Running a legacy Human Machine Interface (HMI) app on new hardware?

[JimCraib]

I know this can be done but I'm not sure where to start looking for the answers. In the automation and controls world, many systems use an HMI or SCADA system to run a plant or some other control system. Many of these old app's are running on old PCs that are on the brink of failure. I believe if you want to upgrade to a new PC but keep the old OS and app's running that VMware can help make that happen. Any suggestions on where to start?

[Rodos]

Start with some basic testing.

1. Determine if it has any specific hardware requirements such as serial devices or special interface cards. See if you can convert these to run over the network using Serial to IP converters etc.

2. Can you get an image of a machine, using Ghost or something. Run up the image on VMware Workstation and see if everything works.

3. Is the OS on the compatibility list. Not running any real time OS.

Once you are that far you are ready to start to work out what infrastructure to run it on, what VMware features you may need. How to handle the periferals, cabling, redundancy etc. You should be able to create a great solution and its a really good use case. Just be careful of any code in the systems that is dependent on clock cycles.

Rodos

Consider the use of the helpful or correct buttons to award points. Blog: http://rodos.haywood.org/

[Rodos]

Oh, by the way, welcome to the forums.

In what I wrote I left a lot as an exercise for the reader. If you need further explanation on anything just pop a question and lots of people will assist.

Rodos

Consider the use of the helpful or correct buttons to award points. Blog: http://rodos.haywood.org/