PID Control Software - PID Navigator

PID Navigator is designed with quick startup and ease of use in mind.  The HMI programming is ready to use.  All you need is the HMI display, Watlow controls and Watlow data table to link the HMI to the Watlow multiloop control rack.  This architecture is designed to get your multiloop temperature control application up and running quickly.

• EZ ZONE RM Rack mounted modules with part numbers beginning with 'RMC', up to five modules.
• RMAP PLUS Ethernet communications module with Modbus TCP with part number beginning with 'RMAP'
• ASPYRE DT SCR Controllers with Modbus TCP (Ethernet) or Modbus RTU (RS485).  See connection FAQ below for important information.
• Eurotherm EPack SCR with Modbus TCP (Ethernet)

The HMI programming environment allows the application program to be translated to various HMI models and part numbers.  To date, the software has been run on the following models:

• HMI5070LB
• cMT3072XH

Contact Cardinal Best LL if considering another HMI part number.

We would call PID Navigator software a semi-custom application.  Why?  Think of the HMI software (ie 'Front end')as an off the shelf product.  In order to function, the front end needs a compatible data table (ie 'Back end') within the Watlow RMA PLUS Module.  This data table is created for the application.  So, because a data table is required, we consider this a semi-custom solution, but still able to be implemented quickly.

• Install PID Navigator on your Weintek/Maple Systems/Watlow HMI product
• Assemble your Watlow EZ ZONE RM rack mounted multiloop controls
• Get your unique installation data table from Cardinal Best LLC.  This data table is in the form a basic Watlow COMPOSER file.  Use this file as a baseline for your application.
• Connect your application components to the HMI
• Select what zones are present in the system on a simple HMI screen.  This will link your HMI to the Watlow hardware.
• Select any optional equipment such as smart SCR products.
• Personalize your HMI experience and you're on your way to using your multiloop temperature controls!

• Watlow EZ ZONE RM controls, up to five RMC modules (PID, Safety limit, auxiliary input or digital I/O).  Current monitor input is not supported.
• Watlow ASPYRE DT SCR (Ethernet connected with Silver Series, or IE Series HMI.  cMT models may use MODBUS RTU serial connection as an alternate.  Contact Cardinal Best LLC for details.
• Eurotherm EPack (Ethernet connected)
• Watlow ASPYRE AT (Future)

No.  PID Navigator is designed to support EZ ZONE RM modules and their use in a multiloop PID control application.  PID Navigator works on Weintek/Maple Systems/Watlow HMI products only.  PID Navigator works with Watlow COMPOSER software.

• Smart SCR.  If using Watlow ASPYRE DT or Eurotherm EPack, PID Navigator can display load information such as load volts, load amps, power and load Ohms.
• Data Logging.  If enabled, HMI can log temperature loop data less SCR data to an HMI connected USB memory stick.  The shortestlog interval is 15 seconds.
• Optional features require an unlock code to gain access.

Yes.  These can be named.  There is a 12 character max limit to names.

PID Navigator displays the state of digital I/O inputs and outputs.  PID Navigator does not drive any outputs, rather gives the operator status of the overall process.

The minimum is one and maximum is twenty loops.  For most practical purposes a minimum of four loops is a good start, however fewer than four loops is no problem.

The data table defines the location of data within the Watlow EZ ZONE RMA PLUS communications module.  Data must be located in specific registers in order for the HMI to find loop information.

The data table is provided by Cardinal Best LLC and is dependent on the specific application and Watlow EZ ZONE Part numbers.  The data table will be contained in a COMPOSER file.  This is the file you should use to begin your application development.

Either is possible!  Cardinal Best LLC can help provide the software only or a complete control system including control panel, RM modules and power switching devices.  UL508A control panels can be provided.

No problem.  A new data table may be provided for a modest fee.

Yes.  The previous Watlow RMA module is not supported.

Yes.  You will need an unlock code to gain unlimited use of PID Navigator.

Not really.  The Watlow EZ ZONE RM ordering matrix will define what's possible, and PID Navigator works with the hardware as presented to it, with of course an appropriate data table.  PID Navigator does not support current monitor inputs, but load current info can brought in through the Smart SCR option.

• For Weintek iE basic HMI or Watlow Silver Series, connect to Smart SCR's using Ethernet.  Although the Watlow ASPYRE SCR has Modbus RTU (RS485) as standard, installation connections etc may not provide a robust connection using RS485.
• For Weintek cMT Advanced HMI, connect to Watlow ASPYRE DT using Ethernet or Modbus RTU (RS485).  
• All connections to Eurotherm EPack SCR are Ethernet only.

Absolutely.  PID Navigator is designed to work concurrently with Watlow COMPOSER, ASPYRE DT Configurator and Eurotherm iTools.  

No.  PID Navigator is produced by Cardinal Best LLC.  No connection to Watlow is made or implied.

No.  This is a future option and it will be announced when available.  Stay tuned!