Section 1
1.1 Test Types
ProCalV5 allows for the addition of different “Test Types” to the database that may be applied to any item master record whose required calibration does not fit perfectly into the typical ProCal template. Test types may be used to provide specific testing in addition to or instead of a standard calibration with target set points and as found/as left readings. Examples of some calibration test types that ProCalV5 normally could not accommodate efficiently are extreme values, linearity and standard deviation tests.
1.2 Set Up Test Type Packages Screen
The Set Up Test Type Packages screen (shown in the Figure below) is used to add, modify and if necessary delete test type packages from the database. This screen is invoked by selecting the “Set Up Test Type Packages…” option on the File menu when the System Options and Defaults screen is open.
1.3 Adding New Test Types
To add a new test type to your database you must first copy the required library file “InputConversion.bpl” into the folder labeled “bin” under the ProCalV5 directory (typically “C:\Program Files\Prime Technologies\ProCal V5\bin”) in Windows Explorer. The “InputConversion.bpl” file contains all the information necessary for the test type’s automatic and proper setup in ProCal. Once the file has been copied into the correct folder you may launch the Set Up Test Type Packages screen. Once the screen is open you may click the Add New Record button or select “New Record” from the screen’s File menu. This will invoke a browser screen titled Choose New Package File that automatically directs you to the “bin” folder in which all the “.bpl” files reside. Select the required file “InputConversion.bpl” and click the Open button or double-click the file name.
Once the correct file has been selected you will be returned to the new test type record which will already be set up for you. In this instance you can save the record, making it available for application to all types of item master records in the system (i.e. Instruments, Loops, Systems, Test Instruments, in addition to any PM records that may require a calibration). Once a test type has been saved to the database, as long as it is marked as “Active”, it will be available for selection on the Test Type field’s drop-down list on the Calibration Points tab in all screens where that tab exists.
Although you will have no ability to change the test type’s calibration requirements, you do have the ability to make some customizations to it in terms of field label changes and also giving users the ability to edit target set points and such when entering calibrations using that test type.
1.4 Distributing Test Types
Test Types only need to be installed in the System Option and Defaults screen once, but for all Client, Administrator, or Mobile Workstations, the “InputConversion.bpl” file must be present in the “bin” directory one level down from the ProCalV5 installation directory.
Section 2
2.1 Entering Item Records Using the Input Conversion Test Type Package
When creating a new master record that uses the Input Conversion Test Type, the test type must be applied to the record through the Calibration Points tab on the master record screen. Once a new group has been added to the record, click the Test Type drop-down list and select Input Conversion from the available test types, as shown in the Figure below:
Once this Test Type has been selected, there will be no visible changes to the input field. This test type package is designed to convert your Found As & Left As readings (calculated by the ranges) back to your Input Type.
Example: The Figure above shows an Input Type of mA with a range of 4-20, an Output Type of Deg. C with a range of 0-250. In normal calibration testing a signal of 4 mA would correspond to a 0°C reading. Suppose the technician is getting a reading of 0.25°C and wants to determine what the corresponding mA reading is. This Test Type package would convert the reading to 4.0160 mA
Section 3
3.1 Entering Calibration Records
Once a Test Point Group has been created for a master item record that uses the Input Conversion Test Type, a calibration record can be created and data can be entered on the Test Results tab on the Calibrations screen. This tab will also display 2 additional fields; Additional Test Type Inputs & Test Type Outputs. (See the Figure below) These two fields are not modifiable and the Test type Outputs field will only populate after the View Data button has been activated or the record is saved. All other calibration information is the same.
The data would be entered the same as a calibration without a Test Type. To view the input conversions, select the Data View button. Figure below:
Note: If you have set the font colors for ‘Spec Limit Exceeded’, & ‘Control Limit Exceeded’ on the Company level, these changes will only be visible on the Test Type screen. The Figure below shows this example.
