Posts Tagged Configuration
How to Avoid Honeywell Process Instrument Explorer (PIE) Software Communication Errors
Posted by danstips in Analytical Measurement Devices, Communications, Configuration, Control, Loop Controllers, Process Automation Controllers, Serial, Software, Troubleshooting on August 26, 2016
Honeywell’s Process Instrument Explorer (PIE) configuration software used for configuring UDC controllers and the UDA analytical controller communicates with the instruments via RS-485, Ethernet, or Infrared (IR).
Since most newer PCs don’t ship with built-in serial ports to connect an IR adapter, you can use a USB-to-RS-232 converter, and then connect using the Actisys serial-to-infrared adapter (ACT-IR220L+). The USB converter will plug directly into your PC’s USB port, but install on a virtual COM port.
Here’s where it gets tricky: That COM port has to match the COM port used in PIE, and PIE doesn’t support ports above COM8.
Belt Scales 101: Webinar Recap
Posted by danstips in Belt Scales, Siemens, Webinar on December 15, 2015
In case you missed last week’s webinar on belt scales, we’ve put together some of the key points:
Conveyor Considerations: Use strings to align the scale with the idlers on each side of the weigh bridge.
- Each idler should be parallel to the idler next to it.
- The center of each idler should be in line with the idler next to it.
- Each idler should not be higher or lower than the idler next to it.
- Minimum of 2, preferred 3, idlers on each side of the weigh bridge
Changing the COM port for a USB HART modem in Pactware
Posted by danstips in Communications, Configuration, HART, Troubleshooting on November 4, 2015
Written by: Dan Weise
I couldn’t communicate with a HART device. The configuration software I was using, Pactware, thought the USB HART modem was on COM 3, while Windows’ Device Manager showed it was actually on COM 6.
To change the COM port in Pactware to COM 6, I right clicked COM 3 and selected Parameter:
Making a Siemens clamp-on flowmeter setup record easy to read
Posted by danstips in Communications, Configuration, Flow, Flowmeters, Serial, Siemens, Software, Troubleshooting, Ultrasonic Flowmeters on October 1, 2014
Everyone agrees that it’s good practice to keep a record of configurations and setups for any field instrument. I’m constantly recommending it to our customers for their transmitters, controllers, recorders, and other complex configurable devices.
Siemens clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters even have a system in place to make this process easy. By connecting the meter to a PC through the RS-232 serial port, you can use a terminal program and the SITE command to fetch a data file that holds all the instrument’s configuration data.
The terminal program can also be used — with a set of instructions specific to the flowmeter — for viewing real-time operational data, performing device setup, uploading logger data, or uploading configurations known as SITE setups.
Recently, I was called to visit a plant and look at a misbehaving flowmeter. From previous discussions with the operator, I knew he’d saved SITE setup files for every flowmeter installed in the plant.
I asked if the customer would e-mail me the setup file before my visit, so I could check out how the flowmeter was set up. My request was met with a chuckle and “Well, if you really think it’s worth it…”
Lesman Tech Tips 