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WECON HMI Selection Guide

WECON HMI Selection Guide: Choosing the Right Screen for Your Control Panel | Charter Controls UK

Summary

This guide brings together every WECON HMI available from Charter Controls and explains how to choose the right model for your application. Selection comes down to four main factors: IIoT capability, CPU performance, memory (data logging capacity), and connectivity (Ethernet vs serial-only). From high-end IIoT panels like PI8150IG through to compact, cost-effective units such as PI3035IE and the LEVI2035T LEVI series HMI, this article gives UK panel builders and system integrators a single, practical reference point.

WECON’s HMI portfolio is broader than it first appears. Under the hood, there are important differences in processor type (Cortex A35, A7, A8/A9), memory size and remote capabilities that matter if you are designing for IIoT, data logging, diagnostics, or simply a smart local operator interface.

This selection guide is written from a Charter Controls perspective, using only models we stock or support, with direct links to each product on our website so you can browse technical details or request pricing straight away.


How to Think About WECON HMIs

A good starting point is to ask four questions:

  • Do you need full IIoT capability? (V-NET, remote access, Lua scripting, extended history logging)
  • What CPU level do you need? (Cortex A35 for IIoT and heavier scripting, or A7 / A8 / A9 for standard HMI duties)
  • How much memory and history logging do you really need? (4GB / 512MB for intensive analytics vs 128MB / 64MB for simpler work)
  • Is Ethernet required, or is serial-only communication sufficient?

With that in mind, we can group the range into five main families:

  • PI-IG IIoT HMIs (Cortex A35)
  • PI-IG-O basic networked HMIs (Cortex A7)
  • PI-I / PI-IE standard HMIs (Cortex A7)
  • Compact entry-level HMIs (Cortex A8/A9)
  • LEVI series HMIs (LEVIStudioU environment)


1. High-Performance IIoT HMIs – PI-IG with 4GB / 512MB

These are WECON’s most powerful HMIs, built around a Cortex A35 1.2 GHz platform with 4GB Flash and 512MB RAM. They are designed for IIoT, cloud connectivity and long-term data logging (up to around 120 days / 1 million points depending on configuration).

PI8150IG – 15" Full HD IIoT HMI

PI8150IG – 15" 1920×1080 IIoT HMI

  • Display: 15" with 1920×1080 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A35 1.2 GHz, multi-core
  • Memory: 4GB Flash, 512MB RAM
  • Use case: flagship model for control rooms, large MCCs and complex SCADA-style views
  • Ideal when you need maximum detail, long history logging and multiple high-density screens.

PI8102IG – 10.2" High-Memory IIoT HMI

PI8102IG – 10.2" 1024×600 IIoT HMI

  • Display: 10.2" with 1024×600 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A35 1.2 GHz
  • Memory: 4GB Flash, 512MB RAM
  • Use case: where 4GB/512MB performance and 120-day logging are required but a 15" screen is too large.
  • Popular for mid-size machines with rich graphics and heavy data logging requirements.

PI8043IG – 4.3" Compact IIoT Powerhouse (Call Us)

The 4.3" PI8043IG is unique: it is the smallest HMI that still offers the top-tier A35 CPU, 4GB Flash, 512MB RAM and extended history logging. It is ideal when you need maximum IIoT capability but have very limited panel space.

Because this is a more specialised model and may not always appear online, we recommend you speak to us directly:

Contact Charter Controls for PI8043IG availability and technical guidance or call 01424 850660.


2. Standard IIoT HMIs – PI-IG with 128MB / 128MB

These HMIs still use the Cortex A35 platform, but with 128MB Flash and 128MB RAM. They support IIoT functions such as Lua scripting, remote monitoring and synchronising data to the cloud, typically with around 60 days of local history.

PI3102IG – 10.2" Standard IIoT HMI

PI3102IG – 10.2" 1024×600 IIoT HMI

  • Display: 10.2" with 1024×600 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A35 1.2 GHz
  • Memory: 128MB Flash, 128MB RAM
  • Use case: standard IIoT applications where 10.2" is preferred for alarms, trends and process overviews.
  • Good balance of performance, screen size and cost.

PI3070IG – 7" Standard IIoT HMI

PI3070IG – 7" 800×480 IIoT HMI

  • Display: 7" with 800×480 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A35 1.2 GHz
  • Memory: 128MB Flash, 128MB RAM
  • Use case: compact IIoT-ready machine interfaces where Ethernet, scripting and remote access are important.
  • Ideal as a standardised IIoT HMI for small and medium-sized machines.


3. Basic Networked HMIs – PI-IG-O (Cortex A7, Ethernet Only)

The PI-IG-O models add Ethernet connectivity but step back to a Cortex A7 CPU and do not include the full remote control / IIoT feature set of the PI-IG range. These are a good choice when you want Ethernet for PLC communication, but do not need V-NET cloud, WVPN or extended remote diagnostics.

PI3102IG-O – 10.2" Basic Networked HMI

PI3102IG-O – 10.2" 1024×600 HMI with Ethernet

  • Display: 10.2" with 1024×600 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A7
  • Memory: 128MB Flash, 128MB RAM
  • Connectivity: Ethernet + serial for local PLC / SCADA networks
  • Use case: large-screen applications needing Ethernet, but not full IIoT or long-term logging.

PI3070IG-O – 7" Basic Networked HMI

PI3070IG-O – 7" 800×480 HMI with Ethernet

  • Display: 7" with 800×480 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A7
  • Memory: 128MB Flash, 128MB RAM
  • Connectivity: Ethernet + serial
  • Use case: cost-effective 7" HMI for Ethernet-based PLC communication where advanced IIoT functions are not required.


4. Standard PI-I / PI-IE HMIs – Cortex A7, 128MB

The PI-I series is focused on reliable, mainstream HMI duties where local communication is more important than cloud or extended logging. These units use a Cortex A7 CPU with 128MB Flash / 128MB RAM.

PI3102I – 10.2" Standard Networked HMI

PI3102I – 10.2" 1024×600 HMI with Ethernet

  • Display: 10.2" with 1024×600 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A7
  • Memory: 128MB Flash, 128MB RAM
  • Connectivity: Ethernet + RS232 / RS422 / RS485
  • Use case: standard large-screen HMI with Ethernet where local SCADA / PLC comms are needed, but not IIoT features.

PI3070I – 7" Standard Local HMI

PI3070I – 7" 800×480 HMI (Serial-Focused)

  • Display: 7" with 800×480 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A7
  • Memory: 128MB Flash, 128MB RAM
  • Connectivity: serial communication (and variants with/without Ethernet depending on model)
  • Use case: traditional machine control where communication is mostly via serial ports and budget is a key driver.


5. Compact Entry-Level HMIs – Cortex A8/A9, 64MB

These are the smallest and most cost-effective HMIs in the WECON portfolio, using a Cortex A8/A9 CPU and 64MB RAM. They are ideal when panel space is very limited and the application is focused on local serial or simple Ethernet communication.

PI3035IE – 3.5" Serial-Only HMI

PI3035IE – 3.5" 320×240 HMI (Serial)

  • Display: 3.5" with 320×240 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A8/A9 with 64MB RAM
  • Connectivity: RS232 + RS422/RS485 (2-in-1)
  • Use case: smallest, budget-friendly option for very tight panels and simple operator dialogs using serial comms only.

PI3043IE – 4.3" Serial-Only HMI

PI3043IE – 4.3" 480×272 HMI (Serial)

  • Display: 4.3" with 480×272 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A8/A9 with 64MB RAM
  • Connectivity: RS232 + RS422/RS485 (2-in-1), no Ethernet
  • Use case: compact local interface where Ethernet is not required.

PI3043IES-N – 4.3" Compact HMI with Ethernet

PI3043IES-N – 4.3" HMI with Ethernet

  • Display: 4.3" with 480×272 resolution
  • CPU: Cortex A8/A9 with 64MB RAM
  • Connectivity: Ethernet + serial ports
  • Use case: the smallest WECON HMI with Ethernet, ideal for compact panels needing basic networking without the cost of an A35-based IIoT model.


6. LEVI Series HMIs – LEVIStudioU Environment

The LEVI series uses LEVIStudioU software rather than PI Studio, and is often selected by users who have standardised on that environment. These HMIs focus on robust local control with a different programming workflow.

LEVI102E – 10.2" LEVI HMI

LEVI102E – 10.2" LEVIStudio HMI

  • Display: 10.2"
  • Use case: larger LEVI-based applications where the LEVIStudio environment is preferred.

LEVI700ML – 7" LEVI HMI

LEVI700ML – 7" LEVIStudio HMI

  • Display: 7"
  • Use case: standard 7" LEVI applications where a compact footprint is needed.

LEVI2035T – 3.5" LEVI HMI

LEVI2035T – 3.5" LEVIStudio HMI

  • Display: 3.5"
  • Connectivity: RS232, RS422, RS485
  • Power: 12–24 Vdc
  • Use case: compact LEVI-based projects where serial communication is sufficient.


7. Quick Selection Guide – Which WECON HMI Should You Choose?

When IIoT, Cloud and Long-Term Data Logging Are Critical

  • PI8150IG – Best for control rooms and large panels needing full HD and maximum logging.
  • PI8102IG – When you want 4GB/512MB performance in a more compact 10.2" form factor.
  • PI8043IG – When panel space is extremely limited but you still need A35 performance and long history logging (call us).
  • PI3102IG – Standard 10.2" IIoT HMI with 128MB memory.
  • PI3070IG – Standard 7" IIoT HMI for smaller machines.

When You Only Need Ethernet for Local PLC/SCADA, Not Full IIoT

  • PI3102IG-O – 10.2" A7-based panel with Ethernet for local networking.
  • PI3070IG-O – 7" A7-based panel with Ethernet where cost and simplicity matter.
  • PI3102I – 10.2" standard HMI with Ethernet under the PI-I family.
  • PI3043IES-N – The smallest WECON HMI with Ethernet (4.3").

When Serial-Only Local Control Is Enough

  • PI3070I – 7" standard HMI focused on serial communications.
  • PI3043IE – 4.3" compact serial-only HMI.
  • PI3035IE – 3.5" serial-only for very tight panels and basic operator dialogs.

When You Prefer the LEVIStudioU Environment

Not Sure Which Way to Go?

The quickest answer is often a phone call. Our team works with panel builders and system integrators across the UK every day.

Call us on 01424 850660 or contact Charter Controls for guidance on the best HMI for your specific project, environment and budget.


FAQ: WECON HMI Selection with Charter Controls

1. What is the difference between PI-IG and PI-IG-O models?

PI-IG models (such as PI8150IG and PI3070IG) use a Cortex A35 CPU and are designed for IIoT applications, with scripting, remote monitoring and extended history logging. PI-IG-O models such as PI3102IG-O and PI3070IG-O use a Cortex A7 CPU and provide Ethernet for local PLC/SCADA communication, but do not include the same level of IIoT functionality.

2. When should I choose a 4GB / 512MB IIoT HMI instead of 128MB?

Select 4GB / 512MB IIoT HMIs such as PI8150IG, PI8102IG or PI8043IG when you need long-term data logging, heavier graphics or more complex scripting. For standard IIoT projects, 128MB-based models such as PI3102IG and PI3070IG are usually sufficient.

3. What is the smallest WECON HMI with Ethernet?

The PI3043IES-N is the smallest WECON HMI with an onboard Ethernet port. It offers a 4.3" display and is ideal for compact panels that still require basic networking.

4. How do I decide between PI Studio and LEVIStudioU?

If you are starting new projects and want the widest choice of IIoT and standard HMIs, PI Studio (used by the PI series) is normally preferred. If you already have existing LEVI projects or your engineers prefer LEVIStudioU, then the LEVI102E, LEVI700ML and LEVI2035T LEVI range is more appropriate.

5. Can I mix different WECON HMI families in the same project?

Yes, many sites combine IIoT-capable HMIs such as PI3102IG with standard or entry-level models like PI3035IE to match each machine’s criticality. The key is to plan your programming environment and communication architecture from the start.


About the Author

Amir Sami, MBA, BEng (Hons), is the Sales Director at Unipower (UK) Ltd, trading as Charter Controls. Amir is a recognised author in the UK automation sector, regularly contributing to PBSI, Drives & Controls and other technical publications. He specialises in IIoT, control panel design, motor protection, thermal management and modern industrial connectivity for panel builders, OEMs and system integrators.

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