Experience Descartes Technologies expertise with automation software and custom hardware to create new solutions for the factory floor.


   
  HMI Hardware, Software, Solutions  
   

PLC Free - Operator Interface Hardware
   

EP1s Talk Directly to Any PC Over Ethernet


Descartes has brought together our expertise with automation software and custom hardware to create new solutions for the factory floor. The most recent addition to our product stable is the EP1 Error Proofing Station.

EP1

The EP1 is designed to make error proofing as easy as plug-n-play. This all in one solution allows for the deployment of error proofing stations quickly and easily in areas not serviced by existing PLC I/O. Simply plug the device into a 120VAC power outlet, connect to the Ethernet and you can communicate directly with the device using GE Fanuc's Cimplicity (Proficy) HMI software. Optionally you can use any other HMI software or just embed the ActiveX object into any custom software solution!

NO PLC REQUIRED

The EP1 is a completely stand alone unit. You simply plug it into a 120VAC outlet, connect to your Ethernet network and you're up and running. It's that simple. The standard EP-1 comes with:
  • A bright red LED beacon on top for great visibility
  • A bright green LED indicator on the front
  • A bright amber LED indicator on the front
  • A built in buzzer for audible alarms
  • A push button for operator feedback
  • An RS-232 port for connection to any RS-232 device like a barcode reader, an RFID station, a marquee, or any other device
  • An I/O expansion port with lots of 24VDC power to connect 3 additional inputs such as photo eyes, light screens, or direct connect to other industrial controllers
Consider the savings in implementing operator stations without needing any PLC. Fully utilized, you have 8 I/O plus a serial pass through port making the EP1 very versatile for almost any application.

No Electrician or Engineer Required!

Deploying an EP1 solution requires no skilled trades and no engineers. Your IT department can simply plug them in around the factory floor and instantly be connected to any PC based application. This is an ideal solution for smaller facilities without the high cost in-house resources. Large facilities can significantly reduce the time and cost of deployment as well. The EP1 is a money and time saving device that every facility needs.

The EP1 Talks To Any Application

The EP1 is available with native drivers for all Proficy HMI applications. Plug in an EP1 and talk directly to Proficy HMI software (Cimplicity). You can even skip the HMI software altogether and drop an EP1 object right into a web page or any other IT application! Plant floor automation is no longer the domain of engineers and skilled trades. Imagine solutions that are so open that you don't need any extra software to run them, just your web browser. IT departments can easily develop and deploy complete solutions with minimal time and effort. The EP1 is redefining operator interface solutions cutting deployment times to hours and costs to far less than half compared to traditional PLC based solutions.

The Universal Translator

For years, the issues of interfacing barcode readers, RFID readers, torque controllers, mag swipe readers, and countless other pieces of automation to remote computers have been daunting. All too often the solution is to tie the smart device into a PLC or to drop a dedicated PC on the plant floor to handle these communications. The EP1 puts an end to all that. The RS-232 interface allows for the connection of any RS-232 device permitting pure passthrough communications over the network back to the host computer. You can read from and write to these devices directly from your application without any expensive intermediary equipment. Use our inexpensive RS-232 to 485/422/USB converters to expand your device communications options. With an EP1 you will be able to talk directly to equipment on the plant floor that before you never could (but only wished you could).

Versatile and Lightning Fast

The EP1 is completely versatile. Each input is individually addressed and can be used in your application for whatever purpose you like. Similarly, the outputs (horn and lights) are driven by the needs of your application. The outputs can be set to 3 different states, on, off, or flashing. The flashing mode saves your hmi or master application from having to pulse the output saving you processing time and bandwidth. The points in your HMI update in real time, even across your network, with zero latency. Bidirectional unsolicited messaging ensures that the bandwidth impact on your network is negligible. One server can drive several hundred units and the load on the server and network can barely be noticed. (You can actually drive several hundred units with a 3 year old laptop over a 10Mb half duplex connection without issue.) EP1s are super efficient and super fast.

Plant Floor Rugged

The EP1 is at its heart a pure IT solution. It was developed though for the harshness of an industrial environment. Extremely bright LED clusters in the lamps ensure visible indicators that won't burn out. The lamp covers, like all the components, are industrial grade. The I/O port can supply a massive 500mA load at 24VDC supplying power to the most hungry sourcing external devices. The connector is a standard M-12 (5 pin mini) connection that is common to plant floor applications. The strong tabbed mounts and flush back allow you an infinite number of mounting options. Plant floor ready and IT friendly, the EP1 brings in a new era of factory automation.

Extremely Low Cost

The EP1 makes installing operator interfaces affordable. Out of the box, Descartes Technologies offers turn key error proofing solutions that include all your hardware and software for a fraction of what you're spending today. Want to expand it to 2, 3 or 10 stations? Simply drop EP1s all over your facility, plug into an outlet, plug in your network cable and you have an instant operator interface with no hidden costs. It really is as simple as plugging in another EP1. Imagine installing 10 stations for less than you pay today for a single installation and deploying them all in a single day - without even needing an electrician. With EP1 solutions from Descartes Technologies you can do just that!
Click here to view our turnkey error proofing kits!
Click here to view our turnkey material request kits!

The Best Support in the Business - Guaranteed

Are you tired of equipment that doesn't measure up and companies that want to sell you stuff but don't want to help you if you have problems? Descartes is entirely the opposite. First, all our products come with a 90 day money back guarantee with no restocking charge. Buy our units, try them, and if you're not completely satisfied send them back and we'll refund all your money, no questions asked. Second, Descartes Technologies offers
free 7/24 phone in tech support for all our customers. If you need on-site support, we have the best technical minds in the business. Descartes application engineers have been developing and supporting plant automation and error proofing systems for years. After all, our history comes from handling the toughest technical projects from the worlds most demanding companies. Like the EP1, our engineers are super fast and super efficient.

For more information on EP1 solutions contact sales@DescartesTech.com.
 
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