• FDT (Field Device Tool) is a new interface code that describes the standardization between frame programs (e.g., PACTware) and DTMs. Its promise is achievement of the elusive ideal of interoperability- any host system working via any communication protocol (e.g., HART, Fieldbus, Profibus) to any field transmitter.
• PACTware (Process Automation Configuration Tool) is a frame program that operates on a PC or control system. It is a device-independent software program that communicates with all approved DTMs.
• DTM (Device Type Manager) is not a stand-alone program but a device-specific software driver designed to operate within a frame program such as PACTware. It includes all special information needed to communicate with a specific device (e.g., Pulsar RX5).There are two basic categories of DTMs—Communication (e.g., HART, Fieldbus, Profibus) and Field Device (e.g., Pulsar Radar transmitter).
• Further information can be viewed at www.pactware.com

• Level Monitoring
• Viewing, Configuration and Saving of all parameters
• Viewing Echo Wave Form
• Capturing False Target Rejection profile
• Trending data including Level, Signal Quality, Loop and %Output
• Viewing of Diagnostic conditions

LEVEL MONITORING
Continuously viewing the level in a tank is the starting point for this new software. Position of liquid level can be viewed in a simple graphical format. Level and Output values are shown numerically as well. This screen can be left open to show the relative position of the liquid level.

VIEW AND CONFIGURE ALL PARAMETERS
Every parameter in the Pulsar and Eclipse radar transmitters can be monitored and modified remotely with a few clicks of the mouse. From units of measure to settings for dielectric, each parameter can be viewed or changed to suit application conditions. Parameters can be developed offline or saved from one transmitter and loaded to another. The menu tree shows the major DEVICE SETUP categories of CALIBRATION, BASIC SETUP, ADVANCED SETUP, DIAGNOSTICS and REVIEW. Once chosen, the corresponding information is presented on the right side of the screen.

TRENDING
The ability to trend data over a period of time allows insight into overall operation of a device. For example, trending the LEVEL, QUALITY (Pulsar only), and LOOP values is invaluable when attempting advanced configuration or troubleshooting. The PACTware PC software has the ability to track all process variables including DISTANCE (Pulsar only) and %OUTPUT. The vertical and horizontal scales can be manipulated to show as much or as little data as necessary. The data can also be saved as a picture (*.bmp) or data (*.txt) file. The data file can be reopened from within the Trend window and manipulated as if live.

ECHO Wave form capture
An oscilloscope can be a handy tool when troubleshooting electronic equipment. Few companies own one and fewer people know how to use them. The ability to view an echo wave form is a classic example of “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Now any operator can see into the vessel through the eyes of Pulsar. The Echo Curve screen yields a wealth of useful information.

• Level is shown along the X-axis and signal quality along Y-axis.
• Level is shown along the X-axis and signal quality along Y-axis.
• The red line shows the false target profile.
• The blue line shows the minimum threshold.
• The blue hash marks show the location and signal quality of the target currently detected as liquid level.
• False Target Rejection can be accessed from this screen.

False target rejection is a common issue among all non-contact, transit-time (ultrasonic, radar) devices. For many years this was one of the most cumbersome aspects of radar setup. Pulsar is recognized as one of the easiest radar transmitters to configure including FTR. With the PACTware software, the inside of the tank can be seen as Pulsar sees it.

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How can I get PACTware? What is the cost? What do I receive?

• PACTware is available as a CD or downloaded from the Magnetrol website downloads page and is free of charge.
• Further, Magnetrol is now shipping a CD with every order that includes both MEL (Magnetrol Electronic Literature) and PACTware.
  The complete software package includes
  • PACTware frame program
  • Microsoft.Net Framework
  • HART communication DTM
  • Generic HART device DTM
  • Magnetrol HART DTM Library
    • Eclipse 705 2x DTM
    • Eclipse 705 3x DTM
    • Pulsar RX5 device DTM
    • EZII Modulevel DTM
    • E3 Modulevel DTM
    • Jupiter DTM
  • Magnetrol HART DTM Library Extension
    • Eclipse 3x 2 DTM
    • R82 DTM
    • 355 DTM
  • Magnetrol FF DTM Library
    • Eclipse 705 FF Dev Rev 1 DTM
    • Eclipse 705 FF Dev Rev 2 DTM
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader

• Pentium II 500 MHz processor
• 128 MB RAM
• 120 MB free hard disk space
• Windows 2000, 2003, XP and Vista
• Internet Explorer 5.0
• Graphic Resolution 1024x768 (16-bit color)
• Microsoft compatible mouse
• RS232/HART or USB/HART serial interface
• PCMCIA interface (for Foundation Fieldbus only)

HART

• In addition to a computer and software the one extra item is a HART modem. There are two types- HART/RS232 and HART/USB. Check your computer to see what connections are available. Many computers have both but some new computers have USB only. The typical cost of this component is $200 - $500 depending on the type and manufacturer.
• Below is a list of common HART modems.
  • Smar (www.smar.com or www.smarresearch.com)
    • RS232 - HI311
    • USB - HI321
  • Mactek Viator (www.mactekcorp.com)
    • RS232 - Model 010001
    • USB - Model 010031
  • Micro flex (www.microflx.com)
    • RS232- Model 101-0005
    • USB- Model 101-0007

• Appropriate Hardware, such as a National Instruments NI-FBUS card with PCMCIA interface
• FF H1 Communication DTM (Please refer to info@codewrights.biz for additional information)
• Appropriate FF Device DTM

• The PACTware Instruction Manual contains a short Tutorial that explains all basics.

• The PACTware Instruction Manual offers explanation of these capabilities.

• Anywhere on the two-wire loop between the power supply and the tank including at the transmitter itself. Be sure to consider all area classifications when making this determination.

• The Eclipse Model 705 DTMs will operate with Eclipse Model 705 transmitters with firmware revision 2.0 or later. This version of Eclipse transmitter was released for sale in November 2002. Any Eclipse transmitter sold before November 2002 will not operate with the Eclipse DTMs.

• No, at this point in time the DTM will only function with a Model 705 transmitter. The 705 version 3x incorporates the capabilities of both the 707 and 708 transmitters.

• PACTware yields full communication capability to any product that has a DTM (Device Type Manager).
• Magnetrol now offers three (3) DTM libraries that includes its most popular transmitters:
  • Magnetrol HART DTM Library
    • Eclipse 705 2x DTM
    • Eclipse 705 3x DTM
    • Pulsar RX5 device DTM
    • EZII Modulevel DTM
    • E3 Modulevel DTM
    • Jupiter DTM
  • Magnetrol HART DTM Library Extension
    • Eclipse 705 3x_2 DTM
    • R82 DTM
    • 355 DTM
  • Magnetrol Foundation Fieldbus DTM Library
    • Eclipse 705 FF Dev Rev 1 DTM (firmware versions 3.0a through 3.0k)
    • Eclipse 705 FF Dev Rev 2 DTM (firmware versions 3.1a and later)

• Nothing. PACTware reads transmitter information via HART or Foundation Fieldbu; similar to using a handheld. There should be no interference. However, any changes made via PACTware that affect the output will be detected on the loop; control loops should be placed in manual mode before changing device parameters.

• Yes, PACTware can use the Foundation Fieldbus digital protocol for communication if the proper Foundation Fieldbus Communication DTM and the device FF DTM are present.

• The most common issue in establishing communication with a transmitter is ensuring PACTware is using the same COM port as the HART modem. Determine the proper COM port by using the following procedure:
  
  Go to Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager/Ports. Note the COM port number. Go to PACTware. At the top left area of the Project window note the HART DTM (eg. "HART [*] HART Communication"). Right click while this DTM is highlighted. Click PARAMETER and ensure the COM port number listed under Serial Interface is the same as the one observed in Control Panel

• Magnetrol offers PACTware HELP by
  • Phone - 800-624-8765
  • Email - pactware@magnetrol.com