Human-Machine Interface (HMI) FAQs
Do you want to know more about Maple Systems HMIs? Browse our Human-Machine Interface (HMI) FAQs for answers to common questions our customers ask before buying a new device.
Compatibility
Can this HMI communicate with my PLC?
Maple Systems HMIs support over 300 PLC and controller communication protocols, allowing our HMIs to communicate with most common devices. Our HMIs also support protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP or Modbus RTU, opening them up for use with a wide range of devices.
If you want to see the protocols that EBPro supports, visit our Controller Information Sheets page for more information. You can also download the EBPro software from our website for free, which includes simulation features. You can use these to test connections to your other devices before buying any hardware from Maple Systems.
What kind of communication ports are available?
Our HMIs come equipped with the standard communication ports that you would expect to find in an industrial control device. Ethernet, serial, and USB ports are present on our HMIs, allowing connections to hundreds of different devices.
As an example, the cMT3162X (V2) includes two ethernet ports, two serial ports, and a USB port for device connection. Dual-ethernet models such as the cMT3162X include two separate ethernet ports, one for local devices, and the other for internet communication.
I have pre-existing tags that I use for device communication. Can I import my tags into EBPro?
Yes. EBPro makes it easy to import your device tags, with the entire process requiring only a few clicks in most cases. Device tags can be imported into EBPro through the System Parameters, or through the Address Tag Library using formats such as CSV or XLS.
I need to use an IP camera or other peripherals in my project. Do Maple Systems HMIs support these devices?
Yes. Maple Systems HMIs are compatible with a wide range of peripheral devices such as printers, barcode scanners, cameras, keyboards, mice, flash storage drives, and more. For projects using multiple USB devices at once, a USB hub can expand a single USB port into many, allowing several devices to connect simultaneously.
Note: USB ports on Maple HMIs do not support charging for mobile phones, tablets, or unpowered speakers. The USB ports on our HMIs are for data storage or keyboard/mouse connection only. Using the ports in a manner inconsistent with their documented purpose can potentially damage the device.
Can I expand the HMI’s storage memory capacity?
Yes. Maple HMIs support storage expansion through external HDD, USB flash drive, or SD card, depending on the HMI model.
External HDD: Maple Systems products support USB 2.0 external hard disk drives, so long as the HDD is powered with its own power supply.
USB Flash Drive: Maple Systems products support a maximum capacity of 32GB. USB drives must be formatted as FAT32.
SD Card: Maple Systems products support a maximum SD card capacity of 4GB (32GB capacity with SDHC card). SD and SDHC Cards must be formatted as FAT32. SDXC cards are not supported.
Do Maple Systems HMIs offer Wi-Fi support?
Yes. We have both Advanced HMIs and cMT models with built-in Wi-Fi functionality. Wi-Fi models can connect directly to a Wireless Network. All other models require an Ethernet connection to a wireless router be added to the local network before they can be access wirelessly from smart devices such as Apple or Android phones and tablets.
See specific models and specifications for additional information on Wi-Fi compatibility.
What is a cMT Gateway?
Maple Systems cMT Gateway products are designed to bridge existing control systems, including legacy systems, to a SCADA management network. The cMT Gateway models support a variety of communication protocols that can connect with over 300 brands of controllers and transmit data from the controller to a SCADA or ERP system using IIoT protocols such as MQTT and OPC UA. They also support EasyAccess 2.0, our remote access service, to provide remote monitoring of onsite machines and to maintain connected controllers.
Software
I’ve never used EBPro before. How long will it take me to learn how to program my HMI?
The EBPro software design maximizes functionality while maintaining user-friendliness. In many cases our customers are able to get up to speed and create their first project within 24 hours.
For new users who want to accelerate their learning process, our EBPro HMI Software Training Series has you covered. This series breaks down multiple topics into small, easy-to-understand sections so you can learn at your own pace. You can view individual videos based on the topic, or view the entire series in a YouTube playlist.
The EBPro Programming Manual provides full descriptions of the software’s features, and is an excellent resource for users of all skill levels. We also offer the EBPro Quick Start Guide, which contains information for new users when getting started with Maple Systems devices.
What are some “Best Practices” when using EBPro and Maple Systems HMIs?
When starting with EBPro, we recommend that you implement these best practices:
- Store your project files on your local hard drive. If you must store your projects on a networked drive, copy the project to your local hard drive, make your changes, then copy it back to the networked drive.
- Use the Compress utility to archive and share projects. This bundles your project file with the library files that are linked to it. When you uncompress it, the library files are extracted to the library folder and you won’t get the missing library files warning.
- If you hide the System Menu button in your project, provide a window in the project that displays the IP address (LW-9129 through LW-9132), Subnet Mask (LW-10750 through LW-10753), Gateway (LW-9125 through LW-9128) and DNS information (LW-10804 through LW-10807). The Numeric Displays can have input enabled if the end user needs the ability to change the IP address (use LB-12041 to refresh the HMI Ethernet information). At the very least, put a label on the back of the HMI with the IP address of the unit.
- Consider including the software version number (or at least the main part) in the file name so you know what version was used to create the project.
- Open the Preferences window in EBPro (File menu > Preferences) and on the Project tab select “Automatically save and compile the project when download and simulate” and “Generate backup of project file before save.” With these options selected, when you open the Download window or the Simulator, the project will be saved and compiled automatically before downloading or launching the simulator, and each time you save your project, a backup file will be created (*.emtp.bak1). Up to three backup files will be preserved where the oldest one is deleted as new ones are created.
- Always keep a backup of your project files.
- When editing a project, save it frequently.
Can I automatically back up my projects in EBPro?
Yes. To turn automatic backup on in EBPro, click on the File menu and select Preferences. On the Project tab, check the “Generate backup of project file before save” option. This will create a backup of your project any time you save it with a *.bak1 extension.
Subsequent saves will rename the backup file with a *.bak2 and finally *.bak3 extension, so there will always be three backup files saved with *.bak1 the most recent and *.bak3 the oldest.
Can I simulate my project to test functionality before I buy?
Yes. The EBPro software includes simulation modes that you can use to test every aspect of your project before buying anything. There are two types of simulation modes available in EBPro: online and offline.
Online simulation will run your HMI project on a PC as if it were an HMI. This enables you to test device communication and preview program behavior without an HMI present. For cMT Series models, online simulation can be used for up to an hour at a time, while HMI Series models are limited to 10 minutes of online simulation. You must connect your external devices to the PC for online simulation; otherwise a connection error will display.
Offline simulation will allow you to preview everything except for the external device communication. This can be helpful when adjusting the logic, layout, and window behavior for your HMI project. This can be run on the PC at any time and does not require your other devices to be connected.
Can I access my HMI from a remote network location?
Yes. Our HMIs support remote access features via the EasyAccess 2.0 application. EasyAccess provides a simple built-in solution for creating a secure VPN connection to a remote network, which will allow you to monitor and control your HMI from anywhere in the world.
Once the VPN tunnel has been established, the HMI can be accessed using the cMT Viewer application included with EBPro, or through VNC client software.
Using the EasyAccess 2.0 application does require a one-time license activation fee, which allows for 3 GB of monthly high-speed data at no additional cost. Our HMIs can also be purchased with a pre-activated license for EasyAccess 2.0 already installed.
Can Maple Systems HMIs store and use recipe data?
Yes. You can use the recipe database in EBPro to store, edit, and execute recipes for repetitive processes. Maple HMIs reserve retentive memory specifically for recipe data, ensuring that it stays in memory after power-cycling the unit.
Can this HMI handle data collection and logging?
Yes. EBPro includes robust, customizable data collection and logging through it’s Data Sampling features. Users can collect data samples in real-time from registers within the HMI or from connected devices such as PLCs. You can then display the collected data graphically using EBPro’s display objects and save it in exportable log files for later use.
Can I use a Maple HMI to monitor events and trigger alarms?
Yes. The Event/Alarm log in EBPro enables users to monitor registers in real-time and display notifications when a malfunction occurs. When an alarm triggers, the system can automatically notify interested parties via email or SMS text message. These features enable quick responses to emergent situations when they occur.
Do Maple Systems HMIs support file transfer through FTP?
Yes. Maple Systems Basic HMI, Advanced HMI and cMT devices come with a built-in FTP server that allows you to remotely access data logs, event files, and recipe data via FTP (file transfer protocol).
Please see tech note 5090, “Using the HMI’s built-in FTP Server” for instructions on how to use the built-in FTP server on our Basic, Advanced and Smart cMT HMIs.
What kind of security features does EBPro offer?
EBPro can help you secure your project in several ways. The EBPro software can create and manage access for user accounts, add password protection to project files, and restrict decompilation to protect your IP. Designers can add access levels to individual objects on screen, and may disable or hide these objects when the current user should not have access. Here are just a few of the other security features you can find within EBPro:
- Centralized User Account Control (UAC) using a remote HMI
- External UAC database support
- Secure USB key generation
- TLS or SSL encryption for email notifications
- Password protection for HMI System Settings
Pricing
What is the upfront cost of buying an HMI?
Maple Systems offers HMI models at a range of price points that will fit into almost any budget. Our Basic HMI Series starts at $325, and includes the EBPro configuration software and full access to our technical support without any additional charge. Maple Systems HMIs can provide the level of functionality that you need at a cost that won’t break the bank.
Do I need to pay an additional license fee to activate features on my HMI?
The vast majority of features in EBPro do not need additional licensing, but a few situations may require a license fee to activate specific functions.
For features like our built-in CODESYS runtime, OPC/UA messaging, or the EasyAccess 2.0 VPN service, users must pay a one-time activation fee to enable these functions on the HMI.
For the EasyAccess 2.0 application, which enables remote access features on your Maple HMI, the standard license includes up to 3 GB of monthly high-speed data at no extra charge. If the monthly data limit has been reached, top-up cards may be purchased to add additional bandwidth as needed.
If you know that you will need one of the features mentioned above before making a purchase, Maple Systems does offer HMI options that come with pre-activated licensing.
Are there any ongoing licensing costs or subscription charges I should be aware of?
No. Buying a Maple Systems HMI gives you access to everything you need to program, connect, and run your device without any subscriptions or ongoing license fees. This includes access to the free EBPro programming software and its associated utilities, as well as our extensive collection of online and in-person support resources, all completely free of charge.
Design
I have specific size requirements. Do you have an HMI that will work for me?
Maple Systems HMIs come in a wide range of sizes that are suitable for common enclosures and cutouts. Our HMIs with built-in touchscreens are available with display sizes of 4.3”, 7”, 9.7”, 10”, 12”, 15”, or 15.6”, allowing them to fit into most spaces.
Our headless HMI models remove the built-in screen, transforming them into extremely compact units and allowing them to fit into very tight quarters. Headless HMIs can then be accessed remotely through another device, or connected to an external monitor of your choice, allowing for maximum flexibility.
The availability of these options means that you can find a Maple Systems HMI that fits perfectly in almost any location.
Do you have dimensional drawings of your HMIs?
Yes. When available, links to dimensional drawings are included on our individual product pages. Both 2D and 3D CAD files are available for download.
Can this HMI withstand the conditions that exist at my worksite?
Maple HMIs are certified to operate in some of the most challenging environmental conditions in the world. With models certified by UL, IP, NEMA, RoHS, CE, and more, there is a Maple HMI for nearly any situation or environment. For more information about certifications for hazardous environments and the organizations who issue them, please visit the Certifications section of our 10 Things to Consider When Buying an HMI page.
Can I add custom branding to my HMI?
Yes. We know that maintaining consistent branding can be critical for OEM suppliers, so Maple Systems offers custom branding services that allow you to choose the logos or text that will be visible on your devices when they are shipped. If you are interested in exploring options as an OEM supplier, please visit our OEM Solutions page or contact one of our sales associates at (425) 745-3229 for more information.
Support
Where can I find support documentation for my HMI?
Our Support Center contains numerous resources that can help you quickly learn what you need to know about setting up and programming Maple Systems HMIs. We have arranged our resources into the following sections for convenient access:
Does Maple Systems offer technical support?
Yes. In addition to the resources found on our site, Maple Systems offers 100% free US-based technical support for all of our customers. If you are unable to find the information you need in our Support Center, our technical support team is ready to help. You can contact our support technicians by calling (425) 745-3229, or by sending an email to support@maplesystems.com.
Do Maple Systems HMIs come with a warranty?
Yes. To ensure quality, Maple Systems performs extensive testing on all our devices before they ship, confirming that all components are in working order when they leave our site. While we are confident that our devices are built to last, we know that unexpected events may occur. To account for this, we also offer a 2-year warranty covering parts and labor for all new Maple Systems HMIs. If you are experiencing an error with your HMI, please contact our support team by phone or email for troubleshooting assistance. Our friendly support technicians will be able to evaluate the issue and connect you to our in-house repairs team in the unlikely event of a hardware fault.