FLEXBOOL PLC &NEXTION Touchscreen Display
The example illustrates the operation of a FLEXBOOL PLC with a 7" NEXTION full-color touchscreen display. For the purposes of this example, we will control two Air Compressors (STAR/DELTA starting), Unload and Drain valves, and Cooling Pump (direct start). The Nextion touchscreen interface is arranged in 2 pages – CONTROL and SETTINGS. The CONTROL page gives a simplified overall view of the controlled system. It indicates the current state of both Compressors, Cooling pump, Unload and Drain valves, Compressor control mode, Active Alarms and analog values of the monitored parameters – cooling temperature, Air pressure and compressor’s motor current. The SETTINGS page allows the system user to configure the pressure control parameters and alarm limits. The short video below demonstrates the user interface in operation.
The example can be used as a basis for development of various control systems where a touchscreen and visualization of operating parameters on the display is required. Thanks to the wide I/O standards support of the FLEXBOOL PLC, you can easily add various additional functionalities such as Variable Frequency Drive control (0-10V, PWM, RS-485), AMS notifications, operating hours tracking, on-screen maintenance reminders, etc.
More to watch
FLEXBOOL First Steps
FLEXBOOL Outputs Example
FLEXBOOL Inputs Example
Why FLEXBOOL?
FLEXBOOL is an open source, free of license limitations, industrial-grade PLC family, based on ESP32 MCU and fully compatible with Arduino IDE. With its excellent communication capabilities and wide I/O standards support, the FLEXBOOL PLC can operate as a complete stand-alone system, as well as a part of another system. It allows easy building of control and monitoring systems where the reliable measurements and control abilities can be easily combined with an impressive user interface.
ESP32
FLEXBOOL PLC family is based on the ESP32 dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX6 MCU (240 MHz Clock frequency, 520 KB of SRAM, 448 KB of ROM and 16 MB of FLASH).
ARDUINO IDE
FLEXBOOL is fully compatible with ARDUINO IDE. All Arduino math and logic functions as well as many Arduino libraries can be used in your code.
Our FLEXBOOL PB Series PLC models support up to 32 Power Bus extenders, connected in a daisy chain to a 2-Wire bus (Power + Data) with a total length up to 500 meters.
REAL TIME CLOCK
FLEXBOOL PLC has an internal Real Time Clock/Calendar that allows you to create Alarm/Event Logs, keep track of operating hours, set reminders for the system user, and initiate various periodic processes like defrost, bearing lubrication, water treatment, tank ventilation, etc.
FLEXBOOL RTC is supplied by an internal capacitor backup that provides reliable RTC operation in case of a power break for up to 60 days.
10/100Mbs ETHERNET
FLEXBOOL PLC provides 10/100Mbs Ethernet communication based on the Microchip physical tranciever LAN8720 and ESP32 MAC layer. There are many useful examples posted on our web site, like setting up a static IP Address, or obtaining an IP Address from the router, pinging another network address, arranging a SD Card hosted Web Server, and Modbus TCP communication with other devices.
RS485
Complying with the industry standard for long-distance communication, the RS485 port of FLEXBOOL PLC provides anti-interference and reliable operation. It features reduced slew-rate drivers that minimize EMI and reduce reflections caused by improperly terminated cables, allowing error-free transmission up to 500kbps. The AutoDirection feature provides faster switching speeds, no contact bounce, better reliability, and better electrical isolation.
MICRO SD MEMORY CARD
Each FLEXBOOL PLCmodel is equipped with a SD Memory Card (included), that can be used for storing system data, Alarm/Event Logs, display images, web interface scripts, etc.
There many examples posted on our web site including reading/writing data to the card, creating/deleting files and folders, and building a SD Card stored web server / User Interface.
There many examples posted on our web site including reading/writing data to the card, creating/deleting files and folders, and building a SD Card stored web server / User Interface.
FULL COLOR DISPLAY
All FLEXBOOL PLC models have a full-color (64k) TFT with 240x240px resolution, and 1.3'' size. In combination with the panel buttons on the left side of the display, it can be used for a variety of purposes, including browsing the controller's menus, real time monitoring of analog and digital input/output states, and changing user-configurable set points.
UPS BATTERY CHARGER
FLEXBOOL PLC models Lite and 3 have an integrated, user-configurable, smart battery charger with UPS functionality. When a battery is connected to the controller, it is constantly charged and monitored.
In case of any power break, it will provide unbreakable power supply to the controller.
In case of any power break, it will provide unbreakable power supply to the controller.
WiFi
FLEXBOOL PLC provides 2.4GHz WiFi connection 802.11b/g/n. It features WMM, 4 × virtual Wi-Fi interfaces, simultaneous support for infrastructure station, SoftAP, and promiscuous modes.
BLUETOOTH
The FLEXBOOL PLC comes with Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth Classic.
USB-C
The programming/debug port of the FLEXBOOL PLC is USB-C type, which is more compact than its predecessors and reversible in connectivity.
PROTECTED I/O
All FLEXBOOL Inputs are Over-voltage and Over-current protected. DO, AO, PWM and DC Outputs are over-current protected. Supply terminals are Over-voltage and reverse-polarity protected.
INTEGRATED SELF-TEST
FLEXBOOL PLC provides reliable hardware Self-Test functionality. Depending on your project, the hardware check can be performed only at startUp, or periodically during the controller operation.
LICENSE-FREE PROGRAMMING
We provide many free code examples, including UART, RS485, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, Power Bus communication, integration with Siemens & Delta PLC, Iridium, NodeRed, Grafana interfaces, Nextion & Delta HMI, etc.