Remote HMI app for iPhone and iPad
Developer: Automationdirect.com
First release : 05 Aug 2011
App size: 9.42 Mb
Remote HMI is an application for real time remote monitoring and control for the C-more HMI (Human Machine Interface) product line offered by Automationdirect.com. For this app to function as designed, a C-more panel that supports remote connectivity is required.
Note: Important steps for improving the C-more remote Access Performance for the EA9 Series panels.
1. Update the C-more EA9 Panel firmware to version 6.31 or later.
2. Make sure the C-more project display resolution is set for the native resolution of the C-more panel. This can be done in the programming software under Panel Manager settings.
3. See the app note on the support.automationdirect.com web page for more details (App Note AN-EA-017).
Main Features of this App.
- Monitor and control screen operations of the C-more panel as if touching the panel itself
- Users can save jpeg screen captures to review, email and print if needed
- The iPhone or apple Zoom feature allows the user to zoom in on specific objects on the screen and then save a screen capture if needed
- Multilevel Logon Security offers three Remote Access user accounts that can be configured and stored in the panel project. Each account allows up to five remote users to be connected simultaneously.
- Multilevel Access Control allows each account to be configured in one of the following levels of access. Full control access, View only access, View and Screen change only access
- User Access Control: User Defined internal tags can be configured to customize the Remote access for each account. These tags can be used to activate alarms, events or notifications to alert local operators that a remote user is connected. The Disable/Enable Tags can be assigned to a switch in the C-more project to allow local operators the ability to enable or disable the remote access feature for security or safety reasons.
Requirements to use the Remote HMI App are:
• iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch iOS version 4.2 or later
• C-more Panel with Ethernet support
•The C-more Panel must be using firmware Version 2.73 or later. When upgrading the C-more Panel firmware from a version older than 2.4, the panel will need to be reset to factory default to add the updated “Remote Access” HTML link. Firmware is updated using the C-more programming software. It is not recommended to upgrade firmware remotely.
• C-more Programming Software Version 2.73 or later is required to program and configure a C-more panel to support the Remote HMI App.
• The Remote Access feature must be enabled in the C-more panel project
• The C-more Panel must have compatible network settings with the device running the Remote HMI App, or the panel must be accessible from the Internet.
• Although the Remote Access for the C-more panel can be configured with password protection, connecting the C-more panel on an Enterprise network or the Internet exposes security risks. A secure and encrypted VPN connection is highly recommended if the C-more panel will be accessible from the Internet. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) uses encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users are allowed to connect and that the data cannot be intercepted. A VPN greatly reduces the chances of malicious behavior and unauthorized connections.
Latest reviews of Remote HMI app for iPhone and iPad
This app took me by surprise as Automation Direct quietly released it. It works fine here in the office with a screen sitting next to me. Im anxious to try it in the field during a start up. Should prove very useful. Ill update my review once I get a chance to try at a customer site.
In true AD and Apple fashion, it just works. What else can you say? It connects to the C-More screen, updates, allows you to navigate screens, etc and it does it all easily. Near as I can tell this app provides all the same functions as the Windows only remote control C-Mores have been doing for several years, but does it on my iPad and iPhone. Talk about slick!
It is amazing how well this app works! Its the easiest way get remote access, and you can test your remote setup before you leave a job site. It can display any size HMI but it actually works best when screens are simple and have large buttons. So this means that screens from 6" HMIs work really well. If you are going to use this app heavily consider creating some app friendly screens.
Works great for small screens (I only have 6 inch.) Snappy on local LAN (wifi), usable on 3G but almost impossible to use on edge (GPRS).
As a small business owner building panels for customers all over the country, this is just another great feature from Automationdirect. I use to be a Allen Bradley only person, but really was tired of over priced products and tech support isnt free. My business has tripled since using Automationdirect, with a lot more profit due to the prices AD has and one top notch tech support department. I enjoy quoting projects against other panel shops using Allen Bradley, Im always 1/2 of what they can build it for! Keep up the great work AD! I include a iPad for free to all my customers who require a cmore for their system, they cant believe they can control their system with a iPad and the app is only $4.99. Customers just keep coming back!