Control.com - Nerds in Control

I have the need to for a very simple HMI software suite. All of the commercial HMI packages that I have evaluated are overkill for my application.

The HMI will be used to control Carlo Gavazzi Dupline Fieldbus I/O modules (http://www.dupline.it/Wellcome.asp).

The modules monitor and control the security door locks, lights, intercom stations, security cameras, smoke evacuation fans, etc, in a detention facility such as jail or a prison.

The software suite should contain a:
a. Configuration software module for designing and programming the HMI touchscreen control panels.
b. Runtime software module for controlling the field devices depicted on the HMI touchscreen control panels.

The HMI Configuration software module must be able to:
a. Import a floor plan graphic file for the HMI’s screen background
b. Import a status indicator or a control pushbutton icon graphic file
c. Create sub-control panels accessible via popup window
d. Program the Dupline generator’s Modbus address and the Dupline address of the control pushbutton icons and indicator icons.
e. Export the HMI control panel file to the Runtime software module.

The HMI Runtime software module must be able to:
a. Run as a standalone software module.
b. Import the HMI control panel file created in the HMI Configuration software module.
c. Communicate with the Dupline I/O modules via the Dupline generator over a MODBUS RS485 network.
d. Communicate with the Dupline I/O modules via the Dupline generator over a local area network.

Ed David
edb813 @ bellsouth. net

Hello,

PeakHMI might fit your needs.

A demo can be downloaded from the web-site:
http://www.peakhmi.com/

If you have any questions please contact support@hmisys.com

Ciao,

Mark
http://www.peakhmi.com/

Hola Mark,

Thank you for your time and information about PeakHMI. I plan to contact them in the AM

Have a wonderful week.

Hasta luego,

Ed

You need to do a lot for a cheap package.
Check out http://www.opto22.com
They have an inexpensive configuration package, $1,000, that includes a pretty decent HMI.

Regards,
Roy

Perhaps you can use a simple application developed in Visual Basic. Animations must be done using VB language and VB object properties. Communications must be implemented using a comercial OPC/DDE Server like IOSERVER (if you have a few I/O signals). This will be a dedicated application.

Thank you Rodrigo.

I have come to the conclusion that what you have suggested is my best solution because the software will be part of a system that I am developing to sell to detention electronic contractors.

Can you work with me to develop the application?
If not, do you know anyone that would be able to work with me?

Thanks again for your information and help.

Ed Burquez

Without knowing the packages you have looked at, you may want to look at the Windows CE package form Indusoft for 150 tags (www.indusoft.com). This seem to be enough to handle this application. Runtimes are under $200. The development (one time) is $750. We market a 6" touchscreen with the software for about $950 so I know the price points you need are out there.

Terry Miller
tmiller @ fpcontrol. com

Ed,

Have you looked at EZAutomation.net?

We use their dedicated HMI products and they seem
simpler than most. They will do several flavors of modbus, so you should be ok there. I easily brought in a bitmap for background. I don't know if they have pc based offerings. I know they have a Windows CE line. I know nothing about the Carlo Gavazzi Dupline Fieldbus I/O modules.

Thank you for your time and suggestion

Ed David Burquez

I echo the response given for any of the previously named HMI packages, but having used InduSoft myself.

I have to ask though, if you're asking for help with VB at the outset, why tackle this project at that level?

Why not use an HMI for what they're designed for, which is to communicate digitally with field devices and display the data in customized format(s).

aside: (using fieldbus, by the way, threw me off immediately, because a major process field bus is called Foundation Fieldbus, frequently shortened to fieldbus. If your system talks Modbus, it will pay to say "Modbus" to prevent confusion.)

For instance, a search of this site for 'visual basic modbus' will bring up numerous requests for Modbus code for VB. Why get involved programming at that level, in effect, integrating a basic comm protocol and creating your own proprietary HMI, when the tasks you list are accomplished by commercial, off-the-shelf products? Do you want it that proprietary? Sometimes it pays to stand on others' work and expertise when they're at version 5.9, you're at version 1.00. There's a financial cost, one way or another. And presumably you need to support it.

Congratulations, and thank you, for listing your requirements. Would that a fraction of forum participants spelled out their requirements as clearly as you did.

Issac

Thank you for your advise and your time.

I have decided to go with Software Horizons, Inc's InstantHMI as someone suggested. After reviewing InstantHMI and talking with the folks at Software Horizons, InstantHMI will do everything I need and more at a very reasonable price.

Thank you all for your kind help and advise

Ed Burquez