Everything You Need to Know About HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces)
Human machine interfaces, or HMIs, are access terminals on machinery, in management stations, and countless remote locations that give plant personnel and other end users a way to visually monitor and adjust automated operations, machine controls, and output functions. HMI hardware traditionally integrates compact control electronics and a ruggedized display screen or touchscreen.
Table of Contents
HMI Overview
Technological advances in the fields of IT, personal electronics, and manufacturing are expanding the role of the traditional HMI in the automation market. Today, there are many more ways in which humans can and want to interface with their machines. It is no longer just an operator physically standing in front of a machine using a touchscreen to control basic operations.
Human machine interfaces must network to a central location where a plant manager can monitor operations efficiently and receive quick alerts to resolve maintenance issues. And, machine operators want to be free to walk around the facility controlling their machines via tablets and smartphones.
Selecting The Right HMI
Whether you’re designing for a new application or updating an existing one, Maple Systems provides innovative HMI touch screens, servers, and gateway products that provide the connectivity, monitoring, and control required to get the job done. These products are designed to meet the expanding need for the IIoT and Industry 4.0 solutions to connect to equipment, while still preserving the core function of a fixed operator terminal.
Our industry leading HMIs include support for IIoT protocols such as OPC UA, SQL Database integration, MQTT, and Ignition.
Panel-Mount HMIs
Human Machine Interfaces: Our panel-mount Graphic HMIs are built rugged to withstand your touch industrial automation applications and come in a variety of display sizes to make your automation, data monitoring, and networking easy. These IIoT ready edge-devices communication with hundreds of PLCs, motors, and controllers including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, and more.
Headless HMIs
Headless Human Machine Interface: Enjoy the same features as our panel-mount HMIs without an integrated display. Our edge gateway HMIs monitor PLC operations, gather data, and allow you to remotely access your control system on your Apple/Android smart phone, or your own tablet/laptop/PC. Our HDMI®-enabled HMI works with screens of any size, making screen size no longer a limitation in your application.
Panel-Mount<br>HMI + PLC
Human Machine Interface with connected PLC: Our HMC series combines a touchscreen HMI and PLC all in one unit. Utilized worldwide to employ diverse applications, our HMI+PLCs lower costs, save space, and feature options including: Serial and Ethernet communication, support for Class I Division 2 installations, and numerous I/O configurations. What’s more, they provide an affordable combination of display and control in a single package.
Panel-Mount<br>Industrial PCs
Panel Mount Industrial Computers: Our Panel PCs come with a Linux or Windows®OS, installed, touch screens, and are full-strength industrial computers that can operate any Windows® Software, powerful SCADA software such as Allen-Bradley’s FactoryTalk® View, Ignition™, AVEVA™ Edge and Wonderware®, or configure them using programming languages such as Visual Basic, Python and C++, providing you with flexible options.
Today’s HMI Hardware
Gone are the days of machine-operator terminals based solely on switches, pushbuttons, meters, and operator warning lights. Today’s HMIs control machines and monitor, analyze, and optimize operations. Some HMIs serve as the processor for IO signals carrying feedback on speeds, temperatures, torques, tensions, and more to optimize processes.
Human machine interfaces can help consolidate data and provide global insights based on a myriad of edge devices incorporating electronics to communicate current states. Most leading-edge HMIs today also assume all processing of data to allow that data’s presentation in human-readable graphical formats.
In fact, the task of processing data for presentation in easily understood visual readouts is something the industry now takes for granted.
Things to consider when choosing HMI:
- Driver Support
- Communication Ports
- Display Properties
- HMI Programming Software
- Performance
- Remote Access
- Security
- Certification
- IIoT Support
- Input Method
To learn more, check out Maple System’s article 10 Things to Consider When Choosing a New HMI.
Related Software
Not all software is created equal. Before deciding on a hardware solution, you should consider what features your application requires:
- Does the software have the features you need now, and may want to use in the future?
- Does the HMI require a proprietary software or can you add/modify software as needed?
- Is there a cost of the software?
- Is the cost (if any) a one time charge or a reoccurring licensing fee?
- What about a costly service agreement?
All our proprietary HMI software is free with no costly agreements or reoccurring licensing fees.
EBPro Configuration Software
Our powerful HMI configuration software, EBPro, gives you the flexibility to design the screens you want quickly – pick and place graphical objects and assign communication (PLC) drivers easily. With support for over 300 communication protocols including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Emerson, GE, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, and many more, we can seamlessly integrate into your existing system. Visit our Support Center to download your free version of EBPro, or to learn more about the software, visit our software section to read more about the features and see the videos, sample projects, and learning material available 24/7.
MAPware-7000 Configuration Software
Don’t let the simplicity of our HMI+PLC configuration software fool you into thinking the program isn’t powerful. Easily create, test and deploy complex operations with an easy to understand user interface. All without the need to learn another complex programming language. Programming with MAPware-7000 software allows you to have web server functionality, data logging, recipes, graphs, alarms, meters, trending, create objects with multiple tasks, and more. Uses IEC 61131-3 Programming Language. Visit our Support Center to download our free HMI+PLC software, or to learn more about the software, visit our software section to read more about the features and see the tutorials available to get you started today.
Windows® OS for Industrial Computers
Microsoft® Windows® OS’s are powerful Operating Systems that deliver enterprise manageability and security to IoT solutions. Additionally, all the features and functionality that you’d expect to find on your desktop PC are available. Our Industrial PCs are full-strength industrial computers that can operate any Windows® Software and powerful SCADA software such as Allen-Bradley’s FactoryTalk® View, Ignition™, AVEVA™ Edge and Wonderware®, or configure them using programming languages such as Visual Basic, Python and C++, providing you with flexible options. Choose either an embedded or non-embedded version of the OS.
Connecting to a PLC
We offers support of more than 300 controller protocols for Maple System HMI solutions (including HMIs, HMI + PLCs, Industrial PCs, and OITs). Although each of our HMI solutions support different PLCs and protocols, Maple Systems provides documentation and material on the most common PLC manufacturers in one place for your convenience.
Maple Systems PLCs
Maple Systems offers different types of PLCs to meet your system requirements, or control panel needs. Our Micro PLC is for small scale applications (Up to 36 Digital Inputs/Outputs and 2 Analog Inputs/Outputs) and our Modular PLC is expandable (up to 384 Digital/Analog Inputs/Outputs), which can be configured with any combination of modules to fit your application.
Micro or Modular PLC to a Maple HMI
How to Connect a Maple Systems PLC using Modbus RTU and TCP Communications.
Maple Micro PLC User Manual
This manual contains information on features, communication interface, I/O specifications, dimensions, and the use and operation of this device.
Maple Modular PLC User Manual
This manual contains information on features, communication interface, I/O specifications, dimensions, and the use and operation of this device.
Additional Resources
Looking for information about our Micro and Modular PLCs? View our collection of manuals, including analog and digital module user guides, High Speed Counter Manual, and more.
Allen-Bradley PLCs
Allen-Bradley PLCs are used worldwide and in all kinds of installations and applications. Our HMIs support ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Micro8xx, MicroLogix, PLC-5s, and many more Allen-Bradley PLC brands. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up the PLC to a Maple Systems HMI, including what communication cables maybe required and software settings.
Compact/ControlLogix/DriveLogix (EtherNet/IP) to a Maple Systems HMI
Connecting and importing tags created with the RSLogix5000/Studio5000 software.
CompactLogix (Serial) to a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix Serial – Free Tags.
SLC500 & MicroLogix Series (Ethernet IP-DF1) to a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate with Allen-Bradley SLC500 and MicroLogix Series PLCs using the DF1 over Ethernet protocol.
SLC500 & MicroLogix Series (DH485 point-to-point) to a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate with Allen-Bradley SLC500 and MicroLogix Series PLCs using the DH485 protocol.
SLC500 & MicroLogix Series (DF1 CRC CheckSum) to a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate with Allen-Bradley SLC500 and MicroLogix Series PLCs using the DF1 Full Duplex protocol.
SLC500 & MicroLogix Series (DF1 BCC CheckSum) to a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate with Allen-Bradley SLC500 and MicroLogix Series PLCs using the DF1 Full Duplex protocol.
Micro800 to a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate with Allen-Bradley Micro800 PLC via Modbus RTU protocol allowing the Graphic HMI to act as the master in a single master, single or multiple slave format.
Micro820/850 (Ethernet) to a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate with Allen-Bradley Micro820/850 Programmable Controllers via the EtherNet/IP protocol using the Ethernet port located on the PLC.
Micro820/830/850 (CIP Serial) to a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate with Allen-Bradley Micro820/850 Programmable Controllers via the the CIP Symbolic Client/Server DF1 Full Duplex (CIP Serial) Protocol.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI to an Allen-Bradley PLC or controller not listed above? See our collection of CIS for HMIs, HMI+PLCs, and Industrial PCs.
Communication Cable Drawings
Looking for drawings for cables? We offer many downloadable cable drawings to connect a Maple Systems HMI to an Allen-Bradley PLC or controller.
Siemens
Siemens PLCs are used worldwide and in all kinds of installations and applications. Our HMIs support S7-1200/1500, LOGO, S5 Series, S7-200/300/400, TI505, SIMATIC series, and many more Siemens PLC brands. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up the PLC to a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC, including what communication cables maybe required and software settings.
SIMATIC S7-200/S7-300 PLC to a Maple Systems HMI
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with a Siemens SIMATIC S7-200/S7-300 PLC.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a SIMATIC Siemens S7-200/S7-300 PLC.
SIMATIC S7-200/S7-300 PLC to a Maple Systems HMI+PLC
Configure a Maple Systems HMI+PLC to communicate with a Siemens SIMATIC S7-200/S7-300 PLC.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI+PLC to a SIMATIC S7-200/S7-300 PLC.
Siemens S7-1200/1500 PLC to a Maple Systems HMI
Connect a Maple Systems HMI to a S7-1200/1500 (Symbolic Addressing) Ethernet.
Connect a Maple Systems HMI to a S7-1200/1500 (Absolute Addressing).
How to convert S7-1200/1500 from Symbolic to Absolute Addressing.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC to a Siemens PLC or controller not listed above? See our collection of CIS for HMIs, HMI+PLCs, and Industrial PCs.
Mitsubishi
Maple Systems HMIs and HMI+PLCs support many Mitsubishi PLCs and Controllers including FX5U, FX, FX0, FX0N, FX0S, FX2N, FX1S, FX1N, FX2NC, and FX3U, and more. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up the PLC to a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC, including what communication cables maybe required and software settings.
MELSEC FX Series PLC to a Maple Systems HMI
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with a FX, FX0, FX0N, FX0S, FX2N, FX1S, FX1N, FX2NC, and FX2C.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a Mitsubishi FX Series via RS-422, RS-485.
MELSEC FX Series PLC to a Maple Systems HMI+PLC
Configure a Maple Systems HMI+PLC to communicate with a FX, FX0, FX0N, FX0S, FX2N, FX1S, FX1N, FX2NC, and FX2C.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI+PLC to a Mitsubishi FX Series via RS-485.
FX5U PLC (Ethernet) to a Maple Systems HMI
Maple Systems HMIs communicate with the Mitsubishi FX5U PLC via the built-in Ethernet where the HMI is the master in a point-to-point single master, multiple slave format.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC to a Mitsubishi PLC or controller not listed above? See our collection of CIS for HMIs, HMI+PLCs, and Industrial PCs.
AutomationDirect
Maple Systems HMIs support many AutomationDirect PLCs and Controllers including Productivity 3000 and more. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up the PLC to a Maple Systems HMI, including what communication cables maybe required and software settings.
Productivity 3000 PLC to a Maple Systems HMI
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with a AutomationDirect Productivity 3000 PLC.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a Productivity 3000 PLC.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC to a AutomationDirect PLC or controller not listed above? See our collection of CIS for HMIs, HMI+PLCs, and Industrial PCs.
Koyo Electronics
Maple Systems HMIs support many Koyo PLCs and Controllers including Koyo Click Series, DL, DL05, DL06, DL105, DL205, DL305, DL405, Do-more, NK1, and more. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up the PLC to a Maple Systems HMI, including what communication cables maybe required and software settings.
Koyo Click PLC to a Maple Systems HMI
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with a Koyo Click PLC via Ethernet.
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with a Koyo Click PLC via Serial.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a Koyo Click PLC (Serial).
Koyo Do-more PLC to a Maple Systems HMI
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with a Koyo Do-more PLC via Ethernet.
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with a Koyo Do-more PLC via Serial.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a Koyo Do-more PLC (Serial).
Koyo DL, DL05, DL06, DL105, DL205, DL305, DL405 Series PLCs to a Maple Systems HMI
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with one of the Koyo DL PLCs.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a Koyo DL Series PLC.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a PLC or controller not listed above? See our collection of CIS for HMIs, HMI+PLCs, and Industrial PCs.
Omron
Maple Systems HMIs and HMI+PLCs support many Omron PLCs and Controllers including C200, CPM, CJ, CQM & SRM Series, CP1H & CP1L Series, NJ/NX Series, and more. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up the PLC to a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC, including what communication cables maybe required and software settings.
NJ/NX Series PLC (Ethernet) to a Maple Systems HMI
Maple Systems HMIs communicate with the NJ/NX Series using the EtherNet/IP protocol to allow the HMI to act as the master in a point-to-point single master, multiple slave format.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC to a Omron PLC or controller not listed above? See our collection of CIS for HMIs, HMI+PLCs, and Industrial PCs.
ABB
Maple Systems HMIs support ABB AC500, NextMove ES, and TotalFlow FCU. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up the PLC to a Maple Systems HMI, including what communication cables maybe required and software settings.
AC500 PLC to a Maple Systems HMI
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with a ABB AC500 PLC.
Communication Cable Drawings connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a ABB AC500 PLC.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI to a ABB PLC or controller not listed above? See our collection of CIS for HMIs.
Schneider Electric
Our HMIs communicate with Schneider M221 controllers via Modbus with the HMI acting as the master in a point-to-point single master, multiple slave formats. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up your Schneider M221 controller via ethernet or serial port, including software settings.
Schneider M221 controller and a Maple Systems HMI
Communicate via Modbus TCP/IP.
Communicate via Modbus RTU.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC to a specific PLC or controller? See our support center.
ASCII
Maple Systems HMIs and HMI+PLCs support devices that use the simple ASCII communications format. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up your ASCII device to communicate with a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC, including software settings.
ASCII protocol and a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC
Configure a Maple Systems HMI to communicate with an ASCII Host using a simple ASCII slave protocol.
Configure a Maple HMI+PLC to communicate with any ASCII device using the Universal Serial ASCII Driver.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC to an ASCII device? See our support center.
BACnet
Maple Systems HMIs communicate with BACnet devices via Master Slave / Token Passing (MS/TP) LAN where the HMI acts as a Master and can connect to multiple MS/TP slave devices. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up your HMI to communicate with BACnet devices, including software settings.
BACnet protocol and a Maple Systems HMI
BACnet devices via Master Slave / Token Passing (MS/TP) LAN.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC to an PLC device? See our support center.
Other Devices via Modbus
Maple Systems HMIs and HMI+PLCs support the Modbus protocol. Our HMIs and HMI+PLCs can be configured as the Master or the Slave. Our Controller Information sheets will walk you through how to set-up the device to communicate to a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC, including what communication cables maybe required and software settings.
Communicate using the Modbus TCP/IP Master/Slave protocol (HMIs)
Our HMIs use the Modbus TCP/IP Master protocol driver to allow the HMI to act as the master in a single master, (single slave or multiple slave) format.
Our HMIs uses the MODBUS TCP/IP Slave protocol driver to configure the HMI as a slave in a point-to-point single master, single-slave or single master, multiple-slave format.
Communicate using the Modbus RTU Master/Slave protocol (HMIs)
Our HMIs use the Modbus RTU Master protocol driver to allow the HMI to act as the master in a single master, (single slave or multiple slave) format.
Our HMIs uses the MODBUS RTU Slave protocol driver to configure the HMI as a slave in a point-to-point single master, single-slave or single master, multiple-slave format.
Communicate using the Modbus TCP/IP Master/Slave protocol (HMI+PLCs)
Our HMI+PLCs use the Modbus TCP/IP Master protocol driver to allow the HMC to act as the master in a single master, (single slave or multiple slave) format.
Our HMI+PLCs uses the MODBUS TCP/IP Slave protocol driver to configure the HMC as a slave in a point-to-point single master, single-slave or single master, multiple-slave format.
Communicate using the Modbus RTU Master/Slave protocol (HMI+PLCs)
Our HMI+PLCs use the Modbus RTU Master protocol driver to allow the HMC to act as the master in a single master, (single slave or multiple slave) format.
Our HMI+PLCs uses the MODBUS RTU Slave protocol driver to configure the HMC as a slave in a point-to-point single master, single-slave or single master, multiple-slave format.
Controller Information Sheets
Looking for information on connecting a Maple Systems HMI or HMI+PLC via Modbus to another device? See our support center for more information.
Getting Started with a Maple Systems HMI
We’ve compiled our training materials, along with our most common technical support questions, in one place to help you find the answers you need and get you started using a Maple Systems HMI today. From hardware to software, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.
Tutorials
Here at Maple Systems, we aim to offer the best customer service in the business. This service includes constantly updating our library of tutorials in order to make using our products as simple as possible. Our tutorials are covering helpful topics in our HMI, HMI+PLC, and PLC configuration software.
Quickly grasp the user-friendly features of MAPware-7000, enabling fast project creation for the HMI+PLCs using the software’s tools and graphic images for an intuitive control system interface. Follow step-by-step tutorials to guide you through the process seamlessly.
How to Activate and Go Online with CODESYS on an HMI
This tutorial shows you how to activate and go online with CODESYS on an HMI using a one of our high-performace HMIs.
How to Turn the Digital I/O On and Off using CODESYS with an HMI and Remote I/O
This tutorial will demonstrate how to connect an iR-ETN40R Remote I/O and a cMT device using CODESYS to turn a digital input and output on and off utilizing both HMI and CODESYS programming software’s while communicating via Modbus.
How to Connect to CODESYS using a Remote I/O and an HMI
This tutorial will demonstrate how to connect an iR-ETN40R Remote I/O and a cMT device using CODESYS while communicating via Modbus.
How to Program Recipes in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to configure Recipes in a HMI+PLC Combo programming software while displaying on the user-interface. Use: with Maple Systems HMI+PLCs.
How to Read Analog Input Voltage (0-5V) in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to read an Analog Input Voltage (0-5V), display the raw reading, and convert the signal to more meaningful values using an HMI+PLC combo and displaying on the user-interface. Use: With Maple HMI+PLCs.
How to Use Pulse Width Modulation in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to use Pulse Width Modulation and turning the Digital Output On & Off using an LED Light with an HMI+PLC combo, while displaying on the user-interface. Use: with Maple Systems HMI+PLCs
How to Use PLC Timer Functions to Turn an LED On/Off in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to use Timer Functions in the configuration software to turn an LED Light on and off using an HMI+PLC combo and displaying on the user-interface. Use with Maple Systems HMI+PLCs
How to Program Alarms in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to use Alarms in the configuration software with an HMI+PLC combo while displaying on the user-interface.
How to Program Email & Alarms in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to program Email with Alarms using an HMI+PLC combo, while displaying on the user-interface. Please refer to the “How to Program Alarms” tutorial page for the complete Alarms setup.
How to Use Counters with Proactive & Reactive Maintenance in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to program Counter functions in a pump overload scenario & and compressor preventative maintenance, using an HMI+PLC combo while displaying on the user-interface.
How to Connect Remotely to our Advanced HMI+PLCs using the VNC Viewer Application in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to connect remotely to one of our HMI+PLCs using WiFi and Ethernet using the VNC Viewer Application in the configuration software.
How to Program a PID Loop in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to program a PID Loop function with a HMI+PLC Combo configuration software while displaying on the user-interface.
How to Connect an HMI & PLC Combo with a Remote I/O via Modbus in MAPware-7000
This tutorial shows you how to connect an HMI+PLC combo with a Remote I/O using modbus communication to read the analog input from a J-Thermocouple and get the digital output using an LED light.
Video Center
We’ve compiled all of our most useful How-To’s, Troubleshooting, Webinar videos into convenient playlists. Choose the playlist you’d like to view below, and watch from start to finish, available on YouTube.
EBPro HMI Software Training Series
Using the HMI’s Modbus RTU/TCP Slave protocol, the Gateway provides a mechanism to connect the Modbus RTU/TCP Slave protocol to storage within the HMI or in a connected device.
MAPware-7000 Getting Started Series
This video training series has 13 videos that will teach you how to create your first project in our MAPware-7000 HMI+PLC configuration software. Get a quick tour of the User Interface, Creating a Screen, Creating an IEC Project, Adding a Structured Text, Creating Objects, and more.
How to use “Normal” MQTT Cloud Service to Connect to an AWS loT Server in EBPro
This video will show a step by step setup for MQTT specific to AWS IoT Server in our configuration software using a Maple Systems high-performance HMI.
How to Set-Up Push Notifications from your Maple Systems HMI in EBPro
This video will demonstrate how to add email or text message push notifications to your Maple HMI project. Add recipients and groups, define alarm parameters, including priority, status, and category.
How to Install the M02 Wi-Fi Expansion Module on a Maple Systems HMI and connect to a Wireless Network
This video will demonstrate how to install the M02 Wi-Fi Expansion Module and connect a cMT-X Series HMI to a wireless network within our HMI configuration software.
How to Display a PDF on your cMT Series HMI
This video will demonstrate how to display a PDF within your cMT or cMT-X Series configuration project using the PDF Reader Object, download and test the functionality.
How to Set-up Communication Between a CompactLogix PLC and a Maple Systems HMI
This video will demonstrate how to establish communication between a Maple HMI and a CompactLogix PLC within our HMI configuration software.
How to Add a cMT-SVR or Gateway Device to our remote access solution, EasyAccess 2.0 using EBPro
In this video you will learn how to add a cMT-SVR or Gateway HMI to your Easy Access 2.0 Domain Dashboard using our HMI configuration software.
Set Up Enhanced Security on a Maple Systems HMI using EBPro
Learn how to configure user passwords and permissions, create login screens, and restrict access to critical functions in your HMI projects.
PLC No Response Error Troubleshooting for Maple Systems HMIs
This video explains what can cause the PLC a “No Response” error message and shows you how to troubleshoot the issue within the HMI configuration software.
Add, Update & Transfer Recipes to the PLC in the HMI configuration software
This video shows how to Update, Delete, and Transfer Recipe Records from your HMI to your Controller or PLC. Learn about Recipe Record Selection, and how to execute different Recipe Commands. Data Transfers are used for sending ‘sets of set points’ to the target controller or other devices.
Manuals & Guides
Whether you are just getting started, or have used a Maple Systems product for years, our Manuals & Guides will help you learn more about our products. We have Operation Manuals, Programming Manuals, Installation Guides, and Quick Start Guides on a variety of products and functionality.
HMI Design Guide
In this HMI Design Guide, we will review not only our HMIs, but other types of HMIs — as well as their basic functions and new and emerging functions and connectivity options.
EBPro Quick Start Guide
Use this guide to experience just how easy it is to produce high quality interfaces with our HMI configuration software. If you are already a Maple Systems customer and need to begin working with your new software, use this guide as a starting point.
EBPro Programming Manual
This user manual goes over the installation and startup using our HMI configuration software, EBPro (EasyBuilder Pro).
cMT Quick Start Guide in EBPro
The cMT series of HMIs can be accessed on the Local Area Network (LAN) via Wi-Fi and Ethernet devices with the free cMT Viewer application. This guide will cover the basic settings and connectivity features of the cMT Viewer.
cMT Microsoft® SQL Quick Start Guide in EBPro
This user manual explains step by step how to install and set up a Microsoft SQL Server on your Windows PC, how to connect Excel to Microsoft SQL server, and how to design a HMI project with a Database Server object to send data to the Microsoft SQL server.
cMT MySQL Quick Start Guide in EBPro
This manual walks you through the steps to set up a MySQL Server and cMT Database Server object, and then uses Microsoft Excel to read historical data from the HMI.
OPC-UA Set-up Overview in EBPro
OPC UA features cross-platform interoperability, unified access, standardized communication, and security. In this environment, the cMT series with a built-in OPC UA server plays a key role as a Communication Gateway allowing OPC UA clients to access HMI or PLC data by subscribing to tags to receive real-time updates.
MQTT User Manual in EBPro
Most of our HMIs can function as publishers, subscribers, and/or brokers. The HMI processes data from PLCs and can publish messages to an external MQTT broker, which will handle message delivery to the subscribers. In this manner, message publishing is possible even when the HMI is positioned behind firewalls and access to the HMI is difficult.
Sparkplug B MQTT Quick-Start Guide in EBPro
Learn about Sparkplug B which is a specification for MQTT enabled devices and applications to send and receive messages in a stateful way. Sparkplug B provides a mechanism for ensuring that remote device or application data is current and valid.
CODESYS Quick-Start Guide in EBPro
Follow this guide for step-by-step instruction on how to set up one of our CODESYS-supported HMIs and our Remote I/O.
EasyAccess 2.0 Manual in EBPro
This manual is designed to provide the necessary information for trouble-free installation and operation of EasyAccess 2.0.
MAPware-7000 Programming Manual
This user manual goes over the installation and startup using our HMI+PLC configuration software, MAPware-7000.
MAPware-7000 Getting Started Guide
Follow this guide to learn just how easy it is to produce high quality control programs with our HMI+PLC configuration software. After you have run through the Quick Start Projects, you can use this guide as a reference for building your own projects.
MAPware-7000 IEC61131 Programming Guide
Our HMI+PLC configuration software has editors implemented for all five programming languages defined by the IEC standard. This manual will give you all the information you need to put these powerful tools to use in our HMI+PLC models.
Sample Projects
Maple Systems provides sample projects (applications) and sample kits that demonstrate software features, give programming information for specific controllers, or demonstrate product capabilities. In many cases, you may need the appropriate configuration software to download and view these applications.
EBPro Training Series
This project introduces a new user to the most used and common features of EBPro.
Alarms and Events
Demonstrates how to display alarms and events in Alarm Bar, Alarm Display, and Event Display objects.
ASCII Serial Communications
Learn how to send and receive ASCII strings between your HMI and a Windows PC using macros and the Free Protocol Driver.
Barcode Scanner
Connect and read data from a USB or serial barcode scanner to your HMI. Display data in ASCII and Hex formats.
cMT Microsoft SQL Database Server
Demonstrates how to connect and disconnect a project from your MS SQL database and generates data to sync to the database.
cMT MySQL Database Server
Demonstrates how to connect and disconnect a project from your MySQL database and generates data to sync to the database.
Data Transfer Object
Move data from one PLC to anther PLC, or from one area of memory to another. See our Data Handling video for more information.
Email Alerts and Data Backups
Demonstrates how to send emails based on specific alarms, and how to back up event data via email using trigger-based backup objects.
Hand/Off/Auto
Shows how to create a three position switch using set word objects or stacked set bit and set word objects.
Macro Basics
Three separate macros show how to write strings to ASCII displays, compare two values, and sum multiple registers by reading them into an array.
Media Player Control
Use the Media Player Object to play back video files from a USB stick and in Online/Offline Simulation Mode.
Meter Counter-clockwise rotation
Use a macro and conversion tag to implement a counter clockwise rotation of the Meter Display in EBPro.
Modbus Gateway Setup
Set up an address mapping table to make register-based PLC data available to read or write from a separate Modbus Master or SCADA system.
MQTT Set-up
Demonstrates how to use the HMI as an Edge Gateway. The HMI is publishing data on 4 different “topics” to a locally hosted MQTT broker.
Multi-State Pictures and Shapes
Demonstrates the use of Multi-State Pictures and Shapes as Word Lamps and Multi-State Switches.
OEM Sample
Provides an overview of HMI features such as project security, multi-language support, data logging and trending, etc. that benefit machine manufacturers.
Operation Log
Demonstrates the Operation Log, Operation Log Results Viewer, and how the log data can be exported or synced with a SQL database server.
Option List: Item address
Demonstrates how to change the names of items in the Option List and the number of items listed from the HMI screen.
Quick Start Guide Project Files
Project files referenced in the EBPro Quick Start Guide. Zip file contains Quick Start EX.zip and picture and group library files.
Real-Time Trend Display
Demonstrates Real-Time Trend Display features including channel visibility, dynamic Y-axis scaling and visibility, and dynamic X-axis scaling.
Recipes (RW Method)
Uses Retentive Word Index (RWI) registers to save recipe data to Retentive Word (RW) memory.
Recipe RW Transfer (USB)
Transfers recipe data (RW memory) to a USB flash drive (Extended Memory) and back to the HMI using a macro.
Recipe Database Transfer
Displays recipes from the database in the Recipe View Object, and shows how to edit recipes and transfer them into local memory.
Scheduler
Need to schedule an event? Use the Scheduler object to turn bits on and off at scheduled times.
Security (Basic EBPro)
Demonstrates how to restrict access to specific windows and objects in EBPro using a single user in Basic/General Security Mode.
Basic Security
Security features including select user, login, security classes, update password, object security and window security.
Security (Enhanced Mode)
Demonstrates how to use the preconfigured security windows to modify account settings using Enhanced Security.
Security Password Pop-Up
Demonstrates basic security on a function key to popup a modified window 7 warning message and modified keypad that allows you to login.
Security Change Window Macro
Allows users to log in and once logged in, the HMI will automatically take the user to a different screen based on the access level of the user.
Sparkplug B MQTT Sample Project
Demonstrates how to connect a Maple cMT to Ignition Gateway to publish Sparkplug B MQTT payloads. Requires Cirrus Link MQTT Module.
Trending, Sampling, and Data Backups
Demonstrates Real-Time Trend and History Data Displays, Data Sampling, and Backup of Data Sampling.
Troubleshooting PLC No Response
Demonstrates ways to resolve the PLC No Response message, including PLC Communication Parameters, Addressing, and HMI Network Configuration.
USB Tethering
USB Tethering allows an Android phone to share its Internet connection with a USB connected HMI.
VNC Auto Log-off
Automatically log out a person who is connected to the HMI using a remote PC with VNC Viewer after a period of time.
XY Plot
Plot one set of data (X-axis) against another set of data (Y-axis) using the XY Plot object.
Technical Notes
We have an extensive list of Technical Notes available to download on our website for our HMI, HMI+PLCs, Industrial PCs, and OITs. Topics cover compressing/uncompressing projects, how-to’s, troubleshooting, conversions and upgrades, and offer helpful solutions for a broad range of common, and not so common, questions.
PLC Web Browser in EBPro
The PLC Web Browser object in our configuration software can be used to view webpages directly on the HMI. Javascript, CSS, HTML, and HTML5 pages supported.
WebView Quick Start on X Series in EBPro
The WebView feature enables viewing and interacting with your HMI screens in a web browser. This technical note describes how to set it up.
Secure MQTT Connection between a Maple HMI and Ignition Gateway in EBPro
Enable end-to-end encrypted connections between your Maple Systems HMIs and Inductive Automation’s Ignition Gateway platform using SSL/TLS certificates.
Troubleshoot EasyAccess 2.0 Connection in EBPro
You have a Maple Systems HMI that has EasyAccess 2.0 activated and has been added to your domain, but it does not appear online.
How to Convert S7-1200/1500 from Symbolic to Absolute Addressing
Change the driver from Siemens S7-1200/1500 (Symbolic Addressing) to Siemens S7-1200/1500 (Absolute Addressing). Users can still use the tag names of Symbolic Addressing driver for objects in EBPro.
Change HMI Window Using PLC Control Object in EBPro
This Tech Note pertains specifically to PLCs which are not Address-based, but rather use Free Tags, MemoryAllocated Tags, or Symbolic Addressing. Some Free Tags-based PLCs which are compatible with Maple Systems HMI/cMTs.
Compress/Uncompress a Project in EZwarePlus/EBPro
This document provides instructions for compressing and uncompressing projects built in our HMI configuration software, EasyBuilder Pro (EBPro), or our legacy configuration software, EZwarePlus.
Fixing Display Issues in EBPro
Our HMI configuration software uses a newer version of OpenGL. This document describes how to change how EBPro renders graphics in case of display issues.
TCP Port Usage on the HMI in EBPro
Maple Systems HMIs use a number of Ethernet ports when doing various tasks. This document serves as a reference for these port numbers.
ASCII Serial Communication in EBPro
Learn how to send and receive ASCII strings between your HMI and a Windows PC.
Missing Fonts in EBPro
Help with opening an existing project in our HMI configuration software, EBPro, and a warning message appears that certain fonts used in the project are not installed on the computer, even though they are.
Wi-Fi Configuration in EBPro
This Technical Note documents the functionality of the wireless connectivity, and explains how to setup and connect your HMI to a Wi-Fi network.
What is My IP Address
Whether you are connecting a HMI to a PLC to communicate over Ethernet or connecting your PC to an HMI to upload or download a project over Ethernet, you must know the IP addresses of all the devices in the local area network (LAN) to ensure successful communication.
MQTT Set Up in EBPro
This tech note walks through the steps necessary to configure an HMI as an edge gateway for an MQTT network.
Using the Modbus Gateway in EBPro
Using the HMI’s Modbus RTU/TCP Slave protocol, the Gateway provides a mechanism to connect the Modbus RTU/TCP Slave protocol to storage within the HMI or in a connected device.
Additional FAQs
Have a question? We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions on various technical topics to help you find answers quickly. Be sure to visit our additional FAQs page for more information.
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