Configuration Software

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The configuration software contains an easy to use interface that simplifies the creation of a recipe file. A recipe file can be uploaded or downloaded from the device at will and can be saved on a local PC for backup. This feature simplifies configuration of multiple devices that are performing the same tasks. The configuration software allows the user to demo the light on the fly using a single USB connection. Once the hardware and software are installed, run the Caron Engineering Smart Light configuration application. On the left side of the application interface there is a navigation bar containing the following 4 buttons:

• Light Demo: Configure modes for demonstration on a Smart Light connected by USB before creating a recipe.
• Recipe Editor: Create a recipe by creating modes. Connection settings and User color are also programmed here
• Connection: View information about the connected device and installed software. Recipes can be pushed to or pulled from the connected device as
• Information: Review the release notes or contact Caron Engineering for support through the CEI website.

Light Demo

The light demo section allows testing or demonstrating the available mode types directly on the connected light stack including setting a temporary user color for testing. This can be a valuable tool when brainstorming about the different custom modes before creating a recipe file. All parameters that are available when creating modes are available for testing in the light demo.

Using the Light Demo

To test a specific mode type in the light demo, select the desired mode from the tabs at the top of the screen. The body contents will change with respect to which tab is selected. Each option that is set in the body is outlined in purple. Configure the selected mode as desired and press the Push to Light button to test the configured mode. The Clear Light button clears the light stack (turns all light segments to the off color).

Light Demo Mode- Segment Tab

Note: The Push To Light button is not needed when using Level mode in the light demo if the Auto Push check box is checked. This will automatically push the light count and level color to the light stack when the light count value is changed. This functionality is only available in Level mode.

Note: The user color is a temporary user color and will change once a recipe has been loaded or the power has been reset on the device.

Recipe Editor

The Recipe Editor tab allows recipe files to be created or edited on a local system. Recipe files can also be downloaded the recipe from a connected device and loaded into the interface for editing. The editor section has the following tabs:

• Custom Modes: Create and edit various mode types stored in the recipe file
• RS232: Edit the RS232 connection settings for the device
• TCP: Edit the TCP/IP connection settings for the device
• User Color: Program a custom global RGB color usable in any mode in the recipe

All of the programmed modes and setting are saved in the recipe file. The maximum number of configurable modes allowed is 1000. Each mode can be tested at any point in time before saving and uploading to the device. This section can also be used when not connected to a device.

Recipe File

The Caron Engineering Smart Light configuration is all stored in a file called a Recipe file with the extension of .rcp. The recipe file is a binary file consisting of all of the custom mode types and configuration settings that were configured using the Caron Engineering Smart Light Configuration software. Storing all custom modes and configurations in a file that can be uploaded and downloaded from the device makes it easy to backup any configuration for future use. The recipe file is not bound to one system. A single recipe file may be uploaded to multiple Caron Engineering IO Link Controllers for cases where multiple systems require the same functionality.

Note: Version 1.0+ recipes are not compatible with Version 2.0+ recipes. Version 2.0+ recipe were moved to a binary file format for efficiency.

Creating Recipes

When the Recipe Editor is first selected, the software prompts the user to load a recipe. There are the following three options:

• l Create: Generates a default recipe file that already contains a few custom modes as foundation to build the recipe.
• l Existing: Loads an existing recipe file located on an accessible drive into the system.
• l From Device: Downloads the file from the connected Caron Engineering Smart Light and automatically loads the file into the system. This requires the device to be connected.
  

  Recipe Load Options

After creating or loading a recipe, full access to the recipe editor is granted.

Custom Modes

The first page of the recipe editor is the Custom Modes tab. In the Custom Modes tab, modes can be created, removed or tested. Once modes are created the recipe file can be saved, saved as a new file, or unloaded.

The mode table is where all of the modes that have been created are stored. The mode currently being edited in the body is outlined in purple. When a recipe is created, 3 default modes are automatically be generated and shown on the mode table. The cell contents for each mode contain the mode number (1), the mode type (2), and a test button (3).

Connection Tab