Possible Problems with this Release
iTools is available with different features enabled according to the level of functionality required.
The following features may be specified, in any combination, when obtaining iTools:
It is possible to upgrade the set of available features by purchasing a new Product Key from Eurotherm.
Notes: -
The Configuration Software option is not charged for. However, it may be disabled by Product Key where it is specifically not required.
Whenever the Configuration Software option is specified, all other options (where not ordered) will operate in a demo mode as appropriate.
If OPC Scope trending and logging has not been specified, the OPC Scope program will still be available as a simple OPC client offering live textual displays.
iTools is supplied only on CD-ROM, or as a download from the Eurotherm web site.
During iTools installation you will be asked for a Product Key. The key is a 20-character value in the format 01234-56789-ABCDE-F0123. You will find this number on the back of the CD case. The Product Key determines which iTools features are enabled. iTools version 5 and later are also compatible with 10-digit Product Keys supplied with earlier versions of iTools.
If you enter no Product Key, or an incorrect Product Key, iTools will install with Configuration Software available, as well as other features in Demo mode. This will apply where iTools was downloaded from the Eurotherm web site.
A new Product Key may be entered after installation, by selecting 'Registration Information...' from the Help menu in iTools.
The minimum requirement is:
Note: Installation must be performed by a user having Administrator privileges.
Note: the iTools FDT/DTM Library requires the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 be enabled/installed. For further information on installing the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, please see Microsoft's page on 'Installing the .NET Framework 3.5'.
The following devices and versions are fully supported by iTools. Where a device is of the same type but a different version from those listed here, much of the iTools functionality may be expected to work correctly, but no support will be provided.
Versions 1.20, 1.30, B1.40, B1.41, 1.43, A1.82
Version 1.00
Version 1.30
Versions 2.06, 3.02, 3.03, A3.52, A3.53, A3.55, A3.56, 4.01, A4.02, A4.15 (FM unit)
Version 1.30
Versions 3.01, 3.05, 3.06, A4.05, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11 (also versions 3.51, 3.55, 3.56, 4.29, 4.30, 4.31, 4.32, 4.59, 4.60, 4.61)
Versions 1.00, 1.01, 2.00, 3.00, 3.02
Versions 1.04, 1.06, 2.08, 2.09, 2.10, 2.22, 3.07, 3.26, 3.27, 3.30, 3.43, 3.56, 3.60, 3.62, 3.70, 4.00, 4.10, 4.21, 4.30
Versions 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 2.01, 2.04, 2.05, 3.00, 5.00, 5.05, 5.07, 5.09, 6.20, 6.30, 6.36
Version 5.20
Versions 2.01, 2.04, 3.03, 3.10, 4.00, 5.00, 5.05, 5.07, 5.09, 6.00, 6.10, 6.30, 6.40, 6.51, 6.55, 6.60
Versions 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.24, 2.27, 2.28, 2.29, 2.30, 2.31, 2.32, A1.51, A2.65, A2.67, A2.68, A2.83, A2.84, A2.88
Versions 1.02, 1.03, A1.10
Versions 1.00, 1.10, 1.20
Versions 1.04, 1.12, 1.21, 1.23, 1.30, 2.18, 2.19, 2.21, 2.30, 2.32, 2.33, A2.47, 2.60, 2.70, 2.80, 2.90, A3.08, 3.10, 3.20, 3.30, 3.40, 3.50
Version 1.5 or later
Version 1.0 or later
Versions 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.07, 3.00, 3.02, 3.03, 3.04, 3.06, 4.00, 4.02. 4.04, 4.06, 4.07, 5.02, 5.04, 5.05, 6.00, 6.03
Version 5.00, 5.02, 5.04, 5.05, 6.00, 6.03
Versions 5.10, 6.00, 6.03
Versions 2.00, 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07, 3.08, 3.09, 3.10, 3.11
Versions 1.04, 1.20, 2.00, 2.01, 2.10, 2.30, 2.40, 2.50, 2.60, 2.70, 2.82, 3.00, 5.04, 5.10, 5.15, 5.20
Version 5.20
Versions A535, 2.00, 2.10, 2.20, 2.30, 3.01, 4.02, 4.20, 5.10, 5.50, 6.06, 7.04, 7.05, 8.10, 8.11, 8.14, 8.16, 8.19, 9.01, 10.02, 10.04, 10.07, A5.40, A5.44, A5.46, A5.47, A5.48, A5.49, A5.51
Versions 1.01, A1.10, A1.21, A1.22, A1.30, A1.50, A1.51
Version 1.0 or later
Versions 2.01, 2.02
Versions 2.24, 2.30, 2.33, 2.37, 2.41, 2.43
Versions 2.03, 2.07, 2.09, 3.02, 3.04, 4.02, 5.01, 5.10, 5.20, 5.26
Versions 5.15, 5.16
Versions 2.03, 2.04, 3.01, 4.01, 4.03
Version 5.00
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support for devices::
Mini8 V5.20 EtherCAT
Mini8 V5.15
Mini8 V5.10
EPC2000 V5.00 PROFINET
EPC2000 V4.03
EPC3000 V5.26
EPC3000 V5.16 FM
Nanodac V10.07
Nanodac A5.51
Nanodac V10.04
Versadac V2.43
Enhancements:
Added support for configuration of Mini8 EtherCAT Custom OD (Object Dictionary) and TC (ETG 5003.2060 Temperature Controller)
Improved and optimised the updating of iTools views
Reorganised iTools New Clone file dialog tabs
EFMT V2.2
Updated support for Mini8 and EPC2000
Various enhancements
Resolved following issues:
iTools: GWE button occasionally appears when ConfigLock is enabled resolved
Stand Alone Setpoint Editor (S2KPE)
fixed issue when launching from command line to connect to a device, resulting in the device program data being cleared
fixed issue where it was possible to connect to a device while it is still synchronising, resulting in the device program data being cleared
fixed issue with command line download for nanodac, EPC2000, EPC3000 and Mini8 V5+
Mini8 V5.15: resolved issue with cloning CT parameters
iSecureO (offline) and iSecure (online) update to use new Feature Security email account features@ethm.eu
iSecureO (offline) issue with Mini8 V5 firmware resolved
Device Password Manager issues with serial devices resolved.
3500 User pages superscript characters issue
Various issues resolved and improved
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support for devices::
Mini8 V5.04
EPC3000 V5.20
EPC3000 V5.15 FM
EPC3000 V5.10 (previously included in IDM Updater #3)
EPack V6.03 (previously included in IDM Updater #2)
EPower V3.11 (previously included in IDM Updater #1)
Nanodac V10.02
Enhancements:
New: Clone Migration Tool
Migrates Mini8 V2 and V3 clone files to new Mini8 V5
EFMT V2.1
Supports firmware upgrade of Mini8 V5
Various bug fixes and enhancements
Terminal Wiring Editor (TWE) performance enhancements
AdvancedDiscovery
Enhances existing Discovery/Bonjour/ZeroConf functionality
Panel images updated for EPack, EPack2PH, EPack3PH, EPC2000 and Nanodac
Various enhancements
Resolved following issues:
EPack V6.00 (previously included in IDM Updater #2)
Resolved Scaling Factor cloning issue
Device Comments causing clone save/load corruption
Graphical Wiring Editor (GWE) issue with none ASCII comment characters resulting in loading issues
iTools print HTML encoding issue
Various bug fixes
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for nanodac V9.01
Support added for versasac V2.41
Resolved following issues:
EPack V6.00
Resolved Scaling Factor cloning issue
Added support for Reduced Fieldbus IO Gateway
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for EPC2000 V4.01
Resolved following issues:
SESU (Schneider-Electric Software Updater)
Installer updated to V2.5.0
General:
Resolved issue where once iTools has been minimised to the Windows task bar, it is not possible to restore it to view
Resolved issue where ViewRunning does not respect the configured Window dimensions
Other enhancements
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for EPC2000 V4.01
Support added for EPack V6.00
Support added for EPack 2 Phase V6.00
Support added for EPack 3 Phase V6.00
Support added for EPackECAT V6.00
Support added for nanodac V8.16
Support added for nanodac V8.19
Support for products with enhanced Cybersecurity Robustness
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for EPC3000 V4.02
Support added for EPC2000 V3.01
Support added for Nanodac V8.14
Support added for 3216 A2.67 including Wizard support
Support added for 3204 A2.68 including Wizard support
Resolved following issues:
EPC3000:
Enforce minimum password length (EPC3000 V4 onwards)
Added support for displaying network MAC address as HEX numbers (EPC3000 V4 onwards)
Disabled clone save in operator mode (EPC3000 V4 onwards) as most configuration parameters are not accessible in operator mode for security reasons and would result in an incomplete clone file.
EPC2000:
Enforce minimum password length (EPC2000 V3 onwards)
Added support for displaying network MAC address as HEX numbers (EPC2000 V3 onwards)
Disabled clone save in operator mode (EPC2000 V3 onwards) as most configuration parameters are not accessible in operator mode for security reasons and would result in an incomplete clone file.
2704
Resolved issue with loading 2704 UIP programmer file being unable to load PSP with decimal points.
SESU (Schneider-Electric Software Updater)
Installer updated to V2.3.1
General:
Wizards: added temperature degrees symbol
Other minor enhancements
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for EPackECAT V5.10
Support added for EPC3000 V3.04
Support added for EPC2000 V2.04
Support added for Versadac V2.37
Support added for Nanodac A5.47
Support added for Nanodac A5.44
Support added for Mini8 V3.00
Support added for Mini8 A2.97
Support added for 3200 A2.66
Support added for 3200i A110
Resolved following issues:
Nanodac:
Resolved clone-to-device issue where if the device supports config access password, and the clone requires multiple passes, and the clone file contains a config access password change, the subsequent clone passes will fail.
Resolved GWE Execution Break issue which could cause device to corrupt its wiring table - applied to nanodac V8.11 only
Versadac:
Resolved issue where when using the stand alone Security Manager tool, and if the versadac is not loaded into EuroMBus' address space, the security configuration cannot be downloaded.
Resolved issue where login into Versadac would cause duplicate login requests to be submitted to device
Resolved GWE Execution Break issue which could cause device to corrupt its wiring table - applied to Versadac V2.37 only
EPC3000:
Hide EPC3000 passcodes
Enforce minimum password length (for future version)
Resolved issue where EPC3000 passcode could be reset during clone-to-device
Added support for displaying network MAC address as HEX numbers (available on future EPC3000 versions)
EPC2000:
Resolve issue where scanned EPC2000 will not flag the network port as a "Config Port", and consequently attempt to scan all 255 MODBUS slave addresses instead of immediately finishing.
Mini8:
Resolved issue where TWE used old Invensys logo
Resolved issue where TWE does not display correct information
Resolved issue where TWE does not display correct EtherCAT connectors
3200:
Resolved issue where Wizard does not displays specific help information for the Time field
2604/2704:
Resolved issue where unable to download custom linearization tables
2400:
Resolved issue where clone template contains partial programmer data
Eurotherm Firmware Upgrade Tool:
Resolve issue where EPC3000 is listed as upgradeable
iCloneLite:
Added support for prompting for config access username/password
ViewRunning/ViewBuilder
Resolved issue where is a OPC parameter goes offline, the ViewRunning will appear to continue to display a live value. Now displays "???"
iSecure/iSecure Offline
Resolved integrated email sending issue
SESU (Schneider-Electric Software Updater)
Installer updated to V2.3.0
General:
Resolved issue where some parameters appear read only (blue) instead of alterable.
Improved clone-to-device handling during device reboot
Improved handling of writing long string values
Resolved issue where if OEM Security is enabled, "Send-To-Device" option is still active
Resolved issue where newly scanned and loaded device would perform 2 full synchronisations.
iTools "Add Device" dialog layout and formatting improvements
Other minor enhancements
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for EPC3000 V3.02
Support added for EPack V5.05
Support added for EPack 2/3 Phase V5.05
Support added for EPack V4.07
Enhanced EPack, EPower and EPC3000 FieldBus IO Gateway editors
Corrected issue where unable to program Send-to 3500
Various bug fixes and enhancements
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for EPC2000 V2.03
Support added for EPC3000 V2.09
Support added for 3500 V3.50
Support added for 3500 A3.08
Enhanced EPack and EPower IO Gateway editors
Added support for Schneider Electric Software Updating tool to prompt users of iTools product software updates
Eurotherm Firmware Upgrade tool updated to supports EPC2000
Updated iTools installer and application icons with new Schneider-Electric based icons and graphics
Corrected issue when erasing string parameter value - was not deleting the entire string.
Reorganised clone-to-device messages to be clearer
Added shortcut to iTools Control Panel to Eurotherm iTools Advanced menu
Added language selection override option to iTools Control Panel
Resolved issue where iTools would not always detect enabling/disabling device OEM security, resulting in cloning or accessing certain editors being enabled/disabled wrongly
Resolved minor issues to allow iTools OPC Server to pass OPC DA2 Compliance tests
Resolved issue where the Blocks view context incorrectly switches to another unselected device
Resolved cloning to nanodac device via iTerm password issue
Resolved issue where User Pages editor was enabled for Mini8 device
Resolved 3200 Wizard timer tab issue
Various bug fixes and enhancements
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for EPack V5.04
Support added for EPack 2/3 Phase V5.04
Support added for EPack V3.06
Support added for EPack V4.06
Support added for 3500 V3.40
Support added for Nanodac V8.11
Support added for 3200 A2.88
Support added for Mini8 A2.91
Support added for EPC3000 V2.07
Issue with loading address space for versadac (other products could have also been affected) causing iTools/OPC Server to hang has been resolved
Issue with loading nanodac V8.10 clone files reporting BACnet password clone issues resolved
This version incorporates the following changes:
Issue with Windows 10 Version 1709 January 3 2018 update (KB4056892) causing iTools application to refuse to run (always prompt for password) has been resolved
This version incorporates the following changes:
Issue with 3200 A262 FLASH memory access and cloning resolved
Issue with unable to resynchronise devices if restoring saved server address space file
Added P116 A151 support and wizard
Issue with 2500 parameter list helpfile resolved
Issue with iSecureO and EPack current rate selection resolved
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for nanodac V8.10
Support added for Piccolo A1.50
Issue with Parameter Explorer's "Wired From" now resolved
Issue with EPack firmware upgrade tool unable to access upgrades through web proxies resolved
This version incorporates the following changes:
Support added for EPack V4.04
Support added for EPack V5.02
Support added for EPack 2 and 3 Phase V5.02
Issue with saving clone file for a specific 3500 clone file/simulation configuration - this has now been resolved
Mini8 Clone File templates with pre V2.70 firmware versions compatibility issue with V2.70 and later versions - this has now been resolved
iTools now supports the EPC3000 V2.03
Various bug fixes and enhancements
iTools now supports the EPower V3.10
iTools now supports the EPack V3.04 and V4.02.
iTools now supports the P104, P108 and P116 controller version A1.40.
iTools now supports the EPack 2 and 3 Phase version 5.00.
iTools now supports FDT/DTM container integration, allowing selected devices to be instantiated into compatible FDT/DTM containers.
The iTools FDT/DTM Library requires the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 be enabled/installed. For further information on installing the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, please see Microsoft's page on 'Installing the .NET Framework 3.5'.
iTools V9.68 is the last version to support Windows XP due to the requirements for installing .NET Framework 3.5.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm EPack version 4.00.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm nanodac version 7.05.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm nanodac version 7.04.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm EPack version 3.03.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm EPower version 3.09.
Previous versions of iTools were unable to load Setpoint Program (UIP) files saved by an early version of iTools (V6) for a 2704 controller - this is now resolved
V9.66 was unable to detect multiple devices of certain types connected to the same RS485/422 MODBUS or MODBUS/TCP network - this is now resolved
iTools now supports the Eurotherm nanodac version 6.06.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8 version 2.80 with PT100/PT1000.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Piccolo SSi and SSi FM controllers.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Piccolo ERO replacement controller.
Corrected following issue with existing nanodac device support:
iTools now supports the EPack power controller version 3.02.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8 version 2.70 with EtherCAT.
Corrected following issue with existing nanodac device support:
Corrected following issue with existing versadac device support:
iTools now supports the nanodac Recorder version 5.50, A5.40, A5.46.
Corrected following issues with existing nanodac devices support:
Corrected following issue with existing 3500 devices support:
iTools now supports the 3200 controller versions A2.83, A2.84.
iTools now supports the P104, P108 and P116 controller version A1.10.
iTools now supports the versadac Recorder version 2.33.
iTools now supports the EPack power controller versions 2.07 and 3.00.
iTools now supports the versadac Recorder version 2.30.
iTools now supports the EPack power controller version 2.04, and includes improvements to the EPack Firmware Upgrade tool.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.08.
Previous versions of iTools had an issue where, if the computer's locale defined the decimal point separator as anything other than ".", reloading of the program segment RampRate data would fail. This is now resolved.
Previous versions of iTools included several issues relating to character sets used in clone files, which are resolved in this release.
Support is added for P304i and P304c Melt Pressure indicator and controller.
Previous versions of iTools included a problem where access to versadac devices from iTools could fail on systems using some non-European locales. This is now resolved.
The standalone Programmer Editor now has its own help file.
iTools 9.55 introduced several problems with View Builder which are now resolved.
iTools now supports the EPack power controller version 2.03.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2704 controller, version 6.60.
iTools 9.55 introduced a problem that prevented custom linearization tables from being included in clone files saved from 2604 and 2704 controllers. This is now resolved.
iTools 9.56 introduced a problem whereby the Terminal Wiring editor would show the wrong pinout for a single relay in module 3 of 3504 controllers. This is now resolved.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.07.
iTools now supports the versadac Recorder version 2.24, including support for the versadac security model and new editors for versadac Security and Batch configuration. See the versadac User Guide for full details.
The mechanism for setting the runtime language of iTools has been modified. As before, the default is to use the locale defined for Windows, but this may now be overridden through the Localization tab of the server settings dialog in the iTools OPC Server.
This little-used feature of iTools Engineering Studio has been removed. The feature has become increasingly difficult to set up correctly due to changes in Windows, and would not have performed will with more feature-rich instruments such as versadac.
This little-used feature of OPC Scope has been removed. DDE has long been deprecated by Microsoft and has become increasingly difficult to support reliably. Alternative transports based on OPC should be used.
iTools now supports the EPack power controller version 2.02, including a new discovery protocol for rapid network location of EPack devices. This discovery protocol uses Bonjour zero-configuration networking.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 5.10.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2604 controller, version 6.36, and model 2704 controller, version 6.55.
iTools now supports the 32h8e remote display unit version 1.20 for EPower.
Previous versions of iTools had an issue whereby program files saved onto the PC via the iTools Programmer Editor did not contain the program name parameters. This caused an issue when programs were later loaded via FTP or a USB stick, as the device program retained the same name as it had prior to loading. This is resolved in iTools 8.76.
Changes were made to the default clone file templates for 3216 to prevent the OP3 list erroneously appearing on the simulated device panel.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 4.20.
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 3.30.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 4.11.
Previous versions of iTools had an issue that meant that programmer files saved from a nanodac device's UI could not always be loaded properly in the iTools Programmer Editor, and vice versa. This applied only where the decimal separator character on the computer was set to be something other than the point (.) character. This is resolved in iTools 8.73.
In addition, previous versions of iTools had an issue that could prevent values in the Program Parameters list from being set when loading a program in the Programmer Editor. This is resolved in iTools 8.73.
Support is added for P104, P108 and P116 controllers, version 1.00.
iTools 8.68 introduced a problem whereby occasional non-critical communications errors could occur leading to loss of information such as layout data used by the Graphical Wiring Editor. This is resolved in iTools 8.70.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8, version 2.60.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 4.02.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.06.
iTools 8.60 introduced a problem whereby the iTools remote panel view of 3500 series controllers was slightly corrupted. This is resolved in iTools 8.65.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 3.01, including Programmer and Terminal Wiring editors.
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 3.20.
iTools 8.44 introduced a problem whereby the process of cloning to a device could erroneously be reported as having failed. This was seen particularly with 2604 and 2704 controllers. This is resolved in iTools 8.46.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 2.30.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 2.20.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.05.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8, version 2.50.
OPC Scope has been enhanced with new features. Any item may now be assigned a custom Display Name (or alias). Trend charts support a new Vertical Trend mode, in addition to the existing horizontal mode.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 2.10.
iTools 8.00 introduced a problem whereby Modbus scaled integer registers were, under some circumstances, rendered into unsigned rather than signed values. This has now been resolved.
Support is added for the nanodac controller/recorder version 2.00.
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 3.10.
Versions 7.68 and 7.69 included a problem that sometimes prevented view files from being successfully edited if they were created with earlier iTools versions. This is now resolved.
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 2.90.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.04.
Usage on Windows 7 is now supported.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.03.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.02.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.01.
A facility to check for a newer iTools version is now available from the Help menu in iTools Engineering Studio. This relies on the presence of an Internet connection.
OPC Scope is enhanced with new two options allowing: (i) log files to record item quality and timestamp data, and (ii) charted data points to be connected using stepped lines rather than ramps.
Recent versions of View Runner included a problem that prevented use of custom enumeration strings in DropDown components when linked to Boolean parameters. This is now resolved.
iTools now recognizes serial ports up to COM16 by default. This change is needed because USB-connected serial ports now frequently appear at positions above COM8 (the previous default maximum).
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 2.80.
Versions 7.50 and 7.51 of iTools included a problem that prevented Message editing within the 3200 series Configuration Wizard. This is now resolved.
Support is added for 3200 series controllers version 2.13.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2704 controller, version 6.51.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 3.00.
iTools 7.30 included a problem which prevented copy and paste of values between parameter lists in iTools Engineering Studio. This is now resolved.
iTools 7.30 included a problem which caused the wrong instrument faceplate to be displayed for certain 2200 series controllers. This is now resolved.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 2.03, plus 32h8e remote display unit version 1.10.
Previous versions included a problem whereby the Terminal Wiring editor would show the wrong pinout for an RS422 module on 3216 controllers. This is now resolved.
Previous versions included a problem in the Programmer editor with handling of GoBack settings for 3500 series dual sync mode. There was also a problem with setting up of Call segments during 2400 series off-line configuration. These issues are now resolved.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 2.02, plus 32h8e remote display unit version 1.00.
iTools View Builder may now be used to create Views for any OPC Data Access 2.0 server. This selection is made from the Edit menu for a newly created View, before any components have been placed. Each View still operates in the context of a single OPC server only.
Versions 7.00 and 7.10 of iTools included a problem whereby a scan operation would find only one out of multiple Mini8 controllers on a multi-dropped communications link. This is resolved in iTools 7.20.
A fault in the iTools setup program for versions 7.00 and 7.10 sometimes led to a Windows Registry key being deleted in error during uninstallation or upgrade of iTools. This Registry key is "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders". This issue is resolved in iTools 7.20. However, installing iTools 7.20 may still expose the problem when upgrading from iTools 7.00 or 7.10. A workaround is to manually backup this Registry key prior to the upgrade, and restore it when the upgrade is complete.
iTools 7.10 introduced a problem which prevented copy and paste of components within View Builder. This is resolved in iTools 7.20.
Several minor problems with the iTools Graphical Wiring Editor have been resolved.
iTools now supports the EPower controller version 2.00.
Support is added for 3200 series controllers versions 2.12 and 2.32 (VP).
The device list panel of iTools Engineering Studio now shows a specific icon for devices which are not yet synchronized. This information is useful because some iTools editors are not available until synchronization is complete. Note: a synchronized device is one for which iTools has extracted all key configuration information into its internal parameter database.
OPC Scope now provides an option for controlling the number of displayed decimal places, similar to that found in iTools Engineering Studio.
The ability to write to text string parameters using recipe data sets has been added.
Version 7.00 introduced a problem whereby iTools may not successfully connect to all instruments on a multi-dropped (e.g. RS485) communications link. This is resolved in iTools 7.10.
Version 7.00 introduced a problem with the Graphical Wiring Editor. Graphics copied and pasted into other programs (e.g. Microsoft Word) sometimes suffered from font scaling problems, making the copied diagram difficult to interpret. This is resolved in iTools 7.10.
Version 7.00 introduced a problem with the 2704 User Pages Editor when running on Windows XP or Windows Vista. The faceplate view within this editor would frequently not highlight the available and selected fields. This is resolved in iTools 7.10.
Within iTools Engineering Studio, the Graphical Wiring Editor now allows wiring diagrams to be split across multiple nested pages. This concept is known as Compounding: within the main page, a selected group of blocks and wires may be converted into a Compound. This causes them to subsequently appear as a single block on the main page, with the contents of the Compound being 'pushed down' to a subsidiary page.
iTools OPC Server has been tested successfully by Eurotherm using the OPC Data Access 2.05a Compliance Test tool. This suite of tests includes stress and performance testing, as well as validation of compliance with the relevant OPC DA 2.05a standard. The self-certification test results are available on the OPC Foundation web site: -
http://www.opcfoundation.org/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?RI=8808
OPC Scope now includes a readout cursor facility, allowing for precise review of item values within the chart display. The readout cursor is activated by double-clicking in the chart whilst in review mode.
Usage on Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista is now supported. Support for Windows 98, Windows Me and Windows NT 4.0 is now withdrawn.
Most iTools programs will now make use of the theming support built into Windows XP and Windows Vista, where enabled. As a result, small changes have been made to the layout of some iTools screens.
A problem has been resolved that caused iTools View Builder to generate access violation errors on some systems.
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 2.70.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2604 controller, version 6.30.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8, version 2.30.
Support is added for 3200 series controllers versions 2.11 and 2.31 (VP).
This release corrects a small number of problems which existed in the previous version.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2704 controller, version 6.40.
Support is added for 3200 series controllers versions 2.10 and 2.30 (VP).
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 2.60.
This release corrects a small number of problems which existed in the previous version.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.70.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3216i/32h8i/3204i indicators, version 1.03.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8, version 2.10.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
Support is added for 3200 series controllers versions 2.09 and 2.29 (VP).
This release corrects a small number of problems which have been present since iTools 6.00 or earlier. See the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file for more information.
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 2.30.
The Terminal Wiring Editor in iTools Engineering Studio now supports Mini8.
iTools Wizards now support report generation at the end of the configuration process. This facility is identical to that included within iTools Engineering Studio.
This new Windows NT service allows the iTools OPC Server to run at system startup time, and at any time when no user is logged in. See separate readme file for more information.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3216i/32h8i/3204i indicators, version 1.02.
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 2.21.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8, version 2.00.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
The Programmer Editor is updated for 3500 version 2 release, including dual programmer modes.
The standalone Programmer Editor now optionally allows device scanning; to expose this feature, the editor must be started with the /EnableScan command line option.
The User Pages Editor is updated for 3500 version 2 release.
Within iTools Engineering Studio, the 3200 series Flash Memory editor now allows Recipe editing. Similarly, Configuration Wizards for 3200 series devices now include a new tab allowing Recipe editing.
The new horizontal format 32h8 controller is fully supported, including the Device Panel and Terminal Wiring views.
Support is added for 3200 series controllers versions 2.07 and 2.27 (VP), including the new horizontal format 32h8 controller.
Support is added for 3500 series controllers version 2.18 (and 2.19).
The iTools Print facility (iTools Report Wizard) now allows access to 'hidden' device lists, such as those included in the 3200 series Flash Memory editor.
iTools icons on the Windows program menu are now positioned in a "Eurotherm" folder rather than a "Eurotherm iTools" folder.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools Engineering Studio includes a new Terminal Wiring Editor. This shows rear terminal connections for the following device types: 2200 series, 2400 series, 2604, 2704, 3100 series, 3200 series, 3500 series.
The opening screens of the iTools Configuration Wizards have been redesigned for improved ease of use. In addition, the Configuration Wizards are now available from within the iTools Engineering Studio application.
This editor now offers full support for 2604, 2704 and X26 controllers, version 5.00 and later.
A number of other enhancements have been made, including:
Note: 2604/2704 patch wiring should not be changed using the parameter lists or the instrument front panel when the GWE is open. This may lead to unreliable operation.
A number of minor usability enhancements have been made. These include automatic scaling of multiple 2604/2704 plots so that all plots can be shown simultaneously to best effect.
iTools includes a comprehensive new help file. The same information is also included in a new manual: this document is available in Acrobat PDF format on the iTools CD-ROM.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2604 controller, version 6.20, and model 2704 controller, version 6.30.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3504/3508 controllers, version 1.30.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2704 controller, version 6.10.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3116/3216/3208 controllers, versions 2.04 and 2.24 (VP).
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3504/3508 controllers, version 1.23.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8, version 1.20.
This version of iTools, and all new controller versions identified above, include a modification to the MODBUS communications code. This ensures safe communications between iTools and the controller when operating via a MODBUS TCP gateway, or any other situation where there is a potential for multiple simultaneous MODBUS masters.
See Technical Information Bulletin 1024, 'iTools Communicating With 3500 Via MODBUS TCP Gateway/Talk-Through', for more information. This document is included on the iTools CD-ROM.
For new versions of the 3504/3508 and Mini8, the default parameter address display in iTools has been modified. The change means that the iTools Parameter Explorer view and Parameter Information dialog now show the address of the parameter in the instrument's SCADA table, where applicable. For parameters which are not present in the SCADA table, no address is shown.
The advantage of this approach is that the SCADA table address is generally invariant between instrument versions, whereas the addresses used internally by iTools are subject to change.
The parameter addresses used by iTools may be shown in place of the SCADA table addresses by changing the 'Address Display...' option on the Explorer menu in iTools.
This change applies to 3504/3508 version 1.23 onwards and Mini8 version 1.20 onwards, when used in conjunction with iTools 5.64 or later.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3116/3216/3208 controllers, version 2.03.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3504/3508 controllers, version 1.21.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3116/3216 controllers, version 2.02.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3504/3508 controllers, version 1.20.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm Mini8, version 1.04.
iTools Views now allows any document to be opened or command to be executed on a button press.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.62.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3504/3508 controllers, version 1.12.
The Programmer Editor now includes full support for 3500 series controllers, version 1.12.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3504/3508 controllers, version 1.10.
An error message was previously generated when placing the Loop block in the editor window in the case where the Programmer feature was disabled. This is now resolved.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
A problem was corrected which could occasionally lead to iTools freezing while loading or saving in the Graphical Wiring and Programmer Editors.
Performance of the Programmer Editor has been improved for 3500 series controllers, and additional minor corrections have been made to both editors.
iClone is a new utility which allows cloning to and from instruments. It does not allow any other form of direct editing.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
Most of the changes in this version are to the iTools Engineering Studio application.
For configuration of the 3504 and 3508 controllers, iTools 5.50 offers an advanced Graphical Wiring Editor. The Graphical Wiring Editor (GWE) is the default editing view for these devices, and we recommend users work through this view rather than the Parameter Explorer.
The GWE groups the instrument parameters into function blocks. A function block type is a definition of those parameters which make up a unit of instrument functionality; examples are a control loop and a mathematical calculation. In most cases a function block includes all the parameters in an iTools list and it's sublists.
Each function block has inputs and outputs. Any parameter may be used as an output, while there are some restrictions on which parameters may be used as a block input.
Blocks are placed in the editor by dragging them from the tabbed 'Blocks' view on the left side of the main iTools window. In the same way, textual Comments and Monitor points may be dropped into the diagram. Monitors show live values of parameters and may be used for diagnostic purposes. A monitor may be 'wired' to any block input or output, or directly to a wire.
Changes made through the GWE are not downloaded to the instrument immediately. The instrument may be updated at any time by clicking the 'Download Wiring to Instrument' button on the GWE toolbar (this is the button with an icon of an instrument on it).
For setting values on blocks, a Function Block View (similar to the Parameter Explorer) may be launched by double-clicking the header of any block.
A new editor is included for configuring the User Pages capability of the 3504 and 3508 controllers.
A new editor is included for configuring the Device Recipe capability of the 3504 and 3508 controllers.
Most of the iTools Engineering Studio editors, including the Parameter Explorer, now allow in-place editing of parameter values. This removes the need for launching an edit dialog, and is therefore quicker and more convenient.
A new dialog shows summary information about a device. This includes its firmware version and any clone file associated with it, as well as communications parameters. For Ethernet enabled devices, information such as the device's IP address and physical Ethernet (MAC) address are also shown.
The View Builder now allows the number of displayed decimal places to be set for floating-point numeric values. This is controlled via a property of the form - it is not currently possible to control the displayed decimal places on a 'per parameter' basis.
A new TimeEdit component type allows time type values to be displayed and edited in a more representative manner.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3504/3508 controllers, version 1.04.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3116/3216 controllers, versions 1.10 and 1.11.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
For configuration of the 3116 and 3216 controllers, iTools 5 offers new Configuration Wizards. iTools Configuration Wizards guide the user through the device configuration process, providing interactive help text and graphical demonstrations of configuration options.
iTools View Builder is a new product option, providing the ability to create custom displays to run on the PC.
The Programmer Editor now supports the asynchronous programmer option of the 2704 controller version 6.00. This applies both to the integrated and the standalone versions of the editor.
The main iTools program, now known as iTools Engineering Studio, has been substantially rewritten to enhance usability and productivity. Improvements include:
Certain capabilities of the 3116 and 3216 controllers are configured by downloading blocks of data to flash memory in the intrument. iTools supports this capability with a new Flash Memory Editor incorporated into iTools Engineering Studio. The features of the instrument which are configured in this way include Text Messages, Recipe Definition, and Parameter Promotion.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.60, and the model 25F0 controller, version 4.30.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2704 controller, version 6.00.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 3116/3216 controllers, versions 1.05 and 1.06.
This utility has been removed from iTools 5.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.56, and the model 25F0 controller, version 4.21.
The MODBUS TCP slave capability is now incorporated into the Open OPC Server feature of iTools. For security reasons, this feature is not turned on by default, but can be enabled through the OPC server's 'Server Settings' dialog.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports 2200e series controllers, version A4.15 (FM approved unit).
iTools now supports 2408i indicator, version 3.02.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.43, and the model 25F0 controller, version 4.10.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model X26 temperature and humidity controller, version 5.20.
iTools now includes an editor for the User Pages feature of 2704 devices. This is accessed from within the main iTools program, as an additional device view.
The Parameter Properties dialog in iTools is now modeless, meaning that the dialog may be left open while navigating around iTools. Throughout most of iTools, when a particular parameter is selected, the Parameter Properties dialog will be updated accordingly.
When cloning to or from a device, the first step taken by iTools is normally to upload values for all device parameters. This is to ensure that iTools is working with a completely up-to-date set of data. This operation can be lengthy, and greatly adds to the overall time to complete the cloning operation.
A new option has been added to speed up cloning. This takes advantage of the fact that, in general, iTools remains fully synchronized with connected devices at all times. If this assumption is made, it is not necessary to perform the upload of all parameter values as the first step of the cloning operation.
The user can choose whether or not to assume that iTools is always synchronized with connected devices, or whether to ask prior to each cloning operation. The option is accessed by selecting 'Cloning...' from the iTools Options menu. Note that for certain device types, notably 2604 and 2704 series, iTools is not able to take advantage of this option.
The iTools OPC Server now provides options for the automatic naming of devices found during network scans. These options (available from the Server Settings dialog), allow for the device version, or version and type, to be omitted from the generated device name.
The iTools OPC Server now includes a MODBUS TCP slave capability, further extending the options for using Eurotherm products in networked environments. This option is disabled by default, and must be purchased separately.
Note: all copies of iTools include MODBUS TCP master functionality.
The performance of the Programmer Editor has been enhanced when handling 2400 series programs which include sub-program calls.
A new iTools Terminal utility (iTERM.exe) is included, allowing greater control of the iTools OPC Server from batch files and scripts. iTERM is a tool for controlling the behavior of the iTools OPC Server, and is not an OPC client.
For example, iTERM could be used to launch the OPC server and start network scanning from a particular MODBUS address. It might also be used as part of a solution to automate cloning operations.
Please note that iTERM is aimed at experienced users of iTools, and is not needed for general use.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports 2200e series controllers, special versions A3.53, A3.55 and A3.56.
iTools now supports 2408i indicator, version 3.00.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.30.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2604 controller, version 5.00, and model 2704 controller, version 5.00.
iTools now supports version 1.6 of these Recorders and Data Acquisition Units via Modbus TCP communications. It is expected that future versions of these products will implement Modbus TCP in a way which is entirely backwards compatible with version 1.6, so that these too should be supported by this iTools version.
A problem which prevented cloning of these parameters in iTools 4.00 has been resolved.
Corrected a problem with cloning of alarm values when a device's temperature units were set to Fahrenheit or Kelvin.
Some usability improvements have been made. In particular, a Save operation on an individual program will now always show the 'Save As...' dialog. Help for the Programmer Editor is now included in the main iTools help file.
This prototype application now supports some additional devices: 2116i and 2132i indicators, 2408i indicator version 3.00, and 2416 controller version 4.09. Handling of the optional pricing files has also been improved. This includes a fix for a problem whereby some prices were omitted, in the case where the option to fill in fields using default values was selected.
The server may now be started with a particular address space file (.UIS) loaded, by opening the file from the Windows Explorer.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports 2200e series controllers, version 4.01.
iTools now supports 2400 series controllers, versions 4.09, 4.29 and 4.59.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.27, and the model 25F0 controller, version 4.00.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2604 controller, version 3.00, and model 2704 controller, version 4.00.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model T630 process controller, versions 2.01 and 2.02.
iTools now supports these Recorders and Data Acquisition Units via Modbus TCP communications.
A new Programmer Editor is included. This provides support for programmer editing for the 2400 series, and 2604 and 2704. It may be launched as a separate application, or as a View within iTools.
For more information see the help file provided with the standalone copy of the Programmer Editor.
It is now possible to set passwords to protect access to iTools. This is done through the iTools applet in the Windows Control Panel. If set, the Operator (Level 1) password must be entered in order to run iTools, OPC Scope, or the OPC server. The Engineering (Level 2) password must be entered in order to perform operations in iTools which require switching instruments into their Configuration Access Level.
Passwords are cleared by either setting them to empty strings, or when iTools is reinstalled.
A prototype application is provided which allows clone files to be generated by entering a standard Eurotherm Product Ordering Code. This facility works only with certain device types and versions, and has not been fully validated against Eurotherm's product qualification procedures.
iTools now provides help information for individual parameters. This is accessed as a separate tab of the Parameter Properties dialog in iTools, accessible from the Browse panel or Parameter List windows.
Help text is currently provided only for some versions of the 2500 controller.
When cloning from a device, the user may now choose to include the contents of the device's Custom Linearization table(s) in the clone file. This operation requires switching the instrument into its Configuration Access Level, so should not be done while controlling a live plant.
When cloning to a device, any Custom Linearization tables included in the clone file will be downloaded to the device.
The option of including Custom Linearization data in clone files is not supported for all device types. If the option is not offered when cloning from a device, it is not supported and the clone file will contain no Custom Linearization tables. In this case, the user may still choose to upload the device's Custom Linearization table(s) as a separate operation.
The Parameter Properties dialog in iTools now shows the actual communications address for the parameter, as well as the parameter's canonical address. For most Eurotherm devices, the 'canonical' address equates to the value represented as a scaled integer, while the 'actual' address returns an IEEE floating point value.
This optional facility allows new values to be set up for multiple items in OPC Scope, with all of them being flushed to the device as a single operation.
The iTools HMI has been slightly modified. In particular, the default position for the Panel Views display is now at the bottom of the main iTools window. The user may override this and restore the previous display style by choosing Panel Views Position from the Options menu in iTools.
The iTools applet in the Windows Control Panel may now be used to specify an address space (.UIS) file to be automatically loaded by the iTools OPC Server when it starts up.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports 2408i indicator, version 2.00.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.26.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2604 controller, versions 2.05 and 2.06, and model 2704 controller, versions 3.03 and 3.10.
Editing of these parameters has been greatly simplified.
Copying and pasting values between parameter lists is now supported through the iTools Browse view. This allows the configuration of an entire loop, module, channel, etc. to be duplicated in a single operation.
iTools now allows a descriptive comment to be attached to a device or clone file. This facility is accessible via the 'Device Comment' command from the main Device menu or a device's pop-up menu, and the comment will be automatically copied into the device's 'Description' field within the iTools Report Wizard.
A new command has been added: 'Load Comments From File' overlays the current configuration with parameter Comments from the selected clone file.
The default behavior has been modified so that all parameter list updates are suspended during clone operations, with the intention of speeding up cloning; the user may override this setting using the 'Update Rates' command from the Options menu.
A number of other changes have been made with the aim of speeding up cloning, including support for Modbus block writes.
A new option has been added to prevent loading of parameter enumeration strings within the Block Wiring view of the Toolkit Blocks editor. The default setting prevents these strings from being loaded, resulting in much faster opening of this editor.
Parameter values may now be shown using scientific notation, or using the display format specified by the actual device (where available).
In addition, OPC Scope now supports logarithmic scaling of the chart's Y axis as an option .
The iTools OPC Server now allows serial ports to be configured to connect to instruments remotely via a modem link. The port configuration dialog allows modem setup and dial commands, and other parameters, to be specified.
The startup behavior of the iTools OPC Server has been modified: it will no longer automatically reload its last saved address space (.UIS) file upon being restarted. As before, the user may specify an address space file to be loaded. This is done by naming the file as a command line parameter when starting the server explicitly.
iTools may now be run by 'Restricted users' (i.e. members of the 'Users' group) on Windows 2000, as well as by 'Standard users' (i.e. members of the 'Power Users' group).
OPC Scope now allows the colors used for the Chart display to be customized according to user preferences.
A new utility is included to help diagnose some of the most common problems with iTools installations. This is accessible under 'Advanced Tools' on the iTools program menu, or from the Help menu within iTools. You will be asked to run this program if you report a problem while installing or running iTools.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools now supports 2100 series controllers, versions 1.20, 1.30, B1.40, B1.41 and 1.43. Communication with these devices is only possible via the Series 2000 Configuration Station unit.
iTools now supports 2100 series indicators, version 1.00. Communication with these devices is only possible via the Series 2000 Configuration Station unit.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2580 controller, version 3.07.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2604 and model 2704 controllers, versions 2.01 and 2.04.
The Access/Edit facility (hide/promote/read/alter) of all 2200 series controllers is now fully supported by iTools. The accessibility of each parameter is governed by a further pair of parameters (Access Bit 1 and Access Bit 2) within the Access_Edit_Mode lists. This feature is only available when communicating via the Series 2000 Configuration Station unit.
iTools now provides a range of features equivalent to many of those supported by the earlier Series 2000 Configuration Station software. This includes the use of a dongle for enabling additional-cost software features of controllers. Contact Eurotherm for further information.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. Further changes may be listed in the 'Release Notes' section of the iTools help file.
iTools has now been localized for English-, French- and German-speaking markets. All three languages are supported by a single build of iTools, with translation performed at runtime. This is the first version of iTools with formal support for the French and German languages, and this aspect of the product has not been thoroughly tested at this time.
iTools now supports the Eurotherm model 2604 controller, up to version 1.04.
A number of changes have been made to improve support for the Toolkit Blocks feature of the 2500 and 2604 devices:
The 'Parameter Availability Settings' dialog has been simplified for ease of use. A single option now controls visibility of both parameters and lists which are not relevant to the current configuration.
It is now possible to save the contents of the iTools Message Log window to file, as well as printing it. This window is shown during cloning, and the new facility may be useful for making a permanent record of the results.
Many of the device parameters which represent Status Words are now also shown in iTools as collections of individual items. For example, DigF (Digital Function Mask) parameters in 2400 series devices are also shown broken out into AL1 (Alarm 1 Enable), AL2, etc. Each of these new items represents a single bit (binary digit) of the status word.
The iTools OPC Server is now compatible with the OPC Data Access version 2 specification.
An additional ActiveX Control has been added. This Control represents a single parameter list, and uses the same style of view as iTools itself. See the iTools help file for usage information.
This section identifies the major changes to iTools. The iTools help file contains a more complete listing.
Connection to all 2200, 2200e, 2301, 2400 and 2408i devices is now possible via the Series 2000 Configuration Station unit.
To connect to a device through the configuration station, select 'Configuration Station Connect...' from the Device menu. To disconnect, simply Remove the device in the usual way, i.e. using the Remove toolbar button or by selecting Remove from the Device menu.
Note: having connected to an instrument via the Configuration Station, the instrument must not be physically disconnected from its clip until its has been 'Removed' from iTools.
iTools Version 2 provides two new toolbar buttons:
Also, the button which starts/stops the process of scanning for new devices has been renamed for clarity. The button's caption now shows 'Start Scan' or 'Stop Scan' according to the action which will result from pressing the button. When scanning is currently active, the status bar shows the Modbus device address currently being scanned.
The iTools Report Wizard has been provided to allow device configurations and clone files to be documented. The following facilities are provided:
The iTools Report Wizard is started using the 'Print' toolbar button, or by selecting 'Print...' from the File menu, or from a device's popup menu.
The more complex Eurotherm instruments contain several thousand parameters, divided into many separate lists. To make navigation easier, iTools now permits parameter searches. Simply specify all or part of the name or description of the parameter you wish to locate, and iTools will list all matching parameters. You may also search for matching comments, in cases where user-defined comments have already been supplied.
The 'Find' facility is located in a tabbed view adjacent to the Browser on the left side of the iTools main window.
Custom Linearization Files may now be downloaded to devices which support this facility. This is achieved by:
iTools ships with a library of pre-defined linearization files. By default, these are installed into the 'linearizations' sub-folder of the main iTools program folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\Eurotherm\iTools\linearizations).
The 2500, 2604 and 2704 devices support three separate custom linearization tables. When downloading, you will be prompted to select which of the three tables to write to.
Note: the contents of custom linearization tables are not copied when devices are cloned.
iTools Version 1 included the OPC Explorer as an unsupported utility for device and application commissioning. This utility is now called OPC Scope, and is a fully supported component of iTools.
OPC Scope allows parameters from any connected device to be monitored, plotted on a simple trend chart, or logged to file. This data logging capability supports output to CSV or tab-separated files. Both formats have been optimized for loading into Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet applications.
OPC Scope may be launched from within iTools (e.g. from the View menu), or else from the Eurotherm iTools program group on the Start menu. OPC Scope may also be launched from the toolbar of any Watch/Recipe view; in this case it will automatically be set up to show the same set of parameters which had been configured in the Watch/Recipe window.
iTools will take advantage of facilities in Eurotherm Project Studio 2000 (where installed) to automate certain operations:
Contact your local Eurotherm representative for more information about Eurotherm Project Studio 2000.
iTools Version 1 was available as an English language application only. As of Version 2, iTools may be localized for non-English markets. As well as iTools and the OPC Scope, parameter descriptions for all devices may be translated. Please contact your local Eurotherm representative to find out whether iTools has been localized for your market.
This editor, for use with 2500 devices, has been renamed to reflect the provision of a Toolkit of Analog and Logic Calculation Blocks, as well as the ability to wire parameters point-to-point.
During execution of the iTools Setup program, the user is asked to specify which of the computer's serial (COM) ports will be used by iTools. This selection may now be modified after installation through a new 'iTools' applet in the Windows Control Panel. The Control Panel may be found by opening the 'My Computer' icon, or by selecting 'Settings' on the computer's Start menu.
For each supported device type, iTools supports a number of different device versions. For example, iTools supports most version 3.xx 2400 devices, but does not fully support version 2.xx or version 1.xx 2400s. When using iTools with instrument versions which are not fully supported, a small number of operations may not complete successfully; in particular, a number of errors may be expected when cloning such devices.
So that the user is fully aware whether particular devices are fully supported, iTools now generates a warning message when adding a device for which full support is not provided. In such a case, the user proceeds at his own risk. If desired, this warning message may be suppressed by running iTools with the '/NoWarn' command line option.
The iTools OPC Server, responsible for all iTools device communications, is now made invisible by default. This is because there is normally no need for an iTools user to interact with this program directly. In case this is desired, the server can be made visible by either:
We are aware of the following issues. Please notify us of any problems you may experience with this release of iTools.
iTools Open OPC Server is required in order to use the following OPC functionality. Without the Open OPC Server these features may be evaluated for a limited period, as long as the iTools Configuration Software is enabled. See iTools Features (above) for more information.
All published OPC specifications are available from the OPC Foundation, which owns all trademarks related to OPC.
The iTools OPC Server may be used as a general purpose OPC Data Access server, supporting all required features of the OPC Data Access Custom Interface Specifications 1.0 and 2.0. This OPC server is identified by the ProgID 'Eurotherm.ModbusServer.1'.
iTools also includes an OPC Automation server, supporting all required features of the OPC Data Access Automation Interface Specification 2.0. This server would typically be used with Microsoft Visual Basic 5.0 or later, and is identified by the ProgID 'Eurotherm.OPCAutomation.1'.
A small demo application, developed with Visual Basic 6.0 and using the Automation server, is installed as part of iTools by default. It may be found in the 'examples' sub-folder of the main iTools program folder.
iTools OPC Scope is a general purpose OPC Data Access client program, supporting many of the features of OPC Data Access versions 1 and 2. OPC Scope includes simple trending and logging facilities (OPC Scope trending and logging is a separately orderable option).
Eurotherm is committed to continual improvement of the iTools product, and encourages feedback from users. If you have access to e-mail, please send details of any problems or suggestions to iTools.Support@watlow.com. Alternatively, contact your local Eurotherm representative.
When submitting a problem report or suggestion, please supply the following information, where applicable:
Additionally, the iTools OPC Server maintains a log file during execution. This file is called EUROMBUS.LOG, and is located in either the Windows folder, or the system temporary folder. If you experience a problem with iTools which you wish to report, please take a copy of your EUROMBUS.LOG file immediately after experiencing the problem, and either attach it to your e-mail message, or fax or post with your report.
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