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DeltaV Tips & Tricks

15 May 2012

Session Purpose

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1. This workshop will explore features and functionality in

DeltaV that the typical experienced user of DeltaV may
not know about.

2. It will cover a multitude of topics and examples

3. If time permits we would like to hear from you if you
have some examples to share

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Has anyone here ever seen this?

And you needed just one more module open?

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Control Studio

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Tip: Changing Max Sessions

Control Studio is limited to 4 sessions by default. This limit may be changed
by modifying the MaxMdeApp value (Hex or Decimal) in the registry as
shown below. To get to the Registry; Select Start/Run Regedit

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Bulk Edit

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Tip: Creating your own bulk edit formats

While many people are familiar with using bulk editing to
quickly configure modules or I/O using standard formats,
most people dont realize how easy it is to utilize and
create custom format files.
The standard format files are very good for many things,
but are not useful for configuring parameters that are not
included in the standard format files or modules that are
very custom.

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Bulk Edit

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To begin creating your own format files in DeltaV Explorer;

click File | Format Specification | New (or edit if you want to edit one you
have previously created)

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Bulk Edit

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In the first dialog box, you will need to browse to a location where you
want to create the format file. By default it will be the BulkEdit folder and
type in the name of your format with the .fmt extension, then click Next.

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Bulk Edit

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In the next dialog box you first select the object type, such as Module if
the format is to be used for a module.

Then you browse for a subtype, if you were creating a format for a
class based module or modules of a particular type, simply browse to
an example of this module in the configuration database.

At this point you can select parameters in the left box, which lists
parameters in the module, and send them to the box on the right, which
will be the parameters in the format file.

NOTE: You may have to click Filter Parameters and check additional
categories to get some parameters to show up in the left box so that you
can add them.

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Bulk Edit

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Bulk Edit

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After selecting all parameters click Next and in the following dialog box
set the order that parameters should appear in the format file. This is
not required but can help organize parameters for ease later.

After that there is a dialog box for selecting whether certain

parameters must be included, typically this can be left as is and simply
click finish.

Now you can use this new format file to bulk edit many things that are
not possible using standard format files.

To edit a format file, simple choose Edit rather than New when starting
the process and you can edit an existing format file if you realize you
need to add or remove anything.

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CHARMS
Tip: CHARM I/O Configuration V11, S-series
Not only can CHARM I/O be moved physically around
easily by changing CHARM modules and assigning to
different controllers, but the configuration can also be
easily moved around and modified in ways that are not
possible with other types of I/O.
Methods such as bulk editing work, but there are some
things to know when doing so.

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CHARMS

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CHARMs channels can be dragged from one location to another.

Simply click on CHARM and drag it to an undefined location and
drop it.
All properties will be applied to new channel and old channel will be
undefined.
CHARM channels can be copied.
All that will be left to configure is the Device Tag
Either right click and copy and then paste, or Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V work
Deleting channels is an easy way to set them back to undefined in one
step.
Copy, delete and assigning work on multiple channels.
In case of copy you must remember to select the appropriate
number of undefined channels to paste to.

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CHARMS

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Not all things you might expect are in channel properties tab.
o For example, to select number of wires for an RTD you must drill
down one level and change NUM_WIRES parameter
o At this level are other things such as COMPENSATION and
FILTER parameters, as well as calibration parameters for user
defined RTD type.
Bulk editing
o The default format files for bulk editing CHARMS do not go beyond
what you can do on properties tab.
o You will need to create custom format to edit information such as
the parameters listed above.

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HART
Tip: HART Configuration
An Analog Input card can
have HART Enabled on a
Channel basis.
When configuring the channel
type to HART additional
parameters will appear under
properties.

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HART
Analog Input
Channel Type

HART Analog
Input Channel
Type

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HART
It is recommended to Ignore
the HART_ERRORS at the
I/O level to reduce nuisance
alarms.
The module alarms are
typically all that are required.

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HART
Tip: HART Configuration
CAUTION: A HART transmitter can be
re-ranged from DeltaV.
When configuring the AI block using
HART_FIELD_VAL set the EU to no
units, null or - to avoid this.
For DIRECT set the OUT_SCALE and
for INDIRECT set the XD_SCALE.

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zPicture
Tip: Using zPicture to debug

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zPicture

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zPicture resides in the Graphics-iFix\Pic\Standard directory. It can not

be accessed from the Open Main Picture icon/dropdown on the toolbar
(if it exists). It can be opened from the File Open on the menu bar.
The menu bar may not be visible if it is disabled in the Environment
Protection tab of User Preferences.

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zPicture

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With zPicture open, you may select frsVariables or Picture/Globals to

be displayed. There is an area to type in a search term to limit the
results.
zPicture displays 5 tabs (pages) of variable data. If the search returns
more that can be displayed on the 5 pages, you will see a message in
the lower right corner that indicates Some variables are not visible.
This display may help you identify the values assigned to variables at
run time that are otherwise difficult to find.

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Class Module Parameter

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Tip: Class Module Parameter Rename

When renaming a parameter in a class module, be aware of this
additional step that is required.
Using the following simple AI module as an example. The class
module is instantiated and appears as follows:

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Class Module Parameter

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When the parameters are renamed, notice what has happened:

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Class Module Parameter

In order to resolve the Parameter
Shortcut to the Parameter Path Name,
you must go to the Parameters tab of
the module Configuration, select the
parameter and press Default Name (at
the class level).

This can be very confusing because if

this step is not taken, the parameter will
have the new name in the module, but
you will see the original parameter name
in DeltaV Explorer.
Also, when browsing for a parameter,
the Parameter Name will be displayed
NOT the Parameter Shortcut.

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Class Module Parameter

The Parameters tab of the Configuration Window:

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Splitter

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Tip: Splitting the Splitter Should you ever have the need to control more
than two outputs (valves), you can combine splitters to accomplish this.

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Splitter

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This configuration shows the previous multi-splitter as the composite and

illustrates the proper BKCAL wiring.

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Rolling Average RPM

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Scenario:
Customer needed to control the amount of product being applied. The only
information available was a proximity switch that makes every revolution of a
gear on the supply motor. The customer knows how much product is supplied
for a revolution. The problem is to use this information as a process control
variable in a PID loop.
Solution:
The following slides show a module that was created to count the number of
high signals from a proximity switch. The values were fed into an array.
The values are then totaled and then divided by the number of entries to
provide a rolling average RPM. This is a first in first out array. The number of
samples is adjustable to increase accuracy.

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Rolling Average RPM

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Counts the number of prox makes in a minute

Array

Number of samples adjustable

Triggers RPM to be added to array

Calculation does not start until motor is running

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Rolling Average RPM

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CALC2 Logic:
This logic calculates the RPMs of a feeder by counting the number of times a proximity switch makes. The number of revolutions
are brought in and assigned to the variable 'Revolution'.
Every 60sec the trigger variable goes true which moves the next RPM count into the array. The values in the array are added
together and the total is divided by the number of entries which can be adjusted with the parameter 'No-samples'. This gives a
rolling RPM average.
(* Define variables *)
Revolutions := 'IN1';
Trigger := 'IN2';
NoTestReq := 'IN3';
(* Determine the number entries *)
If Trigger=True or FirstScan = False then
FirstScan := true;
NoTestUsed := NoTestUsed + 1;
If NoTestUsed > NoTestReq then
NoTestUsed := NoTestReq;
end_if;
(*Clear variables *)
Total := 0;
i := NoTestUsed - 1;

(* First shift all of the array entries down by one then total their values.*)
WHILE (I >= 1) DO
'^/DATA_ARRAY'[I+1][1]:= '^/DATA_ARRAY'[I][1];
Total := Total + '^/DATA_ARRAY'[I+1][1];
I := I - 1;
END_WHILE;
(*Add the latest RPM entry*)
'^/DATA_ARRAY'[I][1] := Revolutions;
Total := Total + Revolutions;
end_if;
(*
ASSIGN AVERAGE TO OUTPUT *)
IF 'IN2' THEN
'OUT1' := Total / NoTestUsed;
ENDIF;
'OUT2' := Total;
'OUT3' := NoTestUsed

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Rolling Average RPM

RPM used as PV

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Sessions
Tip: Limit Access to Sessions
Limiting the available sessions on a
node basis.
Example of usage could be to limit
area access to specific sessions.
To setup, go to properties on the
specific session in DeltaV Explorer:

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Sessions

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Then from the Remote Client Session Properties, select the Reserved for
Node List. Then add the specific node from Thin-Manager that the session
will show up on. All sessions must be assigned, otherwise they will
show up in the drop down menu.

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Sessions

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List of valid nodes that can be entered in the Reserved Node List.
Example Thin-Client Node list.

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User Access
Tip: Limit Access
How to use THISUSER parameter to limit access.
Parameter Security can be used to limit access to
individual parameters, but there are cases where
you may want to block access to a group of
parameters.
This can be done with a transparent rectangle
placed on top of the area to be restricted. The
visibility of the rectangle is then controlled with the
THISUSER/USER_CAN parameter.
In this example, the visibility Data Source is
DVSYS.THISUSER/USER_CAN.B_CV[AREA_A][
TUNING] = 0. If the logged in user does not have
the TUNING key, the transparent rectangle will be
visible and the user cannot click through it.

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Remote Access

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Tip: Console Session 0 for Remote Access

With DeltaV v11.3, MS Server 2008 Eliminated the FREE
console session that was used by many for remote access to the
ProPlus or Application Workstations
Solutions:
Use of iDRAC card in Dell Server
Ethernet KVMs
VNC Software

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Remote Access

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Tip: Console Session 0 for Remote Access

iDRAC in Dell Server

iDRAC6 Express is built into R710 servers but only provides diagnostic type
information and does not provide remote console, that requires iDRAC6
Enterprise which is an additional card.
One component of the card which is installed is an Ethernet port which can
be connected to plant LAN, business network or a dedicated management
network.
Server can then be accessed across the network through the DRAC using a
web browser, and then initiation a remote console session.
Added benefits are the ability to connect to and power on the machine
remotely, along with accessing all the diagnostic information usually
available through Dells Open Manage software.
Not Standard with Dell Servers from Emerson but can be added.

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Remote Access

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Tip: Console Session 0 for Remote Access

Ethernet KVM switch

Serve both as a local cabinet KVM as well as allowing access across
network when connected to business network.
Since the KVM is connected locally to the server, it is just like being there
in front of the server, even if you are across the plant accessing it from
another machine.
Many companies already have these types of KVMs in place, if so there is
no need for an alternative solution and if adding a new cabinet or new KVM
to existing cabinet, it makes sense to install one of these rather than a
conventional KVM switch.
Cost per server can vary greatly depending on particular KVM switch,
number of ports and the number of interface modules (one required for
each server).

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Remote Access

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Tip: Console Session 0 for Remote Access

VNC (Virtual Network Computing) Software
VNC is a desktop sharing system, that allows one computer to control
another.
It requires that a VNC server is installed on the machine to be controlled
and that a VNC client is installed on machine that will be used for access
and to control the target machine.
There are many variants using different protocols and levels of security.
This may be the best solution if it is preferable not to add any additional
hardware either in the cabinet or to a server, but has the disadvantage of
requiring software on both server and client.

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Remote Access

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Tip: Console Session 0 for Remote Access

Additional information on Dell iDRAC

http://www.dell.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_DRAC
Additional information on Ethernet KVM switches
http://www.avocent.com/
http://www.raritan.com/
Additional information on VNC
https://www.realvnc.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Network_Computing

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Dynamic References

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Do not build more that 3 simultaneous Dynamic references in a phase

action at a time.
o Dynamic reference building is very resource intensive while path
is being resolved.
o Can bring the Controller Free time to almost Zero causing
other Batches to go into PLM watchdog failure.
Example, if you need to do 12 or more dynamic references then do three per
action with each of the four actions Delayed based on the previous action
being complete or put in four different phase steps.
Caution when using cross-controller dynamic references. It is possible
to bring a controller free-time to ZERO when using a dynamic reference
in a different controller, if the controller fails to communicate.

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Batch

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Tip: Batch Executive Restart

When a BatchExec fails and needs to be rebooted, all the current running
batches go to a Lost state upon BatchExec restart. To get them back,
the following must be done:
a. Select a batch and select Recover.
b. The batch should return to the Hold state.
c. The batch must be set to Auto mode.
d. Acknowledge any existing failures.
e. Restart the batch.

Note: Occasionally, a batch will go to a Recover-Fail state instead of Hold.

When this happens, another reboot of the BatchExec will result in a
successfully recovered batch.

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Batch Configuration

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Tip: Batch Configuration Search

When searching a large FHX file (i.e. for an entire unit or system) for
parameter usage, it can be difficult to determine what phase you are
currently searching. To get the phase name, do the following:
a. Search DOWN for the parameter in question.
b. Search UP for the term function_block.
c. Grab the Hex ID of the function block (e.g. _4CC0705B_05F8A26D_).
d. Search DOWN for the Hex ID you grabbed.
e. Search UP for the term batch_equipment.
f. The result will look like: BATCH_EQUIPMENT_PHASE_CLASS NAME
=phase_name which tells you what phase the param is in.

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DeltaV Reporter
Historical Data Mining Tool Included
with your Historical Application Station

DeltaV Reporter

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This is a utility designed for anyone that wants to create scheduled or

ad-hoc reports using specific control system data.

If you need average temperatures you can create an averages report

and use graphs to plot the information.

This tool is for anyone that can use excel and wants to get added value
from the control system data at their fingertips.

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DeltaV Reporter

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DeltaV Reporter is a utility for Microsoft Excel that is included

with the DeltaV History server. This easy to install and use
Microsoft Excel Add-In is in the DVExtras folder on your
DeltaV Media CDs

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DeltaV Reporter

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Just install the Add-in on

application station and
start building.
Each report can be
designed as a template
and be scheduled to run
at a specified time The
generated report contains
data only no formulas so
easy to manipulate results
or add formulas

DeltaV Reporter

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Data is your most important asset, Emerson wanted a tool that was
easy to use rather than one that required a lot of time to learn how to
use.
By using the power of Microsoft Excel you can read and write data to
your control system.
The DeltaV Excel Add-in allows you to get process, event and
diagnostic data and to utilize the proven features of Excel to Generate
reports, Create Charts and Customize tasks.
This add-in is an OPC client built to OPC Standards
Turn the tedious job of rebuilding weekly reports into a task you can do
quickly at your desktop.

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DeltaV Reporter

A built in wizard allows you

to browse for the tag you
want quickly and easily.

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Questions
User Tips & Tricks

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DVC Replacement

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When changing out a Fisher DVC on a DeltaV system, it is possible for

the input units of the DVC to be in 4-20ma mode. This will cause the
module to show bad status and the valve will not control.

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DVC Replacement
Another indication of the
problem being shown with this
on-line value;
Bad ConfigErr

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DVC Replacement

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AMS showing the Input Range of 4 20 mA, change units to %.

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Redundant Controller

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Tip: Adding Redundant Controller On-Line

You can connect a second controller to an existing controller's carrier to

introduce redundant control without interrupting your process.
The system automatically commissions a standby controller when installed.

It is not necessary to remove or decommission the active controller.

The active controller continues to operate without interruption.
The system automatically assigns the standby with an address and
downloads the standby controller with the latest download and
with any online changes made to the active controller.

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Redundant Controller

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To install a standby controller follow these steps:

Using the DeltaV Explorer, assign an appropriate redundant controller license
to the controller node that you want to make redundant.
Install a second 2-wide carrier to the left of the current 2-wide carrier.
Insert the appropriate Power Supply in the left slot of the 2-wide carrier
plug in the power cord.
Connect an MD, or higher version controller to the carrier. The version of
the controller you connect must match the existing controller's version.
DeltaV Explorer displays a redundant controller icon in place of the simplex icon.
In the DeltaV Explorer, Download Setup Data to enable redundancy for the pair
Caution: Do not install a second 2-wide carrier with the power supply and
controller already installed. Doing so will result in a loss of configuration
data for the active controller.

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Graphics

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Need to pulse a signal from your graphic?

Typically handled in the module, but can also be handled through VB within
the graphic.
A reason to use this approach might be for a class module or validated
module where it is not practical or possible to modify the module.
Example 1:
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()
Dim sngStart As Single
frsWriteValue 1, dvsys.test_pulse/param1.f_cv
sngStart = Timer
Do While sngStart < sngStart + 3
DoEvents
Loop
frsWriteValue 0,dvsys.test_pulse/param1.f_cv
End Sub

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Graphics

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Example 2:
Private Sub CommandButton3_Click()
frsWriteValue 1, dvsys.test_pulse/param1.f_cv
frsWait 3000
frsWriteValue 0,dvsys.test_pulse/param1.f_cv
End Sub

Note: These methods should only be used for short duration pulses, because
user input is restricted while the procedure is executing.

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Wireless Gateway

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After integrating a DeltaV ready wireless gateway into DeltaV a download

of setup data or changed setup data on the control network will produce a
download error referring to the node table and the gateway.

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Wireless Gateway
Node Address Table has NOT been configured.
Fix-None, Just be aware.

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Tips and Tricks

The End

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