HELIO can connect to different Data Source Types. For HMIs, the PLC Connection (Data Source Type) is the most important, as it allows you to connect to your PLC using standardized protocols.

1. Go to the Data View and locate the Data Source Explorer.

1. Locate the Connections and open either the Add menu or the context menu of the item.

1. Select Add Connection, and then choose a protocol that your PLC is compatible with.

   <aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_gray.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Tip: OPC UA Connection (PLC Connection Type) is the most widespread of the options.

   See PLC Connection (Data Source Type) for more information about the different types.

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1. Specify the details for this connection. In this example, we are connecting to a PLC using OPC-UA.

   Choose a Name. This will be used by HELO internally to differentiate between multiple connections.

   Specify the URL of your OPC UA endpoint. A valid URL should contain the protocol, hostname, as well as the port.

   <aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_gray.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Tip: Before creating an actual connection to the URL, make sure to validate that HELIO can connect to your PLC by clicking the Test button.

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   If your test was successful, click the "Create Connection" button.

   

   Auto-Connect

   Once a connection is established, HELIO will add it permanently to the HELIO runtime. The runtime will automatically attempt to connect to this connection during startup, and will try to reconnect it if the connection is lost.

<aside> <img src="/icons/dance_gray.svg" alt="/icons/dance_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Nice Job on Getting Your PLC Connected!

Now its time for Importing Data From Data Sources Into Your Project…

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