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% ▼