Mitsubishi GT27 HMI Application Guide

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC GT27 Series Multi Touch HMI: Function Analysis and Engineering Application Guide

Positioning and Overview: Multi touch Innovation of Industrial Tablets

The Mitsubishi Electric GT27 series is an upgraded version of the GT25, positioned as a flagship level graphic operating terminal (GOT), with screen sizes ranging from 5.7 inches to 15 inches and resolutions supporting XGA, SVGA, and VGA. Its biggest breakthrough is the introduction of multi touch and gesture operations in industrial HMI - users can control the device like operating a tablet through actions such as zooming and sliding with two fingers, significantly improving operational efficiency and intuitiveness.

The GT27 series is not only a touch screen, but also an industrial information platform that integrates data acquisition, remote monitoring, multimedia processing, and servo drive debugging. Its software and hardware configuration includes 57 MB ROM (for storing project files, recipes, etc.), 128 MB RAM (for running), and two front USB ports (one Host and one Device), supporting the connection of mice, keyboards, barcode scanners, RFID readers, and USB drives for project transfer and data recording.

This series supports multiple communication protocols (seamlessly integrated with Mitsubishi PLCs, inverters, servo drives, etc.), optional wireless modules, and built-in web servers (GOT Mobile function), allowing engineers to monitor production data in real time through smartphones, tablets, or PC browsers.

Multi touch and gesture operation: improving human-machine interaction efficiency

Traditional industrial touch screens are mostly resistive single touch, with slow operation response and no support for complex gestures. The GT27 adopts special simulated touch screen technology to achieve true multi touch and gesture recognition. Engineers or operators can:

Double finger zoom: Zoom in to view machine alarm details, process flow charts, or trend curves, and zoom out to have a global overview.

Slide and scroll: Quickly browse through long lists, alarm records, or recipe parameters without repeatedly clicking the up and down arrows.

Rotation gesture: can be used to adjust analog settings or control device orientation (such as camera gimbal).

These functions are highly valuable in complex production monitoring. For example, in the parameter setting interface of the injection molding machine, the operator can directly zoom in and out of the mold temperature curve with gestures to quickly locate abnormal points; On the conveyor line monitoring page, slide to switch between camera screens at different workstations.

Engineering tip: When using gesture function, enable "gesture events" for the screen or object in GT Designer 3, and assign corresponding scripts or actions for each gesture (such as Pinch, Flick). At the same time, it should be noted that gesture operations may conflict with the response logic of ordinary buttons, and design should avoid defining both touch buttons and gesture areas in the same area.

GOT Mobile: Web Server Solution for Remote Monitoring

GT27 has a built-in web server that can publish monitoring pages and support access through standard browsers. Users do not need to install a dedicated app, they only need to enter the IP address of GOT within the network to view device status, alarm information, production data, and even perform limited operations (with permission control) in real time from their mobile phones, tablets, or PCs.

Main features:

Real time data update: Through regular refreshing or WebSocket technology (depending on firmware version), the current value, motor speed, temperature, etc. of the PLC can be displayed.

Trend chart display: It can display historical data curves for remote fault analysis.

Multi language support: The browser can display different texts according to language settings.

Security: Supports user authentication and HTTPS encryption (optional) to prevent unauthorized access.

Typical application scenarios:

Factory management personnel check the OEE of the production line through the company's internal network in the office.

The maintenance engineer accessed the on-site GOT via VPN during a business trip to diagnose the cause of the malfunction.

Equipment manufacturers provide remote debugging support to customers without the need for on-site visits.

Configuration points:

In GT Designer 3, check the "GOT Mobile" function and set the web page layout (which can reuse HMI screens or design a simplified version separately).

Pay attention to network security: If connecting GOT to the public network, it is recommended to place it in an isolated industrial DMZ area and use a firewall to restrict access to IP addresses.

GOT Mobile does not occupy the running resources of GOT itself, and data collection is independently processed by the GOT backend.

Multimedia functions: recording, playback, and FTP transfer

The GT27 can be connected to a camera through an optional multimedia unit to achieve the following functions:

Record video: Save the live images captured by the camera directly to the storage area of GOT or an external USB drive. For example, installing a camera on the packaging machine can automatically trigger video recording when a malfunction occurs, saving the images before and after the accident for post analysis.

Video playback: Play pre stored video files directly on the HMI screen (such as device operation tutorials, safety instructions, maintenance guidance). This is more intuitive than traditional text alarms, especially suitable for training new employees.

FTP file transfer: GOT has built-in FTP server/client function, which can automatically upload recorded video files to the upper computer or server for centralized archiving.

Engineering implementation:

Multimedia unit (model such as GT27-MMU) and supported USB camera need to be configured.

Create video display objects in GT Designer 3 and set recording trigger conditions (such as through PLC internal variables or screen buttons).

Set the FTP destination address, username, password, and upload time (such as automatically transferring the previous day's video every morning).

Application value: For unmanned stations such as pump stations and distribution rooms, the video recording function provides post event visual evidence, reducing on-site inspection costs.

GOT Drive: Integrated debugging and diagnosis of servo amplifier

A major feature of GT27 is its direct connection to Mitsubishi MR-J4 and MR-JE series servo drives, enabling the setting, trial operation, fault diagnosis, and monitoring of servo parameters without the need for a personal computer or specialized software (such as MR Configurator2).

Functional details:

Parameter setting: Modify the electronic gear ratio, gain, position command mode and other parameters of the servo amplifier through the GOT screen, and backup the parameters to the GOT ROM.

Trial operation: Rotate the servo motor at low speed in a jog manner, check the wiring and load conditions.

Status monitoring: Real time display of servo motor current, speed, position deviation, alarm codes, and other information.

Fault diagnosis: When the servo alarm occurs, GOT directly displays the alarm content and suggested countermeasures, and supports historical alarm query.

Advantage:

Reduce tool dependency: on-site debugging only requires HMI, no need to carry a laptop.

Reduce training costs: The user interface is unified, and electricians can quickly complete servo debugging.

Improve maintenance efficiency: In the event of a malfunction, operators can immediately view diagnostic information, reducing downtime.

Connection method: Connect the GOT to the servo drive through a dedicated communication cable (or via the CC Link IE field network of the PLC). Select the "MELSERVO" driver protocol in GT Designer 3 and configure the station number.

Human body sensor: automatic wake-up and energy saving

The front panel of GT27 is equipped with a human sensor. When the operator approaches the GOT, the sensor automatically detects human body heat or movement, and the GOT will wake up from standby mode and light up the screen. After personnel leave for a period of time, the screen automatically dims or turns off to extend backlight life and save energy.

Engineering setup:

The sensing distance and sensitivity can be adjusted through the extended settings menu of GOT.

The initial screen after wake-up can be customized (such as the main menu or recent operation screen).

In clean rooms or explosion-proof areas, human sensors can reduce physical contact and lower the risk of contamination.

Attention: Sensors are sensitive to environmental temperature and should not be installed near direct sunlight or heat sources, otherwise they may trigger incorrectly. In low-temperature environments, the infrared detection distance may be shortened.

Expand storage and data management

The GT27 has 57 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM. ROM is used to store engineering files, recipe data, alarm history, scripts, etc; RAM is used for program execution. For applications that require a large amount of data recording, such as long-term trend collection, formula management, and production statistics, users can expand through the following methods:

USB storage: The front USB Host port can be connected to a USB flash drive (FAT32 format) for data log export, recipe upload and download, and screen update.

SD card (optional): The GT27 can be installed with an SD storage card (with an optional expansion unit), with a capacity of over 32 GB, suitable for long-term data archiving.

FTP server: Regularly uploads data to a central server through the network.

Backup and Recovery: With the maintenance platform function of GOT, all system settings, engineering files, and parameters can be backed up to storage media, and one click recovery is supported. This is very useful when replacing spare parts - inserting a new GOT into the storage card can restore it to its original device state, reducing reconfiguration time.

Communication and network capabilities

GT27 supports multiple industrial communication protocols and physical interfaces:

Serial communication: RS-232/422/485, capable of connecting Mitsubishi FX series PLCs, frequency converters, temperature controllers, etc.

Ethernet: Standard RJ45 interface, supports TCP/IP, UDP, SLMP, MELSEC communication protocols, and can also be used to connect to upper computers, SQL databases, MES systems.

CC Link: Can serve as a CC Link intelligent device station, directly participating in fieldbus data exchange.

Wireless communication: Optional wireless module (such as GT27-WLAN) can be used to achieve wireless connection with mobile devices or remote I/O.

Multi channel concurrency: GT27 supports the simultaneous use of multiple communication ports, such as one port monitoring PLC data, another port communicating with barcode scanners, and a third port connecting to printers.

MES/ERP integration: By utilizing the scripting function and SQL instructions of GT27, production counting, equipment status, and other data can be directly written into the database (via Ethernet connection) to build a workshop information system (MES). For example, after completing each workpiece, GOT automatically inserts a record into the database for real-time production statistics.

Engineering Application and Selection Suggestions

9.1 Comparison with other GOT series

Features GT27 GT25 GT23

Multi touch support is not supported

Gesture operation is not supported

The built-in web server is a partial model

Recording/playback requires multimedia unit, but multimedia unit is not supported

GOT Drive supports MR-J4/JE, some models are not supported

Is there a human body sensor

ROM capacity 57 MB 32 MB 15 MB

RAM capacity 128 MB 128 MB 64 MB

9.2 Selection steps

Determine screen size and resolution: 5.7 inches (VGA) is suitable for small device panels; 8.4 inches (SVGA) is a universal choice; 10.4-inch (VGA/SVGA) suitable for medium to complex images; 15 inches (XGA) for large control centers.

Evaluate whether multi touch is needed: If the user interface requires zooming in and out of the map or scrolling through lists, GT27 should be selected; Otherwise, GT25 is more economical.

Confirm communication protocol: Check if the PLC, servo, and frequency converter that need to be connected are in the support list of GT27.

Considering the environment: If there is oil or moisture in the usage environment, it is necessary to choose a protective cover or select an IP67F front panel model (some models).

Additional features: If remote access is required, ensure that the selected model supports GOT Mobile (all GT27 models support it). If recording is required, a multimedia unit must be ordered.

9.3 Common problems and solutions for on-site debugging

Problem 1: No response from multi touch

Check if gesture functionality is enabled in GT Designer 3 and if gesture events are bound to related objects.

Confirm that the firmware version supports multi touch (which can be viewed through GOT system information).

Calibrate touch screen: Enter maintenance mode of GOT and perform touch calibration (special parameters need to be calibrated for multi touch).

Problem 2: GOT Mobile cannot be accessed

Confirm that the Ethernet settings of GOT are on the same network segment as the local area network, and that the subnet mask is correct.

Check if the Windows firewall or enterprise security policy is blocking the HTTP port (80).

In the web server settings of GOT, ensure that 'Enable GOT Mobile' is checked and set the correct user permissions.

Problem 3: Video recording cannot be saved

Confirm that the multimedia unit has been installed correctly and the camera is recognized by GOT (which can be viewed on the system monitoring screen).

Check if the storage medium (USB flash drive or SD card) is formatted and has sufficient remaining space.

Whether the conditions for triggering video recording are met (such as PLC being ON).

Problem 4: Unable to write servo parameters

Confirm that the communication cable between GOT and servo is connected correctly, and that the servo power supply is connected.

In the GOT project, assign the correct station number (such as CC Link station number or network node address) to the servo drive.

Some servo parameters need to be powered off and restarted before they can take effect. Please pay attention to the confirmation prompt for writing GOT.

Maintenance and spare parts strategy

Since its launch, Mitsubishi Electric has continuously provided supply and technical support for the GT27 series. Given the lifecycle of electronic products, it is recommended that users:

Regularly backup the engineering files and system data of GT27 and save them to the server or USB drive.

For critical workstations, prepare spare parts (at least one GT27 of the same model) to prevent prolonged downtime caused by sudden failures.

When GT27 experiences hardware malfunctions (such as touch failure or backlight aging), you can contact Mitsubishi authorized repair centers for repair or replacement.

If the GT27 is discontinued in the future, it may be considered to upgrade to subsequent models (such as the GT30 series, if available) or keep the GT27 as a spare parts inventory.