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Hardware

Adjustment board#

The Adjustment Board is a box with four high‑precision rotary switches. System Monitor can map each switch to a Measurement Parameter (used as an Index Parameter in a 1‑axis or 2‑axis map) or to a scalar editable parameter. This lets operators adjust control values by feel while watching System Monitor and other instruments.

All controls operate the same; the knobs differ in size to aid identification. Turning clockwise increases the assigned parameter; turning counter‑clockwise decreases it.

Configuration#

To configure the Adjustment Board:

  1. Open the Pot Board Configuration dialog:
  2. Navigate to Tools > Pot Board > Configure

  3. Shortcut: CTRL + SHIFT + F1

  4. Assign parameters to controls:

  5. Drag parameters from the Parameter Explorer to the corresponding row in the configuration window.

  6. Each row corresponds to a labelled control on the board.

  7. Remove assignments:

  8. Right-click a parameter in the configuration window and select Remove.

  9. Assign a control to the Maths Bar:

  10. Right-click a row and select Maths Bar.
  11. Turning the assigned control adjusts the selected editable parameter.

Adjustment Groups#

Parameters are assigned in groups of four, matching the four physical controls on the board. These groups are defined in the Pot.ini file used during program version creation.

  • The active group is selected in the Adjustment Board Configuration dialog.
  • Group names and assignments can be edited in the Adjustment Board Groups dialog.

Supported Parameter Types#

  • Scalar Editable Parameters: Turning a knob is equivalent to changing the parameter value manually.
  • Each parameter includes an Adjustment Properties tab to define:
  • Step size
  • Zero value

Keyboard Operation#

The keyboard can replicate Adjustment Board functionality:

  • Increase value:
  • Hold CTRL and press a number key (1–4)
  • Decrease value:
  • Hold CTRL + SHIFT and press a number key (1–4)

Use the number keys on the main keyboard, not the number pad.

Step size is defined in the Adjustment Sheet of the Parameter Properties.

Pot Board Properties#

To configure the connection between System Monitor and the Adjustment Board:

  1. Open the Window Properties dialog:
  2. Shortcut: ALT + Enter
  3. Navigate to the Pot Board tab.
  4. Select connection type:
  5. CA Card
  6. Serial Port (COM1 or COM2)

The serial port is configured automatically to suit the board, regardless of Windows settings.

Adjustment Board Menu Commands#

Located under Tools > Pot Board:

  • Configure: Opens the configuration dialog (CTRL + SHIFT + F1)
  • Enable: Activates the controls (CTRL + SHIFT + F2)
  • Reset Adjustments: Function depends on parameter type (CTRL + SHIFT + F3)
  • Recent Files: Lists recently opened configuration files

Available types#

VE‑80#

  • Passive device using dedicated connections on the CA‑card.
  • Connection details are in the CA‑card product specification.
  • No separate power supply required.
  • In the Adjustment Board Configuration dialog, select CA Card on the Link panel.

VE‑81#

  • Active device connected via an RS‑232 serial port.
  • Connect the VE‑81 to an RS‑232 port on the PC using the supplied cable.
  • Connect the provided power supply to the VE‑81 and a suitable AC outlet. The rear LED flashes once per second when the unit is powered and transmitting.
  • In the Adjustment Board Configuration dialog, select Serial Port on the Link panel and choose the COM port (e.g., COM1 or COM2).

Note

The Adjustment Board is often called a "Pot" or "Potentiometer Board." This is not strictly accurate: a potentiometer gives an absolute output for a given position, whereas the rotary switches on the Adjustment Board produce a pulse train and direction. Switch position has no absolute value.

CAN (Controller Area Network) is a serial data protocol originally developed for automotive use and now common in industrial applications. The protocol is defined in ISO 11898.

Key characteristics:

  • Access is controlled by non‑destructive, bit‑wise arbitration.
  • Messages are compact (up to eight data bytes) and include a checksum.
  • Messages carry numeric identifiers rather than explicit addresses; the identifier determines priority and can indicate message content.
  • Robust error handling retransmits messages if necessary.
  • Faults are isolated and faulty nodes are removed from the bus.

System Monitor can be used to configure an ECU or data logger to interpret sensor data on a CAN link.