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2008 (coming soon)
2009 (coming soon)
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Getting started with Vijeo & Magelis HMI
- June 12, 2009, 9:05 am
Part 1 Introduction to XBTGT and Vijeo 5.0
In this series we are going to take a whistle stop tour of how to implement an HMI (Human Machine Interface) solution using the Schneider Electric Magelis range of touch screens. Primarily the core XBTGT series, which range from mono 3.8" up to full colour 15" with inbuilt audio visual (AV) functions.
Part of a comprehensive interface offer the Magelis XBTGT range offers a series of six ranges, varying in size and specification. These ranges include:
- 3.8" XBTGT 1000 Series
- 5.7" XBTGT 2000 Series
- 7.5" XBTGT 4000 Series
- 10.4" XBTGT 5000 Series
- 12.1" XBTGT 6000 Series
- 15" XBTGT 7000 Series
At i3m we have been using the Magelis XBTGT series for the past five years (primarily acting as audio visual interfaces to training and simulation systems) and programmed from Vijeo Designer 4.2 right up to the current version (Vijeo Designer 5.0). While the functionality and capabilities have increased and most of the bugs (lets call them bonus features!) have been ironed out, the entire core Vijeo Designer principles remain the same whatever the release version.
Having never used it before and in order to keep a balanced approach, we will also take a beginners guide and review of the Red Lion G3 series, programmed with their free Crimson 2.0 software. Lets face it we all like free software!
A quick overview of touch screen HMI's
For those new to HMI’s they principally combine screen and input device(s) into a single unit. Driven by a touch screen interface (some models also have keys around the main screen. Think cash point or ATM depending on your geography!). Their main advantage is they do not rely on main stream operating systems so are self ‘booting’, can be turned on and off with no user shutdown and are less vulnerable to user ‘dabbling’ and virus attack. When required there are models that run on a Windows platform but that is beyond the scope of the XBTGT series (You need to take a look at the XBTGTW series).
Okay, so we have touch screen interface with a bespoke underlying operating system and we probably have some kind of PLC system to control and read back information from? So you’re going to need to program your HMI to interface to the PLC in question. This has always been a big advantage to the Schneider XBTGT series. They ship with drivers for all of the major automation manufacturers and not just Schneider or Modicon devices.
Vijeo Designer 5.0
Anyway, back to programming. Fortunately, as with the world these days, there is a nice little software package to help you do this and for Schneider XBTGT it comes in the form of Vijeo Designer v5.0. You’re also going to need a programming cable to connect the PC that you program on to the XBTGT. This can be a serial cable, USB programming cable or Ethernet cable depending on set up and model. Programming cables are expensive for what they are (circa £130 at list prices), which is why it’s worth keeping an eye out for bundle deals (Schneider are currently running a limited promotion that includes entry level XBTGT, XBTZG9*5 cable and Vijeo Designer 5.0, which we reported back in May 2009). With the falling cost of Ethernet enabled models it can be cheaper to by and Ethernet model and just use a standard CAT5 Ethernet patch cable to transfer the program.
In the first, straight of the box configuration your easiest option is to use the expensive serial/USB cable. If you went for the Ethernet model you’re going to have to decipher the MAC address and convert this to an IP address to download your first program (We will cover this later). If there is no Ethernet switch in your system and you’re connecting point-to-point then you will need a cross wired patch cable.
Okay, that’s part one. If you don’t have the hardware, cable and software then you’re not necessarily going to need it for part two as Vijeo Designer allows us to run a full simulation on the PC without the need to connect to a real world HMI. However we will be looking at connecting it all up and configuring the XBTGT too. Subscribe to our RSS or email RSS and we can let you know once it’s posted.
- 'For those new to HMI’s they principally combine screen and input device(s) into a single unit. Driven by a touch screen interface (some models also have keys around the main screen. Think cash point or ATM depending on your geography!). '
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Windows Client Roadmap Update
- June 28, 2008, 2:35 am
- The "end of sales" date for Windows XP has been announced today. Microsoft say that Windows XP will continue to be supported (Patches, updates etc.) until 2014. Windows, XP, Vista and Windows 7 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
- 'We will stop selling Windows XP as a retail packaged product and licensing it directly through major PC manufacturers on 30th June 2008. You will still be able to purchase through partners but only until the stock diminishes.
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Having used Schneider Electric (Telemecanique) Vijeo Designer since version 4.2 (Yes that’s version 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and version 4.7!) we are currently awaiting the imminent release of Vijeo Designer 5.0 (If you have not heard about this release then contact your local Schneider Electric Representative).