XM System

Control System Interface

XMove will link to a large range of control systems without the need for complex set up and engineering time spent on the interface between XMove and the control system, nor requiring the involvement of our team with a particular project. This is achieved by providing open source communications between XMove and the control system, debug screens within the app and boilerplate code for the main PLC control systems used in the live entertainment automation world.

Works on a standard Ethernet (UDP) based protocol to allow communication with a very large range of standard and non-standard control architectures.
Works with all standard PLC-based control solutions (Beckhoff / Siemens / Control Techniques).
Open source prototype code for Siemens / Beckhoff PLCs & Control Techniques drives to provide base for users to implement their own control solution.
Communications debug screens within the UI app to allow quick diagnosis of any issues / problems between UI and control system.
Engineering advice and support available from XM Automation to assist project companies & users in implementing their solution.

The Flexible Solution

Whilst XMove can be used with any control / PLC system that you desire, we work with Beckhoff automation to provide free companion source code to work on their systems. This provides a seamless interface between XMove and the PLC axes. It is a simple process to link these PLC axes up to drives from a large number of manufacturers, either by EtherCAT, the open standard for drive communication, or Beckhoff IO modules.

We are further able to provide drive interface code / solutions for a growing family of drive types that we have already tested/checked to work with the system. Additionally, for a small engineering fee, we can provide the code to other drive types.

We can also provide manual / rigging interfaces into the Beckhoff PLC (which customers often desire).

Why Beckhoff?

XMove will work with any PLC / machine controller, however it will be the responsibility of the user / integrator to build an interface to the UDP protocol that we have defined. We do supply the source code for a Beckhoff PLC that will implement the XMove interface.

Why Beckhoff? Well, there are a number of reasons:

Beckhoff has implemented a variety of theatre based protocols such as DMX and PosiStageNet (PSN), which are useful for some custom implementations.
Beckhoff’s Programming environment is free to use – no licensing / software costs.
Beckhoff’s PLC licenses are also free to use in a development environment.
Beckhoff has at its heart the idea of connectivity with multiple other manufacturers, ensuring the maximum flexibility of connecting to other systems.
There is a very wide variety of I/O devices / drives / connectivity available.

XM Open System Advantages

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In contrast to all other automation suppliers XM provides an open automation solution. This approach has numerous advantages in project delivery for the project company/end user, both in cost savings and project control/co-ordination overhead.

The open system approach also provides a far more sustainable approach, removing the need for international travel, and allowing far greater use of existing components when performing system upgrades.

	Closed System	Open System
Key	PC = Project Company/End User	AS = Automation Supplier
Equipment Supply	AS provides 30-75% of the project value – which then needs markup from the PC – adding to overall project costs, and will vary with specification changes. No added value from the PC	XM costs are <5% of project supply. Clear pricing for any additions /removal of axes, control desks. PC able to use own design/manufacturing/purchasing capabilities for the automation system, contributing to overhead.
Project Timelines	Close co-ordination required with AS on all design/delivery/site timelines. Co-ordination of personnel, project co-ordiantion. All add to project overhead costs, and stress.	All project timelines/coordination in hands of PC. No need for XM involvement in project delivery beyond when control desk required (if purchased). PC can run the project independently, saving time, and cost.
Project involvement		No need for XM involvement, changes to timeline/equipment specs have no effect on HMI. PC can configure system
Project cost overruns	Changes to specification/timeline/	Clear, simple pricing from XM, project changes will have
Support	AS charges yearly fee for support contract	Email support/softwre updates provided within the license.
Servicing	AS needs to visit sit yearly for 2-5 days (depending on size).	All on site servicing can be undertaken by PC, with remote support as required from XM (usually minimal).
Maintainance	AS equipment often needs return to base for repair, warranties on equipment need to be dealt with through AS.	PC can repair maintain XM desk, and fit spare parts as required.
Sustainability	Low Requires 8-10 flights for sales/project co-ordination/installation/commissioning. Further 1-2 flights a year for supervising/support. Requires AC’s components to be used, replacing existing equipment.	High All work undertaken remotely, no need for XM visit at any stage of the process. XM is control system agnostic, ability to design control system around existing components/equipment.