NMW 2006: Touchscreen series adds ‘backpack’ options module

By Control Engineering Staff March 28, 2006

Rosemont, IL; Indianapolis, IN —QX Series Color-Touch OCS (operator control station) from Horner APG was displayed for the first time at National Manufacturing Week , held in Rosemont (Chicago-area), IL March 20-23, 2006. Introduced earlier this month, the series adds an optional “backpack” feature that accommodates snap-on modules and other options such as high-speed counters and remote fiber optic I/O points.

QX Series color touchscreen OCS from Horner APG adds an optional “backpack” feature (right) that accommodates snap-on modules and other options such as high-speed counters and remote fiber option I/O points. Unit comes in three sizes: 8.4, 10.4, and 12.1 in.

Adding I/O modules to the back of the unit reportedly permits the assembly of a less expensive, compact control solution for applications requiring large screens, high resolution, and fast performance. Product combines a traditional controller—programmed in ladder logic—operator interface, I/O connections, and networking into an integrated unit using one software package. Two snap-on backpack options (HE-BP41 and HE-BP43) are available, one with a 500 KHz high-speed counter, one without; up to two backpacks can be installed on the back of a QX base unit.
Base QX touchscreens are said to provide control, operator interface, and communication functionality with the backpack units providing I/O connectivity. Video connectivity can be added with a VIM400 video input option. QX comes in three screen sizes: 8.4, 10.4, and 12.1 in. and has a typical logic scan rate of 0.2 mS/K. Embedded Ethernet supports such capabilities as remote viewing, access, programming, and hosting Web pages and ftp sites. Built-in CompactFlash lets users set up and store up to 2 GB of machine or process data. Programs can be loaded or updated using a CompactFlash card for remote site support.

—Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com
jkatzel@reedbusiness.com