Integrating IDEC HMI Panels with FC6A PLCs Using WindO/I-NV4

Quick Answer

IDEC HG series HMI touch panels are programmed using WindO/I-NV4 software (free). The HMI connects to the FC6A via USB, serial, or Ethernet and provides operator screens with numeric displays, buttons, trend charts, and alarm lists mapped to FC6A memory addresses.

IDEC HMI Product Line

The HG series includes 4.3", 7", 10.1", and 12.1" touch panels with resistive or capacitive touchscreens. All models support multiple communication protocols including direct IDEC protocol, Modbus RTU/TCP, and EtherNet/IP.

WindO/I-NV4 Software

WindO/I-NV4 is separate from WindLDR and is used exclusively for HMI programming. Like WindLDR, it is a free download from IDEC. The software provides a drag-and-drop screen designer with pre-built objects for buttons, numeric displays, bar graphs, trend charts, and alarm lists.

Communication Setup

1. In WindO/I-NV4, select the HMI model and FC6A connection type (serial or Ethernet)
2. Configure the communication parameters to match the FC6A settings
3. Map HMI objects to FC6A memory addresses (I, Q, M, R registers)

Screen Design Basics

• Numeric display — Shows the value of an R register (e.g., R100 = tank level)
• Push button — Sets or toggles an M relay on press (e.g., M0 = start command)
• Indicator lamp — Changes color based on Q or M relay state
• Trend chart — Plots R register values over time for process trending

Downloading to the Panel

Connect the HMI panel to the PC via USB or Ethernet and use WindO/I-NV4's download function to transfer the project. The panel restarts and begins operating with the new screens. See Modbus TCP configuration for Ethernet-based HMI communication.