Emerson Field Tools Quick Start Guide

Emerson Field Tools Quick Start Guide
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Emerson Field Tools 3.7 Quick Start Guide
Remote Automation Solutions

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Application Safety Considerations

Protecting Operating Processes
A failure of this application – for whatever reason -- may leave an operating process without appropriate
protection and could result in possible damage to property or injury to persons. To protect against this, you
should review the need for additional backup equipment or provide alternate means of protection (such as
alarm devices, output limiting, fail-safe valves, relief valves, emergency shutoffs, emergency switches, etc.).
System Training
A well-trained workforce is critical to the success of your operation. Knowing how to correctly install, configure,
program, calibrate, and trouble-shoot your Emerson equipment provides your engineers and technicians with
the skills and confidence to optimize your investment. Remote Automation Solutions offers a variety of ways for
your personnel to acquire essential system expertise. Our full-time professional instructors can conduct
classroom training at several of our corporate offices, at your site, or even at your regional Emerson office. You
can also receive the same quality training via our live, interactive Emerson Virtual Classroom and save on travel
costs. For our complete schedule and further information, contact the Remote Automation Solutions Training
Department at 800-338-8158 or email us at [email protected].
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Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction 1
1.1 What is Emerson Field Tools? ................................................................................................ 1
Chapter 2. Installation 3
2.1 Minimum System Requirements........................................................................................... 3
2.1.1 Notes on USB to Serial Converters ............................................................................ 3
2.2 Before You Begin .................................................................................................................. 3
2.2.1 Disabling User Account Control (UAC) in Windows ................................................... 4
2.2.2 Special Notes for BSI_Config/TechView Users ........................................................... 5
2.2.3 Special Notes for OpenBSI users ............................................................................... 5
2.2.4 Special Notes for ROCLINK Users .............................................................................. 5
2.3 Installing Field Tools ............................................................................................................. 6
Chapter 3. Communication Setup 13

3.1 Using Field Tools to Establish a Connection ......................................................................... 13
3.2 Before You Begin ................................................................................................................ 13
3.3 Starting Field Tools and Logging In ..................................................................................... 14
3.4 Changing the Password ...................................................................................................... 15
3.5 Defining Users .................................................................................................................... 15
3.5.1 Adding a User ......................................................................................................... 16
3.5.2 Setting a Minimum Password Length ...................................................................... 16
3.5.3 Deleting a User ....................................................................................................... 17
3.5.4 Assigning RTU Login Credentials............................................................................. 17
3.6 Connections List ................................................................................................................. 17
3.7 Starting an Existing Connection .......................................................................................... 19
3.8 Creating a New Connection to a Device (Controller/Flow Computer) .................................. 19
3.9 Making a Direct Connection ............................................................................................... 28
3.10 Active Connection pane ........................................................................................... 28
3.11 Saving Connections / Importing Connections ........................................................... 29
3.11.1 Exporting Connections ......................................................................................... 29
3.11.2 Importing Connections ........................................................................................ 29
3.11.3 Importing ROCLINK Connections .......................................................................... 29
3.12 Settings ................................................................................................................... 30
3.13 Offline Configurations/Solutions Menu .................................................................... 31
Chapter 4. FBxNet™ 33
4.1 What is FBxNet? ................................................................................................................. 33
4.2 Licensing FBxNet ................................................................................................................ 33
4.3 How do I configure FBxNet? ................................................................................................ 38
4.4 Starting FBxNet .................................................................................................................. 39
4.5 Switching Between Monitor and Configuration Mode ......................................................... 41
4.6 Creating a Site .................................................................................................................... 41
4.6.1 Editing a Site .......................................................................................................... 43
4.6.2 Deleting a Site ........................................................................................................ 43
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4.7 Creating a Subscriber Directly in FBxNet ............................................................................. 44
4.7.1 Editing a Subscriber ................................................................................................ 45
4.7.2 Deleting a Subscriber ............................................................................................. 45
4.8 Adding a Publisher.............................................................................................................. 45
4.8.1 Editing a Publisher .................................................................................................. 45
4.8.2 Deleting a Publisher ............................................................................................... 46
4.9 Adding a New Parameter .................................................................................................... 46
4.9.1 Editing Existing Publisher Parameters ..................................................................... 47
4.9.2 Deleting a Parameter.............................................................................................. 48
4.10 Synchronizing CSV Files............................................................................................ 48
4.11 Manually Creating the Subscriber CSV File ................................................................ 49
4.11.1 Subscriber File Format .......................................................................................... 49
4.11.2 Subscriber File Example – Created in Excel ............................................................ 51
4.11.3 Subscriber File Example – Created in a Text Editor ................................................ 52
4.12 CSV File Validation ................................................................................................... 53
4.13 FBxNet Authentication ............................................................................................. 53
4.14 Downloading CSV Files ............................................................................................. 54
4.14.1 Downloading CSV Files for a Single Site ................................................................ 55
4.15 Making Changes to Your CSV Files ............................................................................ 55
4.16 Restoring the Backup of Previous CSV Files at the PC ................................................ 56
4.17 Viewing Status of the Subscriber Device ................................................................... 56
4.18 Viewing Status of the Publisher Devices ................................................................... 57
4.19 Viewing Details on a Single Publisher........................................................................ 59
4.20 Modifying FBxNet Configuration Parameters ............................................................ 60
4.21 Enabling/Disabling Fault Processing ......................................................................... 61
4.22 Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................... 62
4.23 FBxNet Settings........................................................................................................ 62
4.24 Working with the Tag Browser. ................................................................................ 63
Appendix A. Troubleshooting Tips 65

Message: Failed to connect to Comm Manager .................................................................. 65
Communication Problem Causing Truncated Messages ................................................ 65
USB to RS-232 Serial Connection Problems ..................................................................... 68
Eltima Message: FAILURE: Access is denied ......................................................................... 68
VPN Causes Certain Features to Fail .................................................................................. 68
Overlapping or Truncated Screen Items ........................................................................... 69
Cannot Communicate with Device After Configuration Download or Cold/Warm Start69
Incorrect Timestamp in FBxConnect Logs ........................................................................ 69
Wi-Fi connections Incompatible with FIPS ....................................................................... 70
FBxConnect USB Driver Installation Issues ....................................................................... 70
Number of Supported ROCLINK Connections .................................................................. 71
Message: Comm Manager Connection Lost ........................................................................ 71
Appendix B. Field Tools Uninstallation Procedure 73

Uninstalling from the Windows Control Panel ................................................................. 73
Cleaning up and Deleting Installation Folders .................................................................. 74
Cleaning the Registry ......................................................................................................... 75
Deep Cleaning the Registry (Usually Not Needed) .......................................................... 75
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Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1 What is Emerson Field Tools?
Emerson Field Tools provides a single integrated package for connecting to and configuring ROC,
FloBoss™, ControlWave™ flow computers and RTUs, FB1000/FB2000 Series Flow Computers, and
FB3000 RTUs.
Field Tools supports either a direct serial connection or an IP connection to a controller or flow
computer. You can also connect wirelessly with FB1000/FB2000 Series Flow Computers. In all these
cases, you establish communications with the controller using Field Tools’ Connection wizard.
In addition, if you install configuration tools for the controller (ROCLINK, TechView, and/or
FBxConnect) Field Tools automatically launches the appropriate tool when you open a connection
to a ROC, FloBoss, ControlWave device, an FB1000/FB2000 Series Flow Computer, or an FB3000
RTU.
Introduction 1
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2 Introduction
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Chapter 2. Installation
This chapter covers installation of Field Tools software.
2.1 Minimum System Requirements

For optimal performance, we recommend that your laptop PC meet the following minimum
requirements:
 Intel® Core™2 Duo T7100 or similar specification Intel CPU (minimum)
 2.5 GB available hard disk space to install the full software package
 8 GB RAM
 1366 x 768 or better resolution display (OS compatible)
 Windows 7 Professional for either 32-bit or 64-bit (Service Pack 1) or Windows 10 Professional
 Network port can be either:
o RS-232 Serial port or USB to RS-232 converter (See Section 2.1.1)
o Ethernet port
Important
Not all components of Field Tools run on all three operating systems.
For details on compatibility of Field Tools with particular hardware, software, and firmware, please
refer to the Field Tools Product Data Sheet (D301735X012).
2.1.1 Notes on USB to Serial Converters

USB to RS-232 serial converters vary widely in quality and performance. Users report good results
with the following converters:
 BlackBox IC199A
 IOGear® GUC232A
 CHIPI-X10
If you experience problems with your converter, see Appendix A – Troubleshooting Tips.
2.2 Before You Begin

Before you install Field Tools, there are several things you need to know:
Important
 Field Tools cannot reside on a computer running any components of OpenEnterprise 2.x,
OpenEnterprise 3.x, OpenEnterprise Client/Server software, or ObjectServer.
 Field Tools 3.7 includes components of BSI_Config (such as TechView) which are from
OpenBSI version 5.9 Service Pack 3.
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 Field Tools can co-exist on a computer running OpenBSI Network Edition 5.9 Service Pack 2
(or newer). It cannot be installed on a computer running OpenBSI versions older than 5.9
Service Pack 2.
 You must have administrative privileges to install Field Tools.
 If installing TechView, close all other programs down before you begin installation. In
particular Office 365 components must be closed because they can interfere with the Field
Tools installer.
 If you are using an Enterprise version of the Windows operating system and your
administrative privileges do not include read/write access to \ProgramData\Emerson and its
sub-folders, these privileges must be set manually by your system administrator.
 You must disable User Account Control (UAC) prior to the installation (you can re-enable it
after a successful installation). See Section 2.2.1.
 If you are using an Enterprise version of a Windows operating system with an application
blocker, set any EXE files in \Program Files\Emerson to “trusted source.”
 Field Tools cannot reside on a computer running any components of OpenEnterprise 2.x,
OpenEnterprise 3.x, OpenEnterprise Client/Server software, or ObjectServer.
 As part of the installation, Eltima device software is installed automatically. Depending upon
your permissions, Windows may require you to confirm this installation before the installation
can proceed.
 For best results on a PC or laptop, set your Windows Control Panel display settings for smaller
fonts (100% default). Larger fonts may cause some screen items to overlap or be cut off.
 For best results on a tablet, set your Windows Control Panel display settings for either smaller
fonts (100%) or medium fonts (125% default). DPI should be 100.
2.2.1 Disabling User Account Control (UAC) in Windows

You must disable UAC prior to installing Field Tools. You can re-enable it after successful
installation.
1. Click Start > Control Panel to open the Windows Control Panel.
2. Click Action Center.
3. Click Change User Account Control settings.
4. Drag the sliding control down to Never notify and click OK.
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Figure 2-1. Changing User Account Control
2.2.2 Special Notes for BSI_Config/TechView Users

If you have BSI_Config 5.9 (which includes TechView) installed prior to installing Field Tools 3.7 and
it is a version older than 5.9 Patch A, the Field Tools installer automatically updates BSI_Config
components on your PC to version 5.9 Service Pack 3 (which includes Patch A). If you subsequently
reinstall BSI_Config 5.9, you’ll need to manually copy the Field Tools installer version of
TechView.exe to the proper installation path on your PC. If you used the default installation paths,
you can use the following examples, assuming your PC hard disk is the C drive:
For 64-bit OpenBSI Users:
Copy C:\program files (x86)\emerson\openenterprise\bin\TechView.exe to C:\program files
(x86)\bristol\openbsi\
For 32-bit OpenBSI Users:
Copy C:\program files\emerson\openenterprise\bin\TechView.exe to C:\program files\bristol\openbsi\
2.2.3 Special Notes for OpenBSI users

Field Tools 3.7 includes components of OpenBSI’s BSI_Config Version 5.9 Service Pack 3. OpenBSI
Network edition version 5.9 Service Pack 2 (or newer) can co-exist with Field Tools 3.7. The Field
Tools installer does not affect OpenBSI Network Edition. The two programs, however, are not
linked together; you cannot for example, launch NetView from Field Tools.
2.2.4 Special Notes for ROCLINK Users

If you have a version of ROCLINK already installed that is older than the version included in the Field
Tools installer, Field Tools upgrades it to the version included with the installer. If you have a newer
version of ROCLINK already installed when you install Field Tools, Field Tools leaves that as is.
To preserve your existing files, always backup the device directory (which includes the
ROC_USER.MDB file) before you install ROCLINK, and then copy it back after the installation
completes. The device directory is the folder \Program Files\ROCLINK800.
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You can only have three simultaneous ROCLINK connections to devices through Field Tools.
2.3 Installing Field Tools

Field Tools is available as a free download for registered SupportNet users. The installer file follows
the format FieldToolsbuildnum.exe where buildnum is the software version build number.
Important
If you are not a registered SupportNet user, activating a new SupportNet account to obtain Field
Tools software may take up to 24 hours to process.
If you are installing the Field Tools executable from a network drive, there may be a long delay while
the installer extracts and uncompresses files onto the local PC.
1. Right-click on the Field Tools (.EXE) installation file and choose Run as administrator from the
pop-up menu.
2. The installation process starts and checks whether certain necessary software components
exist on the laptop, and if they are not present, the installation process prompts you to install
them. Click Install. This process may take several minutes, and the installer may require you to
reboot your PC.
Figure 2-2. InstallShield Wizard
Once installation of the required components finishes, the Field Tools installation wizard starts:
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Figure 2-3. InstallShield Wizard
3. Click Next.
Figure 2-4. Installer Welcome Screen
4. To proceed with the installation, click I accept the terms of the license agreement and then
click Next.
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Figure 2-5. License Agreement
5. Select the optional configuration packages you want to install then click Next.
Figure 2-6. Optional Package Selection
Note
 You must purchase a license to use FBxDesigner; see the FBxDesigner Quick Start Guide
(D301860X012) for instructions on licensing that product.
FB3000 users can purchase various features and applications. You can license these from
within FBxConnect, or through the Emerson Customer Portal. See the FBxConnect online
help and the Emerson Customer Portal Quick Start Guide (D301878X012) for details.
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You can access licensing tools through the Help > Licensing menu item in Field Tools
 If you are installing over an existing version of Field Tools, you have the option to preserve
any saved connections by checking Retain Previous Connections, and to preserve the
password for Field Tools software by checking Retain Administrator Password.
6. The installation proceeds. The installer program periodically reports which components are
being installed. This may take several minutes:
Figure 2-7. Setup Status Screen
7. The software prompts you whether you want the installer to create a Field Tools desktop icon;
click Yes if you want to start Field Tools from the desktop.
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8. Click Finish to exit the installer.
Figure 2-8. InstallShield Wizard Finish Screen
Custom Install without User Prompts

Some companies require software installations to be handled by their Information Technology (IT)
departments without user intervention.
To do this with Field Tools, you must create a custom setup file in a temporary folder that specifies
which packages the installer should load.
The setup file must be named setup.iss, and you must store it in your c:\temp folder:
The setup file follows the format below:
[{A336A33B-40A8-4032-BAD6-58A04D514F12}-Options-0]
Designer=installFBxDesigner
ROCLink=installROCLINK
TechTools=installTechView
FBx=installFBxConnect
Connections=preserveConnections
Password=preservePassword
[{A336A33B-40A8-4032-BAD6-58A04D514F12}-AskYesNo-icon]
Result=disableprompts
Where:
Element Set To:

installFBxDesigner 0 = Do not install FBxDesigner
1 = Install FBxDesigner
installROCLINK 0 = Do not install ROCLINK
1 = Install ROCLINK
installTechView 0 = Do not install TechView
1 = Install TechView
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Element Set To:

installFBxConnect 0 = Do not install FBxConnect
1 = Install FBxConnect
preserveConnections 0 = Delete any existing connections
1 = Preserve existing connections from
previous installation
preservePassword 0 = Delete any existing Field Tools password
1 = Preserve existing password for Field Tools
icon 0 = Do not create Field Tools desktop icon
1 = Create Field Tools desktop icon
disableprompts 0 = Prompt during installation
1 = Install silently without prompts
Here is a sample setup.ISS file that will silently install ROCLINK, TechView, and FBxConnect, and
preserve connections and the Field Tools password, and will create a desktop icon for Field Tools.
[{A336A33B-40A8-4032-BAD6-58A04D514F12}-Options-0]
Designer=0
ROCLink=1
TechTools=1
FBx=1
Connections=1
Password=1
[{A336A33B-40A8-4032-BAD6-58A04D514F12}-AskYesNo-1]
Result=1
Once you create the file, store it in a temporary folder, and launch the installer from the command
line as follows:
fieldtoolsxxxx /s /f1c:\temp\setup.iss
where xxxx is the installer number.
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Chapter 3. Communication Setup

This chapter covers initial communication setup with Field Tools.
3.1 Using Field Tools to Establish a Connection

Field Tools can communicate with a controller or flow computer using either a direct serial
connection or through an IP network. FB1000/FB2000 Series Flow Computers also support wireless
connections through FBxConnect.
CAUTION
When making multiple FBxConnect connections to the same device (as with a remote and a local
connection), be aware that the changes one connection makes to the device may not be
immediately visible to other connections, and may even require the other connections to restart
FBxConnect before changes become visible. For example, simple changes (such as changes to
setpoints) may be immediately visible to all connections, but changing the number of meters,
configuring I/O, adding/deleting menu items, or other major configuration changes may require
re-establishing the connection using FBxConnect.
3.2 Before You Begin

 For serial connections, you would typically connect a serial cable between the laptop computer
and a serial port on the controller or flow computer. Other options for serial connections could
include a radio or modem.
 For IP connections, connect the laptop to the same IP network which includes the controller or
flow computer.
 If you have an FBx-series device with the FBxWifi option, you can use a wireless IP connection.
This option requires you know the connection key for the wireless network.
 For details on cabling/wiring, consult the hardware manual for your controller or flow
computer.
Important
When using Field Tools for serial communication, you must plug into the Local Port. For
ControlWave-series units, this is a port for which you’ve set the _Pn_LOCAL_PORT system
variable TRUE in the ControlWave project running in the unit. Local ports answer to requests
sent to a BSAP local address of 1 which is what Field Tools requests. For Network 3000, this is a
BSAP slave or pseudo-slave port. For a ROC or FloBoss, the Local Port is a specific port (the LOI
port) which answers to the address of 240 and a group number of 240.
 For ControlWave/Network 3000 devices only, you need to know which TechView
session(*.TVS) file is appropriate for your device so you can specify it when you establish your
connection. If you installed TechView, a set of default TVS files resides on your hard disk in your
\openbsi installation path. The Connection wizard opens that folder first when you specify your
TVS file. For example, there is a CWaveEFM.TVS file to support the ControlWave EFM, a
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CWaveGFC.TVS file to support the ControlWave GFC, and so on. If you have a customized
application with a customized TVS file, you should place it in that folder.
3.3 Starting Field Tools and Logging In

1. Start Field Tools either from the desktop icon or click: Start > Programs > Emerson Field
Tools > Field Tools.
2. In the Log In dialog box, enter your User name and Password and click Log in.
Figure 3-1. Log in Dialog
Important
The very first time you log in, use admin for the User name and leave the Password field blank.
Once you’ve logged in with these defaults, Field Tools prompts you to change your password.
3. The Field Tools main screen opens. Use it to establish a connection with the controller / flow
computer.
Figure 3-2. Figure Name
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3.4 Changing the Password

You can change the password for the currently logged on user at any time.
1. Click Security > Change password from the menu bar. The Change Password dialog box opens.
Note
The very first time you start Field Tools, the default password for the ADMIN account is blank,
and Field Tools forces you to define a new password; click OK to open the Change Password
dialog box. Passwords are case sensitive.
Figure 3-3. Change Password Dialog
2. In the Change Password dialog box, enter the current password in the Old password field, then
enter the new password in both the New password and Confirmation fields, then click OK. Your
password is now changed.
3.5 Defining Users

The User Management dialog box lets you define Field Tools users, and also configure RTU login
credentials for them.
To define the Field Tools users on this PC click Security > User management from the menu bar.
This opens the User Management dialog box.
Figure 3-4. User management Dialog
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3.5.1 Adding a User

1. If the User Management dialog box is not already open, click Security > User management to
open it.
2. Click Add User. Optionally choose a Role for the user. (Particular roles can have particular
privileges associated with them.)
3. Enter a User name for the user.
Notes
 Usernames are case-insensitive and are stored in the database as lowercase.
 Do not create a user named Operator. This word is reserved for use internally by Field Tools.
4. Enter a password in the Password and Confirm Password fields.

5. Click OK.
Figure 3-5. Add new user Dialog
3.5.2 Setting a Minimum Password Length

You can enforce a minimum password length to increase the level of protection of your Field Tools
passwords. Passwords can range from 1 to 32 characters. The longer the password length, the
harder it is for an intruder to gain access to your system.
1. Click Security > Security configuration to open the Security configuration dialog box.
Figure 3-6. Security configuration Dialog
2. Enter the minimum number of characters required for a valid password and click OK.
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From this point on, all users you define must have a password of this length or longer. Existing
users created previously with passwords shorter than this number are unaffected.
3.5.3 Deleting a User

open it.
2. Click the name of the user you want to delete.
3. Click Delete User.
4. Click Yes when prompted to confirm the deletion.
3.5.4 Assigning RTU Login Credentials

open it.
2. Click the name of the user for which you want to define RTU login credentials then click
Credentials mapping. The Credentials mapping dialog box opens.
Figure 3-7. Device credentials Dialog
3. Enter a Username and Password for accessing the particular RTU type(s).
Note
For the ROC/FloBoss, usernames for RTU access cannot exceed 3 characters.
4. Click OK.
3.6 Connections List

The left pane of the Field Tools main screen displays the Connections list tree. This shows
connections you’ve previously saved or used, and also lets you create new connections.
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Figure 3-8. Connections List
Table 3-1. Connections List Pane and Context Menus Icons

Icon Description
Identifies a previously configured connection to an FB1100 Flow Computer. The name of the device
appears next to the icon. Double-click the icon to re-start the connection.
Identifies a previously configured connection to an FB3000 RTU. The name of the device appears
next to the icon. Double-click the icon to re-start the connection.
Identifies a previously configured connection to a ROC, DL8000, or FloBoss. The name of the device
Identifies a previously configured connection to a ControlWave or Network 3000 (33xx) controller.
The name of the device appears next to the icon. Double-click the icon to re-start the connection.
Shows on top of a controller/flow computer icon when its connection is active. Beginning with Field
Tools 2.0, you can have multiple simultaneous active connections.
Site - A site is just a name underneath which you can group one or more connections. It could
represent a geographical area, a department, or any other logical grouping you need. The
Connections list comes with a default site name called “All Connections” which you can rename
and/or add additional sites underneath. Although you can rename it, you cannot delete the “All
Connections” site; you can delete other sites if they have no devices underneath.
Add Connection. Click to launch the Connection wizard. You can find this icon in the Connections
list toolbar and in the context menu when you right click on a site.
Edit Connection. Click to change the connection parameters for the selected connection. You
cannot edit an active connection.
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Icon Description
Note: If you change the connection name, when you save, Field Tools prompts you to decide
whether you want to save the connection as a new connection under the new name (Add new
connection), or to just rename the existing connection (Replace connection).
Connect. Click to activate the selected connection.
Delete. Click to delete the selected connection or site.
Add Site. Click this context menu item to add a site underneath the currently selected site.
Rename Site. Click this context menu item to call up the Modify Site dialog box and rename the
currently selected site.
Expand branch. Click to expand this branch of the Connections tree.
Hide branch. Click to hide the portion of the Connections tree underneath.
Apply Pin. Click to display only the portion of the tree below the current position of the cursor. This
is useful if you have a large Connections list tree with many items and you only want to see a portion
of it.
Remove Pin. Click to turn off the Apply Pin option and display the entire Connections list tree.
3.7 Starting an Existing Connection

1. If you have previously established connections from this laptop, Field Tools displays them in
the Connections list pane (see Figure 3-8).
2. To activate a connection, double-click on its icon and Field Tools activates that connection and
automatically launches the appropriate configuration tool (ROCLINK, TechView, or
FBxConnect).
3.8 Creating a New Connection to a Device

(Controller/Flow Computer)
1. If the connection for the controller/flow computer you want to communicate with already
exists in the Connections list just double-click on it – you’re done. If no previous connection
exists to this device, go to the next step.
2. If you want to associate the device with a particular site, first click the site name in the
Connections list. (If you don’t want to choose a site at this time, you can skip that – the
connection will automatically belong to the All Connections site.)
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3. Click the Add connection icon in the Connections pane toolbar. If the icon is not visible
(because no site is selected) click Connections > Add connection from the menu bar. Either
way, the Connection wizard opens.
Figure 3-9. Connection Wizard
4. Select the type of device to which you want to connect in the Device platform field. The
choices are: FloBoss/ROC/DL8000, ControlWave/33xx, or FBx (for the FB1000/FB2000 Series
Flow Computers or FB3000 RTU).
Note
“33xx” refers to Network 3000 devices.
5. Enter the name of the field device in the Specify name field. For FBx devices, click the Get name
from device button and Field Tools obtains the device name from the device (if it exists). If no
name exists in the device, Field Tools uses the name “Default.”
Note
Make connection names alpha-numeric; you can also include dashes, underscores, or spaces.
Connection names cannot include special characters such as single or double quotation marks,
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commas, slashes, periods, colons, or asterisks. There is no pre-set maximum length for
connection names.
6. For a ROC/FloBoss or ControlWave, if you want to define a default username/password

combination for this device click Device credentials in the Connection page to open the Device
credentials dialog box, enter a valid Username and Password combination for access to this
controller/flow computer, and re-enter the password in the Verify Password field; this
username/password combination will be used for this controller/flow computer throughout
this Field Tools session. If you want to use this username/password combination as the default
for this RTU for all subsequent connection sessions check the Save as default box. Click OK to
finish and close the dialog box.
Figure 3-10. Device credentials Dialog
Note
For FB1000/FB2000 Series Flow Computers or the FB3000 RTU, Field Tools uses the Field Tools
Username and Password by default. If that username/password combination is not correct for
the device, you can enter the correct ones, when prompted, and Field Tools then stores them
with the connection details for that device. For that reason, there is no Device Credentials
option for these devices.
7. Choose a Connection type. Choices include either Serial, IP, or WiFi (if you have an
FB1000/FB2000 Flow Computer). Proceed to Step 8 for serial communication; skip to Step 9
for IP communication; skip to Step 10 for Wi-Fi communication.
8. For serial communication:
Figure 3-11. Serial Connection Settings – FB1000/FB2000 Series Flow Computers & FB3000
RTU
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Figure 3-12. Serial Connection Settings – ROC/FloBoss
Figure 3-13. Serial Connection Settings – ControlWave/33xx
 Select the PC communication port in the Comm port drop down menu, otherwise leave it
at the Auto default which causes the Connection wizard to cycle through the various ports
until it finds the correct one. You can refresh the port selections by clicking the refresh ( )
button.
 The Wizard hides certain parameters to simplify configuration using default values; while
this is useful in some situations, we recommend you enter the Baud rate and Address if you
know them, rather than letting Field Tools attempt to auto-discover them. Most other
parameters may be left at default values. Click Show more parameters to specify
additional parameters as follows.
 If you know the baud rate for communicating with the field device, you can specify it in the
Baud rate drop-down field. Otherwise use the Auto default which causes the Connection
Wizard to cycle through the supported baud rates (9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and
115200) until it finds the correct one.
 Optionally specify the Link Timeout for this connection. That value defines the period of
time (in milliseconds) Field Tools waits for a response from the RTU or flow computer
before declaring a communication failure. If you enter 0, Field Tools uses a default of 200
milliseconds. Optionally, you can change the Retries parameter, which sets the total
number of attempts to send a communication message before declaring an error.
 Specify the Address and the Group according to the following table:
Table 3-2. Specifying Address and Group for a Serial Connection
Device Type Address Group Description
FB1000/FB2000 Default: 1 Not applicable If you don’t know the address, check the
Series Flow Range: 0-254 Discover address of device box.
Computers,
FB3000 RTU
ROC/FloBoss Default: 240 Default: 240 Normally you should leave both of these at
Range: 0-255 Range: 0-255 the default of 240 for local connections on
the LOI port.
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ControlWave Default: Auto- Not applicable If you are not connected to the local port or
detect BSAP slave port (as specified in the
Range: 1-127 ControlWave project or ACCOL load,
respectively) but you know the BSAP local
address for the field device, you can specify it
in the Address drop-down field. Otherwise
leave it at the Auto default which causes the
Connection wizard to try each address in the
range (1 to 127) until it finds the correct one.
 For ROC/FloBoss only: Under Extra Parameters use the […] button to specify the
ROC/FloBoss .800 Configuration file to associate it with this connection when ROCLINK
launches. The .800 file must reside on this laptop PC.
Figure 3-14. Specifying the ROC Configuration File
 For ControlWave/Network 3000 units only: Under Extra Parameters use the […] button to
specify the TechView session file you want to use with this connection when TechView
launches. The TechView session file must reside on this laptop PC.
Figure 3-15. Specifying the TechView Session File
Tips
 The Auto options are useful if you do not know the communication port, baud rate, or (for
ControlWave/33xx only) the local address. If you leave all of these fields at Auto, however, it
could take considerable time to establish the connection since the system must
successively try each port, each of the five supported baud rates, and for ControlWave/33xx
each of 127 possible local addresses.
 The maximum number of connection attempts if all fields are left at Auto for a ROC/FloBoss
is (# of serial ports) * 5.
 The maximum number of connection attempts if all fields are left at Auto for a
ControlWave/33xx is (# of serial ports) * 635.
When you’ve completed this step, go to Step11.
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9. For IP communication:
Figure 3-16. IP Connection Settings – FB1000FB2000 Series Flow Computers & FB3000 RTUs
Figure 3-17. IP Connection Settings – ROC/FloBoss
Figure 3-18. IP Connection Settings – ControlWave/33xx
Notes
 If you make an invalid entry in one of the Connection Wizard fields, a warning icon
blinks, and you must correct the invalid entry.
 To view/modify hidden parameters, click Show more parameters.
 Specify the IP address of the RTU or flow computer. Position your cursor in the left-most
digit position of the IP address field, enter the value for that position and use the tab key
to move to the next position and so on until you enter the complete IP address. If you
want to highlight the entire address to type over it, click the icon.
 Specify the port (IP socket number) used by this connection. The following table shows
the default ports:
Table 3-3. Default Port (IP socket number) for Connection
Device Type Default Port (socket)
ROC/FloBoss 4000
FBx 20000
ControlWave 1234
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Note
Field Tools only supports a single active IP connection to one ControlWave device at a
time on a given default port. If more than one ControlWave device shares the same
default port, only one of those ControlWave devices can have an active IP connection at
any one time. If you attempt to start a second connection, Field Tools posts the message
“An IP connection to a Bristol device already exists. Only one such connection is allowed.”
To make the new connection you must manually close down the existing active
connection and then you can start the new connection.
 Optionally specify the Link Timeout for this connection. That is the period of time (in
milliseconds) Field Tools waits for a response from the RTU or flow computer before
declaring a communication failure. If you enter 0 Field Tools uses a default of 5000
milliseconds.
 Specify the Address and Group according to the following table:
Table 3-4. Specifying Address and Group for an IP Connection
FBx Default: 1 Default: 0 If you don’t know the address, select the
Range: 0-254 Range: 0 to 254 Discover address of device option.
ROC/FloBoss Default: 240 Default: 240 Normally you should leave both of these at
Range: 0-255 Range: 0-255 the default of 240 for local connections on
the LOI port.
ControlWave Not applicable Not applicable
 If the connection is through a terminal server, select the Terminal Server checkbox and set
the IP address and Port (socket) to be the IP address and port of the terminal server.
 For ROC/FloBoss only: Under Extra parameters use the […] button to specify the
ROC/FloBoss .800 Configuration file in order to associate it with this connection when
ROCLINK launches. The .800 file must reside on this laptop PC.
Figure 3-19. Specifying the ROC Configuration File
 For ControlWave/Network 3000 units only: Under Extra parameters use the […] button to
specify the TechView session file you want to use with this connection. The TechView
session file must reside on this laptop PC.
Figure 3-20. Specifying the TechView Session File
When finished, skip to Step 11.

10. For Wi-Fi communication (FB1000/FB2000 Flow Computers only):
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Figure 3-21. WiFi Connection Parameters
 Wi-Fi networks that your laptop detects are shown onscreen. For this type of connection to
work, the laptop must first detect the WiFi Network to which the device belongs. The
default WiFi Network follows the format FBxxxx_serialnumber.
 Specify the IP address of the RTU or flow computer. Position your cursor in the left-most
digit position of the IP address field, enter the value for that position and use the tab key to
move to the next position and so on until you enter the complete IP address. If you want to
highlight the entire address to type over it, click the icon. The default IP address for
FB1000/FB2000 Flow Computers when they ship from the factory is 192.168.1.10.
 Specify the Port (IP socket number) of the RTU or flow computer. The default port is
20000.
 Enter the Security Key for the wireless network. To see it as you type it, click the eyeball
icon. The default security key for FB1000/FB2000 Flow Computers when they ship from
the factory is EmersonFBXX00. Be sure to change it to something only your organization
knows when you place the device in service.
 If the connection is through a terminal server, select the Terminal Server checkbox and set
the IP address and Port (socket) to be the IP address and port of the terminal server.
 Specify the Address as described in Table 3-4. If you don’t know the address, check the
Discover address of device box.
11. If you don’t want to activate the connection right now, but just want to save your configuration
entries, you can click Save; this saves your entries in the Connection list, and exits the wizard. If
you want to connect right now, click Connect and the wizard attempts to establish the
connection.
12. Field Tools reports details of the connection progress in the Connection progress pane.
Figure 3-22. Connection in Progress
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13. If the connection is successful, the Active connection pane of the Field Tools main screen
shows an icon for the newly connected device and its toolbar populates with icons appropriate
to the device type.
14. In addition, Field Tools automatically launches the configuration tool (ROCLINK, TechView, or
FBxConnect) appropriate for the device platform.
Figure 3-23. RTU Configuration Tools – FBxConnect, TechView, ROCLINK
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3.9 Making a Direct Connection

The term direct connection refers to a direct serial connection to a device.
Click Connections > Direct Connect and select the type of device from the options presented. Field
Tools attempts to establish a local serial connection by sequentially trying each serial port using the
default settings for that device type.
Figure 3-24. Direct Connection
3.10 Active Connection pane

The Active Connection pane shows details for the currently active connection and allows you to
launch certain other tools for use with the device(s).
Figure 3-25. Active Connection Pane
The Active Connection pane includes a separate tab for each active connection. Click on the tab to
see details about a particular connection.
To see information about a device (RTU, flow computer), move the cursor over that device and a
small status box opens that shows details based on the type of device. This could include its
address, or certain status information.
To disconnect an active connection, right click on the icon for the device and choose Disconnect.
To disconnect all connections, click Connections > Close all connections.
Table 3-5. Icons Used in Active Connection Pane
Icon Description
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Icon Description
Identifies a previously configured connection to an FB3000 RTU. The name of the device appears
next to the icon. Double-click the icon to re-start the connection.
ROC or FloBoss controller connection.
ControlWave or Network 3000 controller connection.
Device icon(s).
Note: The devices’ device descriptor (DD) files provide the device icons. Consequently, depending
upon the type of HART or WirelessHART device, you may see different device icons.
Expand branch. Click this to expand the branch of the tree.
Hide branch. Click this to hide the portion of the tree underneath.
Apply Pin. Click to display only the portion of the tree below the cursor’s current position. This is
useful if you have a large tree with many items and you want to see only a portion of the tree.
Remove Pin. Click to turn off the Apply Pin option and display the entire tree.
Failure. Indicates some sort of failure associated with this device.

Terminate Connection. Click to shut down the active connection in this device tab. Field Tools
prompts you to confirm this action.
3.11 Saving Connections / Importing Connections

If you have configured a group of connections, you can save the connection configuration details in
an XML file. You can then transfer that XML file to another PC/laptop running Field Tools, so that
you don’t need to re-create the connections on that PC, you can just click on them to start the
connection.
3.11.1 Exporting Connections

1. Click Connections > Export > Export to file.
2. Specify a filename for the XML file.
3.11.2 Importing Connections

1. Click Connections > Import > Import from file.
2. Navigate to the XML file that contains the connection information and click Open. If a duplicate
connection exists, Field Tools prompts you to confirm the update.
3.11.3 Importing ROCLINK Connections

If you had previously created connections within ROCLINK without Field Tools, you can import
those connections into Field Tools.
1. Click Connections > Import > Connections from ROCLINK. The Import ROCLINK connections
dialog box opens.
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Figure 3-26. Import ROCLINK connections Dialog
2. In the Import ROCLINK Connections dialog box, choose the site name which contains the
ROCLINK connections you want to import.
3. If you want to overwrite existing ROCLINK connections, select the Overwrite Existing
Connections Data option.
4. Click Start to import the connections.
3.12 Settings
Click Settings in the menu bar to open the Settings dialog box. The Settings dialog box lets you pre-
configure certain items for FBxConnect.
Figure 3-27. Settings Dialog
If you want the system to prompt operators whether to override the time zone of an FBx device
when a time synchronization message comes in, select the Show “Override device time zone”
dialog box before synchronizing time of an FBx device.
Select Zero pad decimal places on floating point values if you want floating point values shown on
FBxConnect displays to be padded with zeros to fill the specified field size. For example, in a field
specified to show 5 decimal places, a floating point value of 6.25 will be padded to show 6.25000.
This does not show greater precision for the value, it only shows zeros to allow numbers to line up
properly on the display.
Click OK to save your changes to the settings.
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3.13 Offline Configurations/Solutions Menu

The Configurations menu bar item lets you create or view configuration files for FB1000/FB2000
Flow Computers and ROC/FloBoss/DL8000 devices. You can also create a solution file (*.ZSL) for
the FB3000 RTU.
For an FB1000/FB2000 Series Flow Computer or FB3000 RTU, see the FBxConnect online help for
more information.
For a ROC or FloBoss device, see the ROCLINK online help for more information.
Figure 3-28. Offline Configurations
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Chapter 4. FBxNet™
You launch FBxNet from within Field Tools.
4.1 What is FBxNet?

FBxNet is a peer-to-peer communication network for exchanging data between Emerson RTUs and
flow computers over Ethernet connections.
A subscriber device in the network must be an Emerson FB3000 RTU with a firmware revision that
supports FBxNet.
Publisher devices in the network can be any mixture of Emerson FB3000 RTUs, Emerson FB1200
Flow Computers, or Emerson FB2200 Flow Computers with firmware revisions which support
FBxNet.
FBxNet transfers data between the subscriber and its publishers according to parameter
definitions. Each parameter definition specifies a correspondence between a tag in the publisher
and a tag in the subscriber. These two tags exchange data using FBxNet.
The graphic, below, shows a peer-to-peer network with a single subscriber (A) and three publishers
(B, C, and D).
Figure 4-1. FBxNet – Subscriber and Publisher Devices
4.2 Licensing FBxNet

If you start Field Tools and do not see the FBxNet menu bar item, it means FBxNet is not currently
licensed on your PC. When you purchased FBxNet, you should have received a License Id and
Password to access the licensing website and license FBxNet on your PC.
Note
If you install Field Tools on a server, you should purchase a Multi-User Server license so multiple
users can log in from remote PCs and use FBxNet.
1. Within Field Tools, click Help > Licensing > License FBx Products.
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Figure 4-2. Calling Up the License Manager
2. When the License Manager opens, click Create LRF.
Figure 4-3. Creating the LRF File
3. The License Manager prompts you to save the LRF file. (Make sure you make note of
where you save it, before you click Save because you will need it later.
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Figure 4-4. Saving the LRF File
4. Now click Get Key in the License Manager.

5. On the registration page, enter your License Id and Password and click Sign-On.
Figure 4-5. Signing on with your License Id and Password
6. When you sign on successfully, click the Register link.
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7. Now enter your contact information, email, and other details in the upper part of the
page and use the scroll bar to reach the lower fields. Then click Browse to select the
license request file (LRF) you saved in Step 2 and click Next.
Figure 4-6. Entering Contract Details and Selecting the LRF File
8. From the Unlock Software Licenses page, click Unlock for the item you want to unlock,
then click Submit License Request.
Figure 4-7. Unlock Software Licenses and Submit License Request
9. A page opens with a Key file link from which you can download your key file. The website
also sends a copy of the key file to the email address you specified with your contact
information.
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Figure 4-8. Download the Key File
Important
 If you use Microsoft® Internet Explorer 9, it automatically saves your key file with a .TXT
extension. License Manager handles the .TXT extension; do not change the extension or
the file may become unusable.
 If you right-click on the Key File link and select the Save Target as context menu item, the
key file is saved with an .XML extension.
 The e-mailed key file has an extension of .KEY.
 License Manager handles .KEY, .TXT, and .XML extensions.
10. To apply the license, click Include Key in the License Manager (see Figure 4-3). Browse to
the location of your key file and click Open to apply the key file. FBxNet is now licensed.
You’re done!
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4.3 How do I configure FBxNet?

FBxNet configuration is a multi-step process:
1. In FBxConnect, click Configure > FBxNet and use the FBxNet display to configure one or more
Ethernet ports on your FB3000 Subscriber device to use FBxNet. (See the FBxConnect online
help for details). If you do not see the FBxNet option, it means FBxNet is not licensed for that
device. (See Licensing FBxNet.)
2. Each device in your FBxNet network must have an identical user with the same login
credentials. In FBxConnect, click Services > User Management.
3. In the User Management screen, click Add User.
Figure 4-9. Adding a User
4. For the user details:

 Select FBxNet as the Protocol Type.
 Specify a Username and Password combination. All FBxNet users you define on your
network must share this same username/password combination.
 Specify the Role for the user; Admin provides the most access; Auditor provides the least
access.
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Figure 4-10. Defining User Details
5. Click OK to save your changes, and OK to exit the User Management screen.
6. Launch Field Tools and start FBxNet. (See Starting FBxNet.)
7. Create one or more sites and specify an RTU to hold CSV files for the site. (Sites are just a way
to organize subscribers.) (See Creating a Site.)
8. Specify one or more subscribers for each site. The subscriber is an FB3000. (See Creating a
Subscriber Directly in FBxNet.)
9. Specify one or more publishers for each subscriber. A publisher is an FB1200, FB2200, or
FB3000. (See Adding a Publisher.)
10. Specify parameters which define which data should be transferred between the publisher(s)
and the subscriber. (See Adding a New Parameter.)
11. Download the CSV file to the subscriber device. (See Downloading CSV Files.)
4.4 Starting FBxNet

Note
Unless you manually create them ahead of time, the first time you start FBxNet it notifies you that it
cannot find subscriber CSV files. You can create them directly in FBxNet or create them manually in
Excel or a text editor.
1. Launch Field Tools.

2. From the Field Tools menu bar, click FBxNet.
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Figure 4-11. Starting FBxNet
Important
If the FBxNet item is not visible in the menu bar of Field Tools, it means you have not licensed
FBxNet on this PC. See Licensing FBxNet.
3. FBxNet opens and reads the subscriber CSV file(s) and based on them, creates a list of the
subscribers, and generates a graphical network tree for the selected subscriber and its
associated publishers. FBxNet displays the lines connecting the publishers in colors to
differentiate between the communication ports used.
Figure 4-12. FBx Main Screen
1 Menu Bar
2 Subscriber List (the subscriber icon includes a green dot if the connection is active)
3 Network Pane (use mouse wheel to zoom in/zoom out)
4 Status Pane
5 Mode Indicator (Monitor or Configuration)
6 Messages
7 Name of current CSV file
4. In the FBxNet Subscriber List, click the name of the subscriber you want to view; the Network
pane updates with a graphical tree for that subscriber and its publishers.
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4.5 Switching Between Monitor and Configuration Mode

FBxNet displays the current mode in the Mode Indicator at the lower left of the screen. (See Item 5
in Figure 4-12.) You can also see the currently active mode by clicking Mode in the menu bar;
FBxNet shows a check next to the current mode of operation.
The two FBxNet modes are:

 Monitor Mode lets you view data and parameters for each subscriber and publisher. You can
also change FBxNet subscriber configuration parameters. To open Monitor Mode, click Mode >
Monitor.
 Configuration Mode lets you edit/change publisher and subscriber tag names for a particular
subscriber. To open Configuration Mode, click Mode > Configuration.
4.6 Creating a Site

A site is a name under which you can group one or more subscribers. It could represent a
geographical area, a department, or any other logical grouping you need.
1. In Configure Mode, click the Add Site icon.
Figure 4-13. Adding a Site
2. Now enter the name of the site in Site Name. The Setup designated device section defines a
device where FBxNet stores CSV files for the subscribers associated with this site. This provides
other PCs a place to locate FBxNet configuration details for the site. Check the Specify a
designated device... box, and enter the Designated device's IP Address.
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Figure 4-14. Defining the Site
3. Click Save. The Subscriber List pane updates to show the newly defined Site Name.
Figure 4-15. Site Defined
4. FBxNet then prompts you to decide whether it should upload CSV files from the device to your
PC.
5. If you answer Yes FBxNet connects with the designated device and then notifies you if the
version of CSV files on the designated device is newer, older, or the same as those on your PC.
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You can decide what you want to do. Typically you would want to upload is the CSV files on the
designated device are newer than the CSV files on the PC.
4.6.1 Editing a Site

After entering Configure Mode, click on the site in the Subscriber List pane and click and you can
edit the site. Click Save to save your edits and update the CSV file or Cancel Edit to discard your
edits.
Figure 4-16. Editing a Site
4.6.2 Deleting a Site

You can only delete a site if it has no subscribers; once a site has subscribers you cannot delete it
unless you first delete its subscribers.
In Configure Mode, click on the site name in the Subscriber List pane, then click the delete icon.
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4.7 Creating a Subscriber Directly in FBxNet

Subscriber information is stored in CSV file(s). Each subscriber has its own CSV file that lists the
name and IP address of the subscriber device as well as the names and IP addresses of all its
publisher devices. The file also includes details on each publisher's parameters. The parameters
define the source and destination tags for data to be exchanged between the publisher and
subscriber over FBxNet.
You can create a subscriber's CSV file directly in FBxNet as described, below. Alternatively, you can
create a CSV file manually in a text editor or Microsoft® Excel (See Manually Creating the Subscriber
CSV File.)
1. In Configure Mode, click in the Subscriber List pane on the site in which you want to add a
subscriber, then click the Add Subscriber icon.
2. Specify the Subscriber Name, its IP Address, and IP Port.
Figure 4-17. Adding a Subscriber
3. You can add publishers for this subscriber. (See Adding a Publisher.)
4. You can add publisher parameters and specify associated subscriber parameters for data
exchange through FBxNet. (See Adding a New Parameter.)
5. Click Save To File to save your edits to the subscriber CSV file and FBxNet adds the name to the
subscriber list.
Figure 4-18. Subscriber Added
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Alternatively, you could click Cancel Edit to cancel the operation.
4.7.1 Editing a Subscriber

After entering Configure Mode, select the subscriber, and click and you can edit the subscriber
fields. Click Save To File when you finish to update the CSV file.
4.7.2 Deleting a Subscriber

Once you delete a subscriber, you delete its associated CSV file. You cannot undo this deletion.
In Configure Mode, click on the subscriber in the Subscriber List pane, then click the delete
icon. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion.
4.8 Adding a Publisher

After entering Configure Mode, selecting a subscriber, and clicking you can add another
publisher device for this subscriber:
1. In the Publisher’s Configuration pane, click Add Publisher to add a new line to the
grid.
2. Enter the Name of the publisher, its device Type (FB3000, FB1200, or FB2200), its IP Address, IP
Port (default is 20000), Subscriber Comm Port (5 or 6), and check Polling Enabled to allow
communication to occur.
3. When you finish with all your edits on this page, click Save To File to update the CSV file.
4.8.1 Editing a Publisher

After entering Configure Mode, select a site and click on the subscriber, and click and you can
edit the publishers under that subscriber. Click Save To File when you finish to update the CSV file.
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4.8.2 Deleting a Publisher

Important
Exercise caution because once you delete a publisher, you cannot undo it. Deletion removes the
publisher, its parameters, and all its tags from the CSV file.
After entering Configure Mode, selecting a subscriber, and clicking you can delete a publisher
device from this subscriber:
1. In the Publisher’s Configuration pane, use the scroll bar (if necessary) to locate the publisher
you want to delete, and click on the line for it.
2. Click Delete Publisher. This deletes the publisher from the grid and from the CSV file.
4.9 Adding a New Parameter

After entering Configure Mode, selecting a site and subscriber, and clicking you can add a new
parameter.
1. In the Publisher’s Configuration pane, use the scroll bar (if necessary) to select the publisher for
which you want to edit parameters, and click on its line.
2. In the Publisher Parameters Configuration pane you can see the existing parameters for this
publisher. Use the scroll bar (if necessary) to locate the line below where you want to add the
parameter and click on that line.
3. Click Add Parameter to add an empty line into which you can define the new
parameter.
4. Launch the Tag Browser. For more information on using the Tag Browser, see Working with the
Tag Browser.
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5. Select the attribute whose tag you want as a Subscriber Tag, then click Copy Tag.
Figure 4-19. Copying a Tag
6. Go to the Subscriber Tag field in the empty line in the Publisher Parameters Configuration
pane, right-click and choose Paste to paste in the tag. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to specify the
Publisher Tag.
7. In the Operation field, choose READ or WRITE.

Note
Instead of Copy Tag in Step 5, and Paste in Step 6, you can drag the attribute from the Tag
Browser attribute pane into the desired Subscriber Tag or Publisher Tag field.
4.9.1 Editing Existing Publisher Parameters

After entering Configure Mode, selecting a subscriber, and clicking you can edit publisher
parameters:
1. In the Publisher’s Configuration pane, use the scroll bar (if necessary) to select the publisher for
which you want to edit parameters, and click on its line.
2. In the Publisher Parameters Configuration pane, you can:
a. Click on the Publisher or Subscriber tag you want to edit, and proceed to edit the names as
desired; press the [Enter] key when you’re satisfied with your change.
b. Copy a tag name by clicking once on a tag and right clicking and selecting Copy; then you
can click on a different field, right click and choose Paste.
c. Drag or paste in a tag name from the FBx Tag Browser. See Working with the Tag Browser
for details.
3. Repeat for any other parameters you want to edit.
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Note
If you make a mistake in your edits, you can undo them by clicking Cancel Edits. Once you have
saved the file, however, you cannot undo your changes.
4.9.2 Deleting a Parameter

Important
Exercise caution because once you delete a parameter, you cannot undo it.
After entering Configure Mode, selecting a subscriber, and clicking you can delete a parameter
from this subscriber:
1. In the Publishers Configuration pane, use the scroll bar (if necessary) to locate the parameter
you want to delete, and click on the line for it.
2. Click Delete Parameter. This deletes that line from the grid and from the CSV file.
Note
If you make a mistake in your edits, you can undo them by clicking Cancel Edits. Once you have
saved the file, however, you cannot undo your changes.
4.10 Synchronizing CSV Files

When you make changes to CSV files in FBxNet, FBxNet reminds you to download the changes by
showing a Download Pending message on the screen. You should then download
the CSV files.
When you first create a site and specify a designated device to hold CSV files, FBxNet prompts you
to synchronize files and if you agree, checks to see if CSV files on the designated device are newer,
older, or the same as those on your PC. FBxNet also prompts you for this check when you click on a
site name for the first time or expand the tree for a site the first time.
If you answer Yes FBxNet connects to the designated device and checks the CSV file versions and
notifies you whether the CSV files on the designated device are newer, older or the same as CSV
files on your PC. You can then choose whether or not you want to proceed with the upload.
Typically, you would want to answer Yes to upload if the files on the designated device are newer
than the ones on your PC.
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4.11 Manually Creating the Subscriber CSV File

Subscriber information is stored in CSV file(s). Subscriber CSV files list the names and IP addresses
of the subscriber device and all its publisher devices, as well as each publisher's parameters. The
parameters define the source and destination tags for data to be exchanged between the publisher
and subscriber over FBxNet.
Create one or more subscribers for each site. You can create subscribers directly in FBxNet as
described in Creating a Subscriber Directly in FBxNet.
Alternatively, you can create a CSV file manually in a text editor or Microsoft® Excel If you have
multiple subscriber devices, you must create a separate CSV file for each one. For example, if you
have three subscribers, you must create three CSV files – one for each subscriber.
If you have many subscribers or many publishers, you may want to create your first subscriber or
publisher directly in FBxNet, and then manually edit the resulting CSV file to add additional
publishers, or copy the CSV file and use it as a basis for defining another subscriber and set of
associated publishers.
4.11.1 Subscriber File Format

In the subscriber file, bolded entries must appear exactly as shown. Italicized entries must be
modified to reflect details on the subscriber and publishers and associated tags.
The first line, which is bolded, provides a guide to the meaning of entries on the second line. The
second line entries define the subscriber device.
The third line and fourth line (both bolded) provide a guide to the meaning of entries for the
subscriber devices, defined on subsequent lines.
From line five to the end of the file are definitions of individual publisher devices, and their
associated parameters. Lines that describe the actual tags begin with a comma “,”.
SubscriberName,SubscriberIPAddress,SubscriberIPPort
SubscriberDeviceName, SubscriberIPAddress,SubscriberIPPort
PublisherName,PublisherType,PublisherIPAddress,PublisherIPPort,SubscriberCommPort,Enabled
,SubscriberTag,Operation,PublisherTag,FaultMode,FixedFaultValue,FBxNDataInstance
PublisherName:PublisherDeviceName1,PublisherType1,PublisherIPAddress1,PublisherIPPort1,
CommPortNumber1, EnableFlag1
,SubscriberTag1, Operation1, PublisherTag1,FaultMode1,FixedFaultValue1,FBxNDataInstance1
,SubscriberTag2, Operation2, PublisherTag2,FaultMode2,FixedFaultValue2,FBxNDataInstance2
: :
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,SubscriberTagx, Operationx, PublisherTagx,FaultModex,FixedFaultValuex,FBxNDataInstancex
PublisherName:PublisherDeviceName2,PublisherType2,PublisherIPAddress2,PublisherIPPort2,
CommPortNumber2
EnableFlag2
,SubscriberTag1,Operation1,PublisherTag1,FaultMode1,FixedFaultValue1,FBxNDataInstance1
: :
,SubscriberTagy,Operationy,PublisherTagy,FaultModey,FixedFaultValuey,FBxNDataInstancey
: :
PublisherName:PublisherDeviceNamew,PublisherTypew, PublisherIPAddressw, PublisherIPPortw,
CommPortNumberw
EnableFlagw
: :
,SubscriberTagz,Operationz,PublisherTagz,FaultModez,FixedFaultValuez,FBxNDataInstancez
Where:
Chapter Description
SubscriberDeviceName Is the name of the subscriber (client) device. Although
not required, we recommend you use the name of the
FB3000 as defined in Field Tools.
SubscriberIPAddress Is the IP address of the subscriber device. This is the IP
address used by Field Tools to connect to the
subscriber.
SubscriberIPPort Is the TCP/IP port number of the subscriber device. If
not specified, FBxNet uses a default of 20000.
Note: Do not enter 9009 for this number; it is reserved
by FBxNet.
PublisherName:PublisherDeviceName Marks the beginning of a publisher (server) device
definition. The keyword PublisherName: is required
followed by the name of the publisher. Publisher names
must be unique within the file; FBxNet ignores any
duplicate publisher names
PublisherType Specifies the type of device. Valid values are FB1200,
FB2200, and FB3000. If not specified, FBxNet assumes a
default of FB3000.
PublisherIPAddress Is the IP address of this publisher device.
PublisherIPPort Is the TCP/IP port number of this publisher device. If not
specified, FBxNet assumes a default of 20000.
(RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE)
CommPortNumber Is the subscriber communication port number. This is
either 5 or 6.
EnableFlag Is set TRUE to turn on polling for this publisher device, or
FALSE to turn off polling for this publisher device.
,SubscriberTag Specifies the name of a database parameter in the
subscriber device for which you want to transfer its
value via peer-to-peer communication.
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Chapter Description
Operation s set to READ if the subscriber should read from this
publisher or WRITE if the subscriber should write to this
publisher.
PublisherTag Specifies the name of a database parameter in the
publisher device whose value the subscriber wants to
read from or write to.
FaultMode (This field is Optional, but if you include it you must also
include the related FixedFaultValue and
FBxNDataInstance fields) – Specify how FBxNet handles a
communication failure or other error from this
publisher. Choices are:
LIVE Disables fault handling.
Switch to a pre-defined value, as
FAULT
specified in the FixedFaultValue field.
LAST_GOOD Show the last good value received.
FixedFaultValue (This field is Optional, but if you include it you must also
include the related FaultMode and FBxNDataInstance
fields) When Fault Mode is set to FAULT, specifies an
override value to be used when a communication error
or other fault occurs.
FBxNDataInstance (This field is Optional, but if you include it you must also
include the related FaultMode and FixedFaultValue fields)
This field specifies the name of a fault handling database
object and registers it in the FB3000 database. You can
specify any unused FBxNDataInstance object number;
they follow the format:
//FBXNData_x//
Where x is any integer between 1 and 10000. Once
registered in the FB3000 database to belong to a
particular publisher tag, this object instance stores any
data quality or parameter “health” code received about
a fault. This data can then be logged and may be viewed
in the FBxConnect diagnostic report.
4.11.2 Subscriber File Example – Created in Excel

Below is an example subscriber file created in Microsoft® Excel. Typically, a subscriber file could
refer to dozens of devices. The figure, below, shows a subscriber named NORTH_STREET with two
publishers named ELM_STREET and SEASIDE_DRIVE. ELM_STREET has three data points to be
transferred, and SEASIDE_DRIVE has four data points to be transferred. Both publishers use the
default IP port of 20000, so the PublisherIPPort field may be left blank. ]
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Figure 4-20. Subscriber CSV File in Excel
Although not required, the base name of the file should be the name of the subscriber device and
when you save the file, you must save it as type CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv) so that the
required commas are included in the file.
4.11.3 Subscriber File Example – Created in a Text Editor

Below is a simple example subscriber file created in a text editor. Although not required, the base
name of the file should be the name of the subscriber device and the extension must be CSV.
Typically, a subscriber file could refer to dozens of devices, but the simple example below, shows a
subscriber named MYFB3000 with three publishers named MyPublisher1, MyPublisher2, and
MyPublisher3. Each of the publishers have three data points to be transferred, and they all use the
default IP port of 20000, so that field can be left blank, delimited by commas.
SubscriberName,SubscriberIPAddress,SubscriberIPPort
MyFB3000,10.208.15.82,20000
PublisherName,PublisherType,PublisherIPAddress,PublisherIPPort,SubscriberCommP
ort,Enabled
,SubscriberTag,Operation,PublisherTag
PublisherName:MyPublisher1,FB1200,10.208.15.83,,5,TRUE
,User Data_5.FLOAT_1,READ,User Data_5.FLOAT_1
,User Data_2.LONG_7,WRITE,User User Data_1.LONG_1
,User Data_1.SHORT_1,READ,User Data_1.SHORT_1
PublisherName:MyPublisher2,FB1200,10.208.15.84,,5,TRUE
PublisherName:MyPublisher3,FB2200,10.208.15.85,,5,FALSE
Other than the CSV extension (which is required), the name of the subscriber file is irrelevant but
for good practices it should be the name of the subscriber device (for example MyFB3000.csv).
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4.12 CSV File Validation

Field Tools performs a complete validation of the format and data of CSV files you create:
 If there are errors in subscriber data, FBxNet ignores that subscriber file.
 If there are errors in publisher data, FBxNet ignores that publisher section.
 If there are errors in the peer-to-peer data for a parameter, FBxNet ignores that parameter.
 If FBxNet can apply a default in order to continue it will. For example, if the file specifies an
invalid operation, FBxNet applies a default of READ.
If FBxNet detects errors as it loads CSV files, it creates a log file of those errors and reports this
message:
You should open the log file and try to correct the errors, and then re-download the files and restart
FBxNet so it loads the corrected files.
4.13 FBxNet Authentication

Every FB1200, FB2200, or FB3000 device that exists in an FBxNet network must have an identical
FBxNet user configured. Each such user in the network must share identical login credentials. In
FBxConnect, go to Services > Users Management to configure the FBxNet user.
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4.14 Downloading CSV Files

FBxNet first reads the subscriber CSV files to generate the network tree. FBxNet also processes the
files and generates publisher-specific files for the connections and parameter mapping (map file)
for each publisher device. You must download the CSV files for the FBxNet network to function.
1. In Monitor Mode, click File > Download files.
2. The Download files to Subscribers screen shows a list of subscriber devices, showing the Site,
Device name and IP Address of each FB3000 subscriber device.
Note
You will only see FB3000 devices in the list because only an FB3000 can serve as a subscriber.
Figure 4-21. Download Files to Subscribers
3. By default, the screen shows subscribers for all sites. To only download the subscribers for a
specific site, select the desired site from the Site selection box.
4. To download CSV files for all subscribers, select the Download check box. If you only want to
download CSV files to certain subscribers, de-select the Download check box, and then check
the boxes for only those subscribers to which you want to download CSV files
5. To start polling all subscribers automatically after the download completes, select the Start Poll
Cycle checkbox. If you do not want polling for all subscribers to occur, de-select that and only
check those devices for which you want polling to occur.
6. Click the Download button. FBxNet downloads CSV files to the selected subscriber(s) and
starts polling for any that have Start Poll Cycle selected. The Status field shows any error
messages that occur during the download for particular subscribers.
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4.14.1 Downloading CSV Files for a Single Site

If you only want to download files for a single site, in Monitor Mode right click on the site name in
the Subscriber List pane and choose Download files.
This opens the Download files to subscribers dialog box for that subscriber only. Click Download to
proceed.
4.15 Making Changes to Your CSV Files

If you need to change your CSV file(s) after you download them, you can edit them directly in
Configure Mode, or you can edit the CSV files manually in Microsoft Excel® or a text editor.
Making Edits Manually in Microsoft Excel® or a Text Editor
To edit CSV files manually click File > FBxNet folder and double-click on the folder for the site that
contains the CSV file you want to edit. Use Excel or a text editor to modify the file, then save it.
Make sure you save it with an extension of CSV. You must reload files modified by this method. To
do this, click File > Reload Subscriber CSV files.
As part of the reload process:

 Previous connections are shut down.
 FBxNet clears previous CSV files from its memory.
 FBxNet validates the new CSV files and loads them into memory.
 FBxNet connects to the first subscriber in the list.
Making Edits Directly in FBxNet
To edit CSV files in Configure Mode, click Mode > Configuration and click on the name of the
subscriber you want to edit, then click the edit icon. Make your changes and click Save To File.
Downloading the Modified CSV Files to Subscribers
No matter which way you make your edits, once you finish you must re-download the CSV files by
clicking File > Download files. See Downloading the CSV Files for more information.
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4.16 Restoring the Backup of Previous CSV Files at the PC

If you upload files from a site's designated device to the PC, FBxNet first creates a separate backup
file for the existing subscriber CSV files on the PC for that site (FBxNetFilesBackup.ZIP).
If, for some reason, you accidentally overwrite the CSV file for a site, you can restore the previous
version from that site's FBxNetFilesBackup.ZIP file.
1. Close FBxNet.
2. Ensure that you have a FBxNetFilesBackup.ZIP file in the folder:
\Users\Public\Public
Documents\Emerson\FieldTools\FBx\FBxNet\sitefolder\FBxNetBackupFolder
where sitefolder is the name of the site.
3. Delete the existing CSV files in the folder:
\Users\Public\Public Documents\Emerson\FieldTools\FBx\FBxNet\sitefolder\
4. Unzip the FBxNetFilesBackup.ZIP file, then copy the unzipped CSV files to:
\Users\Public\Public Documents\Emerson\FieldTools\FBx\FBxNet\sitefolder\
5. Restart FBxNet.
4.17 Viewing Status of the Subscriber Device

1. In Monitor Mode, select the subscriber device you want to see in the Subscriber List.
2. In the Network pane, click on the subscriber device (the top node in the tree) to open the
Subscriber Status tab.
Figure 4-22. FBxNet – Subscriber Status tab visible
The Status pane displays the following information:
Field Description
Subscriber The name of the subscriber device.
IP Address The IP address of the subscriber device.
Status The status of the connection between FBxNet and the
subscriber device.
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Field Description
Last time values were The timestamp showing when status fields were last
refreshed updated.
Parameter This column shows the name of the database tag(s) in the
subscriber device that provide status information.
Description This column provides a textual description of the parameter
to provide greater detail than the parameter name.
Value This column shows the value of the database tag.
Units This column shows engineering units for the value, if
appropriate.
Available Data Points Shows a list of the communication ports connected to this
subscriber, and the number of data points on each port that
FBxNet could potentially collect.
4.18 Viewing Status of the Publisher Devices

In Monitor Mode, click the Publisher Status tab.
Figure 4-23. FBxNet – Publisher Status tab visible
Field Description
Subscriber, IP Address, See Section 4.17.
Status, Last time values
were refreshed
Publisher Device This column shows names of the publisher (server) devices.
IP Address This column shows IP addresses of the publisher devices.
Comm Port This column shows the communication port numbers used by
the publisher devices. This is either 5 or 6.
Rows Loaded This column shows the number of parameter mapping file rows
that were successfully parsed from the publisher device. For
example, if you have 5 parameters you are transferring between
a publisher and the subscriber, this number should be 5. If Rows
Loaded is less than the number of parameters you are
transferring, this indicates FBxNet could not parse one or more
of the parameter lines in your CSV file, and you should check the
file for errors.
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Field Description
Connection Status This column shows the current connection status of the
publisher device. Possible status messages include:
Not Started FBxNet not setup for the device (no
parameter mapping file for the publisher)
or polling not started.
Connecting The subscriber is attempting to establish
a TCP connection to the publisher.
Resolving The subscriber is resolving all the tags to
be read/written as well as the fault
handling instructions.
Online System is communicating with no issues
found.
Offline Publisher is disabled in the device
connection file.
Invalid Publisher’s parameter mapping file is
invalid, or the response received from the
publisher is invalid. This is a critical error -
the system will attempt to recover.
Connection Subscriber could not connect to the
Timeout publisher. TCP connection request failed.
Transmission Error Subscriber could not send message to
the publisher. Transmission of the data
failed.
Response Timeout No response received. Subscriber timed
out waiting for response from the
publisher.
Resolving Failure Critical error occurred while resolving the
parameter map.
Read Failure Critical error occurred while reading the
parameters from the publisher.
Disabled Device is disabled.
Online with System transferring data but there are
Parameter Error(s) errors - see subscriber diagnostic file for
details.
No Account Found There is no FBxNet user account on the
subscriber.
Authentication There is a mismatch between the FBxNet
Failed user accounts (username and password)
on the subscriber and the publisher. If
this happens, you must stop
communications between the subscriber
and publisher, use FBxConnect to modify
the FBxnet user account usernames
and/or passwords in the subscriber and
publisher so they are identical in both
devices, and then restart
communications.
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Field Description
Note: If the user account is locked out
you must either wait for the lock out to
expire, or a security administrator must
temporarily disable the lockout in
FBxConnect, then re-enable it when you
finish.
Authenticating The subscriber is attempting
authentication with the publisher.
Parse Status This column shows the current parsing status of the publisher
device’s parameter mapping file. Possible status messages
include:
No Error Parse was successful.
File Open Fail Could not find or open the publisher map
file.
Column Mismatch Column of the map file is invalid.
Missing Required Missing required column header in the
Column map file.
Exceeded Max Data Map file number parameters exceed the
Points maximum allowed.
Error Count This shows the total number of errors for connections to each
publisher. You can zero-out this number by clicking Reset Error
Count.
4.19 Viewing Details on a Single Publisher

In Monitor Mode In the network pane, click the icon for the publisher you want to view and the
status pane updates with details on that publisher.
Figure 4-24. Details on Single Publisher
Field Description
Publisher This shows the name of the selected publisher device.
IP Address This shows the IP address of the publisher device.
Comm Port This column shows the communication port number used by the
publisher device. This is either 5 or 6.
Status Shows the status of the connection to this publisher.
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Field Description
Last time values were Shows the last time the values were updated in the Status pane.
refreshed Click Refresh to force an update.
Subscriber Tag This column shows the names of database parameters in the
subscriber device for which you want to transfer values using
peer-to-peer communication. The heading for the column
shows the subscriber device name.
Subscriber Value This column shows the value of the subscriber parameter.
Subscriber Status In this column, if FBxNet could not collect the value, it shows an
error code. The most typical error is “Tag name is not valid. Error
code:1307” which occurs when a parameter does not exist.
Operation This column shows READ if the subscriber should read from this
publisher or WRITE if the subscriber should write to this
publisher.
Publisher Tag This column specifies the names of database parameters in the
publisher whose values the subscriber wants to read from or
write to. The heading for the column shows the publisher’s
device name.
Click Refresh to update the Status pane with the latest values from the publisher.
4.20 Modifying FBxNet Configuration Parameters

In Monitor Mode, click the Subscriber Configuration tab.
Figure 4-25. Subscriber Configuration tab
The Subscriber Configuration tab updates to show configuration parameters for each port on the
subscriber device. The Parameter names begin with the name FBxNConfig_x where x is the port
number. The Description field provides a textual description for the parameter and the Value field
shows the current value of the parameter. The Limits field shows the range of valid values for that
parameter.
See Section 4.9 for details on the read-only fields.
You can select a Parameter and then enter its new value in the New Value field. The Units field
shows the engineering units (if applicable). To finish and write the new value(s) to the subscriber,
click Save.
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The configuration parameters are:
Parameter Description
TCP_CONN_TIMEOUT The number of seconds the subscriber waits for a response from
a connection request before a timeout occurs.
RX_TIMEOUT The number of seconds the subscriber waits for a response from
the publisher after the connection has been established.
RETRIES_NUM The number of retry attempts when a timeout occurs.
SCAN_RATE The frequency at which the subscriber polls its publishers.
POLL_CYCLE Enables/disables polling for this port.
4.21 Enabling/Disabling Fault Processing

Optionally, you can specify a database object to process a fault in FBxNet communications. For
example, you can specify that if communications fail during transmission of a particular parameter,
you could use its last good value, or a pre-configured fixed fault value. Fault processing also
captures any error code generated from the fault, allowing it to be logged in the FBxConnect
Diagnostic Report.
To enable fault processing, in Configure mode click Fault Processing Enabled.
Important
For I/O points, built-in hardware fault handling and user-configured fault handling in FBxConnect
supersedes FBxNet fault processing because the hardware/firmware fault handling is more feature-
rich.
Figure 4-26. Enabling Fault Processing
Once enabled, FBxNet adds three additional columns to the Publisher Parameters Configuration
screen. You must configure all three for fault processing to work.
Figure 4-27. Fault Handling Columns
Note
If after you configure the fault handling columns you de-select Enable Fault Handling, FBxNet
deletes those columns and the entries you made from the configuration and your CSV file.
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Column Description
FaultMode Use the selection box to specify how FBxNet handles a
communication failure or other error from this publisher.
Choices are:
LIVE Disables fault handling.
FAULT Switch to a pre-defined value, as specified in
the FixedFaultValue field.
LAST_GOOD Show the last good value received.
FixedFaultValue When Fault Mode is set to FAULT, specifies an override value to
be used when a communication error or other fault occurs.
FBxNDataInstance This field specifies the name of a fault handling database object
and registers it in the FB3000 database. You can specify any
unused FBxNDataInstance object number; they follow the
format:
//FBXNData_x//
where x is any integer between 1 and 10000. Once registered in
the FB3000 database to belong to a particular publisher tag, this
object instance stores any data quality or parameter “health”
code received about a fault. This data can then be logged and
may be viewed in the FBxConnect diagnostic report.
4.22 Troubleshooting Tips

 Do your devices have firmware that supports FBxNet? If not, FBxNet will not work.
 Did you put your CSV files in the correct folder? They must be in \Users\Public\Public
Documents\Emerson\FieldTools\FBx\FBxNet\
 If you edited your CSV file(s) in Excel, did you remember to save them in the CSV format? They
must be CSV files, not XLS files.
 Check the Rows Loaded, Connection Status, and Parse Status entries on the Publisher Status
tab. This can help you identify where problems might exist.
4.23 FBxNet Settings

Click Settings to open the FBxNet Options dialog box. You can decide whether you want FBxNet to
display a dashed line on the screen for one or both communication line connections to publishers.
Check the desired box(es) and click OK.
Figure 4-28. FBxNet Options Dialog
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Figure 4-29. Effect on Network Diagram
4.24 Working with the Tag Browser.

The Tag Browser lets you examine all the database objects and their associated attributes for a
selected FB3000 RTU.
1. Either click Open Tag Browser in the FBxNet menu bar, or click Tag Browser from the link in
Publisher Parameters Configuration pane; either one opens the Tag Browser.
2. In the Tag Browser, select the Device name of the RTU or flow computer from which you want
to view tags; once you make your selection, the Tag Browser populates the Target Object
pane.
Each database object shown in the Target Object pane corresponds to a particular feature or
component that you configure in FBxConnect. For example, if you install a mixed I/O module in
the device, there will be a database object for each type of input or output you configure in
FBxConnect.
So for an I/O module that has two (2) digital outputs, there will be two instances (or copies) of
the digital output (DO) object – one for each DO.
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Figure 4-30. Tag Browser
3. Select the desired Target Object instance. Once you click on it, the rightmost pane updates
with the attributes for that object instance.
Each object typically also has one or more attributes. For example, for an analog input (AI), you
could choose the raw value from the I/O point, the live value scaled for the applied engineering
units, the tag name, or many other things.
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Figure 4-31. Attribute Pane Showing Attributes of a Target Object Instance
4. Click the attribute of interest. Tag Browser updates the Tag, Data Type, Value, and 1131 Data
Type (if applicable) for the selected tag.
5. You can click Copy Tag to store the tag name associated with that attribute in the clipboard,
and then right click and Paste it into any field that accepts a publisher or subscriber tag.
Or you can drag the name of the attribute from the attribute pane, and release your cursor in
the field where you want it; FBxNet pastes in the associated tag name.
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Appendix A. Troubleshooting Tips

Following are some common problems that may occur and procedures for resolving them.
Message: Failed to connect to Comm Manager

You may see this message if something disrupts a communications connection. (Because they
share some common code, Field Tools makes use of an OpenEnterprise session to communicate.)
Stop and re-start the OpenEnterprise session using these steps:
1. In Windows Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools.
2. Double-click Services.
Figure A-1. OpenEnterprise Services
3. Right-click on the OpenEnterprise Session and choose Stop from the menu.
4. Right-click on it again and choose Start from the menu.
Communication Problem Causing Truncated Messages

If you use RTS/CTS with radios and encounter a problem where Field Tools can transmit but RTUs
are unable to respond, it could be related to PC port configuration in Windows which results in
messages being truncated.
If this problem occurs, follow these steps:
1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
2. Click Device Manager. The Device Manager dialog opens.
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Figure A-2. Device Manager
3. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) selection to display a list of ports.
4. Right-click once on the port used for Field Tools communications and choose Properties
from the pop-up menu. The Communications Port (COM1) Properties dialog box opens.
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Figure A-3. Device Manager
5. Select the Port Settings tab, then click Advanced to display the Advanced Port Settings
dialog box.
Figure A-4. Advanced Comm Port Settings Dialog
6. In the Advanced Port Settings dialog box, drag the Receive Buffer and Transmit Buffer slide
bars to the low end of their ranges, and click OK.
7. Choose OK in the Communication Port Properties dialog box, and exit the Device Manager
and Control Panel to save the settings.
8. Reboot your PC for the new settings to take effect.
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USB to RS-232 Serial Connection Problems

USB to RS-232 serial converters vary widely in quality and performance. Other customers have
reported good results with the following converters:
 BlackBox IC199A
 IOGear® GUC232A
 FDI’s CHIPI-X10
If you experience problems with a particular USB to serial converter, there are a few things you can
try:
 Make sure you installed the correct up-to-date software driver for your USB to serial converter.
Sometimes a driver update can solve the problem.
 If the connection failure occurs after you unplug and plug back in, close the connections and
unplug the USB from the PC. Then reconnect the USB and restart the connection.
 Some problems can occur from truncated messages. In Windows Device Manager, set FIFO
transmit and receive buffers for the port to low as described above in Communication Problem
Causing Truncated Messages. This may improve the USB connection.
Eltima Message: FAILURE: Access is denied

You may see this message during installation if Eltima software had already been installed. You can
ignore this message and click OK to allow the installation to continue.
Figure A-5. Eltima Failure
VPN Causes Certain Features to Fail

When connecting to a virtual private network (VPN) certain features in Field Tools may fail to
operate correctly.
Connecting to a VPN shuts down certain Windows services that Field Tools uses. (Because they
share some common code, Field Tools makes use of an OpenEnterprise service.) While some
services can reconnect automatically, others may require you to restart the OpenEnterprise
service. If you need to do this, follow these steps:
1. Launch Windows Task Manager.
2. Select the Services tab.
3. Right-click on the OpenEnterprise service and choose Start Service.
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Figure A-6. Start Services
4. The OpenEnterprise service restarts; features should now operate correctly.
Overlapping or Truncated Screen Items

If display settings in Windows Control Panel are set for larger fonts, you may see certain text items
truncated (cut off) on the screen, or there may be overlapping between text items.
To solve this, set display settings in Windows Control Panel to use smaller text sizes.
Cannot Communicate with Device After Configuration Download or

Cold/Warm Start
In some cases, after you download a configuration or perform a cold/warm start, FBxConnect
cannot communicate with the device because the device reboot takes longer than expected,
resulting in a communications timeout. If these timeouts occur, you can increase the amount of
time FBxConnect waits for communications to be established with the device following a reboot.
To do this, you need to edit the values for the BootTimeAfterConfigApply and
BootTimeAfterColdWarmStart parameters. These parameters specify the amount of time (in
minutes) FBxConnect waits after a device reboot before declaring a communications timeout
failure.
These parameters are located in the FieldToolsContainer.config file located in the folder:
\ProgramData\Emerson\OpenEnterprise\Application Data\
In the example shown below, FBxConnect waits 5 minutes after a configuration download and
waits 6 minutes after a cold or warm start before declaring a communication timeout.
<appSettings>
<clear />
<add key="BootTimeAfterConfigApply" value="5" />
<add key="BootTimeAfterColdWarmStart" value="6" />
</appSettings>
Incorrect Timestamp in FBxConnect Logs

Once you install Field Tools software, the software begins using the configured time zone in
Windows when generating time stamps for historical data/logs. If you subsequently change the
Windows time zone, you must re-boot your PC workstation for Field Tools to recognize the time
zone change so it can be reflected in logs and historical data.
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Wi-Fi connections Incompatible with FIPS

The encryption algorithm used for Wi-Fi passwords in Field Tools and FB1000/FB2000 Series Flow
Computers is newer than the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) standard and so is
incompatible with it.
To prevent errors associated with this, you must disable (de-select) the System cryptography: Use
FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing option for the Local Security Policy
of your laptop/PC workstation.
FBxConnect USB Driver Installation Issues

Sometime the USB CDC driver does not install correctly. If that happens, follow these steps:
1. Launch the Windows Control Panel.
2. Click Device Manager.
3. Select Ports. Locate the CDC Serial Driver and right click on it, and choose Update Driver.
Figure A-7. Updating Driver
4. A new screen opens. Click Browse my computer for driver software.
5. From the next screen, choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
6. From the list presented, choose Remote Automation Solutions as the Manufacturer and QNX
Serial Converter as the Model, then click Next and Windows reinstalls the driver.
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Figure A-8. Updating Driver
Number of Supported ROCLINK Connections

Even though ROC devices support 6 active IP/TCP connections, launching ROCLINK from Field Tools
limits the connections to 3. This is because one connection is made by Field Tools (to locally
connect to the device and start ROCLINK) and the other connection is made by the ROCLINK
application.
Message: Comm Manager Connection Lost

If the Connection Progress field on the Properties page for the connection reports this message, it
may indicate a conflict between Field Tools and other software for the same TCP sockets. Edit the
file c:\Users\Public\Documents\Emerson\FieldTools\Application Data\CommManager.Config
<appSettings>
<clear />
<add key="CCListenPort" value="40000" />
<add key="DriverBaseListenPort" value="40010" />
<add key="VPCListenPort" value="40001" />
<add key="AmsGatewayListenPort" value="40004" />
<add key="HartIdListenPort" value="40005" />
<add key="AmsComListenPort" value="20001" />
<add key="RasAdminTaskListenPort" value="40002" />
<add key="DBBuildServer" value="40006" />
Change the CCListenPort value to 50000, the DriverBaseListenPort value to 50010, the
VPCListenPort value to 50001, the RasAdminTaskListenPort value to 50002, and the DBBuildServer
value to 50006.
To make the changes take effect, stop the OpenEnterprise Session, then re-start the
OpenEnterprise Session. For information on how to do this, see the first troubleshooting tip in this
appendix.
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Note
If you subsequently reinstall Field Tools you must redo these changes.
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Appendix B. Field Tools Uninstallation Procedure

Normally, you can uninstall Field Tools like any other Windows application and just reboot your PC.
Under certain circumstances such as a failed installation or some sort of file corruption, it may be
necessary to take additional steps such as cleaning the installation folders and editing the Windows
Registry.
Uninstalling from the Windows Control Panel

1. Navigate to Control Panel > All Control Panel Items >Programs and Features.
2. Right click on Field Tools from the Uninstall or Change a program list.
3. Choose Uninstall to start the installation wizard.
4. Choose Remove and click Next. Wait for the uninstall process to complete (this may take a
few minutes), then click Finish, and reboot your PC.
Uninstalling Field Tools 73

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Cleaning up and Deleting Installation Folders

1. Navigate to the C:\Program Files (x86)\Emerson folder.
2. Delete the Emerson folder.
Note: If Windows prevents you from doing this, go to Task Manager and stop the
OpenEnterprise and Emerson.RuntimeDataService services and under Details, end the
OEOPCDAServer.exe task.
3. Navigate to the C:\ProgramData\Emerson folder.
Note: If the ProgramData\Emerson folder is not visible, go to Windows Control Panel, choose
File Explorer Options and from the View tab, make sure “Show hidden files, folders, and
drives” is selected.

5. Navigate to the Users\Public\Public Documents folder.
7. Navigate to the Users\current user\Documents folder.
8. Delete the Emerson, MultiGrid and OpenEnterprise folders.
9. Navigate to the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs folder.
10. Delete the Emerson Field Tools folder.
11. Reboot the PC.
74 Uninstalling Field Tools
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Cleaning the Registry

1. Click Start > Run and type RegEdit to launch the Windows Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node and delete
the Emerson folder as shown below:
3. Exit the Registry Editor and reboot the PC.
Deep Cleaning the Registry (Usually Not Needed)

1. In RegEdit, navigate to Computer \ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\
2. Delete all EMERSON keys that are followed by the text “.OE,” “.OpenEnterprise,” or
“.Tools.Shared”.

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3. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\SessionManager\Environment\
4. Double click on the Path string and then delete the C:\Program Files
(x86)\Emerson\OpenEnterprise\Bin; path from the Edit String dialog box as shown below:

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5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

6. Click Edit >Find. In the Find dialog box, make sure selections are made to look at Keys.
7. Type OpenEnterprise in the Find what edit field and click Find Next.
8. Delete each OpenEnterprise key and continue (use F3 key to continue the search) until no
OpenEnterprise keys can be found.
9. Exit the Registry Editor, and reboot the PC.

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Index
starting ............................................................ 39
A
switching between Monitor and Configuration
Active Connection Pane ........................................ 28 mode ............................................................. 41
Adding RTU login credentials for a user ................. 17 Field Tools ...............................................................1
logging in ......................................................... 14
C
starting ............................................................ 14
Connection ........................................................... 17 Figures
before establishing ........................................... 13 2-1. Changing User Account Control ...................5
creating............................................................ 19 2-2. InstallShield Wizard ......................................6
direct ............................................................... 28 2-3. InstallShield Wizard ......................................7
exporting a ....................................................... 29 2-4. Installer Welcome Screen .............................7
importing a ...................................................... 29 2-5. License Agreement ......................................8
importing from ROCLINK .................................. 29 2-6. Optional Package Selection ..........................8
saving .............................................................. 29 2-7. Setup Status Screen .....................................9
starting ............................................................ 19 2-8. InstallShield Wizard Finish Screen .............. 10
Connections list .................................................... 17 3-1. Log-in Dialog ............................................. 14
CSV file validation 3-2. Figure Name ............................................. 14
in FBxNet .......................................................... 53 3-3. Change Password Dialog ........................... 15
CSV files 3-4. User management Dialog.......................... 15
downloading to FBxNet subscribers .................. 54 3-5. Add new user Dialog ................................. 16
downloading to subscriber of a single site......... 55 3-6. Security configuration Dialog .................... 16
making changes for FBxNet .............................. 55 3-7. Device credentials Dialog .......................... 17
restoring backups in FBxNet ............................. 56 3-8. Connections List ........................................ 18
synchronizing ................................................... 48 3-9. Connection Wizard.................................... 20
3-10. Device credentials Dialog ........................ 21
D
3-11. Serial Connection Settings –
Deleting FB1000/FB2000/FB3000 ................................ 21
an FBxNet publisher .......................................... 46 3-12. Serial Connection Settings – ROC/FloBoss 22
an FBxNet site................................................... 43 3-13. Serial Connection Settings –
an FBxNet subscriber ........................................ 45 ControlWave/33xx ......................................... 22
Field Tools user................................................. 17 3-14. Specifying the ROC Configuration File ..... 23
Deleting an FBxNet parameter .............................. 48 3-15. Specifying the TechView Session File ....... 23
Direct connection ................................................. 28 3-16. IP Connection Settings –
Disabling UAC ......................................................... 3 FB1000/FB2000/FB3000 ................................ 24
Downloading 3-17. IP Connection Settings – ROC/FloBoss ..... 24
CSV files to FBxNet subscribers ......................... 54 3-18. IP Connection Settings – ControlWave/33xx
CSV files to subscribers of a single FBxNet site .. 55 ...................................................................... 24
3-19. Specifying the ROC Configuration File ..... 25
F
3-20. Specifying the TechView Session File ....... 25
FBxNet 3-21. WiFi Connection Parameters ................... 26
adding a new parameter in ............................... 46 3-22. Connection in Progress ........................... 26
authentication ................................................. 53 3-23. RTU Connection Tools ............................. 27
configuration parameters ................................. 60 3-24. Direct Connection ................................... 28
configuring ...................................................... 38 3-25. Active Connection Pane .......................... 28
CSV file validation............................................. 53 3-26. Import ROCLINK connections Dialog ....... 30
editing a site..................................................... 43 3-27. Settings Dialog ........................................ 30
editing a subscriber .......................................... 45 3-28. Offline Configurations ............................. 31
fault processing 4-1. Figure Name ............................................. 33
enabling or disabling .................................... 61 4-2. Calling Up the License Manager ................. 34
licensing ........................................................... 33 4-3. Creating the LRF File .................................. 34
settings ............................................................ 62 4-4. Saving the LRF File ..................................... 35
Index 79
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4-5. Signing on with License Id and Password .... 35 P
4-6. Entering Contract Details and Selecting the
Parameter
LRF File ........................................................... 36
deleting in FBxNet ............................................ 48
4-7. Unlock Software Licenses and Submit License
editing existing FBxNet publisher parameters ... 47
Request .......................................................... 36
Password
4-8. Download the Key File ............................... 37
changing .......................................................... 15
4-9. Adding a User ............................................ 38
setting the minimum length ............................. 16
4-10. Defining User Details ............................... 39
Publisher
4-11. Starting FBxNet ....................................... 40
adding a new FBxNet publisher ......................... 45
4-12. FBx Main Screen ....................................... 40
adding in FBxNet .............................................. 45
4-13. Adding a Site ........................................... 41
4-14. Defining the Site ...................................... 42
editing an FBxNet ............................................. 45
4-15. Site Defined ............................................. 42
editing existing FBxNet publisher...................... 47
4-16. Editing a Site ............................................ 43
viewing details on a single FBxNet .................... 59
4-17. Adding a Subscriber ................................. 44
viewing status of FBxNet .................................. 57
4-18. Subscriber Added .................................... 44
4-19. Copying a Tag .......................................... 47 R
4-20. Subscriber CSV File in Excel ...................... 52
ROCLINK
4-21. Download Files to Subscribers ................. 54
special notes about ............................................ 3
4-22. FBxNet – Subscriber Status tab visible ...... 56
RTU login credentials ............................................ 19
4-23. FBxNet – Publisher Status tab visible ........ 57
4-24. Details on a Single Publisher .................... 59 S
4-25. Subscriber Configuration tab ................... 60
Site
4-26. Enabling Fault Processing ........................ 61
creating in FBxNet ............................................ 41
4-27. Fault Handling Columns........................... 61
deleting an FBxNet site ..................................... 43
4-28. FBxNet Options Dialog ............................. 62
editing an FBxNet site ....................................... 43
4-29. Effect on Network Diagram...................... 63
Subscriber
4-30. Tab Browser............................................. 64
4-31. Attribute Pane Showing Attributes of a
editing in FBxNet .............................................. 45
Target Object Instance ................................... 65
example file created in Excel ............................. 51
A-1. OpenEnterprise Services ............................ 65
file format ........................................................ 49
A-2. Device Manager ........................................ 66
viewing status of an FBxNet .............................. 56
A-3. Device Manager ........................................ 67
System requirements
A-4. Advanced Comm Port Setting Dialog ......... 67
minimum ........................................................... 3
A-5. Eltima Failure............................................. 68
A-6. Start Services............................................. 69 T
A-7. Updating Driver ......................................... 70
Tables
A-8. Updating Driver ......................................... 71
3-1. Connections List Pane and Content Menu
I Icons .............................................................. 18
3-2. Specifying Address and Group for a Serial
Installation .............................................................. 3
Connection .................................................... 22
before you begin ................................................ 3
3-3. Default Port (IP socket number) for
procedure .......................................................... 3
Connection .................................................... 24
requirements...................................................... 3
3-4. Specifying Address and Group for an IP
silent install ...................................................... 10
Connection .................................................... 25
L 3-5. Icons Used in Active Connection Pane........ 28
Tag Browser .......................................................... 63
Licensing
Troubleshooting ................................................... 65
FBxNet.............................................................. 33
FBxNet ............................................................. 62
login credentials ................................................... 19
Field Tools ........................................................ 65
O
U
OpenBSI
Uninstalling Field Tools ......................................... 73
special notes about............................................. 3
User Account Control (UAC)
disabling ............................................................ 3
Index 80
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Users .................................................................... 15 defining a Field Tools user ................................ 15
adding in FBxNet .............................................. 16 deleting a Field Tools user ................................ 17
Index 81
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For customer service and technical support,

visit www.Emerson.com/SupportNet.
Global Headquarters,
North America, and Latin America:
Emerson Automation Solutions
6005 Rogerdale Road
Houston, TX 77072 U.S.A.
T +1 281 879 2699 | F +1 281 988 4445
www.Emerson.com/RemoteAutomation
Europe:
Unit 1, Waterfront Business Park
Dudley Road, Brierley Hill
Dudley DY5 1LX UK
T +44 1384 487200 | F +44 1384 487258
Middle East/Africa:
Emerson FZE
P.O. Box 17033 © 2017-2021 Remote Automation Solutions, a business unit of Emerson Automation
Jebel Ali Free Zone – South 2 Solutions. All rights reserved.
Dubai U.A.E.
This publication is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to
T +971 4 8118100 | F +971 4 8865465
ensure accuracy, this publication shall not be read to include any warranty or guarantee,
Asia-Pacific: express or implied, including as regards the products or services described or their use or
Emerson Automation Solutions applicability. Remote Automation Solutions (RAS) reserves the right to modify or improve
Remote Automation Solutions the designs or specifications of its products at any time without notice. All sales are governed
1 Pandan Crescent by RAS terms and conditions which are available upon request. RAS accepts no responsibility
Singapore 128461 for proper selection, use or maintenance of any product, which remains solely with the
T +65 6777 8211| F +65 6777 0947 purchaser and/or end-user.

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Emerson Field Tools 3.7 Quick Start Guide

Remote Automation Solutions

Application Safety Considerations

Chapter 3. Communication Setup 13

Appendix A. Troubleshooting Tips 65

Appendix B. Field Tools Uninstallation Procedure 73

2.1 Minimum System Requirements

2.1.1 Notes on USB to Serial Converters

2.2 Before You Begin

2.2.1 Disabling User Account Control (UAC) in Windows

Figure 2-1. Changing User Account Control

2.2.2 Special Notes for BSI_Config/TechView Users

2.2.3 Special Notes for OpenBSI users

2.2.4 Special Notes for ROCLINK Users

2.3 Installing Field Tools

Figure 2-2. InstallShield Wizard

Figure 2-3. InstallShield Wizard

Figure 2-4. Installer Welcome Screen

Figure 2-5. License Agreement

Figure 2-6. Optional Package Selection

Figure 2-7. Setup Status Screen

Figure 2-8. InstallShield Wizard Finish Screen

Custom Install without User Prompts

Element Set To:

Element Set To:

where xxxx is the installer number.

Chapter 3. Communication Setup

3.1 Using Field Tools to Establish a Connection

3.2 Before You Begin

3.3 Starting Field Tools and Logging In

Figure 3-1. Log in Dialog

Figure 3-2. Figure Name

3.4 Changing the Password

Figure 3-3. Change Password Dialog

3.5 Defining Users

Figure 3-4. User management Dialog

3.5.1 Adding a User

4. Enter a password in the Password and Confirm Password fields.

Figure 3-5. Add new user Dialog

3.5.2 Setting a Minimum Password Length

Figure 3-6. Security configuration Dialog

3.5.3 Deleting a User

3.5.4 Assigning RTU Login Credentials

Figure 3-7. Device credentials Dialog

3.6 Connections List

Figure 3-8. Connections List

Table 3-1. Connections List Pane and Context Menus Icons

Connect. Click to activate the selected connection.

Delete. Click to delete the selected connection or site.

3.7 Starting an Existing Connection

3.8 Creating a New Connection to a Device

Figure 3-9. Connection Wizard

6. For a ROC/FloBoss or ControlWave, if you want to define a default username/password

Figure 3-10. Device credentials Dialog

Figure 3-12. Serial Connection Settings – ROC/FloBoss

Figure 3-13. Serial Connection Settings – ControlWave/33xx

Device Type Address Group Description

Figure 3-14. Specifying the ROC Configuration File