BEN 32. BEN Master Station Manual. Digital Fault Recording Equipment. * Specifications contained within are subject to change without prior notice.

Transcription

1 For Pgm. VER 1.4 BEN 32 BEN Master Station Manual Digital Fault Recording Equipment * Specifications contained within are subject to change without prior notice REV. C 19-May-99

2 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Electronic Instruments International No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the company. For information, address : E.I.I. 12 Commerce Drive Ballston Spa, NY P/N MAN004GB = REV C This manual is published by ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS INTERNATIONAL for use with BEN Series of DFR s. ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to revise this manual without notice, for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, utilization of advances in state-of-the-art technologies, and changes in the equipment or configuration thereof. Liability for difficulties arising from unknown or unforeseen technical limitations or any modifications by anyone other than ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS INTERNATIONAL, is disclaimed. Page ii REV. C

3 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION BEN EQUIPMENT OF THE BEN SERIES BEN BEN BEN BEN D BEN BEN 500C Sub-BEN BEN RESULTS PRINTER : graphic and/or alphanumeric printing of the results : HARD DISK COMMUNICATION BY MODEM: GETTING STARTED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS INSTALLING THE MASTER STATION PROGRAM STARTING THE MASTER STATION PROGRAM ELEMENTS OF THE MAIN WINDOW THE starting window TOOLBAR Communicate with a BEN Create a BEN Profile Show BEN Directory Getting Record(s) Database of Records Record Analysis From the BEN Directory View From the Records Database The Analysis Window will open and display the selected Record GETTING HELP Contents Using Help About the Master Station In Case of Problems (Troubleshooting) Open Logging Communication Status UPGRADING FROM THE MASTER STATION FOR DOS RECORDS DATABASE SORTING THE RECORDS VIEW SELECT OPTIONS REFRESH LIST REV. C Page iii

4 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Table of Contents - Cont. 3.6 RECORD INFO ASSOCIATED RECORDS RECORD CLASSES EXPORT RECORDS IMPORT RECORDS DELETE RECORDS ACCESSING A SPECIFIC BEN DEFINE A NEW BEN IN YOUR MASTER STATION REMOVING A BEN FROM THE MASTER STATION OPEN A BEN FROM THE MASTER STATION View BEN Directory BEN Status Parameters BEN Setup Control Get new Records Partial records Release records Erase records High Level Access Remote start Configure BEN (optional) Send configuration Get configuration BEN Date and Time Abort Communication GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OPENING A RECORD FOR ANALYSIS ELEMENTS OF THE ANALYSIS WINDOW Toolbar Record Title Line The Status bar The Channel Description Pane The Graphic Pane Graphic Area The Marker(s) The time scale The scrolling bar NAVIGATING THE RECORD With the Scrolling Bar With the Keyboard Center View Zoom Function Zoom on Markers Zoom out function Expansion Factor Values NAVIGATING THE PAGES...86 Page iv REV. C

5 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Table of Contents - Cont. 5.5 NAVIGATING THE LIST OF RECORDS Display Next Record Display Previous Record Display the Associated Record(s) DISPLAYING SEVERAL RECORDS Multiple Records Multiple Views of the same Record Synchronizing Record Windows DISPLAY OPTIONS CHANNEL SELECTION AND PROPERTIES Selecting One Or More Channels Channel Properties MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS Direct And Computed Measurement Values Peak Search Harmonics Phasor Diagram Calculated Channels Fault Locator (Optional plug-in) CALCULATED CHANNELS Creating calculated channels Channel equation Functions Abs(expression) Sqrt(expression) Delay(channel, constant) Harmonic(channel, constant) NegativeSeq(channel, channel, channel) PositiveSeq(channel, channel, channel) PowerFactor(voltage channel, current channel) ReactPower(voltage channel, current channel) RealPower(voltage channel, current channel) ZeroSeq(channel, channel, channel) Scaling calculated channels Compiling The Record MODIFY THE SCREEN LAY-OUT Modifying Channel Properties: View Hidden Channels Add And Delete Channels Quickly Move/Re-Size Channels Copying Channels Between Pages Changing The Background Color How to edit a page Using Views Save View Delete View Default View BEN View and User View REV. C Page v

6 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Table of Contents - Cont SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Display The Sequence Of Events Display Options Selecting The Events To Display Printing The Sequence Of Events EXPORT To Create a COMTRADE file Export to Lotus, Excel or MathCad To Copy a BEN 32 Record RECORD INFO RECORD ATTRIBUTES PRINT Print Record Graph Immediate Printing Print Preview Print Setup Print Record Parameters Print Sequence Of Events SCREEN CAPTURE FAULT LOCATOR (OPTION) INTRODUCTION Easy to setup Easy to use Robustness Accuracy HOW DOES IT WORK? GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE EXAMPLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ S) "BENLOC.INI" COMMUNICATIONS INTRODUCTION Modem terminology Protocol used by the Master Station Protocol used when the BEN has a 5554, or 5558 communication card SETTING COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS FOR EACH BEN Parameters Address Line Phone number Name and password Polling Auto Call Data Origin Weight Thresholds Page vi REV. C

7 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Table of Contents - Cont. 7.3 MODEM SETUP Parameters Name Port Baud rate Protocol Data compression COMMUNICATION OPTIONS Records transfer Phone calls Automatic modes VIEWING DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION STATUS Parameters Current status BEN Connection Last command Data Transfer Abort communication COMMUNICATION USING AUTO-MODES Polling Mode Auto-Answer Mode BENs allowed Modem setup Waiting delay Giving a Priority to the Records Automatic Print-Out Automatic Data Export COMMAND QUEUE To abort a transaction in the queue To immediately execute a transaction EVENTS LOGGING CATEGORIES CLASSIFICATIONS DETAILS LOGGING DISPLAY OPTIONS Printout of the Events logging data CUSTOMIZING THE MASTER STATION OPTIONS Communication Tab Records transfer (system based option) Phone calls (system based option) Automatic modes (system based options) Preferences Tab Screen options BEN Lists Default colors for records Screen Capture Record Printout REV. C Page vii

8 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Table of Contents - Cont System Tab (system based option) Directories Tab Default export path (system based option) Data directory (system based option) Path to BENCFG (system based option) TOOLBAR Display Tab To add a button To remove a button TROUBLESHOOTING DATABASE ERRORS COMMUNICATION ERRORS Communication Debug Screen APPENDIX COMTRADE Header Files (HDR extension) Configuration Files (CFG extension) Data Files (DAT extension) GLOSSARY INDEX Page viii REV. C

9 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BEN 32 BEN 32 is the Master Station software for the BEN series of Digital Fault Recorders. It is a full featured 32-bit Windows application, and provides a communication, control and analysis tool with a graphical user interface format. 1.2 EQUIPMENT OF THE BEN SERIES BEN 2000 The BEN 2000 is a fault recorder that detects, records and prints on disturbances affecting the analog and/or digital inputs of the system. It controls from 8 to 120 analog channels and from 8 to 480 digital channels. The BEN 2000 is able to detect most of the faults present on high voltage lines and provide results that are accessible via several interfaces such as disks, printers, modems, etc. The high resolution of the BEN 2000 measurements provides the necessary tool for an accurate knowledge of the high, dynamic and fast events occurring on electricity transport networks BEN 3000 The BEN 3000 is a slow acquisition unit which can be integrated into a BEN 2000 or used as a stand-alone. This unit, when integrated into a BEN 2000, carries out standard acquisitions at a hundredth of the BEN 2000 acquisition speed (e.g. 30 Hz). Before being recorded, the alternate signals are converted into a continuous signal representing the true RMS value of the input signal. The BEN 3000 can simultaneously store signals recorded at high speed by the BEN 2000 in order to allow recording over a longer period BEN 2016 The BEN 2016 is a BEN 2000 with a limited number of channels available in order to offer a compact machine with all of the necessary features of fault recorder on electricity transport networks. It can be equipped with a maximum of 16 analog channels and 16 digital channels REV. C Page 1

10 BEN 32 Pgm. VER BEN D216 The BEN D216 is a compact fault recorder designed for electricity distribution networks. It has a limited number of channels (16 analog and 16 digital) and offers (in standard version) an amplitude resolution of 8 bits and a sampling frequency of 2 khz. However, its main characteristic is its integrated thermal printer BEN 5000 The BEN 5000 is the fault recorder of the latest generation. It controls up to 192 analog channels and up to 576 digital channels located either in the local main system or in the remote stations that are connected by fiber optic link. In addition to the capabilities offered by the BEN 2000, it provides: - Several programmable acquisition speeds in the same system - Extensive communication functions - Commands and status controlled either locally or remotely BEN 500C The BEN 500C is a compact digital fault recorder, derived from the BEN 5000 series. It has the same functionality as BEN 5000 but is limited in number of channels (max. 32 analog x 64 digital). In the following, the generic BEN 2000 series term will be used for BEN 2000, BEN 3000, BEN 2016 and BEN D216 while the generic BEN 5000 series will be used for BEN 500C and BEN Sub-BEN Throughout this manual, the term 'sub-ben' will be used frequently. It refers to an entity performing acquisition at a specific speed. For example, a system acquiring at two independent acquisition speeds presents two sub-bens BEN 32 The BEN 32 or Master Station / Analysis Center is the program used to read and analyze the recordings carried out by the Electronic Instruments BEN series fault recorders. Based on a personal computer (PC, PS/2...), it allows: - Remote retrieval of records through the communication interface - Graphic analysis of the data (with zooming, measurements...) - Data printout with "customized" layout for dedicated reports - Conversion to COMTRADE - Import from COMTRADE - Multiple tasks carried-out simultaneously (communication, analysis, print-out...) Page REV. C

11 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN RESULTS Peripherals Description The fault recorder records or events are stored in the BEN semiconductor memory. To process this data, the system can be outfitted with different peripherals: PRINTER : graphic and/or alphanumeric printing of the results : - Identification of the fault recorder - Identification of data and time of start-up - Identification of the length of the pre-fault - Printing of the time scale HARD DISK To increase its long-term local memory, most of the BEN series fault recorders can support an optional Hard Disk Drive COMMUNICATION BY MODEM: The BEN DFR can transmit either a portion or all of the recorded data. This data is actually stored in the system memory, hard disk or the floppy disks (BEN 2000 only), and will automatically be placed on the Master Station s hard disk REV. C Page 3

12 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Page REV. C

13 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 2 GETTING STARTED The BEN 32 program is a fully featured communications/analysis/printing package combining the benefits of the Graphical User Interface with advanced DFR support. Full on-line and context sensitive help have been provided in the program, and are available at any time. Additionally many Dialog Boxes have a HELP button for detailed assistance on the use of the dialog. Conventions used in this Manual This manual assumes the user is familiar with all terms and conventions as used by Microsoft to describe its Windows programs and applications. For further help, please see the manuals that came with your Operating System software, or the on-line Help function of your Operating System. All italic words refer to a description in the glossary of words at the end of this manual. Words printed with bold characters refer to specific terms like menu entries or dialog box titles. Double-Click - The action of pressing the left mouse button twice in rapid succession without moving the cursor. KEY + KEY - This indicates that the first key should be pressed and held down, and the second key pressed at the same time (SHIFT+F1). Menu/sub-menu/menu-Selection - Method for indicating the sequence of menu selections made beginning from a known menu. Operating System - Program that allows applications to run. Examples are Windows 95, and Windows NT. File - Selections on menubars and buttons that have a character underlined indicate that that function may be accessed by using the indicated character in conjunction with the ALT key. Sort... - This indicates a button in a dialog. NOTE: TIP: WARNING: REV. C Page 5

14 BEN 32 Pgm. VER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Due to the difficulty in determining what is acceptable performance for each person, it is difficult to specify a minimum platform for BEN 32. The following is therefore a list of what we feel is recommended for a minimum performance under each of the two supported operating systems. Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 Pentium class or equivalent microprocessor 16 MB RAM 4 MB disk space for BEN 32 programs Pointing device: Microsoft mouse or compatible Color display: VGA 640x480 with SVGA (800x600) preferred 2.2 INSTALLING THE MASTER STATION PROGRAM BEN 32 comes on two or three floppy disks, including the setup program and all the compressed files necessary for running the application. BEN 32 setup is easier than ever since, depending on the options available on your license, it recommends which components to install and where to install them. If you upgrade from a previous version, the Setup program replaces by default your current version of BEN 32, but preserves your records, BEN setups and other choices. It is not recommended to concurrently use different versions of BEN 32 with the same data set because this can produce unpredictable results. If you are using a virus-detection utility, disable it before running the Setup program. Also, close any open Windows applications. To install BEN 32 on Windows NT, you must be logged on with Administrator rights. What you need to know before installing BEN 32: Before beginning the installation, you need to know where your data, i.e. the records coming from the BENs, will be located. During setup, the program will ask you to define a path to this location, either on your local disk or to a network drive if you intend to share them between several PCs. This choice cannot be changed later except by running setup again. To install BEN 32 with data shared on a network: 1. Be sure you are connected to your network before starting the Setup program. 2. Select Shared network drive when Setup asks you for the data location. 3. Use the Browse button to select the directory in which BEN 32 will place the data to be shared among several users. Page REV. C

15 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Starting BEN 32 setup: 1. Insert the first Setup disk in drive A. 2. On your task bar, click the Start button, click Run and then type a: \setup. 3. Click OK, then follow the Setup instructions on the screen. The Setup program presents you with several installation options: Typical: default choice. Select this choice to install all the BEN 32 components. Compact: this choice does not install the help files and saves approximately 400k of disk space. Custom: Selecting this choice allows you to individually define the components to install. To remove BEN 32 from your hard disk: 1. On the Windows taskbar, Click the Start button, click Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 3. Click the Install/Uninstall tab. 4. Select the BEN 32 application, and then click the Add/Remove button. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen: the BEN 32 application will be completely removed from your hard disk but all your records will be safely saved. To remove them, user the Windows Explorer to erase all the Data folders under the application path REV. C Page 7

16 BEN 32 Pgm. VER STARTING THE MASTER STATION PROGRAM To start the program, locate the "BEN 32" icon either in the BEN 32 folder or under the START menu and run it. This action will start two applications: the analysis program: and the communication program: (will automatically be run). TIP: Refer to your operating system manual to create short cuts. NOTE: The first time you start BEN 32 after installation, the application will prompt you for a key code that you can find on the dispatch note coming with the software ELEMENTS OF THE MAIN WINDOW THE starting window Page REV. C

17 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN TOOLBAR The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window and below the menu bar. It provides quick mouse access to the tools of the Master Station. You can get a brief description of a toolbar button by pointing to it with the mouse cursor: after a short delay, the button function will appear next to the cursor. According to your toolbar setup, some or all of the below listed buttons will appear: Click To Open record Database and display the records currently on the PC hard disk unit. Open a BEN. The Master Station displays the Open BEN dialog box, in which you can select and open the desired BEN, or create a new one. Open the communication status view. Open the Event logging view. Open the last accessed BEN. Open the last displayed record. Display the Help contents. Display the Database record information. Print the current record. Switch to respectively the previous or next record according to the Database list. Import or export a record in COMTRADE or other external format. Abort communication. : Default setup. Note: To hide or display the Toolbar, choose the Preferences sheet from the Customize Options menu ( 8.1). See also Customize Toolbar ( 9.2) REV. C Page 9

18 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Communicate with a BEN (See Also 7 Communications) Create a BEN Profile Before accessing a BEN, the user must create a system profile for it in the Master Station. From the MAIN menu select - File/Open BEN... or press Select A dialog box will open requesting information for the new DFR: Enter the BEN serial number of the new fault recorder: the system will propose a default BEN name and directory. NOTE: The Serial Number can be located on the inside right of the control chassis in a BEN 5000 and the Power Supply Chassis in a BEN 500C. Select the appropriate BEN type : BEN 2000, BEN 5000, BEN 500 or Imported DFR if you want to import COMTRADEDEF_COMTRADE files. (See the COMTRADE standard definition in the appendix). Page REV. C

19 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Edit the recorder name: type the station name or any other text defining the BEN location. Edit the PC directory if you wish to use another directory name. This may be useful if you intend to use several BEN setups for the same equipment: this way you can create several BENs for the same equipment, with the same serial number and different names and PC directories. In most cases, leave the PC directory name as proposed by BEN 32. Select the Communication sheet to setup the communication parameters: Address This parameter is used when several BENs are connected on the same communication line. The default value is 1 for BEN 5000 (and 500C) and a value identical to the serial number for BEN NOTE: You will not be able to carry out a communication session if this number is not identical to the address configured in the BEN equipment itself REV. C Page 11

20 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Link This field defines the communication setup used for each call to this BEN. Select one of the profiles available; you can edit the setup by pressing the button (see 7.3). Take care that any modification to the selected modem setup will be used for every other system using the same setup. Phone number or IP address If the selected communications link is a dial up modem, enter the complete telephone number (up to 64 char) in this field. You can precede the telephone number itself with a prefix for your switchboard, or add to it any additional characters needed to make the connection up to the remote modem. If you selected the TCP/IP link, enter the IP address of the BEN DFR (4 numbers separated with dots), in decimal notation. Example : Name and password In these fields, enter your user name and password for identification on BEN 5000 equipment. This name determines your access level to the system and will be used for any usual access to the fault recorder (like getting data, status, etc...). These fields are not used in the BEN 2000 equipment. TIP: Uncheck the "Don't ask for high level access" box if you intend to use the security features configured in your BEN. The following parameters located on the right hand side of the screen are used when configuring the automatic communication mode (see 7.6 for more information about this feature): Polling Check this box to insert this BEN in the automatic polling cycle. When you start the automatic communication mode, the system will periodically retrieve the new records from this BEN. Auto Call Check this box to enable answering calls coming from this BEN when the automatic communication mode running. Weight Thresholds Fill in these fields for sorting records retrieved in automatic mode: records with weight higher or equal to the high threshold will be retrieved immediately when the BEN DFR issues an auto-call. Page REV. C

21 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 records with weight between both thresholds will be retrieved at the time of the next polling cycle. records with weight below the low threshold will not be automatically retrieved. They will remain in the fault recorder as long as you don't ask for them manually. Data Origin Select the origin of records for the automatic communication mode: either memory or hard drive, and sub-bens where to retrieve the new records from. The options sheet allows you to setup the automatic printout and automatic export functions (see for details). Press and the DFR will be added to the list of BEN s that can be opened Show BEN Directory Use the Open BEN function or button to access the list of existing BENs. You can choose the BEN to open from the existing BENs in your Master Station. Highlight the newly created BEN to open and click on the Alternately you can double-click on the BEN, and it will also open. button. Press the button to initiate a communication session, and retrieve the current directory from the DFR Getting Record(s) From a remote BEN. From the directory view, select the record(s) to retrieve. You can select multiple records here using the standard shift-click or control-click methods. Press the download the record(s). button to initiate a communication session and The record(s) will be transferred to the Master Station and placed in the Records Database. Upgrading Records from the DOS Master Station (BEN 1000) REV. C Page 13

22 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Open the Database of Records (see 2.3.3) and select the File/Import function or button. See 2.4: Upgrading from the Master Station for DOS. Importing Records from COMTRADE files. Open the database of Records (see 2.3.3) and select the File/Import function or button. See 3.9 Import Records for further explanation Database of Records The user can display the Database of Records currently on the PC hard disk through MENU/File/Open Record Database or button Record Analysis From the BEN Directory View Select a Record already retrieved from the DFR and press the button. If the Record has not yet been retrieved, the button remains grayed (See and 4.3 for information on retrieving a Record). Page REV. C

23 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN From the Records Database Select a Record from the Database and press the double click the Record to open. button. You can also The Analysis Window will open and display the selected Record REV. C Page 15

24 BEN 32 Pgm. VER GETTING HELP Contents (How to get there: MENU/Help/Contents or ) General index of the Master Station Help To find a topic in Help Click the Contents tab to browse through topics by category. Click the Index tab to see a list of index entries: either type the word you're looking for or scroll through the list. Click the Find tab to search for words or phrases that may be contained in a Help topic. If your Help file doesn't have a Contents tab, click the Contents button to see a list of topics. To get Help in a dialog box, look for a Help button, or press F1. TIPS: If you want to print or copy the information in a help pop-up window, use the right mouse button to click inside it, and then click Print Topic. Another way to get Help on an item on the screen is to use the What's This? command of the Help menu: the cursor will change to an arrow and question mark and you can click the item that you want help on. Short Cut Press <SHIFT> + <F1> or button Using Help (How to get there: MENU/Help/Using Help) Complete explanation about how to use the Help functions. Page REV. C

25 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN About the Master Station (How to get there: MENU/Help/About the Master Station) In Case of Problems (Troubleshooting) Open Logging (How to get there: MENU/File/Open Logging or ) The Master Station provides a tracking system of any significant occurrence that requires users to be notified. For critical events such as fatal errors, you may see a message on screen. For other events that do not require immediate attention, the Master Station adds information to an event log file, without disturbing your work REV. C Page 17

26 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Three categories of events may occur: File events Communication events errors occurring when opening, reading or writing to a file. events related to communication transactions; besides specific errors, the system logs for each transaction an information summarizing the duration and result of the transaction. Internal errors errors related to memory or synchronization management. These errors should not occur and may require that you consult your service representative. In each category, events are classified in three levels defined as: errors warning information. (See 8 Event Logging for more information). Page REV. C

27 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Communication Status (How to get there: MENU/File/Communication Status or ) The communication status shows the current activity of the communication process running in the background, and helps you to follow the current transaction. The following parameters are displayed: Current status Shows the communication process status, the action currently being performed, and the mode - manual or automatic - in which this action is taking place. BEN Connection Gives information about the BEN referred to by the current transaction, if any in progress. Last command Gives the type of transaction performed, the record currently retrieved and the number of records already received in this transaction when it applies REV. C Page 19

28 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Data Transfer Gives respectively for the file currently retrieved and the total transaction the number of bytes already received and the total number of bytes expected. This last number is left at zero when the application is unable to determine it before completion. The number of retries occurring since the beginning of the transaction is representative of the connection quality. The throughput gives the actual transfer rate measured by the PC. The compression factor is shown when data compression is active. NOTE: This screen primarily shows information about the current transaction. To see the list of transactions in progress or waiting to be processed, select the Commands view. Page REV. C

29 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN UPGRADING FROM THE MASTER STATION FOR DOS Converting records from the DOS program: From the MAIN menu select File/ Open Record Database or press Select File/Import. Select the directory you want to read from and the suffix for the files to be imported (.DAT for the DOS program data files), select the appropriate record(s) from the list and press. A dialog box will appear detailing information about every record to be converted: If this is a recording that you want, press the and the data file will be converted for use by BEN 32. It will be available in the record list, and the original file remains unchanged. If the BEN is not yet known by BEN 32 (no profile has been created yet), the program will prompt you to create it. A dialog box will open for the creation of the new BEN. Check the "BEN type" and "serial number" fields then press now proceed and import the requested files.. You may REV. C Page 21

30 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Page REV. C

31 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 3 RECORDS DATABASE NOTE: BEN 32 stores records using a database architecture. This means that entries are indexed, and must remain where they are placed by the program. If you simply copy records using the Windows Explorer, the database structure may become corrupt. It is highly recommended that you use the Import and Export functions of BEN 32 for moving records. The Database manager provides the handling under a single Database of all records collected by one Master Station, irrespective of: origin format size date acquisition speed equipment type... All records present on your PC can be displayed and sorted according to your preferences. In the File menu, select Open Record Database or click the button REV. C Page 23

32 BEN 32 Pgm. VER SORTING THE RECORDS Two levels of sorting are available. When clicking on a column heading (column title), the list is sorted downwards according to the corresponding column contents. Note the thick arrow that appears in the heading box. After clicking on another column heading, the list is then sorted primarily on this new criterion (thick arrow), and the previous sort becomes the second sorting level. Note the thin arrow that replaced the thick arrow in that heading box. By clicking a second time on the primary sort heading (with the thick arrow), the sort direction is reversed. 3.2 VIEW (How to get there: MENU/View/View Filters...) The display can be set to show the records from: all BENs all classes of records a selection of BEN(s) one class of records TIP: a class type can be defined by the user, then specific records may be assigned to that class as an aid in data management, and increased sorting flexibility. For example you might want to create a class named Normal Operations, and assign all records created by normal breaker operations to it: Two default classes exist at the program set-up (See 3.7 Record Classes to add new classes.): New Record Imported Record Page REV. C

33 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN SELECT (How to get there: MENU/Edit/Select Records...) Through this function, part of the Database records can be selected for later archiving or deletion. Multiple records selection can also be performed through the two standard Windows procedure of: pressing the <SHIFT> key while dragging the cursor through the consecutive range of records to select. clicking on several entries while the <CTRL> key is depressed REV. C Page 25

34 BEN 32 Pgm. VER OPTIONS (How to get there: MENU/View/Options...) Database display options. The user can select the following record information to be displayed in the Database window: Record Name Name of the record as given by the user (See 3.6) Class Name Class of the record as given by the user (See 3.6) Reference Number Reference number as given by the user (See 3.6) Status flags Record statuses as given by the user (See 3.6) BEN Serial Number Equipment serial number as transmitted by the recorder BEN Name Name of the DFR as set up in the DFR parameters BEN Type Type of DFR (BEN 2000, BEN 5000,) Sub BEN Number See 1.1 Equipment of the BEN Series for the definition of sub-ben. Record Number Number given by the DFR to a specific record. File Size Size of the file in kilobytes Record Duration Duration of the record in seconds Prefault Duration Duration of the pre-fault recording in seconds Acquisition Speed Number of samples per second and per channel. Trigger Date & Time Record Weight Date and time of the start of the recording. The BEN 5000 DFR has the ability to allocate a numeric weight to each record. This weight is the result of a logic equation set in the BEN itself. It takes into account the active sensors, the weight of their group (up to 16 groups of sensors and the weight given to the logic equations on the sensor outputs. See the BEN 5000 configuration manual for more information. The Database can be displayed in normal or using a small font to accommodate your screen resolution. Check the Save as default box if you want those choices to be persistent and automatically selected every time the database window is opened. Check the Save current sort box if you want the current sorting options (see 3.1) to be persistent as well. 3.5 REFRESH LIST To update the Database display with all records from the PC hard disk. Page REV. C

35 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN RECORD INFO (How to get there: MENU/Edit/Record Info or ) Display the following summary of a specific record: The Partial Data Transfer section shows which part of the record has been retrieved (if not 100%), if only some analog channels groups have been retrieved, and the compression mode. Observe the white line representing the trigger time inside the bar graph. A means of managing your data is provided by assigning records names, reference numbers, and classes. All these fields are user definable, and the system used is left entirely up to you. The user can update the following fields in the Data Base section: Name: given to a specific record to quickly identify it. Class: the user can group the records together in various classes. Ref#: given to the record to correspond with a customer created classification system REV. C Page 27

36 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Status is manually set in the above Record Info dialog box and displayed in the Records Database as follows: The corresponding record has been viewed. This status can also be set from the graphical analysis window with the Edit/Attributes/Viewed command ( 5.14). The corresponding record has been analyzed. This status can also be set from the graphical analysis window with the Edit/Attributes/Analyzed command ( 5.14). The corresponding record has been printed. This status is also automatically set after a print out of the corresponding record. The corresponding record has been archived. 3.7 ASSOCIATED RECORDS (How to get there: MENU/View/Show/Associated Record(s) or ) This functions graphically displays a timeline of several records from a single BEN, that occurred in a short period of time. Those records probably resulted from a single physical event : - this may be a reclosing sequence : the first record is the relay tripping, the second is the reclosing; - or you may have for the same event a slow record and one or several fast records. The user can click on a record representation to open the analysis window for that record. NOTE: This function shows the record(s) from all sub-bens of a single BEN, whose time boundaries overlap or are separated by less than five seconds. Page REV. C

37 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN RECORD CLASSES (How to get there: MENU/Edit/Record Classes) Allows you to modify/add record classes. The user can group the records in classes for faster identification and recovery. It is left to the user to define the record classes according to his requirements. After the record classes have been defined, the user can add a record to a specific class by opening the Record Info dialog box (see 3.6) and by selecting the class in the Data Base section REV. C Page 29

38 BEN 32 Pgm. VER EXPORT RECORDS (How to get there: MENU/File/Export or ) Select one or more records in the records database window, then execute the Export Records function. Select the format that you need : - Native BEN 32 format : this is a copy without format conversion, for backup or for later import on another PC. It is also possible to export the complete view layout information and calculated channel equations together with the record data. - COMTRADE ASCII format. - COMTRADE Binary format. - Excel, LOTUS or MATHCAD format: this is an ASCII file format. Each line of the file consists of a set of data corresponding to one sample: the line begins with analog channel values, followed by digital channels status information. The line length is limited to 240 characters. When the number of channels to export is too large, BEN 32 limits it to not exceed the maximum line length. When you select BEN view, only the channels acquired into the BEN will be converted. When you select Default view, only the channels defined in the view selected as default (see ) will be converted. This view can include some calculated channels which will be evaluated before the conversion. You can change the path and file name where the record(s) will be saved. If only one record has been selected for export, BEN 32 suggests a file name containing the record Page REV. C

39 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 number. If several records were selected, the file name must contain an 'x' character that will be replaced with the record number of every exported record. The file extension is appended by Ben32 according to the format chosen :.ben for native BEN 32 format,.cfg (configuration file) and.dat or.bin [data file(s)] for the COMTRADE formats,.prn for Excel, Lotus or Mathcad format. The default path used by the system may be preset with the Customize/Options function at the Directories index (see chapter 9.1). NOTE: For COMTRADE or other formats or if you want to include layout and calculated channels information in the Native format, then you must open the graphical analysis window for the record and select the export function from that menu (See 5.13 Export from the Analysis) IMPORT RECORDS (How to get there: MENU/File/Import or ) The user can import into the BEN 32 Master Station, records from other directories and/or formats. The input formats supported by BEN 32 are:.ben (records in native BEN 32 format).dat (records in BEN 1000 Read Out Center format).cfg (records in COMTRADE format) The imported records are converted (unless the native BEN 32 format is selected) and copied to the DFR directory. The database is updated to include the new imported records REV. C Page 31

40 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 The user can change the path and format where the record(s) will come from. Select one or more record files in the selection dialog box, then click the Open button. For each selected file, the system shows an information box with data from the file. When importing COMTRADE files, if the record is split across several disks, you should first copy all the files to a temporary directory, then import the record from this directory. It's also possible to change the DFR Serial Number and the Record Number before importing the data into the database : Page REV. C

41 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 When importing a native BEN 32 record file, a checkbox appears if view layout information had been exported together with the record data. This information may also contain equations for calculated channels. All that information is restored if the user checks the box. If not checked, then only the record data is restored. Four buttons are available: - Import file: import this file then repeat operation for next file (if more than one file). - Import all: import this file, and all other selected files without additional prompts. - Skip file: do not import this file, but show the next selected file. - Cancel: stop import function. If the DFR is not yet known by the system, it suggests that you to create a new DFR that matches the information found in the file to be imported. This leads you to the normal BEN Creation procedure (see 2.3.2). After that DFR is created, you can effectively import the record(s) DELETE RECORDS (How to get there: MENU/Delete or ) The user can remove Records from the Database through the Delete function. Multiple records may be selected prior to executing the deletion (See 3.3 Select) REV. C Page 33

42 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Page REV. C

43 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 4 ACCESSING A SPECIFIC BEN 4.1 DEFINE A NEW BEN IN YOUR MASTER STATION In the FILE menu, choose Open BEN or click the recorders appears. button: the list of existing Press the button: you access the New BEN setup view (See page 61 Setup view). The creation process requires that all the other windows be closed. If some windows remain opened, they will be closed when you will press the button. Enter the serial number of the new fault recorder: the system will propose a default name and directory. Select the appropriate DFR type: BEN 2000, BEN 5000, BEN 500 or Imported DFR if you want to import COMTRADE files. Edit the recorder name: type the station name or any other text defining the BEN location. (24 char. max.) Edit the PC directory if you wish to use another directory name. This may be useful if you intend to use several BEN setups for the same equipment: in this way, you can create several BENs for the same equipment, with the same serial number and different names and PC directories. In most cases, leave the PC directory name as proposed by BEN 32. Fill in the other setup sheets. Create the fault recorder profile by pressing the button. (See also Communication setup section) REV. C Page 35

44 BEN 32 Pgm. VER REMOVING A BEN FROM THE MASTER STATION Close all the opened windows in the Master Station. In the FILE menu, choose Open BEN or click the recorders appears. button: the list of existing Select the BEN to delete and press the button. Select the Setup option in the VIEW menu. Press the DELETE BEN button. If some windows remain opened, pressing this button will close them. NOTE: Deleting a BEN will erase all the corresponding files and directory entries from the hard disk. 4.3 OPEN A BEN FROM THE MASTER STATION (How to get there: MENU/File/Open BEN) Use the Open BEN function or button to access a specific BEN. You can choose the BEN to open from the existing BENs in your Master Station. Highlight the BEN to open and click on the button. (See also 4.1 Create a BEN in the Master Station). TIPS: When you start typing, the BENs that most closely match the name you type are displayed. You can sort the list by BEN names or BEN numbers according the choice made in the options of the customize menu (see 9.2). Use the button to open the last accessed BEN. Page REV. C

45 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN View (How to get there: MENU/View) The user can view the BEN under four different views: BEN Directory (How to get there: MENU/View/Directory or ) Show the list of the records from that BEN. The Master Station shows you the last directory received from the BEN (empty if no earlier reception). By clicking one of the column headings - the column title - you can sort the list based on the sort criteria specified for that column. In the example shown, the list has been sorted by record number as indicated by the arrow close to the record column title. Clicking a second time on this title will invert the sorting order from increasing to decreasing order. The symbol in the leftmost column shows if the record has been transferred to the PC: a whole record transferred with all channels only some channels (analog groups or events) were transferred (see for partial records) all channels but only a part of the record along the time axis has been transferred (the transmission has been aborted) only some channels and only a part of the record has been retrieved REV. C Page 37

46 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 A red bullet indicates that the record is blocked in the memory of the BEN (the BEN works in the "blocked" (write protect) mode - see for the Release Record command) The directory view can be customized to show various types of information. Select MENU/View/Options... to customize the directory: The Directory window provides access to the following operations: Updating the directory The Master Station keeps on a sub-ben basis the last directory received. The date of retrieval is displayed in the window title bar. As long as the directory is up-to-date, i.e. as long as new records in the BEN have not taken the memory space used by the oldest ones, this directory can be used to select one or more records to retrieve. To update the directory, which means in reality updating the file on your PC keeping a copy of the BEN directory, press the button. This will start a communication session with the BEN during which the directories from all sub-bens will be retrieved. Normally the system will stay on-line at the end of the transaction allowing you to select additional records to retrieve. However, this behavior can be changed by customizing the system options (see 9.1). Page REV. C

47 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Retrieving records from the BEN. 1. First, select the origin of the data from the BEN: - the box in the bottom left corner of the directory window allows the selection of a sub-ben, - the radio-buttons let you choose between memory and hard disk (if the BEN is equipped with a hard disk). If you need more control or you want the selection to be permanent, then select the data origin from MENU/Control/Data Origin... Selection of a data origin: the sub-ben. the Hard Disk or the semiconductor memory. a time range between a Start date and an End date when the disk origin is selected. 2. Select one or more records from the list, then press the button. You may also use the New Records function (see 4.3.2) to retrieve all new records (records not yet present on the PC). Open a record previously retrieved through or double click on the already retrieved record. If a technical problem is reported by the BEN, a red indication appears at the bottom of the records list giving the count of errors reported by the BEN. To obtain more information about the errors, click on this field; the system then retrieves the BEN status and shows the sheet containing information about the errors (see BEN status errors sheet) REV. C Page 39

48 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Show record information (How to get there: MENU/View/Show/Record Info or ) Displays the summary of the selected record (see 3.6 Record Info). Show associated records (How to get there: MENU/View/Show/Associated Record(s) or ) Displays the time diagram of associated records (see 3.7 Associated Records). Print the BEN directory (How to get there: MENU/File/Print...or from the Ben directory view) A dialog box opens. The following options are available: Current Printer This is the active printer. Choose the setup option to change the printer settings. Data to print Select the information items that you want to be printed. Print range Print the full directory list or only the range of selected items. You can use a small font to reduce space on paper. You can save all these options as default. Press the "Print" button to start printing. Or press the "Print preview" button to display a simulation of the printed result on your screen. TIPS:Use the button to open the last accessed record. Several directories can be opened at the same time (e.g. display the directories of several sub-bens of the same system). Use the MENU/Window/Duplicate function or the button to create another window showing the same content. You can adapt the content of each window independently to display the directory of several sub-bens. Repeat the same operation as many time as needed. Use the MENU/Window/Tile or button and MENU/Window/Cascade or button to arrange the windows on the screen. Page REV. C

49 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN BEN Status (How to get there: MENU/View/Status or ) Show the various statuses of the BEN: System status Mode: Run: the BEN is in normal operation. Idle: the BEN is not operational. It is awaiting the loading of some configuration parameters (sampling frequency, memory allocation, ). Initializing: The BEN is initializing for a few seconds after powerup or reset or going from Idle to Run. Status: Off: Acquisition is not running. Standby: The BEN is operating and awaiting a start condition. Operating: the BEN is operating and currently recording data from the acquisition units into memory. Operated: the BEN is operating and has recorded some data. Errors : total count of errors reported by the BEN REV. C Page 41

50 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 System info Serial number, type, name of BEN and firmware version. Parameters Revision number, date and time, and status of the current system configuration. Other info Temperature : inside the control unit when this option is available (BEN 5000). Power supply : Ok or Error. Next fault : which will be recorded. Relay functions This table shows the status of the various BEN internal alarm signals. The alarms currently active are shown in red. Not all of them are connected to a physical relay. Numbers between parenthesis at the right of the table show the physical relays mapped to the alarm functions. (See your configuration to identify the signals activating the relays * ) This button starts a communication session to access the BEN and update the Master Station with the current DFR status. For more information on the content of the "Subsystems", "Sub-Bens", "Main", "Control" and "Acquisition" sheets, consult the on-line help by pressing the button when the corresponding sheet is displayed. On all those sheets, errors are shown in red; you can click on the error indicator to get detailed information. * EII configuration software is required for this operation. Page REV. C

51 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Errors sheet Errors detected in the BEN fault recorder are counted and transmitted to the Master Station together with the records directory. They pertain to a specific BEN at the time of the communication. An error might have disappeared since the last communication. Use the Refresh function to update the status. Error counters : Acquisition : count of errors from the acquisition subsystem. See the "Control" and "Acquisition" sheets for more info. Hard disk : errors from the hard disk unit. See the "Subsystems" sheet. Printer : check the printer or the connection. See the "Subsystems" sheet. Other hardware : errors from other boards of the system (e.g. the multi I/O board). See the "Main" sheet. Communication : errors from the communication elements. See the "Subsystems" sheet. Time synchro : bad configuration of the time synchronization function. Configuration : errors in the configuration files. Reload the configuration. Internal : other internal checks executed by the BEN software. The list gives for all errors detected the BEN element concerned and the full error message. An internal diagnostic code can be communicated to Electronic Instruments Int. if you request assistance for troubleshooting REV. C Page 43

52 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Some errors related to internal checks of the BEN are not detailed in this list. More information can be found for those errors on the "Logging" sheet. Logging sheet The most recent equipment of the BEN 5000 series provide a tracking system of significant events like, running errors or alarm activation, system reset, changes in system configuration, etc. Those events are classified as information, warning or error messages. The list displays the following information for the last 200 events maintained in the BEN : Type: notification, internal, configuration, acquisition, printer, communication. Date & time : when the event occurred. Cause: description message. TIP: To view more details about an event, double-click the corresponding line in the list. Printout of the logging data : (How to get there : MENU/File/Print... or from the BEN logging sheet) A dialog box opens with the following options : Page REV. C

53 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Current printer : This is the active printer. Choose the Setup option to change the printer settings. Data to print : Select the information items that you want to be printed. Print range : Print the full logging list or only the range of selected items. Sorting : Print the list beginning with the most recent event (as on the screen) or with the oldest event. You can use a small font to reduce space on paper. You can save all these options as default. Press the "Print" button to start printing. Or press the "Print Preview" button to display a simulation of the printing result on your screen Parameters (How to get there: MENU/View/Parameters or ) (See also the BEN fault recorder reference manual for more information) When you select this view, the Master Station starts a communication session to retrieve the current BEN parameters. At the end of the session, you can display the various parameters. Some parameters can be modified from the Master Station and sent back to the BEN. Upon the entry of a modification, the button will appear and offer to load the new parameters into the BEN. The parameter fields are grayed (disabled) if they cannot be modified by the current user (i.e. when the user is not granted the access right, or if the communication with the BEN did not succeed) REV. C Page 45

54 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 System Field Display Modify Speed Prefault time BEN Master Clock Memory size Sub BEN name Param file revision index Param file revision date NOTE: When you modify the speed or the prefault time, the BEN switches to the configuration mode (IDLE mode) and the acquisition memory is erased. Page REV. C

55 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Analog channels The parameters of the analog channels depend on the version of the firmware in the BEN. 1.) BEN 5000 older than version 2.00: The bottom part of the screen shows the parameters corresponding to the selected channel: Name Display Modify Channel name Page Centering Position Full scale Units Scale offset Range factor Terminal Signal type Sensor involved Press the SHOW SENSOR button to modify sensor parameters Group Press the SHOW GROUP button to modify group parameters REV. C Page 47

56 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Terms definition: Page: page number which the BEN will print this channel on. When you deal with a large number of channels, it's practical to distribute the printing of the channels on several pages. By extension, these different pages will be displayed in the Master Station in so many screens showing the channels as they appear on a printed page. Centering: Location of zero axis. Position: Channel position on the page, in points from left to right. The channel position is always the position of the middle of the scale drawn in the channel header. In BEN 2000, the maximum value depends on the number of points available on the BEN printer. In BEN 5000, the maximum is always 2047 points and, whatever is the physical width of the page, on the printer or on the screen, it corresponds to a total logical width of 2048 points. Full scale: Signal width in points printed when the full input range is reached. Units: Nominal input value rounded to a number represented on the screen or on the paper by the width of the scale drawn in the channel header. Scale offset: Value of the Analog to Digital converter when the lowest value of the range is applied on the input (in A to D points). Range factor: Ratio between nominal input value as defined in the units field and the full input range. Terminal: Physical terminal block where the input signal is connected. Signal type: Analog input or description of the calculated channel. Page REV. C

57 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 2.) BEN 5000 version 2.00 or later, and all BEN 500C: Name Display Modify Channel name Page Position Scale size Phase Circuit Units Gain Offset Scale Min Scale Max Sensor involved Press the SHOW SENSOR button to modify sensor parameters Group Press the SHOW GROUP button to modify group parameters REV. C Page 49

58 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Terms definition: Scale size: size of the scale indicator in logical points (2048 = total width). Phase: optional phase indication. Circuit: optional circuit number (0-255). Gain: multiplier value used to convert from the Analog to Digital converter value to the real value. Offset: adder value used to convert from the A/D converter value to the real value. Scale Min: real value at the lowest limit of the size indicator. Scale Max: real value at the highest limit of the size indicator. Digital channels Name Display Modify Signal name Group Event in Group Signal Polarity Terminal Signal type Sensor involved Press the SHOW SENSOR button to modify sensor parameters Group Press the SHOW GROUP button to modify group parameters Page REV. C

59 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Sensors Name Display Modify Input Channel Sensor ON/OFF Sensor settings Terminal Sensor Type Analog output Digital output Sensor settings are a function of the sensor type. See your BEN Manual (EII P/N for BEN 5000, for BEN 500C) for more information about the various sensor types and their parameters. NOTE: To change the sensor type used on a channel, refer to the configuration manual, EII P/N REV. C Page 51

60 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Groups This sheet summarizes information for analog as well as digital groups. Name Display Modify Group Name Digital groups only Page Digital groups only Position Digital groups only Type Channels in group Page REV. C

61 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Pages Editing page titles (max. 128 char.): this title will appear on every page printed. Autocall This screen allows the user to make modifications to the Autocall and Fax parameters of the BEN REV. C Page 53

62 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Autocall function: Check the "Enable auto call function" box to activate the BEN autocall mechanism at the occurrence of new records. Enter a value for the "Record weight threshold" if you want the BEN to call only for records whose weight equals at least that given value. Enter zero to activate the call for every record (even manually triggered records). See the BEN configuration manual to set the weight values on the trigger sources. Enter phone numbers to call. The Ben is able to call 4 different locations for every record. It calls one number for every location that you fill in; if the call does not succeed (no answer, or connection problem) then it tries the next number of the same location. If the number begins with the letter 'F', the BEN will assume that the remote device is a Fax machine instead of a PC running the BEN 32 software. If the number begins with the letter 'E', the BEN will open a TCP/IP communication session (it must be equipped with an optional Ethernet interface board). In this case, the letter 'E' is followed by the IP address of the PC to communicate with, then a comma ',' character and a socket number (normally 20001). Example : E , Enter one or more delay values if you want the BEN to retry the numbers (up to 4 times after the first try) after some time if none of the calls to a location succeeded. Operating logic of the autocall system Up to four remote devices to call may be programmed from "Location #1" to "Location #4". A "Location" may address either a Master Station or a Fax machine (specified by the leading 'F' in the phone number). The goal of the "autocall" sequence is to reach at least one of the phone numbers programmed in each "Location". One a fault is recorded, the BEN checks if the weight associated with this fault is greater or equal to the "Autocall threshold" specified. If so, the system dials the first phone number of "Location 1". If the connection is made, the system will continue with the next location (and so on until "Location 4"). If the connection fails the system will try the next phone numbers of the same "Location". If none of these calls succeed, the Ben waits for a delay programmed in "Delay after 1 st try" field and then tries another sequence beginning with the first number of the same location. Up to 4 retries are allowed using a different delay between each attempt ("delay after 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th try"). Once all the locations have been called (with or without success), the autocall system stops and enters an idle state while waiting for a new fault recording. Note that any fault occurring during a Fax transmission that matches the threshold will be sent during the current Fax transmission. Edit the Fax options for the sub-bens if faxes are to be sent (i.e. if fax numbers are set in the call fields). Page REV. C

63 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 The "compression ratio" specifies the number of samples that will be read from the record to print a pixel on the Fax page. Setting this number to 1 will result in an uncompressed print (i.e. one pixel for each sample). The "auto" option the whole record to be placed on a single page (the compression ratio is automatically computed by the BEN). The "max number sheets" will limit the number of sheets printed for each record. Selecting the "unlimited" setting means that no limit applies, setting this to 1 means that the record will be truncated after the first sheet has been printed (loosing the end of the record). Remember that in the BEN, a record print-out may be split into more than one "page" (see configuration manual, Channel printing parameters). The "compression ratio" and "max number of sheets" parameters will apply independently on each "page". For example, if you specified the printing of your records on two "pages" and an automatic "compression ratio" (single page) the Fax will output one paper sheet for "page 1" and another sheet for "page 2". In all cases, setting the "max number of sheets" field to the value 'N' will limit the fax paper usage to 'N' times the number of BEN "pages". Modem The modem sheet is used to set the modem parameters for the BEN 5000 & 500C REV. C Page 55

64 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 The window contains eight fields, each of which accepts alphanumeric characters that correspond to one or more modem commands. Most modems accept "Hayes" commands. For this reason, all fields contain predefined standard values which are compatible with the majority of modems. The characters in the "Configuration" field are sent to the modem each time the Ben is turned on, or when a new configuration is transmitted by the read-out center. The strings in the "Initialization" and "Auto-answer mode" fields are sent to the modem every 255 seconds for the purpose of reinitialization. This operation is carried out to avoid any trouble on modems without configuration memory backup. Following a power supply breakdown, for example, such a modem might lose its correct configuration and ultimately block calls from the Master Station. The commands in the "Initialization" field should allow reinitialization of the modem, and the "Auto-answer mode" field commands should place the modem in "auto-answer" mode. The BEN 5000 uses the "Dial prefix" field commands to perform autocalls. To execute a call, the BEN 5000 groups the "Dial prefix" field contents, the telephone numbers defined in the autocall parameters, and finally the contents of the "Dial suffix" field. This three chain group is then sent to the modem for execution. The string in the "Hang up" field allows the BEN to hang up the modem at the end of the communication session. The chain of "AT" commands in the "Fax initialization" field allows the BEN to send initializing commands specific to the fax mode. This field must at least be filled with a command string that will select the hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control. See your modem manual for the exact syntax of this command. The default string preset by the software is valid for most FAX/MODEMS supporting the CLASS 2.0. The last field "Fax local ID" is not a command for the modem but a text string that will be passed to the remote fax that will usually print it on top of each page as an identifier. Page REV. C

65 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Users This sheet is only available if you are authorized to modify BEN user's names and passwords. The left column lists all the current users. The last line is free to add a new user (maximum 30 users allowed). Select an entry to edit the user's name (max. 16 char.) or password (max. 8 char.). If you erase the "Name" field, the user will be removed from the table. The right column displays the user's access privileges for the selected entry. These access privileges control the access to remote commands (from BEN 32) as well as local commands (front panel of the BEN). Two modes are available to define the access privileges of a user : Access levels : up to 6 levels of access, each level automatically determines the access rights of lower levels : - Show directories, records and parameters. This is the minimal access; the user is only allowed to read BEN records and information. - Manual and remote start, printer control. Allows for some testing by manually triggering records. Also allows the user to abort, reset or advance paper on a local printer. - Release records from memory, erase records from the hard disk. Gives the right to control the discarding of records in the BEN (memory or disk). - Modify parameters. Allows the user to modify the BEN parameters that can be adjusted while the BEN is in RUN mode. See the other sheets of the BEN parameters window REV. C Page 57

66 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Modify system parameters, BEN mode, and send configuration files. Allows to modify all parameters, and to send a whole new configuration to the BEN. - Modify the table of users. This is the access level necessary to be able to edit the table of users. NOTE: You should always setup one administrator name with access level 6 in order to be able to edit this table of users. Access classes : advanced setting of specific command classes. This mode gives more flexibility to allow access to any class of commands for every user. You need to understand the purpose of the commands to decide whether to grant or deny the access. Moreover, some remote commands (from BEN 32 to the BEN) need access to more than one class because they send several basic commands to the BEN. List of access classes and associated commands : Get BEN configuration files Software revisions System status (system, sub-ben, hard disk, etc.) Retrieval of modem configuration parameters Retrieval of autocall configuration parameters Retrieval of user parameters Retrieval of calibration data Retrieval of start-up logic Retrieval of system identification Retrieval of sub-ben identification Send BEN configuration files Send modem configuration parameters Send autocall configuration parameters Send user parameters Send calibration information Send start-up logic Send system identification Send sub-ben identification Read acquisition data Placing sub-ben in standby mode Retrieval of sub-ben identification Retrieval of fault directory Retrieval of faults Partial retrieval of faults Releasing records from memory Freeing a fault from BEN 5000 memory Page REV. C

67 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Show Parameters View channel parameters View sensor parameters Modify parameters Modification of channel parameters Modification of sensor parameters Modification of sub-ben name Modification of acquisition speed Modification of pre-fault length Modification of page titles Modification of event groups Modify parameters (advanced) Modification of advanced sensor parameters (trigger masks) Manual or remote start Manual triggering a record (via the "Manual start" key on BEN keyboard or the remote start command of BEN 32). Printer control (only local) Abort a printout in progress. Reinitialize printer Modify printer options Modification of printer options ("Automatic printing of new faults", "Automatic printing of the event names, printing compression and pages). Modify communication options Modification of the communication address Modification of the communication speed Erase records from hard disk Erase faults from hard disk device System modifications Move into "IDLE" or "RUN" mode Modification of date and time Modification of BEN name Modification of active/inactive state of autocall system Modify the table of users Access to the "User" menu in configuration software (see 3.6) or to Users sheet in BEN REV. C Page 59

68 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Printout of the parameters of the BEN From the parameters view of the BEN, select MENU/File/Print... or. The following dialog box is shown: Current Printer This is the active printer. Chose the Setup option to change the printer settings. Only printers defined under the operating system are selectable. Data to print You can select individual sections of the parameters to be printed or not. Check the Save as default box if you want to make your choices permanent. Sub-BENs Select the Sub-BENs for which you want to print information. Press the button to start printing. Press the on your screen. button to display a simulation of the printed result Page REV. C

69 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN BEN Setup (How to get there: MENU/View/Setup or ) Main Setup The main setup sheet summarizes the identification parameters of the BEN: the station name is any text up to 24 characters describing the BEN location. the serial number, the type and the PC directory are defined when you create the BEN: they cannot be modified later. (See 1. for a description of the various BEN types). The PC directory identifies the sub division of your hard disk where these BEN specific files are downloaded. The button removes the BEN and all associated files from the Database and erases all the corresponding files and directory entries from the hard drive. Most of the other windows will be closed during the deleting process REV. C Page 61

70 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Communication Setup (See also 7 Communications) The communication sheet summarizes the parameters for carrying out a communication session with a BEN. It groups together all the options settable on a BEN basis. Refer to 9.1 for the options common to all BENs. Address This parameter is used when several BENs are connected on the same communication line. The default value is 1 for BEN 5000 and a value identical to the serial number for BEN You will not be able to carry out a communication session if this number is not identical to the address configured in the BEN equipment itself. Link This field defines the communication link setup used for each call to this BEN. Select one of the setups available; you can edit the setup by pressing the button. Be aware that any modification to the selected modem setup will also affect any other system using the same modem setup. Page REV. C

71 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 See 7.3 for details about the modem setup. Phone number or IP address If the selected link is a modem, then enter the complete telephone number (up to 64 char) in this field. You can precede the telephone number itself with a prefix for your switchboard, or add to it any additional character useful to make the connection to the remote modem. If you selected the TCP/IP link, then enter here the IP address of the BEN (4 numbers separated with dots). Example : Name and password In these fields, enter your user name and password for identification to the BEN 5000 equipment. This name determines your access level to the system and will be used for any usual access to the fault recorder (like getting data, status, etc...). When you issue more specific requests, for example a configuration modification, the application will prompt you to enter another name and password to get access to those operations. If your organization has not implemented this security scheme, you can check the Don't ask for high-level access box and the system will use the low level name and password for every transaction. See also High-level access. These fields are not used for BEN 2000 equipment. The following parameters located on the right hand side of the screen only concern the automatic communication mode (see also 7.6): Polling Check this box to add this BEN to the automatic polling cycle. When you start the automatic communication mode, the system will periodically retrieve the new records from this BEN. Auto Call Check this box to allow the Master Station to answer calls coming from this BEN when the automatic communication mode is active. Weight Thresholds Fill in these fields for sorting records retrieved in automatic mode: records with a weight higher or equal to the high threshold will be retrieved immediately as soon as the BEN issues an auto-call REV. C Page 63

72 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 records with a weight between both thresholds will be retrieved at the time of the next polling cycle. records with a weight below the low threshold will not be automatically retrieved. They will remain in the fault recorder as long as you don't ask for them manually. Data Origin Select the origin of records for the automatic communication mode: memory or hard drive, and sub-bens where to retrieve the new records from. Options Defines parameters for the Auto-print function (see 7.6.4) and automatic export functions (see 7.6.5) Control (How to get there: MENU/Control) Get new Records (How to get there: MENU/Control/Get New Records or ) This command is used to retrieve all the new records from the BEN. The BEN 32 Master Station first checks the PC database, than asks for all the records which have never been retrieved before. This command is available when the active window is a BEN directory view (see 4.3.1). Select the data origin as the BEN memory or the BEN disk and the sub-ben(s) you want to retrieve from. Page REV. C

73 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 You can optionally set a minimum weight to only retrieve the most important records. Press the button: this will start a communication session with the BEN. The directories will be updated. The new records will be retrieved according to their weight. The record with the highest weight is retrieved first. (See also Open Records Database 3, Customize communication 9.1) Partial records (How to get there: MENU/Control/Get part of records or ) To save communication time, BEN 32 allows you the option of retrieving only some types of channels from a BEN: - only the events (digital channels, sensor alarm states) - on the BEN 5000 series, some analog groups The Get part of records command is available from the BEN directory view after selection of one or several records. Check Events only or select the analog groups to retrieve; when you select some analog groups, the system also retrieves all the events if they are not present in the Database yet. Press the button to start the communications with the BEN. Observe at the end of the communications the special mark in the directory view which indicates that the record is not complete (see 4.3.1) REV. C Page 65

74 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Release records (How to get there: MENU/Control/Release Record or ) This command is available when the BEN 5000 MEMORY directory is displayed. This command releases the selected record(s) from the BEN memory, allowing them to be overwritten. Use this command periodically when the BEN is configured in blocked (write protect) mode, i.e. when new records do not automatically replace oldest ones. (See also 3.3 Multiple selection) Erase records (How to get there: MENU/Control/Erase Record) Available when the BEN 5000 DISK directory is displayed, this command erases the record(s) from the BEN DFR s hard disk. The records already transferred to the BEN 32 Master Station will remain on the PC. (See also 3.3 Multiple selection) You have two options: - erase all the records previously selected in the directory list, - or erase all records between two given dates. NOTE: The directory view is not automatically updated after issuing the Release or Erase command because it can take some time to be processed by the BEN. To obtain an updated directory, press the completion. button after command Page REV. C

75 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN High Level Access (How to get there: MENU/Control/High Level access or ) For transactions requiring some high level privilege like Remote Start, Erase Records, Modify Parameters or configuration, the Master Station will prompt you to enter a name and password corresponding to this high level access. This command allows you to change this identification at any time. To suppress the automatic prompt for high level access, check the Don't ask for high-level access box in the BEN communication setup Remote start (How to get there: MENU/Control/Remote Start or ) This function allows you to start the BEN (create a recording) remotely. Fill in the record duration field: it will determine the total record length, prefault time included. Select the start-buses to trigger: depending of your BEN configuration, this will determine which subbens will start and consequently the number of records (one for every subben started) generated. (See also Sub-BEN and Start bus definition in the Glossary). Check Get record immediately if you want the record immediately transferred to your PC REV. C Page 67

76 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 NOTE: The system takes into account the Hang-up delay when deciding to get the records immediately: it waits for the end of the recording, then retrieves the record(s) only when the Start duration is shorter than the Hang-up delay. Otherwise the system processes the next transaction or hangs up without getting the remotely triggered record(s) Configure BEN (optional) (How to get there: MENU/Control/Configure BEN or ) Gets the complete BEN 5000 configuration and sends it back to the system after modification. This command first starts a communication session to retrieve the current configuration, then calls the DOS configuration program according to the path defined under Customize directories ( 9.1). After modification and saving in the DOS application, the Master Station will automatically download the new files to the BEN, then display the BEN status as long as the initializing process is in progress. This allows for checking that the BEN goes back to the normal operating (RUN) state without configuration errors. See also the configuration manual, EII P/N WARNING: Sending a new configuration temporarily switches the system to the configuration (IDLE) mode that erases the acquisition memory. It is important in a system with no Hard Disk backup to retrieve the records before using this command Send configuration (How to get there: MENU/Control/Send configuration) Sends the configuration files currently present on the Master Station, in the BEN directory under the BENCFG path. Example of this path for BEN serial number 127:...\BENCFG\B5_ This command should be used cautiously but can be useful to restore a backup configuration on a system that is locked up. Page REV. C

77 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Get configuration (How to get there: MENU/Control/Get configuration) Use this command to backup your BEN. The files retrieved will be stored in a directory based on the serial number under the BENCFG path defined in the Customize/options/directories ( 9.1) BEN Date and Time This command is used to display the current date and time of the BEN DFR. It also allows you to send the current PC date and time to the BEN, to set its Real Time Clock Abort Communication (How to get there: MENU/Control/Abort Communication or ) Terminates the current communication. This command is grayed when the current transaction was not issued from the active window. In this case, select first the window that the command originated from. It is also possible to abort the communication or to hang-up the telephone line from the communication status view (see 7.5) REV. C Page 69

78 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Page REV. C

79 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 5 GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS 5.1 OPENING A RECORD FOR ANALYSIS From a record still in a BEN fault recorder: Select the record to analyze from the BEN directory and click the button. The PC will communicate with the BEN and download the record. It will start the display if the Open Record at Reception option has been set (See BEN Directory). From a record in the Database: Select the record to analyze from the Database directory and click the button. You can also double click on the record to analyze. You can also use the function MENU/File/4 to 8 or record. button to select the last accessed The Analysis screen is as follows: (the whole length of the record in page 1 will appear) REV. C Page 71

80 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 NOTE: In order to avoid overloading one screen with a large number of channels recorded in parallel, the BEN series fault recorders offer the ability to spread the channels on parallel pages. Channels directly relevant to each other (e.g. from the same feeder) can be placed on the same page and expanded without overlapping. 5.2 ELEMENTS OF THE ANALYSIS WINDOW Toolbar (See for toolbar description and 9.2 for customization) To have a hint about the function of a toolbar button, move the cursor on top of the questioned toolbar button. The toolbar button description will appear in the left part of the status bar. A "Tooltip" will also appear after a few seconds. e.g. of tooltip - If you want to perform the function: click the left mouse button while the cursor is on the toolbar button. - If you do not want to perform the function, move the cursor away from the toolbar button Record Title Line Two buttons at the top left corner control the type of measurement displayed. The leftmost button is used to toggle between types of measurements (see also Values). Type of measurement Button indicator Condition Amplitude measurement at Red marker active the red marker Amplitude measurement at Green marker active the green marker Double markers delta Two markers active measurement True RMS measurement Two markers on a multiple of periods Page REV. C

81 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 (See Marker below for more information about the markers) The second button is used to toggle between instantaneous (or peak) values and values divided by 2 (square root of 2). Type of measurement Instantaneous value Divided by 2 Button indicator The center part of the title line can be toggled between two types of information : Record information : Expansion 1/2-10/22/95-14:41: Hz - Page 1/3 Current expansion factor of the screen e.g. 4/1 = 4 screen pixels = 1 acquisition sample 1/4 = 1 screen pixel = 4 acquisition samples Date & Time of the record (trigger time) Sampling frequency of the acquisition unit Page number out of the maximum number of pages The page title as defined by the user : Line 25/ kv - to New York Click on the title line to toggle between the two types of information. The top right corner of the title line offers two buttons : : previous page: swap to the display of the previous page (when available). : next page: swap to the display of the next page (when available) REV. C Page 73

82 BEN 32 Pgm. VER The Status bar The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the Master Station window. The left area of the status bar indicates actions currently underway. The right area of the status bar include four status indicators: Time value of the active marker position when displaying a record : (See Markers at 5.2.5) Click in this area to toggle between the relative time value from the trigger time of the record, and the absolute time value. When the active window shows a list (e.g. the events view), then this area can also show the number of selected items in the list. Time difference between markers when two markers are used when displaying a record : (See Markers at 5.2.5) When the active window shows a list (e.g. the events view), then this area can also show the total number of items of the list. NOTE: If you right click on one of those two areas, a context menu shows the display options. The "Save" item allows to freeze the selected option as default when new windows open. Page REV. C

83 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Communication status: This area shows one of the following: IDLE if no communication is currently in progress. AUTO if no communication is in progress, but the automatic mode is active. The serial number of a BEN currently connected. A number of K-bytes or percentage of data already received during a data transfer. You can double click on this area to open the communication status window (see 7.5). Current time (PC time): The format of this field depends upon your selected settings under your operating system REV. C Page 75

84 BEN 32 Pgm. VER The Channel Description Pane The left most window shows the identification and amplitude of the various channels displayed on that page. The appearance of this pane may be adjusted from the "Display Options" dialog (see 5.7): you may adjust the alignment and number of significant digits for the values, as well as the size of characters. NOTE: The user can move the split bar between the Channel Description Pane and the Graphic Pane to display more or less of either window. Click on the channel box in this pane to select a channel (see Selecting channels for more info). Page REV. C

85 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN The Graphic Pane The major part of the screen is reserved for the graphical display of the measurements NOTE: The user can move the split bar between the Channel Description Pane and the Graphic Pane to display more or less of either window. It shows four distinct elements: The graphic area with the plot of the analog and digital channels The marker(s) The time scale The scrolling bar REV. C Page 77

86 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Graphic Area Channels are displayed as defined in the BEN fault recorder, or in the user s view. The leftmost part of each channel plot shows a scale indicator. Digital channels : Grouped by 8 digital inputs A thin line represents an input in the normal state A thick line represents an input in the alarm state Click on the group name or the scale indicator to select the digital channels group. Analog channels Click on the channel name or scale indicator to select the channel. Page REV. C

87 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN The Marker(s) The marker is a vertical cursor you can position along the record to perform measurements. To move the marker, place the mouse cursor on the marker and press the left mouse button while you drag the marker along the record. The value of each channel at the marker position is shown in the channel description window (See Channel Description Pane). The status bar indicates the position of the marker from the time of the trigger, or the absolute time at the position of the marker (see The status bar).. A second marker can be placed to make differential measurements. To place a second marker, click the right mouse button while the cursor is above the graphics pane and select Set Marker 2. A green marker will appear and can be moved independently from marker 1. The master marker is shown with a triangular head and foot, and is used as the base for most measurement values REV. C Page 79

88 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Moving markers with the mouse (left mouse button): - Click a marker and drag it to the desired position. This marker becomes the master and may be dropped on any acquisition point. - Double click anywhere in the graphics pane: this brings the master marker to the mouse position. If you hold down the left mouse button, you may then drag the marker. - While dragging a marker, if you press the Control key, the marker is constrained to move on a multiple of periods from the starting position. - If you press the Shift key before beginning a drag operation when two markers are active, you can adjust the delta time between markers according to specific needs of the active mathematical function or measurements. TIP: If you press the "Escape" key while dragging a marker, then the drag operation is canceled and the initial position of the marker is restored. Moving markers with the keyboard: - Use left and right arrow keys to move the master marker on any acquisition. - Control + left or right arrow key moves the master marker to previous or next period. - Shift + left or right arrow key moves the non-master marker to adjust the delta time between markers. TIP: Even while dragging a marker with the mouse, you can use the left and right arrow keys to drop the marker with precision on a position. Both markers can be linked and moved together for constant time gap analysis. Click on the mouse right button and select Link markers in the menu. The status bar indicates the time difference between the markers. Clearing a marker: - Click the right mouse button while your mouse cursor is exactly positioned on the marker to delete. Select the "Clear marker" item of the menu. NOTE: The period size is computed according to the line frequency parameter (see 9.1: Customize/Options under the System index). Page REV. C

89 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN The time scale The time scale is displayed at the bottom of the screen. + Times are always in seconds. Zero corresponds to the time of the trigger. Negative times correspond to the pre-fault. Positive times correspond to the post-fault The scrolling bar The total length of the scrolling bar is an image of the total record length. The slider represents the portion thereof currently on the screen. To re-size the portion of the record currently on the screen, you can click on the right or left handle of the slider and drag to re-size. To display another portion of the record, move the slider along the scrolling bar to the desired position. Click on the middle of the slider and drag to another location. You can also use the and buttons at each end of the scrolling bar. NOTE: Three indicators are displayed in the scrolling bar: White: indicates the position of the trigger point within the record. Red: indicates the position of the red marker within the record. Green: indicates the position of the green marker within the record. These indicators are only visible when out of the current screen. If the record is very long, it initially opens with a compression factor that guarantees to show at least two screen pixels for each period of the signal; this avoids the visual aliasing effect. If you increase the compression factor to show more of the record, a small icon (a magnifying glass in a triangle) on the scrolling bar warns that the screen resolution is too low and that visual aliasing errors may occur REV. C Page 81

90 BEN 32 Pgm. VER NAVIGATING THE RECORD With the Scrolling Bar (See Graphic Pane for more information about the scrolling bar). Drag the slider within the scrolling bar to select the part of the record on display. Click on the left or right arrow for small moves in the record. Click on the thumbtrack (left or right of the slider) to scroll the record for 75% of the window width. Click on the thumbtrack while pressing the CONTROL key to scroll the record for the size of a period With the Keyboard Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys for small scrolls. Use PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN keys for 75% scrolls. Use PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN while holding down the CONTROL key for period scrolls. HOME scrolls to the beginning of the record (leftmost position). END scrolls to the end of the record (rightmost position) Center View (How to get there: MENU/View/Center view or Center view button) This function allows you to center the display of the record on: the trigger point the first marker the second marker Page REV. C

91 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Zoom Function - Place the mouse cursor on the time scale at the bottom of the record window; the shape of the cursor changes to a magnifying glass with a selection line. - Place the mouse cursor on the leftmost time position of the area that you want to enlarge then press the left mouse button. - While holding the mouse button down, drag the cursor to the right and watch the rectangular area on the screen. At this point, you may cancel the function with the "ESC" key of the keyboard or the right mouse button. - When the rectangle closely surrounds the area that you want to enlarge, release the mouse button Zoom on Markers (How to get there: MENU/View/Zoom on markers or Zoom on markers button) This function allows you to display a maximum of the record between the two markers. View before zoom REV. C Page 83

92 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 View after Zoom Zoom out function (How to get there: MENU/View/Zoom Out or Zoom out button) This function allows you to return to the previous lower expansion factor and position in the record. BEN 32 keeps track of the latest eight zoom factors and positions Expansion Factor (How to get there: MENU/View/Expansion or View expansion button) You can manually enter an expansion factor (select stretch) or a compression factor (select undersample) of your choice. Alternately, you can drag one of the two handles of the slider (see for more info about the scrolling bar). TIP: If you click on a handle without dragging it, the expansion factor increases or decreases by one according to the direction of the last dragging done on handles. Page REV. C

93 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Values (How to get there: MENU/Math/Values) This function allows you to define the type of amplitude indications displayed: Amplitude at marker 1 (RED): the real scale amplitude of the signal as defined in the BEN fault recorder. The leftmost button of the title line indicates this mode with (see Record Title line). The value shown for each channel in the channel description pane is the amplitude at the position of the master marker. Amplitude at marker 2 (GREEN): same functionality as above, but for the green marker. Delta amplitude: the difference in amplitude between the two markers. The leftmost button of the title line indicates this mode with True RMS: the true RMS (square root of the sum of squared values) is computed between the two markers. If necessary, the second marker is automatically moved to ensure the distance between markers is a multiple of a period. The markers are linked together in order to keep this distance constant when moving markers. You may easily modify the number of periods used for calculation by pressing the SHIFT key and moving the non-master marker (see on markers). The leftmost button of the title line indicates this mode with. None: no indication of amplitude. You might want to select this option to accommodate a high number of channel names on one single page. No indicator appears in the left part of the title bar. Peak values: The peak mode or RMS-equivalent mode may be selected for AC signals in the Amplitude or Delta amplitude modes. The same selection may be done with the second button of the title line (see 5.2.2). NOTE: To follow the general use of RMS values in electrical networks, the standard setup and calibration of the BENs are configured in such a way that all the measurements give the equivalent RMS value of the instantaneous voltage. This means that the value displayed is the instantaneous value at the marker position divided by the square root of two. In such a way, the voltage value displayed when there is no fault is the nominal value of the line. This mode is indicated by the second button of the title line with. To have the real peak value displayed, select the Peak measurement mode, indicated by the button with. 5.4 NAVIGATING THE PAGES (How to get there: MENU/View/Page) REV. C Page 85

94 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 This function allows you to jump to another page of the same record: Next page or next page button. Previous page or previous page button. Page Number... or button you are prompted to enter the page number. 5.5 NAVIGATING THE LIST OF RECORDS Display Next Record (How to get there: MENU/File/Next Record or next record button) Shows the next record from the list, in the same window Display Previous Record (How to get there: Menu/File/Previous Record or previous record button) Shows the previous record from the list, in the same window. NOTES: -These two functions are available, only if the record window has been opened from a list window: either the records database list or the BEN directory list (see 5.1 Opening a Record for Analysis). They are not available if it was opened with a "Most Recent Record" function. -The Next/Previous Record functions follow the current sorting order of the corresponding list. If the list is sorted with another criterion, those functions act accordingly. -If the record window has been duplicated (see 5.6.2) then the duplicated window(s) will follow the changes done in the first window so that you can browse records on multiple views as well. Page REV. C

95 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Display the Associated Record(s) (How to get there: Menu/View/Show/Associated Record(s) or button) When you analyze a record, other records are sometimes associated with the same physical event : due to a reclosing sequence; the first record is the relay tripping, the second is the reclosing, when you have a slow record and one or more fast records for an event. In these circumstances, BEN 32 allows you to display the whole sequence of records and to switch easily from each record to another. If there is no associated record (or not yet retrieved on the PC), the menu entry and the button are grayed. If there is only one associated record, then BEN 32 opens that record in a separate analysis window. If there are several associated records, BEN 32 shows a time diagram with these records. Select a record to open for analysis by clicking on the corresponding yellow trace or record number (see also 3.7) REV. C Page 87

96 BEN 32 Pgm. VER DISPLAYING SEVERAL RECORDS Multiple Records The user can display several records at the same time. This feature is very useful to compare results from different fault recorders that have recorded the same phenomenon. Example: Open a record from the record Database. Open another record from the Database. Use the MENU/Window/Tile function or button to display both records with an equal screen split. Use the MENU/Window/Cascade or button to superimpose them. More records can be selected and displayed at the same time. The screen resolution will limit the practical number of channels to that can be displayed on one screen. Page REV. C

97 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Multiple Views of the same Record The user can display multiple views of the same record. This is useful to: - Compare signals from two different pages of the same record. - Compare the signals under a BEN view and a user view. - Compare the analog waveforms, and the events view. (See for a definition of user defined view). Example: Select a record from the record Database, and open it for analysis. Use the MENU/Window/Duplicate function or button to copy the current view. Use the Window/Tile function or button to display both views with an equal screen split. Use the MENU/Window/Cascade or button to superimpose them. You can modify one view independently from the other one to change the layout or display another page of the same record REV. C Page 89

98 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Synchronizing Record Windows The Synchronize function is intended to help when the analysis of an event requires you to observe and compare several traces shared among several windows simultaneously opened on your screen. It will be particularly helpful; When you display several pages of the same record in different windows, to keep scrolling or measurements synchronized, For comparing records coming from both ends of a faulty line, even when one or both records have been imported from a COMTRADE file, When analyzing an event for which both a fast and a slow record from sub-bens are available. When you want to observe the Sequence of Events listing, and the graphical analog waveforms. The Synchronize feature allows you to select two or several windows in order to scroll them simultaneously or to ensure simultaneous marker movements between them. Additionally, you can introduce some time offset between the windows when you activate the synchronize mechanism. This can be used to compensate for a time of trigger difference between two different records. Procedure: Open two or more record windows. If you need to compensate trigger time differences, then place the master marker in each window on a point that exactly corresponds to the position of the master marker of other windows. Activate one of the record windows that you want to synchronize with others, by clicking anywhere in its area. Select the MENU/Window/Synchronize function or button. The Synchronization dialog box appears: Page REV. C

99 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 This dialog box shows the current synchronization status between record windows. If only two record windows are opened, the box suggests that you synchronize them by showing their titles in the upper part of the box. Otherwise, you are prompted to click on the area of the window that you want to synchronize with the active window. You may click other windows and check or modify their current synchronization status, one at a time. To activate the synchronization mode, select SYNCHRO ON and check the appropriate synchronization modes : Scrolling : Every scrolling action of one of the synchronized windows will generate an equivalent scroll in the other windows in such a way that the points in the middle of the graphics pane remain aligned. Expansion : Every zooming or expansion factor change will be reflected in all the synchronized windows. Markers : Every marker movement will be reflected in all synchronized windows for easier cross-measurements. Observe the time shift value indicated: it corresponds to the time difference given by the markers; check the TIME SHIFT box to keep this time difference compensated as long as the windows remain synchronized, or clear it if you want the time scales to be aligned without any time difference. Check the TILE WINDOWS box if you want the synchronized windows to be automatically arranged on screen in a non-overlapped fashion. Press the OK button when all synchronization options are set as needed. Observe the blue sign in the middle of the horizontal scroll bar: this serves as a reminder that the window is synchronized with another one REV. C Page 91

100 BEN 32 Pgm. VER DISPLAY OPTIONS (How to get there: MENU/View/Options) This function allows you to modify the analysis screen layout according to the following options: Show page title : Display a page title under the window title bar: by clicking on this title, you toggle between : - a standard title showing the main parameters of the page displayed and - the BEN page title. Show time scale: Display a graduated time scale at the bottom of the window. Auto adjust height: Check this box to enable the auto-adjust mode. In this mode, the height of the graphic pane always corresponds to the channel position from 0 (bottom) to 2047 (top of window). If this mode is not checked, the user may see more or less of the channel position area. NOTE: When the Auto adjust mode is selected, the program will automatically resize the channels in such a way that the window height always equals the 2048 theoretical points of resolution. When the Auto adjust mode is not selected, the channel size will remain the same whatever changes happen to the display window. It is therefore possible to display channels positioned outside the 2048 theoretical points of resolution. Page REV. C

101 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 The following screen captures show the effect of the Auto adjust option. Example of graphical window before re-sizing: REV. C Page 93

102 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 After re-sizing with the Autoadjust: The whole layout has been automatically shrunk to fit the new height of the window. Page REV. C

103 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 After re-sizing without the Autoadjust: The layout was not automatically adapted; the upper part of the layout is cut off the screen since the height of the window has been returned by the user. White background: Show the record window with a white background. This option is useful if you want to select channel colors that show clearly on white paper for printout. Also useful if you are projecting the displayed image. The Small font boxes: Allows you to adapt the display to your screen resolution. Show values: Display under the channel names, the signal amplitude at the active cursor location. Peak values: Display peak values instead of the equivalent RMS value. Align on decimal point: When this option is checked, the amplitude values of the channel description pane are justified on the decimal point and are vertically aligned REV. C Page 95

104 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 When this option is unchecked, the values are left justified in order to use less screen space. Significant digits: Specify the number of significant digits (2-6) desired for the amplitude values. Select the check boxes of the options you want to display, and clear the check boxes of the options you do not want to display. Check the Save as default box if you want to make your choices permanent. Page REV. C

105 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN CHANNEL SELECTION AND PROPERTIES Selecting One Or More Channels Several functions (math, screen layout,...) can be applied to one or more channels selected by the user. Select a channel by clicking either on the channel box in the channel description pane, or on its scale indicator on the left edge of the graphics pane. NOTE: A selected channel is shown with a bold frame in the description pane, and a bold scale with square handles: Select several channels by holding down the CONTROL key and clicking on the channel box or scale for all channels to select. Select a range of channels: select normally the first channel in range then, while holding down the SHIFT key, select the last channel in range. All channels located between those two channels will be selected as well. Deselect all channels: click in the channel description pane outside of any channel box, or between scale indicators on the left edge of the graphics pane REV. C Page 97

106 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Channel Properties In order to show the Properties sheet of a channel, select that channel (see 5.8.1) then click the right mouse button while the mouse cursor is on the Channels description pane. In the context menu, select the Channel Properties option. You can also double click on the channel box. The channel properties sheets for an analog channel are as follows: Some information may be missing if it was not configured in the BEN, or in the case of BEN 2000 machines. The channel properties sheets for an event group are as follows: Event names are shown in bold in the Location tab if they are active at the position of the master marker. Page REV. C

107 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 The Pin button at the top right corner of the sheets may be used to keep the properties window open when you work with other analysis functions. The contents of the properties window is updated dynamically. The channel properties window may be used to modify channel attributes. See 5.11: Modify the screen layout. 5.9 MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS Direct And Computed Measurement Values See 5.3.6: Values Peak Search This function is used to locate the maximum peak value of a signal between two time limits: Set the two markers to define the time window inside which the search is to be performed. Select an analog channel (see 5.8.1). Only one analog channel may be selected for this function to work. Select the MENU/Math/Peak Search function or press the button. The master marker is placed on the peak value found. This is the highest absolute value found for the selected signal between the marker boundaries Harmonics This function gives a graphical and numerical view of the harmonics (from DC up to the 15th harmonic) for a selected channel. Select an analog channel (see 5.8). Only one analog channel may be selected at a time for this function to work. Select the MENU/Math/Harmonics function or press the button. If necessary, the second marker is automatically moved to ensure that the distance between markers is meaningful for the harmonics to be computed, then the markers are linked together. You may easily modify the number of periods used for calculation by pressing the SHIFT key and moving the non-master marker (see on markers) REV. C Page 99

108 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 The results of the harmonic calculation are shown in a floating window: The value of each harmonic is expressed as a percentage value of the fundamental while the value of this one - noted as harmonic 1 - is given in RMS value. However, when the fundamental does not have the highest value of all orders, the display shows the RMS value for every harmonic order. The total harmonic distortion (THD) is displayed in the upper right corner of the window Phasor Diagram This function shows the vector phase representation at the marker position for all the AC channels present on the current page. Set the active marker at the position you want the vector measurement. Select the MENU/Math/Phases function or press the button. The phasor diagram is drawn with all the channels selected on the analysis window. When no channel is selected, BEN 32 automatically selects all the AC channels present on the page and includes them in the diagram. Angle and amplitude values are displayed in the left pane of the phasors window; to change the width of this pane you can move the vertical split bar. You can click (left mouse button) on a channel name in the diagram to select it as the reference for the angle values. Note that if only one channel was selected before opening the phasor window, then that channel becomes the reference. Move the markers in the analysis window; the angle and amplitude values are updated accordingly. To change the selection of vectors displayed : press the button at the upper left corner of the phasors window; select the channels in the analysis window, they appear on the diagram. You can then click the button again to unpress it and freeze the selections. Page REV. C

109 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 NOTES: The phasor representation uses the channel attributes to scale the vectors. The dotted circle on the diagram represents 100% of the scale amplitude. The warning message "Some channels have unrelated amplitude scale" appears if the nominal values are not the same inside the currents and/or voltages group. The warning message "Signal types are not known" appears if the type of signal (current or voltage) has not been defined in the BEN configuration Calculated Channels This function is used to create calculated channels, and edit the equation and properties of those channels. Select the MENU/Math/Calculated channels function or press the button. See 5.10 for full information about calculated channels Fault Locator (Optional plug-in) When the recorded data is due to a fault occurrence, the single ended fault locator specially designed for HV and EHV overhead lines can be used to determine the fault type and accurately estimate its position. If a view layout has been already created and saved previously when running the fault locator on the same line, then you should first select that layout: Select the REV. C Page 101

110 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 MENU/View/User view/and the name under which the view had been saved. The software will be able to load the line parameters and the channels selections that were given previously. Select the MENU/Math/Fault Locator function or press the button. The fault locator window appears. See chapter 6 for a full discussion on the fault locator. NOTE: This function is available only if your BEN 32 program license has been created with the fault locator option. Page REV. C

111 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN CALCULATED CHANNELS BEN 32 provides the ability to create calculated channels based upon mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on other channels, as well as more specific operations like power or harmonic component computing. This feature is made of two distinct parts: an editing phase consisting of the definition of the mathematical expression to perform. a compiling phase which computes the new channels and creates a new record including these calculated channels. The definition and properties of the calculated channels are saved in a User's view on a sub-ben basis. In such a way, you can create a set of calculated channels and define a screen layout that you can subsequently apply to every record coming from that sub- BEN Creating calculated channels From the Analysis window, you can easily create a calculated channel with the channel context menu: Click the right mouse button in the Channel description pane, approximately where you want to place the new channel: the channel context menu appears. Select the Create calculated channel entry: the Equation property sheets appear. Enter the name and units for the channel to be created. Enter the mathematical expression to define the calculated channel in the Equation field REV. C Page 103

112 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Be consistent in the units field: when a single channel is involved in the equation, enter the same unit for the calculated channel; when several channels are involved, use the resulting unit as for example kw when you multiply a voltage in kvolts with a current in Amps. You can modify other parameters like the channel color or amplitude through the Channel properties: double-click on the name of the calculated channel in the Channel description pane and modify the settings in the Channel properties dialog box (see 5.8.2). The calculated channels that you create and their properties will be saved when you press the Save and Compile button in the calculated channels list. The Master Station will prompt you if you try to close the record without saving newly created calculated channels Channel equation Each equation is a mathematical expression made up of factors, operators and/or functions: a factor is a number or a variable. Valid numbers are entered with or without decimal point, for example 3, 2.6, -0.34, etc. A variable is the name of a channel entered by pressing the Add channel button: it consists of a string composed of a reference followed by the name of the channel. Channels allowed in equations are either channels present in the original BEN record or calculated channels previously defined in the list of calculated channels. the operators allowed are the usual four functions (+, -, * and /); usual operator precedence applies. the functions begin with the followed by the name, then the parameters between parenthesis and separated by a comma. You insert a function in the equation by pressing the Add function button. Operations may be nested to an arbitrary depth by using of parenthesis. Spaces are allowed between factors and operators. Examples of legal and illegal expressions Legal Illegal Reason 3*"C5:U1" + "C6:U2" 3"C5:U1" + "C6:U2" Operator missing (("E2:U2"-"E1:U1")*("C1:I1"-"C2:I2")) (("E2:U2"-"E1:U1")*("C1:I1"-"C2:I2") Missing right parenthesis BEN 32 performs all calculations in floating point with a resolution of 15 digits, but you should take care to dimension the units and the final result in such a way that it remains less than 1,000,000. Otherwise, the points exceeding this value will be set out of range. Page REV. C

113 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Functions Ten functions are available for usual calculations performed on electrical signals recorded. All functions use the following parameter2,...) Observe that when you insert a function inside the equation, a short message appears just below the equation to indicate the type of parameters needed Abs(expression) Returns the absolute value of the expression enclosed in parenthesis Sqrt(expression) Returns the square root of the expression enclosed in parenthesis Delay(channel, constant) Returns the channel inserted shifted along the time by the delay value given as constant. The delay value is expressed in msec. Valid range goes from 0 to 1 cycle. Example: Delay("C1:U1", 2.5) The following functions use the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) for computing usual electrical quantities derived from voltage and current signals. In order to save computation time, they return a new value every 1ms. They are only available when the sampling frequency is above 500Hz Harmonic(channel, constant) Computes the harmonic value given by the constant along time. Valid range for the constant goes from 0 (DC component) to component corresponding to half the sampling frequency. Example: Harmonic("C1:U1", 3) returns the third harmonic of channel U NegativeSeq(channel, channel, channel) Returns the negative-sequence component of the three-phase system enclosed between parenthesis. Take care not to mix voltages and currents inside this function PositiveSeq(channel, channel, channel) Returns the positive-sequence component of the three-phase system enclosed between parenthesis. Take care not to mix voltages and currents inside this function PowerFactor(voltage channel, current channel) Returns the power factor (cos ϕ) of the single-phase system enclosed between parenthesis REV. C Page 105

114 BEN 32 Pgm. VER ReactPower(voltage channel, current channel) Returns the reactive power of the single-phase system enclosed between parenthesis RealPower(voltage channel, current channel) Returns the active power of the single-phase system enclosed between parenthesis ZeroSeq(channel, channel, channel) Returns the zero-sequence component of the three-phase system enclosed between parenthesis. Take care not to mix voltages and currents inside this function Scaling calculated channels By default, BEN 32 determines automatically the type and the range of the calculated channels. This behavior can be modified by checking the Manual scaling box in the Options sheet of the Equation properties: Select the type of result AC or DC expected and enter the values that you want to assign to the scale drawn to the left of the channel. Observe that these values are independent of the size of the scale; this last one determines the amplitude drawn on the screen and can be changed inside the Channel properties dialog box while the values entered here determine the correspondence between the extremities of this scale and the engineering units (kv, kw, etc...) of the channel. Page REV. C

115 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Compiling The Record When you press the Save and Compile button in the Equations list or, alternatively, when you create calculated channels, then select Save View in the File menu, you create a new record including the channels from the original BEN record and the calculated channels. The compiling process is made up of four steps: the view layout is saved: position of the channels on the different pages, definition of the calculated channels, etc... You are prompted to enter a name for this view in order to identify it and retrieve it later. the equations of every calculated channel are evaluated: if any error has been detected during this step, a dialog box will prompt you to continue or stop the compiling process to correct the equations. If you continue with some channels in error, they will not appear in the calculated record. If you stop compiling, observe that the channels in error appear in red in the list of calculated channels. a first compiling pass during which BEN 32 computes the values of every calculated channels and creates a temporary file. a second compiling pass during which BEN 32 adjusts the scaling of the calculated channels and creates the final record with the channels from the BEN and the calculated channels. If you check the Set default view box when you save the view, this layout and the associated calculated channels will be used each time that you will open a record from the same sub-ben. This means that when you open a new record, the system will first automatically compile it before displaying the record. BEN 32 checks for syntax errors (as for example, the number of opening and closing parentheses, the required number of function parameters) or values out of range as it performs the second compiling step. If it has found some errors at the end of this phase, the number of channels in error is displayed at the bottom of the Equation list REV. C Page 107

116 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 and the channels in error are displayed in red. When you edit a channel in error, the cursor is automatically placed on the possible error position inside the equation and an error message in red gives you the possible error cause. Other errors may occur during the first or second compiling pass like scaling errors: consult the error logging for more details. Observe that when the final value exceeds 1,000,000 on some points, the system set these points out of range and does not display any value for them. Page REV. C

117 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN MODIFY THE SCREEN LAY-OUT Modifying Channel Properties: The user can modify the name, the amplitude on display, the position or the color of analog channels with the Channel properties dialog box. In the same way, you can modify the name, the position or the color of event groups. To access the Channel properties: see If several channels are selected, only the parameters common to all selected channels are shown. NOTE: Amplitude = 100% means that the channel is displayed as set up in the DFR. Modify the parameters you want, then press the button. All selected channels will be affected by the changes. You can invert an analog channel by checking the corresponding box in the Channel properties dialog box. Observe that the colors of the amplitude value are inverted to remind you of the change. TIP: To easily move channels, select one or more channels, then drag the moving handle of the selected scale drawn on the left of the channel to a new position. Observe the special cursor that appears when your cursor reaches the moving handle of a selected channel. To increase or decrease the channel amplitude, drag one of the sizing handles of this scale. See for more info. To invert an analog channel, drag the sizing handle of the scale in such a way that it crosses the analog axis. NOTES: If several scales are superimposed, click several times on the same point until you select the specific scale you want to move or resize. When the window height is too small to display all the names of the channels present on the current page, some of them are hidden outside the window borders: they are hidden channels REV. C Page 109

118 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 TIP: When you open another window of the same record to display, for example, another page, you can easily copy selected channels from one window to another by dragging their scale to the new window, using the moving handle (see ). Within the Channel properties dialog box, you can move the axis of a channel outside the window by entering a position value out of the range. This may be useful when you want significantly increase the channel amplitude View Hidden Channels In the Analysis window, the vertical position of the channels on the screen depends on the AUTO ADJUST flag (See MENU/View/Options): when the flag is enabled, the vertical size corresponds all the time to a scale going from 0 to 2047 points; every time the window is redrawn or re-sized, the channel positions are automatically adjusted in such a way that the relative positions of the channels inside the window remain constant. when the flag is disabled, the channels keep their absolute position regarding the window bottom (position 0): when you reduce the window height, the upper channels may disappear, and when you increase the window height, channels with position higher than 2047 points may appear on top of the window. In this mode, you can manually "re-adjust" the vertical scale to 2048 points by selecting the option Adjust height in the VIEW menu. When the window height is too small to display all the names of the channels present on the current page, some of them are hidden outside the window borders: they are hidden channels. To pick up hidden channels properties: Click the right button of the mouse somewhere in the channel name area (left pane of the analysis window): a context menu appears. Select the Hidden channels entry: a list of the channels outside the window appears. Select the channel you want to pick up: the Channel properties dialog box appears. Modify the position of the channel, or any other parameter you want to change. Confirm the modification by pressing the Apply button. The user can position the reference of a channel outside of the standard display area in order to benefit from the maximum display sensitivity at high signal amplitude. This is primarily used with DC signals that have a deflection in one direction. The hidden channel name and amplitudes are displayed at the top and/or bottom of the channel description pane. Page REV. C

119 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 To display the hidden channels positioned above the limit of the standard screen (>2048 points), follow the procedure below: - Make sure the Auto adjust option is enabled - Reduce the size of the graphic pane to display the channels with the maximum acceptable compression. - Change the Auto adjust option to not set. - Resize the display window including the display area above the 2048 points. Example: REV. C Page 111

120 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Add And Delete Channels In the Analysis window, you can easily add or delete channels on a page, even when these channels are already on another page, by using the channel context menu: To add channel(s) - Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane, approximately where you want to place the new channel. The channel context menu appears. - Select the Add channel(s) entry: the full list of the BEN analog channels and event groups appears. - Select one or more channel(s) to add. - Press the button: the channels will be drawn where you initially called the context menu. TIP: To add a channel that is already displayed in another window of the same DFR, simply drag its scale from this window to the new location where you want to add it (see ). To delete channel(s) - Select one or more channels you want to remove. - Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane: a context menu appears. Page REV. C

121 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 - Select the Delete channel(s) entry. If this entry is grayed, it indicates that no channel is selected. NOTE: This channel delete function only removes the image of the channel from the page. The DFR data is still present in the file and you can always restore the image of the channel later Quickly Move/Re-Size Channels To move one or more channel(s) Select the channel you want to move. Click on the moving handle of the channel scale with the mouse left button. Keep the button depressed while you move the channel in the page or to another open page. Note the special cursor that appears when your mouse cursor reaches the moving handle of a selected channel All selected channels move together: this is an easy way to move several channels in one drag & drop operation. To re-size one or more channels - Click on one of the sizing handles of the selected channel scale with the left mouse button. Keep the button depressed while you move the cursor to re-size the channel. Also, note the special cursor that appears when your mouse cursor reaches the sizing handle of a selected channel. All selected channels are re-sized with the same proportional factor, shown in the status bar at the bottom of the screen. TIP: While dragging a moving or sizing handle with the mouse, you can use the up and down arrow keys of the keyboard for fine positioning REV. C Page 113

122 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 To magnify a channel - Select the analog channel you want to magnify. Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane then select Magnify in the content menu that appears. - In the Magnify dialog box, modify the channel amplitude and press the OK button: a cursor with a magnifying glass will appear. - Move the cursor arrow on a point of the channel that will serve as an axis around which the channel will be magnified and press the left mouse button Copying Channels Between Pages Select the channel(s) you want to copy. Copy with drag & drop: this is the easiest method if the target page (the page where you want to copy the channels) is already visible in another window (see 5.6.2: display multiple views of the same record). - Click on the moving handle of the channel scale with the mouse left button. Keep the button depressed while you move the channel(s) to the other window, and release the button when the desired position has been reached. Use the Cut/Copy/Paste functions : Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane: the context menu appears. Select the "Copy" function to insert the selected channels in the internal clipboard. Select the "Cut" function if you want the channels to be deleted from the page. Select the page where you want to copy the channels (see 5.4: Navigating the pages). Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane and select the "Paste" function in the menu. The channels appear now in this page Changing The Background Color You can select a white or black background color for the analysis window. - open the Display Option dialog box (MENU/View/Options, see 5.7), - mark or unmark the White Background option then click OK. This option will be saved in the view layout along with all the channel parameters. Page REV. C

123 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN How to edit a page You can modify the number of pages of your layout or some page titles by clicking the right button of the mouse in the page title bar: a context menu will appear with the following options: Edit page title Allows you to modify the title of the current page. Add a page Add a new empty page just after the currently displayed page. Delete page Delete the page currently displayed. Reorder pages Displays a menu with the list of pages currently defined. You can add a page, select an existing page for editing its title or deleting it, or also change the page sequence by dragging a page to a new position in the list. NOTE: Once you have modified the page layout, you can save it for use with all records from the same BEN by creating a User's view. The original BEN view is not altered by any of the layout modification functions Using Views Save View (How to get there: MENU/View/Save View or press the button) Once you have modified the channel positions or amplitudes on different pages, added or deleted channels or pages, or changed some channel colors, you can save this layout for future use with other records from the same BEN or for subsequent analysis or printing of the same record. To save the current layout - From the analysis window, select the Save view option in the VIEW menu: the Save layout dialog box appears. - Give a Mnemonic name to the layout you want to save. - Check the Set default view box if you wish the current layout to become the default layout for any new record from the same sub-ben that you will open REV. C Page 115

124 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 NOTES: -If the view contains equations for calculated channels, they are automatically saved with this command. If some changes were made in the equations, then they are compiled and the calculated record file is updated (see 5.10 for calculated channels). -If the view layout has been created by the fault locator utility, then all user's selections concerning the fault locator are automatically saved as well (see chapter 6). To retrieve a layout previously saved (See below BEN view & User View) Delete View (How to get there: MENU/View/Delete View) You can delete a no longer useful layout by first retrieving it, then selecting the Delete view entry in the VIEW menu Default View (How to get there: MENU/View/Default View) Select this menu item if you want the current view layout to become the default view. This view will be automatically selected when you open any record from the same sub-ben BEN View and User View The BEN View is the layout of the channels as it is set in the fault recorder. (How to get there: MENU/View/BEN View) A User View is any modified layout of the channels previously saved through the above Save View sequence of commands. (How to get there: MENU/View/User View) In the VIEW menu, select the user view option: a sub-menu appears with all the available layouts. Select the name of the layout you want to retrieve. You can at any time recall the BEN default layout by selecting the BEN view entry in the VIEW menu. Page REV. C

125 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 NOTES: -The user's view layout is saved on a BEN and sub-ben basis. You can therefore have a default layout for each sub-ben of a BEN. A bullet close to the current view name in the VIEW menu reminds you the layout used to draw the current window. An empty bullet mark (o) shows the default view. -If the view layout contains equations for calculated channels (see 5.10), then they are automatically retrieved and the calculated record file is displayed. If the calculated record file is not found or if it is older than the latest modifications in the equations, then the equations are automatically compiled and the record file is updated. A user can keep a different set up of channels from the one set in the DFR itself for various reasons (maximum usage of the local printer on site, optimum usage of the PC screen at the Master Station,...). A User View can be deleted in the same manner as it has been created. Use the MENU/File/Delete View function REV. C Page 117

126 BEN 32 Pgm. VER SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Display The Sequence Of Events (How to get there: MENU/View/Events) From the record analysis window, select the "Events View" in the "View" menu to obtain a historical list of the state changes on the digital inputs Display Options (How to get there: MENU/View/Options...) Select the following information to be displayed: Event Status: the pictogram showing the start or end of activation Absolute Time: the absolute time of the event Relative Time: the relative time from the trigger time Group Name: the name of the group of event channels Channel Name: the name of the channel Terminal Block: the terminal block on the BEN Channel Type: the kind of digital information of the channel The record information title may be hidden to save some screen space. The data can be displayed in normal or small fonts to accommodate your screen resolution. Check the Save as default box if you want those choices to be persistent. Page REV. C

127 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Selecting The Events To Display (How to get there: MENU/View/View Filters...) The View Filters dialog lets you select the kind of activation displayed, and allows you to select the event channels by type, by groups or individually. Event Activation - Select "Start of activation" events (represented by red arrows on the list), "End of activation" events (green arrows), or both. - The same selections may be achieved by clicking the right mouse button on an event in the sequence list, and selecting "Start Events" or "Stop Events" in the context menu. Event Channels - Select or deselect all events of the same type: True Digital: physical channels Sensor Result: individual results of digital sensors Sensor OR: the ORed results of all digital sensors on a channel - Select or deselect a group of events by clicking on the box in the list of event groups. - Select or deselect an individual event channel by clicking on the box in the list of event channels. Suppress a group or event from the list of events. In this historical list of events (see ), select an event, right click and select "Suppress Channel" or "Suppress Group" in the context menu. To restore the channel(s), you can select the "All Channels" item of the menu, or open the View Filters dialog and select the channel(s) individually Printing The Sequence Of Events See REV. C Page 119

128 BEN 32 Pgm. VER EXPORT (How to get there: MENU/File/Export or ) From the Analysis window, you can convert a record to ASCII or Binary COMTRADE format, to the most common spreadsheet formats or export in native BEN 32 format for data exchange with other software. Exporting the record from the graphical analysis window allows more options than exporting from the records database Window (see 3.9). The exported data is based on the current view, so it is possible to prepare a set of channels to export, including calculated channels when the view contains some of them. Each time that you export a record, BEN 32 proposes a default path name that is defined under the Directory Options of the Customize menu (see 9.1) To Create a COMTRADE file Open the record to export if the Analysis window is not the active window. Select the EXPORT option from the file menu or button: the Export dialog box will appear. Select the "COMTRADE ASCII" or "COMTRADE Binary" format. Type a new filename if you want to modify the default name or path. You can explore your disk content to search for another path by pressing the BROWSE button. Check the Data between markers box if you want to convert only the part of the record between both markers (the full record is converted by default). This option is unavailable when you have only one active marker. Check the Data on current page box if you want to convert only the channels present on the page currently displayed. By default, all pages of the current view are converted. Press the to start the conversion. NOTE: -Each conversion creates two files: a configuration file (.CFG extension) and according to the format chosen an ASCII file or a Binary file (.DAT extension). When the data size exceeds 1.4MByte, the data file is split into several files of maximum 1.4MByte each, per the IEEE specification. Page REV. C

129 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Export to Lotus, Excel or MathCad First, open the record to export if the Analysis window is not the active window. Select the Export option from the File menu; the Export Record file dialog box appears. Select the Lotus, Excel, MathCad format. Type a new filename if you want to modify the default name or path. You can explore your disk content to search for another path by pressing the Brows button. Check the Data between markers box if you want to convert only the part of the record between both markers (the full record is converted by default). This option is unavailable when you have only one active marker. Check the Data on current page box if you want to convert only the channels present on the page currently displayed. By default, all pages of the current view are converted. For MathCad export, check the Suppress Header box: this will remove the header with the channel names and units, which do not match the MathCad format. Press the button to start the conversion. NOTES: -The file created is an ASCII file with ".prn" extension. -Each line of the file consists of a set of data corresponding to one sample; the line begins with analog channel values, followed by digital channel status information. The line length is limited to 240 characters. When the number of channels to export is too great, BEN 32 limits it to not exceed the maximum line length. -The conversion uses the number of significant digits defined in the Record View options (see 5.7) to control the number of characters used for analog values. Depending on this number, a larger or smaller number of channels will be exported within the 240 characters limit REV. C Page 121

130 BEN 32 Pgm. VER To Copy a BEN 32 Record This function is used when you want to copy a record without format conversion to any storage medium, for backup or for later import on another PC. It's also possible to export the complete view layout information together with the record data. This information may also contain the equations for calculated channels. Open the record to export if the Analysis window is not the active window. Select the user view if you intend to copy user view info as well. Select the EXPORT option from the file menu : the Export dialog box appears : Select the "Native BEN 32" format. Type a new filename if you want to modify the default name or path. You can explore your disk content to search for another path by pressing the BROWSE button. Check the Export view info if you want to copy the user view layout and equations with the record. Press the button. NOTES: -The record data, the user view info and the equations are all stored in one file under the given name. The default extension is ".ben". -See 3.10 for importing the file. Page REV. C

131 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN RECORD INFO (How to get there: MENU/Edit/Record Info or button) This function displays the general information dialog for the record currently open. The same information can be reached from the database of records (see 3.6). You can also modify the fields in the "Data Base" section RECORD ATTRIBUTES To easily change the state of the "Viewed" or the "Analyzed" attribute flags without having to open the record info dialog, you may use the MENU/Edit/Attributes/Viewed or button and the MENU/Edit/Attributes/Analyzed button REV. C Page 123

132 BEN 32 Pgm. VER PRINT Print Record Graph (How to get there: MENU/File/Print or ) From the Analysis window, use this command to print a record. This command presents a Print dialog box where you may specify the range of pages to be printed; the compression factor used for printing, the destination printer, and other printer setup options. Open the record to print if the Analysis window is not the active window. Select the PRINT option from the file menu: the Print record dialog box will appear. Select the options to specify how the document will be printed. Select the button to start printing. Shortcuts Toolbar: Keys: CTRL+P Page REV. C

133 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Current Printer This is the active printer and printer connection. Choose the Setup option to change the printer and printer connection. Check the Continuous printing box if you want printing without page breaks on fanfold paper. View Pages Specify the pages you want to print: Current page: All pages: Selected: Prints the page currently displayed. Prints all the pages of the view (BEN or User view). Prints the range of pages that you check in the list box. Print Range Specify the part of the record to print: Entire record: Current window: Between markers: Prints the entire record. Prints the part of the record currently displayed, as shown in the bottom scroll bar. Prints the part of the record between the markers. This option is grayed when only one marker is activated. Time Scale Specify the time scale ratio used for printing: Current factor: Fixed factor: One Sheet: Fixed scale: Prints with the current compression or expansion factor used on the screen. Prints with the compression (Undersample) or expansion (Stretch) factor entered in the edit box. Adjusts the compression factor in such a way that the printing fits as close as possible one sheet of paper per BEN page. Prints using a time/length fixed ratio specified in the edit box. The Printout values show the actual number of sheets that will be printed and the time scale in use according to all selected options. Select the events on the last sheet. button to specify the page headers or to print a table of REV. C Page 125

134 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Check the Save as default box if you want make your choices permanent. NOTE: Once the printing has been prepared by the Master Station, it is processed in the background by the Print manager. If subsequently you want to control printing once it has started, open your Print manager to, for example, abort printing if some trouble occurs Immediate Printing (How to get there: MENU/File/Print immediately or button) This function provides a quick way of getting a printout without showing the printout dialog box. The printout options used are the default options or the most recent selections made in the printout dialog box. Page REV. C

135 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Print Preview (How to get there: MENU/File/Preview or print preview button) Press the button to display a simulation of the printing result on your screen. The print preview of the record graph is as follows: The same function shows a preview of the record parameters if you select the Print Record Parameters (see ) Print Setup (How to get there: MENU/File/Setup) According to the current printer, Windows will display the set-up screen of the printer driver REV. C Page 127

136 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Print Record Parameters (How to get there: MENU/File/Print parameters) This function is used to print all the parameters (channels info, sensors,...) for the current record. The same information is given as when printing the parameters of a BEN Print Sequence Of Events (How to get there: MENU/File/Print... from the events view) From the "Events View" of a record (see 5.12), select the Print function of the File menu. The Print dialog box allows you to specify the data to print and the print range. - Data to print: check the box for each column of information that you want to be printed. Check the Save as default if you want those choices to be permanent. - Print range: If you have previously selected a range of events in the list, you may check the "Selected items" box to print those events only. - Alternately, check "Entire record" to print all events. The event filters used for the printout are the same as those set for the screen display (see ). All the pushbuttons of this dialog have the same use as in the graphics printout dialog (see ). Page REV. C

137 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN SCREEN CAPTURE (How to get there: MENU/Edit/Screen Capture) Use this function to select an area of the BEN 32 window, copy the image to the Windows Clipboard and then paste it into any application that accepts a bitmap image. Prepare your screen layout exactly as you want to copy it to the Clipboard. Check the current options for the Screen Capture function (see 9.1). Select the MENU/Edit/Screen Capture function or the button. The cursor then changes; click on the top left point of the area you want to copy, and keep the left mouse button depressed. While keeping the left mouse button depressed, move to the bottom right corner of the screen area to copy; the rectangular frame shows the area that will be copied to the Clipboard; then release the mouse button. Switch to the application where you want to paste the image. Usually the command is MENU/Edit/Paste REV. C Page 129

138 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Page REV. C

139 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 6 FAULT LOCATOR (OPTION) 6.1 INTRODUCTION Available as an option of BEN 32, BENloc32 can be seen as a single ended fault locator toolbox designed for HV and EHV overhead lines (it is not for underground cables). Its purpose is the analysis of fault records, giving the user information about the fault type, direction and position under the following assumptions: 1. the user is able to identify the faulted feeder, 2. the three phase voltages and currents of this feeder have been measured by the digital fault recorder, 3. the conventional positive- and zero-sequence impedance of the faulted line are known, at least the resistance and reactance per unit length. Several kinds of fault locator algorithms are available so far, but all of them only use single ended measurements: 1. Impedance type algorithm (reactance), 2. Single line algorithm, 3. Double line algorithm (mutual coupling compensation). While the two first algorithms only require the measurement of the currents flowing through the faulted feeder, the third method also requires the neutral current of the parallel feeder. After identification of the faulted feeder and input of some simple feeder data, the user can proceed with the fault location which is split into 3 steps: estimation of the prefault and fault windows; estimation of the fault type and direction; estimation of the fault position (see 2 for more details about this). Since several fault states can sometimes be distinguished in the fault record (evolving fault, circuit breakers operations,...), up to five different fault states can be considered simultaneously by the program. At the end, the fault state leading to the best fault position estimation is automatically pointed out. A report can then be created containing the position of the prefault and fault windows, the computed phasors (voltages and currents in phase quantities), the computed phase-phase and phase-ground loop impedances, the fault type and position. The main properties of E.I.I. s single-ended fault locator are: easy to setup, easy to use, robustness, accuracy REV. C Page 131

140 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 While accuracy is of course a keypoint, experience and discussion with many customers who have already used fault locator software have proved that a good product must also be simple to use, deal with as many fault cases as possible, and only require well-known settings from the user Easy to setup As already pointed out above an estimation of the fault position only requires 6 channels measurement (the 3 phase voltages [either at the busbar side or at the line side] and the 3 phase currents of the faulted feeder), while the minimum required feeder s parameters are the zero- and positive-sequence resistance and reactance of the line per unit length. With these mere data, only a rough estimation of the fault position can be done (with an error around 10%), but accuracy can be greatly improved if: - the neutral current of the faulted feeder is directly measured by the DFR, instead of being computed by adding the 3 phase currents, - the user is able to enter additional parameters, such as capacitance values, - in case of double line, the neutral current of the parallel line is also available and the mutual coupling between the lines known. The idea is thus to offer a program whose accuracy is directly dependent on the user feeder knowledge/measurements: in other words, the fault locator algorithm is selected upon availability of the user settings, from a very simple impedance type algorithm if only the essential settings are keyed in to a very sophisticated one taking into account prefault load currents, distributed parameters line model, mutual coupling with other lines, Easy to use Thanks to its user-friendly graphical interface under Windows 95-98/NT, BENloc32 fault locator is as simple to use as all the other features already available inside the BEN 32 analysis package Robustness Our concern was to offer the customer a fault locator that is able to locate the fault regardless of its level of complexity. Fault locators provided by competitors often fail to locate the fault when it is too complex for instance: - Due to a wrong choice or identification of the estimation windows: let us consider for instance a tree falling on the line; at the beginning, the fault impedance is very high so that the recorder (or the protection) is unable to detect it; when the tree is burning, the impedance path to soil decreases and the DFR Page REV. C

141 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 finally starts a recording. Due to this late trigger of the recording device, no real prefault conditions will be available in the measured data so that considering the waveforms present before trigger as prefault conditions can lead to appreciable errors. better accuracy is achieved by positioning the estimation window where the signal is more steady, which is almost never just after the fault inception time. if one is able to find a state where the breakers at the other side of the line have operated, better results will be obtained. - Due to an incorrect fault type identification: double-phase faults are not easily distinguished from double-phase-to-ground faults if near the end of the line. - Due to a wrong FL algorithm choice: the prefault load current doesn t have to be always eliminated. Our software is able to deal with all these situations and more by offering the user an assisted mode where he is in command of the whole process: he is then able to modify many intermediate results of the algorithm to guide the software to a good fault location in case the inside logic has failed. Of course, all conventional cases (those that are covered by competitors fault locators) are treated fully automatically by the program, without any user intervention Accuracy The typical accuracy is better than 5% and is reached thanks to state-of-the-art algorithms, using distributed parameters line models, prefault load current compensation, mutual coupling with parallel line compensation, REV. C Page 133

142 BEN 32 Pgm. VER HOW DOES IT WORK? Let us consider the following example consisting of a single-phase-to-ground fault: Ic Ib Ia Vc Vb Va PF F1 F2 NU C-G C-G Dist Dist First, BENloc32 scans the whole record to detect the different steady states present in the waveforms (in this case 4), and chooses efficiently an estimation window inside each one, it is a window that will be used to estimate the voltage and current phasors. Then the software assigns a type to each window; this type can be prefault (PF), fault (Fx) or unused (NU). For each fault state (in our case F1 and F2), a fault type is computed (in our case phase-c to ground) If the fault is seen forwards, an estimation of the fault position is performed for each fault state with the best suited algorithm (with/without load compensation,...). Finally, several criteria are used to determine which fault state leads to the best result; this selection is based on the waveforms quality, the detection of remote line tripping, the equivalent fault impedance, the fault type,... In our example, the second fault state has been selected as the one leading to the best estimation of the fault position. Page REV. C

143 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE BENloc32 has been designed to be user-friendly and uses most of the graphic capabilities of the Windows operating systems (push buttons, popup menu, status bar,...). The application is comprised of three different windows, called respectively main window, parameters window and line window. Main window activate/deactivate state fault locator algorithm window position fault type and direction fault position best estimation current step edit parameters create report go to previous step go to next step exit BENloc REV. C Page 135

144 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 a) activate/deactivate state one state (prefault or fault) can be deactivated anytime if one doesn t need further analysis of it. new states can be created by the user after the first step of the analysis. one state can be reactivated by going back to the analysis step where it has previously been deactivated. b) window position indicates the beginning and end of the estimation window (not the extent of the corresponding state). each estimation window can be modified directly from BEN 32 : - by dragging the corresponding markers with the mouse, the position of the estimation window can easily be changed, with a 1 sample step. - by dragging the corresponding markers with the mouse and holding on the CTRL key, the position of the estimation window can easily be changed, with a 1 period step. - by dragging the corresponding markers with the mouse and holding down the SHIFT key, the size of the estimation window can easily be changed, with a 1 period step. c) fault type All faults are modeled by one or two impedance(s), depending on the fault type: 1-phase-to-ground faults : R S T Y 1 3-phase and 3-phase-to-ground faults : R S T Y 1 Y 1 Y 1 2-phase faults : R S T Y 1 Page REV. C

145 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 2-phase-to-ground faults (model chosen by the user) : R S T R S T Y1 Y2 Y2 Y1 Y2 Depending on the fault causes (tree, insulation failure,...) the first or second model will lead to more accurate results. d) fault direction : forward or backward. e) fault locator algorithm Indicates which algorithm BENloc32 considers the most suitable for locating the fault. Several algorithms can be selected, either automatically by the software or manually by the user: impedance type (reactance), single line with/without load compensation, double line with/without load compensation. All algorithms cannot always be used for fault location : - load compensation requires that a prefault state has been found and is activated. - double line algorithms require measurement of second line neutral current, the mutual coupling impedance between the lines and the length along which they are parallel (see the feeder window description for more details). f) fault position Fault position estimated by BENloc32 using the algorithm previously defined for this state. The result displayed can be either a position (if the fault is estimated closer than 1.5 times the line length), >EOL if the fault is estimated further than 1.5 times the line length or FAILED if fault location has not succeed. g) the best estimate of the fault position is indicated by the pointing icon h) the current step is indicated by a rectangular black box: step 1: windows detection. step 2: determination of the fault type and direction and proposal of a fault locator algorithm. step 3: estimation of the fault distance and selection of the best estimate. NOTE: The user is free to modify the results of the current step by simply clicking the right mouse button on the field he wants to change: this could be the estimation window position/size, the fault type, the fault direction or the kind of algorithm chosen to estimate the fault position. Depending on the selected field, a popup menu or dialog box will appear to enter new values or choices REV. C Page 137

146 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 i) previous step button: to go to the previous step of the analysis. j) next step button: to go to the next step of the analysis. k) exit button: to close the BENloc32 application. l) REPORT button: to create a report (only after step 3 has been completed). m) PARAMS button: to open the parameters window. Parameters window parameters set selection feeder selection create/edit feeders sign convention scale factors invert channels Save parameters Delete parameters channel selection busbar/line side V a) parameters set selection : allows the user to select previously saved sets of parameters (from the same BEN - see FAQ s Q#1 in 5). b) feeder selection : allows the user to select previously saved feeder data (from the same BEN - see FAQ s Q#1 in 5). Page REV. C

147 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 c) create/edit feeders : opens the line window to edit/modify/add feeder data in the database. d) sign convention : this little chart is a reminder of the sign convention used by the program : - voltage: measured from ground to voltage point. - currents (phase + neutral): measured entering the line. NOTE: The neutral current is defined as In = Ia + Ib + Ic (see the included example in 4). e) invert channels : allows the user to invert the sign of all phase currents or neutral currents if they were not recorded according to the previous convention (see the included example in 4). f) busbar/line side V : indicates whether the voltages have been measured from the line side or the busbar side. NOTE: -it is easy to determine this by looking at the voltages after breaker operation at the measurement point : if the voltages disappear, the measurements are made at the line side. If the voltage returns to nominal values, the measurements are made at the busbar side -in case of doubt, always select busbar side voltages. g) scale factors : in order to determine the fault position, BENloc32 must know what the units of the measured currents and voltages are; sometimes, the recorded units are pu, %, or any unit base not known by the program. In all these cases, the user has to input the ratio to convert measured quantities into kv/ka (see the included example in 4). h) channel selection : allows the user to specify what channel must be chosen as voltage phase a/b/c, current phase a/b/c, neutral currents REV. C Page 139

148 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Line window feeder selection nominal voltage nominal current default value computation faulted feeder data parallel feeder data save feeder data delete feeder data close screen a) feeder selection : allows the user to retrieve previously saved feeder data (from the same BEN - see FAQ s Q#1 in 5). b) nominal voltage : nominal voltage of the faulted feeder (facultative), phase-to-phase. c) nominal current : nominal current of the faulted feeder (facultative) d) "feeder data : made of several fields, namely zero-sequence resistance, zero-sequence inductance, zero-sequence capacitance (facultative), positive-sequence resistance, positivesequence inductance, positive-sequence capacitance (facultative), line length. NOTE: The line length unit (miles/km) is selected according to the metric system used by Windows 95/98/NT (can be modified in the Control Panel of your Windows operating system). e) parallel line data : made of several fields, namely zero-sequence mutual coupling between the two lines (R00=real part, L00=imaginary part), length of parallelism (see the included example in 4). Page REV. C

149 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 f) default value computation : by pushing this button, and assuming that the inductance field has already been completed, a default capacitance value is computed, taking v= km/s and v= km/s as propagation speed respectively for the positive- and zero-sequence component : 1 v = LC 6.4 EXAMPLE Let us consider the following network, where a fault has occurred at 11.8km away from the measurement point: 14.1 km M km The faulted feeder is characterized by the following parameters: - r0= [Ω/km] - l0= [Ω/km] - r1= [Ω/km] - l1= [Ω/km] - length=14.1 km A parallel line is present during the first 10km, the zero-sequence mutual coupling being: - r00= [Ω/km] - l00= [Ω/km] The nominal voltage of the faulted feeder is 150kV (RMS/Phase-to-phase). The nominal current of the faulted feeder is 5.5kA (RMS) REV. C Page 141

150 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 The DFR record is composed of the following channels: Channel Channel description UNITS number 1 faulted feeder / voltage / phase a % nominal V 2 faulted feeder / voltage / phase b % nominal V 3 faulted feeder / voltage / phase b % nominal V 4 faulted feeder / phase current / phase a % nominal I 5 faulted feeder / phase current / phase b % nominal I 6 faulted feeder / phase current / phase b % nominal I 7 faulted feeder / neutral current % nominal I 8 parallel feeder / phase current / phase a % nominal I 9 parallel feeder / phase current / phase b % nominal I 10 parallel feeder / phase current / phase c % nominal I 11 parallel feeder / neutral current % nominal I You can find hereunder the recorded waveforms (only the faulted feeder channels are represented): Page REV. C

151 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 The following pages will guide you step by step through performing a fault analysis using BENloc32. 1) From the record window, call BENloc32 by selecting the Fault Locator item in the Math menu of BEN 32 the main window described previously opens. 2) push the PARAMS button the parameters window described previously opens. 3) push the Line DB button the line window described previously opens. 4) complete the fields as shown: NOTE: The capacitance values have been obtained by pushing the Default C buttons. 5) press SAVE or SAVE AS and enter a name (e.g. "line xyz") to save the feeder data. the feeder window closes and the parameters windows reappears. 6) select the newly created line in the feeder selection section. 7) complete all the data input fields as shown: REV. C Page 143

152 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 NOTES: the nominal voltage being 150kV (phase-to-phase) and the voltages unit %, the voltage scale factor must be set to 150/(100 3). the nominal current being 5.5kV and the currents unit %, the currents scale factor must be set to 5.5/100. we can see on the plotted waveforms that the faulted phase voltage returns to nominal value after line tripping and fault clearance, what indicates that the voltage measurements are made on the busbar side. we can also see that the way the neutral current has been measured is opposite to the one used for the phase currents so that either the neutral current or the phase currents must be reinverted in BENloc32 ; at this stage, we don t know whether the phase currents or the neutral currents have to be inverted, so both solutions can be tried : and Page REV. C

153 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 The solution on the right is the one that leads to a fault seen forwards by the fault locator analysis. 8) if you want to reuse your parameters data later (for other records coming from the same BEN), press SAVE or SAVE AS. 9) press OK if all the selected fault feeder channels are not plotted on the same BEN 32 page, a new page is automatically created and filled with them. the main window reappears, and the three steps of the analysis are automatically performed. then, the user will be allowed to step back to the first or second level of the analysis (by pressing the "previous" button) in order to modify some intermediate results. 10) the first step of the analysis is performed and the main window becomes: REV. C Page 145

154 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 NOTE: 1 prefault and 2 fault states have been found; their estimation window is displayed in the main screen of BENloc32 but is also represented by markers in BEN 32: At this stage, the user can accept the fault locator software proposals or modify the size/position of the estimation windows, either from within BEN 32 (directly by dragging the markers with the mouse) or from BENloc32 (by clicking the right mouse button next to the fields representing the window to be changed). NOTE: A minimum window size of one period (16.6 ms for 60Hz networks) is required. Page REV. C

155 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 11) the second step of the analysis is performed: Once again, the user is able to modify the fault-type (by using the right mouse button), direction or algorithm proposed by BENloc32. Here, the user is not allowed to modify the estimation windows or to create new states. 12) the final step of the analysis is performed: REV. C Page 147

156 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 For each fault state, the program has computed an estimation of the fault position. Theoretically, the result should be the same for all fault states since the fault position hasn t really changed, but in practice some states always lead to more accurate fault position estimations than others (due to better sinusoidal waveforms, less fault impedance, less infeed current,...). That s why the best estimation is pointed out by the program. 13) press REPORT to create a report that will look like this: BENLOC REPORT ============= Record number... : 1 DFR ID... : EII nb 1 Parameter set... : Param #1 Line... : line xyz Date of analysis... : Friday, July 04, 1997 Nominal current... : 5.50 [ka] Nominal voltage... : [kv] <prefault state> a) window position : [ -50.7, -30.7] ms b) phasors (RMS _ kv/ka) Va=89.822<65.3 Vb=89.526<-54.3 Vc=89.323< Ia=0.373< Ib=0.366<114.2 Ic=0.355<-7.5 In=0.015<80.1 <fault state 1> a) window position : [ -3.7, 56.3] ms b) phasors (RMS _ kv/ka) Va=92.332<64.0 Vb=89.156<-51.1 Vc=53.631<177.3 Ia=0.451< Ib=0.256<113.1 Ic=5.368<115.1 In=5.336<119.1 c) impedances (OHMS) Zae= j* bse= j* Zce= j* 5.77 Zab= j* Zbc= j* Zca= j* d) fault type : C-G forward e) estimated fault position : [Double L/Load C] f) estimated fault impedance: 3.1 [Ohms] <fault state 2> {SELECTED AS THE BEST ONE} a) window position : [ 65.7, 85.7] ms b) phasors (RMS _ kv/ka) Va=89.430<65.6 Vb=88.352<-52.3 Vc=61.481< Ia=1.102<-75.8 Ib=0.090<-37.6 Ic=8.854<111.3 In=7.672<113.2 Page REV. C

157 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 c) impedances (OHMS) Zae= j* bse= j* Zce= j* 4.54 Zab= j* Zbc= j* 9.28 Zca= j* d) fault type : C-G forward e) estimated fault position : [Double L] f) estimated fault impedance: 1.0 [Ohms] 6.5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ S) Q1. Do I need to reenter all my line data and parameters selections each time I want to analyze a fault? A1. No. For each BEN created in BEN 32 there is a parameters database (containing data entered from the parameters window) and a line database (containing data entered from the feeder window). Once you have saved your data/parameters, you will be able to retrieve and reuse them for any other record coming from the same DFR. Q2. Why is a new page not always created by BEN 32? A2. That s because the channels selected in the parameters window are already present on the current page of the record or because a new page had already been created during a previous fault analysis session. Q3. How can I change my length units (miles/km)? A3. Just change the metric/us measurements system in the Control Panel of Windows 95/98/NT. Q4. If only some and not all phase currents are inverted, how can I proceed? A4. From within BEN 32, create a computed channel, which is equal to the measured channel multiplied by (-1), and select this newly created channel in BENloc32. Q5. After keying my line data, I get a warning message telling me that the line parameters are out of range, can I proceed with execution? A5. Yes, it only warns you that some data seem to be out of normal range, however, it is only a warning and it doesn t have any consequence on the software behavior. If this happens too often, you can modify the BENloc.ini file to define a normal range more suited to your network (see 6). Q6. What must I check when the fault location fails? A6. 1) Are you sure that the faulted feeder channels have been correctly selected? 2) Did you enter the good scale factors? This can be checked easily by looking at the phasors of the BENloc32 report: if they seem incorrect in amplitude, that s indicating a scaling error. 3) Did you enter correct feeder data? REV. C Page 149

158 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Q7. Why is a forward fault seen backwards? A7. Because the currents measurements are probably inverted. Q8. Why am I not allowed to select double line algorithms? A8. These can only be chosen if: - the neutral current of the parallel line is recorded, - the mutual coupling between the lines is entered in the feeder window. Q9. Why am I not able to compensate the load? A9. Because there was no prefault state found or it has been deactivated by the user. Q10. Why is the prefault state not identified by the program? A10. Sometimes, the prefault load is so small that it has no sense to compensate it (e.g. when the current amplitudes are comparable with the measurement error). Q11. How does the program distinguish the prefault state from faulted states? A11. A state is considered as faulty if one of the following conditions is fulfilled: - one of the computed loop impedance is smaller than x times the total line impedance (x defined in BENloc.ini ). - one phase current is above a given threshold (defined in BENloc.ini ) - used only if the nominal current of the faulted feeder is known. - the neutral current is above a given threshold (defined in BENloc.ini ) - used only if the nominal current of the faulted feeder is known. Q12. Why is no fault state identified? A12. Because none of the above conditions (Q&A 12) is fulfilled. Q13. Why do some states not appear after the first step of the analysis? A13. Only prefault and fault states longer than 1.25 periods are displayed. Q14. Why are the phasors displayed in the report incorrect? A14. There is probably an error in your scale factors. Page REV. C

159 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN "BENLOC.INI" WARNING: Read the important information below and FAQ 11 (previous ) before modifying this file! The following is what your BENloc.ini file should contain: NOTE: this file should be found in the "data directory path" of BEN 32; if not, BENLOC will automatically create it with default values. [start] I_START=1.25 IE_START=0.25 Z_START=3 [view] NB_CHANNELS=7 [range] R0_MIN=0 L0_MIN=0 C0_MIN=0 R1_MIN=0 L1_MIN=0 C1_MIN=0 R00_MIN=0 L00_MIN=0 VNOM_MIN=40 INOM_MIN=0 R0_MAX=2 L0_MAX=4 C0_MAX=40 R1_MAX=1 L1_MAX=2 C1_MAX=40 R00_MAX=2 L00_MAX=4 VNOM_MAX=1000 INOM_MAX= REV. C Page 151

160 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 start section : defines the criteria used to distinguish fault states : - I_START a state is considered as faulty if one phase current is above I_START*Inominal - IE_START a state is considered as faulty if the computed zero-sequence current is above IE_START*Inominal - Z_START a state is considered as faulty if one phase-ground or phase-phase loop impedance is smaller than Z_START*L1*feeder length view section: this section should not be modified by the user. range section: this section defines the normal range (minimum and maximum values) for the feeder data (resistance, inductance,...). If one feeder parameter falls out of this range, a warning message is sent to the user. Page REV. C

161 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 7 COMMUNICATIONS 7.1 INTRODUCTION This section describes the communication process that allows for data exchange between Fault recorders of the BEN series and the Master Station, BEN 32. The communication process not only allows for efficient and easy recovery of the data recorded on the Electronic Instruments DFRs but also for full remote control of the equipment in the BEN 5000 series. Moreover, some automatic modes allow the retrieval of data during the night or in the absence of an operator. Due to the large amount of transmitted data, different communication protocols and compression algorithms are available to best fit the characteristics of the communication media used. These protocols use a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to insure the integrity of the data transfer and therefore increase the communication reliability. As the user is able to remotely control important parameters, the analysis software provides a security LOGIN sequence for telecom functions. As far as the BEN 5000 series are concerned, the user will define for each fault recorder an identification sequence including a user's name and a password. If the user's name is not recognized by the BEN, if the password is not correct or if the access level does not authorize him to receive data or change parameters, the communication will stop and the message 'BAD USER', 'BAD PASSWORD' or 'ACCESS DENIED' will appear, thus preventing unauthorized people from accessing protected functions or information Another powerful feature of the communication process is its ability to run in the background concurrently to other tasks like fault analysis or other applications. The communication process is in fact a separate process, closely linked to BEN 32, performing all the low-level tasks involved with the communications between the BEN Fault recorders and the BEN 32 Master Station. The communication process supports several different media: Direct link for local connection according to the V.24 (RS-232C) standard Hayes compatible modem link for communication using standard Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) lines. This function is implemented using the Windows Telephone API: this allows for easy modem setup with the plug-and-play modem installation and for possible modem sharing between several applications even running concurrently. TCP/IP link for communication across an IEEE Ethernet network REV. C Page 153

162 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Modem terminology The modems (modulator-demodulator) are used to convert the digital signals available on the PC or the BEN to analog signals as required on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) lines. Both types of signals are serial information transmitted over a single line, one bit at a time. The duration of each bit determines the transmission speed, measured in bits per second (the baud rate). The sending and receiving modems must agree on the baud rate. Moreover, the modem and the terminal equipment (PC or BEN) must also use the same baud rate on the RS-232 line. On recent modems, this last baud rate is often automatically detected and preferably higher than the one used on the telephone line. To work correctly, the data exchange between the terminal equipment and the modem requires additional control signals: RTS: DTR: ready Request to Send; generated by the PC to send data to the modem Data Terminal Ready; tells the modem that the PC is powered up and CTS: Clear to Send; generated by the modem to declare that it is ready to receive data DSR: Data Set Ready; tells the PC that the modem is powered up and ready. CD: Carrier Detection; tells the PC that the modem has established a link with a device on the other end of the line These signals may usually be checked through the presence of a lit LED on the modem. NOTE: Two methods exist to control the data exchange: - use of the lines RTS and DTR (hardware control) - use of the codes XON and XOFF (software control) The Master Station controls the data through the RTS and DTR lines. The flow control with XON, XOFF must therefore be disabled on the modem. The Hayes modem operates in one of two modes: "on-line" and "command". In the command mode, the modem accepts character commands and returns responses indicating the success or failure of command execution. In the on-line mode, data sent to the modem is not interpreted and is sent along the telephone line. The modem is powered up in the command mode. If you send the modem a command to dial a number or answer an incoming call, the modem attempts to connect with the remote device. Page REV. C

163 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 If there is a modem at the remote site, both modems send a tone of a specific frequency used to identify each modem. The modems may send several tones in order to synchronize at the highest possible baud rate. If the modem can synchronize with the remote system, it returns a response to the PC indicating that a connection has been accomplished ("CONNECT"). Then it switches to its on-line state and it is ready to transmit data between systems. The modem can be placed back into command mode by sending a special command, usually "+++" preceded and followed by a pause (typically 1 sec.). At that moment, it returns to the command mode, but maintains connection with the remote device. When in command mode, the modem (by default) echoes all characters sent to it, and when a command is executed, a response is returned. All commands are sent as characters ended by a carriage return character. A modem command string begins with the "Attention Command Prefix" (AT), followed by one or more commands, and terminated by a carriage return. Blank characters are allowed between commands. The modem responds to a command in either verbose or terse mode. In verbose mode, a string is returned describing the success or failure of the command execution. In terse mode, a numeric character code is returned. In the following example, the command Z followed by a carriage return <CR> resets the modem: ATZ<CR> The modem returns the following characters: ATZ <CR,LF> OK <CR,LF> where the first four characters are an echo of the command string (CR is the single carriage return character and LF the single line feed character). Another command, the "DIAL" command (D) will be used to dial the telephone number. The sequence ATDT uses for example the touch-tone dialing method. Inserting a coma (",") within a Dial command line tells your modem to pause for a specific delay, typically 2 sec. It can be used to delay dialing, for example to wait for access to the public network when you call through a private switchboard, like in the following example where the telephone number is , and the figure 9 (nine) requests outside access: REV. C Page 155

164 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 ATDT 9, You can also use the W command to wait a time until the modem receives a dial tone. By default, the Telephony API automatically adds the prefix ATDT before the string entered in phone number field. The following table gives a subset of the modem command responses typically recognized by the Telephony API are: modem message number message text origin 0 OK modem the modem has accepted the command 1 CONNECT modem modem and remote modem are connected 2 RING modem The line connected to the modem is ringing 3 NO CARRIER modem the remote modem does not give any carrier 4 ERROR modem error in command string (non-existing command or parameter) 5 CONNECT 1200 modem modem and remote modem are connected at 1200 baud 6 NO DIAL TONE modem no line connection 7 BUSY modem remote phone is busy 8 NO ANSWER modem modem or remote modem does not answer (timeout) 10 CONNECT 2400 modem modem and remote modem are connected at 2400 baud 11 CONNECT 4800 modem modem and remote modem are connected at 4800 baud 13 or 22 CONNECT 9600 modem and remote modem are connected at 9600 baud The Hayes modem commands give you significant control over operation of the modem. The most common initialization codes are listed here for your information. However, you should still refer to the user manual of your modem because the command set can differ from one manufacturer to the other. The initialization commands begin with the characters AT. It is recommended that all codes be input in capital letters. Page REV. C

165 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 B0 : select the CCITT mode E0 : inhibit the local echo H0 : hang-up the line DT : numbering the dial tone L1 : low speaker volume M0 : turns modem speaker off M1 : turn speaker on only during carrier establishment; turn speaker off during data transfer. Q0 : modem answers to command. Sn : set modem register value V1 : select verbose mode Z : recall User configuration &C1: turn on the DCD signal when the remote carrier has been detected. &F : recall factory configuration For increased flexibility, most of the modems keeps series of parameters in back up memory, which will have to be initialized before the first use: this is done through the S registers. Each register keeps a byte, i.e. a value between 0 and 255. The register S0 for example tells the modem how many rings must occur before it automatically answers an incoming call. Setting the register at 0 cancels the modem automatic answer. The sequence "ATSn?" can be used to display the content of the register n, while the sequence "ATSn=m" writes the value m in the register n. Example: ATS8=15 tells the modem to wait 15 sec each time that a comma is inserted in a telephone number. During power-on of the modem or upon request (ATZ command), the modem is reinitialized with these parameters by default. The Telephony API sends an ATZ command before starting any communication session with a BEN. More information about the modem configuration exceeds the scope of this manual: more details will be found in the manufacturer's manual or in specialized literature. The BEN set-up side: During the reset of the BEN, the communication interface performs the configuration of the modem (if present) following the Hayes commands. This re-initialization is performed again every 255 seconds if no communication is requested. Therefore, a disconnected modem will automatically be re-programmed by the BEN after reconnection REV. C Page 157

166 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 On the BEN 2000, the following string is automatically transferred to the modem at each use: AT B0 H0 Q1 E0 M1 Y0 S0 = 3 & CD & D3 Every additional command must be placed in the modem memory. On the BEN 5000, the configuration strings are defined at the time of the configuration. It is recommended that the user include the commands E0 (turn echo off) and Q1 (disable modem response) in the BEN init string Protocol used by the Master Station 1) The messages The base protocol used between the BENs and the Master Station - referenced as T- protocol in the following - is a half duplex protocol which consists of several different types of messages: Fixed length messages: # Re-transmit last answer # Reset communication # Reset acquisition # Ask for next data (or same data) # NACK (No ACKnowledgement) Control character: # ACK (ACKnowledgement) Variable length messages: # Init parameters mode # Init directory mode # Init send parameters mode # Init origin mode # Send parameters # Data (Frame size is 256 bytes) Each command is completed with a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), thus increasing the reliability of the transferred data and commands. Page REV. C

167 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 2) The dialog Several requests between the Master Station and the Fault Recorder can be considered: # Request for BEN's parameter file (read # of channels, read # of sub-bens,...) # Request for BEN's directory (read # and identification of the records in memory) # Request for data (transfer of the records) # Send parameters to the Fault Recorder # Send remote commands to the fault recorder The following sequence illustrates as a typical transaction; the Refresh directory command: --- Line connection --- Dialing Standard modem connected at bauds Open session:ok BEN 517 connected Ask File versions:ack Get Directory from sub-ben 1 Init Origin:ACK Ask Directory:ACK DATA OK Get Directory from sub-ben 2 Init Origin:ACK Ask Directory:ACK DATA OK Send Disconnect:ACK The first 5 lines show the connection establishment: - Dialing the telephone number - Login into the BEN REV. C Page 159

168 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 The next line is a request intended to check if any parameters have changed since the last connection with the BEN: if it were the case, the Master Station would retrieve an updated version of the parameter files. Then the Master Station requests the directory of sub-ben1 : - Init origin Select the sub-ben 1 BEN answers ACK - Ask for directory data BEN answers ACK - Ask for data frame BEN sends data with correct CRC The process is then repeated for the sub-ben2 directory. Finally, the Master Station closes the session: - Send disconnect: equivalent to logout command - Hangup the line. Each data is checked by means of a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check). A bad frame reception will look like the following : Ask for next data next frame request Receive data frame (badly received send 256 data bytes with a bad CRC) Ask for same data same frame request Receive data frame send same 256 data bytes After a defined number of retries, the communication link is considered unavailable. The Master Station then sends a communication reset and hang-up order. Optionally, the user may abort at any time a communication is in progress. A message will ask the user if he wishes to keep the part of the record received before the interruption. If 'YES' then the record will be a short record and marked as such by the Master Station. The next time faults are then retrieved, the record will be completed. If 'NO' then the record will be removed from the Master Station. Page REV. C

169 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Protocol used when the BEN has a 5554, or 5558 communication card Most recent equipment of the BEN 5000 series have a fast communication card supporting a full-duplex protocol - referenced as Z-protocol in the following - used for record transfer and additional baud rates. This protocol is designed for optimum performance with minimum degradation caused by delays introduced by packet switched networks and timesharing systems like Windows 95 or Windows NT. It has been optimized for best throughput when line hits occur infrequently. The Z-protocol uses adaptive frame lengths from 128 to 1024 bytes depending on the quality of the communication link. It continuously transfers data as long as the receiver periodically acknowledges. If the receiver detects a garbled packet (CRC error or a bad data length), it interrupts the BEN to request a retransmission from the beginning of the garbled frame by sending a ZRPOS frame indicating the position in the record from which the BEN must resume. The following sequence illustrates a typical record transfer: --- Line connection --- Open COM1, bauds BEN 513 connected Count = 56 *** Turbo card detected *** Receive Data record 78 from sub-ben 1 (Huffman's compress.) Get Parameter file from sub-ben 1 Count = 2645 Init Origin:ACK Ask Aquis.:ACK ZRINIT sent ZRQINIT received ZRINIT sent ZDATAG received - Count = 1024 ZDATAG received - Count = 2048 ZDATAG received - Count = 3072 ZDATAQ received - Count = 4096 ZDATAG received - Count = 5120 ZDATAG received - Count = 6144 ZDATAG received - Count = 7168 ZDATAE received - Count = 7849 ZEOF received - Count = 7849 ZRINIT sent ZFIN received Start consolidation of fault 78 Decompressing fault 78 (Compression ratio = 2.5) REV. C Page 161

170 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 The first five lines show the connection establishment (here in DIRECT mode): observe the 56-byte data transfer allowing the Master Station to detect the 5554/5558 communication card. Receive Data record 78 Master Station Get parameter file BEN Fault Recorder Master Station has detected that it does not have the Parameter File corresponding to this record (read in this case from the BEN disk) BEN transfers parameter File (2645 bytes) Init origin Select sub-ben1 Ask for acquisition data BEN answers ACK Send ZRINIT BEN 32 requests to use Z-protocol Receive ZRQINIT BEN acknowledges Send ZRINIT BEN 32 asks for data Receive ZDATAG Data frame with CRC " " " " Receive ZDATAQ " " " Send acknowledge " " " Receive ZDATAE Data frame with CRC Receive ZEOF End of file Send ZRINIT Final acknowledge Receive ZFIN At the end of the record transfer, the Master Station "consolidates" the data received for subsequent analysis: it decompresses the file and merges the data and the parameters to create a consistent record. The Z-protocol defines the following different types of messages: ZRQINIT ZSINIT ZRINIT ZFILE ZDATAG ZDATAQ ZDATAW ZFIN ZDATAE ZEOF ZCAN ZRPOS : trigger PC for accepting Z protocol : reserved for future use : request for full duplex handshake : begin of file transmission : frame without ack required : frame expecting later ack : frame expecting immediate ack : last packet of Z session : last frame before a new header packet : last frame of file : cancel sequence : request for data from a given file offset Page REV. C

171 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 The 5554/5558 card optionally uses an "on the fly" compression algorithm (Huffman's compression) specifically tuned to match the characteristics of the data recorded by a BEN. The Huffman compression algorithm assumes that data file consists of patterns of characters where some bytes occur more frequently than others do. By analyzing the file, the algorithm builds an array that identifies the frequency of each character. Then it builds the Huffman tree structure from the frequency array. The purpose of the tree is to associate each character with a bit string. The more frequent characters get shorter bit strings, the less frequent ones get longer bit strings, and so the data in the file can be compressed. This compression algorithm typically reduces the amount of data transmitted by a factor three without any reduction in these data definition. Turning this compressor ON can therefore generate significant savings in communication time. The compression mode will be favorably used when the speed which the PC can accept data at is higher than the line baud rate; typically, when the communication line throughput is lower than 50 kbits/sec on a BEN 5000, or 25 kbits/sec on a BEN 500C, and with a PC of reasonable performance level, the data compression algorithm will optimize the transfer time. In this case, the received file will be decompressed during the consolidation process, upon completion of the file transfer, and the data record will be exactly the same as if it had been received without compression. Notice that the consolidation runs in parallel with the communication process, which means that the next file transfer can begin without waiting for end of consolidation of the preceding one. 7.2 SETTING COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS FOR EACH BEN (How to Get there: MENU/View/Setup or ) The communication sheet summarizes the parameters for carrying out a communication session with a BEN. To modify the communication setup: Open the BEN you want to modify the setup of Select the Setup option in the VIEW menu: the setup property sheets appear. Choose the Communication sheet and update the setup REV. C Page 163

172 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Press the button to keep your modifications. Select another "view" in the VIEW menu to process any communication transaction, or press the button to terminate this BEN edition Parameters Address This parameter is used when several BENs are connected on the same communication line. The default value is 1 for BEN 5000 and a value identical to the serial number for BEN You will not be able to carry out a communication session if this number is not identical to the address configured in the BEN equipment itself Line This field defines the type of communication link used for each call to this BEN. Select one of the setups available; you can edit the setup by pressing the CONFIGURE button. Take care that any modification to the selected modem setup will be used for every other system using the same setup. See also 7.3. When you select TCP/IP link in the Line list box, you need to enter the IP address instead of the phone number. An IP address is four numbers (each from 0 to 255) separated by periods, e.g Ask your network administrator to provide the BEN IP address. Page REV. C

173 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Phone number Enter the complete telephone number (up to 64 char) in this field. You can precede the telephone number itself with a prefix for your switchboard, or add into any additional characters useful for making the connection to the remote modem Name and password Enter in these fields your user's name and password for identification to BEN 5000 and BEN 500C equipment. This name determines your access level to the system and will be used for any usual access to the fault recorder (like getting data, status, etc...). When you issue some more specific requests for example a configuration modification, the application will ask you to enter again your name and password in order to check that you may access those operations. The following parameters located on the right side of the screen only concern the automatic communication mode: Polling Check this box to insert this BEN in the automatic polling cycle. When you start the automatic communication mode, the system will periodically retrieve the new records from this BEN. (See 7.6 Communication Auto Mode) Auto Call Check this box to enable the answering of calls coming from this BEN when the automatic communication mode is in progress. (See 7.6 Communication Auto Mode) Data Origin Select the origin of records for the automatic communication mode: memory or hard drive, and sub- BEN s which new records will be retrieved from Weight Thresholds Fill in these fields for sorting records retrieved in automatic mode: records with weight higher or equal to the high threshold will be retrieved immediately when the BEN issues an auto-call. records with weight between both thresholds will be retrieved at the time of the next polling cycle. records with weight below the low threshold will not be automatically retrieved. They will remain in the fault recorder as long as you don't ask for them manually. (See also Customize communication, Other setup options 9.1) REV. C Page 165

174 BEN 32 Pgm. VER MODEM SETUP (How to Get there: MENU/View/Setup or from a BEN window) The Master Station allows you to create up to six modem profiles defined by a name. In each BEN setup, choose one of those modem profiles for processing communication with this BEN. To modify a modem profile Select the communication sheet in the BEN setup view. Select the modem setup to modify in the drop-down list box; select "New modem type" to create a new setup. Press the button: the Modem properties dialog box appears: Edit the setup, then press the button to keep the modifications. Page REV. C

175 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN Parameters Name Choose a mnemonic name of up to 16 characters, like the modem type, which will help you to remember the characteristics of this modem profile Port Select in the drop-down list either one of the modems installed under Windows or a serial port when you have a direct link between the BEN and the PC. Choosing a serial port suppresses the HAYES commands sent to the modem for making the line connection. If the port list does not show any modem, you need to create it with the Modems applet in the Windows Control Panel. In this applet - if your modem supports Plug and Play recommended for any Windows compatible modem - you simply select automatic detection of the modem type Baud rate Select the transmission speed used on serial port when you use a direct link. This field is grayed when you select a modem Protocol Select the T or Z protocol according to the communication capabilities of your equipment. Refer to 7.1 or, in case of doubt, use the Z protocol (default choice) for modem connection and T protocol if you work in DIRECT mode Data compression Default choice is Huffman's compression which gives an efficient data transfer without loss for records of BEN 5000 series equipment. When the system on-line does not support this type of compression, BEN 32 switches automatically to None for the transaction in progress. Select this last choice only for disabling data compression. The modem setup has a great influence on the telecom throughput. Most modems use a modulation scheme defined in the CCITT specifications V.22 bis (2400 bps), V.32 (9600 bps) or V.32 bis (14.4 Kbps). In addition to support of CCITT standards, some brands of modem also support non-standard, proprietary modulation schemes. Two of the most noteworthy of the proprietary modulation types are Telebit Corporation's PEP protocol and US Robotics' HST protocol. These modulation types are adaptive; they are capable of adjusting the data-signaling rate in relatively small increments to achieve the highest data rate for the quality of the connection. The primary advantage of adaptive modulation is that higher data rates may be attained over a poor connection. The main drawback to the use of the proprietary modulation types is that they require that modems from the same manufacturer be used at both ends of the communication loop REV. C Page 167

176 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Some modems allow for on-line data compression using for example MNP protocol or CCITT V.42 bis. These compression protocols can increase throughput by up to 1.2:1 to 2.4: 1 if they are used independently of the error correction scheme usually associated with these protocols. When it is not possible to dissociate compression and error correction, it is better not to use these features. In every case, optimizing the throughput for a specific pair of modems usually requires some experimentation. Don't hesitate to contact EII technical support for help in guiding you with this matter. The button gives access to the modem settings: - basic modem configuration consists of identifying the maximum baud rate and the speaker volume. By default, Windows selects a conservative speed: set the speed lower if the faster rate causes many retries; set it higher for fast performance if you are using a computer with a Pentium processor. For example, may work better than default setting of for V.32bis. The effective speed negotiated during the line connection will also take into account the capabilities of the remote modem. Page REV. C

177 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 - the Connection tab has settings for the modem baud rate (data bits), parity method and number of stop bits. BEN 32 ignores these settings. It's also possible to tell the modem to wait for a dial tone before dialing (the same as including a W before any digit in the telephone number), and settings for call setup fail timer and inactivity timeout. On the Connection tab, the button brings up a dialog box that lets you specify buffering preferences. In addition, the a dialog box with advanced settings. button displays REV. C Page 169

178 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 You can specify whether to use error control protocols and compression at the modem level: the best choice, when available, is to check Compress data and clear Required to connect. When the error control is enabled, modems sometimes have trouble connecting. If this occurs, clear the check box and try again. One of the most interesting fields in the Advanced Connection settings is called Extra settings: this is where clever users can tell Windows to send extra initialization commands to the modem during initialization. These commands usually take the form of AT command strings and they can be used especially when modem is a brand that Windows does not recognize. Do not include the "AT" prefix in the box. The Advanced Connection settings also include a check box for recording a log File, called MODEMLOG.TXT in the Windows home directory. This is an incredibly useful feature for troubleshooting when you are having trouble making a call. The following listing is an example of this log file. The telephone line was deliberately disconnected so that Windows would not receive a dial tone when it attempted to dial the telephone. TIP: When finished using this feature, you should disable the log file setting after you locate the problem. Otherwise, the log file will continue to accumulate information every time you use the modem, and it might grow quite large :41: Standard Modem in use :41: Modem type: Standard Modem :41: Modem inf path: MDMGEN.INF :41: Modem inf section: Gen :41: ,N,8, :41: ,N,8,1 Page REV. C

179 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN :41: Initializing modem :41: Send: AT<cr> :41: Recv: <cr><lf>ok<cr><lf> :41: Interpreted response: Ok :41: Send: ATE0V1<cr> :41: Recv: <cr><lf>ok<cr><lf> :41: Interpreted response: Ok :41: Send: ATX4<cr> :41: Recv: <cr><lf>ok<cr><lf> :41: Interpreted response: Ok :41: Dialing :41: Send: ATDT##<cr> :41: Recv: <cr><lf>no DIALTONE<cr><lf> :41: Interpreted response: No Dialtone :41: Hanging up the modem :41: Send: ATH<cr> :41: Recv: <cr><lf>ok<cr><lf> :41: Interpreted response: Ok :41: Session Statistics: :41: Reads : 39 bytes :41: Writes: 26 bytes :41: Standard Modem closed. The log file includes all of the AT commands sent by the Telephony API to the modem and the strings returned to Windows. Notice also toward the end of the File that the modem reports to Windows that no dial tone could be detected on the line. For security reasons, the log file doesn't record the actual digits of the telephone number dialed and replaces them by the "#" character. Unfortunately Windows does not allow you to save different initialization strings for the same modem which means that if you add such a string for a modem setup in BEN 32, every other setup or application (like for example Hyperterminal or Internet connection) will use the same string, and the log file enable box works in the same way *. TIP: To work around this drawback, you can create from the Control Panel two or more setups for the same hardware modem: give them a different name in such a way that you can select and configure in each application a different setup for the same modem. The Options tab contains additional settings for dialing. The only setting used by BEN 32 is the status control **. When you check the Display modem status box, * ** Moreover, under Windows NT, you need Administrator rights to access these two advanced settings. This feature is only supported under Windows 95/ REV. C Page 171

180 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Windows adds an icon to the system tray when the modem is on-line. By clicking on this icon, you get status information on the current connection. Page REV. C

181 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN COMMUNICATION OPTIONS (How to Get there: MENU/Customize/Options or ) The Communication sheet of the OPTIONS allows you to customize the following communication parameters : Records transfer The Master Station keeps track of the records already received in its database. When you check the box Get new records only, the application compares the list of records asked for with those already received before starting the communication transaction in order to retrieve only records (or part of records) never retrieved previously. This option applies only to records manually selected; it does not apply to automatic modes or New records command. It can be useful to disable this option in the following cases: you have already received a record, then erased it but the database still keeps track of the operation. Clear the Get new records only flag to retrieve this record again; you have got some groups previously and you want some other groups without keeping the channels received previously. Check the box Keep partial record on abort, if you want keep the part of record already received when the communication is accidentally aborted. This option does not apply for communication aborted on users request REV. C Page 173

182 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Phone calls Check the Confirm phone calls if you want to receive a confirmation message before starting any communication transaction. Clear the Immediate hang-up box if you want to remain on line for the specified timeout after every transaction. By default, the communication process holds the line only after some specific requests like e.g. Refresh Directory. The hang-up delay specifies the on-line time-out following the transaction: the communication process hangs up the line if no new transaction for the BEN currently online has been issued for that time. Enter a zero value if you want to immediately hang up after every transaction. NOTE: A similar field exists in the BEN DFR s configuration files. The value entered in the BEN 32 field should always be less than the one in the DFR. If it is not, it is possible that the DFR will determine that the communication session has expired and close the session, but BEN 32 will still believe it is open. If another request is sent during this time difference, you will receive a comm error under BEN 32. These options under the Phone calls frame do not apply in automatic modes Automatic modes (See also 7.6) Check the Activate at startup box to automatically resume communication in automatic modes when BEN 32 is restarted. Select in the Auto-export list box, the format to export data of BENs which have the auto-export function enabled. Select the modem which will receive the incoming calls in the Auto-answer port list: this drop-down listbox displays all the modem setups defined in BEN 32 (see 7.3). Enter a delay in seconds in the Waiting delay field if you want to wait before retrieving records when the first incoming call occurs. In this case, the modem hangs up to allow other incoming calls and, at the end of the delay, calls back the BENs which have issued an auto-call in decreasing order based on the record weights. When this delay is null, the system retrieves immediately the new record from the BEN which has issued the autocall, before hanging up the line. Page REV. C

183 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN VIEWING DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION STATUS (How to Get there: MENU/File/Communication status... or or ) The communication status shows the current activity of the communication process running in the background and helps you to follow the current transaction Parameters Current status Shows the communication process status, the action currently performed, and the mode - manual or automatic - in which this action takes place BEN Connection Gives information about the BEN concerned by the current transaction, if any in progress Last command Gives the type of transaction performed, the record currently retrieved and the number of records already received in this transaction when it applies, and the compression mode in use REV. C Page 175

184 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Data Transfer Gives respectively for the file currently retrieved and the total transaction the number of bytes already received and the total number of bytes expected. This last number is left at zero when the application is unable to determine it before completion. The number of retries occurred since the beginning of the transaction is representative of the connection quality. The throughput gives the actual transfer rate measured by the PC. The compression factor is shown when data compression is active. NOTE: This screen shows mainly information about the current transaction. To see the list of transactions being in progress or waiting to be processed, select the Commands view or button Abort communication When a communication is in progress, you may eventually need to press the button in order to cancel it. The program cleanly stops the communication with the BEN then hangs up the telephone. When no communication takes place, but the system remains on line with the BEN (depends on the hang-up delay, see 7.4), then the same button is used if you want to hang-up the telephone immediately. NOTE: When the system is already hanging up, this button is grayed. Page REV. C

185 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN COMMUNICATION USING AUTO-MODES This chapter describes the following modes available for automatic communications with one or several BENs: The polling mode: at a settable hour, the BEN 32 takes the initiative to call one or several BEN(s) to ask for 'new faults' which were recorded since the previous call. This mode is available for all types of BEN's. The auto-answer mode: available only for DFR's of the BEN 5000 series, this mode places BEN 32 in a waiting state for answering automatic calls from BEN's. Automatic printout: settable on a BEN basis, this feature automatically prints every record received in auto-mode. Automatic data export : also settable on a BEN basis, this option automatically converts data to COMTRADE or other formats for data exchange with other applications. NOTE: Both polling and auto-answer modes may run concurrently on same or different BEN's and take into account the record weight to retrieve it or not Polling Mode In this mode, BEN 32 periodically polls the BENs on the polling list and automatically retrieves new records which have a weight greater than or equal to a threshold predefined for each BEN (See Glossary for record weight definition and 7.2). As long as the automatic mode is running, the window displays a status summary about all BENs involved in the automatic mode. NOTE: The number of BENs allowed in the polling cycle is limited to 100. To start automatic communication mode in polling mode: - From the FILE menu, select Communication Status or. - From the VIEW menu, select Automatic Mode: a list of the BENs to poll appears REV. C Page 177

186 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Update the time that the polling cycle is going to start at and the polling period, at the bottom of the list. - Check the polling box under the Start button, then press : the caption under the list indicates the new automatic mode state. Information displayed: the polling list shows various parameters; you can change them by selecting Options in the View menu. BENs on the polling list: to have a BEN on the polling list, check the Polling box in the BEN communication setup and eventually fill the low weight threshold in (See 7.2 Setting parameters for each BEN). Disabling BEN polling: if you don't want a BEN to be polled, you can click on the check box at the left of its line in the list, so that the check mark disappears. This can be done when the automatic mode is stopped; if it is running, then stop it first by pressing the Stop button. It may be useful to temporarily disable the polling of a BEN if you know for example that the telephone line is out of service for some time. This feature also gives the ability to split the polling between several PCs sharing a common database on a LAN. Polling sequence: the BENs are polled according to the polling sequence number shown in the leftmost column of the list. You may modify the sorting of the list with a click on one of the column heading buttons. Or you may drag & drop BENs into the listbox: click on a BEN item in the list (not on the check box) then, while holding down the left mouse button, bring the cursor where you want to move it in the sequence, drop it by releasing the mouse button. When you start the automatic mode, the system will ask you if you want to save the new polling sequence. If you answer "yes", the new sequence is saved and used at the next polling cycle. Page REV. C

187 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Polling period: enter here the time between two consecutive polling cycles (max. 500h). NOTE: If the polling duration exceeds the polling period, the next polling cycle(s) will be skipped in such a way that the next effective polling cycle will take place at a time determined by adding an entire number of time the polling period to the previous polling time. TIP: Enter a value of zero if you want to carry out a single polling cycle when you start the automatic mode. Open BEN: select a BEN from the polling list to open the latest BEN directory received. From the directory view, you can afterwards open records and display them. Event Info: select a BEN from the polling list to access logging information about the last call to this BEN processed in automatic mode. NOTES: Closing this window does not stop the automatic mode: you can again open this view for displaying the automatic mode status. To stop the automatic mode once it has started, press the corner. button in the lower left If the automatic mode is running when you leave the application, it will stop. It's possible to resume the automatic mode at BEN 32 startup by checking the Activate at startup box in the communication options. It is possible from the commands queue to abort the communication in progress in order to process the next BEN in the polling sequence. The records not yet received will be retrieved during the next polling cycle. When the polling cycle executes, this window is dynamically updated to the current information for each BEN. It also shows an "information" icon for a successful poll, or a "warning" or "error" icon in case of problems. You may then click on the "Event Info" button to get more detailed information (see 8 Events Logging) REV. C Page 179

188 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Auto-Answer Mode This mode sets BEN 32 in a state waiting to answer auto-calls from equipment of the BEN 5000 series. Each time that an incoming call from a BEN is received, the system checks if it is allowed and adds the calling BEN at the end of the list of BEN's involved in automatic mode. Then BEN 32 processes the call according to the record weight (see 7.2) and the options defined. To enable auto-answer mode: From the FILE menu, select Communication Status or. From the VIEW menu, select Automatic Mode: the BEN polling list appears (see 7.6.1). Check the Auto-call box under the Start button, then press : the caption under the list and the communication field in the status bar indicate the new automatic mode state. The following parameters determine how BEN 32 will process incoming calls: BENs allowed To accept an incoming call from a BEN, BEN 32 must know this BEN which means that it is necessary to create it, then to allow incoming calls by checking the Auto Call box in the BEN communication setup (see 7.2). Fill in the weight thresholds to selectively retrieve the records based on their priority: - records with weight higher or equal to the high threshold will be retrieved immediately; - records with weight between high and low thresholds will not be retrieved immediately as they are supposed not to have a so high priority. Instead, the system marks the calling BEN and adds it to the next polling cycle. If the polling mode is enabled, the record(s) will be retrieved at the time; - records with weight below the low threshold will not be retrieved automatically Modem setup Select a modem for accepting incoming calls in the global communication options Waiting delay Enter a delay in seconds in this field if you want to wait before retrieving records when the first incoming call occurs. In this case, the modem hangs up to allow other incoming calls and, at the end of the delay, calls back the BENs which have issued an auto-call in decreasing order based on the record weights. This assures that the most important record will be retrieved first. Page REV. C

189 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 On the other hand, when this delay is null, the system does not hang up and retrieves immediately the new record from the BEN that has issued the auto-call. In this mode, the first system calling is the first served Giving a Priority to the Records To efficiently use polling and auto-answer combined, it may be useful to give a priority to some records to differentiate them from others. This prevents the system from being held by an incoming call without interest. The BEN 5000 series implement a mechanism giving a weight between 0 and 9000 to each fault according to which sensor has triggered (see configuration option, section 3.2.5): higher it is, more important the record is. A manual start, for example, always receives a weight equal to 0. By default and on the equipment of the BEN 2000 series, this weight equals 500. This weight is transmitted to the Master Station at the beginning of the auto-call and may be viewed in the directory of the BEN. You may configure the software in such a way that it may decide on the basis of this weight if the fault has to be retrieved immediately, during the next polling cycle or never (which means only on manual request of an operator). Use to this end the thresholds available in the communication options (see 7.2) Automatic Print-Out The Auto-print feature allows for automatically printing on the PC or LAN printer every record received in auto-mode. To activate automatic print-out for a BEN: Open the BEN to setup. Select Setup in the VIEW menu or. Choose the Options sheet and check Enable Auto Print. If your system has several sub-bens, select the sub-ben which you want to print the records from (be sure to select these sub-bens for automatic communication in the Communication sheet) REV. C Page 181

190 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 You can customize the way the records are printed by selecting a user's view for the sub- BEN highlighted (see also ): this allows for defining the number of pages printed and the channel positions or amplitudes on the different pages. It is even possible to define calculated channels that will be evaluated before printing. The page headers are printed according to the default options specified in the printing record options (see ). Finally, the Time Scale selection defines the number of sheets printed: - one sheet: adjusts the time scale so that printing of each page of the view fits as close as possible one sheet, - Undersample: printing with a fixed compression factor; the number of sheets printed for every page of the view depends on the record duration Automatic Data Export The Auto-export Feature allows for automatically converting records received in automode to COMTRADE or common spreadsheet format. To activate automatic export for a BEN: - Select the export format in global options: possible choices are COMTRADE ASCII, COMTRADE Binary or ASCII spreadsheet (Excel, Lotus, Mathcad). - Open the BEN setup (setup view or ). Page REV. C

191 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 - Select the Options sheet and check Enable Auto Export. - If your system has several sub-bens, select the sub-ben(s) which you want export records from (be sure to select these sub-bens for automatic communication in the Communication sheet). You can customize how the records are exported by selecting a user's view for the sub-ben highlighted (see also 5.13) : this defines the channels to export (possibly including calculated channels). - Enter the destination path in the Export directory Field. - Enter a prefix for the filename if you wish (e.g. BEN name or serial number). The full name will be in the ppppnnnn.eee form where pppp is the prefix (up to 24 or none), nnnn is the record number, eee is the file extension (.CFG,.DAT,.BIN or.prn according the format selected). 7.7 COMMAND QUEUE (How to Get there: MENU/View/Commands or + ) The communication process runs in the background, in parallel with the main application. Each time that you issue a communication request for the same BEN or another one, it is queued as long as preceding transactions are in progress. In the same way, when the automatic communication mode starts a polling cycle, it adds the BENs to poll in the communication queue. The queue window shows the current activity of the communication process, including a list of the waiting transactions, sorted by the order in which they will be processed. The queue window shows each transaction's status, type, BEN concerned, identification (i.e. initial number in the request sequence) and number of records to get when it applies REV. C Page 183

192 BEN 32 Pgm. VER To abort a transaction in the queue Select the transaction in the queue window. Press the button To immediately execute a transaction Select the transaction in the queue window. Press the button: the transaction will take the place following immediately the transaction currently in progress. You can abort this last one if you want to execute the new transaction immediately. Page REV. C

193 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 8 EVENTS LOGGING (How to get there: MENU/File/Open Logging or ) The Master Station provides a tracking system for any significant occurrence that requires users to be notified. For critical events such as fatal errors, you may see a message on screen. For other events that do not require immediate attention, the Master Station adds information to an event log file, without disturbing your work. 8.1 CATEGORIES Three categories of events may occur: File events Communication events Internal errors errors occurring when opening, reading or writing to a file. events related to communication transactions; besides specific errors, the system logs for each transaction an information summarizing the duration and result of the transaction. errors related to memory or synchronization management. These errors should not occur and may require that you consult your service representative. 8.2 CLASSIFICATIONS In each category, events are classified in three levels defined as: errors warning information REV. C Page 185

194 BEN 32 Pgm. VER DETAILS Events displayed in the list: the events are sorted by date and time, the most recent event shown on top of the list. You can choose to display only certain types of events from the log file through the button. Event Logging Filters You may define the events displayed in the contents list according the following criteria: Event Level BEN selection Select all the levels you want by checking the corresponding boxes in the left pane. Select All BENs or only the ones you are interested in, by choosing them in the drop-down list box. NOTES: The filters only affect the display of the events. All events are always logged up to the limit of the number of events requested. The number of events kept in the log file is defined under the System options of the CUSTOMIZE menu (See 9.1.3). Event details: to view more details about an event, double-click the corresponding event, or select the event in the list, then press the button. Page REV. C

195 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Event: Category, date and time of the event. BEN: When the event concerns a specific BEN and/or some subbens, they appear in these fields. Details: Function Cause Comment Diagnostics action carried out by Master Station when the event occurred. explanation on possible event cause. additional information when it is available (e.g. file name). reserved to EII: communicate this information if you need assistance of your representative. Press the Next/Previous buttons to obtain information on respectively a more recent (displayed above in the list) or older event REV. C Page 187

196 BEN 32 Pgm. VER LOGGING DISPLAY OPTIONS By selecting the MENU/View/Options.. command in the Event logging view, you may define the attributes displayed in the different columns of the contents list: Select the check boxes of options you want to display, and clear the check boxes of options you do not want to display. Event level Type Date and time Function BEN serial number BEN name Sub-BEN number Cause code Diagnostic code Comment Small font icon according to the level: error, warning or information. event category: file, communication or internal. when the event occurred. describes the action during which the event occurred. for action concerning a specific BEN. the specific BEN name for action concerning a specific sub-ben. numerical code of the event (See error codes in appendix). event location (reserved to EII). text associated to the event cause. allows you to display more columns. Check the Save as default box if you want make your choices permanent Printout of the Events logging data (How to get there: MENU/File/Print... or from the Events logging view) A dialog box opens with the following options : Current printer : This is the active printer. Chose the Setup option to change the printer settings. Data to print : Select the information items that you want to be printed. Print range : Print the full logging list or only the range of selected items. Sorting : Print the list beginning with the most recent event (as on the screen) or with the oldest event. You can use a small font to reduce space on paper. You can save all these options as default. Press the "Print" button to start printing. Or press the "Print preview" button to visualize a simulation of the printing result on your screen. Page REV. C

197 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 9 CUSTOMIZING THE MASTER STATION 9.1 OPTIONS (How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options or ) The four sheets (tabs) of the Options dialog box determine the control parameters of the Master Station. In the following, the parameters marked "system based option" are common to all the possible users while the others are saved on a per user basis. NOTE: If you are running Windows NT, you may need the "Administrator" access level to modify these options. Otherwise, they appear grayed Communication Tab (How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options/Communications) The Communication sheet of OPTIONS allows you to customize the following communication parameters: REV. C Page 189

198 BEN 32 Pgm. VER Records transfer (system based option) The Master Station keeps track of the records already received in its Database. When you mark the Get new records only, the application compares the list of records asked for with those already received before starting the communication transaction in order to retrieve only records (or part of records) never previously retrieved. If you have already received part of a record, the application will complete the transmission of the missing information only, when the Get new records only is marked. The applications will transmit the whole record again when the Get new records only is not marked. NOTE: This option applies only for records manually selected; it does not apply for automatic modes or New records command. Check the Keep partial record on abort if you want to keep the part of record already received when the communication is accidentally aborted. This option does not apply for communication aborted on user s request. In this case, the user is specifically asked for keeping the record currently retrieved or not Phone calls (system based option) Check the Confirm phone calls if you want to receive a confirmation message before starting any communication transaction. Clear the Immediate hang-up if you want to remain on line for the specified time-out after every transaction. By default, the communication process holds the line only after some specific requests like e.g. Refresh Directory. The hang-up delay specifies the on-line time-out following the transaction: the communication process hangs up the line if no new transaction for the BEN currently online has been performed for that time. Enter a zero value if you want to immediately hang up after every transaction. These phone call options do not apply in automatic modes Automatic modes (system based options) Check the Activate at startup box to automatically resume communication in automatic modes when BEN 32 is restarted. Select in the Auto-export list box the format to export data of BENs which have the auto-export function enabled. Select the modem that will receive the incoming calls in the Modem selection list: this drop-down listbox displays all the modem setups defined in BEN 32 (see 7.3). Page REV. C

199 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Enter a delay in seconds in the Waiting delay field if you want to wait before retrieving records when the first incoming call occurs. In this case, the modem hangs up to allow other incoming calls and, at the end of the delay, calls back the BENs which have issued an auto-call in decreasing order based on the record weights. When this delay is null, the system retrieves immediately the new record from the BEN that has issued the auto-call Preferences Tab (How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options/Preferences) The Preferences sheet of OPTIONS offers the following commands: Screen options - Show Tool Bar: shows or hides the toolbar, - Show Status Bar: shows or hides the status bar BEN Lists - BEN lists sorted by BEN name or by BEN serial number: all the BEN selection lists (e.g. when opening a BEN) are sorted according to this choice Default colors for records - Black or white background: When the graphical view of a record is displayed without a saved user layout, then the system uses the background color selected here. - Color schemes for channels: REV. C Page 191

200 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Sequence : channel colors are selected in a sequence of 8 colors as they are read from the file, without distinction on the type of channel, Phases: channel colors are selected according to the type of channel (phase, voltage/current, calculated channel, digital channel). If the type information is not present in the parameters file, then the sequence scheme is selected. NOTE: When a user layout is shown, all colors are restored exactly as they were shown when the view layout information was saved. Press the button if you want to change the colors for a color scheme. A dialog box appears, showing a button for every color selection; click on the color button to change a specific color from the standard Windows color selection box. Press "OK" to save the color scheme, or "CANCEL" to exit without any change; press "RESTORE" to cancel your changes while keeping the box open; or press "DEFAULT" to get the default colors assigned in BEN 32 from the setup Screen Capture Here are some options for the "Screen Capture" function (see 5.17): Monochrome bitmap : the image saved in the clipboard is black and white; Invert black and white: select this option if the record windows have a black background and you wish to insert the image in a white document. The background will change to white, and the white channels will change to black; Reduce color intensity: light colors used for channels may become difficult to distinguish on a white background. Selecting this option will reduce the color intensity of the channel traces that show with a light color, so that they appear darker. NOTE: This option may not work properly if your display driver does not allow for enough colors. Record drawing only: only the content of the areas for record traces, names and values is included in the image. The windows borders and other windows are not included. This option is useful if you want to save an image containing several record windows related to each other Record Printout These color options are used by the "Print Record Graph" function (see ): Monochrome: the printout is executed in monochrome even on a color printer, i.e. channels and channel information is printed in black. If you want to print with gray scale instead of colors, then do not check this option but select the "gray scale" option of your printer driver (select MENU/File, Print Setup...); Page REV. C

201 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32 Reduce color intensity: the purpose of this option is the same as for the "Screen Capture" command. NOTES: This option may not work properly if your printer driver does not allow a fine color resolution. The options available on this sheet are saved on a per user basis. If another user shares the same PC, he can select other choices System Tab (system based option) (How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options/System) The System sheet of the options offers the following choices: Line frequency Number of events Select your network frequency: it will be used to compute the cycle period and other math operations in the Master Station. Specify the maximum number of logging events to be kept in the log file (See also 8 Event Logging) Directories Tab (How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options/Directories) The Directories sheet of the options allows you to modify the path to the directories used by the Master Station Default export path (system based option) This path will be proposed by default for each conversion to an external file format or for backup in native format Data directory (system based option) Each BEN created is associated with a directory under this path. According to the setup, this path points to your local disk or to a network drive in order to share records data between several PCs. Under normal circumstances, this path is defined during the program setup and cannot be changed Path to BENCFG (system based option) Directory used for the configuration software and related files, like sensor descriptive files (SENSOR.SIG,...). This path has been defined during the program setup and cannot be changed while the application is running REV. C Page 193

202 BEN 32 Pgm. VER TOOLBAR (How to get there: MENU/Customize/Toolbars or ) To add to or remove some buttons from the toolbar. The toolbar includes buttons for some of the most common commands in the Master Station, such as Open Database. To have a hint about the function of a toolbar button, bring the cursor on it and read the description in the left part of the status bar. - If you want to perform the function: release the mouse button while the cursor is on the toolbar button. - If you do not want to perform the function, move the cursor away from the toolbar button and then release the mouse button Display Tab Select the category in which you want add or remove a button. The display sheets are: Common Main Database BEN Event Logging Communication Record Displayed all the time. Displayed when no window opened. Displayed when Database is the active window. Displayed when a BEN view is the active window. Displayed when Event Logging view is active. Displayed when a Communication view is active. Displayed when the Analysis window is active. The left column shows the available buttons in the selected category and the right column shows the buttons currently in the selected toolbar To add a button Select the appropriate sheet Select the button to add in the left column, or select the Separator to insert a gap between two buttons. Select in the right column the button that will follow the button to add. Press ADD: the button will be inserted just in front of the button selected in the right column. You can check the result by looking at the updated toolbar just below the menu bar To remove a button Select the appropriate sheet. Select the button to remove in the right column. Press REMOVE: the button will disappear from the toolbar. Page REV. C

203 Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN TROUBLESHOOTING 10.1 DATABASE ERRORS The database directory contains information about files located in various areas of the PC s Hard Drive. If you encounter errors related to record files or if you have altered the contents of the Master Station directories with some file utilities, it is recommended to check the database integrity and repair possible errors. In order to reconstruct a meaningful database directory, the "Check and Repair" function has been implemented. It will locate the various BEN configuration and record files from your Hard Disk and display them in an updated directory. First open the database window (see 3), then select MENU/File/Check Database COMMUNICATION ERRORS Among all the tasks processed by the Master Station, communication is probably the process the most subject to trouble. Although it provides many mechanisms for gracefully handling these situations, it is desirable to dispose of additional information when the application cannot achieve a communication transaction. Three features are particularly helpful for dealing with those troubles: the error logging, the communication debug screen and the Telephony log File (see 7.3). When you issue a communication transaction that does not successfully complete, you obtain an error or warning message box like the following one: REV. C Page 195

204 BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4 Select the Show Logging to obtain more details about what occurred. When this information level is not helpful enough, and especially when the modem cannot make the connection with the BEN, you can open the Debug screen of the communication process to follow more closely the communication progress. NOTE: For communication processed in automatic mode, the automatic mode window shows the last call status for each BEN: select a line and press the EVENT INFO button for accessing logged information. (See Also 8 Event Logging) Communication Debug Screen The communication process provides a debug screen to help when dealing with communication troubles like modem configuration or bad system answer. To open the communication debug window, first open the Communication Status window (see 7.5), then execute the MENU/View/Diagnostics command: a window opens that will display information during processing of every communication transaction. When the BEN concerned is not on line yet, the transaction begins by making the connection, which in turn consists in the following steps: initializing the serial port and the modem dialing the phone number when the application requests a modem connection login on the BEN Afterwards, the process sends all the communication commands necessary for carrying out the transaction and processes the BEN answers. The option DEBUG of the Comm menu allows you to refine the information level displayed on the debug screen according to the kind of information required: Page REV. C