Introduction
Learn how to build a process screen from displays and controls, then start a small practice project.
1. What is Pamaglawe?
Pamaglawe creates and operates process visualizations: pages can show levels, temperatures, machine states and faults, while controls accept values and commands. A tank might combine an image, a level display, a caption and an indicator. The editor defines the appearance; assigned process values determine the runtime display. Pamaglawe does not replace a PLC, safety controller or protective equipment. Start without a real plant connection; writing to real equipment requires an explicitly approved test.
2. Find your way around
The screenshot shows a five-component dough preparation example in design mode. You do not need to recreate it. The top toolbar contains New, Open, Save, Settings, PLC table, Tools, Libraries, Event log and Help. On the right are taskbar, grid and snap switches and Play (F5). The upper-left object palette groups building blocks by purpose. The lower-left page list selects the page to edit and identifies detail windows. Its plus button and settings belong to pages.
Place objects on the central canvas; scroll to reach areas outside the window. The bottom status bar shows project, page, object count, grid and snap spacing.
3. Key terms
A project groups pages, objects and communication settings in a .jvz file. A page is a canvas, such as a plant overview. An object is an image, label, indicator or control with its own position, dimensions and behavior. A process variable supplies a value; a symbol such as Tank_Fuellstand gives it a readable name. The communication table assigns its device, address and data type. A communication driver provides access to a source such as Modbus TCP, Siemens S7 or OPC UA.
Drawing a page requires no plant connection.
4. Design and test
In design mode, insert and move objects, edit their properties and assign variables. Double-click an object for properties and press Ctrl+S to save. F5 switches between design and test (Play) mode. Play is not automatically simulation: enabled drivers can connect to real devices. Before a practice test, select no communication driver and check for SIMULATION – keine SPS-Verbindung (no PLC connection).
5. Start a small project
Save existing work, then choose New Project or Ctrl+N. Use a new name such as Meine_erste_Visualisierung. On an initial page, insert Displays → Stack light (Anzeigen → Meldeleuchte). Double-click it, give it a meaningful name and adjust its position and size. No process variable is needed yet. Open the stack-light settings and try BYTE preview 0 (all tiers off) and 15 (all tiers steadily on). Apply, save with Ctrl+S and use F5 after checking that external communication is disabled.
Without process assignments, do not expect changing plant states. Keep a separate backup of the whole project folder, including graphics.
6. Connect a process value
An indicator needs an assigned symbol with the correct source, address and data type. The stack light uses a shared BYTE to determine lit and flashing tiers; see Stack light. For later communication tests, first read a known value and compare the display, then write only an explicitly intended test value. A working preview does not prove a working PLC connection.
7. Continue
Read Create and save a project, then Create pages or the stack-light guide. Return to All topics to browse. Topics without an article are marked as planned.