching the HMI program to communicate with a different PLC over an Ethernet network.
Define Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LAN), and wide area networks (WAN). It was commercially introduced in 1980 and first standardized in 1983 as IEEE 802.3, and…
How do I find the MAC Address of my HMI?
Our “MAC Address” Sample project shows what registers to display to find the MAC address of your Maple Systems HMI. The MAC address can also be found in the system information tab in the System…
I’m having trouble with Allen-Bradley MicroLogix / SLC500 PLC Addressing.
Allen-Bradley MicroLogix series / SLC500 series PLCs have some specific addressing format requirements for select memory locations (Bit-level and Strings, for example). Both drivers (Serial and Ethernet) follow these rules: Bit-level objects must reference the…
Can I use a USB Flash Drive or SD Card to Download a project to my Maple Systems HMI?
Yes, based on the model, you can download a project using a USB flash drive or SD card. See Tech Note 5087, “Download a Project to an HMI with a USB Flash Drive or SD…
What TCP Port do I use when downloading a project to a Maple Systems HMI via Ethernet?
To download a project to an HMI via Ethernet you would use TCP Port 20248.
Define EtherNet/IP
EtherNet/IP is an industrial network protocol that adapts the Common Industrial Protocol to standard Ethernet. EtherNet/IP is one of the leading industrial protocols in the United States and is widely used in a range of…
Define Wide Area Network (WAN)
Wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network or computer network that extends over a large geographical distance/place. Wide area networks are often established with leased telecommunication circuits, connecting multiple smaller networks like local area…
How do I use Pass-Through Mode on my Maple Systems HMI?
The HMI can be configured to operate in Pass-Through mode. In this mode, a PC can connect to the PLC through the HMI. The Utility Manager is used to configure Pass-Through operation. See Tech Note…
How do I connect my HMI to Wi-Fi when a DHCP Server is not available?
Wi-Fi models have both the Wi-Fi module and the Ethernet port set to request an IP address from a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. If a DHCP server is available on the network, they…
What TCP Port do I use with CUPS Printing?
CUPS uses TCP Port 9100.
Define File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network.
I’m having hard time sending an email from my Maple Systems HMI using my Google Gmail account.
Google has accounts restricted for third party app/device access. To unlock a Google account to interact with a new device, you need to login to a special Gmail link at https://www.google.com/accounts/UnlockCaptcha. Then access the email…
What is Pass-Through Mode?
The Pass-Through Mode allows communications from the PC to the PLC, through the HMI. This can eliminate the need to disconnect the PLC from the HMI when it is necessary to configure the HMI or…
I’m setting up my Wi-Fi model and the DHCP Server is not available, what will be the default IP address on my HMI?
If a DHCP server is not available, they will default to an IP address of 169.254.0.1. See Tech Note 5123 “Connecting to Wi-Fi Units When a DHCP Server is Not Available”.
What TCP Port do I use when connecting to a Remote HMI?
When connecting to a Remote HMI use TCP Port 8000.
How do I log into the built-in FTP Server on my HMI from a PC?
Maple Systems Standard HMIs, Advanced HMIs and High-Performance HMIs come with a built-in FTP server that allows you to remotely access data logs, event files, and recipe data via FTP (file transfer protocol). Please see…
What is EasyWatch?
EasyWatch allows users to monitor HMI and PLC address values via Ethernet from their PC, as well as invoke Macros for debugging, remote monitoring, and control. For example, after creating a Numeric Input Object in…
Define Modbus TCP / IP
Modbus TCP/IP (also Modbus-TCP) is simply the Modbus RTU protocol with a TCP interface that runs on Ethernet. The Modbus messaging structure is the application protocol that defines the rules for organizing and interpreting the…
How do I setup and connect my HMI to a Wi-Fi network?
Select Maple Systems HMI models feature a wireless network connection (Wi-Fi) that allows users to connect to a local wireless access point or the Internet without using an Ethernet cable. Tech Note 5121, “Wi-Fi Configuration”…
How do I setup the IP Address of my HMI on a subnet?
Whether you are connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a PLC to communicate over Ethernet, or connecting your PC to an HMI to upload or download a project over Ethernet, you must know the IP…
Can I log into the HMI from my PC to access data files, event files, and recipe files?
Maple Systems Standard HMIs, Advanced HMIs and High-Performance cMT HMIs come with a built-in FTP server that allows you to remotely access data logs, event files, and recipe data via FTP (file transfer protocol). Please…
What printers would you recommend using with a Maple Systems HMI?
While there are many printers that would work with our HMIs, we have tested the Office Jet Pro 8100, LaserJet MFP M227fdw, and LaserJet Pro M203dw. In addition, the cMT Series uses CUPS (Common Unix…
Define Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/ IP)
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet.
Define Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is technology for radio wireless local area networking of devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, which restricts the use of the term Wi-Fi Certified to…
I received a “The HMI system is being prohibited from accessing local devices. Please check if the HMI port no. (8000) is occupied” error.
The Offline or Online Simulator relies on an external process to run correctly, com_e30.exe. If this process is running before the Simulator begins, it can interfere with how the Simulator works, causing the Port 8000…
Define Local Area Network (LAN)?
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building.
What TCP Port on my HMI do I use with Modbus TCP/IP?
Modbus TCP/IP uses TCP Port 502.
How do I configure my Maple Systems Dual Ethernet HMI on two Local Area Networks (LAN) simultaneously?
The Ethernet ports on the Dual Ethernet model are configured via the system settings menu on the HMI hardware. This is the same process used to configure the Ethernet ports on other HMI models, except…
How can I use the internet connection on my Android phone?
Maple Systems HMI models with built-in Wi-Fi can connect to a phone’s broadcast Wi-Fi Hotspot feature by enabling the Hotspot feature on your phone and entering the Wi-Fi network information from your phone into the…
What is CANbus?
Originally developed for use as an in-vehicle network in passenger cars, nowadays Controller Area Network (CAN) is used in many other industries. This includes applications in any kind of transportation system (rail vehicle, aircraft, marine,…
Define Media Access Control Address (MAC)?
A media access control address (MAC address) of a device is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for communications at the data link layer of a network segment. MAC addresses are…
Define Transport Layer Security (TSL / SSL)
Transport Layer Security (TLS), and its now-deprecated predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), are cryptographic protocols designed to provide communications security over a computer network.
Can I Daisy Chain multiple Dual-Ethernet models and give them all access to data in a single PLC?
No, it is not possible to connect multiple Maple Systems Dual Ethernet HMIs in a Daisy Chain configuration and give them all access to data in a single PLC. The HMI project can, however, be…
What is my HMI’s IP Address?
It is important to understand IP addressing when connecting devices together over Ethernet. Whether you are connecting a Maple Systems HMI or cMT to a PLC to communicate over Ethernet, or connecting your PC to…
What are the benefits of CAN? CANbus?
Integrating CANbus communication offers several advantages for industrial automation industries: Speed: CAN data transfer speeds far outperform traditional analog wiring since multiple messages can be sent simultaneously to all connected devices, sensors or actuators. Flexibility:…
How do I move data from one PLC to another PLC?
You can use the Data Transfer object in EBPro to move data from a block of registers on one PLC connected to the Maple Systems HMI and write the data to a block of registers…
How do I know if I should setup my PLC or HMI as remote or local?
In the HMI configuration software, Local and Remote refer to the answer to this question: “Am I going through another HMI besides this one to get PLC variables?” If Yes, then the PLC is to…
I am setting up my Dual Ethernet model, do you have any best practices you would recommend?
Yes, refer to Tech Note 5110, “Dual Ethernet Models” for a summary of our best practices when setting up a Maple Systems Dual Ethernet HMI. Refer to Security chapter of the EBPro Programming Manual for…
Can my HMI be used as a Modbus Gateway?
Maple Systems cMT and HMI products can bridge the gap between your SCADA system and field devices. Using the HMI’s Modbus RTU/TCP Slave protocol, the Modbus Gateway provides a mechanism to connect the Modbus RTU/TCP…