Answers to frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What is the difference between LED and TFT technology and what are the advantages?
LED displays
LED technology is based on small semiconductor components that emit light when electricity flows through them. LEDs are very bright and high-contrast and can be read optimally even in sunlight. The LEDs are installed in modules, which makes the display area flexible in size. Depending on the model, the resolution of the display area varies for different viewing distances.
They have low energy consumption and low heat generation. This gives them a long service life of over 50,000 operating hours. In addition, they are shock and vibration resistant and thus optimally suited for a wide range of applications.
TFT industrial monitors
TFT technology is based on a large number of layers through which a backlight shines to display an image. TFT monitors have a high colour spectrum and can display a lot of information on a comparatively small display area. In addition, TFT monitors are equipped with a high resolution and are therefore particularly well suited for close viewing distances.
Like LED technology, TFT monitors have low energy consumption and low heat generation. For use in industrial environments, TFT monitors are designed for continuous operation and have a long service life.
Are special characters and UNICODE character sets also possible?
LED displays
Yes, we have developed a configuration software for our LED displays, which is used to control the display. The software includes various character sets as well as the UNICODE character set so that you can visualise your information in all languages.
TFT industrial monitors
Yes, with the TFT monitors you can display everything just like on your workstation monitor, either via a data interface e.g. HDMI from an external source or via an integrated PC (IPC).
Is a mobile application with integrated battery also possible?
LED displays
Yes. We will be happy to advise you and supply you with the complete package from the mobile trolley to the battery and the LED display for visualisation. You can find more information at Mobile Information Systems.
TFT industrial monitors
This is theoretically possible for indoor use. We will be happy to advise you for your project.
Which software and information do I need to configure the displays?
LED displays
To configure the displays, you need our MKS configuration software, which you receive from us when you purchase your display system. In addition to the software, we provide you with the appropriate GSD files at Support and you can download the manual for your display from us.
TFT industrial monitors
With the TFT monitors, you can display everything as you would with your workstation monitor, either via a data interface e.g. HDMI from an external source or via an integrated PC (IPC).
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor displays and the IP protection class?
The location of use and the protection class are to be evaluated completely separately from each other:
- The terms indoor or outdoor display refer to the mounting location of the display inside or outside a building, but not to the environmental conditions that prevail in the vicinity of the display.
For example, an indoor display can also be installed with outdoor LEDs if it is exposed to sunlight at the installation location. - IP protection classes describe the environmental conditions of the displays such as dust and humidity. The IP65 protection class, for example, represents complete dust and water tightness. This requirement can exist for both indoor and outdoor displays.
It is therefore important for us to know your exact environmental conditions in order to be able to supply you with the ideal display system. Below you will find an overview of the relevant parameters for the display systems:
- solar radiation (none, partial or direct)
- dust exposure (none, high)
- humidity / precipitation
- ambient temperature (low, high)
- shocks / vibration
- hygiene/food area with special protection requirements
What does the beam angle of LEDs mean?
LEDs radiate in all directions and the angle indicates the width and height of the light cone.
A distinction is made between the vertical beam angle for visibility above and below the display and the horizontal beam angle for visibility to the left and right of the display.
What do I need to control the displays / what are the possibilities?
The control is carried out via all common industrial interfaces such as Profinet, Profibus, etc., but also via Ethernet TCP/IP, or via an analogue value. There is also the option of an integrated PC, e.g. to display the image from a visualisation system.
Can the displays also be supplied with outputs?
Yes, there is the possibility of potential-free or potential-linked outputs. Load relays for switching higher powers are also possible.
Are acoustic signal transmitters also connectable or optionally available?
Is it possible to write or read data directly from a PLC into the display?
Yes, with control via Profibus or Profinet, the desired data can be written directly into the output bytes of the PLC and thus transmitted to the display.
