Creating Projects – How to Create Switches in GT Designer3 for Mitsubishi GOT HMI

Switches are essential components in Mitsubishi GOT HMI interfaces, providing operators with direct control over processes and equipment. By creating functional switches in GT Designer3, operators can start, stop, reset, and adjust various parameters, enabling streamlined, real-time interaction with the machinery. This guide explains how to create switches in GT Designer3, including setting up common functions, customizing switch appearance, and configuring operational parameters to make your GOT HMI interface more interactive and user-friendly.

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The Role of Switches in Mitsubishi GOT Projects

Switches in GOT HMI screens are touch-based buttons that control various system functions, from starting and stopping processes to adjusting specific values. They serve as direct user inputs, allowing operators to manage equipment or systems without physical interaction with hardware controls. GT Designer3 offers flexible options for creating, customizing, and configuring switches to meet the specific needs of different applications.

Common Types of Switches in HMI Design:

• Start/Stop Switches: Used to turn equipment on or off.
• Mode Selectors: Allow operators to switch between different operational modes.
• Parameter Adjusters: Enable the adjustment of parameters such as speed or temperature.
• Reset Switches: Clear alarms or reset systems to initial states.

Step 1: Adding a New Switch to Your Screen Layout

In GT Designer3, switches can be added to any screen layout and positioned according to functional requirements.

Creating a Switch in GT Designer3

1. Open Screen Layout: In GT Designer3, open the screen layout where you want to place the switch.
2. Select the Switch Tool: In the toolbar, locate and select the switch tool, often labeled as “Button” or “Switch.”
3. Position the Switch: Click on the screen layout to place the switch. You can resize or reposition it by dragging its edges or moving it within the screen.

Configuring Basic Switch Properties

Once the switch is placed, configure its basic properties to set its appearance and functionality:

• Labeling: Assign a clear label to the switch, such as “Start,” “Stop,” or “Reset,” to indicate its function.
• Size and Shape: Adjust the size and shape of the switch to ensure it’s easy to identify and touch, especially for frequently used controls.
• Color and Style: Customize the color and style to differentiate switches by function (e.g., green for start, red for stop).

Step 2: Defining Switch Functions

The functionality of each switch is set by linking it to specific actions or device addresses in the PLC. This allows the switch to send commands to equipment or adjust parameters directly.

Start and Stop Switches

Start and stop switches are among the most common HMI controls, allowing operators to power on or off a machine or process.

1. Open Switch Properties: Right-click the switch and select “Properties” to open the settings menu.
2. Set Function Type: Choose “Start” or “Stop” from the function type menu, depending on the desired action.
3. Link to Device Address: Assign the switch to the specific PLC address that controls the start/stop function of the equipment. This address corresponds to the start/stop relay in the PLC.

Mode Selector Switches

Mode selectors allow operators to change between different operational modes, such as automatic, manual, or maintenance.

1. Set Mode Function: In the switch properties, select “Mode Selector” as the function type.
2. Define Mode Options: Enter the different mode options (e.g., Auto, Manual) that the switch will toggle between.
3. Link to PLC Address: Assign a PLC address for each mode. This address tells the PLC to change operational modes when the switch is activated.

Parameter Adjustment Switches

Switches can also be configured to increase or decrease parameters like temperature, speed, or pressure.

1. Select Parameter Control Function: In the function type menu, select an “Increase” or “Decrease” function for parameter adjustment.
2. Set Increment Value: Define the increment by which the parameter should adjust with each press (e.g., increase temperature by 5 degrees).
3. Link to Device Address: Link the switch to the device address controlling the specific parameter, such as a variable register for speed or temperature.

Step 3: Customizing Switch Appearance and Behavior

Customizing switch appearance enhances usability and provides visual cues for operators, especially in complex HMI interfaces.

Visual Customization

GT Designer3 allows you to adjust the appearance of switches to make them more intuitive and recognizable.

• Color Coding: Use color codes to distinguish switch functions (e.g., green for start, red for stop).
• Text and Icons: Add descriptive text or icons to clarify switch purposes, such as a play icon for “Start” or a stop icon for “Stop.”
• Shape Customization: Choose different shapes (e.g., circular for emergency stops) to add visual differentiation.

Setting Dynamic Behavior

Dynamic settings in GT Designer3 can change the switch appearance based on real-time conditions, providing feedback to the operator.

• Switch State Indicators: Configure the switch to change colors when activated or deactivated, giving a visual confirmation of the current state.
• Enable/Disable Conditions: Set conditions to enable or disable the switch based on system states. For instance, the start switch can be disabled if the system is already running.
• Blink or Flash: For high-priority switches, such as an emergency stop, enable blinking or flashing to draw attention when active.

Step 4: Linking Switches with Alarms and Status Feedback

Linking switches to alarms or status feedback enhances operator control and provides confirmation when specific actions occur.

Alarm Reset Switches

An alarm reset switch clears active alarms, enabling the system to return to normal operation after an issue has been resolved.

1. Set Function as Alarm Reset: In the switch properties, select “Alarm Reset” as the function.
2. Link to Alarm Address: Link the switch to the device address that controls the alarm reset, allowing it to clear the alarm when pressed.
3. Configure Confirmation: Add a confirmation prompt if required, asking operators to confirm they want to reset the alarm to avoid accidental activations.

Status Feedback Indicators

Feedback indicators help operators confirm switch actions, improving usability by showing that the system has received and executed a command.

• Link Status Light: Configure a status light linked to the switch’s PLC address, which illuminates when the switch is active.
• Confirmation Message: Add a confirmation message that appears after a switch is pressed, verifying the action (e.g., “System Started” or “Temperature Increased”).

Step 5: Testing Switch Functions in Simulation Mode

After configuring switches, use GT Designer3’s simulation mode to test functionality and ensure correct behavior before deploying to the HMI.

Running Simulation

GT Designer3’s simulation mode allows you to test each switch’s action, verify PLC connections, and observe real-time feedback.

1. Activate Simulation Mode: Open the simulation mode in GT Designer3, where you can interact with your switch design in a virtual environment.
2. Test Each Switch: Press each switch to verify that it performs the correct action, sends data to the correct PLC address, and shows feedback appropriately.
3. Check for Errors: Ensure that all switches work without triggering unintended actions, such as simultaneous start/stop commands.

Making Adjustments Based on Testing

Use insights from simulation to make final adjustments to switch sizes, placement, or functions.

• Resize or Reposition: Adjust switch sizes or positions if they are hard to access or misaligned in the layout.
• Fine-Tune Response: Modify increment values or add confirmation prompts based on testing results to prevent operational errors.

Practical Applications of Switches in Industry

Switches created in GT Designer3 enhance the interactivity of Mitsubishi GOT HMIs, improving control in various applications.

• Manufacturing: Operators use start/stop and mode selection switches to manage production lines and adjust machine settings as needed.
• Energy Management: Switches adjust parameters like voltage and load, allowing for quick responses to energy demand fluctuations.
• HVAC Systems: Facility managers control temperature and airflow in real time with adjustable parameter switches.
• Safety Systems: Emergency stop and alarm reset switches are essential for shutting down equipment and addressing safety issues.

FAQs

How do I add a switch in GT Designer3?
Use the switch tool in GT Designer3, click to place it on the screen layout, and customize its properties and function for the desired action.

Can I link a switch to a PLC address?
Yes, each switch can be linked to a specific PLC address, enabling it to control or adjust specific devices and parameters in real-time operations.

How do I create a mode selector switch?
In the switch properties, set the function to “Mode Selector,” define the mode options, and link each mode to a corresponding PLC address.

What types of visual customizations are available for switches?
You can change colors, shapes, labels, and even add icons to make switches more visually intuitive and match specific operational needs.

How do I test switch functionality in GT Designer3?
Use

the simulation mode to interact with switches in a virtual environment, verifying that each switch performs the correct action and provides appropriate feedback.

Can I create an alarm reset switch?
Yes, set the function to “Alarm Reset” and link it to the alarm’s device address, allowing operators to reset alarms directly from the HMI.

Conclusion