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.
1.1.1 Set Up Test Type Packages Screen
The Set Up Test Type Packages screen (shown in Figure 1) 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.
Figure 1
1.1.2 Adding New Test Types
To add a new test type to your database you must first copy the required library file “MultipleReadings.bpl” into the folder labeled “bin” under the ProCal V5 directory (typically “C:\Program Files\Prime Technologies\ProCal V5\bin”) in Windows Explorer. The “MultipleReadings.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 “MultipleReadings.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 setpoints and such when entering calibrations using that test type. Please reference section 8 of the user manual for information on modifying test type packages once they have been imported into the database.
1.1.3 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 “MultipleReadings.bpl” file must be present in the “bin” directory one level down from the ProCal V5 installation directory.
1.1.4 Entering Item Records Using The Multiple Readings Test Type Package
When creating a new master record that uses the Multiple Readings 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 Multiple Readings from the available test types, as shown in Figure 2:
Figure 2
Once the test type has been selected, the inputs will change according to the settings defined by the library file. This new Test Type Package for ProCalV5 will be available to the user to capture additional numeric reading values for information only, with related column headings and requested units.
Figure 3
The test type inputs used in this test should be entered through the Group Options box, which can be accessed by clicking the Show Group Options button on the right side of the screen. This interface is shown in Figure 3.
The Test inputs contain 5 sets of the following:
The inputs appear for configuration on master record items, and some variables can be edited for entry on the calibration screen during calibration entry.
· Heading – This is the column label for the new reading column to be added during calibration entry. This MUST be filled in for the additional reading to be processed.
· Unit – This is the Signal Type unit used for that new column. The unit must be a valid Signal Type already. This is optional for each additional reading to work.
Up to 5 additional reading columns can be entered here. If they are entered with blank items in between (such as filling in 1-Heading and 3-Heading) the calibration screen will simply process these as if they were in order without blanks between them (such as 1-Heading and 2-Heading filled in)
1.1.5 Entering Calibration Records For Items That Use The Timer Test Test Type
Once a calibration has been created for a master item record that uses the Timer Test Test Type, the calibration data can be entered on the Test Results tab. The Calibration screen is shown in Figure 4 below. It should be noted that the required inputs must be entered on the master item record as detailed above.
Figure 4
The actual Found As and Left As values for the main portion of the calibration should be entered into the standard grid, as the standard Pass/Fail is still used.
To enter or view the additional values, click View/Enter Data. See Figure 4.1 for this view.
Figure 4.1
The view may differ depending upon if you are using Separate As Found/As Left Readings on your calibration record. See Figure 4.2 below.
Figure 4.2
The additional reading appear to the right of the read-only view of the standard readings.
The Fnd As and Lft As data under your custom heading accepts numeric values just like the standard Fnd As/Lft As columns in the ProCalV5 Calibration screen. These new values do not affect the Pass/Fail.
The form contain 4 buttons:
· Add Column… - This button allows the user to add more additional reading columns.
· Remove Column… - This button allows the user to remove a custom reading column from the screen.
NOTE: The Add Column and Remove Column options must Apply the changes before performing the requested action.
· Apply – Sets all outputs on the calibration record. (Note this does not save the data to the database. Hitting the “Save” button on the calibration is required for this)
· Close – Closes the input form. If there have been modifications the user will be prompted if they want to “Apply” before closing.
Adding Columns:
Click the Add Column button, which brings up a form that allows you to type in a new Heading and select a unit. The Heading field is required, but the Unit is optional. Up to 5 total readings can be added. See Figure 5 below. Click OK to add the Column and Cancel to cancel the operation.
Figure 5
Removing Columns:
Click the Remove Column button and select the heading you would like to remove. Click OK to remove it or Cancel to cancel the operation. See Figure 6.
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Figure 6
Pass/Fail Criteria
The standard Pass/Fail criteria is used for determining Pass/Fail of the calibration. The Spec Limits are compared against the original Fnd As and Lft As fields.