System Platform 2012

Customer First members may now download the new 2012 versions of System Platform and InTouch from the Wonderware Developer Network. Temporary licenses are available, with upgrade licenses available by Dec 5.

All System Platform applications now share a common installation from a single DVD with a new simplified "role"-based paradigm.

Some key features and enhancements:

• "ShowGraphic" script function to show/hide symbol using scripting, and pass custom properties to other symbols.



• "GetWindowName" script function to return currently displayed window.



• Improved screen resolution management reduces need to convert resolutions.



• Terminal Server multiple monitor support.



• Terminal Server load balancing across CPUs/cores.
  


• Faster window draw times in WindowViewer.



• Faster I/O binding in graphics for ArchestrA graphics.



• InTouch Tag Viewer (ObjectViewer for InTouch) replaces wwclient.



• InTouch Window preview thumbnails.



• Smart memory caching of windows based on most frequently shown.



• SmartCard support for login/logoff.



• Support for Embedded Standard Windows 7 for WindowViewer.



• High-Availability and Disaster Recovery via Hyper-V.



• Remote Desktop App support (allow access to only specific programs, such as WindowViewer).

Customer First members may download from here.

Wonderware: Disabling DEP in Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2

Sometimes a solution to software conflicts is to disable DEP (Date Execution Prevention). In XP and Server 2003, you just edited the BOOT.INI file. But that file does not exist in Windows 7, etc. Instead, here is the procedure:

1) Right-Click Computer, then Properties
2) Click Advanced System Settings
3) Click the Performance Settings Button
4) Click the Data Execution tab

To completely disable DEP, the boot parameters must be edited using the Microsoft's BCDEdit utility:

1) Open a command prompt by clicking Start / Run, then type CMD, enter.
2) Type in command:
"bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff"

These changes take effect when you restart your computer.

Secret Modbus Port on ABB Drives

Modbus communication is available built in standard on the ACS550. It is also available on the ACS355 with the FMBA-01 module added. But did you know there is an additional Modbus port available under the keypad on both drives?

With the keypad removed, the RJ45 port can be wired up to an RS232 Modbus master. (This connection is used for monitoring only and not start/stop control)

You can wire up the RJ45 port according to this diagram:

Serial settings such as station ID, baud rate and parity can be found in the Parameters section of the manual under Group 52. Valid messages as well as error messages can also be found in this section.