TestEquity F4 User manual
Copyright © 1999-2016 TestEquity LLC Rev. 1.1, February 17, 2016
F4 Temperature Controller
User’s Manual
TestEquity LLC
6100 Condor Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021
Support: 877-512-3457 Toll Free
805-480-0638
Corporate: 800-732-3457
805-498-9933
http://www.testequity.com
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Safety Instructions________________________________________________ 1-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________1-1
Operation Safety Notices __________________________________________________________1-1
Chapter 2 – Operation _______________________________________________________ 2-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________2-1
Security Features_______________________________________________________________________ 2-1
Temperature Controller Keys and Displays __________________________________________2-2
Main Page ______________________________________________________________________2-3
Static Set Point Control (Manual Operation) _________________________________________________ 2-3
System Enable Function _________________________________________________________________ 2-4
Profile Programming _____________________________________________________________2-5
Step Types____________________________________________________________________________ 2-5
How to Program a New Profile____________________________________________________________ 2-7
Programming Hints _____________________________________________________________________ 2-8
Profile Key ___________________________________________________________________________ 2-8
How to Start a Profile ___________________________________________________________________ 2-8
How to Hold/Resume a Running Profile____________________________________________________ 2-10
How to Terminate a Running/Holding Profile _______________________________________________ 2-10
How to Delete or Re-Name a Profile ______________________________________________________ 2-10
How to Edit a Profile __________________________________________________________________ 2-11
Profile Examples ______________________________________________________________________ 2-12
Digital Event Outputs____________________________________________________________2-13
Digital Output Connections______________________________________________________________ 2-13
Computer Interface _____________________________________________________________2-14
RS-232C ____________________________________________________________________________ 2-14
Common Modbus Registers _____________________________________________________________ 2-14
GPIB (optional)_______________________________________________________________________ 2-14
Ethernet (optional) ____________________________________________________________________ 2-15
Chapter 3 – Calibration and Service____________________________________________ 3-1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________3-1
How to Verify the Calibration______________________________________________________3-1
Calibrating the F4 Controller ______________________________________________________3-2
Equipment Required ____________________________________________________________________ 3-2
Input Setup and Calibration ______________________________________________________________ 3-2
Operations Page _________________________________________________________________3-3
Setup Page ______________________________________________________________________3-3
Factory Page ____________________________________________________________________3-4
F4 Temperature Controller Setup Parameters ________________________________________3-5
F4 System Parameters (Models 106 & 107 only) ______________________________________________ 3-6
F4 System Parameters (All models except 106, 107, 3007C)_____________________________________ 3-7
F4 System Parameters (Model 3007C only) __________________________________________________ 3-8
F4 Operations Parameters (Models 106 & 107 only) ___________________________________________ 3-9
F4 Operations Parameters (All models except 106, 107) ________________________________________ 3-9
F4 Set Lockout Parameters (All Models) ___________________________________________________ 3-10
F4 Controller Service and Repair _________________________________________________________ 3-10
Removing and replacing the F4 Controller __________________________________________________ 3-11
F4 Temperature Controller Specifications___________________________________________3-12
Chapter 1 – Safety
TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller Page 1-1
Chapter 1 – Safety Instructions
Introduction
Follow all CAUTION notices to prevent damage to the chamber or your test sample. Failure to
follow all CAUTION notices may void your warranty. CAUTION may also indicate a
potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate personal
injury.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
The safety alert symbol !precedes a general CAUTION or WARNING statement.
The electrical hazard symbol 2precedes an electric shock hazard CAUTION or WARNING
statement.
Operation Safety Notices
!CAUTION: The “Series F4 User’s Manual” is a general manual and is written by the
manufacturer, Watlow, for a wide variety of applications and configurations.
Not all features or functions are applicable. Only the capabilities of a model
F4SH-CKA0-01, as described on page A.7 of the “Series F4 User’s Manual”
are applicable. “Cascade Control” as described on page 3.6 of the “Series F4
User’s Manual” is not applicable in this configuration. The “Retransmit”
function is available as an option.
!CAUTION: The Series F4 “Alarm” functions are NOT used in the chamber’s safety
system and are NOT connected. TestEquity does NOT recommend using the
Series F4 alarm function as the main protection device. The independent
EZ-Zone Limit Controller functions as the main protection device.
!CAUTION: The Series F4 Temperature Controller has been properly configured by
TestEquity to match the chamber’s system requirements and to perform
optimally over a wide range of operating conditions. Improper modifications
to these setup values can result in erratic performance and unreliable
operation. Setup examples in the “Series F4 User’s Manual” are NOT
applicable to this chamber. Do not attempt to modify the setup values, unless
you thoroughly understand what you are doing. If there is any doubt, please
call TestEquity before proceeding.
!CAUTION: NEVER select “Full Defaults” in the Series F4 Controller’s Factory/Test
Menu. This will erase all the correct values which are documented in the
“Series F4 Temperature Controller Setup Parameters” section of this manual.
Chapter 2 – Operation
TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller Page 2-1
Chapter 2 – Operation
Introduction
The Series F4 Temperature Controller can function as either a single set point controller (static
mode) or as a programmable profile controller. A four-line LCD display facilitates setup and
programming, and presents informative messages about status, error, and alarm conditions.
Digital outputs, profiles, and alarms can be named for easy reference. An Information Key gives
you quick information about the pages, menus, parameters and values, as well as error and alarm
conditions if they occur. The user-interface is organized into five “pages” of menus.
!CAUTION: The Series F4 “Alarm” functions are NOT used in the chamber’s safety
system and are NOT connected. TestEquity does NOT recommend using the
Series F4 alarm function as the main protection device. The independent
EZ-Zone Limit Controller functions as the main protection device.
!CAUTION: The Series F4 Temperature Controller has been properly configured by
TestEquity to match the chamber’s system requirements and to perform
optimally over a wide range of operating conditions. Improper modifications
to these setup values can result in erratic performance and unreliable
operation. Do not attempt to modify the setup values, unless you thoroughly
understand what you are doing. Setup examples in the “Series F4 User’s
Manual” are NOT applicable to this chamber. If there is any doubt, please call
TestEquity before proceeding. The correct values are documented in the
“Series F4 Temperature Controller Setup Parameters” section of this manual.
!CAUTION: NEVER select “Full Defaults” in the Series F4 Factory/Test Menu. This will
erase all the correct values which are documented in the “Series F4
Temperature Controller Setup Parameters” section of this manual.
Security Features
The Series F4 Controller has several levels of security to prevent unauthorized users from
changing critical configuration parameters. Only the Set Point and Profile menus have “Full
Access”. TestEquity has configured all other menus to “Password”, and have protected them
with a password.
TestEquity does not recommend that these security levels be changed for most applications.
However, there will be times when entry into these menus is necessary. For example, you may
need to gain access to Setup Page in order to change from °C to °F display, or to change the time
or date. You must call TestEquity at 877-512-3457 or 805-480-0638 to obtain the password.
Chapter 2 – Operation
Page 2-2 TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller
Temperature Controller Keys and Displays
Figure 2.1 – Temperature Controller Keys and Displays
To navigate through the menus:
1. Use the ▲ or ▼ key to move the cursor to line up with the item to be selected in a menu on
the lower display.
2. Press the ► key to select the item.
3. Enter or change the value, or make a choice with the ▲ or ▼ key.
4. Press the ► key to enter the value or choice.
5. Repeat until you return to the original list.
The ► key again saves the value and proceeds to the next parameter in the series.
The ◄ key saves the value and backs out of the series, and returns to the Main Page.
To edit a parameter, proceed through the series using the ► key without changing values until
you find the parameter you want to change. After making the change with the with the ▲ or ▼
key, you may back using the ◄ key out or proceed using the ► key to the end of the series.
Chapter 2 – Operation
TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller Page 2-3
Main Page
The Main Page displays manual operating parameters, running program parameters and error
messages. It also provides access to the Operations, Profiles, Setup and Factory pages. The
following is a list of Main Page parameters and the description of their functions.
Main Page_______
Current File Displayed if running a profile, the name of the profile.
Current Step Displayed if running a profile, the current step of the profile.
►SP1 Static (manual) temperature set point entry. If running a profile, the current set point.
Step Type Displayed if running a profile, the type of step.
Target SP1 Displayed if running a profile, the target temperature during a ramp step.
WaitFor Status Displayed if running a profile, the status during a WaitFor step.
Jump Count Displayed if running a profile, the number of jumps completed.
Time Remaining Displayed if running a profile, the remaining time of the current step.
DigitalOut Status of the event outputs 1 to 8. An “8” indicates when cooling system is ON.
Power1 The % of throttle of the heat (positive number) or cool (negative number) output.
Date Real-time clock date.
Time Real-time clock time.
TESTEQUITY XXXXX Identifies the chamber model number (model appears in place of XXXX).
Go to Operations Access to Operations Page
Go to Profiles Access to Profiles Page
Go to Setup Access to Setup Page. Not displayed if running a profile.
Go to Factory Access to Factory Page. Not displayed if running a profile.
Static Set Point Control (Manual Operation)
The Temperature Controller is in Static Mode (Manual Operation) when it is not controlling a
Profile. When in a Static Mode, the Profile Indicator Light is off (see Fig. 2.1). The Upper
Display shows the actual chamber workspace temperature. The Static Set Point (SP1) prompt is
accessed from the Main Page.
To enter a Static Set Point:
1. Press the ▲or ▼ key to position the Cursor next to the SP1 prompt. You may already be at
this prompt.
2. Press the ► key once. You will see Static Set Point1 in the lower display with the
current set point indicated below.
3. Press the ▲or ▼ key to change the temperature set point value.
4. Press the ► key once to enter the new temperature set point. You are now back to the Main
Page.
Main Page___________
►SP1 85.0°C
DigitalOut________ █
Power1 50% ▼
Static Set Point1:____
85.0 °C
▲
▼ Adjusts Value
◄Back ►Next
Chapter 2 – Operation
Page 2-4 TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller
System Enable Function
The chamber can be configured to enable or disable all chamber functions through Event 1
(Digital Output 1) in the F4 Controller. The CONDITIONING Switch needs to be in the Event 1
position. This configuration may be desirable if you want to turn off all chamber function at the
end of a programmed profile, or through the communications interface.
All chamber functions will be disabled if Event 1 is Off. If Event 1 is On, all chamber functions
will be enabled, as long as the Power Switch is also On.
NOTE: The Modbus register to program Digital Output 1 in static set point mode is 2000.
NOTE: In the Profile Create and Edit menus, Digital Output 1 is named CONDITION.
Remember to set CONDITION to On in all programmed steps when the chamber is to be
operational.
To Enable or Disable all chamber functions in static set point mode:
1. The F4 Temperature Controller must first be on the Main
Page. Press the ▲or ▼ key to position the Cursor next to
the DigitalOut prompt.
Main Page___________
SP1 85.0°C ▲
►DigitalOut_______ █
Power1 50% ▼
2. Press the ►key once. You will see
Choose Event Output prompt in the lower
display. Press the ▲or ▼ key to position the Cursor
next to Event Output1.
Choose Event Output_
►Event Output1
Event Output2 █
Event Output3 ▼
3. Press the ►key once to select Event Output1.
Then, press the ▲or ▼ key to select On or Off.
Event Output1_______
Off
►On
4. Press the ►key once to return to the
Choose Event Output prompt.
5. Press the ◄key once to return back to the Main Page.
You will see a 1in the DigitalOut line if Event1 is
On.
Main Page___________
SP1 85.0°C ▲
►DigitalOut1______ █
Power1 50% ▼
Chapter 2 – Operation
TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller Page 2-5
Profile Programming
The Series F4 Temperature Controller can be programmed to store up to 256 steps into as many
as 10 profiles. You do not need a computer to enter a profile – it can be easily done through the
controller’s front panel keys. A Profile is a set of instructions programmed as a sequence of
steps. The controller handles the profile steps automatically, in sequence. As many as 40
different profiles and a total of 256 steps can be stored in non-volatile memory. The 256 steps are
grouped by profile. So, one profile could have 256 steps; or 39 profiles could have 6 steps and
one could have 22; or 32 profiles could have eight steps each. The maximum number of steps is
256, and the maximum number of profiles is 40.
Step Types
Use the six available step types – Autostart, Ramp Time, Ramp Rate, Soak, Jump and End – to
create simple or complex profiles involving all inputs and outputs. The Series F4 prompts you to
define each step’s properties.
Autostart Step
The use of an Autostart step in a profile is optional. Autostart pauses a profile until the specified
date or day, and time (of a 24-hour-clock). Define the Autostart by choosing:
•Day (of the week) or Date,
•Time
To invoke an Autostart step in a profile, you must activate the profile via the Profile Key and
select the Autostart step.
Ramp Time Step
Ramp Time changes the set point to a new value in a chosen period of time. Define the Ramp
Time step by choosing:
•*Wait for an event or process value
•Event outputs 1 through 7 to turn ON or OFF (For controlling the power to remote devices.)
•Time (in hours, minutes and seconds)
•Temperature Set Point
•PID set (One of five sets of PID tuning parameters. Normally, just leave at PID Set 1.)
•**Guaranteed Soak
Ramp Rate Step
Ramp Rate changes the set point to a new value in a chosen rate of time. Define the Ramp Rate
step by choosing:
•*Wait for an event or process value
•Event outputs 1 through 7 to turn ON or OFF (For controlling the power to remote devices.)
•Rate (in degrees per minute)
•Temperature Set Point
•PID set (One of five sets of PID tuning parameters. Normally, just leave at PID Set 1.)
•**Guaranteed Soak
Chapter 2 – Operation
Page 2-6 TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller
Soak Step
Soak maintains the set point from the previous step for a chosen time in hours, minutes and
seconds. Define the Soak step by choosing:
•*Wait for an event or process value
•Event outputs 1 through 7 to turn ON or OFF (For controlling the power to remote devices.)
•Time
•PID set (One of five sets of PID tuning parameters. Normally, just leave at PID Set 1.)
•**Guaranteed Soak
Jump Step
Jump initiates another step or profile. Define the Jump step by choosing:
•Profile to jump to;
•Step to jump to; and
•Number of Repeats
NOTE: If a power-out condition occurs during a profile and more than 20 jump steps are stored
in the F4’s Profile Program memory, the controller will terminate the profile and turn off all
outputs if Continue, Hold or Terminate was selected as the Power Out action. If Profile Reset or
Go to Idle Set Point was selected, the controller will take those actions. A pop-up message will
warn of this when the 21st jump step is programmed
End Step
End terminates the profile in a chosen state. All profiles must have an End step. It cannot be
deleted or changed to another step type. Define the End by choosing Hold, Control Off, All Off
or Idle end state.
NOTE: TestEquity recommends having the end step type to be Hold or Idle. TestEquity does
NOT recommend using an end step type of Control Off or All Off. This does not turn off the
chamber fan. The chamber temperature can reach +55°C just from heat generated by the fan and
interior light, or even higher if your test sample is energized.
*Wait For step option
The use of Wait For in a profile is optional. Ramp Time, Ramp Rate and Soak steps can be
programmed to wait for a particular chamber temperature or event input condition. The wait
conditions must be satisfied before the time clock and the step activity proceeds. Digital inputs
must first be configured in the System Menu as Wait For Events, with the condition to be met
also specified. Then, to wait for this digital input, you must specify On, meaning the condition as
configured in the Setup Page, or Off, meaning the opposite of that condition. The digital inputs
have been configured to Off by TestEquity, so this option will not show unless reconfigured.
**Guaranteed Soak step option
The use of Guaranteed Soak in a profile is optional. The Guaranteed Soak step requires the
chamber temperature to be at the set point temperature, within the Guaranteed Soak Band value,
before the time clock and the step activity proceeds. The Guaranteed Soak Band is configured by
TestEquity for 3.0°C, and this can be changed in the System Menu.
Chapter 2 – Operation
TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller Page 2-7
How to Program a New Profile
1. Go to the Profiles Page.
Move the cursor down the Main Page to
Go to Profiles, then press the ► key.
Main Page_____________
►Go to Profiles ▲
Go to Setup █
Go to Factory ▼
2. Create a new Profile.
The cursor will be on Create Profile. Press
the ► key.
Main>Profile__________
►Create Profile
Edit Profile █
Delete Profile ▼
3. Name the profile.
You can name your profiles for easy reference if
desired. Names can have up to 10 characters. You
can also use one of the default profile names (ex.
Profile1), and skip this step. To name a profile:
• Press ► to enter the name space and the first
position.
• Press the ▲or ▼ to scroll through the alphabet
and stop at the letter or number desired.
• Press ► to move to the next position.
• Continue until the name is complete, or until you
move through the name space into the next screen.
• Press ► to save the name of the profile.
Choose to Name:_____
No
►Yes
Enter Profile Name:_
PROFILE1
▲
▼ Adjusts Char
◄► Save Changes
4. Choose the step type.
• There are five step types, each of which must be
defined through different parameters. (See “Step
Types,” earlier in this chapter.)
Choose Step1 Type:____
Autostart
►Ramp Time █
Soak ▼
5. Define each step type.
• The Series F4 prompts you to define the
parameters of each step type. (See “Step Types,”
earlier in this chapter.)
(Not all choices are shown in this example)
Choose to wait:_______
►Step does not wait
Step waits for...
Choose DIGIT OUT1:____
►Off
On
Enter Ramp Time:______
00:00:01 (H:M:S)
▲
▼ Adjusts Digit
◄► Save Changes
Enter Ch1 SP:_________
85.0 °C
▲
▼ Adjusts Value
◄Back ►Next
6. Choose the end-state.
• All profiles end with an End step, which is
preprogrammed into the new profile. (See “End
Step,” earlier in this chapter.)
Choose End State:_____
Control Off ▲
All Off █
►Idle
7. Save your settings.
• Press ◄ to exit the Profiles Page.
• After exiting the Profiles Page, choose ▲to save
profile data.
Save profile data
or restore values?
▼Restore ▲Save
Chapter 2 – Operation
Page 2-8 TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller
Programming Hints
•The first step in a program should be an initialization step of 1-second, usually at a set point
of +23°C.
•The next to last step establishes a condition to end on. For example, you may want to end the
program by holding at +23°C, so this step would be to go to +23°C.
•The final step of every profile is End. You cannot delete an End step or change it to another
type, but you can insert new steps before it.
•TestEquity recommends having the end step type to be Hold or Idle.
•TestEquity does NOT recommend using an end step type of All Off or Control Off. This
does not turn off the chamber fan. The chamber temperature can reach +55°C just from heat
generated by the fan, and even higher if your test sample is energized. See Protecting an
Energized Test Sample in the chamber manual for important information regarding energized
test samples.
•If you must turn off all chamber functions at the end of a profile, see System Enable Function
on page 2-4. If this function is used, the you must remember to set Event 1 (CONDITION) to
On in all programmed steps when the chamber is to be operational.
Profile Key
The Profile key:
•Initiates the profile mode;
•Initiates the Hold-profile state;
•Initiates the Resume-profile command;
•Initiates the Terminate-profile command.
The Profile Key functions only from the Main Page.
How to Start a Profile
To initiate the profile mode, press the Profile key and answer the questions that follow.
1. Press the Profile key to enter the Profile Control
menu.
• The Profile Indicator will begin blinking.
• Press the ▲key for Yes.
Start a Profile?
▼No ▲Yes
2. Select the desired stored profile.
• Press the ▲or ▼ to scroll through the list of
stored profiles.
• Press ► to select the desired profile.
Start Profile:__________
Profile1
►Profile2 █
Profile3 ▼
3. Select the desired step to start on.
• Press the ▲or ▼ to scroll through the list of steps.
Generally you would start on Step 1, but you can
also start on any other step.
• Press ► to select the desired start step and the
profile will begin to run. The Profile Indicator will
stay lit.
Start:__________________
►Step 1 Ramp Time
Step 2 Soak █
Step 3 Ramp Time ▼
Main Page_______________
►Profile 2 Running
Step 1 █
SP1 85.0°C ▼
Chapter 2 – Operation
TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller Page 2-9
While running a profile, the Main Page on the lower display will keep you informed about the
progress of the profile. Use the ▲or ▼ key to scroll through the list of running profile
parameters. You cannot manually change any operating condition while the profile is running.
Chapter 2 – Operation
Page 2-10 TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller
How to Hold/Resume a Running Profile
1. To Hold a running profile, press the Profile key
to enter the Profile Control menu.
• Then press ▲or ▼ to make your choice for Hold.
• Press ► to select Hold.
• The Main Page will appear with a profile status of
Holding. The Profile Indicator will be off.
Hold Profile:___________
Don’t Hold
►Hold
Terminate
Main Page_______________
►Profile 2 Holding
Step 2 █
SP1 23.0°C ▼
2. To Resume profile on hold, press the Profile key
to enter the Resume Profile menu.
• Then press ▲or ▼ to make your choice for
Resume.
• Press ► to select Resume.
Resume Profile:_________
Continue Holding
►Resume
Terminate
While a profile is on Hold, the current set point can be adjusted at the SP1 prompt on the Main
Page. When a profile is resumed during a Ramp step, the controller uses the Static Set Point from
the Main Page to calculate the rate of change needed to get to the set point at the end of the step.
When a profile is resumed in a soak step, the new set point value will be used as the soak value
for the time remaining in the step.
How to Terminate a Running/Holding Profile
1. Press the Profile key while the profile is running
to enter the Resume Control menu.
• Then press ▲or ▼ to make your choice for
Terminate.
• Press ► to select Terminate.
Hold Profile:___________
Don’t Hold
Hold
►Terminate
If you manually terminate a running profile, the profile ends with a set point of Off. This does
not turn off the chamber fan. The chamber temperature can reach +55°C just from heat generated
by the fan, and even higher if your test sample is energized. See Protecting an Energized Test
Sample in the chamber manual for important information regarding energized test samples.
How to Delete or Re-Name a Profile
1. Go to the Profiles Page.
Move the cursor down the Main Page to
Go to Profiles, then press the ► key.
Main Page____________
►Go to Profiles ▲
Go to Setup █
Go to Factory ▼
2. Choose Delete or Re-Name.
• Press ▲or ▼ to scroll through your choice.
• Press ► to select your choice.
• The controller will prompt you to select the profile
you want to delete or re-name.
Main>Profile_________
Edit Profile ▲
►Delete Profile █
Re-Name Profile
Chapter 2 – Operation
TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller Page 2-11
How to Edit a Profile
1. Go to the Profiles Page.
Move the cursor down the Main Page to
Go to Profiles, then press the ► key.
Main Page__________
►Go to Profiles
Go to Setup
Go to Factory
2. Choose Edit Profile.
• Press the ▼ key to choose on Edit Profile.
• Then press the ► key.
Main>Profile_______
Create Profile
►Edit Profile
Delete Profile
3. Select the desired stored profile to edit.
• Press the ▲or ▼ to scroll through the list of
stored profiles.
• Press ► to select the desired profile.
…Edit Profile:_____
Profile1
►Profile2
Profile3
4. Choose how to edit the step.
• Press the ▲or ▼ to scroll through the list of step
edit choices.
• Press ► to select your choice.
Choose to:_________
Insert Step
►Edit Step
Delete Step
Done
5. To edit a step.
• Press the ▲or ▼ to scroll through the list of steps
you want to edit.
• Press ► to scroll through the step parameters and
make any desired changes.
Edit Step:__________
►Step 1 Ramp Time
Step 2 Soak
Step 3 Ramp Time
6. To insert a step.
• Choose Edit Profile (see step 4 above)
• Press the ▲or ▼ to scroll through the number of
the step that the new step will precede.
• Press ► to enter the new step and follow the step
parameter prompts.
Insert Before:______
Step 1 Ramp Time
►Step 2 Soak
Step 3 Ramp Time
7. To delete a step.
• Choose Delete Step (see step 4 above)
• Press the ▲or ▼ to scroll through the number of
the step you want to delete.
• Press ► to delete the step.
Delete Step:________
Step 1 Ramp Time
►Step 2 Soak
Step 3 Ramp Time
8. Save your settings.
• Press ◄ successively to exit the Profiles Page.
• After exiting the Profiles Page, choose ▲to save
the new profile values, or ▼ to restore the old
values.
Save profile data
or restore values?
▼Restore ▲Save
•Inserting or deleting a step will renumber all steps that follow.
•A Jump Step that jumps to an End Step cannot be deleted.
•An End Step cannot be deleted.
•Inserting a new ramp step usually requires inserting an associated soak step.
•Deleting a ramp step usually requires deleting the associated soak step.
Chapter 2 – Operation
Page 2-12 TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller
Profile Examples
The following are examples of two typical profiles Note that Digit Out 1 is named CONDITION.
Profile Summary: -40ºC to 85ºC, no ramps, 30 minute soak time, 4 cycles. End with program hold at +23ºC.
Step Step Date Choose Digit Out Time Ch1 PID Guar. Jump to End
Number Type Day, Time Wait for 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 H:M:S Rate SP Set Soak Profile Step Repeats Type
1 Ramp Time — > > > > > > > > 00:00:01 — 23.0 1 — — — — —
2 Ramp Time — > > > > > > > > 00:00:01 — -30.0 1 — — — — —
3 Soak — > > > > > > > > 00:30:00 — — 1 Yes — — — —
4 Ramp Time — > > > > > > > > 00:00:01 — 85.0 1 — — — — —
5 Soak — > > > > > > > > 00:30:00 — — 1 Yes — — — —
6 Jump — > > > > > > > > — — — — — Name 2 3 —
7 Ramp Time — > > > > > > > > 00:00:01 — 23.0 1 — — — — —
8 End — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Hold
Step Description
1 Establishes a recommended initialization step. Goes to +23ºC as quickly as possible.
2 Goes to -30ºC as quickly as possible.
3 Will hold for 30 minutes. Time will not start until chamber reaches -37ºC (within the 3º Guaranteed Soak Band*).
4 Goes to +85ºC as quickly as possible.
5 Will hold for 30 minutes. Time will not start until chamber reaches +82ºC (within the 3º Guaranteed Soak Band*).
6 Jumps back to step 2. Repeats this 3-times, for a total of 4-cycles.
7 After all cycles are completed, establishes the condition to end on. Goes to +23ºC as quickly as possible.
8 Holds at +23ºC indefinitely, until program is manually stopped.
Profile Summary: +50ºC to 0ºC, 1ºC/minute ramp, 1 hour soak time, 100 cycles. Test sample turned ON/OFF depending on step. End with return to +23ºC manual set point.
Step Step Date Choose Digit Out Time Ch1 PID Guar. Jump to End Idle
Number Type Day, Time Wait for 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 H:M:S Rate SP Set Soak Profile Step Repeats Type SP
1 Ramp Time — > On > > > > > > 00:00:01 — 23.0 1 — — — — —
2 Ramp Rate — > On > > > > > > — 1.0 50.0 1 — — — — —
3 Soak — > On > > > > > > 01:00:00 — — 1 No — — — —
4 Ramp Rate — > Off > > > > > > — 1.0 0.0 1 — — — — —
5 Soak — > Off > > > > > > 01:00:00 — — 1 No — — — —
6 Jump — > > > > > > > > — — — — — Name 2 99 —
7 Ramp Rate — > Off > > > > > > — 1.0 23.0 1 — — — — —
8 End — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Idle 23.0
Step Description
1 Establishes a recommended initialization step. Goes to +23ºC as quickly as possible. Test sample is turned ON via Event 1.
2 Goes to +50ºC at a controlled rate of 1ºC per minute. Test sample is turned ON via Event 1.
3 Will hold for 1 hour. Test sample remains ON via Event 1.
4 Goes to 0ºC at a controlled rate of 1ºC per minute. Test sample is turned OFF via Event 1.
5 Will hold for 1 hour. Test sample remains OFF via Event 1.
6 Jumps back to step 2. Repeats this 99-times, for a total of 100-cycles.
7 After all cycles are completed, establishes the condition to end on. Goes to +23ºC at a controlled rate of 1ºC per minute. Test sample is turned OFF via Event 1.
8 End of program. Controller returns to a +23ºC manual set point.. Test sample is remains OFF via Event 1.
Notes
* Guaranteed Soak Band is set at the factory for 3.0ºC. Can be changed in the System Menu.
> Means no entry or selection is required. Just scroll through this prompt to the next prompt.
— Means prompt does not show for this step type.
Chapter 2 – Operation
TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller Page 2-13
Digital Event Outputs
The Temperature Controller has digital outputs which can be configured as Event Outputs to turn
remote devices on and off. There are six Event Outputs which are available for customer use
(five if the Purge option is installed). Output number eight is configured to control the
refrigeration compressors and is not available for customer use. The Event Outputs are accessed
from the Main Page.
To control the Event Outputs:
9. Press the ▲or ▼key to position the Cursor next to the DigitalOut prompt.
10. Press the ► key once. You will see Choose Event Output prompt in the lower display.
11. Press the ▲or ▼key to position the Cursor next to the EventOutput prompt which you
want to change. You will be able to select from EventOutput1 through EventOutput7.
12. Press the ► key once to select the desired EventOutput. Then, press the ▲or ▼key to
select On or Off.
13. Press the ► key once to return to the Choose Event Output prompt.
14. Press the ◄ key once to return back to the Main Page.
Digital Output Connections
The Digital Output connections are on
the back of the F4 Controller.
Rating:
OFF: 42 VDC @ 10 µA max.
ON: 0.2 VDC @ 50 mA sink max.
Internal supply: 5 VDC @ 80 mA
Digital Output 1 (pin 18) is
committed for use as a System Enable
function and is not available for
customer use.
Digital Output 2 (pin 19) is
committed for the Purge System when
applicable and is not available for
customer use when the Purge System
is installed.
Digital Output 8 (pin 25) is
committed for the Compressor Enable
function and is not available for
customer use.
Chapter 2 – Operation
Page 2-14 TestEquity F4 Temperature Controller
Computer Interface
!CAUTION: Every setting in the F4 Controller can be accessed via the computer interface.
Improper modifications to configuration settings can result in erratic
performance and unreliable operation. Setup examples in the “Series F4
User’s Manual” are NOT applicable to this chamber. The correct values are
documented in the “Series F4 Temperature Controller Setup Parameters”
section of this manual.
RS-232C
The F4 Temperature Controller has an RS-232C interface. A DB-9 connector is located on the
rear panel. It is wired to accommodate a null-modem cable. The controller is configured from
our factory for 9600 baud and a Modbus address of 1.
To communicate with the controller from a PC, you need to run software that uses the Modbus
RTU protocol. Each controller function has a “register” number which can be read or written to
(when applicable). These registers are listed Chapter Seven of the “Series F4 User’s Manual”.
RS-232C Modbus programming resources can be downloaded from
http://www.testequity.com/RS232.
For more information about the Modbus RTU protocol, visit the Modbus industry consortium
website at http://www.modbus.org.
Common Modbus Registers
•The actual chamber temperature reading is Modbus register 100 (Input 1 Value).
•The static temperature set point is Modbus register 300 (Set Point 1).
•The temperature set point during a profile is Modbus register 4122 (Set Point 1, Current
Profile Status).
•The decimal points are implied. For example, 1005 is actually 100.5 and -230 is -23.0.
GPIB (optional)
GPIB communications is achieved through as GPIB-to-Modbus Interface Converter which has
been specifically designed to work with the Watlow F4 controller used on TestEquity chambers.
The converter lets you send simple read-write messages over GPIB to control and query the
chamber’s controller. The converter lets you send simple read-write messages over the network
to control and query the chamber’s controller. The converter does all of the Modbus RTU packet
formatting and handles the response packets.
The optional GPIB interface, model TE-1052, consists of an external converter box that connects
to the chamber’s RS-232C interface. Model TE-003 GPIB interface is an internal converter
board that fits inside our larger chambers and is functionally identically to TE-1052.
GPIB programming resources and LabVIEW drivers can be downloaded from
http://www.testequity.com/GPIB.
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