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Transparent mode of the HMI display or how to connect several HMIs to an ACE PLC

 

A remote HMI can monitor or control ACE PLC via the serial port of another HMI connected with the ACE PLC.

In this case, there are two or more HMIs to operate the ACE PLC connected. Transparent connection is a very useful function of HMI.

So, if you wish to connect more than one HMI to an ACE PLC you can either:

  • use the USB and RS232/485 ports of the ACE PLC to connect 2 HMIs to it
  • or use the intelligent transparent mode

With this architecture, you have a solution starting at 249 €!

  • 1 ACE-11 PLC as example at 59€
  • + 1 HMI 4.3″ (Local) at 95€
  • + 1 HMI 4.3″ (Remote) at 95€

HMI transparent mode

Before use transparent mode, the following terms should be understood:

  • Local HMI” : The HMI connected with the ACE PLC.
  • Remote HMI” : The HMI connected in transparent mode with the “Local HMI” that controls the ACE PLC.

To realize transparent connection, the “Local HMI” must have 2 ports. One to the ACE PLC and one for the “Remote HMI”

The ACE PLC can be connected to the HMI, via its USB port or RS232/RS485 port

The HMIs must be connected via their RS232/485 port.

You can have more than 2 HMIs ! Moreover, HMIs can be different (4.3″, 7.0″, 10.2″,…)

The projects on each HMI can be different or identical. Only the parameters of the connection links change.

 

Software settings: “Local HMI”, connected directly to the ACE PLC

Settings for the connection to the ACE PLC. As usual.

Settings for the connection to the “Remote HMI”

Software settings: “Remote HMI”, connected to the “Local HMI”

Settings for the connection to the “Local HMI”

Software settings: No change for this tab (“Remote HMI” and “Local HMI”)

RS485 between each HMI

See “Wiring diagram of the serial RS232/RS485