|
Benefits of Upgrading Firmware/Software /Hardware
PowerSight offers a powerful mix of
capabilities in a small size. Nevertheless, we continually add new features to
it. Features may be new measurement types, faster execution, easier use,
higher accuracy, or prevention of error. This document lists the major feature
enhancements of our various versions of software, firmware, and hardware and
outlines the cost of upgrading.
Sales PDF Document
Click
here for a
detailed benefits of upgrading PowerSight products.
Firmware Upgrades
Firmware
is the programs/operating system that
runs the powersight. Upgrades are done by Summit Technology personnel at
our facility. (PS4000 uses flash so
upgrade can be emailed) The unit is checked out after the upgrade and calibrated. The
major features introduced at each major version level for our firmware are:
- 3.1...Support for Transient detection for the PS4000, increased accuracy for 120ADPa.
-
3.0...Firmware use only with the PS4000. Flash memory allows customer to upgrade the firmware using software.
- 2.A...Firmware use only with PS250. Adds "Verify Connections" feature which has the ability to check out and notify if any voltage or current connections need correcting.
-
2.9...Support for Extended Memory (4X log size and 4X number of waveform sets
can be stored). Ability to pause and resume logging multiple times in a log.
Ability to measure THD >
255%. Display of record capacity and number of
records used. Display of programmed times to start and stop logging.
-
2.8...Selection of which variables to include in data log. Displacement power
factor and phase angle measurements. THD speedup, notification of log
capacity, support for HA500 probes. 400Hz. Support for 2 current probe power
measurement
-
2.6...Compatibility with PSM software version 2 (in addition to version 1).
Support for FX5000 and ground fault probes, notification of warranty
expiration, many background enhancements
-
2.5...VAR and regenerative power measurements. Checkout of connections.
Support for 5KV voltage probes, French, Italian, Spanish, and Croatian
languages.
-
2.4...support for flex probes (like the FX3000). German language.
-
2.2...compatibility with hardware 5, user interface enhancements for entry of
numbers
-
2.1...support for DC current and voltage, multiplexed inputs
-
2.0...support for delta measurements (such as phase-phase voltage), waveform
capture, input ratios
Upgrades within a given feature level are free. For
instance, upgrading from 2.53 to 2.5T would be free. Upgrading to a higher
feature set requires being under warranty (either extended or reinstated
warranty).
Software Upgrades
PSM95 and PSM for Windows
- 3.1...Use with transient detection for the PS4000, faster baud rates
available.
- 3.0...Use with PS4000
and PS250, faster baud rates
available for the PS4000.
-
2.1...Support for Extended Memory
-
2.0...Addition of Variable record width (advanced data logging features),
support for features of firmware 2.6 and above.
-
1.2...Addition of Report Generator program
-
1.1...Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP compatible with all the features of the DOS
version.
PSM for DOS
-
1.43 is highest DOS/Win3 version available.
Click here to download the latest PSM Software.
Upgrades within a given feature level are free. For
instance, upgrading from 1.23 to 1.24 would be free. Upgrading to a higher
feature set requires being under warranty (either extended or reinstated
warranty).
Hardware Upgrades
Hardware is upgraded occasionally to improve functionality
or accuracy.
- 7.0...Ability
to communicate at 115k baud,
improved communications circuit.
- 6.0...Allows for use with or upgrade to the PS4000, to use with DSP processing and Li-Ion battery charger/monitor.
-
5.0...Improved current and voltage accuracy, ability to supply power to
external circuits and probes (such as the FX3000)
-
4.0...Constant-current battery charging, to allow battery life of many years
-
3.0...Opto-Isolation in serial communications located within the unit.
-
2.0...The basic PowerSight functionality.
Minor upgrades of hardware may be done
under warranty. For instance, converting to constant current battery charging.
A major upgrade, such as moving from version 2, 3, or 4 to version 5 costs
$1000 and basically results in a brand new unit.
Understanding the Numbering System for our Versions
You may notice that our software, firmware, and hardware
version numbers take the form of "1.23". The first digit indicates
compatibility. Generally, if you upgrade from version 1.xx to version 2.xx,
there will be some incompatibility with your existing software, firmware, or
hardware. The second digit indicates the major feature level. Enhancements of
major features that do not result in an incompatibility only affect the second
digit. Therefore if you upgrade from 1.2x to 1.3x, you would expect some
enhancement in the features of the product without affecting its compatibility
with other existing version levels. The third digit indicates the minor
enhancement and bug fix level. Hence upgrading from 1.43 to 1.45 means you
move up two minor enhancements or fix releases from where you were.
|
