Eaton

[Shiner]

Are all HMI applications programmed in the same manner to some extent. Is it just a matter of creating icons, giving them a label and then applying a tag address to them. Usually a little expression here and there, but I have been nervous about getting into these and so far they seem fairly similar across the brands. Anyone have similar findings or should I be wary of certian brands.

[OkiePC]

My first HMI programming was with the Cutler Hammer Panelmates, and I had a pretty involved application to take apart and learn from. I thought the Panelmate Configuration software was very easy to use and very powerful, with the use of the [?] operator and complex expressions to control the results of user entry. I never had any software or firmware issues, and ours used the DH+ interface card which has apparently become extinct in non-a/b HMI products. We used the 1500, 3000, and 5000 series Power Pro models with serial drivers and the DH+ drivers. We had some touchscreens and some with the touchpad below the screen. It has been about 5 years since I last used a PanelMate, so I am not sure how much evolution has taken place since then. Later I had to learn to use Panelbuilder32 for A/B Panelview Standards and found it to be very clumsy to work with and limited (no expressions...). I have gotten quite proficient with PB32 after lots of practice. The Panelview Plus has the ability to use expressions, but the programming software has been a major headache for me. It is nice and pretty and can do all sorts of cool stuff if you read the fine print and don't mind all the install headaches. The Panelview Plus hardware is not very reliable IMHO, and takes at least 90 seconds to get running after power up. My latest HMI adventures have been with Red Lion G3 series and they have all the nuts and bolts and then some. The software is free and works great. There are some things you have to do "by hand" if you want things like screen control and status tags for example, but I can't think of anything the other HMIs will do that a G3 can't with the exception of DH+ or RIO communication. One of the greatest features of the G3 is the fact that the application is up and running in about 5 seconds after you turn on the power. I have not seen another HMI that boots faster. Edited May 26, 2010 by OkiePC

[Ken Moore]

I have to add the G3's have outstanding FREE tech. support.

[Shiner]

Thanks for the info, I will definately keep it in mind as we have alot of customers who request HMI interface but leave it up to us to design the system. I know what you mean about the AB headaches for install. The help menus were not as thorough as some I have seen and we all know AB tech is not free like Eaton or some other manufacturers. Free doesn't always mean better though.....but it would be nice .