Description
Product Overview
The AutomationDirect EA7-T6CL-R is a C-more EA7 Series operator interface designed to provide machine operators with a graphical point of interaction for PLC-controlled equipment. It uses a 5.7-inch viewable TFT color display with 65,536-color capability and a 320 × 240 QVGA resolution. The resistive touchscreen provides a 1024 × 1024 touch area, allowing operators to interact with configured screens, process indicators, alarm displays, and machine-control objects. Its 270 cd/m² rated brightness and LED backlight support clear presentation of operating information in suitable indoor industrial environments.
The EA7-T6CL-R is the base-feature version of the EA7 six-inch color panel. This distinction matters when planning a replacement: unlike the full-feature EA7-T6CL, the -R model does not include built-in Ethernet or a CompactFlash card slot. Its documented hardware layout provides one PLC serial communications connection and two USB connections, including USB B for programming and download and USB A for supported device options. A project that relies on Ethernet communications, CompactFlash storage, or functions associated with the full-feature model cannot be assumed to transfer directly to this unit.
The AutomationDirect EA7-T6CL-R has been discontinued, with the manufacturer listing EA9-T6CL-R as its direct replacement. That lifecycle status makes application verification important before procurement. Existing installations may depend on legacy project files, PLC driver settings, serial cable pinouts, screen dimensions, and operator workflows. A replacement decision should therefore include a review of the original project, communication configuration, panel cutout, and commissioning requirements—not just the display size.
Product Introduction (Non-Templated)
A failed HMI can leave a machine operational at the PLC level but difficult or unsafe to supervise. When the installed panel is an EA7-T6CL-R, the first replacement question is whether the original system uses only serial PLC communications or depends on features found in the full-feature EA7 models. The suffix -R is significant: it identifies the base-feature configuration.
This model is now a legacy part. Before installing a replacement, confirm the project version, serial driver, cable wiring, supply voltage, and enclosure cutout. If considering the EA9–R, treat the change as a migration that requires project and communication checks rather than assuming an unchanged hardware swap.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | EA7–R |
| Manufacturer | AutomationDirect |
| Product Family | C-more EA7 |
| HMI Class | Base-feature 6-inch color panel |
| Display Type | TFT color LCD |
| Viewable Display Size | 5.7 inches |
| Color Capability | 65,536 colors |
| Resolution | 320 × 240 pixels, QVGA |
| Viewing Area | 115.2 × 86.4 mm |
| Brightness | 270 cd/m² |
| Touch Technology | Analog resistive |
| Touch Resolution | 1024 × 1024 |
| Backlight | LED, non-user-replaceable |
| Backlight Lifetime | Approximately 50,000 hours |
| CPU | 32-bit RISC, 333 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 24 VDC nominal |
| Voltage Range | 20.4–28.8 VDC |
| PLC Communication | One serial port |
| USB Ports | One USB B and one USB A |
| Ethernet | Not provided on this base-feature model |
| CompactFlash Slot | Not provided |
| Enclosure Rating | NEMA 4/4X; IP65 when correctly mounted |
| Application Environment | Indoor use |
| Lifecycle Status | Discontinued |
| Manufacturer-Listed Replacement | EA9–R |
Specifications are based on the EA7 hardware documentation and manufacturer product information. Verify the exact hardware revision and installation requirements against the unit label and applicable manual.
EA7-T6CL-R
Major Features and Engineering Advantages
Color process visualization
The 65,536-color TFT display supports color-coded alarms, machine status indicators, process values, and operator prompts. For existing equipment, this helps preserve the original visual layout and operator interaction scheme.
Resistive touchscreen operation
The analog resistive touch panel uses a 1024 × 1024 touch area. It is suited to industrial operator interfaces where users interact with configured buttons, numeric entries, and screen navigation controls.
Serial PLC connectivity
The dedicated PLC serial connection supports communication with compatible controllers through the configured EA7 driver. Confirm the PLC model, protocol, baud rate, parity, cable pinout, and port configuration before commissioning.
USB programming and device connection
The base-feature panel provides USB B for programming and project downloads and USB A for supported device options. These connections are useful for maintenance, but they do not provide the Ethernet functions found on the full-feat.
Industrial panel-mount construction
The panel is rated NEMA 4/4X and IP65 when installed correctly. These ratings depend on proper mounting and gasket condition; they should not be interpreted as permission for outdoor exposure or immersion.
Legacy equipment support
For older machines, retaining the original HMI model can reduce the scope of a control-system change. However, the discontinued status means buyers should pay particular attention to display condition, touchscreen response, backlight aging, connector condition, and project compatibility.
Related Products
- – Full-feature 6-inch color EA7 panel with Ethernet and CompactFlash support.
- EA7-S6M-R – Base-feature 6-inch monochrome STN panel.
- EA7-S6M – Full-feature 6-inch monochrome EA7 panel.
- EA7-T8C – 8.4-inch color TFT EA7 HMI.
- EA7-T10C – 10.4-inch color TFT EA7 HMI.
- EA9–R – Manufacturer-listed direct replacement -R.
- EA9- – EA9-series 6-inch color panel; verify the required feature configuration before migration.
Related models are not automatically interchangeable. Confirm project conversion, communication interfaces, mounting dimensions, and required functions before selecting an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
e discontinued?
Yes. AutomationDire as a retired product, with retirement recorded in November 2017. The manufacturer identifies EA9–R as its direct replacement.
AutomationDirect
e communicate with a PLC over Ethernet?
e is the base-feature model and does not include Ethernet. It provides one serial PLC communications port. If the existing application requires Ethernet, check the ful7-T6CL or an appropriate replacement configuration.
Q3: Can e with an EA9–R without changing the project?
Do not assume a direct, no-change migration. The manufacturer liste as the direct replacement, but project compatibility, software version, PLC driver support, serial settings, and panel dimensions should be checked before installation.
Q4: Can I hot-swap this HMI while the machine is running?
Do not assume hot-swapping is supported. Follow the machine’s shutdown and electrical isolation procedures, confirm the PLC and process state, and disconnect power before removing the panel unless the equipment documentation explicitly authorizes another procedure.
e support firmware v3.1?
Firmware compatibility should be confirmed against the panel’s installed revision and the project software requirements. A firmware version number alone does not establish compatibility. Check the unit’s system information and the applicable EA7 documentation before updating.
Q6: What should I inspect when purcd ?
Check the LCD for dead pixels, discoloration, and uneven brightness. Test the touchscreen across its working area, inspect the serial and USB connectors, verify stable 24 VDC operation, and confirm that the unit boots without errors. Request photographs of the nameplate and an operating test where possible.
Q7: What information is needed to verify compatibility with an existing installation?
Provide the PLC model, communication protocol, serial cable part number or pinout, HMI project version, and the original panel’s feature requirements. Also compare the physical cutout and mounting arrangement before ordering.
Procurement and Quality Control Notes
e is a discontinued HMI, so procurement should be based on the exact part number and verified hardware condition.
Before shipment, request:
- A clear photograph of the product label and complete model number.
- Front-screen photographs with the panel powered on.
- Confirmation that the touchscreen responds across the display.
- A power-on test and serial-port inspection.
- Confirmation of included mounting hardware and accessories.
- Written disclosure of new, unused, refurbished, or used condition.
- Warranty terms and return conditions.
Important: Do not substitute the fulle without checking the original system configuration. Their Ethernet and CompactFlash capabilities differ.
