I followed the guidance from the main Help documentation...
This allowed me to add a set of multi-state images that work fine for a Numeric Datatype, when I set the datatype in "Point Properties" to Multistate, then proceed to edit Graphical Views, it won't offer me any options other than "Basic"
Am I doing something wrong?

in the mean time, yes., but I don't think it's super-clear for my user.
is there a way to use the browser to color it for you? it's a standard HTML/CSS property..

(maybe this should be in Wish List)
a simple script for adding multistate image sets would greatly improve the product.
while I might be able to hack my way through the programming, I'm not excited about navigating a Java Development Environment and recompiling just to add a picture set.
Mango has a nice GUI interface, and I see on the java.net page that expanding it's icon set is one of your goals. An easier "add set" with some instructions (naming convention etc.) would allow this development to be delegated (esp. if there was a repository we could use to share).

You've got a good thing going here

it does help - as there is a fair amount you can do in there.
However... I would still like to be able to edit the yellowish orange background of Data Points.
My primary reason at the moment is to clearly display 2 process values next to each other - both are oven temperatures, but for twin ovens. If I make one green and one purple (or whatever).. then I can put them next to eachother without confusion.
Not to mention a background color feature would allow me to have the bounding box fade into the background and appear not to exist.

wow, you're quick with the replies.
The AB protocol is widely used... I'm under the impression that I can get it.

If I sent you the protocol spec and a PLC for a couple weeks, is this something you would implement?

how long would you need to have access to hardware to do a good job of testing a protocol?

here?

sorry, I'm not finding it

background color and significant digits would be a good start

background color and significant digits would be a good start

to communicate with Allen Bradley PLC's
they're a major player in the world of automation - communicating with them gives you that much more credibility.

to communicate with Allen Bradley PLC's
they're a major player in the world of automation - communicating with them gives you that much more credibility.

getting the data to Mango should not be a physical problem...
If I'm running it as the HMI, it'll be on a computer local to the machine - I just need to solve the protocol communication with the PLC.
After that, I can use a network/internet to use "remote graphical views" to help me answer questions from an in-store operator?
If I've got Mango logging to a SQL database - I should be able to pull it's contents semi-daily as well...

I didn't intend to imply that Mango can do all of the things I need...
I'm still buying a commercial PLC (AB or Mitsu), and my PC can take care of the video on screen.
I take it from your reply that I can use Mango to run as an HMI and to log some data.
Q: My machines will be put in a retail space and need to run autonomously (not relying on a network), but I want to be able to troubleshoot remotely - meaning login and see the HMI display via the internet.
Does Mango support this in some way? Because of the browser capability I'd suspect it does - but I'm not sure how to implement it. I also need to pull data-logs down to corporate once a day/week.

I've downloaded and installed Mango... so we'll see what I can learn from the documentation.

I have an automated machine in the late stages of prototyping that I'm working out a SCADA system for.
I'm running a PC that I need to talk to 4 things:
-a touch screen to act as an HMI
-a PLC handling the actual automation -(need to occasionally change some registers, and read from the registers to update the HMI) current a Mitsubishi, will probably become Allen Bradley
-run a video loop on a TV
-occasionally network back to corporate for several purposes
-update the video loop
-log statistics
-troubleshoot PLC/HMI code
-see operator screens "live" for telephone support (a wish)

see my machine at www.wilkinsonbaking.com

1. What role(s) can Mango play in this setup?
2. Any suggestions on further software for completing this setup? I have some ideas, but I'm asking the open-ended question on purpose.

Feel free to reply to any/all of this. I'm still researching, but I need to start making some decisions soon. Having a consulting programmer write something custom is being heavily discussed in our group...

Thank you in advance

I have an automated machine in the late stages of prototyping that I'm working out a SCADA system for.
I'm running a PC that I need to talk to 4 things:
-a touch screen to act as an HMI
-a PLC handling the actual automation -(need to occasionally change some registers, and read from the registers to update the HMI) current a Mitsubishi, will probably become Allen Bradley
-run a video loop on a TV
-occasionally network back to corporate for several purposes
-update the video loop
-log statistics
-troubleshoot PLC/HMI code
-see operator screens "live" for telephone support (a wish)

see my machine at www.wilkinsonbaking.com

1. What role(s) can Mango play in this setup?
2. Any suggestions on further software for completing this setup? I have some ideas, but I'm asking the open-ended question on purpose.

Feel free to reply to any/all of this. I'm still researching, but I need to start making some decisions soon. Having a consulting programmer write something custom is being heavily discussed in our group...

Thank you in advance

+1 Allen Bradley