Pre-built tag databases, trend screens provide instant HMI functionality

-- Control Engineering, 4/9/2008

North Billerica, MA – Software Horizons introduces “InstantHMI for Watlow” to support the EZ-Zone and other controllers. This OEM version of Software Horizons’ InstantHMI 5.0 software inherits all the software’s design and runtime HMI functionality, and adds ready-made Watlow EZ, SD, and 96 pre-built tag databases, Process Monitor, Watch List, and Trend screens. According to the company, the entire download-install-run process can take place in under 5 minutes, and provide the benefit of discovery, monitor and supervisory control of connected controllers on one or more Watlow networks.

The Device Discovery feature allows the software to detect the number of networks and identify connected Watlow controllers on each. Once discovery is complete, the user can monitor process values, change setpoints and change/view other controller parameters. The InstantHMI LaunchPad Designer allows creation of additional objects and or screens to be included in the project.

The Recipe/Configuration capability allows lists of parameters (configurations) to be retrieved and/or restored for quick and easy controller configuration. The InstantHMI Watch List allows for parameters or groups of parameters to be monitored simultaneously. A simplified user interface lets the user easily add and remove parameters to display the most important information.

The software also lets users log important process information for later analysis, monitor process variables graphically in real-time, and use logged data to graphically view process information over time. With TCP/IP communications, data is available from across the room or across the world. Support for GPS allows data logs to be location-stamped as well as time-stamped. Clipboard tools provide "clipboard replacement" for maintenance schedules, checklists and other tasks that can be logged for later review. Standard connectivity options include serial (RS-232/485) or infrared (on supported controllers). Using conversion kits provided by Software Horizons, users can also communicate via wireless Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi (for LAN/Internet access).

InstantHMI 5.0 provides HMI/SCADA solutions on other target runtime platforms, such as Windows PCs. For a mobile/wireless solution, install it directly on a Windows Mobile PDA or use Software Horizons’ InstantChip technology to run from a CF/SD/Mini-SD/Micro-SD card. Email ramal@shorizons.com for more information.

--edited by Renee Robbins, senior editor, Control Engineering Daily News Desk

InstantHMI for Watlow is an OEM version of Software Horizons’ InstantHMI 5.0.