Ampcontrol imac itools User manual

Version: 1 - November 2020
Designed and Manufactured in Australia by Ampcontrol Pty Ltd
iTools
UserManual

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iMAC iTools User Manual
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WARNING!
The warning symbol highlights a potential risk of injury or death.
Please share these warnings with other operators.
CAUTION!
The caution symbol highlights a potential risk of damage to
equipment.
Please share these cautions with other operators.
NOTE
The note symbol highlights key information.
Please share these notes with other operators.
ENVIRO
The enviro (environmental) symbol highlights areas which may have an
impact on the surrounding fauna and/or flora.

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Copyright Notice
The Ampcontrol iTools program described in this document is the property of AMPCONTROL PTY LTD. It is
furnished under a license agreement and is to be used only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
No part of the software or documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, without prior
written permission of AMPCONTROL PTY LTD.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to assure the accuracy and clarity of this document, AMPCONTROL PTY
LTD assumes no liability resulting from any omissions in this document, or from misuse of the information
obtained herein. The information in this document has been carefully checked and is believed to be entirely
reliable with all of the necessary information included. AMPCONTROL PTY LTD reserves the right to make
changes to any products described herein to improve reliability, function, or design, and reserves the right to
revise this document and make changes from time to time in content hereof with no obligation to notify any
persons of revisions or changes. AMPCONTROL PTY LTD does not assume any liability arising out of the
application orany use of anyproduct or circuit described herein; neither does it convey license under its patent
rights or the rights of others.
Before You Begin
Thank you for purchasing the Ampcontrol iMAC System.
WARNING!
In the interests of safety and correct equipment operation, please
take the time to read and understand the content in this manual.
Ampcontrol Contact Details
7 Billbrooke Close, Cameron Park, NSW, 2285
P [phone] | F [phone]
EMAIL: [e-mail]
WEB: ampcontrolgroup.com

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iMAC iTools User Manual
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
iMAC iTOOLS OVERVIEW ........................................................................................5
Prerequisites ....................................................................................................5
Serial Communications Port .............................................................................5
1.2.1 Serial Port Programming Mode...............................................................6
iMAC Programming Cable................................................................................6
DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING iTOOLS............................................................7
Downloading iTools..........................................................................................7
Installing iTools.................................................................................................9
INSTALLING OPERATING SYSTEM FIRMWARE...................................................11
DOWNLOADING SLP CODE...................................................................................14

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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1 : Location of the Serial Communications Port Terminals..................................5
Figure 2: Comms LED Functionality..............................................................................6
Figure 3 : iMAC Programming Cable (PN: 180109).......................................................6
Figure 4: Ampcontrol Website .......................................................................................7
Figure 5: Ampcontrol Website: Search..........................................................................7
Figure 6: Ampcontrol Website: Search “iTools” .............................................................8
Figure 7: Ampcontrol Website: Download iTools...........................................................8
Figure 8: iTools Zip Folder.............................................................................................9
Figure 9: Warning Message ..........................................................................................9
Figure 10: Warning Message: Run Anyway...................................................................9
Figure 11: iTools Setup Wizard ...................................................................................10
Figure 12: iTools Installation Complete........................................................................10
Figure 13: iTools Start Menu Icon................................................................................10
Figure 14: iTools .........................................................................................................11
Figure 15: iTools: Operating System Code..................................................................12
Figure 16: iTools: Select Operating System Code.......................................................12
Figure 17: iTools Write Operating System Code..........................................................13
Figure 18: Operating System Firmware Version..........................................................13
Figure 19: iTools .........................................................................................................14
Figure 20: iTools: SLP Code .......................................................................................15
Figure 21: SLP Code Write Warning ...........................................................................15
Figure 22: SLP Code Write Window............................................................................16
Figure 23: iTools: Select SLP Code.............................................................................17
Figure 24: iTools: Write SLP Code..............................................................................17
Figure 25: SLP Code Version......................................................................................18

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iMAC iTOOLS OVERVIEW
This document is intended to provide a detailed explanation of how to install iMAC application (SLP) code
and iMAC Operating System Firmware.
This document is not intended to provide information on the operation of the overall iMAC System, individual
modules or instruction on programming the iMAC Controller or modules. Please refer to the relevant
documentation for more information.
Prerequisites
System requirements: Windows 7/8/10 bases PC/Laptop (32 and 64 bit supported)
iTools software installed on your PC/Laptop. Refer to Section 2 for details.
The desired iMAC SLP application code.
The iMAC Controller with access to the RS232 (green Phoenix) connector at the back of the
controller, refer to Section 1.2
Access to the iMAC power source, allowing a Controller power cycle.
A programming cable. Refer to Section 1.3.
Serial Communications Port
The iMAC Controller is equipped with a serial communication port. The communication port has shared use;
it can be used as the Controller programming port (for loading of application (SLP) code) or as a serial
communications port (for exchanging data with compatible serial devices).
Figure 1 : Location of the Serial Communications Port Terminals
Rear of iMAC Controller
Serial Communications Port Terminals
Terminal
COMMON
Rx/T-
Tx/T+
CTS/R-
RTS/R+
Description
Common (RS232, RS422 & RS485)
Receive (RS232) or Transmit(-) (RS422 & RS485)
Transmit (RS232) or Transmit(+) (RS422 & RS485)
Clear to Send (RS232) or Receive(-) (RS422 & RS485)
Ready to Send (RS232) or Receive(+) (RS422 & RS485)

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Figure 2: Comms LED Functionality
1.2.1 Serial Port Programming Mode
The iMAC Controller must enter programming mode before it can connect to Ampcontrol’s iTools software.
Programming mode is entered by pressing and holding down the iMAC Controller keypad [SHIFT+ENTER]
keys during power-up. iTools can then be used to download compiled application (SLP) code HEX files and
Operating System Firmware. Unless programming mode is entered during power up, the controller’s serial
port defaults to communications mode (refer to the iMAC Communications User Manual for more
information).
iMAC Programming Cable
Ampcontrol recommends using the iMAC USB to RS232 programming lead (PN: 180109) for loading iMAC
application SLP code and updating the Operating System Firmware. The cable comes complete with a USB
Type-B on one end and an iMAC terminal plug on the other end. This enables the lead to plug directly into
the iMAC controller comms port without the need to strip and terminate a cable.
Figure 3 : iMAC Programming Cable (PN: 180109)
ON Controller Transmitting Serial Data
OFF Controller Serial Transmission Idle
COMMS OUT LED FUNCTIONALITY
ON Controller Receiving Serial Data
OFF Controller Serial Receive Port Idle
COMMS IN LED FUNCTIONALITY

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DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING iTOOLS
Downloading iTools
The procedure for downloading and installing iTools is as follows:
1. Navigate to the Ampcontrol website: https://www.ampcontrolgroup.com/
Figure 4: Ampcontrol Website
2. Select the search icon at the top right of the Ampcontrol home page.
Figure 5: Ampcontrol Website: Search

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3. Search by typing “iTools” in the search box that appears. Alternatively, navigate to the following link:
https://www.ampcontrolgroup.com/?s=iTools
Figure 6: Ampcontrol Website: Search “iTools”
4. Click on the “Download” button for the iTools software.
Figure 7: Ampcontrol Website: Download iTools
5. iTools should now download to the PC/Laptop.

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Installing iTools
Once the download has successfully completed ITools can be installed as follows:
1. Navigate to the download folder and extract the iTools zip file to a temporary location. The zip file will
be named “iTools-X.XX-X.zip” Where “X.XX-X” represents the version of iTools. The folder should
contain the following files:
Figure 8: iTools Zip Folder
2. Double click “setup.exe” to begin install.
3. Windows may present the following message.
Figure 9: Warning Message
4. To run, select “More info” and then “Run anyway”.
Figure 10: Warning Message: Run Anyway

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5. The Windows installer will start.
Figure 11: iTools Setup Wizard
6. Click “Next>” to navigate through the Setup Wizard.
7. Once installation is complete the following will be displayed.
Figure 12: iTools Installation Complete
8. Select “Close” to exit the Setup Wizard. iTools should now be installed and can be accessed via the
Windows start menu.
Figure 13: iTools Start Menu Icon

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INSTALLING OPERATING SYSTEM FIRMWARE
The following steps outline the process of writing Operating System Firmware into the iMAC Controller via
the serial communications port. Refer to Section 1.2 for an overview of the serial communications port.
1. Ensure that iMAC Controller is not powered.
2. Connect the iMAC serial port interface to any com port on your PC. Ampcontrol recommends using
the iMAC Programming Cable; refer to Section 1.3.
3. Hold down [SHIFT+ENTER] on the iMAC Controller keypad and apply power to the iMAC Controller
at the same time.
4. If the iMAC Controller LCD screen remains blank (with two faint horizontal bars) you are now in
programming mode.
5. Start iTools.
Figure 14: iTools
6. Select the operating system write option: iMAC > Operating System Code > Write (Hex file -> to
iMAC). This can be selected by either double clicking the option or by selecting the option and
clicking “Launch selected tool”.
NOTE
If iTools was unable to open the previously used serial com port of your
PC, it will automatically launch the com port manager so that you can
select another port.

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Figure 15: iTools: Operating System Code
7. The following screen will be presented.
Figure 16: iTools: Select Operating System Code
8. In the iMAC Operating System Write window, the latest iMAC Operating System Firmware source file
will be pre-selected.

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9. Confirm that the selected file is correct for the Controller you wish to program.
10. Programming is ready to commence, select the program button to continue.
Figure 17: iTools Write Operating System Code
11. The Operating System Code will now be written to the iMAC Controller and verified afterwards.
12. Once the process is complete, apply a power cycle to the controller, the controller will boot using the
newly installed firmware.
13. Verify the correct Operating System Firmware was installed by viewing the VERSION PAGE on the
Controller. The highlighted text shows the Operating System version string.
H/W DA L S V 2 . 0 J UL 98
F/W MO N 5 V 1 . 0 M A Y 97
S/W O. S . V 4 . 2 O C T 20
SLP CODE VERSION STR
Figure 18: Operating System Firmware Version
NOTE
The version page can typically be viewed by:
1. Pressing the MENU keypad button on the controller
2. Then pressing the DOWN ARROW button until the Version
Page option is shown
3. Then press the function key: F2, F3, or F4 corresponding to the
Version Page option

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DOWNLOADING SLP CODE
The following steps outline the process of writing the application SLP code into the iMAC Controller via the
serial communications port. Refer to Section 1.2 for an overview of the serial communications port.
1. Ensure that iMAC Controller is not powered.
2. Connect the iMAC serial port interface to any com port on your PC. Ampcontrol recommends using
the iMAC Programming Cable; refer to Section 1.3.
3. Hold down [SHIFT+ENTER] on the iMAC Controller keypad and apply power to the iMAC Controller
at the same time.
4. If the iMAC Controller LCD screen remains blank (with two faint horizontal bars) you are now in
programming mode.
5. Start iTools.
Figure 19: iTools
6. Select the SLP code write option: iMAC > SLP Code > Write (Hex file -> to iMAC).
This can be selected by either double clicking the option or by selecting the option and clicking
“Launch selected tool”.
NOTE
If iTools was unable to open the previously used serial com port of your
PC, it will automatically launch the com port manager so that you can
select another port.

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Figure 20: iTools: SLP Code
7. The following warning will be presented. To continue, select “I Agree” or close the window.
Figure 21: SLP Code Write Warning

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CAUTION!
Writing SLP code to the iMAC Controller will cause all non-volatile
memory settings (such as serial port settings, slave Modbus address,
linespeed, and any SLP code specific configurations e.g. NERZ/ERZ
boundary configurations, conveyor/longwall expected number of
modules online configurations etc.) to revert to default values.
Please ensure you review and revert all non-volatile
settings/configurations to the desired values following any SLP code
writes.
8. The following screen will be presented.
Figure 22: SLP Code Write Window

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9. In the iMAC SLP Write window, browse to the source directory and select the desired application
SLP *.HEX code.
Figure 23: iTools: Select SLP Code
10. Confirm that the selected file is correct for the Controller you wish to program.
11. Programming is ready to commence, select the program button to continue.
Figure 24: iTools: Write SLP Code

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12. The SLP Code will now be written to the iMAC Controller and verified afterwards.
13. If the “Restart iMAC once complete” feature was ticked, the iMAC Controller will automatically re-
boot with the newly installed SLP code once the code has successfully been installed.
14. If the “Restart iMAC once complete” feature was un-ticked, a power cycle will need to be applied to
the controller, the controller will boot using the newly installed SLP code.
15. Verify the correct SLP was installed by viewing the VERSION PAGE on the Controller. The
highlighted text shows the SLP CODE version string.
H/W DA L S V 2 . 0 J UL 98
F/W MO N 5 V 1 . 0 M A Y 97
S/W O. S . V 4 . 2 O C T 20
SLP CODE VERSION STR
Figure 25: SLP Code Version
NOTE
The version page can typically be viewed by:
1. Pressing the MENU keypad button on the controller
2. Then pressing the DOWN ARROW button until the Version
Page option is shown
3. Then press the function key: F2, F3, or F4 corresponding to the
Version Page option