Cimrex 12 is a small text-based operator terminal with extended functionality. It has three options for communication ports and fits almost anywhere. Programmable dimming of the backlight significantly enhances legibility in different ambient lighting conditions.
Measuring a compact 142 x 90 x 43 mm, the device includes functionality such as recipe handling, time channels, multilanguage capability, support for transparent/passthrough mode. Running off the 24 V d.c. power supply, this RS485 communication interface-equipped operator terminal is easily configured with the Windows based programming tool Cimrex PROG, which is used for all Cimrex terminals.
Easy-to-use function keys
Cimrex 12 has a STN-LCD display with two lines of 20 characters each. Three programmable function keys offer enhanced control over the running of applications. The keys and their function are as follows:
Recipe
Analog and digital signal values can be saved in the terminal's memory with a simple keyboard operation. The values can then be read straight from the memory. This allows the operator to quickly and easily change the parameter settings when switching from one product to another in the production. Recipes can be created directly on the terminal or on a PC. Recipes created on the PC may be uploaded to the terminal with the utility software - or any FTP client.
Reports
The easily performed printout reports are designed as a text block and can consist of both static text and dynamic objects linked to PLC devices. The printout can be time or event driven and when it is printed out, the terminal will read the required dynamic values from the PLC and include them in the report. The new web functionality makes it possible to send reports as e-mails to any e-mail address in the world. The printer could be a serial printer connected to the RS232C port - or a parallel printer, if the IFC-PI expansion card is fitted in the terminal. A parallel printer will allow the printing of graphic blocks in black and white.
Passwords
Different objects and keys can be protected against unauthorised use. Up to eight levels can be used to give different operators different authorisations. The password system is hierarchical, which means that an operator with access to level 3 also can access objects on level 1 and 2. Logging off may be performed via a key on the terminal, or on a signal from the PLC, or on a time-out.
Two particularly useful modes of operation:
Passthrough mode
The passthrough mode enables communication between the programming tool for the connected controller system on a PC and the controller system to be established through the terminal. This is a great advantage at commissioning as it makes it possible to access both the terminal and the controller system with one connection only.
Transparent mode
Available with certain drivers, this is similar to passthrough mode - but the terminal remains in run mode, which makes it possible to access the controller and use the terminal at the same time.
Dual driver capability
It is possible to use two different drivers in the terminal, which allows communication with two different makes of controller systems simultaneously. The controllers can be connected to the two serial ports or through the Ethernet using expansion cards. Examples of configurations where dual drivers are used in the terminal are shown in the figures.
Cimrex Tools (utility software) consists of three different programs, used for communication between the PC and the operator terminals.
Recipes, trends and alarms
With the file transfer program, recipe files can be transferred from the operator terminal to the PC for back up or editing, either directly in the program or in Excel, for example. Thereafter the new recipe can be loaded back to the terminal. Also trend files can easily be collected from the terminal to the computer for use in different types of programs. The alarm list with all incoming alarms can also be transferred to the computer.
New system program
The flash memory technology permits terminals in the Cimrex range to be easily upgraded when new system program versions are released. This is performed with System Loader program.
Modem management
The Modem program allows the establishment of modem communication - which may then be used to download new projects to the terminal - or collect files from the terminal.
For more information contact Rolf Lung, Varispeed, 011 466 0830, [email protected], www.varispeed.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 312 5252 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.varispeed.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Varispeed (A Division of Hudaco Trading) |
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