Do you have a question about the 8800 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
John Ferguson
April 10, 2025
We have an 8800 controller in our Thermotron SE-1000-3-3 Environmental Chamber, the keypad backlighting is out. Is there a way to replace the light source, whether it's an LED or incandescent bulb?
Page 1
A Venturedyne, Ltd., Company 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Revision 15: March 9, 2018 This generic manual is intended for reference purposes only and is not intended to be used to operate your equipment. For operating instructions and a description of the features used on your specific control system, see the manual set supplied with your Thermotron product.
Page 2
Thermotron Industries. All relevant issues have been considered in the preparation of this document. Should you notice...
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Table of Contents Table of Contents Section 1: Setup Introduction to the 8800 display module ................................. 1-1 Using the touch screen ......................................1-1 File functions ..........................................1-2 • 8800 file types ......................................1-2 • Exporting 8800 data ....................................1-2 8800 display controls ........................................
Page 4
Appendix B: Product Dew Point Control (PDC) Appendix C: Tuning Control Parameters Appendix D: Tuning PTC Control Parameters Appendix E: 8800 Parameter and System Event Worksheets This generic manual is not intended to be used to operate your equipment. Thermotron Industries...
NOTE: For information on the CM2 control module, refer to the CM2 Control Module Technical Manual. The 8800 display module uses a CM2 control module, an SBC unit running Windows, and a touch screen monitor to control an environmental test chamber. The display module uses a software application written for a Windows environment.
Instruction Manual. The 8800 has a virtually unlimited amount of storage space for settings and data. The only limit on the 8800 storage capacity is the available space on the internal hard drive. NOTE: Once the drive is full, the oldest data is automatically deleted to make space for new data.
8800 screens and panels. For more information, see “Function buttons” later in this section. • The current date, time, access level, and mode of the 8800 display module, which are always displayed at the bottom of the touch screen. •...
Brings up the Change Access Level dialog box, allowing you to change the access level and password of Access the 8800 display module. For more information, see “Changing access levels and passwords” later in this section. Quick navigation buttons The user-defined quick navigation buttons allow you to switch quickly between frequently used screens and panels.
Alarm settings and calibrate the Therm-Alarm. The T Alarm button appears only if your chamber is equipped with one or more Therm-Alarms. Accesses the online Help system. Allows you to get help on any topic relating to the 8800 Docs control system.
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Changing access levels and passwords The access level function allows you to select from six different levels of access to the 8800 functions. The following table provides a general overview of which functions are available at each access level.
Main. System Setup panel NOTE: To change most settings on the System Setup panel, the 8800 access level must be Lab Manager or higher. General settings From any screen press Setup, then select the System Setup panel.
Page 12
• If you want to change the language you use to view and enter text, or how the 8800 formats numbers, time, and dates, press Regional and Language Settings and adjust the language or regional formatting settings.
Page 13
Power failure recovery If the 8800 is in run or hold mode and a power failure occurs that is longer than the Max Off Time setting, the 8800 will automatically power up in the mode selected under Recover Mode.
Page 14
Disable Throttles: All active throttles will go to 0% when the door is opened. This setting cannot be overridden by the user. • Stop after 60 minutes: The 8800 will enter stop mode if the door is continuously open for 60 minutes. This option protects against excessive moisture building up on the evaporator coil. •...
For example, if the value is set to 60 and the process variable is out of the deviation band for five seconds, no alarm will sound. The Continue/Stop/Hold option allows you to select the action the 8800 will take when a deviation occurs. •...
To maximize chamber performance, you must also compensate for lag times. Up to four groups of chamber parameters can be entered into the 8800 for each control channel. This allows you to select chamber performance appropriate for the type of interval or program you are running. For example, in one interval you may want less control during a ramp between two extreme temperatures, but in the next interval you may want more control to maintain a constant temperature.
Setup Communication panel NOTE: To change any computer interface setting, the 8800 access level must be Lab Manager or higher. For more information on computer interface settings, refer to Section 4 of this manual. Each 8800 display module is equipped with three independent computer interface ports. The 8800 can communicate through all three ports at the same time: •...
Page 18
A non-zero error code response could indicate that the 8800 did not process the command properly and it should be re-sent, or it could indicate that the 8800 processed the command properly but it was invalid for some reason and needs to corrected before it is re-sent. For more information see “Error codes” in Section 4 of this manual.
Page 19
From any screen press Setup, then select the Communication panel. Under Computer I/O select each field to modify its setting. Select the desired interface (RS-232, RS-485, or GPIB). NOTE: If the 8800 has a CM2 control module with a serial I/O converter, you can use an off-the-shelf straight-through cable.
Page 20
A non-zero error code response could indicate that the 8800 did not process the command properly and it should be re-sent, or it could indicate that the 8800 processed the command properly but it was invalid for some reason and needs to corrected before it is re-sent. For more information see “Error codes” in Section 4 of this manual.
Digital input: These service messages will be displayed when the specified digital input (service interval) goes active. NOTE: An 8800 display module may be equipped with up to four CM2 control modules. Each control module has six digital inputs. The valid range for selecting a digital input service message is 1-24, where:...
Page 22
Setup 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual To see how many control modules your 8800 display module has, refer to the instrument wiring schematic(s). For the location of the control module’s digital outputs, refer to the CM2 Control Module Technical Manual.
System Events panel NOTE: If you do not see a System Events tab, it means your 8800 is not set up to support system events. System events monitor variables, such as temperature or throttle, and turn digital outputs on or off based on the state of the monitored variables.
Page 24
Before you change any system event parameters, you should record the original settings. Select each field to modify its setting. Record the new system event settings on the 8800 worksheets in Appendix E. Keep these settings with the 8800 manual.
Setup Chan/Aux Names panel NOTE: To modify any of these settings, the 8800 access level must be Lab Manager or higher. To help reduce clutter in the program and manual mode screens, enable only the auxiliary relays of interest. The Chan/Aux Names panel allows you to assign descriptive names to auxiliaries, control channels, and DAQ/monitor inputs for display in all screens and data logging.
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual PAUSE PROGRAM auxiliary Beginning with 8800 software version V4.110, the PAUSE PROGRAM auxiliary function allows a user to pause a program at the start of any interval by enabling a specially named auxiliary output. Once the program has been paused using the PAUSE PROGRAM auxiliary, it can be resumed by pressing the Run button, triggering an external Run digital input, or issuing the RESM computer I/O command.
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Setup Backup/Restore panel The 8800 has two types of built-in backup and restore functions: • Chamber Settings: This feature lets you back up and restore your chamber’s information, including its setup information, programs, data log, and activity log.
Page 28
Setup 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Backup and recovery tools: Operating system Restore Points let you restore the entire operating system (not including data) to a previously known state. If your system is free of problems, such as viruses, you may wish to set a restore point. Then at any time in the future if problems arise you could restore the operating system back to exactly the way it was when you created the restore point.
Page 29
To create a backup file for a specific range of dates, follow these steps: Insert your flash drive into one of the USB ports on the 8800 SBC unit. For more information on the USB ports, refer to Section 6 of this manual.
Page 30
Setup 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual 1-26 This generic manual is not intended to be used to operate your equipment. Thermotron Industries...
Section 2: Operation Manual mode operates the 8800 using set point and rate of change (ramp rate) settings. You can enter manual mode when the system is in stop mode. For instructions see “Running in manual mode” below. NOTE: You also can enter manual mode from hold program mode if, while running a program, you want to perform a special operation in manual mode and then continue with the program.
Page 32
“Chan/Aux Names panel” in Section 1 of this manual. NOTE: Standard auxiliaries are active only when the 8800 is in run mode. Live auxiliaries can be enabled without the 8800 being in run mode. For more information on your live auxiliaries, refer to your chamber manual.
Once the interval is completed, the 8800 either transitions to the next interval or loops back to an earlier interval. Once a program is entered into memory it can be run immediately, or it can be set up for a delayed start.
Page 34
Press the Edit button again, then press Run. The 8800 will enter run program mode again using the new values for the remainder of the current interval.
• Ramp Rate controls the speed (in degrees or other units per minute) at which the 8800 cycles a process variable to a new set point. NOTE: Each active channel can have its own unique ramp rate that runs simultaneously.
Page 36
Auxiliaries (auxiliary relays) may be enabled or disabled for each interval. For information on enabling/disabling auxiliary relays, see “Chan/Aux Names panel” in Section 1 of this manual. NOTE: Standard auxiliaries are active only when the 8800 is in run mode. Live auxiliaries can be enabled without the 8800 being in run mode. •...
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Operation For programmed looping, the Next Int value is valid only if it is less than or equal to the number of the current interval, and if the # Loops value is greater than 1. The interval will actually loop back to the target interval the # Loops value minus 1.
Page 38
• If you want to specify a Ramp Rate, enter the speed (in units of measurement per minute) for the 8800 to cycle an active channel’s process variable to a new set point. (To determine change rates, refer to your chamber manual’s performance specifications.) The 8800 will calculate the difference between the interval’s...
Page 39
“Control Parameters panel” in Section 1 of this manual. • To enable guaranteed soak, check G-Soak and set one or more Deviations. The 8800 will immediately set the set point equal to the interval’s final value and then wait until the process variable is within the deviation band of the final value.
Operation 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Using the program graph The program graph lets you view your program before running it. The following section describes how to set up and use the program graph. To modify the program graph’s appearance: Press the graph Setup button.
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Operation Using the Graph panel To view the graph screen press Graph. The graph screen allows you to see a graphic representation of chamber data you select, such as process variables, monitor channels temperatures, and refrigeration system readings.
Operation 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Using the graph buttons Use the graph buttons to set up and navigate through the recorded chamber data: To modify the graph settings press Setup. See “Graph setup” below. To change the graph view to a specific date and time: Press Goto.
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Operation Graph setup Press the Setup button to access the graph properties panels. The Graph Properties dialog box will appear with the View panel selected. Under Grid, select the background and grid line colors from their drop- down menus.
If you are testing products with live electrical loads, you should install additional power cutoffs. Please call Thermotron Industries if you have any questions on additional product protection. The Therm-Alarm is a redundant protection system. Each Therm-Alarm has one temperature channel and may also have one linear analog channel.
If you are testing expensive products, you should have an additional back-up product protection device. If you are testing products with live electrical loads, you should install additional power cutoffs. Please call Thermotron Industries if you have any questions on additional product protection.
Operation 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Viewing the Therm-Alarm settings NOTE: No more than four Therm-Alarm devices will be displayed in the Therm-Alarm screens and graphed in the graph screens. To display the Therm-Alarms panel press T Alarm .from any screen.
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Operation Alarm mute and reset mode functions During warning, alarm, open thermocouple, and failure modes, the Therm-Alarm emits an audible alarm. From the Therm-Alarm screen you can mute the alarm and/or reset the instrument. •...
Operation 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Calibrating a Therm-Alarm To calibrate the Therm-Alarm temperature channel a type ‘T’ thermocouple simulator is required. Make sure the controller’s temperature scale is set to Celsius before beginning any calibration procedure. To calibrate the Therm- Alarm analog channel an appropriate power supply is required.
8800 alarm outputs are activated. NOTE: The Monitors panel appears only if one or more monitor channels were configured at the factory. To modify a monitor channel alarm setting, the 8800 access level must be Lab Manager or higher.
Refrigeration System panel CAUTION: Access to the low-stage and high-stage limits is provided to allow you to troubleshoot your chamber with the assistance of a Thermotron Technical Liaison. For assistance please call the Thermotron Product Support group at (616) 392-6550.
NOTE: This panel is available only on SE-Series chambers. The Schematic panel provides a graphical view of a typical Thermotron refrigeration system. The schematic is color- coded to indicate the relative temperatures within the system. If transducers are installed, the Schematic panel provides live refrigeration data for key components of the system.
System Information 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Throttle History panel The Throttle History panel provides a histogram of percentage of throttle versus time for each control channel. Under View Channel, press a control channel to display that channel’s histogram. The panel also displays run times in hours for the selected channel’s negative and positive throttles.
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual System Information Activity Log panel The Activity Log panel displays the date, time, and description of all system activities from a specific date to the present. To modify and view the activity log display, follow these steps: Press Prev Day or Next Day to move one day backward or forward.
All inputs and outputs are numbered for cross reference with chamber electrical and instrument drawings. The numbers of the digital inputs and outputs light up to indicate activity. If the 8800 has more than one control module installed, you can choose which control module to display by selecting the appropriate CM number.
NOTE: This tab will appear only if your 8800 has live auxiliaries configured. Unlike standard auxiliary relays, live auxiliaries can be enabled without the 8800 being in run mode. The Live Aux panel indicates which live auxiliaries are assigned and when they are active. For more information on your live auxiliaries, refer to your chamber manual.
From here you can also export a complete history of all computer I/O communication errors. Input and output buffers for the three interfaces • Input Buffer: Shows the last data being received by the 8800. • Output Buffer: Shows the last data sent by the 8800. List of the last 25 errors •...
Page 57
NOTE: To perform the loop back test, the 8800 access level must be Lab Manager or higher. The loop back test allows you to check whether the COM2 serial port of the 8800 is working correctly. To perform the test, short together pins 2 and3 of the COM2 serial port.
Channel run times • If your 8800 uses a plugin to talk to a third-party device such as a power supply, the Custom Add-on Status field will display which plugin is being used and report any errors if applicable. •...
The 8800 interface command set allows you to control, monitor, and program the 8800 from a host computer. The commands use a specified structure and syntax for communication. This section describes the 8800 interface command set and gives examples of how to use this command set to operate the 8800 from a host computer. Basic serial communication protocol The basic command protocol consists of the command and terminator: CMND<t>...
Bit 5 Error. This bit is set by any type of command and/or interface error. Bit 6 Reserved by GPIB. Bit 7 Power on reset. This bit is set when the 8800 goes through a power up sequence. It is also set as a result of an INIT command.
The command string ends with an ASCII question mark (?), which defines it as a query command. For example, if the host computer sends the SETP2? command, and channel 2 has a set point of -82°C, the 8800 would send -82.0 back to the host computer.
NOTE: The 8800 can hold up to 128 characters. Make sure the data strings and/or concatenated command strings are not longer than 128 characters. Also, any command with more than 30 parameters will cause the 8800 to return an “Unknown command” error.
Send Therm-Alarm analog input units value Command name: Command type: System status Description: The 8800 returns 1-3 characters for the value. Common unit codes are % and T (torr). AACHn? Syntax: Where n is a Therm-Alarm number (1 to 4). Data type:...
Page 64
Computer Interface 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual The operation command allows you to set any of the above settings for any analog Therm-Alarm hooked up to the chamber. The operation command syntax is as follows: AALMn, type, low, high, units, mute, warn, delay, reset, accel sens, maxfreq Where n is the analog Therm-Alarm you wish to set (1 to 8).
Page 65
AUXE1,59 Operation example: 0 (If the 8800 is in run manual mode, AUX 6, 5, 4, 2, and 1 of auxiliary group 1 are 8800 response: enabled. If they are enabled, the 8800 turns off AUX 8, 7, and 3 of auxiliary group 1.) Thermotron Industries This generic manual is not intended to be used to operate your equipment.
Page 66
CHRT Send channel run time Command name: Command type: System status Queries the 8800 for a channel’s accumulated run time. The 8800 sends an integer to Description: indicate the number of hours the channel has been running. CHRTn? Syntax: Where n is any process variable channel (1 through 8).
Page 67
8 respectively. The 8800 sets the bit for each channel that is on. Byte 2 = channel configured status: Bits 8 through 15 indicate the configured status of channels 1 through 8 respectively. The 8800 sets the bit for each channel that is configured.
Page 68
Computer Interface 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual CNAM Command name: Send name of channel System status Command type: This command allows you read the assigned name of any process variable or monitor Description: channel. Syntax: CNAMn? Where n = channel number (1 through 12 are process variable channels, 13 through...
Page 69
Command type: The 8800 sends three coded-integer bytes. These are binary-weighted bytes that Description: indicate all the system options selected at the factory for the 8800. The bytes are defined below: Byte 1 (Bits 0 through 7) Product temperature control...
Page 70
8800 response: DEVN2,5 Operation example: 8800 response: 0 (If the 8800 is in manual mode, it loads a deviation value of 5 units into control channel 2.) 4-12 This generic manual is not intended to be used to operate your equipment.
Page 71
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Computer Interface DIGI Command name: Send digital input (DI) status System status Command type: This command returns a 24-bit integer value that indicates which digital inputs are Description: active. Bits 0 through 23 0 through 5...
Page 72
Computer Interface 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Extended digital outputs: DO 28 DO 27 DO 26 DO 25 bit 27 bit 26 bit 25 bit 24 DO 32 DO 31 DO 30 DO 29 bit 31 bit 30 bit 29...
Page 73
“No More Files” for the name and -1 for the number. DIRPpathname? Syntax: Where: pathname is the name of a path on the 8800 or “\” for the root path of the 8800. DIRP\? Query example 1: humidity test, 5 (program called humidity test with five intervals)
Page 74
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual DREF Command name: Send reference data type System status Command type: The 8800 sends an integer representing the channel’s reference channel data type. Description: Data type codes: Unused Temperature RH wet bulb/dry bulb RH linear...
Page 75
The query command asks the 8800 for the current interval’s final value for channel n Description: (1 through 4). The 8800 sends a decimal value for the selected channel. The edit from hold operation command temporarily changes the current interval’s final value. NOTE: When not running a program, the command returns the manual mode new setpoint.
Page 76
8800 response: IERR Send last error code Command name: System status Command type: The 8800 sends the code of the last error that occurred. For more information see Description: “Error codes” later in this section. Syntax: IERR? Coded integer Data type:...
Page 77
Wait at least one minute after sending this command before sending any other NOTE: commands. INTN Command name: Send interval number Program status Command type: Queries the 8800 for the current interval number. The 8800 sends an integer to Description: indicate the interval number. Syntax: INTN? Data type: Integer INTN?
Page 78
Computer Interface 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual INTV Command name: Send or load program interval string Programming Command type: The query command asks for the interval string that initializes the program (INTV0) or Description: for one of the program intervals (INTVn). During load program by value operations, send an INTV0? command, followed by an INTVn? command for every interval in your program.
Page 79
INTV0,-10,20,,,3 Operation example 1: The 8800 loads the program with a channel 1 initial value of -10 units, a channel 2 8800 response: value of 20 units, and sets channels 1 and 2 as active. INTV35,75,98,,,5,8,,,0:20:00,1,20,15,3,1,55,150...
Page 80
Command name: Send Therm-Alarm analog input channel availability Variable Command type: The query command asks the 8800 if the analog input channel for Therm-Alarm “n” is Description: available. The 8800 returns a 0 (not available) or a 1 (available). Syntax: ISAAn Where n is a Therm-Alarm number (1 through 4).
Page 81
Query syntax: Operation syntax: LAUXaux, state Where: live auxiliary number (1 through 8) 0 (off) or 1 (on) NOTE: The 8800 will also return a 0 if the specified live aux state has never been configured. Query example 1: LAUX2?
Page 82
Send or load light status System status Command type: The query command asks the 8800 for the status of the light (on or off). The operation Description: command allows you to remotely turn the chamber light on or off. Syntax: LGHT? or LGHTn Where n is 0 (off) or 1 (on).
Page 83
Command name: Send or load access level System status Command type: This is the only system status command that allows you to change the 8800’s status. It Description: allows you to read and change the access level of the 8800. Syntax:...
Page 84
30 (The manual ramp for channel 2 is 30 units per minute.) MRMP1,12 Operation example: 8800 response: The 8800 sets the manual ramp for channel 1 to 12 units per minute. 4-26 This generic manual is not intended to be used to operate your equipment. Thermotron Industries...
Page 85
8800 response: NXTI Send next interval Command name: Program status Command type: Description: Queries the 8800 for the next interval that will be executed. The 8800 sends an integer indicating the next interval number. Syntax: NXTI? Integer Data type: NXTI?
Page 86
Send or load controller options Variable Command type: The query command reads the options register of the 8800. If the 8800 is in manual Description: mode, the operation command temporarily changes the 8800 options register to the new set of options. NOTE: If the selected options are not available on your chamber, the 8800 will return an error code.
Page 87
PALL Command name: Send low process alarm limit Program status Command type: Queries the 8800 for a channel’s low process alarm limit. The 8800 sends an integer Description: indicating the alarm limit. Syntax: PALLn? Where n is a channel number.
Page 88
Command type: Description: The query command causes the 8800 to send the values of the tuning parameters for the selected channel in the selected parameter group. The operation command sends new parameter values for a selected channel of a selected parameter group. The 8800 loads the parameter values into the parameter group registers in any mode.
Page 89
Send available program memory System status Command type: Queries the 8800 for the available amount of program memory. This command is for Description: legacy support only. The 8800 has a virtually unlimited amount of program storage. The 8800 will always send 300.
Page 90
Send or load parameter group Variable; edit from hold Command type: Queries the 8800 for the number of the parameter group that it is currently using. If Description: the 8800 is in manual mode, the operation command selects the parameter group (1 through 4) that the 8800 will use to control the channels.
Page 91
PVAR Command name: Send process variable Command type: Variable Queries the 8800 for the current process variable value of the selected channel. The Description: channel selections are divided as follows: Channel Description 1 through 4 External process variable channels 1 through 4...
Page 92
PWRF1, 15, 3 Operation example 1: 8800 response: 0 (The 8800 will enable power fail recovery, set the maximum off time to 15 minutes, and set the recovery mode to restart.) Operation example 2: PWRF0 0 (The 8800 will disable power fail recovery.)
Page 93
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Computer Interface RDAT Command name: Send refrigeration system status System status Command type: This command returns a binary-coded decimal value that displays the status for the Description: refrigeration data. The bits for each data group are explained below:...
Page 94
Temperature cooling mode 16 High-stage compressor trip Cascade mode 32 Low-stage compressor trip For example, a 6 (4 + 2) indicates the 8800 is in cascade and temperature cooling modes. REFG(n)? Syntax: String (NOTE: The first four variables in the string are integers, the next four variables Data type: are one-decimal-place real numbers, and the final variable is an integer.)
Page 95
Send real time clock reading or load real time clock values System status Command type: The query command tells the 8800 to return the date and time reading from its real Description: time clock. The operation command loads new values into the real time clock and resets seconds to 00.
Page 96
Switches the 8800’s current screen to the main screen. 8800 response: SERL Command name: Send chamber serial number System status Command type: This query command asks the 8800 for the chamber’s serial number. Description: Syntax: SERL? Data type: Integer SERL? Query example: 42679 (The chamber’s serial number is 42679.)
Page 97
8800 response: -33.0 (The process variable channel 1 set point is -33.0.) SETP2,95 Operation example: If the 8800 is in manual mode, a set point of 95 units is loaded into process variable 8800 response: channel 2. SRQB Command name:...
Page 98
3 bit 2 bit 1 bit 0 Operation example: SRQM1 8800 response: 0 (The 8800 loads the SRQ mask with the value 1, enabling the state change SRQ event.) bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3...
Page 99
Computer Interface STAT Command name: Send status word System status Command type: The 8800 returns one byte of coded-decimal data to indicate the status of the 8800. Description: The byte is defined below: Run program Run manual Hold program Hold manual...
Page 100
Operation example: TALM, -50, 150, 0, 5, 20, 1 0 (The 8800 sets the Therm-Alarm 1 low limit to -50°C, the high limit to 150°C, the 8800 response: mute time to 0 minutes, the warning band to 5°C, the alarm delay time to 20 seconds, and the reset status to manual.)
Page 101
Command name: Variable Command type: Description: The query command asks the 8800 for the current channel “n” throttle reading. The 8800 sends the throttle value as a percentage. THTLn Syntax: Where n is any process variable channel (1 through 8).
Page 102
Command name: Send or load time left Program status; edit from hold Command type: Queries the 8800 for the time left in the current interval. The edit from hold operation Description: command temporarily changes the current interval’s time left counter. Syntax: TLFT? or TLFThh:mm:ss Where hh is hours, mm is minutes, and ss is seconds.
Page 103
0 and 600. A positive value sets the watchdog timer value. A zero value turns off the watchdog feature. Once the watchdog is set, the 8800 internally begins counting down. If the internal watchdog timer ever reaches 0, the 8800 will enter the fail-safe state.
Run manual mode THTL Throttle Example: Send the STOP command to the 8800. While in stop mode, send the following commands to set up the test run: SETP1,75 Makes the channel 1 set point +75°C. SETP2,5 Makes the channel 2 set point 5% RH.
Using the programming commands The program by value and send interval values commands allow you to transfer programs between the 8800 and a host computer. The operation commands allow you to send a program to the 8800. The query commands allow you to retrieve a program from the 8800.
Page 106
Send the PROG,LongSoak25Loops,6 command string to the 8800. This string loads a 6-interval program named LongSoak25Loops. Send the INTV0,20,,,,1 command string to the 8800. This string sets the initial value of interval 0 to +20°C and sets channel 1 active.
Common computer interface problems and solutions Before attempting to run the 8800 communication interface in a user application program on the host computer, it is often helpful to use a dumb terminal or a terminal emulation program to test the serial communications. This allows you to become familiar with the 8800 command syntax.
Page 108
Terminator problem: When the 8800 is receiving command strings, it recognizes a carriage return, a line feed character, or a carriage return and line feed to signify the end of the command string. Verify that the 8800 and the computer agree on the selected termination.
Page 109
Error code 02 Command name: Input buffer overflow Description: The data string sent to the 8800 is too long. The 8800 can hold up to 128 characters; make sure the data strings and/or concatenated command strings are not longer than 128 characters.
Page 110
Command name: Illegal interval number sequence Description: The value sent to the 8800 is not a valid interval value. During load program by value operations, make sure you are sending INTV operation commands that include interval 0 and all the intervals in sequential order.
Error code 19 Command name: Options not configured Description: The 8800 is factory configured for the options on your chamber. Check to see if your options byte is selecting an option that is not available on your chamber. Error code 20 The 8800 does not use this error code.
Programs can be written to operate the 8800 from a host computer in a variety of programming languages. The following section is a brief sampling of the types of programs that can be written to operate the 8800 from a host computer.
Page 113
0); //close the connection closesocket(m_hSocket); m_hSocket = INVALID_SOCKET; Note that the carriage return from the 8800 will be included in the response string ‘resp’. Thermotron Industries This generic manual is not intended to be used to operate your equipment. 4-55...
Page 114
Computer Interface 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual National Instruments Interactive Control Utility (IBIC) It is important to use the special symbols \r and/or \n to add a carriage return (\r), or line feed (\n) to the strings sent to the ibwrt function. The following sequence finds the device at address 10, sends the ‘pvar1?’ query command, and then reads the data.
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) in 8800 and 8825 controllers NOTE: All VNC messages refer to the controller as an 8800, even if it is an 8825 controller. To allow the controller to be configured to be operated remotely for a specified length of time, enter the RUNVNC password.
Page 116
Computer Interface 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual When the VNC server is running a new VNC button now appears on the top button bar between the Hold and Save buttons. If the VNC LED is red and unlit it means that the VNC server is running but there are no remote clients connected to this 88xx controller.
Page 117
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Computer Interface • Once the VNC server has stopped a confirmation pop-up will be displayed: NOTE: When the VNC server is stopped the VNC button on the top button bar will also disappear. Pressing the View Clients button on the VNC...
Page 118
• When a client connects or disconnects, including IP address. VNC authentication When a client connects to the 8800 or 8825 controller, the default VNC Authentication password is “8800”. Changing the VNC password To change the VNC password, enter the CFGVNC password.
8800, chamber, refrigeration system, or products under test. Calibration panels NOTE: The CM2 analog inputs were calibrated by Thermotron for accurate performance. Before beginning any calibration procedure, make sure the calibration instruments you use are properly calibrated themselves. Also make sure the display module’s temperature scale is set to Celsius.
• Example 2: If Linear Input 2 represents altitude in thousands of feet, the 8800 would expect a torr reading from a sensor, then convert that torr reading to thousands of feet using a software algorithm for the user display.
0 VDC and 5 VDC) if calibrated and configured properly. After verifying the input or output calibration, press the appropriate Cal Verified button. The 8800 will display the date and time the calibration was verified on the Input / Output Verification panel and on the System Info panel.
Page 122
CM2 Calibration 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual • To calibrate analog outputs, press Analog Outputs. The Analog Output Calibration Wizard will start. Follow the instructions on the screen, pressing Next when you are ready. This generic manual is not intended to be used to operate your equipment.
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual CM2 Calibration Adjusting process variable channels Calibrated process variable channels can be further adjusted to match independent sensors. The adjustment can be a simple offset shift, or up to eight different data breakpoints and deviations throughout the entire range of the channel input.
CM2 Calibration 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Verifying Therm-Alarm inputs To determine if Therm-Alarm input calibration is necessary, press the Cal button, then select the TA Input Verification panel. The data from independent calibration equipment attached to the CM2 can be compared to the “raw” input data shown on the TA Input Verification panel.
CM2 control module, refer to the CM2 Control Module Technical Manual. NOTE: Units equipped with an 8800 display module ship from the factory with all of the necessary hardware and software installed. If you need to reinstall any of the hardware or software, please call the Thermotron Product Support group at (616) 392-6550.
Technical Information and Troubleshooting 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual SBC unit specifications Operating temperature 0-50°C Power requirements 35 watts at 15 volts 160 GB SSD min Hard drive 2 GB Processor Intel Atom 1.66GHz Dual Core Hyper Threaded Processor Windows Embedded Standard Operating system Four USB 2.0 ports...
8800 with general 16 AWG hook-up wire (a pluggable terminal block is provided on the 8800). All of the power required by the 8800 is supplied by this power supply, which means an 8800 can operate outside of a chamber without a control module.
The VGA connector is a standard high-density, 15-pin, female D-subminiature connector intended to connect the LCD monitor to the SBC on the 8800. Any standard VGA cable will work in this situation, but a special cable harness that contains all of the cabling necessary to run the monitor in one sheath has been designed and built.
The maximum area around the current set point that the process variable (actual test space or product condition) can deviate from. If the process variable drifts outside the alarm band, the 8800 enables its alarm functions. alarm delay: The number of seconds the Therm-Alarm alarm mode will be delayed after the input temperature reaches a limit temperature.
Page 130
A set of intervals repeated during a programmed test. delayed start: A function that causes the 8800 to wait until a specified date and time before running a program. deviation: The difference between the process variable (actual test space or product condition) and the set point (assigned test space or product condition).
Page 131
A system that uses pressurized refrigerants to remove heat from the test space. monitor channel: A channel used by the 8800 for monitoring processes within the chamber. If the high or low limit is exceeded for any channel, the 8800 alarm outputs are activated.
Page 132
A function that allows you to set up how the 8800 will recover after a power failure. If the power fails for longer than the selected power fail recover time, the 8800 will power up in one of four power fail recover modes: stop, hold, run, or restart.
Page 133
), used to reduce moisture inside the test space. query command: A code sent to the 8800 that causes the 8800 to send information to the host computer or server. ramp: A controlled process where the process variable transitions from an initial value to a final value in a specified amount of time.
Page 134
The relationship between time and the test space temperature. temperature scale: Celsius or Fahrenheit. terminator: A code used to indicate the end of a data transmission. The 8800 interprets and transmits carriage return and line feed characters as terminators.
The PDC option uses the standard product monitoring thermocouple — the same thermocouple supplied for the product temperature control (PTC) option. • If you purchased a group of thermocouples for use with the PDC option, the 8800 is configured to use the minimum temperature in that group when calculating the dew point limit. •...
Page 136
If any of the thermocouples that are configured for the product monitoring group are not to be used for a specific test, they MUST be disconnected (unplugged). This will tell the 8800 to ignore these inputs and use the remaining connected thermocouples to derive the PDC and/or PTC temperature.
NOTE: To tune control parameters, the 8800 access level must be Lab Manager or higher. Tuning the 8800 control parameters is a time-consuming procedure that will take a minimum of two to three hours to complete. Proportional band parameters The proportional band parameters are a coarse adjustment (1 to 9999 units) to the control algorithm.
Page 138
Tuning Control Parameters 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual When tuning up chamber parameters with two or more control channels, tune up one channel at a time, always tuning the proportional band parameters first. Additionally, each control channel’s reference channel should be tuned up first.
Page 139
14. Once the parameters for the first channel have been tuned up, the next channel’s parameters can be tuned up. 15. Once you have finished tuning up all the channels, record the parameter settings on the 8800 worksheets in Appendix E. Keep these settings with the 8800 manual.
Page 140
Tuning Control Parameters 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual This generic manual is not intended to be used to operate your equipment. Thermotron Industries...
Gain parameters for PTC The gain parameter is a coarse adjustment to the PTC control algorithm. The larger the gain, the longer the 8800 will wait to start slowing down the throttle as the load temperature approaches the load set point.
Page 142
Tuning PTC Control Parameters 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Offset parameters for PTC CAUTION: It is your responsibility to program the offset value correctly to avoid damaging any products under test. The offset is the number of degrees Celsius that the air temperature set point will be allowed to exceed the load temperature set point when attempting to move the load temperature to the new load set point.
Page 143
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Tuning PTC Control Parameters If necessary, disable chamber options by deselecting items listed under Options. Make sure product temperature control (PTC) is enabled. Disable all unnecessary Auxiliaries. Make sure the Param Group selected is the number of the group you are tuning.
Page 144
15. Once the first set of parameters (such as the heating parameters) have been tuned up, the other set of parameters can be tuned up. 16. Record the PTC parameter settings on the 8800 worksheets in Appendix E. Keep these settings with the 8800 manual.
Page 145
8800 Display Module Instruction Manual 8800 Parameter and System Event Worksheets Appendix E: 8800 Parameter and System Event Worksheets NOTE: Thermotron grants you permission to copy this appendix to use for your records. Channel ____ non-PTC parameter group entries Parameter Group 1...
Page 146
8800 Parameter and System Event Worksheets 8800 Display Module Instruction Manual Channel ____ PTC parameter group entries Parameter Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Heat gain Cool gain Heat integral time Cool integral time Heat offset Cool offset...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the 8800 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
We have an 8800 controller in our Thermotron SE-1000-3-3 Environmental Chamber, the keypad backlighting is out. Is there a way to replace the light source, whether it's an LED or incandescent bulb?