Product category:
HMIs/Operator Interfaces
News Release from: Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems | Subject: F940 Handy GOT
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 02 October 2002
Touch of safety in mobile HMIs
Mitsubishi's Handy GOTs mobile graphic operator terminals are designed to maximise safety with, for example, a built-in dead-man's switch and emergency stop button.
Mobility is becoming popular for many users of HMIs Some machines are so large or give impaired visibility that to use portable interfaces is the only acceptable solution to control and monitor the system
However, the very essence of movement brings inherent safety issues to the shop floor.
Mitsubishi's Handy type mobile graphic operator terminals (F940 Handy GOTs) have been designed to maximise safety with, for example, a built-in dead-man's switch and emergency stop button.
The dead-man's switch is activated when the grip switch on the rear is released, which instantly sends a signal back to the host device.
Additionally, a latchable stop button is integrated into the fascia to override any mishaps through inadvertent instructions via the touch screen, or to simply halt progress immediately for whatever reason.
Designed to be easy to carry in one hand, these Handy GOTs measure only 156 x 191 x 53.5mm and weigh a mere 0.79kg (including cable).
They are IP66F rated and the screen is touch sensitive for easy operation, with the touch key size down to 20 x 12pixel for maximum reliability.
To make control easier there are four user-programmable function keys, plus the emergency stop button (mounted on the top right hand of the unit) to facilitate flexible system operation.
Above each function key is a user selectable LED with two nonprogrammable LEDs that indicate the stop button status and that power is 'on' to the unit.
With so many integral functions such as real time and historic trend graphs, Alarm handling system (including alarm triggered response actions), recipe handling, time channel switching and real time clock integration, the user can replace expensive dedicated control, monitoring and instrument equipment with a single cost effective mobile unit.
On the HMI's huge internal Flash memory, the user can store up to 500 user-defined screens, of which up to three can be displayed simultaneously overlapped on the backlit LC display.
Other information such as recipes, trend and alarm history data can also be stored on board the HMI and for added programme security programs can also be stored onto plug-in EEPROM modules.
Connection to host devices is via a long rear mounted RS485 flexible cable over which all HMI host data transfers are made, as well as supplying additional lines for power (24V DC, 300mA).
The HMI is supplied with a 5m cable as standard that can be extended if required.
To enable local extraction of hard copy data the HMI has an integral RS232 port that can be connected to a serial printer to make screen dumps, print alarm lists, trend data or recipes.
The unit comes with an adjustable hand-strap ensuring the HMI is easy and secure to hold.
When not in use, the HMI has a shoulder strap to allow the operator to use both hands when required.
There are also eyelets on the rear allowing the unit to be easily hung up for storage, or even be used as a static interface device.
Programming the new Handy GOT can be done using either the SW-FX-PCS-DU/WIN or GT-Works software packages which are part of the Mitsubishi Melsoft suite of software products.
These drag and drop software packages allow users to program the HMI and create the screens in a familiar MS-Windows environment and include 15 levels of password access control for screen objects, intuitive device menus and simple screen configuration system.
For maximum flexibility they can connect to a host of manufacturers' products as well as all Mitsubishi's intelligent devices.
These include PLCs from Omron, Fuji, Allen Bradley and Yaskawa, with the terminals supporting PLC diagnostics and data display functions.
Another strength of this product is that it's part of a comprehensive F940 series of GOTs.
These include a fixed wide-screen model that can be mounted to horizontal or vertical positions.
Additionally, there are standard panel-mounted versions with colour and mono options. Request a free brochure from Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems ...
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