ben master station manual equipment ndx.pdf · for pgm. ver 1.4 9200-08 rev. c 19-may-99 ben 32 ben...

For Pgm. VER 1.4

9200-08 REV. C 19-May-99

BEN 32

BEN Master Station Manual

Digital Fault RecordingEquipment

* Specifications contained within are subject to change without prior notice.

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page ii 9200-08 REV. C

Electronic Instruments International

No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the company.

For information, address :E.I.I.12 Commerce DriveBallston Spa, NY 12020

P/N MAN004GB = 9200-08 REV C

This manual is published by ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS INTERNATIONAL for use withBEN Series of DFR’s. ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS INTERNATIONAL reserves the right torevise this manual without notice, for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, utilization ofadvances in state-of-the-art technologies, and changes in the equipment or configuration thereof.Liability for difficulties arising from unknown or unforeseen technical limitations or anymodifications by anyone other than ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS INTERNATIONAL, isdisclaimed.

Pgm. VER. 1.4 BEN 32

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 BEN 32 ............................................................................................................................................. 11.2 EQUIPMENT OF THE BEN SERIES ......................................................................................................... 1

1.2.1 BEN 2000................................................................................................................................. 11.2.2 BEN 3000................................................................................................................................. 11.2.3 BEN 2016................................................................................................................................. 11.2.4 BEN D216................................................................................................................................ 21.2.5 BEN 5000................................................................................................................................. 21.2.6 BEN 500C................................................................................................................................ 21.2.7 Sub-BEN .................................................................................................................................. 21.2.8 BEN 32 .................................................................................................................................... 2

1.3 RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................ 31.3.1 PRINTER : graphic and/or alphanumeric printing of the results : ............................................ 31.3.2 HARD DISK............................................................................................................................. 31.3.3 COMMUNICATION BY MODEM:........................................................................................... 3

2 GETTING STARTED ......................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 62.2 INSTALLING THE MASTER STATION PROGRAM ..................................................................................... 62.3 STARTING THE MASTER STATION PROGRAM ........................................................................................ 8

2.3.1 ELEMENTS OF THE MAIN WINDOW..................................................................................... 82.3.1.1 THE starting window.......................................................................................................................... 82.3.1.2 TOOLBAR......................................................................................................................................... 9

2.3.2 Communicate with a BEN....................................................................................................... 102.3.2.1 Create a BEN Profile ........................................................................................................................ 102.3.2.2 Show BEN Directory ........................................................................................................................ 132.3.2.3 Getting Record(s) ............................................................................................................................. 13

2.3.3 Database of Records .............................................................................................................. 142.3.4 Record Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 14

2.3.4.1 From the BEN Directory View.......................................................................................................... 142.3.4.2 From the Records Database .............................................................................................................. 152.3.4.3 The Analysis Window will open and display the selected Record....................................................... 15

2.3.5 GETTING HELP .................................................................................................................... 162.3.5.1 Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 162.3.5.2 Using Help ....................................................................................................................................... 162.3.5.3 About the Master Station .................................................................................................................. 17

2.3.6 In Case of Problems (Troubleshooting)................................................................................... 172.3.6.1 Open Logging................................................................................................................................... 172.3.6.2 Communication Status ...................................................................................................................... 19

2.4 UPGRADING FROM THE MASTER STATION FOR DOS ........................................................................... 21

3 RECORDS DATABASE..................................................................................................................... 23

3.1 SORTING THE RECORDS ..................................................................................................................... 24

3.2 VIEW ..................................................................................................................... 24

3.3 SELECT .................................................................................................................. 253.4 OPTIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 26

3.5 REFRESH LIST ......................................................................................................... 26

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Table of Contents - Cont.

3.6 RECORD INFO ..........................................................................................................273.7 ASSOCIATED RECORDS ......................................................................................................................283.8 RECORD CLASSES ..............................................................................................................................293.9 EXPORT RECORDS .............................................................................................................................303.10 IMPORT RECORDS .........................................................................................................................313.11 DELETE RECORDS .........................................................................................................................33

4 ACCESSING A SPECIFIC BEN........................................................................................................35

4.1 DEFINE A NEW BEN IN YOUR MASTER STATION ..................................................................................354.2 REMOVING A BEN FROM THE MASTER STATION .................................................................................364.3 OPEN A BEN FROM THE MASTER STATION..........................................................................................36

4.3.1 View........................................................................................................................................374.3.1.1 BEN Directory ..................................................................................................................................374.3.1.2 BEN Status .......................................................................................................................................414.3.1.3 Parameters ........................................................................................................................................454.3.1.4 BEN Setup........................................................................................................................................61

4.3.2 Control ...................................................................................................................................644.3.2.1 Get new Records ...............................................................................................................................644.3.2.2 Partial records...................................................................................................................................654.3.2.3 Release records .................................................................................................................................664.3.2.4 Erase records ....................................................................................................................................664.3.2.5 High Level Access.............................................................................................................................674.3.2.6 Remote start......................................................................................................................................674.3.2.7 Configure BEN (optional) .................................................................................................................684.3.2.8 Send configuration ............................................................................................................................684.3.2.9 Get configuration ..............................................................................................................................694.3.2.10 BEN Date and Time.....................................................................................................................694.3.2.11 Abort Communication ..................................................................................................................69

5 GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS..................................................................................................................71

5.1 OPENING A RECORD FOR ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................715.2 ELEMENTS OF THE ANALYSIS WINDOW................................................................................................72

5.2.1 Toolbar ...................................................................................................................................725.2.2 Record Title Line ....................................................................................................................725.2.3 The Status bar .........................................................................................................................745.2.4 The Channel Description Pane................................................................................................765.2.5 The Graphic Pane ...................................................................................................................77

5.2.5.1 Graphic Area.....................................................................................................................................785.2.5.2 The Marker(s)...................................................................................................................................795.2.5.3 The time scale...................................................................................................................................815.2.5.4 The scrolling bar ...............................................................................................................................81

5.3 NAVIGATING THE RECORD .................................................................................................................825.3.1 With the Scrolling Bar.............................................................................................................825.3.2 With the Keyboard ..................................................................................................................825.3.3 Center View ............................................................................................................................825.3.4 Zoom Function........................................................................................................................835.3.5 Zoom on Markers ....................................................................................................................835.3.6 Zoom out function ...................................................................................................................845.3.7 Expansion Factor....................................................................................................................845.3.8 Values .....................................................................................................................................85

5.4 NAVIGATING THE PAGES.....................................................................................................................86


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5.5 NAVIGATING THE LIST OF RECORDS ................................................................................................... 865.5.1 Display Next Record .............................................................................................................. 865.5.2 Display Previous Record ........................................................................................................ 865.5.3 Display the Associated Record(s) ........................................................................................... 87

5.6 DISPLAYING SEVERAL RECORDS........................................................................................................ 885.6.1 Multiple Records.................................................................................................................... 885.6.2 Multiple Views of the same Record......................................................................................... 895.6.3 Synchronizing Record Windows.............................................................................................. 90

5.7 DISPLAY OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................. 925.8 CHANNEL SELECTION AND PROPERTIES .............................................................................................. 97

5.8.1 Selecting One Or More Channels ........................................................................................... 975.8.2 Channel Properties ................................................................................................................ 98

5.9 MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................................. 995.9.1 Direct And Computed Measurement Values............................................................................ 995.9.2 Peak Search ........................................................................................................................... 995.9.3 Harmonics.............................................................................................................................. 995.9.4 Phasor Diagram....................................................................................................................1005.9.5 Calculated Channels .............................................................................................................1015.9.6 Fault Locator (Optional plug-in) ...........................................................................................101

5.10 CALCULATED CHANNELS.............................................................................................................1035.10.1 Creating calculated channels ................................................................................................1035.10.2 Channel equation ..................................................................................................................1045.10.3 Functions ..............................................................................................................................105

5.10.3.1 Abs(expression)......................................................................................................................... 1055.10.3.2 Sqrt(expression) ........................................................................................................................ 1055.10.3.3 Delay(channel, constant)............................................................................................................ 1055.10.3.4 Harmonic(channel, constant)...................................................................................................... 1055.10.3.5 NegativeSeq(channel, channel, channel) .................................................................................... 1055.10.3.6 PositiveSeq(channel, channel, channel)...................................................................................... 1055.10.3.7 PowerFactor(voltage channel, current channel) .......................................................................... 1055.10.3.8 ReactPower(voltage channel, current channel) ........................................................................... 1065.10.3.9 RealPower(voltage channel, current channel) ............................................................................. 1065.10.3.10 ZeroSeq(channel, channel, channel)........................................................................................... 106

5.10.4 Scaling calculated channels ..................................................................................................1065.10.5 Compiling The Record...........................................................................................................107

5.11 MODIFY THE SCREEN LAY-OUT ....................................................................................................1095.11.1 Modifying Channel Properties: .............................................................................................1095.11.2 View Hidden Channels ..........................................................................................................1105.11.3 Add And Delete Channels......................................................................................................1125.11.4 Quickly Move/Re-Size Channels ............................................................................................1135.11.5 Copying Channels Between Pages.........................................................................................1145.11.6 Changing The Background Color ..........................................................................................1145.11.7 How to edit a page ................................................................................................................1155.11.8 Using Views...........................................................................................................................115

5.11.8.1 Save View ................................................................................................................................. 1155.11.8.2 Delete View .............................................................................................................................. 1165.11.8.3 Default View............................................................................................................................. 1165.11.8.4 BEN View and User View ......................................................................................................... 116

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Table of Contents - Cont.5.12 SEQUENCE OF EVENTS.................................................................................................................118

5.12.1 Display The Sequence Of Events ...........................................................................................1185.12.2 Display Options ....................................................................................................................1185.12.3 Selecting The Events To Display ...........................................................................................1195.12.4 Printing The Sequence Of Events ..........................................................................................119

5.13 EXPORT......................................................................................................................................1205.13.1 To Create a COMTRADE file................................................................................................1205.13.2 Export to Lotus, Excel or MathCad .................................................................................1215.13.3 To Copy a BEN 32 Record ....................................................................................................122

5.14 RECORD INFO..............................................................................................................................1235.15 RECORD ATTRIBUTES..................................................................................................................1235.16 PRINT.........................................................................................................................................124

5.16.1 Print Record Graph...............................................................................................................1245.16.2 Immediate Printing ...............................................................................................................1265.16.3 Print Preview ........................................................................................................................1275.16.4 Print Setup ............................................................................................................................1275.16.5 Print Record Parameters.......................................................................................................1285.16.6 Print Sequence Of Events ......................................................................................................128

5.17 SCREEN CAPTURE .......................................................................................................................129

6 FAULT LOCATOR (OPTION) .......................................................................................................131

6.1 INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................1316.1.1 Easy to setup.........................................................................................................................1326.1.2 Easy to use............................................................................................................................1326.1.3 Robustness ............................................................................................................................1326.1.4 Accuracy...............................................................................................................................133

6.2 HOW DOES IT WORK? .......................................................................................................................1346.3 GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE ...........................................................................................................1356.4 EXAMPLE ........................................................................................................................................1416.5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)........................................................................................1496.6 "BENLOC.INI".................................................................................................................................151

7 COMMUNICATIONS......................................................................................................................153

7.1 INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................1537.1.1 Modem terminology ..............................................................................................................1547.1.2 Protocol used by the Master Station......................................................................................1587.1.3 Protocol used when the BEN has a 5554, or 5558 communication card.................................161

7.2 SETTING COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS FOR EACH BEN..................................................................1637.2.1 Parameters............................................................................................................................164

7.2.1.1 Address...........................................................................................................................................1647.2.1.2 Line ................................................................................................................................................1647.2.1.3 Phone number .................................................................................................................................1657.2.1.4 Name and password ........................................................................................................................1657.2.1.5 Polling ............................................................................................................................................1657.2.1.6 Auto Call ........................................................................................................................................1657.2.1.7 Data Origin .....................................................................................................................................1657.2.1.8 Weight Thresholds ..........................................................................................................................165


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7.3 MODEM SETUP................................................................................................................................1667.3.1 Parameters............................................................................................................................167

7.3.1.1 Name.............................................................................................................................................. 1677.3.1.2 Port ................................................................................................................................................ 1677.3.1.3 Baud rate........................................................................................................................................ 1677.3.1.4 Protocol ......................................................................................................................................... 1677.3.1.5 Data compression ........................................................................................................................... 167

7.4 COMMUNICATION OPTIONS ..............................................................................................................1737.4.1 Records transfer....................................................................................................................1737.4.2 Phone calls............................................................................................................................1747.4.3 Automatic modes ...................................................................................................................174

7.5 VIEWING DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION STATUS ...................................................................................1757.5.1 Parameters............................................................................................................................175

7.5.1.1 Current status ................................................................................................................................. 1757.5.1.2 BEN Connection............................................................................................................................. 1757.5.1.3 Last command ................................................................................................................................ 1757.5.1.4 Data Transfer ................................................................................................................................. 1767.5.1.5 Abort communication...................................................................................................................... 176

7.6 COMMUNICATION USING AUTO-MODES.............................................................................................1777.6.1 Polling Mode.........................................................................................................................1777.6.2 Auto-Answer Mode ................................................................................................................180

7.6.2.1 BENs allowed................................................................................................................................. 1807.6.2.2 Modem setup.................................................................................................................................. 1807.6.2.3 Waiting delay ................................................................................................................................. 180

7.6.3 Giving a Priority to the Records............................................................................................1817.6.4 Automatic Print-Out..............................................................................................................1817.6.5 Automatic Data Export..........................................................................................................182

7.7 COMMAND QUEUE ...........................................................................................................................1837.7.1 To abort a transaction in the queue .......................................................................................1847.7.2 To immediately execute a transaction....................................................................................184

8 EVENTS LOGGING ........................................................................................................................185

8.1 CATEGORIES ...................................................................................................................................1858.2 CLASSIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................1858.3 DETAILS..........................................................................................................................................1868.4 LOGGING DISPLAY OPTIONS.............................................................................................................188

8.4.1 Printout of the Events logging data .......................................................................................188

9 CUSTOMIZING THE MASTER STATION...................................................................................189

9.1 OPTIONS .........................................................................................................................................1899.1.1 Communication Tab ..............................................................................................................189

9.1.1.1 Records transfer (system based option) ........................................................................................... 1909.1.1.2 Phone calls (system based option)................................................................................................... 1909.1.1.3 Automatic modes (system based options) ........................................................................................ 190

9.1.2 Preferences Tab ....................................................................................................................1919.1.2.1 Screen options ................................................................................................................................ 1919.1.2.2 BEN Lists....................................................................................................................................... 1919.1.2.3 Default colors for records................................................................................................................ 1919.1.2.4 Screen Capture ............................................................................................................................... 1929.1.2.5 Record Printout .............................................................................................................................. 192

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9.1.3 System Tab (system based option)..........................................................................................1939.1.4 Directories Tab .....................................................................................................................193

9.1.4.1 Default export path (system based option) .......................................................................................1939.1.4.2 Data directory (system based option) ...............................................................................................1939.1.4.3 Path to BENCFG (system based option) ..........................................................................................193

9.2 TOOLBAR........................................................................................................................................1949.2.1 Display Tab...........................................................................................................................194

9.2.1.1 To add a button ...............................................................................................................................1949.2.1.2 To remove a button .........................................................................................................................194

10 TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................................195

10.1 DATABASE ERRORS .....................................................................................................................19510.2 COMMUNICATION ERRORS ...........................................................................................................195

10.2.1 Communication Debug Screen ..............................................................................................196

11 APPENDIX........................................................................................................................................199

11.1 COMTRADE.............................................................................................................................19911.1.1 Header Files (HDR extension)...............................................................................................19911.1.2 Configuration Files (CFG extension).....................................................................................19911.1.3 Data Files (DAT extension) ...................................................................................................200

12 GLOSSARY......................................................................................................................................201

13 INDEX...............................................................................................................................................205


9200-08 REV. C Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BEN 32BEN 32 is the Master Station software for the BEN series of Digital Fault Recorders. It is afull featured 32-bit Windows application, and provides a communication, control and analysistool with a graphical user interface format.

1.2 EQUIPMENT OF THE BEN SERIES

1.2.1 BEN 2000The BEN 2000 is a fault recorder that detects, records and prints on disturbancesaffecting the analog and/or digital inputs of the system. It controls from 8 to 120 analogchannels and from 8 to 480 digital channels.

The BEN 2000 is able to detect most of the faults present on high voltage lines andprovide results that are accessible via several interfaces such as disks, printers, modems,etc.

The high resolution of the BEN 2000 measurements provides the necessary tool for anaccurate knowledge of the high, dynamic and fast events occurring on electricitytransport networks.

1.2.2 BEN 3000The BEN 3000 is a slow acquisition unit which can be integrated into a BEN 2000 orused as a stand-alone. This unit, when integrated into a BEN 2000, carries out standardacquisitions at a hundredth of the BEN 2000 acquisition speed (e.g. 30 Hz). Before beingrecorded, the alternate signals are converted into a continuous signal representing the trueRMS value of the input signal.

The BEN 3000 can simultaneously store signals recorded at high speed by the BEN 2000in order to allow recording over a longer period.

1.2.3 BEN 2016The BEN 2016 is a BEN 2000 with a limited number of channels available in order tooffer a compact machine with all of the necessary features of fault recorder on electricitytransport networks. It can be equipped with a maximum of 16 analog channels and 16digital channels.

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1.2.4 BEN D216The BEN D216 is a compact fault recorder designed for electricity distribution networks.It has a limited number of channels (16 analog and 16 digital) and offers (in standardversion) an amplitude resolution of 8 bits and a sampling frequency of 2 kHz. However,its main characteristic is its integrated thermal printer.

1.2.5 BEN 5000The BEN 5000 is the fault recorder of the latest generation. It controls up to 192 analogchannels and up to 576 digital channels located either in the local main system or in theremote stations that are connected by fiber optic link. In addition to the capabilitiesoffered by the BEN 2000, it provides:

- Several programmable acquisition speeds in the same system- Extensive communication functions- Commands and status controlled either locally or remotely

1.2.6 BEN 500CThe BEN 500C is a compact digital fault recorder, derived from the BEN 5000 series. Ithas the same functionality as BEN 5000 but is limited in number of channels (max. 32analog x 64 digital).

In the following, the generic BEN 2000 series term will be used for BEN 2000, BEN3000, BEN 2016 and BEN D216 while the generic BEN 5000 series will be used forBEN 500C and BEN 5000.

1.2.7 Sub-BENThroughout this manual, the term 'sub-BEN' will be used frequently. It refers to an entityperforming acquisition at a specific speed. For example, a system acquiring at twoindependent acquisition speeds presents two ‘sub-BENs’.

1.2.8 BEN 32The BEN 32 or Master Station / Analysis Center is the program used to read and analyzethe recordings carried out by the Electronic Instruments BEN series fault recorders.Based on a personal computer (PC, PS/2...), it allows:

- Remote retrieval of records through the communication interface- Graphic analysis of the data (with zooming, measurements...)- Data printout with "customized" layout for dedicated reports- Conversion to COMTRADE- Import from COMTRADE- Multiple tasks carried-out simultaneously (communication, analysis, print-out...)


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1.3 RESULTS

Peripherals DescriptionThe fault recorder records or events are stored in the BEN semiconductor memory. Toprocess this data, the system can be outfitted with different peripherals:

1.3.1 PRINTER : graphic and/or alphanumeric printing of the results :- Identification of the fault recorder- Identification of data and time of start-up- Identification of the length of the pre-fault- Printing of the time scale

1.3.2 HARD DISKTo increase its long-term local memory, most of the BEN series fault recorders cansupport an optional Hard Disk Drive.

1.3.3 COMMUNICATION BY MODEM: The BEN DFR can transmit either a portion or all of the recorded data. This data isactually stored in the system memory, hard disk or the floppy disks (BEN 2000 only), andwill automatically be placed on the Master Station’s hard disk.

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2 GETTING STARTEDThe BEN 32 program is a fully featured communications/analysis/printing package combiningthe benefits of the Graphical User Interface with advanced DFR support. Full on-line andcontext sensitive help have been provided in the program, and are available at any time.Additionally many Dialog Boxes have a HELP button for detailed assistance on the use of thedialog.

Conventions used in this ManualThis manual assumes the user is familiar with all terms and conventions as used by Microsoft®to describe its Windows® programs and applications. For further help, please see the manualsthat came with your Operating System software, or the on-line Help function of yourOperating System.

All italic words refer to a description in the glossary of words at the end of this manual.

Words printed with bold characters refer to specific terms like menu entries or dialog boxtitles.

Double-Click - The action of pressing the left mouse button twice in rapid succession withoutmoving the cursor.

KEY + KEY - This indicates that the first key should be pressed and held down, and thesecond key pressed at the same time (SHIFT+F1).

Menu/sub-menu/menu-Selection - Method for indicating the sequence of menu selectionsmade beginning from a known menu.

Operating System - Program that allows applications to run. Examples are Windows 95®, andWindows NT®.

File - Selections on menubars and buttons that have a character underlined indicate that thatfunction may be accessed by using the indicated character in conjunction with the ALT key.

Sort... - This indicates a button in a dialog.

NOTE:

TIP:

WARNING:

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2.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Due to the difficulty in determining what is acceptable performance for each person, it isdifficult to specify a minimum platform for BEN 32. The following is therefore a list ofwhat we feel is recommended for a minimum performance under each of the twosupported operating systems.

Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT® 4.0Pentium class or equivalent microprocessor16 MB RAM4 MB disk space for BEN 32 programsPointing device: Microsoft® mouse or compatibleColor display: VGA 640x480 with SVGA (800x600) preferred

2.2 INSTALLING THE MASTER STATION PROGRAMBEN 32 comes on two or three floppy disks, including the setup program and all thecompressed files necessary for running the application.

BEN 32 setup is easier than ever since, depending on the options available on yourlicense, it recommends which components to install and where to install them.

If you upgrade from a previous version, the Setup program replaces by default yourcurrent version of BEN 32, but preserves your records, BEN setups and other choices. Itis not recommended to concurrently use different versions of BEN 32 with the same dataset because this can produce unpredictable results.

If you are using a virus-detection utility, disable it before running the Setup program.Also, close any open Windows applications.To install BEN 32 on Windows NT, you must be logged on with Administrator rights.

What you need to know before installing BEN 32:Before beginning the installation, you need to know where your data, i.e. the recordscoming from the BENs, will be located. During setup, the program will ask you to definea path to this location, either on your local disk or to a network drive if you intend toshare them between several PCs. This choice cannot be changed later except by runningsetup again.

To install BEN 32 with data shared on a network:1. Be sure you are connected to your network before starting the Setup program.2. Select Shared network drive when Setup asks you for the data location.3. Use the Browse button to select the directory in which BEN 32 will place the data to

be shared among several users.


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Starting BEN 32 setup:1. Insert the first Setup disk in drive A.2. On your task bar, click the Start button, click Run and then type a: \setup.3. Click OK, then follow the Setup instructions on the screen.

The Setup program presents you with several installation options:• Typical: default choice. Select this choice to install all the BEN 32 components.• Compact: this choice does not install the help files and saves approximately 400k of

disk space.• Custom: Selecting this choice allows you to individually define the components to

install.

To remove BEN 32 from your hard disk:1. On the Windows taskbar, Click the Start button, click Settings, and then click Control

Panel.2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.3. Click the Install/Uninstall tab.4. Select the BEN 32 application, and then click the Add/Remove button.5. Follow the instructions on the screen: the BEN 32 application will be completely

removed from your hard disk but all your records will be safely saved. To removethem, user the Windows Explorer to erase all the Data folders under the applicationpath.

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2.3 STARTING THE MASTER STATION PROGRAM

To start the program, locate the "BEN 32" icon either in the BEN 32 folder or under theSTART menu and run it. This action will start two applications:

the analysis program:

and the communication program: (will automatically be run).

TIP: Refer to your operating system manual to create short cuts.

NOTE: The first time you start BEN 32 after installation, the application will promptyou for a key code that you can find on the dispatch note coming with thesoftware.

2.3.1 ELEMENTS OF THE MAIN WINDOW2.3.1.1 THE starting window


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2.3.1.2 TOOLBAR

The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window and below the menubar. It provides quick mouse access to the tools of the Master Station.You can get a brief description of a toolbar button by pointing to it with the mousecursor: after a short delay, the button function will appear next to the cursor.According to your toolbar setup, some or all of the below listed buttons will appear:

Click To

√ Open record Database and display the recordscurrently on the PC hard disk unit.

√ Open a BEN. The Master Station displays theOpen BEN dialog box, in which you can selectand open the desired BEN, or create a new one.

√ Open the communication status view.

√ Open the Event logging view.

Open the last accessed BEN.

Open the last displayed record.

√ Display the Help contents.

Display the Database record information.

Print the current record.

Switch to respectively the previous or nextrecord according to the Database list.Import or export a record in COMTRADE orother external format.Abort communication.

√ : Default setup.

Note: To hide or display the Toolbar, choose the Preferences sheet from the CustomizeOptions menu (§ 8.1).

See also Customize Toolbar (§ 9.2)

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2.3.2 Communicate with a BEN(See Also §7 Communications)

2.3.2.1 Create a BEN ProfileBefore accessing a BEN, the user must create a system profile for it in the MasterStation.

From the MAIN menu select - File/Open BEN... or press

Select

A dialog box will open requesting information for the new DFR:

⇒ Enter the BEN serial number of the new fault recorder: the system will propose adefault BEN name and directory.

NOTE: The Serial Number can be located on the inside right of the control chassis in aBEN 5000 and the Power Supply Chassis in a BEN 500C.

⇒ Select the appropriate BEN type : BEN 2000, BEN 5000, BEN 500 or ImportedDFR if you want to import COMTRADEDEF_COMTRADE files. (See theCOMTRADE standard definition in the appendix).


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⇒ Edit the recorder name: type the station name or any other text defining the BENlocation.

⇒ Edit the PC directory if you wish to use another directory name. This may be useful ifyou intend to use several BEN setups for the same equipment: this way you can createseveral BENs for the same equipment, with the same serial number and differentnames and PC directories. In most cases, leave the PC directory name as proposed byBEN 32.

Select the Communication sheet to setup the communication parameters:

⇒ AddressThis parameter is used when several BENs are connected on the same communicationline. The default value is 1 for BEN 5000 (and 500C) and a value identical to the serialnumber for BEN 2000.

NOTE: You will not be able to carry out a communication session if this number is notidentical to the address configured in the BEN equipment itself.

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⇒ LinkThis field defines the communication setup used for each call to this BEN. Select one

of the profiles available; you can edit the setup by pressing the button(see §7.3). Take care that any modification to the selected modem setup will be usedfor every other system using the same setup.

⇒ Phone number or IP addressIf the selected communications link is a dial up modem, enter the complete telephonenumber (up to 64 char) in this field. You can precede the telephone number itself witha prefix for your switchboard, or add to it any additional characters needed to makethe connection up to the remote modem.

If you selected the TCP/IP link, enter the IP address of the BEN DFR (4 numbersseparated with dots), in decimal notation. Example : 192.9.200.10

⇒ Name and passwordIn these fields, enter your user name and password for identification on BEN 5000equipment. This name determines your access level to the system and will be used forany usual access to the fault recorder (like getting data, status, etc...). These fields arenot used in the BEN 2000 equipment.

TIP: Uncheck the "Don't ask for high level access" box if you intend to use thesecurity features configured in your BEN.

The following parameters located on the right hand side of the screen are used whenconfiguring the automatic communication mode (see § 7.6 for more information aboutthis feature):

⇒ PollingCheck this box to insert this BEN in the automatic polling cycle. When you start theautomatic communication mode, the system will periodically retrieve the new recordsfrom this BEN.

⇒ Auto CallCheck this box to enable answering calls coming from this BEN when the automaticcommunication mode running.

⇒ Weight ThresholdsFill in these fields for sorting records retrieved in automatic mode:

• records with weight higher or equal to the high threshold will be retrievedimmediately when the BEN DFR issues an auto-call.


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• records with weight between both thresholds will be retrieved at the time of thenext polling cycle.

• records with weight below the low threshold will not be automatically retrieved.They will remain in the fault recorder as long as you don't ask for them manually.

⇒ Data OriginSelect the origin of records for the automatic communication mode: either memory orhard drive, and sub-BENs where to retrieve the new records from.

The options sheet allows you to setup the automatic printout and automatic exportfunctions (see §7.6.4 for details).

Press and the DFR will be added to the list of BEN’s that can be opened.

2.3.2.2 Show BEN Directory

Use the Open BEN function or button to access the list of existing BENs.You can choose the BEN to open from the existing BENs in your Master Station.

Highlight the newly created BEN to open and click on the button.Alternately you can double-click on the BEN, and it will also open.

Press the button to initiate a communication session, and retrieve thecurrent directory from the DFR.

2.3.2.3 Getting Record(s)

◊ From a remote BEN.From the directory view, select the record(s) to retrieve. You can selectmultiple records here using the standard shift-click or control-click methods.

Press the button to initiate a communication session anddownload the record(s).

The record(s) will be transferred to the Master Station and placed in theRecords Database.

◊ Upgrading Records from the DOS Master Station (BEN 1000).

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Open the Database of Records (see §2.3.3) and select the File/Import function

or button. See §2.4: Upgrading from the Master Station for DOS.

◊ Importing Records from COMTRADE files.Open the database of Records (see 2.3.3) and select the File/Import function or

button. See §3.9 Import Records for further explanation.

2.3.3 Database of Records◊ The user can display the Database of Records currently on the PC hard disk through

MENU/File/Open Record Database or button.

2.3.4 Record Analysis

2.3.4.1 From the BEN Directory View

Select a Record already retrieved from the DFR and press the button.

If the Record has not yet been retrieved, the button remainsgrayed (See §2.3.2 and § 4.3 for information on retrieving a Record).


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2.3.4.2 From the Records Database

Select a Record from the Database and press the button. You can alsodouble click the Record to open.

2.3.4.3 The Analysis Window will open and display the selected Record.

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2.3.5 GETTING HELP

2.3.5.1 Contents

(How to get there: MENU/Help/Contents or )

General index of the Master Station Help

To find a topic in Help

Click the Contents tab to browse through topics by category.

Click the Index tab to see a list of index entries: either type the word you'relooking for or scroll through the list.Click the Find tab to search for words or phrases that may be contained in a Helptopic.

If your Help file doesn't have a Contents tab, click the Contents button to see a listof topics.

To get Help in a dialog box, look for a Help button, or press F1.

TIPS:If you want to print or copy the information in a help pop-up window, use the rightmouse button to click inside it, and then click Print Topic.

Another way to get Help on an item on the screen is to use the What's This?command of the Help menu: the cursor will change to an arrow and question markand you can click the item that you want help on.

Short Cut

Press <SHIFT> + <F1> or button.

2.3.5.2 Using Help(How to get there: MENU/Help/Using Help)

Complete explanation about how to use the Help functions.


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2.3.5.3 About the Master Station(How to get there: MENU/Help/About the Master Station)

2.3.6 In Case of Problems (Troubleshooting)

2.3.6.1 Open Logging

(How to get there: MENU/File/Open Logging or )

The Master Station provides a tracking system of any significant occurrence thatrequires users to be notified. For critical events such as fatal errors, you may see amessage on screen. For other events that do not require immediate attention, theMaster Station adds information to an event log file, without disturbing yourwork.

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Three categories of events may occur:

File events errors occurring when opening, reading or writing to afile.

Communicationevents

events related to communication transactions; besidesspecific errors, the system logs for each transaction aninformation summarizing the duration and result of thetransaction.

Internal errors errors related to memory or synchronizationmanagement. These errors should not occur and mayrequire that you consult your service representative.

In each category, events are classified in three levels defined as:

errors

warning

information.

(See §8 Event Logging for more information).


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2.3.6.2 Communication Status

(How to get there: MENU/File/Communication Status or )

The communication status shows the current activity of the communicationprocess running in the background, and helps you to follow the currenttransaction.

The following parameters are displayed:

◊ Current statusShows the communication process status, the action currently beingperformed, and the mode - manual or automatic - in which this action istaking place.

◊ BEN ConnectionGives information about the BEN referred to by the current transaction, ifany in progress.

◊ Last commandGives the type of transaction performed, the record currently retrieved andthe number of records already received in this transaction when it applies.

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◊ Data TransferGives respectively for the file currently retrieved and the total transactionthe number of bytes already received and the total number of bytesexpected. This last number is left at zero when the application is unable todetermine it before completion.

The number of retries occurring since the beginning of the transaction isrepresentative of the connection quality.The throughput gives the actual transfer rate measured by the PC.The compression factor is shown when data compression is active.

NOTE: This screen primarily shows information about the current transaction. To see the listof transactions in progress or waiting to be processed, select the Commands view.


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2.4 UPGRADING FROM THE MASTER STATION FOR DOSConverting records from the DOS program:

From the MAIN menu select File/ Open Record Database or press

Select File/Import. Select the directory you want to read from and the suffix for the filesto be imported (.DAT for the DOS program data files), select the appropriate record(s)

from the list and press . A dialog box will appear detailinginformation about every record to be converted:

If this is a recording that you want, press the and the data file will beconverted for use by BEN 32. It will be available in the record list, and the original fileremains unchanged.

If the BEN is not yet known by BEN 32 (no profile has been created yet), the programwill prompt you to create it. A dialog box will open for the creation of the new BEN.

Check the "BEN type" and "serial number" fields then press . You maynow proceed and import the requested files.

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3 RECORDS DATABASE

NOTE: BEN 32 stores records using a database architecture. This means that entries areindexed, and must remain where they are placed by the program. If you simply copyrecords using the Windows Explorer, the database structure may become corrupt. Itis highly recommended that you use the Import and Export functions of BEN 32 formoving records.

The Database manager provides the handling under a single Database of all records collectedby one Master Station, irrespective of:

originformatsizedateacquisition speedequipment type...

All records present on your PC can be displayed and sorted according to your preferences.

In the File menu, select Open Record Database or click the button.

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3.1 SORTING THE RECORDS

Two levels of sorting are available. When clicking on a column heading (column title), thelist is sorted downwards according to the corresponding column contents. Note the thickarrow that appears in the heading box.After clicking on another column heading, the list is then sorted primarily on this newcriterion (thick arrow), and the previous sort becomes the second sorting level. Note thethin arrow that replaced the thick arrow in that heading box.

By clicking a second time on the primary sort heading (with the thick arrow), the sortdirection is reversed.

3.2 VIEW

(How to get there: MENU/View/View Filters...)

The display can be set to show the records from:all BENs all classes of recordsa selection of BEN(s) one class of records

TIP: a class type can be defined by the user, then specific records may be assigned to thatclass as an aid in data management, and increased sorting flexibility. For exampleyou might want to create a class named ‘Normal Operations, and assign all recordscreated by normal breaker operations to it:

Two default classes exist at the program set-up(See §3.7 Record Classes to add new classes.):

New RecordImported Record


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3.3 SELECT

(How to get there: MENU/Edit/Select Records...)

Through this function, part of the Database records can be selected for later archiving ordeletion.

Multiple records selection can also be performed through the two standard Windows®procedure of:

◊ pressing the <SHIFT> key while dragging the cursor through the consecutive rangeof records to select.

◊ clicking on several entries while the <CTRL> key is depressed.

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3.4 OPTIONS

(How to get there: MENU/View/Options...)

Database display options. The user can select the following record information to bedisplayed in the Database window:

Record Name Name of the record as given by the user (See § 3.6)Class Name Class of the record as given by the user (See § 3.6)Reference Number Reference number as given by the user (See § 3.6)Status flags Record statuses as given by the user (See § 3.6)BEN Serial Number Equipment serial number as transmitted by the recorderBEN Name Name of the DFR as set up in the DFR parametersBEN Type Type of DFR (BEN 2000, BEN 5000,)Sub BEN Number See §1.1 Equipment of the BEN Series for the definition of

sub-BEN.Record Number Number given by the DFR to a specific record.File Size Size of the file in kilobytesRecord Duration Duration of the record in secondsPrefault Duration Duration of the pre-fault recording in secondsAcquisition Speed Number of samples per second and per channel.Trigger Date & Time Date and time of the start of the recording.Record Weight The BEN 5000 DFR has the ability to allocate a numeric weight

to each record. This weight is the result of a logic equation setin the BEN itself. It takes into account the active sensors, theweight of their group (up to 16 groups of sensors and theweight given to the logic equations on the sensor outputs. Seethe BEN 5000 configuration manual for more information.

The Database can be displayed in normal or using a small font to accommodate your screenresolution.

Check the Save as default box if you want those choices to be persistent and automaticallyselected every time the database window is opened.

Check the Save current sort box if you want the current sorting options (see 3.1) to bepersistent as well.

3.5 REFRESH LIST

To update the Database display with all records from the PC hard disk.


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3.6 RECORD INFO

(How to get there: MENU/Edit/Record Info or )

Display the following summary of a specific record:

The Partial Data Transfer section shows which part of the record has been retrieved (ifnot 100%), if only some analog channels groups have been retrieved, and thecompression mode. Observe the white line representing the trigger time inside the bargraph.

A means of managing your data is provided by assigning records names, referencenumbers, and classes. All these fields are user definable, and the system used is leftentirely up to you.

The user can update the following fields in the Data Base section:

◊ Name: given to a specific record to quickly identify it.◊ Class: the user can group the records together in various classes.◊ Ref#: given to the record to correspond with a customer created classification system.

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Status is manually set in the above Record Info dialog box and displayed in the RecordsDatabase as follows:

The corresponding record has been viewed. This status can also be set fromthe graphical analysis window with the Edit/Attributes/Viewed command(§ 5.14).

The corresponding record has been analyzed. This status can also be set fromthe graphical analysis window with the Edit/Attributes/Analyzed command(§ 5.14).

The corresponding record has been printed. This status is also automaticallyset after a print out of the corresponding record.

The corresponding record has been archived.

3.7 ASSOCIATED RECORDS

(How to get there: MENU/View/Show/Associated Record(s) or )

This functions graphically displays a timeline of several records from a single BEN,that occurred in a short period of time. Those records probably resulted from a singlephysical event :

- this may be a reclosing sequence : the first record is the relay tripping, thesecond is the reclosing;

- or you may have for the same event a slow record and one or several fastrecords.

The user can click on a record representation to open the analysis window for thatrecord.NOTE: This function shows the record(s) from all sub-BENs of a single BEN, whose

time boundaries overlap or are separated by less than five seconds.


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3.8 RECORD CLASSES

(How to get there: MENU/Edit/Record Classes)

Allows you to modify/add record classes.

The user can group the records in classes for faster identification and recovery.It is left to the user to define the record classes according to his requirements.

After the record classes have been defined, the user can add a record to a specific class byopening the Record Info dialog box (see §3.6) and by selecting the class in the Data Basesection.

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3.9 EXPORT RECORDS

(How to get there: MENU/File/Export or )

Select one or more records in the records database window, then execute the ExportRecords function.

Select the format that you need :- Native BEN 32 format : this is a copy without format conversion, for backup or for

later import on another PC. It is also possible to export the complete viewlayout information and calculated channel equations together with the recorddata.

- COMTRADE ASCII format.- COMTRADE Binary format.- Excel®, LOTUS® or MATHCAD® format: this is an ASCII file format. Each line of

the file consists of a set of data corresponding to one sample: the line beginswith analog channel values, followed by digital channels status information.The line length is limited to 240 characters. When the number of channels toexport is too large, BEN 32 limits it to not exceed the maximum line length.

When you select BEN view, only the channels acquired into the BEN will be converted.When you select Default view, only the channels defined in the view selected as default(see §5.11.8) will be converted. This view can include some calculated channels which willbe evaluated before the conversion.

You can change the path and file name where the record(s) will be saved. If only onerecord has been selected for export, BEN 32 suggests a file name containing the record


9200-08 REV. C Page 31

number. If several records were selected, the file name must contain an 'x' character thatwill be replaced with the record number of every exported record.

The file extension is appended by Ben32 according to the format chosen :

Ø .ben for native BEN 32 format,Ø .cfg (configuration file) and .dat or .bin [data file(s)] for the COMTRADE formats,Ø .prn for Excel, Lotus or Mathcad format.

The default path used by the system may be preset with the Customize/Options functionat the Directories index (see chapter 9.1).

NOTE: For COMTRADE or other formats or if you want to include layout andcalculated channels information in the Native format, then you must open thegraphical analysis window for the record and select the export function fromthat menu (See §5.13 Export from the Analysis).

3.10 IMPORT RECORDS

(How to get there: MENU/File/Import or )

The user can import into the BEN 32 Master Station, records from other directories and/orformats.

The input formats supported by BEN 32 are:

◊ .BEN (records in native BEN 32 format)◊ .DAT (records in BEN 1000 Read Out Center format)◊ .CFG (records in COMTRADE format)

The imported records are converted (unless the native BEN 32 format is selected) andcopied to the DFR directory. The database is updated to include the new imported records.

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The user can change the path and format where the record(s) will come from.

Select one or more record files in the selection dialog box, then click the Open button.For each selected file, the system shows an information box with data from the file.

When importing COMTRADE files, if the record is split across several disks, you shouldfirst copy all the files to a temporary directory, then import the record from this directory.

It's also possible to change the DFR Serial Number and the Record Number beforeimporting the data into the database :


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When importing a native BEN 32 record file, a checkbox appears if view layoutinformation had been exported together with the record data. This information mayalso contain equations for calculated channels. All that information is restored if theuser checks the box. If not checked, then only the record data is restored.

Four buttons are available:- Import file: import this file then repeat operation for next file (if more than one file).- Import all: import this file, and all other selected files without additional prompts.- Skip file: do not import this file, but show the next selected file.- Cancel: stop import function.

If the DFR is not yet known by the system, it suggests that you to create a new DFR thatmatches the information found in the file to be imported. This leads you to the normalBEN Creation procedure (see 2.3.2). After that DFR is created, you can effectivelyimport the record(s).

3.11 DELETE RECORDS

(How to get there: MENU/Delete or )

The user can remove Records from the Database through the Delete function. Multiplerecords may be selected prior to executing the deletion (See §3.3 Select).

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4 ACCESSING A SPECIFIC BEN

4.1 DEFINE A NEW BEN IN YOUR MASTER STATION

⇒ In the FILE menu, choose Open BEN or click the button: the list of existingrecorders appears.

⇒ Press the button: you access the New BEN setup view (See page 61Setup view). The creation process requires that all the other windows be closed. Ifsome windows remain opened, they will be closed when you will press the

button.

⇒ Enter the serial number of the new fault recorder: the system will propose a defaultname and directory.

⇒ Select the appropriate DFR type: BEN 2000, BEN 5000, BEN 500 or Imported DFR ifyou want to import COMTRADE files.

⇒ Edit the recorder name: type the station name or any other text defining the BENlocation. (24 char. max.)

⇒ Edit the PC directory if you wish to use another directory name. This may be useful ifyou intend to use several BEN setups for the same equipment: in this way, you cancreate several BENs for the same equipment, with the same serial number and differentnames and PC directories. In most cases, leave the PC directory name as proposed byBEN 32.

⇒ Fill in the other setup sheets.

⇒ Create the fault recorder profile by pressing the button.

(See also Communication setup section)

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4.2 REMOVING A BEN FROM THE MASTER STATION

⇒ Close all the opened windows in the Master Station.

⇒ In the FILE menu, choose Open BEN or click the button: the list of existingrecorders appears.

⇒ Select the BEN to delete and press the button.

⇒ Select the Setup option in the VIEW menu.

⇒ Press the DELETE BEN button. If some windows remain opened, pressing thisbutton will close them.

NOTE: Deleting a BEN will erase all the corresponding files and directory entries from thehard disk.

4.3 OPEN A BEN FROM THE MASTER STATION

(How to get there: MENU/File/Open BEN)

Use the Open BEN function or button to access a specific BEN.You can choose the BEN to open from the existing BENs in your Master Station.

Highlight the BEN to open and click on the button.

(See also §4.1 Create a BEN in the Master Station).

TIPS: When you start typing, the BENs that most closely match the name you type aredisplayed.

You can sort the list by BEN names or BEN numbers according the choice made inthe options of the customize menu (see § 9.2).

Use the button to open the last accessed BEN.


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4.3.1 View(How to get there: MENU/View)

The user can view the BEN under four different views:

4.3.1.1 BEN Directory

(How to get there: MENU/View/Directory or )

Show the list of the records from that BEN. The Master Station shows you thelast directory received from the BEN (empty if no earlier reception).

By clicking one of the column headings - the column title - you can sort the listbased on the sort criteria specified for that column. In the example shown, thelist has been sorted by record number as indicated by the arrow close to therecord column title. Clicking a second time on this title will invert the sortingorder from increasing to decreasing order.

The symbol in the leftmost column shows if the record has been transferred tothe PC:

a whole record transferred with all channels

only some channels (analog groups or events) were transferred (see§4.3.2-2 for partial records)

all channels but only a part of the record along the time axis has beentransferred (the transmission has been aborted)

only some channels and only a part of the record has been retrieved.

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A red bullet indicates that the record is blocked in the memory of the BEN (theBEN works in the "blocked" (write protect) mode - see §4.3.2-3 for theRelease Record command)

The directory view can be customized to show various types of information.Select MENU/View/Options ... to customize the directory:

The Directory window provides access to the following operations:

◊ Updating the directory The Master Station keeps on a sub-BEN basis the last directory received.The date of retrieval is displayed in the window title bar. As long as thedirectory is up-to-date, i.e. as long as new records in the BEN have nottaken the memory space used by the oldest ones, this directory can be usedto select one or more records to retrieve.

To update the directory, which means in reality updating the file on your

PC keeping a copy of the BEN directory, press the button.This will start a communication session with the BEN during which thedirectories from all sub-BENs will be retrieved.

Normally the system will stay on-line at the end of the transaction allowingyou to select additional records to retrieve. However, this behavior can bechanged by customizing the system options (see § 9.1).


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◊ Retrieving records from the BEN.

1. First, select the origin of the data from the BEN:- the box in the bottom left corner of the directory window allows the

selection of a sub-BEN,- the radio-buttons let you choose between memory and hard disk (if the

BEN is equipped with a hard disk).

If you need more control or you want the selection to be permanent, thenselect the data origin from MENU/Control/Data Origin...

Selection of a data origin:• the sub-BEN.• the Hard Disk or the semiconductor memory.• a time range between a Start date and an End date when the disk

origin is selected.

2. Select one or more records from the list, then press the button. You may also use the New Records function (see 4.3.2) toretrieve all new records (records not yet present on the PC).

◊ Open a record previously retrieved through or double click on thealready retrieved record.

◊ If a technical problem is reported by the BEN, a red indication appears at thebottom of the records list giving the count of errors reported by the BEN. To obtain more information about the errors, click on this field; the system thenretrieves the BEN status and shows the sheet containing information about theerrors (see BEN status errors sheet).

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◊ Show record information

(How to get there: MENU/View/Show/Record Info or )Displays the summary of the selected record (see §3.6 Record Info).

◊ Show associated records

(How to get there: MENU/View/Show/Associated Record(s) or )Displays the time diagram of associated records (see §3.7 Associated Records).

◊ Print the BEN directory

(How to get there: MENU/File/Print ...or from the Ben directory view)

A dialog box opens. The following options are available:• Current Printer

This is the active printer. Choose the setup option to change the printersettings.

• Data to printSelect the information items that you want to be printed.

• Print rangePrint the full directory list or only the range of selected items.

• You can use a small font to reduce space on paper.• You can save all these options as default.

Press the "Print" button to start printing.Or press the "Print preview" button to display a simulation of the printed resulton your screen.

TIPS:Use the button to open the last accessed record.

Several directories can be opened at the same time (e.g. display the directories ofseveral sub-BENs of the same system). Use the MENU/Window/Duplicate function

or the button to create another window showing the same content. You canadapt the content of each window independently to display the directory of severalsub-BENs. Repeat the same operation as many time as needed.

Use the MENU/Window/Tile or button and MENU/Window/Cascade or button to arrange the windows on the screen.


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4.3.1.2 BEN Status

(How to get there: MENU/View/Status or )

Show the various statuses of the BEN:

◊ System statusMode: Run: the BEN is in normal operation.

Idle: the BEN is not operational. It is awaiting the loading of someconfiguration parameters (sampling frequency, memoryallocation,…).

Initializing: The BEN is initializing for a few seconds after power-up or reset or going from Idle to Run.

Status: Off: Acquisition is not running.Standby: The BEN is operating and awaiting a start condition.Operating: the BEN is operating and currently recording data

from the acquisition units into memory.Operated: the BEN is operating and has recorded some data.Errors : total count of errors reported by the BEN.

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◊ System infoSerial number, type, name of BEN and firmware version.

◊ ParametersRevision number, date and time, and status of the current systemconfiguration.

◊ Other infoTemperature : inside the control unit when this option is available (BEN5000).Power supply : Ok or Error.Next fault : which will be recorded.

◊ Relay functionsThis table shows the status of the various BEN internal alarm signals. Thealarms currently active are shown in red. Not all of them are connected to aphysical relay. Numbers between parenthesis at the right of the table showthe physical relays mapped to the alarm functions. (See your configurationto identify the signals activating the relays *)

◊ This button starts a communication session to access the BEN and update theMaster Station with the current DFR status.

For more information on the content of the "Subsystems", "Sub-Bens", "Main","Control" and "Acquisition" sheets, consult the on-line help by pressing the

button when the corresponding sheet is displayed.

On all those sheets, errors are shown in red; you can click on the error indicator to getdetailed information.

* EII configuration software is required for this operation.


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◊ Errors sheet

Errors detected in the BEN fault recorder are counted and transmitted to theMaster Station together with the records directory. They pertain to a specificBEN at the time of the communication. An error might have disappeared sincethe last communication. Use the Refresh function to update the status.

Error counters :• Acquisition : count of errors from the acquisition subsystem. See the

"Control" and "Acquisition" sheets for more info.• Hard disk : errors from the hard disk unit. See the "Subsystems" sheet.• Printer : check the printer or the connection. See the "Subsystems" sheet.• Other hardware : errors from other boards of the system (e.g. the multi

I/O board). See the "Main" sheet.• Communication : errors from the communication elements. See the

"Subsystems" sheet.• Time synchro : bad configuration of the time synchronization function.• Configuration : errors in the configuration files. Reload the configuration.• Internal : other internal checks executed by the BEN software.

The list gives for all errors detected the BEN element concerned and the fullerror message. An internal diagnostic code can be communicated to ElectronicInstruments Int. if you request assistance for troubleshooting.

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Some errors related to internal checks of the BEN are not detailed in this list.More information can be found for those errors on the "Logging" sheet.

◊ Logging sheetThe most recent equipment of the BEN 5000 series provide a tracking systemof significant events like, running errors or alarm activation, system reset,changes in system configuration, etc. Those events are classified asinformation, warning or error messages.

The list displays the following information for the last 200 events maintained inthe BEN :Type: notification, internal, configuration, acquisition, printer,

communication.Date & time : when the event occurred.Cause: description message.

TIP: To view more details about an event, double-click the correspondingline in the list.

Printout of the logging data :

(How to get there : MENU/File/Print ... or from the BEN logging sheet)

A dialog box opens with the following options :


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Current printer : This is the active printer. Choose the Setup option tochange the printer settings.Data to print : Select the information items that you want to be printed.Print range : Print the full logging list or only the range of selected items.Sorting : Print the list beginning with the most recent event (as on the screen)or with the oldest event.You can use a small font to reduce space on paper.You can save all these options as default.

Press the "Print" button to start printing.Or press the "Print Preview" button to display a simulation of the printing result onyour screen.

4.3.1.3 Parameters

(How to get there: MENU/View/Parameters or )(See also the BEN fault recorder reference manual for more information)

When you select this view, the Master Station starts a communication session toretrieve the current BEN parameters. At the end of the session, you can displaythe various parameters. Some parameters can be modified from the Master Station

and sent back to the BEN. Upon the entry of a modification, the button will appear and offer to load the new parameters into the BEN.

The parameter fields are grayed (disabled) if they cannot be modified by thecurrent user (i.e. when the user is not granted the access right, or if thecommunication with the BEN did not succeed).

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◊ System

Field Display ModifySpeed √ √Prefault time √ √BEN Master Clock √Memory size √Sub BEN name √ √Param file revision index √Param file revision date √

NOTE: When you modify the speed or the prefault time, the BEN switches to theconfiguration mode (IDLE mode) and the acquisition memory is erased.


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◊ Analog channels

The parameters of the analog channels depend on the version of the firmwarein the BEN.

1.) BEN 5000 older than version 2.00:

The bottom part of the screen shows the parameters corresponding to the selectedchannel:

Name Display ModifyChannel name √ √Page √ √Centering √ √Position √ √Full scale √ √Units √Scale offset √Range factor √Terminal √Signal type √Sensor involved √ Press the SHOW SENSOR button to

modify sensor parametersGroup √ Press the SHOW GROUP button to modify

group parameters

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Terms definition:

• Page: page number which the BEN will print this channel on. When you dealwith a large number of channels, it's practical to distribute the printing of thechannels on several pages. By extension, these different pages will be displayedin the Master Station in so many screens showing the channels as they appearon a printed page.

• Centering: Location of zero axis.

• Position: Channel position on the page, in points from left to right. Thechannel position is always the position of the middle of the scale drawn in thechannel header. In BEN 2000, the maximum value depends on the number ofpoints available on the BEN printer. In BEN 5000, the maximum is always2047 points and, whatever is the physical width of the page, on the printer oron the screen, it corresponds to a total logical width of 2048 points.

• Full scale: Signal width in points printed when the full input range is reached.

• Units: Nominal input value rounded to a number represented on the screen oron the paper by the width of the scale drawn in the channel header.

• Scale offset: Value of the Analog to Digital converter when the lowest value ofthe range is applied on the input (in A to D points).

• Range factor: Ratio between nominal input value as defined in the units fieldand the full input range.

• Terminal: Physical terminal block where the input signal is connected.

• Signal type: Analog input or description of the calculated channel.


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2.) BEN 5000 version 2.00 or later, and all BEN 500C:

Name Display ModifyChannel name √ √Page √ √Position √ √Scale size √ √

Phase √ √Circuit √ √Units √Gain √Offset √Scale Min √Scale Max √Sensor involved √ Press the SHOW SENSOR button to modify

sensor parametersGroup √ Press the SHOW GROUP button to modify

group parameters

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Terms definition:

• Scale size: size of the scale indicator in logical points (2048 = total width).• Phase: optional phase indication.• Circuit: optional circuit number (0-255).• Gain: multiplier value used to convert from the Analog to Digital converter

value to the real value.• Offset: adder value used to convert from the A/D converter value to the real

value.• Scale Min: real value at the lowest limit of the size indicator.• Scale Max: real value at the highest limit of the size indicator.

◊ Digital channels

Name Display ModifySignal name √ √Group √ √Event in Group √ √Signal Polarity √Terminal √Signal type √Sensor involved √ Press the SHOW SENSOR button to

modify sensor parametersGroup √ Press the SHOW GROUP button to

modify group parameters


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◊ Sensors

Name Display ModifyInput Channel √Sensor ON/OFF √ √Sensor settings √ √Terminal √Sensor Type √Analog output √Digital output √

Sensor settings are a function of the sensor type. See your BEN Manual (EII P/N 9200-01 for BEN 5000, 9200-09 for BEN 500C) for more information about the varioussensor types and their parameters.

NOTE: To change the sensor type used on a channel, refer to the configuration manual, EIIP/N 9200-10.

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◊ GroupsThis sheet summarizes information for analog as well as digital groups.

Name Display ModifyGroup Name √ Digital groups onlyPage √ Digital groups onlyPosition √ Digital groups onlyType √Channels in group √


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◊ PagesEditing page titles (max. 128 char.): this title will appear on every pageprinted.

◊ AutocallThis screen allows the user to make modifications to the Autocall and Faxparameters of the BEN.

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Autocall function:

• Check the "Enable auto call function" box to activate the BEN autocallmechanism at the occurrence of new records.

• Enter a value for the "Record weight threshold" if you want the BEN to call onlyfor records whose weight equals at least that given value. Enter zero to activatethe call for every record (even manually triggered records). See the BENconfiguration manual to set the weight values on the trigger sources.

• Enter phone numbers to call. The Ben is able to call 4 different locations forevery record. It calls one number for every location that you fill in; if the call doesnot succeed (no answer, or connection problem) then it tries the next number ofthe same location.

• If the number begins with the letter 'F', the BEN will assume that the remote deviceis a Fax machine instead of a PC running the BEN 32 software.

• If the number begins with the letter 'E', the BEN will open a TCP/IPcommunication session (it must be equipped with an optional Ethernet interfaceboard). In this case, the letter 'E' is followed by the IP address of the PC tocommunicate with, then a comma ',' character and a socket number (normally20001). Example : E192.9.200.5,20001.

• Enter one or more delay values if you want the BEN to retry the numbers (up to 4times after the first try) after some time if none of the calls to a location succeeded.

Operating logic of the autocall systemUp to four remote devices to call may be programmed from "Location #1" to "Location#4". A "Location" may address either a Master Station or a Fax machine (specified bythe leading 'F' in the phone number). The goal of the "autocall" sequence is to reach atleast one of the phone numbers programmed in each "Location".

One a fault is recorded, the BEN checks if the weight associated with this fault is greateror equal to the "Autocall threshold" specified. If so, the system dials the first phonenumber of "Location 1". If the connection is made, the system will continue with the nextlocation (and so on until "Location 4"). If the connection fails the system will try thenext phone numbers of the same "Location". If none of these calls succeed, the Benwaits for a delay programmed in "Delay after 1st try" field and then tries another sequencebeginning with the first number of the same location. Up to 4 retries are allowed using adifferent delay between each attempt ("delay after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th try").

Once all the locations have been called (with or without success), the autocall systemstops and enters an idle state while waiting for a new fault recording. Note that any faultoccurring during a Fax transmission that matches the threshold will be sent during thecurrent Fax transmission.

• Edit the Fax options for the sub-bens if faxes are to be sent (i.e. if fax numbers areset in the call fields).


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• The "compression ratio" specifies the number of samples that will be read from therecord to print a pixel on the Fax page. Setting this number to 1 will result in anuncompressed print (i.e. one pixel for each sample). The "auto" option the wholerecord to be placed on a single page (the compression ratio is automatically computedby the BEN).

• The "max number sheets" will limit the number of sheets printed for each record.Selecting the "unlimited" setting means that no limit applies, setting this to 1 meansthat the record will be truncated after the first sheet has been printed (loosing the endof the record).

Remember that in the BEN, a record print-out may be split into more than one "page"(see configuration manual, Channel printing parameters). The "compression ratio" and"max number of sheets" parameters will apply independently on each "page". Forexample, if you specified the printing of your records on two "pages" and an automatic"compression ratio" (single page) the Fax will output one paper sheet for "page 1" andanother sheet for "page 2".

In all cases, setting the "max number of sheets" field to the value 'N' will limit the faxpaper usage to 'N' times the number of BEN "pages".

◊ Modem

The modem sheet is used to set the modem parameters for the BEN 5000 & 500C.

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The window contains eight fields, each of which accepts alphanumeric characters thatcorrespond to one or more modem commands. Most modems accept "Hayes"commands. For this reason, all fields contain predefined standard values which arecompatible with the majority of modems.

The characters in the "Configuration" field are sent to the modem each time the Ben isturned on, or when a new configuration is transmitted by the read-out center.

The strings in the "Initialization" and "Auto-answer mode" fields are sent to the modemevery 255 seconds for the purpose of reinitialization. This operation is carried out toavoid any trouble on modems without configuration memory backup. Following a powersupply breakdown, for example, such a modem might lose its correct configuration andultimately block calls from the Master Station. The commands in the "Initialization" fieldshould allow reinitialization of the modem, and the "Auto-answer mode" field commandsshould place the modem in "auto-answer" mode.

The BEN 5000 uses the "Dial prefix" field commands to perform autocalls. To executea call, the BEN 5000 groups the "Dial prefix" field contents, the telephone numbersdefined in the autocall parameters, and finally the contents of the "Dial suffix" field. Thisthree chain group is then sent to the modem for execution.

The string in the "Hang up" field allows the BEN to hang up the modem at the end of thecommunication session.

The chain of "AT" commands in the "Fax initialization" field allows the BEN to sendinitializing commands specific to the fax mode. This field must at least be filled with acommand string that will select the hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control. See your modemmanual for the exact syntax of this command. The default string preset by the software isvalid for most FAX/MODEMS supporting the CLASS 2.0.

The last field "Fax local ID" is not a command for the modem but a text string that willbe passed to the remote fax that will usually print it on top of each page as an identifier.


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◊ Users

This sheet is only available if you are authorized to modify BEN user's names andpasswords.

The left column lists all the current users. The last line is free to add a new user(maximum 30 users allowed). Select an entry to edit the user's name (max. 16 char.) orpassword (max. 8 char.). If you erase the "Name" field, the user will be removed fromthe table.

The right column displays the user's access privileges for the selected entry. These accessprivileges control the access to remote commands (from BEN 32) as well as localcommands (front panel of the BEN).

Two modes are available to define the access privileges of a user :Ø Access levels : up to 6 levels of access, each level automatically determines the access

rights of lower levels :- Show directories, records and parameters. This is the minimal access; the user is

only allowed to read BEN records and information.- Manual and remote start, printer control. Allows for some testing by manually

triggering records. Also allows the user to abort, reset or advance paper on a localprinter.

- Release records from memory, erase records from the hard disk. Gives the right tocontrol the discarding of records in the BEN (memory or disk).

- Modify parameters. Allows the user to modify the BEN parameters that can beadjusted while the BEN is in RUN mode. See the other sheets of the BENparameters window.

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- Modify system parameters, BEN mode, and send configuration files. Allows tomodify all parameters, and to send a whole new configuration to the BEN.

- Modify the table of users. This is the access level necessary to be able to edit thetable of users.

NOTE: You should always setup one administrator name with access level 6 in orderto be able to edit this table of users.

Ø Access classes : advanced setting of specific command classes. This mode givesmore flexibility to allow access to any class of commands for every user. You need tounderstand the purpose of the commands to decide whether to grant or deny theaccess. Moreover, some remote commands (from BEN 32 to the BEN) need accessto more than one class because they send several basic commands to the BEN.

List of access classes and associated commands :

Get BEN configuration filesSoftware revisionsSystem status (system, sub-Ben, hard disk, etc.)Retrieval of modem configuration parametersRetrieval of autocall configuration parametersRetrieval of user parametersRetrieval of calibration dataRetrieval of start-up logicRetrieval of system identificationRetrieval of sub-Ben identification

Send BEN configuration filesSend modem configuration parametersSend autocall configuration parametersSend user parametersSend calibration informationSend start-up logicSend system identificationSend sub-Ben identification

Read acquisition dataPlacing sub-Ben in standby modeRetrieval of sub-Ben identificationRetrieval of fault directoryRetrieval of faultsPartial retrieval of faults

Releasing records from memoryFreeing a fault from BEN 5000 memory


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Show ParametersView channel parametersView sensor parameters

Modify parametersModification of channel parametersModification of sensor parametersModification of sub-Ben nameModification of acquisition speedModification of pre-fault lengthModification of page titlesModification of event groups

Modify parameters (advanced)Modification of advanced sensor parameters (trigger masks)

Manual or remote startManual triggering a record (via the "Manual start" key on BEN keyboard or the remotestart command of BEN 32).

Printer control (only local)Abort a printout in progress.Reinitialize printer

Modify printer optionsModification of printer options ("Automatic printing of new faults", "Automatic printingof the event names, printing compression and pages).

Modify communication optionsModification of the communication addressModification of the communication speed

Erase records from hard diskErase faults from hard disk device

System modificationsMove into "IDLE" or "RUN" modeModification of date and timeModification of BEN nameModification of active/inactive state of autocall system

Modify the table of usersAccess to the "User" menu in configuration software (see 3.6) or to Users sheet in BEN32.

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◊ Printout of the parameters of the BEN

From the parameters view of the BEN, select MENU/File/Print ... or .

The following dialog box is shown:

• Current Printer This is the active printer. Chose the Setup option to change the printersettings. Only printers defined under the operating system are selectable.

• Data to print You can select individual sections of the parameters to be printed or not. Check the Save as default box if you want to make your choices permanent.

• Sub-BENsSelect the Sub-BENs for which you want to print information.

Press the button to start printing.

Press the button to display a simulation of the printed resulton your screen.


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4.3.1.4 BEN Setup

(How to get there: MENU/View/Setup or )

◊ Main Setup

The main setup sheet summarizes the identification parameters of the BEN:

− the station name is any text up to 24 characters describing the BENlocation.

− the serial number, the type and the PC directory are defined when youcreate the BEN: they cannot be modified later. (See § 1. for adescription of the various BEN types). The PC directory identifies thesub division of your hard disk where these BEN specific files aredownloaded.

The button removes the BEN and all associated files fromthe Database and erases all the corresponding files and directory entriesfrom the hard drive. Most of the other windows will be closed during thedeleting process.

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◊ Communication Setup(See also §7 Communications)

The communication sheet summarizes the parameters for carrying out acommunication session with a BEN. It groups together all the optionssettable on a BEN basis. Refer to § 9.1 for the options common to allBENs.

− AddressThis parameter is used when several BENs are connected on the samecommunication line. The default value is 1 for BEN 5000 and a valueidentical to the serial number for BEN 2000. You will not be able to carryout a communication session if this number is not identical to the addressconfigured in the BEN equipment itself.

− LinkThis field defines the communication link setup used for each call to thisBEN. Select one of the setups available; you can edit the setup by pressing

the button. Be aware that any modification to the selectedmodem setup will also affect any other system using the same modemsetup.


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See §7.3 for details about the modem setup.

− Phone number or IP addressIf the selected link is a modem, then enter the complete telephone number(up to 64 char) in this field. You can precede the telephone number itselfwith a prefix for your switchboard, or add to it any additional characteruseful to make the connection to the remote modem.

If you selected the TCP/IP link, then enter here the IP address of the BEN(4 numbers separated with dots). Example : 192.9.200.10

− Name and passwordIn these fields, enter your user name and password for identification to theBEN 5000 equipment. This name determines your access level to thesystem and will be used for any usual access to the fault recorder (likegetting data, status, etc...).

When you issue more specific requests, for example a configurationmodification, the application will prompt you to enter another name andpassword to get access to those operations.

If your organization has not implemented this security scheme, you cancheck the Don't ask for high-level access box and the system will use thelow level name and password for every transaction. See also § 4.3.2.5High-level access.These fields are not used for BEN 2000 equipment.

The following parameters located on the right hand side of the screen onlyconcern the automatic communication mode (see also §7.6):

− PollingCheck this box to add this BEN to the automatic polling cycle. When youstart the automatic communication mode, the system will periodicallyretrieve the new records from this BEN.

− Auto CallCheck this box to allow the Master Station to answer calls coming fromthis BEN when the automatic communication mode is active.

− Weight ThresholdsFill in these fields for sorting records retrieved in automatic mode:

• records with a weight higher or equal to the high threshold will beretrieved immediately as soon as the BEN issues an auto-call.

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• records with a weight between both thresholds will be retrieved at thetime of the next polling cycle.

• records with a weight below the low threshold will not beautomatically retrieved. They will remain in the fault recorder as longas you don't ask for them manually.

− Data OriginSelect the origin of records for the automatic communication mode:memory or hard drive, and sub-BENs where to retrieve the new recordsfrom.

◊ Options

Defines parameters for the Auto-print function (see §7.6.4) and automatic exportfunctions (see §7.6.5).

4.3.2 Control(How to get there: MENU/Control)

4.3.2.1 Get new Records

(How to get there: MENU/Control/Get New Records or )

This command is used to retrieve all the new records from the BEN. The BEN 32Master Station first checks the PC database, than asks for all the records whichhave never been retrieved before.

This command is available when the active window is a BEN directory view (see§4.3.1).

Select the data origin as the BEN memory or the BEN disk and the sub-BEN(s)you want to retrieve from.


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You can optionally set a minimum weight to only retrieve the most importantrecords.

Press the button: this will start a communication session with theBEN.The directories will be updated.

The new records will be retrieved according to their weight. The record with thehighest weight is retrieved first.

(See also Open Records Database § 3, Customize communication § 9.1)

4.3.2.2 Partial records

(How to get there: MENU/Control/Get part of records or )

To save communication time, BEN 32 allows you the option of retrieving onlysome types of channels from a BEN:- only the events (digital channels, sensor alarm states)- on the BEN 5000 series, some analog groups

The Get part of records command is available from the BEN directory view afterselection of one or several records.

Check Events only or select the analog groups to retrieve; when you selectsome analog groups, the system also retrieves all the events if they are notpresent in the Database yet.

Press the button to start the communications with the BEN.

Observe at the end of the communications the special mark in the directory viewwhich indicates that the record is not complete (see §4.3.1).

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4.3.2.3 Release records

(How to get there: MENU/Control/Release Record or )

This command is available when the BEN 5000 MEMORY directory isdisplayed. This command releases the selected record(s) from the BEN memory,allowing them to be overwritten.

Use this command periodically when the BEN is configured in blocked (writeprotect) mode, i.e. when new records do not automatically replace oldest ones.(See also §3.3 Multiple selection)

4.3.2.4 Erase records(How to get there: MENU/Control/Erase Record)

Available when the BEN 5000 DISK directory is displayed, this command erasesthe record(s) from the BEN DFR’s hard disk. The records already transferred tothe BEN 32 Master Station will remain on the PC.(See also §3.3 Multiple selection)

You have two options:- erase all the records previously selected in the directory list,- or erase all records between two given dates.

NOTE: The directory view is not automatically updated after issuing the Release orErase command because it can take some time to be processed by the BEN.

To obtain an updated directory, press the button after commandcompletion.


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4.3.2.5 High Level Access

(How to get there: MENU/Control/High Level access or )

For transactions requiring some high level privilege like Remote Start, EraseRecords, Modify Parameters or configuration, the Master Station will prompt youto enter a name and password corresponding to this high level access. Thiscommand allows you to change this identification at any time.

To suppress the automatic prompt for high level access, check the Don't ask forhigh-level access box in the BEN communication setup.

4.3.2.6 Remote start

(How to get there: MENU/Control/Remote Start or )

This function allows you to start the BEN (create a recording) remotely.

Fill in the record duration field: it will determine the total record length, prefaulttime included.

Select the start-buses to trigger: depending of your BEN configuration, this willdetermine which subBENs will start and consequently the number of records (onefor every subBEN started) generated. (See also Sub-BEN and Start bus definitionin the Glossary).

Check Get record immediately if you want the record immediately transferred toyour PC

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NOTE: The system takes into account the Hang-up delay when deciding to get therecords immediately: it waits for the end of the recording, then retrieves therecord(s) only when the Start duration is shorter than the Hang-up delay.Otherwise the system processes the next transaction or hangs up withoutgetting the remotely triggered record(s).

4.3.2.7 Configure BEN (optional)

(How to get there: MENU/Control/Configure BEN or )

Gets the complete BEN 5000 configuration and sends it back to the system aftermodification.

This command first starts a communication session to retrieve the currentconfiguration, then calls the DOS configuration program according to the pathdefined under Customize directories (§ 9.1).

After modification and saving in the DOS application, the Master Station willautomatically download the new files to the BEN, then display the BEN status aslong as the initializing process is in progress. This allows for checking that theBEN goes back to the normal operating (RUN) state without configuration errors.

See also the configuration manual, EII P/N 9200-10.

WARNING:Sending a new configuration temporarily switches the system to the configuration

(IDLE) mode that erases the acquisition memory. It is important in a system with noHard Disk backup to retrieve the records before using this command.

4.3.2.8 Send configuration(How to get there: MENU/Control/Send configuration)

Sends the configuration files currently present on the Master Station, in the BENdirectory under the BENCFG path.

Example of this path for BEN serial number 127: ...\BENCFG\B5_00127.

This command should be used cautiously but can be useful to restore a backupconfiguration on a system that is locked up.


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4.3.2.9 Get configuration(How to get there: MENU/Control/Get configuration)

Use this command to backup your BEN. The files retrieved will be stored in adirectory based on the serial number under the BENCFG path defined in theCustomize/options/directories (§ 9.1).

4.3.2.10 BEN Date and TimeThis command is used to display the current date and time of the BEN DFR. Italso allows you to send the current PC date and time to the BEN, to set its RealTime Clock.

4.3.2.11 Abort Communication

(How to get there: MENU/Control/Abort Communication or )

Terminates the current communication. This command is grayed when the currenttransaction was not issued from the active window. In this case, select first thewindow that the command originated from.

It is also possible to abort the communication or to hang-up the telephone linefrom the communication status view (see §7.5).

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5 GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

5.1 OPENING A RECORD FOR ANALYSIS

From a record still in a BEN fault recorder:

Select the record to analyze from the BEN directory and click the button. ThePC will communicate with the BEN and download the record. It will start the display if the‘Open Record at Reception’ option has been set (See § 4.3.1 BEN Directory).

From a record in the Database:

Select the record to analyze from the Database directory and click the button. You can also double click on the record to analyze.

You can also use the function MENU/File/4 to 8 or button to select the last accessedrecord.

The Analysis screen is as follows: (the whole length of the record in page 1 will appear)

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NOTE: In order to avoid overloading one screen with a large number of channelsrecorded in parallel, the BEN series fault recorders offer the ability to spread thechannels on parallel ‘pages’. Channels directly relevant to each other (e.g. fromthe same feeder) can be placed on the same page and expanded withoutoverlapping.

5.2 ELEMENTS OF THE ANALYSIS WINDOW

5.2.1 Toolbar(See § 2.3.1 for toolbar description and § 9.2 for customization)

To have a hint about the function of a toolbar button, move the cursor on top of thequestioned toolbar button. The toolbar button description will appear in the left part ofthe status bar. A "Tooltip" will also appear after a few seconds.

e.g. of tooltip

- If you want to perform the function: click the left mouse button while the cursor is onthe toolbar button.

- If you do not want to perform the function, move the cursor away from the toolbarbutton.

5.2.2 Record Title Line◊ Two buttons at the top left corner control the type of measurement displayed.

The leftmost button is used to toggle between types of measurements (see also§5.3.6 Values).

Type of measurement Button indicator ConditionAmplitude measurement atthe red marker

Red marker active

Amplitude measurement atthe green marker

Green marker active

Double markers ‘delta’measurement

Two markers active

True RMS measurement Two markers on a multiple ofperiods


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(See ‘Marker’ below for more information about the markers)The second button is used to toggle between instantaneous (or peak) values andvalues divided by 2 (square root of 2).

Type of measurement Button indicatorInstantaneous value

Divided by 2

◊ The center part of the title line can be toggled between two types of information :

− Record information :

Expansion 1/2 - 10/22/95 - 14:41:50.019 - 3000 Hz - Page 1/3

• Current expansion factor of the screen e.g. 4/1 = 4 screen pixels = 1 acquisition sample 1/4 = 1 screen pixel = 4 acquisition samples

• Date & Time of the record (trigger time)

• Sampling frequency of the acquisition unit

• Page number out of the maximum number of pages

− The page title as defined by the user :

Line 25/45 - 225 kV - to New York

Click on the title line to toggle between the two types of information.

◊ The top right corner of the title line offers two buttons :

: previous page: swap to the display of the previous page (when available).

: next page: swap to the display of the next page (when available).

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5.2.3 The Status bar

The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the Master Station window.

The left area of the status bar indicates actions currently underway.

The right area of the status bar include four status indicators:

◊ Time value of the active marker position when displaying a record :

(See Markers at § 5.2.5) Click in this area to toggle between the relative time value from the trigger time ofthe record, and the absolute time value. When the active window shows a list (e.g.the events view), then this area can also show the number of selected items in thelist.

◊ Time difference between markers when two markers are used when displaying arecord :

(See Markers at § 5.2.5) When the active window shows a list (e.g. the events view), then this area can alsoshow the total number of items of the list.

NOTE: If you right click on one of those two areas, a context menu shows the displayoptions. The "Save" item allows to freeze the selected option as default whennew windows open.


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◊ Communication status:

This area shows one of the following:• IDLE if no communication is currently in progress.• AUTO if no communication is in progress, but the automatic mode is active.• The serial number of a BEN currently connected.• A number of K-bytes or percentage of data already received during a data

transfer. You can double click on this area to open the communication status window(see §7.5).

◊ Current time (PC time):

The format of this field depends upon your selected settings under your operatingsystem.

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5.2.4 The Channel Description PaneThe left most window shows the identification and amplitude of the various channelsdisplayed on that page.

The appearance of this pane may be adjusted from the"Display Options" dialog (see §5.7): you may adjust thealignment and number of significant digits for the values, aswell as the size of characters.

NOTE: The user can move the split bar between the Channel Description Pane and theGraphic Pane to display more or less of either window.

Click on the channel box in this pane to select a channel (see §5.8.1 Selecting channelsfor more info).


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5.2.5 The Graphic PaneThe major part of the screen is reserved for the graphical display of the measurements

NOTE: The user can move the split bar between the Channel Description Pane and theGraphic Pane to display more or less of either window.

It shows four distinct elements:

The graphic area with the plot of the analog and digital channelsThe marker(s)The time scaleThe scrolling bar

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5.2.5.1 Graphic Area

Channels are displayed as defined in the BEN fault recorder, or in the user’s view.The leftmost part of each channel plot shows a scale indicator.

◊ Digital channels :

∗ Grouped by 8 digital inputs∗ A thin line represents an input in the normal state∗ A thick line represents an input in the alarm state

Click on the group name or the scale indicator to select the digital channelsgroup.

◊ Analog channels

Click on the channel name or scale indicator to select the channel.


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5.2.5.2 The Marker(s)The marker is a vertical cursor you can position along the record to performmeasurements.

To move the marker, place the mouse cursor on the marker and press the leftmouse button while you drag the marker along the record.

The value of each channel at the marker position is shown in the channeldescription window (See § 5.2.4 Channel Description Pane).

The status bar indicates the position of the marker from the time of the trigger, orthe absolute time at the position of the marker (see §5.2.3 The status bar)..

A second marker can be placed to make differential measurements.

To place a second marker, click the right mouse button while the cursor is abovethe graphics pane and select Set Marker 2.

A green marker will appear and can be moved independently from marker 1.

The master marker is shown with a triangular head and foot, and is used as thebase for most measurement values.

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Moving markers with the mouse (left mouse button):

- Click a marker and drag it to the desired position. This marker becomes themaster and may be dropped on any acquisition point.

- Double click anywhere in the graphics pane: this brings the master marker tothe mouse position. If you hold down the left mouse button, you may then dragthe marker.

- While dragging a marker, if you press the Control key, the marker isconstrained to move on a multiple of periods from the starting position.

- If you press the Shift key before beginning a drag operation when two markersare active, you can adjust the delta time between markers according to specificneeds of the active mathematical function or measurements.

TIP: If you press the "Escape" key while dragging a marker, then the drag operation iscanceled and the initial position of the marker is restored.

Moving markers with the keyboard:

- Use left and right arrow keys to move the master marker on any acquisition.- Control + left or right arrow key moves the master marker to previous or next

period.- Shift + left or right arrow key moves the non-master marker to adjust the delta

time between markers.

TIP: Even while dragging a marker with the mouse, you can use the left and right arrowkeys to drop the marker with precision on a position.

Both markers can be linked and moved together for constant time gap analysis. Clickon the mouse right button and select Link markers in the menu.

The status bar indicates the time difference between the markers.

Clearing a marker:

- Click the right mouse button while your mouse cursor is exactly positioned onthe marker to delete. Select the "Clear marker" item of the menu.

NOTE: The period size is computed according to the line frequency parameter (see 9.1:Customize/Options under the System index).


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5.2.5.3 The time scaleThe time scale is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

+Times are always in seconds.Zero corresponds to the time of the trigger.Negative times correspond to the pre-fault.Positive times correspond to the post-fault.

5.2.5.4 The scrolling barThe total length of the scrolling bar is an image of the total record length. Theslider represents the portion thereof currently on the screen.

To re-size the portion of the record currently on the screen, you can click on theright or left handle of the slider and drag to re-size.

To display another portion of the record, move the slider along the scrolling barto the desired position. Click on the middle of the slider and drag to another

location. You can also use the and buttons at each end of the scrollingbar.

NOTE: Three indicators are displayed in the scrolling bar:White: indicates the position of the trigger point within the record.Red: indicates the position of the red marker within the record.Green: indicates the position of the green marker within the record.These indicators are only visible when out of the current screen.

If the record is very long, it initially opens with a compression factor that guarantees toshow at least two screen pixels for each period of the signal; this avoids the visualaliasing effect. If you increase the compression factor to show more of the record, asmall icon (a magnifying glass in a triangle) on the scrolling bar warns that the screenresolution is too low and that visual aliasing errors may occur.

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5.3 NAVIGATING THE RECORD

5.3.1 With the Scrolling Bar(See §5.2.5 Graphic Pane for more information about the scrolling bar).

• Drag the slider within the scrolling bar to select the part of the record on display.• Click on the left or right arrow for small moves in the record.• Click on the thumbtrack (left or right of the slider) to scroll the record for 75% of

the window width.• Click on the thumbtrack while pressing the CONTROL key to scroll the record for

the size of a period.

5.3.2 With the Keyboard• Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys for small scrolls.• Use PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN keys for 75% scrolls.• Use PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN while holding down the CONTROL key for

period scrolls.• HOME scrolls to the beginning of the record (leftmost position).• END scrolls to the end of the record (rightmost position).

5.3.3 Center View

(How to get there: MENU/View/Center view or Center view button)

This function allows you to center the display of the record on:◊ the trigger point◊ the first marker◊ the second marker


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5.3.4 Zoom Function

- Place the mouse cursor on the time scale at the bottom of the record window; theshape of the cursor changes to a magnifying glass with a selection line.

- Place the mouse cursor on the leftmost time position of the area that you want toenlarge then press the left mouse button.

- While holding the mouse button down, drag the cursor to the right and watch therectangular area on the screen. At this point, you may cancel the function with the"ESC" key of the keyboard or the right mouse button.

- When the rectangle closely surrounds the area that you want to enlarge, release themouse button.

5.3.5 Zoom on Markers

(How to get there: MENU/View/Zoom on markers or Zoom on markers button)

This function allows you to display a maximum of the record between the two markers.

◊ View before zoom

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◊ View after Zoom

5.3.6 Zoom out function

(How to get there: MENU/View/Zoom Out or Zoom out button)

This function allows you to return to the previous lower expansion factor and positionin the record. BEN 32 keeps track of the latest eight zoom factors and positions.

5.3.7 Expansion Factor

(How to get there: MENU/View/Expansion or View expansion button)

You can manually enter an expansion factor (select stretch) or a compression factor(select undersample) of your choice.

Alternately, you can drag one of the two handles of the slider (see §5.2.5 for more infoabout the scrolling bar).

TIP: If you click on a handle without dragging it, the expansion factor increases ordecreases by one according to the direction of the last dragging done on handles.


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5.3.8 Values(How to get there: MENU/Math/Values)

This function allows you to define the type of amplitude indications displayed:

◊ Amplitude at marker 1 (RED): the real scale amplitude of the signal as defined inthe BEN fault recorder. The leftmost button of the title line indicates this mode

with (see § 5.2.2. Record Title line). The value shown for each channel inthe channel description pane is the amplitude at the position of the master marker.

◊ Amplitude at marker 2 (GREEN): same functionality as above, but for the greenmarker.

◊ Delta amplitude: the difference in amplitude between the two markers. The

leftmost button of the title line indicates this mode with

◊ True RMS: the true RMS (square root of the sum of squared values) is computedbetween the two markers. If necessary, the second marker is automatically movedto ensure the distance between markers is a multiple of a period. The markers arelinked together in order to keep this distance constant when moving markers.You may easily modify the number of periods used for calculation by pressing theSHIFT key and moving the non-master marker (see §5.2.5 on markers). The

leftmost button of the title line indicates this mode with .

◊ None: no indication of amplitude. You might want to select this option toaccommodate a high number of channel names on one single page. No indicatorappears in the left part of the title bar.

◊ Peak values: The peak mode or RMS-equivalent mode may be selected for ACsignals in the Amplitude or Delta amplitude modes. The same selection may bedone with the second button of the title line (see §5.2.2).

NOTE: To follow the general use of RMS values in electrical networks, the standard setupand calibration of the BENs are configured in such a way that all the measurementsgive the equivalent RMS value of the instantaneous voltage. This means that thevalue displayed is the instantaneous value at the marker position divided by the squareroot of two. In such a way, the voltage value displayed when there is no fault is thenominal value of the line. This mode is indicated by the second button of the title line

with . To have the real peak value displayed, select the Peak measurement mode,

indicated by the button with .

5.4 NAVIGATING THE PAGES

(How to get there: MENU/View/Page)

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This function allows you to jump to another page of the same record:

◊ Next page or next page button.

◊ Previous page or previous page button.

◊ Page Number... or button you are prompted to enter the page number.

5.5 NAVIGATING THE LIST OF RECORDS

5.5.1 Display Next Record

(How to get there: MENU/File/Next Record or next record button)

Shows the next record from the list, in the same window.

5.5.2 Display Previous Record

(How to get there: Menu/File/Previous Record or previous record button)

Shows the previous record from the list, in the same window.

NOTES: -These two functions are available, only if the record window has been openedfrom a list window: either the records database list or the BEN directory list (see§5.1 Opening a Record for Analysis). They are not available if it was opened witha "Most Recent Record" function.-The Next/Previous Record functions follow the current sorting order of thecorresponding list. If the list is sorted with another criterion, those functions actaccordingly.-If the record window has been duplicated (see §5.6.2) then the duplicatedwindow(s) will follow the changes done in the first window so that you can browserecords on multiple views as well.


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5.5.3 Display the Associated Record(s)

(How to get there: Menu/View/Show/Associated Record(s) or button)

When you analyze a record, other records are sometimes associated with the samephysical event :

• due to a reclosing sequence; the first record is the relay tripping, the second is thereclosing,

• when you have a slow record and one or more fast records for an event.

In these circumstances, BEN 32 allows you to display the whole sequence of recordsand to switch easily from each record to another.

• If there is no associated record (or not yet retrieved on the PC), the menu entryand the button are grayed.

• If there is only one associated record, then BEN 32 opens that record in a separateanalysis window.

• If there are several associated records, BEN 32 shows a time diagram with theserecords. Select a record to open for analysis by clicking on the correspondingyellow trace or record number (see also §3.7).

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5.6 DISPLAYING SEVERAL RECORDS

5.6.1 Multiple RecordsThe user can display several records at the same time. This feature is very useful tocompare results from different fault recorders that have recorded the same phenomenon.

Example:⇒ Open a record from the record Database.⇒ Open another record from the Database.

⇒ Use the MENU/Window/Tile function or button to display both records with an

equal screen split. Use the MENU/Window/Cascade or button to superimposethem.

⇒ More records can be selected and displayed at the same time. The screen resolutionwill limit the practical number of channels to that can be displayed on one screen.


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5.6.2 Multiple Views of the same RecordThe user can display multiple views of the same record.

This is useful to:- Compare signals from two different pages of the same record.- Compare the signals under a BEN view and a user view.- Compare the analog waveforms, and the events view.

(See § 5.11.8 for a definition of user defined view).

Example:⇒ Select a record from the record Database, and open it for analysis.

⇒ Use the MENU/Window/Duplicate function or button to copy the current view.

⇒ Use the Window/Tile function or button to display both views with an equal

screen split. Use the MENU/Window/Cascade or button to superimpose them.⇒ You can modify one view independently from the other one to change the layout or

display another page of the same record.

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5.6.3 Synchronizing Record WindowsThe Synchronize function is intended to help when the analysis of an event requires youto observe and compare several traces shared among several windows simultaneouslyopened on your screen.

It will be particularly helpful;• When you display several pages of the same record in different windows, to keep

scrolling or measurements synchronized,• For comparing records coming from both ends of a faulty line, even when one or

both records have been imported from a COMTRADE file,• When analyzing an event for which both a fast and a slow record from sub-BENs

are available.• When you want to observe the Sequence of Events listing, and the graphical analog

waveforms.

The Synchronize feature allows you to select two or several windows in order to scrollthem simultaneously or to ensure simultaneous marker movements between them.

Additionally, you can introduce some time offset between the windows when you activatethe synchronize mechanism. This can be used to compensate for a time of triggerdifference between two different records.

Procedure:• Open two or more record windows.• If you need to compensate trigger time differences, then place the master marker in

each window on a point that exactly corresponds to the position of the mastermarker of other windows.

• Activate one of the record windows that you want to synchronize with others, byclicking anywhere in its area.

• Select the MENU/Window/Synchronize function or button.

The Synchronization dialog box appears:


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This dialog box shows the current synchronization status between record windows.

If only two record windows are opened, the box suggests that you synchronize them byshowing their titles in the upper part of the box. Otherwise, you are prompted to click onthe area of the window that you want to synchronize with the active window. You mayclick other windows and check or modify their current synchronization status, one at atime.

• To activate the synchronization mode, select SYNCHRO ON and check theappropriate synchronization modes :

Scrolling : Every scrolling action of one of the synchronized windows will generatean equivalent scroll in the other windows in such a way that the pointsin the middle of the graphics pane remain aligned.

Expansion : Every zooming or expansion factor change will be reflected in all thesynchronized windows.

Markers : Every marker movement will be reflected in all synchronized windowsfor easier cross-measurements.

• Observe the time shift value indicated: it corresponds to the time difference given bythe markers; check the TIME SHIFT box to keep this time difference compensated aslong as the windows remain synchronized, or clear it if you want the time scales to bealigned without any time difference.

• Check the TILE WINDOWS box if you want the synchronized windows to beautomatically arranged on screen in a non-overlapped fashion.

• Press the OK button when all synchronization options are set as needed.

Observe the blue sign in the middle of the horizontal scroll bar: this serves as a reminderthat the window is synchronized with another one.

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5.7 DISPLAY OPTIONS

(How to get there: MENU/View/Options)

This function allows you to modify the analysis screen layout according to the followingoptions:

◊ Show page title : Display a page title under the window title bar: by clicking on thistitle, you toggle between :- a standard title showing the main parameters of the page displayed and- the BEN page title.

◊ Show time scale: Display a graduated time scale at the bottom of the window.

◊ Auto adjust height: Check this box to enable the auto-adjust mode. In this mode, theheight of the graphic pane always corresponds to the channel position from 0(bottom) to 2047 (top of window). If this mode is not checked, the user may seemore or less of the channel position area.

NOTE: When the Auto adjust mode is selected, the program will automatically resize thechannels in such a way that the window height always equals the 2048 theoreticalpoints of resolution.When the Auto adjust mode is not selected, the channel size will remain the samewhatever changes happen to the display window. It is therefore possible to displaychannels positioned outside the 2048 theoretical points of resolution.


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The following screen captures show the effect of the Auto adjust option.

Example of graphical window before re-sizing:

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After re-sizing with the Autoadjust:

The whole layout has been automatically shrunk to fit the new height of the window.


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After re-sizing without the Autoadjust:

The layout was not automatically adapted; the upper part of the layout is cut off thescreen since the height of the window has been returned by the user.

◊ White background: Show the record window with a white background. This optionis useful if you want to select channel colors that show clearly on white paper forprintout. Also useful if you are projecting the displayed image.

◊ The Small font boxes: Allows you to adapt the display to your screen resolution.

◊ Show values: Display under the channel names, the signal amplitude at the activecursor location.

◊ Peak values: Display peak values instead of the equivalent RMS value.

◊ Align on decimal point: When this option is checked, the amplitude values of thechannel description pane are justified on the decimal point and are vertically aligned.

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When this option is unchecked, the values are left justified in order to use less screenspace.

◊ Significant digits: Specify the number of significant digits (2-6) desired for theamplitude values.

Select the check boxes of the options you want to display, and clear the check boxes ofthe options you do not want to display.

Check the Save as default box if you want to make your choices permanent.


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5.8 CHANNEL SELECTION AND PROPERTIES

5.8.1 Selecting One Or More ChannelsSeveral functions (math, screen layout,...) can be applied to one or more channelsselected by the user.

• Select a channel by clicking either on the channel box in the channel description pane,or on its scale indicator on the left edge of the graphics pane.

NOTE: A selected channel is shown with a bold frame in the description pane, and a boldscale with square handles:

• Select several channels by holding down the CONTROL key and clicking on thechannel box or scale for all channels to select.

• Select a range of channels: select normally the first channel in range then, whileholding down the SHIFT key, select the last channel in range. All channels locatedbetween those two channels will be selected as well.

• Deselect all channels: click in the channel description pane outside of any channel box,or between scale indicators on the left edge of the graphics pane.

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5.8.2 Channel PropertiesIn order to show the Properties sheet of a channel, select that channel (see §5.8.1) thenclick the right mouse button while the mouse cursor is on the Channels description pane.In the context menu, select the Channel Properties option. You can also double click onthe channel box.

The channel properties sheets for an analog channel are as follows:

Some information may be missing if it was not configured in the BEN, or in the case ofBEN 2000 machines.

The channel properties sheets for an event group are as follows:

Event names are shown in bold in the Location tab if they are active at the position of themaster marker.


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The Pin button at the top right corner of the sheets may be used to keep the propertieswindow open when you work with other analysis functions. The contents of theproperties window is updated dynamically.

The channel properties window may be used to modify channel attributes. See §5.11:Modify the screen layout.

5.9 MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS

5.9.1 Direct And Computed Measurement ValuesSee §5.3.6: Values.

5.9.2 Peak SearchThis function is used to locate the maximum peak value of a signal between two timelimits:

• Set the two markers to define the time window inside which the search is to beperformed.

• Select an analog channel (see §5.8.1). Only one analog channel may be selected forthis function to work.

• Select the MENU/Math/Peak Search function or press the button.

The master marker is placed on the peak value found. This is the highest absolute valuefound for the selected signal between the marker boundaries.

5.9.3 HarmonicsThis function gives a graphical and numerical view of the harmonics (from DC up to the15th harmonic) for a selected channel.

• Select an analog channel (see §5.8). Only one analog channel may be selected at atime for this function to work.

• Select the MENU/Math/Harmonics function or press the button.

• If necessary, the second marker is automatically moved to ensure that the distancebetween markers is meaningful for the harmonics to be computed, then the markers arelinked together. You may easily modify the number of periods used for calculation bypressing the SHIFT key and moving the non-master marker (see §5.2.5 on markers).

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The results of the harmonic calculation are shown in a floating window:

The value of each harmonic is expressed as apercentage value of the fundamental while thevalue of this one - noted as harmonic 1 - is givenin RMS value.

However, when the fundamental does not havethe highest value of all orders, the display showsthe RMS value for every harmonic order.

The total harmonic distortion (THD) is displayedin the upper right corner of the window.

5.9.4 Phasor DiagramThis function shows the vector phase representation at the marker position for all theAC channels present on the current page.

• Set the active marker at the position you want the vector measurement.

• Select the MENU/Math/Phases function or press the button. The phasordiagram is drawn with all the channels selected on the analysis window.When no channel is selected, BEN 32 automatically selects all the AC channelspresent on the page and includes them in the diagram.

• Angle and amplitude values are displayed in the left pane of the phasors window;to change the width of this pane you can move the vertical split bar.

• You can click (left mouse button) on a channel name in the diagram to select it asthe reference for the angle values. Note that if only one channel was selectedbefore opening the phasor window, then that channel becomes the reference.

• Move the markers in the analysis window; the angle and amplitude values areupdated accordingly.

• To change the selection of vectors displayed : press the button at the upperleft corner of the phasors window; select the channels in the analysis window, theyappear on the diagram. You can then click the button again to unpress it andfreeze the selections.


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NOTES: The phasor representation uses the channel attributes to scale the vectors.The dotted circle on the diagram represents 100% of the scale amplitude.The warning message "Some channels have unrelated amplitude scale"appears if the nominal values are not the same inside the currents and/orvoltages group.The warning message "Signal types are not known" appears if the type ofsignal (current or voltage) has not been defined in the BEN configuration.

5.9.5 Calculated ChannelsThis function is used to create calculated channels, and edit the equation and properties ofthose channels.

• Select the MENU/Math/Calculated channels function or press the button.

See §5.10 for full information about calculated channels.

5.9.6 Fault Locator (Optional plug-in)When the recorded data is due to a fault occurrence, the single ended fault locatorspecially designed for HV and EHV overhead lines can be used to determine the faulttype and accurately estimate its position.

• If a view layout has been already created and saved previously when running the faultlocator on the same line, then you should first select that layout: Select the

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MENU/View/User view/and the name under which the view had been saved. Thesoftware will be able to load the line parameters and the channels selections that weregiven previously.

• Select the MENU/Math/Fault Locator function or press the button. The faultlocator window appears. See chapter 6 for a full discussion on the fault locator.

NOTE: This function is available only if your BEN 32 program license has been created withthe fault locator option.


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5.10 CALCULATED CHANNELS

BEN 32 provides the ability to create calculated channels based upon mathematicaloperations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on other channels, aswell as more specific operations like power or harmonic component computing.

This feature is made of two distinct parts:

• an editing phase consisting of the definition of the mathematical expression to perform.• a compiling phase which computes the new channels and creates a new record

including these calculated channels.

The definition and properties of the calculated channels are saved in a User's view on asub-BEN basis. In such a way, you can create a set of calculated channels and define ascreen layout that you can subsequently apply to every record coming from that sub-BEN.

5.10.1 Creating calculated channelsFrom the Analysis window, you can easily create a calculated channel with the channelcontext menu:

• Click the right mouse button in the Channel description pane, approximately whereyou want to place the new channel: the channel context menu appears.

• Select the Create calculated channel entry: the Equation property sheets appear.• Enter the name and units for the channel to be created.• Enter the mathematical expression to define the calculated channel in the Equation

field.

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Be consistent in the units field: when a single channel is involved in the equation, enterthe same unit for the calculated channel; when several channels are involved, use theresulting unit as for example kW when you multiply a voltage in kVolts with a current inAmps.

You can modify other parameters like the channel color or amplitude through the Channelproperties: double-click on the name of the calculated channel in the Channel descriptionpane and modify the settings in the Channel properties dialog box (see §5.8.2).

The calculated channels that you create and their properties will be saved when you pressthe Save and Compile button in the calculated channels list. The Master Station willprompt you if you try to close the record without saving newly created calculatedchannels.

5.10.2 Channel equationEach equation is a mathematical expression made up of factors, operators and/orfunctions:

• a factor is a number or a variable. Valid numbers are entered with or without decimalpoint, for example 3, 2.6, -0.34, etc. A variable is the name of a channel entered bypressing the Add channel button: it consists of a string composed of a referencefollowed by the name of the channel. Channels allowed in equations are eitherchannels present in the original BEN record or calculated channels previously definedin the list of calculated channels.

• the operators allowed are the usual four functions (+, -, * and /); usual operatorprecedence applies.

• the functions begin with the character @ followed by the name, then the parametersbetween parenthesis and separated by a comma. You insert a function in the equationby pressing the Add function button.

• Operations may be nested to an arbitrary depth by using of parenthesis. Spaces areallowed between factors and operators.

Examples of legal and illegal expressionsLegal Illegal Reason

3*"C5:U1" + "C6:U2" 3"C5:U1" + "C6:U2" Operator missing(("E2:U2"-"E1:U1")*("C1:I1"-"C2:I2")) (("E2:U2"-"E1:U1")*("C1:I1"-"C2:I2") Missing right parenthesis

BEN 32 performs all calculations in floating point with a resolution of 15 digits, but youshould take care to dimension the units and the final result in such a way that it remainsless than 1,000,000. Otherwise, the points exceeding this value will be set out of range.


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5.10.3 FunctionsTen functions are available for usual calculations performed on electrical signals recorded.All functions use the following syntax:

@FunctionName(parameter1, parameter2, ...)

Observe that when you insert a function inside the equation, a short message appears justbelow the equation to indicate the type of parameters needed.

5.10.3.1 Abs(expression)Returns the absolute value of the expression enclosed in parenthesis.

5.10.3.2 Sqrt(expression)Returns the square root of the expression enclosed in parenthesis

5.10.3.3 Delay(channel, constant)Returns the channel inserted shifted along the time by the delay value given asconstant. The delay value is expressed in msec. Valid range goes from 0 to 1 cycle.Example: Delay("C1:U1", 2.5)

The following functions use the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) for computing usualelectrical quantities derived from voltage and current signals. In order to save computationtime, they return a new value every 1ms. They are only available when the samplingfrequency is above 500Hz.

5.10.3.4 Harmonic(channel, constant)Computes the harmonic value given by the constant along time. Valid range for theconstant goes from 0 (DC component) to component corresponding to half thesampling frequency.Example: Harmonic("C1:U1", 3) returns the third harmonic of channel U1.

5.10.3.5 NegativeSeq(channel, channel, channel)Returns the negative-sequence component of the three-phase system enclosed betweenparenthesis. Take care not to mix voltages and currents inside this function.

5.10.3.6 PositiveSeq(channel, channel, channel)Returns the positive-sequence component of the three-phase system enclosed betweenparenthesis. Take care not to mix voltages and currents inside this function.

5.10.3.7 PowerFactor(voltage channel, current channel)

Returns the power factor (cos ϕ) of the single-phase system enclosed betweenparenthesis.

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5.10.3.8 ReactPower(voltage channel, current channel)Returns the reactive power of the single-phase system enclosed between parenthesis.

5.10.3.9 RealPower(voltage channel, current channel)Returns the active power of the single-phase system enclosed between parenthesis.

5.10.3.10 ZeroSeq(channel, channel, channel)Returns the zero-sequence component of the three-phase system enclosed betweenparenthesis. Take care not to mix voltages and currents inside this function.

5.10.4 Scaling calculated channelsBy default, BEN 32 determines automatically the type and the range of the calculatedchannels. This behavior can be modified by checking the Manual scaling box in theOptions sheet of the Equation properties:

Select the type of result AC or DC expected and enter the values that you want to assignto the scale drawn to the left of the channel. Observe that these values are independent ofthe size of the scale; this last one determines the amplitude drawn on the screen and canbe changed inside the Channel properties dialog box while the values entered heredetermine the correspondence between the extremities of this scale and the engineeringunits (kV, kW, etc...) of the channel.


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5.10.5 Compiling The RecordWhen you press the Save and Compile button in the Equations list or, alternatively,when you create calculated channels, then select Save View in the File menu, you createa new record including the channels from the original BEN record and the calculatedchannels.

The compiling process is made up of four steps:• the view layout is saved: position of the channels on the different pages,

definition of the calculated channels, etc... You are prompted to enter a namefor this view in order to identify it and retrieve it later.

• the equations of every calculated channel are evaluated: if any error has beendetected during this step, a dialog box will prompt you to continue or stop thecompiling process to correct the equations. If you continue with some channelsin error, they will not appear in the calculated record. If you stop compiling,observe that the channels in error appear in red in the list of calculatedchannels.

• a first compiling pass during which BEN 32 computes the values of everycalculated channels and creates a temporary file.

• a second compiling pass during which BEN 32 adjusts the scaling of thecalculated channels and creates the final record with the channels from theBEN and the calculated channels.

If you check the Set default view box when you save the view, this layout and theassociated calculated channels will be used each time that you will open a record fromthe same sub-BEN. This means that when you open a new record, the system will firstautomatically compile it before displaying the record.

BEN 32 checks for syntax errors (as for example, the number of opening and closingparentheses, the required number of function parameters) or values out of range as itperforms the second compiling step. If it has found some errors at the end of thisphase, the number of channels in error is displayed at the bottom of the Equation list

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and the channels in error are displayed in red. When you edit a channel in error, thecursor is automatically placed on the possible error position inside the equation andan error message in red gives you the possible error cause.

Other errors may occur during the first or second compiling pass like scaling errors:consult the error logging for more details. Observe that when the final value exceeds1,000,000 on some points, the system set these points out of range and does not displayany value for them.


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5.11 MODIFY THE SCREEN LAY-OUT

5.11.1 Modifying Channel Properties:The user can modify the name, the amplitude on display, the position or the color ofanalog channels with the Channel properties dialog box. In the same way, you can modifythe name, the position or the color of event groups.

To access the Channel properties: see §5.8.2.

If several channels are selected, only the parameters common to all selected channels areshown.

NOTE: Amplitude = 100% means that the channel is displayed as set up in the DFR.

⇒ Modify the parameters you want, then press the button.

All selected channels will be affected by the changes.You can invert an analog channel by checking the corresponding box in the Channelproperties dialog box. Observe that the colors of the amplitude value are inverted toremind you of the change.

TIP: To easily move channels, select one or more channels, then drag the moving handle ofthe selected scale drawn on the left of the channel to a new position. Observe thespecial cursor that appears when your cursor reaches the moving handle of a selectedchannel.

To increase or decrease the channel amplitude, drag one of the sizing handles of thisscale.

See §5.11.4 for more info.

To invert an analog channel, drag the sizing handle of the scale in such a way that itcrosses the analog axis.

NOTES: If several scales are superimposed, click several times on the same point until youselect the specific scale you want to move or resize.

When the window height is too small to display all the names of the channelspresent on the current page, some of them are hidden outside the window borders:they are hidden channels.

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TIP: When you open another window of the same record to display, for example, anotherpage, you can easily copy selected channels from one window to another by draggingtheir scale to the new window, using the moving handle (see §5.11.5).

Within the Channel properties dialog box, you can move the axis of a channel outsidethe window by entering a position value out of the 0..2047 range. This may be usefulwhen you want significantly increase the channel amplitude.

5.11.2 View Hidden ChannelsIn the Analysis window, the vertical position of the channels on the screen depends on theAUTO ADJUST flag (See MENU/View/Options):

• when the flag is enabled, the vertical size corresponds all the time to a scale goingfrom 0 to 2047 points; every time the window is redrawn or re-sized, the channelpositions are automatically adjusted in such a way that the relative positions of thechannels inside the window remain constant.

• when the flag is disabled, the channels keep their absolute position regarding thewindow bottom (position 0): when you reduce the window height, the upper channelsmay disappear, and when you increase the window height, channels with positionhigher than 2047 points may appear on top of the window. In this mode, you canmanually "re-adjust" the vertical scale to 2048 points by selecting the option Adjustheight in the VIEW menu.

When the window height is too small to display all the names of the channels present onthe current page, some of them are hidden outside the window borders: they are hiddenchannels.

To pick up hidden channels properties:

⇒ Click the right button of the mouse somewhere in the channel name area (left pane ofthe analysis window): a context menu appears.

⇒ Select the Hidden channels entry: a list of the channels outside the window appears.⇒ Select the channel you want to pick up: the Channel properties dialog box appears.

Modify the position of the channel, or any other parameter you want to change.Confirm the modification by pressing the Apply button.

The user can position the reference of a channel outside of the standard display area inorder to benefit from the maximum display sensitivity at high signal amplitude. This isprimarily used with DC signals that have a deflection in one direction. The hidden channelname and amplitudes are displayed at the top and/or bottom of the channel descriptionpane.


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To display the hidden channels positioned above the limit of the standard screen (>2048points), follow the procedure below:

- Make sure the Auto adjust option is enabled- Reduce the size of the graphic pane to display the channels with the maximum

acceptable compression.- Change the Auto adjust option to not set.- Resize the display window including the display area above the 2048 points.

Example:

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5.11.3 Add And Delete ChannelsIn the Analysis window, you can easily add or delete channels on a page, even when thesechannels are already on another page, by using the channel context menu:

• To add channel(s)- Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane, approximately where

you want to place the new channel. The channel context menu appears.

- Select the Add channel(s) entry: the full list of the BEN analog channels and eventgroups appears.

- Select one or more channel(s) to add.

- Press the button: the channels will be drawn where you initially calledthe context menu.

TIP: To add a channel that is already displayed in another window of the same DFR,simply drag its scale from this window to the new location where you want to add it(see §5.11.5).

• To delete channel(s)- Select one or more channels you want to remove.- Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane: a context menu

appears.


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- Select the Delete channel(s) entry. If this entry is grayed, it indicates that nochannel is selected.

NOTE: This channel delete function only removes the image of the channel from the page.The DFR data is still present in the file and you can always restore the image of thechannel later.

5.11.4 Quickly Move/Re-Size Channels• To move one or more channel(s)

⇒ Select the channel you want to move.⇒ Click on the moving handle of the channel scale with the mouse left button. Keep

the button depressed while you move the channel in the page or to another openpage.

Note the special cursor that appears when your mouse cursor reaches the movinghandle of a selected channel

All selected channels move together: this is an easy way to move several channelsin one drag & drop operation.

• To re-size one or more channels- Click on one of the sizing handles of the selected channel scale with the left mouse

button. Keep the button depressed while you move the cursor to re-size thechannel.

Also, note the special cursor that appears when your mouse cursor reaches thesizing handle of a selected channel.

All selected channels are re-sized with the same proportional factor, shown in thestatus bar at the bottom of the screen.

TIP: While dragging a moving or sizing handle with the mouse, you can use the up anddown arrow keys of the keyboard for fine positioning.

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• To magnify a channel- Select the analog channel you want to magnify. Click the right mouse button in

the channels description pane then select Magnify in the content menu thatappears.

- In the Magnify dialog box, modify the channel amplitude and press the OK button:a cursor with a magnifying glass will appear.

- Move the cursor arrow on a point of the channel that will serve as an axis aroundwhich the channel will be magnified and press the left mouse button.

5.11.5 Copying Channels Between PagesSelect the channel(s) you want to copy.

• Copy with drag & drop: this is the easiest method if the target page (the page whereyou want to copy the channels) is already visible in another window (see §5.6.2:display multiple views of the same record).

- Click on the moving handle of the channel scale with the mouse left button. Keepthe button depressed while you move the channel(s) to the other window, andrelease the button when the desired position has been reached.

• Use the Cut/Copy/Paste functions :

⇒ Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane: the context menuappears. Select the "Copy" function to insert the selected channels in the internalclipboard. Select the "Cut" function if you want the channels to be deleted fromthe page.

⇒ Select the page where you want to copy the channels (see §5.4: Navigating thepages).

⇒ Click the right mouse button in the channels description pane and select the"Paste" function in the menu. The channels appear now in this page.

5.11.6 Changing The Background ColorYou can select a white or black background color for the analysis window.

- open the Display Option dialog box (MENU/View/Options, see §5.7),- mark or unmark the White Background option then click OK.

This option will be saved in the view layout along with all the channel parameters.


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5.11.7 How to edit a pageYou can modify the number of pages of your layout or some page titles by clicking theright button of the mouse in the page title bar: a context menu will appear with thefollowing options:

◊ Edit page titleAllows you to modify the title of the current page.

◊ Add a pageAdd a new empty page just after the currently displayed page.

◊ Delete pageDelete the page currently displayed.

◊ Reorder pagesDisplays a menu with the list of pages currently defined. You can add a page, selectan existing page for editing its title or deleting it, or also change the page sequenceby dragging a page to a new position in the list.

NOTE: Once you have modified the page layout, you can save it for use with all recordsfrom the same BEN by creating a User's view. The original BEN view is not alteredby any of the layout modification functions.

5.11.8 Using Views

5.11.8.1 Save View

(How to get there: MENU/View/Save View or press the button)

Once you have modified the channel positions or amplitudes on different pages,added or deleted channels or pages, or changed some channel colors, you cansave this layout for future use with other records from the same BEN or forsubsequent analysis or printing of the same record.

To save the current layout

- From the analysis window, select the Save view option in the VIEW menu: theSave layout dialog box appears.

- Give a Mnemonic name to the layout you want to save.- Check the Set default view box if you wish the current layout to become the

default layout for any new record from the same sub-BEN that you will open.

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NOTES: -If the view contains equations for calculated channels, they are automaticallysaved with this command. If some changes were made in the equations, then theyare compiled and the calculated record file is updated (see §5.10 for calculatedchannels).-If the view layout has been created by the fault locator utility, then all user'sselections concerning the fault locator are automatically saved as well (see chapter6).

To retrieve a layout previously saved (See below BEN view & User View).

5.11.8.2 Delete View(How to get there: MENU/View/Delete View)You can delete a no longer useful layout by first retrieving it, then selecting theDelete view entry in the VIEW menu.

5.11.8.3 Default View(How to get there: MENU/View/Default View)Select this menu item if you want the current view layout to become the defaultview. This view will be automatically selected when you open any record fromthe same sub-BEN.

5.11.8.4 BEN View and User ViewThe BEN View is the layout of the channels as it is set in the fault recorder.(How to get there: MENU/View/BEN View)

A User View is any modified layout of the channels previously saved through theabove Save View sequence of commands.(How to get there: MENU/View/User View)

⇒ In the VIEW menu, select the user view option: a sub-menu appears with allthe available layouts.

⇒ Select the name of the layout you want to retrieve. You can at any time recallthe BEN default layout by selecting the BEN view entry in the VIEW menu.


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NOTES: -The user's view layout is saved on a BEN and sub-BEN basis. You can thereforehave a default layout for each sub-BEN of a BEN.A bullet close to the current view name in the VIEW menu reminds you the layoutused to draw the current window.An empty bullet mark (o) shows the default view.

-If the view layout contains equations for calculated channels (see §5.10), thenthey are automatically retrieved and the calculated record file is displayed. If thecalculated record file is not found or if it is older than the latest modifications inthe equations, then the equations are automatically compiled and the record file isupdated.

A user can keep a different set up of channels from the one set in the DFR itself forvarious reasons (maximum usage of the local printer on site, optimum usage of thePC screen at the Master Station, ...). A User View can be deleted in the samemanner as it has been created. Use the MENU/File/Delete View function.

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5.12 SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

5.12.1 Display The Sequence Of Events(How to get there: MENU/View/Events)

From the record analysis window, select the "Events View" in the "View" menu to obtaina historical list of the state changes on the digital inputs.

5.12.2 Display Options(How to get there: MENU/View/Options ...)

Select the following information to be displayed:• Event Status: the pictogram showing the start or end of activation• Absolute Time: the absolute time of the event• Relative Time: the relative time from the trigger time• Group Name: the name of the group of event channels• Channel Name: the name of the channel• Terminal Block: the terminal block on the BEN• Channel Type: the kind of digital information of the channel

The record information title may be hidden to save some screen space.

The data can be displayed in normal or small fonts to accommodate your screenresolution.

Check the Save as default box if you want those choices to be persistent.


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5.12.3 Selecting The Events To Display(How to get there: MENU/View/View Filters ...)The View Filters dialog lets you select the kind of activation displayed, and allows you toselect the event channels by type, by groups or individually.

Ø Event Activation- Select "Start of activation" events (represented by red arrows on the list), "End of

activation" events (green arrows), or both.- The same selections may be achieved by clicking the right mouse button on an

event in the sequence list, and selecting "Start Events" or "Stop Events" in thecontext menu.

Ø Event Channels

- Select or deselect all events of the same type: ◊ True Digital: physical channels ◊ Sensor Result: individual results of digital sensors ◊ Sensor OR: the ORed results of all digital sensors on a channel

- Select or deselect a group of events by clicking on the box in the list of eventgroups.

- Select or deselect an individual event channel by clicking on the box in the list ofevent channels.

Ø Suppress a group or event from the list of events.

In this historical list of events (see §5.12.1), select an event, right click and select"Suppress Channel" or "Suppress Group" in the context menu.To restore the channel(s), you can select the "All Channels" item of the menu, oropen the View Filters dialog and select the channel(s) individually.

5.12.4 Printing The Sequence Of EventsSee §5.16.5.

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5.13 EXPORT

(How to get there: MENU/File/Export or )

From the Analysis window, you can convert a record to ASCII or Binary COMTRADEformat, to the most common spreadsheet formats or export in native BEN 32 format fordata exchange with other software. Exporting the record from the graphical analysiswindow allows more options than exporting from the records database Window (see§3.9).

The exported data is based on the current view, so it is possible to prepare a set ofchannels to export, including calculated channels when the view contains some of them.Each time that you export a record, BEN 32 proposes a default path name that is definedunder the Directory Options of the Customize menu (see §9.1)

5.13.1 To Create a COMTRADE file⇒ Open the record to export if the Analysis window is not the active window.

⇒ Select the EXPORT option from the file menu or button: the Export dialog boxwill appear.

⇒ Select the "COMTRADE ASCII" or "COMTRADE Binary" format.⇒ Type a new filename if you want to modify the default name or path. You can explore

your disk content to search for another path by pressing the BROWSE button.⇒ Check the Data between markers box if you want to convert only the part of the

record between both markers (the full record is converted by default). This option isunavailable when you have only one active marker.

⇒ Check the Data on current page box if you want to convert only the channels presenton the page currently displayed. By default, all pages of the current view areconverted.

⇒ Press the to start the conversion.

NOTE: -Each conversion creates two files: a configuration file (.CFG extension) andaccording to the format chosen an ASCII file or a Binary file (.DAT extension).When the data size exceeds 1.4MByte, the data file is split into several files ofmaximum 1.4MByte each, per the IEEE specification.


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5.13.2 Export to Lotus, Excel or MathCad

⇒ First, open the record to export if the Analysis window is not the active window.⇒ Select the Export option from the File menu; the Export Record file dialog box

appears.⇒ Select the Lotus, Excel, MathCad format.⇒ Type a new filename if you want to modify the default name or path. You can

explore your disk content to search for another path by pressing the Brows button.⇒ Check the Data between markers box if you want to convert only the part of the

record between both markers (the full record is converted by default). This option isunavailable when you have only one active marker.

⇒ Check the Data on current page box if you want to convert only the channelspresent on the page currently displayed. By default, all pages of the current view areconverted.

⇒ For MathCad export, check the Suppress Header box: this will remove the headerwith the channel names and units, which do not match the MathCad format.

⇒ Press the button to start the conversion.

NOTES: -The file created is an ASCII file with ".prn" extension.

-Each line of the file consists of a set of data corresponding to one sample; the linebegins with analog channel values, followed by digital channel status information.The line length is limited to 240 characters. When the number of channels to exportis too great, BEN 32 limits it to not exceed the maximum line length.

-The conversion uses the number of significant digits defined in the Record Viewoptions (see §5.7) to control the number of characters used for analog values.Depending on this number, a larger or smaller number of channels will be exportedwithin the 240 characters limit.

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5.13.3 To Copy a BEN 32 RecordThis function is used when you want to copy a record without format conversion to anystorage medium, for backup or for later import on another PC. It's also possible toexport the complete view layout information together with the record data. Thisinformation may also contain the equations for calculated channels.

⇒ Open the record to export if the Analysis window is not the active window.⇒ Select the user view if you intend to copy user view info as well.⇒ Select the EXPORT option from the file menu : the Export dialog box appears :

⇒ Select the "Native BEN 32" format.⇒ Type a new filename if you want to modify the default name or path. You can

explore your disk content to search for another path by pressing the BROWSEbutton.

⇒ Check the Export view info if you want to copy the user view layout and equationswith the record.

⇒ Press the button.

NOTES: -The record data, the user view info and the equations are all stored in one fileunder the given name. The default extension is ".ben".-See §3.10 for importing the file.


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5.14 RECORD INFO

(How to get there: MENU/Edit/Record Info or button)

This function displays the general information dialog for the record currently open. Thesame information can be reached from the database of records (see §3.6).

You can also modify the fields in the "Data Base" section.

5.15 RECORD ATTRIBUTES

To easily change the state of the "Viewed" or the "Analyzed" attribute flags withouthaving to open the record info dialog, you may use the MENU/Edit/Attributes/Viewed or

button and the MENU/Edit/Attributes/Analyzed button.

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5.16 PRINT

5.16.1 Print Record Graph

(How to get there: MENU/File/Print or )

From the Analysis window, use this command to print a record. This command presentsa Print dialog box where you may specify the range of pages to be printed; thecompression factor used for printing, the destination printer, and other printer setupoptions.

⇒ Open the record to print if the Analysis window is not the active window.⇒ Select the PRINT option from the file menu: the Print record dialog box will appear.⇒ Select the options to specify how the document will be printed.

⇒ Select the button to start printing.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:Keys: CTRL+P


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◊ Current PrinterThis is the active printer and printer connection. Choose the Setup option tochange the printer and printer connection.

Check the ‘Continuous printing’ box if you want printing without page breaks onfanfold paper.

◊ View PagesSpecify the pages you want to print:

Current page: Prints the page currently displayed.All pages: Prints all the pages of the view (BEN or User view).Selected: Prints the range of pages that you check in the list box.

◊ Print RangeSpecify the part of the record to print:

Entire record: Prints the entire record.Current window: Prints the part of the record currently displayed, as shown

in the bottom scroll bar.Between markers: Prints the part of the record between the markers. This

option is grayed when only one marker is activated.

◊ Time ScaleSpecify the time scale ratio used for printing:

Current factor: Prints with the current compression or expansion factorused on the screen.

Fixed factor: Prints with the compression (Undersample) or expansion(Stretch) factor entered in the edit box.

One Sheet: Adjusts the compression factor in such a way that theprinting fits as close as possible one sheet of paper perBEN page.

Fixed scale: Prints using a time/length fixed ratio specified in the editbox.

The Printout values show the actual number of sheets that will be printed and thetime scale in use according to all selected options.

Select the button to specify the page headers or to print a table ofevents on the last sheet.

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Check the Save as default box if you want make your choices permanent.

NOTE: Once the printing has been prepared by the Master Station, it is processed in thebackground by the Print manager. If subsequently you want to control printing onceit has started, open your Print manager to, for example, abort printing if sometrouble occurs.

5.16.2 Immediate Printing

(How to get there: MENU/File/Print immediately or button)

This function provides a quick way of getting a printout without showing the printout dialogbox. The printout options used are the default options or the most recent selections made inthe printout dialog box.


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5.16.3 Print Preview

(How to get there: MENU/File/Preview or print preview button)

Press the button to display a simulation of the printing result on your screen.

The print preview of the record graph is as follows:

The same function shows a preview of the record parameters if you select the PrintRecord Parameters (see §5.16.4).

5.16.4 Print Setup(How to get there: MENU/File/Setup)

According to the current printer, Windows® will display the set-up screen of the printerdriver.

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5.16.5 Print Record Parameters(How to get there: MENU/File/Print parameters)

This function is used to print all the parameters (channels info, sensors, ...) for the currentrecord. The same information is given as when printing the parameters of a BEN.

5.16.6 Print Sequence Of Events(How to get there: MENU/File/Print ... from the events view)

From the "Events View" of a record (see §5.12), select the Print function of the Filemenu.

The Print dialog box allows you to specify the data to print and the print range.

- Data to print: check the box for each column of information that you want to beprinted. Check the Save as default if you want those choices to be permanent.

- Print range: If you have previously selected a range of events in the list, you maycheck the "Selected items" box to print those events only.

- Alternately, check "Entire record" to print all events.

The event filters used for the printout are the same as those set for the screen display (see§5.12.3). All the pushbuttons of this dialog have the same use as in the graphics printoutdialog (see §5.16.1).


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5.17 SCREEN CAPTURE

(How to get there: MENU/Edit/Screen Capture)

Use this function to select an area of the BEN 32 window, copy the image to the WindowsClipboard and then paste it into any application that accepts a bitmap image.

⇒ Prepare your screen layout exactly as you want to copy it to the Clipboard.⇒ Check the current options for the Screen Capture function (see §9.1).

⇒ Select the MENU/Edit/Screen Capture function or the button.⇒ The cursor then changes; click on the top left point of the area you want to copy, and

keep the left mouse button depressed.⇒ While keeping the left mouse button depressed, move to the bottom right corner of the

screen area to copy; the rectangular frame shows the area that will be copied to theClipboard; then release the mouse button.

⇒ Switch to the application where you want to paste the image. Usually the command isMENU/Edit/Paste.

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6 FAULT LOCATOR (OPTION)6.1 INTRODUCTION

Available as an option of BEN 32, BENloc32 can be seen as a single ended fault locatortoolbox designed for HV and EHV overhead lines (it is not for underground cables). Itspurpose is the analysis of fault records, giving the user information about the fault type,direction and position under the following assumptions:

1. the user is able to identify the faulted feeder,2. the three phase voltages and currents of this feeder have been measured by the digital

fault recorder,3. the conventional positive- and zero-sequence impedance of the faulted line are

known, at least the resistance and reactance per unit length.

Several kinds of fault locator algorithms are available so far, but all of them only usesingle ended measurements:

1. Impedance type algorithm (reactance),2. Single line algorithm,3. Double line algorithm (mutual coupling compensation).

While the two first algorithms only require the measurement of the currents flowingthrough the faulted feeder, the third method also requires the neutral current of theparallel feeder.

After identification of the faulted feeder and input of some simple feeder data, the usercan proceed with the fault location which is split into 3 steps: estimation of the prefaultand fault windows; estimation of the fault type and direction; estimation of the faultposition (see §2 for more details about this).

Since several fault states can sometimes be distinguished in the fault record (evolvingfault, circuit breakers operations, ...), up to five different fault states can be consideredsimultaneously by the program. At the end, the fault state leading to the best faultposition estimation is automatically pointed out. A report can then be created containingthe position of the prefault and fault windows, the computed phasors (voltages andcurrents in phase quantities), the computed phase-phase and phase-ground loopimpedances, the fault type and position.

The main properties of E.I.I.’s single-ended fault locator are:• easy to setup,• easy to use,• robustness,• accuracy.

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While accuracy is of course a keypoint, experience and discussion with manycustomers who have already used fault locator software have proved that a goodproduct must also be simple to use, deal with as many fault cases as possible, and onlyrequire well-known settings from the user.

6.1.1 Easy to setupAs already pointed out above an estimation of the fault position only requires 6channels measurement (the 3 phase voltages [either at the busbar side or at the lineside] and the 3 phase currents of the faulted feeder), while the minimum requiredfeeder’s parameters are the zero- and positive-sequence resistance and reactance of theline per unit length.With these mere data, only a rough estimation of the fault position can be done (withan error around 10%), but accuracy can be greatly improved if:

- the neutral current of the faulted feeder is directly measured by the DFR, insteadof being computed by adding the 3 phase currents,

- the user is able to enter additional parameters, such as capacitance values,- in case of double line, the neutral current of the parallel line is also available and

the mutual coupling between the lines known.

The idea is thus to offer a program whose accuracy is directly dependent on the userfeeder knowledge/measurements: in other words, the fault locator algorithm is selectedupon availability of the user settings, from a very simple impedance type algorithm ifonly the essential settings are keyed in to a very sophisticated one taking into accountprefault load currents, distributed parameters line model, mutual coupling with otherlines, ...

6.1.2 Easy to useThanks to its user-friendly graphical interface under Windows 95-98/NT, BENloc32fault locator is as simple to use as all the other features already available inside theBEN 32 analysis package.

6.1.3 RobustnessOur concern was to offer the customer a fault locator that is able to locate the faultregardless of its level of complexity. Fault locators provided by competitors often failto locate the fault when it is too complex for instance:

- Due to a wrong choice or identification of the estimation windows:• let us consider for instance a tree falling on the line; at the beginning, the fault

impedance is very high so that the recorder (or the protection) is unable to detectit; when the tree is burning, the impedance path to soil decreases and the DFR


9200-08 REV. C Page133

finally starts a recording. Due to this late trigger of the recording device, no realprefault conditions will be available in the measured data so that considering thewaveforms present before trigger as prefault conditions can lead to appreciableerrors.

• better accuracy is achieved by positioning the estimation window where the signal ismore steady, which is almost never just after the fault inception time.

• if one is able to find a state where the breakers at the other side of the line haveoperated, better results will be obtained.

- Due to an incorrect fault type identification: double-phase faults are not easilydistinguished from double-phase-to-ground faults if near the end of the line.

- Due to a wrong FL algorithm choice: the prefault load current doesn’t have to bealways eliminated.

Our software is able to deal with all these situations and more by offering the user an“assisted mode” where he is in command of the whole process: he is then able to modifymany intermediate results of the algorithm to guide the software to a good fault location incase the inside logic has failed. Of course, all “conventional” cases (those that are coveredby competitors’ fault locators) are treated fully automatically by the program, without anyuser intervention.

6.1.4 AccuracyThe typical accuracy is better than 5% and is reached thanks to state-of-the-artalgorithms, using distributed parameters line models, prefault load currentcompensation, mutual coupling with parallel line compensation, ....

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page 134 9200-08 REV. C

6.2 HOW DOES IT WORK?Let us consider the following example consisting of a single-phase-to-ground fault:

• First, BENloc32 scans the whole record to detect the different steady states present in thewaveforms (in this case 4), and chooses efficiently an estimation window inside each one, itis a window that will be used to estimate the voltage and current phasors.

• Then the software assigns a “type” to each window; this type can be “prefault” (PF),”fault”

(Fx) or “unused” (NU). • For each fault state (in our case F1 and F2), a fault type is computed (in our case phase-c

to ground) • If the fault is seen forwards, an estimation of the fault position is performed for each fault

state with the best suited algorithm (with/without load compensation, ...). • Finally, several criteria are used to determine which fault state leads to the best result; this

selection is based on the waveforms quality, the detection of remote line tripping, theequivalent fault impedance, the fault type, ...

In our example, the second fault state has been selected as the one leading to the bestestimation of the fault position.

Ic

Ib

Ia

Vc

Vb

Va

1 2 3 4

NUPF F1

C-G

Dist

F2

C-G

Dist


9200-08 REV. C Page135

6.3 GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

BENloc32 has been designed to be user-friendly and uses most of the graphic capabilities ofthe Windows operating systems (push buttons, popup menu, status bar, ...).

The application is comprised of three different windows, called respectively “main window”,“parameters window” and “line window”.

Main window

window position

fault type and direction

fault position

fault locator algorithmactivate/deactivate state

current step

create report

go to previous step go to next stepnextstep

exit BENloc32

edit parameters

best estimation

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Page 136 9200-08 REV. C

a) “activate/deactivate state”• one state (prefault or fault) can be deactivated anytime if one doesn’t need further analysis

of it.• new states can be created by the user after the first step of the analysis.• one state can be reactivated by going back to the analysis step where it has previously been

deactivated.

b) “window position”• indicates the beginning and end of the estimation window (not the extent of the

corresponding state).• each estimation window can be modified directly from BEN 32 :

- by dragging the corresponding markers with the mouse, the position of theestimation window can easily be changed, with a 1 sample step.

- by dragging the corresponding markers with the mouse and holding on the CTRLkey, the position of the estimation window can easily be changed, with a 1 periodstep.

- by dragging the corresponding markers with the mouse and holding down theSHIFT key, the size of the estimation window can easily be changed, with a 1period step.

c) “fault type”All faults are modeled by one or two impedance(s), depending on the fault type:

• 1-phase-to-ground faults :

R S T

Y1

• 3-phase and 3-phase-to-ground faults :

R S T

Y1 Y1 Y1

• 2-phase faults :

R S T

Y1


9200-08 REV. C Page137

• 2-phase-to-ground faults (model chosen by the user) :R S T

Y1Y2Y2

R S T

Y1 Y2

Depending on the fault causes (tree, insulation failure, ...) the first or second model willlead to more accurate results.

d) “fault direction”: forward or backward.

e) “fault locator algorithm”• Indicates which algorithm BENloc32 considers the most suitable for locating the fault.

Several algorithms can be selected, either automatically by the software or manually by theuser: impedance type (reactance), single line with/without load compensation, double linewith/without load compensation.

• All algorithms cannot always be used for fault location :- load compensation requires that a prefault state has been found and is activated.- double line algorithms require measurement of second line neutral current, the mutual

coupling impedance between the lines and the length along which they are parallel (seethe “feeder window” description for more details).

f) “fault position”• Fault position estimated by BENloc32 using the algorithm previously defined for this state.• The result displayed can be either a position (if the fault is estimated closer than 1.5 times

the line length), “>EOL” if the fault is estimated further than 1.5 times the line length or“FAILED” if fault location has not succeed.

g) the best estimate of the fault position is indicated by the “pointing” icon

h) the current step is indicated by a rectangular black box:• step 1: windows detection.• step 2: determination of the fault type and direction and proposal of a fault locator

algorithm.• step 3: estimation of the fault distance and selection of the best estimate.

NOTE: The user is free to modify the results of the current step by simply clicking the rightmouse button on the field he wants to change: this could be the estimation windowposition/size, the fault type, the fault direction or the kind of algorithm chosen toestimate the fault position. Depending on the selected field, a popup menu or dialogbox will appear to enter new values or choices.

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page 138 9200-08 REV. C

i) “previous step” button: to go to the previous step of the analysis.

j) “next step” button: to go to the next step of the analysis.

k) “exit” button: to close the BENloc32 application.

l) “REPORT” button: to create a report (only after step 3 has been completed).

m) “PARAMS” button: to open the parameters window.

Parameters window

a) “parameters set selection”: allows the user to select previously saved sets of parameters(from the same BEN - see FAQ’s Q#1 in §5).

b) “feeder selection”: allows the user to select previously saved feeder data (from the sameBEN - see FAQ’s Q#1 in §5).

parameters set selection

feeder selection

create/edit feederssign convention

Save parameters Delete parameters

busbar/line side V

channel selection

invert channels

scale factors


9200-08 REV. C Page139

c) “create/edit feeders”: opens the “line window” to edit/modify/add feeder data in thedatabase.

d) “sign convention”: this little chart is a reminder of the sign convention used by theprogram :

- voltage: measured from ground to voltage point.- currents (phase + neutral): measured entering the line.

NOTE: The neutral current is defined as In = Ia + Ib + Ic (see the included example in §4).

e) “invert channels”: allows the user to invert the sign of all phase currents or neutralcurrents if they were not recorded according to the previous convention (see the includedexample in §4).

f) “busbar/line side V”: indicates whether the voltages have been measured from the line sideor the busbar side.

NOTE: -it is easy to determine this by looking at the voltages after breaker operation at themeasurement point : if the voltages disappear, the measurements are made at theline side. If the voltage returns to nominal values, the measurements are made atthe busbar side-in case of doubt, always select busbar side voltages.

g) “scale factors”: in order to determine the fault position, BENloc32 must know what theunits of the measured currents and voltages are; sometimes, the recorded units are pu, %,or any unit base not known by the program. In all these cases, the user has to input theratio to convert measured quantities into kV/kA (see the included example in §4).

h) “channel selection”: allows the user to specify what channel must be chosen as voltagephase a/b/c, current phase a/b/c, neutral currents.

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Page 140 9200-08 REV. C

Line window

a) “feeder selection”: allows the user to retrieve previously saved feeder data (from the sameBEN - see FAQ’s Q#1 in §5).

b) “nominal voltage”: nominal voltage of the faulted feeder (facultative), phase-to-phase.

c) “nominal current”: nominal current of the faulted feeder (facultative)

d) "feeder data”: made of several fields, namely zero-sequence resistance, zero-sequenceinductance, zero-sequence capacitance (facultative), positive-sequence resistance, positive-sequence inductance, positive-sequence capacitance (facultative), line length.

NOTE: The line length unit (miles/km) is selected according to the metric system used byWindows 95/98/NT (can be modified in the “Control Panel” of your Windowsoperating system).

e) “parallel line data”: made of several fields, namely zero-sequence mutual couplingbetween the two lines (R00=real part, L00=imaginary part), length of parallelism (see theincluded example in §4).

feeder selection nominal voltage nominal current

faulted feeder data

parallel feeder data

save feeder datadelete feeder data

default value computation

close screen


9200-08 REV. C Page141

f) “default value computation”: by pushing this button, and assuming that the inductancefield has already been completed, a default capacitance value is computed, takingv=290000 km/s and v=230000 km/s as propagation speed respectively for the positive- andzero-sequence component :

vLC

=1

6.4 EXAMPLE

Let us consider the following network, where a fault has occurred at 11.8km away from themeasurement point:

The faulted feeder is characterized by the following parameters:

- r0= 0.198581 [Ω/km]- l0= 1.042553 [Ω/km]- r1= 0.075177 [Ω/km]- l1= 0.407801 [Ω/km]- length=14.1 km

A parallel line is present during the first 10km, the zero-sequence mutual coupling being:

- r00=0.04255 [Ω/km]- l00=0.212766 [Ω/km]

The nominal voltage of the faulted feeder is 150kV (RMS/Phase-to-phase).The nominal current of the faulted feeder is 5.5kA (RMS).

M00

10 km

14.1 km

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Page 142 9200-08 REV. C

The DFR record is composed of the following channels:

Channelnumber

Channel description UNITS

1 faulted feeder / voltage / phase a % nominal V2 faulted feeder / voltage / phase b % nominal V3 faulted feeder / voltage / phase b % nominal V4 faulted feeder / phase current / phase a % nominal I5 faulted feeder / phase current / phase b % nominal I6 faulted feeder / phase current / phase b % nominal I7 faulted feeder / neutral current % nominal I8 parallel feeder / phase current / phase a % nominal I9 parallel feeder / phase current / phase b % nominal I10 parallel feeder / phase current / phase c % nominal I11 parallel feeder / neutral current % nominal I

You can find hereunder the recorded waveforms (only the faulted feeder channels arerepresented):


9200-08 REV. C Page143

The following pages will guide you step by step through performing a fault analysis usingBENloc32.

1) From the record window, call BENloc32 by selecting the Fault Locator item in the Mathmenu of BEN 32⇒ the “main window” described previously opens.

2) push the “PARAMS” button⇒ the “parameters window” described previously opens.

3) push the “Line DB” button⇒ the “line window” described previously opens.

4) complete the fields as shown:

NOTE: The capacitance values have been obtained by pushing the “Default C” buttons.

5) press “SAVE” or “SAVE AS” and enter a name (e.g. "line xyz") to save the feeder data.⇒ the “feeder window” closes and the “parameters windows” reappears.

6) select the newly created line in the “feeder selection” section.

7) complete all the data input fields as shown:

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page 144 9200-08 REV. C

NOTES:• the nominal voltage being 150kV (phase-to-phase) and the voltages unit %, the voltage

scale factor must be set to 150/(100√3).• the nominal current being 5.5kV and the currents unit %, the currents scale factor must

be set to 5.5/100.• we can see on the plotted waveforms that the faulted phase voltage returns to nominal

value after line tripping and fault clearance, what indicates that the voltagemeasurements are made on the busbar side.

• we can also see that the way the neutral current has been measured is opposite to theone used for the phase currents so that either the neutral current or the phase currentsmust be reinverted in BENloc32 ; at this stage, we don’t know whether the phasecurrents or the neutral currents have to be inverted, so both solutions can be tried :

and


9200-08 REV. C Page145

The solution on the right is the one that leads to a fault seen forwards by the fault locatoranalysis.

8) if you want to reuse your parameters data later (for other records coming from the sameBEN), press “SAVE” or “SAVE AS”.

9) press “OK”⇒ if all the selected fault feeder channels are not plotted on the same BEN 32 page, a new

page is automatically created and filled with them.⇒ the main window reappears, and the three steps of the analysis are automatically

performed.⇒ then, the user will be allowed to step back to the first or second level of the analysis (by

pressing the "previous" button) in order to modify some intermediate results.

10) ⇒ the first step of the analysis is performed and the main window becomes:

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page 146 9200-08 REV. C

NOTE: 1 prefault and 2 fault states have been found; their estimation window is displayed inthe main screen of BENloc32 but is also represented by markers in BEN 32:

At this stage, the user can accept the fault locator software proposals or modify thesize/position of the estimation windows, either from within BEN 32 (directly by draggingthe markers with the mouse) or from BENloc32 (by clicking the right mouse button next tothe fields representing the window to be changed).

NOTE: A minimum window size of one period (16.6 mS for 60Hz networks) is required.


9200-08 REV. C Page147

11) ⇒ the second step of the analysis is performed:

Once again, the user is able to modify the fault-type (by using the right mouse button),direction or algorithm proposed by BENloc32. Here, the user is not allowed to modify theestimation windows or to create new states.

12) ⇒ the final step of the analysis is performed:

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page 148 9200-08 REV. C

For each fault state, the program has computed an estimation of the fault position.Theoretically, the result should be the same for all fault states since the fault position hasn’treally changed, but in practice some states always lead to more accurate fault positionestimations than others (due to better sinusoidal waveforms, less fault impedance, lessinfeed current, ....). That’s why the best estimation is pointed out by the program.

13) press “REPORT” to create a report that will look like this:

BENLOC REPORT=============

Record number............ : 1DFR ID................... : EII nb 1Parameter set............ : Param #1Line..................... : line xyzDate of analysis......... : Friday, July 04, 1997

Nominal current.......... : 5.50 [kA]Nominal voltage.......... : 150.00 [kV]

<prefault state>----------------

a) window position : [ -50.7, -30.7] msb) phasors (RMS _ kV/kA)

Va=89.822<65.3 Vb=89.526<-54.3 Vc=89.323<-173.5Ia=0.373<-125.9 Ib=0.366<114.2 Ic=0.355<-7.5 In=0.015<80.1

<fault state 1>---------------

a) window position : [ -3.7, 56.3] msb) phasors (RMS _ kV/kA)

Va=92.332<64.0 Vb=89.156<-51.1 Vc=53.631<177.3Ia=0.451<-110.2 Ib=0.256<113.1 Ic=5.368<115.1 In=5.336<119.1

c) impedances (OHMS)

Zae=17.15 +j* -32.73 bse=-28.91 +j* -5.54 Zce= 3.19 +j* 5.77Zab=-227.47 +j* -42.54 Zbc=21.86 +j* 13.39 Zca=-6.95 +j* 20.60

d) fault type : C-G forwarde) estimated fault position : 13.30 [Double L/Load C]f) estimated fault impedance: 3.1 [Ohms]

<fault state 2> SELECTED AS THE BEST ONE---------------

a) window position : [ 65.7, 85.7] msb) phasors (RMS _ kV/kA)

Va=89.430<65.6 Vb=88.352<-52.3 Vc=61.481<-176.9Ia=1.102<-75.8 Ib=0.090<-37.6 Ic=8.854<111.3 In=7.672<113.2


9200-08 REV. C Page149

c) impedances (OHMS)

Zae=19.68 +j* -23.70 bse=-21.76 +j* -6.10 Zce= 1.53 +j* 4.54Zab=-147.01 +j* 12.17 Zbc=11.68 +j* 9.28 Zca=-4.52 +j* 12.25

d) fault type : C-G forwarde) estimated fault position : 11.74 [Double L]f) estimated fault impedance: 1.0 [Ohms]

6.5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)Q1. Do I need to reenter all my line data and parameters selections each time I want to

analyze a fault?A1. No. For each BEN created in BEN 32 there is a parameters database (containing data

entered from the parameters window) and a line database (containing data entered fromthe feeder window). Once you have saved your data/parameters, you will be able toretrieve and reuse them for any other record coming from the same DFR.

Q2. Why is a new page not always created by BEN 32?A2. That’s because the channels selected in the parameters window are already present on

the current page of the record or because a new page had already been created during aprevious fault analysis session.

Q3. How can I change my length units (miles/km)?A3. Just change the metric/US measurements system in the “Control Panel” of Windows

95/98/NT.

Q4. If only some and not all phase currents are inverted, how can I proceed?A4. From within BEN 32, create a computed channel, which is equal to the measured

channel multiplied by (-1), and select this newly created channel in BENloc32.

Q5. After keying my line data, I get a warning message telling me that the line parametersare out of range, can I proceed with execution?

A5. Yes, it only warns you that some data seem to be out of “normal” range, however, it isonly a warning and it doesn’t have any consequence on the software behavior. If thishappens too often, you can modify the “BENloc.ini” file to define a “normal” rangemore suited to your network (see §6).

Q6. What must I check when the fault location fails?A6. 1) Are you sure that the faulted feeder channels have been correctly selected?

2) Did you enter the good scale factors? This can be checked easily by looking at thephasors of the BENloc32 report: if they seem incorrect in amplitude, that’s indicatinga scaling error.

3) Did you enter correct feeder data?

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page 150 9200-08 REV. C

Q7. Why is a forward fault seen backwards?A7. Because the currents measurements are probably inverted.

Q8. Why am I not allowed to select double line algorithms?A8. These can only be chosen if:

- the neutral current of the parallel line is recorded,- the mutual coupling between the lines is entered in the feeder window.

Q9. Why am I not able to compensate the load?A9. Because there was no prefault state found or it has been deactivated by the user.

Q10. Why is the prefault state not identified by the program?A10. Sometimes, the prefault load is so small that it has no sense to compensate it (e.g. when

the current amplitudes are comparable with the measurement error).

Q11. How does the program distinguish the prefault state from faulted states?A11. A state is considered as faulty if one of the following conditions is fulfilled:

- one of the computed loop impedance is smaller than x times the total line impedance (xdefined in “BENloc.ini”).

- one phase current is above a given threshold (defined in “BENloc.ini”) - used only ifthe nominal current of the faulted feeder is known.

- the neutral current is above a given threshold (defined in “BENloc.ini”) - used only ifthe nominal current of the faulted feeder is known.

Q12. Why is no fault state identified?A12. Because none of the above conditions (Q&A 12) is fulfilled.

Q13. Why do some states not appear after the first step of the analysis?A13. Only prefault and fault states longer than 1.25 periods are displayed.

Q14. Why are the phasors displayed in the report incorrect?A14. There is probably an error in your scale factors.


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6.6 "BENLOC.INI"

WARNING:Read the important information below and FAQ 11 (previous §) before modifying this

file!

The following is what your “BENloc.ini” file should contain:

NOTE: this file should be found in the "data directory path" of BEN 32; if not, BENLOCwill automatically create it with default values.

[start]I_START=1.25IE_START=0.25Z_START=3

[view]NB_CHANNELS=7

[range]R0_MIN=0L0_MIN=0C0_MIN=0R1_MIN=0L1_MIN=0C1_MIN=0R00_MIN=0L00_MIN=0VNOM_MIN=40INOM_MIN=0R0_MAX=2L0_MAX=4C0_MAX=40R1_MAX=1L1_MAX=2C1_MAX=40R00_MAX=2L00_MAX=4VNOM_MAX=1000INOM_MAX=50

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page 152 9200-08 REV. C

• start section : defines the criteria used to distinguish fault states : - I_START ⇒ a state is considered as faulty if one phase current is above

I_START*Inominal - IE_START ⇒ a state is considered as faulty if the computed zero-sequence current

is above IE_START*Inominal - Z_START ⇒ a state is considered as faulty if one phase-ground or phase-phase

loop impedance is smaller than Z_START*L1*feeder length

• view section: this section should not be modified by the user.• range section: this section defines the normal range (minimum and maximum values) for

the feeder data (resistance, inductance, ...). If one feeder parameter falls out of this range, awarning message is sent to the user.


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7 COMMUNICATIONS

7.1 INTRODUCTION

This section describes the communication process that allows for data exchange between Faultrecorders of the BEN series and the Master Station, BEN 32. The communication process notonly allows for efficient and easy recovery of the data recorded on the Electronic InstrumentsDFRs but also for full remote control of the equipment in the BEN 5000 series. Moreover,some automatic modes allow the retrieval of data during the night or in the absence of anoperator.

Due to the large amount of transmitted data, different communication protocols andcompression algorithms are available to best fit the characteristics of the communicationmedia used. These protocols use a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to insure the integrity ofthe data transfer and therefore increase the communication reliability.

As the user is able to remotely control important parameters, the analysis software provides asecurity LOGIN sequence for telecom functions. As far as the BEN 5000 series areconcerned, the user will define for each fault recorder an identification sequence including auser's name and a password. If the user's name is not recognized by the BEN, if the passwordis not correct or if the access level does not authorize him to receive data or changeparameters, the communication will stop and the message 'BAD USER', 'BAD PASSWORD'or 'ACCESS DENIED' will appear, thus preventing unauthorized people from accessingprotected functions or information

Another powerful feature of the communication process is its ability to run in the backgroundconcurrently to other tasks like fault analysis or other applications. The communicationprocess is in fact a separate process, closely linked to BEN 32, performing all the low-leveltasks involved with the communications between the BEN Fault recorders and the BEN 32Master Station.

The communication process supports several different media:• Direct link for local connection according to the V.24 (RS-232C) standard• Hayes compatible modem link for communication using standard Public Switched

Telephone Network (PSTN) lines. This function is implemented using the WindowsTelephone API: this allows for easy modem setup with the plug-and-play modeminstallation and for possible modem sharing between several applications even runningconcurrently.

• TCP/IP link for communication across an IEEE 802.3 Ethernet network.

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7.1.1 Modem terminologyThe modems (modulator-demodulator) are used to convert the digital signals available onthe PC or the BEN to analog signals as required on the Public Switched TelephoneNetwork (PSTN) lines. Both types of signals are serial information transmitted over asingle line, one bit at a time. The duration of each bit determines the transmission speed,measured in bits per second (the baud rate). The sending and receiving modems mustagree on the baud rate. Moreover, the modem and the terminal equipment (PC or BEN)must also use the same baud rate on the RS-232 line. On recent modems, this last baudrate is often automatically detected and preferably higher than the one used on thetelephone line.

To work correctly, the data exchange between the terminal equipment and the modemrequires additional control signals:

RTS: Request to Send; generated by the PC to send data to the modem

DTR: Data Terminal Ready; tells the modem that the PC is powered up andready

CTS: Clear to Send; generated by the modem to declare that it is ready toreceive data

DSR: Data Set Ready; tells the PC that the modem is powered up and ready.

CD: Carrier Detection; tells the PC that the modem has established a linkwith a device on the other end of the line

These signals may usually be checked through the presence of a lit LED on the modem.

NOTE: Two methods exist to control the data exchange:- use of the lines RTS and DTR (hardware control)- use of the codes XON and XOFF (software control)

The Master Station controls the data through the RTS and DTR lines. The flowcontrol with XON, XOFF must therefore be disabled on the modem.

The Hayes modem operates in one of two modes: "on-line" and "command". In thecommand mode, the modem accepts character commands and returns responsesindicating the success or failure of command execution. In the on-line mode, data sent tothe modem is not interpreted and is sent along the telephone line.

The modem is powered up in the command mode. If you send the modem a command todial a number or answer an incoming call, the modem attempts to connect with theremote device.


9200-08 REV. C Page155

If there is a modem at the remote site, both modems send a tone of a specific frequencyused to identify each modem. The modems may send several tones in order tosynchronize at the highest possible baud rate.

If the modem can synchronize with the remote system, it returns a response to the PCindicating that a connection has been accomplished ("CONNECT"). Then it switches toits on-line state and it is ready to transmit data between systems.

The modem can be placed back into command mode by sending a special command,usually "+++" preceded and followed by a pause (typically 1 sec.).

At that moment, it returns to the command mode, but maintains connection with theremote device.

When in command mode, the modem (by default) echoes all characters sent to it, andwhen a command is executed, a response is returned. All commands are sent as charactersended by a carriage return character. A modem command string begins with the"Attention Command Prefix" (AT), followed by one or more commands, and terminatedby a carriage return. Blank characters are allowed between commands.

The modem responds to a command in either verbose or terse mode.

In verbose mode, a string is returned describing the success or failure of the commandexecution. In terse mode, a numeric character code is returned. In the following example,the command Z followed by a carriage return <CR> resets the modem:

ATZ<CR>

The modem returns the following characters:

ATZ <CR,LF> OK <CR,LF>

where the first four characters are an echo of the command string (CR is the singlecarriage return character and LF the single line feed character).

Another command, the "DIAL" command (D) will be used to dial the telephone number.The sequence ATDT uses for example the touch-tone dialing method.

Inserting a coma (",") within a Dial command line tells your modem to pause for aspecific delay, typically 2 sec. It can be used to delay dialing, for example to wait foraccess to the public network when you call through a private switchboard, like in thefollowing example where the telephone number is 518 884 8567, and the figure 9 (nine)requests outside access:

BEN 32 Pgm. VER 1.4

Page 156 9200-08 REV. C

ATDT 9,518 884 8567

You can also use the W command to wait a time until the modem receives a dial tone.

By default, the Telephony API automatically adds the prefix ATDT before the stringentered in phone number field.

The following table gives a subset of the modem command responses typicallyrecognized by the Telephony API are:

modemmessagenumber

message text origin

0 OK modem the modem has accepted the command1 CONNECT modem modem and remote modem are connected2 RING modem The line connected to the modem is ringing3 NO CARRIER modem the remote modem does not give any carrier4 ERROR modem error in command string (non-existing command or

parameter)5 CONNECT 1200 modem modem and remote modem are connected at 1200

baud6 NO DIAL TONE modem no line connection7 BUSY modem remote phone is busy8 NO ANSWER modem modem or remote modem does not answer (time-

out)10 CONNECT 2400 modem modem and remote modem are connected at 2400

baud11 CONNECT 4800 modem modem and remote modem are connected at 4800

baud13 or 22 CONNECT 9600 modem and remote modem are connected at 9600

baud

The Hayes modem commands give you significant control over operation of themodem.

The most common initialization codes are listed here for your information. However,you should still refer to the user manual of your modem because the command set candiffer from one manufacturer to the other.

The initialization commands begin with the characters AT. It is recommended thatall codes be input in capital letters.


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B0 : select the CCITT modeE0 : inhibit the local echoH0 : hang-up the lineDT : numbering the dial toneL1 : low speaker volumeM0 : turns modem speaker offM1 : turn speaker on only during carrier establishment; turn speaker off during

data transfer.Q0 : modem answers to command.Sn : set modem register valueV1 : select verbose modeZ : recall User configuration&C1: turn on the DCD signal when the remote carrier has been detected.&F : recall factory configuration

For increased flexibility, most of the modems keeps series of parameters in back upmemory, which will have to be initialized before the first use: this is done through theS registers. Each register keeps a byte, i.e. a value between 0 and 255.

The register S0 for example tells the modem how many rings must occur before itautomatically answers an incoming call. Setting the register at 0 cancels the modemautomatic answer.

The sequence "ATSn?" can be used to display the content of the register n, while thesequence "ATSn=m" writes the value m in the register n.

Example: ATS8=15 tells the modem to wait 15 sec each time that a comma is insertedin a telephone number.

During power-on of the modem or upon request (ATZ command), the modem is re-initialized with these parameters by default.

The Telephony API sends an ATZ command before starting any communicationsession with a BEN.

More information about the modem configuration exceeds the scope of this manual:more details will be found in the manufacturer's manual or in specialized literature.

The BEN set-up side:

During the reset of the BEN, the communication interface performs the configurationof the modem (if present) following the Hayes commands. This re-initialization isperformed again every 255 seconds if no communication is requested. Therefore, adisconnected modem will automatically be re-programmed by the BEN after re-connection.

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On the BEN 2000, the following string is automatically transferred to the modem ateach use:

AT B0 H0 Q1 E0 M1 Y0 S0 = 3 & CD & D3

Every additional command must be placed in the modem memory.

On the BEN 5000, the configuration strings are defined at the time of theconfiguration. It is recommended that the user include the commands E0 (turn echooff) and Q1 (disable modem response) in the BEN init string.

7.1.2 Protocol used by the Master Station

1) The messagesThe base protocol used between the BENs and the Master Station - referenced as T-

protocol in the following - is a half duplex protocol which consists of several differenttypes of messages:

Fixed length messages:

# Re-transmit last answer# Reset communication# Reset acquisition# Ask for next data (or same data)# NACK (No ACKnowledgement)

Control character:# ACK (ACKnowledgement)

Variable length messages:# Init parameters mode# Init directory mode# Init send parameters mode# Init origin mode# Send parameters# Data (Frame size is 256 bytes)

Each command is completed with a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), thusincreasing the reliability of the transferred data and commands.


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2) The dialog

Several requests between the Master Station and the Fault Recorder can beconsidered:

# Request for BEN's parameter file (read # of channels, read # ofsub-BENs,...)

# Request for BEN's directory (read # and identification of therecords in memory)

# Request for data (transfer of the records)# Send parameters to the Fault Recorder# Send remote commands to the fault recorder

The following sequence illustrates as a typical transaction; the Refresh directorycommand:

--- Line connection ---Dialing 2226716Standard modem connected at 14400 baudsOpen session:OKBEN 517 connected

Ask File versions:ACK

Get Directory from sub-BEN 1Init Origin:ACKAsk Directory:ACKDATA OK

Get Directory from sub-BEN 2Init Origin:ACKAsk Directory:ACKDATA OK

Send Disconnect:ACK

The first 5 lines show the connection establishment:- Dialing the telephone number- Login into the BEN

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The next line is a request intended to check if any parameters have changed since thelast connection with the BEN: if it were the case, the Master Station would retrieve anupdated version of the parameter files.

Then the Master Station requests the directory of sub-BEN1 :- Init origin → Select the sub-BEN 1

← BEN answers ACK- Ask for directory data ← BEN answers ACK- Ask for data frame ← BEN sends data with correct CRC

The process is then repeated for the sub-BEN2 directory.

Finally, the Master Station closes the session:- Send disconnect: equivalent to logout command- Hangup the line.

Each data is checked by means of a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check).A bad frame reception will look like the following :... .. ...Ask for next data → next frame requestReceive data frame (badly receivedwith a bad CRC)

← send 256 data bytes

Ask for same data → same frame requestReceive data frame ← send same 256 data bytes... .. ...

After a defined number of retries, the communication link is considered unavailable.The Master Station then sends a communication reset and hang-up order. Optionally,the user may abort at any time a communication is in progress. A message will ask theuser if he wishes to keep the part of the record received before the interruption. If'YES' then the record will be a short record and marked as such by the Master Station.The next time faults are then retrieved, the record will be completed. If 'NO' then therecord will be removed from the Master Station.


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7.1.3 Protocol used when the BEN has a 5554, or 5558 communication card

Most recent equipment of the BEN 5000 series have a fast communication cardsupporting a full-duplex protocol - referenced as Z-protocol in the following - used forrecord transfer and additional baud rates.

This protocol is designed for optimum performance with minimum degradation causedby delays introduced by packet switched networks and timesharing systems likeWindows 95 or Windows NT. It has been optimized for best throughput when linehits occur infrequently.

The Z-protocol uses adaptive frame lengths from 128 to 1024 bytes depending on thequality of the communication link. It continuously transfers data as long as thereceiver periodically acknowledges. If the receiver detects a garbled packet (CRCerror or a bad data length), it interrupts the BEN to request a retransmission from thebeginning of the garbled frame by sending a ZRPOS frame indicating the position inthe record from which the BEN must resume.

The following sequence illustrates a typical record transfer:

--- Line connection ---Open COM1, 57600 baudsBEN 513 connected Count = 56*** Turbo card detected ***Receive Data record 78 from sub-BEN 1 (Huffman's compress.)Get Parameter file from sub-BEN 1 Count = 2645Init Origin:ACKAsk Aquis.:ACKZRINIT sentZRQINIT receivedZRINIT sentZDATAG received - Count = 1024ZDATAG received - Count = 2048ZDATAG received - Count = 3072ZDATAQ received - Count = 4096ZDATAG received - Count = 5120ZDATAG received - Count = 6144ZDATAG received - Count = 7168ZDATAE received - Count = 7849ZEOF received - Count = 7849ZRINIT sentZFIN receivedStart consolidation of fault 78Decompressing fault 78 (Compression ratio = 2.5)

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The first five lines show the connection establishment (here in DIRECT mode):observe the 56-byte data transfer allowing the Master Station to detect the 5554/5558communication card.

Receive Data record 78 BEN Fault RecorderMaster StationGet parameter file Master Station has detected that it

does not have the Parameter Filecorresponding to this record (read inthis case from the BEN disk)

← BEN transfers parameter File (2645bytes)

Init origin → Select sub-BEN1Ask for acquisition data ← BEN answers ACKSend ZRINIT → BEN 32 requests to use Z-protocolReceive ZRQINIT ← BEN acknowledgesSend ZRINIT → BEN 32 asks for dataReceive ZDATAG ← Data frame with CRC" ← "" ← "Receive ZDATAQ ← "" ← "Send acknowledge → "

← "← "

Receive ZDATAE ← Data frame with CRCReceive ZEOF ← End of fileSend ZRINIT → Final acknowledgeReceive ZFIN ←

At the end of the record transfer, the Master Station "consolidates" the data receivedfor subsequent analysis: it decompresses the file and merges the data and theparameters to create a consistent record.

The Z-protocol defines the following different types of messages:

ZRQINIT : trigger PC for accepting Z protocolZSINIT : reserved for future useZRINIT : request for full duplex handshakeZFILE : begin of file transmissionZDATAG : frame without ack requiredZDATAQ : frame expecting later ackZDATAW : frame expecting immediate ackZFIN : last packet of Z sessionZDATAE : last frame before a new header packetZEOF : last frame of fileZCAN : cancel sequenceZRPOS : request for data from a given file offset


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The 5554/5558 card optionally uses an "on the fly" compression algorithm (Huffman'scompression) specifically tuned to match the characteristics of the data recorded by aBEN. The Huffman compression algorithm assumes that data file consists of patternsof characters where some bytes occur more frequently than others do. By analyzingthe file, the algorithm builds an array that identifies the frequency of each character.Then it builds the Huffman tree structure from the frequency array. The purpose ofthe tree is to associate each character with a bit string. The more frequent charactersget shorter bit strings, the less frequent ones get longer bit strings, and so the data inthe file can be compressed. This compression algorithm typically reduces the amountof data transmitted by a factor three without any reduction in these data definition.Turning this compressor ON can therefore generate significant savings incommunication time.

The compression mode will be favorably used when the speed which the PC canaccept data at is higher than the line baud rate; typically, when the communication linethroughput is lower than 50 kbits/sec on a BEN 5000, or 25 kbits/sec on a BEN 500C,and with a PC of reasonable performance level, the data compression algorithm willoptimize the transfer time.

In this case, the received file will be decompressed during the consolidation process,upon completion of the file transfer, and the data record will be exactly the same as ifit had been received without compression.

Notice that the consolidation runs in parallel with the communication process, whichmeans that the next file transfer can begin without waiting for end of consolidation ofthe preceding one.

7.2 SETTING COMMUNICATION PARAMETERS FOR EACH BEN

(How to Get there: MENU/View/Setup or )The communication sheet summarizes the parameters for carrying out a communicationsession with a BEN.

To modify the communication setup:

⇒ Open the BEN you want to modify the setup of⇒ Select the Setup option in the VIEW menu: the setup property sheets appear.⇒ Choose the Communication sheet and update the setup.

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⇒ Press the button to keep your modifications.

⇒ Select another "view" in the VIEW menu to process any communication transaction,

or press the button to terminate this BEN edition.

7.2.1 Parameters

7.2.1.1 AddressThis parameter is used when several BENs are connected on the same communicationline. The default value is 1 for BEN 5000 and a value identical to the serial number forBEN 2000. You will not be able to carry out a communication session if this number isnot identical to the address configured in the BEN equipment itself.

7.2.1.2 LineThis field defines the type of communication link used for each call to this BEN. Selectone of the setups available; you can edit the setup by pressing the CONFIGURE button.Take care that any modification to the selected modem setup will be used for every othersystem using the same setup. See also §7.3.

When you select TCP/IP link in the Line list box, you need to enter the IP address insteadof the phone number. An IP address is four numbers (each from 0 to 255) separated byperiods, e.g. 192.9.200.10. Ask your network administrator to provide the BEN IPaddress.


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7.2.1.3 Phone numberEnter the complete telephone number (up to 64 char) in this field. You can precede thetelephone number itself with a prefix for your switchboard, or add into any additionalcharacters useful for making the connection to the remote modem.

7.2.1.4 Name and passwordEnter in these fields your user's name and password for identification to BEN 5000 andBEN 500C equipment. This name determines your access level to the system and will beused for any usual access to the fault recorder (like getting data, status, etc...). When youissue some more specific requests for example a configuration modification, theapplication will ask you to enter again your name and password in order to check thatyou may access those operations.

The following parameters located on the right side of the screen only concern the automaticcommunication mode:

7.2.1.5 PollingCheck this box to insert this BEN in the automatic polling cycle. When you start theautomatic communication mode, the system will periodically retrieve the new recordsfrom this BEN. (See §7.6 Communication Auto Mode)

7.2.1.6 Auto CallCheck this box to enable the answering of calls coming from this BEN when theautomatic communication mode is in progress. (See §7.6 Communication Auto Mode)

7.2.1.7 Data OriginSelect the origin of records for the automatic communication mode: memory or harddrive, and sub- BEN s which new records will be retrieved from.

7.2.1.8 Weight ThresholdsFill in these fields for sorting records retrieved in automatic mode:• records with weight higher or equal to the high threshold will be retrieved

immediately when the BEN issues an auto-call.• records with weight between both thresholds will be retrieved at the time of the next

polling cycle.• records with weight below the low threshold will not be automatically retrieved. They

will remain in the fault recorder as long as you don't ask for them manually.(See also Customize communication, Other setup options §9.1)

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7.3 MODEM SETUP

(How to Get there: MENU/View/Setup or from a BEN window)

The Master Station allows you to create up to six modem profiles defined by a name. Ineach BEN setup, choose one of those modem profiles for processing communication withthis BEN.

To modify a modem profile

⇒ Select the communication sheet in the BEN setup view.⇒ Select the modem setup to modify in the drop-down list box; select "New modem

type" to create a new setup.

⇒ Press the button: the Modem properties dialog box appears:

⇒ Edit the setup, then press the button to keep the modifications.


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7.3.1 Parameters

7.3.1.1 NameChoose a mnemonic name of up to 16 characters, like the modem type, which will helpyou to remember the characteristics of this modem profile.

7.3.1.2 PortSelect in the drop-down list either one of the modems installed under Windows or a serialport when you have a direct link between the BEN and the PC. Choosing a serial portsuppresses the HAYES commands sent to the modem for making the line connection.

If the port list does not show any modem, you need to create it with the Modems appletin the Windows Control Panel. In this applet - if your modem supports Plug and Playrecommended for any Windows compatible modem - you simply select automaticdetection of the modem type.

7.3.1.3 Baud rateSelect the transmission speed used on serial port when you use a direct link. This field isgrayed when you select a modem.

7.3.1.4 ProtocolSelect the T or Z protocol according to the communication capabilities of yourequipment. Refer to §7.1 or, in case of doubt, use the Z protocol (default choice) formodem connection and T protocol if you work in DIRECT mode.

7.3.1.5 Data compressionDefault choice is Huffman's compression which gives an efficient data transfer withoutloss for records of BEN 5000 series equipment. When the system on-line does notsupport this type of compression, BEN 32 switches automatically to None for thetransaction in progress. Select this last choice only for disabling data compression.

The modem setup has a great influence on the telecom throughput. Most modems use amodulation scheme defined in the CCITT specifications V.22 bis (2400 bps), V.32 (9600bps) or V.32 bis (14.4 Kbps). In addition to support of CCITT standards, some brands ofmodem also support non-standard, proprietary modulation schemes. Two of the mostnoteworthy of the proprietary modulation types are Telebit Corporation's PEP protocoland US Robotics' HST protocol. These modulation types are adaptive; they are capableof adjusting the data-signaling rate in relatively small increments to achieve the highestdata rate for the quality of the connection.

The primary advantage of adaptive modulation is that higher data rates may be attainedover a poor connection. The main drawback to the use of the proprietary modulationtypes is that they require that modems from the same manufacturer be used at both endsof the communication loop.

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Some modems allow for on-line data compression using for example MNP protocol orCCITT V.42 bis. These compression protocols can increase throughput by up to 1.2:1 to2.4: 1 if they are used independently of the error correction scheme usually associatedwith these protocols. When it is not possible to dissociate compression and errorcorrection, it is better not to use these features.

In every case, optimizing the throughput for a specific pair of modems usually requiressome experimentation. Don't hesitate to contact EII technical support for help in guidingyou with this matter.

The button gives access to the modem settings:

- basic modem configuration consists of identifying the maximum baud rate and thespeaker volume.

By default, Windows selects a conservative speed: set the speed lower if the fasterrate causes many retries; set it higher for fast performance if you are using acomputer with a Pentium processor. For example, 57600 may work better thandefault setting of 38400 for V.32bis. The effective speed negotiated during the lineconnection will also take into account the capabilities of the remote modem.


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- the Connection tab has settings for the modem baud rate (data bits), parity methodand number of stop bits. BEN 32 ignores these settings. It's also possible to tell themodem to wait for a dial tone before dialing (the same as including a W before anydigit in the telephone number), and settings for call setup fail timer and inactivitytimeout.

On the Connection tab, the button brings up a dialog box that lets

you specify buffering preferences. In addition, the button displaysa dialog box with advanced settings.

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You can specify whether to use error control protocols and compression at themodem level: the best choice, when available, is to check Compress data and clearRequired to connect.

When the error control is enabled, modems sometimes have trouble connecting. Ifthis occurs, clear the check box and try again.

One of the most interesting fields in the Advanced Connection settings is called Extrasettings: this is where clever users can tell Windows to send extra initializationcommands to the modem during initialization. These commands usually take theform of AT command strings and they can be used especially when modem is a brandthat Windows does not recognize. Do not include the "AT" prefix in the box.

The Advanced Connection settings also include a check box for recording a log File,called MODEMLOG.TXT in the Windows home directory. This is an incrediblyuseful feature for troubleshooting when you are having trouble making a call. Thefollowing listing is an example of this log file. The telephone line was deliberatelydisconnected so that Windows would not receive a dial tone when it attempted todial the telephone.

TIP: When finished using this feature, you should disable the log file setting afteryou locate the problem. Otherwise, the log file will continue to accumulateinformation every time you use the modem, and it might grow quite large.

08-22-1997 08:41:54.26 - Standard Modem in use.08-22-1997 08:41:54.28 - Modem type: Standard Modem08-22-1997 08:41:54.28 - Modem inf path: MDMGEN.INF08-22-1997 08:41:54.28 - Modem inf section: Gen08-22-1997 08:41:54.51 - 57600,N,8,108-22-1997 08:41:54.65 - 57600,N,8,1


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08-22-1997 08:41:54.66 - Initializing modem.08-22-1997 08:41:54.66 - Send: AT<cr>08-22-1997 08:41:54.80 - Recv: <cr><lf>OK<cr><lf>08-22-1997 08:41:54.80 - Interpreted response: Ok08-22-1997 08:41:54.80 - Send: ATE0V1<cr>08-22-1997 08:41:54.93 - Recv: <cr><lf>OK<cr><lf>08-22-1997 08:41:54.93 - Interpreted response: Ok08-22-1997 08:41:54.93 - Send: ATX4<cr>08-22-1997 08:41:55.07 - Recv: <cr><lf>OK<cr><lf>08-22-1997 08:41:55.07 - Interpreted response: Ok08-22-1997 08:41:55.18 - Dialing.08-22-1997 08:41:55.18 - Send: ATDT##<cr>08-22-1997 08:41:58.31 - Recv: <cr><lf>NO DIALTONE<cr><lf>08-22-1997 08:41:58.31 - Interpreted response: No Dialtone08-22-1997 08:41:58.41 - Hanging up the modem.08-22-1997 08:41:58.41 - Send: ATH<cr>08-22-1997 08:41:58.55 - Recv: <cr><lf>OK<cr><lf>08-22-1997 08:41:58.55 - Interpreted response: Ok08-22-1997 08:41:58.61 - Session Statistics:08-22-1997 08:41:58.61 - Reads : 39 bytes08-22-1997 08:41:58.61 - Writes: 26 bytes08-22-1997 08:41:58.61 - Standard Modem closed.

The log file includes all of the AT commands sent by the Telephony API to themodem and the strings returned to Windows. Notice also toward the end of the Filethat the modem reports to Windows that no dial tone could be detected on the line.

For security reasons, the log file doesn't record the actual digits of the telephonenumber dialed and replaces them by the "#" character.

Unfortunately Windows does not allow you to save different initialization strings forthe same modem which means that if you add such a string for a modem setup inBEN 32, every other setup or application (like for example Hyperterminal or Internetconnection) will use the same string, and the log file enable box works in the sameway* .

TIP: To work around this drawback, you can create from the Control Panel two ormore setups for the same hardware modem: give them a different name insuch a way that you can select and configure in each application a differentsetup for the same modem.

The Options tab contains additional settings for dialing. The only setting used byBEN 32 is the status control** . When you check the Display modem status box,

* Moreover, under Windows NT, you need Administrator rights to access these two

advanced settings.** This feature is only supported under Windows 95/98.

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Windows adds an icon to the system tray when the modem is on-line. By clicking onthis icon, you get status information on the current connection.


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7.4 COMMUNICATION OPTIONS

(How to Get there: MENU/Customize/Options or )

The Communication sheet of the OPTIONS allows you to customize the followingcommunication parameters :

7.4.1 Records transferThe Master Station keeps track of the records already received in its database. When youcheck the box Get new records only, the application compares the list of records askedfor with those already received before starting the communication transaction in order toretrieve only records (or part of records) never retrieved previously. This option appliesonly to records manually selected; it does not apply to automatic modes or New recordscommand.

It can be useful to disable this option in the following cases:⇒ you have already received a record, then erased it but the database still keeps track of

the operation. Clear the Get new records only flag to retrieve this record again;⇒ you have got some groups previously and you want some other groups without

keeping the channels received previously.

Check the box Keep partial record on abort, if you want keep the part of recordalready received when the communication is accidentally aborted. This option does notapply for communication aborted on users request.

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7.4.2 Phone callsCheck the Confirm phone calls if you want to receive a confirmation message beforestarting any communication transaction.Clear the Immediate hang-up box if you want to remain on line for the specified time-out after every transaction. By default, the communication process holds the line onlyafter some specific requests like e.g. Refresh Directory.

The hang-up delay specifies the on-line time-out following the transaction: thecommunication process hangs up the line if no new transaction for the BEN currently on-line has been issued for that time. Enter a zero value if you want to immediately hang upafter every transaction.

NOTE: A similar field exists in the BEN DFR’s configuration files. The value entered inthe BEN 32 field should always be less than the one in the DFR. If it is not, it ispossible that the DFR will determine that the communication session hasexpired and close the session, but BEN 32 will still believe it is open. If anotherrequest is sent during this time difference, you will receive a comm error underBEN 32.

These options under the Phone calls frame do not apply in automatic modes.

7.4.3 Automatic modes(See also 7.6)

Check the Activate at startup box to automatically resume communication in automaticmodes when BEN 32 is restarted.

Select in the Auto-export list box, the format to export data of BENs which have theauto-export function enabled.

Select the modem which will receive the incoming calls in the Auto-answer port list: thisdrop-down listbox displays all the modem setups defined in BEN 32 (see 7.3).

Enter a delay in seconds in the Waiting delay field if you want to wait before retrievingrecords when the first incoming call occurs. In this case, the modem hangs up to allowother incoming calls and, at the end of the delay, calls back the BENs which have issuedan auto-call in decreasing order based on the record weights. When this delay is null, thesystem retrieves immediately the new record from the BEN which has issued the auto-call, before hanging up the line.


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7.5 VIEWING DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION STATUS

(How to Get there: MENU/File/Communication status... or or )

The communication status shows the current activity of the communication processrunning in the background and helps you to follow the current transaction.

7.5.1 Parameters

7.5.1.1 Current statusShows the communication process status, the action currently performed, and themode - manual or automatic - in which this action takes place.

7.5.1.2 BEN ConnectionGives information about the BEN concerned by the current transaction, if any inprogress.

7.5.1.3 Last commandGives the type of transaction performed, the record currently retrieved and thenumber of records already received in this transaction when it applies, and thecompression mode in use.

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7.5.1.4 Data TransferGives respectively for the file currently retrieved and the total transaction the numberof bytes already received and the total number of bytes expected. This last number isleft at zero when the application is unable to determine it before completion.

The number of retries occurred since the beginning of the transaction isrepresentative of the connection quality.The throughput gives the actual transfer rate measured by the PC.The compression factor is shown when data compression is active.

NOTE: This screen shows mainly information about the current transaction. To seethe list of transactions being in progress or waiting to be processed, select the

Commands view or button.

7.5.1.5 Abort communication

• When a communication is in progress, you may eventually need to press the

button in order to cancel it. The program cleanly stops thecommunication with the BEN then hangs up the telephone.

• When no communication takes place, but the system remains on line with the BEN(depends on the hang-up delay, see §7.4), then the same button is used if youwant to hang-up the telephone immediately.

NOTE: When the system is already hanging up, this button is grayed.


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7.6 COMMUNICATION USING AUTO-MODES

This chapter describes the following modes available for automatic communications withone or several BENs:

• The polling mode: at a settable hour, the BEN 32 takes the initiative to call one orseveral BEN(s) to ask for 'new faults' which were recorded since the previous call.This mode is available for all types of BEN's.

• The auto-answer mode: available only for DFR's of the BEN 5000 series, thismode places BEN 32 in a waiting state for answering automatic calls from BEN's.

• Automatic printout: settable on a BEN basis, this feature automatically prints everyrecord received in auto-mode.

• Automatic data export : also settable on a BEN basis, this option automaticallyconverts data to COMTRADE or other formats for data exchange with otherapplications.

NOTE: Both polling and auto-answer modes may run concurrently on same ordifferent BEN's and take into account the record weight to retrieve it or not.

7.6.1 Polling ModeIn this mode, BEN 32 periodically polls the BENs on the polling list and automaticallyretrieves new records which have a weight greater than or equal to a threshold predefinedfor each BEN (See Glossary for record weight definition and §7.2).As long as the automatic mode is running, the window displays a status summary aboutall BENs involved in the automatic mode.

NOTE: The number of BENs allowed in the polling cycle is limited to 100.

To start automatic communication mode in polling mode:

- From the FILE menu, select Communication Status or .- From the VIEW menu, select Automatic Mode: a list of the BENs to poll appears.

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- Update the time that the polling cycle is going to start at and the polling period, atthe bottom of the list.

- Check the polling box under the Start button, then press : the captionunder the list indicates the new automatic mode state.

◊ Information displayed: the polling list shows various parameters; you can changethem by selecting Options in the View menu.

◊ BENs on the polling list: to have a BEN on the polling list, check the Polling box inthe BEN communication setup and eventually fill the low weight threshold in (See§7.2 Setting parameters for each BEN).

◊ Disabling BEN polling: if you don't want a BEN to be polled, you can click on thecheck box at the left of its line in the list, so that the check mark disappears. This canbe done when the automatic mode is stopped; if it is running, then stop it first bypressing the Stop button. It may be useful to temporarily disable the polling of aBEN if you know for example that the telephone line is out of service for some time.This feature also gives the ability to split the polling between several PCs sharing acommon database on a LAN.

◊ Polling sequence: the BENs are polled according to the polling sequence numbershown in the leftmost column of the list. You may modify the sorting of the list witha click on one of the column heading buttons. Or you may drag & drop BENs intothe listbox: click on a BEN item in the list (not on the check box) then, while holdingdown the left mouse button, bring the cursor where you want to move it in thesequence, drop it by releasing the mouse button. When you start the automatic mode,the system will ask you if you want to save the new polling sequence. If you answer"yes", the new sequence is saved and used at the next polling cycle.


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◊ Polling period: enter here the time between two consecutive polling cycles (max.500h).

NOTE: If the polling duration exceeds the polling period, the next polling cycle(s) will beskipped in such a way that the next effective polling cycle will take place at atime determined by adding an entire number of time the polling period to theprevious polling time.

TIP: Enter a value of zero if you want to carry out a single polling cycle when you startthe automatic mode.

◊ Open BEN: select a BEN from the polling list to open the latest BEN directoryreceived. From the directory view, you can afterwards open records and display them.

◊ Event Info: select a BEN from the polling list to access logging information about thelast call to this BEN processed in automatic mode.

NOTES: Closing this window does not stop the automatic mode: you can again openthis view for displaying the automatic mode status. To stop the automatic

mode once it has started, press the button in the lower leftcorner.

If the automatic mode is running when you leave the application, it will stop.

It's possible to resume the automatic mode at BEN 32 startup by checking theActivate at startup box in the communication options.

It is possible from the commands queue to abort the communication inprogress in order to process the next BEN in the polling sequence. Therecords not yet received will be retrieved during the next polling cycle.

When the polling cycle executes, this window is dynamically updated to thecurrent information for each BEN. It also shows an "information" icon for asuccessful poll, or a "warning" or "error" icon in case of problems. You maythen click on the "Event Info" button to get more detailed information (see §8Events Logging).

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7.6.2 Auto-Answer ModeThis mode sets BEN 32 in a state waiting to answer auto-calls from equipment of theBEN 5000 series. Each time that an incoming call from a BEN is received, the systemchecks if it is allowed and adds the calling BEN at the end of the list of BEN's involved inautomatic mode.

Then BEN 32 processes the call according to the record weight (see §7.2) and theoptions defined.

To enable auto-answer mode:

⇒ From the FILE menu, select Communication Status or .

⇒ From the VIEW menu, select Automatic Mode: the BEN polling list appears (see§7.6.1).

⇒ Check the Auto-call box under the Start button, then press : the captionunder the list and the communication field in the status bar indicate the newautomatic mode state.

The following parameters determine how BEN 32 will process incoming calls:

7.6.2.1 BENs allowed To accept an incoming call from a BEN, BEN 32 must know this BEN which means that

it is necessary to create it, then to allow incoming calls by checking the Auto Callbox in the BEN communication setup (see §7.2).

Fill in the weight thresholds to selectively retrieve the records based on their priority:

- records with weight higher or equal to the high threshold will be retrieved immediately;

- records with weight between high and low thresholds will not be retrieved immediately as they are supposed not to have a so high priority. Instead, the system marks the calling BEN and adds it to the next polling cycle. If the polling mode is enabled, the record(s) will be retrieved at the time;

- records with weight below the low threshold will not be retrieved automatically.

7.6.2.2 Modem setup Select a modem for accepting incoming calls in the global communication options.

7.6.2.3 Waiting delayEnter a delay in seconds in this field if you want to wait before retrieving recordswhen the first incoming call occurs. In this case, the modem hangs up to allow otherincoming calls and, at the end of the delay, calls back the BENs which have issued anauto-call in decreasing order based on the record weights. This assures that the mostimportant record will be retrieved first.


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On the other hand, when this delay is null, the system does not hang up and retrievesimmediately the new record from the BEN that has issued the auto-call. In thismode, the first system calling is the first served.

7.6.3 Giving a Priority to the RecordsTo efficiently use polling and auto-answer combined, it may be useful to give a priority tosome records to differentiate them from others. This prevents the system from being heldby an incoming call without interest. The BEN 5000 series implement a mechanismgiving a weight between 0 and 9000 to each fault according to which sensor has triggered(see configuration option, section 3.2.5): higher it is, more important the record is. Amanual start, for example, always receives a weight equal to 0. By default and on theequipment of the BEN 2000 series, this weight equals 500. This weight is transmitted tothe Master Station at the beginning of the auto-call and may be viewed in the directory ofthe BEN.

You may configure the software in such a way that it may decide on the basis of thisweight if the fault has to be retrieved immediately, during the next polling cycle or never(which means only on manual request of an operator). Use to this end the thresholdsavailable in the communication options (see §7.2).

7.6.4 Automatic Print-OutThe Auto-print feature allows for automatically printing on the PC or LAN printer everyrecord received in auto-mode.

To activate automatic print-out for a BEN:⇒ Open the BEN to setup.

⇒ Select Setup in the VIEW menu or .⇒ Choose the Options sheet and check Enable Auto Print.⇒ If your system has several sub-BENs, select the sub-BEN which you want to print

the records from (be sure to select these sub-BENs for automatic communication inthe Communication sheet).

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You can customize the way the records are printed by selecting a user's view for the sub-BEN highlighted (see also §5.11.8): this allows for defining the number of pages printedand the channel positions or amplitudes on the different pages. It is even possible todefine calculated channels that will be evaluated before printing.

The page headers are printed according to the default options specified in the printingrecord options (see §5.16.1).

Finally, the Time Scale selection defines the number of sheets printed:- one sheet: adjusts the time scale so that printing of each page of the view fits as close

as possible one sheet,- Undersample: printing with a fixed compression factor; the number of sheets

printed for every page of the view depends on the record duration

7.6.5 Automatic Data ExportThe Auto-export Feature allows for automatically converting records received in auto-mode to COMTRADE or common spreadsheet format.

To activate automatic export for a BEN:

- Select the export format in global options: possible choices are COMTRADEASCII, COMTRADE Binary or ASCII spreadsheet (Excel, Lotus, Mathcad).

- Open the BEN setup (setup view or ).


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- Select the Options sheet and check Enable Auto Export.- If your system has several sub-BENs, select the sub-BEN(s) which you want

export records from (be sure to select these sub-Bens for automaticcommunication in the Communication sheet).You can customize how the records are exported by selecting a user's view for thesub-BEN highlighted (see also §5.13) : this defines the channels to export (possiblyincluding calculated channels).

- Enter the destination path in the Export directory Field.- Enter a prefix for the filename if you wish (e.g. BEN name or serial number). The

full name will be in the ppppnnnn.eee form where pppp is the prefix (up to 24 ornone), nnnn is the record number, eee is the file extension (.CFG, .DAT, .BIN or.PRN according the format selected).

7.7 COMMAND QUEUE

(How to Get there: MENU/View/Commands or + )

The communication process runs in the background, in parallel with the main application.Each time that you issue a communication request for the same BEN or another one, it isqueued as long as preceding transactions are in progress. In the same way, when theautomatic communication mode starts a polling cycle, it adds the BENs to poll in thecommunication queue.The queue window shows the current activity of the communication process, including alist of the waiting transactions, sorted by the order in which they will be processed.The queue window shows each transaction's status, type, BEN concerned, identification(i.e. initial number in the request sequence) and number of records to get when it applies.

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7.7.1 To abort a transaction in the queue⇒ Select the transaction in the queue window.

⇒ Press the button.

7.7.2 To immediately execute a transaction⇒ Select the transaction in the queue window.

⇒ Press the button: the transaction will take the place followingimmediately the transaction currently in progress. You can abort this last one if youwant to execute the new transaction immediately.


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8 EVENTS LOGGING

(How to get there: MENU/File/Open Logging or )

The Master Station provides a tracking system for any significant occurrence that requiresusers to be notified. For critical events such as fatal errors, you may see a message on screen.For other events that do not require immediate attention, the Master Station adds informationto an event log file, without disturbing your work.

8.1 CATEGORIES

Three categories of events may occur:

File events errors occurring when opening, reading or writing to a file.Communication events events related to communication transactions; besides

specific errors, the system logs for each transaction aninformation summarizing the duration and result of thetransaction.

Internal errors errors related to memory or synchronization management.These errors should not occur and may require that youconsult your service representative.

8.2 CLASSIFICATIONS

In each category, events are classified in three levels defined as:

errors

warning

information

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8.3 DETAILS

◊ Events displayed in the list: the events are sorted by date and time, the most recent eventshown on top of the list. You can choose to display only certain types of events from the

log file through the button.

◊ Event Logging Filters

You may define the events displayed in the contents list according the following criteria:

Event Level Select all the levels you want by checking the corresponding boxesin the left pane.

BEN selection Select “All BENs” or only the ones you are interested in, bychoosing them in the drop-down list box.

NOTES: The filters only affect the display of the events. All events are always loggedup to the limit of the number of events requested.

The number of events kept in the log file is defined under the Systemoptions of the CUSTOMIZE menu (See § 9.1.3).

◊ Event details: to view more details about an event, double-click the corresponding event,

or select the event in the list, then press the button.


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Event: Category, date and time of the event.

BEN: When the event concerns a specific BEN and/or some subBENs, they appear in thesefields.

Details:

Function action carried out by Master Station when theevent occurred.

Cause explanation on possible event cause.Comment additional information when it is available (e.g.

file name).Diagnostics reserved to EII: communicate this information

if you need assistance of your representative.

Press the Next/Previous buttons to obtain information on respectively a more recent(displayed above in the list) or older event.

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8.4 LOGGING DISPLAY OPTIONS

By selecting the MENU/View/Options .. command in the Event logging view, you may definethe attributes displayed in the different columns of the contents list:Select the check boxes of options you want to display, and clear the check boxes of optionsyou do not want to display.

Event level icon according to the level: error, warning orinformation.

Type event category: file, communication or internal.Date and time when the event occurred.Function describes the action during which the event

occurred.BEN serial number for action concerning a specific BEN.BEN name the specific BEN nameSub-BEN number for action concerning a specific sub-BEN.Cause code numerical code of the event (See error codes in

appendix).Diagnostic code event location (reserved to EII).Comment text associated to the event cause.Small font allows you to display more columns.

Check the Save as default box if you want make your choices permanent.

8.4.1 Printout of the Events logging data

(How to get there: MENU/File/Print ... or from the Events logging view)

A dialog box opens with the following options :

• Current printer : This is the active printer. Chose the Setup option to change the printersettings.

• Data to print : Select the information items that you want to be printed.• Print range : Print the full logging list or only the range of selected items.• Sorting : Print the list beginning with the most recent event (as on the screen) or with the

oldest event.• You can use a small font to reduce space on paper.• You can save all these options as default.

Press the "Print" button to start printing.

Or press the "Print preview" button to visualize a simulation of the printing result on yourscreen.


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9 CUSTOMIZING THE MASTER STATION

9.1 OPTIONS

(How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options or )

The four sheets (tabs) of the Options dialog box determine the control parameters of theMaster Station. In the following, the parameters marked "system based option" arecommon to all the possible users while the others are saved on a per user basis.

NOTE: If you are running Windows NT, you may need the "Administrator" access levelto modify these options. Otherwise, they appear grayed.

9.1.1 Communication Tab(How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options/Communications)

The Communication sheet of OPTIONS allows you to customize the followingcommunication parameters:

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9.1.1.1 Records transfer (system based option)The Master Station keeps track of the records already received in its Database. Whenyou mark the Get new records only, the application compares the list of records askedfor with those already received before starting the communication transaction in order toretrieve only records (or part of records) never previously retrieved.

If you have already received part of a record, the application will complete thetransmission of the missing information only, when the Get new records only is marked.The applications will transmit the whole record again when the Get new records only isnot marked.

NOTE: This option applies only for records manually selected; it does not apply forautomatic modes or New records command.

Check the Keep partial record on abort if you want to keep the part of record alreadyreceived when the communication is accidentally aborted. This option does not apply forcommunication aborted on user’s request. In this case, the user is specifically asked forkeeping the record currently retrieved or not.

9.1.1.2 Phone calls (system based option)Check the Confirm phone calls if you want to receive a confirmation message beforestarting any communication transaction.

Clear the Immediate hang-up if you want to remain on line for the specified time-outafter every transaction. By default, the communication process holds the line only aftersome specific requests like e.g. Refresh Directory.

The hang-up delay specifies the on-line time-out following the transaction: thecommunication process hangs up the line if no new transaction for the BEN currently on-line has been performed for that time. Enter a zero value if you want to immediately hangup after every transaction.

These phone call options do not apply in automatic modes.

9.1.1.3 Automatic modes (system based options)Check the Activate at startup box to automatically resume communication in automaticmodes when BEN 32 is restarted.

Select in the Auto-export list box the format to export data of BENs which have theauto-export function enabled.

Select the modem that will receive the incoming calls in the Modem selection list: thisdrop-down listbox displays all the modem setups defined in BEN 32 (see §7.3).


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Enter a delay in seconds in the Waiting delay field if you want to wait before retrievingrecords when the first incoming call occurs. In this case, the modem hangs up to allowother incoming calls and, at the end of the delay, calls back the BENs which have issuedan auto-call in decreasing order based on the record weights. When this delay is null, thesystem retrieves immediately the new record from the BEN that has issued the auto-call.

9.1.2 Preferences Tab(How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options/Preferences)

The Preferences sheet of OPTIONS offers the following commands:

9.1.2.1 Screen options - Show Tool Bar: shows or hides the toolbar, - Show Status Bar: shows or hides the status bar.

9.1.2.2 BEN Lists - BEN lists sorted by BEN name or by BEN serial number: all the BEN selection lists

(e.g. when opening a BEN) are sorted according to this choice.

9.1.2.3 Default colors for records - Black or white background: When the graphical view of a record is displayed without a

saved user layout, then the system uses the background color selected here. - Color schemes for channels:

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• Sequence : channel colors are selected in a sequence of 8 colors as they are readfrom the file, without distinction on the type of channel,

• Phases: channel colors are selected according to the type of channel (phase,voltage/current, calculated channel, digital channel). If the type information isnot present in the parameters file, then the sequence scheme is selected.

NOTE: When a user layout is shown, all colors are restored exactly as they wereshown when the view layout information was saved.

Press the button if you want to change the colors for a color scheme.

A dialog box appears, showing a button for every color selection; click on the colorbutton to change a specific color from the standard Windows color selection box.Press "OK" to save the color scheme, or "CANCEL" to exit without any change;press "RESTORE" to cancel your changes while keeping the box open; or press"DEFAULT" to get the default colors assigned in BEN 32 from the setup.

9.1.2.4 Screen Capture Here are some options for the "Screen Capture" function (see §5.17):

• Monochrome bitmap : the image saved in the clipboard is black and white;• Invert black and white: select this option if the record windows have a black

background and you wish to insert the image in a white document. Thebackground will change to white, and the white channels will change to black;

• Reduce color intensity: light colors used for channels may become difficult todistinguish on a white background. Selecting this option will reduce the colorintensity of the channel traces that show with a light color, so that they appeardarker.

NOTE: This option may not work properly if your display driver does not allow forenough colors.

• Record drawing only: only the content of the areas for record traces, names andvalues is included in the image. The windows borders and other windows are notincluded. This option is useful if you want to save an image containing severalrecord windows related to each other.

9.1.2.5 Record Printout

These color options are used by the "Print Record Graph" function (see §5.16.1):• Monochrome: the printout is executed in monochrome even on a color printer, i.e.

channels and channel information is printed in black. If you want to print withgray scale instead of colors, then do not check this option but select the "grayscale" option of your printer driver (select MENU/File, Print Setup ...);


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• Reduce color intensity: the purpose of this option is the same as for the "ScreenCapture" command.

NOTES: This option may not work properly if your printer driver does not allow a fine colorresolution.The options available on this sheet are saved on a per user basis. If another usershares the same PC, he can select other choices.

9.1.3 System Tab (system based option)(How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options/System)

The System sheet of the options offers the following choices:

Line frequency Select your network frequency: it will be used tocompute the cycle period and other math operations inthe Master Station.

Number of events Specify the maximum number of logging events to bekept in the log file (See also 8 Event Logging).

9.1.4 Directories Tab(How to get there: MENU/Customize/Options/Directories)

The Directories sheet of the options allows you to modify the path to the directories usedby the Master Station.

9.1.4.1 Default export path (system based option)This path will be proposed by default for each conversion to an external file format or forbackup in native format.

9.1.4.2 Data directory (system based option)Each BEN created is associated with a directory under this path. According to the setup,this path points to your local disk or to a network drive in order to share records databetween several PCs.Under normal circumstances, this path is defined during the program setup and cannot bechanged.

9.1.4.3 Path to BENCFG (system based option)Directory used for the configuration software and related files, like sensor descriptive files(SENSOR.SIG, ...). This path has been defined during the program setup and cannot bechanged while the application is running.

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9.2 TOOLBAR

(How to get there: MENU/Customize/Toolbars or )

To add to or remove some buttons from the toolbar.The toolbar includes buttons for some of the most common commands in the MasterStation, such as Open Database.

To have a hint about the function of a toolbar button, bring the cursor on it and read thedescription in the left part of the status bar.

- If you want to perform the function: release the mouse button while the cursor is onthe toolbar button.

- If you do not want to perform the function, move the cursor away from the toolbarbutton and then release the mouse button.

9.2.1 Display TabSelect the category in which you want add or remove a button. The display sheets are:

Common Displayed all the time.Main Displayed when no window opened.Database Displayed when Database is the active window.BEN Displayed when a BEN view is the active window.Event Logging Displayed when Event Logging view is active.Communication Displayed when a Communication view is active.Record Displayed when the Analysis window is active.

The left column shows the available buttons in the selected category and the right columnshows the buttons currently in the selected toolbar.

9.2.1.1 To add a button

• Select the appropriate sheet• Select the button to add in the left column, or select the Separator to insert a gap

between two buttons.• Select in the right column the button that will follow the button to add.• Press ADD: the button will be inserted just in front of the button selected in the right

column. You can check the result by looking at the updated toolbar just below themenu bar.

9.2.1.2 To remove a button

• Select the appropriate sheet.• Select the button to remove in the right column.• Press REMOVE: the button will disappear from the toolbar.


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10 TROUBLESHOOTING

10.1 DATABASE ERRORS

The database directory contains information about files located in various areas of thePC’s Hard Drive. If you encounter errors related to record files or if you have alteredthe contents of the Master Station directories with some file utilities, it isrecommended to check the database integrity and repair possible errors.

In order to reconstruct a meaningful database directory, the "Check and Repair"function has been implemented. It will locate the various BEN configuration andrecord files from your Hard Disk and display them in an updated directory.

First open the database window (see §3), then select MENU/File/Check Database...

10.2 COMMUNICATION ERRORS

Among all the tasks processed by the Master Station, communication is probably theprocess the most subject to trouble. Although it provides many mechanisms forgracefully handling these situations, it is desirable to dispose of additional informationwhen the application cannot achieve a communication transaction. Three features areparticularly helpful for dealing with those troubles: the error logging, thecommunication debug screen and the Telephony log File (see §7.3).

When you issue a communication transaction that does not successfully complete, youobtain an error or warning message box like the following one:

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Select the ‘Show Logging’ to obtain more details about what occurred.

When this information level is not helpful enough, and especially when the modem cannotmake the connection with the BEN, you can open the Debug screen of thecommunication process to follow more closely the communication progress.

NOTE: For communication processed in automatic mode, the automatic mode windowshows the last call status for each BEN: select a line and press the EVENTINFO button for accessing logged information.

(See Also §8 Event Logging)

10.2.1 Communication Debug ScreenThe communication process provides a debug screen to help when dealing withcommunication troubles like modem configuration or bad system answer.

To open the communication debug window, first open the Communication Statuswindow (see §7.5), then execute the MENU/View/Diagnostics command: a windowopens that will display information during processing of every communication transaction.

When the BEN concerned is not on line yet, the transaction begins by making theconnection, which in turn consists in the following steps:

− initializing the serial port and the modem− dialing the phone number when the application requests a modem connection− login on the BEN

Afterwards, the process sends all the communication commands necessary for carryingout the transaction and processes the BEN answers. The option DEBUG of the Commmenu allows you to refine the information level displayed on the debug screen accordingto the kind of information required:


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• Line connection: displays information for following the connection establishment.• Commands to BEN: displays low-level commands sent to BEN.

NOTE: This command significantly increases the processor load and should only be usedto trace the first communication steps when the BEN does not answer.

• Data blocks received: displays information related to file transfers (File name, bytecounter, etc ...).

• Transaction summary: displays high level information regarding the transactionrequested.

• Data Base comparison: displays result of comparison with records already inDatabase: proceeds only when flag ‘New Files only’ has been set.

• Consolidation: displays information during fault consolidation phase which takes placeimmediately after a record has been successfully received.

If you select the box "Commands in hexadecimal", you access the lowest level ofinformation which displays every byte exchanged on the communication line. Take carethat this choice increases heavily the processor load.

NOTE: As long as the communication process is minimized, no debug information isdisplayed in order to save processor resources.

If necessary, the information displayed can be saved in a text file for later retrieval orprinting:

- select the text to save with the mouse- select the copy option of the Edit menu to copy the selection to the clipboard- open a text editor; for example NOTEPAD and paste clipboard contents into it.

When you have finished with the BENCOMM diagnostic window, you can close itnormally. The communication process remains active in the background.

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Typical problems:

Symptom Possible remedyModem does not respond to ATcommands with OK

Check that your modem setup indicates the port whereyour modem is connected.Check your cable connection.The modem may be in a quiet or terse mode.Try to include the commands Q0 and V1 in your setup.

Modem responds with numbers Set modem to verbose mode (V1)No dial tone Check that the telephone line is plugged into the correct

telephone line connector on the modem.Exchange the modem with a telephone and check for a dialtone.

You see the modem responding thecommand sent

Set echo off with the E0 command.

Your modem doesn't answer anincoming call

Set modem to auto answer (S0=1).

Modem doesn't answer on other end Check your telephone number. Call with a telephone, youshould hear a carrier.Set register S7 to allow time for ringing and carrierrecognition. BEN 32 waits for 90 sec. for connectionanswer.

You don't receive any answer fromBEN after modem connection

Check the communication address in the BEN setup.

BEN begins to answer butcommunication fails every timeafter a while

Check that XON/XOFF handshake has been disabled

Abnormal number of retries evenon good quality lines

Try to decrease the baud rate in your modem setup.Check that Windows 95/98 has correctly identified yourUART (Control panel/System/Device manager/COMport/Advanced Port settings)

You get the message "No record toget after search in database"

The record you asked for has already been retrievedpreviously. If you have erased it, uncheck the option Getnew records only in the communication options under theCustomize menu to disable the data base comparison (seealso §9.1)

The reception of a record from aBEN 5000 was interrupted, part ofthe record is on the PC but whenyou ask for the record again, BEN32 starts transmission at thebeginning of the record.

Check option Get new records only in the communicationoptions under the Customize menu to enable thecomparison with data already in data base and starttransmission at the point it was interrupted (see also §9.1).


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11 APPENDIX

11.1 COMTRADEThe COMmon TRAnsient Data Exchange (COMTRADE)format has been defined by theIEEE standard (C37.111) for transient data exchange for the purpose of simulation, validationor archival storage. The standard recommends the use of MS-DOS compatible removablediskette media and defines a file format for storing waveform, logical event and descriptivedata on this medium. A set of files for a given event consists of three types of files with thesame prefix coming from the name of the data file (e.g. 0011MA12) and the obligatoryextensions '.HDR', '.CFG' and '.DAT' .

11.1.1 Header Files (HDR extension)According to the standard, a header file containing any textual information on therecording system and the power system location must always go with the data file. Youmay create such a header file with any text editor, but no support is provided to this end.

11.1.2 Configuration Files (CFG extension)This pre-defined fixed ASCII format contains station name, identification for the recordand information defining the format of the data file (sampling rate, type of channels andwhether the data is stored in BINARY or ASCII format).

Example of configuration file:BEN 5000 - SUBBEN 1 5KHZ ,00124,8A,16D1,NO.4 VA-N,,,KV, 0.1073897781, 0.0000000000,0,-2048,+20472,NO.4 VB-N,,,KV, 0.1073897781, 0.0000000000,0,-2048,+20473,NO.4 VC-N,,,KV, 0.1073897781, 0.0000000000,0,-2048,+20474,NO.4 IA,,,A, 19.6415070560, 0.0000000000,0,-2048,+20475,NO.4 IB,,,A, 19.6415070560, 0.0000000000,0,-2048,+20476,NO.4 IC,,,A, 19.6415070560, 0.0000000000,0,-2048,+20477,NO.4 3I0,,,A, 19.6415070560, 0.0000000000,0,-2048,+20478,NO.4 I CAR,,,VDC, 0.0014204545, 0.0000000000,0,-2048,+20479,CARRIER RECEIVE,010,RI PRIMARY 7M8,011,7M8 TRIP,012,7M8 CLOSE,013,----------------,014,----------------,015,----------------,016,----------------,017,SENS LINE 4 VA-N,018,SENS LINE 4 VB-N,019,SENS LINE 4 VC-N,020,SENS LINE 4 ABCN,021,SENS LINE 4 3IO,022,----------------,023,----------------,024,----------------,0

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5015000.000,82011/23/92,14:56:06.97200011/23/92,14:56:07.019000ASCII

11.1.3 Data Files (DAT extension)The data file contains the actual data samples of the recorded event organized in row andcolumns, each row representing a time tagged series of samples. The user may choosefor data files between ASCII format (more readable) or BINARY format (morecompact).

As the standard is oriented to the exchange of data via diskette media, the size of the datafiles is limited to 1.4 Mbytes. When the amount of data is larger, the data is split intoseveral files with extension .DO0, .DO1, .DO2.

NOTE: A program XBIN2ASC allowing you to convert a BINARY file to an ASCIIfile is delivered with the Master Station. The syntax is XBIN2ASC Filenamewhere Filename is the name of the BINARY file without extension.


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12 GLOSSARY

Analog group: On BEN 5000 series, analog channels may be grouped in Analoggroups in order to select only one or some groups when retrieving arecord by communication. These groups are identified by a name.

Application directory: Directory where the BEN 32 Master Station programs are located.Typically: C:\BEN 32

Baud Rate: Communication speed in bits/s

BEN: Digital Fault Recorders from Electronic Instruments International.

Button: Limited area of the screen where to click to initiate a function.

Click simple: The action of pressing the left mouse button once.

Click double: The action of pressing the left mouse button twice in rapidsuccession without moving the cursor.

Cursor: Graphical indicator of the pointing device’s position. Typically an è.

Database: Compilation of records that can be sorted and displayed according toa user’s requirements.

Event group: In order to increase the readability of the records, the digitalchannels are always displayed or printed in groups of eight channels.You can identify these groups by a name and select the page youwant to have them printed on. On BEN 2000 series, the arranging of channels in groups is fixedby the hardware. On BEN 5000 series, you can freely allocate everychannel in a group of your choice, with a limit of eight channels pergroup.

Group: see Analog group or Event group.

Highlight: The action of selecting a section of the screen with the pointingdevice. In some input screens, multiple selections can be performedusing the left mouse button together with the <shift> or <Ctrl> key.

Huffman DataCompression: On the fly data compression without information loss (typical

compression factor 3).

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Icons: Graphical representation of an object (program, file, function,...).

Master Clock: Fastest clock signal in the acquisition unit.

Mnemonic: Name given to an object that reminds one of the objects function ormeaning.

Marker: Vertical indicator (red or green) in the Graphical Analysis screen. Itis made of a thin line crossing all channels at a fixed position in time.

Page: Graphic area where signals can be grouped together. The MasterStation offers to display a single record on multiple pages by analogywith the BEN printed output. This allows for distributing thedifferent channels on these different pages.

Pointing: The action of placing the cursor of the pointing device on a specificarea of the screen.

Pointing Device: Device allowing the user to move a cursor on the screen (mouse,trackball, touchpad, ...).

Record: Data stored in the BEN Fault Recorder upon the occurrence of astart (trigger) condition. Records can be transferred to the MasterStation by mean of a communication link or diskette.

Record Class: Name given to a group of records for classification purpose.

Record Weight: Value given to a record by the BEN 5000 Fault Recorder accordingto the individual value given by the user to each starting sensor*.

Start Bus: Logical signal starting the BEN or one sub-BEN.

Sub-BEN: Entity performing acquisition at a specific speed.

T protocol: Half duplex communication protocol.

Toggle: The action of exclusively choosing between two options.

Toolbar: Area of the screen displaying the icons or buttons of the availablefunctions.

* In automatic communication modes, this weight is compared to thresholds programmed on

a BEN basis in order to decide to retrieve the record or not.


9200-08 REV. C Page203

Transaction: A transaction consists in a complete communication request to aBEN and its answer, e.g. Refresh Directory, Remote Start, etc.Several transactions can take place during a single communicationsession.

Trigger: Start of the Fault Recorder.

Trigger Time: Time at which the trigger occurred.

Window: Limited area of the screen where a comprehensive application oroperation is displayed.

Z protocol: Full duplex communication protocol with adaptive data packet sizes.

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13 INDEXA

Abort communication, 176Abort Communication, 69ACCESS DENIED, 153access privileges of a user, 57amplitude, 85Analog channels, 78analog groups, 65Associated records, 40Associated Records, 28Auto adjust, 92Auto Call, 12auto-calls, 180Auto-print, 181

Bbackground color, 191Background Color, 114Baud rate, 167BEN 2000, 1BEN 3000, 1BEN 5000, 2BEN 500C, 2BEN Directory, 13, 37BEN name, 10BEN serial number, 10BEN Setup, 61BEN Status, 41BEN type, 10BEN View, 116

CCentering, 48Channel properties, 109CHANNEL PROPERTIES, 98Channel selection, 97Color schemes, 192Comm. Address, 11Communication Setup, 62Communication Status, 19COMTRADE, 30, 199COMTRADE file, 120COMTRADE format, 199Configure BEN, 68

Ddatabase, 173, 195Database of Records, 14Date and Time, 69DELETE BEN, 36Delete Records, 33

DFR type, 35Digital channels, 78DOS Master Station (BEN 1000)., 14

Eevent log file, 185Excel, 121Expansion factor, 84Export, 120Export Records, 30

FFull scale, 48

Hhang-up delay, 190HELP, 16hidden channels, 109Hidden Channels, 110High Level Access, 67Huffman's compression, 163, 167

IImport Records, 31initialization, 156

LLogging, 17LOGIN, 153Lotus,, 121

MMarker, 79MathCad, 121modem setup, 12, 62Moving markers, 80

NName and password, 12, 63New Records, 64

PPage, 48Partial Data Transfer, 27Peak values, 85Phone number, 12Polling, 12, 177

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Position, 48print a record, 124print a table of events, 125Print Preview, 127Protocol, 158, 161, 167

RRange factor, 48Record Classes, 29Record Info, 27recorder name, 35Records Database, 23Remote start, 67RMS-equivalent mode, 85

SScale offset, 48Screen Capture, 129scrolling bar, 81Sequence of Events, 118serial number, 35Status bar, 74Sub-BEN definition, 2

TTelephony API, 153Terminal, 48time scale, 81

toolbar, 194Toolbar, 72TOOLBAR, 9T-protocol, 158True RMS, 85

UUnits, 48User View, 116

WWeight Thresholds, 12, 165

XXBIN 2ASC, 200XBIN2ASC, 200

ZZ-protocol, 161

ben master station manual equipment ndx.pdf · for pgm. ver 1.4 9200-08 rev. c 19-may-99 ben 32 ben...

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