Tidal

 


LinkTenn 32
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. My chamber window doesn’t close when I click on the ‘X’ in the upper right hand corner. Why?

    A. LinkTenn32 prevents closing the chamber window while still connected (communicating) with a chamber (controller). Make sure chamber window has been disconnected (not communicating with) chamber (controller), then the chamber window will close when the 'X' in the upper right hand corner is clicked.

  2. Q. Why does LinkTenn32 lock up for several seconds after I enable logging?

    A.When you enable logging for a specific chamber, LinkTenn32 creates a unique logging data file for that chamber. Part of the data file creation process includes gathering previously logged data from a background database. If the database contains a large amount of previously logged data, the creation of the data file may take anywhere form 5 to 30 seconds, during which the user will not be able to interact with LinkTenn32. This does not happen with version 1.19.x. and later.

  3. Q. Why can’t I connect to my VersaTenn III using LinkTenn32 over RS232 when I was able to connect using LinkTenn?

    A. LinkTenn32 can communicate with the VersaTenn III however, it uses different communications settings than LinkTenn (older product) to achieve faster throughput. Check the VersaTenn III and make sure the controller is set to 9600 Baud, 7 bits data, Odd Parity, One stop bit and XON protocol. Also make sure communications board is set for RS232 communications. Note that older version LinkTenn software uses 1200 Baud, 7 bits data, Odd Parity, One stop bit, STX protocol and the communications board is set for RS422 communications.

  4. Q. How can I download profiles to the VersaTenn III using Linktenn32?

    A. LinkTenn32 Version 1.0.15 and later supports VersaTenn III profile download, starting and monitoring. Note that LinkTenn32 can download profiles to the VersaTenn III controller but cannot read profiles from the controller.

  5. Q. Every time I install LinkTenn32 on Windows™ XP, there is an issue with a missing DLL file, however,
    when I select ‘Ignore’, the installation continues and the program works anyway. Why?

    A. Windows XP isn't officially supported at this time though we have tried it and it works, albeit with the installation issue encountered. The installation issue concerning the DLL occurs due to the Windows File Protection system now present in Windows™ XP. This occurred on LinkTenn32 versions prior to 1.20.x. Since changing LinkTenn32’s installation method, this is not an issue, and Microsoft Windows™ XP is now officially supported.
    The "supported" operating systems are:

    Microsoft Windows™ 95, with DCOM95 installed.
    Microsoft Windows™ 95, with DCOM95 installed
    Microsoft Windows™ 98, with DCOM98 installed
    Microsoft Windows™ 98 Special Edition
    Microsoft Windows™ NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a
    Microsoft Windows™ 2000 Service Pack 2 or later
    Microsoft Windows™ XP Service Pack 1 or later

  6. Q. I installed a new version of LT32 over an old version of LT32 that was version 1.16 or earlier, and now the fax doesn't work, why?

    A. The install may have left behind out of date fax controls. You will need to uninstall your current version of LinkTenn32, reboot your computer then manually unregister the old fax controls. To unregister them follow the instructions below:

    From MS-DOS navigate to “c:\winnt\system32” or “c:\windows\system32”. Type "regsvr /u classx.dll" and hit enter. Do the same with classxps.dll and fmjr10.dll. After unregistering them you need to delete them. From the start button, open the Find or Search feature and locate each of these files individually and delete them. When the 3 files are deleted, you may reinstall you new version of the LinkTenn32 control. In the future always uninstall previous versions of Linktenn32 before installing a new version. There is no backwards compatibility between versions.

  7. Q. I have successfully communicated with the VersaTenn V over TCP/IP before, but am now unable to do so, why?

    A. Under certain conditions, the VersaTenn V TCP/IP server may hang up.  Try disabling and reenabling the TCP/IP server. On the VersaTenn V control panel, press the Comm button and the TCP/IP Server folder, disable the server, wait a moment for the change to take effect, then re-enable it.

  8. Q. The LinkTenn32 does not recognize the USB Dongle key and now runs in ‘Monitor Only Mode’, why?
  9. A. Microsoft Windows™ may have assigned the wrong software driver to the USB Dongle key. Inserting the USB Dongle key BEFORE LinkTenn32 was installed could have caused this improper assignment. LinkTenn32 has to be properly installed first. This ensures that Microsoft Windows™ OS assigns the proper installed driver to USB Dongle key. This only happens with version 1.20.x and later, which incorporate the Hasp protection.

    To correct the problem please do the following:

    1. Shutdown the LinkTenn32 application.
    2. From Device Manager, choose to uninstall the USB Dongle Key entry (it may be under Other Devices, or USB Controllers and may be named "Aladdin USB Key", "HASP4..." or "HASP...").
    3. Remove the USB Key from the PC.
    4. Shutdown or reboot PC.
    5. Reinsert USB Dongle key after reboot. Wait for PC to fully recognize hardware.
    6. Start LinkTenn32 application.
    7. LinkTenn32 should now recognize the USB Dongle key and run in normal mode.
  10. Q. When running a profile for an F4 and the Humidity channel is set to "Off", the temperature channel may not reach 
    temperatures below zero. Why?

    A. Normally to get temperatures below zero the humidity channel must be turned off. The F4 however has no method for doing this inside a profile except for the 'End' Step. To get temperatures below zero set the humidity channel to zero (0) percent in the profile at the appropriate step. This will allow temperatures to be controlled to below zero levels as required.

  11. Q. When downloading a profile that contains a Start step LinkTenn32 generates a "Profile invalid step type" error. Why?

    A. LinkTenn32 profile compiler does not support the Start step (Auto Start). When using LinkTenn32 profile editor refrain from using the start step. As work around, put an extra ramp step at step 1 of the profile that sets dummy values. After profile download to the controller, manually change step 1 to a Start step with the appropriate values using the controller's profile editor.

    The Start (Auto Start) step has been implemented for the VT3, VT4, VT5, and WF4 controllers in version 1.28.80 and later. Please refer to LinkTenn32 User Manual specific controller page for details.

  12. Q. Why does LinkTenn32 not recognize the Dongle key after the installation completes with no errors on a Win XP machine with SP2 installed?

    A. The dongle key needs updated drivers to be properly recognized on a Windows™ XP machine with SP2 installed. Please uninstall present version of LinkTenn32, and install v1.27.51 or later for LinkTenn32. Also review the Application note titled “Aladdin Hasp Key Driver Install Issue_D10122006_” which details a dongle key driver installation issue and a work around.

  13. Q. Why can't I download a profile to my Partlow 1460/62 controller?

    A. After establishing proper communications, the ‘Input code’ for the Partlow 1460/62 must be entered into LinkTenn32 before downloading a profile. This ‘Input code’ defines the temperature range and engineering units designation needed for compiling the profile. This code is not available from the Partlow 1460/62 through communications and therefore must be provided by the user manually. To enter code, click the 'Events' tab on chamber window. Then click the 'Controller Ranges' sub tab button. Then click the 'Enter Input Setup Code' button. At this point a numeric keypad will appear, just enter proper code and click the 'Ok' button. The proper code can be found using the Partlow 1460/62 user manual and verifying the Partlow 1460/62 configuration.

    Note, LinkTenn32 version 1.27.x and later now automatically sets code to '7222'. If input code ‘7222’ is not correct, use the procedure above to set the proper code as per user’s Partlow 1460/62 configuration.

  14. Q. I am a first time user of the LinkTenn32 software. I am currently running V1.26.26 using RS-232 interface to a VersaTenn III controller. I’m having trouble creating a profile to run. I keep getting the error, “Error: 103 from VT3, Input out of limit. Transmitted value too large or small. Retransmit”. Why?

    A. Make sure the profile editor ranges match the controller ranges. The profile editor ranges can be set using the setup button on the editor’s main menu bar. Refer to LinkTenn32’s User Manual for instructions. Set the ranges to match those found on the 'Controller Ranges' tab of chamber window (click the 'Events' tab, then select 'Controller Ranges'). If problem persists, make sure chamber window is defined according to controller specifications. LinkTenn32 only supports Temp/Temp, Temp/Humidity, and Temp/Pressure configurations for VT3 controllers.

    If using a VT3 Temp Only controller, define the chamber window as a Temp/Temp, then use the 'Controller Ranges' tab to set the ranges for channel 2 to “-0.1 to 100”. Then, in the profile editor setup, turn channel 2 off. Then redefine chamber window as a Temp/Humidity chamber. With this work around the chamber window’s 'On/Off' buttons will not reflect the proper state of the controller as in the supported configurations. Also consider upgrading LinkTenn32 to the latest version from our website at www.tidaleng.com.

  15. Q. When I try to open the user manual from the LinkTenn32 help menu I get a “Runtime error number 52”. Why?

    A. The user manual is in Portable Document Format (PDF) and requires a suitable reader installed on PC to read these types of files. The error stems from not finding a component library file required for reading PDF files. Make sure a PDF reader is installed on the pc before attempting to open the User manual from the help menu. A free PDF reader is available from the Adobe website, also one is included on the install CD in the /support folder.

  16. Q. When our IT department set up the computer and installed LinkTenn32 software, they could only get it to work if the logged in user had administrative privileges. Is there any way to get around this?

    A.LinkTenn32 setup exe installs the software for current user by default. Administrative privileges are needed to install/uninstall some associated drivers with the program, but program can be installed to allow 'ALL USERS' to access the application without having administrative privileges.

    Follow the steps below:

    1. Uninstall current LinkTenn32 installation, do not forget to copy any profiles created to a temporary folder if they were saved in the installation folder.
    2. After uninstall procedure finishes remove the Hasp Dongle key.
    3. Now copy the LinkTenn32 setup exe to a temporary folder, if using a CD, copy it from the root folder of the CD.
    4. Using the run option of the Start menu, browse to temp folder where LinkTenn32 setup exe resides, select the exe and click open.
    5. After this your run dialog should have something like this in it:
      <Tempfolder>\LinkTenn32_Setup.exe
      Modify the dialog line to look like this:
      <Tempfolder>\LinkTenn32_Setup.exe /V"ALLUSERS=1"
      There should be one space between the exe and the slash 'V', and every thing else must be in upper case as shown. Click the 'OK' button to start the installation.
    6. When the installation finishes, reinsert Hasp dongle key so drivers can be installed. Administrative privileges are needed for this. When drivers are installed, application is now ready for use by any user of the computer.
  17. Q. I noticed that help opens an old manual even though I have upgraded LinkTenn32 to the newest version.  Why?

    A.Please make sure only one PDF technical manual file in the installation folder. The installation folder is typically C:\Program Files\Tidal Engineering\LinkTenn32.

  18. Q. How do I set the chamber up so that I am able to clear any existing profiles, or programs prior to start? I want to start with a clean slate before running the profile. Can I do this with LinkTenn32 or do I need to manually clear it at the chamber controller? And if so, what commands do I enter?

    To clear all profiles from a controller must be done manually at the controller. Please consult the controller user manual for instructions on how to accomplish this task. Linktenn32 clears only the profile (or file) that it downloads too just before download. LinkTenn32 versions before v1.27.50 downloaded all profiles to profile number two (2). LinkTenn32 version v1.27.50 and later, now download to profile number one (1) except for VT3 and VT5 controllers.

    The VT3 depending on configuration uses profile 1 to reconfigure controller after a power failure. In this configuration profile 1 cannot be changed. To avoid possible complications, LinkTenn32 downloads to profile two (2) for the VT3.

    The VT5 does not use profile numbers but filenames. The VT5 handles the file operations either overwriting files with same name or creating new ones as needed.

    This arrangement allows users to setup other tests and work harmoniously with LinkTenn32.

  19. Q. The User manual instructions say that I should set Logging to "Off" on my VersaTenn III. Will that prevent me from logging the data from my chamber?

    A. No, LinkTenn32 will still log data from the VersaTenn III with the controller logging parameter set to ‘Off’. Setting the logging parameter to 'On', will enable the VersaTenn III to transmit its’ process data at a specified interval out of the communication port, which would interfere with normal LinkTenn32 data communications and cause errors.

  20. Q. I am using LinkTenn32 version 1.27.50 with the Pro 550 controller. The temperature display on the Pro 550 controller says 23 Degrees but LinkTenn32’s display indicates 2.3 degrees. What’s wrong?

    A. There is a setting (SDP1) on the PRO 550/750 and the Yokogawa 550/750 that can cause this to happen. To correct this, set the ‘Input Type’ to ‘1v to 5v’. Then change the SDP1 parameter to zero (0), then reset the ‘Input Type’ back to the original setting, and save. Then verify LinkTenn32’s display and the Pro550 controller display are the same. FAQ 29 has replaced this FAQ. Please see FAQ 30.

    Please refer to the controller technical manual for additional details and instructions on setting these parameters.

  21. Q. I installed LinkTenn32 on my laptop now Windows reports the "NISPYLOG.DLL file is not found" after rebooting my laptop. Why am I missing the "NISPYLOG.DLL” file?

    A. The NISPYLOG.DLL file is a National Instrument file and was installed as part of the driver for another USB GPIB product. LinkTenn32 does not support USB GPIB controller devices, only internal PCI-GPIB controller cards. Please uninstall the USB GPIB software, then reinstall, will fix this.

  22. Q. When I display the graph of my chamber definition window data logging stops after about an hour. What is happening?

    A. If using LinkTenn32 with a USB to RS232/RS485 converter to communicate with the physical chamber data logging will seem to stop after about an hour on versions prior to 1.28.82. Actually it has just been slowed down by the graph updating method and the latency of the USB converter. Upgrade to LinkTenn32 version 1.28.82 or later. Also the parameters of the USB converter may have to be adjusted to minimize latency. Please see the user manual of the USB converter in use for details on how to accomplish this.

    A good application note to read is AN232B-04 Data Throughput, Latency & Handshaking available from the FTDI website (www.ftdichip.com). FTDI makes the chips that are used in many of the USB to RS232 converter designs on the market today. The application note explains USB latency and offers some general workarounds to try.

  23. Q. The instructions say that I should set Logging to "Off" on my VersaTenn III. Will that prevent me from logging the data from my chamber?

    A. No, LinkTenn32 will still log data from the VersaTenn 3 with the controller Logging parameter set to “OFF”. In fact setting the VersaTenn 3 Logging parameter to “ON” will disrupt LinkTenn32 communications entirely; so set the parameter to “OFF” for proper LinkTenn32 communications and Logging.

  24. Q. I have a chamber with a VT5 controller in it. I am using RS232 to communicate with the VT5 controller and although I can download a profile I have no profile control, why?

    A. Profile control is disabled for the VT5 when using RS232 or GPIB communications due to a buffer problem on the Olympic board. Please consider using TCP/IP communications.

  25. Q. Profile control is disabled for the VT5 when using RS232 or GPIB communications due to a buffer problem on the Olympic board. Please consider using TCP/IP communications.

    A. No. It is not recommended. Watlow F4 controllers utilize the modbus RTU protocol to communicate. This protocol has strict timing constraints that USB to RS232 converters will have trouble adhering to. USB to RS232 converters work differently from standard RS232 ports built onto the PC motherboard. Standard RS232 ports use an interrupt line to signal the CPU, which then handles the request at that moment. USB to RS232 require a software driver, which in turn communicates with the CPU through the OS. The CPU then handles the request when the OS says not when the USB to RS232 converter says, thus making the strict timing needs of modbus RTU protocol difficult to obtain. Use a standard RS232 port instead to alleviate any potential problems or difficulties.

    A good application note to read is AN232B-04 Data Throughput, Latency & Handshaking available from the FTDI website (www.ftdichip.com). FTDI makes the chips that are used in many of the USB to RS232 converter designs on the market today.

  26. Q. When I select RS485 while defining a chamber with a Partlow 1462 the software responds with the message "No ports are available for this method." I am using a National Instruments USB-485 Single-Port RS485 Interface. What's wrong?

    A. The message “No ports are available for the method.” indicates that a LinkTenn32 port has not been defined for this method. USB RS232/RS485 Converters appear as PC COM ports in the Windows operating system. Use Device Manager to find what was assigned to your converter.
    Close the chamber definition dialog and define a port as follows:

    1. For LT32 versions 1.25.x and later:
      Select Ports>Define A Port, and then define a RS485 port using the PC COM port assigned to the converter and the presets for the controller (in this case, the Partlow 1462). See LinkTenn32 User manual for more information.
    2. For LT32 versions prior to 1.25.x
      Select Ports>Define A Port, and then define a RS232 port using the PC COM port assigned to the converter and the presets for the controller (in this case, the Partlow 1462). See LinkTenn32 User manual for more information.

  27. Q. I am using a Versatenn 3 controller. I needed to use the extended range feature for some tests I needed to run. When connected to LinkTenn32 the Humidity channel value is displayed as a value multiplied by ten (x 10), why?

    A. There is a bug in LinkTenn32 that causes the Humidity channel value to be displayed ten times greater than the actual. This problem has been fixed in version 1.29.x or later. Please upgrade to version 1.29.x or later. As a temporary workaround, use the normal range if circumstances permit.

  28. Q. I am using a Versatenn 3 controller. Now, with the free download version, as an example, we can set LinkTenn32 to take data at a rate of once per minute. That will work fine and LinkTenn32 will keep that rate for a while, then LinkTEnn32 will randomly take data at different intervals, as slow as one point every fifteen minutes! Then it will return to one point per minute after a few data points have been taken, but only for a few minutes. Then it will pick another random sample rate for a while, etc. What is happening?

    A. There is an issue with the Graph update procedure that causes the data logging or acquisition to pause while the graph is being updated. This will usually occur after approximately one hour. Which is the time necessary to fill up the graph with data. This issue has been fixed in LinkTenn32 v1.28.x (Synergy Manager v2.10.x or greater) or greater. Please upgrade to version 1.28.x or later.

  29. Q. I am using a Watlow F4S (single channel) controller along with a Synergy488 module and LinkTenn32 software. I am able to communicate with the F4S using the Synergy488 module but I get 90103 communication errors. The errors do not seem to repeat at a consistent rate. Sometimes no errors occur for several minutes and other times there can be a couple errors reported within one minute. What is happening?

    A. The LinkTenn32 does not support a Watlow F4S (single channel) controller. So the Synergy488 module may not handle the missing second channel hardware. Support for a Temperature Only configuration has been added to LinkTenn32 v1.29.52 (Synergy Manager v2.11.52). With this configuration LinkTenn332 will query only channel one and associated values. Please upgrade to version 1.29.52 or later this will fix this particular issue. This will not fix any issues where the Synergy488 module is used to communicate with the Watlow F4S using custom programming and are experiencing the same symptoms.

  30. Q. I am using LinkTenn32 version 1.28.82 with the UP550 Yokogawa controller. LinkTenn32 (set point and actual) displays do not agree with what’s shown on the UP550 (set point and actual) display. The decimal points are in the wrong place. I have tried what was suggested in FAQ 19 but the displays are still different. What’s wrong?

    A. When the input setting is changed back to the original setting the controller would sometimes reset the SDP1 parameter back to its’ default value, which makes the problem reappear. LinkTenn32 v1.29.x (Synergy Manager v2.11.x) now uses the P.DP1 and P.DP2 parameters, which are used by the controller to control display scaling. Change these parameters appropriately to control both the controller and LinkTenn32 display scaling. This FAQ replaces FAQ 19.

    Please refer to the controller technical manual for additional details and instructions on setting these parameters and input type details.

  31. Q. I have installed LinkTenn32 on my company computer. There were no issues with the installation. I can run LinkTenn32 when I am logged in as Administrator, but with another user, LinkTenn32 does not work or generates database errors. Why?

    A. When installing LinkTenn32 you must be logged in as Administrator so all the components can be installed properly. LinkTenn32 will be installed so any user can use the application. If a user other than the Administrator has trouble running the application check to make sure the user has the appropriate rights and privileges to access the folder where LinkTenn32 was installed. At minimum the user will require read, write, create, and execute privileges to the folder. See your company IT person for assistance in assigning these privileges.

  32. Q. I have a chamber with a VersaTenn 3 controller. I am using LinkTenn32 to monitor and download profiles to the chamber. I need to control the LEV1 and LEV2 variables in a profile. Is there a way to do this?

    A. The profile editor does not support the LEV1 and LEV2 variables. The LEV1 and LEV2 variables can be controlled from the ‘Events’ tab when a profile is not running. Depending on the chamber configuration LEV1 or LEV2 will activate external equipment (i.e. Drier, etc.). To control the LEV1 or LEV2 variables during a profile use the workaround below.

    Workaround. Create a profile with the Profile Editor. Download profile to chamber ensuring no errors after download. Using a VersaTenn 3 user manual, manually change the LEV1 or Lev2 value of the step required and save it. Use LinkTenn32 start the profile.

  33. Q. I I have installed LinkTenn32 on my company computer. There were no issues with the installation and the Dongle key has been inserted. LinkTenn32 has been started but is still in “Monitor Only Mode”. When I look at the ‘About LinkTenn32’ dialog the serial number is ‘FFFFFFFF’ and the status indicates ‘Invalid Application Key’. Why?

    A. The Dongle key has been programmed incorrectly. Call Tidal Engineering at 973 328 1181 to obtain a RMA number to return key for proper programming.

  34. Q. I I have a chamber with a Partlow 1462 controller installed. I have installed LinkTenn32 on my computer with a valid dongle key and can communicate without any errors. When I try to change the set point to any value (within controller range) I receive an “Error 10002,From Port Response, Modbus Error – Illegal Data Address” error status message. Also if I try to download a profile the same error message appears. Why?

    A. The Partlow 1462 has a ‘Communications Write’ mode that must be enabled to allow values to be changed or profiles downloaded via the communications port. Please see ‘Partlow 1462 User manual’ on how to enable this mode.