6000 Series Recorder FAQ

Archiving and uhh files

Q. How much data can be archived to removable media?

A. This depends on the size of removable media and the archive rate of the data. Table 1 below gives typical examples:

Q. How much history can be stored in the internal memory of the product?

A. This depends on the size of Flash installed and available for history, either 32MB or 96MB and the archive rate of the data. Table 1 below gives typical examples.

Q. What is a UHH file?

A. UHH stands for Eurotherm Hydra History and is a secure file format used by Eurotherm in many of its products including 6000. It is a binary encrypted format into which the 6000 stores its data which can then be exported and viewed using Review or QuickChart. This format is consistent with many past Eurotherm Products and there is no anticipation of a change in the foreseeable future giving a solid historical capability.

Q. How can I edit a UHH file?

A. You cant! The whole purpose of the UHH file is a secure means of exporting data out of the recording instrument. The ONLY change possible is, when in Review or QuickChart software where it is possible to add a note. Once added it is NOT possible to delete or edit that note.

Q. What is the relationship between Input Sampling, Display update rate (Trend interval), Recording interval, and Archive Interval?

A. There is no relationship. Input sampling is 8hz (Fixed) while the display rate is maximum 8Hz for trending and 1Hz for numerical data. The archive interval is configurable between Hourly and Monthly or Automatic, which selects the best option depending on the current operating conditions, e.g. for a media card with 32Mb as opposed for one with 1Gb.

Q. Where can I find the history (UHH) files?

A. History files are stored in the internal Flash memory, and depending on configuration, on local media (either Secure digital, compact flash card or USB device). As well as the above, the 6000 series can be configured to send the history files, at intervals, via FTP to an FTP Server located on a suitable PC.

In a similar manner a PC with relevant software such as Eurotherm Review can get the files over Ethernet, as an FTP transfer and back them up to a suitable folder on that PC, or another on the network. It is possible to find the History files on the local Media via the 6000 series. Or from within the PC designated as file storage, using standard PC browser utility (E.G. Explorer on Microsoft operating systems).

Q. Do I need to dedicate a user for remote access to archive on the 6000 series?

A. No Each User can have a Remote access password to enable them to access archive data. Individual users can be allocated their own access permissions.

Q. Can the archiving strategy be set to archive to both local media and FTP Servers?

A. Yes, independent strategies can be set to archive to either local media or FTP servers or both. This can be further customised by selecting individual strategies within the Group configuration pages.

Q. How can I set up a reliable archive and transfer system?

A. Using Eurotherm Review software it is possible to create a reliable automatic archive and transfer system, either pushing the data from the 6000 series or pulling it from the P.C.. Recommendation is that users procedures are in place to ensure that any P.C. gathering data is backed up on a regular basis and that data is physically reviewed at a frequency that ensures that data is not lost from the internal flash memory in case of network issues.

Q. If the archiving strategy is set to both FTP and local media does the local media continue to archive when the FTP transfer fails?

A. The archiving strategies operate independently from each other. If one strategy were to fail for some reason the other one would continue to function correctly.

Q. When archiving using the FTP, does the recorder send data to both servers each time or only to the primary server if this one is available, using the second server only if the first server is not available?

A. The unit will always archive to primary FTP server unless there is a problem at which point it will switch to the secondary server. It does not archive to both servers simultaneously.

Q. Can an event button be used to start/stop recording?

A. Yes, an event button can be used as a source to an event, which in turn can be used to trigger a job, which could start or stop the recording.

Q Can the 6000 series be made Double safe by collecting data in the internal memory and removable media at the same time?

A. Yes, by turning off some of the means of maintaining data!!! Data is stored on internal flash memory, can be archived to local media, can be FTP transferred to a server, can be collected by multiple FTP clients, and by review software on one or many P.C.s all at the same time making it more than double safe

Auditor

Q. If I use password expiry, do I need to change the password for remote access to 6000?

A. Yes. In order for Bridge to log on to a 6000 series a standard username is required. It then requires that the user logs on as a standard user with password to make any changes exactly as per the front screen. To log on from Review also requires the password.

Q. Where is the Audit trail or CFR 21 part 11 audit information recorded?

A. The Audit Trail and CFR 21 part 11 audit information on the 6000 (and 5000) is embedded in the UHH history files, with the process metadata. This means that there is NO requirement to keep a pair of files together, 1 history, 1 audit as is common in other Graphic recorders on the market.

Bridge

Q. Why does Bridge only support 6000 series and 5000s of V1.8 or later?

A. A decision was taken not to test software with Bridge previous to version 1.8 as it was felt that anyone with software prior to that should upgrade as a matter of course, because there have been significant software improvements.

Q. Can I use an older version of Bridge with a newer version of Product.

A. No, Bridge has to be greater than or equal to the product software in order to operate. This is because features in newer versions are not known to older versions of Bridge. As newer versions are released, Bridge software is updated to include these new features.

Q. What is the difference between Bridge and a web server?

A. Bridge requires that software is loaded onto the host P.C. in order to simulate the front end or HMI of the instrument whereas a Web Server uses HTML to create a basic view of the parameters within the instrument. It requires no software on the host P.C. but only provides a simple view of the instrument, as opposed to the real time view of data and full access to configuration with the same security access as the 6000 series with Full Bridge.

Q. How can I upgrade Bridge?

A. You can download Bridge from the 6000 Series download page. Note that this new version of Bridge is backward-compatible with 5000 series recorders with firmware version 1.8.1 and above.

Q. What colour theme does Bridge use?

A. Initially it will use the default colours of the 6000 series. However subsequent Bridge sessions will use the last colours set during a Full bridge session on that P.C. If a P.C. has multiple bridge sessions to multiple instruments different colour themes can be set during full Bridge connection. However, after they have been shut down the next bridge session will use the colour theme of the last session changed.

Communications

Q. What Protocols are supported?

A. The 2 (optional) Serial ports are either EIA232 or EIA485 (Software selectable) and accept ASCII (typically from a bar code reader); can provide ASCII for a serial printer, or will use Modbus RTU, master or slave.

The 10/100baseT Ethernet port supports Modbus TCP, FTP Client and Server, SNTP, DNS, SMTP (email), ICMP (An extension to IP that supports error, control and information messages. Ping for example)

Q. Can I use Master comms over Ethernet and the Serial port simultaneously?

A. Yes, in fact the 6000 series can simultaneously support the Ethernet and 2 serial ports.

Q. How many master communications channels can I have?

A. As standard you can use the 48 (18 on 6100) input channels as comms channels as long as they are not being used for physical inputs. Additionally a total of 128 virtual (maths) channels can be ordered where all can be used for communications if used for no other function

Configuration

Q. Can I Configure different logging intervals for different traces?

A. Logging interval is defined on a per group basis therefore if you wish to log values at different intervals they must be placed in different groups.

Q. Can 5000 series configurations be loaded into 6000 series?

A. Yes, using 6000 series configuration tools or directly onto the 6000 series. 6000 applications can also be loaded into a 5000 as long as it supports the features configured.

Q. My 5000 series configuration application had a Dark Trend display on the history but loaded on a 6000 series it does not. Why?

A. The way that colours are handled has been improved between products. The 5000 series had a simple check box for dark history background, but this has been superseded by the colour themes customisation in the 6000 series. This unfortunately means that the dark trend for history display in the 5000 series will not automatically transfer into a 6000 series, however once the application has been transferred into a 6000 series it only requires a simple change to the History background in System > customise to rectify, and save for future 6000 installations.

Q. Can 6100 configurations be loaded onto a 6180?

A. Yes, and Vice Versa using the configuration tools or via removable media.

Q. When I switch the product on for the first time, how do I set the local language and date/time?

A. Log in as Engineer (password 100) go to Operator > System > Clock / Locale (Clock for Date and time setting or Locale for language setting) Note that in Locale it is also possible to set local Daylight savings times as required.

Q. How Many Groups are available?

A. 6 are standard. An additional 6 are optional. (for twelve in total)

Q. How many Traces can be configured in a Group?

A. 36, it is possible to include many more channels in a group but only 36 traces are shown on the trend, as more would overcrowd a chart.

Q. Can the name of the group be user defined?

A. Yes. Up to 20 characters.

Q. What is an Event?

A. An event is a parameter that monitors and reacts to items such as batch start, or a new alarm. This can then trigger a job. There are up to 96 events.

Q. What is a job?

A. A job is actioned by an alarm or Event. It triggers a required response such as drive a relay, start a report, increment a counter, etc Each event or alarm has up to 4 jobs available.

Error Messages

Q. Why does the unit display maths Channel error ?

A. This means that for some reason a maths channel is unable to calculate its resultant correctly. A typical reason for this may be the bad status of an input to this maths channel; such as the previously calculated value used in this maths block is out of range, or perhaps an input value is open circuit.

Inputs

Q. What Wireless input sensor options do we provide for?

A. None at present however these options are currently being explored for future phase release if possible.

Q. What is the sample (scan) rate of the input boards?

A. All inputs are scanned at 8Hz (125ms) it DOES NOT slow its scan rate as numbers of inputs increase as is common in the market place.

Network Issues

Q. What is DHCP and how does it vary to BootP?

A. BootP initialises and automatically assigns the IP address of the instrument on Power up. The BootP server must have knowledge of the MAC address of the instrument. Whereas DHCP can be set to reinitialise or lease the address, subnet mask, DNS name, and other parameters, dynamically or at certain periods (24Hrs for example). DHCP does not necessarily have to have prior knowledge of the instrument. Depending on the setup of DHCP the instrument may not be guaranteed the same IP address every time. DHCP can reduce the overhead of maintaining a network of instruments. The selection of Specified, BootP or DHCP IP addressing is really dependant on local IT requirements.

Q. When using DHCP my IP address keeps changing, why? And how can I work with this, as I keep having to change my Bridge details?

A. With DHCP the IP address may vary as it is only leased from the DHCP server. To get around this, a DNS server (Domain Name Server) can be configured to use a name for the instrument; TR101.eurotherm.co.uk for example. The DNS server ensures that this name is always pointed at the instrument regardless of the assigned IP address. Bridge and Review can be set up to look for the domain name instead of the IP address so the connection details remain the same.

Q. Why am I unable to connect to my 6000 Series product using Bridge?

A. First check that you have a valid network connection (C:\Ping <IP address> is a useful command line tool to check the physical connection) and have set the IP address of the PC in the same domain as the 6000. After that the most likely cause of this problem is that your version of Bridge is older than the software version of the 6000.

A. Check the version of Bridge if it is older than the product you will need to download the latest version from the Extranet at Software Downloads > 5000 series on release of the 6000 series there will be a new link Software downloads > 6000 series. Bridge will also be available on http://my.eurotherm.com/ a new Eurotherm site (requires registration for use)

Q. How do I get an IP address?

A. Network IP addressing is generally controlled by a network administrator or IT department. You will need to discuss with them as to which means of gathering an address (DHCP, BootP, or Specified) is best for you or if Specified, what address you can use. Note that specified may also be called Fixed or Static

Q. I have connected my laptop peer to peer with the 6000 but I cannot communicate. Why?

A. There are several possible reasons why. One may be that you must use either a cross over cable or have a hub between them; a second may be that the IP addressing of the 6000 and your computer may be on different networks and therefore cannot talk. Commonly (with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0) the first 3 sets are the network e.g. 192.161.111 and the last e.g. 222 is the node so if the 6000 series had a fixed address of 192.161.111.222 then the laptop would need an address of 192.161.111.xxx (xxx = any number up to 255 except 0 and 255 which are reserved and the 6000 series address of 222 as in this example.) C:\Ping <IP address> is a useful command line tool to check the physical connection from a command line on the laptop or Ping from the Ethernet Diagnostics on the 6000 series.

Q. On my network if I make changes to the physical layout (e.g. swap two cables connections around) the network takes a long time to recover. Why?

A. When using a fast Ethernet switch rather than a hub. The switch allocates its ports to the IP and MAC address of the instrument connected there. If for any reason the connections are moved then the switch is not aware and therefore cannot send message traffic to the correct device. For Example if originally instrument 1 is connected to port 1 and instrument 2 is connected to port 2 and the ports are swapped (1 to 2 and 2 to 1) then any incoming message traffic for instrument 1 will be directed to port 1 which is now not where the instrument is. This situation can only be rectified when the instrument attempts a ping or FTP transfer, or makes an SNTP request. This then identifies itself to the switch and it becomes aware of which instrument is connected to that port, and modifies its switch configuration. Note that, both instruments would have to identify themselves to the switch to fully restore this system. This is no different to the 5000 series in this respect, and is a function of how fast Ethernet switches work.

Battery/Clock

Q. What type of back up battery is used?

A. The back up battery is a Poly Carbonmonofluoride/lithium (BR2330) part number PA261095.

Q. What is the life expectancy of the battery?

A. 3 years powered, 1 year un-powered.

Q. What will happen if the battery fails?

A. The clock and volatile data, such as, Totalisers, Timers, Counters, Batch data, Fvalue, Rolling averages, and Stop watches etc. will default on power cycle. It will have NO effect on the history on the recorder.

Q. How do I replace the battery?

A. Replacing the battery involves powering down the unit and access to the top of the unit. Please refer to manual for further instructions.

Physical

Q. What is the NEMA or IP rating of the 6000 series?

A. The 6180A and 6100A are rated at IP 66 and NEMA 4. This ensures that the front panels are fully protected against the ingress of dustand high pressure water jets from any direction. This rating applies only when the unit is panel mounted.

Q. What is the panel cut out size for the 6000 series?

A. 6100A = 138 mm x 138 mm +1/-0 mm (138 mm = 5.44)
6180A = 281 mm x 281 mm +1/-0 mm (281 mm = 11.07)

Q. What is the overall panel depth of the instrument?

A. 6100A = 246.5 mm including Terminal cover
6180A = 260.9 mm including terminal cover

Q. Do certain environments affect the reliability of the 6000?

A. Unfortunately Yes! Almost ALL products (From any manufacturer) will be affected by certain environments. Sulphurous or acidic environments, airborne conductive contamination and excess temperatures, may have a detrimental effect on the 6000 series.

Removable Media

Q. What types of removable media can be used?

A. 6000 inherently supports Compact Flash, Secure Digital and USB memory sticks.

Q. Which is better Compact Flash (CF) or Secure digital (SD) cards?

A. SD cards are more commercial and are usually in plastic cases, whereas CF cards are mainly in metal cases. This therefore gives the CF card better noise immunity and makes them more robust in general because of the physical package.

Q. Can I use any USB memory stick?

A. In theory yes. Any Stick supporting USB 1.1 However Eurotherm have tested 6000 series using Sandisk products, as they are a reliable major supplier. Others, which may not be as robust to EMC problems, are used at the end users risk. USB 2.0 devices are generally backwards compatible to USB 1.1 which the 6000 series supports.

Q. Can I use media from the local store?

A. In theory yes. However as the 6000 series cannot be tested on that particular media as there are many different ones, so use is at the end users own risk. Please be aware that, as described below, commercially available media specifications may change without notice and this could cause issues.

Q. Does the 6000 Series support PCMCIA cards?

A. Not strictly, but by using a PCMCIA USB peripheral or PCMCIA to Compact flash converter if available, this may be possible at the end users risk.

Q. Does the 6000 Series support Floppy Disk Drive?

A. Yes but only by using a Floppy Disk Drive USB peripheral. Eurotherm recommends the use of Secure digital (SD) or Compact Flash (CF) cards as a method of local archiving on the 6000 series, as they are much more suited to our industrial markets.

Q. What is the difference between Commercial and Industrial grade Cards?

A. Industrial grade cards are manufactured to a specification and the manufacturer has a duty to stick to that specification and to notify users if there are any changes to it. Commercial manufacturers have no such duty and, as such, can change the specification of their product (or re-badged product) un-announced This could in effect mean that if one is purchased and works, the next one purchased may not.

Review

Q. How can I upgrade Review?

A. Currently the latest versions of Review as well as Bridge software and product firmware can be found on the Extranet at Software Downloads > 5000 series on release of the 6000 series there will be a new link Software downloads > 6000 series. Review will also be available on http://my.eurotherm.com/ a new Eurotherm site (requires registration for use)

Q. If I upgrade Review what happens to my old Review.erv database?

A. During installation the option to use the old database is offered. However, older databases (pre V3.4) can only grow to 1Gb and offer no automatic archiving capabilities Selecting a new database generates a database that is capable of storing 2Gb of data and has auto archiving capability within Review.

Q. What happens if my review database is full?

A. With Review databases since V3.4 it is possible to auto archive older data as required, to maintain a database of a suitable size for efficient use. Remember that this data would have been backed up into the master archive folder when originally archived.

Q. Can I use an older version of Review with a newer version of Product.

A. No, Review is released with the product. This is because the newer product features are not known to Review. As newer versions are released, Review is updated to include new features.

Q. Can I run Review as a service?

A. Yes.

Q. What is the master archive folder?

A. The master archive folder is the path to where subfolders for each instrument archive will be created for the backed up UHH files. The default is C:\Program Files\Eurotherm\Review

Review QuickChart

Q. Why should I use QuickChart instead of Review?

A. Simplicity. QuickChart offers a quick means of opening a chart and does not require transfer of files into a database. This also means that a QuickChart is easy to email, as only a single file is required.
If data is needed that is over several days and history files then it would be necessary to use Review, transfer the data into the Review database and open a chart from there.

Upgrades

Q. Can I upgrade firmware through USB memory stick?

A. Yes firmware can be upgraded from any removable media or over the network via FTP transfer, Client or Server.

Q. I need to add an extra Input Card, what do I need to do?

A. Adder kits are available. Please contact your local representative for ordering information.

Q. How do I change my software options?

A. Software option upgrades can be performed by changing a keycode in the recorder. This Key code can be obtained by contacting Eurotherm ltd Sales or Technical support.

Q. What information do I need to supply in order to get a new software key?

A. You need to supply your local representative with the instrument number, the current keycode and details of the new options required.

Q. What if I do not know what options I need?

A. 6000 has a unique feature called Trial Mode This allows a user to try any software feature for a maximum of 30 days elapsed time without the need for a purchase. At any time during that period, or indeed at any time, even after trial mode has elapsed, a keycode can be ordered to upgrade to the features required.

Q. Can 5000 series configurations be loaded into 6000 series?

A. Yes, using 6000 series configuration tools or directly onto the 6000 series. 6000 applications can also be loaded into a 5000 as long as it supports the features configured.

Q. Can 6100 configurations be loaded onto a 6180?

A. Yes, and Vice Versa using the configuration tools or via removable media.

General

Q. What is Trial mode or Try before you buy

A. 6000 has a unique feature called Trial Mode. This allows a user to try any software feature for a maximum of 30 days elapsed time without the need for a purchase. At any time during that period a keycode can be ordered for the features required.

Q. Why is there a long start up time?

A. There isnt! The 6000 series starts logging as soon as the splash screen appears (typically <20 seconds) and the instrument is fully booted and displaying in typically <60 seconds.

Q. Why do you claim the 6000 is more robust?

A. A great deal of R & D effort has been invested in developing a more secure filing system, rather than a commercially available one. Greater use of drive partitioning has been made to reduce the risk of corrupting any other files or data. This has been further improved by physically locating the BootROM (BIOS) on a separate chip. Also Secure Digital or Compact Flash cards are offered in place of a Floppy disk drive offering archiving to a media with no moving parts, which reduces the likelihood of physical failure.

Q. Can I use 5000 input boards in the 6000?

A. No 5000 series input boards have a range of 2 to 10Vdc, 6000 series boards have been developed for a range of +/- 20Vdc.

Q. Can I use 5000 option boards in the 6000?

A. The event board and Relay board are consistent and can be used in either the 5000 or 6000 product.

Q. Can I use 5000 serial option board in 6000?

A. No. The Serial board has been developed for the 6000 series in order to utilise 2 D type connectors as opposed to screw terminals on the 5000 boards.

Q. Is it IP65?

A. Yes

Q. What is IP65?

A. An IP Rating schedules protection against varying materials as per the table below. IP65 is totally protected against dust and is protected against low pressure jets of water from all direction - limited ingress permitted

Q. Is it NEMA 4?

A. Strictly speaking the 6000 series has not been tested to NEMA 4, however as NEMA 4 is roughly equivalent to IP65, then as the 6000 series is IP65, then it should meet the requirements of NEMA 4.

Q. What is NEMA 4

A. NEMA 4 - Is intended for indoor or outdoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water. Units are also to be undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. It is not intended to provide protection against conditions such as internal condensation or internal icing.

Q. Is there a 6000B and 6100e?

A. No there is not currently planned to be a 6000B or 6100e

Q. What approvals does it have?

A. CE, cUL (more pending, such as GOST, Seismic and SIL)

Q. Where can I find the manuals?

A. They are supplied on the CD provided with the 6000 series. When installed they can be found on your PC via Start > All Programs > Eurotherm > Manuals. You can also download the manuals here.

Q. What is the power up time?

A. This depends on the strategy implemented but typically it is <60 Seconds

Q. Does the 6000 series support analog outputs?

A. Not at this time, however analog output support is planned for a future release.

Troubleshooting

Q. Why are the wrong keys responding to button presses?

A. It may be necessary to re-calibrate the touch-screen. To do this it will be necessary to power down the instrument. Apply power while holding a finger on the touch-screen until the unit powers up in to Diagnostics mode. Select the Touch calibration button, if the button cannot be operated because the calibration is very far out, wait approximately 5 minutes and the unit will automatically go to the screen calibration routine. Cross hairs will appear in the top-left corner. Using a suitable (blunt) pointing device, such as the stylus supplied, touch the centre of the cross hairs, repeat as requested. Once calibration has been completed the instrument will return to the diagnostic page, press Quit and confirm with Yes. The instrument will then re initialise.

Q. What could cause multiple channels failures?

A. If the channels that are failing are configured for Thermocouple input, check that the Cold Junction sensor located in the middle two terminals (11 & 12) is securely fitted.

A. In the options menu, ensure that the unit is reporting the correct number of input channels. This failure may also be associated with a message prompting an 'Auto-Configure'. Generally this means that the unit has failed to find the relevant hardware. Should the problem persist please contact our Technical Support Team for further assistance. A test for this is to power up with the touch screen pressed until diagnostics menu appears, press diagnostic summary and a display will appear which graphically displays the options on the 6000 series: Any that have an issue will appear in red.