Multiple Monitors in Factory for Production Display

[brettshelley 0]

Hi Guys, I have quoted a customer on production displays inside the factory. In the past I have used a GOT terminal with the VGA out card so that the 55" monitor displays the HMI page or using an industrial PC with SoftGOT. I have now received info that another competitor has quoted cheaper using a Beckhoff Panel PC that can, and I quote from email --- *** Basically the system operates on an Ethernet protocol – hence the wiring is very simple. The system is easily expandable. We offer a device that will convert the Ethernet signals into the Video signal for the displays. *** So instead of me using ten GOT's with VGA out to each monitor, this guy says he can do this with one FX PLC, a Beckhoff Panel PC that is connected to 10 monitors that will each display its own production data via Ethernet to VGA ?? Is this possible and is there a better solution with Mitsubishi?? Best regards and looking forward to answers, Brett Shelley

[brettshelley 0]

Here is the competitors layout

[Inntele 60]

Hello Brett, I can not give you a complete answer onto your question, but... if by Ethernet network he transfers I/Os, that are used for control purposes in application of industrial automation, and it's not Modbus TCP or PROFINET or something similar, he do typical mistake, because a pure Ethernet (even industrial) is not reliable network. I.e. the segment of Ethernet network, shown at the bottom of the picture, is suitable solution. The solution at the top of picture can be used for building automation or monitoring purposes, but it should not be used as solution for control in application of industrial automation. Industrial automation systems must be built under hierarchical models! Those money, that he saved, are disproportional with costs for a lawyer on criminal law.

[brettshelley 0]

I agree that the I/O should not be over normal TCP but I still cannot understand how he is able to display different pages of the HMI to each display from a single HMI ???

[Inntele 60]

This question would be better to address to the specialists in Beckhoff PLCs. Sorry, I have not an experience with this product line, so can not help you.