Facility management is always looking for ways to consolidate equipment, streamline processes, and provide their operators with the right information about their production lines. Horner APG manufactures a line of operator control stations (OCS) that combines a traditional controller programmed with ladder logic with a user interface, input/output (I/O) and networking functionality into a single unit. The Horner OCS units are controlled using industry-recognized software package called Cscape.™ Cscape supports ladder logic, operator interface development, I/O configuration network configuration, and security features. Horner products provide benefits to both original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and end users. Horner offers three levels of OCS systems: the XLe, the NX Graphical, and the QX ColorTouch.

Horner products provide benefits to both original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and end users. Horner offers three levels of OCS systems: the XLe, the NX Graphical, and the QX ColorTouch.

XLE Operator Control Station

For operators with budget concerns, the XLe OCS provides a compact and affordable solution. The XLe is compact (3.75” X 3.75”), and combines the functionality of a micro programmable logic controller (PLC) and an operator user interface for less than the cost of those two components purchased separately. The XLe has a graphical user interface (GUI) so operators can have better process visualization and notification of machine status. In terms of I/O, the XLe has up to 42 integrated I/O, which can be expanded with additional I/O hardware. The XLe has two serial ports and supports Ethernet, wireless, and telephone modem options for connectivity. For data storage and program updates, the XLe contains a removable MicroSD™ memory card.

NX Graphical Operator Control Station

If you need more display functionality than the XLe OCS but budget is still a concern, the NX Graphical OCS is capable of displaying complex graphical objects on either a 240×128 or 128×64 LCD screens with user assigned soft keys. The NX Graphical OCS includes Ethernet and web server connectivity capabilities and utilizes Horner’s selection of snap-on and distributed I/O. The NX Graphical OCS contains a full alarming package, along with downloadable fonts and the ability to select from four different languages, so it can be used in your plants around the world.

QX Color-Touch Operator Control Station

When you need to display complex information and control options for your operators, Horner’s QX Color-Touch OCS series provides fast performance and SVGA resolution touch XLe Operator Control Station NX Graphical Operator Control Station QX Color-Touch Operator Control Station screens. The QX Color-Touch handles a 0.2mS/K logic scan rate and fast screen updates. Bright TFT screens with 32K color capability are available in three sizes for the QX ColorTouch models: 8.4”, 10.4”, and 12.1”. The QX models contain embedded Ethernet, and also support remote data access, hosting HTML-based Web pages, and FTP sites. I/O can be expanded through Horner’s snap-on I/O modules and on remote fiber optic bases. Horner’s optional Video Backpack product allows the QX Color-Touch supports up to four NTSC/PAL video inputs.

Horner OCS products have been used in a variety of applications and industries, from semiconductor applications and motion control to mobile machinery and water treatment facilities.