Table of Contents

1 Introduction

This manual provides information for the use of ESPEC Web Controller (EWC), Version 3. EWC is capable of communicating and controlling the following programmable logic controllers (PLCs): ESPEC P300, SCP220, ES102, Watlow F4 and F4T, Allen Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix and Micro8xx series. Communication can be established via an Ethernet TCP/IP protocol through an Ethernet port or via an RS-232/RS-485 through a serial or USB-to-Serial interface.

Our EWC is an embedded computer powered by a Debian GNU/Linux distribution as its operating system. It is based on an x86 architecture called UP2Board designed by AAEON. Through stack programming, this embedded computer is configured and customized to utilize a standard Web browser to provide (i.e., host) its user interface (UI) to operate and control the chamber; hence, the name Web Controller.

EWC can operate as a standalone machine using a touchscreen or a standard display. It uses a subset of a Web browser (called Electron) to host its UI on the display. EWC can join a network to host its UI through a Web browser, accessible through its IP address or its hostname. Thanks to the ability of a Web browser to operate from any computer on the network, chamber operations can be performed via EWC remotely by authorized users on the network. Access to EWC is possible only for any device on the same network. No device outside the network can access EWC, unless the network is configured to host port forwarding.

With EWC, the tedious process of controlling or programming the chamber via the controller HMI is now replaced with the UI of EWC to offer multi-tasking capabilities. Many practical features offered by EWC include chamber alerts via an e-mail communication, remote operation through RESTful API, data-logging, access to other EWCs (and chambers) on the same network, and much more. These and other features will be described in detail in this manual.

With Debian GNU/Linux periodically receiving security updates, EWC is kept extremely secure. Furthermore, its root filesystem is configured to permit a read-only access; this method puts in place another layer of defense mechanisms to deny an intruder the ability to install any software or modify the system's configurations for exploitation. To provide robustness in terms of stability and self-correct operation, EWC has a dual root partition structure. This configuration ensures that during a system update (or upgrade) at least one root partition is always in the stable operating state, should the firmware update fail. This feature thereby provides seamless updates and overall system management. In short, EWC is robust, secure, easy to manage and operate.

This manual focuses on ESPEC chambers equipped with Watlow F4T PLC.

1.1 How to Use the Online Manual

This manual is currently available in two formats: (1) Online and (2) PDF. The online manual is structured for easy navigation via the Table of Contents; it also focuses on a specific chamber. Instead of scrolling down the Web page, users can jump to a specific chapter or section by just clicking on the specific topic listed under the Table of Contents (at the top of the Web page). Click the back button on the Web page to return to the Table of Contents to select a new topic.

1.2 Operating System, Software or Hardware Requirement

No software installation is required to use EWC. Only a Web browser running on the local computer is needed to access EWC via its IP address or hostname (as outlined in the chapter on Initial Setup and First-Time Use). A computer running MS Windows, Mac OS or GNU/Linux can operate EWC. A handheld device, such as a smartphone, on the same network can also access and operate EWC.

1.3 Web browser Compatibility

Our EWC supports the following Web browsers: Chromium, Google-Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari and Opera. Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 can also be used to access and operate EWC. However, due to its slow performance, the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 is strongly discouraged.

1.4 Home Page of EWC

The following figure depicts the home page of EWC, displayed using the Google Chrome Web browser. EWC can be accessed via its IP address or its hostname. As depicted in the figure, EWC was accessed via its IP address (http://10.30.100.108/). Chapter 2 provides detail how to access EWC via its IP address or its hostname from your local computer.

The home page of EWC consists of the main operation menus grouped together in the menu bar which remains fixed on the left. Their descriptive names associated with their icons on the left identify their functionality.

The home page of EWC is essentially the Overview menu. Every time EWC starts, its home page is presented as an Overview page. Three display areas make up the EWC page, as depicted in the following figure. They are outlined and described as follows:

1. Menu bar: The menu bar provides the main operation menu of EWC which remains fixed on the left throughout the operation. The contents of each menu are displayed in the main display area (Item 3 below). Settings and Program menus contain submenus to offer further control of EWC and operation of the chamber. Access permission to these menus is managed by the admin user. The User Settings submenu (under the Settings menu) allows the admin user to control access to the menu bar. Different types of access privilege are described in Section 1.5.

2. Status bar: The status bar displays the status of the chamber operation mode and its condition. The bar remains fixed on the top throughout the operation. The first tab (called status tab) displays the current status of the chamber operating modes, available in Standby, Constant, Program and Alarm. Depending on the type of chamber and controller, the next several tabs display the status of air temperature, product temperature, humidity, vibration, time signals, and refrigeration, including light fixtures in the chamber. The Overview menu discusses in detail the operation of these tabs.

3. Main Display: Contents associated with each specific menu in the menu bar are displayed in the main display area. The menu in the menu bar is highlighted to indicate its active status. As depicted in the above figure, the main display area displays the contents of the Overview menu, showing the current conditions of the chamber such as its temperature, vibration and time signal settings.

1.4.1 EWC and its HMI Touchscreen

During its startup (i.e., during booting), if EWC detects a monitor connected directly to its HDMI or video display port, it will automatically start the graphical user interface on the detected monitor. This trigger applies to both a standard monitor or a touchscreen. The dedicated touchscreen is called HMI, generally attached onto the front or the side of the chamber. This HMI provides complete control and operation of the chamber through EWC.

The following figure depicts a typical home page of EWC displaying the touchscreen menu bar designated and labeled as item 1. Components and functionality of the touchscreen menu bar are described as follows:

1. Touchscreen Menu Bar: EWC on its HMI has the touchscreen menu bar (at the top) to provide the touchscreen operation as shown above. It includes the URL that displays its current menu in the middle, three icons on the right (labeled as Screen shot, Network Info and USB Device) described as follows:

   

   • URL/Menu: To access the URL menu bar, touch the middle area of the touchscreen menu bar indicated by the arrow. This URL displays the current menu of EWC. It provides an extended operation of EWC menu navigation, such as backward or forward menu, refresh the UI page, or access a new menu. It is probably easier to access a different menu via the menu bar (on the left via the touch operation), but the URL field accepts input of a new menu by entering its name and pressing the right arrow.

   • Screen shot: This button can only be used to take screen shots of the EWC user interface if an external USB storage device is plugged into the USB port (on the HMI panel) and detected by EWC. To use this button, first plug in the USB device.

   • Network Info: EWC hardware has two Ethernet ports. They are labeled as eth0 and eth1. Press this icon to list their IP address(es). As shown in the figure, eth0 displays the IP address of EWC with its MAC address, eth1 displays the IP address. A user on the same network may access EWC user interface via the Web browser using the IP address on eth0. Detail of eth0 and eth1 is discussed in the Settings menu.

   • USB Device: This icon flashes in orange if a USB device is attached to EWC. Do not unplug (that is, simply pull out) the USB thumb drive from the USB port. Doing so would corrupt the filesystem on the USB thumb drive. To disconnect the USB thumb drive from EWC, perform the following procedure:

     1. Touch the USB Device button.
     2. Touch the Eject button in the drop-down menu, as depicted above. The system will update the filesystem on the USB thumb drive and dismount it from EWC. A pop-up window appears at the lower right to indicate the status of the ejection.
     3. Pull out your USB Thumb drive.

2. USB Notification: A notification is displayed when EWC detects an external USB device. It displays the device name and storage space.

1.4.2 EWC on a Desktop

The Overview page automatically handles and renders the display based on the Web browser window or the monitor resolution. The menu bar will collapse to display only its icons if Overview cannot fit in the display window, as shown in the following figure. In order to maintain full display, the browser window has to be expanded (or maximized).

1.4.3 EWC on a Handheld Device

EWC can also be controlled wirelessly via a handheld device, such as a tablet PC or a smartphone, provided the device is part of the main network that EWC is connected to. Typical display of EWC Overview page on a handheld device is depicted in the following figure.

1. Tab bar: The menu bar is relocated to the bottom of the page, called tab bar. As depicted in the above figure, three main menus are displayed. The rest of the menus can be accessed by tabbing on the More button. This action causes the menu to display in vertical bar. To close the vertical bar, tab on the down-arrow icon.
2. Main Display: The main display area provides a tab-up or tab-down action to access and control the chamber according to each selected (or active) menu.
3. Status Tab Extension bar: Still remains in the original position below the status tab, this extension bar of the status tab now opens as a drop-down menu to access and control all the operating modes.
4. Status bar: Still remains in the original position but displays only a few tabs, this status bar now becomes the slider bar.

The discussion in this manual focuses on the operation of EWC using the Web browser on a desktop or laptop computer.

1.5 User Account Types

To help protect the chamber from getting damaged by unauthorized users or users with limited knowledge of the chamber operation, user accounts with different level of privileges can be created. EWC is shipped with two user accounts with different level of privileges as outlined in the following table:

where NA, RO or RW under each menu has the following meaning:

• NA stands for No Access. Users with NA privilege cannot access the EWC menu in any form. Any menu associated with NA is grayed out; it is thus inaccessible to the user, as depicted in the following figure. Any attempt to access the grayed-out menu (by clicking on it), the user will be prompted to login.

  

• RO stands for Read-Only access. Users with RO privilege may view the contents of any page (or menu). All clickable contents or links are disabled.

• RW stands for Read-Write access. Users with RW privilege can access, view and modify the contents of any page (or menu). All clickable contents or links may be accessed and/or modified by this user.

The Guest represents a user who does not have an account on EWC. This user can access all the menus in browse or Read-Only mode (designated by RO). The administrator account called admin is one that has complete powers to operate EWC, including managing user accounts.

These NA, RO and RW access types can be used by the administrator to assign access privilege to different user accounts on EWC.

EWC is shipped with the administrator account using the following credentials:

• username: admin
• password: admin

This password should be changed to something more secure. Additional accounts should be created to set specific privileges for designated users. This topic is discussed under the Settings menu.

2 Initial Setup and First-Time Use

When EWC is turned on for the first time, it goes through an initial configuration via a Setup Wizard page. The procedure involves assigning a new password for the administrator account, setting up a password recovery e-mail and network settings.

EWC can operate both as a standalone system (with its touchscreen as the dedicated HMI) or as a networked system to offer remote access and operation of the chamber. Two types of chambers configured by default to operate as a standalone system are T-series and custom F4T chambers. With other chambers (such as, ESPEC P300, SCP220 and ES102, standard Watlow F4T and F4), EWC is configured to operate as a networked system.

EWC can join a Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) network or a static network. The following sections describe the different scenarios to set up your chamber and EWC to provide operational versatility.

2.1 DHCP Network: P300, SCP220, ES102 and F4T/F4

By default, EWC applies DHCP to obtain an IP address assigned by the DHCP server to join the network. The configuration is done automatically on EWC as soon as it detects a DHCP server on the network.

To connect the chamber (and EWC) to a DHCP main network, complete the following steps:

1. Plug an RJ-45 Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the chamber, as depicted in the following figure.

   EP/EGN/EWP/EWS/EN Chambers

2. Plug the other end of the cable into an Ethernet port (or a router) that connects to the main network.

3. Your computer (PC or laptop) must also join the main network as shown in the following diagram.

   

To access and use EWC wirelessly from a laptop (or a handheld device), that laptop (or handheld device) must also join the main network through a wireless connection.

2.2 Static Network: P300, SCP220, ES102 and F4T/F4

By default, EWC can join a DHCP network automatically. If DHCP service is not available, EWC uses its preconfigured Class C static network settings called fallback static IP:

• IP Address: 192.168.0.83
• Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway: 192.168.0.1

This protocol occurs when EWC is connected directly to a computer or a network hub without DHCP service.

2.2.1 Static Network Connection

To use a Class C static network on EWC, complete the following steps:

1. Plug an RJ-45 Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the chamber, as indicated in the previous figure.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port of your PC or a network hub. If a network hub is used, your PC must also connect to it via an Ethernet cable.

3. Your computer should be connected to the chamber directly or via a network hub as pictured below.

   

2.2.2 Static IP on your PC

Your computer must also use a Class C network protocol with the following recommendation:

• IP Address: 192.168.0.84
• Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway: 192.168.0.1
• Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

The following procedure applies to a PC running MS Windows 8/10/11:

1. Hold down the Windows key and press R to launch the Run Command dialog box.
2. In the Run dialog box, enter ncpa.cpl into the Open box field and press Enter.

3. Point and Right-Click the "Local Area Connection" icon, then click Properties from the drop-down menu (as illustrated in the following figure). NOTE: The Local Area Connection icon is the one connected to a hub (or EWC via a straight-through or crossover Ethernet cable). It is important to access the correct icon in case your computer has multiple Ethernet ports or devices.

   

4. In the "Local Area Connection Properties" window, confirm that there is a check mark placed in front of "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)", as illustrated in the following figure. If not, check it. Click to highlight "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and then click Properties in the lower-right corner.

   

5. In the "Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4) Properties" window, turn on the radio button for "Use the following IP address:" and enter these settings (see the figure below):

   • IP Address: 192.168.0.84
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Gateway: 192.168.0.1

6. In the ``Use the following DNS server addresses:'' section, enter the following address (as shown in the following figure):

   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

7. Turn on "Validate settings upon exit" with a check mark and click OK, as illustrated in the following figure.

   

8. Click OK to close "Local Area Connection Properties" window.

9. Close out the Network window.
10. To access EWC, proceed to the next Section.

2.3 How to Access EWC on a Network

EWC can be accessed via its hostname on either a DHCP network or a static network. The default hostname is especSN#, where SN# is the serial number of the chamber, as depicted in the following figure.

2.3.1 EWC via Its Hostname

EWC can be accessed via its hostname on either a DHCP network or a static network. Complete the following steps to access EWC for the first time.

1. With both the chamber and computer joined the network as described above, apply power to both devices.
2. On your computer, open a Web browser.
3. Enter http://especSN#.local/ in the URL address field. For example, based on the serial number depicted in the previous figure, the URL appears as: http://espec1700015835.local/.
4. When EWC is accessed for the first time, its Setup Wizard page will appear. Proceed to Section 2.4 to complete this Setup Wizard page.
5. If access failed, verify that both the chamber and computer are on the same network. Cycle power on the chamber to reboot EWC and wait one minute before accessing EWC again.
6. If the problem persists, contact Customer Support for assistance.

2.3.2 EWC via Its Fallback IP

EWC can be accessed via its fallback static IP address on a Class C static network with the following steps:

1. With both the chamber and computer joined the network as described above, apply power to both devices.
2. On your computer, open a Web browser.
3. Enter http://192.168.0.83/ in the URL address field.
4. When EWC is accessed for the first time, its Setup Wizard page will appear. Proceed to Section 2.4 to complete this Setup Wizard page.
5. If access failed, verify that both the chamber and computer are on the same network. Check to confirm that your PC uses a Class C network protocol as outlined previously. The local computer must use an IP address 192.168.0.xxx, where xxx is any number other than 1 or 83. The recommended IP address is: 192.168.0.84. Cycle power on the chamber to reboot EWC and wait one minute before accessing EWC again.
6. If the problem persists, contact Customer Support for assistance.

2.3.3 EWC IP on P300 or F4T HMI

With ESPEC P300 or Watlow F4T, the IP address of EWC can be located via the PLC's HMI.

1. P300 HMI: When EWC starts and is in communication with the chamber, it posts its hostname and IP address on the chamber's controller. On the P300, the IP address is displayed on the Set LAN screen. The following figure illustrates detailed steps to access and view EWC's IP address on the P300 HMI.

   

2. F4T HMI: When EWC starts and is in communication with the chamber, it posts its hostname and IP address on the chamber's controller. With Watlow F4T, this information is displayed on the Message tab via the Controller Status button, as depicted in the right image of the following figure.

   

2.3.4 EWC via ESPEC Locator Utility

Another method exists for locating EWC on the local network via the ESPEC Locator utility. This utility software is MS Windows-based and is executable on Windows 7/8/10. From a security standpoint, its practical use is dictated by the customer's IT department. Once executed, the utility scans for EWC (ver. 2.0 and higher) on the local network. It then displays each detected EWC via its hostname, IP address and firmware version, as depicted in the following figure. To access EWC, click on its hostname/IP address link, as indicated by the arrow in the following figure.

2.4 Setup Wizard of EWC on a Network

Before EWC can be used for the first time, you must complete the Setup Wizard. This process involves accepting Terms of Service, setting an e-mail for a password recovery, resetting the administrator's password. When EWC is first started, the Setup Wizard page appears as follows:

1. Login: When prompted, log in using the administrator account credentials (specified in Section 1.5), as depicted in the following figure.

   

2. Terms of Service: Scroll down the page to read and accept ESPEC terms of service in order to use the product.

   

   

   If EWC registration page appears as depicted in the following figure, contact ESPEC customer service for detail about your registration.

   

3. E-mail Settings: This page allows the administrator to set up an e-mail for password recovery and e-mail alert of chamber conditions. If your EWC does not have access to the Internet, this setting be skipped for now by clicking on the ACCEPT button. Such information can be entered later via the Settings menu.

4. User Settings: It is imperative that the administrator account password be changed to something more secure than the one given in the manual. Enter the current administrator's password, then enter the new secure password twice and click ACCEPT to apply the new password setting.

   

   NOTE: An error message, as depicted in the following figure, will be displayed if a new password is not entered.

   

5. Network Settings: Make note of the hostname and IP address of EWC, as shown in the figure, and click ACCEPT to continue. It is recommended to use the default setting during the initial setup. The EWC hostname or IP address may be changed later via the Settings menu.

   

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you click SKIP on any of the above Setup Wizard pages, they will reappear every time you log into EWC.

After the Setup Wizard is complete, EWC displays its main home page in Overview mode. EWC is ready for operation. Users may begin to log into EWC to operate the chamber. Proceed to Chapter 3 (User) to begin operating the chamber.

3 User

This chapter explains how users log into EWC to control and operate the chamber. EWC protects the chamber by permitting only authorized users to login and operate the chamber. The following sections discuss how to login, logout and set a new password.

3.1 Login

To log into a specific account, click the User menu in the menu bar and enter account name and password, and click SUBMIT as depicted in the following figure.

To log into a specific account on EWC via its HMI (touchscreen), such as T-series or custom F4T chambers, use the touchscreen keyboard as shown below.

If the login fails, an Invalid username or password message pops up at the lower right corner. Click the Close button and re-enter username and password.

To set the Web browser to remember the login credentials, check the Remember Me box. This method is not advisable on a public computer using a public account. Only apply the Remember Me feature on your computer or your user account on a public computer. After authentication is verified, EWC logs you in and the web page is displayed in Overview mode.

To log into a different account, click the User menu (which now displays the current login name), click LOGOUT, enter new username and password and click SUBMIT (or press Enter).

3.2 Logout

To end an EWC session and logout your account, click the User menu in the menu bar, which now displays your username, and click LOGOUT, as depicted in the following figure.

EWC reverts all its navigation links to Read-Only mode with only User, Overview, Trend, History and About visible and accessible as depicted in the figure in Section 3.1.

3.3 Set New Password

There are two ways to set or change a user's password:

1. User-Own Setting: A user can reset their password via the User menu, as depicted in the previous figure:

   • Once logged in, click User which now displays the account name.
   • Enter the current password in the Current Password field.
   • Enter the new password in the New Password and Repeat New Password fields.
   • Click SUBMIT to apply the setting, or click CLEAR to cancel the setting.

   If authentication is checked and confirmed, a new password to the user account will be set and becomes effective immediately.

2. Administrator Setting: A user account password can be reset by the administrator via the User Settings submenu.

   

   This method will be discussed in detail under a separate chapter on the Settings menu.

4 Overview

The Overview page displays the current status of the chamber and its operating mode. A user is brought to this page after successfully logging into EWC. The following figure depicts Overview showing the chamber in Standby mode, as indicated in the status tab and its extension bar. The extension bar of the status tab is only available in the Overview menu.

The following figure depicts Overview showing the chamber in Constant mode.

The following figure depicts Overview showing the chamber in Program mode. Detailed information about the program, including what step is being executed, is listed in the extension bar (of the status tab). This feature provides the operator with useful information about the status of the chamber and the program.

Only users with read-write privilege can control the chamber operation mode from within this page. Supported operation modes are Standby, Constant and Program. Each tab in the status bar may be accessed to apply new settings at any time. This feature enables the operator to control the chamber without having to access the Start Stop menu in the menu bar. The following sections detail a step-by-step procedure how to control the chamber's operating mode via the Overview menu for users with read-write privilege.

4.1 Standby Setting

For authorized users with read-write privilege, to set the chamber in Standby mode, proceed with the following steps. Initially, the chamber is operating in Constant mode. We wish to switch its operation mode to Standby.

1. Click the status tab in the status bar to access the drop-down tabs, as shown in the figure.

   An alternative way to access these drop-down tabs is to click on the extended tab of the status tab itself, as depicted in the following figure. This extended tab is available only in the Overview page.

   

2. Click the Stop button in the standby tab. EWC immediately moves to apply the operating mode to the chamber. A check mark in the Standby tab indicates and confirms its standby mode.

3. To close the drop-down tabs, perform one of the following action:
   • Click an empty area in the Main Display.
   • Click a different menu in the menu bar.
   • Click the status tab itself. or
   • Click the CLOSE button underneath the alarm tab.

4.2 Constant Setting

Suppose the chamber is in Standby mode. For authorized users with read-write privilege, the chamber can be set in Constant mode with the following steps.

1. Click the status tab in the status bar. As depicted in the following figure, the chamber is in Standby mode.

   

2. Click the CONSTANT button in the constant tab. EWC immediately moves to apply the operating mode to the chamber.

3. To close the drop-down tabs, click the CLOSE button in the lower-right corner (underneath the alarm tab); or the one of the alternative options mentioned above.

4.3 Program Setting

To set the chamber in Program mode means a profile (i.e., program) is loaded and executed.

1. Click the status tab in the status bar or the extension bar of the status tab.

2. Click the radio button in the program tab to access the program list (see the figure below).

   

   If no program is available for loading, the list contains slot numbers without programs, as depicted in the following figure. A program must be created first before it can be loaded for execution. Chapter 8 discusses how to create a program to control the chamber.

   

3. Click to select a program from the list. Apply the scroll bar, if necessary, to select the desired program.

4. Enter a desired step number in the step field for program to start. Default start step is 1.

5. Click to select a program from the list. Apply the scroll bar, if necessary, to select the desired program.

6. Enter a desired step number in the step field for program to start. Default start step number is 1.
7. Click the RUN PROGRAM MODE button to execute the program. EWC immediately moves to apply the operating mode to the chamber. Note: This program tab offers a few practical methods during a program execution. The Pause button can be used to pause the program. Program can be resumed via the RESUME button. Program instruction lines can be stepped through via the NEXT STEP button.
8. Click the CLOSE button to view the status of program execution displayed in the extended tab.
9. To end or interrupt the program being executed, switch the chamber to Standby or Constant mode via the Status tab.

4.4 Clear Alarms

When EWC detects that the chamber is in an alarm state, it also sets itself in an alert state by displaying a list of active alarms and fault names in the red window to require an immediate action from the operator, as depicted in the following figure.

A repeating beep on the local computer controlling EWC via the Web browser is also tripped to get the operator's attention. The SILENCE button can be used to turn off the beep. This alert window can be closed by clicking the CLOSE button or the X button. However, the alarm state still remains to be resolved as indicated by the Status tab in the following figure. To redisplay or expand the alarm list, click the red dot in the lower-right corner.

In an alarm state, operation is halted until all alarms triggered by the chamber are resolved. Once all alarms are cleared, EWC automatically clears all alert messages and resumes normal operation by switching the chamber to a Standby mode, as depicted in the following figure.

4.5 Temperature, Humidity or Time Signal Settings

On the Overview page, settings of temperature, humidity or time signals can be controlled via the tabs in the status bar or the dedicated panes in the main display area, as shown in the following figure.

4.5.1 Settings via the Status Bar

To set temperature with a new set value, complete the following steps:

1. Click the Temp tab in the status bar.

2. In the drop-down pane, click and enter new value in the Set Value field or click the up/down arrow to adjust the value, as illustrated in the following figure.

   

3. Click APPLY to apply the new setting.

4. To cancel the setting, click the CLOSE button.

To turn on Humidity and set its value, complete the following steps:

1. Click the Humi tab in the status bar.
2. In the drop-down pane, check the box to enable humidity.

3. Click and enter new value in the Set Value field or click the up/down arrow to adjust the value, as illustrated in the following figure.

   

4. Click APPLY button to apply the setting.

5. To cancel the setting, click the CLOSE button.

The time signals in the status bar can be switched on or off individually. The following steps illustrate how to turn on TS1. The rest of the time signals, if available, can be applied using the same method:

1. Click the TS1 tab in the status bar.
2. Check the box to enable TS1.
3. Click APPLY.
4. To cancel the setting, click CLOSE (instead of APPLY) or click the TS1 tab itself in the status bar.

To turn off TS1, apply the following steps:

1. Click the TS1 tab in the status bar.
2. Uncheck the box to disable TS1.
3. Click APPLY.
4. To cancel the setting, click CLOSE (instead of APPLY) or click the TS1 tab itself in the status bar.

4.5.2 Settings via the Dedicated Panes

With EWC, there are multiple ways to complete the same task. The dedicated panes for temperature, vibration or humidity, time signals, or refrigeration, in the main display area are actually clickable panes. These are CTA (call-to-action) panes through which new parameter settings (such as, temperature, vibration or humidity, time signal and refrigeration) can be applied.

To apply a new setting to temperature, proceed as follows:

1. Click the Temperature pane.

2. In the input pane, click and enter new value in the Set Value field or click the up/down arrow to adjust the value, as illustrated in the following figure.

   

3. Click APPLY. To cancel the setting, click CLOSE (instead of APPLY).

The above procedure can be applied to humidity and time signal.

4.6 EWC on a Network

EWC can communicate with each other on the same network. The hostname (with E logo) in the upper-left corner acts as a link that, when clicked, provides a list of any chamber with EWC detected on the network, as depicted in the following figure.

This list can be opened from within any menus (not just in the Overview menu) by just clicking on the EWC hostname. Any chamber and EWC on the list can be accessed by clicking on its hostname.

5 Trend

Data points from the chamber's operation accumulated in the data log are displayed as a trend graph under the Trend menu, depicted in the following figure. By default, this graph provides an overview of the chamber’s operation in the last one hour. Data can be downloaded in whole or in portion (refer to Item 4 below).

The main display area of the Trend menu is categorized into seven different groups with labels from 1 through 7. Detailed descriptions of these categories are outlined as follows:

1. Time Frame: This menu button shows or hides the time frame of the data points being plotted in the trend graph. As shown in the following figure, the trend graph is plotted for data points collected between 1:07 PM and 2:06 PM. That time frame is also displayed at the bottom of the trend graph, with grids at an interval of 5 minutes. This graph will continue to update and propagate through the progression of time in a 5-minute interval. To hide this time frame, click the menu button again.

   

2. Trend Graph: Data points collected from the chamber are rendered and displayed as a trend graph based on a scatter plot methodology. Depending on the chamber type and feature, these data points represent product temperature, air temperature, humidity and/or vibration; they are plotted as a function of time. The vertical (Y) axis represents the scale of their values. Temperature is displayed in degree Celsius; humidity in percentage as %RH, vibration in root-mean-square of acceleration (Grms or G). The horizontal (X) axis represents the time scale measured in a 1-second unit. The scaling of the grid will change according to the Pan/Zoom Controls buttons application (see item 3 below). To reset the trend graph, click the Zoom Extents button (in the following figure), select Last Hour from the drop-down menu, then click the Auto Refresh button.

3. Snapshot of Data: By hovering a mouse pointer on the trend graph area, a snapshot of the data at a particular time is displayed. This feature allows a quick peak of the data at a certain point in time. Depending on the chamber's condition, the snapshot provides set values (SV) and process values (PV) of temperature, product or air temperature, humidity or vibration, chamber's operation status and time signal status.

4. Trend Graph Manipulation Buttons: Four buttons are available to help manipulate and control the trend. This group of buttons is detailed in the following figure; their functions are described as follows:

   

   • Auto Refresh: This Auto Refresh button refreshes the trend graph; it thereby reconstructs the graph using the most recent data points which have been accumulated up to the current time.
   • Pan/Zoom Controls: The Pan/Zoom Controls button allows the operator to control and adjust the viewable section in the trend graph. This button presents six operation buttons to manipulate and display the trend graph as follows:
     • Zoom In: The Zoom In button allows the operator to zoom into a small section of the trend graph. Depending on the degree of zooming, the display area will be confined to a small set of data points ranging between minutes to hours. To reset the trend graph, click the Zoom Extents button, select Last Hour from the drop-down menu, then click the Auto Refresh button.
     • Zoom Out: The Zoom Out button does the opposite by allowing the operator to zoom out on the trend graph, thereby giving the operator an expansive view of the trend graph. To reset the trend graph, click the Zoom Extents button, select Last Hour from the drop-down menu, then click the Auto Refresh button.
     • Move Up: This button allows the operator to move up the graph along the vertical axis to adjust the viewable area of the scatter plot. To reset the trend graph, click the Zoom Extents button, select Last Hour from the drop-down menu, then click the Auto Refresh button.
     • Move Down: This button allows the operator to move down the trend graph along the vertical axis with the purpose to adjust the viewable area of the scatter plot. To reset the trend graph, click the Zoom Extents button, select Last Hour from the drop-down menu, then click the Auto Refresh button.
     • Move Left: This button allows the operator to pan left on the trend graph, offering a quick preview of a plot of data points tracing back the time in hours or days. With this feature, the operator can quickly gain a preview of past data points which the operator may have missed.
     • Move Right: This button does the opposite to Move Left by allowing the operator to pan right on the trend graph to the current time. To reconstruct the trend graph to contain the most recent data points, the Auto Refresh button allows the quickest operation.
   • Zoom Extents: With this button, trend graph may be provided using data points from within the last one hour, last two hours or the last six hours. To make adjustment of the trend graph based on these three selections, click on the Zoom Extents button, then click one of the selection from the drop-down menu.
   • Download Data: To download data and store it on the local computer, click the Download Data button and select Download Current View to download a portion of data from the displayed trend graph. To download the entire collection of data, select Download All Data. Data file will be stored in the Downloads folder of the local computer with filename: hostname_data_date.CSV.

5. Line Graph: Data points from Temperature (set values or process values) and vibration (set values and process values) are being plotted to produce the line graphs to visually display the operation condition of the chamber.

6. Status: Status of the operation mode of the chamber is displayed along the time line on the trend graph, indicating when and how long the chamber was in specific operating mode. This feature provides a quick preview of the chamber operating status. The Left button under the Pan/Zoom Controls may be used to extent further into the past to view the chamber's operating mode.

7. Legend of Trend Graph: The legends are used to identify each item on the trend graph with color code to designate the different line graph (described in Item 5 above).

5.1: How to Handle Downloaded CSV File

Data points collected from the chamber are stored in CSV format (as described in Item 4 above). The recorded time of the data points is stored based on a UTC (or Universal Time Coordinated, previously referred to as the GMT) instead of the local time. To preserve the integrity of the CSV file and its UTC time stamp, do not open data file directly with MS Excel. Instead, import this CSV file using the following procedure to render the correct conversion of the UTC time to the local time on all data points.

1. Download the CSV data file based on Item 4 (above).

2. Launch MS Excel (and start a new blank spreadsheet)

3. Click the Data ribbon

4. Click From Text/CSV (that appears under the Home ribbon)

5. In the Import Data Window explorer, open the Downloads folder and select the downloaded CSV file (in step 1) and click the Import button (in the bottom).

6. Click the Load button to load data into the current spreadsheet.

7. To save the current spreadsheet as Excel Workbook, click Save As and follow the standard steps to complete the process.

6 History

The History page displays operation history of the chamber, its operating modes and statistics. Any alarms or alerts that were triggered during the chamber's operation are logged and displayed here. By default, history log of the chamber's operating modes, alarms or statistics from the previous week will be displayed, as depicted in the following figure. There are five important components in the History main display area. They are labeled and described as follows:

The nomenclature of the History page is described as follows:

1. History Interval: Display options of the operating history are: one week, two weeks, one month, three months, six months, one year or the entire period of the chamber's operation. To access the history interval, click the radio button to select the period from the list.

   

2. Alarm or Statistics Submenus:

   • Alarm Logs: By default, alarm logs will be displayed in the main display area. The logs indicate which alarm had occurred and when they were resolved (cleared). Most recent events are listed at the top. To view detail of each log, click on its name (with its log date and time).

     

   • Usage Statistics: To display the operation statistics, click on this submenu. Percentage of each operation mode based on the selection period in the History Interval is displayed as shown in the following figure:

     

   Such information provides the operator a good idea of the overall performance of the chamber by identifying when and how much time it was in a certain operating mode.

3. Operating Mode History: A list of operating modes of the chamber is displayed here based on the option selected under the History Interval. Default listing is based on a one-week interval. A trend graph, identical to that produced in the Trend menu, based on the data points collected during the operating mode can be produced by clicking on the particular operating mode on this list, as illustrated in the following figure.

   

4. Show/Hide Submenu: To provide a larger real estate for the main display area, this Show/Hide button can be used to show or hide the History submenu. The following figure shows how the submenu is hidden and the main display area is expanded.

   

5. Main Display: The content of the submenu page of Alarm Log and Usage Statistics is displayed here (refer to item 2, above).

7 Constant

The existence of the EWC Constant page is such that all features and their parameters are collected and displayed in one place to control their constant mode settings. The main display of Constant consists of three separate CTA panes, displayed as Temperature, Humidity (or Vibration) and Outputs, as depicted in the following figure. These CTA panes provide input options to adjust the settings directly. The Humidity Range Chart is a two-dimensional graph of the current temperature-humidity relationship, displayed below these CTA panes.

The following sections describe how to configure and control each of these parameters.

7.1 Product or Air Temperature Setting

Complete the following steps to turn on or modify temperature setting:

1. Click the Set Value field and enter a new value, or click the up/down arrow to adjust the value.

2. Click the APPLY button or the save icon as indicated by the arrows in the following figure to apply and save the setting.

   

3. To cancel the setting, click CLEAR. If you exit this pane by accessing a different menu in the menu bar, a warning will appear, as depicted in the following figure, which requires you to save the setting before attempting to access any other menus.

   

The new setting takes effect immediately with its new status displayed in the status bar. To reverse or cancel the setting, repeat the above steps to reset the set value and click APPLY.

7.2 Humidity Setting

Complete the following steps to turn on or modify humidity setting:

1. Place a check mark in the Enable box (refer to the above figure).
2. Click and enter new value in the Set Value field or click the up/down arrow to adjust the value.
3. Click the APPLY button or the save icon as indicated by the arrows in the above figure to apply and save the setting.
4. To cancel the setting, click CLEAR. If you exit this pane by accessing a different menu in the menu bar, a warning will appear (see above figure) which requires you to save the setting before attempting to access any other menus.

The new setting takes effect immediately with its new status displayed in the status bar. To reverse or cancel the setting, repeat the above steps to uncheck the box, reset the set value and click APPLY.

7.3 Time Signals Setting

Complete the following procedure to turn on output for any time signal:

1. To turn on output for Time Signal # 1, place a check mark in its box.
2. Repeat the above step for any time signal available in the main display area.
3. Click the APPLY button or the save icon as indicated by the arrows in the above figure to apply and save the setting.
4. To cancel the setting, click CLEAR. If you exit this pane by accessing a different menu in the menu bar, a warning will appear which requires you to save the setting before attempting to access any other menus.

The new setting takes effect immediately with its new status displayed in the status bar. To reverse or cancel the setting, repeat the above steps to uncheck the box and click APPLY.

It is important to note that all the parameters (temperature, humidity, vibration, time signal) in the main display can be adjusted altogether simultaneously with a single APPLY or save button. However, individual setting may provide security to avoid any adverse effect.

8 Program

The Program menu allows the operator to create a program to control the chamber. All the programming features available on the supported PLC's listed in Chapter 1 ("Introduction") can be composed into programs to control the chamber. The operator can: (1) open and view a program; (2) preview the output of the program; (3) edit and/or overwrite an existing program ; (4) delete program from the list; (5) rename program on the list; (6) download a program and store it on the local computer in JSON file; (7) upload a program from the local computer to EWC, and much more.

Here are some of the benefits of the Program menu:

• Easy to operate.
• Quick management of programs, programming or editing.
• Require less time to develop a new program or modify an existing program.
• Program Editor offers flexibility with multitasking capabilities.
• Control program operation and program end mode.
• Preview program operation before execution; operator can see exactly what the program does prior to its execution.
• Download program from EWC to the local computer for backup.
• Upload program from the local computer to EWC.

Only authorized users with read-write privilege can access and utilize the Program menu. The menu is grayed out, as depicted in the following figure. Access to the menu requires read-write privilege and the user log into their account to use the menu.

8.1 List Programs

The following figure depicts a typical layout of the Program page with its submenu hidden. This is the default display of program list when the Program menu is accessed for the first time. Its UI components are numbered and explained as follows:

1. Submenu Show/Hide: This button toggles between the ``show and hide submenu'' to allow the program editor utilize the entire main display area (see above figure).
2. ID: EWC identifies each program by its slot number stored in the PLC register. This list reflects the actual list of programs read from the F4T register. A total of 40 program slots are available, numbered from 1 to 40. The system uses a program identification code (ID) to identify each program.
3. Program Name: All available programs are listed under the Name column by program name. These programs are stored by their slot number. Any slot not yet occupied by the program is mark EMPTY. Users can access each program under this list by clicking on the program name, which is a clickable link. The program editor then opens up to display the program instructions. Detailed operation of the program editor is discussed in the next section. Displays the name of a program.
4. Actions: Three action buttons (Upload Program, Download Program, Delete) are available for managing the program under each row:
   • Upload: Program can be uploaded from the local computer to EWC which will then be stored in the F4T register using the slot number where the action was applied.
   • Download: Program can be downloaded and saved on the local computer.
   • Delete: A program to the left of the trash bin (where this action is applied) will be deleted. The F4T register will no longer contain this program.
5. Create New: This button opens the program editor for creating a new program. The Create New button is conveniently placed in two locations: (1) under the ID list and (2) in the Program submenu (shown in the following figure).

The following figure displays the Program page with its submenu unhidden. The submenu (item 2) has two operation buttons: (i) List Programs and (ii) Create New (program).

1. Show/Hide: The Show/Hide button can be used to hide or unhide the Program submenu (see item 2 below).

2. Submenu: This submenu has two operation buttons (indicated by the arrows): List Programs and Create New (program). All the available programs in the chamber stored in EWC are listed below these operation buttons (as shown in the above figure). With the submenu hidden, the main display has a larger real estate to display the program elements.

   • List Programs: The List Programs button offers a quick exit out of the program editor (explained in the following section). To exit out of the program editor mode, simply click this List Programs button. This action will cancel and exit the program editor being used to create, edit or import a program.
   • Create New: Similar to the Create New button under the List Programs display page (see item 3 below), this button opens the program editor with an empty template for constructing a new program. Detailed discussion is provided in the following section. A program from the local computer can also be imported into this empty template.
3. List Programs: This is the main display of the program list depicted in the previous figure. Click the Show/Hide button (see item 1) to hide the submenu and to expand the List Programs display page.

8.2 Create New Program

A new program can be created via one of the buttons depicted in the following figure.

Each of these buttons follows a different pattern to complete the task.

1. Create New: Click the Create New button in the submenu or under the List Programs in the main display to launch the program editor to create a new program. An empty template is opened for a new program, as depicted in the following figure. For the F4T chamber, this Create New button seems unnecessary or redundant. However, its important role is necessary for other types of chamber/controller (e.g., Typhoon HALT chambers).

   

   The new program being constructed does not yet have a predefined location. For this reason, the program editor has only the Save As option to save the program in a specific or a desired slot number, as depicted in the following figure.

2. EMPTY: A new program can be created using a specific slot number. Click the slot number in the submenu or the EMPTY button on a desired slot number under the List Programs in the main display to launch the program editor to create a new program. An empty template is opened for a new program, as depicted in the previous figure.

   

   Since the slot number has already been defined, the program editor offers two options to save the program: (1) Save As by selecting a new slot number or (2) Save (on the current slot number).

The following figure depicts the general layout of the empty template for a new program. As depicted in the following figure, slot 9 of the F4T register, as highlighted under the program list in the submenu, will be used to store the program once it is completed and saved.

The UI and components of the program editor (pictured above) are numbered and described as follows:

1. Editor: By default, a program is open and placed in the program editor. The program editor is highlighted in blue to indicate its active status.
2. Preview Plot: The output of the current program can be previewed via this button. Both the Editor (item 1 above) and this button can be used to toggle between the editing and previewing mode of the current program. The PREVIEW PLOT button is operational only when a program is loaded into the program editor or a program has been constructed in the program editor.
3. Submenu Show/Hide: This button toggles between the show and hide mode of the submenu. To utilize the entire main display area for the program editor, this button can be used to hide the submenu.
4. Program Name: An alphanumeric naming convention based on ASCII with lower- or upper-case letters applies to program name with up to 20 characters. EWC will chop and use only the first 20 characters if more than 20 characters were entered. Program name should be kept short and descriptive. Since each program is individually stored in a unique slot in the PLC, a unique name on EWC is not necessary. However, these programs must have unique names when they are stored on the local computer. When a program name is entered into this field, this name also appears in the title bar next to the show/hide button (item 3).

5. Log Data: This checkbox is available for logging data on the F4T during program execution. This option applies only on an F4T with this feature, as shown in the following figure.

   

6. Temp GS Dev: This value determines how close the set point to the process value for the step duration timer to count down. If the temperature fluctuates outside this set point, the soak time will reset. This is to ensure (hence, guarantee) that soaking is taking place at that specific temperature for that specific amount of time. A desired value can be adjusted via the up/down arrow or via a direct input in the field. On the F4T touch screen, this is Guaranteed Soak Deviation 1.

7. Humi GS Dev: Similar to item 6, humidity guaranteed soak deviation can also be adjusted. On the F4T touch screen, this is Guaranteed Soak Deviation 2.
8. Step Type: Step type selection can be made after a step has been added to the program. The first step in a new program must be added using the APPEND STEP button (item 13 below). Additional steps can be added via the drop-down menu of the Step Number (explained below) or via the APPEND STEP button. There are seven (7) different step types available for each step in the program:
   • Instant Change: The set point will be set instantly. EWC will determine the threshold value if this set point is possible based on the chamber specification. The time and guaranteed soak have no effect on this step type.
   • Ramp Time: The set point will be ramped to the new set point over the given duration.
   • Ramp Rate: The set point will be ramped to the new set point based on the set rate.
   • Soak: Instead of changing the set point, the program maintains the previous set point for a specified duration for this step.
   • Wait For: With this step type, the F4T waits until the chamber has reached the set point value before it proceeds to the next step.
   • Go To Step: With this feature, the program can have a loop or subroutine where instructions in a specific step (or steps) can be executed and looped through for a specified number of time. With the go-to loop, the program contains fewer lines of steps.
   • End: All programs must have an end step. The end statement instructs the controller what to do when the program ends. The available options for end action are: Hold Last Step, Disable Control and Constant Set Value. They apply to both temperature and humidity (as well as vibration). The chamber can also be stopped completely when the program ends; it will be set in standby mode.
9. Duration: The time format for duration is HH:MM:SS. If a pure numerical value is entered, EWC will convert it to HH:MM:SS. For instance, if a numerical value 15 is entered, the system treats it as 15 seconds, and the conversion in HH:MM:SS will be 00:00:15. If 66 is entered, the system converts it to 00:01:06. Similarly, if 90:00 is entered, the system renders the value to 1:30:00.
10. Temperature: In each step, temperature can be set via five parameters: (1) EN (2) PTCON, (3) Set Value, (4) Rate and (5) GS.
    • EN: Enable temperature loop for this step.
    • PTCON: Enable Product Temperature Control (PTCON).
    • Set Value: This is the target temperature value. This value will be checked against the chamber's threshold value by EWC to validate the proper operating value. Consult the chamber operation manual for detail on the threshold or the upper limit the chamber can reach.
    • Rate (C/min): Temperature rate (measured in Celsius per minute) is determined by the program editor based on the initial temperature (specified in item 3 above) and the target value (Set Value, as described below). The rate will be determined to operate within the specifications of the chamber. Consult the chamber operation manual for detail.
    • GS: Enable Guaranteed Soak with the checkbox. If enabled, it prevents the duration timer from counting down until the process value is within the deviation set in item 6 (above).
11. Humidity: In each step, humidity can be set with four parameters:
    • EN: Enable humidity loop for this step.
    • Set Value: This is the target humidity value. This value will be checked against the chamber's threshold value by EWC to validate the proper operating value. Consult the chamber operation manual for detail on the threshold or the upper limit the chamber can reach.
    • Rate (%RH/min): Humidity rate is determined by the program editor based on the initial temperature (specified in item 3 above) and the target value (Set Value, as described below). The rate will be determined to operate within the specifications of the chamber. Consult the chamber operation manual for detail.
    • GS: Enable Guaranteed Sock with the checkbox. If enabled, it prevents the duration timer from counting down until the process value is within the deviation set in item 7 (above).
12. Independent Parameters: These parameters describe the output signals of the chamber during operation. They can be controlled with a start time. Different chambers have different independent parameters. They may have different names, but they generally are labeled as TS1, TS2, etc.
    • Start Time:
    • TS1: Output time signal number 1
    • TS2: Output time signal number 1
13. APPEND STEP: As shown in the previous figure, the program editor has an empty template. No instructions or steps of program have been added. To create an instruction, a new step must be created (or added). This APPEND STEP button is used to add a new step. Once a program has a step, additional steps can be added using this button or the drop-down menu of the Step Number (to be explained below). The APPEND STEP button always adds a new step as the last step in the program. By contrast, the drop-down menu of the Step Number allows a new step to be inserted above or below the current step. It also has a delete button to remove any step from the program.

14. File Manipulation: Five different buttons (icons) are available for file manipulation. Their action can be previewed by hovering the mouse pointer over them. They are described from left to right as follows.

    • Delete: Click on the trash bin icon to delete the current program. This action will delete the program in the program editor and its location in the current slot number of the F4T register. A pop-up warning appears, as depicted in the following figure, to reaffirm the action.

      

    • Open Program: This button imports a program file from the local computer into the program editor. EWC only accepts a program in JSON format. To ensure compatibility, the program structure should be based on the one downloaded from EWC itself (see Download Program below).

    • Download Program: This button downloads the current program file and stores it on the local computer. The program is saved in JSON format using slot number as its filename (e.g., 9.json).

    • Save As: Save the current program to a different slot number under the program list. This action brings up a program list, as depicted in the following figure, to select a new slot to hold the current program. To cancel this action, click the CLOSE button. WARNING!: A vacant slot should be selected to save the program. Otherwise, the current program will overwrite the existing one in the slot without prompting for reaffirmation, thus, destroying the program previously in that slot. The current program in a new slot still uses the same program name. To make it unique, edit item 4 (above) with a new name and apply the Save button (see below) to resave the program.

      

    • Save: This button saves the current program in the current slot on the F4T.

8.2.1 Programming: Add Program Step

The following example illustrates how to create a new program using three steps with step type Ramp Time, Ramp Rate and End. The duration for the ramp time is 5 minutes with the target temperature at 35 degrees C. The rate for Ramp Rate will be 10 degrees C/min with target value at 45 degrees C. Guaranteed soak deviation for both temperature and humidity will be set at +/-0.5 and +/- 10, respectively. A standby mode will be set when the program ends. While this sample program does not have any real practical implication, it does show how program steps and their parameters are created. New program will be selected to occupy slot 15. We begin from the main menu.

1. Click Program in the side bar.
2. Click EMPTY on slot 15 on the Program List (scroll down if necessary). To follow along with this example, slot 15 should be empty.
3. Program Name: Enter PROG15TEST in the program name field. EWC will chop and use only the first 20 characters if more than 20 characters were entered.
4. Log Data: Enable data logging by checking the box.
5. Temp GS Dev: Apply the up/down arrow to adjust the deviation value to +/-0.5 or enter the value 0.5 directly into the field.
6. Humi GS Dev: Adjust deviation value for humidity guaranteed soak in the same way to +/-10.
7. Add New Step: Click the APPEND STEP button. By default, Soak is selected as the step type. Refer to Item 8 in the previous section.

8. Step 1: Click Soak under step type and select Ramp Time from the drop-down menu, as indicated by the arrow in the following figure. Complete the following fields for this step:

   

   • Duration: Enter 0:05:00.
   • Temperature:
     • EN: Enabled by default (from temperature ramp time selection).
     • Set Value: Enter 35 or apply the up/down arrow to adjust the value.
     • Rate: Greyed out. EWC sets the rate based on the initial and final temperature according to the given duration.
     • GS: Disable; leave the box unchecked.
   • Humidity:
     • EN: Check the box to enable humidity set value.
     • Set Value: Enter 15 or apply the up/down arrow to adjust the value.
     • Rate: Greyed out. EWC sets the rate based on the set value and duration.
     • GS: Disable GS option with the box unchecked.

   • Events:

     • TS1: Click the NC field (or the down-arrow) to select On from the drop-down menu, as depicted in the following figure.

       

     • TS2: If you have additional TS's, leave them as-is.

9. Step 2: Click APPEND STEP. Default step type is Soak. Click the Soak under step type and select Ramp Rate from the drop-down menu (refer to the previous figure, Step 8). Complete the following fields for this step:

   • Duration: Grayed out. Value to be determined by system according to the set value and rate.
   • Temperature:
   • EN: Enabled by default.
     • Set Value: Enter 45.
     • Rate: Enter 10.
     • GS: Disable; leave the box unchecked.
   • Humidity:
     • EN: Check the box to enable humidity set value.
     • Set Value: Enter 25.
     • Rate: Enter 5.
     • GS: Disable GS option with the box unchecked.
   • Events:
     • TS1: Click the NC field (or the down-arrow) to select Off from the drop-down menu.
     • TS2: If you have additional TS's, leave them as-is.

10. Step 3: Click step number 2 in the circle that precedes Ramp Rate on the second step. Select Insert After from the drop-down menu as depicted in the following figure. Click the Soak under step type, scroll down to the bottom of the drop-down list and select End.

    • End: Place a check mark in the box under Stop Chamber. This option will set the chamber in Standby mode when the program ends. The End Action for both temperature and humidity will be defaulted to Constant Set Value, but the Stop Chamber option will overwrite these settings. No setting is required for NC under Events.

11. Save Program: Click the Save icon in the upper-right corner, as shown in the following figure. This figure also illustrates the complete program in the program template.

12. Preview: Click the PREVIEW PLOT button to preview the output of the current program (see figure below). Click the EDITOR button to toggle back to the editor mode. Program cannot be saved while in the preview mode. In order to save the program, navigate back to the program editor to apply the Save or Save As button.

8.3 View, Edit, Save Program

This section describes how to open an existing program for viewing and editing. Changes made in the program can be updated by overwriting the program contents back in the file (using Save) occupying its existing slot or saving them as a new program using a new slot (with Save As).

8.3.1 Open Program

An existing program can be opened for viewing or editing by clicking on its name under the Name list, as shown in the following figure.

The program PROG15TEST (indicated by the arrow) that was created in the previous section will be used for illustration. It is open and displayed as follows:

As depicted in the upper-right in the above figure, five buttons are available for managing the program file in the program editor: Delete, Open Program, Download Program, Save As and Save. They will be explained in detail in the following sections.

8.3.2 Editing Program: Programming Example

In this section, we illustrate how to edit and modify PROG15TEST program with additional steps, applying the available step types from the list. The structure of our new program consists of the following steps and types, with temperature and humidity guaranteed soak deviation both set at +/-10.

1. Instant Change to 35 degrees C.
2. Wait For temp to drop below 35.1 degrees C.
3. Soak for 30 minutes.
4. Ramp Rate of 2 degrees C until -15 degrees C is reached.
5. Wait For temp to drop below -15 degrees C.
6. Soak for 30 minutes.
7. Ramp Time of 30 minutes to 45 degrees C and 50% RH.
8. Wait For temp to rise higher than 45.1 degrees C and humi below 50% RH.
9. Soak for 30 minutes.
10. End stop chamber.

With PROG15TEST program open in the program editor, as shown in the previous figure, complete the following steps to modify and add additional steps with their specific step type and parameters as follows:

1. Guaranteed Soak Deviation: Set temperature and humidity guaranteed soak deviation to +/-10 degrees C and +/-10% RH, respectively.
2. Step 1: Modify step type.
   • Step Type: Click the down arrow and select Instant Change.
   • Duration: Reset duration time to 0:00:00.
   • Temperature:
     • EN: Check the EN box.
     • Set Value: Enter 35 or click the up/down arrow to adjust the value to 35.
     • Rate: Leave blank (empty)
     • GS: Leave GS box unchecked.
   • Humidity:
     • EN: Leave EN box unchecked.
     • Set Value: Leave set value as-is or at 0.
     • Rate: Empty
   • Events:
     • TS1: Set to On.
3. Step 2: Inserting a new step. Click step number 2 in the circle that precedes Ramp Rate and select Insert Before from the drop-down menu, as depicted in the following figure.
   • Step Type: Click the down arrow and select Wait For. The rest of the parameters will be rendered blank.
4. Step 3: Inserting a new step. Click step number 2 in the circle that precedes Wait For and select Insert After from the drop-down menu, as depicted in the following figure.
   • Step Type: Default selection will be Soak.
   • Duration: Set duration time to 0:30:00.
   • Temperature:
     • EN: Enabled by default (grayed out).
     • Set Value: default (grayed out).
     • Rate: default (empty)
     • GS: Place a check in the GS box.
   • Humidity:
     • EN: Leave EN box unchecked.
     • Set Value: Grayed out; default value from previous setting.
     • Rate: Empty (grayed out).
   • Events:
     • TS1: Set to Off.
5. Step 4: Modifying the current step.
   • Step Type: Leave the step type as Ramp Rate.
   • Duration: Grayed out (to be determined by EWC based on temperature set value and rate).
   • Temperature:
     • EN: Confirm that EN is enabled.
     • Set Value: Enter -15 or apply the up/down arrow to adjust the value to -15.
     • Rate: Enter 3 or apply the up/down arrow to adjust the value to 3.
     • GS: Place a check in the GS box.
   • Humidity:
     • EN: Leave EN box unchecked.
     • Set Value: Enter 0.
     • Rate: Enter 0.
   • Events:
     • TS1: Set to On.
6. Step 5: Inserting a new step. Click step number 4 in the circle that precedes Ramp Rate and select Insert After from the drop-down menu.
   • Step Type: Click the down arrow and select Wait For from the drop-down list. The rest of the parameters are rendered blank.
7. Step 6: Inserting a new step. Click step number 5 in the circle that precedes Wait For and select Insert After from the drop-down menu.
   • Step Type: Leave the step type as Soak (selected by default).
   • Duration: Set duration time to 0:30:00.
   • Temperature:
     • EN: Grayed out.
     • Set Value: Grayed out.
     • Rate: Grayed out.
     • GS: Place a check in the GS box.
   • Humidity:
     • EN: Leave EN box unchecked.
     • Set Value: Grayed out.
     • Rate: Grayed out.
   • Events:
     • TS1: Set to On.
8. Step 7: Inserting a new step. Click step number 6 in the circle that precedes Soak and select Insert After from the drop-down menu.
   • Step Type: Click the down arrow and select Ramp Time from the drop-down list.
   • Duration: Set duration time to 0:30:00.
   • Temperature:
     • EN: Enable EN by checking the box.
     • Set Value: Enter 45 or apply the up/down arrow to adjust the value to 45.
     • Rate: Grayed out.
     • GS: Place a check in the GS box.
   • Humidity:
     • EN: Enable GS with a check mark in the box.
     • Set Value: Enter 45 or apply the up/down arrow to adjust the value to 45.
     • Rate: Grayed out.
   • Events:
     • TS1: Set to On.
9. Step 8: Inserting a new step. Click step number 7 in the circle that precedes Ramp Time and select Insert After from the drop-down menu.
   • Step Type: Click the down arrow and select Wait For from the drop-down list. The rest of the parameters are be rendered blank.
10. Step 9: Inserting a new step. Click step number 8 in the circle that precedes Wait For and select Insert After from the drop-down menu.
    • Step Type: Default selection will be Soak.
    • Duration: Set duration time to 0:30:00.
    • Temperature:
      • EN: Grayed out (default to previous setting).
      • Set Value: Grayed out (default to previous value).
      • Rate: Grayed out (blank).
      • GS: Place a check in the GS box.
    • Humidity:
      • EN: Uncheck the box.
      • Set Value: Grayed out (default to previous value).
      • Rate: Grayed out (blank).
    • Events:
      • TS1: Set to Off.
11. Step 10: This step has been pushed down while the above steps were being added.
    • Step Type: Program is ended with End. Leave the Stop Chamber box unchecked. Select End Action under both temperature and humidity to Constant Set Value and set TS1 to NC.
12. Save Program: To save the program, click the Save icon in the upper-right corner. The following section describes how to apply other buttons in this upper-right corner. The complete program is illustrated in the following figure.
13. The above program can be previewed prior to execution by clicking on the PREVIEW PLOT button, as depicted in the following figure.

8.3.3 Managing Program File via the Program Editor

This section describes how to apply the five file manipulation options available in the upper-right corner of the program editor, as depicted in the following figure. They are described as follows:

1. Delete: Click the trash bin icon to delete the current program in the program editor. The slot for this program on the Name list under the List Programs table will be rendered as EMPTY, since the program has been removed from the F4T register. As a safety measure, the system will prompt to confirm the action with a pop-up warning with a Yes/No option to proceed with the action. Upon completion, the system returns to the Program menu to display the programs on the Name list.

2. Upload Program: This button imports a program file from the local computer into the program editor. By default, the system opens the Downloads folder on the local computer to upload the program file. Navigate to the program's location, if necessary, and double-click on the desired program to import it into the program editor.

3. Download Program: The current program in the program editor can be downloaded onto the local computer as a backup. By default, the program will be stored in the Downloads folder, with filename based on the slot number (e.g., 15.json).

4. Save As: This button can be used to copy the current program to a different slot. To make the program name unique, the Name field may be edited with a new program name. This procedure thus requires a two-step process indicated by the arrows in the following figure. First, edit the program name; second, click the Save button and select a new slot from the drop-down list.

   

5. Save: Apply this button to update the program file. To help check the editing status of the program, the program editor utilizes a red dot placed above the Save or Save As button to indicate an update yet to be saved.

   

   Navigating out of the editor without saving the update will trigger a warning prompt, as depicted in the following figure.

   

8.3.4 Managing Program File via the Name List

This section describes how to apply the three file manipulation options on the Name list, as depicted in the following figure.

These three options are listed and described as follows:

1. Delete: To delete PROG15TEST from the Name list (and F4T register), click the trash bin icon as depicted in the following figure. As a safety measure, the system will prompt to confirm the action with a pop-up warning with a Yes/No option to proceed with the action. It may be necessary to apply the refresh button of the Web browser after deleting the program file from the Name list.

2. Upload Program: This button can be used to import a program from the local computer directly into a program slot on the Name list and F4T register. To upload (i.e., import) a program into slot 17, click on the Upload button, as indicated by the arrow in the following figure. Navigate to locate the desired file on the local computer and double-click it to complete the process.

3. Download Program: To download (i.e., export) a program PROG16Test on slot 16 (see above figure), click on the Download button. By default, the program file will be stored in the Downloads folder on the local computer using filename: 16.json.

9 Start Stop

This menu allows the operator with read-write privilege to control or manage the chamber with the following operation modes: Standby, Constant, Program. The following figure depicts these modes displayed in the main display area as individual tabs.

It should be noted that the Status tab in the status bar also provides access to these modes for control and operation. Refer to the Overview menu for detail on how to control the chamber operating modes.

9.1 Standby Mode

In Standby mode, the chamber is off, and the status tab in the status bar displays as Standby. This status is also indicated by the check mark in the circle, as illustrated in the above figure.

9.2 Constant Mode

In Constant mode, the chamber operates using the constant configuration, and the status tab displays as Constant. This status is also indicated by the check mark in the circle, as depicted in the following figure.

9.3 Program Mode

In Program mode, the chamber is carrying out instructions of the program being executed. The status tab in the status bar indicates the chamber is in Program mode, along with the name of the program being executed, as depicted in the following figure. This status is also indicated by the check mark in the circle in the program tab.

9.4 Start/Stop Standby Mode

Authorized users with read-write privilege may set the chamber in Standby mode by clicking the STANDBY button in the Standby tab. In this mode, the chamber is in the OFF state. To terminate the Standby mode, activation of a new mode is necessary. For instance, to switch the chamber ON and to operate in Constant mode, click the CONSTANT button in the Constant tab in the main display area. EWC immediately moves to apply the operating mode to the chamber.

9.5 Start/Stop Constant Mode

Authorized users with read-write privilege may set the chamber to operate in Constant mode by clicking the CONSTANT button in the main display area. In this mode, the chamber operates by executing the constant settings in the configuration. To terminate the CONSTANT mode, activation of a new mode is necessary. For instance, to switch the chamber from its Constant mode to Standby mode, click the STANDBY button in the Standby tab. EWC immediately moves to apply the operating mode to the chamber.

9.6 Start/Stop Program Mode

Authorized users with read-write privilege may set the chamber to operate in Program mode by performing a series of operations in the Program tab. The following subsections describe the procedures how to run (execute) a program, pause, resume or step through the instructional steps in the program.

9.6.1 Run Program

To load and execute a program to control the chamber, complete the following steps:

1. Click the radio button in the Program tab to select a program from the list. Apply the scroll bar, if necessary, to search through the long list of programs, as depicted in the following figure.

   

2. Click to select the desired program name.

3. To start this program at a certain step, enter the step number in the Step field. Default setting is 1.
4. Click the RUN PROGRAM MODE button to execute the program. EWC immediately moves to apply the operating mode to the chamber. The Status tab and Status bar now display the program being executed, as depicted in the following figure. The Overview page maybe accessed to display the detail of the program being executed.

9.6.2 Pause/Resume Program

Authorized users with read-write privilege may control the chamber during program execution. Program mode may be interrupted and put in a "suspense mode" using the PAUSE button in the Program tab. To pause a program during execution, click the PAUSE button; all operations are suspended. An update notification appears in the lower-right corner. The Paused notification is posted in the Status tab.

To resume the operation and continue program execution, click the RESUME button. The chamber will continue to operate based on instructions in the program. Program name is posted on the Status tab to indicate chamber is in Program mode and that program (name) is being executed.

9.6.3 Stepping through Program

Without having to wait for each step in the program to complete its tasks for the entire time duration in the instruction, an operator may step through the program to study the effects of the instructions in a certain step. While the program is being executed, click the NEXT STEP button to execute the next step in the program. An update notification appears in the lower-right corner to confirm the action. This action may be repeated until the last step in the program is reached. The Overview page in combination with the extended tab maybe accessed to display the detail of the program being executed and its steps being stepped through.

10 Settings

The Settings menu in the menu bar is the administration page where different settings and configurations can be applied to EWC and the chamber. The administrator who manages EWC should take the necessary precautions to limit or allow users with certain privileges to access and control this menu and its submenus. Refer to User Settings submenu in the following section for detail on how to enforce user policy and access privileges to different users on EWC.

The Settings menu has thirteen (13) different submenus listed in the submenu bar, each with its own link to its page. To access each submenu, click Settings in the menu bar to bring up the submenu bar. When the Settings menu is accessed for the first time, it displays its submenu bar underneath the Show/Hide button, as depicted in the following figure.

The items associated with the UI of the Settings menu are described as follows:

1. Settings: This Settings menu should be accessible only to the administrator or a qualified operator with administrator's privileges.
2. Show/Hide: This button can be used to toggle between full display and submenus accessibility.
3. Submenu Bar: Click the submenu name or its icon to access and display its page.

The following subsections discuss each of these submenus in detail.

10.1 Running Time Meters

Note: This submenu is available only for the T-series chambers. If it is grayed out, your chamber does not support this feature.

Available only for the T-series chambers, the Running Time Meters page provides a list of the operating condition of the hardware components or devices installed inside the chamber. The following figure depicts the Running Time Meters submenu with the submenu bar hidden by applying the Show/Hide button (item 2 in the previous figure).

By analogy, the list shows the odometer of all the devices. It shows how long each device has been in operation (i.e., running) listed under the Total Time column. It shows the recommended maintenance when each device has reached its recommended total runtime. It also shows the history of maintenance or service on each device, as well as its past due maintenance interval. Such information serves to provide the life expectancy of each device.

To reset the total runtime for each device after service or maintenance, click the Reset button in the upper-right corner indicated by the arrow.

10.2 Network Settings

The Network Settings page allows the administrator to manage network settings on EWC. The following figure depicts the network settings of EWC (being part of a network), showing its hostname, IP address and the type of network configuration it uses. By default, EWC applies DHCP protocol, indicated by the checked box, to join the network. This is the default configuration at the factory.

The hardware of EWC has two Ethernet ports designated as eth0 and eth1, each with a unique function, where eth0 is preconfigured to join the main network and eth1 is reserved for an internal network connection between a T-series or F4T chamber and EWC.

For a standalone system, such as T-series and custom F4T chamber, the Network Settings page is empty as depicted in the following figure. For such a system, no network setting is required. The system can readily join a network as soon as it detects a DHCP server, immediately after connecting the Ethernet cable.

The following subsections illustrate how to set a new hostname or IP address on EWC on the local network.

10.2.1 Set Hostname

A unique and descriptive hostname for EWC may be configured by editing the Hostname field. Complete the following steps to set a new hostname:

1. Click Hostname field.
2. Delete the existing hostname.
3. Enter a desired hostname (using alphanumeric).

4. Click the Save button as shown in the following figure.

   

The setting will take effect immediately after the Save button is applied. It will then try to resolve and refresh the Web page. However, if EWC was accessed via its now old hostname, it may not be able to resolve and refresh the Web page. If the Server is Offline message (shown in the figure) took more than several minutes, a new Web browser (or tab) is required to access EWC via its new hostname.

10.2.2 Set Static Network

A static network configuration can be accomplished by unchecking the DHCP box and entering a desired IP address and its static protocol settings, which includes the appropriate Subnet Mask (or Net Mask), Gateway and DNS values specific to the Network Class (such as, Class A, B or C).

1. Uncheck the DHCP box.
2. Enter a desired IP address.
3. Enter the appropriate Net Mask.
4. Enter the appropriate Gateway.
5. Enter the appropriate DNS1 and DNS2.
6. Click Save to apply the setting.

EWC will validate the new network configuration for the correct format and class type before it applies the settings. If successful, EWC applies the new settings immediately, as depicted in the above figure. It will then try to resolve and refresh the Web page.

If EWC was accessed via its IP address (which is now old), it may not be able to resolve and refresh the Web page. If the Server is Offline message took more than several minutes, open a new Web browser (or tab) and navigate to EWC via its new IP address.

IMPORTANT NOTE: EWC has and uses its own predefined static IP network based on Class C configuration, called fallback IP. If you decide to stop using the above static network setting, it is highly recommended to reset the fallback static IP address to EWC's predefined setting. Complete the following procedure to revert EWC back to its fallback IP address:

1. Check the DHCP box.
2. Enter 192.168.0.83 in the IP address field.
3. Click Save to apply the setting.

This configuration will ensure two things: 1. When EWC connects to a DHCP network, it will be able to join it with a new leased IP address assigned by the DHCP server. 2. When EWC connects directly to a PC, it will use its expected fallback static IP address (192.168.0.83).

10.2.3 Set DHCP Network

If EWC has been configured to use a static IP address, as shown in the following figure, it is possible to revert the setting back to DHCP.

Complete the following steps:

1. Enable the DHCP box with a check mark.
2. Click the Save button.

The system moves immediately to apply the setting. The Server is Offline message appears while EWC tries to resolve and refresh its Web page. If the Server is Offline message took more than several minutes, a new Web browser (or tab) is required to access EWC via its hostname.

10.2.4 Fallback Static IP

As discussed in the Initial Setup and First-Time Use section, EWC applies a DHCP protocol as its default setting. In the absence of a DHCP server, EWC falls back to use its preconfigured static IP address based on Class C network protocol:

• IP Address: 192.168.0.83
• Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway: 192.168.0.1

However, if your EWC has been configured to use a static IP address, as described in the previous section, when connected to any network (static or DHCP), EWC will continue to use the static IP address previously configured by you. That is why it is important to revert your EWC back the DHCP mode before moving it to a new network so that if or when it connects to any network, it will be able to join a DHCP network or use its fallback static IP address.

10.3 Email Settings

The Email Settings submenu provides a few practical features. It includes setting email encryption, password authentication, administrator's account recovery and alert via email about the operating condition(s) of the chamber. By default, the mail server is configured without a password authentication or encryption.

10.3.1 Mail Sever Encryption and Password Authentication

To set up the mail server connection with encryption, place a check mark in the Require SSL/TLS box and apply the Save button (indicated by the arrow). To set up a password authentication for the mail server, enter the password in the Password field and apply the Save button again.

10.3.2 Account Recovery Email

To set up the administrator's account recovery, enter the e-mail address in the Account Recovery E-Mail field and apply the Save button (indicated by the arrow). A one-time password will be sent to this e-mail address to recover the administrator's account.

10.3.3 Setting Email Alert

To set up e-mail alert to receive notification of the operating conditions of the chamber, complete the following steps:

1. Enter the recipient's e-mail address in the Recipients box (indicated by the arrow). Multiple e-mails can be used in the Recipients box with one e-mail address per line.

2. To test an e-mail notification, click the Test Email button (shown in the following figure). Note: EWC uses SMTP Office 365 for the e-mail protocol and therefore it must have access the Internet in order for the e-mail notification to operate.

   

3. To save the settings, click the Save button in the upper-right corner (as shown in the above figure).

10.4 User Interface Settings

EWC, Version 3, is very customizable. Its UI can be configured with features and color decorations to meet the operator's personal preferences. The following figure depicts the UI and its current setting that displays a list of the operating mode, its name and color in the top pane, input/output display setting in the bottom pane. The current operating mode is Program, as depicted in the Status tab, with the color based on the one defined on the Operating Status Display Settings list. The input/output TS1 signal in the Status bar is also based on the color defined on the list in the bottom pane.

With the User Interface Settings submenu, the operator can manage the operating status color and input/output text description. Different display color can be adjusted or removed completely using the trash bin icon under the Actions list (last column). Any undefined color will get a default color of forest green.

10.4.1 Managing Operating Status

To add and define a color for a specific operating status, complete the following steps:

1. Click the Add Missing Entry field and enter ID name under the UID list (first column).
2. Click the color icon (under the Color list) to pick and select a desired color.
3. Click the + button under the Actions list.
4. To cancel the current setting, click the trash bin (Restore Defaults) indicated by the arrow in the upper-right corner. This action will revert the operating status colors to their default settings.
5. To apply the current setting, click the Save button in the upper-right corner.
6. Repeat the process for a different UI and apply the Save button again.

To define a new color for a specific operating status, complete the following steps:

1. Click the color icon for a desired operating status name and select a desired color.
2. To cancel the current setting, click the trash bin (Restore Defaults) indicated by the arrow in the upper-right corner. This action will revert the operating status colors to their default settings.
3. To apply the current setting, click the Save button in the upper-right corner.
4. Repeat the process for a different UI and apply the Save button again.

Note: There are only five predefined operating status modes: Standby, Constant, Program, Alarm and Off. The ID code for them are standby, constant, program, alarm and off, respectively.

10.4.2 Managing Input/Output Status

The available input/output status names (particularly, the time signals) are based on the chamber configuration. According to the following figure, TS1 in the status bar uses the color defined under the format column.

The default on/off colors for the time signal are green/black, respectively. These on/off colors can be customized by selecting a desired color from the color panel. The name of the time signal can also be customized to something more descriptive by editing the Custom Name field both for Full or Short. The short name is used and displayed in the status bar. New settings require the Save button be applied to take effect. The Restore Defaults button (trash bin icon) reverts the configuration to its default setting.

10.5 Data Logging Settings

EWC has the ability to collect and store data points (collected from the chamber) in a file which the operator can download for analysis. Data logging can occur at a desired time interval based on the operator's specification. The following options are available:

1. Data logging has a default frequency at 10 seconds (i.e., data is collected every 10 seconds).
2. Data logging frequency can be set to occur at any desired interval in seconds (but will be limited to the response of the chamber when set to less than 10 seconds).
3. Data points and types (such as, temperature, humidity, etc.) can be manually selected to appear in the trend graph. Selection can be made based on the check mark placed in their respective boxes (shown in the following figure).
4. Color decoration can be selected for plot legends,

5. Data logging may be selected in two operating modes:

   1. Always: This is the default option (under the Log data when selector). Data logging occurs in all operating modes. Depending on the selected logging frequency, data file and its size may increase rapidly. In this mode, it is recommended that data file be downloaded frequently, as it will get deleted by the system to control and manage storage space.

   2. When Chamber is on: Data points are collected and stored in a file only when the chamber is on (i.e., when a profile is being executed).

Two operation buttons (in the upper-right corner) are available to manage data logging and configuration:

1. Delete: Click this trash bin icon to clear data points in the data file to prepare and set data file for a clean slate for new data points.
2. Save: Click this button to save the current data logging configuration.

They are described in the following section.

10.5.1 Set Data Logging Interval and Data Types

To configure a new data logging interval and select different data types for the trend graph, complete the following steps.

1. Enter the frequency number in the field of Logging Period or apply the up/down arrow next to the Seconds mark, as depicted in the following figure, to adjust the frequency number.

2. Click and select Always or When Chamber is on option from the drop-down menu under the Log data when. Default setting is Always.

   

3. Enable any data series and type under the Enabled box list.

4. Click the color picker to select a desired color for each data type.
5. Select the Line Width for a desired number of pixels.
6. Select the Line Type in solid or dash.
7. Click the Save button at the upper-right corner.

10.5.2 Clear Data Log

It may be necessary to start a new data log. Click the Trash bin to clear the current log. A warning dialog box appears to reconfirm the action with a Yes/No option to proceed.

The structure of data log will be deleted from the data file immediately after confirmation. EWC moves to prepare a new data log in the file with another pop-up warning (depicted in the following figure).

Once data begins to accumulate, a trend graph can be produced. Refer to the Trend menu in the menu bar for detail on the trend graph.

10.5.3 How to Handle Downloaded CSV File

As described previously in the Trend menu, data points collected from the chamber are stored in CSV format. The recorded time of the data points is stored based on a UTC (or Universal Time Coordinated, previously referred to as the GMT) instead of the local time. To preserve the integrity of the CSV file and its UTC time stamp, do not open data file directly with MS Excel. Instead, import this CSV file using the following procedure to render the correct conversion of the UTC time to the local time on all data points.

1. Select Trend in the main menu bar.

2. Click the Download button in the upper-right corner to download the CSV data file.

3. Launch MS Excel (and start a new blank spreadsheet)

4. Click the Data ribbon

5. Click From Text/CSV (that appears under the Home ribbon)

6. In the Import Data Window explorer, open the Downloads folder and select the downloaded CSV file (in step 2) and click the Import button (in the bottom).

7. Click the Load button to load data into the current spreadsheet.

8. To save the current spreadsheet as Excel Workbook, click Save As and follow the standard steps to complete the process.

10.6 Date/Time Settings

To keep an accurate data log, it is important to have the correct date and time on EWC and the chamber, since this is where data is being collected and logged. By default, the date/time on EWC is configured to synchronize using the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server provided by the Debian network time pool (shown in the following figure).

If EWC does not have access to the Internet, the NTP server of the Debian network time pool does not work; and its date/time will be out of sync. If your network (isolated from the Internet) has its own NTP, EWC can instructed to use that NTP server. If your network does not have an NTP server, you may synchronize the date/time with that of the local device (your PC or laptop), as depicted in the following figure.

This Date/Time Settings page offers two ways to synchronize the date/time of EWC and the chamber. If your network allows access to the Internet, EWC should then be using the right date/time matched to your local time.

To set up EWC to use a local NTP server or NTP server other than the default Debian pool, complete the following steps.

1. Edit and enter the hostname or IP address of the local NTP server to occupy the top line. Note: EWC synchronizes its date/time using the first NTP server on the list--the top line. Therefore, a desired NTP server must be entered in the top line. If the APPEND button is used, the new NTP Server will be added at the bottom, and EWC may not get to use it if the top ones are operational. However, the APPEND button may be used if all the existing NTP Server lines have been deleted (with the X button). Refer to the following figure for the configuration procedure.
2. Confirm that the first (top) line begins with 0.IP-address or 0.hostname. Refer to the existing format in the figure. If the desired NTP server is listed at the top, it may not be necessary to delete the rest of the lines. They can be used as a reference.

3. Click the Save button in the upper-right corner to save the current settings.

   

If the NTP server is not available, the date/time of EWC can be configured to synchronize with the local date/time of the PC/laptop. This synchronization will take place automatically by the Web browser that was used to access EWC from the PC/laptop.

The date/time of EWC can also be configured manually. Complete the following steps to edit or configure the date/time:

1. Click the date/time field under Current Server Date/Time, indicated by the arrow depicted in the following figure, to bring up the calendar and time.
2. Make the necessary adjustments
3. Close the date/time calendar.
4. Click the APPLY button on the right.
5. Click the Save button in the upper-right corner.

To synchronize the date/time of EWC with that of the local device (i.e., PC/laptop), click on the APPLY button on the right of the Device Date/Time field.

10.7 User Settings

The User Settings submenu allows the system administrator to manage user accounts and access privileges on EWC. The layout of the User Settings is depicted in the following figure.

The UI and nomenclature of the User Settings are described as follows:

1. Show/Hide: The Show/Hide button can be used to show or hide the Settings submenu. As illustrated in the above figure, the Settings submenu is hidden. Click this button to show the submenu in order to access other submenus from the list, as depicted in the following figure.

   

2. Username: All accounts with username on EWC are listed here.

3. Password: The password field(s) can be used to reset a password or create a password for a new account (to be explained below).
4. Access Privileges: Different privileges can be assigned to each account on EWC. These policies are applied to the accessibility on the menus in the menu bar. A user can be granted access to these menus as No Access, Read Only and Read Write.
5. ADD: The ADD button can be used (by the administrator) to add/create a new account.
6. Delete: To delete a user account, click the trash bin to the right of that user account (on the same row).
7. Save: Use this button to save the current settings as well as new accounts just created.

10.7.1 Add User Account

Complete the following steps to create/add a new user account. Refer to the following pictorial diagram for detail.

1. ADD: Click the ADD button (shown in the above figure).
2. Username: Enter username under the Username column.
3. Password: Enter the password for this user in the Password fields (twice).
4. Access Privileges: Click and select access privilege (No Access, Read Only, Read Write) for each menu. Repeat the process for the rest of the menus.
5. Save: Click the Save button at the upper-right corner to save the settings.

This new account will be available for use immediately after the Save button is applied.

10.8 Macros

Frequently used tasks can be automated by creating and running macros. Macros are a series of scripted commands and instructions grouped together to accomplish a certain task. These scripted commands can be triggered automatically by the state of the chamber or by an authorized operator through a manual manipulation. Automated tasks through macro-scripted actions can range from sending e-mail notification about test completion to synchronization of operation between multiple chambers.

The following figure depicts the Macros setup page with a default scripted action called Alarm Emails. The lock symbol indicates that the contents of the Alarm Emails script cannot be modified, since it was generated by EWC.

The submenu of Macros consists of four main operation buttons for managing and manipulating the macro scripted profiles:

1. Create New: A new macro script can be created via this Create New button.
2. List of Macro Actions: A list of all macro scripted profiles on the system. Click on its name to display its contents in the macro editor page (item 3).
3. Macro Scripts: The first macro script on the list (item 2) is listed in the main display by default. Its contents can be viewed using the macro editor (main display).
4. Import from local file: A macro scripted profile can be imported from the local computer. Apply this button to import a macro profile from the local computer. The macro editor will be launched to display the contents of the profile. The Save As button needs to be applied to save the imported profile; its name will appear under the list of macro actions (item 2).

NOTE: Many operations associated with the macros require that EWC has access to the Internet.

10.8.1 Macro Editor and Trigger Options

A macro script can be created to contain various trigger options. The Create New button, when clicked, launches the macro editor, within which the operator can compose the macro scripts to set different alert and trigger options. The components of the macro editor are listed as follows:

1. Name: A macro has a unique name to identify its action or task.

2. Enable: The macro action can be enabled or disabled. When enabled, trigger will take effect based on the chamber condition specified in the macro script.

3. Trigger: A macro may be triggered by any of the following types:

   • Always: The macro will run every time. This type of trigger is not recommended.

     

   • Never (Manual Only): The macro must be manually triggered by an authorized operator or an API request.

     

   • Program State: The macro script will run when an execution state in the selected program has changed based on the parameters listed in the following figure.

     

     • Program State: Under the Program State options (drop-down menu in the above figure), a trigger alert can happen when there is a change in the program execution (designated as Program Changed), when a program has started or stopped (Program Started, Program Stopped); or a step within the executed program has changed (Step Changed), or a step has started or stopped (Step Started, Step Stopped). All of these options can be incorporated into the Program State trigger type.
     • Program: A specific program may be selected to trigger the effect if the condition is met. If Any (default setting) is selected, any program will cause the trigger effect if the trigger condition during execution is met.
     • Step Number: A specific step in the selected program can be used to trip the trigger effect if the condition is met, such as when step 5 in the selected program has completed its execution.

   • Alarm State: The macro will run when the state of an alarm has changed. The parameters that specify the alarm state are listed in the drop-down menu shown in the following figure. The alarm list is chamber and PLC dependent.

     

   • Date/Time Trigger: The macro will run at a specified time or date and time with periodic operation. When the date/time matches the configured "Month", "Day of the Month", "Year", "Day of the Week", "Hour", "Minute", and "Second" the macro will fire. This operation can be configured for a one-time trigger or a periodic trigger, as depicted in the following figures.

     

   • Additional trigger types can be selected from the trigger list that include time signals, loop temperature, custom expression and logical operations. All of which have the same programming or scripting paradigm based on specific parameters and trigger conditions. A single macro script can be created to monitor a list of programs, their status or conditions, using a set of complex logical operations selected from the list of trigger types (such as, and, or, not).

4. Multiple Trigger Types: Additional trigger types can be added via the (+/-) button, with options to insert additional trigger type using Insert Before or Insert After buttons. Trigger type can be removed from the list via the Delete button.

   

5. APPEND: The action or actions of the trigger (item 3, above) can be implemented in the body of the Operations template. The APPEND button can be applied to add and compose the trigger operations. The components of the trigger operations are outlined as follows:

   

   a. Conditional Statement: The conditional statements of trigger operations consist of If, Else If, Else and Wait For. These conditional statements can be used to check the type(s) of trigger operation.

   b. Type of Condition: The type of trigger used in the conditional statement.

   c. Additional Conditions: additional conditions can be added via (+/-) button. The available options are: Insert Before (current type), Insert After (current type), Delete.

   d. Alert Method: Available alert methods for the trigger operation. Default option is: Mail: Send a custom e-mail.

   e. E-mail Address: The operator's e-mail address in this block will be used to send an alert e-mail. Multiple e-mail addresses can used, one e-mail address per line.

   f. Subject title: A descriptive subject title is important in an alert e-mail.

   g. Message: The message in the e-mail should be brief and descriptive.

   h. Manage Trigger Operations Steps: With this button, management of trigger operations steps is possible with the Inset After, Insert Before or Delete options.

   i. Add Trigger Operations Step: The APPEND button appends an additional step at the bottom of the step list.

6. Operations: Components of the trigger Operations are outlined in the previous and the following figure. The default operation type is E-Mail: Send a custom email. Different operation types can be selected from the list. Each selected type is used in the conditional statement to trip the operation. Multiple types can be implemented by applying the (+/-) button. The operation type thus consists of three fields: (1) who to send the alert, (2) subject of the alert, (3) message of the alert. Multiple operations can be added using the APPEND button to create additional or multiple operations.

   

7. File Manipulation: Three file manipulation options are available in the main macro editor when the Create New option is applied. These are Export to local file, Import from local file and Save.

   

   After the macro script has been composed and saved, additional options are available as follows:

   

   The current macro script can be deleted from the macro editor with the Delete button (trash bin). A warning appears to reconfirm the action.

   

   This script can be invoked to test its operation by applying the person icon. If the macro operation involves sending out an alert e-mail, the recipient on the e-mail list will immediately receive the e-mail alert. EWC can send out e-mail alerts only if it has access to the Internet because, by default, it uses SMTP Office 365 for the email protocol.

10.8.2 Example: A Macro Script with Alarm Alert

The following example illustrates a simple macro script to send out an e-mail alert when the chamber trips an alarm (any alarm). In order for the macro setup to work, EWC must have access to the Internet. The procedure for this example is outlined as follows:

1. Click Macros in the Settings submenu.
2. Click Create New.
3. Click the Name field in the macro editor, enter ALARM01 for the macro name. Confirm that the trigger is enabled (with its box checked).

4. Click the type field under the Trigger type and select Alarm State from the list (as shown).

   

5. Click the Alarm State field and select Tripped from the drop-down list as its parameter (as shown).

   

6. Confirm that Any is selected under the Alarms option. The complete selection type, state and alarms options is depicted below.

   

7. Click APPEND to add the operations instructions.

8. Confirm that the logic If is selected by default to check the condition, and the condition type Always is select. This is to ensure that an alert will be sent out whenever an alarm is tripped.
9. Confirm, under the Operation Type, that "E-Mail: Send a custom email" has been selected.
10. In the Recipients block, enter the operator's e-mail address. Multiple e-mail addresses can be used, with one e-mail address per line.
11. Enter the subject title of the e-mail in the Subject.
12. Enter the message to be included in the e-mail in the Message body box.

13. Click the Save button. The macro list now has the macro script listed by its file name. If you attempt to exit the macro editor (by clicking on other submenus or menus), a warning message will appear (as shown below).

    

14. To test the macro script, click the person icon. The operator should receive an e-mail alert from EWC.

The complete macro script is depicted in the following figure.

10.8.3 Example: Macro Script with Program State and Alarm Alert

Here is an example of the use of two logical Or conditions of the trigger type to monitor two specific programs (PROGTEST001 and PROG3TEST) and trigger the e-mail operation. Two logical If conditions monitor the program state and alarms; an alert is sent out accordingly. The first If condition is set up to monitor the program activity; the second If condition monitors any alarm occurrences. Note: This sample macro script is presented to illustrate the flexibility of the macro editor. There are numerous ways to achieve the same the task noted here.

To construct the macro script, proceed as follows:

1. Click Create New on the Macro submenu.

2. Click the Name field and enter ALARM02.

3. Confirm that the trigger is enabled (with its box checked).

4. Under Trigger:

   • Click the Type field and select Program State from the drop-down list.
   • Click the Program State field and select Program Started from the drop-down list.
   • Click the Program field and select PROG2TEST on slot 2. NOTE: PROG2TEST must be made available on the program list.
   • The last option on step number is set as default for the trigger to apply at any step.

   • Click the (+/-) and select Insert After to add a new trigger type, as shown in the figure.

     

   • Click the Type field and select Or from the drop-down list.

   • Click the Type field and select Program State from the drop-down list.
   • Click the Program State field and select Program Started from the drop-down list.
   • Click the Program field and select PROG3TEST on slot 3. NOTE: PROG3TEST must be created and is available on the program list.
   • The last option on step number is set as default for the trigger to apply at any step.

   • Apply the (+/-) button to add two more trigger type steps to contain the logical Or and Alarm State as depicted in the following figure which depicts the complete configuration of the conditional statements in the trigger logic:

     

5. Click APPEND under the Operations block to create the first step of the trigger operation.

   • Confirm that If condition is selected (by default).
   • Click the Type field and select Always from the list. This is to ensure that an e-mail alert will be sent out if the state of a specified program occurs.
   • Confirm that E-Mail: Send a custom email is selected (by default) for Operation Type.
   • Enter the recipient's e-mail address in the Recipients block, one e-mail address per line.
   • Enter subject title in the Subject block.

   • Enter a brief message in the Message Body block. The complete configuration is illustrated as follows:

     

6. Click the operation step number (number 1 in the circle, as shown below) and select Insert After to add a new step to the trigger operation.

   

   • Confirm that If condition is selected (by default).
   • Click the Type field and select Alarm State from the list.
   • Click the Program State field and select Tripped from the list.
   • Confirm that Any is selected by default under the Alarms field; it is to ensure any alarm will trigger this action.
   • Confirm that E-Mail: Send a custom email is selected (by default) for Operation Type.
   • Enter the recipient's e-mail address in the Recipients block, one e-mail address per line.
   • Enter subject title in the Subject block.
   • Enter a brief message in the Message Body block to indicate alarm has been tripped. The complete configuration is illustrated as follows:

   

7. Click Save to save this macro scripted profile.

8. Testing the Macro Script: Click the person icon to test and run the macro script.

   • If the run is successful (that is, no errors are found in the script), a Successful message appears and an e-mail alert is sent to the recipient(s) listed in the Recipients block.

     

   • If the run failed, an error message appears as shown below. The macro script does not work.

     

10.9 Controller Settings

Note: This submenu is available only for the T-series chambers. If it is grayed out, your chamber does not support this feature.

The Controller Settings submenu is only available for chambers equipped with Allen Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix and Micro8xx PLC series. Such chambers are referred to as T-series chambers. This submenu will be grayed out for any chamber other than the T-series chamber.

The Controller Settings submenu allows the operator to set different parameters of the chamber's control features. This submenu divides into four separate tabs: General, Calibrate Thermocouples, Calibrate Accelerometers, and Diagnostics, as depicted in the following figure. The General tab is displayed by default, when this submenu is accessed.

Under the General tab, different settings are available for Temperature Settings, Vibration Settings and Misc Settings; all of which can be browsed and configured by scrolling through Web page.

The current configuration of the chamber can be downloaded as a backup via the Export to local file button in the upper-right corner. The export file will be stored in the Downloads folder on the local computer, in JSON format (with filename as TyphoonV1.json). New settings can be performed and applied using the Save button in the upper-right corner. This configuration file can be uploaded back into EWC any time.

10.9.1 General

The General tab lists the general specifications of the chamber, such as Temperature, Vibration and other miscellaneous items. Each item is listed with description of its operation and features. With this tab, an operator can directly control and reconfigure the specifications of the chamber. As depicted in the following figure, if a user sets a temperature value higher than the specified parameter, EWC will flag the user to apply the setting below the threshold value.

To apply a new configuration, perform the following steps.

1. Click the Export to local file button (item 1, indicated by the arrow) to download the current configuration as a backup. The configuration file will be stored in the Downloads folder on the local computer under the name TyphoonV1.json. This practice is a precaution measure to safeguard the original configuration in case the chamber's general configuration needs to be restored.

   

2. Enter a new set value or click the up/down button on each line next to the parameter unit (in the middle column) to adjust the value, as shown in the above figure.

3. Scroll down the tab to apply settings to the rest of the parameters.
4. Click the Save button (item 3, indicated by the arrow) to save the current settings.

To load a configuration from a backup file, click the Import button (item 2, indicated by the arrow), then select the configuration file (in JSON) on the local computer.

10.9.2 Thermocouple Calibration

To calibrate different thermocouples settings, click the up/down button of the Offset and/or Scale columns to adjust the value.

10.9.3 Accelerometer Calibration

To calibrate different accelerometer settings, click the up/down button of the Offset and/or Scale columns, Sensitivity and User Sensitivity columns to adjust the value.

10.9.4 Diagnostic

It may be necessary to perform a diagnostic test on the chamber after a maintenance. This tab allows an operator to perform a certain diagnostic tests on the chamber.

1. Turn on the Diagnostic Mode (indicated by the arrow). This action will enable the START button.

   

2. Click the START button (indicated by the arrow) to update the diagnostic mode. A message box pops up (in the lower corner) to indicate diagnostic update process.

   

3. Click the START button (Again) to initiate the diagnostic test. The Chamber On button (under the Run Status tab) should turn from gray to green. Diagnostic is being performed; changes on values of different parameters will be displayed under Temperature, Vibration and User Relays.

   

4. To terminate the diagnostic test, click the Stop button. The chamber will be turned off and switched back to the Standby mode.

5. Turn off the Diagnostic Mode (see Step 1).

10.10 Chamber Interface

The Chamber Interface submenu plays a crucial role in the configuration of EWC and chamber for control and operation. Configuration involves selecting the right chamber category, model type and controller, as well as any optional features available for the said chamber. Next, a proper communication protocol between the chamber and EWC must be established. The type of controller dictates the type of communication protocol.

1. TCP/IP Interface: TCP/IP protocol is the default communication interface for a T-series chamber or a chamber equipped with Watlow F4T. The following figures depict a typical configuration of the T-Series and F4T chambers.

   

   

2. Serial Interface: For a chamber equipped with ESPEC SCP220, ES102 or Watlow F4, default communication interface is the serial RS-232; default communication interface for ESPEC P300 is RS-485, but RS232C can also be used for communication. The following figures depict a typical configuration for a chamber equipped with ESPEC SCP220, ES102 or Watlow F4 via the serial RS-232 interface and RS485 for P300.

   

   

   

   

   The following figure depicts a configuration for an F4T chamber via a serial interface.

   

Two options are available for interface configuration: Simple and Expert. The settings depicted in the above figure are based on the Simple option; they were completed at the facility during testing. This configuration can be confirmed during the Setup Wizard procedure (as outlined in Section 2.4) when EWC operates for the first time with the chamber. For this reason, there is generally no need to configure the settings, unless a new setting is required.

The following subsections outline the different configuration procedure for all PLCs supported by EWC. Select the appropriate subsection that applies to your chamber and PLC.

10.10.1 T-Series Chamber Interface: Simple Configuration Option

Under the Simple option, communication between the chamber and EWC is configured through three predetermined parameters: (1) Chamber Category, (2) Chamber Model and Controller, (3) Communication Interface. They are depicted in the following figure.

Refer to your documentations that were shipped with the chamber to obtain information for these parameters. They are required to successfully configure EWC to control your chamber.

1. Chamber Category: Click the text field under Chamber Category to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber category from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

2. Model Selection: Click the text field under Model to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber model from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

3. Communication Interface: By default, EWC applies TCP/IP to communicate with the T-Series chamber using a set of predefined network parameters, as shown in the following figure. An internal network (based on 121.165.141.0/24) was set up for this communication with an IP address of 121.165.141.156 assigned to EWC and 121.165.141.61 to the Allen Bradley PLC.

   

   The predefined parameters of the chamber communication interface, based on the above figure, are described as follows:

   • i. Internal Network: This is the internal network that exists between EWC and the chamber. It is statically configured using Class A network protocol.

   • ii. Server IP Address: This is the IP address of EWC. It is statically configured as 121.161.141.155. The Ethernet port designated for this network is labeled as eth1. Refer to the following diagram on the EWC hardware.

   • iii. PLC IP Address: This is the IP address of the Allen Bradley PLC, statically configured as 121.165.1141.61.

   EWC hardware has two Ethernet ports; each is predefined and configured for a specific network connection, as depicted in the following figure. eth1 is preconfigured for internal network between EWC and PLC; eth0 is preconfigured to connect EWC to the main network. Thus, during network troubleshooting, these two ports must have the correct cables plugged into them. To help identify eth0 (when the EWC hardware is enclosed in a box), use the HDMI port as a reference; eth0 is adjacent to it.

   

   The following figure depicts the two IP addresses used by EWC for the two Ethernet ports designated in the above figure.

   

4. Save Settings: There are three options to manage the chamber interface configuration (shown in the figure).

   

   • Export to Local File: Click the down-arrow button to download the current settings for backup. The configuration file (in yaml) will be stored on the local computer with filename: chamber_interface_1.yaml.
   • Import from Local File: Click the up-arrow button to import a configuration file from the local computer. To apply the new settings from this file, click the Save button.
   • Save Settings: After modifying the parameters in the expert option, click the Save button to apply the current settings.

10.10.2 SCP220 Chamber Interface: Simple Configuration Option

Under the Simple option, communication between the chamber and EWC is configured through three predetermined parameters: (1) Chamber Category, (2) Chamber Model and Controller, (3) Communication Interface. They are depicted in the following figure.

Refer to your documentations that were shipped with the chamber to obtain information for these parameters. They are required to successfully configure EWC to control your chamber.

1. Chamber Category: Click the text field under Chamber Category to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber category from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

2. Model Selection: Click the text field under Model to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber model from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

3. Communication Interface: Default communication protocol between EWC and SCP220 PLC is RS232 via Serial interface (as depicted in the following figure). The only predefined parameter for this protocol is the serial baud rate at 9600.

   

   EWC will automatically select and configure a serial port designated as /dev/ttyUSB0 (or /dev/ttyUSB1) for its interface.

   

4. Save Settings: Three options are available for managing the chamber interface configuration. These are Export to local file, Import from local file and Save, as depicted in the figure.

   

   • Export to Local File: Click the down-arrow button to download the current settings for backup. The configuration file (in yaml) will be stored on the local computer with filename: chamber_interface_1.yaml.
   • Import from Local File: Click the up-arrow button to import a configuration file from the local computer. To apply the new settings from this file, click the Save button.
   • Save Settings: After modifying the parameters in the expert option, click the Save button to apply the current settings.

10.10.3 ESPEC P300 Chamber Interface: Simple Configuration Option

Under the Simple option, communication between the chamber and EWC is configured through three predetermined parameters: (1) Chamber Category, (2) Chamber Model and Controller, (3) Communication Interface. They are depicted in the following figure.

Refer to your documentations that were shipped with the chamber to obtain information for these parameters. They are required to successfully configure EWC to control your chamber.

1. Chamber Category: Click the text field under Chamber Category to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber category from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

2. Model Selection: Click the text field under Model to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber model from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

3. Communication Interface: Default communication protocol between EWC and P300 PLC is RS485 via Serial interface. The only predefined parameter for this protocol is the serial baud rate at 19200.

   

   EWC will automatically select and configure a serial port designated as /dev/ttyUSB0 (or /dev/ttyUSB1) for its interface.

   

4. Save Settings: Three options are available for managing the chamber interface configuration. These are Export to local file, Import from local file and Save, as depicted in the figure.

   

   • Export to Local File: Click the down-arrow button to download the current settings for backup. The configuration file (in yaml) will be stored on the local computer with filename: chamber_interface_1.yaml.
   • Import from Local File: Click the up-arrow button to import a configuration file from the local computer. To apply the new settings from this file, click the Save button.
   • Save Settings: After modifying the parameters in the expert option, click the Save button to apply the current settings.

10.10.4 ESPEC ES102 Chamber Interface: Simple Configuration Option

Under the Simple option, communication between the chamber and EWC is configured through three predetermined parameters: (1) Chamber Category, (2) Chamber Model and Controller, (3) Communication Interface. They are depicted in the following figure.

Refer to your documentations that were shipped with the chamber to obtain information for these parameters. They are required to successfully configure EWC to control your chamber.

1. Chamber Category: Click the text field under Chamber Category to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber category from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

2. Model Selection: Click the text field under Model to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber model from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

3. Communication Interface: Default communication protocol between EWC and ES102 PLC is RS232 via Serial interface (as depicted in the previous figure). The only predefined parameter for this protocol is the serial baud rate at 9600.

   

   EWC will automatically select and configure a serial port designated as /dev/ttyUSB0 (or /dev/ttyUSB1) for its interface.

4. Save Settings: Three options are available for managing the chamber interface configuration. These are Export to local file, Import from local file and Save, as depicted in the figure.

   

   • Export to Local File: Click the down-arrow button to download the current settings for backup. The configuration file (in yaml) will be stored on the local computer with filename: chamber_interface_1.yaml.
   • Import from Local File: Click the up-arrow button to import a configuration file from the local computer. To apply the new settings from this file, click the Save button.
   • Save Settings: After modifying the parameters in the expert option, click the Save button to apply the current settings.

10.10.5 Watlow F4T Chamber Interface: Simple Configuration Option

Under the Simple option, communication between the chamber and EWC is configured through three predetermined parameters: (1) Chamber Category, (2) Chamber Model and Controller, (3) Communication Interface. They are depicted in the following figure.

Refer to your documentations that were shipped with the chamber to obtain information for these parameters. They are required to successfully configure EWC to control your chamber.

1. Chamber Category: Click the text field under Chamber Category to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber category from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

2. Model Selection:

   • Type: Click the text field under Type to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber type from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   • Controller: Click the text field under Controller to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your controller type from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

     

3. Communication Interface: Default communication between EWC and F4T PLC is TCP/IP connected via port eth1 as depicted in the following figure. This internal network was set up for this communication with 10.30.200.241 as IP address assigned to EWC and 10.30.200.242 to the F4T.

   

   EWC hardware has two Ethernet ports; each is predefined and configured for a specific network connection, as depicted in the following figure. eth1 is preconfigured for internal network between EWC and PLC; eth0 is preconfigured to connect EWC to the main network. Thus, during network troubleshooting, these two ports must have the correct cables plugged into them. To help identify eth0 (when the EWC hardware is enclosed in a box), use the HDMI port as a reference; eth0 is adjacent to it.

   

   The following figure depicts the two IP addresses used by EWC for the two Ethernet ports designated in the above figure.

   

   • Interface Type: It is to be emphasized that TCP/IP is the default communication protocol. There is no need to make any selection for the interface type, except to confirm that TCP/IP has been selected. If your chamber uses a serial interface for communication with EWC, and the chamber manual specifies such information, then make sure to select Serial from the drop-down list. Confirm also that the F4T has the right settings for ModbusRTU protocol (via Settings, Network and Modbus).

     

     • Network Interface: If EWC uses TCP/IP as the default communication, then LAN is the default selection. The WAN option is a configuration where the internal network does not exist between EWC and the F4T. This option requires a reconfiguration of the network setup with both EWC and F4T part of the (customer's) main network. This setup may require assistance from ESPEC customer support.

4. Save Settings: There are three options to manage the chamber interface configuration, as depicted in the upper-right corner.

   • Export to Local File: Click the down-arrow button to download the current settings for backup. The configuration file (in JSON) will be stored on the local computer.
   • Import from Local File: Click the up-arrow button to import a configuration file from the local computer.
   • Save Settings: To update the current setting, click the Save button.

10.10.6 Watlow F4 Chamber Interface

Under the Simple option, communication between the chamber and EWC is configured through three predetermined parameters: (1) Chamber Category, (2) Chamber Model and Controller, (3) Communication Interface. They are depicted in the following figure.

Refer to your documentations that were shipped with the chamber to obtain information for these parameters. They are required to successfully configure EWC to control your chamber.

1. Chamber Category: Click the text field under Chamber Category to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber category from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual.

   

2. Model Selection: Click the text field under Model to access a drop-down list, as depicted in the following figure. Select your chamber model from the list that matches the one described in your chamber manual. Under Controller, select Watlow F4.

   

3. Communication Interface: Serial interface is the default communication protocol between EWC and F4 PLC. The only predefined parameter for this protocol is the baud rate, setting at 19200.

   

   EWC will automatically select and configure a serial port designated as /dev/ttyUSB0 (or /dev/ttyUSB1) for its interface.

4. Save Settings: Three options are available for managing the chamber interface configuration. These are Export to local file, Import from local file and Save, as depicted in the figure.

   

   • Export to Local File: Click the down-arrow button to download the current settings for backup. The configuration file (in yaml) will be stored on the local computer with filename: chamber_interface_1.yaml.
   • Import from Local File: Click the up-arrow button to import a configuration file from the local computer. To apply the new settings from this file, click the Save button.
   • Save Settings: After modifying the parameters in the expert option, click the Save button to apply the current settings.

10.10.7 Chamber Interface: Expert Configuration Option

The expert menu offers flexibility for customizing the interface configuration for the intended chamber. Only an operator with knowledge of the PLC configuration and the yaml syntax should modify the settings. Knowledge of the PLC features and its I/O modules is required to successfully configure EWC to connect to and use the chamber. The expert option consists of a list or set of parameters structured in yaml syntax, as depicted in the following figure. EWC scans this file and parses the parameters to apply the settings for chamber operation.

Refer to the specific item that applies to your chamber and PLC.

1. T-Series: The following figure illustrates the Expert configuration of a T-series chamber.

   

2. Watlow F4T: The following figure illustrates the Expert configuration of an F4T chamber.

   

3. Watlow F4: The following figure illustrates the Expert configuration of an F4 chamber.

   

4. ESPEC P300: The following figure illustrates the Expert configuration of a P300 chamber.

   

5. ESPEC SCP220: The following figure illustrates the Expert configuration of an SCP220 chamber.

   

The contents in this yaml file begins with the sample rate configuration and the type of interface used for communication, indicated by the arrow. The list continues with all the available features and specifications of the chamber that include temperature, humidity and vibration range.

Custom configuration can follow any one of these two methods:

1. Content Modification: Modify the contents of the yaml file, with an appropriate yaml syntax and data structure. For the new settings to take effect, click the Save button.

2. Uploading Yaml File: Click the Import button to upload the yaml configuration file from the local computer. The contents of this file must follow the syntax and data structure of yaml.

It is important to have a backup of the original yaml file listed on this page. Click the Export button (down-arrow) in the upper-right corner to download the yaml file to store on the local computer. This file can be used to quickly restore the chamber interface settings.

10.11 Firmware

EWC is designed with the ability to continually receive improvements in the form of a Firmware Update to provide bug fixes and software upgrade with new features. Firmware update follows one of two approaches: (1) Automatic Firmware Updates, (2) Offline (Manual) Firmware Updates.

EWC has been carefully designed to be robust and stable. It incorporates a mechanism that prevents interruption to the work flow during a software update. Technically, the system keeps two versions of the software:

1. Current version of the operating firmware.
2. Previously installed version.

If, for some reasons, firmware update failed, the system reverts to using its previous version known to be in the stable state, until the update issue is resolved. EWC will switch its operation on the new firmware immediately after a successful update. All configuration and data logging files will be brought over to operate on the new firmware. The transition is so subtle that the operator may not even notice the changes in the internal system.

10.11.1 Automatic Update and Remote Management Service

Each EWC has a unique registration number based on the chamber serial number. It is used to identify each EWC for an automatic firmware update through the cloud service provider called Mender. The process is to provide for cloud (remote) service support with risk tolerant and efficient over-the-air updates. EWC is shipped with the automatic firmware update (i.e., Mender) feature enabled and remote management service (i.e., ESPEC service) disabled.

The remote management service feature, when enabled, allows ESPEC software engineering team to access your EWC to troubleshoot any issues remotely. Customer and their IT department have complete control and freedom to dictate the use of Mender cloud service and remote management service. Should they decide to use the service, they must enable it as follows:

1. EWC must have access to the Internet.
2. Log into EWC as admin.
3. Access the Firmware submenu under Settings.
4. Enable the Remote Management Service (by checking the ``Enable'' box).
5. Click the Save button (in the upper-right corner) to apply the setting.
6. Reboot EWC (refer to the ``Server Settings'' section on how to reboot the system).

10.11.2 Offline Manual Update via HMI

For a standalone system, such as T-series and Custom F4T chamber, which is disconnected from the Internet (as depicted in the figure), automatic update via the cloud service cannot be completed.

Complete the following steps to apply firmware update on your standalone system via its touchscreen:

1. Set the chamber in Standby mode.
2. Obtain Firmware Update Package from ESPEC and store it on a USB device.
3. Plug the USB device (from step 1) into the USB port of EWC, located at the base of the touchscreen (or at the base of its arm).
4. Select the Settings menu, then select Firmware submenu.

5. Touch the blue bar with "SELECT UPDATE FILE", as indicated by the arrow in the figure.

   

6. A list of files on the USB device is displayed. Locate and select the Update package (with mender extension, as indicated by the arrow), then apply the update using the OPEN button.

   

7. The system begins to upload the update file which will take several minutes.

8. When update is complete (as depicted in the following figure), reboot the system with the REBOOT button.

   

9. Your EWC has been updated. Its new firmware version can be found under the About menu.

10.11.3 Offline Manual Update via Local Network

Apply the following procedure to perform firmware update if your chamber is part of a local network where EWC is accessible by a PC on the network, as depicted in the following figure.

Complete the following steps to apply the manual firmware update:

1. Obtain Firmware Update Package from ESPEC and store it on the local computer.
2. Access EWC from the local PC (Step 1) and log in as the administrator.
3. Click Settings on the menu bar.
4. Click Firmware in the submenu.

5. Drag-and-drop the package in the white box as shown in the following figure. Or, click the Upload a file to start Upgrade and select the Firmware Update package on the local computer.

   

6. Once an update package has been loaded, the system begins to install the new firmware, as shown in the following figure.

   

7. Click REBOOT, as indicated in the figure, to restart the system.

   

10.11.4 Rollback Firmware

EWC can rollback its firmware to the previous stable state by clicking on the ROLLBACK button as depicted in the following figure.

10.12 Programming Interface via API Settings

EWC offers several interfaces for other application software to read or write the parameters from or to the target chamber. One such method is the API (Application Programming Interface) front-end application with two separate methods: General and Delimited ASCII.

With the GENERAL setting, RESTful API can be quickly configured via the authentication mode and a direct controller access, using the No Authentication and Enable settings, respectively. Default communication priority level is 6.

The DELIMITED ASCII configuration supports the text command application based on ASCII commands. Different rules and syntax settings apply to provide the correct ASCII commands, as depicted in the following figure.

10.12.1 Communication Protocol for ESPEC P300, SCP220, ES102

Direct communication with ESPEC P300, SCP220 or ES102 controller via raw data through EWC can be achieved using the raw TCP protocol. The TCP forwarder listens for a raw TCP stream on port 10001. Through this method, native commands of P300, SCP220 or ES102 can be issued directly at the text terminal. One practical method for this communication is through the use of a terminal emulator called PuTTY installed on the operator's PC running GNU/Linux, Mac OS or MS Windows.

There are two types of data transmission exist for this protocol:

1. Command Data: The command data consists of two types: (1) Monitor commands and (2) Setting commands. The monitor commands are used to monitor the conditions of the chamber, while the setting commands are used to change or configure the settings of the chamber.
2. Response Data: The response data are basically data returned (responded) by the controller in response to the command data.

The command data issued at the text terminal on the host computer has specific syntax and semantics based on a two-component format: command data and delimiter. The response data sent from the controller also contains a two-component format: response data and delimiter. The delimiter is the carriage return (CR) character followed by a line feed (LF), abbreviated as CRLF. Refer to the "P300, SCP220 or ES102 Controller Communications Option Manual" for complete details on them.

1. The command data consists of the following format: [command data][delimiter]
   • [command data] is any command found in the "P300, SCP220 or ES102 Controller Communications Option Manual".
   • [delimiter] is CRLF. The effect of pressing the Enter key on the keyboard produces the CRLF on the terminal.
   • Example: MON?
2. The response data consists of the following format: [response data][delimiter]
   • [response data] can be any of the following:
     1. If the command data is issued to query for a data, response data consists of data in the format outlined in the "P300, SCP220 or ES102 Controller Communications Option Manual".
     2. If the command data is issued to set a parameter, response data (if set command was successful) consists of "OK: [command data]", where [command data] is the command that prompted the response.
     3. If there was an error executing the command, the response data will be "NA: [error message]". Error messages and their meanings are listed in the "P300, SCP220 or ES102 Controller Communications Option Manual". There is a time-out on the interface protocol request. If the target controller takes too long to respond to the command data, an error message "NA: SERIAL TIMEOUT" will appear. If this type of error reoccurs, double check the status of the target chamber and the TCP forwarder on EWC or restart PuTTY.
   • [delimiter] is CRLF.
3. The interface will timeout after one hour of no activity.

10.12.2 Configuring PuTTY for Raw Data Communication

The following procedure illustrates how to launch and set up PuTTY (installed on MS Windows 10) to communicate with ESPEC P300, SCP220 and ES102.

1. Log into EWC as admin.
2. Obtain its IP address (refer to Network Settings under the Settings menu).
3. Click the API Settings submenu under the Settings menu.

4. Enable the Direct Controller Access by checking the box (indicated by the arrow in the figure below).

   

5. Apply the Save button.

6. Reboot EWC (refer to the ``Server Settings'' section on how to reboot the system).

7. Launch PuTTY and enter the following parameters in the appropriate fields illustrated in the figure below.

   1. Enter EWC IP address (10.30.100.96 shown as example).

   2. Enter 10001 for Port number.

   3. Click to select Raw for communication.

   4. Click Open to initiate communication.

      

10.12.3 Examples of Command and Response Data

The following examples illustrate the use of a command data issued on ESPEC P300, SCP220 and ES102, respectively.

1. ESPEC P300: The following figure illustrates five command data issued sequentially at the PuTTY terminal to read values from the P300. All command data are followed by the question mark (?). These command data are: ROM?, MON?,PRGM MON?, PRGM SET? and PRGM DATA? The MON? and PRGM DATA? commands were issued with their appropriate options and parameters (as indicated in the command line).

   

2. ESPEC SCP220: The following figure illustrates six command data issued sequentially at the PuTTY terminal to read values from the SCP220. All command data are followed by the question mark (?). These command data are: ROM?, MON?, TEMP?, PRGM MON?, PRGM DATA? and RUN PRGM MON? The PRGM DATA? commands was issued with its appropriate parameters (as indicated in the command line).

   

3. ESPEC ES102: The following figure illustrates five command data issued sequentially at the PuTTY terminal to read values from the ES102. All command data are followed by the question mark (?). These command data are: ROM?, CONSTANT SET?, RUN PRGM?, and PRGM DATA? The CONSTANT SET? and PRGM DATA? commands were issued with their appropriate options and parameters (as indicated in the command line).

   

10.12.4 Communication Protocol for the Watlow F4T

The communication protocol provided for the Watlow F4T is Modbus TCP port 502. Due to its slow performance, the Modbus TCP interface is not recommended to use for communicating with EWC. The Watlow F4T's own Modbus TCP interface should be used instead.

The following procedure outlines the steps to configure PuTTY to communicate with Watlow F4T directly using its SCPI protocol via port 5025. This protocol allows Watlow F4T to be communicated via raw SCPI commands. This protocol requires that Watlow F4T firmware version be at least 03:06:011 which was released in May 2017. Our ESPEC Chamber is equipped with F4T with its current firmware version (at least 04:07). Thus, communication via SCPI protocol is possible.

Launch PuTTY and enter the following parameters in the appropriate fields illustrated in the figure below.

1. Enter IP address of Watlow F4T (10.30.100.96 shown as example).

2. Enter 5025 for Port number.

3. Click to select Raw for communication.

4. Click Open to initiate communication.

   

The following figure illustrates four command data issued sequentially at the PuTTY terminal to read values from Watlow F4T and one command to set a value (or parameter) on Watlow F4T. All query commands are followed by the question mark (?). They are: *IDN?, :SOURCE:CLOOP1:PVALUE?, :OUTPUT1? and set command :OUTPUT1 PARAM (that is, :OUTPUT1 ON). For details on the use of SCPI and its raw commands, visit Watlow.com website.

10.13 Server Settings

The Server Settings page is the ``flight control center'' for EWC, where the entire set of operations and system processes can be monitored, managed and controlled. This page contains a long list of different groups of services to support EWC maintain a smooth operation. Different services are categorized and grouped as tabs in the service bar, as shown in the following figure.

By default, the Server Settings page displays the utilization status of the server's (that is, EWC) hardware resources that include CPU, primary storage (RAM) and secondary storage (disk), as depicted in the following figure. A list of different services (i.e., processes) is displayed under the Processes window. These processes can be browsed through via the scroll bar.

As mentioned in Chapter 1 (Introduction), EWC is powered by a Debian GNU/Linux distribution as its operating system. The system applies two separate root partitions to provide a convenient update of the firmware. The table under Storage (in the above figure) lists the partitions and their current usage. The system is kept secured with the root partition (called /) mounted as read-only, designated as RO. Depicted in the table is the first root partition with /dev/mmcblk0p2 as its device name. The second root partition (inactive and thus not listed) uses /dev/mmcblk0p3 as its device name; the partition will be used to perform a system update (as discussed in the previous section under Firmware). Data collected from the chamber will be stored on a separate storage device with 8GB of storage capacity mounted as /appdata. An operator can use this information to determine when the logged data will use up all the available storage space and when it should be deleted to free up storage space. EWC also monitors the size of the data file to ensure there is always enough storage space for it.

The processes listed under the Processes window are those currently running to support EWC and its operations. The following figure depicts a specific service under the SERVICE INIT tab. It is a service responsible for initiating and maintaining connection with the chamber and EWC API (application programming interface), as indicated by the arrow. The rest of the services (designated by tabs) in the service bar each have their job to perform; their role can be viewed by clicking the specific tab.

Over time, disruption by various conditions may affect these services. Sometimes, a certain set of services (called daemons) running in the background may get interrupted or hung and must be restarted to bring them back to normal operation. Individual services that hang can also be restarted. To help manage these services, the Server Settings page has three buttons (indicated by the arrow in the upper-right corner) labeled and described as follows:

1. Download Service Logs: To help the operator determine issues related to the performance of EWC, these issues are collected and stored as service logs. These logs can be downloaded via the Download Service Logs button.
2. Restart Services: If any service got hung, it can be restarted individually by selecting the effected service (i.e., tab) and clicking the Restart Services button.
3. Reboot Server: Rebooting EWC will be the last resort when individual services cannot be restarted via option 2.

10.13.1 Restart Services

EWC has a list of different services or daemons running in the background to manage the overall operation of the system. These daemons caused by various conditions may stop running to provide the service, such as losing connection with the chamber. When that happens, that particular daemon responsible for maintaining connection to the chamber can be restarted without rebooting EWC.

When an error has occurred, EWC flags that error message in the status bar and a pop-up error message at the bottom of the main display, as depicted in the following figure.

The pop-up error message can be expanded (via the + button) to reveal detail of the actual error, as depicted in the following figure; it indicated that EWC has lost communication with the chamber, and thus, this error must be resolved before EWC can resume its operation.

The Server Settings page is the place to look for the culprit. A list of different services are displayed in the service bar. The Service Broker, whose job is to monitor the communication status between EWC and the chamber, has reported a communication error, as depicted in the following figure.

This error causes a chain reaction on other daemons, such as Service Profiler, Service Init, Service Sampler, Service Macros. It prevents EWC from "controlling" the chamber. The Service Network tab shows that network connection has become inactive (or dead), as depicted in the following figure.

The issue illustrated here is caused by a loss of network connection. To re-establish network connection between EWC and the chamber, complete the following steps:

1. Check for loose Ethernet connection between EWC and the chamber.

2. EWC will reestablish connection with the chamber automatically, as depicted in the following figure.

   

   EWC now resumes its operation, as indicated by the status bar as Standby.

If the above procedure did not work, the effected services need to be restarted. Complete the following steps:

1. Click the SERVICE INIT tab in the service bar.

2. Click the Restart Services button indicated by the arrow.

   

3. The SERVICE INIT is the especapi-init.service (i.e., initialization service) responsible for setting up a service available for bridging the chamber with the Application Programming Interface (especAPI) and chamber initialization. It also reinitializes other daemons, such as Service Profiler, Service Sampler, Service Macros. The new message appeared under each tab indicates that the daemon has been started and chamber initialization process is complete. Communication between EWC and chamber has been established, as depicted in the following figures.

   

   

4. Network communication has been established. EWC can now resume its operation.

In most cases, restarting a network connection is all that is needed to get EWC and chamber working again. It is rare that other services become corrupted and stop working for no reason. However, if the situation arises, these services can be restarted with the RESTART SERVICES button (as outlined above).

10.13.2 Reboot Server

Sometimes, certain services may stop working and refuse to respond to the restart request. In this case, rebooting EWC is the only option to bring the entire system back to normal operation.

Complete the following steps to reboot EWC:

1. Click the Reboot Server button and click Yes.

   

2. Reboot action will commence as depicted in the following figure.

   

3. If EWC is not back online, after 3-5 minutes, refresh the Web page or open a new Web browser to access EWC on the new page. Upon refreshing the Web page, EWC is back online.

   

10.14 HMI Settings

The HMI Settings submenu is available only when EWC detects a monitor (touchscreen or non-touchscreen) directly connected to its HDMI or video display port during its startup (i.e., during booting). The following figure depicts the HMI Settings submenu displayed on the detected touchscreen. This submenu is not visible on the Settings submenu when accessed via a Web browser on a local computer (on the local network).

The HMI Settings submenu has three manipulation buttons or options on the upper-right corner, described as follows:

1. Terminal: This option is for Manufacturer's use only.
2. Restart Application: Click the refresh icon to apply or clear changes on the HMI setting and restart the UI application.
3. Save: Click the Save button to save changes on the current settings.

Four different HMI setting options are available for configuration:

1. Time Zone,
2. Language,
3. Display Timeout
4. Automatic Login

These four options have specific description to support their functionality. as depicted in the following figure, via the drop-down menu and via the on-screen keyboard.

11 About

The last menu of EWC in the menu bar is the About page. It provides information about the EWC software, its version number, terms of service to end-users, online manual, ESPEC software support and download options.

11.1 LEGAL

By default, the menu opens and displays the LEGAL tab that provides an overview of the software license, its legal aspect, and its practical application and usage that all end-users must acknowledge and abide to in order to use the product. Important notes are outlined as follows:

1. Terms of Service: The LEGAL tab consists of a one-page view containing complete information of EWC software, its usage and license. The bottom portion of this page contains a list of different modules and functions used in EWC software which are governed by various license terms. End-users are encouraged to view this page in its entirety, including the respective licenses applied to each of them. This page implies that, by using this software (i.e., EWC), end-users have read, understood and accepted all the terms outlined herein.

2. User's Manual: EWC User's Manual is available in two different formats: (1) online and (2) PDF. Item 4 (below) provides a link to the fully online manual on the Internet (hosted by bitbucket via the wiki public access). The PDF format is available under this tab. Users can browse through the table of contents to select and view a specific section or chapter regarding a particular topic.

3. EWC Version: This firmware version number can be used to check against the current release of EWC by ESPEC to ensure your system is current and up to date. This firmware can also be used to check against the original version shipped with the chamber.

4. Support and Download Page: If your EWC has access to the Internet, this link points to ESPEC website that provides support of software download and other requests.

5. Chamber Serial Number: The serial number of your chamber can also be found here. Chamber serial number is important for requesting customer or software upgrade.

6. Customer: Customer's registered name.

7. Shipped Firmware Version: This is the version of the firmware that was shipped with the chamber. This version can be used to check against the current version posted under item 3 to determine update options.

8. Registration Date: The registration date shows the date when this chamber was registered in ESPEC service record.

11.2 MANUAL

The MANUAL tab as depicted in the above figure (item 2) offers an online operation manual of EWC. This User's Manual covers all aspects of ESPEC chambers. When EWC is accessed via a Web browser, the operator can use the Tables of Content on the left, as depicted in the following figure, to navigate through the manual for a specific type of chamber and PLC (indicated by the arrow).

If you have a T-series or custom F4T chamber, on the touchscreen, the manual can be navigated to a specific chamber via the PDF menu properties on the right as shown in the figure by the arrows.