Greetings! I am currently utilizing Studio 5000 and ME Station for my project. I am seeking a solution to determine the status of the PC running the HMI - whether it is powered on or shut down. While I have experimented with macros for startup and shutdown, they only seem to detect the HMI's status prior to the PC shutting down. Any guidance or suggestions on this matter would be highly valued. Thank you for your attention and support!
Have you considered comparing the real-time and date tags to determine if they match? If not, this could indicate a discrepancy. In this case, you can further analyze by comparing the minutes or seconds to pinpoint the difference. This method can help ensure accuracy and synchronization between time stamps.
Can you test the connectivity? I'm not well-versed in Rockwell software, but this feature should be straightforward to add.
I have recently come across this process involving setting up logic in a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The steps involve turning a bit on in the PLC, which is then detected by the Human Machine Interface (HMI). A script is then triggered to set a bit in the PLC. If the PLC detects the bit and sets its bit to zero, the HMI responds by also setting its bit to zero. However, if there is no response from the HMI within 1 or 2 seconds, a fault is created. This process ensures smooth communication between the PLC and HMI systems.
James Mcquade explained a process involving setting up logic in a PLC using a heartbeat signal. The method involves turning on a bit in the PLC, which is then detected by the HMI to trigger a script that sets a corresponding bit in the PLC to zero. If the HMI does not respond within 1 or 2 seconds, a fault is generated. This can be achieved under the global connections/macro tab by creating a macro to write the bit in the PLC.
In the past, I have configured Global connections in a PanelView Plus to transfer the /Seconds tag from the terminal to the PLC. If the tag remains unchanged for more than 5 seconds, I trigger an HMI timeout and take appropriate action, such as timestamping a "PanelView Runtime Halted" event in my logic. However, a drawback of this approach is that it clogs the FactoryTalk Diagnostic history with write commands from the PV+. Alternatively, sending a "List Identity" command using a MSG instruction can be effective, but it does not provide a definitive indication that the FactoryTalk View ME application is functioning correctly.
You could look into leveraging the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) services to pick up system events such as shutdown, restart, or logoff. The service provides notifications of these system events, and you should be able to write a script that listens for these events and communicates with your ME Station setup. I'd suggest trying this approach or likewise, if the PC and HMI device are connected in a common network, pinging the PC at regular intervals could be another simple and effective solution. Availability can be determined based on the success or failure of the pings. This wouldn't directly tell you if the PC is on or off, but it would give an indication of its network responsiveness.
You might want to look into implementing remote monitoring software or a simple script to detect if the PC is running. A common method is to utilize Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) in conjunction with a script to remotely pull the status of a PC. Remember, this usually depends on the PC staying connected to the network and may not work if the PC completely shuts down. Alternatively, a UPS can also be used for monitoring the power status. Those are just a few suggestions and it really depends on the specifications and constraints of your project. Hope this assists you!
✅ Work Order Management
✅ Asset Tracking
✅ Preventive Maintenance
✅ Inspection Report
We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.
Answer: 1. How can I determine the status of the HMI PC using Studio 5000 and ME Station? - To determine the status of the HMI PC, you can experiment with macros for startup and shutdown in Studio 5000 and ME Station. These macros can help detect the HMI's status prior to the PC shutting down. 2. Are there specific features or functions in Studio 5000 that can help monitor the HMI's status? - While Studio 5000 offers various tools and functionalities for PLC programming, utilizing macros for startup and shutdown can be effective in monitoring the HMI's status within the system.
Answer: - When working on determining the HMI status in your project, consider the interactions between Studio 5000, ME Station, and the HMI PC. Experimenting with different approaches, such as using macros, can help in accurately detecting the status of the HMI PC.
Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.