In industrial automation sites, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) serves as a bridge for communication between operators and equipment. The Pro face GP370 series (including monochrome LCD model GP370-LG and STN color LCD model GP370-SC) is widely used in small and medium-sized control systems due to its compact design, high protection level, and strong communication compatibility. This article is based on the original factory technical manual and provides a full process operation guide for automation engineers and maintenance technicians, covering hardware installation, system initialization, communication configuration, daily operation, and fault diagnosis.
Chapter 1: Product Overview and Selection Points
The GP370 series offers two display types: GP370-LG (monochrome, black and white display) and GP370-SC (STN color, 8-color display). Both have the same external dimensions (170W × 138H × 57D mm), weigh less than 900g, and use a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels and an effective display area of 115 × 86 mm.
1.1 Core Performance Parameters
Display and Backlight: Monochrome models support white/black and reverse display; The color model supports eight colors including white, red, blue, green, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, as well as mixed colors with flat patterns. The backlight is a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CFL) with a lifespan of approximately 20000 hours at room temperature.
Touch panel: 16 × 12 keys/screen, supports single or two-point touch, with touch buzzer feedback (can be set to turn on/off).
Memory: Built in FLASH EPROM 1 Mbyte, can store up to 320 images when the standard screen size is about 3.2 KB.
Clock accuracy: The monthly error at room temperature is ± 40 seconds, but it may increase to+65 to -350 seconds per month with temperature rise and aging.
External interface:
Serial interface: RS-232C/RS-422, data length 7/8 bits, stop bit 1/2 bits, parity check none/odd/even, baud rate 2400-38400 bps.
Tool connector: TTL level RS-232C, used for downloading screen data, connecting barcode scanners or memory loaders.
Expansion interface: Reserved for future expansion.
1.2 Environment and Protection
Working temperature: 0~50 ℃; Storage temperature: -20~60 ℃.
Humidity: 20-85% RH (no condensation).
Protection level: The front panel is equivalent to JEM1030 IP65f and NEMA # 250 TYPE4X/12, which means it is completely dust-proof, direct water spray proof, and oil proof ("f" represents oil proof). However, it should be noted that long-term exposure to volatile oils or low viscosity cutting oils may still cause damage; The rubber gasket needs to be replaced regularly after aging to maintain its protective performance.
Anti vibration: 10-25 Hz, 30 minutes in X/Y/Z directions, acceleration 2G.
Anti interference: noise voltage of 1000 Vp-p, pulse width of 1 μ s, rise/fall time of 1 ns.
Grounding: Grounding resistance below 100 Ω.
1.3 Optional Accessories
Screen editing software: GP-PRO/PB III (DOS version) or GP-PRO/PB III for Windows 95 (CD-ROM or floppy disk), including download cable.
Communication cables: RS-232C cable (GP410-IS00-O), RS-422 cable (GP230-IS11-O), multi link cable (GP230-IS12-O), Siemens Simatic S5 programming port cable (GP000-IS11-O), Mitsubishi A-series programming port cable (GP430-IP10-O), Mitsubishi FX series programming port cable (GP430-IP11-O), Mitsubishi A-series dual port adapter (GP030-MD11-O).
Maintenance components: Backlight tube (GP370-BL00-MS, suitable for LG and SC models), mounting bracket (GP070-AT00-MS), rubber gasket (GP370-WP00-MS), screen protector film (GP370-COVER-20P, 20 sheets/set).
Tool connector attachment: Memory loader (GP070-MU01-O, used for high-speed copying of system programs and screen data, but cannot be used for system versions 1.20 and above).
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation and Wiring - The Foundation for Ensuring Reliable Operation
2.1 Mechanical installation requirements
GP370 is designed for panel embedded installation. The opening size should refer to the installation dimension diagram (Section 2.5) in the manual. Key requirements:
Panel thickness: 1.6 mm~5.0 mm, the surface should be smooth and free of burrs.
Rubber gasket: Before installation, it is necessary to confirm that the gasket is correctly attached to the back of the GP.
Installation bracket: Use the 4 metal brackets provided, hook them into the slots on both sides of the GP from the back of the panel, and tighten them with a screwdriver to a torque of 0.5-0.6 N · m.
Heat dissipation distance: To ensure natural convection cooling, GP should maintain a distance of at least 100 mm from other structural components. If installed horizontally or laterally, forced air cooling (such as a fan) is required. When installing sideways, the power terminal must face upwards.
Panel inclination: During natural cooling installation, the panel inclination should not exceed 30 °.
Avoid heat sources: Keep away from equipment that is prone to arcing, such as electromagnetic circuits and circuit breakers without fuses.
2.2 Power Wiring