F4T Touch Screen Controller
User’s Guide
Revision 4.05 and higher Firmware
TestEquity LLC
6100 Condor Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021
Support: 877-512-3457 Toll Free
805-480-0638
Corporate: 800-732-3457
805-498-9933
http://www.testequity.com
Copyright © 2014-19 TestEquity LLC Rev. 4.2 – June 19, 2019
Portions of this manual are used with permission from Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company, 2014-19
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Safety Instructions __________________________________________________5
Introduction _____________________________________________________________________ 5
Safety Notices ____________________________________________________________________ 5
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel ___________________________________________7
F4T Menus ______________________________________________________________________ 7
Understanding F4T Menus _________________________________________________________________ 7
Event Driven Menus ______________________________________________________________________ 7
Navigating and Understanding the User Interface ______________________________________ 8
Home Screen ____________________________________________________________________________ 8
Home Screen Parameters __________________________________________________________________ 9
Front Panel Navigational Buttons ____________________________________________________________ 9
Main Menu _____________________________________________________________________________ 9
Manual Chamber Operation _______________________________________________________ 10
Static (Manual) Set Point _________________________________________________________________ 10
Navigating the Closed-Loop Set Point Screen _________________________________________________ 10
Chamber Functions (Output Widget) ________________________________________________ 11
Ramp to Set Point ________________________________________________________________ 12
Profile Mode ____________________________________________________________________ 13
Profile Actions _________________________________________________________________________ 13
Profile Parameters _______________________________________________________________________ 14
Step Parameters _________________________________________________________________________ 14
Sample Ramp and Soak Profile _____________________________________________________________ 17
Data Logging ____________________________________________________________________ 19
Overview ______________________________________________________________________________ 19
Data Logging Menu _____________________________________________________________________ 19
How to Enable Data Logging ______________________________________________________________ 20
Transferring Data Log Files _______________________________________________________________ 21
Trend Charts ____________________________________________________________________ 22
Exporting/Importing Profiles and Configuration via USB _______________________________ 23
Transferring Profile Files _________________________________________________________________ 23
Transferring Configuration Files ____________________________________________________________ 23
Personalizing the Home Screen _____________________________________________________ 24
Changing Loop Operational Parameters _____________________________________________ 25
Operations Page _________________________________________________________________ 26
Screen Snapshot Utility ___________________________________________________________ 26
USB Mouse Feature ______________________________________________________________ 27
Chapter 3 – Composer Software ________________________________________________29
Installation______________________________________________________________________ 29
Overview ______________________________________________________________________________ 29
Downloading the Software and System Requirements ___________________________________________ 29
Installing the Software ___________________________________________________________________ 29
Network Configuration ___________________________________________________________________ 29
Composer Welcome Screen Orientation _____________________________________________ 30
Using Composer Software _________________________________________________________ 31
Establishing an Online Connection to a System Using Ethernet____________________________________ 31
System Overview Screen __________________________________________________________ 31
Dashboard _____________________________________________________________________________ 31
System ________________________________________________________________________________ 31
Device Menus __________________________________________________________________________ 31
Security and Passwords ___________________________________________________________________ 31
Save System Image ______________________________________________________________________ 33
Import System Image ____________________________________________________________________ 34
Global Settings _________________________________________________________________________ 35
Table of Contents
Device Details ___________________________________________________________________ 35
Device Name ___________________________________________________________________________ 35
Restore Settings From ____________________________________________________________________ 35
Pluggable Flex Modules ___________________________________________________________ 35
Personalization __________________________________________________________________ 36
Data Logging ____________________________________________________________________ 36
Trend Charts ____________________________________________________________________ 36
Creating and Editing Profiles in Composer Software ___________________________________ 37
Profile View - Screen Orientation ___________________________________________________________ 38
Profile Parameters _______________________________________________________________________ 39
Step Parameters _________________________________________________________________________ 39
Opening the Profile View _________________________________________________________________ 41
Creating Profiles ________________________________________________________________________ 41
Saving a Profile to a Storage Device _________________________________________________________ 41
Loading a Profile ________________________________________________________________________ 41
Duplicating a Profile _____________________________________________________________________ 42
Deleting Profiles ________________________________________________________________________ 42
Opening the Step Editor __________________________________________________________________ 42
Adding Steps ___________________________________________________________________________ 42
Inserting Steps __________________________________________________________________________ 42
Deleting Steps __________________________________________________________________________ 43
Password Protect a Profile ________________________________________________________________ 43
Changing or Removing a Password from a Protected Profile ______________________________________ 43
Chapter 4 – Communications __________________________________________________45
Ethernet Parameters _____________________________________________________________ 45
Changing Ethernet Parameters _____________________________________________________________ 45
Ethernet Parameters and Settings ___________________________________________________________ 45
Connecting directly to a PC or Ethernet Router ________________________________________________ 46
Connecting to an Ethernet Switch & Wireless Router ___________________________________________ 47
Watlow Composer Software Configuration ___________________________________________________ 47
RS-232 Parameters _______________________________________________________________ 48
Changing RS-232 Parameters ______________________________________________________________ 48
RS-232 Parameters and Settings ____________________________________________________________ 48
Modbus ________________________________________________________________________ 49
Introduction to the Modbus Protocol ________________________________________________________ 49
F4T and F4 Modbus Mapping ______________________________________________________________ 49
Common Modbus Registers ________________________________________________________ 50
F4T Mode _____________________________________________________________________________ 50
F4 Compatibility Mode (Data Map 2) ________________________________________________________ 52
F4 Compatibility Mode (Data Map 3, Cascade Control Only) _____________________________________ 53
SCPI Programming Mode _________________________________________________________ 54
GPIB and Ethernet Modbus Interface Converters (optional) ____________________________ 56
Serial Modbus-to-GPIB Converter __________________________________________________________ 56
Serial Modbus-to-Ethernet Converter ________________________________________________________ 56
Programming Syntax for the F4T Controller, Data Map 1 ________________________________________ 57
Programming Syntax for the F4T Controller, Data Map 2 or 3 ____________________________________ 58
Chapter 5 – Event Board Option TE-0033 ________________________________________59
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________ 59
Connections _____________________________________________________________________ 59
Connecting to the Event Board (for 1000 Series Chambers) ______________________________________ 59
Connecting to the Event Board (for Models 140 and 115A) _______________________________________ 59
Controlling the Events ____________________________________________________________ 60
Chapter 6 – Retransmit Option TE-F4T-RETRANSMIT ___________________________61
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________ 61
Connections _____________________________________________________________________ 61
Table of Contents
Chapter 7 – F4T Controller Calibration _________________________________________63
Equipment Required _____________________________________________________________ 63
Input Setup and Calibration _______________________________________________________ 63
F4T Connections _________________________________________________________________ 64
Chapter 1 – Safety
Chapter 1 – Safety Instructions
Introduction
Follow all CAUTION notices to prevent damage to the chamber or your test sample. Failure to
follow all CAUTION notices may void your warranty. CAUTION may also indicate a
potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate personal
injury.
The safety alert symbol ! precedes a general CAUTION statement.
Safety Notices
! CAUTION: The Watlow F4T Manuals are written by the manufacturer, Watlow, for a
wide variety of applications and configurations. Not all features or functions
are applicable. Only the capabilities of model F4T1L2EAA2E1017 (for
Temperature Chambers) or F4T1L2EAA2F2018 (for Temperature/Humidity
Chambers) are applicable. “Cascade Control” and “Retransmit” functions are
available as options.
! CAUTION: The F4T “Alarm” functions are NOT used in the chamber’s safety system.
TestEquity does NOT recommend using the F4T alarm function as the main
protection device. The independent EZ-Zone Limit Controller functions as the
main protection device.
! CAUTION: The F4T Controller has been properly configured by TestEquity to match the
chamber’s system requirements and to perform optimally over a wide range of
operating conditions. Improper modifications to these setup values can result
in erratic performance and unreliable operation. Setup examples in the
Watlow F4T Manuals are NOT applicable to this chamber. Do not attempt to
modify the setup values, unless you thoroughly understand what you are
doing. If there is any doubt, please call TestEquity before proceeding.
! CAUTION: Configuration files are unique to each model chamber and must NEVER be
transferred to a different model chamber.
! CAUTION: NEVER select “Factory” in the “Restore Settings From” prompt in the Device
Details menu in Composer Software. This will erase all controller
configuration settings. The chamber will not work if you do this.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 5
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
F4T Menus
This chapter is designed to give you a better understanding of the structure and navigation of the
F4T menus as viewed from the front panel.
Understanding F4T Menus
The graphic below illustrates at a high level the structure of the F4T menus.
Event Driven Menus
During normal operation it is possible that an event can
occur that will present the user with indications, pop-up
windows and menu selections that are not shown above. As
an example, if an alarm occurs then the status bar (top of
screen shot as shown) will indicate its existence by blinking
yellow. If the user presses the status bar button to view the
alarm message, and then presses the alarm tab, menu options
may appear (silence or clear) depending on the alarm
settings. A representative alarm display is shown here.
As another example, if an input sensor opens, an error
message will be displayed on the screen requiring user
intervention. Once the error is acknowledged (Dismiss), the
status bar will continue to blink red until the open sensor has
been fixed. Once fixed, the status bar will return to its
normal operational display.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 7
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
User
1. Controller
Status
3. Vertical
Ellipsis
4. Next Page
(if configured)
2. Profile
Status
5. Output
Widget
Navigating and Understanding the User Interface
Home Screen
After powering up the controller a white screen will appear first while initializing. It will then go
blank for a short time before the Watlow F4T logo appears. Once the startup process is
completed the Home Screen will be presented. The image below shows the Home Screen while a
profile is running.
① Controller Status: Indicates alarms and errors if they occur while also showing the current
security level if enabled (see “Security” section). Also indicates if Data Logging is enabled
and if a USB thumb drive is plugged into the USB host port. The button shown in the center
of the status bar allows you to view alarm and error messages when pressed.
② Profile Status Bar: Provides visibility and information pertaining to running profiles as well
as access to available profile actions (see “Creating and Editing Profiles” section).
③ Vertical Ellipsis: Displays current control mode while also providing access to other
operational parameters such as the Closed Loop Set Point, Autotune, PID Settings, and more
(see “Changing Loop Operational Parameters” section).
④ Next Page: If the controller has more than one control loop (like temperature and humidity)
and the Home screen has been setup to display multiple pages (loops), the left and right
arrows on each side of the home screen provides navigation from one to the other (see
“Personalizing the Home Screen” section).
⑤ Output Widget Bar: Function keys or output status (ON/OFF).
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Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Home Screen Parameters
Parameters on the Home screen include:
• Loop name: “Temperature” and “Humidity” in the above example.
• Control mode: “Auto” shown in the above example.
• Process Value or PV: Actual Temperature or Humidity.
• Target Set Point or TSP: The desired set point in a step when running a profile)
• Current Set Point or CSP: The instantaneous set point during a ramp step when running a
profile. May be the same value as the TSP)
• Set Point: The desired Temperature or Humidity to be maintained by the controller.
• PWR: % Output power levels (throttle) for heat and cool. The upper PWR bar (orange) is the
heat throttle. The lower PWR bar (blue) is the cool throttle.
• Output Actions: Allows you to monitor the ON/OFF status of controller outputs.
Front Panel Navigational Buttons
Four buttons at the bottom of the F4T are displayed as icons
shown below. The text in this graphic was placed there for
clarity only and is not present on the front panel.
• Home: Regardless of the screen currently in view, when Home is pressed you will always
return to the Home screen (shown on the previous page).
• Menu: Pressing the Menu button will provide access to other settings and functions within
the controller.
• Return: Pressing this button will take you back to the previous screen until the top level of
either the Home Screen or the Main Menu is reached.
• Help: Displays information about the controller such as part number and software revision.
Main Menu
The Main Menu provides access to settings and functions within the controller.
• My Menu: Quick access to user assignable functions.
• Profiles: Profiles are added, accessed, and edited from this
menu.
• Operations: Contains access to alarms, control setting,
profile events, inputs, and outputs.
• Settings: Contains access to network settings, global settings
(controller name, date, time, °C/°F display), firmware update
utility, and feature update utility.
• Data Logging: Contains access to settings for data logging.
• Trending: Contains access to settings for trend graphing and the trend graph display.
• File Transfer: Contains access to USB file transfer utilities for Import/Export of
Configuration and Profiles and Export of Data Log files.
• Login (Logout): For password entry, shown with a user already logged in.
• Service: (not shown, appears when display is scrolled down in this pictured configuration).
Provides access to the calibration menu.
• Personalize: The home screen layout is modified in this menu. This has been configured by
TestEquity to only show if a user is logged in with a password.
• Help: (not shown, appears when display is scrolled down in this pictured configuration)
Displays information about the controller such as part number and software revision.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 9
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Manual Chamber Operation
Static (Manual) Set Point
Set Point is the Temperature or Humidity setting that you want the chamber to maintain. The
F4T Controller is in Static Set Point Mode when it is not controlling a Profile. The Static Set
Point is entered in the Closed-Loop Set Point screen.
Navigating the Closed-Loop Set Point Screen
To enter the Closed-Loop Set Point screen, press the area in the Set Point box on the Home
Screen. The Closed-Loop Set Point screen will appear. Values can be added with the numeric
keypad or the or arrow keys.
Pressing the numeric keys will directly enter a value in the Closed-Loop Set Point box. There is
no need to clear the existing value first.
Pressing the or arrow keys will increment or decrement the existing Closed-Loop Set Point
value in 0.1 increments each time the key is pressed.
• Clear will clear all entries in the Closed-Loop Set Point box.
• Bksp (backspace) will clear the last digit in the Closed Loop Set Point box.
• Enter will enter the values in the Closed-Loop Set Point box and return you to the Home
Screen.
• Cancel will return you to the Home Screen without changing the Set Point.
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Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Chamber Functions (Output Widget)
Chamber functions can be turned ON/OFF using the buttons on the Output Widget. The buttons
may be named differently depending on your model chamber. The buttons can be pressed to
toggle the functions ON/OFF in manual mode or while a profile is running.
The image below shows an F4T with Power, Humidity Purge, and Event 4 in the output widget.
Below is a summary of some typical button functions.
Power: Turns the chamber ON/OFF. On some models, the front panel rocker switch (labeled
CONDITIONING or TEMP depending on the model) must also be in the EVENT 1 position in
order for this button to be active. If the CONDITIONING or TEMP switch is in the ON position,
then the chamber will be on at all times, regardless of the F4T Power button status.
Humidity: For humidity chambers (Models 101H, 123H/HS, 1007H, 1016H, 1027H) only. This
button turns the humidity system ON/OFF.
Purge: For chambers with GN2 or Dry Air Purge options. This button turns the purge system
ON/OFF. Note: Your chamber may have a Purge button even if the option is not installed.
LN2: For Model 3007C only. This button turns the LN2 system ON/OFF. Note: Your Model
3007C chamber may have an LN2 button even if the option is not installed.
Event 2 through 4: The remaining available outputs will vary depending on the model. Turns
uncommitted event outputs ON/OFF for customer use. Events 5 through 7 are in the
Operation Screen > Profile Events submenu.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 11
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Ramp Action button is at the bottom of the loop screen. Off was changed to Set Point in this example.
Ramp to Set Point
The F4T can ramp to a set point without having to write a profile. The Ramp settings are in the
Loop Operational Parameter screen. Pressing the vertical ellipsis or anywhere within the outlined
box shown below will provide access to the Loop Operational Parameter screen. Once you are in
the Loop screen, scroll to the bottom to find the Ramp Action button.
In a Temperature/Humidity chamber, there are separate settings for the Temperature loop and the
Humidity loop. However, we do not recommend entering a humidity ramp. Humidity control is
very “laggy” by nature and its ability to follow a ramp, especially when the temperature is
ramping, will likely be very unpredictable unless the ramp rate/time is extremely slow.
Ramp Action
Choose the conditions under which the loop ramps its set point. When the set point ramps, it
starts at the Process Value and changes gradually to the Set Point setting rather than abruptly
changing values. Options for Ramp Action are as follows:
• Off: the loop controls to the Set Point immediately
• Startup: each time the controller is powered up, the loop ramps the set point. At all other
times abrupt changes to the Set Point are allowed
• Set Point: upon powering up the Set Point immediately resumes its last value, but the loop
ramps the set point each time the Set Point is changed
• Both: the loop ramps the set point each time the controller is powered up or the Set Point is
changed
Ramp Scale
Choose the time units for the Ramp Scale parameter. (Ramp Scale will not show if Ramp Action
is set to Off).
• Minutes or Hours
Ramp Rate
Set how quickly the set point ramps. Set the time units for the rate with Ramp Rate. (Ramp Rate
will not show if Ramp Action is set to Off)
• 0 to 55,555 (ºC) or 0 to 99,999 (ºF) per minute or hour
Page 12 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Profile Mode
Profile Actions
The profile status bar will appear on the home screen when the controller is powered up. When
the Profile Actions button on the Home Screen is clicked, one of three pop-up windows will
appear as described below.
Actions when profile is not running
Run Last Starts the last executed profile.
Run Profile Brings up a list of profiles by name for selection.
View/Edit Profile Events View and edit profile events.
Create Profile Create a new profile.
Go to Profile Brings up a list of profiles by name for selection.
Clear Profile Status Removes the profile icon and step status (profile status bar).
Cancel Return to Home screen.
Actions when profile is running
Pause Suspends running the profile, profile can resume running at the same point.
Terminate
View/Edit Profile Events View and edit profile events.
Create Profile Create a new profile.
Cancel Return to Home screen.
Stop running a profile, profile cannot resume running, it must be started
again.
Actions when profile is paused
Resume
Terminate
View/Edit Profile Events View and edit profile events.
Continue step execution where previously paused and with the previous
time remaining.
Stop running a profile, profile cannot resume running, it must be started
again.
Create Profile Create a new profile.
Cancel Return to Home screen.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 13
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Profile Parameters
The following settings apply to the entire profile. This
screen will appear when Create Profile is pressed or
when you edit a profile and View/Edit Details is
pressed.
Name: User-entered identifier for the profile. The name
follows the profile when it is saved in a file or moved to
another controller.
Password: User-set code that must be entered prior to editing a protected profile. A password
may consist of up to ten characters, may include letters, numbers or symbols and is case
sensitive.
Log Data: Select Yes if you want to log data during the profile.
Guaranteed Soak Deviation/Guaranteed Soak Values: The amount by which the actual
chamber temperature or humidity can differ from the set point for steps with Guaranteed Soak
Enable set to On. In such steps when the actual chamber temperature or humidity differs from
the set point by more than this value, the step timer stops running until the actual chamber
temperature or humidity returns to within the band defined by the set point plus or minus this
value. Each profile can have its own set of Guaranteed Soak values.
Step Parameters
After you create a profile with the procedure above,
press the Options button in the upper left side. Then
press Create Steps in the screen that pops up. You will
see one step which is a Soak type. Pressing the Soak
button will allow you to change the step type. If you are
editing an existing profile, pressing the step type of any
step will allow you to change its type. Pressing the
Actions button will allow you to Edit Step Parameters,
Delete Step, or Insert Step.
Each new step will automatically be a copy of the previous step. You can then edit the
parameters of the new step to suit your profile.
Page 14 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Step Type
Set the behavior of the step. Step Type options include:
Soak: Maintains the temperature or humidity set point constant for the step’s Time.
• Hours, Minutes, Seconds (How long the step will hold at this condition)
• Guaranteed Soak Enable 1 (Temperature)
• Guaranteed Soak Enable 2 (Humidity)
• Power, Humidity, Purge, Event 4 through 8 (On, Off, Unchanged from previous step)
Ramp Time: Adjusts the temperature or humidity set point gradually from the previous set point
to the step’s Set Point over the step’s Time.
• Target Set Point Loop 1 (Temperature)
• Hours, Minutes, Seconds (Time to ramp from the previous step condition)
• Guaranteed Soak Enable 1 (Temperature)
• Target Set Point Loop 2 (Humidity)
• Guaranteed Soak Enable 2 (Humidity)
• Power, Humidity, Purge, Event 4 through 8 (On, Off, Unchanged from previous step)
Rate: Adjusts the temperature or humidity set point at the user-set Rate of change until it reaches
the step’s Set Point.
• Target Set Point Loop 1 (Temperature)
• Rate (Degrees per Minute)
• Guaranteed Soak Enable 1 (Temperature)
• Target Set Point Loop 2 (Humidity)
• Rate (% Humidity per Minute)
• Guaranteed Soak Enable 2 (Humidity)
• Power, Humidity, Purge, Event 4 through 8 (On, Off, Unchanged from previous step)
Wait For Process or Event: Holds the profile until the specified conditions are met. When
multiple conditions are specified, the profile will not proceed until all the conditions are satisfied
at the same time.
• Step Wait for Process Enable 1 (Temperature) (None, Greater Than, Less Than)
• Wait for Process 1 Value (Temperature, if Greater Than or Less Than is selected)
• Step Wait for Process Enable 2 (Humidity) (None, Greater Than, Less Than)
• Wait for Process 2 Value (Humidity, if Greater Than or Less Than is selected)
• Power, Humidity, Purge, Event 4 through 8 (On, Off, Unchanged from previous step)
Instant Change: Sets the temperature or humidity set point without ramping from the previous
set point and holds that set point for the step’s Time. Use this when programming the chamber to
go as fast as possible between steps.
• Target Set Point Loop 1 (Temperature)
• Hours, Minutes, Seconds (How long the step will hold at this condition)
• Guaranteed Soak Enable 1 (Temperature)
• Target Set Point Loop 2 (Humidity)
• Guaranteed Soak Enable 2 (Humidity)
• Power, Humidity, Purge, Event 4 through 8 (On, Of, Unchanged from previous step)
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 15
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Jump: Repeats previous steps in the profile starting at the step set with Jump to Step for the
Number of Times set. This option is not available for step 1.
• Jump Step
• Jump Count
• Power, Humidity, Purge, Event 4 through 8 (On/Of functions)
End: Sets the Temperature or Humidity condition after the profile is complete.
• User (program will end with the same Temperature and Humidity Static Set Point values and
Event settings that were entered before the profile was run). If you want to select User, you
should make sure that the Temperature and Humidity Static Set Point values and Event
settings are indeed what you want the chamber to be at when the profile ends.
• Off (the Temperature and Humidity control mode is set to Off – Not Recommended, see
Note Below!)
• Hold (the Temperature and Humidity Set Point is set to the last value used in the profile).
This may be a preferable choice for most applications, since you can define the desired
chamber conditions in the next-to-last step in the profile.
NOTE about selecting an End step of Off:
If you select an End step of Off, this sets the Control Mode in the Loop Menu to Off. This
results in the inability to set a Static (Manual) Set Point. You would need to enter the Loop
Menu and change Control Mode to Auto. See “Changing Loop Operational Parameters” for
information on how to access this menu.
Page 16 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Sample Ramp and Soak Profile
Below is a typical ramp and soak profile. This should give you an idea of how to create your own
custom profiles.
If this profile included humidity, the humidity values would be added at the Set Point 2 prompts.
Additionally, Humidity would need to be On for any step that required humidity to be
controlled.
1. Start at 23°C. Stay at 23°C for 30 minutes.
2. Ramp to 85°C in 1 hour.
3. Soak at 85°C for 2 hours, 30 minutes.
4. Ramp to -40°C in 2 hours.
5. Soak at -40°C for 2 hours, 30 minutes.
6. Ramp to 85°C in 2 hours.
7. Jump back to step 3. Repeat cycle 9 times for a total of 10 cycles.
8. Go to 23°C as fast as possible. Wait until the temperatures reaches within 3° before
advancing to the next step.
9. End with the chamber turned OFF.
Entering the above profile from the F4T front panel:
• From the Main Page press Profile Actions.
• Then press Create Profile on the screen that pops up. This will take you to the New Profile
Screen.
• In the New Profile screen, enter your desired profile name in the Name field. You have the
choice of entering a password in the Password field if desired. In the Guaranteed Soak
Deviation 1 field, enter 3 (this will be used in step 9 above).
• You will now see Step 1.
o Change step type to Instant Change.
o Enter 23 for Target Set Point 1.
o Enter 30 for Minutes.
o Scroll down to see Power. Press Off and the press ON at the popup. This will
automatically be selected as ON for all subsequently added steps.
o Press Done.
• Press Add Step. You will now see Step 2.
o Change step type to Ramp Time.
o Enter 85 for Target Set Point 1.
o Enter 1 for Hour and 0 for Minutes.
o Press Done.
• Press Add Step. You will now see Step 3.
o Change step type to Soak.
o Enter 2 for Hour and 30 for Minutes.
o Press Done.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 17
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
• Press Add Step. You will now see Step 4.
o Change step type to Ramp Time.
o Enter -40 for Target Set Point 1.
o Enter 2 for Hour and 0 for Minutes.
o Press Done.
• Press Add Step. You will now see Step 5.
o Change step type to Soak.
o Enter 2 for Hour and 30 for Minutes.
o Press Done.
• Press Add Step. You will now see Step 6.
o Change step type to Ramp Time.
o Enter 85 for Target Set Point 1.
o Enter 2 for Hour and 0 for Minutes.
o Press Done.
• Press Add Step. You will now see Step 7.
o Change step type to Jump.
o Enter 3 for Jump Step. Enter 9 for Jump Count.
o Press Done.
• Press Add Step. You will now see Step 8.
o Change step type to Instant Change.
o Enter 23 for Target Set Point 1.
o Enter 0 for Hour and 0 for Minutes.
o Select Guaranteed Soak Enable 1 to On.
o Press Done.
• Press Add Step. You will now see Step 9.
o Change step type to End.
o Press Profile End Step Loop Action 1, press User and change it to Hold.
o At Power press On and change it to Off.
o Press Done.
• Press Options.
o Press Done to save the profile.
or…
o Press Run Profile to run the profile.
Page 18 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Data Logging
Overview
Data Logging can be enabled at any time and will log a user selectable list of data points. While
data logging is enabled, the data log file is stored within either the USB thumb drive or internal
memory. Once the file reaches a specified size (if being transferred automatically), it will be sent
directly to one of three other destinations (USB thumb drive, TFTP server or a Samba server).
The file transfer can also be initiated manually at any time. The file transfer process from
internal memory, whether completed automatically or manually, will move all log files from
internal memory to the selected destination.
Data Logging Menu
Start
Starts the logging of data.
Annotation
Allows you to annotate the log file at a point in time
while the data is being logged. For example, if you
wanted to annotate when the door was opened you can create a note which says “door opened”.
Logged Data Points
This menu indicates which data points have been selected.
Select Data Points
You can select the parameters which get logged. TestEquity has pre-configured the controller to
log the Set Point and Process Value.
Setup
• Logging Status: indicates whether or not recording is active or not.
• File Name: any alphanumeric characters, 63 maximum.
Note: A new dedicated file is created when data logging starts and the filename format will
be “file name” “date stamp” “time stamp”.csv.
• Log To: USB (thumb drive) or Internal Memory.
• Log Interval: defines the frequency in which the log will be written, 0.1 second to 60
minutes.
• Available Logging Memory: (read-only)
• Available Logging Time: (read-only) available time determined by the available memory,
logging interval and number of data points that have been selected.
• File Size Limit: 20MB when using TFTP or Samba, 1GB when using USB.
• Memory Full Action: when log to device defined above is full, Overwrite or Stop.
Note: Logging to USB allows for Stop only, when memory is full.
• Date Format: MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY.
• Time Format: 12 or 24 hour clock.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 19
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
How to Enable Data Logging
There are three ways to initiate data logging:
To enable data logging using the front panel:
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Press the Data Logging button.
3. Select the desired log interval (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15,
30 seconds, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 minutes)
4. Press the Memory Full Action button to define the desired
action to take when memory is full [Stop or Overwrite].
5. Press the Datalog Action button to manually control data logging [Start or Stop].
Note: A new dedicated file is created when data logging starts and the filename format will
be “file name” “date stamp” “time stamp”.csv.
To enable data logging when running a profile:
1. Select the desired profile, press Actions and then View/Edit Details. Press Yes for Log
Data.
Note: If data logging is already running when the profile starts with data logging enabled the
data log filename will remain as stated in the note above with the profile log data concatenated to
the currently running data log file. If data logging is not running, a new dedicated data log file is
created when the profile starts and ends when the profile stops. The filename format will be
“Profile name” “date stamp” “time stamp”.csv.
To enable data logging (during a profile) using the Modbus communications protocol:
1. Load Modbus register 18888 (Profile Active File Number) with the desired profile number (1
to 40).
2. Load Modbus register 19038 “Log Data” with 106 (yes).
3. Write Modbus registers to the controller.
To enabling data logging (outside of a profile) using the Modbus communications protocol:
1. Think about and modify the following Modbus registers if need be:
a. Memory Full Action, Modbus register 42350 [Stop or Overwrite]
b. File Size Limit, Modbus register 42372 [0 to 80 MB]
c. Log Interval, Modbus register 42388 [0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 30 seconds, 1,
2, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes]
2. Load Modbus register 42386 “Log Action” with 1782 [start].
3. Write Modbus registers to the controller.
Page 20 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Transferring Data Log Files
You can transfer data log files manually or automatically. If transferring by USB thumb drive,
allow time for the F4T to load the USB thumb drive. After it is loaded, the USB thumb drive
name will appear.
To transfer completed data log files to a USB thumb drive:
1. Insert a USB thumb drive into USB host port on the chamber.
2. Press the Menu button.
3. Press the File Transfer button. Allow time for the F4T to
load the USB thumb drive. After it is loaded, the USB thumb
drive name will appear.
4. Press the Export button. Then, press Data Log.
5. A progress bar will appear. File transfer is complete when the progress bar reaches 100%.
To transfer data log files before or after the log is completed:
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Press the Data Logging button.
3. Press the Data Log File Transfer button.
4. Press the Transfer Files Now by button.
5. Select TFTP, Samba, or USB.
6. The Transfer Results prompt will indicate Transferring
Files and then Transfer Compete when done.
To transfer files automatically:
1. Press the Menu button.
2. Press the Data Logging button.
3. Press the Data Log File Transfer button.
4. Select Auto Transfer Type: TFTP, Samba, or USB.
NOTE: If TFTP or Samba is selected above, the server must
be configured.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 21
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Trend Charts
Graphical Trend Charts provide a display of chamber conditions over time.
Up to four different trend charts can be set up with different settings. If you leave one chart to
view another chart, you will lose all previously displayed information.
The trend chart will only record one screen of date before writing over itself. You cannot
retrieve data that is not shown on the screen. If you want finer resolution and longer-term
data, you should use the Data Logging function instead.
To access trend charts, press the Menu button and then the
Trending button. Press the Actions button for Trend Chart 1.
This chart has already been set up by TestEquity to display
Temperature, Humidity, Temperature Set Point, and Humidity
Set Point.
Press View/Edit Details to change the Chart Name, Grid Display
On/Off, Auto-scaling On/Off, and the Timespan. If you change
Timespan while the chart is running, you will lose all
previously displayed information. You will need to Stop and
then Resume the trending for changes in Timespan to take effect.
In the Actions menu press View to view and/or the chart. You
can also press the chart name after pressing the Trending button
to view and/or start the chart. When viewing the chart, you can
toggle between the values being charted by pressing the arrow
next to the highlighted box on the top of the screen (Humidity
Process Value of 90.1% RH in this example). Pressing the arrow
will toggle through the value of each assigned parameter being
graphed.
Pressing the box with three horizontal dots on the right side of the screen will give you choices to
(listed in order of appearance):
• Turns the grid Off/On.
• Go to choices for View/Edit Details and Edit Pens.
• Take a snapshot (.bmp image) and save it to the USB thumb drive (you must have a thumb
drive plugged into the USB port to capture the snapshot).
• Stop/Resume the trending. If you stop the trending, you will lose all previously displayed
information once it is resumed. In the above image, the bottom button is shown in running
condition. When pressed (Stop), it will turn into a right-facing triangle.
You can leave the trend display, view the Home or other screens and come back to the trend
display without losing any information, as long as you do not change any of the volatile trend
settings. When you go back to the Trending menu you will see a clock icon, indicating that the
trending information is continuing to be recorded. Pressing Actions and View will return you to
the active trend chart.
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Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Exporting/Importing Profiles and Configuration via USB
Transferring Profile Files
Profiles can be exported and imported as individual files via USB thumb drive. This is useful for
transferring profiles between different chambers and for archival purposes. The profile files
contain all the profile steps that would ordinarily be entered via the front panel or Composer
software. It does not contain any logged data.
To export a profile file to a USB thumb drive:
1. Insert a USB thumb drive into USB host port on the chamber.
2. Press the Menu button.
3. Press the File Transfer button.
4. Press Export, then press Profile.
5. A screen will pop up the names of each stored profile. Press the desired profile name to
export it. A progress bar will appear and then indicate 100% when done.
To import a profile file to a USB thumb drive:
1. Insert a USB thumb drive into USB host port on the chamber.
2. Press the Menu button.
3. Press the File Transfer button.
4. Press Import, then press Profile.
5. A screen will pop up the names of each stored profile. Press the desired profile name to
import it. A progress bar will appear and then indicate 100% when done.
Transferring Configuration Files
The F4T configuration file contains a “System Image” of all settings that determine how the
controller inputs and outputs work and how the display appears. The configuration file also
contains all profiles. It does not contain any logged data. The configuration can be exported for
archiving purposes. It can also be imported to restore the configuration from a previous archive.
! CAUTION: Configuration files are unique to each particular model chamber and must
NEVER be transferred to a different model chamber.
To export a Configuration file to a USB thumb drive:
1. Insert a USB thumb drive into USB host port on the chamber.
2. Press the Menu button.
3. Press the File Transfer button.
4. Press Export, then press Configuration.
A progress bar will appear and then indicate 100% when done.
Importing a configuration file is accomplished like the profile import except you select
Configuration and then select the desired configuration file.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 23
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Personalizing the Home Screen
Placement of objects on the home screen can be modified by the user. You must have a
password to enter the Personalization screen. Please contact TestEquity for the password.
To personalize the Home screen, do the following:
1. From any screen, press the Menu button.
2. Press Personalize.
3. Press Basic Personalization.
4. Select the desired Home Layout by pressing Main
Top, Main Center, or Main Bottom.
The options include placing them on the bottom, split
screen top and bottom or on the top.
1. Tap each page (through 4) in which loop
information will be displayed. In the graphic
shown, each page has been configured to display
from 1 to 4 loops on each page.
2. Define the content blocks (number of loops) that
will be displayed on each page.
Defining page 1 to display two loops (content blocks):
• From any screen, press the Menu button.
• Press Personalize.
• Press Basic Personalization.
• Select the desired Home Layout by pressing
Main Top, Main Center, or Main Bottom.
• Press Page 1.
• Select “2 Content Blocks”.
Page 24 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
3. Press on each content block. In this example we selected Temperature for the left and
Humidity for the right. Pressing the Temperature or Humidity area in the Loop Content
Selection screen will bring up the ability to select the color.
4. Press the Home screen button to see the result of this operation.
Changing Loop Operational Parameters
Pressing the vertical ellipsis or anywhere within the red outlined box shown below will provide
access to the loop name, control mode, PID settings and many other parameters. In a
Temperature/Humidity chamber, pressing the corresponding area for the humidity loop will
provide access to that loop. You must have a password to change the loop PID tuning
parameters.
! CAUTION: The F4T PID tuning values have been properly configured by TestEquity to
match the chamber’s system requirements and to perform optimally over a
wide range of operating conditions. Improper modifications to these values
can result in erratic performance and unreliable operation. Do not attempt to
modify the PID values, unless you thoroughly understand what you are doing.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 25
Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
Operations Page
Control PID Loops
Provides access to the Loop Operational Parameters as
described in the section which proceeds this.
Profile Events
Provides access to all Event Outputs. See “Controlling
the Events” in Chapter 5.
Inputs
Provides a view of the sensor inputs and any other input which the controller has been
configured for.
Outputs
Provides a status of the controller’s outputs. This screen is read-only.
Alarms
Provides a view of the alarm settings. NOTE: Models 106/107 and all models with Humidity use
these alarms for system functions and should not be changed.
! CAUTION: The Series F4T “Alarm” functions are NOT used in the chamber’s safety
system. TestEquity does NOT recommend using the Series F4T alarm
function as the main protection device. The independent EZ-Zone Limit
Controller functions as the main protection device.
Machine Controls
Provides a view of any internal system variables.
Screen Snapshot Utility
Firmware Version 03:02:0010 and above include the
ability to take a Snapshot of any screen. Snapshot
functionality is enabled under the Help menu. To turn
this function on, press the “?” button and then press
the Enable camera icon. The icon will change from
Enable to Disable.
Insert a USB thumb drive into the USB host port on
the chamber. When Snapshot is enabled, a tap of the
“?” button will take a snapshot of the screen and store it on the USB thumb drive. The snapshot
file will be saved in a .bmp format.
To disable the Snapshot function, press the Menu button and then the Help icon (you may have
to scroll the screen to the end to see the Help icon). Then press the Disable camera icon. The
icon will change from Disable to Enable.
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Chapter 2 – Using the F4T Front Panel
USB Mouse Feature
Firmware version 4.05 adds the ability to use a USB mouse for navigation rather than the touch
screen.
You can connect as USB wired mouse or wireless mouse with USB dongle to the USB port on
the chamber.
Right clicking the mouse has the same action as pressing the Menu button on the front panel.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 27
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Installation
Overview
Watlow Composer Software can be used to create, edit, and archive profiles. It can also be used
to configure the controller. Since the controller is already configured by TestEquity for use in
your chamber, configuration instructions are not provided.
Note: Watlow Composer software does not “control” or “run” the chamber. It can only be used
for the profile creation, configuration, and archiving functions. It cannot run a profile or be used
to monitor the chamber.
Downloading the Software and System Requirements
Software can also be downloaded directly from www.testequity.com/Composer
Minimum system requirements:
• 250 Megabytes or more of available hard disk drive space
• 300 Megabytes of available RAM
• Windows® 7 or higher (32 or 64 bit)
• Requires Microsoft® .NET Framework 4.0 (this installs automatically if not already on target
machine)
Installing the Software
To install the software:
1. Double-click the Setup.exe.
2. Select the language of choice and click the OK to proceed.
3. Click the Next button to proceed.
4. After reading the Composer software license agreement click “I accept the terms” in the
License Agreement radio button and then click on the Next button to proceed.
5. The next dialog box shows the default directory in which the software will be installed. The
install location can be changed by clicking the Browse button and then point to the preferred
location.
6. Click Next and then Install.
7. Clicking the Finish button will conclude the installation.
Network Configuration
See “Chapter 4 – Communications” in this manual for instruction on how to configure the
Ethernet communications parameters in the F4T. You might need help from your IT department
to configure this to match your computer settings.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 29
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦
Composer Welcome Screen Orientation
Composer Version 3.4.70 shown below:
① Dashboard (Systems): Displays options for on-line connections between PC and a controller
or opening a previously saved system image.
② Data Logs Menu: Displays the contents of a data logged file (enc or csv). Depending on
files size this may take several minutes to open.
③ Systems: Shows available systems that are online. NOTE: Prompts for Serial ports do not
apply to the F4T Controller and should be ignored.
④ Loaded System: Click the loaded system to enter it (shown already clicked).
⑤ Connect to another system: (Composer Version 3.4.70 and higher) Opens a window
allowing you to enter the IP address of an F4T that is on a network.
⑥ Open a System Image: Opens a window allowing you to open a previously saved system
image to download to a controller.
⑦ Help: Allows you to change automatic software update settings, as well as initiate an
immediate check for updates (internet connection is required). Clicking on About will
display technical support contact information and the current firmware versions of the
installed software and installed modules.
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Chapter 3 – Composer Software
① ② ③
Using Composer Software
Establishing an Online Connection to a System Using Ethernet
See the chapter on Communications for more information on Ethernet connectivity. Connect the
chamber to a PC through its native Ethernet port only. From the Welcome or Systems screen
click on a connected system. It might take a minute until the controller is found it the F4T is
configured for DHCP instead of a fixed IP address. Double clicking on the system will bring up
the System Overview screen shown on the next page.
System Overview Screen
Dashboard ①
Displays all devices connected on
the system.
System ②
When clicked, a drop-down
submenu will appear for
navigation to Overview, Save
Image, Save Image As, Import
Image, Print, Export Settings,
Global Settings, Security, Network
Device Menus ③
When clicked, a drop-down submenu will appear for navigation to Device Details, Pluggable
Modules, Function Block Diagram, Personalization, Calibration, Datalogging, Trending, and
Profile setup screens.
Security and Passwords
Located in System ②. The security feature is used to protect the system’s configuration and
settings from unwanted changes. The Admin user sets what access other users have to the
systems features. When security is enabled, a user must enter a password to gain access to
protected features through the controller’s user interface or Composer software. There are three
configurable user groups and an admin user:
• User - no password required, admin sets feature access
• User with Password - requires a password, admin sets feature access, is permitted to change
the password for this user group.
• Maintenance User - requires a password, admin sets feature access, is permitted to change
the password for this user group.
• Admin - requires a password, has unlimited access to features, sets permissions and
passwords for all user groups.
There are four entry levels when trying to acquire access to the controller. Those levels are:
• User - no password required with limited access based on settings.
• User with Password - password required with limited access based on settings.
• Maintenance User Password - password required with limited access based on settings.
• Admin Password - password required with full unlimited access.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 31
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
The admin user can set each user groups’ permission to allow full, read-only or no access to the
following features:
• Home, controls access to controller’s home screen.
• Control Mode, controls access to setting the control mode, set points and PID parameters.
• Autotune, controls access to running the autotune feature.
• PID Settings, controls access to the PID settings.
• Profiles, controls access to creating and editing ramp and soak profiles.
• Global Settings, controls access to the system’s global settings, temperature units, AC line
frequency and real time clock setting.
• Network, controls access to Ethernet settings.
• Operations, controls access to operational parameter settings.
• Personalize, controls access to customizing the controller’s home screen.
• Data Logging Setup, controls access to settings for Data Logging.
• File Transfer, controls access to transfer of setup, profile, and log files.
• Diagnostics and Troubleshooting, controls access to the device details.
• Setup, controls access to the pluggable module configuration and the function block
diagram.
The image below shows the security levels as configured by TestEquity. You must contact
TestEquity to get the passwords for your chamber.
After making all the desired security settings, ensure that the security enabled radio button (top
left in the graphic above) is checked. Once security is applied to the controller, only the
administrator (Admin) can reconfigure or remove the security.
When the system file is saved, any applied security will be saved with it.
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Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Save System Image
Located in System ②
(a) Save
• Everything that will be saved is as listed below. After clicking on save image as, the save
button will become active (gray to white). This allows a user to make changes to the system
image and simply save it to the same location using the same filename.
• Device Details
• Pluggable Modules
• Function Block Diagram in its entirety
• System Security
• Profiles (if any were entered)
• Profile passwords
• All parameters that can be read and written to
(b) Save As
Save a system image to a storage device. Saves everything listed above.
Note: The real-time clock is not saved or imported.
Saving a System Image
To save a system image the first time:
1. On any Composer screen click System and then Save Image As.
2. Use the save as dialog to select the destination folder for the image.
3. Enter the desired filename.
4. Click Save.
Note: The system image filename will always have the extension wsi for Watlow System Image
and cannot be changed.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 33
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Import System Image
Located in System ②. Restores a system image from a storage device to the controller. The list
below shows what is restored:
• Device Details
• Pluggable Modules
• Function Block Diagram in its entirety
• System Security
• Profiles
• Profile passwords
• All parameters that can be read and written to
Importing a System Image
To import a system image:
1. On any Composer screen click System and then Import Image.
2. Use the open dialog to select the folder location for the previously saved system image.
3. Double-click the desired filename or single-click the filename and then click the Open
button.
4. After a system image is imported, we suggest you cycle power to the F4T Controller and
restart Composer software.
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Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Global Settings
Located under System ②.
• Temperature Units - will determine how the temperature is displayed (Fahrenheit or
Celsius) on the front panel of the controller as well as throughout all configuration screens
within Composer.
• AC Line Frequency - variable time outputs use this setting. This setting is not relevant to
TestEquity chambers.
• Date and Time - sets the date and time to the current computer time and date or whatever the
user enters.
Device Details
The Device Details screen allows a user to make changes to the system settings described below.
Descriptions are numbered correspondingly in the graphic below.
Device Name ①
Changes the name of the controller for easy identification.
Note: This name will also be displayed in the upper left corner of the user interface.
Restore Settings From ②
None - no action.
Factory - allows a user to bring the controller back to the factory default state. This is NOT the
TestEquity default state and all configurations will be erased.
! CAUTION: NEVER select “Factory” in the Restore Settings From prompt in the Device
Details menu in Composer Software. This will erase all controller
configuration settings. The chamber will not work if you do this.
To change any of the settings described above follow the steps below:
1. From the Menu bar click on Zone 1.
2. Within the drop-down menu click on Device Details.
3. Make desired changes (all changes are saved immediately).
Pluggable Flex Modules
This controller can have up to six Flex Modules (FM) installed in the chassis. The presence of
each FM must be confirmed and accepted using Composer software. FMs can be fully
configured as installed hardware or the user can type in a valid FM part number for later
installation. The Pluggable Module screen, located in Device Menus ③, shows what modules
are installed.
TestEquity has already installed and configured the correct modules for your chamber. Since this
is not intended to be an ordinary user function, no further instructions will be covered in this
manual.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 35
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Personalization
Located in Device Menus ③. This is only viewable if you are logged in as a User or Admin.
See “Personalizing the Home Screen” in Chapter 2 for information on your choices for
personalization.
Data Logging
See Data Logging in Chapter 2 for an explanation of these settings. TestEquity suggest you
select the minimum number of relevant parameters to log. This will result in a smaller file size.
In the example below for a temperature chamber, only Temperature Set Point and Temperature
Process Value (the actual chamber temperature) were selected.
Trend Charts
See Trend Charts in Chapter 2 for an explanation of these settings. TestEquity suggest you
select the minimum number of relevant parameters to plot. In the example below for a
temperature chamber, only Temperature Set Point and Temperature Process Value (the actual
chamber temperature) were selected. The chart shown below is only a representation of how the
display on the F4T will appear with your choice of settings. Composer software cannot be used
to plot this data.
Page 36 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Creating and Editing Profiles in Composer Software
This section describes the features of the Profile View in Composer Software and includes
instructions for using it. A profile is a set of instructions consisting of a sequence of steps. When
a profile runs, the controller automatically executes its steps in sequence.
Profile View Orientation: Describes the layout of the profile screens.
Profile Parameters: Settings that apply to a profile.
Step Parameters: Settings that apply to a step.
Opening the Profile View: Displays the list of profiles in the device.
Creating Profiles: Up to 50 profiles can be created.
Saving a Profile: Store profiles on the computer to make it easy to load them in other controllers
or to restore one that was inadvertently changed or deleted from the controller.
Loading a Profile: Loads a profile that was previously saved to the controller’s memory.
Duplicating a Profile: An easy way to create a new profile similar to one that was created
previously.
Deleting a Profile: Removes unneeded profiles from the controller memory freeing up space for
new profiles.
Opening the Step Editor: Displays the details of the step.
Adding Steps: Up to 50 steps can be included within any given profile.
Inserting Steps: Create a new step at a specific point in a profile.
Deleting Steps: Remove a step from a profile.
Password Protect a Profile: Avoid unwanted and inadvertent changes to a profile with
password protection.
Changing or Removing a Password from a Profile: When password protection is no longer
needed it can be easily removed.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 37
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
①
②
③
Profile View - Screen Orientation
The Profile View has the following features, numbered correspondingly in the graphic below.
① Profile List
• In this column, a user can view all currently existing profiles as well as whether or not the
profile has password protection.
• You can use Add new profile... or the buttons at the bottom to delete, duplicate, import, or
export profiles.
② Step List
• Shows all currently existing steps for the selected profile (“Temp Test” in the example
above).
• You can use Add new step... or the buttons at the bottom to insert or delete a step.
③ Step Detail
• Shows all available selections for the selected step while also allowing each to be modified.
• You can give the profile a name as well as apply password protection.
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Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Profile Parameters
The following settings apply to the entire profile.
Name
• User-entered identifier for the profile. The name follows the profile when it is saved in a file
or moved to another controller.
Password
• User-set code that must be entered prior to editing a protected profile. A password may
consist of up to ten characters, may include letters, numbers or symbols and is case sensitive.
Guaranteed Soak Deviation/Guaranteed Soak Values
• The amount by which the actual chamber temperature or humidity is allowed to differ from
the set point for steps with Guaranteed Soak Enable set to On. In such steps when the actual
chamber temperature or humidity differs from the set point by more than this value, the step
timer stops running until the actual chamber temperature or humidity returns to within the
band defined by the set point plus or minus this value. Each profile can have its own set of
Guaranteed Soak values.
Data Logging
• Check “Log Data while the profile is running” to automatically initiated data logging during
this particular profile.
Step Parameters
The following parameters set the behavior of a profile’s steps. Only the parameters that apply to
the selected step type appear in the step detail.
Step Type
Set the behavior of the step. Step Type options include:
• Rate: adjusts the temperature or humidity set point at the user-set Rate of change until it
reaches the step’s Set Point.
• Soak: maintains the temperature or humidity set point constant for the step’s Time.
• Jump: repeats previous steps in the profile starting at the step set with Jump to Step for the
Number of Times set. This option is not available for step 1.
• Ramp Time: adjusts the temperature or humidity set point gradually from the previous set
point to the step’s Set Point over the step’s Time.
• State: sets the temperature or humidity set point to the step’s Set Point without ramping from
the previous set point and holds that set point for the step’s Time.
• Instant Change: sets the temperature or humidity set point to the step’s Set Point without
ramping from the previous set point and holds that set point for the step’s Time.
• Wait For Process or Event: holds the profile until the specified conditions on the event
inputs are met. When multiple conditions are specified, the profile will not proceed until all
the conditions are satisfied at the same time.
• END: Sets the temperature/humidity set points, and event output conditions when the profile
ends. See page 16 for more information.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 39
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Time: Hrs Min Sec: Set the duration of the step.
Ramp Time: Set the speed at which the temperature or humidity set point is increased or
decreased to the step’s Set Point value.
Set Point: Set the value to which the loop’s set point is changed by the step.
Guaranteed Soak Enable
• Set On to prevent step time from elapsing whenever the loop’s process value differs from its
Set Point by more than Guaranteed Soak Value for the loop.
Event Input 1 to Event Input 4
Only applicable if controller has Event Inputs configured. Set the condition on each input for a
Wait For step. Event Input options include:
• None: do not wait for this input.
• On: wait until a digital input is on or true.
• Off: wait until a digital input is off or false.
• Greater Than: wait until the process value is greater than the setting of the corresponding
Input Value parameter.
• Less Than: wait until the process value is less than the setting of the corresponding Input
Value parameter.
Input 1 Value to Input 4 Value
• Set the process value (Input 1 is Temperature, Input 2 is Humidity when applicable) against
which the corresponding condition is evaluated in a Wait For step.
Jump To Step
• Set the step number at which the profile should begin to repeat steps.
Number of Times
• Set the how many times the Jump Loop step repeats the previous profile steps.
Note: Number of Times is the number of times the steps are repeated not including the time they
are executed prior to reaching the Jump Loop step. For example if step 5 of a six step profile is a
Jump Loop with Jump To Step set to 2 and Number of Times set to 1, when the profile is run
starting at step 1 it executes steps as follows: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Event Outputs: Event Output 1 to Event Output 4
Set the state to which the profile sets each event output at the start of the step. Event Output
options include:
• On: the step sets the event output on or true.
• Off: the step sets the event output off or false.
• Unchanged: the step does not set the event output; it remains in whatever state was
previously set.
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Chapter 3 – Composer Software
End Action
Set what the Temperature or Humidity condition will be after the profile is complete. See page
16 for more information. Options include:
• User: program will end with the same Temperature and Humidity Static Set Point values that
were entered before the profile was run. See page 16 for more information.
• Off: the Temperature and Humidity control mode is set to Off.
NOTE: Selecting Off as the End Action is not recommended. See page 16 for more
information.
• Hold: the Temperature and Humidity Set Point is set to the last value used in the profile. See
page 16 for more information.
Opening the Profile View
To view the profile listing:
1. Click the device to view the device toolbox.
2. Click Profiles to bring up the profile listing.
Creating Profiles
To create a new profile in the controller:
1. Click the Click to add... button.
2. If desired, click in the Name field and change the profile’s name.
Note: A profile name is limited to 20 characters.
Saving a Profile to a Storage Device
To save a profile:
1. Select the profile by clicking it in the profile list.
2. Click the Save button at the bottom of the profile list.
3. Use the Save As dialog to edit the name and select the desired location and click the Save
button.
Hint: Save is an option on the profile pop-up menu.
Note: A profile that has a password applied will be saved with the password.
Loading a Profile
To load a profile previously saved on the computer in to controller memory:
1. Click the Load button.
2. Use the open dialog to locate and select the desired profile file.
3. Click Open.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 41
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Duplicating a Profile
To duplicate a profile:
• Right-click the profile and click Duplicate in the pop-up menu.
Or
• Click the profile, then click the Dup button at the bottom of the profile list.
Notes:
• The duplication process automatically appends the duplicated profile to the end of the profile
list.
• If a profile is locked with a password and duplicated, the duplicated profile is not password
protected.
• The name of the duplicate profile is the original profile’s name with the words “Copy of”
added to the beginning. The result may be truncated so as not to exceed 20 characters.
Deleting Profiles
To delete a profile:
• Right-click the profile, click Delete in the pop-up menu and then click OK to confirm
Or
• Click the profile, click Delete button at the bottom of the profile list and then click OK to
confirm.
Or
• Click the profile, press the Delete key on the computer keyboard and click OK to confirm.
Opening the Step Editor
To open the step editor:
• Click any step in the step list.
Adding Steps
To add a step to a profile:
• Right-click a step and choose Add in the pop-up menu
Or
• Click the Click to Add... button in the step list.
Hint: When clicking on Add new step..., if a step is selected, a duplicate of the selected step is
added, if no step is selected, a duplicate of the last step is added.
Inserting Steps
To insert a new step ahead of an existing step:
• Right-click the step and choose Insert Step Before in the pop-up menu.
Or
• Click the step and then click the Insert Before button at the bottom of the step list.
Page 42 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 3 – Composer Software
Deleting Steps
To delete a step:
• Right-click the step and choose Delete Step in the pop-up menu.
Or
• Click the step and then click the Delete button at the bottom of the step list.
Or
• Click the step and press the Delete key on the computer keyboard.
Password Protect a Profile
To avoid inadvertent changes to a profile, apply password protection to it.
To set a password for a profile:
1. Click the Password button.
2. In the dialog box enter a password (10 characters maximum).
3. Re-enter the same password to verify it.
4. Click OK.
Note: A password protected profile requires the password be entered to edit but not to copy it or
to delete it. If the profile is duplicated, the duplicate is not password protected.
Changing or Removing a Password from a Protected Profile
To change or remove a profile’s password, the password must be known.
To change a profile’s password:
1. Select the profile by clicking it in the profile list.
2. Enter the password and click OK.
3. Click the Password button.
4. Enter a new password (10 characters maximum).
5. Re-enter the same password to verify it.
6. Click OK.
To remove a profile’s password:
1. Select the profile by clicking it in the profile list.
2. Enter the password and click OK.
3. Click the Password button.
4. Click the Remove button.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 43
Chapter 4 – Communications
Chapter 4 – Communications
Ethernet Parameters
This section describes how to configure the Ethernet Communications settings in the F4T
controller.
Changing Ethernet Parameters
1. Press the Menu, Settings and Network buttons, in that order.
2. Under Communications Channels press Ethernet.
3. Change the desired settings.
4. Recycle the power to put the new settings into effect.
Ethernet Parameters and Settings
The bracketed bold settings below represent the defaults as delivered from the factory:
• IP Address Mode: [DHCP], Fixed
- DHCP, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, allows for dynamic distribution of
network settings by a DHCP server.
- Fixed, also referred to as a static IP address, is configured manually for a specified
network.
• Actual IP Address: [192.168.0.222]
• Actual IP Subnet: [255.255.255.0]
- Subnet, a method used to logically divide and isolate networks.
• Actual IP Gateway: [0.0.0.0]
- Gateway, is a device used on the network to route messages with IP addresses that do
not exist on the local network.
• MAC Address: xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx (Will be different and unique for each controller)
- MAC address, is a manufacturer supplied address for the network interface card.
• Display Units: °F, °C [configured by TestEquity for °C]
• Modbus® TCP Enable: [Yes], No
- Modbus is an industrially hardened field bus protocol used for communications from
the controller to other devices on the network.
• Modbus Word Order: [High], Low
- Modbus allows a user to select the word order of two 16-bit words in floating point
values.
• Data Map: [1], 2, 3
- Data Map, the user can switch Modbus registers from the comprehensive listing of
F4T registers.
- Map 1 = F4T registers (default)
- Map 2 = Limited set of F4 compatible registers (for compatibility with software
written for the F4)
- Map 3 = For controllers with Cascade Control (Part Temperature Control). Limited
set of F4 compatible registers (for compatibility with software written for the F4). See
details in separate F4T Cascade Control Manual.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 45
Chapter 4 – Communications
Connecting directly to a PC or Ethernet Router
To connect the F4T directly to a PC or a wired Ethernet Router and the PC’s network adapter
must be set for a Fixed IP address.
How to change your PC to a Fixed IP address (Windows 10):
• On the PC navigate to the control panel and click on Network and Sharing Center
• Click on Change adapter settings
• Double-click on the Local Area Connection (the Ethernet port where cable is connected to).
• Click the Properties button.
• Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) button.
• Click the radio button identified as Use the following IP address.
• Change the IP address to 192.168.0.2, Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 (this assumes the F4T
is configured for 192.168.0.222 which is how they ship from TestEquity, you can choose a
different IP address).
• Click OK when done (this change to the IP address will take effect immediately)
How to Change the F4T to Fixed IP Address:
• Press the Menu, Settings, and Network buttons, in that order.
• Under Network press Ethernet.
• If the IP Address Mode button indicates DCHP, press the button and select Fixed.
• Scroll down and entered the desired IP address in Fixed IP Address Part 1 through 4.
o IP Fixed Address Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 should be the same Address Number of
your computer or router.
o IP Fixed Address Part 4 should be unique/different.
• Continue scrolling down to IP Subnet Part 1 through 4 and Fixed IP Gateway Part 1 through
4 to enter those respective settings. Typically, the IP Subnet is 255 255 255 0 and the Fixed
IP Gateway is 0 0 0 0 but your network may be setup differently.
• Press Done. Power to the F4T (chamber) needs to be recycled for the new settings to take
effect.
Page 46 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 4 – Communications
Connecting to an Ethernet Switch & Wireless Router
The F4T can be configured for DHCP when connecting to an Ethernet Switch. The wired
Ethernet connections on a “Wireless Router” are really an Ethernet Switch. In this case, the
DHCP Server in the switch will assign an IP address to the F4T. If the System is to be setup for
DHCP, then the IP Address Mode in the F4T must be set for “DHCP”. This address will show in
the F4T’s display for Actual IP Address, Subnet and Gateway.
How to Change the F4T to DHCP:
• Press the Menu, Settings, and Network buttons, in that order.
• Under Network press Ethernet. If the IP Address Mode button is already DHCP then you do
not need to do anything.
• If the IP Address Mode button indicates Fixed, press the button and select DHCP. Power
Cycle the F4T for this change to take effect.
Watlow Composer Software Configuration
To work with a direct PC connection or through a router, the F4T must be set for a fixed IP
address and you must have Watlow Composer version 3.4.70 or later. See
www.testequity.com/composer for Watlow Composer Software.
• If the F4T is connected directly to a PC or a wired Ethernet Router, then in the Composer
Software; select “Connect to another system”. Then “Enter the IP Address or DNS name of
the system” in the box shown and then press “Connect”.
• If there is no Router between the Computer and the F4T, then when Composer Software
allows you to “Connect to a System to Configure it” the F4T Name/IP Address should
automatically be displayed. Select this F4T Name/IP Address to use Composer with this F4T
(this chamber that is).
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 47
Chapter 4 – Communications
RS-232 Parameters
This section describes how to configure the RS-232 Modbus Communications settings in the
F4T controller.
Changing RS-232 Parameters
1. Press the Menu, Settings and Network buttons, in that order.
2. Under Communications Channels press Modbus.
3. Change desired settings.
4. Recycle the power to put the new settings into effect.
RS-232 Parameters and Settings
The bracketed bold settings below represent the defaults as delivered from the factory:
• Modbus Address: [1]
- Each device is given a unique address. Up to 247 devices can be on the same data
link.
• Baud Rate: [9600]
- Must match the baud rate of your computer’s serial port and software.
• Parity: [None]
- Must match the parity of your computer’s serial port and software.
• Display Units: °F, °C [configured by TestEquity for °C]
• Modbus Word Order: [High], Low
- Modbus allows a user to select the word order of two 16-bit words in floating point
values.
• Data Map: [1], 2, 3
- Data Map, the user can switch Modbus registers from the comprehensive listing of
F4T registers.
- Map 1 = F4T registers (default)
- Map 2 = Limited set of F4 compatible registers (for compatibility with software
written for the F4)
- Map 3 = For controllers with Cascade Control. Limited set of F4 compatible registers
(for compatibility with software written for the F4). See details in separate F4T
Cascade Control Manual.
Page 48 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 4 – Communications
Modbus
The F4T controller is equipped with Modbus® TCP as an embedded protocol.
Introduction to the Modbus Protocol
Modbus provides the advantage of being extremely reliable in exchanging information. This
protocol works on the principle of packet exchanges. The packet contains the address of the
controller to receive the information, a command field that says what is to be done with the
information, and several fields of data. Each parameter has a unique Modbus register number.
All Modbus registers are 16-bits and are listed in the following table as relative addresses
(actual). Some F4T parameters are contained within 32 bits (IEEE Float, signed 32 bit). Notice
that only one (low order) of the two registers is listed on the next page. By default, the low order
word contains the two low bytes of the 32-bit parameter. As an example, in the table below see
Actual Chamber Temperature. Note that it lists register 27586. Because this parameter is a float,
it is represented by registers 27586 (low order bytes) and 27587 (high order bytes). The Modbus
specification does not dictate which register should be high or low order therefore, the controller
provides the user the ability to swap this order.
F4T and F4 Modbus Mapping
For making an easy transition from the F4 to the F4T controller using Modbus, a special set of
the most commonly used F4 registers were created. Notice that there are two tables of Modbus
registers, they are unique sets of registers (not interchangeable) and the user must select one set
or the other when implementing using Modbus.
• Map 1 = F4T registers (default)
• Map 2 = Limited set of F4 compatible registers (for compatibility with software written for
the F4)
• Map 3 = For controllers with Cascade Control (Part Temperature Control). Limited set of F4
compatible registers (for compatibility with software written for the F4). See details in
separate F4T Cascade Control Manual.
To change the Modbus mapping using the F4T front panel:
1. From any screen, press the Menu button
2. Press the Settings button and then the Network button
3. Select the Ethernet (for LAN) or Modbus (for RS-232) communications channel
4. Scroll the screen down to find Data Map and select 1 (for F4T), 2 (for legacy F4
Compatibility Mode), 3 (for legacy F4 Compatibility Mode for controller with Cascade
Control only).
5. Recycle the power to put the new settings into effect.
NOTE: Not all F4 parameters are mapped over to the F4T so check this document before
assuming the F4T will be compatible with your existing software.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 49
Chapter 4 – Communications
Common Modbus Registers
F4T Mode
The following registers are applicable in the F4T Mode (Data Map 1). These are the most
common registers that would need to be used in an automation environment.
Some F4T parameters are contained within 32 bits (IEEE Float). Notice that only one (low order)
of the two registers is listed. By default, the low order word contains the two low bytes of the 32bit parameter. As an example, in the table below see Actual Chamber Temp. Note that it lists
register 27586. Because this parameter is a float, it is represented by registers 27586 (low order
bytes) and 27587 (high order bytes).
Parameter Name Register Data Type and Access (Read or Write)
Temperature Set Point 2782 IEEE Float RW
Closed Loop Set Point* 2810 IEEE Float R
Target Set Point** 16602 IEEE Float R
Actual Chamber Temp. (PV) 27586 IEEE Float R
Humidity Set Point 2942 IEEE Float RW
Closed Loop Set Point* 2970 IEEE Float R
Target Set Point** 16604 IEEE Float R
Actual Chamber Humidity (PV) 28906 IEEE Float R
Event 1 16594 16-bit RW
Event 2 16596 16-bit RW
Event 3 16598 16-bit RW
Event 4 16600 16-bit RW
Event 5 16822 16-bit RW
Event 6 16824 16-bit RW
Event 7 16826 16-bit RW
Events 1-7 Off = 62, On = 63
* Instantaneous Set Point during a ramp or profile
** Set Point target during a ramp or profile
Manual Ramp Parameters (Ramp to Set Point without a profile)
All 16-bit RW
Parameter Name Register
Ramp Action (Temperature) 2794 16-bit RW
Off = 62
Startup = 88
Set Point = 85
Both = 13
Ramp Scale (Temperature) 2796 16-bit RW
°/Minutes = 57
°/Hours = 39
Ramp Rate (Temperature) 2798 IEEE Float RW
Page 50 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 4 – Communications
Profile Parameters - All 16-bit R or RW
Parameter Name Register Range
Start Profile 16558 (RW) 1 to 40
Start Step 16560 RW) 1 to max step # in profile
Profile Action Request 16562 (RW) None = 61
Start = 1782
Calendar Start = 1783
Profile Action Request 16564 (RW) None = 61
Resume = 147
Profile Action Request 16566 (RW) None = 61
Pause = 146
Terminate = 148
Profile State 16568 (R) Off = 62
Running = 149
Pause = 146
Not Started = 251
Completed Normal = 252
Terminated = 253
Calendar Start = 1783
Current Profile 16588 (R) 0 to 40
Current Step 16590 (R) 0 to 50
Step Type 16592 (R) Soak = 87
Wait For = 1542
Instant Change = 1927
Ramp Time = 1928
Ramp Rate = 81
End = 27
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 51
Chapter 4 – Communications
F4 Compatibility Mode (Data Map 2)
The following common registers are available in the F4 Compatibility Mode (Data Map 2). This
will allow you to use software that was written for the original F4 Controller. Only a limited set
of parameters are available in this compatibility mode, but it should be sufficient for most
applications. This complete register list is only valid for Firmware Revision 03:06:0011, released
May 5, 2017 and higher. Not all F4 parameters are mapped over to the F4T so check this list
before assuming the F4T will be compatible with your existing software.
Data Map 2 does NOT apply to F4T controllers with Cascade Control (Part Temperature
Control). See Data Map 3 for controllers with Cascade Control (Part Temperature Control).
Parameter Name Register Data Type and Access (Read or Write)
Temperature Set Point 300 16-bit Signed RW
Actual Chamber Temperature 100 16-bit Signed R
Temperature Input Precision 606 16-bit Signed RW 0 (0), 0.0 (1), 0.00 (2), 0.000 (3)
°C or °F 901 16-bit Signed RW °C (1), °F (0)
Humidity Set Point 319 16-bit Signed RW
Actual Chamber Humidity 104 16-bit Signed R
Humidity Input Precision 616 16-bit Signed RW 0 (0), 0.0 (1), 0.00 (2), 0.000 (3)
Temperature Input Error 101 16-bit R No Error = 0, Error = 1
Humidity Input Error 105 16-bit R No Error = 0, Error = 1
Event 1 2000 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 2 2010 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 3 2020 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 4 2030 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 5 2040 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 6 2050 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 7 2060 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Profile Action:
Resume Profile 1209 16-bit R
Hold Profile 1210 16-bit W
Terminate Profile 1217 16-bit W
Profile Start:
Profile Start File # 4000 16-bit W
Profile Start Step # 4001 16-bit W
Profile Action Start: 4002 16-bit W Create (1)
Insert Step (2)
Delete Current profile (3)
Delete Step (4)
Start Profile (5)
Delete all Profiles (256)
Page 52 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 4 – Communications
F4 Compatibility Mode (Data Map 3, Cascade Control Only)
Data Map 3 does ONLY applies to F4T controllers with Cascade Control (Part Temperature
Control). See the separate F4T Cascade Control manual for details on this version. See Data
Map 2 for controllers without Cascade Control (Part Temperature Control).
The following common registers are available in the F4 Compatibility Mode (Data Map 3). This
will allow you to use software that was written for the original F4 Controller. Only a limited set
of parameters are available in this compatibility mode, but it should be sufficient for most
applications. This register list is only valid for Firmware Revision 03:06:0011, released May 5,
2017 and higher. Not all F4 parameters are mapped over to the F4T so check this list before
assuming the F4T will be compatible with your existing software.
Parameter Name Register Data Type and Access (Read or Write)
Temperature Set Point 300 16-bit Signed RW
Air Temperature 100 16-bit Signed R
Air Temp Input Precision 606 16-bit Signed RW 0 (0), 0.0 (1), 0.00 (2), 0.000 (3)
Part Temperature 108 16-bit Signed RW
Part Temp Input Precision 626 16-bit Signed RW 0 (0), 0.0 (1), 0.00 (2), 0.000 (3)
°C or °F 901 16-bit Signed RW °C (1), °F (0)
Air Temp Input Error 101 16-bit R No Error = 0, Error = 1
Part Temp Input Error 109 16-bit R No Error = 0, Error = 1
Event 1 2000 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 2 2010 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 3 2020 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 4 2030 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 5 2040 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 6 2050 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Event 7 2060 16-bit RW Off = 0, On = 1
Profile Action:
Resume Profile 1209 16-bit R
Hold Profile 1210 16-bit W
Terminate Profile 1217 16-bit W
Profile Start:
Profile Start File # 4000 16-bit W
Profile Start Step # 4001 16-bit W
Profile Action Start: 4002 16-bit W Create (1)
Insert Step (2)
Delete Current profile (3)
Delete Step (4)
Start Profile (5)
Delete all Profiles (256)
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 53
Chapter 4 – Communications
Description
SCPI Command
SCPI Values
R/W
Comments
Commands for Process Units
Query C omm. Temperature units
:UNIT:TEMPER ATURE?
C|F R Ethernet units
Set Comm. Temperature units to F
:UNIT:TEMPER ATURE F
W
Ethernet units to Fahrenheit
Set Comm. Temperature units to C
:UNIT:TEMPER ATURE C
W
Ethernet units to Celsius
Query D isplay Temperature units
:UNIT:TEMPER ATURE:DISPLAY?
C|F R Front pa nel display units
Set Display Temperature units to F
:UNIT:TEMPER ATURE:DISPLAY F
W
Front pa nel display units to Fahrenheit
Set Display Temperature units to C
:UNIT:TEMPER ATURE:DISPLAY C
W
Front pa nel display units to Celsius
This list is ONLY for standard Temperature or Temperature/Humidity controllers. NOT for versions with Cascade Control (Part Temperature Control.
Read Temperature PV (Control loop)
:SOURce:CLOop#:PVALue?
<floating point value>
R
Source Value A
Query input er ror
:SOURce:CLOop#:ERRor?
ERROR|NONE
R
Input error status
Read SP
:SOURce:CLOop#:SPOint
<floating point value>
R
Set Point Active Closed
Write SP
:SOURCE:CLOOP#:SPOINT <value>
W
User Set Point
Read Idle SP
:SOURce:CLOop#:IDLE?
<floating point value>
R
Idle Set Point
Write Idle SP
:SOURce:CLOop#:IDLE <value>
W
Idle Set Point
This list is ONLY for versions WITH Cascade Control (Part Temperature Control). NOT for standard Temperature or Temperature/Humidity chambers.
Read Set Point (Cascade)
:SOURce:CAScade1:SPOint?
<floating point value>
R
User set point
Write Set Point (Cascade)
:SOURce:CAScade1:SPOint <value>
W
User set point
Read Outer Loop PV (Cascade)
:SOURce:CAScade1:OUTer:PVALue?
<floating point value>
R
Source Value A
Query Outer Loop Input Error (Cascade)
:SOURce:CAScade1:OUTer:ERRor?
ERROR|NONE
R
Input error status
Read Inner Loop PV (Cascade)
:SOURce:CAScade1:INNer:PVALue?
<floating point value>
R
Source Value B
Query Outer Loop Input Error (Cascade)
:SOURce:CAScade1:INNer:ERRor?
ERROR|NONE
R
Input error status
Read Outer Loop Set Point (Cascade)
:SOURce:CAScade1:OUTer:SPOint?
<floating point value>
R Read Inner Loop Set Point (Cascade)
:SOURce:CAScade1:INNer:SPOint?
<floating point value>
R Query cascade loop function
:SOURce:CAScade1:FUNCtion?
R
Set cascade loop function to PROCESS
:SOURce:CAScade1:FUNCtion PROCESS
W Not recommended, do not enter this
Set cascade loop function to DEVIATION
:SOURce:CAScade1:FUNCtion DEVIATION
W
Query cascade range low
:SOURce:CAScade1:RANGe:LOW?
<floating point value>
R Set cascade range low
:SOURce:CAScade1:RANGe:LOW <value>
<floating point value>
W Query cascade range high
:SOURce:CAScade1:RANGe:HIGH?
<floating point value>
R Set cascade range high
:SOURce:CAScade1:RANGe:HIGH <value>
<floating point value>
W Query cascade simple set point control
:SOURce:CAScade1#:SSPoint:CONTrol?
R
Set cascade simple set point control OFF
:SOURce:CAScade1:SSPoint:CO NTro l OFF
W Turns OFF Cascade Control mode
Set cascade simple set point control ON
:SOURce:CAScade1:SSPoint:CO NTro l ON
W Turns ON Cascade Control mode
Commands for Manual Ramp Parameters (ramping without running a profile)
Set ramping off
:SOURce:CLOop# :RACTion OFF
W
controls instantly to set point
Set ramping on startup
:SOURce:CLOop# :RACTion STArtup
W
ramps to set point on controller power
on
Set ramping on set point cha nge
:SOURce:CLOop# :RACTion SETPoint
W
ramps to set point on change of set
point
Set ramping on both events
:SOURce:CLOop# :RACTion BO TH
W
ramps to set point on controller power
on OR change of set point
Write ramp scale to minutes
:SOURce:CLOop# :RSC Ale MINutes
W
ramp rate is per minute
Write ramp scale to hours
:SOURce:CLOop#:RSCAle HOURS
W
ramp rate is per hour
Read ramp rate
:SOURce:CLOop#:RRATe?
<floating point value>
R
rate that controller ramps to set point
Read ramp time
:SOURce:CLOop# :RTIMe?
<floating point value>
R
time t hat controller ramps to set point
Write ramp rate
:SOURce:CLOop#:RRATe <value>
W
rate that controller ramps to set point
Read ramp time
:SOURce:CLOop# :RTIMe <value>
W
rate that controller ramps to set point
SCPI Programming Mode
SCPI commands are ASCII text strings with a wide array of defined SCPI commands, all of
which are not included in this implementation. The SCPI protocol is only available over Ethernet
port 5025. The only available SCPI commands for the F4T are shown below. This complete list
is only valid for Firmware Revision 04:05:0007, released May 23, 2019 and higher. Older
firmware versions do not include all these commands. This list only applies to the native F4T
Ethernet interface, NOT the external Serial Modbus-to-Ethernet Converter.
For :CLOOP# – CLOOP1 is Temperature, CLOOP2 is Humidity.
Example :SOURce:CLOop1:PVALue? (read the value for chamber temperature)
Example :SOURce:CLOop2:PVALue? (read the value for chamber humidity)
Continued on next page…
Page 54 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 4 – Communications
Description
SCPI Command
SCPI Values
R/W
Comments
Commands for Event Outputs
Query o utput name
:OUTP ut#:N AME?
# = outputs 1-7
Set event output ON
:OUTPut#:STATe ON
W
# = outputs 1-7
Set event output OFF
:OUTPUT#:STATE OFF
W
# = outputs 1-7
Query event o utput state
:OUTPut#:STATe?
OFF|ON
R
# = outputs 1-7
Commands to Support Profiles
Select a profile
:PROGram:SELected:NUMBer <value>
1-40
W
Set the current profile number
Query t he current profile name
:PROGram:SELected:NAME?
<string value>
R Set the current profile step
:PROGram:SELected:STEP <value>
1-50
W Start the current profile
:PROGram:SELected:STATe STArt
W Terminate the current profile
:PROGram:SELected:STATe STOP
W Pause the current profile
:PROGram:SELected:STATe PAUSe
W Resume the current profile
:PROGram:SELected:STATe RESume
W Query active profile number
:PROGram[:SELected]:NUM Ber?
R Query profile state
:PROGram[:SELected]:STATe?
R Query current profile set point
:PROGram[:SELected]:SPOint#?
R
# = 1 for Te mp or 2 for Humidity
Query current profile step number
:PROGram[:SELected]:STEP?
R Query current profile step type
:PROGram[:SELected]:STEP:TYPE?
R Query current profile step time elapsed
:PROGram[:SELected]:STEP:TIME:ELApsed?
R Query current profile step time remain
:PROGram[:SELected]:STEP:TIME:REMain?
R
Identification
*IDN?
"Watlow Electric",<string value>,<integer value>,<string value>
(manufacturer)
R
(model number)
(seria l numbe r)
(firmware le vel)
SCPI commands (continued)
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 55
Chapter 4 – Communications
GPIB and Ethernet Modbus Interface Converters (optional)
Serial Modbus-to-GPIB Converter
Your chamber may have been ordered with a GPIB Interface option. GPIB communications is
achieved through an ICS Electronics 4899A (external, TestEquity Option 1052) or 4809A
(internal, TestEquity Option 003) GPIB-to-Modbus Interface Converter. The ICS 4899A
converts GPIB commands to serial Modbus commands that are transmitted over RS-232. The
GPIB Converter also takes care of calculating block checksums that are required for
communications to and from the F4T Controller. For more details, see the documentation that
came with the GPIB interface option.
Serial Modbus-to-Ethernet Converter
Your chamber may have been ordered with a Serial Modbus-to-Ethernet Interface option. GPIB
communications is achieved through an ICS Electronics 9099 (TestEquity Option 1056). The
programming syntax is the same as the GPIB Interface Converter mentioned above. For more
details, see the documentation that came with the Ethernet interface option.
NOTE: Composer software will only work with the native F4T Ethernet interface and
Data Map 1, not the Serial Modbus-to-Ethernet Converter.
Why use the Ethernet Converter when the F4T Controller has an Ethernet Interface?
The native F4T Ethernet Interface uses the Modbus TCP protocol. The 1056 Ethernet Interface
Converter converts the controller’s RS-232 Modbus interface to Ethernet. The converter takes
care of the Modbus packet formatting, so the command structure is simplified. The most
compelling reason why you would want to use 1056 Ethernet Interface Converter instead of the
F4T's native Ethernet interface is if you wanted to program using simple ASCII commands
instead of Modbus packets.
Page 56 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 4 – Communications
Programming Syntax for the F4T Controller, Data Map 1
The following applies if the F4T serial interface is configured for Data Map 1. This list only
applies for programming through the GPIB or Ethernet Modbus converters.
If your controller has Cascade Control (Part Temperature Control), see the command list in the
“F4T Touch Screen Controller Cascade Control Addendum”.
The F4T Controller uses two consecutive register to control a value or to read back a process
variable. The two registers hold an IEEE-754 32-bit floating point word. The registers are read
and written to in the low word-upper word order. The RF? query reads a 32-bit floating point
value from two sequential register in low word-upper word order. The RF? does not require the
number of registers to read since it is fixed at two registers.
Some registers in the F4T Controller are 16-bit words. These registers are programmed with the
same syntax as shown for Data Map 2 below.
Modbus Register Read / Write Commands
RF? reg Read register command
The WF command writes the num value in floating point format to two consecutive registers
starting with the low word register.
WF reg, data Write register command
Reg = Modbus register plus next consecutive register
Data = ASCII data written as a direct numerical value
Examples:
Write Temperature Set Point WF 2782, value
Write Humidity Set Point WF 2942, value
Read Chamber Temperature RF? 27586
Read Closed Loop Set Point RF? 2810 (instantaneous temperature set point during a ramp
or profile)
Read Chamber Humidity RF? 28906
Read Closed Loop Set Point RF? 2970 (instantaneous humidity set point during a ramp
or profile)
Turn (Event 1) ON W 16594, 63 Event 1 is “Power”
Turn (Event 1) OFF W 16594, 62
Turn (Event 2) ON W 16596, 63 Event 2 is “Humidity” in Humidity models
Turn (Event 2) OFF W 16596, 62 Event 2 is “Purge” in Temperature models
Event 2 is “LN2” in Model 3007C
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 57
Chapter 4 – Communications
Manual Ramp Parameters (Ramp to Set Point without a profile)
Ramp Action (Temperature) W 2794, ## (where ## is one of the four choices below)
Off = 62
Startup = 88
Set Point = 85
Both = 13
Ramp Scale (Temp. °/Minutes) W 2796, 57
Ramp Scale (Temp. °/Hours) W 2796, 39
Ramp Rate (Temperature) WF 2798, value (0 to 99,999)
Programming Syntax for the F4T Controller, Data Map 2 or 3
The following applies if the F4T serial interface is configured for Data Map 2 or 3, F4
Compatibility Mode. Data Map 3 ONLY applies to F4T controllers with Cascade Control (Part
Temperature Control). This list only applies for programming through the GPIB or Ethernet
Modbus converters.
Modbus Register Read / Write Commands
R? reg, n Read register command
Reg = Modbus register
n = number of registers to send
W reg, data Write register command
Reg = Modbus register
Data = ASCII data written as 16-bit decimal value
Examples:
Write Temperature Set Point W 300, value
Write Humidity Set Point W 319, value
Read Chamber Temperature R? 100, 1
Read Chamber Humidity R? 104, 1
Event 1 ON W, 2000, 1
Event 1 OFF W, 2000, 0
Page 58 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 5 – Event Board Option TE-0033
Chapter 5 – Event Board Option TE-0033
Introduction
The F4T Controller has several uncommitted outputs which can be used to turn remote devices
on and off. Option TE-0033 provides four Solid State Relays that are controlled by Event
Outputs in the F4T Controller.
Connections
The Event Board has four Solid State Relays which have TRIAC outputs that are rated for
24 VAC to 240 VAC at 5 Amps each. These Solid State Relays are just switches; they do not
provide a voltage output by themselves. You must provide power from an external source.
The image below shows an Event Board in a 1000 Series Chamber. Connections are made
directly to the Solid State Relay’s AC Load terminals.
Connecting to the Event Board (for 1000 Series Chambers)
1. Turn the Main Disconnect Switch (big knob on the front panel) to the OFF position.
2. Remove the lower door retaining screw located on the right side. Open the lower door.
3. 1007 Series: The Event Board is located on the bottom of the chamber frame, towards the
left side.
1016, 1027 Series: The Event Board is located to the left of the electrical subpanel.
4. A 1/2-inch conduit hole is provided on the left side of the lower door to route your wires
through. Use the appropriate wire/cable management fittings.
5. The Main Disconnect Switch AND selector knob must both be in the off position before
closing the door. Failure to do this will damage both switch and the selector knob.
Connecting to the Event Board (for Models 140 and 115A)
1. Unplug the chamber from the wall socket.
2. Remove the top cover (two top covers on the Model 140).
3. A 1/2-inch conduit hole is provided on the rear panel to route your wires through. Use the
appropriate wire/cable management fittings.
4. Replace the top cover(s) before plugging the chamber back into the wall socket.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 59
Chapter 5 – Event Board Option TE-0033
Controlling the Events
The Event Relay Option uses Event 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Events can be turned ON/OFF manually using the buttons on the F4T Output Widget. The
buttons may be named differently depending on your model chamber. The buttons can be
pressed to toggle the functions ON/OFF in manual mode or while a profile is running.
The image below shows an F4T with Power, Humidity Purge, and Event 4 in the output widget.
Depending on your chamber configuration, you might see Event 4, 5, and 6 on the output widget.
The remaining Events are located in the Operation Screen > Profile Events submenu.
Events can also be turned ON/OFF automatically in a profile step.
Page 60 TestEquity F4T Controller
Chapter 6 – Retransmit Option TE-F4T-RETRANSMIT
Chamber Temperature Retransmit
Chamber Humidity Retransmit
(Applicable to humidity models only)
Chapter 6 – Retransmit Option TE-F4T-RETRANSMIT
Introduction
The Retransmit option provides three analog outputs which can be used to drive an analog
recorder. When used in a humidity chamber, this option deletes Events 6 and 7.
Connections
Connections to the Retransmit terminals are on the back of the F4T controller. You will have to
open the chamber’s electrical system to access these terminals.
These settings shown below only be accessed using Composer Software via Ethernet; they
cannot be changed via the front panel interface. You will have to contact TestEquity for the
password in order to have access to these settings in Composer Software.
Terminals F1 - H1
Temperature Set Point Retransmit
Terminals F3 - H3
Terminals F2 - H2
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 61
Chapter 7 – F4T Controller Calibration
Chapter 7 – F4T Controller Calibration
2 CAUTION: Calibrating the F4T Controller requires the electrical compartment to be
exposed. Live and potentially lethal voltages will be present. Use extreme
caution to prevent injury and death.
! CAUTION: The Power button on the F4T Controller must be OFF (no green check mark)
when performing the calibration procedure to prevent a thermal runaway
condition.
Equipment Required
• Precision Millivolt Source, 0.000 mV and 50.000 mV for Temperature Sensor input.
• Precision Milliamp Source, 0.000 mV and 20.000 mA for Humidity Sensor input (Humidity
chambers only).
Input Setup and Calibration
Disconnect the chamber from the power source and remove the top cover (or open lower door on
larger units). See F4T diagram on the next page for the terminal locations.
For Air Sensor Input Calibration
• Remove the wires from terminals R1 and S1 on F4T Slot 1. (R1 is Blue and S2 is Red)
• Connect the Precision Millivolt source as follows:
+ lead to R1 on Module 1
– lead to S1 on Module 1
• Reconnect the chamber to the power source and turn the Conditioning switch (or TEMP
switch depending on which model chamber you have) on the front panel to the OFF position.
• To enter the Calibration menu, press the Menu button, then the Service button, then the
Calibration button, then the Temp Sensor “Actions” button. Next, press Perform Field
Calibration and follow the on-screen prompts.
For Humidity Sensor Input Calibration
• Remove the wires from terminals T1 and S1 on F4T Slot 4. (T1 is Red and S1 is Black)
• Connect the Precision Milliamp source as follows:
+ lead to T1 on Slot 4
– lead to S1 on Slot 4
• Reconnect the chamber to the power source and turn the Conditioning switch (or TEMP
switch depending on which model chamber you have) on the front panel to the Event 1
position. The Power button on the F4T must remain OFF.
• To enter the Calibration menu, press the Menu button, then the Service button, then the
Calibration button, then the Humidity Sensor “Actions” button. Next, press Perform Field
Calibration and follow the on-screen prompt.
TestEquity F4T Controller Page 63
Chapter 5 – Event Board Option TE-0033
S1 –
T1 +
F4T Connections
R1 +
S1 –
Page 64 TestEquity F4T Controller
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