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USER MANUAL FOR THE BTD Control Software

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1. Figure 5 17 Download Flash Data Message The progress bar will update during the download and on completion the message box will close 5 2 2 2 1 Example Flash data file This is an example of a generated flash data file Flash Download 04 07 14 12 20 26 Number of Flashes 128 Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 27 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Flash Header Index Date Time cs Distance Direction Duration 1 FLASH 109 030714 105805 066 02813 999 049 2 PUASH S51 1 0 050714 1058031 096 01798 999 053 3s FLASA 111030714 L05848 096030147999033 4 FLASH Uy 050 114 105906 003 02560 999 028 Sy FLASH l1L5o O30714 105923 013 02955 999 0s7 6 FUASH 114 030714 1059360 076 029 63 999 024 Tp FLASH 115 030714 110006 041702547 999 035 NOTE In this example all the direction readings are 999 indicating that this system was not fitted with the optional direction finder 5 2 3 Site Calibration The range calibration cannot be automatically configured so needs to be checked by the user The default calibration should be correct for installation at an ideal site but 1s likely to require modification 1f installed where tall objects are nearby Once the BTD 300 first reports the range of lightning after installation the user should compare this range with that determined from other means e g accurate lightning location network data thunderstorm location on rainfall radar or satellite im
2. For details of the commands and responses see the BTD 300 User Manual 5 3 4 Lightning Warning Limits The Warning Key on the Main screen corresponds to the limits set here These limits are stored in the BTD 300 The limits are stored in the BTD 300 in decameters 1 km 100 decametres The range limits can be set to any values as long as they are in the range 2 45 nautical miles 3 70 83 34 km Units Overhead 9 26 Near Distant 37 04 Nautical Miles Vicinity 18 52 Far Distant 83 34 KM Set Default Limits Update Limits Get Limits Warn on Second Distant Flash Figure 5 41 Lightning Warning Limits 5 3 4 1 Units Clicking on the Nautical Miles Radio button will change the values from KM to Nautical Miles and update the main display Lightning Warning Limits Units Overhead 9 00 Near Distant 20 00 Nautical Miles Vicinity 10 00 Far Distant 45 00 KM Set Default Limits Update Limits Get Limits Warn on Second Distant Flash Figure 5 42 Nautical Miles Display Clicking on the KM Radio button will change the values from Nautical Miles to KM and update the main display The range thresholds can be stated to the nearest decametre 10 metres 1 e two decimal places and must be within 2 45 nautical miles 3 70 83 34 km Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 42 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 3 4 2 Warn on Second Distant Flash By default the BTD 300 will warn when the first l
3. If you have the BTD Control Software already installed on your system please refer to section 2 2 for upgrade instructions 2 1 New Installation To install the software run the program BTD Installer exe from the installation media As the software requires administrator access the windows User Access Control dialog will be displayed prompting the user to allow the program to have administrator access Click the Yes button to allow this A series of screens will be displayed during the installation process END USER LICENCE AGREEMENT FOR BIRAL T BTD CONTROL SOFTWARE 1l This End User Licence relates to Biral software part number 106547 02A henceforth referred to as the software FI agree to the license terms and conditions Be Install Figure 2 1 Licence Agreement Click on the I agree to the license terms and conditions box to enable the Install button Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 5 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Clicking on the Install button will start the installation process Biral BTD Control Setup Progress Processing Initializing Cancel Figure 2 2 Initialisation The installation process checks for and installs any prerequisite Windows components that are not already installed for example the NET framework If these are required the installation process may take a long time and you may be prompted to reboot the computer during the installation
4. Overhead Lightning lt 9 26 KM LIGHTNING INDICATION Distant Lightning Near lt 37 04 KM Data Logging ON Settings COM13 57600 n 8 1 Time 10 22 40 CAP NUM SCRE s5 Figure 5 4 Main Display with Direction Finding Module 5 1 2 Lightning Key The Lightning Key is displayed on the bottom left of the screen This is the colour key for the Lightning Indication Plot with selected distances displayed in either Km or Nautical Miles See Service Display section 5 3 4 for details on how to change the ranges and units The two Distant Lightning events are coloured Yellow to indicate that a warning state has occurred The Vicinity Lightning event is coloured Orange to indicate that an alert state has occurred The Overhead Lightning event is coloured Red to indicate that a severe alert state has occurred 5 1 3 Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead This is displayed on the top right of the screen The thunderstorm icon is unfilled if no warning or alert is present The icon 1s filled yellow if there is warning of charged precipitation falling at the site and orange if an alert for the presence of a strong overhead electric field activated The warning or alert indication in the icon will remain present for a user defined warning period default 15 minutes A tick in the appropriate box indicates that the charged precipitation or the strong electric field is still present The example in Figure 5 5 below shows a charg
5. _2 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual If no details are entered the screen will close after 20 seconds and the screen will not change The user name and password are User Name Service Password BiralBTD Note User name and Password are case sensitive Warning The commands and options available on the service page can alter the operation of the Thunderstorm Detector and as such any changes made are at the users own risk If the correct username and password are entered then the service screen will be displayed as shown in Figure 5 29 below COM2 BTD Control File View Display Help i Service Terminal Quick Commands Sensitivity Thresholds Most Sensitive Direction Finder Lightning Warning Limits Units Least Sensitive t Overhead 5 00 Near Distant 20 00 Nautical Miles Lightning Lightning Precipitation Strong Strength Ratio Charge Vicinity 10 00 Far Distant 45 00 KM Electric Field Load New Update Get iae Sma sna Warn on Second Distant Flash Received Data LOCAL 000000 000000 00112 00172 00084 00324 0014200204 32767 32767 R STATUS 230415 104655 081 1 2478 1189 4879 5030 00000 00024 00000 00000 00000 00000 000 00000 00000 000 00000 00000 00000 SITE SITE 210415 141453 000319 000144 000246 00000 00000 00000 0000000010 0000010000 00900 00900 00900 DATA 01 230415 104656 0 0 00 00000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000
6. if this happens the installation will continue automatically on restart Once the Installation has finished the Following screen will be displayed a Biral BTD Control Setu Biral BTD Control Setup Successful Figure 2 3 Successful Setup If an error is displayed please contact Biral for assistance Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 6 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Once the installation is complete an icon will be placed on the Windows Desktop Note If a USB to RS422 converter is being used for the serial data connection the drivers will need to be installed refer to the converter manufacturer for details and make sure that the appropriate drivers are installed BEFORE starting the software 2 2 Update to an Existing Installation If a previous version of the BTD Control Software is installed on the PC then this will need to be removed before proceeding with the new installation To remove an existing installation e Open the Windows Control Panel located on the Start Menu e Select Programs and Features e Wait for the list of installed program to be updated e Locate the Biral BTD Control Software in the list and click on it e Right Click on the file and select Uninstall This will run the uninstaller and remove the software from the system Once it has been removed the BTD Control Software will not be displayed in the list of currently installed programs e Close the Programs and Features
7. Lightning Indication Plot This displays an indication of the lightning activity The sector containing lightning activity is filled with the appropriate colour according to the key bottom left The number of flashes in the last user defined warning period default 15 minutes is indicated in the sector s centre The number representing the most recent flash is displayed in bold The display in Figure 5 3 below shows the indication of lightning activity during a thunderstorm Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 15 of 46 sn Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual File View Display Help Biral BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead Charged Precipitation Strong Electric Field KEY Warning Alert KEY STATUS Distant Lightning Far lt 55 56 KM Instrument Status FAULT i t Lightni N lt 37 04 KM Distant Lightning Near lt 37 04 Data Logging ON Vicinity Lightning lt 18 52 KM Overhead Lightning lt 9 26 KM LIGHTNING INDICATION Operating Mode SAMPLING Ready Settings COM4 57600 n 8 1 Time 10 50 34 CAP NUM SCRL Figure 5 3 Indication Of lightning activity If the BTD 300 has been purchased with optional Direction Finder Module then the software will detect its presence on start up and the main display will be as shown in Figure 5 4 below In this case the number of flashes will be located in the appropriate secto
8. display will be one of e Green circle with date and time of last local calibration e Orange Circle and text Local Calibration Not Yet Performed Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 33 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 2 65 Direction Finder Status If the Optional Direction finder Module is fitted the status display will have the direction finder status displayed see Figure 5 27 otatus Primary Antenna OK Secondary Antenna OK Tertary Antenna OK Other OK Site Characteristation Site Characterisation Not Yet Performed Local Calibration Local Calibration Not Yet Performed Direction Finder OK Update Status Figure 5 27 Direction Finder Status The display will be one of White Circle no status received from direction finder Green circle with date and time and text OK Red Circle and text Direction Finder Error Red Circle and text Direction Finder Noisy Calibration this will be displayed during sampling if the direction finder calibration has failed 5 3 Service Screen The Service screen is intended for service personnel only and as such is password protected When the service menu Item is selected the Password dialog is displayed as shown in Figure 5 28 below Login This Screen is ForService Personnel Only Please enter your User name and Password User Name Password Figure 5 28 Password Dialog Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 34 of 46
9. is in idle mode The button will be greyed out if the BTD 300 is in sampling mode e Download Flash Data This button is used by the user to download the stored flash data from the BTD 300 This button can only be pressed when the BTD 300 is in idle mode The button will be greyed out if the BTD 300 is in sampling mode Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 25 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 2 2 1 Site Characterisation When the BTD 300 is installed at a site it is necessary for it to determine the background variability of electric field changes present at the site in order to identify anomalies associated with thunderstorm activity Additionally antenna offsets are measured during the site characterisation so they can be removed by the detector in data processing Pressing the Perform Site Characteristics button will cause the Site Characterisation message see Figure 5 15 to be displayed Perform Site Characterisation oN Po El About to Perform Site Characterisation The System will wait for 60 Seconds before starting Please retreat at least 10m to avoid interfering with the process Progress py Figure 5 15 Site Characterisation Message Once the button is pressed there is a 60 second delay before the calibration is performed to allow all persons to retreat by least 10 m away from the detector to avoid contamination by nearby movement The progress bar will update during the Process and on completion t
10. the software starts It is advisable not to disable this feature of the software A tick in the box indicates that the feature is enabled e View Overhead Warning Box This checkbox hides or displays the warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead display A tick in the box indicates that the Warning box is displayed Figure 5 13 below shows the display when the warning box is hidden Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 22 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual COM13 BTD Control Lox File View Display Help FLASHES WITH NO DIRECTION Distant Near m D KEY wW Distant Lightning Far lt 55 56 KM SW Distant Lightning Near lt 37 04 KM BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Distant Far Cl Biral a7 ZV SE Instrument Status OK Data Logging ON Vicinity Lightning lt 18 52 KM S Operating Mode SAMPLING Overhead Lightning lt 9 26 KM LIGHTNING INDICATION Settings COM13 57600 n 8 1 Time 10 43 04 CAP Figure 5 13 Overhead Warning hidden Automatic Data Logging The software will automatically log the data whenever sampling is started If this checkbox is disabled then data logging will be disabled It is advisable not to disable this feature of the software Log File Update Time When the system is sampling and logging the data files will be automatically generated and a new file created according to the log file update time This time defaults t
11. to enable disable the direction finder During this process a Progress dialog will be displayed Direction Finder Setup Progress s Figure 5 38 Direction Finder Connection progress On completion the sensor will start sampling NOTE THIS IS FOR SEVICE PERSONNEL ONLY IF THE DIRECTION FINDER MODULE IS DEACTIVATED WHEN IT HAS BEEN FITTED THEN NO DIRECTION INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE LIKEWISE IF THE DIRECTION FINDER IS NOT FITTED AND IT IS ACTIVATED ANY LIGHTNING DATA WILL HAVE UNDEFINED DIRECTION DATA Pressing the Fitted Button will interrogate the BTD 300 to see if the Direction Finder Module 1s fitted When the response is received by the software the Connected checkbox will be updated to reflect the status Pressing the Get Status button will request the Direction Finder status from the BTD 300 A few quick commands are available here The commands are DF START Start the Direction Finder Sampling DF STOP Stop the Direction Finder Sampling DF PV Display the Direction Finder program version and date DF SN Display the Direction Finder Serial Number Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 40 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 3 2 1 Set Angle Offset The Direction finder should be installed facing North See BTD 300 User Manual for installation details If the direction finder is not able to be positioned directly north as instructed or the installation site produc
12. window and the Control Panel e Now follow the instructions in section 2 1 to install the new software 3 ETHERNET CONNECTIVITY The BTD 300 sensor is set up to automatically assign an IP address to the sensor on start up This assumes that the sensor will either be connected to a network or that the PC it is connected to is set up to have an automatic private IP Address If in doubt of the set up of your computer please contact your IT administrator The BTD Control Software uses a Virtual Communication Port to communicate with the sensor This port needs to be assigned on initial start up 3 1 Assigning the Virtual Com Port To assign the Virtual Com Port start the BTD Control Software On start up the BTD Control software will try and find the BTD 300 sensor and connect automatically The initial display will be Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 7 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Looking for Available Thunderstorm Detectors Figure 3 1 Searching For BTD 300 Sensor As the port has not been allocated the software will not find the BTD 300 Sensor so the display will change to gt File View Display Help BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Cannot Connect To Sensor Press Assign Button To Assign Port To Sensor Figure 3 2 No Sensor Found Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 8 of 46 se Biral Pressing the Assign button will start the program that assigns the Com por
13. 00 0x XX Direction Finder Ox YY where 0xXX is the BTD 300 warning indicator in hex and where OxYY is the Direction Finder warning indicator in hex The BTD 300 and Direction Finder Warning Flag Values will be calculated from the following table Table 5 1 The warnings could be added together if all three BTD 300 antenna offsets were out of range the BTD 300 warning would be 0x07 If the Direction Finder background noise was too high on both antennae then the Direction Finder Warning would be 0x18 The example in Figure 5 26 shows that the Direction Finder site characterisation has passed 0x00 but the BTD 300 has Primary and Tertiary antenna offsets out of range 0x05 Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 32 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual of range out of range of range calibration Corona threshold out of range Table 5 1 Site Characterisation Warnings io Primary Antenna OK Secondary Antenna OK Tertiary Antenna OK Other OK tea Site Characteristation 160715 153120 Warning BTD 300 0x05 Direction Finder 0x00 ne Local Calibration 160715 140208 Direction Finder OK Update Status Figure 5 26 Site Characterisation Warning Display 5 2 6 4 Local Calibration The local calibration is performed automatically by the BTD 300 See the BTD 300 User Manual for details of the local calibration process The local calibration status displays the date and time of last local calibration The
14. 000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 DEB 0 0 DATA 01 230415 104658 0 0 00 00000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 DEB 0 0 DATA 01 230415 104700 0 0 00 00000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 DEB 0 0 4 Settings COM2 57600 n 8 1 Time 10 47 03 CAP NUM SCRL Figure 5 29 Service Screen The Service screen is divided into 6 areas e Received Data This area displays the commands sent to and responses from the BTD 300 e Commands A text box enabling the user to enter and transmit commands to the BTD 300 and buttons for saving diagnostic data and transmission of new parameter files Direction Finder Direction Finder specific commands Quick Commands buttons with a subset of frequently used commands Lightning Warning Limits allows the warning limits and units to be changed Sensitivity Thresholds allows the sensitivity levels to be changed Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 35 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 3 1 Command Area The left hand side of the screen as shown in Figure 5 30 allows the user to enter specific commands to transmit to the BTD 300 Type Command to send Save Diagnostic Data Load Parameter File a 3 600 Figure 5 30 Command Area To transmit a command enter the text in th
15. 6546 03A Page 11 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual ai BIRAL BTD 300 Automatic Com Port Assign Locate BTD 300 and Assign a Virtual COM Port IP Address MAC Address Network If Device Name 60 15 31 00 80 4 5 96 6D 4C 60 1 9 14 Port 1659 254 224 228 00 80 4 5 96 60 46 169 254 63 129 Remove Port comes IP Address 169 2544 184 252 169 254 3 229 IP Address 169 254 274 278 IP Address 60 1 9 31 Allocate Port Remove All Found devices 1 Unallocated devices 169 254 224 228 Figure 3 8 Example 2 IP Address 169 254 184 252 169 294 5 229 Figure 3 9 Unassigned Ports Pressing the Remove All button will remove ports 4 and 9 and free them for future use 3 4 Network IP Addresses If the BTD 300 is connected to a PC via a network then the network server will assign the IP address Restarting the PC or the BTD 300 sensor will not change the assigned IP address so the control software should be able to connect without having to reassign a com port Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 12 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 3 5 Static IP Addresses If the BTD 300 sensor is to be connected to a standalone PC it may be more convenient to assign a static IP address to both the PC and the sensor In this case restarting the PC or the BTD 300 sensor will not change the assigned IP address It is possible to connect the BTD 300 to the Control Software using static IP Add
16. 9 254 184 252 and does not have a port allocated to it Signified by the 1 in the allocated port field To allocate a port to the second sensor use the Allocate options Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 9 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Allocate Port COM4 IP Address 169 254 184 952 w Allocate Port Figure 3 5 Allocate Options The Port drop down box lists all the free ports on the system The first available port is displayed in the field The IP Address drop down box lists those devices found with no ports allocated To allocate a port press the Allocate Port button the status at the foot of the display will change to Allocating Port 4 to IP 169 254 184 252 please wait On successful allocation the display will change to a BIRAL BTD 300 Automatic Com Port Assignment Locate BTD 300 and Assign a Virtual COM Port IP Address MAC Address Network If Device Name Allocated Port 60 19 31 00 80 4 5 96 6D 4C 60 1 9 14 Port a 1659 254 184 252 00 80 4 3 96 60 46 169 254 63 129 Remove Unassigned Ports Port come IP Address 169 254 3 229 IF Address IF Address 60 1 9 311 Allocate Fort Remove Port Found 2 devices All Devices have ports allocated Figure 3 6 Successful Port Allocation Once all the ports have been allocated close the allocation program Once the program is closed the BTD Control software will automatically try and connect to the sensor On successfu
17. Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 6 APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING 6 1 Communication Problems Once connected if the BTD Control software receives no data from the BTD 300 for 30 seconds then the connection will be closed and the sensor not connected screen will be displayed see Figure 6 1 File View Display Help WA Biral BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR SENSOR NOT CONNECTED Time 14 05 36 CAP NUM SCRE Figure 6 1 No Connection If this occurs check the physical connections between the BTD 300 and the PC running the software and press the Connect button to retry the automatic connection process Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 46 of 46
18. Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Biral USER MANUAL FOR THE BTD Control Software A Manual Part Number 106546 03A Issue Date 03 August 2015 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual PROPRIETARY NOTICE The information contained in this manual including all illustrations drawings schematics and parts lists is proprietary to BIRAL It is provided for the sole purpose of aiding the buyer or user in operating and maintaining the instrument This information is not to be used for the manufacture or sale of similar items without written permission COPYRIGHT NOTICE This document has been prepared by Bristol Industrial and Research Associates Limited and contains copyright material belonging to the company The contents may not be copied or disclosed to a g party without the express written permission of Biral Bristol Industrial and Research Associates Limited Biral 2014 LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BTD Control Software remains the property of Biral and is protected by appropriate copyright law and international treaty provisions The Licensee 1s granted the right to use the software but not to de compile or to in anyway alter the composition of the software The software contains information of commercial value and worth to BIRAL The licensee may not transfer the software to any third party and should hold it in confidence and protect it from disclosure to third parties No other warranties except those expre
19. PC date and time as shown in Figure 5 23 BTO Date Time 04 07 2014 ar 12 45 06 Get BID Set BTO Date Time Date Time Figure 5 23 BTD Date Time The buttons are only active when the BTD 300 is in idle mode otherwise they are greyed out Pressing the Get BTD Date Time button will request the current date and time stored in the BTD 300 The Display will update momentarily showing the date and time as stored by the BTD 300 Pressing the Set BTD Date Time button will transmit the current PC date and time to the BTD 300 and update the internal time in the BTD 300 Note If the BTD 300 is fitted with the relay option and these are set to be disabled overnight to prevent un necessary alarms the BTD time MUST be set as detailed above to ensure correct alarm operation at the required times of day 5 2 6 Status The status display shows a visual and textual indication of the current state of the Detector Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 30 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual status Frimary Antenna OK Secondary Antenna OK Tertiary Antenna OK Other Other Fault Site Characteristation 040714 120227 OK O O 3 o o Local Calibration 030714 103127 Update Status Figure 5 24 Status Display 5 2 6 1 Antenna Status The 3 antenna are monitored during operation for signs of leakage and saturation The display for the antenna is either a green circle with the text OK or a red c
20. agery By using the Flash data downloaded from the BTD 300 See section 5 2 2 2 the user can calculate a site correction factor If a systematic bias is evident the user should press the Calculate Site Correction Factor button and input the range estimated by the BTD 300 Reported Distance and that from other means Actual Distance into the pop up box This information will be used by the software to set the range calibration factor for the installation site The distance units can be anything as long as the same units are used for both readings Pressing the Calculate Site Correction Factor causes the following dialog to be displayed Enter Actual Distance Enter Reported Distance 9 os Figure 5 18 Site Correction Once the values have been entered pressing the Calculate button will calculate the Site Correction factor and transmit this value to the BTD 300 5 2 4 Connection The Connection Part of the Configuration Screen contains a visual indication of the communications link status and allows the user to open and close the connection to the BTD 300 Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 28 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Connection Port AUTO Baud 57600 Figure 5 19 Connection Display The connection indicator is either a Red or Green circle depending on the connection status The text in the button changes between Close Connection and Connect Pressing
21. ce Figure 5 35 Load Parameter progress If the BTD 300 was in sampling mode before this button was pressed then sampling will be stopped during the function and NOT started again when it is completed 5 3 1 3 Baud Rate The default and minimum baud rate for the Connection to the BTD 300 is 57600 Baud If the user changes the Baud rate using the BAUD command See BTD 300 User Manual for details of this command then the drop down box must be used to select the new baud rate for the automatic connection The only allowable Baud rates are 57600 and 115200 baud 5 3 2 Direction Finder Commands This region allows the service personnel to interrogate the Direction Finder Direction Finder Get Status ae Figure 5 36 Direction Finder Commands The Connected Checkbox shows whether a Direction Finder is connected to the BTD 300 A Tick shows that the Direction Finder is connected The Direction Finder connection state can only be changed in Idle mode If the Connected button is checked or unchecked when the system is sampling the following message will be displayed Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 39 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual BID Control 1 Command Not allowed in Sampling Mode Figure 5 37 Command Not Allowed Message If the connection state can be changed then when the Connected checkbox is checked or unchecked by the user then the program will send a series of commands to the BTD 300
22. ce the fact that the BTD 300 is not sampling COM13 BTD Cc File View Display Help OF BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead Biral E Charged Precipitation E Strong Electric Field BTD300 is not Sampling STATUS Distant Lightning Far lt 55 56 KM Instrument Status OK KEY Distant Lightning Near lt 37 04 KM Data Logging OFF Vicinity Lightning lt 18 52 KM Operating Mode Overhead Lightning lt 9 26 KM LIGHTNING INDICATION Figure 5 9 Idle Mode Display Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 20 of 46 en Biral BTD Control Software User Manual 5 2 Configuration Screen The Configuration screen is accessed via the Display Menu as shown in Figure 5 10 below p J COM4 BTD Control po S x File View Help a Main Screen Configuration Screen 5 7 a Service Screen BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead Figure 5 10 Menu Options The Configuration Screen allows the user to view the status of the BTD 300 and to customise certain aspects of the software COM12 BTD Contre rs _ File View Display Help il R Configuration Configuration Parameters BTD Date Time i 17 07 2015 09 37 52 E Connect Automatically on Startup 5 5 View Overhead Warning Box Get BTD Set BTD Port AUTO v Date Time Date Time Automatic Data Logging Baud 57600 v Log Fi
23. d if using a USB converter check that the drivers are installed and a virtual COM Port is available On successful connection the main display will be shown When the software is closed the BTD 300 instrument will still be running but all data logging will stop and no warnings will be displayed The user will be asked to confirm the closure via the message as shown in Figure 5 1 below BTD Control d Exiting this program will stop BTD 300 data logging Are you sure you want to quit Figure 5 1 Close Confirmation Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 14 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 1 Main Display The Main Display is as shown in Figure 5 2 below f COM4 BTD Control File View Display Help L Biral BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead Charged Precipitation Strong Electric Field KEY STATUS Distant Lightning Far lt 83 34 KM Instrument Status FAULT ewe lt 37 Distant Lightning Near lt 37 04 KM Data Logging ON Vicinity Lightning lt 18 52 KM Operating Mode SAMPLING Overhead Lightning lt 9 26 KM LIGHTNING INDICATION Settings COM4 115200 n 8 1 Time 14 51 18 CAP NUM ScRL Figure 5 2 Main Display No Direction Finding The main Display has the following components Lightning Indication Plot Lightning Key Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead Status Indication 5 1 1
24. e 23 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 2 1 1 Data Files When the software initially starts the default data directory C BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR DATA will be created Any user defined directories will also be created by the software Recorded files are automatically generated by the software and are saved using the file format BTD DATA DDMMYY HHMMSS and end in the file format designation CSV where the date 1s given in days months and years and the time is in 24 hour format For example a data file generated on 04 July 2014 at 09 14 50 sampling would be named BTD DATA 040714 091450 CSV The data files are text files stored in the comma separated variable format and are compatible with Microsoft Excel Data files are automatically saved in the Data Directory Y Y Y Y Month folder where YY YY is the year and Month is the month When sampling continues from one month to the next a new folder and data file is generated for the new month For example the data file mentioned above would be saved in the folder C BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR DATA 2014 JULY 5 2 1 1 1 Example Data file This is an example of a generated data file BIRAL Thunderstorm Detector Log File BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR DATA 2014 July BTID DATA 040714 091450 CSV Date 04 07 14 09 14 50 PCDate PCTime Header ID Date Time No Flashes Warning Indicator Warning Flags Self Test Flashl Date Flashl Time Flashl cs Flas
25. e box and press the send button The command and any response will be displayed in the Received Data area For a list of commands and responses see the BTD 300 User manual 5 3 1 1 Save Diagnostic Data The Save Diagnostic Data button will transmit a series of commands to the BTD 300 and save the responses in a file saved in the Status directory This function is for Service Personnel only and would normally only be used on request from Biral Pressing the button will display the Save As Dialog See Figure 5 31 by default the file name will be BTD DIAG DDMMYY HHMMSS TXT Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 36 of 46 re pan Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual E Save As JJA EA E T Name Date modified Jr Favorites E Desktop E BIDSTATUS TAT 04 07 2014 13 05 pi Downloads E Hightail E Recent Places B Desktop Libraries B Documents al Music Pictures Product Suppo ree TE a gt Hide Folders Figure 5 31 Diagnostic Save Pressing the Save button will stop sampling and perform the Diagnostic Save function A Progress dialog will be displayed showing the progress of the function eet oe A ba Figure 5 32 Diagnostic Progress On Completion the Progress dialog will be closed If the BTD 300 was in sampling mode before this button was pressed then sampling will be stopped during the function and NOT started again when it is completed See paragraph 5 3 3 for instructions to restart sampling Manua
26. ed precipitation warning where the charged precipitation is still present While the example in Figure 5 6 shows that a strong electric field alert occurred in the last pre defined warning period default 15 minutes Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 17 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Warming of Potential Thunderstons Acthity Overhead w charged Precipitates Strong Electric Field REY Warning Figure 5 5 Indication of current charged precipitation warning Warning of Pobential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead chargea Precipitatent n Sron Electric Field KEY Warning Figure 5 6 Indication of Strong Electric Field Alert in Last Warning Period 5 1 4 Status Indication This is displayed on the bottom right of the screen This shows the current status of the instrument OK or FAULT whether data logging is taking place ON or OFF and the current operational mode IDLE or SAMPLING More detailed instrument status can be found on the Configuration screen If the status is Ok the text will be in black but any faults or if the system isn t logging will be shown in red See Figure 5 7 for an example showing that the logging of data has stopped Instrument Status OK Data Logging OFF Operating Mode SAMPLING Figure 5 7 Example of non standard status display 5 1 5 Flashes with No Direction When the Direction Finder Module is fitted there may be occasions when a distant fla
27. ents that have occurred Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 24 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual This is a single file which is updated whenever a site calibration or a local characterisation occurs If the status file is renamed for archiving a new file is initiated with the same name 5 2 1 2 1 Example Status File This is an example of a generated status file SITE 030714 114157 000011 000005 000017 00000 00000 00000 0000000017 LOCAL 030714 103127 00121 00163 00231 00315 5 2 2 Operation The Operation options allow the user to perform certain actions Operation Start Sampling start Logging Data Perform Site Characteristics Download Flash Data Figure 5 14 Operation Actions e Start Stop sampling Pressing this button starts and or stops the BTD 300 sampling mode The text in the button will change from Start Sampling to Stop Sampling according to the current operating mode e Start Stop Logging Data Pressing this button starts and or stops the logging of the BTD 300 data The text in the button will change from Start Logging Data to Stop Logging Data according to the logging status This button is required to start the logging of the data if the automatic logging has been disabled e Perform Site Characteristics This button is used by the user to perform the site characterisation process This button can only be pressed when the BTD 300
28. es a systematic bias in magnetic direction finding a fixed offset can be added or subtracted to the derived flash angles The offset can only be set when the sensor 1s 1n idle mode To set the offset press the Set Angle Offset button The dialog as shown in below will be displayed Set Angle Offset Enter the Angle Offset from North Value 0 Save Offset Figure 5 39 Set Angle Offset Dialog Enter the desired offset angle in the range 180 degrees positive clockwise negative anticlockwise Pressing the save offset button will close the dialog and update the offset The dialog has a timeout so that if the Save offset button is not pressed within 30 seconds the dialog will close with the offset remaining unchanged 5 3 3 Quick Commands This region has a subset of the command set enabled as buttons to allow for ease of use Quick Commands i d start Do J Ti sme Loca Figure 5 40 Quick Commands i i The commands are Start Start Sampling Do Site Perform Site Characterisation Stop Stop Sampling D Request last data string R Request Status PV Display BTD 300 program version and date SN Display BTD 300 Serial Number SITE Request Site Characterisation parameters Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 41 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual e LOCAL Request Local calibration Parameters e RESET Reset the BTD 300
29. he message box will close The characterisation takes approximately 32 seconds where antenna offsets and ambient variability are measured At the end of the Site Characterisation process the BTD 300 will transmit the Site Characteristic message which will automatically be saved in the status file The sensor will begin sampling again automatically 10 seconds after characterisation is complete 5 2 2 2 Download Flash Data The last 128 flash times and distances detected by the BTD 300 are stored by the BTD 300 and can be downloaded in CSV format by pressing the Download Flash Data button Pressing this button will cause the Save As message See Figure 5 16 to be displayed which allows the user to change the file name of the downloaded data file By default the file will be saved in the status directory and will have the name FLASH DATA DDMMYY HHMMSS CSV Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 26 of 46 p Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Organize New folder Pictures Narne Date modified Product Suppo Projects No tems match your search E Videos f Homegroup B Sue jE Computer Local Disk C _ 8 DVD RW Drivel a Removable Dis 3 BD ROM Drive iCloud Photos Gia Network i DAISY PC ee t File name FLASH DATA 040714 _122026 C5V ae sve yp Ses a Hide Folders Figure 5 16 Save Flash Data File Pressing Save will cause the Download Flash Data message see Figure 5 17 to be displayed
30. hl Distance Flashl Direction Flash2 Date Flash2 Time Flash2 cs Flash2 Distance Flash2 Direction Flash3 Date Flash3 Time Flash3 cs Flash3 Distance Flash3 Direction Flash4 Date Flash4 Time Flash4 cs Flash4 Distance Flash4 Direction 04 07 14 09214 50 DATA 01 040714 090421 00 0 00 XOLOxX 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 O4 07 14 092142 52 DATA 01 040714 090423 00 0 00 00L0xX 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 JA 07 14 09214254 DATA 01 040714 090425 00 0 00 00L0x 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 04 07 14 092 14256 DATA 01 040714 090427 00 0 00 OLLOX 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 00 0 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 000000 000000 000 00000 000 5 2 1 2 Status Files When the software initially starts the default data directory C BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Status will be created Any user defined directories will also be created by the software A status file named BTDSTATUS TXT is automatically generated by the software This is a text file and contains details of site characterisation and local calibration ev
31. ication on a computer Where the application is to be run in conjunction with other applications it is the responsibility of the user to ensure the system requirements are adequate The compatibility with operating systems not listed in this document is not currently known If operation with alternative operating systems is required please contact Biral for further advice System Component Minimum Requirement Processor Pentium 1 GHz Pentium 2GHz or higher is recommended RAM Memory 1 G Bytes 2 G Bytes is recommended Available Hard Disk 32 Bit 1 G Bytes for Program Installation 64 Bit 2 G Bytes for Program Installation Additional space is required for the storage of logged data The BTD Control Software generates approximately 200 M Bytes per day of logged data It is the responsibility of the user to manage the long term archiving of data and housekeeping of the data storage area Video Adaptor DirectX 9 graphics device Monitor 800 x 600 Minimum Pixel Resolution Communication Either Ports RS422 Serial communications port Capable of supporting the following Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 4 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Baud Rate 115 200 Parity No Parity Data Bits 8 Data Bits Stop Bits 1 Stop Bit Or USB 1 0 or USB 2 0 Port Capable of connection to a USB to Serial Port adaptor with the capabilities listed above Or Ethernet Port Table 1 1 System Requirements 2 INSTALLATION
32. ightning flash is detected within range For distant thunderstorms it is possible to alter this function so that a caution is only issued if two flashes occur within the warning hysteresis persistence time which is shown in the configuration screen of the BTD control software and has a default 15 minutes This feature allows distant thunderstorms producing isolated or low lightning activity to be ignored although their flashes will still be logged The BTD 300 will however always warn on the first flash detected in the vicinity or overhead range sectors due to the more immediate risk they present to the site To set the system to warn on two flashes check the Warn on Second Distant Flash box This can only be performed when the system is not sampling If the system is sampling a warning will be displayed and the value will remain unchanged 5 3 4 3 Set Default Limits Pressing the Set default Limits button will set the limits to the default lightning proximity levels These levels are those required by the US Federal Aviation Authority FAA These limits are Overhead 5 Nautical Miles 9 62 Km Vicinity 10 Nautical Miles 18 52 Km Near Distant 20 Nautical Miles 37 04 Km Far Distant 30 Nautical Miles 55 56 Km This command is only available when not in sampling mode 5 3 4 4 Update Limits Pressing the Update Limits will convert the limits in the text boxes to decameters and transmit them to the BTD 300 Pressi
33. ircle with the text Antenna Leakage or Antenna Saturation See the BTD 300 User Manual for descriptions of Antenna leakage and saturation and troubleshooting advice 5 2 6 2 Other The BTD 300 monitors the internal voltages and other health states If an error occurs in one of these the error will be displayed The display for the antenna is either a green circle with the text OK or a red circle with the text explaining the fault During sampling the sampling will say Other Fault If this occurs pressing the Update Status button will request the detailed status and the detailed fault message will be displayed Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 31 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual status Frimary Antenna OK Secondary Antenna OK Tertiary Antenna OK Other Voltage Error Site Characteristation 040714 120227 OK O 3 o o Local Calibration 030714 103127 Update Status Figure 5 25 Detailed Status Display In the example screens in Figure 5 24 and Figure 5 25 there is Voltage Error displayed 5 2 6 3 Site Characterisation The Site Characterisation status displays the date and time of last site characterisation and an indication of the validity of the characterization The display will be one of e Green circle with date and time and text OK e Orange Circle and text Site Characterisation Not Yet Performed e Orange Circle with date and time and text Warning BTD 3
34. l Part Number 106546 03A Page 37 of 46 p Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 3 1 2 Load Parameter File On occasion Biral may send an updated Parameter file to user s service Personnel to be loaded onto the BTD 300 The file type is TXT Pressing the Load Parameter File button will display the Confirmation dialog as shown in Figure 5 33 below Figure 5 33 Confirmation Dialog Pressing YES will cause the Open Dialog to be displayed as shown in Figure 5 34 below jee Open A THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR STATUS E s Seon staTus e Organize New folder j E Recent Places Name Date modified Type ME Deskt E BTD_DIAG_040714_153730 TXT 04 07 2014 15 40 Text Docums 7 ol BID_DIAG 040714 154120 TAT 04 07 2014 15 43 Text Docurms g Libraries BIDSTATUS TAT 04 07 2014 15 43 Text Docums Documents FE update txt 04 07 2014 15 48 Text Docurm al Music Odds Pictures Product Suppo Projects E Videos re Homegroup B Sue jE Computer Gi Network MM DAISY PC 4 m File name update tet text files tct Open F Cancel Figure 5 34 Load new Parameter File Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 38 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Select the file and press Open The new parameters will be loaded from the file and a progress dialog will be displayed See Figure 5 35 during the operation and then the progress dialog will close ee o o Can
35. l connection the display will change to Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 10 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual y COM4 BTD Control So File View Display Help a Biral BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead Charged Precipitation Strong Electric Field KEY Warning Alert KEY STATUS Distant Lightning Far lt 83 34 KM Instrument Status FAULT Distant Lightning Near lt 37 04 KM Data Logging ON Vicinity Lightning lt 18 52 KM Operating Mode SAMPLING Overhead Lightning lt 9 26 KM LIGHTNING INDICATION Settings COM4 115200 n 8 1 Time 14 51 18 CAP NUM SCRL e Figure 3 7 Main Display 3 2 Private IP Addresses If the BTD 300 is connected to a PC that has an automatic private IP address then whenever either the BTD 300 sensor or the PC is restarted the automatic IP address will change and the BTD Control will not be able to automatically connect to the sensor In this case the process described in section 2 1 will need to be repeated 3 3 Removal of Old Port Assignments If the Private IP Address process as described in section 3 2 above has produced numerous assigned ports to old IP addresses the Assignment program can be used to remove old assignments and free the com ports associated with them In this example there are two old assignments listed in the Unassigned Ports box Manual Part Number 10
36. le Update Time Minutes 60 Warning Hysteresis Minutes Status ry Primary Antenna Perform Site Characteristics Update Times Data Directory ry Tertiary Antenna BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR DATA Download Flash Data ry Other OK ff secondary Antenna oK OK OK a Data ie Site Characteristation 160715 153120 Warning BTD 300 0x05 Direction Finder 0x00 ry Local Calibration 160715 140208 Status Directory BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR STATUS Site Calibration ry Direction Finder OK Set Status Calculate Site Directory Correction Factor Update Status Settings COM12 57600 n 8 1 Time 09 37 52 CAP NUM SCRL Figure 5 11 Configuration Screen The Configuration screen is divided into 6 areas Configuration Parameters Operation Site Calibration Connection BTD Date Time Status 5 2 1 Configuration Parameters The configuration parameters allow the user to customise certain aspects of the software Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 21 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Configuration Parameters M View Overhead Warning Box W Automatic Data Logging Data Directory BIRLAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR DATAN Set Data Directory status Directory BIRLAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR STATUSY Figure 5 12 Configuration Parameters e Connect Automatically on Startup This checkbox allows the user to enable or disable the automatic connection to the BRD 300 when
37. mitted to the BTD 300 This command is only available when not in sampling mode 5 3 5 3 Load New Threshold File On occasion Biral may need to send a new Threshold file This file will need to be loaded into the BTD 300 The file type is DAT To load the new file Press the Load new Threshold File button Pressing this button will cause the Open Dialog to be displayed as shown in Figure 5 44 Load Threshold File below Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 44 of 46 p Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual EEH Se 5 ll Search ExtraFiles P Organize New folder beget Projects library Arrange by Folder Y B Desktop ExtraFiles l 8 Dena Name Date modi Hightail B Recent Places aoe oe Lantronix 09 05 2014 ME Desktop BTD_CPR 09 05 2014 Libraries Windows Installer 4 5 24 04 2014 di Jo E Sa NI E Documents dotNetF45 23 04 2014 cre dotNetFx40 22 04 2014 Odds Drrverlnstall 16 04 2014 E Pictures Product Suppo Projects E Videos Me as 4 rn t File name THRESH DAT Data files dat z Figure 5 44 Load Threshold File Select the file and press Open The new thresholds will be loaded from the file and a progress dialog will be displayed See Figure 5 45 Update Threshold Progress during the operation and then the progress dialog will close Figure 5 45 Update Threshold Progress This command is only available when not in sampling mode Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 45 of 46
38. ng this button also causes the key in the main display to update This command is only available when not in sampling mode 5 3 45 Get Limits Pressing this button will request the current warning limits from the BTD 300 Once these limits have been received the Limit boxes will update with the new values as well as the key on the main display 5 3 5 Sensitivity Thresholds For a description of the lightning sensitivity see the BTD 300 User Manual Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 43 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Sensitivity Thresholds Most Sensitive Default CS Co Lo Least Sensitive Lightning Lightning Precipitation Strong Strength Ratio Charge Electric Field aoe Update Get ee Sensitivity Sensitivity a a Levels Levels Figure 5 43 Sensitivity Thresholds The sensitivity thresholds and levels are stored in the BTD 300 the display in the Service Software is initially set to the default settings The mid point on the slide control level5 is the default setting 5 3 5 1 Get Sensitivity Levels Press the Get Sensitivity Levels button to retrieve the current settings used by the BTD 300 The software will request the current levels and update the slide controls to reflect the current levels 5 3 5 2 Update Sensitivity Levels To change the sensitivity level adjust the relevant slide control to the new level and then press the Update sensitivity levels button This will cause the new levels to be trans
39. o 60 minutes with each data file comprising one hour s worth of data The update time can be changed to any value between 60 minutes and 1440 minutes one hour to one day This parameter can only be changed when the BTD 300 is in idle mode The parameter will be greyed out if the BTD 300 is in sampling mode To confirm and save the change in update time press the Update times button Warning Hysteresis This is the warning period in minutes that a warning or alert will be displayed on the main screen This time defaults to 15 minutes it can be set to any time between 5 and 60 minutes This parameter can only be changed when the BTD 300 is in idle mode The parameter will be greyed out if the BTD 300 is in sampling mode To confirm and save the change in warning hysteresis time press the Update times button this will also update the BTD 300 warning and relay hysteresis times Data Directory by default the data files will be stored in the directory C BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR DATA The user can change this default directory using the Set Data Directory button Status Directory by default any generated status files will be stored in the directory C BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR STATUS The user can change this default directory using the Set Status Directory button The settings defined here will be saved by the software and any changes made by the user will be retained Manual Part Number 106546 03A Pag
40. r showing both the range and the direction of the flashes Only the appropriate sector will be coloured with the key colour More than one sector will normally be illuminated and will contain the number of flashes occurring in that sector as the storm moves through the sensor s measurement area NOTE the data string from the BTD 300 will always provide a direction reading if the direction finder option is fitted If no clear direction is discernible the data location will read 999 If the flash is vicinity or overhead the direction obtained from the direction finder will NOT be used in the display of Figure 5 4 The central overhead area and the first ring vicinity lightning only indicate the number of flashes not the direction This is in accordance with the FAA requirements and reflects the fact that for such close flashes the actual flash direction may not represent the true storm position Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 16 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual COM13 BTD Control jE es File View Display Help ga BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead T _ _ NE Charged Precipitation Strong Electric Field FLASHES WITH NO DIRECTION Distant Far E Cl Distant Near W Distant Lightning Far lt 55 56 KM Instrument Status OK LEDS Vicinity Lightning lt 18 52 KM S Operating Mode SAMPLING
41. rection 5 1 6 Idle Mode 5 2 Configuration Screen 5 2 1 Configuration Parameters 5 2 2 Operation 5 2 3 Site Calibration 5 2 4 Connection 5 2 5 BTD Date and Time 5 2 6 Status 5 3 Service Screen 5 3 1 Command Area 5 3 2 Direction Finder Commands 5 3 3 Quick Commands 5 3 4 Lightning Warning Limits 5 3 5 Sensitivity Thresholds 6 APPENDIX A TROUBLESHOOTING 6 1 Communication Problems Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 3 of 46 NI N N uu A A A Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 1 INTRODUCTION This manual covers the use of the BTD Control Software connected to a BTD 300 Thunderstorm Detector This manual specifically covers releases SI100276 01A onwards of the software The software runs on a standard PC running the Windows 7 or later operating system The Professional version of Windows is required The software will run on either 32 bit or 64 bit versions of Windows Make sure that your computer has the latest Windows service pack and critical updates The BTD Control software communicates with the BTD 300 Thunderstorm Detector either via an RS422 serial or Ethernet data link The link is dependent on the BTD 300 configuration which is selected at the time of order Before operating the BTD 300 the user should have read the BTD 300 User Manual which describes the operation of the detector 1 1 Minimum System Requirements The requirements apply to situations where the software 1s installed as a single appl
42. resses but this requires that changes are made to BTD 300 sensor setup If you wish to use Static IP Addresses please contact Biral for assistance 4 RS422 CONNECTION If Serial communications have been installed on the BTD 300 The BTD 300 will use a 4 wire RS422 interface See the BTD 300 User manual for details on the connection As most PCs don t have RS422 ports a RS422 to RS232 or RS422 to USB converter may be required This converter is not provided with the Software or the BTD 300 and it is the responsibility of the user to provide this If the converter has been properly connected and installed then the BTD Control software will automatically detected the BTD 300 on the serial port on start up Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 13 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 USER INTERFACE All of the functionality of BTD 300 is controlled via the BTD Control Software The BTD Control Software is designed to be flexible and easy to use The software is started via the icon on the Windows Desktop On start up the BTD Control software will try and find the BTD 300 sensor and connect automatically The initial display will be as shown in Figure 3 1 above If the connection cannot be found the No Sensor Found display as shown in Figure 3 2 above will be displayed If this happens for Ethernet connections follow the instructions in section 3 1 above For serial connections check that the RS422 connections are correct an
43. sh occurs that does not have suitable quality of direction data associated with it In this case the flash is recorded not in the Lightning Indication plot but in the Flashes with No Direction section of the display Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 18 of 46 _ _ Qu 2 BTD Control Software User Manual The number of flashes in the last 15 minutes default is indicated in the centre of the box The number displayed in bold represents the most recent flash The display in Figure 5 8 below shows the indication of lightning activity during a thunderstorm m cow o cno T Ml File View Display Help w BIRAL THUNDERSTORM DETECTOR Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Biral 4 FLASHES WITH NO DIRECTION Distant Far Charged Precipitation Strong Electric Field 2 Distant Near STATUS Instrument Status OK Data Logging ON Vicinity Lightning lt 18 52 KM S Operating Mode SAMPLING Overhead Lightning lt 9 26 KM LIGHTNING INDICATION Time 11 45 07 CAP NUM SCRL Figure 5 8 Flashes with No Direction The BTD 300 is designed to start sampling automatically on startup so the Operating Mode should normally show Sampling Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 19 of 46 0 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual 5 1 6 Idle Mode If the user has stopped sampling the main display will change to that as shown in Figure 5 9 below The lightning indication plot is removed to reinfor
44. ssly set out above are implied or should be inferred Biral makes no warranty concerning the fitness of the BTD 300 Thunderstorm Detector or its software for a particular purpose or use BIRAL does not warrant guarantee or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the BTD 300 Thunderstorm Detector or the software In no event will Biral its Directors or employees be liable for direct indirect incidental exemplary or consequential damages expenses or losses arising out of the use or inability to use the instrument or software FURTHER INFORMATION You can get more information by contacting BIRAL at info Biral com For service or repair consult contact BIRAL at service Biral com Biral PO Box 2 Portishead Bristol BS20 7JB United Kingdom Telephone 44 0 1275 847787 Facsimile 44 0 1275 847303 Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 2 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1 Minimum System Requirements 2 INSTALLATION 2 1 New Installation 2 2 Update to an Existing Installation 3 ETHERNET CONNECTIVITY 3 1 Assigning the Virtual Com Port 3 2 Private IP Addresses 3 3 Removal of Old Port Assignments 3 4 Network IP Addresses 3 5 Static IP Addresses 4 RS422 CONNECTION USER INTERFACE 5 1 Main Display 5 1 1 Lightning Indication Plot 5 1 2 Lightning Key 5 1 3 Warning of Potential Thunderstorm Activity Overhead 5 1 4 Status Indication 5 1 5 Flashes with No Di
45. t to the sensor Assigning a Com Port needs to have Administrator privileges so the User Account Control dialog will be displayed Pte Arye As User Account Control Program name Publisher File origin v Show details BTD Control Software User Manual Unknown Hard drive on this computer Change when these notifications appear Figure 3 3 User Account Control Pressing the Yes button will start the Automatic Com Port Assignment program ai BIRAL BTD 300 Automatic Com Port Assign Locate BTD 300 and Assign a Virtual COM Port MAC Address 00 80 43 96 60D 4C 00 80 A3 96 60 46 IP Address 60 1 9 31 169 254 184 252 Network If Allocated Port 60 1 9 14 169 254 63 129 Device Name Port Allocate Port Remove Unassigned Ports comM4 Port coms Port IP Address q 169 2545 229 IP Address Allocate Port Found 2 devices 1 Unallocated devices 169 254 184 252 169 254 184 252 IF Address 60 1 9 31 Remove Port Figure 3 4 Automatic Com Port Assignment Display When this program starts it searches for any BTD 300 sensors and displays the information about them in the Device box In the above example there are two BTD 300 sensors found One is on a network IP address 60 1 9 31 and that has a port assigned in this instance the software cannot connect to this sensor as it is already in use The second sensor is connected locally to the PC with a private IP address 16
46. the button when the connection is active closes the communications link and changes the display to the one in Figure 5 20 Port AUTO Baud 2 600 7 Figure 5 20 Closed Connection The Port and Baud drop down boxes allow the user to specify the port and baud rate to use NOTE The default baud rate of the system is 57600 baud Selecting a different baud rate could cause the system to lose communications This should only be used by service personnel Connect Port SALS Baud COM1 COM 12 Status COM14 Figure 5 21 Port Selection Connection Setting the Port selection to AUTO See Figure 5 22 and pressing the connect button will perform the automatic search and connect procedure with the connection message displayed See Figure 5 22 Manual Part Number 106546 03A Page 29 of 46 Bir al BTD Control Software User Manual Looking for Available Thunderstorm Detectors Timeoutin 12 Seconds E Figure 5 22 Connection Message If a connection is found the visual indicator will turn green and the text in the button will change to Close Connection If the connection cannot be made the visual indicator and text will remain unchanged If the communications port number is known then the port number can be selected see Figure 5 22 and the software will attempt to connect to that port bypassing the automatic search process 5 2 5 BTD Date and Time This area of the configuration screen shows the current

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