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Version: 26.1 (stable)

5. Connecting to a PLC

Now that you've finished creating your very first HMI, let's connect a PLC to it and set up some data connections!

5.1 Create a New PLC Connection​

  1. Download & Start the HELIO Playground PLC

Setting up a PLC that we can connect to sounds pretty complex, right?

The HELIO Playground PLC Has Got Your Back

It's a software-based demo PLC that you can download for free and run on your development computer right away. A handy tool when you want to learn how to connect HELIO to an industrial machine that communicates using OPC-UA.

←→

→ Download the latest version and start it.

  1. Add the Connection

Good job on getting the PLC set up and running. Let's keep going:

The Right Name Is Important!

It is important to name the connection correctly and not to use the default name, since the template — and thus all the variables it uses — was created with HELIO Playground PLC as the connection name.

  1. Explore the Structure

Once you've got the connection all set up, feel free to take a look and explore the data tree of the HELIO Playground PLC.

5.2 Connect PLC Data with HMI Data​

  1. Locate both OEE variables

First, let's look for the OEE variable in the Data Source Explorer. You should spot it under:
PLC Connection > HELIO Playground PLC > Objects > Quickstart > Molding.

And now it's time to locate the OEE variable within the HMI Data Explorer. You'll find it under Data > Quickstart > Molding.

  1. Start connecting

Click the circle on the right of the "OEE" variable within the Data Source Explorer to start a new connection.

  1. Finish connecting

Click the circle on the left of the "OEE" variable within the HMI Data Explorer to connect the two values.

Mission accomplished!

You successfully connected the OEE variable to the PLC, good job!

  1. Challenge
    Connect all the dashboard data

Now lets connect some more data points to really bring our HMI to life!

Navigate through the Quickstart folder within the HELIO Playground PLC and connect each value you find to its corresponding HMI Data value.

5.4 View Live PLC Data in Your HMI​

  1. Switch to the Content View

…and navigate to the dashboard page we created in a previous step.

  1. Switch to PLC Mode

Switch from Placeholder mode to PLC mode using the buttons above the HMI Preview Panel.

  1. Explore PLC Mode

Now for the fun part! If you connected all the PLC data values to the corresponding HMI data values, your HMI should look like the one on the right. And guess what? You should now be able to see live data from the PLC! Just watch the "OEE" gauge's value change... isn't that amazing?

Mission accomplished!

You finished the entire quick start guide like a boss!

Learn more with the following resources: