Coming soon to an HMI near you!

Hi. Once again, time for an update on what is going on behind the scenes.
1. A new version of EB8000 is coming. V4.20
Some of the new features to make life easier (How much easier can it get I don't know, but they managed make some convenient changes.)

• The Search/Replace tool now searches Macros as well as all other objects.
• A new EasyDiagnoser utility for analyzing Macros as they are executed.
• "Screenshot" capture capability has been added to the Simulator. Capture and save simulation screens for documentation, troubleshooting, etc.
• Up to 64 PLC's can now be attached to one HMI.
• New data types such as unsigned char, unsigned short, and unsigned int are added to MACRO.
• New functions such as SetCTS, GetRTS, and Beep are added to MACRO.
• When not being able to communicate with PLC through Ethernet port, LB-11963 can be used to disable “PLC No Response” dialogue.
• New object, Video Input, is added for X Series units that support video input.

New Drivers!

• An new AB Ethernet/IP (CompactLogix/ControlLogix) driver that allows importing tags from the PLC configured as CSV.
• CROUZET M3 FBD driver
• CROUZET M3 LAD driver
• MO-TECH driver
• HITACHI EH_SIO driver
• SAIA SBUS (Ethernet)
• MODBUS RTU (0x/1x Range Adjustable) driver can set address range of 0x/1x to different station numbers.

2. New HMI product. MT8050
This new product is the MT6050 with an Ethernet port instead of a miniUSB port. Programming is done through the Ethernet port. And, the Ethernet port can be used for communication with PLC driver's that support Ethernet. This is perfect for remote consoles with limited space.

3. Replacement product for the PC9000 6 digit LED digital display.
The PC9000 went obsolete a few years ago. The demand for a suitable replacement has be around for a while. Finally, there is an alternative. The PC12. This is a modified S12 that mimicks the PC9000 in operation. In addition the PC12 can be configured to take in a 16 bit binary number full parallel through 16 inputs. Numbers are displayed as Signed or Unsigned with or without Leading Zeros.

That's it for now.
Look for these items to be available on the websites sometime next month.
brian.kep.com , www.kep.com

That's Hystorical!

I tried to make the title funny on purpose. Sometimes people use the word "funny" instead of strange. For instance, "It is funny how the Historical Data does not seem to updating!"

I did this because this post addresses a problem with the History Data Object. The History Data object only updates when the window it is on, is opened. If new data comes in, the display just stays the same. Reopening the window, shows the new data.

If you are just checking data every once in a while, and flipping to and from the window, this usually is not a problem.
But, what if you need to see the data on a regular basis?
What if you are not changing windows while running your process?
How do you overcome this problem?

The solution I came up with was to put the History Data object on a separate window and pop it up with a Direct Window object using LB10 as OFF to trigger it. I then made a Set Bit object using LB10 with the Momentary attribute and a Label, "Refresh Data". By pressing the button, the momentary action closes the Direct window. Releasing the button recalls the Direct Window with the new History Data.

If you are unsure about how to use a History Data object, you might want to review this project. Here it is!