HMI: Monitors, graphic panel improve images, offer ruggedness

Advantech, AutomationDirect, and iKey debut rugged industrial human machine interface and operator interfaces.

By Control Engineering Staff July 22, 2008

Cincinnati, OH; Cumming, GA; Austin, TX – Advantech, AutomationDirect, and iKey debut offerings for human machine interface and operator interface applications. Features of the new products include onscreen image adjustment, rugged construction, compact design, touch screen, and software downloads.

Industrial Automation Group of Advantech has launched the FPM-5151G 15-in. (1,024 x 768 resolution) LCD flat panel monitor. The image can be adjusted with an on-screen interface.

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech has launched the FPM-5151G 15-in. (1,024 x 768 resolution) LCD flat panel monitor, which features direct-VGA & DVI-D signal transmission; any VGA control card can be used in the system. An on-screen display feature allows image adjustments.A front-access USB connector provides access to the controller through a USB extension cable.Included are lockable OSD keys with two user-defined contrast/brightness settings, 10-30 V dc power input, and an optional combo RS-232 with USB interface for the touchscreen function.FPM-5151G has a NEMA 4/IP65 compliant aluminum die-cast flat-sealed front panel with anti-rust chassis.It supports panel, wall, desktop, rack, or VESA arm mounting.

AutomationDirect’s C-more Micro-Graphic panel line now includes 6-in. display models.

AutomationDirect’s C-more Micro-Graphic panel line now includes 6-in. display models. The touch-style graphic/text panels have a 320 x 240 pixel graphical display to support bitmap files. Used in a horizontal orientation, the panel supports 40 lines by 80 characters or static text; 53 lines by 60 characters are supported in vertical orientation. Two optional keypad bezels are available for either horizontal or vertical panel mounting.The panels are equipped with drivers to support all DirectLogic protocols, as well as Allen-Bradley DF1 Full duplex, Allen-Bradley DF1 Half duplex, Allen-Bradley PLC5 DF1, AB DH485, Omron Host Link, Omron FINS serial, GE SNPX, Mitsubishi Melsec FX, Siemens PPI, and Entivity Modbus RTU. Free panel configuration software features a built-in project simulator. AutomationDirect offers software download for the touch panels. See a short C-more touch panel video and get more info. AutomationDirect provides C-more operator interface accessories .

iKey’s flat panel monitors are NEMA 4X certified,

iKey’s flat panel monitors are NEMA 4X certified , which means they are resilient to dust, water, ice, and corrosives, according to Danielle Nepustil, marketing programs manager at iKey . “They are easily integrated into new or existing systems. Their functionality and durability makes them ideal solutions for industrial computing applications,” Nepustil adds.Model types and sizes include the FP15-PM and FP15-PMT, each with 15-in. display screen and maximum screen resolution of 1,024 x 768. FP15-PMT features a resistive touchscreen.The larger models are FP17-PM and FP17-PMT (resistive touchscreen model), with 17.1-in. display screens and maximum screen resolution of 1,280 x 1024. Each monitor has a stainless steel front bezel, 400 nits of brightness, and a 40,000-hour backlight life. Menu items such as brightness and contrast are accessed on the back of the display.A related article from Control Engineering describes HMI trends and technologies:

Solid HMI Connections, Sealed Edges Prove Tough Enough

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