Hey there! I'm an Omron HMI supplier, and today I'm gonna walk you through how to create a simple screen on an Omron HMI. Whether you're new to these devices or just looking to brush up on your skills, this guide should help you out.
Getting Started with Omron HMI
First things first, let's talk a bit about Omron HMIs. They're known for their reliability and user - friendly interfaces. There are different models out there, like the NB10W - TW01B Omron, NS8 - TV01B - V2 Omron, and Omron NS10 - TV00B - V2 HMI. Each model has its own features and capabilities, but the basic process of creating a screen is pretty similar across the board.
Before you start creating a screen, you'll need to have the right software installed. Omron provides software that's specifically designed for programming their HMIs. It's usually included when you buy an HMI, or you can download it from the official Omron website. Once you've got the software up and running on your computer, you're ready to start.
Setting Up the Project
Open the Omron HMI programming software. When you first launch it, you'll be prompted to create a new project. Give your project a name that makes sense, like "Simple HMI Screen Project". You'll also need to select the model of your Omron HMI. This is important because the software will adjust the settings and available features based on the specific model you're using.
After you've set up the project, you'll see a workspace where you can start building your screen. The workspace is divided into different sections, like the toolbox, the screen area, and the property inspector. The toolbox contains all the elements you can use to create your screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and gauges.
Adding Elements to the Screen
Let's start by adding a button to our screen. In the toolbox, find the button icon and click on it. Then, click and drag your mouse on the screen area to draw the button. You can resize and reposition the button as needed. Once you've placed the button, you can customize its appearance. In the property inspector, you can change things like the button's text, color, and size.
Next, let's add a text box. Just like with the button, find the text box icon in the toolbox, click on it, and then draw the text box on the screen. You can use the text box to display information, like the status of a machine or the value of a sensor. You can also set up the text box to accept user input, which is useful for things like entering a setpoint.
If you want to display a numerical value, you can add a gauge. Gauges are great for showing things like temperature, pressure, or speed. To add a gauge, find the gauge icon in the toolbox and draw it on the screen. You can customize the gauge's appearance and set its range and units in the property inspector.
Configuring the Elements
Now that we've added some elements to the screen, we need to configure them to work properly. Let's start with the button. When you click on the button, you probably want it to do something, like turn on a machine or change a parameter. To set this up, you'll need to use the software's programming features.
In the property inspector, look for the "Events" or "Actions" section. Here, you can define what happens when the button is pressed. For example, you can set it to send a signal to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to start a process. You'll need to know the address of the output in the PLC where you want to send the signal.
For the text box, if you want it to display the value of a sensor, you'll need to link it to the appropriate input in the PLC. In the property inspector, find the "Data Link" or "Link" section and select the input address of the sensor. The text box will then automatically update with the current value of the sensor.
The gauge also needs to be linked to a data source. Just like with the text box, go to the property inspector and find the data link section. Select the input address of the variable you want the gauge to display, and set the range and units accordingly.
Testing the Screen
Once you've added and configured all the elements on your screen, it's time to test it. In the programming software, there's usually a "Simulation" or "Test" mode. Activate this mode, and the software will simulate the operation of the HMI. You can click on the buttons, enter text in the text boxes, and see if everything works as expected.
If you find that something isn't working right, go back and check the configuration of the elements. Make sure that all the data links are set up correctly and that the events and actions are defined properly. You might need to make some adjustments until everything functions smoothly.
Transferring the Screen to the HMI
After you're satisfied with the test results, it's time to transfer the screen to the Omron HMI. Connect the HMI to your computer using a USB cable or an Ethernet cable, depending on the model. In the programming software, look for the "Transfer" or "Download" option. Select this option, and the software will transfer your screen project to the HMI.
Once the transfer is complete, power on the HMI. You should see your newly created screen on the HMI's display. You can now use the HMI to interact with your machine or system.
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problems during the process, don't worry. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Element not working: Check the data link and event settings of the element. Make sure it's correctly linked to the PLC and that the actions are defined properly.
- Screen not displaying correctly: Check the screen resolution and orientation settings in the HMI's configuration. Also, make sure that the transfer was successful and that there are no errors in the project.
- Communication issues: If the HMI can't communicate with the PLC, check the communication settings in both the HMI and the PLC. Make sure the baud rate, parity, and other settings match.
Conclusion
Creating a simple screen on an Omron HMI isn't as hard as it might seem. With the right software and a bit of practice, you can create a functional and user - friendly screen in no time. Whether you're using an NB10W - TW01B Omron, NS8 - TV01B - V2 Omron, or Omron NS10 - TV00B - V2 HMI, the basic process is the same.
If you're interested in purchasing an Omron HMI or need more support with programming, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you get the most out of your Omron HMI.
References
- Omron HMI Programming Manual
- Omron HMI Software Documentation
