GP-Pro EX and AGP3000 Frequently Asked Questions
Last Modified: September 10, 2006
General Corporate Question:1. Q: Who is Pro-face and Xycom?
A: Xycom is the North American sales and marketing organization of Digital Electronics Corporation, based in Osaka, Japan. Pro-face is the brand name of products available from Digital Electronics. We are the leading independent global supplier of Industrial computing and Visualization solutions for Automation and Manufacturing applications.
We continue to set the standards for HMI solutions by offering the industry's most extensive product offerings with the highest level of connectivity and support.
Hardware:
1. Q: Can I run GP-Pro EX on my Pro-face GP2000 or older hardware?
A: No it only works with AGP3000 series hardware.
2. Q: What if I want a different logo or no logo on the front of the unit?
A: This is very easy to do, please contact your Distributor Sales person. Usually we need the logo in a high resolution electronic format (not bitmap). The file should be in .eps (Photoshop) (optionally .jpg format but there may be an extra charge for conversion). And, we will also need to know the Pantone™ colors for each color in the logo. For more information on Pantone, please see: www.pantone.com (no affiliation with Xycom or Pro-face).
3. Q: Just how much faster is the AGP3000 series compared to the GP2000 series?
A: The download is roughly 7 times faster (GP2000 using tool port vs. AGP using USB). In a recent test of communication to a PLC of 80 words of contiguous PLC addresses the AGP3000 took only 64% of the time that the GP2000 did to gather the same data. Using 80 Non-contiguous PLC addresses, the AGP took only 6% of the time that the GP2000 did to gather the same data.
4. Q: What are the benefits of GP-Pro EX and the AGP3000 series?
A:
Displays are brighter and offer more colors
Faster processors
Easier to use software
USB support (check for available drivers)
15" TFT unit, and 7.4" STN are available. These screen size/technologies have not been offered by Pro-face before.
Online update available
Simultaneous multi-protocol on different ports
New 3D parts library
Many more!
5. Q: How long can I expect GP-PRO C-Package03 and the GP/GLC2000, GLC150 (LT) and ST series to be around?
A: We don't have any plans to discontinue any of these products. Please check with your Xycom Distributor or Xycom sales person for availability.
6. Q: Because the AGP3000 has an analog touch screen, I can no longer touch in 3 corners to get the offline menu to come up. How can I use the touch screen to get into the offline menus?
A: Touch the upper left corner, then release, now touch the bottom right corner within .5 (1/2) second of releasing the other corner. Now you should be presented with a menu bar on screen. Touch the offline button to go to the offline mode.
7. Q: What devices can be connected to the USB port?
A: Because we can't use drivers supplied by the manufacturer of the USB device, and we must write drivers for every device, not all USB devices will work. We are adding support for USB devices all of the time. Please check www.pro-face.com for the current list of supported USB devices.
8. Q: I want to extend my USB ports to the front of my enclosure, how can I do this?
A: Please use part number CA5-USBEXT-01-MT01-CP, it connects to the USB port and will mount with a cap (waterproof) to cover the exposed USB port on the outside of your enclosure.
9. Q: What is the difference in touch screen technology between the GP2000 series and the AGP3000 series?
A: While both use resistive membrane technology, the GP2000 series had a grid of touch zones. The AGP3000 Series does not have this grid. The touch screen has a resolution that is equal or greater than that of the display. Some of the benefits of this “analog” touch screen include:
Screen is more clear and easier to see
Objects can be any size
Place objects anywhere on the screen
10. Q: Where can I find panel cutout compatibility?
A: www.pro-face.com/product/gp/gp3000/comp.htm
11. Q: How is NEMA13 different from 4x/12?
A: Please see the www.nema.org web site for a complete description but the difference between NEMA 12 and 13 is in addition to NEMA 12, NEMA 13 adds additional protection to provide a degree of protection against the spraying, splashing, and seepage of oil and non-corrosive coolants, as stated in the document "NEMA_Enclosure_Types_11-05-2.doc" from the www.nema.org web site
Software:
1. Q: Can I run GP-PRO C-Package03 and GP-Pro EX at the same time, on the same PC?
A: Yes, they do not conflict, but you can not drag and drop or copy objects between them. You can use standard Windows™ functionality to copy and paste text from one application to the other.
2. Q: Can I re-use my license from GP-PRO C-Package03 for GP-Pro EX?
A: No, GP-Pro EX is a different software product; you must purchase a new copy.
3. Q: Can I import GP-PRO C-Package03 applications into GP-Pro EX?
A: Yes, however there are a few issues:
Currently, GP-Pro EX has a subset of the drivers that are available in GP-PRO C-Package03. Check the documentation for details
If you are using a GP2000 or x77 series, you should be able to import projects quite complete.
4. Q: What drivers (protocols) are available for GP-Pro EX?
A: For the most current list please check, http://www.pro-face.com/product/gp/gp3000/driver.htm. Also, lots of controllers will support a secondary protocol, and often this is modbus or some other widely available protocol. It may be helpful to see if your device will support another protocol that we already support.
5. Q: Do I have to purchase CDs for everyone that uses a copy?
A: GP-Pro EX comes as a single user license. Everyone who uses it must have their own license. Each GP-Pro EX CD (part number EX-ED-V11) comes with a single license. We do have an option to purchase additional licenses (part number EX-ED-LICENSE-V11), without CDs for a reduced price.
6. Q: What do I do if I need a driver that is not on the list?
A: Ask! We are always developing new drivers. We have started with the most popular first, and are prioritizing additional drivers all of the time. If you ask your distributor, or Pro-face sales person, it will help us with choosing the future order of development.
7. Q: What are the benefits of GP-Pro EX and the AGP3000 series?
A:
Ethernet/IP Native Tag driver
Multimedia (including an Event Recorder, and Video using FTP or CF card)
Built-in Ladder Logic and I/O (on some models) (including "in-unit" Ladder Monitor)
Pro-Server EX, Data Management software
Modem download
Displays are brighter and offer more colors
Faster processors
Easier to use software
USB support (check for available drivers) (new USB barcode support and USB memory sticks too!)
15" TFT unit, and 7.4" STN are available. These screen size/technologies have not been offered by Pro-face before.
Online update available
Simultaneous multi-protocol on different ports
New 3D parts library
Many more!
8. Q: How many different protocols can the AGP3000 communicate to at the same time?
A: The AGP33xx units can communicate to, at most, 2 different protocols simultaneously. The larger units can communicate to up to 4 protocols at the same time. This does not mean you can only connect to 2 or 4 devices. For example, with an AGP3400 you could connect to 6 PLCs on Ethernet using Protocol A™, 3 other PLCs on the same Ethernet port using Protocol B™, 10 PLCs on Com1 using RS-422 using Protocol C™ and several more PLCs by using the expansion bus, and an optional field bus module using Protocol D™. See http://www.pro-face.com/product/gp/gp3000/commu.htm for a diagram.
9. Q: How long can I expect GP-PRO C-Package03 and the GP/GLC2000, GLC150 (LT) and ST series to be around?
A: We don't have any plans to discontinue any of these products. Please check with your Pro-face Distributor or Pro-face sales person for availability.
10. Q: I am using Siemens, can I still use MPI Direct?
A: Yes, and now 187.5Kbps is supported.
Multimedia:
1. Q: What do I need to order if I want to use Multimedia?
A: This question has many parts: First you will need a Multi-Media capable unit. These are the AGP3450, AGP3550, AGP3650 and AGP3750 (7.5", 10.4", 12.1" and 15.1" displays respectively).
There are 4 different aspects to Multi-Media, video in (record), video out (play), audio in (microphone/record) and audio out (speaker/play)
Video In (record)
Each AGP3x50 has one RCA style input jack that will accept video from a camera with NTSC, PAL or SECAM output.
You will need to purchase a camera that supports one of these outputs
Optionally an adapter to use the RCA input
Digital Brand, Compact Flash Card or the ability to connect the AGP3x50 to an FTP Server
Video Out (play)
Each AGP3x50 can play videos in .SDX format. This format is proprietary to Pro-face. To get videos into this format a program called Movie Converter, is supplied on the GP-Pro EX 1.10 install CD, but must be licensed using part number EX-MOVCON-LICENSE, which must be purchased separately. If the user will record movies by using a camera connected directly to the video in port on the AGP3x50, they will be recorded in .SDX format and the user will not need the movie converter software. Movies only play from CF card or FTP Server.
You will need a Digital Brand, Compact Flash Card or the ability to connect the AGP3x50 to an FTP Server
Optionally the EX-MOVCON-LICENSE
Optionally you could use the GP2000VM module with the AGP3500, 3550, 3600, or 3650 (but not the AGP3750) to get 4 additional video (NTSC or PAL) inputs, via BNC connectors.
Audio In (record/microphone)
Recording of audio happens with the recording of video. The user can choose to not connect a camera and only record audio, or record the audio simultaneously with the video.
You will need a Digital Brand, Compact Flash Card or the ability to connect the AGP3x50 to an FTP Server
Microphone with a 3.5mm (mono) plug
Audio Out (play/speaker)
Playing audio can occur with movies (video) or as separate sound output files
You will need a Digital Brand, Compact Flash Card or the ability to connect the AGP3x50 to an FTP Server
Speaker rated to 70mW at 8 Ohms, at 1 KHz, with bare wire. (an external amplifier may be used)
2. Q: What is the SDX™ movie format, do you support formats like MPEG or AVI?
A: The SDX movie format is created by our software utility called the "Movie Converter". This utility can be found on your GP-Pro EX v1.10 CD but you will need to order a separate license in order to install and use it. (Part number EX-MOVCON-LICENSE)
The Movie Converter outputs the AGP3000 Series compatible SDX format, it can convert ANY movie format that your PC is able to play by using so called "Codec™", each movie format has it's own Codec made by the 3rd party promoting the specific movie format. Using these codecs instead of writing our own translator for each movie format guarantees that you will always have the ability to import the latest movie standards to your AGP.
3. Q: I need more than one video input on my AGP3x50, is this possible?
A: Yes, GP2000-VM41, our 4 Channel NTSC/PAL video input module can be used on the AGP3500T, AGP3550T, AGP3600T and AGP3650T. Note that this module does not work with the AGP34x0 series or 3750T.
Support and training:
1. Q: Who should I contact for support?
A: Local Distributor first as they may be most familiar with your application and the closest in proximity to your location. You always have the option to contact Pro-face support directly at support@profaceamerica.com , or 734-944-0482 or you can check out our websites at www.profaceamerica.com, and www.pro-face.com
2. Q: How do I get training?
A: Contact your Distributor sale person, or register at http://www.profaceamerica.com/cms/site/3d80cfdb5c608baa/index.html
3. Q: How do I get support? (How do I use this feature, talk to my PLC, get the software to do this particular function, etc.)
A: Please contact your distributor, or send an email to support@profaceamerica.com or call 734-944-0482
4. Q: Where can I find the latest updates to Manuals, software and information?
A: www.profaceamerica.com and www.pro-face.com/otasuke
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