Vijeo Designer 62 Tutorial Extra Quality
Vijeo Designer 6.2 is Schneider Electric's classic HMI configuration software used to design operator interface applications for Harmony and Magelis terminals. This tutorial covers the essential steps for setting up projects, configuring communications, and designing interactive screens. 1. Project Initialization
To start a new application, launch the Vijeo Designer software and follow these steps:
Create New Project: Right-click in the Navigator window and select "Create New Project".
Define Target: Name your project and choose your hardware target (e.g., HMIGTO, HMIGTU, or HMISTU series).
IP Configuration: Set the IP address for the HMI's Ethernet port or leave it blank to configure later in the project settings. 2. Communication Configuration
HMI terminals must communicate with PLCs to display real-time data.
Add a Driver: In the Equipment Browser, right-click "Communication Drivers" and select the protocol for your PLC (e.g., Modbus TCP/IP, UniTE, or DF1 for Allen-Bradley).
Set Equipment Address: Configure the IP address or station number of the PLC. For Modbus, typical register mapping starts at address 400001 for %MW0.
Variable Linking: You can manually create variables or import them as CSV/TXT files from other Schneider software like Concept or EcoStruxure Machine Expert. 3. Screen Design and Object Library
The software uses a drag-and-drop interface for building graphical panels: Import / Export Vijeo-Designer Project - Schneider Electric
Mastering Vijeo Designer 6.2: A Beginner’s Guide to HMI Design
Vijeo Designer 6.2 remains a staple for engineers working with Schneider Electric's Harmony (formerly Magelis) HMI range. Whether you're looking to streamline operator dialogue or integrate multimedia capabilities into your machine interface, this software provides a robust, cross-platform environment to get the job done. vijeo designer 62 tutorial
Here is a step-by-step tutorial to help you launch your first project and navigate the core features of version 6.2. 1. Getting Started: Installation and Licensing
Before diving into design, ensure you have the right version installed. Schneider Electric offers several modes: Trial Mode : Full functionality for 21 days—perfect for learning. Limited Edition : Restricted to specific HMI series like HMISTO and HMISTU. Full License : No restrictions on HMI types or time. 2. Creating Your First Project
To start a new application, you can use the Navigator pane or the File menu. Launch Project Wizard : Click the New Project Define Targets
: You can add multiple HMI "targets" to a single project, allowing them to share information. Select Hardware : Choose your specific target model (e.g., for smaller devices). Set Security
: It is highly recommended to enable password protection for downloading and project access. 3. Essential Project Components
A complete HMI application typically involves these key elements:
: Create the data points that will communicate with your PLC. : These are the actual "screens" operators interact with. Graphical Objects
: Drag and drop numeric displays, text, and switches onto your panels. Alarms and Curves Vijeo Designer Tools to create real-time data logs and error tracking. 4. Communication and Drivers
You don't just design for Schneider; Vijeo Designer supports multiple protocols.
: During setup, you can add drivers to communicate with other hardware, such as Siemens PLCs. IP Configuration
: If your HMI is networked, you can configure the IP address directly within the software. 5. Simulation and Downloading Don't wait for the hardware to test your work. Simulation Mode Vijeo Designer 6
: Use the built-in simulator to verify screen transitions and variable logic on your PC.
: Once satisfied, connect via USB or Ethernet to transfer the project to your Harmony HMI. Vijeo Designer - Tutorial - MRO Electric
To get started, follow these standard steps in the Vijeo Designer interface: Project Wizard: Open the software and select "New Project."
Target Selection: Choose your specific HMI model (e.g., Harmony GTO, GTU).
Protocol Setup: Define how the HMI will communicate (e.g., Modbus TCP/IP or Unitelway) by adding a driver under the "I/O Manager" tab. 2. Managing Variables
Instead of manual entry, you can link variables directly from your PLC software (like EcoStruxure Control Expert or Concept):
Export/Import: Export your PLC variables to a .txt or .csv file.
Linking: Right-click the Variables section in Vijeo Designer and select Link Variables to keep them synced with your PLC project. 3. Downloading and Uploading Projects
Moving your program between your PC and the HMI hardware is straightforward:
Download: Use the "Build" menu to compile, then select Download to Target. You can connect via USB, Ethernet, or Serial.
Upload: If you need to retrieve a project from a physical HMI, use the Upload Editor Project option. Note that this only works if the "Include Editor Project" option was checked during the original download. 4. Critical Compatibility Tips Creating a new project → selecting the correct
No "Save As" for Older Versions: Vijeo Designer is not backward compatible. Once a project is saved in version 6.2, you cannot open it in 6.1 or earlier without specialized workarounds.
File Locations: By default, Vijeo Designer projects are buried in a hidden directory. You can find them at: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Vijeo-Designer\Vijeo-Manager.
Basic vs. Professional: Be aware that Vijeo Designer Basic is a limited version for entry-level HMIs (like the GXU series) and lacks the advanced drivers found in the full 6.2 version. Troubleshooting Common Issues Communication Timeout
Verify the IP address in both the HMI Target settings and the PLC. Invalid Target
Ensure the HMI model selected in the software matches the physical hardware label. Variable Sync Error
Right-click the variable list and select "Update Variables" to refresh links. Vijeo Designer - Tutorial - MRO Electric
a) Project Setup & Communication
- Creating a new project → selecting the correct HMI model (e.g., HMISTU, HMISCU, or HMIGXO).
- Configuring the communication driver (Modbus TCP, Modbus serial, or Schneider proprietary).
- Setting up tags (internal vs. external PLC tags).
3. Understanding the Workspace
Key panels:
- Project Browser: Shows screens, tags, alarms, recipes.
- Toolbox: Contains buttons, lamps, numeric displays.
- Properties: Change appearance, behavior, or tag links.
- Graphics Editor: Design your screen.
14. Maintenance tips
- Keep a project backup and versioned copies.
- Document tag maps and address conventions.
- Use conservative scan/sample rates to reduce network/CPU load.
- Test firmware compatibility between Vijeo Designer and Magelis runtime.
- Use descriptive tag names and screen labels for maintainability.
Running the Simulator
- Click the Simulate icon (Yellow arrow with a computer screen) on the top toolbar.
- The software will compile your project. Wait for "Build Succeeded."
- A pop-up window appears: "Launch Simulator?" Click Yes.
Interaction: A separate window opens looking exactly like a Magelis HMI.
- Click your "Next Page" button.
- To test the variable, go to Simulator Menu > Monitor > Set Value and type
980intoTank_Level. Watch your Numeric Display and Bar Graph change instantly.
Troubleshooting: If the simulator crashes, check your Windows 11 compatibility settings (Run as Admin).
3. Communication setup
- Project → Communications (or Communication Manager).
- Add a new driver: choose correct protocol (Unity/Modbus/Serial).
- Configure connection parameters: IP, port, baud rate, parity, unit ID, and timeouts.
- Map connection to a Device/PLC and test connection (use “Read”/“Test” features if available).
- Create Tag groups or data blocks matching PLC memory layout.
Tip: Match PLC addressing scheme (bit/word, DB area, offset) exactly; use the PLC’s addressing reference.