IMO Newsletter - May 2010 - Friday, June 04, 2010

This month IMO released a new version of the i³ Configurator Software (v9.0) which offers many additional features and operational improvements. This version incorporates a new firmware for all models, v12.62. Thei³'s are IMO's range of unique 'Intelligent Control Station' products. This release enhances the configuration functions available in the models of i³ currently available from stock (the i³A, i³B and i³C), as well as containing functionality for the release of the brand new i³H product. The software is fully backward compatible with all existing customer projects.

i³ Configurator New Features

•    i³ Config v9.0 has full integration of IEC language editing. Choose between 
     Advanced Ladder or one of the five IEC-61131 standard languages (SFC, FBD, LD, ST, 
     IL) while editing in the main window with all it's advantages like Project Navigator or Tab 
     system.

•    Any i³ user can now switch between MJ1 or MJ2 being the Default Programming Port.

•    Project Toolbox is our new approach to programming in i³ Config. New dockable 
     window allows a faster and easier access to all instructions and function blocks. Drag & 
     Drop technique simplifies the programming process, whether it is Advanced Ladder or 
     IEC project.

•    i³ Config v9.0 has extended recipe facilities incorporated. Recipes are supported by 
     logic blocks (load and save) and graphics objects (load, save, edit and view). Each 
     recipe is stored as a separate CSV file on the micro SD card.

•    i³ Config v9.0 has printing facilities incorporated via reporting. These will be available 
     either from a serial port, or as a text file to removable media file. In this release the 
     printouts will support text printing, confined to the ASCII character set, with embedded data 
     from PLC registers.

•    Email support. This feature is designed to send email messages containing real time data 
     of the controller. Supported only on units with built in Ethernet (i³Ce or i³H).

•    Embedded data in graphics objects. When embedding data on to a screen from an 
     external device connected using configurable protocols in an i³ project, it is currently 
     required to map that data into i³ registers and then display the data on the screen. i³ Config 
     v9.0 provides for embedding registers directly in to a graphics object giving three major 
     benefits: ease of programming, reduced register usage and data is transferred only when 
     required.

•    The data logger is now enhanced to allow larger logging groups.

•    The Alarm system can now automatically generate Excel compatible CSV log files. Logs 
     can be generated daily, weekly, monthly or yearly.  A variety of time and date formats are 
     supported.

•    The USB port on the i³C has been enabled in the 12.60 firmware release. Ladder 
     functions are enabled to allow access to the second storage drive. Enhancements to the 
     copy and delete functions allow easy transfer of files from the internal memory card to the 
     USB flash memory.

•    A docked output window provides search and error information. Clicking on a search or 
     error item will jump to that section of code.

•    %SR35-36 is used to hold a unique serial number for controllers. For units with built-in 
     Ethernet, this will be the last portion of the MAC ID. For units with add-on Ethernet or no 
     Ethernet this serial number will be factory assigned when firmware 12.60 or later is 
     provided.

•    Firmware 12.60 or later will allow access to %SR149-150. This provides a free running 
     timer that constantly increments. It has a resolution of 0.1 milliseconds and is updated at 
     the beginning of each scan.

•    Addition of the new i³H model types to the configuration software

i³ Configurator Operational Improvements

•    Fonts of up to 60pts can now be used on i3C graphics screens

•    It is now possible to upload from an i3 on the CAN network other than the unit the software 
     is directly connected to.

•    The max/min data validation for a timer screen object now works correctly.

•    SMS messages can now be copied from one project to another without error.

•    The project navigator is now available during debug mode making selection from multiple 
     programs possible.

To download the new software from the IMO website click HERE