The C-More CM5 HMI programming software will allow tags to be imported. This can save you hours of work when establishing communications with different PLC controllers. Instead of creating and labeling tags in the PLC and the HMI, we can export them from the PLC and import them into the HMI. This saves you time, money, and mistakes.
We will be exporting tags from a Click PLC start-stop circuit. The export tags will then be imported into our HMI program. We will program a start-stop jog circuit on our C-More CM5 HMI screen. Let’s get started.
Previously in this C-More CM5 HMI Panel series, we have done the following:
Latest C-More CM5 HMI Game Changer Post
– C-More CM5 Unboxing and Power Video
Installing C-more CM5 HMI Software Step by Step – Video
C-More CM5 HMI Series Panel System Setup Screens – Video
C-More CM5 HMI Communication Firmware Update – Video
First Program C-More CM5 Series HMI (Do-More) – Video
See the list of references for the CM5 HMI, including the frequently asked questions (FAQ) at the end of this post.
Modification of Click PLC program for CM5 HMI
For the C-More CM5 HMI to communicate with the Click PLC, we will have to choose the method of communication and modify the program so we can control the PLC through the HMI or locally at the PLC. Using the Click Programming Software, open the Start-Stop Jog Circuit. Connect online to see the existing code in the controller. We covered this in the Click PLC Series.
Select the system configuration to see the physical inputs and outputs. A common mistake is to assume that we can change the physical input and outputs of a PLC with the HMI.
The PLC continuously scans the logic, updates the physical inputs, and sets the outputs. This happens hundreds of times a second. The HMI will typically communicate 10 to 100 times a second, which is a slower communication. What we usually do from the HMI is set internal bits only controlled by the HMI and use these in series or parallel to the existing contacts in the PLC. We will create the following three inputs to control our start-stop jog circuit from the C-More CM5 HMI screen.
C11 – HMI Start
C12 – HMI Stop
C13 – HMI Jog
Note: Reading the output status of the PLC by the HMI is done without modification of the PLC logic because it is not trying to control it.
Once our logic has been modified, transfer the new ladder logic code to the PLC. Call up the COM port setting for our Ethernet port of the Click PLC and note the IP address.
Export Program Tags from the Click PLC
We will now export the Click PLC program tags to a CSV (comma-separated value) file. This is sometimes referred to as a flat file. We will export all of the inputs and outputs that have a nickname assigned to them.
On the main menu, select File | Export | Nickname.
This will now call up the Save As window. We will leave the default name and select save.
The export database window will be displayed, indicating complete. Select OK.
We can call up the CSV file we downloaded in Windows Notepad. You will see all of the Click PLC tags with a nickname.
Start a New Project in the C-more HMI Programming Software
Start a new project using the C-more HMI version 8.14 programming software. Select the start icon on the main menu.
The “Start a Project” window will be displayed. Enter a project name, and select the panel type we are programming. In our case, this is the CM5-T7W. We will keep the orientation in landscape mode, which is the default. The PLC protocol will be set for Automation Direct and the Click Ethernet. Select the protocol setup button.
This will call up the protocol manager window for the Automation Direct CLICK Ethernet. We will enter the Click PLC’s IP address and leave all other settings as their default. Select OK.
Import the Click PLC Tags into the C-More CM5 HMI
We can now import the Click PLC tags that we saved previously. Select main menu | File | Import. We can then select Tag Name Database…
The Open window will now be displayed.
Select the tag CSV file that we saved for the Click PLC. Select Open.
The “Import Tag Name Database from Excel/CSV File” window will be displayed. The CSV format will automatically detect that this is a CLICK PLC. Our device will be the DEV001, for which we set the IP address in the Click PLC. The protocol will be shown for the device, the “Automationdirect CLICK Ethernet.” This ensures that we have selected the correct device.
The appended text option can be helpful if we want to add tag information for our import tags. This is ideal if you have multiple devices connected to the HMI.
Overwrite Existing Tags can be used to update the existing tags in the HMI based on modifications made to the PLC program. Select Import.
The C-more HMI window will be displayed, indicating that the import was completed. Select OK.
View the tags imported by selecting the main menu | Database | Tag Name Database. The Tag Name Database will be displayed. We can scroll through the tags imported under the device name we specified. We can also use the Filter option in this window to narrow down the tags we would like displayed. Select OK.
Program the C-More CM5 HMI
We can program the C-More CM5 HMI using the imported Click PLC tags.
Our screen will have three indicator buttons representing the Start, Stop, and Jog Buttons. All of these buttons will be momentarily on when they are pressed. We will also add an indicator for the motor output. The programming was previously explained in the post “First Program C-More CM5 Series HMI.” Save the project. Watch the video below.
Transfer and Test the C-More HMI / Click PLC Program
Select Project Transfer (Ctrl + T) from the main menu icon.
The project transfer window will be displayed. If the HMI unit is not shown, then select the browse button. This will provide you with the Ethernet Connection Setup window that will display all of the HMI units on the network. Select the connection you would like to use and select OK.
Select the Transfer button. Our program will now be transferred to the HMI unit. An indication will be shown that the transfer was OK. Select OK.
We can now operate the C-More CM5 HMI and control the Click PLC.
The ability to import Click PLC tags into a C-More HMI project is a valuable feature that can expedite your development process and improve the overall efficiency of your project. Automating the tag creation process allows you to focus on designing and deploying your HMI interface without getting bogged down in manual tag configuration.
Now that you know how to import Click PLC tags for your HMI, learn how to program the Click PLC quickly. We have compiled a list of posts and videos to assist everyone, from beginners to the most advanced programmers. See how this will transform your learning process for industrial automation. Click here.
Download the PLC and C-More Panel Programs here.
Watch the video below for the Click tag import in our C-More CM5 HMI Panel.
Watch on YouTube: C-More CM5 HMI Click PLC Tags Import
C-More CM5 Features:
- “4”, “7”, “10”, “12”, “15”, and “22” widescreen options
- 16.7M colors and LED backlights
- 800MHz (4″, 7″) or 1.6GHz Quad Core CPU (10″ or higher)
- 43MB project memory
- 12 to 24 VDC powered
- Built-in real-time clock with 30-day backup (no battery required)
- NEMA 4/4X (indoor use only), IP65
- FREE HMI programming software with powerful design tools and a project simulator
- CM5 series HMIs support any EA9 series project (created with V6.73 or later) for an easy panel upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Product Brochure
C-more CM5 Overview
CM5-T7W Cut Sheet – Tech Specifications / Protocols
CM5 User Manual – Hardware
CM5 Quick Start Guide
C-More Programming Software (CM5 Series)
CM5 User Manual – Software On-Line
AD C-More CM5 Sample Projects (CM5-T7W)
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me.
Thank you,
Garry
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