Meltcontrol 2020: Instruction and Operating Manual

Instruction and Operating Manual
MeltControl 2020
Document Version: 2.01
Date of Issue: 10 January 2017
This user manual applies to MeltControl 2020 Software version 1.5.6 and higher.
10 January 2017 MeltControl 2020 page I of III
© 2017 Heraeus Electro-Nite
This manual is copyrighted by Heraeus Electro-Nite. No part of this document

may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in any retrieval system, or
translated into any language by any means without the express written
permission of Heraeus Electro-Nite.
Heraeus Electro-Nite makes no warranties as to the contents of this

documentation and specifically any implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for any particular purpose.
Heraeus Electro-Nite further reserves the right to alter the specification of the
product without obligation to notify any person or organisation of these
changes.
Improvements or instrument changes added after this document was printed

are to be found on one or more pages enclosed at the end of this manual.
We ask you to take note of these extra sheets.
Trademarks: All brand names and product names included in this manual are trademarks,
registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders.
File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx
Version: 2.01
page II of III MeltControl 2020 10 January 2017
Table of contents
1 Safety and Usage Notes .............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 General Information ............................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Intended Use ......................................................................................................................... 1
2 Product Description ...................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Supported Instruments .......................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Database ............................................................................................................................... 2
2.4 Curve Displays ...................................................................................................................... 2
2.5 Graphic Showing MeltControl 2020 Installation Possibilities ................................................ 3
3 Installing MeltControl 2020 .......................................................................................................... 4
3.1 Prerequisites .......................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Setting the server PC to a fixed IP address .......................................................................... 4
3.3 Server Installation .................................................................................................................. 6
3.3.1 Clean Installation and no SQL Express Installed............................................................ 6
3.3.2 Installation with No Default Settings for SQL Express .................................................... 8
3.3.3 Virtual Machines: Configuring the MeltControl2020 service as console ........................ 9
3.4 Client Installation ................................................................................................................. 13
4 Starting the Client for the First Time .......................................................................................... 14
4.1 Connect to the Server.......................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Prepare for first use ............................................................................................................. 14
5 Using the MeltControl 2020 Software ........................................................................................ 15
5.1 Latest Measurements Window ............................................................................................ 15
5.1.1 Measurement List ......................................................................................................... 15
5.1.2 Customizing the List ...................................................................................................... 16
5.1.3 Displaying a Measurement Curve ................................................................................. 16
5.1.4 Changing Measurement Data ....................................................................................... 17
5.1.5 Filtering the Measurements Displayed ......................................................................... 19
5.1.6 Stations ......................................................................................................................... 19
5.2 Live Tracing Window ........................................................................................................... 22
5.2.1 General overview .......................................................................................................... 22
5.2.2 Changing the material using the station tile .................................................................. 23
5.2.3 Changing the graph settings using the station tile ........................................................ 23
5.3 Search Results Window ...................................................................................................... 24
5.3.1 Searching Measurements ............................................................................................. 24
5.3.2 Exporting Measurements .............................................................................................. 24
5.3.3 Comparing measurements............................................................................................ 25
5.3.4 Show or hide second and third axis .............................................................................. 25
5.3.5 Edit Heat Number, Comment, Mould or SiAdj .............................................................. 25
5.4 Trending .............................................................................................................................. 26
5.5 Live Trending ....................................................................................................................... 28
5.6 Statistics .............................................................................................................................. 29
6 Configuration of the MeltControl2020 Server ............................................................................ 30
6.1 Managing Instruments ......................................................................................................... 30
6.2 Configuring the Instruments in MeltControl 2020 ................................................................ 31
6.2.1 Setting Serial Connection Details ................................................................................. 31
6.2.2 Setting TCP-IP Connection Details ............................................................................... 32
6.2.3 Configuring the QuiK-Lab E .......................................................................................... 32
Version: 2.01
10 January 2017 MeltControl 2020 page III of III
6.2.4 Configuring the QuiK-lab E Win Proc ........................................................................... 33
6.2.5 Configuring the Digitemp-E ........................................................................................... 33
6.2.6 Configuring the Digitemp-E Win Process ..................................................................... 33
6.2.7 Configuring the Digilance IV ......................................................................................... 33
6.2.8 Configuring the Celox-Lab E Foundry .......................................................................... 35
6.2.9 Configuring the Celox-Lab E ......................................................................................... 35
6.2.10 Configuring the Carbon-Lab E ................................................................................... 35
6.2.11 Configuring the Datacast ........................................................................................... 35
6.2.12 Configuring a Sensor Lab Foundry instrument .......................................................... 35
6.2.13 Configuring a continuous E-Line instrument ............................................................. 36
6.3 Managing Materials ............................................................................................................. 37
6.4 Changing Passwords........................................................................................................... 39
6.5 Setting User levels ............................................................................................................... 40
6.6 Changing Server Settings ................................................................................................... 41
6.7 Enabling an Output File ....................................................................................................... 42
6.8 Selecting Result Types ........................................................................................................ 44
6.9 Configuring the Communication Settings ............................................................................ 45
7 Service Options .......................................................................................................................... 46
7.1 Exporting Database or Logs ................................................................................................ 46
7.2 Maintaining the Database .................................................................................................... 47
7.3 Delete Alerts ........................................................................................................................ 48
7.4 Client Connections .............................................................................................................. 48
8 Viewing Alerts ............................................................................................................................ 49
8.1 Viewing Measurement Range Exceeded Alert .................................................................... 49
8.2 Viewing Security Setting Alerts ........................................................................................... 50
8.3 Database alert ..................................................................................................................... 50
9 Customizing the MeltControl 2020 Client .................................................................................. 52
9.1 Changing the Appearance of the MeltControl 2020 Interface ............................................. 52
9.2 Setting the Number of Measurements to Display ................................................................ 53
9.3 Playing a Sound on New Measurements ............................................................................ 53
9.4 Changing the Server Connection ........................................................................................ 53
10 Displaying the MeltControl 2020 Software Version ................................................................ 54
11 User Levels ............................................................................................................................. 55
Version: 2.01
10 January 2017 MeltControl 2020 page 1 of 55
1 Safety and Usage Notes
1.1 General Information

This manual provides the information required to use the MeltControl 2020 software system. It is
written for technically qualified personnel who have been specially trained and who have the relevant
knowledge in the fields of measuring and control.
This manual is an integral part of the system even if, for logistical reasons, it has to be ordered
separately. For the sake of clarity, not all details of all versions of the connected instruments are
described, nor can it cover all conceivable cases regarding installation, operation, and
maintenance. If you require further information or face special problems that have not been dealt
with in sufficient detail in this manual, contact Heraeus Electro-Nite.
We would also point out that the contents of this manual shall not become a part of, or modify, any
prior or existing agreement, commitment, or legal relationship. The Purchase Agreement contains
the complete and exclusive obligations of Heraeus Electro-Nite. Any statements contained in this
manual do not create new warranties or restrict the existing warranty.
1.2 Intended Use

The system must only be used for the applications stipulated in the catalogue or technical description
and only together with third-party units or components recommended or approved by Heraeus Electro-
Nite.
The system described has been developed, manufactured, checked and documented in compliance
with the relevant safety standards.
For full safety and operating usage instructions, see the documentation supplied with any measuring
instrument connected to the MeltControl 2020 software system.
Version: 2.01
page 2 of 55 MeltControl 2020 10 January 2017
2 Product Description
2.1 Introduction
Using the MeltControl 2020 system, all measurements from the melt can be logged and incorporated
into the foundry process control system. The MeltControl 2020 system consists of local measuring
instruments and one or more PCs. Up to 10 clients can be connected to the MeltControl 2020 server
so that more than one user can use the application at the same time.
For the instruments that support the transmission of curve data, MeltControl 2020 also shows and
stores the curves. MeltControl 2020 is a server–client application that can run on Windows 7 SP1 and
higher.
2.2 Supported Instruments

MeltControl 2020 can receive data through serial and Ethernet (TCP) interfaces from the following
instruments:
 Digilance IV (TCP Client and TCP Server)

 Digitemp-E
 Digitemp-E Win Process
 QuiK-Lab E
 QuiK-Lab E Win Process
 Celox-Lab E Cu (TCP interface only)
 Celox-Lab E Foundry (TCP interface only)
 Carbon-Lab E (TCP interface only)
 Celox-Lab E (TCP interface only)
 Conti-Lab E (TCP interface only)
 Datacast (serial interface only)
 Continuous E-Line series: Conti-Lab E, ConCelox-Cu and AlZin-Lab E (TCP interface only)
 Sensor Lab Foundry (TCP interface only)
The received data is written to a database, together with the date and time.
2.3 Database
The complete measuring procedure runs automatically including the logging and storage of the
measured data using the Microsoft SQL Express software.
The database stores all received measured values and curves.
Note: Only a limited amount of measurements can be saved in the database. When the
database becomes bigger than 8 GB, the 100 oldest measurements will be deleted. To
indicate this event, an alert is generated. Take a database backup on regular base to prevent
data to be lost.
2.4 Curve Displays

Measurement curves are displayed online during a measurement so that the quality of the melt can be
easily and quickly checked.
Measurement curves can also be displayed offline after a measurement allowing an overview of
melting performance over time.
Version: 2.01
2.5 Graphic Showing MeltControl 2020 Installation Possibilities
Version: 2.01
3 Installing MeltControl 2020

To use the MeltControl 2020 software, only one server is needed to which the instruments can
connect. After that, when knowing the IP address of the server, clients can connect to that server
while it is online to access the current measurements and the database.
All clients can have different settings for the view without affecting the server.
3.1 Prerequisites
A number of requirements have to be fulfilled on the PC where MeltControl2020 will be installed
before installation.
 Operating system: At least Windows 7 Service Pack 1
 Hard disk space: A minimum of 12GB should be available
 Microsoft .NET 4.5.1 framework. This framework is downloadable on the Microsoft website.
 Server PC should have a fixed IP address to have the instruments (re)connect at all times
without changing their parameters
Note that MeltControl 2020 can be installed on a virtual machine (if all other prerequisites are
fulfilled), but has to be ran as console and the windows service needs to be stopped.
See section 3.3.3 for more information on how to configure the service as a console.
3.2 Setting the server PC to a fixed IP address

The instruments connected with Remote Viewer Protocol (see section 6 for connecting
instruments) have the IP address of the server programmed in their parameters. Therefore, a fixed
IP address must be set on the MeltControl2020 server PC. This is also useful for the clients
externally connected, since they will not have to change the IP address to connect to every time
the DHCP lease is finished.
Go to the Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center to configure the Ethernet adapters.
Version: 2.01
Then, select the ‘Ethernet’ connection properties:
Select Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4)
Version: 2.01
Set the IP address to fixed and fill in the IP address as shown in the example below. To know which IP to use,
contact your plant network administrator.
Save the settings and go close the network center.
3.3 Server Installation

Administrator rights are needed for installation. These rights are needed after rebooting the PC,
after configuring SQL Express, and after updating the MeltControl 2020 software.
3.3.1 Clean Installation and no SQL Express Installed

Select the file Heraeus.iM2.MeltControl2020.DeployAgent.exe and run it. An automatic procedure
starts and installs the software.
Version: 2.01
The deploy agent starts and displays the following window:
‘Automated installation’: install SQL express automatically.

‘Default installation’: SQL Express installer is started must be configured manually.
Click Yes to start the installation:
The installation starts to configure SQL Express automatically. After that, a reboot is needed.
Note: Administrator rights are needed here. During the installation, the pc will reboot. After the
reboot, the administrator has to log in again.
The software is installed and ready for use.
Version: 2.01
3.3.2 Installation with No Default Settings for SQL Express
Run Heraeus.iM2.MeltControl2020.DeployAgent.exe.
On the HeraeusiM2.MeltControl2020.DeployAgent window shown in following picture, click No for

performing a manual installation.
Version: 2.01
3.3.3 Virtual Machines: Configuring the MeltControl2020 service as console
When the MeltControl2020 service is ran on a virtual machine, it is necessary to r un the service as
a console application.
First, stop the windows service.
Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services.
Then, go to the MeltControl2020 Service.
Right-click the MeltControl2020 Service and select Stop.
Version: 2.01
Right-click the MeltControl2020 Service again and select Properties.
In the Properties, select Startup type ‘manual’.
Save your settings.
Version: 2.01
Next, the service needs to be ran as console.
Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Heraeus Electro-Nite\MeltControl 2020 Service.
Select Heraeus.iM2.MeltControl2020.Service.exe and run it as administrator.
The software is now ready to use.
Note that the service needs to be ran as administrator every time the virtual machine is restarted.
Therefore, we recommend to create a shortcut for the desktop of the file above
(Heraeus.iM2.MeltControl2020.Service.exe) to start the service.
Version: 2.01
Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
In the properties, select the Advanced menu.
Version: 2.01
Enable the option Run as administrator.
Save your settings.
3.4 Client Installation

The software has to possibility to connect multiple clients to one server.
For a pc running only the client (viewer pc), only the client installation is necessary. There is no
need for a SQL server instllation.
The client pc needs a .NET framework to be able to run the software. See section 3.1 for more
information about the used .NET framework.
Run Client .msi. On the PC, only the Client installation will be done. When starting the client, the
server ip has to be configured (see section 4.1 for more information).
Version: 2.01
4 Starting the Client for the First Time
4.1 Connect to the Server

When starting the client for the first time, following window is displayed
Enter the DNS name or IP address of the MeltControl 2020 server and click Connect.
When running the server on the same PC as the Client, fill in ‘localhost’ to connect to the server.
The MeltControl 2020 application is started.
The settings are retained for the next and subsequent connections with the MeltControl 2020
server, so this window is not displayed. However, you can change the settings server connection in
the client at any time – see section 6.6.
4.2 Prepare for first use

Once MeltControl 2020 has been installed on the PC, the next step is to configure each measuring
instrument so that it can communicate with MeltControl 2020. The MeltControl 2020 system and the
measuring instruments must be connected by trained and certified electricians only. See the
relevant equipment documentation for the corresponding connection diagrams.
The following instruments are connected using the MeltControl protocol:
 Digitemp-E Win Process (Ethernet and serial)

 Digitemp-E (Serial)
 QuiK-Lab E (Serial and TCP)
 QuiK-Lab E Win Process (Serial and TCP)
 Celox-Lab E Foundry (Ethernet)
When the instruments use the Ethernet connection for the MeltControl protocol, you can choose
the port when configuring the instrument – the default is 8520. If it is changed in the instrument, it
must also be changed in MeltControl.
The following instruments are connected using the Remote Viewer protocol:
 Celox-Lab E (Ethernet)
 Digitemp-E (Ethernet)
 QuiK-Lab E (Ethernet)
 Carbon-Lab E (Ethernet)
 Celox-Lab E Cu (Ethernet)
 Conti-Lab E (Ethernet)
 Sensor Lab Foundry (Ethernet)
The port (8514) is selected by default. Make sure that this port is the same in the instrument.
Setting this port can be done in the communication settings.
The Datacast, Conti-Lab E, and Digilance IV instruments use different protocols.
Version: 2.01
5 Using the MeltControl 2020 Software
5.1 Latest Measurements Window

The following window is displayed after starting the MeltControl 2020 software. The window shows the
latest measurement results in tabular form. The table shows the latest measurements of the
instruments in the bottom of the window. The most recent measurement is always shown on top.
Underneath the measurements are shown the instruments (stations) that have been configured in
MeltControl 2020.
Measurements
Stations Select Stations
5.1.1 Measurement List

For each measurement, the following columns are displayed:
Time The time the measurement was received on the MeltControl 2020 server
Heat Number The number of the heat with which the measurement is associated
Station Name The name of the measuring station
Instrument Type The type of instrument that took the measurement
Probe The type of probe with which the measurement was taken
Comment Any user-defined comments about the measurement
Mould A user-defined field where the mould for this measurement can be added
Material The material with wich the measurement was taken
Checkmate Whether or not this was a measurement taken with a Checkmate
Results Results that were sent by the instruments, for example, temperature in °C
Version: 2.01
5.1.2 Customizing the List

To choose which columns to show or hide, click the button on the right side of the column
header list.
You can select or deselect any individual column or all columns to appear in the list. You can also
change the order of the visible columns by dragging and dropping.
Note that the listed columns are configurable by making use of the Results menu. See section 6.8
for more information.
5.1.3 Displaying a Measurement Curve

Double-click on a measurement record in the list to see a graphical representation of the data of
that measurement:
Click the X at the top-right of the curve to close the graphical representation.
Version: 2.01
5.1.4 Changing Measurement Data
Only a few columns of the measurement are editable:
Select one or more measurements and right-click on the list to display the following pop-up menu:
If you select Edit, the following additional options are displayed:
Select Edit comment to edit the comment of the selected measurement(s) in the following pop-up
window:
Click Ok to save any comment you enter or change.
Select Edit heatnumber to edit the heat number of the selected measurement(s):
Version: 2.01
Click Ok to save any changes you make to the heat number.
When right-clicking on one or more thermal analysis measurement(s), select Edit Si Adj to display
the following pop-up window:
In this window you can change the silicon adjustment value of the selected thermal analysis
measurement. Enter a new silicon adjustment value and click Calculate. The old and new values
are displayed. Click Save to store the newly entered silicon adjustment value and its corresponding
formula calculations in the database. Note that confirmation is required first.
Select Edit Mould to edit the mould of the selected measurement(s):
Version: 2.01
5.1.5 Filtering the Measurements Displayed
The displayed measurements are the ones from the stations that are configured in the station tiles
view.
5.1.6 Stations
On the live tracing screen and the latest measurement screen the station tiles are displayed with their material
and their current communication status.
For example the QLE_2 instrument:
Communication status
Station name
Material
You can see the status of each station:

 Disabled: Active check box is not checked in the instrument configuration. The station might
look like the following:
 Not connected: instrument is active in MC2020, but a connection has not been established
with the instrument. The station tile might look like the following:
Version: 2.01
 Idle: a connection has been established from MC2020 to the instrument. The station tile might
look like the following:
 Measuring: instrument is measuring. The station tile might look like the following:
You can hover over any of the configured stations to see further information about that station:
 Status
 Data and time of the latest measurement
 Communication parameters used
5.1.6.1 Customizing the Stations View

In the stations section in the bottom half of the window, click the button to display the following
pop-up menu:
You can select or deselect any individual station or all stations to appear on the main window. The
measurements shown in the table above will be filtered depending on this setting.
This setting is stored by the client, so when the application is restarted, the latest settings are
applied.
Version: 2.01
5.1.6.2 Viewing the Live Curve Data of a Station
When a new measurement comes in, a new line is added in the latest 50 measurements screen.
To that line the measurement values that are found are added.
Double-clicking that line will open the Live tracing window where the current measurement is
displayed.
When double-clicking on a station that is measuring, you open the Live tracing window – see the
next section.
Version: 2.01
5.2 Live Tracing Window
5.2.1 General overview

In the stations section in the bottom half of the Latest measurements window, select the station you
want to see. If the instrument type does not support sending curves or there is no measurement for
the selected station done yet, the following message is displayed:
Otherwise the latest or ongoing measurement is displayed. The maximum number of stations for
live tracing is four.
When a new measurement begins, data in the window is cleared and MeltControl 2020 begins to draw
the new curve. You can configure a result by clicking the Edit button ( ) on the top right of the
results list.
The station tiles on the bottom of the screen show: the name of the station, the material name and an
icon that displays the connection status.
Version: 2.01
5.2.2 Changing the material using the station tile
Changing the material is possible by right-clicking the station tile.
Following window appears:
Edit the material by selecting the correct material in the list and save or discard your settings.
5.2.3 Changing the graph settings using the station tile

Changing the graph setup is possible by right-clicking the station tile.
Following window appears:
When the default box is ticked, the default settings from the Remote Viewer or MeltControl protocol are being
used.
Version: 2.01
When the min and max are filled in for the different axes, these will be used by default for new measurements,
in latest 50 and in search results (after refreshing the view).
5.3 Search Results Window

This window can be used to search for measurements or to export a selection of measurements.
5.3.1 Searching Measurements

In the Filter Criteria fields at the top of the measurements window, specify your filter criteria and
click View to update the list of measurements in the bottom half of the window. You can choose to
filter on one or more criteria:
 Heat number
 Station(s)
 Probe type
 Errors:
o Include errors
o Errors only
o Exclude errors
 Checkmate:
o Include checkmate
o Checkmate only
o Exclude checkmate
 Time period
5.3.2 Exporting Measurements

You can click Export to save the selected measurements to a .csv file in the directory you specify.
When checking the Include samples check box, the export also contains all the samples of the
selected measurements. This .csv file is contained within a .zip file, which must be expanded. The
.csv file is called Results.csv, but the .zip file reflects the date and time of export and has the format
Results_yyyymmddhhmmss.zip. For example, Results_20140610152425.zip
Note that the data is exported using the criteria shown at that time, not with the criteria that were
used the last time you clicked the View button. This means that the measurements displayed on
screen might be different to those in the export.
Version: 2.01
5.3.3 Comparing measurements
You can compare measurements by selecting the measurements you want to compare, then right-
click and then click compare. Following is an example of different measurements being compared.
5.3.4 Show or hide second and third axis

In the graph, right-click to show or hide axes:
5.3.5 Edit Heat Number, Comment, Mould or SiAdj

Changing the Heat Number, Comment, Mould or SiAdj is explained in section 5.1.4.
Version: 2.01
5.4 Trending
This window can be used to trend a result type for a certain station for a certain material.
Materials are configured with their own ranges. For every trended result type, a material can be
chosen for which the ranges will be taken to trend the result.
Enter the station name, the result type for which the trending must be done and select either the
latest X (X can be 10, 50 or 100) measurements or a date period.
Click view to display the graph:
The ranges are shown for this result type. If the value is out of range, a different color is used for
the measurement point.
Hovering over the points show the date and time of the measurement and the value of the result
type.
Also, the percentage of measurements that are out of range when a certain material is used are
shown.
By default, the values are automatically fitted according to the minimum and maximum value of the
trended result.
When ranges are selected, and one value is far out of range, it might not be desirable to use this
view.
In following example, values are out of range:
Version: 2.01
Use the button to fit the values that are in range into a window that uses the ranges as
boundaries:
To show all values again, use the button to return to the default view.
Version: 2.01
5.5 Live Trending

Use live trending to monitor the values coming in real-time. The functionality is the same as
trending.
When a new measurements comes in, the value on the live trending graph is updated.
Up to six stations can be viewed at the same time.
To open the measurement associated with a measurement point, double click the measurement
point on the live trending graph.
The measurement will pop up:
Close the measurement to go back to the live trending section.
Note that also here it is possible to fit the measurement values into a window according to their
minimum and maximum range instead of minimum and maximum value by making use of the
and buttons as explained in section 5.4.
Version: 2.01
5.6 Statistics
Statistics can be used to count the number of measurement with an error.
Fill in the station and the date period for which the statistics have to be run.
Click view to get the results.
Version: 2.01
6 Configuration of the MeltControl2020 Server

Use the advanced menu to configure the server settings of MeltControl2020.
6.1 Managing Instruments

To add an instrument, click advanced. The Instrument option is pre-selected.
Click the plus sign to display the following window:
In Name type a name for instrument then in Instrument Type select the appropriate instrument type.
For more information on the instrument types and their settings, see the next section.
After the instrument type was selected, the help button ( )can be used to show a list with settings
that have to be configured on the instrument side.
Note that the MeltControl 2020 server PC must be set to a fixed IP address since the
instruments contain the IP address of the server. For more information on the configuration
of a fixed IP address, see section 3.2.
Version: 2.01
For example, when the instrument type is set to QuiK-Lab E (TCP MC2000), following window is
shown:
In Material, a material type has to be selected. This material will be used to do the calculations for the
formulas and to apply ranges wherein the measured values must be. This material can be changed
either in the instrument setup, or in the live tracing or the latest 50 measurements in the station tiles, as
explained in previous section.
Place a check mark in the Active box to make this instrument active. If you remove this check mark,
MeltControl 2020 cannot set up the connection to the instrument.
Click:
 Save to store the changes or Cancel to undo them. A warning message is displayed if the
settings entered are not correct.
 Delete to remove an instrument. You must then confirm your intention.
 Parameters to view or edit the parameters of the instrument. Note that not all instruments
support this option – in that case, the button is disabled.
6.2 Configuring the Instruments in MeltControl 2020

Instruments can be connected through the TCP-IP and/or serial interface.
6.2.1 Setting Serial Connection Details

When selecting a serial connection, enter the following communication details:
In COM Port select the number of the port through which communication will take place.
Version: 2.01
The baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity are defaulted. You can leave the default values or
change them as required.
Note that the Baud rate is configurable, but 9600 is the minimum recommended.
6.2.2 Setting TCP-IP Connection Details

When selecting a TCP-IP connection, enter the following communication details
In Server IP type the IP address of the server through which communication will take place.
In Port type the number of the server port through which communication will take place.
6.2.3 Configuring the QuiK-Lab E

The QuiK-Lab E instrument has a special telegram for sending data to MeltControl 2020 using either
the:
 Serial interface with the MC2000 protocol

 TCP Remote Viewer Protocol (RVP)
 TCP MC2000 protocol
The QuiK-Lab E is a thermal analysis instrument that has three different operating modes:
 Instrument control: MeltControl 2020 acts as a logger. It captures, displays, and stores all
information received from the instrument.
 Half control: The instrument sends the individual, measured temperature values to MeltControl
2020: liquidus (TL), solidus (TS), minimum eutectic temperature (Tmin), and maximum
eutectic temperature (Tmax). In MeltControl 2020, the TL and TS values are used to calculate
the parameters CEL, SC, %C, and %SI. For unalloyed grey cast iron melts, the material
characteristic data RM, HB, Z/H, K, and MEG are also calculated. All calculated parameters
and material characteristic data are then saved in the database and are sent back in series to
the connected QuiK-Lab E. The calculated data from MeltControl 2020 can be displayed on
the QuiK-Lab E. In this mode, a material can be assigned to the following measurements.
The selected material defines the set of formula’s that will be applied for the measurement.
 Full Control: The algorithm is used for small cups (pliefo). MC2020 evaluates all data and
sends the data back to the instrument to be displayed.
Note: For Full Control the first and second derivative are shown in the Latest 50
measurements and in Search results when activating the second and third axis (as
explained in section 5.3.4)
When selecting the Quiklab E (TCP MC2000) instrument type, all three modes are supported. The
first and second derivative are always calculated when the instrument is connected using the
MC2000 protocol.
Version: 2.01
When selecting the Quiklab E (TCP RVP) instrument type, MeltControl 2020 operates in Instrument
control mode and cannot be changed.
6.2.4 Configuring the QuiK-lab E Win Proc

The QuiK-Lab E Win Proc instrument can operate in Instrument control and Half control modes as
described above. It cannot operate in Meltcontrol mode.
6.2.5 Configuring the Digitemp-E

The Digitemp-E instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 by the Serial and TCP interface.
Make sure the TCP or serial parameters of the instrument are the same as those in MeltControl 2020.
6.2.6 Configuring the Digitemp-E Win Process

The Digitemp-E Win Process instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 by the Serial and TCP
interface. Make sure the TCP or serial parameters of the instrument are the same as those in
MeltControl 2020.
6.2.7 Configuring the Digilance IV

The Digilance IV instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 by the Serial and TCP
interface. Make sure the TCP or serial parameters of the instrument are the same as those in
MeltControl 2020.
Digilance IV can make use of heatnumber mappings and serial number mappings
When disabled, no mapping will be done: no matter which heat number or serial number the
Digilance IV has, all measurements taken at this receiver box will be shown on the same place.
There are two types of station mappings possible.
 Heat number mappings: A measurement station will be made per heat number. Every
Digilance that has the same heat number will be mapped to this measurement station.
When a measurement comes in with an unmapped heat number, this measurement will be
ignored and will not show up on any measurement station.
 Serial number mappings: A measurement station is made per physical Digilance.

If a measurement is taken with an unmapped Digilance, the measurement will be ignored.
Using heat number mappings means that a heat number can be used to represent a physical
place.
Per Digilance IV receiver box configured, heatnumbers can be configured as follows:
Version: 2.01
Add a heat number in the mapping value column and the place name with which the heat number
should be associated.
The place will be added as an extra column in the Search Results and Latest 50. When no place is
configured for a certain heatnumber or when no heatnumber mappings are done, the place column
will remain empty.
Using serial number mappings, means that the serial number of the Digilance IV can be used to
represent a physical place.
Per Digilance IV receiver box configured, serial numbers can be configured as follows:
Add a mapping value for which serial number should be associated and the place name with which
Version: 2.01
the serial number should be associated.
The place will be added as an extra column in the Search Results and Latest 50. When no place is
configured for a certain heatnumber or serial number or when no heatnumber or serial number
mappings are done, the place column will remain empty.
Note: if a Digilance was mapped twice (with heat number and serial number), the measurement will
come in in the measurement station that contains its serial number.
6.2.8 Configuring the Celox-Lab E Foundry

The Celox-Lab E Foundry instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 by the TCP interface.
Make sure the TCP parameters of the instrument are the same as those in MeltControl 2020.
6.2.9 Configuring the Celox-Lab E

The Celox-Lab E instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 by the TCP interface. Make
sure the TCP parameters of the instrument are the same as those in MeltControl 2020.
6.2.10 Configuring the Carbon-Lab E

The Carbon-Lab E instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 by the TCP interface. Make
sure the TCP parameters of the instrument are the same as those in MeltControl 2020.
6.2.11 Configuring the Datacast

The Datacast instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 by the Serial interface. Make sure
the serial parameters of the instrument are the same as those in MeltControl 2020.
The Datacast instrument can have up to four measurement stations.
To add another station click Add. Each station can be activated separately. The station name must be
the same as the remote address in the Datacast.
6.2.12 Configuring a Sensor Lab Foundry instrument

The Sensor Lab Foundry instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 using the TCO
interface (Remote Viewer Protocol). Sensor Lab Foundry can have up to two different
measurement stations that can be connected to MeltControl 2020. To add a station click Add. Each
station can be activated separately.
Version: 2.01
6.2.13 Configuring a continuous E-Line instrument

A Continous E-Line instrument can be connected to MeltControl 2020 using the TCP interface
(Remote Viewer Protocol). Make sure the TCP parameters of the instrument are the same as those
in MeltControl 2020.
Choose also the display time of the graph. This is the time window that will be shown in ‘Live
Tracing’.
A continuous measurement is saved every day at midnight. When this measurement has been
saved, a new record is made with the data after midnight until midnight the next day (or until the
measurement ends). This has no influence on the measurement flow of the instrument.
Version: 2.01
6.3 Managing Materials
From the advanced menu choose MATERIALS. The following window is displayed:
As explained in previous section, every instrument has a material.

The Standard Material is present by default. Starting from this Standard material, others can be
made. Hovering over the tiles shows the options for every material. Following options are possible:
Use the icon to edit the material. Following window is displayed:
Here SiAdj and the name of the Material can be adjusted.
Use the icon to delete the material.
Note: the standard material cannot be deleted.
Version: 2.01
Use the icon to copy the material. Following window is displayed:
Enter the material name and the SiAdj to create the new material.
Use the button to adjust the ranges for the material.

Following window is displayed:
For every result value, enter a min and a max value wherein the result value must be between.
If a range is not required, leave the defaults.
Use the button to enter the formulas for the selected material.
For a thermal analysis instrument, and when the instrument operates in Half control mode (see
section 6.2.3), an appropriate formula is used for analysis. These values are sent back to the
instrument when they are found.
Version: 2.01
6.4 Changing Passwords
From the advanced menu choose CHANGE PASSWORD. The following window is displayed:
The Administrator can change the password of the Expert user. To change a password:
1. Enter the old password.

2. Enter the new password.
3. Enter the new password again.
4. Click Save.
Note: Changing passwords is the only task that cannot be delegated and can only be done by an
Administrator. The administrator password can only be changed by a special password.
Version: 2.01
6.5 Setting User levels

There are three levels of users in the MeltControl 2020 system:
 Administrator: highest level (24816)

 Expert: mid level (2448)
 Operator: lowest level, no password required
You can specify the user level required to perform a specific task.
From the advanced menu choose USER LEVELS. The following window is displayed:
Tasks that are assigned to operator level do not need a password.
Tasks assigned to the expert level can be performed after entering the expert or the administrator
password.
Tasks assigned to the administrator level can be only performed after entering the administrator
password.
Click Save to store your changes.
Version: 2.01
6.6 Changing Server Settings
From the advanced menu choose SERVER SETTINGS. The following window is displayed:
Select the appropriate unit of measure to display temperature values then click Save.
Note: This setting does not translate the measured values, it only changes the unit. You must
change the unit in the instrument to have the values in the correct unit
Version: 2.01
6.7 Enabling an Output File

From the advanced menu choose OUTPUT FILE. The following window is displayed:
There are two possibilities to output a file which contains some measurement data:
When “Txt” is selected, the output text file is used to log Digilance and Celox-Lab E data. The file is
always a .txt file and is located on the MeltControl 2020 server.
For Celox-Lab E, the file has the following format:
dd.mm.yyyy hh:mm:ss PPP TTTT,T +EEE,EE OOOO,OO AA,AA CC,CC
Version: 2.01
where:
dd = date
mm = month
yyyy = year
hh = hour
mm = minutes
ss = seconds
PPP = place description
TTTT,T = temperature
+EEE,EE = emf value
OOOO,OO = aO value
AA,AA = Al value
CC,CC = C value
For example: 06.10.2009 13:59:15 OF1 1138,9 69,98 02,68 00,00 00,00
For Digilance, the file has the following format:
dd.mm.yyyy hh:mm:ss PPP HHHH TTTT,T

where:
dd = date
mm = month
yyyy = year
hh = hour
mm = minutes
ss = seconds
PPP = place description (3 digits)
HHHH = heat number
TTTT,T = temperature
For example: 24.09.2007 14:25:17 GL1 0001 1455
When “csv” is enabled, a path has to be selected on the server where the data will be stored.
In the above example, a .csv file will be created in the C:\temp folder on the Server after each
measurement. This file contains the measurement results and the samples of the measurement.
Each measurement will have its own .csv file. The name of the file is fixed in following format:
_YYYYMMDD_hhmmss.csv.
Version: 2.01
6.8 Selecting Result Types

Use the ‘Results’ menu to filter the result types shown on the user interface.
From the advanced menu choose RESULTS. The following window is displayed:
In the right column, every possible result is displayed.

In the left column, only the results that will be shown on the user interface will be displayed.
Select or remove the results to display by making use of the arrows.
When a result was not selected in the ‘Displayed Results’ list (Hidden Results), it will not show up
anywhere in the user interface.
Filtering can still be done, but the list will only contain ‘Displayed Results’ from the ‘Results’ menu
item.
Version: 2.01
6.9 Configuring the Communication Settings
Use the ‘Communication Settings’ menu to configure the port used for the instruments connected with the
Remote Viewer protocol. The default port for the Remote Viewer protocol is 8514.
From the advanced menu choose COMMUNICATION SETTINGS. The following window is
displayed:
Note that when changing this (server) port, the port is changed for all instruments connected with
the Remote Viewer protocol. All the instruments should have this port configured.
Version: 2.01
7 Service Options
7.1 Exporting Database or Logs

From the advanced menu choose SERVICE then EXPORT. The following window is displayed:
You can export the database and/or the server and/or the client logs, then specify the folder in
which the export file will be located. Click Export to export the file.
A database backup reminder (as shown in following image) is given every three months.
Note: Only a limited amount of measurements can be saved in the database. When the
database becomes bigger than 8 GB, the 100 oldest measurements will be deleted. To
indicate this event, an alert is generated. Please remember to take a backup on regular base
to prevent data to be lost.
Version: 2.01
7.2 Maintaining the Database
Restoring a database from different server can be done in the database maintenance section.
Note that when restoring, the current database will be deleted.
From the advanced menu choose SERVICE then DATABASE MAINTENANCE. The following
window is displayed:
To reduce the size of the database, specify the date up to which you want to delete measurements,
then click Delete.
To shrink the size of the database on the server, click Shrink.
Version: 2.01
7.3 Delete Alerts

Generated alerts can be cleared by going to the Service menu and selecting the sub-menu item
‘Delete Alerts’.
Clear the alerts before a specific date by clicking ‘Delete’. These alerts will no longer show up in
the list.
7.4 Client Connections

To have an overview of all the client connected to the server go to Advanced  Service  Client
connections.
A list of the client pc’s IP addresses that are currently connected to the server is generated.
Version: 2.01
8 Viewing Alerts
Alerts are triggered when a measurement range is exceeded or when security settings are
changed.
8.1 Viewing Measurement Range Exceeded Alert

The following shows a measurement range alert in the Latest measurements list. The alert has a
warning triangle. Hover over the alert for more information:
Go to Advanced  Management  Alerts to access the list of alerts.
Version: 2.01
8.2 Viewing Security Setting Alerts

The system displays an alert whenever security settings have been changed. The following shows
an example of this type of alert:
Click on Alert to go to the Alerts window where alerts are listed along with their timestamp, for
example:
8.3 Database alert

Only a limited amount of measurements can be saved in the database. When the database becomes
bigger than 8 GB, the 100 oldest measurements will be deleted. To indicate this event, an alert is
generated, as shown in following picture. Please remember to take a backup on regular base.
Version: 2.01
The first message is generated every three months as a reminder to take a backup. The second
message is generated when the database gets to its limit and measurements are deleted to
The message shown in following picture is displayed every three months to indicate that a backup
must be taken on regular basis to prevent data to be lost.
Version: 2.01
9 Customizing the MeltControl 2020 Client

The settings for the MeltControl 2020 client application can be changed. These settings are stored
for each client individually. This means that preferences set on one PC can be different to those on
another PC. These settings are “remembered” when closing the application.
9.1 Changing the Appearance of the MeltControl 2020 Interface

From the main window click SETTINGS. The following window is displayed:
You can change the general theme, size of font, and the language. The example above shows a
Light theme with a green accent. The following shows how the same window would look after
choosing the Dark theme:
The colours in the line of squares are for the labels and tabs in the user interface.
Version: 2.01
9.2 Setting the Number of Measurements to Display
From the main window click USER EXPERIENCE. The following window is displayed:
Select the number of rows of measurements to display in the Latest measurements window and in
the Search results window. 100 rows is the maximum. Click Save to store your changes.
9.3 Playing a Sound on New Measurements

From the main window click NOTIFICATIONS. The following window is displayed:
You can enable or disable the playing of a sound when a new measurement is taken. Click Save to
store your choice.
9.4 Changing the Server Connection

From the main window click SERVER CONNECTION. The following window is displayed:
Enter or change the IP address or Domain Name System (DNS) name of the server through which
communication takes place between the instrument and MeltControl 2020.
When the service is running on the same device as the client, enter the IP address of the PC used
for both the client and the service or just type localhost.
Click Save to store your change.
Version: 2.01
10 Displaying the MeltControl 2020 Software Version

From the main window click ABOUT. The following window is displayed:
Click the back button in the top left-hand corner of the window to return to the previous window.
Version: 2.01
11 User Levels
As explained in Section 0, different users can have different permissions. To access the menu
items which require a higher user level, the user has to log in.
From the main window click LOGIN. The following window is displayed:
At the time of delivery, the passwords are:
Expert: 2448
Administrator: 24816
These passwords can be changed by the Administrator – see section 0.
After entering the Expert user password, tasks assigned to that user level, and all Operator tasks,
become available. The header in the main window looks like this:
Click LOGOUT to log out as the Expert level user.
After entering the Administrator user password, tasks assigned to that user level, and all Expert
and Operator tasks, become available. The header in the main window looks like this:
Click LOGOUT to log out as the Administrator level user.
Version: 2.01

Meltcontrol 2020: Instruction and Operating Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Meltcontrol 2020: Instruction and Operating Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Instruction and Operating Manual

© 2017 Heraeus Electro-Nite

This manual is copyrighted by Heraeus Electro-Nite. No part of this document

Heraeus Electro-Nite makes no warranties as to the contents of this

Improvements or instrument changes added after this document was printed

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

1 Safety and Usage Notes .............................................................................................................. 1

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

1 Safety and Usage Notes

1.1 General Information

1.2 Intended Use

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

2.2 Supported Instruments

 Digilance IV (TCP Client and TCP Server)

The database stores all received measured values and curves.

2.4 Curve Displays

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

3 Installing MeltControl 2020

3.2 Setting the server PC to a fixed IP address

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

Then, select the ‘Ethernet’ connection properties:

Select Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4)

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

Save the settings and go close the network center.

3.3 Server Installation

3.3.1 Clean Installation and no SQL Express Installed

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

‘Automated installation’: install SQL express automatically.

Click Yes to start the installation:

The software is installed and ready for use.

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

3.3.2 Installation with No Default Settings for SQL Express

On the HeraeusiM2.MeltControl2020.DeployAgent window shown in following picture, click No for

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

First, stop the windows service.

Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services.

Then, go to the MeltControl2020 Service.

Right-click the MeltControl2020 Service and select Stop.

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

Right-click the MeltControl2020 Service again and select Properties.

In the Properties, select Startup type ‘manual’.

Save your settings.

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Heraeus Electro-Nite\MeltControl 2020 Service.

Select Heraeus.iM2.MeltControl2020.Service.exe and run it as administrator.

The software is now ready to use.

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.

In the properties, select the Advanced menu.

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

Save your settings.

3.4 Client Installation

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

4 Starting the Client for the First Time

4.1 Connect to the Server

4.2 Prepare for first use

 Digitemp-E Win Process (Ethernet and serial)

File Name: MC2020_2_01_eng.docx

5.1 Latest Measurements Window

Stations Select Stations

5.1.1 Measurement List