How do you connect GE's new Ethernet based CPU?

The new CPE305 has a new way to connect to via Ethernet straight out of the box. Instead of using a utility and pushing an address into it, you can simply use the factory address of 192.168.0.100. Once online with the CPU you can change the target address as needed.

There are two alternative methods to get online with a new CPE305 as well:

Use a configured Ethernet module (IC695ETM001) in that same rack and download an address into the CPE305 via the ETM.

Use a serial cable (IC693CBL316) to download into the CPE305.

The CPE310 has the same Ethernet setup as the CPE305. The main connectivity difference is the number of serial ports. Similar to the classic CPU310, it has one 9 pin port as well as one 15 pin port.

Keep in mind the CPE310 can be loaded with a CPU310 configuration which makes migration much easier. This allows you to use your Machine Edition with versions back to 5.5 SP1.

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.