Using microcontrollers, touch screens and visual basic

In another thread I asked questions about problems I have had with AB Panelview.

I have long felt that it might be cost effective and offer more capabilities to use a touch screen computer running a visual basic program.

Myself, I don't know how that could be interfaced to an AB PLC. I wish I did.

I also have thought that it might be useful in many instances to use micro controllers such as Parallax's Propeller combined with the touch screen computer and visual basic program... heck, maybe even a plain ol computer with a mouse or touch pad.

Anyone have any thoughts on that...

Check out these posts. It relates to an HMI package developed by one of PLCS.net's contributors Archie, using VB.Net.

http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=42656&highlight=advanced+hmi

http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=43286&highlight=advanced+hmi


There are also other packages such as Intouch, Indusoft and Citect that offer drivers to AB equipment. Search Google for HMI and SCADA software.

Jon.
Jon.

I can give you one option that is incredibly price effective and more flexible than any specialized HMI hardware (e.g. Panelview)

Take a look at this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-E8NlUNiX4

You can use the free software with a touch screen PC with XP or XP Embedded such as a Beckhoff Panel PPC or one of these:

http://www.ivcdisplays.com/NP-612X.htm


This video also applies to the AdvancedHMI since it uses the same driver:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiPzqc5jDlE





You can get a 12" touch screen for $1420

The biggest problem with doing custom VB is that eventually someone else will have to make changes to it. Most PLC programmers I know (at my company and customer's companies) aren't too good with VB or other PC languages. When they want to make a change, they take one look at the code and then immediately pick up the phone and call us. We stick with the usual HMI packages for the convenience of not having to make every change yourself.

realolman said:

I have long felt that it might be cost effective and offer more capabilities to use a touch screen computer running a visual basic program.

Click to expand...

Only if you work for nothing. Or barely minimum wage.
Or some kind of intellectual exercise.

I had tested OPC Client for Visual Basic.Net from
http://www.opcsystems.com/opc_controls_net.htm.
The results are good.
The simple examples and an video for the beginners are available too .