The leader in industrial automation and control solutions

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 order to reference any PLC address / variable. Define the PLC by going to the System Parameters Device tab. Click…

What is 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, relaying the graphical screen updates back in the other direction, over a network. Software Downloads & Upgrades Manuals & Guides…

I added a new recipient to my email list, but it isn’t there after I download the project.

After adding a new recipient to your project in EBPro, make sure the “Use existing contact settings on HMI first (if existed)” option is NOT selected in the System Parameters e-Mail tab. If it is selected, then the updates to the recipient list will not be downloaded to the HMI. Software Downloads & Upgrades Manuals…

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 local network is desirable when multiple terminals are needed. Tech Note 5030, “Networking HMIs with RS-485” explains how this can…

Help with messaging passing protocol between the OIT and GE Fanuc PLC.

The Maple Systems Operator Interface Terminal’s (OITs) message passing protocol allows the PLC programmer to choose between two different levels of implementation. The first is a simple, no-handshaking message protocol intended for simpler operator interface applications; the second level adds full message handshaking between the OIT and the PLC. Tech Note 1024, Message Protocol for…