JC Systems 620A User manual

JC Systems Model 620A
EZ Reference Guide
This guide is a pictorial progression through the various display screens with basic
descriptions of each display field and brief definitions of each.
More detailed information on the JC Systems Model 620A manufactured by TMC
Services is also available in the Model 620A Manual.

Model 620A by TMC Services Training
By Compass Services
The front panel displayed is referred to as the “Home or Run” Screen.
Overview: Front Panel displays, and indicators.
1: CH1 & CH2 Inc/Dec LED’s. Indicate “ON/OFF” Time Proportioned output.
INC, up arrow (heat, humidify, climb, etc.) and DEC, down arrow (Cool, de-humidify, dive, etc.)
2: Displays Program # (1 – 99), Step # (1 – 200), and Time Remaining in current program step.
3: Displays Interface, LCL (Local, front panel) or RMT (Remote, external computer) and Mode
(RUN, STP, EOP, GS1, GS2, etc.)
4: Line 1: Displays CH1 & CH2 SP (Setpoint) and status of first eight event outputs (1 – 8)
Line 2: Displays CH1 & CH2 PV (Process value) and status of next eight event outputs (A – H)
(SP and PV are displayed in units configured for that channel (deg C, F, %RH, Alt/FT etc.)
5: ALM – 4 possible flashing displays: S1 – S2 – L1 – L2.
S1 & S2 – Setpoint Alarm. Setpoint is out of configured controller span or input is open.
CH1 or CH2 PV will display “RANGE” setpoint out of range or “P.OP” – Probe Open.
L1 & L2 – DEV Limit Alarm. Channel is out of programmed +/- DEV span.
Each channel can be configured for the program to continue running or stop during alarm,
and for the alarm display and output to reset manually or automatically.
CH1 & CH2 share a common Logic low output from the 620A.

Overview: Front Panel Keypad.
NOTE: Keypad is fully functional for entry or
change only in the LCL mode.
Screens can be viewed but parameters
can not be changed in RMT mode.
RUN: Push to run a new program or resume a program after the Stop/Hold button is pushed.
STOP/HOLD: STOPS the running program and HOLDS the parameter values, Setpoints, Events and Time.
Push RUN to resume operation or RESET to reset current program back to step # 1.
RESET: In STOP (STP) mode resets program pointer to step 1 of selected program.
Returns display to the “HOME/RUN” screen from “any” screen or menu selection.
If the operator is on a screen they do not recognize or are unsure of, it is recommended to push
RESET. This returns to the HOME/RUN screen and allows access to the Main Menu
Pushing any other button could result in changing an operating parameter.
HELP: Not much is available.
PAGE UP: Moves to previous page of menus, configurations, editing, calibration, PID tuning, etc.
PAGE DOWN: Moves to next page of menus, configurations, editing, calibration, PID tuning, etc.
In LCL_STP mode of the Home/Run screen, pushing Page Down accesses the Main Menu.
SEL: Used to scroll through selections of a field on a page.
CLR: Clears the value or selection of the selected field on a Page.
ALPHA NUMERIC: Used for entering numeric data or selecting lettered events.
Cursor must be in the letter event field to select letter events.
ARROW KEYS (Up, Dn, Right, Left): Used to navigate cursor to different fields on a Page.
ENTER: Enters value of current filed and advances cursor to next field on the Page, or to the next
Page if entering from the last field on that page.
EDIT ONLY KEYS:
DUP STEP: Insert a step into the next location and copy current step information. All following steps advance x1.
CLR STEP: Clears all information in the current step to default values.
INS STEP: Insert a blank step into the next location. All following steps advance x1.
DEL STEP/PRG: With cursor over step number deletes the step. All following steps move back x1.
With the cursor over the PRG number the entire program is deleted from memory.
Examples: Advance x1: Steps 3 now 4, 4 now 5, etc.. Back x1: Steps 3 now 2, 4 now 3, etc.

1 Main Menu Section 1 - The following section contains:
Pg1
Main Guide screen:
Main Menu structure (w/o Item 4 details)
Power on screen
Pg 2
Run screen
Run infor screen 1
Pg3
Run info screen 2
Run info screen 3
Pg4
Alarms
POP, Range, Deviation
Pg5
Response to Dev Alarm and Config.
Pg 6
Stop Screen
Main menu screen

Menu Guide
The menu for the Model 620A controller is a three level menu containing 6 major selection screens.
The figure below (Figure X-X) highlights the Model 620A Menu Structure.
POWER ON SCREEN
When the Model 620A is turned on or the power is cycled the following display appears for 10 to 15
seconds during boot up.
Firmware Version and Date: Please provide this information when contacting the factory regarding any
issues with the Model 620A
This information does not indicate the age of the instrument. The firmware version may have been
peviously updated.
The Model 620A will boot up into either the STP or RUN mode of operation and display screen.
If the unit was running a program when the power was removed. It will perform the operation selected
in the Power Fail Recovery Mode.
If a program was not running it will boot up on the Stop screen on the last program and step number accessed.
1

RUN SCREEN
This screen displays real time running information.
The Main Menu is not available from the Run Mode.
Pushing <Page Down> sequences the display through three Run Time Information screens (shown below).
The information screens will time out after appx. 15 seconds and the display returns to the Run Screen.
Line 1: CH1
Setpoint CH2 Setpoint Events 1 - 8
Line 2:
CH1
Process
Value
CH2
Process
Value
Events
A - H
Line 4:
Line 3:
Prog # Step # Time Remaining
in Step
INTERFACE:
LCL - Local
Front Panel
RMT -
Remote
Ext Computer
MODE:
RUN
STP
EOP
DEV
GS1(2)
MAN
OFF
ALM:
S1 - Setpoint Alarm CH1
S2 - Setpoint Alarm CH2
L1 - Deviation Alarm CH1
L2 - Deviation Alarm CH2
RUN INFORMATION SCREEN 1 - PAGE DOWN FROM RUN SCREEN
Line 1: CH1
DEV CH2 DEV CH1 FINAL SP VALUE
Line 2:
CH1
UNITS CH2 UNITS CH1 FINAL
SP VALUE
Line 3:
DISPLAY ONLY
Line 4: NEXT PROGRAM# AND STEP#
<PAGE DOWN> FOR RUN SCREEN 2
2

Line 1: CH1 HI
Limit CH2 Hi Limit CH1 % output
Line 2:
CH1 Lo
Limit CH2 Lo Limit CH2 % output
Line 4:
Line 3:
PROG. MODE:
1 Channel
2 Channel
FASTTRAC
PASSTHRU
CH1 PID SET IN USE
STAG1 (SET 1)
STAG2 (SET 2)
RUN INFORMATION SCREEN 3
Line 1: Loops remaining in current nested Loop: *See note below.
Line 2:
Line 3:
Guarantee Soak CH1
Line 4:
RUN INFO SCREEN 2
CH2 PID SET IN USE
STAG1 (SET 1)
STAG2 (SET 2)
<PAGE DOWN> FOR RUN SCREEN 3
*NOTE: LOOP and CYCLE fields:
---- indicates the Loop or Cycle step has not been reached and the
counter has not been updated.
A number represents the Loops (in the current nested loop) or Program
Cycles remaining.
Cycles remaining in current program:
*See note below.
Guarantee Soak CH2
<PAGE DOWN> = no action <PAGE UP to SCREEN 2 or allow timeout.
3

4
Alarms Listings – What Alarms show Up
P.OP - Probe Open:
The control channels probe is disconnected, is defective, or has an open junction.
The control channel will read properly when the problem is corrected.
P.OP ACTION:
The PV field of the control channel will display P.OP and the controller INC and DEC
outputs will be disabled.
A running program will freeze. The time, events and unaffected control channel will
hold at their current values.
The program will resume operation when the problem is corrected.
RANGE (S1 OR S2):
The entered setpoint is outside the range allowed by the controller’s span.
Enter a valid setpoint or reconfigure the controllers span.
Note:
Changing the controller span is not recommended unless the attempted setpoints
are valid and within the prescribed range of operation.
Prior to changing the controller span, record the channel’s PBAND setting in the
PID tuning section. After the new span is entered, return to the PID tuning
section and enter the previously recorded PBAND value.
Do not change the PGAIN value. It will automatically adjust to the proper value.
RANGE ACTION:
The PV field of the control channel will display RANGE and the controller INC and DEC outputs will be
disabled.
A flashing S1 (CH1) or S2 (CH2) will be displayed in the ALM field of line 4 on the Home (Run) screen.
The “COMMON DEV ALARM” output on TB1-7 will go low.
A running program will freeze. The time, events and unaffected control channel will hold at their current values.
The program will resume operation when the problem is corrected.
DEVIATION (L1 OR L2): Programmer or Manual Modes.
The DEV is entered as a parameter of a program step or in the Manual Mode.
The DEV alarm function tracks the SP vs PV error.
If the PV is outside of the +/- range entered for the DEV the following actions occur.
DEVIATION ACTION:
A flashing L1 (CH1) or L2 (CH2) will be displayed in the ALM field of line 4 on the Home (Run) screen.
The “COMMON DEV ALARM” output on TB1-7 will go low.

5
PROGRAMMER CONFIGURATION AND RESPONSE TO DEVIATION ALARM:
The response to a DEV Alarm is independently configured for each channel In the
Model 620A’s programmer configuration section.
PROGRAMMER ACTION:
Stop during DEV: The programmer stops when a deviation conditon is
detected. The time display stops decrementing, the controller setpoints
and event outputs are latched.
The controllers continue operating and maintain the latched setpoints.
The alarm field display flashes and the alarm output TB1-7 goes low.
Run during DEV: The programmer continues to run.
The alarm field display flashes and the alarm output TB1-7 goes low.
ALARM RESET ACTION:
AUTOMATIC: If Stop during DEV is selected. The Model 620A will
automatically resume operation. The alarm display and output will be
automatically reset as soon and the out of limits condition has ended.
If Run during DEV is selected. The alarm display and output will be
automatically reset as soon and the out of limits condition has ended.
MANUAL: The reset action occures “only” when the out-of-limits conditon has
ended and the Model 620A RUN mode is enabled.
The Run mode is enabled by pushing the Front Panel <RUN>, providing
a run signal from the photoisolated Run input or issuing a Run command
via the computer (in RMT mode only).

STOP SCREEN
Pushing the <STOP/HOLD> button from the LCL_RUN screen will freeze the time, hold all operating
parameters at their current values, and display STP in the Mode Field.
Active Setpoint (S1 or S2) or Dev Limit (L1 or L2) alrams will display in the ALM field.
Push <RUN> to resume operation.
Push <PAGE DOWN> to access the Main Menu.
MAIN MENU Selection Menus
The menu of the 620A controller has 6 major selection screens. In the next sections each of these major menu screens
will be explained in detail. The major selection screens are broken down as follows:
1. SELECT PROGRAM TO RUN Screen
2. CHANGE CURRENT VALUE Screen
3. EDIT PROGRAMS Screen
4. CONFIG-TUNE CALIBRATE
4-1 CONFIGURE PROGRAMMER
4-2 CONFIGURE CONTROLLERS
4-3 CALIBRATE INPUTS
4-4 CALIBRATE OUTPUTS
5. MANUAL MODE
Manual % OUTPUT
6. DELAY_START
6

Section 1 - SELECT PROGRAM TO RUN Screen
1 – SELECT A PROGRAM TO RUN:
From the Main Menu push <STOP>, <RESET>, <PAGE DOWN> , <1>.
The cursor will be flashing on the Program # field displaying the last program run.
Enter the program number you wish to run using the numeric keypad.
Note: If you wish to start the program on any step other than step# 1.
Push the Right or Left <Arrow>. The cursor will toggle between the program and step number fields.
In the step# field, enter the step number on which you would like the program to start.
Push <RUN>.
The programmer will immediately return to the “Home Screen” and begin running the program from the selected program
and step number.
Caution:
You MUST select a starting step with a Step Type of Ramp/Soak. Pushing <RUN>
on any other step type will cause the 620A to freeze on that step and not execute the
program.
You MUST select a program# that has a valid program in that program# location.
Selecting a program number without programmed information will cause the 620A
to freeze on that program and not execute.
DO NOT select a step number higher than the last step (EOP) of the program.
If a step number is entered higher than the last step (EOP) the display will cycle between
“INVALID ENTRY” and the home screen display.
Pushing <RUN> will reset the step# to step 1 of the displayed program# and run the program.
Pushing <CLR> will reset the step# to step 1 and remain in “Select a program to Run.”

Section 1-2 Change Current Values:
Page 1
Change current value screen pages 1 & 2
Page 2
Change current value definitions.

Section 1-2 - CHANGE CURRENT VALUE Screen
2 – CHG_CUR_VAL (Change Current Value):
When <RUN> is pressed the displayed program step is placed in and operated from a location in RAM. Any operating
parameter of the current running step can be modified and executed for the remainder of the step time without changing
the origianl values programmed in memory.
Push <STOP>, <RESET>, <PAGE DOWN> , <2> (to Chg_Cur_Val screen).
Use the Left & Right <Arrow>, <Page Down> and <Page Up> to navigate to the field to be modified.
The following parameters can be modified in the CHG_CUR_VAL selection.
Page 1: CH1 Setpoint and DEV
CH2 Setpoint and DEV
PROG #, STEP#, TIME: Time remaining in the current step
EVT – On/Off status of the 16 programmable event outputs.
Page 2: LOOPS: number of loops to ececute in the current loop sequence.
CYCLES: number of cycles to repeat from the EOP step.
NEXT PGM: Program to execute when the current step time reaches zero.
NEXT STEP: Starting step number of next program to execute.
Push <RUN> after all desired changes are made. The Model 620A will continue running the selected step with the new
parameter values.
1

2
RAMP STEP: If the setpoint is changed in a Ramp step the 620A will calculate a new ramp rate
based on the “new” setpoint and the time remaining in the step.
i.e. If the original ramp was from 0 to 60 deg in 1 hr (1 deg/min) and the unit is
stopped at 30 min the current running setpoint will be 30.
If the setpoint is changed to 90 and <RUN> is pushed and new ramp is generated
from 30 deg to 90 deg (60 deg change) in the remaining 30 min (2 deg/min).
If the 1 deg rate of change is necessary then the TIME must also be changed to
60 min. prior to pushing <RUN>.
SOAK STEP: If the setpoint is changed in a Soak step the 620A will make an immediate change to the new setpoint
(zero time). The time remaining in the step clocks down.
i.e. If the original soak setpoint was 50 deg for 4 hrs and the unit is stopped with 2
hrs remaining the setpoint is held at 50. If a new setpoint value of 75 is entered
and <RUN> is pushed, the setpoint of 75 is immediately executed the clock
begins to time down from 2 hrs. The controller will control to and hold the new
setpoint.
CLR: Clearing the setpoint will display ---.- in the setpoint display and immediately
“kill” the controller outputs for that channel when the cursor is moved.
The next step will always be a ramp to the next programmed setpoint from the
current process value.
DEVIATION: The new deviation alarm value for the selected channel is active as soon as the
value is entered and remains active for the duration of the step when <RUN> is pushed.
TIME: The new time entered will be used for the remainder of the current step after <RUN> is
pushed. <CLR> will display the time as 00:00:00 and the unit will execute the next sequntial program and step
after <RUN> is pushed.
LOOPS/CYCLES:
LOOPS: Only the number of Loops remaining for the current nested Loop can be
changed.
If the Loop display shows either --- or 0, the unit has not yet reached the Loop step for
that nested Loop and the Loops counter has not been updated.
If the ---- or 0 are displayed the number of loops may not be changed.
NOTE:
DO NOT use the <0> or <CLR> to change the loops.
Using 0 or CLR will have no effect.
No changes can be made if the loop counter indicates 1 loop remaining.
The 620A will continue to the next sequential step of the program after the loop
step is reached.
CYCLES: The number of programmed cycles may be changed.
The cycles have the same requirements as the loops.

Section 1-3 – EDIT: Create new or edit existing programs in memory.
4 Programmer/Controller Configurations.
Single Channel, Two Channel, FastTRAC Standard and FastTRAC PassTHRU.
Push <STOP>, <RESET>, <PAGE DOWN> , <3> (to EDIT).
There are six Step Types. Each Ramp/Soak type step has two edit pages. All other Step_Types have one edit page.
RAMP/SOAK :
Page 1 – Ramp/Soak Step: Single, Two and FastTRAC modes.
Line 1: Step_Type field - Use Sel button to scroll through six choices.
RAMP/SOAK ( default), EOP, LOOP, GOTO, GOTO_IF, PAUSE
Line 2: Dsiplay only. Next step in
program sequence.
Line 3: Prog # and Step #.
Step# is default when entering Edit mode.
Free Steps – Display only. Shows the
number of steps available in memory of
the original 200.
Line 4: Guarantee Soak. Value entered in controller units. CH2 GS is not displayed in singel channel mode.
<PAGE DOWN to page 2.
Page 2 – Ramp/Soak Step: Single and Dual Modes. See next picture for Page 2 in FastTRAC Mode.
Line 1: CH1 setpoint and Deviation Alarm value entry fields.
Line 2: CH2 setpoint and Deviation
Alarm value entry fields.
This line is not displayed in Single
channel mode.
Line 3: Prog # and Step # fields.
Step Time entry field. Time entered in
HH : MM : SS.
Line 4: Events On/Off. Two entry fields. Use RT & Left Arrow key to move from number (1 – 8) to
Letter (A – H) event fields. Push the desired event number or letter (while in the appropriate
Field) to turn event On/Off. Event ON = number or letter displayed. Event OFF decimal displayed.
<PAGE DOWN> to page 1 of next step or <PAGE UP> page 1 of this step.

Page 2 – Ramp/Soak Step: FastTRAC Standard or PassTHRU Mode.
Line 1: CH1 setpoint and Deviation Alarm value entry fields.
Line 2: FastTRAC ThermoBoost Heat and
Cool value entry fields.
Line 3: Prog # and Step # fields.
Step Time entry field. Time entered in
HH : MM : SS.
Line 4: Events On/Off. Two entry fields. Use RT & Left Arrow key to move from number (1 – 8) to
Letter (A – H) event fields. Push the desired event number or letter (while in the appropriate
Field) to turn event On/Off. Event ON = number or letter displayed. Event OFF decimal displayed.
<PAGE DOWN> to page 1 of next step or <PAGE UP> page 1 of this step.
OTHER STEP TYPES:
EOP STEP: Cycle program.
Line 1: Displays EOP selected.
Line 2: Select Step # to cycle back to.
Select # of cycles. Up to 9999
Includes first pass.
Line 3: Displays current Prog# & Step#.
<PAGE UP> to page 1 of previous step
<PAGE DOWN> this signifies the end of the program. The unit remains in the Edit mode and returns to step 1 of the
selected program.

LOOP STEP: Nested Loop step.
Line 1: Displays LOOP selected.
Line 2: Select Step # to loop back to.
Select # of loops. Up to 9999
Includes first pass.
Line 3: Displays current Prog# & Step#.
<PAGE UP> to page 1 of previous step.
<PAGE DOWN> to page 1 of next step.
GOTO STEP: Unconditional jump.
Line 1: Displays GOTO selected.
Line 2: Select the Prog# and Step# to GOTO
when this step is reached.
Unconditional jump (vector).
Line 3: Displays current Prog# & Step#.
<PAGE UP> to page 1 of previous step.
<PAGE DOWN> to page 1 of next step. Any steps following a GOTO will not be executed unless the GOTO step is
deleted.

GOTO_IF STEP: Conditional jump
Line 1: Displays GOTO_IF selected.
Line 2: Select the Prog# and Step# to GOTO if the
jump condition is true when this step is reached.
Conditional field. Select the true condition.
Choices are: IN4 ON. Photo isolated input 4 is
true (low) when this step is reached.
p.
Or
A selected event, 1 – 8 or A – H, is programmed
on for this ste
Line 3: Displays current Prog# & Step#.
<PAGE UP> to page 1 of previous step.
<PAGE DOWN> to page 1 of next step.
PAUSE STEP:
Line 1: Displays PAUSE selected.
Line 2: Displayes next program step.
Line 3: Displays current Prog# & Step#.
<PAGE UP> to page 1 of previous step.
<PAGE DOWN> to page 1 of next step.

Creating/Editing programs.
The following are three simple programming examples of entering programs via the Model 620A
front panel.
Single Channel:
CH1 is most commonly used as the temperature control channel. In this mode the Ch2 Guarantee
Soak, Setpoints and Dev are not displayed or accessible.
Program example
Graph
Entering program
Two Channel: (Not Shown)
Ch1 is the temperature control channel, and CH2 can be used as a second temperature or other
process related control function. Some common two channel systems are Temp/Temp such as
thermal shock chambers. Temp/Relative Humidity using either wet bulb/ Dry Bulb or electronic
sensors. The Model 620A internally contains the tables for WB/DB conversion, and Temp
compensation for the Vaisala HMM30 RH sensor to providing direct % RH setpoint entry and
process display values. Temp/Altitude. The Model 620A provides the conversion of altitude in feet
from the popular Omegadyne PX41 series pressure sensors for 1-15 and 0-20PSIA.
Program Example
Entering Program
FastTRAC & FastTRAC PassThru.: (Not Shown)
When placed in the FastTRAC mode of operation and implementing the pantented ThermoBoost
feature. The Model 620A provides the ability to accelerate the device under test to the
programmed test temperature and offers exceptional product temperature control.
Program Example
Entering Program

Single Channel Profile: See graph on following page.
In this example the 620A is in the single channel mode and operating as a temperature only
system. The controller units are in degrees C and three events are assigned as:
Circulator – event 1, heat – event 2 and cool – event 3.
We have chosen 2 deg C/min as a ramp rate. To determine the ramp time we divide the ramp
range by 2. The result is the step time entered in the program step.
Profile: The profile starts at 25 deg C. Events 1, 2 & 3 will be programmed “on” for each step.
Steps 1 and 2 are for conditioning the chamber to 25C.
Step 1 Ramp/Soak: Ramp from current chamber temp to 25 C in 1 minute and wait for the
process temp to be within 1 deg C (GS1 = 1) of the 25 C setpoint before advancing to
step 2.
Step 2 Ramp/Soak: Soak or dwell at 25 C for 15 minutes to allow the internal chamber temp to
stabilize close to 25 C.
Step 3 Ramp/Soak: Ramp the temp from 25 C to 85 C in 30 minutes and wait for the process
temp to be within 2 deg C (GS1 = 2) of the 85 C setpoint before advancing to step 4.
NOTE: Ramp range, 85 – 25 = 60 C, 60/2 (ramp rate) = 30 minutes.
Step 3 will be our “Loop to” step later in the profile.
Step 4 Ramp/Soak: Soak at 85 C for 2 hours.
Step 5 Ramp/Soak: Ramp from 85 C to -35 C in 1 hour and wait for the process temp to be
within 2 deg C (GS1 = 2) of the -35 C setpoint before advancing to step 6.
(Ramp range, 85 – (-35) = 120 C, 120/2 (ramp rate) = 60 minutes.
Step 6 Ramp/Soak: Soak at -35 for 2 hours.
Step 7 Ramp/Soak: Ramp from -35 C to 25 C in 30 min., and wait until for the process temp to be
within 2 deg C (GS1 = 2) of the 25 C setpoint before advancing to step 8.
(Ramp range, 25 – ( -35) = 60 C, 60/2 (ramp rate) = 30 minutes.
Step 8 LOOP: Loop back to step 3, for 50 loops (passes)
NOTE: The number of loops entered includes the first pass.
In our example we entered 50 loops. The first time the loop step is accessed
the counter is decremented to 49. If the loop counter is greater than 0 we
loop back to step 3. If the loop counter is equal to zero we proceed to the
next programmed step. The LOOP counter default is 1.
Step 9 Ramp/Soak: This is a 15 minute soak step at 25 C following the final loop.
This allows the chamber to stabilize at ambient temperature prior to shutting it down.
The desired soak time will be determined by the user for the size of the chamber
and the prior soak step temperature.
Step 10 Ramp/Soak: This step is used to clear the controller setpoint, killing the controller outputs.
This step is optional. If this step was not entered, the step 9 Setpoint and event
parameters would be latched when the EOP step ends the program.
Step 11 EOP: Every program “Must” be terminated with an EOP step.
Similar to the Loop step, the EOP step can cycle back to a desired step.
When the EOP Cycle (Loop) counter reaches zero the program ends.
When the EOP cycle counter reaches zero the previous step’s setpoint and event
status are latched.