System Mimicing?

[beattsmjk]

Hi,

We have a system utilizing a Standard Mitsubishi Q series PLC on a site in Belfast, utilizing a HMI for control of the system by the operator.

The system is basically two 25000L tanks of chilled milk that is kept in constant circulation around a ring main and then tapped off as demanded by a mixer in the bakery.

The HMI displayes information such as tank levels and tank temps amongst many other things that would be very useful to monitor from a remote location at any time.

Is there anything out there similar to say 'teamviewer' for Windows that would allow me to view what is being displayed on the HMI at any given time from any location via a GSM network?

The tank levels are determined by Vishay load cells (mA output) and PT100 temp probes (Klay / Vega or similar)

Many thanks

Beattsmjk

 

[djs]

What type of HMI? Can you purchase a second one to connect in parellel with the first?

 

[beattsmjk]

It cant be connected in parallel as it needs to be viewed from another location, i.e another town.

I think the HMI is a Siemens HMI.

 

[danw2]

Some HMI's include an internal web server that serves the HMI page being viewed to any web browser oonnecting via HTML.

It's one way of duplicating HMI displays.

Does this particular HMI include a web server?

 

[djs]

Does the HMI run on a "standard" PC or is it an integrated unit mounted in a panel? What I meant by in parellel, is to have a seperate HMI that communicates to your PLC in the same manner as the first HMI.

Siemens offers two class of HMI: WinCC which runs on standard PC hardware, and the Simatic OP?TP panels.

How does the current HMI communicate to the PLC? Serial cable, Ethernet etc?

 

[beattsmjk]

Hi, firstly thanks for the help so far.

Secondly an answer to your questions. The HMI is connected directly to the PLC I.e. It isn't PC controlled. It is connected to the Mitsubishi Q series via an ethernet cable, with a seperate power supply providing 24vdc for the screen.

The PLC has a GSM modem connected. I don't think the HMI has an internal server.

Thanks

 

[djs]

One possible solution is to purchase a new touch panel of the same make and model (look at the nameplate), place an ethernet switch between the PLC and the existing panel, and then connect the new panel to the switch. You will need to download the existing HMI program into the new panel.

I suggest that you get in touch with a local systems integrator for help.