Z
HMI Community, I was pegged to replace current operator interface (HMI) yet had never heard of an HMI before. I have tried to educate my mech. engr. self. Currently we have a VB driven Dynapro HMI. This, i believe, communicates with an Indramat CLC and PLC's (Diaxo 03 n 04, communicates with MS DDE link.). I am charged to replace the VB/Dynapro for a lower cost, simpler system and reliable while keeping everything else. I have pared the screens from 10 to 3 with, as far as i understand, 50 I/0's(?). Screen 1 includes one "field" to select 1 of 4 choices on the screen, three fields to select 1 of 3 choices on the screen, and four numerical inputs on screen. The software that would be programed with the HMI would need to be able to do math ratios, fractions etc and recognize max & mins based on the choices made on screen. The rest of the I/O's would be used for alarms and push buttons. The second screen would be outputs from the inputs, with the 3rd screen being alarms. The No networking capability, database storage, does not need to be color and can have a numeral keypad w/arrows or touch screen. How do i choose a low cost HMI to best suit me? (I have been lookin at automation direct, exor stuff, A-B, and eason because that is what we have in house, but do not know what to look for.) What information do i need for the programmer/ integrator? (Probably be using a local guy.) Where can i get a better understanding of everything necessary to manage a project about an HMI with competancy? (Website, mag articles...?) Thanks for any input, because i'm just winging it. Thank God for the internet. Zack Stair - PA Mech. Eng.