03 Oct New 7bit products and WebHMI firmware updates
For the effective use of WebHMI in customer projects, we produce accompanying communication devices and data collection modules under the 7bit TM. Today, there are a number of substantial additions and changes to the lineup that we would like to report on in this news release.
- The second version of the Synapse module with new features (Lua, analog inputs and more)
- The second generation of AirPoint / AirGate wireless telemetry
- The new air parameters monitoring module AirPoint – Q
- Redesign of 7bit Modbus Proxy & Mediator modules
- A simple and inexpensive USB – Mbus converter for working with accounting devices
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WebHMI firmware updates
Synapse (v2)
Externally, the module began to look much better, but that’s not all, because inside, new very powerful and useful functions have also appeared. The module looks a little bigger than the previous version, but in fact the size of the case has remained the same. Slightly larger and more convenient terminals are installed.
Now about the main changes.
WiFi added
Now the module can be connected to the network via WiFi. And in the settings mode, you can access the web page of the module via WiFi from your phone.
Analog inputs
Two analog inputs will come in handy if you need to read a pressure, level, etc. sensor. Input type 4 .. 20 mA, provided with 2-stage digital filtering for protection against electromagnetic interference.
Control with Lua
The module can be turned into a full-fledged controller using the built-in Lua development environment. There is a text console for debugging, for convenience, a separate script start/stop button is provided on the module body.
Supply either of 220VAC or 24Vdc
The terminals of the built-in power supply now have an additional function – they can be used to power the module with a constant voltage of 24V from an external separate source. In places where the situation with electromagnetic interference from frequency converters or thyristor switches is very difficult, this type of power supply will be better.
A more functional web page
New buttons for accessing new functions have appeared on the home page.
The Overview page displays the status of all internal registers and is interactive for managing outputs.
A more detailed description is available at the link.
The second generation of wireless telemetry
The new modules have a more protected housing, a more powerful battery, analog inputs and an interface for polling automation devices.
New AirGate Combo gateway
- the enclosure has higher protection of IP65
- supplied from ~220V
- GPRS-module
- serial port for polling external filed devices
- Lua engine converts the module to a remote wireless controller
- Option for expansion module (in place of Lora transmitter) for single distributed nodes
New AirPoint data collection module – M
- higher enclosure protection – IP54
- supplied from 18650 accumulator, longer autonomous run time
- 2 analog inputs with power supply for sensors
- serial port for polling devices Mbus/RS-485/TTL)
The new air parameters monitoring module AirPoint – Q
The new module for monitoring air parameters has on board dust, CO2, temperature and humidity meters. Areas of its applications:
- dispatching systems of buildings, fitness centers, etc
- warehouses, vegetable storages
- other industrial facilities
Redesign of 7bit Modbus Proxy & Mediator modules
After a certain period of using modules in projects, we decided to make the module more convenient – now it has 1 galvanically isolated port, power from 24V through the Ethernet connector and because of this is much smaller than the previous 2-port version, in the 1-phase form factor automatic switch. The price of the module accordingly also became lower.
More details about:
USB-Mbus converter for working with metering devices
Our new USB-Mbus converter is a “must have” device for every automation engineer who works with accounting devices that have an Mbus interface. It has a USB 2.0 interface and is compatible with WebHMI and Linux, Windows.
WebHMI software update
Improved logic for working with time zones
Previously, customers who installed WebHMI in another country or in another time zone faced a problem when, due to the time difference, the browser displayed historical data incorrectly, i.e. could not display data that is in the future or showed data in the past shifted by the time difference – zone.
Now there is a setting of which time zone to use in the project – client or server, i.e. WebHMI.
Save / Save & Apply
Previously, when editing the project configuration, there was only one Save button, which caused changes to be recorded in the project database and at the same time the run-time was restarted with these changes. Restarting the project is a relatively long operation that can last 5-10 seconds, so with numerous edits, these pauses accumulated into a rather long time waiting for the system to be ready.
Now you can significantly save time when editing projects by quickly saving numerous changes in the project. Changes can be applied at a convenient time.
Curves visibility toggle on custom graphs
When analyzing saturated graphs with many parameters, it is sometimes necessary to carefully consider the behavior of individual parameter(s) separately. However, when parameters are reselected, the graph is reloaded from . With the new curve visibility controls, this can be done instantly.
The About page tells of possible updates
The functionality of WebHMI is constantly growing in response to the requests of our customers. But implementation, of course, takes some time, so to inform customers about the availability of an expected feature, or just to check for updates, we made additional tabs on the “About” page where users can check for available updates.
The Issues tab has also been added, warning about errors found that may manifest themselves in the current version of the firmware.
Data to grid on graphs
Quite often, users need to get a “slice” of parameter values at the end of a time interval, such as the end of a shift. These can be the summaries of production counters, the time the equipment is waiting, etc. It is now possible to align parameter values so that they have the last updated value exactly along the grid line. Then when exporting graph data, the data will have timestamps specified by the user, for example, every 15 minutes.
Rejection of support for SMS messages
From September 1, 2023, support for SMS messages has been stopped. Today, messenger programs such as Telegram are a more convenient means of information. Unlike SMS, sending via Telegram is free, and the message is received on all user devices – phone, computer, laptop.