Maple Systems’ HMIs communicate with Omron’s CJ, CP, and CS series PLCs using Omron’s proprietary Factory Interface Network Service (FINS) protocol. FINS operates at the application layer of the TCP/IP model, streamlining communication through Ethernet. Omron PLCs can also communicate via HostLink using a serial connection.
Quick Start Guides
Get your Maple Systems HMI and Omron PLC communicating in a few simple steps. Select your PLC’s communication protocol below to get started.
Note: Maple Systems’ HMIs do not communicate with Omron PLCs using Omron’s Controller Link controller networks.
Ethernet FINS/TCP
This guide walks you through connecting an Omron PLC to EBPro, importing existing tags, and using PLC data in your HMI project. Each step guides you through setting up communication so you can start building screens with confidence.
Instructions: Ethernet FINS/TCP
Connect the PLC and Open a New EBPro Project
Using a standard Ethernet cable, connect your Omron PLC to a PC running EBPro. Make sure the PC and PLC’s IP addresses are on the same subnet, otherwise, they won’t communicate directly. Open EBPro. Create a new project. Select your HMI model.
Choose and Add Your Omron PLC
In the System Parameter Settings, select New Device/Server. Change your Device Type to Omron > Omron CJ1/CS1/CP Ethernet-FINS/TCP. Click Ok.
Set Up Communication Using the PLC IP Address
Select Settings and enter the IP address for your Omron PLC. Click Okto close the IP Address Settings. Click Ok again to confirm the settings are saved. Then close the Device Settings window.
Bring in Existing Tags from CX Controller
To import existing tags from a project in CX Controller, open the System Parameter Settings. Select Import Tags. Select Browse and select the .cxr file with your tags. Click Import, and a new window will appear with the tags available to import. Check the tags you’d like to import and then hit Ok.
Use PLC Data in Your HMI Objects
Now you can configure any of the objects available in EBPro by placing the object, opening the object properties (double click the object), selecting your Omron Controller as the device, and assigning one of its memory addresses to the placed object.
Ethernet FINS/UDP
This guide walks you through connecting an Omron PLC to EBPro using an Ethernet module, importing existing PLC tags, and using that data in your HMI project. Each step is designed to help you set up communication and start building screens, even if you’re new to EBPro or Omron PLCs.
Instructions: Ethernet FINS/UDP
Connect the PLC and Start a New EBPro Project
Using a standard Ethernet cable, connect your Omron PLC to a PC that’s running EBPro. Make sure the PC and PLC’s IP addresses are on the same subnet or they won’t communicate directly. Open EBPro. Create a new project. Select your HMI model.
Add the Omron PLC with an Ethernet Module
In the System Parameters, select New Device/Server. Change your Device type to Omron > Omron CJ/CS and CP+Ethernet Module (Ethernet). Then click Ok.
Enter the PLC IP Address
Select Settings and enter the IP address for your Omron PLC. Then click Ok to close the IP Settings. Click Ok again to confirm the settings are saved, and close the Device Settings window.
Import Tags from CX Controller
To import existing tags from a project in CX Controller, open the System Parameter Settings. Select Import Tags. Select Browse and select the .cxr file with your tags. Click Import. A new window will appear with the tags available to import. Check the tags you’d like to import and then hit Ok.
Use PLC Data in Your HMI Objects
Now you can configure any of the objects available in EBPro by placing the object, opening the object properties (double click the object), selecting your Omron Controller as the device, and assigning one of its memory addresses to the placed object.
HostLink (Serial)
This guide walks you through connecting an Omron PLC to EBPro using a serial connection, configuring the communication settings, and using PLC data in your HMI project. Each step is explained to help you set up communication correctly, even if you’re new to serial connections or EBPro.
Instructions: HostLink (Serial)
Connect the PLC Using a Serial Cable and Start a New Project
Using the appropriate serial cable, connect the Omron PLC to a PC running EBPro. (If the PC does not have a serial port, you can connect to a Maple Systems HMI or use a USB serial adapter.) Open EBPro. Create a new project. Select your HMI model.
Add the Omron PLC as a Device
In the System Parameters, select New Device/Server. Change your Device type to Omron > Omron CJ1, CS1 and CP Series. Click Ok.
Select the Correct Communication Interface
Set the communication interface to match the PLC and wiring configuration in the Device Settings.
Confirm the PLC Communication Settings
Select Settings. Confirm that the protocol settings match the settings for your Omron PLC. These settings will match the most common settings for that device and protocol by default, but you may adjust them for specific use cases if necessary.
Use PLC Data in Your HMI Objects
Now you can configure any of the objects available in EBPro by placing the object, opening the object properties (double click the object), selecting your Omron Controller as the device, and assigning one of its memory addresses to the placed object.
Once the communication settings are configured, the next step is to verify that data is being exchanged correctly between the PLC and the HMI.
Demo Project
Download our demo project to learn about some of the features available with a Maple Systems HMI. This demo is configured for Omron’s CJ1M (CPU11-ETN) controller, but it can be switched to any CJ, CP, or CS series PLC in CX Programmer by selecting PLC > Change Model in the menu bar and choosing your model.
Watch the video or follow the instructions below to learn how to install, run, and configure a basic HMI application using our HMI software, EBPro.
How to open this demo in EBPro:
- Download the compressed CX Series Demo Project folder. This folder also contains the application program files for CX Programmer and Sysmac Studio.
- Extract the files from the zipped folder and save them to a local drive on your PC.
- Open the EBPro configuration software.
- Open the File menu and select Compress/Uncompress.
- In the Uncompress section of the window, click Browse, then select the CX_Series_Project.ccmp file that was just extracted from the zipped folder in step two. Click Uncompress.
- The uncompressed project file will now be in the same location as the .ccmp file with a .cmtp file extension.
- Use File > Open in EBPro to open the uncompressed project file.
Controller Information Sheets
Controller Information Sheets provide information to help connect to an Omron PLC, including connection tips, tag imports, and more. If you’re experiencing connection issues, download and review the info sheet for your device using the buttons below.
CJ/CS Series
(Ethernet FINS/TCP)
Controller information and connection guide for CJ/CS series PLCs using the Ethernet FINS/TCP protocol.
CJ/CS/CP Series + Ethernet Module (Ethernet FINS/UDP)
Controller information and connection guide for CJ/CS/CP series PLCs with attached Ethernet modules using the Ethernet FINS/UDP protocol.
CJ/CP/CS Series
(HostLink, Serial)
Controller information and connection guide for CJ/CP/CS series PLCs using the expanded HostLink serial protocol.
Communication Cables
Selecting the correct communication cable is essential for establishing reliable communication between a Maple Systems HMI and an Omron PLC. Different PLC models and communication protocols require specific cable types to ensure proper signal compatibility and data transfer.
Maple Systems HMIs connect directly to FINS or HostLink ports on Omron CJ, CP, and CS series PLCs. Cable requirements may vary depending on the PLC model, communication method, and physical connection type used in your system.
To determine the correct cable for your specific HMI and PLC combination, use the HMI/cMT Cable Configurator.
Additional Resources
For answers to common questions about Maple Systems HMIs, PLCs, and general product usage, visit our FAQ page. This resource covers frequently asked topics related to hardware, software, and system configuration.
For a complete list of CJ, CP, and CS series controllers available from Omron, refer to the manufacturer’s official website for the most up-to-date product information.
Would you like to know more? Our friendly and knowledgeable sales team can connect you to the resources you need.
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