Watlow Silver Series - Manual (Page 57)

Simulator Mode 49
Chapter 5 – Simulator Mode
As you saw from creating the sample project in the last chapter, downloading any changes you make to the HMI can
take time. To decrease the amount of time required to download a project to the HMI, you can uncheck the Firmware
option on EasyBuilder's download dialog once you have downloaded it once.
A better way of testing changes made to a project is to use the computer to simulate the operation of the HMI.
This chapter shows you how to dramatically save time when creating and testing a project by putting the computer
into Simulation Mode. In Simulation Mode, the computer displays a screen that simulates what is seen when the HMI
executes the project file. You can use the mouse on your computer to simulate the operation of the touchscreen on
the HMI. Rather than waiting for the download to test each change you make to your project, you can now instantly
switch to Simulation Mode to see if your project is working as expected.
You can enter Simulation Mode from EasyBuilder or from Project Manager.
The Simulation Screen
All modes of simulation use the same screen.
For our example, we are showing the sample project as it would appear after the “To next window” function key has
been pressed. When the Simulation Mode screen first appears, it will always show the startup screen of the project.
You can test any objects you have created which require touchscreen input by clicking on them. In this example,
clicking on the increment key simulates the key as it is pressed on the touchscreen. Simulation Mode always uses the
compiled version of the project that you have created (the *.xob file). Therefore, you must save and compile any
changes you make to the project before you can simulate it.
Simulating the HMI is done in on-line or off-line mode.
On-line simulation is most useful when a project is near completion and you need to test the interaction of the
project with the PLC. It is also very convenient when making minor changes to a project because these changes can be
instantly checked for operation.
Off-line simulation does not require any connection to the HMI. Because of this, off-line simulation is most often used
when starting a project. You can quickly test new ideas and create preliminary screens without the HMI.
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