Unified Comfort Panel - Audio & Video from USB/Web Client

You are correct, the Unified Comfort Panel (UCP) does not support audio output for video playback from USB storage.

Regarding video playback from USB via a web client: Directly displaying videos from USB storage via the web client is not supported. The UCP's web client functionality focuses on data visualization and control, not media playback from external USB drives.

Workaround/Alternatives:

• Consider converting videos to image sequences (e.g., JPEG) and displaying those via the web client as a slideshow. This provides visual information, but without audio.
• Explore alternative visualization methods for the data your videos contain, presenting it graphically within the web client.

For more details and further support, please refer to the SiePortal knowledge base: Unified Comfort Panel Documentation

Downloading USB Files (Datalog + Alarms) from MTP1500 via Ethernet

Yes, Siemens provides functionalities similar to Schneider Electric's "Data Manager" for retrieving data from Comfort Panels like the MTP1500.

Here's how you can download datalog and alarm files monthly via Ethernet:

1. Using TIA Portal: The most robust method is to use TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal). You can establish a connection to the HMI, download the entire configuration (including datalogs), and then extract the data. See Siemens Support ID 109764688 for details on downloading configuration.
2. Using Open User Communication: Implement Open User Communication (OUC) in your HMI project to establish a client-server connection with your laptop. You can then write a custom application (e.g., in C#, Python) to request and download the datalog files.
3. HMI Backup & Restore: Regularly back up the HMI configuration to your laptop. The backup file contains the datalogs and alarms. This method requires periodic full backups.

Software Equivalent to Data Manager: While Siemens doesn't have a single "Data Manager" application, TIA Portal offers comprehensive data management capabilities. For automated data retrieval, OUC combined with custom scripting is the recommended approach.

Refer to the MTP1500 manual and TIA Portal documentation for detailed configuration instructions. You can find the manuals on Siemens Industry Online Support.

Changing Button Graphics in WinCC

Hello Stian,

You're on the right track! The issue likely stems from the incorrect path to your graphics within the script. Unlike backcolor which accepts direct hex values, graphics require a path relative to the WinCC project structure.

Here's how to correctly reference graphics:

1. Graphics Folder Location: Graphics are typically stored in the "Pictures" folder within your WinCC project.
2. Script Path: The path in your script should reference this folder. For example, if your graphic "NameInGraphicsFolder.bmp" is directly inside the Pictures folder, your script should be: Screen.FindItem('MyButton').Graphic = "Pictures\\NameInGraphicsFolder.bmp"; (Note the double backslashes).
3. File Extension: Ensure you include the correct file extension (e.g., .bmp, .jpg, .png) in the script.

Important Considerations:

• Case sensitivity may apply.
• Verify the graphic file exists in the specified location.
• If the graphic is in a subfolder within "Pictures", include the subfolder name in the path (e.g., Pictures\\Subfolder\\NameInGraphicsFolder.bmp).

For more detailed information, please refer to the Siemens documentation on Dynamic Change of Graphics in SiePortal.

Best regards,

Siemens Self Support

Highlighting Buttons in SubNavigation from Application Screen

Yes, you can definitely highlight a button in the 04_SubNavigation screen from an event triggered in the 10_Application screen.

You can utilize the Navigation.HighlightButton event directly from your picture jump in the 10_Application screen. Simply trigger the Navigation.HighlightButton event, specifying the button's identifier within 04_SubNavigation as the target. This is the preferred and most straightforward approach.

While scripting would also achieve the desired result, it's generally less efficient and more complex than using the built-in Navigation.HighlightButton functionality.

For detailed information on using Navigation.HighlightButton, please refer to the SiePortal documentation:

Unable to Delete Audit Trail in TIA Portal V19 for MTP1200

You've encountered a known issue in TIA Portal V19 where deleting an Audit Trail from an MTP1200 Unified Comfort HMI can be problematic due to disabled right-click and Delete key functionality.

Workaround:

1. Navigate to Project view.
2. Expand Device Configuration > HMI > Audit Trail.
3. In the Properties window (bottom left), set the "Enabled" property to "False".
4. Compile the project and download it to the HMI.
5. After downloading, you should be able to delete the Audit Trail object.

Additional Information:

• Refer to Siemens FAQ: How to delete an Audit Trail in WinCC Unified for more details.
• This issue is addressed in later TIA Portal versions. Consider upgrading if feasible.

If you continue to experience issues, please open a support request through SiePortal for further assistance: https://support.industry.siemens.com/

Regarding Unified Comfort Panel V19.0 Upd2 Firmware for MTP1200

We understand you're experiencing issues downloading applications to the MTP1200 due to firmware availability, specifically after implementing the DB Name Multiplexing function and attempting to use V19.0 Upd2.

You are correct that the linked support article currently only provides firmware up to V19.0 Upd1.

Current Status: Siemens is aware of the issue with V19.0 Upd2 and the loading crashes observed when attempting to upgrade from TIA Portal. The images for V19.0 Upd2 are not yet publicly available.

Please monitor the following resources for updates:

• Siemens Support Article (Unified Comfort V19 Upd2) - Check for updates to the available downloads.
• Siemens Industry Online Support - Regularly check for new firmware releases.

We recommend against repeatedly attempting the upgrade with the current available firmware as it may lead to further issues. We will update the documentation as soon as the V19.0 Upd2 images are released.

Importing Users from Active Directory to UMC - Troubleshooting

The "undefined" and "NO DATA FOUND" messages during AD user import in UMC typically indicate a configuration issue with the AD connection settings.

Key Configuration Steps:

1. Verify DNS Resolution: Ensure the UMC server can resolve the Active Directory domain name. Test with nslookup yourdomain.com.
2. Check UMC AD Connector Settings: In UMC Administration, navigate to "User Management" -> "AD Connector". Confirm the following:
   • Domain Controller: Specify the correct IP address or FQDN of a domain controller.
   • Base DN: Enter the correct base distinguished name (DN) for your user container (e.g., DC=yourdomain,DC=com).
   • User Name: Use a domain user with sufficient permissions (e.g., read access to the user container).
   • Password: Ensure the password is correct.
3. Permissions: The specified AD user needs "Read" permissions on the organizational units (OUs) containing the users you intend to import.
4. Firewall: Confirm that firewalls between the UMC server and the domain controllers allow communication on ports 389 (LDAP) and 636 (LDAPS if using SSL).

Resources:

• Siemens Support - UMC AD Connector Configuration
• SiePortal (for detailed documentation and knowledge base articles)

If the issue persists, please gather the UMC server logs and contact Siemens Support via Siemens Support.

Removing Background and Gradient from I/O Fields in WinCC Unified

Yes, you can remove the background and gradient border from I/O fields, but it requires specific styling via CSS within your WinCC Unified template project.

While you can remove the border property directly, the gradient is applied as a background image. You need to override this background property with a transparent color.

Here's how you can do it:

1. Access the Style Definitions: Open your template project and navigate to the style definitions for the I/O field.
2. Override CSS: Add the following CSS rule to target the I/O field's background. You might need to adjust the selector depending on your exact I/O field configuration: .myIOField { background: transparent !important; } Replace ".myIOField" with the appropriate CSS class.
3. Gradient Removal: If the gradient is applied via a separate background image, identify that class and set its background to transparent as well.

Important Considerations:

• The !important flag is often necessary to override default styles.
• Inspect the existing I/O fields in your project (the ones *without* the background/gradient) using the browser's developer tools to determine the exact CSS selectors you need to override.
• Copying from existing elements isn't directly possible to faceplates, hence the CSS approach.

For more detailed information and examples, please refer to the Siemens documentation on WinCC Unified styling:

Licence Service Connection Lost Warning

Dear David,

The "Connection to the licence service has been lost" message indicates intermittent communication between your SIMATIC software and the licence server. While the runtime licence is functional, this message suggests a temporary disruption, not a licence validity issue.

Possible Causes & Troubleshooting:

• Network Issues: Check network connectivity between client/server and the licence server. Transient network hiccups are common causes.
• Licence Server Load: High CPU/memory usage on the licence server can cause temporary unavailability.
• Firewall: Ensure firewalls aren't blocking communication on the required ports (typically 17000).
• Licence Server Service: Verify the SIMATIC Licence Service is running on the server.
• Software Updates: Outdated software (client or server) may have compatibility issues.

Further Support:

Please refer to Siemens Support FAQ on Licence Issues for detailed troubleshooting steps. You can also search for specific error codes in SiePortal. If the issue persists, please open a support request via the Siemens Support Center.

Sincerely,
Siemens Self Support

StopRuntime Function Not Working - MTP 1200/700

Hello Jernej,

Regarding your issue with the StopRuntime function on MTP 1200 and MTP 700 (Firmware V16.00.00.05_01.01.00.04, Runtime V16.0.0.5), here are some troubleshooting steps:

1. Check HMI Configuration: Ensure the StopRuntime function is correctly assigned to the button in your HMI configuration. Verify that the function call parameters are accurate.
2. Runtime State: Confirm the runtime is actually running before attempting to stop it. The function may have no effect if the runtime is already stopped.
3. Permissions/User Rights: Check if the user account operating the HMI has sufficient permissions to execute the StopRuntime function.
4. Error Logs: Examine the system error logs on the MTP for any relevant messages that might indicate why the function is failing. You can find these logs via SiePortal.
5. SiePortal Knowledge Base: Search SiePortal for known issues and solutions related to StopRuntime and MTP. Use keywords like "MTP", "StopRuntime", "function call", and your firmware version.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please open a support request via SiePortal providing detailed information about your setup and the observed behavior.

Best regards,
Siemens Self Support

Reading Entire Arrays in Siemens HMI Scripts

Yes, it's possible to read an entire array in a Siemens HMI script, but the approach differs slightly from reading individual elements.

Your attempt to read the entire array with HMIRuntime.Tags("Rezept_Speichern").Read(); is correct in principle. However, this returns an object, not a simple array of values.

To access all elements, you need to iterate through the array using a loop. Here's an example:

let array_sp = HMIRuntime.Tags("Rezept_Speichern").Read();
let arrayLength = array_sp.length;
for (let i = 0; i < arrayLength; i++) {
  let value = array_sp[i];
  // Do something with the value (e.g., trace it)
  HMIRuntime.Trace("Rezept_Speichern[" + i + "] = " + value);
}

Important Note: Directly reading individual elements like HMIRuntime.Tags("Rezept_Speichern[0]").Read(); is only useful if you *know* the index beforehand and want to access a specific element directly.

For more detailed information, refer to the Siemens documentation on HMI Scripting and HMIRuntime.Tags Object in SiePortal.

WinCC Unified Button Security Issue - TIA Portal V19

Dear User,

We understand you're experiencing an issue with button functionality after user login in WinCC Unified (Panel MTP1200 Unified Confort, FW 19.0.0.3) within TIA Portal V19, despite correct user authentication.

You've already attempted certificate re-installation and reviewed FAQ 109805541, which is good troubleshooting.

Here are some additional steps to investigate:

• Button Properties: Double-check the button's "Enable" property binding within the HMI screen. Ensure it is correctly linked to the user role/permission evaluation. A common error is an incorrect binding path or logic.
• User Management: Verify the user group associated with the correct permission is correctly configured in WinCC Unified settings.
• HMI Runtime Diagnostics: Connect to the HMI runtime and check for any error messages related to security or button enabling.
• TIA Portal Cache: Try clearing the TIA Portal cache and rebuilding the project. Sometimes, cached data can cause unexpected behavior.
• Firmware Compatibility: Although you have the latest firmware, double check the Siemens documentation for known issues between V19 and the MTP1200 Unified Confort panel.

If the problem persists, please provide the project (or a simplified example demonstrating the issue) for further analysis by Siemens Support through SiePortal. This will allow us to accurately diagnose the root cause.

Sincerely,
Siemens Self Support

Understanding IO Field Value Handling in WinCC Unified

You're on the right track with using JavaScript for PLC interaction in WinCC Unified! Here's a breakdown of how to handle operator input, unit conversion, and writing back to the PLC, addressing your challenges:

Reading from IO Field & Writing to PLC with Conversion

Directly scripting the IO field's value back to the PLC with conversion requires a bit more finesse than a simple tag binding. You’ll need to use JavaScript events to capture the value change, perform the conversion, and then write the result to your DB address.

1. Capture Value Change: Use the onValueChanged event of the IO Field.
2. Get the Value: Inside the event handler, access the IO field’s value using this.rawValue.
3. Perform Conversion: Implement your unit conversion logic based on the operator's selected units.
4. Write to PLC: Use the HMI.writeTag() function to write the converted value to your target DB address.

Example Snippet (Conceptual)

// Inside the onValueChanged event of the IO Field
var inputValue = this.rawValue;
var selectedUnit = // Get selected unit from another IO field/parameter
var convertedValue = convertUnits(inputValue, selectedUnit); // Your conversion function
HMI.writeTag("DB_Name.DBW_Address", convertedValue);

Why Direct Tag Binding Doesn't Work for Conversion

As you correctly identified, binding directly to the process value field bypasses the JavaScript event handling needed for dynamic conversions. It's a direct pass-through, not a calculated one.

Resources

• Siemens Documentation: WinCC Unified - Using JavaScript
• SiePortal Forum: Search for "WinCC Unified JavaScript PLC write" for similar discussions. SiePortal

If you can share your specific conversion logic and tag structure, I can provide a more tailored example. Also, review the Siemens documentation links for detailed API information.

Issue: Script to Execute External Program (curl/notepad) Not Working in Unified V19 Upd3

The issue is that the HMIRuntime.Device.SysFct.StartProgram function is not executing the specified program (curl or notepad), despite the script reporting "Script OK". The command prompt does not open, and no errors are explicitly reported.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:

• Security Restrictions: Unified by Siemens, and Windows itself, have security restrictions that prevent HMI scripts from directly executing arbitrary shell commands. This is the most likely cause.
• Path Issues: While you've specified the full path to cmd.exe, ensure the path is fully correct and accessible by the user account running the HMI runtime.
• Command Syntax: Complex commands with spaces or special characters might require escaping or different quoting methods within the string passed to StartProgram.
• User Permissions: The user account under which the HMI runtime is running may not have the necessary permissions to execute cmd.exe or run curl.

Recommendations:

• Consider Alternatives to Direct Shell Execution: Directly calling external programs via StartProgram is generally discouraged due to security concerns. Explore alternative methods like using built-in HMI functions for network communication if possible.
• Investigate Siemens Support Articles: Search the SiePortal knowledge base for articles related to executing external programs from Unified. SiePortal is your primary resource for official Siemens documentation and solutions.
• Test with a Simple Command: Try a very simple command like "C:\\Windows\\System32\\cmd.exe /c echo Hello" to rule out issues with the command itself.

Disclaimer: Modifying HMI scripts and executing external programs can introduce security vulnerabilities. Always follow Siemens' best practices and security guidelines.

Determining Active WinCC Unified Visualization on ITC Thin Clients

Yes, it's possible to determine which WinCC Unified visualization is active on the foreground of an ITC thin client from the PLC side.

Here's how you can achieve this:

1. Use the HmiRuntime.ActiveScreenName System Function: Within your WinCC Unified project, use the HmiRuntime.ActiveScreenName system function. This function returns the name of the currently displayed screen on the HMI.
2. PLC Communication: Establish communication between the PLC and WinCC Unified.
3. Data Tag Mapping: Create a data tag in WinCC Unified and assign the output of HmiRuntime.ActiveScreenName to this tag.
4. PLC Read Access: Configure the PLC to read the value of this data tag from WinCC Unified. The PLC will then receive the name of the active screen.

Important Considerations:

• Ensure proper security settings and network configuration to allow communication between the PLC and WinCC Unified.
• The HmiRuntime.ActiveScreenName function returns a string value.

For detailed information on HmiRuntime.ActiveScreenName, please refer to the SiePortal documentation:

Best Regards,
Siemens Self Support

WinnCC Unified PC V19 Uninstall & Runtime Professional V19 Installation Issues

You've encountered a common issue after an accidental Unified PC installation. Complete removal can be tricky. Here's a troubleshooting approach:

1. Registry Cleaning: Use the Siemens Unified PC Cleanup Tool (available on SiePortal - https://support.industry.siemens.com/sf/en/doc/109787892) to remove residual entries.
2. Manual Folder Check: Verify these folders are gone (or empty) after the cleanup:
   • C:\Program Files\Siemens\WinCC
   • C:\ProgramData\Siemens\WinCC
3. Windows Installer Check: Run `msiexec /unregserver` and `msiexec /regserver` in an elevated command prompt.
4. Reboot: Always reboot after cleanup steps.
5. Installation Log Review: If Runtime Professional V19 still fails, examine the installation log for specific errors (located in %TEMP% folder).

If the problem persists, consider opening a support request via SiePortal (https://support.industry.siemens.com) with the installation logs for detailed analysis.

Scale Gesture Support on Unified Comfort Panels

Hello, thanks for your question regarding scale gesture (pinch-to-zoom) support on Unified Comfort Panels.

You are correct; currently, the native scale gesture is officially supported only within the Trend View and Browser elements as documented in the Unified Comfort Panel manuals. There is no built-in functionality to directly capture this gesture and apply it to zoom a standard screen window.

Regarding future implementation, Siemens is continuously evaluating enhancements for its HMI products. While I don't have specific information on a roadmap for this feature, I recommend checking the following resources for updates:

• SiePortal: https://support.industry.siemens.com/sieportal/ - For official product updates and documentation.
• Siemens Industry Forum: https://support.industry.siemens.com/forum/ - To submit feature requests and discuss potential workarounds with other users.

As a workaround, you might explore scripting solutions involving multi-touch events if available, but this would require significant custom development and might not provide a native pinch-to-zoom experience.

Connecting S7-PLCSIM (Step 7 V5.6) and WinCC Unified

Good afternoon!

Unfortunately, a direct connection between S7-PLCSIM (Step 7 V5.6) and WinCC Unified is not officially supported. WinCC Unified is designed to work with newer PLC systems and PLCSIM versions (PLCSIM Advanced from Step 7 V15 onwards).

However, you might explore these workarounds, though they may require significant configuration and are not guaranteed to function flawlessly:

• OPC UA: Utilize an OPC UA server to bridge the communication. PLCSIM V5.6 may require additional configuration to expose data via OPC UA.
• Middleware Solutions: Investigate third-party middleware that can translate communication protocols between the older PLCSIM and WinCC Unified.

For detailed information regarding compatible PLCSIM versions, please refer to the Siemens Support FAQ on WinCC Unified and PLCSIM.

Please note that these are workarounds and Siemens recommends upgrading to a newer PLC and PLCSIM version for optimal compatibility and support.

SQL Lite Connection Error on MTP1200

Hello PolaNanElias,

The HY00 error typically indicates a general database error, often related to incorrect connection parameters or SQLite driver issues on the MTP1200 panel. Here's a breakdown of common causes and troubleshooting steps:

• Driver Availability: Ensure the SQLite driver is correctly installed and accessible to the Unified Comfort Panel. This often requires specific configuration during panel setup.
• File Path: Double-check the file path to your SQLite database. It must be accessible from the panel's file system. Absolute paths are recommended.
• Permissions: Verify the panel user has read/write permissions to the SQLite database file and its directory.
• Connection String: Review your SQL connection string for syntax errors. A typical connection string looks like: "Driver={SQLite3};Database=your_database.db" (adjust 'SQLite3' if your driver name differs).
• SiePortal Resources: Please refer to this SiePortal thread for related discussions and potential solutions.

If the problem persists, please provide your exact connection string (redacting any sensitive information) and details about how you installed the SQLite driver for further assistance.

Best regards,
Siemens Self Support

Displaying Array Data in a Table using CWC (CustomWebControl)

Good Morning!

Here's how you can display array data from PLC variables in a table within your CWC, aiming for 20 rows:

1. Data Binding: Within your CWC table configuration (in the VSC files), use data binding to connect the table columns to the PLC array variable. The specific syntax depends on your CWC version but generally involves specifying the PLC tag path.
2. Row Limit: Configure the table to display a maximum of 20 rows. This can usually be set within the table's properties or through a data binding expression that limits the number of items displayed.
3. Iteration: Use a loop or iteration mechanism within the CWC to read each element of the PLC array and populate a table row with the corresponding value.

Resources:

• CWC - How to display array data in a table?
• How to use CustomWebControl (CWC) in WinCC Web Runtime

For detailed guidance specific to your CWC version and PLC communication setup, please refer to the SiePortal documentation and Siemens support articles linked above.