FT Technologies FT702 User manual

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October 2019
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FT702 User Manual for Acu-Vis 2.0
V20 & V22 Sensors
FF & PM Mechanical Variants

1 Acu-Vis 2.0 Software
Warning: Users should perform a risk assessment and be suitably trained before attempting to use any
electrical equipment. Personal injury may result from unsuitable working practices. FT are not
responsible for the unsafe configuration and operation of sensors with non-standard settings
Warning: Modifying settings may alter the performance of FT wind sensors, ensure the user understands
the potential risks
FT can provide Acu-Test Evaluation Kits and power supplies to assist users with connection, development and
test of the FT sensors. The kit connects the sensor to a power supply and a Windows PC using virtual COM ports.
The USB test cables convert RS485HD to USB.
FT054 For RS485HD sensors with 5-pin connectors
FT055 For 4-20mA sensors with 8-pin connectors
The Acu-Test FT054 and FT055 cables are not designed for long-term datalogging use. Do not integrate the Acu-
Test cable into long-term datalogging surveys.
Please be aware that FT sensors can have various different software versions and settings available. Some
features may not be available for configuration. The key differences will be listed in the Appendix at the end of
this document.
Figure 1: The FT054 (top) and FT055 (bottom)
The Acu-Test Evaluation Kit includes a USB test cable and a CD containing the Acu-Vis software installation files
and user manuals. An external power supply capable of 6-30VDC and 4A is necessary, the FT062 power supply
may be used where the use of a benchtop electronics power supply is unsuitable.
Note: The FT062 power supply requires a regional C13-style adaptor for mains connection. See Figure 2

Figure 2: FT062 PSU (left) 24VDC 4A Benchtop PSU (right)
The Acu-Test kit allows the user to view and modify configuration settings.
Acu-Vis 2.0 software will work on a PC running Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10.
Note: RS485 half-duplex sensors running in Continuous Update (CU) mode can be difficult to
communicate with due to the limitations of half-duplex topology. Contact FT Technologies for assistance
or disable CU mode using Acu-Vis 2.0
Caution: Live connection/disconnection of the power and/or sensors during live operation, or miswiring
of the power leads could damage the Acu-Test cable and is not covered by FT’s standard warranty terms
1.1 Software Installation
1. Insert the Acu-Vis 2.0 CD into the PC. Begin the installation by running the setup.exe file, it may be
necessary to contact an IT administrator. Follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Remove the FT702 sensor and USB test cable from their packaging
3. Ensure the power supply is disabled
4. Connect the test cable to the relevant parts
a. Connect the red Acu-Test connector (white cable) to the red (+24VDC) positive connector of the
power supply
b. Connect the black Acu-Test connector (brown cable) to the black (0V) ground connector of the
power supply
c. Connect the USB to a spare USB PC socket and remove any unnecessary USB devices
5. Windows will automatically detect the USB cable and attempt to update the FTDI drivers
Please wait for Windows to install the hardware
Ready for use
Figure 3: Windows Driver Installation Sequence

6. When the user is ready to operate the sensor - enable the power. When using a benchtop PSU ensure
the required voltage is supplied (6-30VDC) and the current output is enabled
7. Once the above sequence is complete, wait approximately 5 seconds and then run Acu-Vis by selecting
the shortcut icon on the desktop
Figure 4: Acu-Vis 2.0 Windows Launch Icon
8. If you need to change the Acu-Test cable it is recommended to press the ‘Disconnect’ button and follow the
exit process, close the Acu-Vis program and then disable the power. Remove the USB cable and replace
with the required cable
In case of technical issues please contact the technical support team at FT Technologies.

1.2 Acu-Vis 2.0 Software Operation: Digital RS485 Sensors
Acu-Vis 2.0 opens on the Connect display window - press the green ‘CONNECT’ button to begin a user session,
the program will detect the wind sensor if it is powered up and operating normally. If the sensor is in Continuous
Update mode Acu-Vis 2.0 will disable it (and provide an option at the end of the session to re-enable it).
Figure 5: The Acu-Vis Home Screen
1. The Acu-Test cable serial number
2. About Window: FT Technologies contact information and software build versions
3. Language selection options: English, French, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and Korean

Wind Readings Tab
The Wind Readings display includes sensor settings, real-time wind speed and direction data.
The temperature gauge on the right-hand side shows the Heater Setpoint and Internal Temperature.
Figure 6: Acu-Vis 2.0 Live Display

Settings Tab
The Settings tab provides an interactive user interface for changing basic sensor settings with point and click
operation. Consult the user manual for full software command details.
•Heater Settings: On/Off and Heater Setpoint
•Wind Speed & Direction Filter: On/Off and the averaging time period
•Heater Current Limit: Change the maximum current limit used by the sensor
•Wind Direction Datum Offset: Apply a directional offset to the sensor
Please be aware that FT sensors can have different software versions and settings available. Some features may
not be available for configuration. The key differences will be listed in the Appendix at the end of this document.
Figure 7: Acu-Vis 2.0 Settings Display
•The ‘Sensor Warnings and History’ button will provide a history of the connected sensor settings where it
has been connected to the PC
•The ‘Export Sensor Information’ button creates an encrypted file containing current user settings and
diagnostic information. This feature will export a file in .fff format that can be forwarded to the FT
Technologies support teams
•The ‘Unlock Feature’ button is used to unlock advanced features in Acu-Vis 2.0, including the ‘Commands’
and the ‘User Calibration Table’ tabs. Contact FT Technologies for further details

Commands Tab (RS485 Digital Sensors only)
The Command tab allows the user to view and send various software commands:
Figure 8: Command Line Terminal Display
•Search for commands (for example: BR) or select them from the ‘Sensor Host Command’menu. Selecting
a query will add the command to the ‘Execute Command’ window, a technical description will be displayed
•This window shows the command structure and allows the user to transmit commands using the ‘Execute
Command’ button. If the command has a response it will be shown below
Some SET commands require the user to add values into the command (for example: $//,DFP*//). The
user will be prompted to enter the missing settings
Note: The command console hides the <cr><lf> end-of-line terminal message and uses a default sensor
ID of $// to communicate with all sensor ID numbers (// is a wildcard value)
•This window provides a description of the selected software command. Please refer to the user manual
software command section for full descriptions

UCT (‘User Calibration Table’) Tab
The UCT window provides the user with a simple method of changing the calibration performance of the sensor.
Refer to the UCT commands detailed in the user manual for further information.
Acu-Vis 2.0 will download any existing UCT settings and display them on the table and graph.
The easiest method of changing the UCT is to use the ‘Standard % Offset” buttons to establish a calibration
change.
When the calibration change has been selected press the orange ‘Save UCT to Sensor’ button and ensure the
‘UCT Status’ is set to Enabled.
Caution: This feature will change the calibration profile of the sensor and may compromise survey data
and/or system performance
Figure 9: UCT Modification Window

1.3 Acu-Vis 2.0 Software Operation: 4-20mA Analogue Sensors
Acu-Vis 2.0 opens on the Connect display window. Press the green ‘CONNECT’ button to begin a user session,
the program will detect the wind sensor if it is powered up and operating normally.
Figure 10: Acu-Vis 2.0 Connect Display
1. The Acu-Test cable serial number
2. About Window: FT Technologies contact information and software build versions
3. Language selection options: English, French, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and Korean

Analogue Settings Tab
The Analogue Settings tab allows the user to modify core settings and run service diagnostics:
•Datum Current (direction current centred at 4mA or 12mA)
•Error Current (typically 1.4mA)
•Wind Speed Scaling Range –Typically 0-50m/s wind scaling (4mA = 0m/s, 20mA = variable)
•Test the 4-20mA Current Loop outputs –This test will cycle through various mA outputs
•Sensor Logging: This will download relevant sensor settings in a .CSV file for analysis by the FT
Technologies technical team
Figure 11: Acu-Vis 2.0 Analogue Settings Display
Please be aware that FT sensors can have different software versions and settings available. Some features may
not be available for configuration. The key differences will be listed in the Appendix at the end of this document.

Wind Readings Tab
The Wind Readings display includes:
•Sensor settings
•Serial Number & Software Version
•Acu-Test cable details
•Real-time wind speed and direction data
•Heater Setpoint and Internal Temperature
Figure 12: Acu-Vis 2.0 Real-Time Wind Readings Display

Settings Tab
The Settings tab provides an interactive user interface for changing basic sensor settings with point and click
operation. Consult the user manual for full software command details.
•Heater Settings: On/Off and Heater Setpoint. The typical setting is 30-35°C, particularly in cold-weather
regions where harsh snow/de-icing is required
•Wind Speed & Direction Filter: On/Off and the averaging time period. A longer averaging filter can result
in smoother data. This can be an improvement depending on the turbine configuration –be aware that
changing a sensor setting can result in different (and hazardous) behaviour. For example, if the turbine
is monitoring gust/frequency analysis for power/operational/shutdown control
•Heater Current Limit: Change the maximum current limit used by the sensor. The vast majority of wind
turbines use a 4A setting. It is potentially dangerous to change this setting because the turbine PSU
may not be able to supply higher currents
•Wind Direction Datum Offset: Apply a directional yaw offset to the sensor. This is preferred to be
controlled by the turbine yaw offset control
Please be aware that FT sensors can have different software versions and settings available. Some features may
not be available for configuration. The key differences will be listed in the Appendix at the end of this document.

The ‘Sensor Warnings and History’ button will provide a history of the connected sensor settings where it has
been connected to the PC.
The ‘Export Sensor Information’ button creates an encrypted file containing current user settings and diagnostic
information. This feature will export a file in .fff format that can be forwarded to the FT Technologies support
teams.
The ‘Unlock Feature’ button is used to unlock advanced features in Acu-Vis 2.0, including the ‘Commands’ and
the ‘User Calibration Table’ tabs.
Figure 13: Acu-Vis 2.0 Settings Display & Unlock Feature Window

Advanced Tab
The Advanced Settings tab provides an interactive user interface for changing advanced sensor settings with
point and click operation. Consult the user manual for full software command details.
•Selective Filter: On/Off, time setting
•Overspeed Warning: On/Off
Figure 14: Acu-Vis 2.0 Advanced Display
Note: The Selective Filter feature was introduced in V22 software versions 6.4 and greater.

UCT (‘User Calibration Table’) Tab
The UCT window provides the user with a simple method of changing the calibration performance of the sensor.
Refer to the UCT commands detailed in the user manual for further information.
Acu-Vis 2.0 will download any existing UCT settings and display them on the table and graph.
The easiest method of changing the UCT is to use the ‘Standard % Offset” buttons to establish a calibration
change.
When the calibration change has been selected press the orange ‘Save UCT to Sensor’ button and ensure the
‘UCT Status’ is set to Enabled.
Caution: This feature will change the calibration profile of the sensor and may compromise survey data
and/or system performance
Figure 15: UCT Modification Window

1.4 TeraTerm Command Line Terminal (digital RS485HD sensors only)
The FT054 Acu-Test cable can also be used to communicate via command line terminal programs, including
Hyperterminal and Tera Term. This provides the user with a visible method of communication with digital wind
sensors without building an RS485HD network.
To begin a TeraTerm connection click ‘New Connection…’ in the File Menu:
Figure 16: Creating a Connection in Tera Term
Create a new Serial connection, the COMx channel will be dynamically assigned by the user’s computer but
should typically be recognised as a ‘USB Serial Port’.
It is necessary to modify several settings to view the data and simplify the end-of-line character requirements of
software commands (i.e. remove the requirement to type <cr><lf> at the end of all commands).
•Navigate to the ‘Terminal Setup’ window from the top menu: Setup > Terminal
a. Set the ‘New-Line Transmit’ setting to: “CR+LF”
b. Enable ‘Local Echo’ by ticking the box (Local Echo makes typed characters visible on the display)

Figure 17: Modifying Terminal Settings in Tera Term
Tera Term defaults to a baud rate of 9600, it may be necessary to configure this setting via the Setup menu →
Serial Port… settings window.
With connection enabled with the settings configured as described above, send commands to the sensor to
confirm successful connection. Please note that in half-duplex communication protocols the sensor cannot receive
commands while simultaneously transmitting information, therefore it may be necessary to repeat the command
and confirm it was accepted using a QUERY command. This can be an issue when using CU mode at high
frequencies.
Below are some useful commands:
$01,WV?*// Query the wind data
$01,ID?*// Query the sensor ID setting
$01,SV?*// Query the sensor software version
$01,CU?*// Query the CU mode setting
$01,CUD*// Disable CU mode
$01,CUE00005*// Enable CU mode at 1 second intervals (1Hz). Note: Command is for FT702 sensors only.
The // line bypasses the checksum validation. Checksum validation is recommended for production datalogging
to improve data integrity. See user manual for further details on software commands.
Note: If a sensor is set to an ID setting other than 01, replace $01 with the alternative ID. Starting a command
with $// will perform the relevant command on all connected sensors.

Appendix
Differences between FT sensors:
V20 sensors
•V20 sensors do not have configurable length averaging filters or the selective filter
(these options will not be available as configurable options)
•V20 sensors have a heater setpoint range of 0-44°C
•The latest software version is V3.6
V22 sensors
•V20 sensors have a heater setpoint range of 0-55°C
•The wind speed and direction averaging time can be modified on V22 sensors with
the latest software (0.2 to 12.8 seconds, in 0.2s increments)
•Multiple software versions are available:
--Earlier sensors have a PCB with the latest software V5.4
--Later sensors have a new PCB with the latest software in the range V6.3-V6.5.1
•V22 sensors with V6.4+ will have the ability to enable and configurable the Selective
Filter time period (a filter that rejects “bad quality data” being output)