Introduction
1.1.3 Automated Ramp and Soak Cycles
Use the CN8-SW Ramp and Soak function to configure any number of recipes consisting of any number of ramp and soak steps. These recipes are stored on the CN8-SW computer. Under the direction of CN8-SW, any controller on the network can execute your choice of recipe, even models that do not support configuration and execution of ramp and soak cycles using the controller front panel.
The CN8-SW displays also provide a quick way to configure and run recipes that use the controllerÕs own recipe parameters.
1.1.4 Logging
The CN8-SW application supports optional logging of SP and PV for all controllers at configurable intervals. Logs are saved in ASCII text files with comma-separated-value format. These files can be viewed, printed, and manipulated with other applications, such as word processing and spreadsheet software.
1.1.5 Storing and Loading Configuration Parameter Sets
All the configuration parameter values stored in non-volatile memory in a controller that supports Omega Plus Protocol can be saved to the PC and loaded to the same or different controllers. Backing up a unique controller configuration on a PC is always prudent. If a controller is damaged later and must be replaced, its custom configuration can be loaded quickly to a spare controller, minimizing down time.
In large installations where many controllers use the same (or almost the same) configuration, its easy to configure one controller using the CN8-SW display, save the parameter set to the PC, then load the same parameter set to many other controllers on the network. The time saved by eliminating the need to configure each controller at its front panel more than pays for the CN8-SW package.
The ability to store and load a controller configuration also enables you to reuse tuning parameter values that have proved to be best for certain process conditions. If the responsiveness of your process is altered at times, you may find it desirable to save sets of tuning parameters to be used under different circumstances.
For example, if you autotune the controller for optimum control of the temperature of an engraving cylinder while one size is in use, save the parameter set before installing a larger or smaller cylinder. The different size cylinder may heat at a different rate, requiring different tuning parameters to be used for optimum control. Save the new tuning as a parameter set with a different name. When the day comes that you have to reinstall the first cylinder, reload the parameter set, including the tuning parameters that were optimized for that cylinder.
