User Guide

Form 5723
August 2001

Using
ValveLink VL2000 Series
Software with HART
FIELDVUE Instruments

D102801X012

www.Fisher.com
FIELDVUE, ValveLink, and Fisher are marks owned by Fisher Controls International, Inc., a
business of Emerson Process Management. The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of
Emerson Electric Co. HART is a mark owned by the HART Communications Foundation.
FOUNDATION fieldbus is a mark owned by the Fieldbus Foundation. All other marks are the
property of their respective owners.

 Fisher Controls International, Inc. 2001; All rights reserved.

Printed in USA

While this information is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate, Fisher Controls does not
guarantee satisfactory results from reliance upon such information. Nothing contained herein is to be
construed as a warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, regarding the performance,
merchantability, fitness or any other matter with respect to the products, nor as a recommendation to
use any product or process in conflict with any patent. Fisher Controls reserves the right, without
notice, to alter or improve the designs or specifications of the products described herein.
Comment Form
ValveLink Software User Guide

The ValveLink Software User guide is intended to provide the basic information you
need to understand ValveLink software. Detailed information about ValveLink software
is provided in ValveLink software online help.
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Calibrating, Tag Reports, Diagnostics, and _____ _____
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Find basic help for solving problems? _____ _____

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manuals, and/or ValveLink software online _____ _____
help?
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VL2000 Series
 Yes No
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Fisher Controls International, Inc.

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VL2000 Series
Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
What is ValveLink software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
About this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–4
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
How To Use This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–8

Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–1

How Do I Begin? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2

Running ValveLink Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1

Security Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
Assigning User Names and Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–8
Application Setup–Setting Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . 3–15

ValveLink Software Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–1

The Main ValveLink Software Window . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2
The Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–4
The Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–13

VL2000 Series
 ValveLink Software Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–16

Initial Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–1

Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2
Using the Performance Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4
Stabilize/Optimize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–6

Detailed Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–1

Setting Up HART Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–2

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–1
Working With Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2
Calibrating Analog Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–6
Auto Travel Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–8
Manual Travel Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–12
Travel Sensor Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–13
Pressure Sensor Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–14

Diagnostic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–1

Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2
Working with Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–6
Tests to Check and Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–8
Viewing the Alert Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–11

VL2000 Series
 Batch Runner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–1
The Batch Runner Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–2

Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–1
Creating Tag Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–2
Using the AuditLog Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–4
AuditLog Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–6
Printing the AuditLog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–11

Database Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–1

Working with the DataSync Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–2
Selecting Databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–3
Selecting Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–5
Explanation of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–7
Setting Preferences for DataSync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–13
Using DataSync with a
Serial or Parallel Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–14

Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–1

Consult Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–2
Connecting and Communicating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–5
Configuring, Calibrating, and Transferring Data . . . . 12–12
Running Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–14
Running Batches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–16

Glossary

Index

VL2000 Series
 This page intentionally left blank.

VL2000 Series
Section 1 Introduction

11

This section contains basic information about ValveLink software

concepts and definitions:

What Is ValveLink Software? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–4
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
How To Use This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–8

For more information, consult ValveLink software online help.

VL2000 Series 1–1

 What Is ValveLink Software?

The term “ValveLink software” refers to FIELDVUE ValveLink

VL2000 Series software, version 4.x and previous versions. The
term “Instrument” refers to HART FIELDVUE instruments
(DVC5000 and DVC6000 Series digital valve controllers).
ValveLink software is installed on a personal computer using a
Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000 or NT operating system.
ValveLink software does not operate with Microsoft Windows ME.
ValveLink software communicates with HART instruments over an
RS485 network using HART Modem and HART multiplexers such as
the Fisher-Rosemount Type 2530H1 HART Interchange
multiplexer.
The software can support up to 32 multiplexers per network and up
to 4 networks.

ValveLink software can:

D Communicate with HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus FIELDVUE
instruments with the same software application.
D Configure, calibrate, and perform diagnostic tests on
FIELDVUE instruments.
D Use the Performance Tuner to automatically tune process
control valves. (HART only)
D Automate repetitive actions by setting up batches. (HART only)
D Integrate into your existing host system using the software’s
Modbus capabilities (HART only).
D Scan multiple FIELDVUE instruments for alerts and log them
for ISO9000 compliance.
D View operational trends of your valve (HART only).

1–2 VL2000 Series

 Table 1-1. ValveLink software features
HART FOUNDATION fieldbus
Trending X
Performance X
Diagnostics
Query and Match X
Batch Runner X
DataSync X X
Step Response X X
Dynamic Error Band X X
ESD DVC6000 only X
Valve Signature X X
Modbus X
Low Power Warning X
Modes Control Mode X
Block Mode X
Instrument Mode X
Alert Record X
Fault State X
Relay Adjustment DVC6000 Only X
Performance Tuner X
Stabilize/Optimize DVC6000 Only X
Analog Inputs X
Store/Restore X
Field Settings
Total Scan DVC6000 X X
DVC5000f
Dynamic Scan DVC5000 Only X
Partial Stroke DVC6000 Only X
Batch Runner X
Reports X
AuditLog X
Setup Wizard x x

VL2000 Series 1–3

 About This Guide

This guide is an introduction to the basic features and functions of

ValveLink software.
Scope
This user guide gives information about:
D ValveLink software basics.

D Starting, running, and exiting ValveLink software.

D Managing tags.

D Using the ValveLink menus, toolbar, and windows.

D Calibrating an instrument.

D Setting up an instrument.

D Diagnosing an instrument and associated valve and actuator.

D ValveLink database functions and database maintenance.

D Solving problems.
See the ValveLink VL2000 Series Software Installation Guide for
instructions on how to install ValveLink software and how to connect
ValveLink software to FIELDVUE instruments.

1–4 VL2000 Series

 Organization

This guide is organized into the following sections:

D Section 1, Introduction, introduces ValveLink software and the

User Guide.

D Section 2, Quick Start, provides a walk-through of ValveLink

software’s startup process.

D Section 3, Running ValveLink Software, provides information

about setting preferences, selecting security groups, user names,
passwords, and tag groups.

D Section 4, ValveLink Software Navigation, provides information

about navigating ValveLink software and using its menus, tool bar,
windows, and online help.

D Section 5, Initial Setup, provides information about Working

with the Setup Wizard and using the Performance Tuner.

D Section 6, Detailed Setup, provides information about

accessing and modifying instrument detailed setup data available in
the ValveLink database.

D Section 7, Calibration, provides information about calibration

procedures, calibrating analog inputs, calibrating travel, and
calibrating pressure.

D Section 8, Diagnostics, provides information about the

diagnostic features of ValveLink software and gives a brief overview
of what diagnostic tools in ValveLink software do to allow you to
actively diagnose and troubleshoot instruments and control valves.

D Section 9, Batch Runner, provides information about the Batch

Runner tool and running one or more operations on one or more in-
struments with existing tags via HART modem or multiplexer.

VL2000 Series 1–5

 D Section 10, Reports, explains how to specify and print a Tag
Report and use the AuditLog Viewer.

D Section 11, Database Synchronization, provides information

about using the DataSync utility, selecting databases, selecting tags,
explanation of operations, selecting an operation, setting preferences
for the DataSync utility, and using the utility between two computers.

D Section 12, Troubleshooting, provides tips for understanding

and correcting problems while connecting and communicating with
FIELDVUE Instruments.

1–6 VL2000 Series

 How To Use This Guide

The following paragraphs provide information about using this guide

effectively, depending on your level of experience with ValveLink
software.
New ValveLink software Users
Turn first to the ValveLink VL2000 Series Software Installation Guide
for installation instructions.
After you have installed the ValveLink software, read through
Sections 1 through 4 of this user guide to familiarize yourself with
ValveLink software navigation and communication. Sections 5
through 11 give information about using ValveLink software as a tool
to work with your instruments.
Troubleshooting information for ValveLink software is contained on
page 12–2 of this guide.
All ValveLink software Users
Please take a moment to fill out the Customer Feedback Form and
return it.

VL2000 Series 1–7

 For Technical Support

If you have problems or questions that you cannot resolve while

using ValveLink software guides or online help, ValveLink software
technical assistance is available.

Service/Support Directory
To contact technical support, refer to the support package that
accompanied your ValveLink software which includes Fisher
Controls International, Inc., address, telephone and fax numbers.
Or find them online at:
www.fisher.com
and select Support.

Self Paced Training

ValveLink software self-paced training is available. For more
information contact your Fisher Controls representative and ask
about self-paced training manuals from Educational Services.
All these numbers are available online at:
www.fisher.com
and select Training.
Or call:
641-754-3771.

Software Updates
For updates refer to the Foundation support package that
accompanied your ValveLink software. If you subscribe to
Foundation Support, the latest ValveLink VL2000 Series software
updates are available online:
www.valvelink.com
and select Updates.

1–8 VL2000 Series

Section 2 Quick Start

22

This section contains quick start information for ValveLink software,

including some basic installation information. The ValveLink VL2000
Series Software Installation Guide gives more information about
installation of components. Refer to the “Running ValveLink Software”
section for more about setting up ValveLink software.

How Do I Begin? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2

VL2000 Series 2–1

 How Do I Begin?

Step 1: Attach the ValveLink HardLock

Parallel Printer ValveLink Hardlock

Port

PC

FV031–M
Figure 2-1. Attaching the ValveLink Hardlock.

Step 2: Install the ValveLink Software

Note
To install ValveLink software on a computer running
Windows NT, you must have Administrator privileges.

Start Windows. For Windows NT users, log in as

Administrator or as a user that has Administrator
privileges.

2–2 VL2000 Series

 Insert the ValveLink CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive.

Figure 2-2. Windows.Explorer

Right click the Start button and select Explore.

Double click on the CD-ROM Drive.

Double click on the file Setup.exe.

Follow the on-line installation instructions.

Note
When installation is complete, remove the ValveLink
hardlock and store it in a safe place. It provides your
backup license.

VL2000 Series 2–3

 Step 3: Attach the HART Modem to the Computer

Note
If you do not have a HART modem or FIELDVUE
instrument available, proceed to Step 5.

Attach the HART modem to the serial port (COM port)

selected during installation.

Step 4: Attach the HART modem to the FIELDVUE

instrument
Connect to PC
Serial Port

Modem

E0350 / IL
Figure 2-3. Instrument Connections.

Clip the HART modem leads to the FIELDVUE instru-

ment TALK terminals.

Apply 4–20 mA power to the FIELDVUE Instrument

LOOP + and – terminals.

2–4 VL2000 Series

 Step 5: Start ValveLink

Figure 2-4. Starting ValveLink software.

Click the Start button. From the Start menu select Pro-
grams>ValveLink>ValveLink.

Step 6: Login

Figure 2-5. Logging in as MANAGER.

Log in to ValveLink software with

User Name: MANAGER
Password: FALCON

Click OK.

VL2000 Series 2–5

 Note
For full access to ValveLink features you must create
security groups and assign new user names and
passwords. Logout as user MANAGER and login as a
new user. The importance of security groups, names
and passwords is discussed on page 3–2.

Step 7: Add a New Security Group

Figure 2-6. Create a Security Group.

From the ValveLink menu bar, select:

Customize ValveLink>Security Groups.

2–6 VL2000 Series

 Figure 2-7. Adding a New Security Group

Click the Add New Group button.

Figure 2-8. Naming the New Security Group.

Type a name for the new security group, then click the
OK button.

VL2000 Series 2–7

 Figure 2-9. Assigning Privilieges to the New Security Group

Select the privileges accessible to this group and click

OK.

2–8 VL2000 Series

 Step 8: Add a New User Account

Figure 2-10. Adding a New User.

From the menu bar, select: Customize ValveLink>Users.

Figure 2-11. Hightlight New User.

Click the Add New User button.

VL2000 Series 2–9

 Figure 2-12. Entering the New User Name and Password

Type in a user name and password. Then type the pass-

word again to verify it. Click OK.

Figure 2-13. Assigning a Security Group to the New User.

Click on the new user name to highlight it. Click the list
box arrow to the right of the Security Group box and se-
lect the desired security group. Click OK.

2–10 VL2000 Series

 Step 9: Log Out

Figure 2-14. Selecting Exit/Log Out

From the ValveLink menu bar, select:

Tag>Exit/Log Out.

Figure 2-15. Logging Out.

Click the Log Out button.

VL2000 Series 2–11

 Step 10: Log In as a New User

Figure 2-16. Logging In.

Click the ValveLink Log In button.

Figure 2-17. Logging in as New User.

Enter your user name and password. Click OK.

2–12 VL2000 Series

 Step 11: Double click on the valve symbol.

CLICK TO CLOSE WINDOW

AND EXIT VALVELINK

TITLE BAR CLICK TO MINIMIZE

MODEM SYMBOL
VALVE SYMBOL

Figure 2-18. Explorer View Showing Connected Devices.

When the ValveLink software starts up, it displays the connected

devices in the left pane of the window (Explorer View).

Double click on the valve symbol.

Note
If you do not see a valve symbol, you may not be
connected to a FIELDVUE instrument. Recheck Step 3
and Step 4, then right click on the HART modem
symbol and select Scan for New.

VL2000 Series 2–13

 Step 12: Click the Start Monitoring button to begin
monitoring instrument and valve parameters.
TITLE BAR DISPLAYS
INSTRUMENT TAG

STATUS BAR DISPLAYS

TAG INFORMATION

Figure 2-19. Start Monitoring.

2–14 VL2000 Series

Section 3 Running ValveLink Software

33

This section is an overview of one of the most significant features of

ValveLink software, which is the software’s ability to document historical
valve performance data. This process is accomplished by first creating a
database in which to store data by selecting Security Groups, User
Names, Passwords, Setting Preferences, and creating tags and tag
groups. Then as you work with ValveLink features and save the results
of your work, the ValveLink software updates and adds the information to
the database. This is not possible if default names and passwords are
used.

Security Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2

Assigning User Names and Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–8
Application Setup–Setting Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . 3–15

Consult ValveLink software online help for more detailed information

about Preferences, Security Groups, User Names, Passwords, and
Tags.

VL2000 Series 3–1

 Security Groups

Access to plant database information is generally limited to those

individuals who truly need to use or modify the information. These
individuals are known as users. A user is someone who is assigned
access to certain “privileges” or capabilities with ValveLink software.
Depending upon the privilege assigned to a security group, a user
assigned to a specific group may have privileges from the following
groups, explained in the following pages:
1. System Privileges
2. Instrument Privileges
The System privileges allow the user to:

Figure 3-1. Security Groups Window, System Privileges Setup

D Add, Delete, or Modify Database Tags—The user can add,
delete or modify the database tags.

D User and System Administration—Permits the user to define

security groups, add, delete or modify user names and passwords
and add, delete or modify tag groups and selections.

D Application Setup—The user can set numerous ValveLink

software preferences including font sizes and polling/information
collection rates.
The Instrument privileges allow the user to:
D Change the Instrument Mode—Permits user to change
Instrument Mode.

D Run Diagnostics that Move the Valve—Permits user to run

tests that poll the intrument for data while setting the valve in motion.

3–2 VL2000 Series

 Figure 3-2. Security Groups Window, Instruments Privileges Setup
D Calibrate Instruments—Permits the user to calibrate the
analog input current, travel and pressure for a digital valve controller.

D Configure Instruments—Permits the user to poll data from

the instrument download data to the instrument and to retrieve,
modify and save configuration data from the database.

D Change the Instrument’s Protection—Permits changing the

Instrument’s configuration/calibration protection parameters.

Note
For full access to ValveLink features you must
discontinue use of the default name and password.
Create security groups, and assign new user names
and passwords.

Adding a New Security Group

To add a new security group:
Step 1: Log into the Manager account by typing MANAGER in
the Logon ID field.

Step 2: Type FALCON in the password field.

VL2000 Series 3–3

 Figure 3-3. Security Groups

Step 3: Select Customize ValveLink from the menu bar.

Step 4: Select Security Groups from the Customize ValveLink

menu. Security Groups may be added, modified, or de-
leted from this window. For detailed information on add-
ing a security group, see the ValveLink online help.
The ability to setup and run alert scans or a Modbus interface does
not require any privileges.
If you have system privileges you may assign users specific kinds of
access by creating, adding, deleting, or modifying Security Groups.
A user in a Security Group may only perform those privileges that
are assigned to the group.

3–4 VL2000 Series

Modifying and Deleting Security Groups

Note
Before deleting a security group, make sure the group
does not have any user names assigned to it. If you
delete a security group to which user names are
assigned, those users will be able to access the
ValveLink program but will not be authorized to perform
any of the privileges controlled through security groups.

For detailed information on modifying and deleting security groups,

see the ValveLink software online help.

VL2000 Series 3–5

 Assigning User Names and Passwords

If you have system privileges you may assign users specific kinds of
access by adding and deleting user names, changing user pass-
words, and changing a user’s security group.

Figure 3-4. Assigning User Names and Passwords

Adding a User Name

Step 1: To add a user name, select:
Customize ValveLink>Users.
Step 2: Click the Add New User button, type in a user name and
password, then type the password again to verify it.
Click OK
Step 3: In the User List box, click on the new user to highlight it
Step 4: From the Security Groups box, click the list box arrow to
see a list of available security groups.
Step 5: Click on a security group name. The selected security
group is assigned to the selected user
Step 6: Click the OK button to save changes to the database.

3–6 VL2000 Series

Changing a User’s Password or Security Group and Deleting a User Name
For detailed information on changing a users password or changing
the security group assigned to the user, see the ValveLink software
online help. Also see the Valvelink software online help for informa-
tion on deleting a user name.

VL2000 Series 3–7

 Tags

ValveLink software uses tags to identify both physical devices and

related data stored in the software. So there are, in fact, two
separate types of tags:
D HART Tag—Limited to eight characters due to the HART
standard, this instrument identifier resides in the instrument itself.
When ValveLink first scans for instruments, this is the designation
shown in the HART Tag field of the Device Connection View.
D ValveLink Database Tags—Used by ValveLink software, this
database identifier is simply the name of the database file that you
have created to contain instrument, diagnostic, configuration,
calibration, alert and alarm information. This tag can have up to 32
characters.
ValveLink software communicates with your field devices by means
of a connecting device such as a HART modem or a HART
multiplexer. A visual representation of these connecting devices,
called tags, appear on your personal computer screen in the device
connection view (left pane) of the main software window, as seen in
figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5. Connected Devices

The first time you enter ValveLink software:
Step 1: Right click the HART modem tag.

3–8 VL2000 Series

 Step 2: Click Scan for New. The software scans for new devices
and registers them as tags by the type of device and
device number. Each device is represented by an icon.
The text to the right of each device icon is a device tag
that ValveLink software associates with each device.
Tag Groups categorize tags, allowing you to sort and filter data when
searching the ValveLink database for specific tags. You can
establish up to four groups.
Example groups might include:

Figure 3-6. Tag Group Selections

D Plant Area

D Manufacturer

D Valve Style

D Packing Type
Or any names meaningful in your facility.
You can also establish selections which further define each group.
You assign individual tags to specific group selections.
Tags that are not assigned to any group appear as unassigned in the
database.

VL2000 Series 3–9

Modifying Tags

Figure 3-7. Modify Tag

You can modify a tag by selecting:

Tag>Open or Modify Tag
From the Tag Management window, in the Tag or Partial Tag field,
begin typing the tag you wish to modify. As you begin typing, tags
with the letters typed appear in the Tags Found box. When the tag
you want to modify appears in the Tags Found box highlight it then
click the Modify Tag button at the bottom of the Tag Management
window.

3–10 VL2000 Series

Copying Tags

Figure 3-8. Tag Management Window

You can copy a tag by selecting:
Tag>Open or Modify Tag
Set drop down arrows to state “(all)”, then from the Tag Management
window, in the Tag or Partial Tag field, begin typing the tag you wish
to copy. As you begin typing, tags with the letters typed appear in
the Tags Found box. When the tag you want to copy appears in the
Tags Found box highlight it then click the Copy Tag button at the
bottom of the Tag Management window.
Deleting Tags
Deleting a tag removes all ValveLink database records associated
with that tag. You can use one of several methods to delete a tag:
From the toolbar, click the Tag icon.
Select Tag>Open or Modify Tag.
From the Tag Management window (see figure 3-9), in the Tag or
Partial Tag field, begin typing the tag you wish to delete. As you
begin typing, tags with the letters typed appear in the Tags Found
box.

VL2000 Series 3–11

 Figure 3-9. Delete Tag

When the tag you want to delete appears in the Tags Found box,
highlight it then click the Delete Tag button at the bottom of the Tag
Management window.
Click OK to confirm that you want to delete the tag when you see the
message, ”Delete tag, and all its associated datasets in the
ValveLink database?”.

Importing Tag Data

ValveLink software checks for duplicate tags. If you are trying to im-
port a tag name that already exists, you are presented with several
options.
Copy a file containing tag information and datasets into the
ValveLink database.
To import tag data, from the menu bar select:
Tag>Import Tag Data (See figure 3-10).
If you cannot select Import Tag, talk to your ValveLink administrator
for security authorization. In the File Name box, identify the file you
want to import. Click OK.

3–12 VL2000 Series

 Figure 3-10. Import Tag Data

When importing tags into the database, the ValveLink software

checks for duplicate tags. If a tag in the database matches the tag
you’re importing, you can select:
D SKIP—over the tag and all associated datasets. The tag is not
imported into the database. The existing tag and its datasets remain
unchanged.
D REPLACE—the existing database tag and all associated data-
sets with the datasets in the import file. The imported tag’s datasets
replace the existing tag’s datasets.
D MERGE—the datasets in the import file with the existing data-
sets. The tag’s datasets are imported and included with the existing
tag’s datasets.
When merging datasets, the UNIQUE IDENTIFIER of the original
data is preserved and is not changed by the new data.
D CHANGE—the imported tag. Enter a new tag that does not
match an existing tag in the database. The tag is changed and im-
ported with its associated datasets. The existing tag and its datasets
remain unchanged.
Exporting Tag Data
Save selected datasets from the ValveLink database as a file. You
can import this file into another ValveLink database or into other
Windows applications, such as AMS.

VL2000 Series 3–13

 To export tag data, from the menu bar select:
Tag>Export Tag Data.
In the Tag Selection area of the window, identify the tags you want
to export to a file.

Figure 3-11. Export Tag Data

Use tag groups to narrow the tags listed in the Database Tags box.
To add to the Tags to Export box, select tags from the Database
Tags box and click the Add button.
To remove a tag from the Tags to Export box, select it then click the
Remove button.
In the Datasets to Include in the Export File area of the window, se-
lect the types of datasets you want to include with the exported tags.
In the Export File Name box, enter the file name and directory where
ValveLink should store data, for example, A:\TAGS.EXP.
Click the Export Tags button. When you finish exporting tags, click
the Close button.
Now you have completed assignment of specific User and Group
information which allows ValveLink software to monitor and capture
performance data.

3–14 VL2000 Series

 Application Setup–Setting Preferences

If you have the Application Setup privilege, you may set preferences.
From the menu bar select:
Customize ValveLink>Preferences.
There are eight tabs containing choices for setting up your
instrument. Select the Help button on each page and ValveLink
software online help gives detailed instructions.
Communication Page
ValveLink software communicates with instruments through a HART
modem or HART multiplexers. Click the
Preferences>Communication tab to select the method of
communication.
Multiplexers Page
ValveLink software can support up to 32 multiplexers on each
network. If you have fewer multiplexers wired to the network,
however, when doing a network scan, you can tell the ValveLink
software to scan for a lesser number of multiplexer addresses. You
also can establish whether the ValveLink software functions as the
primary master or the secondary master. To set multiplexer
parameters, click the Preferences>Multiplexers tab.
Network Alert Scan Page
If the ValveLink software is communicating over a HART multiplexer
network, you can run Network Alert Scan to scan the instruments on
the network for current alert conditions. To set alert options, click on
the Preferences>Network Alert Scan tab.
Diagnostics Page
To set the collection interval for diagnostic tests, click on the
Preferences>Diagnostics tab.
Units Page
To select the units of measure, select: Preferences >Units tab.

VL2000 Series 3–15

General Page
Allows you to Scan for and show only digital valve controllers. It also
allows the device connection view to show only the primary devices.
This is called a collapsed tree. Double clicking a primary device
allows the tree to expand and show each instrument tag. You may
also download Cycle counter and Travel accumulator to the
instrument automatically, but this will OVERWRITE the current
values. To Scan for and show only digital valve controllers, select:
Preferences>General tab.
HART Modem Page
ValveLink software supports both point-to-point and multidrop
operation. You can set the highest device address to scan for. You
also can establish whether the ValveLink software functions as the
primary master or the secondary master. To set up a HART modem,
select: Preferences>HART Modem tab.
AuditLog Page
The AuditLog is a separate program installed with the ValveLink
group. This program maintains a log that records all the events that
occur with ValveLink software. The log is a file VLINK.VLG in the
same folder where the ValveLink files are installed. To conserve disk
space, the size of the log file is limited. When ValveLink is installed
the file is limited to 100 kilobytes, however you may change the file
size and specify the size of the log. To specify the size of the log,
select: Preferences>AuditLog tab.
Modbus Page
ValveLink software communicates with a Modbus master over the
Modbus interface. ValveLink software supports both ASCII or RTU
serial transmission modes.
Select the transmission mode and Modbus parameters to match the
settings in the Modbus master. You can also specify a delay in
milliseconds between the time ValveLink software receives a request
and the time the software begins to prepare a response.
ValveLink software Identifies the communication port on your
personal computer to which the null modem adapter or
RS232-to-RS485 converter is attached. ValveLink software allows
you to set up the Modbus parameters to match the settings in the

3–16 VL2000 Series

 Modbus master. These parameters include: baud rate, data bits,
stop bits, and parity. To set up Modbus parameters, select:
Preferences>Modbus tab.
ESD Page
FIELDVUE digital valve controllers installed on emergency shutdown
(ESD) valves offer state-of-the-art testing methods. ValveLink soft-
ware replaces the function of the pneumatic test panel usually used
to verify operation of the emergency shutdown valve.
Follow the directions given in ValveLink software online help to set
default valves for testing an emergency shutdown device.
Step 1: Select:
Preferences>ESD tab.
Language Page
ValveLink software is available in English, French, and Japanese. To
set a default language, select: Preferences>Language tab.

VL2000 Series 3–17

 This page intentionally left blank.

3–18 VL2000 Series

Section 4 ValveLink Software Navigation

44

This section contains basic information about ValveLink software

navigation.

The Main ValveLink Software Window . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2

The Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–4
The Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–13
ValveLink Software Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–16

For more information, consult ValveLink software online help.

VL2000 Series 4–1

 The Main ValveLink Software Window

Figure 4-1. ValveLink Software Title Bar, Menu Bar, and Toolbar.

When you start ValveLink software, the main ValveLink software

window, or ValveLink application window, appears. The Title Bar,
Menu Bar, and Toolbar are shown at the top of the ValveLink
software window as in figure 4-1. To use ValveLink software
effectively, you should be familiar with the elements of this section of
the window.
Title Bar

Figure 4-2. ValveLink Software Title Bar.

Figure 4-2 shows the title bar. The title bar contains the name of the
application on the left side and the window control buttons on the
right.
When you select a device from the connection view pane, the tag
displays in the title bar. After a tag is opened the specific ValveLink
software function is also named in the title bar.
Menu Bar

Figure 4-3. ValveLink Software Menu Bar.

Figure 4-3 shows the menu bar. Menus provide quick and easy
access to all of the ValveLink software features. To select from a
menu, click an item to open a list of options. Click an option to select
it.

4–2 VL2000 Series

Toolbar

Figure 4-4. ValveLink Software Toolbar.

The ValveLink software toolbar (shown in figure 4-4) allows quick

and easy access to many of the ValveLink software features. To se-
lect from the toolbar, click a button. For more detailed information
about what each button does, see page 4–13.

Status Bar

A status bar (shown in figure 4-5) at the bottom of the ValveLink

software window provides important information as you work with the
application.

Figure 4-5. ValveLink Software Status Bar.

VL2000 Series 4–3

 The Menus

This section explains the menus on the menu bar and the
commands you can access from each menu. Menus provide quick
and easy access to all of the ValveLink software features. To select
from a menu, click an item to open a list of options. Click an option to
select it. Select Help on the ValveLink software menu bar, then
Search For Help On, and type in the subject or menu command to
receive more information.

MENU COMMAND DESCRIPTION

Tag New HART tag Creates new HART tag.
Open or Modify Tag Notifies the software that
you want to work with a
particular instrument and its
associated data.
Changes/modifies informa-
tion about the instrument in
the ValveLink software da-
tabase.
Close Tag Notifies the software that
you are finished working
with the tag.
Import Tag Data Imports/exports tag data
Export Tag Data from another database in a
division or area of your
company to or from
ValveLink software.
Print DataSet Prints information about the
tag.
Printer Setup Selects type and location of
printer, as well as page pa-
rameters.

4–4 VL2000 Series

MENU COMMAND DESCRIPTION
Tag (continued) Exit/Log Out Allows you to exit ValveLink
software or leave it running
in secure mode.
Network Device Connection View The Device Connection
View is left pane of the
ValveLink software window,
which shows the devices
connected to the computer
and communicating with
the ValveLink software.

Query & Match Running Query And Match

from the Network menu al-
lows you to quickly resolve
discrepancies in key data
between field instruments
and database tags. Once
all key data match,
ValveLink software displays
the database tag for the
instrument.
Trend List The network is being ac-
tively scanned. For each
tag listed, the time last up-
dated is displayed, along
with the most recent travel,
input, pressure, and tem-
perature data.
Network Scan Specifies which tags
ValveLink software should
scan and which alert condi-
tions to scan for.
Find Device Tag Searches for unique tag
identifier embedded in the
instrument.

VL2000 Series 4–5

MENU COMMAND DESCRIPTION
Network (continued) Rebuild If you have made changes
to the network, such as
changing multiplexer or in-
strument addresses, you
can rebuild the network
Instrument Setup Setup Wizard The Setup Wizard requests
information about the valve,
actuator, and instrument
through fields on a series of
pages, then automatically
sets up the instrument.
Stabilize/Optimize If after completing initial
setup the valve seems un-
stable or unresponsive, you
can improve operation by
selecting this option.
Performance Tuner Detects internal instabilities
before they become appar-
ent in the travel response.
Valves can be tuned re-
motely.
Detailed Setup You can transfer settup
parameters between an
instrument in the field and
ValveLink software by
selecting Instrument for a
DVC5000 or DVC6000
instrument, or
Transducer/Resource Block
for a FOUNDATION fieldbus
instrument.
Mode Lists Configuration parame-
ters for Instrument mode
(HART), Control mode (In-
strument setpoint), Block
mode (FOUNDATION fieldbus)

4–6 VL2000 Series

MENU COMMAND DESCRIPTION
Instrument Setup Change Protection Changes the HART Instru-
(continued) ment’s protection setting for
calibration/configuration of
the instrument.
Reset Config Change Manually clears the Config-
uration Changed flag be-
cause parameters are
changed.
Instrument Restart Removes power from the
(Foundation fieldbus only) instrument, calibration data
is set to default, then power
is restored.
Fault State Indicates a condition set by
(Foundation fieldbus only) loss of communication to
an output block. Causes
the Valve to move.
Calibration Auto Travel Automatically adjusts the
instrument to apply a light
seat load (See Automatic
Calibration of Travel in
ValveLink software online
help).
Manual Travel Manually adjusts travel cal-
ibration of the instrument
(See Manual calibration of
travel for a rotary and/or
sliding stem valve in
ValveLink software online
help.) FOUNDATION fieldbus
and HART are very differ-
ent.

VL2000 Series 4–7

MENU COMMAND DESCRIPTION
Calibration (continued) Travel Sensor Adjust The travel sensor is ad-
justed at the factory, but
adjustment might be need-
ed such as travel sensor re-
placement. (See Calibration
of travel in ValveLink soft-
ware online help.)
Pressure Sensor Calibration of the Pressure
Sensor. (See Calibration of
pressure for a digital valve
controller in ValveLink soft-
ware online help.)
Analog Input Adjustment of external
4–20 mA current and input
readback. (See Calibration
of analog input for a HART
instrument in ValveLink
software online help.)
Relay Adjustment Adjustment of relays. (See
(DVC6000 only) Relay Adjustment I Calibra-
tion in ValveLink software
online help.)
Restore Factory Settings See Restoring Factory Cal-
ibration settings in
ValveLink software online
help to restore Factory Cal-
ibration.
Store Field Settings Allows new entries of
(Foundation fieldbus only) values for parameters.
Restore Field Settings Replaces current values for
(Foundation fieldbus only) parameters with the last
stored field setup which are
stored in volatile memory.

4–8 VL2000 Series

MENU COMMAND DESCRIPTION
Diagnostics Status Functions as the default
page and has eight pages
of diagnostics.
Trend Trending provides an easy
visualization of valve
response to a control
system output. Trending is
a diagnostic intended to
monitor standard instru-
ment parameters during
normal process operations.
Instrument Alert Record Store alerts from any of the
enabled alert groups: Valve
Alerts, Failure Alerts or
Miscellaneous Alerts.
Performance Profile Profiles the performance of
the Valve.
Performance Diagnostic Automatically runs diagnos-
tic tests on an open tag.
Performance Diagnostic Allows trending valve fric-
Trends tion and torque.
Partial Stroke For ESD valves, checks for
valve movement without
fully stroking the valve so it
doesn’t upset the critical
process line.
Dynamic Scan A test in which the control
signal is ramped from a
preset starting point to a
preset ending point at a
specific rate.
Step Response This test analyzes over-
shoot, hysteresis, dead
time, and stroking time.

VL2000 Series 4–9

MENU COMMAND DESCRIPTION
Diagnostics (continued) Stroke Valve Moving the valve from open
to close.
Spec Sheet Valve and Actuator ValveLink software reads
your specifications about a
valve tag and uses this in-
formation to run the valve
signature test from the
diagnostic menu.
Tools Batch Runner Setting up the ValveLink
software to automatically
run diagnostic tests, cali-
brate,or upload configura-
tion data to multiple valves
with a user specified rou-
tine.
Instrument Upgrades For use with a Setup hard-
lock encoded with the type
of instrument level upgrade.
Database Convert, Compact, or Re-
pair your database. Consult
the “Database page” in Val-
veLink software help.
Instrument Memory Select this to copy memory
Capture contents of the instrument
into a file suitable for analy-
sis by authorized Fisher
Controls service personnel.
Open Database Open the instrument data-
base record which includes
valve specifications, config-
uration parameters, and
diagnostic test results.

4–10 VL2000 Series

MENU COMMAND DESCRIPTION
Customize ValveLink Preferences Selects options for software
communication via installed
modems, cards, multiplex-
ers, or networks.
Security Groups Sets up groups given secu-
rity rights to run ValveLink
software.
Users Sets up users given securi-
ty right to run ValveLink
software.
Tag Group Names Groups categorize tags, al-
lowing you to sort data
when searching the
ValveLink database.
Tag Group Selections Assign selections to tag
groups to further define tag
search criteria.
Help Contents Allows you to select various
pages for more information
about ValveLink software.
Search for help on Contains Contents, Index,
and Find, where you may
type in a topic you wish to
learn about, and go directly
to the subject.
Using Help Informs you about Micro-
soft Windows Help.
www.valvelink.com Takes you directly to the
ValveLink software online
site.
About ValveLink software Opens the About ValveLink
software VL2000, contain-
ing Copyright information.

VL2000 Series 4–11

Context Menus
Context menus are accessed by-clicking the right mouse button on
an object in the Device Connection view window. A context menu
has only those commands that apply specifically to that device icon
or tag.
All ValveLink software device icons have context menus. If, for
example, you right-click on a device icon, the context menu is
displayed (see figure 4-6).

Figure 4-6. Example ValveLink Software Context Menu

Because context menus are specific to the object selected, the

choices and subchoices on these menus vary.

4–12 VL2000 Series

 Using the Toolbar

Toolbar button are shortcuts to ValveLink software commands. the

following table explains each of the buttons on the toolbar.
Tag Button—Opens the Tag Management window for
locating a specific tag. From the Tag Management window
you can open, modify, copy, or delete a selected tag. You
can also print a report containing information from the listed
tags.

Print Button—Prints information from the active window.

Network Scan Button—Opens the Network Scan window

and allows you to scan selected tags. Using the Setup
button you can select which tags to scan and which alerts to
scan for. Network Scan is only available on ValveLink
software setup to communicate through HART multiplexers.

Instrument Mode Button—For DVC5000 and DVC6000

Series instruments, allows changing the instrument mode
between In Service and Out of Service. For DVC5000f
Series instruments, allows changing the Analog Output block,
Resource block, and Transducer block target mode to another of the
permitted modes. To change a setup parameter, or to run a
calibration procedure or diagnostic test may require the mode to be
Out of Service.

Control Mode Button—(For DVC5000 and DVC6000

Series instruments only) Changes the instrument control
mode between Analog (RSP) and Digital. Control mode
defines where the instrument reads its set point. Choose Analog
(RSP) if the instrument is to receive its set point over the 4–20 mA
loop. Choose Digital if the instrument is to receive its set point
digitally via the HART communications link.

VL2000 Series 4–13

 Setup Wizard Button—Starts the Setup Wizard to permit
automatic setup and travel calibration of the instrument
using specified actuator information.

Detailed Setup Button—Opens the Detailed Setup window

for the open tag. Provides options for defining an
instrument’s operating parameters. You can retrieve
information from the ValveLink software database or from the
instrument. You can also modify this data and save changes in the
database or download them to the instrument.

Calibration Button—Opens the Auto Travel Calibration

window for the open tag. Available only on software with
calibration enabled. See the ValveLink software Help
screen, About ValveLink.

Instrument Status Button—Displays the Instrument

Status window for the open tag. Provides device monitor,
alert, and device information for an open tag.

Step Response Button—Opens the Step Response

window for the open tag. Plots TRAVEL versus the TIME it
takes to move the valve through the specified steps.
Available only on software with step response enabled. See
the ValveLink software Help screen, About ValveLink.

Dynamic Scan Button—For the DVC6000 Series and

DVC5000f Series instruments, sets variables for running
diagnostic tests, including input start and input end
percentages and Scan time.

Batch Runner Button—For DVC5000 and DVC6000

Series instruments only. Opens the Batch Runner dialog
box to permit defining a batch process. With Batch Runner
you can automate a user-selected group of operations to
run on one or more instruments. Available only on software with

4–14 VL2000 Series

 batch runner enabled. See the ValveLink software help screen,
About ValveLink.

Trending Button—For DVC5000 and DVC6000 Series

instruments only. Displays operating parameter trends as
they occur (live data), a parameter trend history (trend ar-
chive), and a valve travel histogram. Trend is setup from the
Network Alert Scan window. Available only on software with trending
enabled. See the ValveLink software Help screen, About ValveLink.

Partial Stroke Ramp—For DVC6000 Series instruments

only. Opens the tabbed pages for the partial stroke test for
the unique conditions of an Emergency Shutdown (ESD)
application.

Valve Friction—For DVC5000 and DVC6000 Series in-

struments only. Opens the tabbed pages for Performance
Diagnostics–Valve Friction.

VL2000 Series 4–15

 ValveLink Software Online Help

The ValveLink software help system provides step-by-step

procedures for working with all of the ValveLink software features.
For every ValveLink software window, the help system defines edit
fields, parameters, and buttons. The Glossary provides quick pop-up
definitions.
Accessing Help
To access help you can:
Step 1: Click the Help button on any window.

Step 2: Select an option from the Help menu.

Step 3: Press F1.

Using the Glossary

When you need a quick definition of a term, an edit field, or
instrument parameter, use the Glossary.
Step 1: Access ValveLink software help.

Step 2: Click the Glossary button on the toolbar.

Step 3: Click an alphabetic button to narrow your search.

Step 4: Scroll through the terms listed until you find the word
you’re looking for.

Step 5: Click the term to open a pop-up definition.

Step 6: Click again to close the pop-up definition.

4–16 VL2000 Series

Finding Help Topics
For detailed information about a particular topic, you can:
Select a Topic To return to a previous topic, use the Back and History buttons on
from the Help the toolbar. window, type a word or scroll and select a key word,
Contents. then click the Show Topics button. Select a topic from the list then
click the Go To button.
Click the Search The Contents are similar to the table of contents in a paper
Button. manual. Find an entry that interests you then click its title. To dig
deeper for more information, select another title listed under the
Related Topics heading at the bottom of each topic.

Closing Help Windows

If a word or topic title is colored and/or underlined, clicking that word
or topic title opens a second help window on top of the first window.
This allows you to quickly check for additional information without
losing your place in the current help topic. To close the second help
window, double-click its control box.

VL2000 Series 4–17

 This page intentionally left blank.

4–18 VL2000 Series

 Section 5 Initial Setup
55

This section explains how to access and modify instrument detailed

setup data.

Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2

Using the Performance Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4
Stabilize/Optimize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–6

For more information, consult ValveLink software online help.

VL2000 Series 5–1

 Setup Wizard

WARNING
Changes to the Instrument setup may cause
changes in the output pressure or valve travel.
To avoid personal injury or property damage,
be sure the instrument and valve are isolated
from the process.

When the DVC5000 or DVC6000 Series digital valve controller is

ordered as part of a control valve assembly, the factory mounts the
digital valve controller and sets up the instrument as specified on the
order. In this case, the instrument is properly configured and running
Setup Wizard is not necessary; proceed directly to Auto Travel
Calibration. When mounting to a valve in the field, the instrument
needs to be setup to match the instrument to the valve and actuator.
Use the Setup Wizard to setup and calibrate the instrument. Before
beginning setup, be sure the instrument is correctly mounted as de-
scribed in the installation manual.

Note
The Setup Wizard does not read the existing
configuration of DVC5000 or DVC6000 Series
FIELDVUE Instruments.

Working with the Setup Wizard

The Setup Wizard requests information about the valve, actuator,
and instrument through fields on a series of pages, then automatical-
ly sets up the instrument.

5–2 VL2000 Series

 Refer to Section 3 to help you create a tag to represent your instru-
ment in the ValveLink database, then open the instrument’s data-
base tag by double clicking on the appropriate valve symbol in the
left pane of the ValveLink window.
Use the procedures as specified in ValveLink software online help to
setup an instrument using the Setup Wizard.
After the Setup Wizard completes the setup, it asks you if you want
to calibrate the instrument travel by performing the Auto Travel
calibration procedure. If you click No, the ValveLink software returns
you to the activity you were performing before you started the Setup
Wizard. If you click Yes, the ValveLink software runs the Auto Travel
calibration procedure. Refer to page 7–8 for calibrating travel.
Calibrating and setting up instruments are two different processes,
with independent results. Setup uses the ValveLink software to set
or change the relationship between the input signal and output
pressure.
When you calibrate an instrument, ValveLink uses the instrument’s
high and low range for Analog Input, Pressure Sensor, and Travel as
the calibrated range. If later you reconfigure the instrument to
operate over a different range, your changes do NOT affect the
instrument’s calibration. However, for greatest accuracy, the range
should match the physically calibrated range. If you reconfigure an
instrument’s operating range, also re-calibrate.

VL2000 Series 5–3

 Using the Performance Tuner

Note
The performance tuner is not available for instrument
levels AC and HC.

The performance tuner is used to optimize the tuning of DVC5000

DVC6000 Series digital valve controllers. It can be used on most
sliding-stem and rotary designs, including Fisher Controls and other
manufacturers’ products. Moreover, because the performance tuner
can detect internal instabilities before they become apparent in the
travel response, valves can be tuned remotely.
Typically, the performance tuner takes 3 to 5 minutes to tune an in-
strument, although tuning instruments mounted on larger actuators
may take longer. When tuning a digital valve controller, the perfor-
mance tuner detects the instrument revision level and tunes the sys-
tem accordingly. In most cases, the performance tuner selects a tun-
ing set that has a gain margin around 2.
As with most self-tuning control algorithms, there are limitations to
the use of the performance tuner.
D It should not be used on instruments mounted on valves with
graphite packing at room temperature. The high friction of such
packing causes severe stick-slip friction.

D The performance tuner also does not detect or adjust for flow
restricting accessories placed between the digital valve controller
and the actuator. This includes devices such as:

D Solenoid valves

D Under-sized connecting tubing.

The exception to this limitation are actuators equipped with Type
2625 volume boosters. The bypass screw on the volume booster

5–4 VL2000 Series

 should be set to no less than within 1/2 turn of the seat. PS Sheet
62.1:FIELDVUE(H) Guidelines for Manually Tuning FIELDVUE In-
struments with Firmware Revision 5 provides more information on
tuning instruments used with flow restricting accessories. However, if
the performance tuner is used on actuators equipped with flow re-
stricting accessories, it will find and report a stable—although subop-
timal—tuning set. In this case, valve performance may be enhanced
by manually adjusting the tuning parameters using the Expert tuning
selection.
To access the performance tuner, select:
Instrument Setup>Performance Tuner.
See ValveLink software online help for more information about the
Performance Tuner.

VL2000 Series 5–5

 Stabilize / Optimize

If after completing intial setup the valve seems slightly unstable or

unresponsive, you can improve operation by selecting Stabilize/Opti-
mize from the Instrument Setup menu.
Before starting, verify that the instrument is connected, the Instru-
ment Mode is set to Out Of Service and the Instrument Protection is
set to None.
Select a response:
D Response is too Sluggish

Select Response is too Sluggish to make the valve more

responsive. If a tuning set is selected, this selects the
next higher tuning set. For example, F to G. If User Ad-
justed or Expert is selected, for a DVC6000, this will in-
crease the proportional gain by 15%. For a DVC5000,
this will increase the high performance gain by 15%.

D Response is too Aggressive

Select Response is too Aggressive to make the valve

less responsive. If a tuning set is selected, this selects
the next lower tuning set. For example, G to F. If User
Adjusted or Expert is selected, for a DVC6000, this will
decrease the proportional gain by 15%. For a DVC5000,
this will decrease the high performance gain by 15%

D Response is slightly Underdamped

Select Response is slightly Underdamped to make the

valve response have less overshoot.

D Response is slightly Overdamped

Select Response is slightly Overdamped to make the

valve response have more overshoot.

5–6 VL2000 Series

 Section 6 Detailed Setup
66

This section explains how to access and modify instrument detailed

setup data.

Setting Up HART Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–2

For more information, consult ValveLink software online help.

VL2000 Series 6–1

 Setting Up HART Instruments

The setup parameters for HART instruments appear on various

pages within the Detailed Setup window.
The conditions identify whether you can modify a parameter with the
instrument mode set to In Service or Out Of Service and with the
instrument protection set to Configuration Protected or None (Config
Unprotected). Consult the tables in ValveLink online help for informa-
tion about conditions for modifying HART instrument parameters.
The Detailed Setup Window
When you setup an instrument, you are defining the operating pa-
rameters for the instrument. To access the Detailed Setup window,
from the menu bar, select:
D Detailed Setup>Instrument Setup, or
D Click the Detailed Setup button on the toolbar, after you have
opened an instrument tag.
From the Detailed Setup window (shown in figure 6-1), you can re-
trieve data from your database or from the instrument. You can also
modify this data and save the modifications in your database or
download them to the instrument.
Select from one of the following tabs in the Detailed Setup window:
D Initial Setup
D Inputs
D Dynamic Response
D Cycle Counter Alert
D Deviation & Other Alerts
D General
D Travel Accum Alert
D Alert Record and Commands
D Input Characterization
D Self Test Shut Down

6–2 VL2000 Series

 Figure 6-1. Detailed Setup Window.

D Travel Alerts
D Travel Control
D Pressure
D Tuning
D Notes
For DVC6000 Series instruments with the ESD option, select from
one of the following tabs on the DVC6000-ESD Detailed Setup win-
dow:
D Initial Setup
D Inputs
D Cycle Counter Alert
D Deviation and Other Alerts

VL2000 Series 6–3

 D General
D Self Test Shutdown
D Travel Alerts
D Pressure
D Tuning
D Travel Accum Alert
D Alert Record and Commands
D ESD
D Notes

To view the data on a page, click the tab for that page to bring it to
the front.
The color of the page tabs indicate the status of the instrument data
and dataset data. Until information is read from the instrument, the
page tab remains gray. After the instrument information on a page is
read from the instrument, and if the instrument data matches the
data in the dataset, the tab for that page turns blue. On pages where
the data read from the instrument is different from the dataset data,
the page tab is yellow.
Each page, except the Notes page, in the Detailed Setup window
has two columns: one for instrument data and one for the ValveLink
dataset. The instrument data is the setup data polled from the instru-
ment. The ValveLink dataset is the data retrieved from the ValveLink
software database. These columns allow you to easily compare the
setup data in the instrument with the data in your database.
Working with Datasets
Database data is stored in datasets. You can have many datasets
for the same instrument. When you work with setup data, you can
choose to save the last polled information from the instrument in a
dataset. When you save a dataset, the dataset is given a name that
includes the date and time corresponding to when the data was
saved. You can also add a description of up to 40 characters to the
name. To add the description, go to the Notes page by clicking on
the Notes tab. Type your description in the Dataset Description box

6–4 VL2000 Series

 at the top of the page. You can create a dataset or review previously
saved data.
Creating a Dataset
As soon as you begin modifying setup parameters, the ValveLink
software changes the value in the Datasets box near the top of the
window to NEW. To save the new data when you finish making
changes, click the Save Dataset button.
Adding Notes to a Dataset
To add notes to a dataset, click the Notes tab on the Detailed Setup
window. If desired, in the Dataset Description box, type or edit the
description for the dataset. The description appears with the name in
the Dataset box at the top of the Detailed Setup window.
In the Notes box, type or edit your note. Text automatically wraps to
the next line as necessary; you do not need to press the Enter key at
the end of each line. Use the mouse or arrow keys to move the cur-
sor and select existing text to type over or delete. Use the scroll bar
on the right side of the Notes box to see more text.
When finished, click the Save button to save your notes and descrip-
tion.
Reviewing Dataset Data
To review previously saved data, click on the list box arrow to the
right of the Datasets box to see a list of datasets. Click on a dataset
to select it. The ValveLink software extracts the selected dataset
from the database and displays the values in the ValveLink Dataset
column.
Copying a Dataset From Another Tag
To copy dataset data from another tag, click the Copy From Tag but-
ton. Select a tag and one of its datasets, then click OK. The software
fills the fields in the ValveLink Dataset column with setup parameters
from the selected tag’s dataset. You can download these values to
the instrument or save the values as a new dataset.
Clearing Current Dataset Information
When you select New in the Datasets box, the prompt, ‘‘Do you wish
to clear the current dataset information?” appears. To replace the

VL2000 Series 6–5

 current dataset values and fill the fields in the ValveLink Dataset col-
umn with original default setup parameters, click YES. To retain the
current dataset values in the dataset fields, click NO.
Deleting a Dataset
To delete a dataset, select a previously saved dataset from the Da-
taset list box, then click the Delete Dataset button.

Transferring Data Between the Instrument and a Dataset

A ⇒ or⇐ between the Instrument column and the ValveLink Dataset
column permit you to transfer data from one column to the other.
Arrows that are highlighted indicate that the dataset data does not
match the data stored in the instrument. To modify a parameter,
click on the field you wish to update. To update the dataset data with
data polled from the instrument (upload), click the right pointing ar-
row. To update the instrument data with dataset data (download),
click the left pointing arrow. You can update all parameters on a
page by clicking one of the arrows associated with Download/Upload
Current PAGE Parameters near the top of the Detailed Setup win-
dow. To update all the setup data, click one of the arrows associated
with Download/Upload ALL Parameters near the top of the Detailed
Setup window.

Note
Downloading the Cycle Counter, instrument clock, and
Travel or Pressure Accumulator setup data with the
Download/Upload ALL Parameters arrows requires a
check in the checkbox on the General page in the
Preferences window. (From the menu bar, select
Customize ValveLink>Preferences>General tab.)

There may be times when the instrument data does not match the
dataset data, but still the download (left pointing) arrows are dim.

6–6 VL2000 Series

 This can happen if the instrument mode is In Service, or the instru-
ment setup is protected.
Printing a Setup Report
You can print a setup report to keep a record of your setup. To print
a report, either click the printer button on the toolbar, or select Tag
from the menu bar. From the Tag menu, select Print.
If You Can’t Access Detailed Setup
If you cannot access Detailed Setup or upload or download parame-
ters, talk to your system administrator for security authorization.
Changing the Instrument Mode

Note
If one type of master takes an instrument Out Of
Service, the same type must put it In Service. For
example, if a device set up as a primary master takes
an instrument Out Of Service, a device setup as a
primary master must be used to place the instrument In
Service.

Note
When the instrument is Out Of Service, the output will
not track the input. A temporary means of process
control may be necessary before taking the instrument
out of service.

VL2000 Series 6–7

 Figure 6-2. Change Instrument Mode.

Some setup parameters can only be changed if the instrument is Out

Of Service. To change the instrument mode:
Step 1: Open or activate an instrument’s tag.

Step 2: Access the Instrument Mode dialog box by:

D Clicking the Instrument Mode button on the toolbar, or
D Right clicking the instrument tag then, from the drop down
menu, select Instrument Mode, or
Instrument Setup>Mode>Instrument.
Step 3: In the dialog box that appears (see figure 6-2), click the
Set Instrument In Service or Set Instrument Out Of Ser-
vice button to change the instrument mode and close the
dialog box. Click the Cancel button to close the dialog
box and leave the instrument mode unchanged.
If the instrument mode is changed to Out Of Service and configura-
tion parameters have been changed, the valve position stored in the
instrument may or may not be the same as the actual valve position.
Restoring the instrument to In Service may step the valve. When you
change from Out Of Service to In Service, you can select Set In Ser-
vice (Ramp) or Set In Service (Step).
Select Set In Service (Ramp) to avoid stepping the valve when the
instrument is restored to In Service. The ValveLink software ramps
the actual valve position to the new position stored in the instrument

6–8 VL2000 Series

 over a 10 second time period. If the position stored in the instrument
is within 5% of the actual position, no ramping occurs. If you select
Set In Service (Step), the position stored in the instrument is immedi-
ately applied to the valve (the valve will be stepped).
If you cannot change the instrument mode or instrument protection,
contact your system administrator for security authorization.

Changing Instrument Protection

Note
To remove the instrument protection requires installing
a jumper across the instrument AUX+ and AUX–
terminals. Refer to the instrument instruction manual for
jumper details.

Step 1: Open an instrument’s tag.

Step 2: From the menu bar, select Instrument Setup.

Step 3: From the Instrument Setup menu, select Change

Protection.

Step 4: Select the desired protection:

D Configuration & Calibration—Both setup and calibration are

protected. This selection prohibits changing calibration and protected
setup parameters.

D None—Neither setup or calibration are protected. This selec-

tion allows changing calibration and setup parameters.

Step 5: Click the Change button.

Follow the prompts to attach and remove jumpers from the Auxiliary
Input Terminals.

VL2000 Series 6–9

 If you cannot change the instrument mode or instrument protection,
contact your system administrator for security authorization.
Resetting the Configuration Changed Flag
When any of an instrument’s setup parameters change, ValveLink
software sets the Configuration Changed flag. When the flag is
set, a red flag appears in the status bar.
Only ValveLink software, set up as a primary master, or another pri-
mary master can clear the Configuration Changed flag. A hand-held
communicating device, or any other secondary master, cannot clear
the flag.
To clear the Configuration Changed flag, from the menu bar, select
Instrument Setup>Reset Config from the Instrument Setup menu
and click the Reset button.
Setting Up a Valve Spec Sheet
Selecting Spec Sheet from the menu bar allows you to set up and
maintain specifications about the sliding-stem or rotary valve to
which the instrument is attached. You can set up one valve spec
sheet for each tag. The values entered on the Valve Spec Sheet be-
come the default values for the Valve Signature Diagnostic test.
The valve spec sheet consists of five pages:
D Valve

D Trim

D Actuator

D Reference

D Notes
To view the data on a page, click the tab for that page to bring it to
the front.
Before setting up valve specifications, you may want to establish
defaults for units of measure by selecting:
Customize ValveLink>Preferences.

6–10 VL2000 Series

Section 7 Calibration

77

This section is an overview of how to calibrate an instrument.

Working With Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2

Calibrating Analog Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–6
Auto Travel Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–8
Manual Travel Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–12
Travel Sensor Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–13
Pressure Sensor Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–14

For more information, consult ValveLink software online help.

VL2000 Series 7–1

 Working With Calibration

Working with Calibration

The following subsections describe procedures for calibrating the
analog input, travel, pressure, and travel sensor for HART
instruments. You also have the option of restoring factory calibration
to the instrument. The calibration feature may not be available with
your software. To determine if this feature is available, see the
ValveLink Help screen, About ValveLink.
Before beginning calibration, review ValveLink software online help
for the Initial Setup page in the Detailed Setup window.
Calibrating and setting up instruments are two different processes,
with independent results.
D When you calibrate an instrument, ValveLink software uses the
instrument’s high and low range for Analog Input, Pressure Sensor,
and Travel as the calibrated range.

D Setup uses the ValveLink software to set or change the

relationship between the input signal and output pressure.
If later you reconfigure the instrument to operate over a different
range, your changes do NOT affect the instrument’s calibration.
However, for greatest accuracy, the range should match the physi-
cally calibrated range. If you reconfigure an instrument’s operating
range, also re-calibrate the instrument.

WARNING
Calibration may result in a sudden change in valve
position and loss of process control. DO NOT
continue until the instrument and the associated
valve are isolated from the process.

7–2 VL2000 Series

 Figure 7-1. ValveLink Software Status Bar.

Before beginning calibration, open the instrument tag and check the
tag information on the status bar to verify:
D The instrument is connected.
D The Instrument Protection is set to None.
Canceling Calibration
If calibration stops abruptly, for example, if the instrument loses
power, ValveLink software notifies you with a message. Because
ValveLink software calibrates an instrument in steps, a failure does
not stop the entire calibration procedure. Rather, the current
calibration step remains visible. From the system prompt, you can
click the Cancel button to stop calibrating or click the Next button to
retry the step.
If you click the Cancel button, either from the system prompt or from
the Calibration progress bar, ValveLink prompts, “Calibration
canceled”. The instrument will be restored to its original state.

VL2000 Series 7–3

 To restore the instrument’s previous calibration settings, click Yes.
To leave the instrument in its current state without restoring, click
No.
Low Power Warning
Before calibrating an instrument, the ValveLink software checks to
see if the analog input current is less than 3.8 mA. If it is, the system
displays a message and asks whether you want to proceed. To
continue calibrating, click Yes. To cancel and check the analog input
current before continuing, click No.
If You Can’t Access Calibration
If you cannot access calibration options from the menu, talk to your
ValveLink administrator for security authorization.
Calibration Procedures

Table 7-1. Procedures available from the Calibration menu

Menu Selections Definitions
Auto Travel This procedure automatically calibrates the travel for a
DVC5000 or DVC6000 Series digital valve controller.
The calibration procedure uses the valve and actuator
stops as the 0% and 100% calibration points.
Manual Travel This procedure permits manual calibration of the
DVC5000 or DVC6000 Series travel. This calibration
procedure allows you to determine the 0% and 100%
calibration points.
Travel Sensor Adjust This procedure permits calibrating the travel sensor on
a DVC5000 or DVC6000 Series digital valve controller.

Pressure Sensor This procedure permits calibrating the pressure sensor

for a DVC5000 Series digital valve controller. or pres-
sure sensors for a DVC6000 Series instrument.
Analog Input This procedure permits calibrating the analog input sen-
sor for DVC5000 and DVC6000 Series digital valve
controllers.
Restore Factory Settings This procedure permits you to restore the calibration
settings to the factory settings.

7–4 VL2000 Series

Calibration Screens
The calibration screens typically display the various procedural steps
for the calibration process. Some procedures require you to adjust
the instrument readback. The buttons are available for adjusting the

Most Least

Figure 7-2. Buttons Available for Adjusting Readback

readback. Use the appropriate button to increase or decrease the

readback as desired. As shown, the left arrow provides the greatest
amount of adjustment; the right arrow provides the least amount of
adjustment. When making an adjustment, be sure to allow time for
the adjustment to be sent and for the instrument to respond.
Restoring Factory Calibration
To restore the calibration settings back to the factory settings, open
the instrument tag and be sure the instrument is connected to the
network and the instrument mode is Out Of Service.
Select Calibration>Restore Factory Settings.
At the warning message, click Next to continue. At the confirmation
prompt, click Yes to continue. If the instrument is not connected to
the network or if the instrument mode is not Out of Service,
ValveLink cancels the calibration procedure. Resolve the error, then
try again. Click OK to complete the calibration procedure.

VL2000 Series 7–5

 Calibrating Analog Inputs

This procedure calibrates the instrument analog input sensor. Before

beginning calibration, check the tag information on the status bar
and verify the instrument is connected and the Instrument Mode is
set to Out Of Service. Also, verify the Instrument Protection is set to
None.

WARNING
Calibration may result in a sudden change in valve
position and loss of process control. DO NOT
continue until the instrument and the associated
valve are isolated from the process.

Verify that the equipment is connected as shown in figure 7-3. Also

verify that the mode switches on the instrument printed wiring board
are set to point-to-point. If the switches are not set for point-to-point,
refer to the appropriate instrument instruction manual for information
on setting the switches.
After opening the instrument tag, select Calibration from the menu
bar then select Analog Input from the drop-down menu. Click the
Next button perform Analog Input calibration.

7–6 VL2000 Series

 PC with

Instrument

Figure 7-3. Example Analog Input Calibration Setup (HART Modem shown)

VL2000 Series 7–7

 Auto Travel Calibration

This procedure automatically calibrates the actuator travel. Before

beginning calibration, check the tag information on the status bar
and verify the instrument is connected to the network.
Verify the Instrument Mode is set to Out Of Service and the
Instrument Protection is set to None.

WARNING
Calibration may result in a sudden change in valve
position and loss of process control. DO NOT
continue until the instrument and the associated
valve are isolated from the process.

Note
Auto calibration adjusts the instrument to apply a light
seat load. To ensure a full shutoff seat load, configure
the Travel Cutoff Low to 0.5%.

Verify that the digital valve controller is correctly mounted on the

actuator and that the equipment is connected as shown in figure 7-4.
Also verify that the multidrop switch on the instrument printed wiring
board is set to point-to-point. If the switch is not set for point-to-point,
refer to the appropriate instrument instruction manual for information
on setting switches.
To start auto travel calibration, click the Calibration button on the tool
bar or, from the menu bar, select Calibration>Auto Travel.
Click the Next button to perform Auto Travel calibration. If this is a
rotary valve actuator, auto travel calibration is automatic; no further

7–8 VL2000 Series

 PC with

Figure 7-4. Example Auto Travel Calibration Setup (DVC5000 Series with HART Modem Shown)
user interaction is required. ValveLink automatically calibrates the
instrument, using valve and actuator stops as the 0% and the 100%
calibration points. If calibration is for a sliding-stem valve actuator,
continue to Step 1.
Step 1: Select the desired crossover adjustment. There are
three choices for adjusting the crossover: Manual, Last,
or Default. Manual is the recommended choice. It per-
mits you to manually set the crossover. If you select
Manual, go to Step 2.
If you select Last, this is the last step. The crossover
setting currently stored in the instrument from the last
travel calibration is used, followed by a series of actions
that will automatically calibrate the instrument. Use this
selection if you cannot use manual, such as when you
cannot see the valve.
If you select Default, this is also the last step. A value for
the crossover is written to the instrument, followed by a
series of actions that will automatically calibrate the
instrument. Use this selection only as a last resort.

VL2000 Series 7–9

 Note:
The feedback arm is at the
crossover point when the
slot is perpendicular to the
valve stem.
Figure 7-5. Crossover Point
Default assumes a midrange position on the travel
sensor as the crossover point. However, this may not be
an appropriate value to use for crossover because of
variations in mounting and travel sensor calibration.
Step 2: Select the crossover adjustment source, either Analog or
Digital. Click the Next button to continue.
Step 3: Adjust the feedback arm to the crossover point shown in
figure 7-5. Click the Next button to continue.
If you selected Analog in Step 2, adjust the current
source to position the feedback arm at the crossover
point.
If you selected Digital in Step 2, use the arrows to
position the feedback arm at the crossover point. The

7–10 VL2000 Series

 small arrows produce a fine adjustment and may require
several clicks before a change is perceptible.

This is the last step. ValveLink automatically calibrates

the instrument, using valve and actuator stops as the
0% and the 100% calibration points.

VL2000 Series 7–11

 Manual Travel Calibration

This procedure permits you to manually calibrate the actuator travel.

Before beginning calibration, check the tag information on the toolbar
and verify the instrument is connected to the network.
Verify the Instrument Mode is set to Out Of Service and the Instru-
ment Protection is set to None.

WARNING
Calibration may result in a sudden change in valve
position and loss of process control. DO NOT
continue until the instrument and the associated
valve are isolated from the process.

Verify that the digital valve controller is correctly mounted on the

actuator and that the equipment is connected as shown in figure 7-4.
Also verify that the multidrop switch on the instrument printed wiring
board is set to point-to-point. If the switch is not set for point-to-point,
refer to the appropriate instrument instruction manual for information
on setting switches.
To start Manual Travel calibration, from the menu bar, select:
Calibration>Manual Travel.
Click the Next button to perform Manual Travel calibration. If calibrat-
ing on a sliding-stem valve actuator, you will need to adjust the cur-
rent source to adjust the crossover, as described in Step 3 under
Auto Travel Calibration.

7–12 VL2000 Series

 Travel Sensor Calibration

The travel sensor is normally adjusted at the factory and should not
require adjustment. However, if the travel sensor has been replaced,
adjust the travel sensor by performing the following procedure. See
the “Maintenance” section, of the instrument instruction manual for
travel sensor replacement procedures.

WARNING
Calibration may result in a sudden change in valve
position and loss of process control. DO NOT
continue until the instrument and the associated
valve are isolated from the process.

The instrument mode must be Out Of Service to calibrate the travel

sensor. If the instrument mode is not Out Of Service, the ValveLink
software prompts you to change the instrument mode. Also, the in-
strument protection must be set to None. If not, the ValveLink soft-
ware prompts you to change the instrument protection.
Before beginning the travel sensor adjustment procedure, the instru-
ment and actuator pressure should be disconnected.
To calibrate the travel sensor, from the menu bar select:
Calibration>Travel Sensor Adjust
Perform the appropriate travel sensor adjust procedure described in
the instrument instruction manual.

VL2000 Series 7–13

 Pressure Sensor Calibration

The following procedures calibrate the pressure sensor of a

DVC5000 Series or pressure sensors for a DVC6000 Series digital
valve controller.
Before beginning calibration, check the tag information on the status
bar and verify the instrument is connected to the network. Verify the
Instrument Mode is set to Out Of Service and the Instrument
Protection is set to None.

WARNING
Calibration may result in a sudden change in valve
position and loss of process control. DO NOT
continue until the instrument and the associated
valve are isolated from the process.

Verify that the digital valve controller is correctly mounted on the

actuator and that the equipment is connected as shown in figure 7-6.
Also verify that the multidrop switch on the instrument printed wiring
board is set to point-to-point. If the switch is not set for point-to-point,
refer to the appropriate instrument instruction manual for information
on setting switches.
To start pressure sensor calibration, from the menu bar, select
Calibration>Pressure Sensor.

7–14 VL2000 Series

 PC with

Instrument
1

NOTE:
1 FOR DVC6000 SERIES INSTRUMENTS, CONNECT THE PRESSURE GAUGE TO OUTPUT A OR
B OR SUPPLY DEPENDING ON THE PRESSURE SENSOR BEING CALIBRATED.

Figure 7-6. Example Pressure Calibration Setup (HART Modem Shown)

VL2000 Series 7–15

 This page intentionally left blank.

7–16 VL2000 Series

Section 8 Diagnostic Tools
88

This section is an overview of Diagnostic Tools.

Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2

Working with Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–6
Tests to Check and Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–8
Viewing the Alert Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–11

Consult ValveLink software online help for detailed information about

diagnostics.

VL2000 Series 8–1

 Diagnostic Tests

The microprocessor–based diagnostic tools offered by FIELDVUE

digital valve controllers and ValveLink software allow you to pinpoint
control valve problems. Relying on a specific test, you can deter-
mine a valve’s operating condition, make informed decisions on
maintenance needs and then schedule repair activities for the least
disruptive time.

Note
Diagnostic tests permit you to run interactive tests that
move the valve, poll for data, and display the data
graphically.

Some diagnostic tests may not be available with your installed con-
figuration of the software. To see which tests are available, see the
ValveLink Help screen, About ValveLink.
Diagnostic checks allow you to display and monitor an instrument’s
condition.

Trending Trending is only available for HART instru-

ments communicating over a multiplexer
network. Trending provides an easy visu-
alization of valve response to a control
system output. Trending is a diagnostic
intended to monitor standard instrument
parameters during normal process opera-
tions. You can view live data received over
the multiplexer network or you can view
archived data or data saved in a dataset.

8–2 VL2000 Series

Performance Diagnostics During the Performance Diagnostics tests, ValveLink
software collects data for analysis while the valve is in
service and in the process.
Performance Diagnostic Enabled only for HART Instruments. Displays real time
Trends performance data on an electronic strip chart.
Partial Stroke – Ramp Enabled only for the DVC6000 digital valve controller in
an Emergency Shutdown (ESD) application.
This test checks for valve movement without fully stroking
the valve and disturbing the process. Many applications
will allow 5% movements to verify valve response without
upsetting the critical process line.
Presents the results of the analysis, including friction,
torque, deadband, and dead time in a strip chart format.
Dynamic Scan When ValveLink software is connected to a DVC6000
S Total Scan Series digital valve controller, you can run a single diag-
S Dynamic Error Band nostic test (Total Scan) to gather data for all the dynamic
S Drive Signal scan tests ( Dynamic Error Band, Drive Signal, Valve Sig-
S Valve Signature nature).
S A list box on the Total Scan–Graph page permits you to
select one of the Dynamic Scan tests and graph the data
for that test.
For a DVC5000 Series digital valve controller, the Dy-
namic Scan tests must be selected individually.
Dynamic Error Band Test The Dynamic Error Band
test plots travel versus in-
put of a digital valve con-
troller and plots output
pressure versus the input of
a digital transducer.

VL2000 Series 8–3

Dynamic Scan Drive Signal Test The Drive Signal test plots
(continued) instrument DRIVE SIGNAL
S Total Scan versus the INPUT. It is sim-
S Dynamic Error Band ilar in display format to the
S Drive Signal dynamic error band display.
S Valve Signature
Valve Signature Test The Valve Signature test
plots actuator pressure ver-
sus travel for a DVC5000 or
DVC6000 Series digital
valve controller with ad-
vanced diagnostics. This
test can be used to bench-
mark valve performance by
identifying friction, spring
rate, seating forces and
bench set. It uses valve
specifications from the
open tag’s Valve Spec
Sheet. If the instrument be-
ing tested has firmware re-
vision 4.0 or later, and you
are communicating with a
HART modem or an MTL
multiplexer, a dynamic error
band test dataset will also
be saved when you save
the dataset for the valve
signature test.

8–4 VL2000 Series

Step Response Test The Step Response test graphically depicts the response
of an instrument and valve. The Step Response test
plots TRAVEL versus the TIME it takes to move through
the specified steps. This test analyzes overshoot, hyster-
esis, dead time, and stroking time.
Stroke Valve Test The Stroke Valve test allows you to change the travel
independent of the control signal. The travel can be
changed either by setting a target to move towards (step)
or by ramping the travel up or down until you stop the
ramping.

VL2000 Series 8–5

 Working With Diagnostics

The Diagnostics feature of ValveLink software allows you to actively

diagnose and troubleshoot instruments and control valves. There are
two types of diagnostics available:
D Tests

D Checks

Running a Diagnostic Test

To setup, calibrate, or test an instrument, you must have the instru-
ment’s tag open or active. The status bar always displays data from
the open tag.
To open a tag, select a tag from the Device Connection View (left
pane) and double click on the desired tag, or click the Tag Menu and
select Open or Modify Tag. In the Tag Management window, select
the tag you wish to open.

Note
Before running any diagnostic test which moves the
valve, change the instrument’s mode to Out of Service.
When you finish running tests, change the mode back
to In Service. To change from In Service to Out of
Service, or vice versa, click the Instrument Mode button
on the toolbar, or select:
Instrument Setup>Mode>Instrument.

Cancelling a Diagnostic Test

To cancel a test in progress, click the Cancel button. The system
pauses as ValveLink software restores the instrument Setup and
prepares the instrument to be used for other tests.

8–6 VL2000 Series

 If a diagnostic test stops abruptly, for example, if the power fails dur-
ing a test, ValveLink software attempts to restore the instrument set-
up. If ValveLink software cannot restore the setup, the system noti-
fies you with a message. To correct the error, use Detailed Setup to
manually restore the instrument’s configuration from the database.
Low Power Warning
ValveLink software checks to see if the analog input current is less
than 3.8 mA before running a diagnostic test which moves the valve.
If it is, the system displays a message and asks whether you want to
proceed. To continue with the test, click Yes. If you wish to check
the analog input current before continuing, click No.
Setting the Collection Interval for Diagnostic Tests
Set the amount of time, in milliseconds, between collection intervals
while ValveLink software polls an instrument for data during
diagnostic tests. If you set this interval lower, the diagnostic
generates more points. Setting the interval too low, however, may
cause communication errors. A typical collection interval is 250
milliseconds per point.
To set the collection interval for diagnostic tests, select:
Customize ValveLink>Preferences>Diagnostics tab to display the
page, then select the Help button for detailed help.
Selecting Units of Measure
Set defaults for units of measure. ValveLink software uses these es-
tablished defaults when calculating and displaying data in the Valve
Signature diagnostic test and in the Valve Spec Sheet selected from
the Spec Sheet menu.
To select the units of measure, select:
Customize ValveLink>Preferences>Units tab.
Select the Help button for detailed information.

VL2000 Series 8–7

 Tests to Check and Monitor

Viewing Instrument Status

The Instrument Status window provides instrument signal values,
alerts, serial numbers, last calibration location and date, hardware
and software revision dates for an open tag. When you open a tag,
ValveLink automatically opens the Instrument Status window for that
tag. Select the Help button for detailed instructions.
The Instrument Status window for HART instruments has four
pages:
D Monitor
D Alerts
D Device
D Notes
Click Help on each of these pages for detailed instructions.

8–8 VL2000 Series

 Trending

Trending is available for HART instruments communicating with a

modem or over a multiplexer network. Trending provides an easy
visualization of valve response to a control system output. Trending
is a diagnostic intended to monitor standard instrument parameters
during normal process operations. You can view live data received
over the HART modem or multiplexer network. You also can view
archived data, or data saved in a dataset.

Setting Up for Trending Before you can begin trending, you must
specify the tags of the instruments that will
be communicating the data you wish to
To identify the instruments from which to trend.
trend data, select :
Click the Setup button. From the Network
Network menu>Network Scan>Network Scan Setup window, select the tags to
Alert Scan window. scan. Select the Help button for detailed
instructions.
The Trend List If the network is being actively scanned,
you can see a list of all tags currently
trended.
To see the trend list, from the menu bar,
select: For each tag listed, the time last updated
is displayed, along with the most recent
Network>Trend List. travel, input, pressure, and temperature
data. This list is constantly updated as
data is received from the instruments.
Viewing Trends To view trend data for an instrument:
Open an instrument’s tag, right click the
Select: tag and select Trend from the drop-down
menu, click the Trend button on the tool-
Diagnostics>Trend>Travel Activity. bar, or Diagnostics>Trend.

VL2000 Series 8–9

Travel History Page The Travel History page provides a travel
histogram that shows you where the valve
spends the majority of its time. This infor-
Select: mation can be used to determine if the
Diagnostics>Trend>Travel History. valve is correctly sized.

8–10 VL2000 Series

 Viewing the Alert Record

HART instruments have an alert record that can store alerts from
any of the enabled alert groups:
D Valve Alerts

D Failure Alerts

D Miscellaneous Alerts
The alert record also includes the date and time (from the instrument
clock) the alert occurred.
To view the alert record, select:
Diagnostics menu>Instrument Alert Record.
The recorded alerts and the time and date the first alert occurred is
displayed.

VL2000 Series 8–11

 This page intentionally left blank.

8–12 VL2000 Series

Section 9 Batch Runner

99

This section is an overview of how to use Batch Runner.

The Batch Runner Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–2

Select ValveLink software online help for more detailed instructions on

how to use Batch Runner.

VL2000 Series 9–1

 The Batch Runner Tool

With Batch Runner you can setup the ValveLink software to auto-
matically run diagnostic tests, calibrate, or upload configuration data
to multiple valves with a user specified routine.
During a turn-around or production change over, you can upload
configurations, run the Performance Tuner to optimize tuning, or
even reset the instrument clock without any interaction by personnel.
Batch runner reduces redundancy and increases consistency by
allowing the user to set up a batch once, then repeatedly run it for
different groups of valves.

Figure 9-1. Automate Diagnostic Tests and Other Repetitive Activities.

9–2 VL2000 Series

 With the Batch Runner tool, you can run one or more of the following
operations on one or more instruments with existing tags, via HART
modem or multiplexer.
D Upload and save an entire instrument configuration.

D Run diagnostics and store data sets for Status Monitor,

Dynamic Error Band, Step Response, Drive Signal, and Valve
Signature.

D Auto calibrate travel using the last crossover value.

D Run the Performance Tuner.

D Reset the Configuration Changed Flag.

D Reset the instrument clock (available for all DVC6000 Series

and DVC5000 Series digital valve controllers with firmware revision 5
or later).

D Download the date to the instrument.

ValveLink operations can also be selected and stored without
specific tags. Such a group of operations, called a Macro, can then
be recalled later and applied to existing tags.
To start Batch Runner select:
Tools>Batch Runner.
The Batch Runner feature may not be available with your software.
See the ValveLink Help screen, About ValveLink for more informa-
tion about Batch Runner.

VL2000 Series 9–3

 This page intentionally left blank.

9–4 VL2000 Series

Section 10 Reports

1010

This section is an overview of how to create reports and use AuditLog.

Creating Tag Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–2

Using the AuditLog Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–4
AuditLog Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–6
Printing the AuditLog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–11

Refer to AuditLog online help for more detailed information.

VL2000 Series 10–1

 Creating Tag Reports

From the Tag Management window, you can print a report that
contains selected information for all the tags listed in the Tags Found
box. whether they are highlighted or not. You can use one of several
methods to print the report.
D From the menu bar select :
Tag>Open>Modify Tag.
D From the Tag menu. In the Tag Management window, enter
into the Tag or Partial Tag field the tag or several characters of those
tags you want to appear on the report. If necessary, use Tag Groups
to limit the tags in the Tags Found box. When the list of tags is
correct, click the Print List button at the bottom of the window.
D From the toolbar, click the Tag icon. In the Tag Management
window, enter into the Tag or Partial Tag field the tag or several
characters of those tags you want to appear on the report. If
necessary, use Tag Groups to limit the tags in the Tags Found box.
When the list of tags is correct, click the Print List button at the
bottom of the window.
The Print Tags Report window is shown in figure 10-1.
You can select the tag information that appears on the report by
checking the box to the left of the item.

Figure 10-1. Print Tag Report Window

10–2 VL2000 Series

 Click the box again to clear it. You can also arrange the tag informa-
tion on the report. Items near the top of the list will appear on the left
side of the report.
To move an item, click on the item to highlight it. Click the Move Up
button to position the item closer to the top of the list. Click the Move
Down button to move the item closer to the bottom of the list.
The default separator between each 5 rows of tag information is a
space. If you wish to separate each 5 rows with a line, check the box
next to Lined Report.
The default page orientation for the report is landscape, where the
report is printed on a 11 x 8-1/2 inch page. To print the report on an
8-1/2 x 11 inch page, check the box next to Forced Portrait. When
you have finished, click OK to print the report. Click Cancel to return
to the Tag Management window without printing a report.

VL2000 Series 10–3

 Using the AuditLog Viewer

Figure 10-2 is an example of the ValveLink AuditLog. This log is a

file, VLINK.VLG, in the same directory where the ValveLink files are
installed. In this file the ValveLink software records all the events,
that occur with ValveLink. For example, when a user logs on, the
software records the date, time, and user name as well as the date
and time of each operation that user performs. Entries are recorded
in the log for events such as startup and Log on, changing
preferences, calibrating or configuring an instrument, saving a
database and running a diagnostic test.
To conserve disk space, the size of the log file is limited. When
ValveLink is installed the file is limited to 100 kilobytes, however you
may change the file size. To specify the size of the log, start
ValveLink and Log on with a user account that can change
preferences.

Figure 10-2. Example ValveLink AuditLog

10–4 VL2000 Series

 From the menu bar, select:
Customize ValveLink>Preferences.
Go to the AuditLog page by clicking on the appropriate tab. Enter a
value for the size of the log. Valid entries include 10 to 100 Kbytes.
To calculate file size, use the following approximation: 55 bytes per
event. Thus, a 100 Kbyte file should hold about 1,818 events. When
the file reaches the specified size, ValveLink renames the current
audit log file with a name corresponding to the current date (for
example, if the day is July 12, 1997, the audit log file will be renamed
VL120797.VLG) and creates a new VLINK.VLG file.
To retain a history of events over a long period may require multiple
log files. You may rename the current log file (VLINK.VLG) and the
backup file (VLINKLOG.BAK) to maintain multiple files. However,
when the ValveLink software logs an event, it always logs the event
in the file VLINK.VLG, thus this file has the record of the latest
events.
If the file VLINK.VLG is deleted, or renamed, the ValveLink software
automatically creates a new one when it starts up.
During ValveLink installation, an icon is created for the ValveLink
Audit Log Viewer program in the ValveLink VL2000 program group.
To view the audit log, start the viewer by clicking on the ValveLink
Audit Log Viewer icon. From the dialog box, select the audit log file
you wish to view. When first displayed, the Audit Log Viewer displays
the log as it is was recorded. You can filter and sort how the entries
are displayed, but you cannot modify the log.

VL2000 Series 10–5

 AuditLog Toolbar

The following is a brief description of the function provided by each

of the buttons on the toolbar. To display the toolbar, select Options
from the menu bar, then select toolbar from the Options menu.
Filter by Users Button—Permits displaying only records
that contain operations initiated by specified users. Does
not affect sorting options previously selected.

Filter by Tags Button—Permits displaying only records

that include operations performed on specified database
tags. Does not affect sorting options previously selected.

Filter by Events Button—Permits displaying only records

that contain events within specified event categories. Does
not affect sorting options previously selected.

Filter by Dates Button—Permits displaying only records

that occurred within a specified date range. Does not affect
sorting options previously selected. If no events occur within
the specified range, you are notified by a message box and the dis-
play remains unchanged.

Filter by Times Button—Permits displaying only records

that occurred within a specified time range. Does not affect
sorting options previously selected. If no events occur within
the specified range, you are notified by a message box and the dis-
play remains unchanged.

10–6 VL2000 Series

 Filter by Multiple Criteria Button—Permits displaying only
records that match a combination of criteria, including user,
tag, event, date and time. Does not affect sorting options
previously selected. If no events occur within the specified date or
time range, you are notified by a message box and the display re-
mains unchanged.

No Filtering Button—Removes any filtering criteria. All

records in the log file are displayed. Does not affect sorting
options previously selected.

Sort by Users Button—Permits sorting the displayed re-

cords alphabetically by user. Records without a user (blank)
will be listed last. Records with the same user are sorted by
date and time, either chronologically or reverse-chronologically de-
pending on if Reverse Dates is selected.

Sort by Tags Button—Permits sorting the displayed re-

cords alphabetically by database tag. Records without a tag
(blank) will be listed last. Records with the same tag are
sorted by date and time, either chronologically or reverse-chronologi-
cally depending on if Reverse Dates is selected.

Sort by Events Button—Permits sorting the displayed re-

cords alphabetically by event category. Records with the
same event category are sorted by date and time, either
chronologically or reverse-chronologically depending on if Reverse
Dates is selected.

Sort by Dates Button—Permits sorting the displayed re-

cords by date and time, either chronologically or reverse-
chronologically depending on if Reverse Dates is selected.

Reverse Date Button—Permits reordering the displayed

records so that the record with the latest date and time is at
the top of the list.

VL2000 Series 10–7

Filtering Records to Display
Several filters are available to allow you to display the records for
selected users, selected database tags, selected events, within a
specified date range, or within a selected range of times.
To filter the selected records, click on the appropriate toolbar button
or select Filter from the menu bar then select the type of filter: Users,
Tags, Events, Dates, Times, Multiple, or None.
Filtering Records by User
From the Users list box, highlight those users whose records you
wish to display. Only users who have records in the log are dis-
played in the list box. Once you have highlighted the users whose
records you want to display, click OK to display the filtered log. Click-
ing OK removes any previous filter and updates the display applying
only the user filter. Any previously selected sorting options still apply.
Clicking Cancel restores any previous filters.
Filtering Records by Tag
From the Tags list box, highlight the database tags that have records
you wish to display. Only tags with records in the log are displayed in
the list box. Once you have highlighted the tags of records you want
to display, click OK to display the filtered log. Clicking OK removes
any previous filter and updates the display applying only the tag fil-
ter. Any previously selected sorting options still apply. Clicking Can-
cel restores any previous filters.

Note
Selecting all the users in the list box is not identical to
no filter. Some log entries do not have users associated
with them, and a blank user is not listed in the list box.
Selecting all the users will display all log entries except
those with no user name.

10–8 VL2000 Series

Filtering Records by Event
From the Events list box, highlight the events listed in the log you
wish to display. Only events in the log are displayed in the list box.
Once you have highlighted the events you want to display, click OK
to display the filtered log. Clicking OK removes any previous filter
and updates the display applying only the event filter. Any previously
selected sorting options still apply. Clicking Cancel restores any
previous filters.
Filtering Records by Date and Time
In the dialog box, enter the range of dates and times of records you
wish to display. Once you have entered a date and time range, click
OK to display the filtered log. Clicking OK removes any previous
filter and updates the display applying only the date and time filter.
Any previously selected sorting options still apply. Clicking Cancel
restores any previous filters. If no records exist within the specified
date and time, a message box appears to notify you there are no
records and returns you to the previous display.
Applying Multiple Filters and Removing Filters
Selecting Multiple from the Filters menu or clicking the Filter by
Multiple Criteria button from the toolbar provides a Multiple Filters
dialog box to allow you to filter records by user, tag, event and date
and time. Except for date and time, for each of the filtering criteria
you can select all, multiple, or a single criteria from the list boxes.
For example. from the users list box you can select All, multiple
users, or any one of the single users listed. If you select All, no
filtering by user is applied. If you select multiple users, a second
dialog box appears. The tags and events criteria work the same.
The second dialog box provides a list box where you can highlight
multiple selections. The All and None buttons allow you to quickly
make multiple choices. To select a majority of the criteria in the list,
click the All button. All selections are highlighted. You can now
deselect those selections you do not want to display by clicking on
them to remove the highlighting. Clicking on the None button
removes all the highlighting and permits you to click on the individual
choices you wish to display. Once you have made your choices, click
OK to select your choices and return to the Multiple Filters dialog
box. Clicking Cancel returns you to the Multiple Filters dialog box
with out making any choices for that criteria. Make your choices for
the other criteria in like manner.

VL2000 Series 10–9

 To display records within a date and time range, from the Multiple
Filters dialog box specify the date and time range. If no records are
logged within the specified date and time, a message box appears
after you click OK to notify you there are no records and returns you
to the previous display. If no date and time range is specified, the
default date and time range includes all records on the log so that no
filtering by date and time is applied.
Once all criteria choices have been made and a date and time range
specified, click OK to display the filtered log. Any previously selected
sorting options still apply. Clicking Cancel restores any previous
filters.
To remove all filters, select None from the Filters menu or click the
No Filtering button on the toolbar.
Sorting Records to Display
You can apply sorting criteria to display the records alphabetically by
user, database tags, events, or chronologically by date and time.
Records with blank users and tags will be listed last. Sorting is
independent of the selected filters.
To sort the selected records, click on the appropriate toolbar button
or select Sort from the menu bar then select the type of sorting: by
User, by Tag, by Event, by Date or Reverse Date. Like entries within
a category will be listed chronologically by date and time, or reverse
chronologically if Reverse Date is selected. For example, if several
records have the same user, the records for that user will be listed
chronologically (earliest record first) or, if Reverse Date is selected,
reverse chronologically (latest record first).

10–10 VL2000 Series

 Printing the Audit Log

Printing the AuditLog

The audit log may be printed at any time. To print the log, either click
the Print button on the toolbar, or select Print from the File menu.
The log is printed as currently displayed, with any selected filters and
sort criteria applied to it. If a filter is applied. the printout indicates
that this is not the entire log.
You can print datasets or graphs from a number of ValveLink
windows including diagnostic tests, configuration data, and valve
specifications. If ValveLink does not allow you to access Print on the
Tag menu or click the Print button on the toolbar, then printing is not
a valid option from the current window.
You can use one of two methods to print the displayed dataset or
valve specifications:
D From the menu bar, select Tag. Select Print Dataset from the
Tag menu, or

D From the toolbar, click the Print button on the toolbar.

Specific print options depend upon the printer you’re using with your
computer. For help on working with your printer, see the
manufacturer’s documentation.

VL2000 Series 10–11

 This page intentionally left blank.

10–12 VL2000 Series

Section 11 Database Synchronization

1111

This section contains basic information about Working with the DataSync
Program, including:

Working with the DataSync Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–2

Selecting Databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–3
Selecting Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–5
Explanation of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–7
Setting Preferences for DataSync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–13
Using DataSync with a
Serial or Parallel Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11–14

VL2000 Series 11–1

 Working with the DataSync Program

DataSync is used to synchronize two ValveLink software version 4.x

databases on the same computer, over a network, or by using a
direct cable connection between two computers. With DataSync you
can:
D Copy or move tag information from one database to another.

D Merge tag information between databases.

The DataSync utility requires the ValveLink Diagnostic Tools feature.
Depending upon your installed configuration of ValveLink software,
the Diagnostic Tools feature may not be available. To determine if
this feature is available, see the ValveLink Help screen, About Valve-
Link.
Start the DataSync program by clicking the Start button on the Win-
dows task bar. Then select:
Programs>ValveLink>ValveLink DataSync.
At the Log on dialog box, enter the same user name and password
you use to start the ValveLink software. The user must be assigned
to a security group that has the privilege to modify database tags.

11–2 VL2000 Series

 Selecting Databases12

After you log in, you must choose the two databases with which you
wish to work.
D The source database includes the tags you wish to copy.

D The destination database is the database to which you wish to

copy tags.
You can either type in the database name, or you can select it by
clicking the Browse button. If the two databases exist on the same
computer, you can easily browse and choose the database files. If
one or both of the database files exist on a network drive, you should
also be able to browse to those.
If the database files exist on two computers connected by cable, see
Using DataSync with a Serial or Parallel Connection on page 11–14.
The destination database must be a ValveLink database, but the
source database can be either a ValveLink database or a Fisher
FIRST export file.
The default file type for the source database is a ValveLink database
(*.mdb). To see a Fisher FIRST export file, change the Files of type
entry on the Open dialog box (see figure 11-1). Fisher FIRST export
files are available in several different file types. If after changing the
file type, you don’t see any files listed, try selecting a different file
type.
After you have selected the two databases, click Next to continue or
Exit to quit the program. The databases must be of the appropriate
type and version before you can continue.

VL2000 Series 11–3

 Change file type to see
other database files
Figure 11-1. Changing File Type to Access Other Databases

11–4 VL2000 Series

 Selecting Tags

Figure 11-2. Selecting Source Database Tags

Once you have selected the databases, you must select the tags
with which you wish to work. As shown in figure 11-2, DataSync
shows you all of the tags in the source database. Select only the
tags you want to move to the destination by using the ⇐, ⇒, All ⇐,
and All ⇒ buttons.
D To move a group of tags to the Selected tags box, highlight
them in the Tags in source database box and click the ⇒ button.
D To move all of the tags to the Selected tags box, click the All ⇒
button.
D To remove a group of tags from the Selected tags box, highlight
them in the Selected tags box and click the ⇐ button.
D To remove all of the tags from the Selected tags box, click the
⇐ All button.
On the left side of the screen, you can see the group names with a
drop-down list of the subgroups in each group. If you select a
subgroup from a drop-down list, only tags in that subgroup will be
displayed in the Tags in source database box.

VL2000 Series 11–5

 D Click Back to return to the previous screen, Next to continue, or
Exit to quit the program.

11–6 VL2000 Series

 Explanation of Operations

Figure 11-3. DataSync Operations Selection Screen

The various operations are selected from the screen shown in figure
11-3.
The following defines the various operations:

Union-Merge Select this operation to merge data from

the selected tags with data in existing tags
in the destination database. If a selected
tag does not exist in the destination data-
base, it is added to the destination data-
base.

VL2000 Series 11–7

 DataSync deals with Tag ID information and Master Spec Sheets in
four different ways.
1. If the tag does not exist in the destination database, the Tag ID
and Master Spec Sheet are copied to the destination database.
2. If the tag exists in the destination database and none of the check
boxes are checked, the Tag ID and Master Spec Sheet ARE NOT
merged.
3. If the tag exists in the destination database and the “Duplicate
Tag ID and spec sheet fill vacancies in destination” box is checked,
empty values in the Tag ID and Master Spec Sheet are filled in with
the values in the source database.
4. If the tag exists in the destination database and the “Duplicate
Tag ID and spec sheet replace those in destination” box is checked,
the Tag ID and Master Spec Sheet are completely replaced by the
Tag ID and Master Spec Sheet in the source database.

11–8 VL2000 Series

Union-Skip This operation copies data for selected
tags only if the tag does not exist in the
destination database.
Union-Screen This operation permits you to choose what
to do with duplicate tags. For each se-
lected tag that already exists in the des-
tination database, you are given a choice
of what to do. After you select the Union-
Screen operation, DataSync displays the
Screen Tag box titled, Screen Tag Box for
the Union-Screen Operation.
You can change the name of the tag by
typing a new name in the edit field and
clicking the Change Tag button. To skip
the tag and not copy it to the destination
database, click the Skip Tag button. To
merge tag data in the source database
with tag data in the destination database,
click the Merge Tag button. To cancel the
process, click the Cancel button.After you
have screened all of the duplicate tags,
DataSync copies data for all of the remain-
ing selected tags to the destination data-
base.

VL2000 Series 11–9

Replace Select this operation to copy data for all of
the selected tags to the destination data-
base. Before the tags are copied, howev-
er, any duplicates in the destination data-
base will be deleted. If you select Replace
a message asks if you are sure you want
to replace before continuing. Click OK to
continue, or Cancel to quit the operation. If
you continue, DataSync first copies the
destination database to a backup directo-
ry, then deletes the duplicate tags.
When DataSync has finished copying
tags, you are prompted to either save or
delete the backup database. If something
went wrong or you want to save a backup
copy of the destination database, click
Save Backup. If everything worked cor-
rectly and you don’t want a backup, click
Delete Backup.

11–10 VL2000 Series

The next three operations are not available if the source database is a Fisher FIRST
export file.

Last Dataset This operation can be used with any of the

other operations. For each tag copied or
merged to the destination database, only
data from the most recent dataset of each
type is moved. For example: if you have
saved three valve signature tests for one
tag, only data from the most recently
saved test is copied or merged.
Purge Source This operation cannot be used at the same
time as the Purge All operation but can be
used with any of the other operations. If
you select Purge Source, a message asks
if you are sure you want to purge before
continuing. Click OK to continue, or Can-
cel to quit the operation. If you continue,
DataSync first completes the operation
you told it to do, then it copies the source
database to a backup directory. DataSync
deletes ONLY the tags in the source data-
base that it copied or merged to the des-
tination.
When DataSync has finished deleting
tags, you are prompted to either save or
delete the backup database. If something
went wrong or you want to save a backup
copy of the source database, click Save
Backup. If everything worked correctly and
you don’t want a backup, click Delete
Backup.

VL2000 Series 11–11

Purge All This operation cannot be used at the same
time as the Purge Source operation but
can be used with any of the other opera-
tions. If you select Purge All, a message
asks if you are sure you want to purge be-
fore continuing. Click OK to continue, or
Cancel to quit the operation. If you contin-
ue, DataSync first completes the operation
you told it to do, then it copies the source
database to a backup directory. DataSync
deletes ALL of the tags in the source data-
base.
When DataSync has finished deleting
tags, you are prompted to either save or
delete the backup database. If something
went wrong or you want to save a backup
copy of the source database, click Save
Backup. If everything worked correctly and
you don’t want a backup, click Delete
Backup.

11–12 VL2000 Series

 Setting Preferences for DataSync

To change the DataSync preferences, from the DataSync Main

Menu select:
Customize>Preferences.
You can change the folder where DataSync will save backup files
and the language that DataSync displays on the screen.
Click browse to select a folder for backup files, or type the name in
the box. In the dialog box that appears, select a folder where you
would like DataSync to save backup files.
Click OK to enter your selection and return to the preferences
window, or click Cancel to keep the existing preference.
Click the list arrow and from the drop-down list select the language
you want DataSync to display on the screen. If you change your lan-
guage preference, you must exit and restart DataSync.
When you are done choosing your preferences, click OK to save
them or click Cancel to keep the existing preferences.

VL2000 Series 11–13

 Using DataSync with a Serial or Parallel Cable

DataSync can work with databases on two computers that are con-
nected by a parallel or serial cable. The following describes how to
use the Direct Cable Connection program that comes with Windows.
If you do not see Direct Cable Connection on the Accessories menu,
it is not installed. Refer to Windows Help for information on installing
missing Windows components.
The computer running DataSync is the Guest computer. The other
computer is the Host computer.
Step 1: On the Host computer, make sure the drive and/or folder
containing the ValveLink database is shared.
Step 2: To make a folder shared, right click on it and select
Sharing.
Step 3: Refer to figure 11-4. On the Sharing tab, select Shared
As and enter the folder name in the box labeled Share
Name
Step 4: Click OK to close the properties window.
Step 5: Connect the two computers with a null modem serial or
parallel cable.
Step 6: On both computers, run Direct Cable Connection by
selecting: Start>Programs.
Step 7: From the programs menu, select Accessories and Direct
Cable Connection. If Direct Cable Connection is not
installed, install it from the Windows CD-ROM by run-
ning Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel.
Step 8: If Direct Cable Connection has not been run on the com-
puters, a connection wizard will take you through the
process of setting up the connection. If Direct Cable
Connection has been run, the computer shows you the
current settings, as shown in figure 11-5.
Step 9: If changes are required, click on Change to set up the
connection on both computers.

11–14 VL2000 Series

 Figure 11-4. Folder Properties Dialog Box

Step 10: On the Host computer, select Host and the correct port
for the connection.

Step 11: On the Guest computer, select Guest and the correct
port for the connection.

Step 12: If the Direct Cable Connection does not automatically try
to connect, click Listen on the Host computer and Con-
nect on the Guest computer.

Step 13: Wait for the computers to connect.

VL2000 Series 11–15

 Figure 11-5. Direct Cable Connection Computer Settings Screen.

Figure 11-6. Mapping a Network Drive on the Guest Computer.

Step 14: After the computers connect, a window should pop up,
as shown in figure 11-4, on the Guest computer that
displays the shared folders on the Host. Right click the
folder you are going to use and select Map Network
Drive. Select a drive letter and click OK.

11–16 VL2000 Series

 Step 15: Start DataSync. If you click on one of the Browse but-
tons, you should be able to browse through files on the
Host computer by using the drive letter you selected.
Select the two ValveLink databases you need to work
with and use DataSync to synchronize the tags.

VL2000 Series 11–17

 This page intentionally left blank.

11–18 VL2000 Series

Section 12 Troubleshooting

This section contains troubleshooting tips if you encounter difficultly

using ValveLink software.

Consult Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–2

Connecting and Communicating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–5
Configuring, Calibrating, and Transferring Data . . . . 12–12
Running Diagnostic Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–14
Running Batches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–16

Consult ValveLink software online help for more troubleshooting tips.

VL2000 Series 12–1

 Consult Help

Using ValveLink Help. The ValveLink help system provides step-

by-step procedures for working with all of
the ValveLink software features. For every
ValveLink window, the help system de-
fines edit fields, parameters, and buttons.
The Glossary provides quick pop-up defi-
nitions.
Accessing Help. To access help you can:
S Click the Help button on any window.
S Select an option from the Help menu.
S Press F1.
Using the Glossary. When you need a quick definition of a
term, an edit field, or instrument parame-
ter, use the Glossary.
1. Access ValveLink help.
2. Click the Glossary button on the toolbar
in the Help window.
3. Click an alphabetic button to narrow
your search.
4. Scroll through the terms listed until you
find the word you’re looking for.
5. Click the term to open a pop-up
definition.
6 Click again to close the pop-up
definition.

12–2 VL2000 Series

Finding Help Topics. For detailed information about a particular topic, you can:
Select a Topic from the The Contents is similar to
Help Contents. the table of contents in a
paper manual. Find an
entry that interests you
then click its title. To dig
deeper for more informa-
tion, select another title
listed under the Related
Topics heading at the bot-
tom of each topic. To return
to a previous topic, use the
Back and History buttons
on the toolbar.
Click the Search Button. From the Search window,
type a word or scroll and
select a key word, then
click the Show Topics but-
ton. Select a topic from the
list then click the Go To
button.
Closing Help Windows. Sometimes, clicking an underlined word or topic title
opens a second help window on top of the first window.
This allows you to quickly check for additional information
without losing your place in the current help topic. To
close the second help window, double-click its control
box.
For More Help. For more about using Windows online help systems,
select Using Help on the Help menu.

VL2000 Series 12–3

Help! Menu Options ValveLink software does not allow you to select dimmed
Don’t Work. menu items. Menu items are dimmed when:
The Option Does Not For example, when you
Apply. open a tag for a DVC6000
digital valve controller, you
cannot select Partial Stroke
Ramp on the Diagnostics
menu. The Partial Stroke
Ramp test applies only to
DVC6000 digital valve con-
trollers in Emergency Shut-
down applications.
You Need Security For example, if you find all
Authorization. of the selections on the
Setup menu are dimmed,
you are not authorized to
make those selections. Talk
to your ValveLink adminis-
trator about security autho-
rization.

12–4 VL2000 Series

 Connecting and Communicating

To quickly verify that an instrument is connected and

Help! Instrument Is Not communicating with ValveLink software, open its tag and
Connected. check the tag information in the status bar. The cable
connectors icon in the status bar appear connected when
the instrument is connected. To check instrument status:
Check the Status Bar. Look for the “lightbulb” in
the in the Status Bar. If the
“lightbulb” is on, the instru-
ment is In Service. Click
the Start Monitoring button
in the Status display area.
A flashing red light in the
Status Bar indicates a con-
nection to the instrument.

VL2000 Series 12–5

Help! Instrument Is Not Check the HART Modem—Select
Connected. (continued) network list. Network Scan on the Net-
work menu. If the instru-
ment does not appear on
the network list, ValveLink
software displays a mes-
sage. Click OK to close this
message. The Network
Alert Scan window dis-
plays. If the instrument ap-
pears on the network list,
click the Start Scan button.
If the instrument does not
appear on the list, check
wiring and other physical
connections, then try again.
To add an instrument, click
the Set up button to open
the Network Scan Set up
window. Add the instrument
there.
If you cannot identify any
problems from the Network
List window, check discre-
pancies between the instru-
ment and the database tag.

12–6 VL2000 Series

Help! Instrument Is Not Check the HART Multiplexer—Select
Connected. (continued) network list. Network Scan on the Net-
work menu and click the
Redraw List button. If the
instrument appears on the
list, click the Network List
Maintenance button, then
click the Check List button
to verify that instruments on
the list are still connected.
Look for ”OK” in the left-
most column next to the
instrument multiplexer ad-
dress and loop number.
If a – appears in the left-
most column, check wiring
and other physical connec-
tions, then try again. If the
instrument does not appear
on the list, click the Net-
work List Maintenance but-
ton, then click .
Rescan the HART Multiplexer—Close
network. all open tags then select
Scan for New Network
Scan on the Network menu.
Click the Network List
Maintenance button, then
click the Rebuild List button
to check multiplexers, ad-
dresses, loops and instru-
ments and rebuild the net-
work list. If you cannot
identify any problems from
the Network List window,
check discrepancies be-
tween the instrument and
the database tag.

VL2000 Series 12–7

Help! Instrument Is Not Check Select Query & Match on
Connected. (continued) discrepancies the Network menu and re-
between the solve any discrepancies be-
instrument and the data- tween key data in the
base tag. instrument and in its corre-
sponding database tag
Help! Items Missing From The network list is the first place to check instruments. If
the Network List (HART an instrument appears to be missing from the network
Modem). list:
Check the Select Network Scan on the
Network List. Network menu. Note if the
instrument appears on the
network list in the Network
Scan window. If not, click
the Scan for Instruments
button. If the instrument
does not appear on the list,
check wiring and other
physical connections, then
try again.
Check the settings listed
below. If you make any
changes, exit ValveLink
and restart to cause your
changes to take effect.
Check communications Verify communications
port settings. ports are set up correctly.
From the Setup menu se-
lect:
Preferences>Communica-
tion page.

12–8 VL2000 Series

Help! Items Missing From Check the Highest Device When scanning the net-
the Network List (HART Address. work, ValveLink checks for
Modem). (continued) instruments up through and
including the highest device
address entered through:
Customize ValveLink>Pref-
erences.
This is only applicable for
instruments in a multi-drop
configuration. For point-to-
point configurations, the
highest device address
should be set to 0. For a
multi-drop configuration,
the highest device address
must correspond to the
highest polling address
configured in an instrument.
Enter a number between 0
and 15.
Check Physical Connec- Turn off power to the equip-
tions. ment, check wiring, then re-
start.
Help! Items Missing From The network list is the first place to check for network
the Network List (HART locations, multiplexers, and instruments.
Multiplexer). If a network, multiplexer, or instrument appears to be mis-
sing from the network list:
Rescan the Close all open tags then
Network & Build a New select Network List & Scan
Network List. from the Network menu.
Click the Network List
Maintenance button, then
click the Rebuild List button
to check multiplexers, ad-
dresses, loops and instru-
ments and rebuild the net-
work list.

VL2000 Series 12–9

Check If you make any changes, exit ValveLink and restart to
Preferences on the Set- cause your changes to take effect. Check the settings
up Menu. listed below:
Check communications Verify communications ports
port settings. are set up correctly.
From the Setup menu se-
lect: Preferences>Commu-
nication page.
Check baud rates. Verify the communications
Preferences>Communica- port is set to the same baud
tion page. rate as any attached multi-
plexers and RS232-to-
RS485 converters.
Check baud rates.
Check the Highest Mux to When scanning the network,
Scan For preference. ValveLink checks for multi-
plexers up through and in-
cluding the highest multi-
plexer address entered
through Preferences on the
Setup menu. For example, if
your network has three mul-
tiplexers with mux address-
es 1, 5, and 13, and if 5 is
entered as the Highest Mux
Address to Scan For, Valve-
Link will not find multiplexer
13 while scanning.
Enter a number between 0
and 31 in the Highest Mux
Address to Scan For edit
field.

12–10 VL2000 Series

Check Check the Highest Mux to When scanning the network,
Preferences on the Set- Scan For preference. ValveLink checks for multi-
up Menu. (continued) (continued) plexers up through and in-
cluding the highest multi-
plexer address entered
through Preferences on the
Setup menu. For example, if
your network has three mul-
tiplexers with mux address-
es 1, 5, and 13, and if 5 is
entered as the Highest Mux
Address to Scan For, Valve-
Link will not find multiplexer
13 while scanning.
To change this number, se-
lect Preferences>Commu-
nication page menu, then
click the Multiplexers Tab.
Enter a number between 0
and 31 in the Highest Mux
Address to Scan For edit
field.
Check the Multiplexers communicate
Polling Address. only with instruments that
have a polling address of 0.
Use a Model 275 HART
Communicator or ValveLink
software communicating via
a HART modem to change
the polling address if it is not
0.
Check Physical Turn off power to the equip-
Connections. ment, check wiring, then re-
start. Always turn on power
to the instruments before
turning on power to the mul-
tiplexers.

VL2000 Series 12–11

 Configuring, Calibrating, and Transferring Data

Help! Can’t Transfer If you’re running Query & Match from the Network menu,
Data in ValveLink will not transfer data between an instrument and
Query & Match. a database tag if the transfer arrows are dimmed rather
than black
If you can’t transfer data:
Check Security Do you have security autho-
Authorization. rization to transfer configura-
tion data? Ask your Valve-
Link administrator.
Check Do the instrument’s mode
Instrument Mode and and protection settings
Protection. match parameter require-
ments? Check the Instru-
ment Mode and Instrument
Protection requirements for
the parameter you are trying
to transfer.
Help! Can’t Upload or To poll an instrument for configuration parameters or to
Download upload data, the instrument must be connected to and
Configuration. communicating with the ValveLink software. On the Config-
uration window, if the Read Inst button is dimmed or if all of
the Download/Upload arrows are dimmed, the instrument is
probably not connected.
If you can’t poll the instrument or upload or download data:
Check Network Check tag information on
Connection. the toolbar and verify
ValveLink is connected to
and communicating with the
instrument.

12–12 VL2000 Series

Help! Can’t Upload or Check Instrument Mode Verify the instrument’s mode
Download and Protection. and protection settings
Configuration. (contin- match parameter require-
ued) ments. Check the Instru-
ment Mode and Instrument
Protection requirements for
the parameter you are trying
to transfer.
Check Security Do you have security autho-
Authorization. rization to transfer configura-
tion data? Ask your system
administrator.
Help! Can’t Calibrate an If you can’t calibrate an instrument from the Calibration
Instrument. menu:
Open a Tag. Check the tag information
on the toolbar and verify the
appropriate tag is open and
active.
Check Network Check tag information on
Connection. the toolbar and verify
ValveLink is connected to
and communicating with the
instrument.
Check Instrument Mode. Check tag information on
the toolbar and verify the
Instrument Mode is set to
Out Of Service.
Check Instrument Verify the Instrument
Protection. Protection is set to Configu-
ration or None.
Check Security Do you have security autho-
Authorization. rization to calibrate?
Ask your ValveLink adminis-
trator.

VL2000 Series 12–13

 Running Diagnostic Tests

Help! Diagnostic Tests

Don’t Work. If you can’t run a test from the Diagnostics menu:
Open a Tag. Check the tag information
on the toolbar and verify the
appropriate tag is open and
active.
Check Network Check tag information on
Connection. the toolbar and verify
ValveLink is connected to
and communicating with the
instrument.
Check Instrument Mode. Check tag information on
the toolbar and verify the
Instrument Mode is set to
Out of Service.
Select New in the Datasets If the Start Monitoring or
Box. Run Diagnostic button is
dimmed rather than black,
select New in the Datasets
box. Then click the button to
start a new diagnostic test.
Check Instrument Level. The instrument may not
support the diagnostic test
you are trying to run.
Check Security If Diagnostic menu options
Authorization. are grayed rather than
black, ask your system ad-
ministration for security au-
thorization to run diagnostic
tests.

12–14 VL2000 Series

Help! Unexpected Valve If running the Valve Signature diagnostic test provides un-
Signature Results. expected results:
Check Valve From the Configuration
Specifications. menu, select Valve Spec
Sheet. Verify the tag’s valve
specifications and modify as
necessary.
Check Units From the Setup menu, se-
of Measure lect:
Defaults. Preferences>Units page.
Verify defaults for units of
measure and modify as nec-
essary. If you can’t access
options on the Setup menu,
talk to your system adminis-
trator for security authoriza-
tion. Run the Valve Signa-
ture diagnostic test again.

VL2000 Series 12–15

 Running Batches

Help! My Batch If you can’t run an operation using Batch Runner from the
Operations Won’t Run. Tools menu:
Create a Tag. Does the tag exist in the da-
tabase?
Check Network Check tag information on
Connection. the status bar and verify
ValveLink is connected to
and communicating with the
instrument.
Check Instrument Mode. Some operations require the
instrument mode to be Out
of Service. Check tag in-
formation on the status bar
and verify the Instrument
Mode is set to Out of Ser-
vice.
Check Instrument Verify the Instrument
Protection. Protection is set to Configu-
ration or None.
Check Instrument Level. The instrument may not
support the operation you
are trying to run.

12–16 VL2000 Series

Glossary
abort algorithm
Request to discontinue a procedure. A set of logical steps to solve a problem
or accomplish a task. A computer
program contains one or more
algorithms.
active tag
The open tag as displayed in the title
bar. Data for the active tag appears on alphanumeric
the status bar. To open an instrument Consisting of letters and numbers.
tag, double click the instrument symbol
in the explorer view. ANSI
An acronym which stands for the
American national Standards institute.
address
One or more integers arranged to ANSI Class
identify the location of an instrument or Valve pressure/temperature rating.
multiplexer.
AUTO
Abbreviation: Automatic Mode
Actuator
A piston or spring and diaphragm baud rate
assembly for positioning the valve Data transmission speed
travel.

Bench Set
The pressure range required to move
Actuator Return the actuator from its upper stop to the
In a piston actuator, the pressure valve’s rated travel without any valve
opposing the stroke pressure (typically frictional forces present.
the pressure below the piston).
boot or boot up
The process of initializing software to
alert point hardware to bring the software to a
The values set to trigger an alert. known state.

VL2000 Series Glossary-1

bus controller
A general term for a group of signal A device that operates automatically to
lines to be considered together, as in a regulate a controlled variable.
data bus or address bus.
control signal
The voltage or current provided by the
ValveLink software to control the valve
byte during testing.
A unit of binary digits (bits). Usually a
byte consists of eight bits.
crossover
On a FIELDVUE instrument, it defines
the mid-point of the stroking range of a
CONFIG sliding-stem valve. A visual indication of
Abbreviation: Configuration the crossover point is found when the
slot in the instrument’s feedback arm
forms a 90-degree angle with the valve
stem. On piston actuators with
configuration (CONFIG) conventional positioners, it is the point
Giving instructions and supplying in which the top and bottom piston
operating parameters for a FIELDVUE pressures cross when plotted against
Instrument. time. This is established during
calibration and typically occurs at 75%
of the supply pressure.

control loop CPU

An arrangement of physical and Acronym: Central Processing Unit
electronic components for process
control. A product flows through one or
more physical components of the loop. database
The electronic components of the loop A collection of data stored in a
continuously measure one or more systematic way so that searches and
aspects of the product flow, then alter sorts can be rapid and that retrieval of
those aspects as necessary to achieve items is simple.
a desired process condition. A simple
control loop measures only one dataset
variable. More sophisticated control Data gathered from an instrument that
loops measure many variables and is stored in the ValveLink database with
maintain specified relationships the date and time the data was
between those variables. gathered.

Glossary-2 VL2000 Series

deadband dynamic bypass
The range through which an input signal With dynamic bypass enabled, the
can be varied without initiating instrument dynamic response to input
observable output response. changes is similar to the first order lag
exhibited by a Fisher Controls Type 546
electro-pneumatic transducer connected
deviation directly to a large volume spring and
Usually, the difference between set diaphragm actuator.
point and process variable. More
generally, any departure from a desired This provides dampening to the final
or expected value or pattern. control element and can stabilize some
process loops. Dynamic bypass is
generally beneficial in fast process
device loops and improves process control.
A piece of electronic hardware that (See Fisher Controls technical
performs one or more prescribed monograph TM-36 for more about
functions. positioner/booster guidelines.

device id dynamic error band

A unique identifier embedded in the For any given signal level, the
instrument at the factory. The ValveLink difference between increase and
software uses this identifier to ensure it decrease output, expressed as a
is communicating with the correct percentage of total travel.
instrument.
dynamic scan test
A test in which the control signal is
drive signal ramped from a preset starting to a
The signal to the I/P converter from the preset ending point at a specific rate.
printed wiring board . It is the
percentage of the total microprocessor
effort needed to drive the valve fully download
open. In most applications, drive signal Sending configuration instructions and
ranges from 55% to 75% in the active calibration information from the
travel range. The drive signal may be FIELDVUE ValveLink database to a
higher or lower at the travel end points. FIELDVUE Instrument.

VL2000 Series Glossary-3

engineering units (EU) firmware revision
The units of measurement for The revision number of the instrument
percentage values of an analog process firmware. Firmware is a program that is
variable. Possible examples are gallons entered into the instrument at the time
per hour, degrees Celsius, and pounds of manufacture and cannot be changed
per square inch. by the user.

EU free time
Acronym: Engineering Units Percent of time that the microprocessor
is idle. A typical value is 25%. The
actual value depends on the number of
feedback arm functions in the instrument that are
The mechanical connection between enabled, and on the amount of
the valve stem linkage and the communication currently in progress.
instrument’s travel sensor.

gain
feedback connection The ratio of output change to input
Identifies to the FIELDVUE instrument change.
how the feedback linkage is connected
to the actuator.
hardware revision
Revision number of the Fisher Controls
feedback signal instrument hardware. The physical
Indicates to the instrument the actual components of the instrument are
position of the valve. The travel sensor defined as the hardware.
provides the feedback signal to the
instrument printed wiring board
assembly. A mechanical linkage HART
connects the travel sensor to the valve HART stands for Highway Addressable
stem or shaft. Remote Transducer.

Glossary-4 VL2000 Series

hysteresis Input range
The maximum difference that can occur The analog input signal range that
in input values for any single output corresponds to the travel range.
value during a calibration cycle,
excluding errors due to dead-band. It is
preferably expressed as a percentage Input signal
of the calibration cycle amplitude. The current (or voltage) signal from the
Hysteretic error is usually determined by control system.
subtracting the value of the dead band
from the maximum measured
separation between upscale movement Instrument Society of America
and downscale movement indications of (ISA)
the measured variable. Some reversal A professional organization of
of output may be expected for any small designers, manufacturers, and users of
reversal of input, which distinguishes process control instrumentation.
hysteresis from dead-band.

Instrument level
Determines the functions available for
Import the FIELDVUE instrument.
Bringing in tag data from an export file
generated by another ValveLink
program. Instrument mode
Determines if the instrument should
respond to its analog input signal. There
are two instrument modes: In service
and Out of Service.
Input characteristic
The relationship between the ranged
travel and ranged input. Possible values ISA
include linear, equal percentage, and
Acronym: Instrument Society of
quick opening.
America

leak class
Input current Defines the allowable leakage of a valve
The current signal from the control when it is closed. Leak class numbers
system that serves as the analog input are listed in two standards: ANSI/FCI
to the instrument. 70-2-1991 and IEC 534-4 (1986)

VL2000 Series Glossary-5

linearity (independent) mode
Dynamic linearity is the maximum Two types of mode are available for a
deviation from a straight line best fit to HART FIELDVUE instrument:
the opening and closing curves and a Instrument Mode and Control Mode.
line representing the average value of The Instrument Mode can be In Service
those curves. or Out Of Service. The possible control
modes for a HART Instrument are:
Analog (RSP), Digital, and Test.

net actuator pressure

Long Address In a piston actuator, the difference
A unique identifier that includes the between the pressures in the upper and
manufacturer ID, device type, and lower piston cylinders.
device ID embedded in the instrument
at the factory. The ValveLink software
uses this unique identifier to send operating system
messages to the instrument. The software that controls and
supervises all the internal operations of
a computer.

parallel
measured current Simultaneous: said of data transmission
The output signal as measured by a on two or more channels at the same
measurement loop and displayed on the time.
test screen.
plant area
The collection of equipment in a plant
that has common manufacturing
strategies and alarm strategies.
memory
A computer’s storage for programs and
data. Most computers and positioner plot
microprocessors have both internal and A graph that plots positioner input signal
external memories: use of internal (pressure) versus travel and provides
memories is faster, but the capacity of analysis of positioner calibration and
internal memories is more limited. performance.

Glossary-6 VL2000 Series

pressure sensor required seat load
A FIELDVUE instrument internal device The minimum required contact force
that senses the output pressure from between the seat and valve plug to
the pneumatic relay. meet the valve’s specified “Leak Class”.

resolution
primary master The least interval between two adjacent
discrete details, which can be,
Masters are communicating devices. A
distinguished one from the other.
primary master is a communicating
device typically permanently wired into
the instrument in the field. You can response time
establish either a communicating device The measured time required for a valve,
in the control room or a PC running or component of, to respond to a given
ValveLink software as the primary position.
master for an instrument. In contrast, a
hand-held communicator is a secondary
master because it is not permanently ROM
wired into the instrument. Acronym: Read-Only Memory

seat load
The contact force between the seat and
RAM valve plug when the valve is at its
Acronym: Random Access Memory closed position.

software
random access memory (RAM) Microprocessor or computer programs
A type of semiconductor memory. A and routines that a user can change.
user can read from and write to a RAM,
electrically, as often as desired. spring rate
The force change per unit change in
length.
read-only memory (ROM)
A memory in which information is stored stroking time
permanently. A user can examine ROM The time, in seconds, required to move
contents as often as desired but cannot the valve from its fully open position to
change the contents. fully closed, or vice versa.

VL2000 Series Glossary-7

tag travel limit
A unique identifying mnemonic or label A setup parameter that defines the
for a controller or point of a process maximum allowable travel (in
control system. percentage of ranged travel) for the
valve. During operation, the travel will
not exceed this limit. There are two
travel limits: high and low. Typically the
temperature sensor travel limit closed will be used to
A device within the FIELDVUE prevent the valve from going completely
instrument that measures the closed.
instrument’s internal temperature.
travel sensor
A device within the FIELDVUE
travel–measured instrument that senses valve stem or
The actual measured movement of the shaft movement.
valve stem or shaft that changes the
amount the valve is open or closed. Travel Sensor Motion
Establishes feedback orientation. While
viewing the end of the travel sensor
travel–rated shaft, if increasing air pressure to the
The valve’s design specification that actuator causes the shaft to rotate
specifies the amount of stem or shaft clockwise, travel sensor motion is CW.
movement required to obtain the If the increase causes the shaft to
maximum flow capacity out of the valve. rotate counterclockwise, travel sensor
motion is CCW.

travel cutoff tuning

A setup parameter that defines the The adjustment of control terms or
cutoff point for the travel, in percent of parameter values to produce a desired
ranged travel. There are two travel control effect.
cutoffs: high and low. Once travel
exceeds the cutoff, the drive signal is tuning set
set to either maximum or minimum, Preset values that identify the gain and
depending on the Zero Control Signal rate settings for a FIELDVUE
and if the cutoff is high or low. Minimum instrument. The tuning set and supply
opening time or minimum closing time is pressure together determine an
not in effect while the travel is beyond instruments response to input signal
the cutoff. changes

Glossary-8 VL2000 Series

upload zero control signal
The movement of configuration A setup parameter that defines whether
instructions from a FIELDVUE the valve is fully open or fully closed
Instrument to a PC running ValveLink with 0% input signal (current or voltage).
software. An upload lets the current
values of parameters be incorporated
into the Valvelink database, eliminating
the need for user entry. Uploads also
may be used to verify that configuration
is correct.

VL2000 Series Glossary-9

 Notes

Glossary-10 VL2000 Series

Index
A Collection
Configuration
Interval,
Changed
Diagnostic
Flag,
Tests,
Reset ing,
8-7

Alert Record, 8-11 6-10

A udit Log
Filtering D
Applying Multiple Filters, 10-9
Database Tags
by Date and Time, 10-9 Copying, 3-11
by Event, 10-9 Deleting, 3-11
by Tag, 10-8 Exporting Data, 3-13
by User, 10-8 Importing Data, 3-12
R emoving Filters, 10-9 Modifying, 3-10
P rinting, 10-11
Datasets, 6-4
Sorting, 10-10
T ransfer ing Data, 6-6
T oolbar, 10-6
V iewing, 10-4 DataSync
Destination Database, 11-3
Direct Cable Connection, 11-14
Operation, 11-7
B Setting Preferences, 11-13
Source Database, 11-3
Batch Runner, 9-2 T ag Selection, 11-5
Detailed Setup, 6-2
Diagnostic Tests, 8-2
C Cancelling,
L ow Power
8-6
Warning, 8-7
R unning, 8-6
Calibrating
Units of Measure, 8-7
Analog Inputs, 7-6
Canceling Calibration, 7-3
L ow Power Warning, 7-4 F
P res ure Sensor, 7-14
R estoring Factory Calibration, 7-5 F actory Calibration, Restoring , 7-5
T ravel
A uto,
Manual,
7-8
7-12
H
T ravel Sensor, 7-13 HAR T Modem, Instal ing, 2-4

VL2000 Series Index-1

 I P rinting
A uditL og, 10-11
Initial Setup, 5-2 Setup Report, 6-7
T ag Reports, 10-2
Instrument
Mode, Changing, 6-7
Monitoring,
P rotection, 6-9
2-14 S
Changing, 6-9 Security Groups, 3-2
Setup Creating, 3-3
Detailed, 6-2 P rivileges, 3-2
Initial, 5-2
Setup
Status, 8-8
Detailed, 6-2
Initial, 5-2
P references, 3-15
L V alveLink, 3-15
Setup Wizard, 5-2
L ogging In, 2-12
Stabilize / Optimize, 5-6
L ogging Out, 2-11

T
P
T ag Groups, 3-9
P asswords, User, 3-6
T ag Reports, 10-2
P erformance Tuner, 5-4 T ags
P references Database, 3-8
A uditL og page, 3-16 HAR T, 3-8
Communication page, 3-15 T echnical Support, 1-8
Diagnostics page, 3-15
ESD page, 3-17 T oolbar
General page, 3-16 A uditL og Viewer, 10-6
HAR T Modem page, 3-16 V alveLink, 4-3
L anguage page, 3-17 T rending
Modbus page, 3-16 Setup, 8-9
Multiplexers page, 3-15 T ravel History, 8-10
Network Alert Scan page, 3-15 T rend List, 8-9
Units page, 3-15 V iewing, 8-9

Index-2 VL2000 Series

T roubleshooting V alveLink Software
Configuring and Calibrating, 12-12 Context Menus, 4-12
Connect and Communicate, 12-5 Description, 1-2
Consult Help, 12-2 F eatures, 1-3
Diagnostic Tests, 12-14
First Time Login, 2-5, 3-3
R unning Batches, 12-16
Hardlock, 2-2
Help, 4-16
U L ogging
L ogging
In,
Out,
2-12
2-11
User Guide Menu Bar, 4-2
Customer Feedback Form, 1-7 Menus, 4-4
F or New Users, 1-7 Navigation, 4-2
Organization, 1-5
Starting, 2-5
Scope, 1-4
Status Bar, 4-3
User Names, 3-6 T echnical Support, 1-8
A dding, 3-6
T itle Bar, 4-2
T oolbar, 4-3
V T raining
Buttons,
on,
4-13
1-8
V alve Spec Sheet, 6-10 Updates, 1-8

VL2000 Series Index-3

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Index-4 VL2000 Series

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For more information, FAX (641) 754-2054

Emerson Process Management

Fisher
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