Build an example dashboard

In this example you build a small overview screen for one tank: its level, a pump you can start and stop, a setpoint and an alarm light. It takes about 15 minutes.

What the PLC needs

The example uses these variables - rename them to match your own PLC program:

Variable	Type	Meaning
MAIN.fTankLevel	REAL	Tank level in %
MAIN.bPumpRunning	BOOL	Pump running feedback
MAIN.bStartPump	BOOL	Start command
MAIN.bStopPump	BOOL	Stop command
MAIN.nSetpoint	INT	Level setpoint in %
MAIN.nAlarm	INT	0 = OK, 1 = high level, 2 = overflow

No PLC at hand? Build the screen anyway - the widgets simply show no value until a PLC is connected.

1. Connect to the PLC

Follow Connect to a PLC first. Once El Mirador is connected, every variable field suggests the PLC's symbols as you type, so you don't have to remember the exact names.

2. Lay out the page

Drag a Card onto the canvas and set its title to Tank T-101. Everything below goes inside this card.

3. Show the level

1. Drag a Tank Level into the card.
2. In Properties, set its PLC variable to MAIN.fTankLevel - start typing and pick it from the suggestions.
3. Add a Display below it, bound to the same variable, to show the exact number.

4. Pump status and controls

• Add an LED bound to MAIN.bPumpRunning. It lights up while the pump runs.
• Add two Buttons, labelled Start and Stop, bound to MAIN.bStartPump and MAIN.bStopPump.

A bound button works like a physical push button: the variable is TRUE while it's pressed and FALSE again when it's released. Latch the command in your PLC program.

5. A setpoint

Add a Slider bound to MAIN.nSetpoint. When the operator moves it, the new value is written straight to the PLC.

6. Alarm light

Add a Multi Light bound to MAIN.nAlarm and give it one state per value: green "OK" for 0, amber "High level" for 1 and red "Overflow" for 2.

7. Try it

Press F5 to open the Live Preview. Move the slider, press the buttons and watch the level and lights follow the PLC.

Got more tanks? Give the card a prefix such as MAIN.stTank1. and let the widgets inside use it. Copy the card, change the prefix to MAIN.stTank2., and the copy shows the second tank - no rebinding widget by widget.

8. Put it on the panel PC

When you're happy with it, choose Export → Export App (.exe). You get one standalone app with your screen and the PLC address built in - copy it to the panel PC and start it. See Connect to a PLC for what that PC needs.