marposs Merlin Software Manual

SOFTWARE MANUAL

Version 1.5.21

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INDEX

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

2 INITIAL SETTINGS......................................................................

3 PROGRAMMING.........................................................................

4 BATCHES....................................................................................

5 MEASUREMENT PAGE..............................................................

6 GLOBAL SETUP..........................................................................

7 PROTOCOLS..............................................................................

8 TRACING DATA..........................................................................

9 M

ERLIN DIGITAL SIGNALS MANAGEMENT..................................

10 BACKUP/RESTORE .........................................................................

APPENDIX - STATISTICAL ANALYSIS.................................................................

APPENDIX - P

ROGRAM THE WINDOWS® CE OPERATING SYSTEM.......................

P

AGE. 4

P

AGE. 12

P

AGE. 25

P

AGE. 37

P

AGE. 42

P

AGE. 51

P

AGE. 58

P

AGE. 68

P

AGE. 72

P

AGE. 81

P

AGE. 84

P

AGE. 92

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1 INTRODUCTION

Designed for simple measuring applications up to 16 sensors/measurements and

basic statistics analysis, Merlin represents a new concept of gage computer using

the same technologies created for PDA and portable electronics, for data collection

from traditional or wireless measuring devices.

The Merlin software is based on Microsoft® .Net® technology and uses the Microsoft®

Windows® CE operating system.

The simple, user-friendly touch-screen user interface can be used to program and per-

form measurements without the need for additional input devices.

A command bar containing a series of icons corresponding to the selected menu is

always displayed at the bottom of the screen, each icon includes a brief description;

move the mouse over any icon to display a more detailed description of the com-

mand associated with the icon in the centre of the bar.

The user interface is a touch-screen, so it is necessary to tap the icons and fields in

order to interact with the Merlin software, alternatively, it is also possible to connect

a USB type mouse.

MENU: tap this icon to select the main menu from which it is possible to

access all the software functions at any moment.

OK: this icon appears in all the programming windows when it is ne-

cessary to confirm that the user wishes to save the data.

1.2 Command bar

1.3 User interface

1.1 Operating limits

Maximum number of connectable sensors 16

Maximum number of characteristics 16

Maximum number of steps 16

Maximum number of classes 32

Maximum number of part programs 200

Maximum number of batches 200

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CANCEL: this icon appears in all programming windows and it permits

to exit without saving the data.

ENTER: it permits the user to confirm data entered via the virtual

keypad.

The menu can be used to access all the functionalities.

Switch between ADMINISTRATOR and OPERATOR user levels

Access to configuration phase

Access to programming phase

Access to BATCH creation phase

Access to MEASUREMENT page

If the menu contains more than 5 icons, this command can be used

to scroll through the subsequent icons.

1.4 Menu

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Access to sub-menu where it is possible to change the LANGUAGE

Access to MEASUREMENT DEVICES MAP page where it is possible to insert

additional devices (See chapter 2)

Access to I/O LINES MAP page that provides a rapid overview of all the

I/O signals associated with the connected devices (See paragraph

2.7).

Access to LIST OF SERIAL PROTOCOLS page that lists all the standard pro-

tocols handled by Merlin and enables the user to create customised

protocols (See chapter 7).

Access to MAIN SETUP page (See chapter 6).

Access to TRACING DATA (See chapter 8).

Access to software function which enables the BACKUP RESTORE of the

application (See Chapter 10).

Display the MERLIN VERSION, ALLOCATED MEMORY and FREE SPACE REMAINING

ON DISC.

1.4.1 Settings menu

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Exit from the measuring software.

Access to PART PROGRAM LIST (See paragraph 3.2).

Access to MASTER SET LIST (See paragraph 3.1).

1.4.1 Programming menu

NOTE: Available languages: English, Italian, German, French, Japane-

se, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch, Swedish, Polish, Hungarian,

Romanian, Czech, Korean and Turkish.

For Chinese, Korean and Japanese languages an appropriate operating

system is required.

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The operator can enter data by using the virtual keyboards that vary in their format

depending on the language and type of data to be entered or modified.

Alphanumerical E

NTER icon to confirm the data that have been entered.

1.5 The virtual keyboards

NOTE: It is also possible to connect a USB keyboard to Merlin, or a

laser scanner (for reading barcodes or datamatrix) if it is configured in

wedge emulation.

Oriental keyboards available:

Chinese

830MEFBC00

Japanese

830MECBC00

Korean

830MEEBC00

Merlin Si Si Si

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When the operator selects the language from the general Menu, the software opens the

corresponding keyboard and handles all the communications with the IME and selects

the appropriate O.S. settings for the specific input language.

In the case of Japanese, it is possible to select between 3 different keyboard types:

Hiragana, Katakana, Romanji, in additional to the traditional versions. When the operator

taps a button, the corresponding character is displayed in the text box at the top of the

page.

The EXIT key is replaced with a character selector key and the Enter key is replaced

by the OK button, which is used to confirm the character selected from the list.

Once the operator has finished entering the string, the standard buttons reappear

and it is possible to confirm the input by tapping the E

NTER button.

1.5.1 Using the Japanese keyboard (Hiragana or Katakana)

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To enter text in Chinese, select the last keyboard on the list, type the desired

characters and tap Space/Ok to display the list of candidates. The green arrows

located next to the text box, can be used to scroll left and/or right through the list.

Once the desired letter has been entered, tap ‘Space/Ok’ to confirm the selection,

tap again to close the IME and return to the standard keyboard. Tap the Enter button

to confirm the data and return to the initial form.

1.5.2 Using the Chinese keyboard (Pinyin)

NOTE: It is also possible to connect a USB keyboard to Merlin Plus, or

a laser scanner (for reading barcodes or datamatrix) if it is configured in

wedge emulation (for example Honeywell 6300 Series DPM).

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2 INITIAL SETTINGS

When a new and unprogrammed Merlin is switched on, the MEASUREMENT DEVICES MAP

page is displayed, initially empty.

To carry out the initial set-up, proceed as follows; note that it is not necessary to

connect any of the devices at this stage.

• Select N

ON P&P DEVICE from the command bar

• The Device

SETTINGS WINDOW appears, select the type of device connected to

Merlin by tapping the D

EVICE TYPE FIELD repeatedly (See paragraph 2.2).

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• Enter a name in order to identify the device in the DEVICE NAME FIELD.

• Tap Ok to save the data; if the device has not connected yet, the message “E

R-

ROR OPENING DRIVER” is displayed.

As new devices are entered the M

EASUREMENT DEVICES MAP begins to fill up, displaying

a line for every input available on each device.

NOTE: if more than one device of the same type is connected make a

note of the order in which they were connected; this is because, if it is

necessary to disconnect them they must be reconnected in the same

order otherwise Merlin will fail to recognize them.

Key: Each transducer is identified by a three figure value, for example,

T213. The first figure identifies the device, the second the channel and the

third the instance. Hence, the transducer identified as T213 corresponds

to the third instance of the first transducer on the second device.

NOTE: If a DigiCrown network with more than 9 transducers, it may be

necessary to use 4 figures to identify the transducers (e.g. T1121). In this

case, the middle two figures indicate that it is the twelfth transducer on

the network.

NOTE: If it is necessary to modify a device type that has already been

configured, the system checks that the new type has the same number

of inputs, and hence that it is compatible with the previous type. This is

especially useful when replacing a faulty device.

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Defining multiple instances for the same transducer (by the GENERAL SETUP menu,

see para. 6.1) makes it possible to use different transducers in the measurement

formulas, provided the same device and input are used. In fact, the transducers

connected to a given device may have different operating ranges, sensitivity etc.

The different instances are identified by the third figure in the T

RANSDUCER NAME field,

(e.g. T121 and T122 are two instances of the second channel on the first device).

If the M

ULTIPLE TRANSDUCER INSTANCE option is activated in the set-up, the Device map

displays an additional 3 columns that represent all different configurable istances

for transducers, to every istance, it is possible to assign during the configuration, a

customized name (for example the fixture name where the sensors are installed) in

this way the list can appear easy to read.

2.1 Multiple transducer instance

The commands DELETE device and TRANSDUCERS VIEW, available when a transducer

column is selected, can delete or add or modify an istance.

It is possible to leave the cells empty, if the channel is not used by an istance, it is

possible to manage up to 4 istances for every transducer.

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The following is a list of devices that can be connected to Merlin.

Whatever type of device is selected, it is necessary to enter a customized name in

the related field

• M1 Wave: Marposs Bluetooth

®

buffers with electrical capsules (see par. 2.3.1)

• I-Wave: Marposs Bluetooth

®

buffers with mechanical capsules (see par. 2.3.1)

• MultiWave: Marposs multisection buffers with Bluetooth

®

interface. Manages up to

7 measurement channels, excluding the optional heat sensor (i.e. a maximum of 6

channels if the system is also fitted with the heat sensor) (see par. 2.3.1)

• Easy Box U1AIR: 1 pneumatic input

• Easy Box U3AIR: 3 pneumatic inputs

• Easy Box U4AIR: 4 pneumatic inputs

• Easy Box U4H: for Marposs standard half-bridge/HBT transducers (see par. 2.3.5)

• Easy Box U4D: Mitutoyo Digimatic compatible

• Easy Box U4T: half-bridge/HBT compatible with Tesa amplifiers

• Easy Box U4F: for Marposs standard full-bridge/LVDT transducers

• Easy Box U8IO: 8 digital Input/Output lines

• Easy Box U4P: push button for remote control and data acquisition (see par. 2.3.2)

• Easy Box U4M: “MG” 4 HBT transducers interface

• Easy Box U4TP_E: for type-E thermocouples

• Easy Box U4TP_J: for type-J thermocouples

• Easy Box U4TP_K: for type-K thermocouples

• Easy Box U4TE: for “Trac” tranducers

• Easy Box U4E: 3 inputs for incremental transducers (see par. 2.3.3)

• Easy Box U4F-HR: for Marposs standard full-bridge/LVDT transducers with

sub-micron resolution

• Easy Box U4S: 4 serial devices (see par. 2.3.4)

• Digi Crown: Marposs digital network for various devices (see par. 2.3.6)

• Serial gauge: devices equipped with RS232 interface (see par. 2.3.7)

• Vectrix DR-200R: wireless system to connect various devices (see par. 2.3.8)

2.2 Basic devices

NOTE: If it is necessary to connect more than 5 Easy Boxes to the Merlin,

use a HUB USB with its own power supply (7 USB ports: D-Link DUB

H7, 4 USB ports: LINDY Smart Hub Pro powered - code 4701300468).

As reported in the operating limits table (paragraph 1.1) the limit of

connectable sensors is 16 and then is possible connect up to 4 devices

which can manage 4 sensors, (i.e. EasyBox U4F, U4Air...), 5 devices which

can manages 3 sensors (i.e. EasyBox U3Air or U4E) up to 8 devices which

can manage one sensor (EasyBox U1Air, iWave, M1Wave...); it is possible

to connect up to 7 channels Bluetooth

®

working simultaneously.

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On some devices it is necessary to set up additional configuration parameters, as

well as the name.

Box fitted with 4 push-buttons, used for remote control and data acquisition. Each

input may be defined as N

ORMAL or COMMUTATIVE, these two modes differ as follows:

• N

ORMAL: this button is activated by pressing it, and deactivated releasing it.

• C

OMMUTATIVE: the button remains active even after it is released and must be

pressed again in order to deactivate it.

Easy Box with 3 inputs for incremental or absolute type, rotary or linear encoders,

with analogue or digital interfaces.

• E

XTERNAL POWER SUPPLY: The U4E requires its external power supply unit when

the current consumption of the connected encoders is over 200 mA.

The Easy Box U4S is recognized automatically by the system, so that no set-up is

required. The programming of these inputs is handled within the parameters of the

S

ERIAL GAUGE.

2.3 Devices with additional parameters

2.3.2 Easy Box U4P

2.3.3 Easy Box U4E

2.3.4 Easy Box U4S

2.3.1 M1Wave, I-Wave e MultiWave

NOTE: Only one Easy Box U4S may be connected to Merlin.

NOTE: The maximum number of Bluetooth® devices that may be con-

nected to Merlin is 16, and up to 7 of these may be accessed simulta-

neously.

Tap BINDING to execute interfacing/pairing with a M1 Wave, I-Wave

or MultiWave plug

Configurable parameters:

• A

CQUISITION SPEED: data acquisition speed (Options: SLOW 10 sample/second,

F

AST 40 sample/s, MEDIUM 20 sample/s, default: MEDIUM).

• B

ATTERY TYPE: select the battery type of the Wave plug (Options: ALKALINE, NI-

M

H, LI-ION, default: ALKALINE).

• B

ATTERY WARNING LEVEL: the system provides the battery level indication

(Options: 05%, 10%, 25%, 40%, 60%, 85%, default: 25%).

• T

URN OFF TIME (SEC): the plug switches itself off if it is inactive for a given period

(default: 1200 sec, minimum = 30, maximum 28800 = 8 hours)

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2.3.5 Easy Box U4H

NOTE:

after the selection of the sensor type, the system automatically

propose the R

ESOLUTION and RESPONSE values. Tapping the MODE field is

possible to select the required compromise. Through that device, it isn’t

allow to manage the complete range in some pencil probe models.

2.3.6 Digi Crown

Up to one Digi Crown digital network (31 modules) can be connected to the RS232-

COM port and managed by Merlin. The following Digi Crown boxes are compatible:

Digicrown 232, Digicrown PSU, Digicrown BOX (single channel only), Digicrown I/O

(Sink, Source and Only Input versions), Digicrown PBB (push button for “Only Input”

I/O module)

Tap ADD to execute the Digi Crown digital network automatic recogni-

tion (only modules with firmware V1.3 or greater are permitted).

Configurable parameters:

• N

ET BAUDRATE: network data transmission speed expressed in baud/s (options:

9600, 208.3k; default: 208.3k).

• B

AUDRATE: Digi Crown modules communication speed in baud/s (options:

4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, default: 115200).

NOTE: The Merlin with a DigiCrown digital network cannot accept a Red

Crown pencil probe connected to any box of this network.

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2.3.7 Serial gauge

2.3.8 Vectrix DR-200R

In order to connect them, serial type devices require a physical port (RS232 or USB)

and a communication protocol.

Configurable parameters:

• D

EVICE NAME: to enter the unit name using the keyboard.

• P

ROTOCOL NAME: STANDARD or PERSONAL protocol type in use (See chapter 7).

• M

ANUFACTURER: manufacturer’s name of the serial gauge.

• S

ERIAL PORT: comunication serial port (options: COM1, INPUT 1/2/3/4 – U4S).

The Vectrix telemeasure units are used to send wirelessly the measure from a

transmitter (connected to a gauge) to a receiver. The Vectrix receiver operates con-

nected to the COM port of the Merlin only (no EasyBox U4S).

Tap on BINDING to interface a Vectrix transmitter. Afterwards tap the

“data” button on the transmitter itself, in order to establish a commu-

nication between the transmitter and the receiver.

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Once at least one device has been added to the MEASUREMENT DEVICES MAP page, it

is possible to select the commands that are used to set the parameters for each

transducer.

Tap on TRANSDUCERS SETTINGS to edit the transducer parameters. The

following parameters are always present, for all device types.

2.4 Transducer settings

• TRANSDUCER: transducer name (max. 5 characters editable using the keybo-

ard). The transducer default name consists of three figures, representing the

device number (as indicated on the M

EASURE DEVICE MAP), the channel number

and the instance number. For example: T231 indicates the first instance of the

second device on the third channel.

• S

ERIAL NUMBER: it can be edited using the keyboard.

• D

ESCRIPTION: it can be edited using the keyboard.

• G

AGE: the gage name can be edited using the keyboard, only in multi-instance.

• M

EASURE UNIT: the available measurement units depend on the device type.

• P

RECISION: number decimal places displayed (options: x1, x0.1, x0.01, x0.001,

x0.0001, x0.00001)

• O

VR ±: transducer over-range settings.

• C

ORRECTION: sensitivity correction; if non-standard transducers are in use, the

different behaviour can be compensated with this multiplication factor.

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There are two tabs available for this device, the second depends on the type of

encoder selected in the I

NTERFACE TYPE field.

2.4.1 Parameters for Easy Box U4E

• SIGN INVERSION: transducer signal sign inversion option and behaviour.

TRANSDUCER TYPE

MEASUREMENT VALUE

WHEN SENSOR IS PUSHED

SIGN

INVERSION

PENCIL PROBE LVDT-HBT DECREASING YES

WIRELESS BORE GAUGE M1WAVE-MINIWAVE (LVDT)

D

ECREASING NO

WIRELESS BORE GAUGE M1WAVE-MINIWAVE (HBT) INCREASING NO

PNEUMATIC (USED WITH U1AIR, U3AIR, U4AIR DECREASING YES

• RANGE: transducer measurement field (expressed in μm)

• A

RM RATIO: to set the arm ratio

• R

ESOLUTION: real measurement accuracy

• O

FFSET: additional constant applied to the value measured by the transducer

Tap on NEXT INPUT to setup the transducer related to the next input.

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GENERAL PARAMETERS TAB

• R

ANGE±: measurement range of the encoder or line.

• T

YPE OF INTERFACE: DIGITAL / COUNTER/ ANALOGUE

• TYPE OF SENSOR :

• L

INEAR:

to be used for linear positioning transducers (optical scales typically).

• ROTARY:

to be used for angular positioning transducers (rotary encoders

typically), when an information is required about both the number of

revolutions made and the position within the lap.

• PERIODICAL:

to be used for angular positioning transducers (rotary encoders

typically), when an information is required only about the position within the

lap, but not about the number of revolutions made (for example in

applications concerning spindles).

• STEP: It defines the variation (in the measuring unit mentioned above) against a

S

TEP of the sensor. For example:

- if a scale with 20 μm step is used, 20 has to be programmed

- if an encoder featuring 7200 step/rev is used, 0.05 has to be programmed

(360°/7200=0,05 °/step)

• M

AX. FREQUENCY: defines the maximum frequency of the signal generated by

the sensor (expressed as P

ULSES-STEPS per second), if the frequency exceeds

this value an error signal is generated and the counter is decalibrated. The ma-

ximum value depends on the T

YPE OF INTERFACE:

- D

IGITAL AND COUNTER: 2500 Ksteps per second

- A

NALOGUE: 250 Ksteps per second

• R

EAL FREQUENCY: in this column the control frequency is displayed, which the

hardware is able to deploy against the programmed value of the parameter M

AX

F

REQUENCY.

• T

YPE OF CALIBRATION:

• O

N CURRENT POS.: the transducer value becomes the value programmed in

the parameter Marker Position when the zeroing command is received.

• N

ONE: No calibration is foreseen.

• T

EST ON MARKER: It enables the input of the reference signal I or M (and the

related connection checks)

ANALOGUE TAB

• A

MPLITUDE TOLERANCE (%): It defines the maximum percentage variation al-

lowed for the amplitude of the resulting of the signals A and B, i.e. (A

2

+ B

2

)

1/2

• AMPL. CHECK ENABLE: It enables the control described in the previous point

• O

FFSET A: Offset value of the channel A, normally calculated by the specific

calibration utility

• O

FFSET B: Offset value of the channel B, normally calculated by the specific

calibration utility

• A

MPLITUDE A: Amplitude of the signal of channel A, normally calculated by the

specific calibration utility

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marposs Merlin Software Manual

marposs Merlin Software Manual

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