Blue CoNTRol software

Description

BlueCoNTRol

The primary function of the software is to create, download and save instrument configurations and profiles. Depending on the instrument, further functions may be available, such as changing instrument functions; adding extra screens to the operating mode, changing the function of displays or LEDs, or changing the contact details or the splash screen. The software can also be used to download a new language file, if this function is available.

An on-screen simulation of the instrument can be set up and tested on a configurable load simulator in order to test the configuration file before it is downloaded to a live instrument.

Starting BlueCoNTRol

When you start the BlueCoNTRol software, you will be presented with several options:

Open Existing Project - This allows you to browse for an existing .bct file to be loaded into BlueCoNTRol.

Open Last Project - Opens the most recently saved .bct file.

Create New Project - This allows you to select a device and its options and presents you with a default configuration.

.bct files (configuration files) contain all the information about the device, including option modules and all parameter settings.

Creating a new project

When creating a new project, the following screen is displayed. Here the device type and its option modules should be selected to match the target device. These choices can be made from the drop-down lists or by entering the full model number in the Order Code field, which automatically selects the appropriate options.

Ideally, the options on this device selection screen should match those of the target device to which the configuration is to be downloaded.

Alternatively, the complete instrument type and existing configuration can be uploaded to the PC from your instrument via the configuration socket or, where available, via serial communications. This process is explained in the section Connecting to a device.

BlueCoNTRol workspace

Typically, when a new project is started, the workspace will contain three child windows.

• Project Info - This window allows you to enter your own information to help describe/identify the current configuration project. This information is not downloaded to the device.
• Simulation - This window runs a simulated version of the selected device. It has been designed so that as much of the firmware code as possible runs in the Windows environment. This means that parameter changes etc. can be saved to this simulation and tested before being deployed to a physical device. For information on connecting to the simulation to upload/download parameters, see the section "Connection configuration".
• Parameter - This window is used to monitor and edit all device parameters. Each parameter is categorized in a tree structure on the left for easy navigation and is usually shown either as a drop-down list of available properties or with an indication of the valid ranges on the right. For details, see the section "Parameter configuration".

Workspace toolbar

Description of the toolbar buttons from left to right:

• New - Creates a new project as described in the section "Creating a new project".
• Open - Browse for and select the configuration file (.bct) you want to open.
• Save - Saves the current configuration to a .bct file.
• Mail - Opens the default e-mail client and attaches the current configuration as a BCT file.
• Print - Provides various printing options.
• Project Info - Hides/shows the Project Info window.
• Parameter and Configuration - Hides/shows the Parameter window.
• Simulation - Hides/shows the Device Simulation window.
• Program Editor - Not supported in this version.
• About - Shows the standard About window.

Parameter window

Blue CoNTRol is a powerful tool for quickly viewing and editing parameters before uploading them to the device.

The parameter screen contains all the instrument settings (parameters), divided into functional groups. Parameters can be changed in the yellow Value column. Enter a new value or select from the list offered, as appropriate. The possible range of values is shown on the right. If an invalid value is entered, it is highlighted in red. Parameters are "greyed out" if they are currently unavailable because the hardware is not fitted or because they have been disabled by other settings.

Parameter window toolbar

Description of the toolbar buttons from left to right:

• Read data from device - Connects to the device and retrieves all parameter settings.
• Write data to device - Connects to the device and sets all parameters.
• Connect to device - Not supported in this version.
• Device information - Connects to the device, retrieves its information and displays it.
• Mode (drop-down list) - Different ways of displaying parameter information.

Simulation window

The simulation window allows the user to upload and download configurations to it and test them before deploying them to real units. When using the simulation, screen navigation and parameter changes can be carried out either with the virtual keys on the simulation, by clicking on them with the mouse pointer, or by pressing the associated keys on the keyboard. The keys used are usually the cursor keys; however, for this to work, you must make sure the simulation front panel has focus by clicking on it with the mouse pointer before using the keyboard keys.

To the left of the simulation is the input/output panel. This allows the user to change any input values that the unit provides, such as PV, digital inputs, etc. This panel also shows the states or values of the unit's outputs.

The simulation panel and the inputs/outputs show only the options corresponding to the device type (including option modules) selected in the Device > Select Device window. This combination of a simulated front panel and visible displays of inputs and outputs makes it possible to gain a good understanding of how the unit will operate.

Simulation toolbar

Description of the toolbar buttons from left to right:

• Turbo - Not supported in this version
• Pause - Not supported in this version
• Power On/Off - Not supported in this version
• Process Parameters - Settings for the simulated process. Changes how it responds.
• Disturbance - Allows a disturbance to be introduced into the simulated process.
• Copy Screen - Takes a snapshot of the simulation HMI and saves it to the clipboard.

Connecting to a device

The software can communicate with the instrument via the configuration socket located on the instrument, or via the Modbus TCP or RS485 communication interface, if available.

The configuration socket is intended for the initial configuration of the instrument before it is installed in the application. A RS232 or USB-to-TTL cable (available from your supplier) is required to connect a PC to this socket. Some models have a front USB port. This can also be used to configure the instrument or to transfer profile files via a USB memory stick.

When you attempt to connect to the instrument from the software, the communication settings screen is displayed. The settings must be correct for communication to work successfully.

When connecting to the simulation (to allow configurations to be uploaded or downloaded, or to retrieve recorder information), the PC connector must be set to Simulation.

Changing the splash screen

On some instruments, a graphic is displayed during the start-up sequence. This can be changed from the main parameter screen. In the Device menu, select Download Splash Screen.

The most common graphic file types are supported for sending the splash screen, and the selected image is scaled to fit the instrument display. Complex graphics with many colours or shades of grey will not reproduce well. A preview of the result is shown. Click the Download button to save it to the instrument.

For best results, the image should be simple and have the same aspect ratio as the display. Ideally, it should be 160 x 80 pixels and saved as a monochrome bitmap file.

Changing the alternative display language

If alternative languages are supported, they can be changed from the main parameter screen. In the Device menu, select Download Language File. Select the correct file (language files have the extension .bin or .bdl) and click Open to save it to the instrument.

Trend view display

BlueCoNTRol provides the option of viewing all recorded data (on devices fitted with a recorder module) as a trend view for visual representation. The data can then be analysed more effectively using functions such as zoom and cursor readings.

Retrieving trend view data

In order to create a trend view, the recording must first be retrieved from the recorder of the unit. Use the following method:

• In the Workspace menu, select Device > Read Recorder Data from Device.
• Enter the name of the file in which the received data are to be saved and click Save
• Then select the appropriate communication settings for the unit being connected and click OK.
• The data will start downloading from the unit to the PC. Depending on how much data has been recorded, this may take several minutes.

Trend View toolbar

Description of the toolbar buttons from left to right:

• Reset - Not supported in this version.
• Save Trend - Saves the CSV data file.
• Copy - Takes a snapshot of the trend view and saves it to the clipboard.
• Pause - Not supported in this version.
• Cursor - Used to measure each trend at a given point.
• No Zoom - Used to return to the full view after zooming in.
• Settings - Shows the settings window. Described below.

Zooming in

This is done simply by clicking and dragging the mouse over the area you want to zoom in on. This can be repeated several times to magnify the data further.To return to the full view, click the No Zoom button on the toolbar.

Settings window - trend view

The settings window allows the user to toggle which data are displayed and the scaling of these data items. If the trend view disappears off the top of the visible area, try increasing the value in the Max column of this window.