Is it possible to configure our old Panelview 550 in the Lab to automatically display a "Main" Screen when waking up from sleep mode? Our manager raised this question, but I couldn't find any information in the online PDF Manual besides a "Backlight Timer" setting. A recent incident highlights the importance of having a designated "Home Screen" to prevent operators from making errors due to overlooking subtle differences in screen titles. Providing a clear pathway back to the correct display can reduce the likelihood of impulsive actions. Remember to always pay attention to your tasks to avoid costly mistakes.
If you are looking to achieve your desired functionality with a Panelview Standard, I am not aware of a direct method. My recommendation would be to redesign the pages to clearly display which equipment components are being monitored and controlled on each page. Although the PV Standard does offer Screen Number Status and Control tags that allow the PLC to manage page numbers, it may not be able to detect when the HMI is inactive unless you modify the navigation buttons to interact with the PLC using notify and handshake tags for all objects. However, this setup may still not account for situations where the operator inadvertently touches an empty area of the screen, resetting the HMI idle timer. If feasible, upgrading to a more modern HMI with enhanced features may offer greater flexibility beyond addressing this specific issue.
To optimize user experience and prevent accidental actions, I leverage user inactivity timers on HMIs like the PV550. By timing periods of inactivity, I trigger the screensaver/sleep mode and reset to the home page simultaneously. This ensures that users wake up to a safe environment and are not able to inadvertently interact with the screen.
Are users typically logged in continuously? I make it a point to always configure an inactivity timer on modern HMIs to automatically log out and return to the main screen. This practice helps to enhance security measures and optimize user experience.
TheRooster pointed out that there are no logins required for these panels. Despite being old, they are still operational and functioning. durallymax added that the PanelView 550's are quite basic in design. OkiePC mentioned plans to make some title changes, but found limitations in terms of graphics and color options. They noted the ability to monitor certain features like F-Keys and screen changes, but not the keypad or arrow keys, leaving some gaps. Additionally, one PLC is connected to three PanelViews running the same application, requiring the creation of separate screen control tags for each. Upgrading to a better panel or HMI is not currently feasible, as these panels are still functional in a small scale lab environment. They have been in place for an extended period of time.
To ensure proper communication and avoid IP conflicts, it's important to have unique IP addresses for each HMI device. This can be achieved by creating separate Panelbuilder32 applications for each device. Start by configuring one as the master file and making universal edits to the appearance. Then duplicate it three times, adjusting the IP address, screen controls, and status tags to match the SLC code for each device. This ensures a smooth and error-free "roll your own" inactivity action. Manually editing the IP configurations from a config screen on each device can also help in preventing conflicts when communicating Ethernet to the SLC.
Absolutely possible and a smart maneuver, especially from a safety perspective. The Panelview 550 series has an option to set a "Startup Macro," which will execute the specified commands automatically when the terminal powers up. This macro can include loading a specific screen. You'll find the settings in the Terminal Configuration Mode. This ensures operators always start from the "Main" Screen, mitigating confusion and reducing operator errors. And yes, attentiveness is crucial while performing tasks regardless of how foolproof our system might be!
Absolutely, some of these older terminals can definitely be a nuisance to navigate through at times. Two things come to mind: First, you could use the "Default Display" option which automatically sets the screen to a preferred one upon startup. Ensure the terminal is turned off before toggling this function. Second, in the application you're using, try creating a 'home' button and place it on every screen. This way, regardless of which display the Panelview wakes up in, an operator can easily return to the primary screen. Remember, key here is to minimize the chance of human error by simplifying the interface. Good luck with the configuration and ensuring a safer working environment!
It's a great point to consider having a designated "Home Screen" for safety, especially with the potential for errors when screens aren’t clearly labeled. While the PanelView 550 is pretty limited in its features compared to newer models, one workaround you might try is setting the "Backlight Timer" to a short duration so that it wakes up quickly. If that doesn’t work, you could potentially create a "dummy" screen that serves as the home page and is easily accessible, although it won't truly be automatic. It's definitely worth diving into the logic of your application to see if there's a way to handle it through your program, perhaps by adding an event that automatically navigates back to the main screen after waking. Let us know how it turns out!
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Answer: Answer: Unfortunately, the Panelview 550 does not have a built-in feature to set a default main screen upon waking up from sleep mode. However, you can create a designated "Home Screen" that operators can easily navigate back to in order to prevent errors.
Answer: Answer: Having a designated home screen on the Panelview 550 is crucial to prevent operators from making errors due to overlooking subtle differences in screen titles. It provides a clear pathway back to the correct display, reducing the likelihood of impulsive actions and ultimately avoiding costly mistakes.
Answer: Answer: The Panelview 550 does not offer a direct option to automatically display a main screen after waking up from sleep mode. However, by creating a designated main screen and ensuring operators are familiar with navigating back to it, you can achieve a similar outcome.
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