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.
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, such as ROM or flash memory, and is essential for the device to function. It provides low-level control over the…
NOTE: Advanced mode is required to reverse the order on the SQL Table. By default the SQL Query Result Viewer will visualize data in ascending order. To change it to descending order will require enabling Advanced Mode under [Data/History] > [SQL Query] > double click on an SQL Query instance > Enable [Advanced Mode]. Once…
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: Press OK to confirm. Once this is done this port will no longer be able to communicate…
Read More How do I disable the WAN capabilities of an HMI or cMT?
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 how many times the user writes to it.
Read More How long can an HMI hold its program while powered off?
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 same network. All LAN ports operate as a single network segment, relaying traffic without performing NAT. This mode is useful…
A compiled project file can be decompiled to extract the project file and create new library files for the embedded graphics. This will create a new .emtp or .cmtp (editable project file) that can be used in EBPro. There are 3 primary file types for project files used in EBPro: Before a project file can…
Read More How do I edit a compiled HMI or cMT series project file in EBPro?
There are many methods that can be used to set a string value to LW registers in an EasyBuilder Pro project. A useful method with a cMT series device is by using the Action Trigger object. Other methods include using a similar strategy with the Set Word objects, or even a Macro using the SetData…
Read More How can I set a string value to LW memory in EasyBuilder Pro?
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 in mind is that the LAN 1 port is configured for accessing the internet, where LAN 2 is only able…
Read More Can I have my LAN ports configured to different networks?
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 2 is strictly for Local Access Networks. In general, we recommend keeping to LAN 2 on your device, unless you…
Read More What’s the difference between the two LAN ports on my HMI/cMT?
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 no longer supported in newer versions of EBPro. If you are experiencing these errors there are two ways to workaround…
Read More How to fix the “building font file failed” error message?
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 International Organization for Standardization. It describes the tasks required to transmit data via radio waves, light, or electricity.
Read More What is the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model?