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Koen

android controlling app

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Hello, Does there exist an app for controlling an existing CJ1 plc through the wifi of an android phone? I found some in the play store, but none of them are working / configurable as i want... Already thanks!

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Yes, there is a product by Opto22 called groov (http://www.groov.com/) which lets you access your PLC remotely via a smart phone or tablet. It works on both IOS and Android.

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If it were me I would connect a Maple HMI. Then use the VNC server in it, or his EasyAccess server function. Edited by pfort

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Omron's NS HMI can also provide a Web interface for monitoring and control of the HMI from a Smart phone or tablet. Omron has a free App in the App store as well. Not sure if this app exists in the Android world or not.

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Tx for the replies. As i understand, only "Groov" is a solution, but this is not for free... Any free solutions? Kind regards.

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Groov talks to an OPC Server. So you need a PC running OPC to make it talk to any non-Opto22 devices. NS HM or NB HMI with the free Omron app. And then don't forget you need your tablet to have access to the same network that the OPC server or HMI is located on. Most plants aren't going to punch a hole in their firewalls for this kind of access. it allows too many other people access.

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ok... tx. This app would be used for a PLC that is used in home automation. The idea was that it should not have the same screen as the general HMI panels. Seems it will not be possible and we'll stuck to the HMI panels, taken by the phone. much thanks for all answers!

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To clarify Crossbow's remarks: groov indeed communicates with an OPC UA server as an OPC UA Client. That may be a PC running an OPC UA Server, or a device with an embedded OPC UA server. However, that's not the only way groov communicates to equipment. The release of groov 2.3 back in January added Modbus/TCP comms as well. So if your PLC or device talks Modbus over Ethernet (Modbus/TCP), you can use groov. Also, it is not necessary for your tablet or smartphone to have access to the control system network (OPC Server or PLC). The groov Box ships with 2 independent Ethernet interfaces. One can be connected to the IT/office network. The other is connected to your control network. Because they are independent interfaces, and separate network address spaces, groov safely segments the two networks completely. Yet, all the data on the control network is accessible to mobile devices connected to the IT/office network via a secure and encrypted HTTPS connection, authenticated through groov. The above works with the groov Box, and with groov Server for Windows on a dual NIC configured PC. You can try out groov free of charge at: http://groov.com/free-trial/ You can view a video on how to get started with groov and Modbus/TCP here: http://groov.com/groov-2-3-direct-modbus/ Finally, I'm not suggesting groov is the right fit for the OP's (original poster) application. I'm only correcting and clarifying other responses. Cheers. -Benson

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The OP asked about CJ1 and it does not have Modbus TCP directly though things can be done to make a packet in code. Even if the device has 2 ports you still need to have access to one of those 2 networks from outside the facility to reach it remote. How many IT guys are going to Crack open their firewalls for this? Nice idea but it seems based on the networks I have seen on my customer sites it would work in the plant but not from outside. And I have been at this for 20 years, and worked in IT in the past. Most plants have pretty strict IT departments who let little to no traffic into the network. That's how hackers and viruses get in.

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