C-more EA9 Series: Communication Features

C-more Panel Pass-through

C-more panels can access PLC data from PLCs attached to other C-more panels via an Ethernet connection.

To enable Panel pass through:

From the Panel Manager screen of the "second" C-more unit, choose the correct PLC protocol and then specify the IP address of the first C-more panel (the panel the PLC is physically connected to).

C-more has Two USB Ports

C-more has 2 USB ports, one type A, and one type B.

Programming

Use the type B port with a standard USB cable and connect the panel to a PC for fast and easy project transfers. (Click here for more about Programming.)

Flash Drives

The type A port accepts devices such as a USB Flash Drive. USB Flash drives can be used for:

• Off-line backup of projects
• Transfer of projects to remotly located C-more Panels without taking a PC
• Alarm and data logging
• Storing of screen captures

Log Data and More

Flash drives can be used with C-more to log alarms, messages, even PLC data. Capture the actual C-more screen when certain events occur, and store the screen image on the USB drive for later reference. If the C-more panel is on a network, the contents of the USB drive can even be accessed via FTP or e-mail, without removing it from the panel.

Update C-more without a PC

Flash drives can also be used to upload a project to a C-more panel without having a PC present. This feature is great for updating remotely located panels - just send your project on a USB drive to any factory in the world, and remote C-more panels can be updated with the latest project.

Support for USB Devices

C-more's type A port also supports the HID specification for USB devices. External keyboards, bar code readers and card scanners will all work with the C-more type A USB port. Learn More

Support for USB Devices

C-more Ethernet Port

Communication Flexibility

The Ethernet port can be used several ways:

• Programming the panel (downloading a project)
• PLC Communication
• Remote Access & Control
• Remote HMI App for mobile devices
• Advanced networking options, such as:
  • Panel pass-through
  • Sending e-mail based on an event
  • FTP access - to AND from - the panel
  • Allowing the panel to act as a Web server.

Add More Ethernet to your panel for only $73.00 with the EA-ECOM module

The EA-ECOM module easily attaches to EA9 panels (excluding Base models) providing an additional 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Auto MDI/MDI-X RJ45 Port. Simply connect the module to the back of your EA9 C-more and secure it with the supplied screws. The EA-ECOM does not require an external power supply and supports all C-more Ethernet drivers.

C-more Audio Output

C-more Audio Output

Line Out Audio

The stereo audio output port allows C-more to speak! When attached to an amplifier and speaker(s), C-more can play warning sounds, or pre-recorded messages: "Danger - Will Robinson". Check our on-line library for some useful sounds or record your own .WAV files on any PC with a microphone.

C-more Sends Email with PLC Data and Screen Captures

Use the Event Manager to send e-mail periodically or when certain criteria are met. You can include tag data in the message itself or even attach log files or screen captures to the e-mail message.

In this example, C-more logs an alarm due to an oven "over temp" condition monitored by a PLC. The Event Manager then sends a preconfigured e-mail to three e-mail addresses; one in the plant, one to an Internet e-mail account, and one to a SMS enabled cell phone (text messaging). This e-mail contains current PLC tag data as well as date and time info.

Secure Sockets Layer

C-more supports SSL as well as Tag-based storage of e-mail address so that operators can update e-mail addresses without the programmer's support.

For security purposes (in this example) the plant network is not connected directly to the Internet. As shown, the SMTP mail gateway is the only network device connected to the Internet.

Note: AutomationDirect does not recommend connecting industrial control equipment directly to the Internet, and can not be held responsible for any consequences that may arise.

E-mail is not a guaranteed method of communication, do not rely on e-mail for mission critical communications.

C-more FTP Server Communications

C-more FTP Server Communications

Enable the FTP server in your C-more project, connect the panel to your factory network, and transfer files back and forth using the File Transport Protocol (FTP).

Request Files from C-more

Use your FTP client to request files from the C-more panel at anytime. Retrieve log data without disturbing the operator, or even opening the cabinet.

Send Files from C-more Automatically

Use the event manager to schedule uploads periodically, or based on a certian conditions occuring. C-more can then upload log data and/or screen captures to a server, or other network connected device.

C-more Built-in Web server

Connect C-more to your factory network, enable the Web server in your project, and then use any connected PC with a browser to request screen captures and retrieve log files. You can even customize the webpages on your panel with your own HTML files, including your company logo and other user specific information.

Here is the generic home page for a C-more panel:

See what your operator sees on the panel without walking out to the factory floor:

Or view up-to-the-minute production info from any connected PC with a browser:

Just remember that these are screen captures, not live images. But it's as simple as clicking the refresh button in your browser for an updated view.

C-more Remote Access & Control

Lockout/Tagout Functionality

Activation or Notification Tags provide an option for each account to have associated user configurable TAGS that allow the Panel project or PLC project to indicate that a remote user is connected, or to enable or disable the remote access feature. 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 to allow local operators the ability to enable or disable the remote access feature for security or safety reasons.

Web browser based

Since the application is downloaded from the C-more panel through a PC's Web browser, authorized users can access and control the panel remotely.

C-more Remote Access is also available on your iOS, Andriod or Amazon Fire Device, Remote HMI App.

Authorized users have the ability to remotely:

• Monitor and control screen operations of the C-more panel as if touching the panel itself
• Test and troubleshoot the C-more project
• View, zoom, print and save screen captures of active screens

Multilevel Logon Security

Three Remote Access user accounts can be configured and stored in the panel project. Each account allows up to five remote users to be connected simultaneously, with the same access rights.

Multilevel Access Control

Each account can be configured in one of the following levels of access:

• View Only
• View and allow Screen Change only
• Full Control

C-more Remote HMI App for Mobile Devices

Access your C-more Panel from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

(iOS version 4.2 or later)

Or from your Android mobile device

(version 4.1 and up)

The C-more Remote HMI is an application for real time remote monitoring and control for the C-more HMI (Human Machine Interface). For this app to function as designed, a C-more panel that supports remote connectivity is required.

Main Features:

• 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
• 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
• Activation or Notification Tags provide an option for each account to have associated user configurable TAGS that allow the Panel project or PLC project to indicate that a remote user is connected or to enable or disable the remote access feature. 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 to allow local operators the ability to enable or disable the remote access feature for security or safety reasons.

C-more Remote Access is also available on your PC, with our free browser based "Remote Access & Control".

Download Now - Your Choice - FREE!