PowerLink Advantage V3.00 User's Guide

g GE Energy
PowerLink Advantage
User's Guide
Document Number : SWM0033

Version : 3.00
Revision : 1
Date : 04.01.23
Classification: General Full
PowerLink Advantage
GE Energy User's Guide
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT & PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
2003, General Electric Canada Inc. All rights reserved.

The contents of this manual are the property of General Electric Canada Inc. No part of this work
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, except as permitted in written
license agreement with General Electric Canada Inc. The information contained in this document
is subject to change without notice.
Any attached hardware schematics and technical descriptions, or software listings that disclose
source code, are for information purposes only. Reproduction in whole or in part to create working
hardware or software for other than General Electric Canada Inc. products is strictly prohibited,
except as permitted by written license agreement with General Electric Canada Inc.
TRADEMARK NOTICES
GE and g are trademarks and service marks of General Electric Company.

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other brand and product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
SWM0033-3.00-1 General
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User's Guide GE Energy
Table of Contents
Preface 1
Welcome ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Manual Overview............................................................................................................................................ 1
The Manual's Audience................................................................................................................................... 1
System Requirements...................................................................................................................................... 2
About PowerLink Advantage help .................................................................................................................. 2
Conventions used in the manual...................................................................................................................... 3
Customer support ............................................................................................................................................ 3
PowerLink Advantage Overview 5

About PowerLink Advantage.......................................................................................................................... 5
PowerLink Advantage Features ...................................................................................................................... 5
What PowerLink Advantage Can Do.............................................................................................................. 6
PowerLink Advantage Components................................................................................................................ 7
PowerLink Advantage's User Interface........................................................................................................... 9
Planning a PowerLink Advantage System 11

Planning Overview........................................................................................................................................ 11
Scope of the project....................................................................................................................................... 11
Consideration 1- Identifying the network devices and their locations ................................................... 12
Consideration 2- Data collection techniques.......................................................................................... 12
Consideration 3- Choosing communication facilities ............................................................................ 13
Consideration 4: Network addressing .................................................................................................... 13
Specific PowerLink Advantage project planning.......................................................................................... 14
Consideration 1-Identifying PowerLink Advantage project devices ..................................................... 14
Consideration 2-Identifying device points ............................................................................................. 14
Consideration 3-Collecting data............................................................................................................. 14
Consideration 4-PowerLink Advantage screens .................................................................................... 15
Consideration 5-Additions in the Workbench........................................................................................ 15
Alarms classes........................................................................................................................................ 16
Security considerations .......................................................................................................................... 16
Point enumeration .................................................................................................................................. 17
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The Workbench 19
About the Workbench ................................................................................................................................... 19
Workbench at a glance .................................................................................................................................. 20
Opening the Workbench ........................................................................................................................ 21
Using the Workbench in a PowerLink Advantage project ............................................................................ 21
Check if a PowerLink Advantage project is running ............................................................................. 22
Stop the PowerLink Advantage project ................................................................................................. 23
Refresh in an open Workbench application ........................................................................................... 24
Update a PowerLink Advantage project ................................................................................................ 25
Changing Attributes 27
About Changing Attributes ........................................................................................................................... 27
Point Enumeration......................................................................................................................................... 27
PACT's pre-configured enumeration values .......................................................................................... 28
Creating a point enumeration ................................................................................................................. 28
Step 1-Stop the project........................................................................................................................... 28
Step 2-Create and configure a point enumeration .................................................................................. 29
Step 3-Update the Workbench configuration......................................................................................... 31
Step 4-Apply the new point enumeration............................................................................................... 32
Changing and Adding Alarms Classes.......................................................................................................... 33
About Alarm Classes..................................................................................................................................... 34
Alarm Class Configuration............................................................................................................................ 34
Step 1-Ensure the project is stopped ...................................................................................................... 34
Step 2-Open the Alarm Class configuration dialog box......................................................................... 35
Step 3-Enter Alarm Class specifications................................................................................................ 36
Step 4-Optionally Select sound for an alarm class................................................................................. 38
Step 5-Save the alarm class.................................................................................................................... 40
Adding Audible Alarms to a New Project..................................................................................................... 41
About Project Security .................................................................................................................................. 43
About Users, Roles, and Privileges ............................................................................................................... 43
Accessing Security Configuration................................................................................................................. 44
PowerLink Advantage's Pre-configured Users.............................................................................................. 45
Modifying and adding PowerLink Advantage users .............................................................................. 45
User configuration.................................................................................................................................. 45
Configuring user General Properties...................................................................................................... 47
About Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 49
About Roles ................................................................................................................................................. 49
Pre-configured Role Privileges ..................................................................................................................... 50
Minimum Default Roles................................................................................................................................ 51
Customizing PowerLink Security ................................................................................................................. 52
Creating a New CIMPLICITY Role ............................................................................................................. 52
Adding a new role .................................................................................................................................. 52
Assigning role application privileges..................................................................................................... 53
Assigning role calendar privileges ......................................................................................................... 54
Assigning role configuration privileges ................................................................................................. 55
Creating a new PowerLink system point................................................................................................ 55
Adding Security to Custom Functions .......................................................................................................... 56
Resource Setpoint Security ........................................................................................................................... 56
What is Setpoint Security? ..................................................................................................................... 56
Enabling setpoint security ...................................................................................................................... 58
Configuring user resource access........................................................................................................... 58
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PACT (PowerLink Advantage Configuration Tool) 59

About PACT ................................................................................................................................................. 59
About PowerLink Advantage Projects .......................................................................................................... 60
Opening PACT....................................................................................................................................... 60
Menu Bar ............................................................................................................................................... 61
File Menu ............................................................................................................................................... 62
About Project Backup ............................................................................................................................ 63
About Project Restore ............................................................................................................................ 64
Tools Menu ............................................................................................................................................ 64
System Parameters ................................................................................................................................. 65
Delete Group Names.............................................................................................................................. 65
D25 Harmonic Spectrum Common LRU............................................................................................... 66
View Menu............................................................................................................................................. 67
PACT's Help Menu ................................................................................................................................ 69
PACT's Toolbar ..................................................................................................................................... 69
PACT's GUI (Graphical User Interface) ....................................................................................................... 70
Dialog box types .................................................................................................................................... 71
Pre-configured dialog box parameters ................................................................................................... 72
PACT Display Options .......................................................................................................................... 72
About Project Parameters.............................................................................................................................. 73
Step 1- Configuring General Information .............................................................................................. 73
Step 2- Scheduled Polling ...................................................................................................................... 74
Roundrobin Polling ................................................................................................................................ 74
Device Polling........................................................................................................................................ 75
Configuring Roundrobin Polling............................................................................................................ 75
Adding Devices............................................................................................................................................. 77
Device Configuration .................................................................................................................................... 79
Step 1- Device Definition ...................................................................................................................... 79
Step 2- Dynamic and Fixed Indicators................................................................................................... 79
Step 3- Establish Control Feedback ....................................................................................................... 80
Step 4: Selecting a File Path................................................................................................................... 81
Step 5- Establish Communications Channels......................................................................................... 81
Specific Port configuration parameters .................................................................................................. 82
Step 6- Configuring the Scheduled Poll Tab.......................................................................................... 84
Configuring Device Polling ................................................................................................................... 84
Points ................................................................................................................................................. 85
Creating a New Point ............................................................................................................................. 85
Viewing Existing Points......................................................................................................................... 85
Digital Read Write Points ............................................................................................................................. 86
Step 1- Naming the Point ....................................................................................................................... 86
Step 2a- Configuring a 2-State Point ..................................................................................................... 87
Step 2b- Configuring a 4-State Point ..................................................................................................... 88
Step 3: Configuring the Control Tab...................................................................................................... 90
Step 4a- Configuring an Alarm for a 2-State Point ................................................................................ 91
Step 4b- Configuring an Alarm for a 4-State Point................................................................................ 92
Step 5- Configuring Interlocking Controls............................................................................................. 93
About the Expression Editor ......................................................................................................................... 96
Creating an Expression .......................................................................................................................... 96
Creating an Expression .......................................................................................................................... 96
Operations .............................................................................................................................................. 98
Digital Read Only Points............................................................................................................................. 101
Step 1- Naming the Point ..................................................................................................................... 101
Step 2a- Configuring a 2-State point.................................................................................................... 102
Step 2b- Configuring a 4-State point.................................................................................................... 102
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Step 3a- Configuring an Alarm for a 2-State Point .............................................................................. 103

Step 3b- Configuring an Alarm for a 4-State Point.............................................................................. 104
Digital Write Only Points............................................................................................................................ 106
Step 1- Configuring the General Tab ................................................................................................... 106
Step 2- Configuring the Control Tab.................................................................................................... 108
Step 3- Configuring Interlocking Controls........................................................................................... 110
Analog Read Write Points........................................................................................................................... 113
Step 3- Configuring the Alarm Tab...................................................................................................... 115
Analog Read Only Points............................................................................................................................ 120
Step 1-Configuring the General Tab .................................................................................................... 120
Step 2- Configuring the Alarm Tab...................................................................................................... 121
Analog Write Only Points ........................................................................................................................... 126
Counters ............................................................................................................................................... 129
Step1-Configuring a Counter's General Tab ........................................................................................ 130
Step 2- Configuring the Alarm............................................................................................................. 131
Complex Objects......................................................................................................................................... 135
Configuring a Complex Object ............................................................................................................ 135
About Ports ............................................................................................................................................... 137
Viewing Existing Ports ........................................................................................................................ 137
Modifying an Existing Port.................................................................................................................. 138
Create a New Port ................................................................................................................................ 138
Configure a New Port .......................................................................................................................... 138
Configure a Serial Port......................................................................................................................... 139
Configure a Dial up Modem Port......................................................................................................... 140
UDP/IP port ......................................................................................................................................... 142
TCP/IP Port.......................................................................................................................................... 143
About Cloning............................................................................................................................................. 144
Cloning Devices................................................................................................................................... 144
Cloning a Device.................................................................................................................................. 145
Cloning Points...................................................................................................................................... 146
Access Point Cloning ........................................................................................................................... 146
Clone a Single Point............................................................................................................................. 147
Cloning Multiple Points ....................................................................................................................... 147
Modifying Starting Input and Output Point Numbers.......................................................................... 149
About PACT's Spreadsheet ......................................................................................................................... 151
The Edit Menu ............................................................................................................................................ 153
Example Interlocking Expression ............................................................................................................... 155
Power Quality 161

About Power Quality................................................................................................................................... 161
Creating a PQ device in the sample project................................................................................................. 162
Opening a project ................................................................................................................................. 162
PQ devices ............................................................................................................................................... 162
Cloning PQ devices and their points ........................................................................................................... 163
Creating a PQ device in a new project ........................................................................................................ 164
Manual Point Configuration................................................................................................................. 164
Opening the Workbench.............................................................................................................................. 166
Ensure the PowerLink project is stopped .................................................................................................... 166
Object Configuration................................................................................................................................... 167
Updating the Workbench configuration ...................................................................................................... 169
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Remote Viewers 171

About Remote Viewers ............................................................................................................................... 171
Adding Viewers to your project........................................................................................................... 171
Step 1-Stop the PowerLink Advantage project .................................................................................... 171
Step 2-Add the Viewer computer name ............................................................................................... 172
Step 3-Updating the Workbench configuration.................................................................................... 173
Setting up Trends and Historical Logs 175

Trends and Historical Logs Overview......................................................................................................... 175
PowerLink Advantage Trending Rules ................................................................................................ 175
About Database Logging............................................................................................................................. 176
Configuring Logging in PowerLink Advantage.......................................................................................... 176
Step 1-Ensure the project is stopped .................................................................................................... 176
Step 2-Open the Database Logger in the Workbench .......................................................................... 177
Step 3-Create a new Group Log table .................................................................................................. 178
About Group Point Logging........................................................................................................................ 179
Step 4-Configure the Group Log table................................................................................................. 179
Configure Group Logging Properties................................................................................................... 179
Step 5- Add points to the group table.......................................................................................................... 185
Step 6-Add points to PowerLink's trending display .................................................................................... 189
PowerLink SmartObjects 191

About PowerLink SmartObjects ................................................................................................................. 191
About CimEdit ..................................................................................................................................... 192
Opening an existing PowerLink screen................................................................................................ 192
SmartObject types ................................................................................................................................ 192
SmartObject features............................................................................................................................ 194
Using SmartObjects .................................................................................................................................... 194
Configuring a SmartObject point ID ........................................................................................................... 195
Browsing for point ID ................................................................................................................................. 197
Configuring a SmartObject Device ID........................................................................................................ 198
SmartObject Animation .............................................................................................................................. 199
Point Flags ........................................................................................................................................... 199
Circuit Breaker..................................................................................................................................... 199
Disconnect Switches ............................................................................................................................ 200
Numeric Displays................................................................................................................................. 200
Miscellaneous Control button .............................................................................................................. 201
RTU Device ......................................................................................................................................... 201
PowerLink's Network File Retrieval 203

About Network File Retrieval ..................................................................................................................... 203
About COMTRADE files............................................................................................................................ 203
D25 COMTRADE Files....................................................................................................................... 204
UR Relay COMTRADE Files.............................................................................................................. 204
COMTRADE Status Codes......................................................................................................................... 207
Monitoring File Retrieval Status.......................................................................................................... 208
PowerLink Alarms ............................................................................................................................... 208
The TFTP Module....................................................................................................................................... 210
COMTRADE file configuration.................................................................................................................. 210
Step-1 Ensure your project is stopped......................................................................................................... 211
Step 2- Create the device object in PACT................................................................................................... 212
Step-3 Object Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 214
GE UR Relay ....................................................................................................................................... 217
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To configure the Hostname IP addresses ............................................................................................. 219

Step 4-Update the Workbench configuration .............................................................................................. 220
General file configuration ........................................................................................................................... 220
Step 2-Object Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 222
System Point Configuration ........................................................................................................................ 224
Step 1-Ensure your project is stopped.................................................................................................. 224
Step 2-System point configuration....................................................................................................... 225
Step 3-Updating the Workbench configuration........................................................................................... 229
Device Communication Alarms 231

About device communication failure alarms............................................................................................... 231
Changing the alarm message....................................................................................................................... 231
Step 2-Change the Device Object ............................................................................................................... 233
Step 3-Change the Alarm Variable ............................................................................................................. 233
Multi-Project Viewer 235

About multi-project viewer ......................................................................................................................... 235
Multi-project viewer features............................................................................................................... 236
Multi-project viewer limitations .......................................................................................................... 236
Deleting the multi-project viewer displays .......................................................................................... 236
Configuring a multi-project viewer............................................................................................................. 237
Step 1-Add additional project names to the default project ........................................................................ 237
Add the additional projects to the default project ................................................................................ 238
Step 2-Configure additional data channels on the viewer ........................................................................... 239
ODBC .................................................................................................................................................. 239
ADO..................................................................................................................................................... 241
Step 3-Add point qualification to custom user screens ............................................................................... 243
Opening an existing PowerLink Advantage screen ............................................................................. 243
Operational Considerations.................................................................................................................. 245
Printer Monitor 249

Printer Monitor Overview ........................................................................................................................... 249
System Point configuration for printer monitor .......................................................................................... 249
Step 1-Ensure your project is stopped.................................................................................................. 249
Step 2-Add a new printer ..................................................................................................................... 250
Step 3-Updating the Workbench configuration.................................................................................... 251
Default error handling ................................................................................................................................. 252
Customizing printer error handling ............................................................................................................. 253
Adding printer status animation to a runtime display.................................................................................. 254
PowerLink Advantage Persistence 255

About persistence ........................................................................................................................................ 255
Operator Actions .................................................................................................................................. 256
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Multi-Language 259
Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 259
Configuring another language..................................................................................................................... 259
Step 1-Stop the Project......................................................................................................................... 260
Step 2-Change the target language....................................................................................................... 261
Step 3-Start the project and access the main screen from PLA Welcome screen ................................ 263
Viewer (these steps are only necessary if your project is supporting a remote viewer) .............................. 263
Step 1-Copy screens to the remote viewer ........................................................................................... 263
Step 2-Start the viewer......................................................................................................................... 263
Appendix A 267
Device Pseudo-Points.................................................................................................................................. 267
DNP Communication Statistics............................................................................................................ 267
Communications .................................................................................................................................. 268
Device Pseudo-Controls....................................................................................................................... 269
Miscellaneous ...................................................................................................................................... 269
Index 271
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Preface
Welcome
Congratulations on selecting GE Energy's PowerLink Advantage.
PowerLink Advantage is a powerful PC-based tool for managing electrical utility
automation, and providing "master" functionality to one or more devices using the
Distributed Network Protocol (DNP).
Manual Overview
The purpose of this manual is to introduce you to the tasks required to configure a basic
PowerLink Advantage system.
The chapter sequence supports the procedures you will complete to set-up a standard
PowerLink Advantage system. Each chapter discusses a task, or tasks, that you must
perform to configure PowerLink Advantage for basic operations.
The manual begins with an overview of PowerLink Advantage, explaining the modules
that comprise the system and the software's functionality.
The Manual's Audience

The manual's audience are individuals that are familiar with, or have experience in:
the electrical industry
personal computer use and terminology
GE Energy's products
As well, it is strongly recommended that the user completes training courses in both
CIMPLICITY and PowerLink Advantage.
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System Requirements
System requirements for PowerLink Advantage are as follows:
Pentium IV 3 GHz (minimum)
1GB of RAM (minimum)
CD ROM drive
Mouse (minimum two buttons)
Keyboard
Speakers (to support audible alarms)
17" Monitor (minimum), resolution 1024 x 768, 65535 colors (minimum)
Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4)
400 MB of free disk space for installation (additional space required for
project configuration). A SCSI hard drive is recommended.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 (included on the CIMPLICITY 5.5+ CD)
About PowerLink Advantage help

There are three Help systems available in PowerLink Advantage. The first, is a runtime
system that describes dialogue boxes and available functionality during PowerLink
Advantage runtime. The second is available in the configuration environment and
contains the required procedures to set up your PowerLink Advantage project. Finally,
PowerLink Advantage Configuration Tool (PACT) offers a context sensitive Help
System.
To display the Runtime Help System:
Click the Help icon on the button bar
To display the configuration Help System in the configuration environment:
From the Start Menu select Programs\GE\PowerLink Advantage\Help.
To display PACT's Help System:
Click the Help icon on the menu bar
or
Click the Help Button in any dialog box
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Conventions used in the manual

This manual uses common Windows-based terminology and conventions.
Throughout this manual, the word click refers to a user's choosing or selecting a
command or option by pressing and releasing a mouse button (the primary mouse button,
unless otherwise indicated).
Use select and clear when a mouse button is used to turn on and off a function or option
that is controlled by a check box.
Use select for command buttons, because command buttons actually carry out a
command and are not options (or settings)
Lists of procedural instructions are numbered in the order they are to be performed. Other
lists of information are bulleted.
Words that need emphasizing will be in bold. For example, Do use bold text for
emphasis.
Customer support
Customers with PowerLink Advantage problems may contact GE Energy for assistance
through the Customer Services Department.
Unlimited access is available to a variety of information and company services including
Product Information
Training and, technical services
Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain
Time
GE Energy Toll Free: +1.800.518.2303
2728 Hopewell Place NE Phone: +1.403.214.4600
Calgary Alberta Canada Fax: +1.403.243.1815
T1Y 7J7 email: GEH_Calgary.Support
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PowerLink Advantage Overview
About PowerLink Advantage

PowerLink Advantage is the next generation application in the PowerLink product line.
A PC-based Graphical User Interface (GUI), PowerLink Advantage provides real-time
information for your entire substation network and a meaningful, animated graphical
view of the workings of your substation.
Using PowerLink Advantage, you can develop a product that you can customize as a
substation GUI, a small SCADA master, or both.
PowerLink Advantage Features

PowerLink Advantage continues to support past functionality, as well as providing new
features including:
SCADA functions (e.g. tag, force or control points)
Automated Configuration Model that allows the user to create SmartObjects
Windows based configuration Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) Client
Easy configuration
Enhanced security
a graphic editor
alarm management
scaling
database logging
power quality
trending
redundancy
multi-user support
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What PowerLink Advantage Can Do

PowerLink Advantage offers many benefits to your existing utility including:
Acting as a Substation Local HMI
Offering SCADA Functionality
Performing Power Quality Monitoring
Acting as a Substation Local HMI

As a substation local or remote GUI, PowerLink Advantage is a powerful and flexible
tool giving operators detailed and dynamic graphic, alarm and text displays on the
condition of your network. Once you have customized and configured PowerLink
Advantage to a specific project you can issue the necessary controls to events that may
arise.
Offering SCADA Functionality

PowerLink Advantage's historical and real-time databases are excellent resources for
analyzing events and generating reports critical to making more informed operating and
business decisions. It features standards-based communications and file formats, full
SCADA functionality, alarm management, database connectivity, system security plus
user-friendly diagnostic and configuration tools.
Using PowerLink Advantage's capabilities, you can avoid the typically bulky mimic
panels and dedicated chart recorders used in substation monitoring and control.
Performing Power Quality Monitoring

As well, PowerLink Advantage can act as a data collector and GUI for the DFR (Digital
Fault Recording) and PQ (Power Quality) Event viewer applications. These applications
monitor power quality, which encompass a wide range of disturbances that may occur on
your power system.
The Power Quality System records events including:
Swells
Sags
Interruptions
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PowerLink Advantage Components

GE Energy has combined the PowerLink Advantage modules with CIMPLICITY HMI to
provide you with a system that can control and monitor IEDs (Intelligent Electronic
Devices) and their data points.
PowerLink Advantage modules include:
PowerLink Advantage template
The sample project
PACT (PowerLink Advantage Configuration Tool)
DNP V3.00 Driver
PowerLink Advantage template

The PowerLink Advantage template consists of a collection of default screens and
various scripts that add PowerLink Advantage's functionality to the CIMPLICITY base.
Whenever you start a new project in PACT, you build it on the PowerLink Advantage
template. Once PACT opens the new project, you must add devices, points and ports.
The sample project

The PowerLink Advantage sample project (sample.gef) is a collection of default
displays, scripts, and pre-configured objects that offer an example of a PowerLink
Advantage project. Using PACT, you can modify the sample project to match the
requirements of your system.
PACT (PowerLink Advantage Configuration Tool)

PACT provides a simple way to create, modify and duplicate points, ports or devices in
your PowerLink Advantage system. All configuration changes/modifications made to the
devices ports and points in your PowerLink Advantage project must be made using
PACT. However, if you are configuring an option that does not require the population of
all of the databases, i.e. Alarm Classes or Point Enumeration, you can use
CIMPLICITY's configuration tool, the Workbench, to edit and configure PowerLink
project features.
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PACT and Database Interactions
The DNP Driver

The DNP V3.00 Driver is the module that drives the transfer of data, using DNP
(Distributed Network Protocol), between PowerLink Advantage and the IEDs.
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PowerLink Advantage's User Interface

There are three areas in the PowerLink Advantage software GUI interface:
The Power Bar
The Alarm Bar
The Main Display Area
The Power Bar

Displayed at the top of the screen, the Power Bar controls the PowerLink Advantage
system. The Power Bar provides the user access to PowerLink Advantage's user displays,
system controls and PowerLink's applications. As well, it displays some system error
messages, the name of the current operator and the system time and date.
Dragging the cursor across the Power Bar buttons displays a brief function description of
each button.
The Alarm Bar

The Alarm Bar is always present at the bottom of the screen and displays the newest
unacknowledged alarms. Using the buttons you can acknowledge the alarms and enable
or disable audible alarms.
The Main Display Area

The Main Display Area is located in the middle of the PowerLink Advantage GUI. When
an operator selects a button from the Power Bar, PowerLink Advantage updates this area
accordingly. The Main Display can present anything from a user defined oneline
diagram, to a detailed list of all the points in your system.
Within each display or application, pop-up windows provide additional information and
controls to the operator as required. An Operator can interact within the system using a
combination of mouse and keyboard operations.
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Planning a PowerLink
Advantage System
Planning Overview
Before you begin to configure your project, it is important to think about some of the
elements that may affect your PowerLink Advantage project.
The chapter separates project planning into two different levels. The first level explores
overall network considerations, examining the components that comprise the entire
system. The second level has a more focused view, examining specific considerations for
your PowerLink Advantage project.
The planning considerations in this chapter present an overview of the most

common planning considerations.
Scope of the Project

This level of planning relates to your system a whole. Some of the planning
considerations you may want to consider are:
Consideration 1 Identifying the network devices and their locations
Consideration 2 Data collection techniques
Consideration 3 Choosing communication facilities
Consideration 4 Network addressing
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Consideration 1- Identifying Network Devices and Their

Locations
In the initial stage of project planning you should examine the types of devices, the
amount of data traffic each device handles, and the priority of the data. As well, ensure
that you examine device distribution and their physical location.
Researching these factors helps to establish the type of communication facilities
available, and whether or not they are suitable for the amount, type and frequency of data
you want to collect from the devices.
For example, a remotely placed device, using radio communications, with a low
bandwidth, cannot transfer data as efficiently or as frequently as a locally placed device
using an Ethernet connection.
A list and rough diagram of all the devices and their locations can ensure that you have
accounted for all of these contingencies.
Consideration 2- Data Collection Techniques

This section of planning examines the type and amount of data your PowerLink
Advantage project will collect. This is important since the more information moving
through your network the greater the demand on the bandwidth.
Some of the factors you may want to consider are:
The type of data you want to collect and its relative priority. The more important the
data, the more frequently it must be collected and/or updated.
The quantity of data you want to collect. If you collect a large amount of data or
update frequently, a large bandwidth such as an Ethernet or a high-speed digital
service is required.
How data may be requested or reported.
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Consideration 3- Choosing Communication Facilities

This planning stage examines the available communications facilities for your project.
The type of communications used by PowerLink Advantage and the devices dictates the
speed, and amount of data that can be transferred efficiently. Communications with a
lower bandwidth decreases the efficiency and increases response time for your
PowerLink Advantage system.
First, make a list of the type of facilities available for communications:
Dedicated (modem or digital services that are permanently connected) or PSTN
(public switched telephone network) serial communications
Dial-up connection with one or more devices
Radio
LAN
Next, create a blue print, or map, indicating the devices and the type of communication
facilities that your project will be using to transfer information.
Consideration 4: Network Addressing

This stage of planning examines some of the network addressing considerations for your
PowerLink Advantage System including:
Physical addressing
Network protocol addressing
Addressing conventions for DNP
Physical addressing
In all complex networks, you must identify devices you want to communicate with by
their address. The addressing you use depends on the communication type. For example,
if all communications occur in a LAN environment, the device's Ethernet card identifies
its physical address; however, in a dial-up situation the address would be the telephone
number of the receiving modem.
Network protocol addressing

In a LAN environment, you must also administer the network protocol address. Usually,
the Network Administrator establishes the IP addressing so the project follows a specific
addressing convention.
Addressing conventions for DNP

All devices in your PowerLink Advantage project must have DNP addresses. The
addresses can be any number from one to 65535, however, it is useful to establish a
logical convention. For example, the addresses of all masters can be 5000 and above,
while data concentrator addresses are 1000-4999 and IED addresses are from 1-999.
For more information see DNP and iSCS documentation.
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Specific PowerLink Advantage project planning

At this stage, you must analyze the project from the PowerLink Advantage side. Some of
the considerations are:
Consideration 1 Identifying PowerLink Advantage project devices
Consideration 2 Identifying device points
Consideration 3 Collecting data
Consideration 4 PowerLink Advantage screens
Consideration 5 Additions in the Workbench
Consideration 1-Identifying PowerLink Advantage project

devices
Examine the types of devices, the amount of data traffic each device handles, and the
priority of the data. As well, you may want to create a device naming convention that you
can use in your project. More information on device naming conventions can be found in
the PowerLink Advantage Configuration Tool (PACT) chapter.
Consideration 2-Identifying device points

Examine and list the number and type of points, as well as, the point naming convention
you want to use in your project.
Consideration 3-Collecting data

Another consideration is the data collection techniques. PowerLink Advantage offers two
data collection methods:
Unsolicited messages
Using unsolicited messages PowerLink Advantage does not request or poll; instead, the
device volunteers the message after a specific event state triggers the message. You
configure unsolicited messaging in the device's configuration software. Typically, this
type of data collection is used in environments where there is a low bandwidth and a
large number of devices.
Scheduled Polling
Using scheduled polls in your project forces PowerLink Advantage to automatically
collect data at certain, preset intervals. Using PACT, you can configure either roundrobin
or device specific polling. If you choose to use scheduled polling, you should ensure that
the communications link between the devices and PowerLink Advantage has enough
bandwidth to handle the number of scheduled requests you are configuring.
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Consideration 4-PowerLink Advantage screens

PowerLink Advantage's GUI provides you with a pictorial representation of the
information collected by the software. You can edit the screens to display substation
maps, switches, and devices. You can also configure the screens to display alarms, their
locations, switch conditions and so on.
Planning for the effective display of this information requires that you consider several
factors including:
The colors to use in the displays
How much information on one page
The number of monitors displaying the information
Screen resolution
Consideration 5-Additions in the Workbench

In this stage of planning, you should become familiar with the default values available in
PACT. If these values do not offer the functional requirements necessary for your
PowerLink Advantage project, you may use the Workbench to add new values. Once you
add the values using the Workbench and restart PACT, they are added to the appropriate
list.
You can only modify the following PACT attributes in the Workbench:
Alarm Classes
Security
Point Enumeration
You must not use the Workbench to add or modify points/ports/or devices in your
project
You can make attribute modifications at anytime during project configuration. However,
you must close and restart PACT for any changes to become available in PACT.
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Alarms classes
An alarm class is a group of alarms with common properties.
PowerLink Advantage offers different pre-configured alarm types that you can use in
your project. These include:
Class ID Class Description
ALARM General Alarm Class
4SDIG 4-State Digitals
HIGH High Priority Alarms
SOE Sequence of Events
WARN General Warning Class
If the pre-configured alarms do not offer the attributes that your project requires you can
use the Workbench to modify or add new alarm class (es).
The Workbench Alarm Class list includes alarms with a Class Description ending in
(PowerLink Class). These alarms are system requirements and you must NOT modify
them.
Security considerations
PACT offers the following default set of users:
Observer
Operator
Supervisor
Administrator
None (a system requirement)
Logging into PowerLink Advantage requires that an individual be assigned a User ID.
Each user is assigned a role that has certain configurable privileges. For example, if a
user tries to access a function not assigned to the user's role, PowerLink Advantage
displays an error message and denies access.
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The following table lists some of the tasks within your PowerLink Advantage Project and
the minimum default role PowerLink Advantage requires for the user to access and
manipulate them.
Privilege Minimum Role
View PowerLink Advantage Displays Observer
Tag Points Operator

Force Points Operator
Control Points Operator
Send Demand Polls Operator
Add Operator Notes Operator
Select New Power Quality Displays Operator
Remove Selected Power Quality Displays Operator
Acknowledge Alarms Operator
Manually Reset Alarms Supervisor

Delete Operator Notes Supervisor
Delete Historical Alarms Supervisor
Send Pseudo-controls Supervisor
Access Diagnostic Tools Administrator
Access Advanced Functions Administrator
Point enumeration
Point enumeration allows you to configure the value of a point so that it displays as text
(a string of up to 12 characters). Point enumeration is particularly useful for points where
a numeric value translated into text is more easily understood by the operator, e.g.
ON/OFF vs. 0/1. You can also use point enumeration to configure which values may
have a control assiciated with them.
Assigned Enumeration IDs appear in:
PowerLink Advantage runtime
PACT
Database Logging
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PACT offers the following default enumerations.

Enumeration ID Description
BREAKER_2STATE 0=Trip, 1=Closed
BREAKER_4STATE 0=Transit, 1=Trip, 2=Closed, 3=Invalid
CHANNEL_STATE 0=Fail, 1=OK
LOCAL_REMOTE 0=Local, 1=OK
RAISE_LOWER 0=Raise, 1=Lower
SPEED_4STATE 0=Off, 1=Reverse, 2=Low, 3=High
SWITCH1_2STATE 0=Open, 1=Closed
SWITCH2_2STATE 0=Off, 1=On
SWITCH3_2STATE 0=Low, 1=High
SWITCH4_2STATE 0=Transit, 1=Open, 2=Closed, 3=Invalid
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The Workbench
About the Workbench

Once the planning phase of your project is complete, you can begin changing certain
attributes and properties within the Sample project using CIMPLICITY's configuration
tool, the Workbench. Using the Workbench you can modify/add and configure the
following features in the Sample project:
Security
Screens
Pre-configured trending
Alarm classes
Point enumerations
Modifications and additions made to the Sample project's attributes become available in
PACT (PowerLink Advantage's Configuration Tool) once you have updated the project
in the Workbench and restarted it in PACT.
If you are going to make attribute changes to another PowerLink Advantage project;
you must create the project using PACT, then open it in the Workbench.
Important: Because of database interactions between PowerLink Advantage

and CIMPLICITY, you must use PACT to add or modify devices, points (with the
exception of virtual points) and ports in a PowerLink Advantage project. PACT must
also be used to add and delete projects.
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Workbench at a glance
Within the familiar Windows 2000 environment, the Workbench provides you with tools
you can use in your PowerLink Advantage project.
Quick Overview of the CIMPLICITY Workbench Features
Left to right: Left to right: Left to right:

Dynamic Configuration update Book Reader
update Status log Workbench Help Search
Project properties Right pane
Stop project Field
Project wizard views
Start project Properties chooser
Screens
Points
Objects in
application
Application
Folder
Expand
the tree
Collapse
the tree
Status bar
Fields chosen for display
Files or records
associated with object
When you glance at the Workbench you will see that:

Workbench applications appear as folders in the left pane. You can open or
close the folders, to view or hide their contents.
Opening a folder displays an icon for that application. Expanding any icon with
subordinate icons displays the subordinate icons.
Selecting an icon in the left pane displays one or more of its records or files in
the right pane. You control what the list displays including the:
Files or records
Fields associated with the files or records
You can access many of the Workbenchs Power Tools on its tool bar. As well,
the tools can be found in the menus, on the menu bar, and popup menus.
Tip: Place the cursor over any object in the Workbench to display a brief description of
what it does.
The status bar provides you with information that includes the number of records
retrieved, whether the project is running, and if a specified task is complete.
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Opening the Workbench

To open the Workbench:
1. Click Start Windows 2000 on the taskbar.
2. Select Programs.
3. Select GE \ PowerLink Advantage \ Workbench
Result: An empty Workbench Window appears.
Using the Workbench in a PowerLink Advantage

project
The Workbench provides you with tools for changing properties and attributes in your
PowerLink Advantage projects.
Through the Workbench you can:
Open a PowerLink Advantage project to modify attributes and properties.
Check if a PowerLink Advantage project is running
Stop the project
Update the project
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To open a PowerLink Advantage project in the Workbench:

1. Click File in the Workbench menu bar.
2. Use one of the following methods to open a project
Method 1
Click the project name from the list.
Method 2
A. Click Open (Ctrl+O)
B. Browse for <drive> GE\PACT\Project Name \Project name.gef
C. Double click Project name.gef.
Check if a PowerLink Advantage project is running
Important: You must stop your PowerLink Advantage project before you use the
Workbench to add or modify any attributes or properties.
Check the Workbench to see if a project is running:

Method 1
In the Workbench Toolbar, check that the STOP button is grayed out.
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Method 2
A. Click on File in the Workbench Toolbar
B. The Running Projects List indicates the project that is running
If no projects are running, the running Project list does not display on the File
menu.
Stop the PowerLink Advantage project

To stop the PowerLink Advantage project in the Workbench:
Method 1
Click the Stop button on the Workbench toolbar.

Method 2
a. Click Project on the Workbench menu bar.
b. Select Stop.
Result: After you stop the project, the Workbench removes the name from the
Running projects list and the Stop Button is dimmed .
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Stopping the PowerLink Advantage project in runtime:

When you exit the PowerLink Advantage runtime environment to perform any changes in
the Workbench, you must shutdown the server. You cannot configure PowerLink
Advantage dynamically.
1. Click the GE Energy icon.
2. Select Shutdown Server in the PowerLink Advantage Options dialog box.
You must allow the automated batch file to complete the shutdown operation. After
completion, you can close the DOS window.
Refresh in an open Workbench application

When you make changes in a Workbench application, you can force the window to
display the changes by refreshing it.
To refresh a display in a an open Workbench application:

Method 1
Press F5.
Method 2
1. Click View on the Workbench menu bar.
2. Select Refresh.
Result: The Workbench window displays the most current version of the displayed
application.
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Update a PowerLink Advantage project

When you use the Workbench to make changes to your PowerLink Advantage project,
you must update the configuration before they take effect and/or become available in
PACT.
To perform a configuration update:

Method 1
1. Click Project on the Workbench menu bar.
Project Menu
2. Select Configuration Update.

Method 2
1. Press Alt+P on the keyboard.
2. Press C.
Method 3
1. On the Workbench Toolbar, click

Result: The Workbench performs a configuration update.
The Workbench dims the icon if the project is running.
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Changing Attributes
About Changing Attributes

Attributes are items within your project that do not reside in the PowerLink Advantage
databases. Because of this, you can use the Workbench to add and modify attributes
within your project. These attributes include:
Point Enumeration
Alarm classes
Security
Once you have made changes in the Workbench and restart the project in PACT, it adds
the attributes to the appropriate drop list.
Point Enumeration
Point Enumeration provides text replacement for the value of a digital point. If you find
that your PowerLink Advantage project requires more, or different, Point Enumerations
than those available in PACT, you can configure new enumerations in the Workbench's
Point Enumeration application.
Once you have created, and assigned an enumeration to a point, and then use it in PACT,
you must not delete or modify that enumeration in the Workbench.
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PACT's pre-configured enumeration values

PACT provides a default set of enumeration points. The available enumeration values
depend on the type of digital point (2 or 4 state) you are configuring.
The Workbench's Points Enumeration list displays all of PowerLink Advantage's default
values.
PowerLink Advantage's pre-configured Point Enumeration values
Creating a point enumeration

There are four steps to create a Point Enumeration:
Step 1 Stop the project
Step 2 Create and configure a Point Enumeration
Step 3 Update the Workbench configuration
Step 4 Apply the new Point Enumeration
PowerLink Advantage supports Point Enumeration for digital points only.
Step 1-Stop the project

Because PowerLink Advantage does not support dynamic configuration, you must ensure
that the project is stopped.
1. In the Workbench, open <project name.gef>
Results: The project appears in the Workbench
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Ensure the project is stopped:

Method 1
Click the Stop button on the Workbench toolbar

Method 2
a. Click Project on the Workbench menu bar
b. Select Stop
Results: Once you stop the project, the Workbench removes the name from the
running projects list and the Stop Button dims .
Step 2-Create and configure a point enumeration

To create an enumeration point set:
1. Do one of the following to create the new set:
Method 1
Double click the Point Enumerations icon in the

Points tree in the Workbench left pane.
Method 2
a. In the Workbench's left pane, right-click Point Enumeration.
b. Select New in the popup menu.
Results: Using either method opens a New Point Enumeration dialog box
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2. Enter a name for the enumeration set in the Enumeration ID field.
3. Click OK.
Results: The Point Enumeration dialog box appears.
4. Enter a description in the Description field.
5. Click New.
Results: The New Value dialog box appears.
6. Enter a value in the Value field.
When the Enumeration is associated with a point, its accompanying text displays
when the point equals the configured value.
7. Click OK.
Results: The Value properties dialog box appears.
8. Enter text that will be associated with the value.
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9. Select Setpoint Allowed if the enumeration value can be set to that state via a
control request. For example, if you are configuring a 4-state digital
enumeration you should clear the Setpoint Allowed checkbox when you
configure the Invalid and Transit states.
10. Repeat steps 5-9 for each of the point's states.

11. Click OK.
Step 3-Update the Workbench configuration

Once you create the new enumeration value and refresh the project in the Workbench,
PACT adds the new value to its Enumeration ID drop menu.
To do a configuration update:
Method 1
Project Menu
b. Select Configuration Update.

Method 2
a. Press Alt+P on the keyboard.
b. Press C.
Results: The Workbench does a configuration update.
Method 3
On the Workbench Toolbar click
Note: The Workbench dims the icon if the project is running.
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Step 4-Apply the new point enumeration

Using the new enumeration:
1. Open PACT.
2. Select the type of digital point you want to create.
3. Configure the new digital point.
4. Select the new Point Enumeration from the Enumeration ID drop-down menu.
Results: PACT assigns the point the new enumeration value
TEST Point Enumeration is a digital 2-state. Therefore, it is only visible when you are
configuring a 2-state SCADA point.
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Changing and Adding Alarms Classes

The Workbench lists the pre-configured alarm classes available for your PowerLink
Advantage project:
<project>\Advanced\Alarms\Alarm Classes
Using the Workbench, you can modify and/or add alarm classes to PACT. The following
are the Alarm Classes you can modify:
Class ID Class Description
ALARM General Alarm Class
4SDIG 4-State Digitals
HIGH High Priority Alarms
SOE Sequence of Events
WARN General Warning Class
Any alarm class whose Class Description includes (PowerLink Class) are system alarms
and must not be modified.
PowerLink Advantage's Default Alarm Classes
Once you have modified an alarm class, PowerLink Advantage applies the changes to all
of the points using that alarm class.
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About Alarm Classes

The Workbench groups Alarms with similar characteristics by Alarm Class.
Alarms assigned to an alarm class share the alarm class properties:
An order or priority.
This is a number from 0 to 9999, where 0 is the highest priority and 9999 is the
lowest priority.
Colors and blinking.
This provides immediate visual recognition of the alarm class state.
Audio support.
This provides immediate recognition when an alarm in the class is generated.
PowerLink Advantage applies alarm class modifications retroactively. For example,

if you modify an alarm class property it is applied to all the points currently using
that alarm class, as well as any new points assigned to that class.
Alarm Class Configuration

Step 1 Ensure the project is stopped
Step 2 Open the Alarm Class configuration dialog box
Step 3 Enter Alarm Class specifications
Step 4 Optionally select sound for an Alarm Class
Step 5 Saving the Alarm Class
Step 1-Ensure the project is stopped

that you stop the project.
Stop the project:

Method 1

Method 2
b. Select Stop.
Results: After you stop the project, the Workbench removes the name from the
Running projects list and the Stop Button dims .
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Step 2-Open the Alarm Class configuration dialog box

Option 1 Create a new alarm class.
Option 2 Open an existing Alarm Class Configuration dialog box.
Option 1 Create a new alarm class:

1. In the Workbench left pane, expand the Advanced folder> Alarms
.
2. Do one of the following:
Method 1
Double-click Alarm Classes .
Method 2
a. Right-click an existing alarm class in the right pane.
b. Select New from the popup menu.
Results: A new Alarm Class Configuration dialog box opens when you use either
method.
Option 2 Open an existing Alarm Class configuration dialog box
Open an existing Alarm Class Configuration dialog box:

1. Expand Advanced>Alarms in the Workbench left pane.
Method 1
Double-click an alarm class in the Workbench right pane.
Method 2
a. Right-click an alarm class in the Workbench right pane.
b. Select Properties from the popup menu.
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Results: The Alarm Class Configuration dialog box for the selected alarm class opens
when you use either method.
Step 3-Enter Alarm Class specifications

Tasks to configure alarm class specifications include:
Task 1 Enter general specifications.
Task 2 Select colors and blink rates for the alarm states.
Task 1 Enter General Specifications
Enter general specifications:

1. Select the Alarm Class tab in the Alarm Class Configuration dialog box.
2. (For new alarm classes) Enter a Class ID in the Class ID field.
The Class ID:
Can be up to five characters in length.
Must be unique.
Cannot include the $ or | characters
The Class ID field is read-only for previously created alarm classes.
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3. (Optional) Describe the class.

The description:
Can be up to 64 characters in length.
Appears in the Class Description field in the Workbench right pane.
Appears as a tool tip in PACT when the alarm class is selected.
4. Select a priority number in the Order field. CIMPLICITY gives alarms with a 0-
9999 order number. The higher the number, the lower the priority.
CIMPLICITY uses these priorities internally and to prioritize occurrences, such as alarm
sound.
If you assign the same order to more than one class, PowerLink alphabetizes the
classes within the order.
Example
You assign order 0 to High, Medium and Low alarm classes.
The alphabetized class order is High, Low, Medium. Alarms in these classes
will display in the High, Low, Medium order, when sorted by class in the Alarm
Viewer.
Task 2-Select Colors and Blink Rates for the Alarm States
Select colors and blink rates for the alarm states:

1. For each alarm state select a:
Foreground color
Different background color.
Alarm states to which you can assign colors are:
Normal State
Alarm State
Acknowledged State
Default colors are White for the text and Black for the background.
2. Enter a Blink rate for each alarm state in which you want the alarm to blink.
Value Rate/Second
0 Blinking does not occur.
1 1/10th or 10 times per second
2 2/10th or 5 times per second
20 20/10th or 1/2 time per second (1 per 2 seconds)
N 1/10th*N per second.
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3. Enter a foreground and background color that will alternate with the other
foreground and background colors selected for that state.
Results: The primary colors will:
Display per your alarm state specifications.
Alternate with the blink colors at the specified rate to create a blink.
Step 4-Optionally Select sound for an alarm class

You can configure an alarm class to use audio alarming on the Audio tab in the Alarm
Class Configuration dialog box.
Hardware and software requirements to generate an audio alarm include:
For a wave file:
Sound card to generate the sound.
Sound system, such as a speaker or headset, to make the sound audible.
Appropriate .wav file on the computer being used.
With the beep:
System beep
You can also generate a beep from a sound card, but it is not required.
If you do not have a sound card:
You can configure the frequency, duration and number of beeps.
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Select sound for the alarm class:

1. (Optional) Select the Audio tab.
Wave path and file
Beep
specifications
2. Check the Audio Support checkbox.

3. Check either Wave or Beep.
Important: Sounds only play if the CIMPLICITY Alarm Sound Manager is

running.
Option 1 Configure .wav Files for an Alarm Class Sound
a. Click the Browser button to the right of the File field.

b. Find the .wav file you want to use in the Windows Open dialog box.
The file's path displays in the File name field.
c. Click Test to test the sound.
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Option 2 Configure Beeps for an Alarm Class Sound
a. Enter a Frequency between 37 and 32767 Hz to define the sound's pitch.

The higher the number, the higher the pitch.
b. Enter the Duration of each beep (milliseconds).
Note: 1000 milliseconds = 1 second.
c. Specify the total number of beeps in the No of beeps field.
d. Enter the number of milliseconds between beeps in the Delay field.
Enter an integer from 0 through 10000 milliseconds.
Note: The Delay field is disabled if you enter a value of 1 in the No of
beeps field.
e. Click Test to test the sound.
You configure how to stop the alarm sound in the CIMPLICITY Alarm Sound
Manager dialog box.
Step 5-Save the alarm class

To save the alarm class
1. Click OK
or
Click Apply then Cancel
Results: The Workbench adds the Alarm Class.
2 Click to update the configuration

3 Reopen the project in PACT
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Adding Audible Alarms to a New Project

During PowerLink Advantage installation, the CIMPLICITY Alarm Sound Manager was
configured so that the Sample project could produce any configured audible alarms. You
must complete the same procedure for any new PowerLink Advantage projects requiring
audible alarms support.
Opening the Alarm Sound Manager application:

If the Alarm Sound Manager is not open:
1. In the Workbench open Runtime/Alarm Sound Manager.
2. In the left pane select Alarm Sound Manager.
If the CIMPLICITY Alarm Sound Manager is minimized.

In the Taskbar, click the icon to open CIMPLICITY Alarm Sound
Manager.
Opening the Alarm Sound Manager application:

1. In CIMPLICITY Alarm Sound Manager's Projects tab, click Add.
2. In the Add Project dialog box, type in <project name>, click OK.
Result: The <project name> is added to the list
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3. In the Startup Tab, ensure the Start at Windows startup is not selected and
Browse for PL_audible.ini in <drive>\GE\CIMPLICITY\HMI\exe
4. Click Save Profile

In the Save As dialog box, complete the following:
a. Select PL_Audible.ini
b. Click Save
5. Click
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About Project Security

Project security is configured and modified in the Workbench. Because PowerLink
Advantage allows multiple users to access the same project, security is an important
consideration. Properly configured security ensures that each user can only access the
tools and/or screens that they require to perform their jobs.
Chapter 3-Planning Considerations briefly discusses some of the factors that you may
want to consider before you begin to configure or modify your project's security. Once
you have decided on the number of users, their role and privileges you can begin to
configure the security for your system.
PowerLink Advantage's Default Users
Adding/Modifying Users
Adding/Modifying Roles
About Resources
About Users, Roles, and Privileges

The Security application within the Workbench enables you to configure users and their
roles for your PowerLink Advantage project. There are three configurable aspects of
security for your PowerLink Advantage project:
User
Roles and Privileges
Resources
User
A user is a person working with a PowerLink Advantage project. Each user has a role. A
user may require a password. If you configure and enable a password for a user then the
user cannot access the project functions without entering both the user ID and password.
Roles and Privileges
Each role in your PowerLink Advantage project has certain privileges assigned to it. The
privileges define the functions the user can access. If a user lacks the privilege to access a
secure function, PowerLink Advantage displays an error message and denies access.
Resource
A user's view determines the resource data to which the user has access. PACT
automatically creates a new resource for each device and gives the resource availability
to all configured users within the PowerLink Advantage project.
Using roles and resources, you can filter which alarms a user can view.
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Accessing Security Configuration

You perform all modifications and additions to your PowerLink Advantage project's
security configurations in the Workbench's Security folder. The folder contains the user
roles and their associated properties.
Workbench Folder
The project should not be running when you make changes to the security configurations.
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PowerLink Advantage's Pre-configured Users

The PowerLink Advantage sample project and template includes six pre-configured
users. PowerLink assigns all of the users to Roles. The Role determines the task or tasks
that each user is able to perform in the PowerLink Advantage project.
The PowerLink Advantage users are:
1. None
2. Observer
3. Operator
4. Supervisor
5. Administrator
6. System
Both "None" and "System" users are part of PowerLink Advantage's runtime operation
and must not be deleted or modified.
Pre-configured users
Modifying and adding PowerLink Advantage users

Once you have begun to configure project security, you may find that you want to modify
or add a user or users to the default list.
User configuration
You can begin user configuration by:
Adding a new user.
Assigning automatic log in.
Modifying an existing user's configuration.
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To create a new user:

1. Expand the Security folder in the left pane of the Workbench and do one of the
following.
Method 1
Double-click Users.
Method 2
a. Select Users.
b. Click File on the Workbench menu bar.
C. Select New.
Method 3
a. Select Users.
b. Press Ctrl+N on the keyboard.
Method 4
a. Select Users.
b. Click the New icon on the Workbench menu bar.
Result: The New User dialog box opens when you use any method.
New User Dialog Box Filled In
To fill in the New User dialog box:

1. In the User ID field, enter the name of the new user.
2. Click OK.
Results: The system verifies that the User ID does not already exist. The User
Properties dialog box opens if the User ID is approved.
Assigning Automatic Login

The New User dialog box allows you to configure automatic login to your PowerLink
Advantage project, from a local machine.
To configure Automatic Login

1. In the User ID field, enter the Windows login name of the computer.
2. Click OK.
3. In the User Properties dialog box, enter a Role (usually OBSERVER).
4. Click OK.
Results: The next time a user, using the same login name, opens PowerLink Advantage
on this machine, the machine automatically logs into the project without the user
having to sign in or use a password.
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To access the local machine user names on Windows 2000, select:

Start/Settings/Control Panel/Users and Passwords
Opening a Properties dialog box for an existing user

To modify an existing user open the selected user's User Properties dialog box and make
your modifications.
To open an existing User Properties dialog box:

1. Expand the Security folder in the left pane of the Workbench.
2. Select Users and do one of the following.

Method 1
Double-click a user in the right pane of the Workbench.
Method 2
a. Select a user in the right pane of the Workbench.
b. Click Edit on the Workbench menu bar.
C. Select Properties.
Method 3
a. Select a user in the right pane of the Workbench.
b. Click the Properties button on the Workbench menu bar.

Results: A User Properties dialog box associated with the selected user opens.
Configuring user General Properties

The General properties tab lets you define the following for a user.
You must not make changes to a user's configuration when the PowerLink Advantage
project is running.
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Role
Enter the user's role in the Role field.
Click the Browser button to the right of the input field to display the Select A Role
browse and use it to select the role.
You can also click the Popup Menu button to create a new role, edit the current
role, or Browser for another role.
Password needed
Check Password needed to require the user to enter a password at login.
Password and Confirm Password
The Workbench enables Password and Confirm Password when you select the Password
Needed checkbox.
1. Enter the user's password in the Password field.
2. Re-enter the password in the Confirm Password field.
If, at some future date, you uncheck Password Needed, the Password field will retain the
original password, but the user does not need to enter it when logging in.
The following runtime rules also apply to user passwords:

During runtime a user:
Is prompted to change the password when the current password expires.
(In a Server Redundancy configuration) can only change the password when the
Primary computer is running.
User name
Enter the user's name or descriptive text about the user.
Enabled
Either:
Select Enabled to enable the user account or.
Clear Enabled, to disable the account
Results: When Enabled is clear the account is not available for user login.
Password Expires
Enter the number of days until the users password expires or enter zero if the password
never expires in the Password Expires field.
Results: After the elapsed number of days, the user will be required to change the
password prior to logging in.
In a Server Redundancy configuration, PowerLink Advantage does not support

Automatic Password Expiration.
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About Resources
In a PowerLink Advantage project, resources are collections of devices and points. When
you use PACT to create a new device, it adds the device name to the Workbench's
Resource folder as a new resource. PowerLink Advantage automatically assigns the new
resource to all of the PowerLink Advantage project users.
When you create a point in PACT, the Group Name is used as the point resource.
If you change the default resource for one or more devices in the Workbench, the
automated Detail Pages in PowerLink Advantage runtime do not include the changes.
About Roles
You assign each PowerLink Advantage user a role. A role specifies what privileges its
users have when they work in PowerLink Advantage and the Workbench. The types of
privileges include:
Trigger Events
Action Calendar configuration
Control operations
Forcing
Viewing Alarms
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Pre-configured Role Privileges

The following are the PowerLink Advantage privileges assigned to each pre-configured
role in the sample PowerLink Advantage project and template:
None
Observer
Operator
Supervisor
Administrator
None Role
The None Role is a default account that PowerLink Advantage uses when no one is
logged in to the PowerLink Advantage project. It has no Privileges assigned to it.
Observer Role
The Observer Role is the minimum a user requires to view the PowerLink Advantage
project.
Operator Role
The default Operator Role has the following privileges:
Disable/Modify Alarm Modify Attributes
Set Point Dynamic configuration*
Supervisor
The default Supervisor Role has the following privileges:
Delete Alarms Modify Alarm setups
Set Point Disable/Modify Alarm
Modify Attributes Override Calendar Configurations
Dynamic configuration*
Administrator
The default Administrator Role has the following privileges:
Process Control Delete Alarms
Modify Alarm setups Modify Attributes
Set Point Dynamic configuration*
Trigger Events Override Calendar Configurations
Disable/Modify Alarm Override Area Resource Security
Script Control Setpoint Audit Trail
* Dyanamic Configuration is a system requirement for dynamic trending and the D25
power quality displays. You cannot add/modify points, ports, or devices in a running
PowerLink Advantage project.
If you are configuring a project based on PowerLink Advantage's sample project or

template you are assigned the "Administrator" role.
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Minimum Default Roles

The following are some of the tasks within your PowerLink Advantage project and the
minimum default roles required to access and manipulate them:
Privilege Minimum Role
View PowerLink displays Observer
Tag Points Operator

Force Points Operator
Control Points Operator
Send Demand Polls Operator
Add Operator Notes Operator
Select New Power Quality displays Operator
Remove Power Quality Displays Operator

Acknowledge Alarms Operator
Manually Reset Alarms Supervisor
Delete Operator Notes Supervisor
Delete Historical Alarms Supervisor
Send Pseudo-control Supervisor
Diagnostic Tools Administrator
(e.g. Point Control Panel)
Advanced Functions Administrator
(e.g. Shutdown PowerLink Advantage)
The role system is hierarchical. A role greater than or equal to the configured role can
perform the same function.
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Customizing PowerLink Security

This section assumes an advanced knowledge of PowerLink Advantage and
CIMPLICITY. The information below describes how to configure a new role and add the
required system point to PowerLink.
Creating a new CIMPLICITY role
Creating a new PowerLink system point
This section also describes how to check a user's security level at runtime
Adding Security to Custom Functions
Creating a New CIMPLICITY Role

You can begin role configuration by:
Adding a new role
Assigning Role Application Privileges
Assigning Role Calendar Privileges
Assigning Role Configuration Privileges
Adding a new role

The following steps allow you to add a new role to CIMPLICITY using the Workbench.
To add a new role:

1. Expand the Security folder in the left pane of the Workbench.
2. Do one of the following.
Method 1
Double-click Roles.
Method 2
a. Select Roles.
b. Click File on the Workbench menu bar.
C. Select New.
Method 3
a. Select Roles.
b. Press Ctrl+N on the keyboard.
Method 4
Click the New icon on the Workbench toolbar.
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Results: The New Role dialog box opens.

3. Enter the name of the new role in the Role ID field.
4. Click OK.
Results: The system verifies that the Role ID does not exist, and that invalid characters
are not in use and then creates the new role.
Assigning role application privileges

The Privileges tab on the Role Properties dialog box allows you to define the application
privileges for a new role. The dialog box lists the privileges assigned to PowerLink
Advantage's default ADMINISTRATOR role.
When checked a Allows a Role to:

Privilege:
Dynamic Configuration Dynamic configuration is a PowerLink Advantage
system requirement needed for dynamic trending and
the D25 power quality displays.
This privilege does not allow users to add/modify
points, ports, or devices in a running PowerLink
Advantage project.
Process Control Use the CPC (CIMPLICITY Program Control) utility
to start and stop CIMPLICITY HMI processes.
Trigger Event Trigger Event Manager events from the Basic
Control Engine user interface.
Script Control Stop, pause, or resume scripts in the Event Manager
from the Basic Control Engine user interface.
Delete alarms Delete alarms from the Alarm Viewer. Although this
option is available through the Workbench,
PowerLink Advantage disables the run-time pop-up
menu.
Modify alarm setups Modify alarm setups in Alarm Viewer.
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Setpoint Perform setpoints from CimView screens that contain

Setpoint actions. PowerLink Advantage requires this
privilege for all roles that can do more than view
screens.
Setpoint Audit Trail Have a $DOWNLOAD event recorded in the Event
Log for each setpoint that is generated. PowerLink
Advantage provides its own logging of tagging,
forcing and control actions.
Disable / modify alarms Disable or modify a point's alarms in the Point
Control Panel. PowerLink Advantage requires this
privilege for all roles that can do more than view
screens.
Modify Attributes Change the MANUAL_MODE point quality
attribute.
Change the QUALITY.DISABLE_WRITE point
attribute.
Write to a user defined field attribute if Restrict
write by role is selected in the Field Attribute dialog
box.
This is required for all roles that can do more than
view screens.
Assigning role calendar privileges

The Calendar tab in the Role Properties dialog box is available to establish resource and
configuration security.
Area Resource Security

When area resource Users will be able to:
security is:
Checked Only see areas who's Resource ID is assigned to the
user
Unchecked See all areas.
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Configuration
When configuration is: Users will be able to:
Checked Configure a schedule for any areas they can see.
Unchecked View schedules, but no configuration is possible.
Assigning role configuration privileges

The Configuration tab in the Role Properties dialog box enables you to specify the type
of configuration privileges available to user's Roles. To display the configuration tab in
the Role properties dialog box you must first enable Configuration Security in the Project
Properties options tab.
Creating a new PowerLink system point

PowerLink requires that each CIMPLICITY role also exists as a virtual point of type
INT, named PL.SECURITY.ROLE.<role>.
Although CIMPLICITY allows role names up to 16 characters in length, PowerLink
restricts the role name length to a maximum of 15 characters. The value of the virtual
point is the role priority.
Example:
By default, PL.SECURITY.ROLE.OPERATOR is initialized to a value of 20. By
assigning numeric priorities to each role, PowerLink can compare role priorities. The gap
in numbers in the default PowerLink roles allows system engineers to add intermediate
roles easily.
The additional PowerLink functions that have a minimum role associated with them are
configured as virtual text points of type STRING_20, and are read-only. From the
Workbench, they can be found in the point list. They all start with the name
PL.SECURITY.FUNC. The initial value of each point stores the minimum role required
to perform the function.
Example:
PL.SECURITY.FUNC.ADD_OPER_NOTES is the point storing the minimum role
required to add operator notes. By default, it is initialized to a value of OPERATOR.
Each of these point values must be initialized to a valid role. Otherwise, an error
message appears when a user attempts the corresponding action, and the user will not be
allowed to complete the request.
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Adding Security to Custom Functions

PowerLink includes a library function that returns an integer value based upon the users
security clearance for a requested action. The function checks whether the user has the
appropriate security clearance, prompts the user to login as a new user if required, and
returns an integer value of 0, 1, or 2.
Function Description:
GLB_PL_Check_Security
Input Parameters MinRole Minimum role required to
(String) perform the action
Returns Integer 0:Error
1:Privileged
2 Not Privileged (and the user
declined to login as a new user)
Every screen function that requires associated security must call the library function.
Calling the function means invoking a script to take the required action, even if the action
could be triggered in other ways.
Resource Setpoint Security

One of the new features offered in PowerLink Advantage 3.00 is Point Resource
Security.
What is Setpoint Security?

Resource Setpoint Security limits a PowerLink runtime users ability to access to point
SCADA functions and device pseudo controls based on the user's assigned resources. To
use this feature you must enable resource Setpoint security.
Once Setpoint Security has been enabled, if a user attempts to perform a SCADA
function or device pseudo controls on a resource that the user has not been assigned to,
PowerLink will display a runtime error message.
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The following demonstrates how the Resource Setpoint Security could operate on a
SCADA function, which includes tagging, forcing, control requests, and dynamic
trending.
Point Name: D200.BREAKER1
Point Group: CIRCUIT1
The table demonstrates when a user can access the SCADA functions on the point. It
assumes that the minimum role requirements for tagging, forcing and control are the
default value of OPERATOR.
User Role ID User Resource Set Tag/Force/Control Point?

Resources Point Security
(Groups) Enabled?
OBSERVER CIRCUIT1, TRUE No (does not meet minimum role
CIRCUIT2 requirements)
OBSERVER CIRCUIT1, FALSE No (does not meet minimum role
CIRCUIT2 requirements)
OPERATOR CIRCUIT2 TRUE No (does not have access to the
point group/resource)
OPERATOR CIRCUIT2 FALSE Yes (meets minimum role
requirements)
OPERATOR CIRCUIT1 TRUE Yes (meets minimum role
requirements and has access to
point group/resource)
OPERATOR CIRCUIT1 FALSE Yes (meets minimum role
requirements)
You can use Setpoint Security to limit user access on the following device psuedo
controls:
Enable/Disable scheduled polling Send a Demand Request
Enable/Disable unsolicited messages Check Alternate Channel
Switch channels Clear All Statistics
Send a demand polls Enable/Disable device
Note: Global Demand Polls and Global Demand Request can only be sent when the user
has access to all the devices resources.
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Enabling Resource Setpoint security

Enable Resource Setpoint security in project properties:
1. From the Project Menu, select Properties.
Results: The Project Properties dialog appears.
2. In the dialog, select the Settings tab.
3 In the left pane highlight Points, and click the Settings button.
4. In the Security section, select Enable resource set point security and click
OK.
5. Click OK to close the Project Properties dialog.
Configuring User Resource access

When PACT creates a new device, the device name is added to the Workbench's
Resource folder as a new resource and all PLA users are assigned resource access.
When you add a new group in a PACT's Point dialog box it is automatically added to the
Workbench's Resource folder as a new resource and all PLA users are assigned resource
access.
You can configure user resource access using either of the following two methods:
Method 1
To remove a user from a resource:

1. In the CIMPLICITY Workbench, open the Security folder and click
Resources.
2. Right click the selected Resource.
3. From the menu, select Properties.
4. Click the user that you do not want to access the Resource (device) and then
click the Remove button.
Results: The resource is removed from the users for this resource: list.
5. Click OK.
Method 2
To remove a resource from a user:

1. In the CIMPLICITY Workbench, open the Security folder and click Users.
2. Right click on the selected User.
3. Click the Resource tab.
4. Select the Resource and click the Remove button.
Results: The Resource is removed from the User.
5. Click OK.
Note: You have now enabled Setpoint security for your current resources. However, if
you add any new groups they will, by default, be made available to all users.
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PACT (PowerLink Advantage

Configuration Tool)
About PACT
PACT (PowerLink Advantage's Configuration Tool) is the configuration software for
your PowerLink Advantage projects. Within the Windows 2000 environment, PACT
provides all the unique tools you need to create and configure points, devices and ports
with maximum efficiency.
Using PACT you can:
Create, copy, and delete projects
Select which information to display
Add points, devices and ports
Modify points, devices and ports
Clone points
Offer a spreadsheet view of points and devices
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About PowerLink Advantage Projects

When you create a new PowerLink Advantage project, PACT creates a separate project
folder (directory) and places all files that relate to the project in the folder. This allows
you to quickly create backup files that you can copy to other folders or computers. It also
lets you remove projects from your computer without accidentally removing PACT
application files or parts of other projects.
Opening PACT
You open PACT the same way as any Windows 2000 application.
To open PACT
1. Click Start on the Window 2000 Taskbar
2. Select Programs
3. Select GE\PowerLink Advantage\Configuration Tool
or
From the Desktop, click

The PACT screen appears
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Menu Bar
The Menu Bar becomes available once you open PACT.
If a PowerLink Advantage project is not open the following Menu Bar options are
available:
The File Menu

The Tools Menu
The Help Menu
If a PowerLink Advantage project is open the following Menu Bar options are available:
The File Menu
The Tools Menu
The View Menu
The Help Menu
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File Menu
The File Menu provides you with a way to manage PowerLink Advantage Projects.
If a project is not open the following commands are available:
Project New
Project Open
Project Copy
Project Delete
Project Backup
Project Restore
If a project is open, the following commands are available:
Project/Close
Project/New /Device
Project /New /Point
Project /New /Port
Open a New PowerLink Advantage Project
To open a new PowerLink Advantage Project

1. Under File, select Project.
2. Under Project Menu, select New.
3. In New Project, enter a Project name the Name field.
4. In Path locate and select a drive and folder.
5. Click OK.
When you create a new project, PACT creates a folder with the project name on
<drive>GE\ PACT directory.
Open an Existing PowerLink Advantage project
To open an existing PowerLink Advantage project:

There are two methods to open an existing PowerLink Advantage project.
Method 1
1. Under File select Project.
2. Under Project select Open.
3. In Open Project, select a project.
4. Click OK.
Method 2
1. From the Toolbar click

2. In Open Project, select a project.
3. Click OK.
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To copy a PowerLink Advantage project:

1. Select File/Copy.
2. Under Project select New.
3. In the New Project dialog box, enter a new Project name in the Name field.
4. In the Path field, locate and select a drive and folder.
5. Click OK.
By default, when you create a new project PACT creates a folder using the project name.
Deleting a PowerLink Advantage project
To delete a PowerLink Advantage project:

1. Under File select Delete.
Result: The Delete Confirmation box appears.
2. Click Yes.
About Project Backup

The Backup command creates a compressed copy of a selected PowerLink Advantage
project. The backup file contains all of the data in your project plus any comments you
add during the backup file generation process.
Creating a "backup" for a PowerLink Advantage project provides the following benefits:
the backup is accessible in case of file corruption and/or disk failure
it enables troubleshooting of configuration problems
The Backup and Restore commands are only available on the Toolbar if PACT does not
have a project open.
To create a PowerLink Advantage project backup:

1. From File l Project select Backup
Result: The Backup Project dialog box appears.
2. From Project to Backup list, select the project you want to backup.
3. In the Backup As Name field, enter a file name and path or Click .
Result: The Backup As dialog box appears.
In the Backup As dialog box select where to store the .zip file.
Click Save
4. In the Comments text field, add any comments that you want PACT to store
with the Backup file.
5. Click OK.
You can cancel the Backup process at any time prior to its completion.
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About Project Restore

PACT's Project Restore command unzips, or decompresses, your PowerLink Advantage
project backup file. The Restore function also provides a Contents View to allow you to
display any notes attached to the Backup file.
The Backup and Restore commands are only available on the Toolbar if PACT does not
have a project open.
Restoring a PowerLink Advantage project
To restore a PowerLink Advantage project:
1. In the Name field, click the folder icon

Result: The Select Backup File to Restore dialog box appears.
2. From the dialog box, select the PowerLink Advantage project you want to
restore.
3. Click Open
Result: PACT adds the project name and path to the Name field and the View
Contents button becomes active.
Clicking opens the Backup Information text box. The text box
presents the following information:
Backup file creation (date and time)
Project Name
Device Information (number of devices and points)
Comments (entered when the backup file was created)
4. In the Restore Project As field, enter a project name and select the drive and
folder where you want PACT to restore the project.
If you do not specify a path, PACT creates a folder, using the project name, and puts it in
the PACT directory.
5. Click
Result: PACT begins to restore the project. You can use the Cancel button to stop
the restore process at anytime. Once PACT restores the project, a successful
restore message box appears.
Tools Menu
Using PACT's Tools menu you can access:
The System Parameters dialog box (for establishing point and device cloning rule, as
well as the number of points displayed in the navigation tree)
The Project Parameters dialog box (for configuring project communications)
The Harmonic Spectrum dialog box (for selecting the type of harmonic spectrum
data that PowerLink Advantage displays in runtime)
The Delete Group Names dialog box.
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If a PowerLink project is open, the following Tools/Menu Bar options are

available:
If a PowerLink project is not open, the following Menu Bar options are
available:
System Parameters
Use the System Parameters dialog box to configure point cloning rules, as well as, the
number of points displayed in the navigation tree.
To configure the System Parameters dialog box:

1. Select or clear the Copy control interlocks when cloning points checkbox. By
default, this option is selected and PACT copies all interlocking expressions
when cloning a point.
2. Select or clear the Copy analog feedback when cloning points checkbox. By
default this option is selected and PACT copies any associated analog feedback
when cloning a point (analog feedback is only present on Digital Write Only
points with raise/lower controls).
3. Click and enter a numerical value in the Page Size text box. This value
represents the maximum number of points that PACT displays when a point type
is open in the left pane. You cannot change this number if PACT has a project
open.
4. Click OK.
Delete Group Names

You create Group names in PACT's Point dialog boxes. They can be devices,
transformers, substations, or you can base your group names on the physical or
conceptual units that comprise your utility. PACT associates all PowerLink Advantage
points with a group. Once you delete a group, PACT removes it as a selection from the
Group Name list.
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D25 Harmonic Spectrum Common LRU

PowerLink Advantage is responsible for collecting harmonic spectrum data and
presenting it graphically on a custom Bar Graph in PowerLink Advantage runtime.
For PowerLink Advantage to collect and display D25 harmonic spectrum data the
following conditions must be met:
On each D25 with harmonic spectrum data, you must configure a separate Logical
Remote Unit (LRU) with only the harmonic spectrum points.
You must use UDP/IP communications to communicate with the D25 harmonic
spectrum LRU(s). All D25 harmonic spectrum LRUs must share the same primary
communications channel. If there is a redundant network, then they must also share
the same secondary communications channel.
If you have a single UDP/IP port configured in PowerLink Advantage when you
configure the LRU, and then add a second UDP/IP port, PowerLink Advantage only
uses the first UDP/IP port to communicate with the D25 harmonic spectrum LRU(s).
Therefore, if you require redundant communications with the D25 harmonic
spectrum LRU(s), both UDP/IP ports must be configured in PowerLink Advantage
before you add the LRU.
If you have more than one UDP/IP port configured in PowerLink Advantage when
you configure the LRU, the first listed in PACT's left pane Ports list is considered the
primary communications link and the second is the secondary.
PowerLink Advantage must use Roundrobin polling.
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Configuring D25 Harmonic Spectrum Common LRU
To configure the D25 Harmonic Spectrum Common LRU:

1. In the Tools menu, select D25 Harmonic Spectrum Common LRU
Result: the D25 Harmonic Spectrum Common LRU dialog box appears
2. Select the AC Analog Input and/or the Circuits available for Harmonic
Spectrum Data.
Once you have made your selection the DNP address field(s) appear. This is
required information and you must complete them for the OK button to become
active.
3. Click OK
View Menu
The View Menu allows you to change and filter your project's left pane point display.
Use the View commands to move up and down in the point list, as well as, filter the
display to show only a subgroup of a point type.
Using the View menu you can:
Display the first page of points
Display the next page of points
Display the previous set of points
Display the last page of points
Display all points for a selected type
Filter the selected point type
Display the first page of points
To display the first page of points:

In the left pane, select a point type.
In the Tools menu, select Points I First Page
or
From the tool bar select the icon.
Display the next page of points
To display the next page of points:
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From the Tools menu, select Points / Next Page.
or
In the left pane point display click
The next page display option is only available if there is more than one page of the
selected point type.
Display the previous page of points
To display the previous page of points:

In the Tools menu, select Points/Previous Page.
or
From the left pane point display click .
The Previous Page icon is only available if there is more than one page of the selected
point type.
Display the last page of points
To display the last page of points:

In the Tools menu, select Points / Last Page.
or
From the toolbar, click the last page icon .
Last Page functionality is available only if there is more than one page of points.
Display all points for a selected type
To display all points for selected type:

In the Tools menu, select View / Points / All Points for Selected Type.
or
From the toolbar, click the All Points for Selected Type icon .
The All Points for Selected Type command instructs PACT to remove the filter and
display all of the points of the selected point type. Currently, PACT displays a maximum
of 30 points.
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Filter the selected point type
To filter the selected point type:

1. In the left pane, select a point type.
2. From the Open Point type list, select a point.
3. In the toolbar's filter text box enter a filter value.
4. From the toolbar, click the Filter icon .

or
5. From the menu bar, click View I Points I Filter...
Base your filter value on your point naming convention. For example, if your
Digital Read Only point names range from 001-01 through 001-99 a filter value
of 001-0 would display points 001-01 through 001-09 in the left pane.
PowerLink Advantage supports using the percent (%) sign as a wildcard.
To change the display to show all of the points of the selected point type, click on the
toolbar or select View / Points / All from the menu bar.
PACT's Help Menu

The Help Menus accesses Help Topics, as well as supplying Product Version
Information.
PACT's Toolbar
PACT's toolbar displays when a PowerLink Advantage project is open. The Toolbar
gives you single-click access to the PACT tools you use most often. You can add a new
device, close a project, delete items and use the Find/Filter tool to sort the left-pane point
display. Move the cursor across the toolbar to display each item's tool tips.
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PACT's GUI (Graphical User Interface)

PACT's configuration environment has a similar look and feel to Windows 2000. The left
pane contains the device, point and port folders and the right pane displays any dialog
boxes you select. A + sign beside an icon indicates that a folder is collapsed. Clicking +
(plus) expands the folder. Clicking - (minus) beside an open folder collapses the folder.
PACT's left pane hierarchy contains four levels.
device and port
device name
point types
point names
The Points folder does not appear until you create a device. Once the device appears
expanding it displays a list of the point types PACT offers. When you create points,
PACT adds a + sign beside the point type to indicate its presence.
at the bottom of an open point folder indicates that there are additional
points not currently displayed. Clicking displays the next page of points.
Clicking instructs PACT to display the previous page of points.
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Dialog box types

The dialog box title bar lists the type of dialog box that is currently open.
PACT offer three dialog box types:
Current Information (Point/Device/Port)
Adding a New (Point/Device/Port)
Modifying (Point/Device/Port)
Current Information dialog box
To open a Current Information For (XXX) dialog box in the right-pane, click the
corresponding left pane icon. The Save button on this dialog box is not active and you do
not have to Save or Cancel to open another dialog box, just click on any other left-pane
icon. However, if you make any changes to the dialog box it becomes a Modifying
Properties dialog box and you must either Save or Cancel any changes before opening
another dialog box.
Adding a New dialog box
To open Adding a New (XXX) dialog box in the right-pane, use PACT's toolbar or the
right-click menu.
To make the addition of devices, ports, or points more convenient, the majority of the
fields in this dialog box are pre-configured with default values. You can change any of
the defaults to match your project's requirements. The dialog box's orange fields are
required fields and you must configure them for the Save button to become active.
Modifying dialog box
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To open a Modifying (XXX) dialog box in the right-pane, click the corresponding left
pane icon. A Current Information dialog box appears. Once you edit or add information,
the dialog box changes to a Modifying Properties dialog box, and the Save and Cancel
buttons becomes active.
Pre-configured dialog box parameters

To aid in the addition of points, PACT has pre-configured many of the values in the point
dialog boxes. If your project requires it, you can change any of these values. All orange
fields and at least one yellow field must have values to add the point to a device.
PACT Display Options

The PACT display can be as sparse or as detailed as you need. You can expand or
collapse folders or icons with subordinate icons the same way you do in Windows 2000.
PACT offers you an efficient way to view any of the current information on a point
device or port.
Selecting items for right-pane display
Selecting an item to display in the right-pane:

Select an item in the left pane.
Result: The selected item's dialog box appears in the left-pane
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About Project Parameters

Before you begin to add Devices Points and/or Ports to you PowerLink Advantage
project you have to configure the Project Parameters. These parameters are the settings
allow you to:
Establish communications between the devices in your PowerLink Advantage
project and the DNP driver.
Determine if your project is using Roundrobin or Device Polling.
Configure Roundrobin polling.
Accessing Project Parameters
To access the Project Parameters dialog box:

1. From the Menu bar, click Tools.
2. From Tools, select Parameters then Project
Result: The Project Parameters dialog box appears.
Step 1- Configuring General Information

This section of the Project Parameters dialog box allows you to configure the DNP values
for your PowerLink Advantage project.
To configure the General Information section:

1. In PowerLink DNP Address, enter the DNP address assigned to PowerLink
Advantage.
The value in this field is the DNP application address assigned to PowerLink
Advantage. When PowerLink Advantage sends a poll to any device in the
project, the poll response and its confirmation or failure is returned to the
configured address. You must also configure the address in any device
communicating with PowerLink Advantage. The address can be any number
between 1 and 65535 (65535 is a broadcast address). The address cannot be the
same as the DNP address of any device.
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2. In DNP Fragment Size, enter the maximum number of bytes in a DNP

application layer message.
The DNP Fragment Size is the maximum number of bytes in a DNP application
layer request or response message. The default value is 2048 bytes however, the
value can range between 2048 and 65535 bytes. Ensure that both the project
parameter and the configurable device fragment size are the same.
3. Using the Offline Poll Interval timer, enter the amount of time PowerLink
Advantage waits before it polls an offline device. The minimum value is 10
seconds.
To configure the offline poll interval

Method 1
a. Place the cursor in one of the Offline Poll Interval time field (the time fields
are hours, minutes, seconds).
b. Click the up/down arrow or press the up/down arrow on the keyboard.
Method 2
Highlight a clock field and enter a numerical value
4. In Automatic Class Poll, select or clear the poll.
Selecting this option tells PowerLink Advantage to automatically poll for Class
1, 2, and 3 data when a device reports class data is available.
5. From the Date/Time Format drop list, select how you want PowerLink
Advantage runtime timestamps to display.
Step 2- Scheduled Polling

Polling is a term that describes how PowerLink Advantage sends and receives specific
messages. PowerLink Advantage offers two types of polling:
Roundrobin
Device Polling
Roundrobin Polling
This type of polling causes all devices, one after another, to be polled using the same
scheme.
Roundrobin polling forces PowerLink Advantage to communicate with all of the devices
in the project, one after the other. With Roundrobin Polling you can establish up to five
global polls on a configurable time interval. Roundrobin polling is configured in Project
Parameters dialog box.
The poll intervals must be longer than the number of devices multiplied by the longest
possible poll response. This ensures that PowerLink Advantage has time to poll all
devices in the system.
Poll Interval Time (ms) > Number of devices in the project x the longest poll response.
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Device Polling
This type of polling requires that you configure each device's polling scheme
individually. If you select Device polling, you must schedule polls individually for each
device in the project. A Scheduled Polls tab becomes available in the Adding a New
Device and Modifying a Device dialog boxes, allowing you to set the parameters for that
device's polling.
If you select Device Polling, you must configure polling for all devices in the project.
Configuring Roundrobin Polling

The Project Parameters dialog box allows you select and configure Roundrobin polling in
your project.
Configuring Roundrobin polling:

1. In Inter-Poll Delay, enter a numeric value.
This delay is the amount of time (in seconds) between polls to subsequent
devices. The inter-poll delay begins timing when PowerLink Advantage sends a
poll to a device. Therefore, its value must include enough time for the poll to
reach the device and for the device to respond.
Example
The polling process requires two seconds. Therefore, for the Inter-poll delay to
create a pause between device polls it must have a value greater that two
seconds. An Inter-poll delay of five seconds would result in a three-second
pause.
2. With the cursor in the Sequence Name field, from the drop-down menu select a
poll type.
3. In Start Condition, select a start condition
If you select... then...

Relative to Startup once PowerLink Advantage starts,
scheduled polling begins after the
configured Poll Interval time elapses. For
example, if the start time is 02: 00 and the
polling interval is 00 00: 30: 00.0 the first
poll occurs 2 hours after startup and there is
another scheduled poll every 30 minutes.
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Absolute Time of Day once PowerLink Advantage starts,

scheduled polling begins at the Start time.
For example, if the Start time is set to 04: 00
and the poll interval is 00 00: 10: 00.0 the
first poll occurs at 04:00 and subsequent
polls are sent every 10 minutes. If
PowerLink Advantage starts polling after
specified time of day the polling does not
begin until the configured Start time the next
day.
Relative to the top of the hour Once PowerLink Advantage starts, polling
begins at the specified amount of time after
the top of the hour. PowerLink Advantage
only uses the minutes of the Start time. For
example, if the start time is 00:05 and the
poll interval is 01:00:00.0 when PowerLink
Advantage starts at 10:30, the first poll will
be sent at 11:05 the next one at 12:05 and so
on.
4. Place the cursor in Start Time, click and enter a numeric value.
or
Place the cursor in one of the clock fields, click the up/down arrows or press the
up/down arrows on the keyboard.
5. Place the cursor in Poll Interval click, and enter a numeric value.
or
Place the cursor in one of the Clock fields, click the up/down arrow or press the
up/down arrow on the keyboard.
If you select Roundrobin polling, you cannot configure individual polling on any project
devices.
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Adding Devices
Once you have established your project's Project Parameters you can begin to add
devices. To simplify device configuration many of the dialog boxes contain pre-
configured values. You can use these values or customize the values for your project.
Adding a New Device

PACT's design makes it easy to add new devices to your project.
Opening the Adding a New Device dialog box:
In the PACT toolbar, click the icon.

or
In right click in PACT's left pane
Result: The Adding a New Device dialog box appears

When the Adding a device dialog box appears you will notice that most of the Tabs
contain orange text fields. The orange fields indicate mandatory information and you
must enter value(s). Once all of the orange fields are complete, the Save button becomes
active.
Multiple yellow text fields indicate that you must complete at least one of the fields
before the Save button becomes active.
Clicking the active Save button adds the device to the left-pane of PACT's display.
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Clicking the + opens the tree displaying the device and its configurable points
Deleting a Device
To delete a device:
1. In the left pane, expand the device folder.
2. Highlight the device and right-click.
3. From the menu, select Delete.
Result: The delete device confirmation box displays.

4. In the dialog box, click Yes.
Result: The Device disappears from the left pane.
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Device Configuration
Use the New Device dialog box to enter and change device parameters. There are six
steps in device configuration:
Step 1 Device Definition
Step 2 Dynamic and Fixed Indicators
Step 3 Establish Control Feedback
Step 4 Select File Path
Step 5 Establishing Communications
Step 6 Configuring Scheduled Polling
Step 1- Device Definition

To configure the Device Definition section:
1. In Name, enter the device name.
When you add points to the device, PowerLink Advantage combines the device
and point name to facilitate point identification and searching.
Device naming conventions are as follows:
the device name must be fewer than 14 characters
it must contain no spaces
it must contain no single or double quotes
alphabetic characters with accents cannot be used (, , or )
If you are creating a D25_WITH_POWER_QUALITY device, the

maximum number of characters you can use in the device name is seven.
2. In Description, enter up to 40 characters of descriptive text.
Adding a description of the device is optional. Although the information is
available in the Workbench, PowerLink Advantage runtime does not use it.
3. In DNP Address, enter the device's DNP address. The device's DNP address
must not be the same as the DNP address of any other device or the PowerLink
Advantage computer.
4. From the drop-down menu, select the Device class.
PACT offers default device Classes. Normally, the device uses the default
Standard class.
Step 2- Dynamic and Fixed Indicators

After defining the device, you can configure the custom polling considerations.
To configure the Dynamic Indicators section:

In any of the Dynamic or Fixed Indicator check boxes select the option to enable the
control.
Enabled
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Select this option to enable device communications at startup.
If you choose not to select this option, you can configure a device (for future
expansion) without adding it to the communications network. Then when you are ready
to add it to your project's communication network, select the option.
Scheduled Polling
Select this option to enable scheduled Roundrobin or device independent polling on
PowerLink Advantage startup. An operator can enable or disable polling during runtime.
Unsolicited Messages
Select this option so PowerLink Advantage accepts unsolicited messages from the device.
An operator can enable or disable unsolicited messages during runtime.
Use Data Link Confirm
Select this option so PowerLink Advantage requests data link confirmation messages
from the device after it transmits each frame. If PowerLink Advantage does not receive
the confirmation, it continues to transmit the frame for the maximum number of retries
configured. The maximum number of retries is established during Port configuration.
Auto Time Synchronization
Select this option so PowerLink Advantage automatically time synchronizes the device
when the device requests it, or when PowerLink Advantage detects the system time has
changed. If this option is not selected an operator can still force a device time
synchronization in PowerLink Advantage runtime
Step 3- Establish Control Feedback

Control Feedback is the length of time PowerLink Advantage waits before sending a poll
to request feedback on a control message.
To configure Control Feedback:

1. From the drop down menu, select the type of control feedback.
2. If the Control Feedback poll type requires, enter a value for the delay.
There are three Control Feedback types:
None
Normal
Extended
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None
This option configures PowerLink Advantage to not send a feedback poll after successful
digital or analog output sequences. Choose this option if the device reports changes to
any feedback points in unsolicited messages or if polling is performed frequently (less
than 2 seconds).
Normal
This option configures PowerLink Advantage to send an event data poll to the device
after a successful digital or analog output. Choose this option if the polled device can
generate Class 1, 2, or 3 Events on a control request.
Extended
This option configures PowerLink Advantage to send an event poll and analog input poll
to the device after a successful digital or analog output. Choose this option if the polled
device cannot generate Class 1, 2, or 3 Events on a control request.
Step 4: Selecting a File Path

Use this field for GE Energy's DART configuration file transfers using DNP 3.0. For
further information contact GE Energy's Customer Service.
Step 5- Establish Communications Channels

Configuring Communication Channel properties establishes how PowerLink Advantage
communicates with the device.
To configure Communication Channels from the Port list, select a Port:

PACT offers four pre-configured ports:
Adapter1 UDP-IP
Adapter2 UDP-IP
COM1
COM 2
Although they are not pre-configured, PACT allows you to use dial-up modem and
TCP/IP ports in your project. You must use the Add a new Port dialog box to create and
configure either a TCP/IP port or a dial-up modem port before PACT lists them in the
Adding a New Device dialog box Port menu. PACT also allows you to configure
additional UDP-IP and serial ports.
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Specific Port configuration parameters

Some of the parameters are common to all port types. Parameters specific to each are
listed under each Port type.
UPD-IP or TCP/IP device port
To configure a TCP/IP or UDP-IP device port:

1. In Network Delay, enter a value (tenth of a second).
The Network Delay is a numeric value that allows for network transmission
delays between PowerLink Advantage and the device on the communication
channel.
2. In the Device Receive Port text box, enter a value.
The Device Receive Port is the service port number of the device's receiving
port.
3. In the Host Name, type the name of the Host.
The Host Name is the name assigned to a device's IP address. For PowerLink
Advantage and the device to communicate you must change the host file in your
system directory so that PowerLink Advantage's PC recognizes the device.
To access your PC's Host File:
From the Start menu open Windows Explorer.
a. In Explorer, follow the path <drive>\system32\drivers\etc\Hosts.
b. Open the file with any text editor, for example Notepad. In the text
file, enter the necessary information.
You can only use a TCP/IP port for one device, however, you can use a UDP-IP port for
several devices.
COM1 and COM 2
To configure a COM1 COM2 port:

1. From the drop-down menu select COM1 or COM2
2. Network Delay, enter a value (tenth of a second).
The Network Delay is a numeric value that allows for network transmission
delays between PowerLink Advantage and the device on the communication
channel.
a. Select a Secondary Channel
b. From the menu, select a port type
c. Configure the Port according to its information requirements.
Serial device port
To configure a serial device port:

In Network Delay, enter a value (tenth of a second).
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The Network Delay is a numeric value (tenth of second) that allows for network
transmission delays between PowerLink Advantage and the device on the
communication channel.
Dial-up modem device port
To configure a serial device port:

1. In Network Delay, enter a value (tenth of a second).
The Network Delay is a numeric value (tenth of second) that allows for network
transmission delays between PowerLink Advantage and the device on the
communication channel.
2. In Dial string, enter the modem dial command used to reach the device.
PowerLink Advantage sends the dial string, exactly as entered, followed by a
carriage return to the modem. A sample dial string is ATDT14035551234.
If the device has a Secondary Channel:

1. Select the Secondary Channel checkbox.
2. From the drop-down menu, select a port type.
3. Configure the Port according to its information requirements.
Primary and secondary channels cannot use the same port.
Common Port configuration parameters
To configure parameters common to all port types:

1. Processing Delay enter a value (tenth of a second).
Processing Delay is the length of time that PowerLink Advantage allows for a
device to respond to a master request. A value of zero indicates there is no
delay.
2. In Offline Condition, select a reason for failure.
An Offline Condition is an event that causes PowerLink Advantage to consider a
device offline.
If you choose... then...
Single poll failure PowerLink Advantage considers the device
offline after one failed poll.
All channel failure PowerLink Advantage considers the device
offline after all attempts to communicate on all
available communication channels have failed.
PowerLink Advantage runtime indicates offline points and devices by

displaying them in white in the Detail and Communication pages.
3. In Consecutive Failures, select a value (1-10).
This is the number of times PowerLink Advantage attempts to poll a device
before it considers that the channel has failed. Once this has occurred
PowerLink Advantage polls them at the configured offline frequency (offline
frequency is configured in the Project Parameters).
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If the device has a secondary channel:

In Consecutive Failures to Failover, enter the number of attempts
PowerLink Advantage will make to communicate using a channel before
switching to the alternate channel.
Step 6- Configuring the Scheduled Poll Tab

This tab appears if you select Device Polling in the Project Parameters dialog box. You
must schedule polls individually for each device in the project. The tab becomes available
in the Adding a New Device and Modifying a Device dialog boxes, allowing you to set
the parameters for that device's polling.
Configuring Device Polling

To configure device polling:
1. In the Sequence Name column, select a poll type.
2. In the Start Condition field, select a start condition.
Relative to Startup once PowerLink Advantage starts,
scheduled polling begins after the
configured Poll Interval time elapses. For
example, if the start time is 02: 00 and the
polling interval is 00 00: 30: 00.0 the first
poll occurs 2 hours after startup and there is
another scheduled poll every 30 minutes.
Absolute Time of Day once PowerLink Advantage starts,
scheduled polling begins at the Start time.
For example, if the Start time is set to 04: 00
and the poll interval is 0 00: 10: 00.0 the
first poll occurs at 04:00 and subsequent
polls are sent every 10 minutes. If
PowerLink Advantage starts polling after
specified time of day the polling does not
begin until the configured Start time the next
day.
Relative to the top of the hour once PowerLink Advantage starts, polling
begins at the specified amount of time after
the top of the hour. PowerLink Advantage
only uses the minutes of the Start time. For
example, if the start time is 00:05 and the
poll interval is 01:00:00.0 when PowerLink
Advantage starts at 10:30 , the first poll will
be sent at 11:05 the next one at 12:05 and so
on.
3. Place the cursor in the Start Time field, click the up/down arrows or press the
up/down arrows on the keyboard.
4. Place the cursor in the Poll Interval field, click up/down arrow or press the
up/down arrow on the keyboard.
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Points
After creating, configuring, and saving a new device PACT adds it to the left pane
display. Clicking the plus sign opens a list containing the various point types you can add
and configure for the device.
PowerLink Advantage offers eight different point types:
Digital Read Write Analog Read Only
Digital Read Only Analog Write Only
Digital Write Only Counters
Analog Read Write Complex Objects
Creating a New Point

To create a new point:
1. In the navigation tree, highlight the type of point you want to add to the device.
2. In PACT's Toolbar, click the point icon

or
1. In the navigation tree, highlight the type of point you want to add to the device.
2. Right-click the point.
3. Select Add a Point.
Result: The Adding a (selected point type) Point To- (device name) dialog box
appears.
Viewing Existing Points

To view a project's existing points:
1. Expand the Point folder in the left pane of the Workbench.

2. Select a Point
Result: PACT displays the selected points properties in the right pane.
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Digital Read Write Points

Digital Read Write points combine control and status functions. The status point reads
the digital feedback point associated with the control and monitors the success or failure
of the control operation based on the feedback it receives.
The Adding a Digital Read Write Point and Modifying Port dialog boxes allow you to
configure digital read write points and specify their characteristics. Configuration
requirements for these points vary based on the specific requirements of each point.
Step 1- Naming the Point

Use the Adding A Digital Read Write Point dialog box to enter point properties.
To begin Point configuration:

1. In Name, enter the name the point.
The Point Name is a combination of the device name and the name you assign to
the point. For example, if the device name is TEST, and the name you enter in
the Point Name field is 001, the point name is TEST-001. The point name
displays in the title bar of the point's dialog box.
When you name your points:
the combined device/point name must be 28 characters or less.
no spaces
no single or double quotes
all letters are uppercase.
2. In Description, enter a short description of the point.
The Point Description is used in the Detail Pages, alarms, tagging, and control
panels in PowerLink Advantage runtime. Use a description that is meaningful to
the end operator. The description can be a maximum of 40 characters, including
spaces.
3. In Size, select either 2-or 4-State.
The Size specifies the number of states for a point. PACT offers two point sizes,
2-or 4-State. Using a 4-State Digital Read Write point requires two digital input
points from the device.
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Step 2a- Configuring a 2-State Point

To configure a 2-State point
1. In Input Point, type or select the Input point.
The pre-configured Input Point number is the next available device input point.
The number automatically increases whenever you add a new point or points.
For example, if a Digital Read Write 2-State point is configured using input
point 1, the next Digital Read Write 2-State point has a pre-configured value of
2 in the Input Point text box. The input point number is the zero-based index of
the point as sent in a DNP message.
2. In Enumeration ID, select the point enumeration.
A Point Enumeration ID displays digital point values as text. When you
highlight an ID, the Control Actions columns list the values it represents. For
example, the RAISE_LOWER enumeration displays:
Raise with an input value of 0 and a paired point value of 0.
Lower with an input value of 0 and a paired point value of 1.
3. From I/Lock, select an Interlocking Control type.
Interlocking Controls apply one or more conditions to a PowerLink Advantage
runtime digital control request. Once you select either Inhibit or Warning
Interlocking the I/Lock Tab appears. The tab label indicates which control states
have interlocking expressions.
Warning Interlocking Controls
If you select and configure a Warning Inhibit Control, the PowerLink Advantage
runtime operator receives a warning message whenever a control request is
attempted on the point. The operator must acknowledge the warning(s) before
PACT sends the Control Request.
Example
If a runtime operator performs a control request on a point configured with
Warning Interlocking Controls, the Digital Control dialog box contains yellow
Interlocking Control and Execute buttons. When the operator clicks Execute, an
Interlocking Warning message box appears listing the first warning message. If
the operator clicks OK, the next control warning message box appears. This
continues until there are no expressions blocking the control.
The control only executes if the operator selects OK for all of the warning
messages.
Inhibit Interlocking Controls
Select an Inhibit Interlocking Control to establish conditions that abort runtime
control requests on a specified point.
Example
When a runtime operator attempts a control request on a point with Inhibit
Interlocking Controls, red Interlocking Control and Execute buttons appear in
the Digital Control dialog box. When the operator clicks Execute an Interlocking
Inhibit message box appears listing the first inhibit's description. If the operator
clicks OK and reattempts to execute the control request, PowerLink Advantage
aborts the Control Request.
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4. From the Control Actions list boxes, select the control actions.
A Control Action is the condition of the output point after PowerLink
Advantage completes a control request.
5. In Primary Output Point, type or select an output point. The output point number
is the zero-based index of the point as sent in a DNP message.
If you choose a secondary output point, the Secondary

Output Point box appears.
From the Secondary Output Point box, type or select a secondary output point.
If the point requires an Alarm in Alarm Configured, click to

access the Alarm Tab.
6. In Group Name, type or select a group name.
You should base the group name on the physical or conceptual units that
comprise your utility. They can be devices, transformers, substations, or even
areas where tasks are performed. All PowerLink Advantage points are
associated with a group.
In PowerLink Advantage runtime, you can filter data by group. For example, in
the Alarm Viewer you can display alarm data for a specific group.
Step 2b- Configuring a 4-State Point

After selecting a 4-State Point, PACT displays the text boxes necessary to configure that
point type.
To configure a 4-State Point:

point 1, the next Digital Read Write 2-State point configured has a pre-
configured of 2 in the Input Point text box. The input point number is the zero
based index of the point as sent in a DNP message.
2. In Paired Point, type or select the paired point.
The Paired Point is a second point on the device that allows for the two
additional conditions found in a 4-State Point. For example, a Breaker 2-State
Digital Point has two values (Trip or Close) which you can configure on one
point. However, a Breaker 4-State Digital Point has four values (Trip, Close,
Transit and Invalid) and requires a paired point. Another name for a 4-State
Point is a double point, since there are two, separate points.
highlight an ID the Control Actions columns list the values it represents. For
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Interlocking the I/Lock Tab appears. The tab label indicates which control states
have interlocking expressions.
Example
Interlocking Warning message box appears listing the first warning message; if
messages.
Example
clicks OK and reattempts to execute the control request, PowerLink Advantage
4. From Control Actions list, select the control actions.
5. In Output Point, type or select an output point. If you select a secondary
output point, the Secondary Output Point box appears. The output point number
From the Secondary Output Pointbox, type or select a secondary output
point.
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Step 3: Configuring the Control Tab

The Control Tab allows you to configure the point's SCADA controls.
To configure the SCADA Controls:

1. In Confirm Required, click to select or clear the option.
Selecting the Confirm Required box tells PowerLink Advantage to prompt the
operator to confirm an output request. By default, Confirm Required is selected.
2. Select a Functional Code to indicate how PowerLink Advantage sends a control
to the device, and whether the device acknowledges the control after receiving
it.
Direct Operate a control is sent directly and PowerLink
Advantage expects an acknowledgement
Direct Operate No Ack a control is sent directly but PowerLink
Advantage does not require an acknowledgement
from the device.
Select Before Operate PowerLink Advantage sends a select and operate
request to a device. A control is not executed
until the operate is sent.
3. In On Time, enter the amount of time (ms).
On Time allows you to set the amount of closure time (in milliseconds) on a
digital output command. For example, if the On Time is set for 1000 ms, a relay
remains closed for that specified amount of time.
4. In Control Timeout, enter the amount of time (in seconds) PowerLink
Advantage waits to receive a read command after a write command is sent.
The Control Timeout is the amount of time (in seconds) PowerLink Advantage
waits to receive a read command after sending a write command. During the
timeout PowerLink Advantage does not allow any other transactions with the
point. If the timeout is exceeded, PowerLink Advantage generates an error
message in runtime.
5. In Repeat Count, type the number times to repeat the control request (0-254).
The Repeat Count is the total number of times the device repeats the control to
the point. The valid range is 0 to 254 repeat operations. The default value is 0. A
setting of 255 repeats the control forever.
6. From the Control Code list, select a control code.
The Control Code is the type of control PowerLink Advantage issues to the
device point.
There are three options:
If a Control Code is a... then...
Pulse the control is sent as a pulse to the device.
PowerLink Advantage sends a pulse request for
the point, using the configured On Time, Off
Time settings.
Trip/Close the control is sent using the ON Time and Off
Time settings. You can configure separate
records for a trip and close request if the device
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does not support trip/close operations on the

same output point.
Latch the control is sent using a latch on or latch off
request for the control point.
7. In Off Time, type the required value.
Off Time is the amount of time between On Time operations. For example, a
pulse control with a On Time of 1000 ms and an Off Time of 1000 ms executes
the control for 1000 ms, pauses for 1000 ms, then repeats the control
8. From Flag Source options, select a point source.
The flag source determines whether the source of the point's online status is
from an input or output point.
9. Click Save.
Step 4a- Configuring an Alarm for a 2-State Point
The Alarm Tab becomes available if you select Configured Alarm in the General Tab.
Using the alarm page you can configure the point's alarm properties.
To configure an Alarm for a point:

1. In Alarm Message Text, select or type an alarm message.
To define an alarm message:
Enter a message in the Alarm Message field that displays with the alarm in
PowerLink Advantage's runtime environment. The total display length for all
fixed text and variables is 80 characters. You can type the variables or click
to select them from the field's popup menu.
If you select it displays
Point Name The point name configured in the General Tab of
the Point Properties dialog box.
Point Description The point description configured in the general
tab in the Point Properties dialog box.
Point Value The value of the point when alarm conditions are
met. A space is required before and after this
variable.
Point Name Variable The Point ID. A space is required before and
after this variable.
Percent A percent sign (%) at the end of the message.
Clear Message Nothing.
2. From Class, select an alarm class.
3. From Type , select an alarm type.
Alarm Types Properties
On Update If you choose the On Update alarm criteria, you
cannot define Alarm Values. Each time the
point's value is updated, an alarm is generated.
Each time the point's value is updated,
PowerLink compares its current value with the
alarm values. An alarm is generated when the
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point's value transitions from one Alarm State to

another
To configure On Update alarming:

Select On Update in the Alarm Type
Selecting the Automatically Acknowledge
checkbox forces PowerLink to automatically
acknowledge alarms in PowerLink runtime.
Deviation Deviation alarms detect when the value of a
point deviates too far from the "normal" value
To configure deviation alarming:

Select Deviation in the Alarm Type.
In the Normal Value box, enter the value the
point will normally have.
4. In the Graphic Screen List, select a screen.
The Graphic Screen allows you to associate the point, and its configured alarm,
with a PowerLink Advantage runtime screen. The drop down menu includes the
.cim screens that are in the project directory.
5. In Help File, type or browse for the help file to display for the alarm.
Enter the name (max. 8 characters) of a text file that the runtime Alarm Viewer
can display when the user clicks the View Associated Help button for an alarm.
Keep the help file in a project directory.
An Alarm help file (.hlp):
Is an ASCII text file.
Can be up to sixty (60) lines.
Can have a maximum of 70 bytes per line. (A character can be 1 or 2 bytes,
depending on the system you are using.).
Can be used for several points.
If you have selected a Deviation Alarm:

a. Select of clear the Manual reset enabled checkbox
This option allows the operator to reset an Alarm in PowerLink runtime.
b. Select or clear the Delay checkbox.(seconds). (Use this field to set transient
state suppression).
Once you select this option the Time field appears allowing you to
configure the length of time PowerLink Advantage holds back any change
in value. Enabling this option allows the point to go from one valid state to
another before the database is updated.
6. In Role Selection, select the PowerLink Advantage runtime users who will have
access to the alarm.
4. Click Save.
Step 4b- Configuring an Alarm for a 4-State Point

Using the alarm page you can configure the point's alarm properties.
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PowerLink Advantage's runtime environment. This message contains text plus
variable information that the alarm generates. The total display length for all
variable.
3. The Type list defaults to Deviation.
4. In the Normal Value box, enter the value the point will normally have
5. In Graphic Screen, select a .cim screen.
7. Select or clear the Manual reset enabled checkbox.
This option allows an operator to reset an Alarm in PowerLink runtime
8. Select or clear the Delay checkbox.(seconds). (Use this field to set transient state
suppression).
Using the delay option allows you to enable transient state suppression for a 4-
State Digital Alarm. Once you select this option the Time field appears allowing
you to configure the length of time PowerLink Advantage holds back any
change in value. Enabling this option allows the point to go from one valid state
to another before the database is updated. This prevents alarming on transient
states.
9. In Role Selection, select the PowerLink Advantage runtime users who have
access to the alarm
10. Click Save.
Step 5- Configuring Interlocking Controls

To create Interlocking conditions you must create a description and a corresponding
Boolean Expression. Use the I/Lock Tab to configure Inhibit or Warning interlocking
expressions for each controllable state. The text description (maximum of 40 characters)
displays in a PowerLink Advantage runtime message box.
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Warning: HMI applications, such as PowerLink Advantage, should only be used

as a preliminary means to test the last known state of equipment prior to sending a
control. PowerLink Advantage must not be used as the primary means to test
interlocking.
Equipment such as RTUs, IEDs and PLCs, directly wired to the equipment, and
configured with the needed interlocking schemes are required as the primary means to
enforce any interlocking rules.
To Configure Interlocking Controls

1. In a yellow Inhibit or Warning condition box, enter a text description of the
expression (maximum 40 characters).
Once you enter an Inhibit Condition the text field becomes white.
2. Click .
Result: The Edit Expression dialog box displays.
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5. Using the Edit Expression dialog box, create an expression (maximum of 300
characters).
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About the Expression Editor

Whenever you have to enter an expression, you can use the Edit Expression dialog box
to create the expression and easily find any Point IDs or variables that you want to
include.
Creating an Expression
To create an expression:
1. In the I/Lock Tab, Click .

Result: The Edit Expression dialog box opens.
2. Double click an operation to select it. The operation is placed at the current
cursor position in the input box. If the operation requires an argument, the cursor
is positioned for you to type the argument.
3. Insert a Point ID or variable either after the operator or between parentheses, if
they appear with an operator.
Note: An expression can be up to 300 characters long.
Creating an Expression
There are 3 steps in creating an Expression:
Step 1
In the Edit Expression dialog box, click .

Result: The point selection window displays in the left pane.
Step 2
In the Point Selection Window, expand the point list and select a point, click OK.
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Result: PACT adds the Point to the Edit Expressions dialog box.
Step 3
In the Edit Expression dialog box, click an operation
Result: The operation appears at the current cursor position in the input window.
If the operation requires an argument (for example a point value), the cursor is
positioned so you can type it in.
3. After completing the Expression, click OK.
Result: PACT stores the expression with the point's properties.
All text descriptions must have a corresponding expression. You can create a maximum
of eight interlocking conditions on each controllable state.
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Operations
Operations are divided into the following areas:
Alarm Functions
Arithmetic Operations
Bitwise Operations
Conversion Operations
Relational Operations
Scientific Operations
Alarm Functions (Expressions)
The Expression Editor supports the following Alarm Functions:
Button Alarm Returns True if Format
the point is in:
AL an Alarm or Warning state. L(<points id>)
A1 or WARNING a Warning High or Warning A1(<point id>)
Low state.
A2 or ALARM an Alarm High or Alarm Low A2(<point id>)
state.
AH1 or WARNING_HIGH a Warning High state. AH1(<point id>)
AH2 or an Alarm High state. AH2(<point id>)
ALARM_HIGH
AL1 or WARNING_LOW a Warning Low state. AL1(<point id>)
AL2 or ALARM_LOW an Alarm Low state. AL2(<point id>)
ANA or an Alarm State and the alarm
ALARM_NOT_ACKED has not been acknowledged.
Arithmetic Operations (Expressions)
The Expression Editor supports the following Arithmetic operations:
Button Function Format Examples

+ Addition
- Subtraction
* Multiplication
/ Division POINTA is set 6 and

The result of dividing two POINTB is set to 4. The
integers in an expression is result of the expression
an integer. For a floating- POINTA/POINTB is 1,
point result, multiply the while the result of the
numerator by 1.0 before expression
dividing. (POINTA*1.0)/POINTB is
1.5.
SQR Takes the square root of an SQR (expr) SQR expr
expression.
ABS Takes the absolute value of ABS (expr) ABS (-2.6) return 2.6.
an expression.
MIN Returns the minimum value (expr1) MIN 3 MIN 4 returns 3.
of two expressions. (expr2)
MAX Returns the maximum value (expr1) MAX
of two expressions. (expr2)
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MOD Returns the modulus value (expr1) MOD 9 MOD 8 returns a

of an expression. (expr2) value of 1.
RND Rounds a floating-point RND (expr) RND (2.6) returns a

expression to the nearest value of 3 and
integer. RND (-2.6) returns a
value of -3.
TRUNC Truncates a floating-point TRUNC TRUNC (2.6) returns a
expression to its integer (expr) value of 2 and TRUNC
value. (-2.6) returns a value of -
2.
FLR Rounds a floating-point FLR (expr)
expression to the nearest
integer that is smaller than
the expression.
CEIL Rounds a floating-point CEIL (expr) For example, CEIL (2.3)
expression to the nearest returns a value of 3 and
integer that is larger than the CEIL (-2.3) returns a
expression. value of -2.
Bitwise (Expressions)
You can use Boolean, integer or floating point number for bitwise operations. If a
number/expression is in floating point, it is rounded off to the nearest integer for these
operations.
The Expression Editor supports the following operations:
Symbol Function Format is
BAND Performs a bitwise AND of two (expr1) AND (expr2)
expressions.
BOR Performs a bitwise OR of two (expr1) OR (expr2)
expressions.
BNOT Performs a bitwise NOT of an expression. NOT (expr)
BXOR Performs a bitwise XOR of two XOR (expr)
expressions.
SHL Performs a binary left shift on an (expr1) SHL (expr2)
expression.
Note: When SHL goes out of range the:
Point becomes unavailable.
Point Control Pane is
starred.
Core status log notes that it
is unavailable.
SHR Performs a binary right shift on an (expr1) SHR (expr2)
expression.
Note: When SHR goes out of range the:
Point becomes unavailable.
Point Control Pane is
starred.
Core status log notes that it
is unavailable.
Conversion Operations (Expressions)
The Expression Editor supports the following Conversion Operation:
Button Function
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VAL Converts a variable that consists of numbers in a

text string format to a numeric format that can be
included in calculations.
Relational Operations (Expressions)
The Expression Editor supports the following relational operations:
Button Function Format
LT Less Than or Below (expr1) LT (expr2)
GT Greater Than or Above. (expr1) GT (expr2)
EQ Equal To (expr1) EQ (expr2)
LE Less Than or Equal To (expr1) LE (expr2)
GE Greater Than or Equal To (expr1) GE (expr2)
NE Not Equal To (expr1) NE (expr2)
Scientific Operations (Expressions)

The Expression Editor supports the following scientific operations:
Button Function Format
SIN Returns the sine (angle in radians) SIN (expr)
of an expression.
COS Returns the cosine (angle in SIN (expr)
radians) of an expression.
TAN Returns the tangent (angle in TAN (expr)
ASIN Returns the arc sine (angle in ASIN (expr)
ACOS Returns the arc cosine (angle in ACOS (expr)
radians) value of an expression.
ATAN Returns the arc tangent (angel in ATAN (expr)
radians) value of an expression.
X^Y Raise a value to a power. <value>^(<power>)
EXP Returns the exponential (ex) value EXP (expr)
of an expression where x is the
expression.
LOG Returns the natural logarithm (base LOG (expr)
e) of an expression.
LOG10 Returns the base 10 logarithm of Format is LOG10
an expression.
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Digital Read Only Points

Digital Read Only or "status" points monitor the on or off state of a switch or relay
contact.
The Adding a Digital Read Only Point and Modifying Port dialog boxes allow you to
configure digital read only points and specify their characteristics. Configuration
requirements for these points vary based on the specific requirements of each point.
Step 1- Naming the Point

Use the Adding A Digital Read Only Point dialog box to enter point properties.

1. In Name, enter the name of the point.
the device name must be 14 or less characters
no spaces
The Point Description is seen in the Detail Pages, alarms, tagging, and control
spaces.
3. In Size, select either 2-or 4-State.
The Size specifies the number of states for a point. PACT offers two point sizes,
2-or 4-State. Using a 4-State Digital Read Write point requires two digital input
points from the device.
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Step 2a- Configuring a 2-State point

After selecting a 2-State point PACT displays the text boxes necessary to configure that
point type.

configured of 2 in the Input Point text box. The input point number is the zero
If the point requires an Alarm:

In Alarm Configured click to open the Alarm Tab
In Group Name, type or select a group name.
The group name you create should be based on the physical or
conceptual units that comprise your utility. They can be devices,
transformers, substations, or even areas where tasks are carried out. All
PowerLink Advantage points are associated with a group.
In PowerLink Advantage runtime you can filter data by group. For
example, in the Alarm Viewer you can display alarm data for a specific
group.
Step 2b- Configuring a 4-State point

After selecting a 4-State point PACT displays the text boxes necessary to configure that
point type.

configured of 2 in the Input Point text box. The input point number is the zero-
2. In Paired Point, type or select the paired point
The Paired Point is a second point on the device that allows for the two
additional conditions found in a 4-State Point. For example, a Breaker 2-State
Digital Point has two values (Trip or Close) which you can configure on one
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point. However, a Breaker 4-State Digital Point has four values (Trip, Close,
Transit and Invalid) and requires a paired point. Another name for a 4-State
Point is a double point, since there are two, separate points.
highlight an ID, the Control Actions columns list the values they represents. For
Step 3a- Configuring an Alarm for a 2-State Point

Use this tab to configure the point's alarm properties.

PowerLink Advantage's runtime environment. The total display length for all
variable.
3. From Type , select an alarm type.
Absolute Absolute alarms detect when the value of a point
deviates too far from the "normal" value
To configure absolute alarming:

Select Absolute in the Alarm Type
point will normally have
On Update If you choose the On Update alarm criteria, you
cannot define Alarm Values. Each time the
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point's value is updated, an alarm is generated.

Each time the point's value is updated,
PowerLink compares its current value with the
alarm values. An alarm is generated when the
point's value transitions from one Alarm State to
another
To configure On Update alarming:

Select On Update in the Alarm Type
Selecting the Automatically Acknowledge
checkbox forces PowerLink to automatically
acknowledge alarms in PowerLink runtime.
4. In the Graphic Screen List, select a screen.
depending on the system you are using.)
8. Click Save.
Step 3b- Configuring an Alarm for a 4-State Point

Use this tab to configure the point's alarm properties.

variable information from the generated alarm. The total display length for all
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variable.
3. From Type, select Deviation.
Deviation alarms detect when the value of a point deviates too far from the
"normal" value.

a. Select Deviation in the Alarm Type.
b. In the Normal Value box, enter the value the point will normally have.
4. In Graphic Screen, select a .cim screen.
6. Select of clear the Manual reset enabled checkbox.
This option allows an operator to reset an Alarm in PowerLink runtime
7. Select or clear the Delay checkbox.(seconds). (Use this field to set transient state
suppression).
Using the delay option allows you to enable transient state suppression for a 4-
State Digital Alarm. Once you select this option the Time field appears allowing
you to configure the length of time PowerLink Advantage holds back any
change in value. Enabling this option allows the point to go from one valid state
to another before the database is updated. This prevents alarming on transient
states.
7. Click Save.
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Digital Write Only Points

Digital Write Only or "control" points operate output relays.
The Adding a Digital Write Only Point and Modifying Write Only Point dialog boxes
allow you to configure Digital Write Only Points and specify their characteristics.
Configuration requirements for these points vary based on the specific requirements of
each point.
The three steps to configure a Digital Write Only Points are:
Step 1 Configuring the General Tab
Step 2 Configuring the Control Tab
Step 3 Configuring Interlocking Controls
Step 1- Configuring the General Tab

Once the Adding A Digital Read Write Point dialog box appears you can begin to enter
point properties.

no spaces
spaces.
3. In Control Type, select the type of point control.
PACT offers four Control Types:
If you select a... Then...
Normal Control The control is a common control point.
Raise/Lower Control The control sends raise/lower control
requests that have the same pulse duration
but a variable number of occurrences. This
control type allows you to configure an
analog feedback point that updates in real
time when the pop-up displays. The analog
value does not relate the value the success or
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failure of the control, it is for display

purposes only.
Variable Increment Control The control sends raise/lower control
requests of variable duration and
occurrences. For example, to change the
speed of a generator the operator may send a
control request to raise the output point by
four increments. PowerLink Advantage
provides simulated feedback. The Control
Tab provides the tools to configure the
Variable Increment Control
Handdressed Control The control is simulated. The point behaves
like any other control point, but it is not
configured in the DNP driver. When an
operator performs a control on a
Handdressed point, PowerLink Advantage
uses simulated feedback to update the
control as being successful. A real control
request is never transmitted. A Handdressed
control does not require an output point.
Interlocking the I/Lock Tab appears. The tab label indicates which I/Lock
control you are configuring.
Example
Interlocking Warning message box appears listing the first warning message. If
messages.
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Example
clicks OK and re-attempts to execute the control request, PowerLink Advantage
6. In the Control Actions list boxes select the control actions.
7. In Primary Output Point, type or select an output point. The output point number
If you choose a secondary output point, the Secondary

Output Point box appears.
From the Secondary Output Point box, type or select a secondary output point.
If the point requires an Alarm in Alarm Configured, click to

access the Alarm Tab.
The group name you create should be based on the physical or conceptual units
that comprise your utility. They can be devices, transformers, substations, or
even areas where tasks are carried out. All PowerLink Advantage points are
In PowerLink Advantage runtime you can filter data by group. For example, in
Step 2- Configuring the Control Tab

Use the Control Tab to configure the point's SCADA controls. The Point Control Type
you select affects the dialog boxes necessary for configuration. If the control is
Handdressed, the Control Tab is not available
To configure all Controls:

1. In Confirm Required, click to select or deselect the option.
2. In Repeat Count, type the number times to repeat the control request (0-254).
The Repeat Count is the total number of times the device repeats the control to
the point. The valid range is 0 to 254 repeat operations. The default value is 0. A
setting of 255 repeats the control forever.
3. Select a Functional Code.
A Functional Code indicates how PowerLink Advantage sends a control to a
device, and whether the device acknowledges the control after receiving it.
Advantage expects an acknowledgement.
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from the device.
4. Select a Control Code.
The Control Code is the type of control PowerLink Advantage issues to the
device point.
There are three options:
If a Control Code is... then...
Pulse the control is sent as a pulse to the device.
PowerLink Advantage sends a pulse request for
the point, using the configured On Time, Off
Time settings.
Trip/Close the control is sent using the ON Time and Off
Time settings. Separate records can be
configured for a trip and close request if the
device does not support trip/close operations on
the same output point.
Latch the control is sent using a latch on or latch off
request for the control point.
5. In On Time, type an amount of time (ms).
On Time allows you to set the amount of closure time (in milliseconds) on a
digital output command. For example, if the On Time is set for 1000 ms, a relay
remains closed for that specified amount of time.
6. In Off Time, type an amount of time (ms).
Off Time is the amount of time between On Time operations. For example, a
pulse control with a On Time of 1000 ms and an Off Time of 1000 ms executes
the control for 1000 ms, pauses for 1000 ms, then repeats the control.
If the Control is a Raise/Lower:

In the Enabled box, select or deselect the analog feedback.
Analog feedback is a configured Analog Point that displays the real-time value
of the Raise/Lower control if you enable Analog Feedback, the value of the
point displays and updates in PowerLink Advantage runtime. PowerLink
Advantage does not relate the value of the Analog to the success or failure of the
Raise/Lower control.
If Analog Feedback is enabled:

a. From Device, select a device.
b. Select a point from the Analog Read Only Points list.
c. Click Save.
If the Control is a Variable Increment:

a. In Base Time, enter a time (ms).
Base Time is the duration for the control and each configured increment.
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b. In Maximum Raise/Lower, enter values.

Maximum/Raise Lower is the maximum number of increments that a
PowerLink Advantage runtime operator can either raise or lower the
control.
c. In Default Raise/Lower, enter values.
These values are the default number of increments PowerLink Advantage
provides to the operator after selecting the raise/lower option.
d. Click Save.
Step 3- Configuring Interlocking Controls

To create Interlocking conditions you must create a description and a corresponding
Boolean Expression. Use the I/Lock Tab to configure Inhibit or Warning interlocking
expressions for each controllable state.
Warning: HMI applications, such as PowerLink Advantage, should only be used as a
preliminary means to test the last known state of equipment prior to sending a control.
PowerLink Advantage must not be used as the primary means to test interlocking.
Equipment such as RTUs, IEDs and PLCs, directly wired to the equipment, and
configured with the needed interlocking schemes are required as the primary means to
enforce any interlocking rules.
To Configure Interlocking Controls

1. In a yellow Inhibit or Warning condition box, enter a text description
(maximum 40 character) for the Interlocking Control.
Interlocking Point Description is the Interlocking Inhibit / Warning message. It
can contain a maximum of 40 characters.
The text description displays in a PowerLink Advantage runtime message box.
Example: Runtime Interlocking Inhibit Message Box
2. Click .
Result: The Edit Expression dialog box appears.
3. Click an operation.
Result: The operation appears at the current cursor position in the input box. If
the operation requires an argument, the cursor is positioned so you can type it in.
4. Insert a Point ID after the operator (or between parentheses, if they appear with
an operator).
Step 1-In the Edit Expression dialog box, click .

Result: The point selection window displays in the left pane.
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Step 2- In the Point Selection Window, expand the point list and select a point, click
OK.
Result: The Point is added to the Edit Expressions dialog box.

Step 3- In the Edit Expression dialog box, click an operation.
Result: The operation appears at the current cursor position in the input window. If the
operation requires an argument (for example a point value), the cursor is positioned so
you can type it in.
5. After completing the Expression, click OK.
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You can create a maximum of eight interlocking conditions on each

controllable state.
Result: PACT stores the expression with the point's properties.
An expression can be a maximum of 300 characters.
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Analog Read Write Points

Analog Read Write Points combine an analog output and an input function. The "read"
function monitors and gives feedback of the analog value. The "write" function outputs
specific voltage or current value to an external device and monitors the success, failure,
or accuracy of the output variable.
Using the Adding a Analog Read Write Point and Modifying Analog Read Write Point
dialog boxes you can:
configure Analog Read Write points
specify their characteristics
each point.

Once the Adding An Analog Read Write dialog box appears you can begin to enter point
properties.

no spaces
spaces.
3. From Size, select either 16 or 32 Bit.
The Size specifies whether a 16-bit or 32-bit value transmits in the analog output
control request.
4. In Input Point, select or enter the input point number. The input point number is
the zero based index of the point as sent in a DNP message.
5. In Output Point, select or enter the output point number. The output point
number is the zero based index of the point as sent in a DNP message.
6. From Scaling, select either None or Linear.
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If you choose Linear Scaling:
Selecting linear scaling enables a PowerLink Advantage runtime operator to view the
point data in engineering units.
a. In Precision, enter a numerical value (max 6).

b. Precision is the number of decimals that PowerLink Advantage displays in
the Detail Page(s). By default, precision is configured for two decimals.
b. In Low Raw Values, enter the low raw value for the point.
c. In High Raw Values, enter the high raw value for the point.
d. In Low Engineering Values, enter the low engineering value for the point.
e. In High Engineering Values, enter the high engineering value for the
point.
To enter a negative scaling value you must enter the minus sign (-) before you
add the numerical value.
Group names are created in PACT. They can be devices, transformers,
substations or you can base your group names on the physical or conceptual
units that comprise your utility. All PowerLink Advantage points are associated
with a group. Once you delete a group PACT removes it as a selection from the
Group Name list.
8. To access the Alarm Tab select Alarm Configured.
9. In Units, enter the units of measure for the analog point.
Units is the "name" or type of measurements point collects, for example, Volts
or Amps.
A unit's "name" cannot have more than six characters.

Use the Control Tab to configure a point's SCADA controls. The Point Control Type you
select changes the information requirements.

1. In Confirm Required, click to select or deselect the option.
2. From Function Code, select how a control is sent to the device and if an
acknowledgement is required.
The Function Code specifies how a control is sent to a device and if an
Direct Operate the control is sent directly to the device and an
acknowledgement is expected. The device must
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repeat back the request so that PowerLink

Advantage knows the control has been received
Direct Operate No Ack the control is sent directly to the device,
however, PowerLink Advantage does not expect
an acknowledgement.
An acknowledgement from the device indicates that the control was received; however,
the control action may not have been performed.
3. In Control Timeout, enter a timeout value in seconds.

The Control Timeout is the amount of time (in seconds) PowerLink Advantage
waits to receive a read command after sending a write command. During the
timeout PowerLink Advantage does not allow any other transactions with the
point. If the timeout is exceeded, PowerLink Advantage generates an error
message in runtime.
4. In Control Deadband, enter a deadband value.
The Control Deadband value is the acceptable percentage that feedback can vary
from the control request. For example, if the control deadband is set at 10 (or
10%) and a control request of 100 is issued, PowerLink Advantage considers
any value between 90 and 110 a successful control.
5. From Flag Source, select a source.
The flag source determines whether the source of the point's online status is
from an input or output point.
6. In Set Point Limits, enter a Low and High value.
The purpose of setpoint limits is to only allow setpoint entries within a specified
range of values. Enter the Low and High limits in the Setpoint box.
Step 3- Configuring the Alarm Tab

The Alarm Tab allows you to configure alarm conditions for a point.
To configure the point's alarm:

1. In Message, select the alarm message for the point.
variable information created when the alarm generates. The total display length
for all fixed text and variables is 80 characters.
You can type the variables or click to select them from the field's popup
menu.
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variable.
Point Name Units The Units configured in the General Tab of the
Point Properties dialog box. The Point ID. A
space is required before and after this variable.
Alarm State Alarm string for the String Index. A space is
required before and after this variable.
Alarm Limit Alarm limit that was exceeded. A space is
Point Units Variable A variable storing the point units. A space is
2. From Class, select the alarm class.

3. In Type, select the alarm type.
Depending on the type of point you are configuring PACT offers various alarm
types:
Absolute Absolute alarms detect when the value of a point
is too high or too low.

a. Select Absolute in the Alarm Type
b. Enter at least one (up to four values) in the
Alarm Limits fields.
Deviation Deviation alarms detect when the value of a
point deviates too far from the "normal" value

Select Deviation in the Alarm Type.

b. In the Normal Value box, enter the value the
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c. Define the values in the Alarm Limits fields

based on the deviation from the value entered in
the Normal Value box.
Make sure that the point's alarm limits are set so
the:
High value > Warning High value
Low value > Warning Low value
An alarm generates when the difference between
the current value of the point and the current
value of the Deviation Point exceeds the alarm
limit. PowerLink Advantage calculates the
difference whenever the value of the point or the
Deviation Point changes.
If the point measures in Engineering units

(EU) and has deviation alarming, an alarm
generates when the difference between the
current converted value of the point, and
converted value of the deviation point exceeds an
alarm limit
Rate of Change Rate of Change alarms detect either a faster or
slower than expected change in the value of a
point
To configure Rate of Change

Alarming:
a. In the Alarm Type box, select Rate of Change.
b. In the Interval box, enter the length of the
interval between point sampling for Rate of
Change alarming.
c. From the time interval, select seconds, minutes
or hours.
e. Define values for the Alarm Limits.
An alarm generates when the difference between
the current value of the point and its value at the
last sample exceeds an alarm limit. The current
point is not evaluated for an alarm condition
each time the value changes.
4. In Graphic Screen, enter or select the screen to associate with the point.
5. In Help File, enter or browse for the help file to associate with the point.
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6. In Manual Reset, select or clear this option.
Select Manual Reset to allow an operator to reset an Alarm in PowerLink
Advantage runtime. If you do not select Manual Reset the alarm must be reset
by the same process that detected the alarm condition and generated the alarm.
7. In Delay, select or clear this option.
The Alarm Delay delays the display of the alarm on PowerLink Advantage's
Active Alarm Viewers and Alarm Bar unless the point remains in an alarm state
for the configured time (seconds). If you select the Delay Alarms check box, the
time field represents the length of the delay before the alarm is reported.
The Alarm Delay feature is only available when you select Absolute or Deviation alarms.
8. In Deadband, enter a deadband value for the point.

The Alarm Tab Deadband defines the tolerance for alarm conditions. The
deadband cushions the generation of alarms when a point value fluctuates at an
alarm limit.
Example
A high alarm limit is 100.
A deadband is five.
The point goes into the alarm state when its value reaches 100, and stays in the
alarm state until its value drops below 95.
When a point transitions from an alarm state into a warning state, the alarm
status switches from Alarm to Warning only if the point value is more than the
deadband away from the alarm limit.
Example
A point has a:
High alarm limit of 100
Warning high limit of 90
Deadband of 2
When the point's value:
Is 100, the point is in Alarm High state
Falls below 98, the state changes to Warning High (the alarm limit
minus the deadband).
If you configure the point to display EU (Engineering Units), the EU converted deadband
is used for all calculations.
9. In Role Selection, select or clear the roles that can view the alarm.
The Role selection lets you chose the Roles that can view alarms generated by
this point. By default, PACT allows all configured roles to view all generated
alarms.
10. In the Alarm Limits box, enter the required values.
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Enter the values you want for alarm limits in these fields. The evaluation of
alarm limits depends on the Alarm Criteria you select.
If you chose a... then...
Absolute alarm Define an upper and lower alarm limit and an
upper and lower warning limit for the point
value.
Rate of Change alarm Specify positive alarm limits to check for
increasing values and negative alarm limits to
check for decreasing values. The high values are
used to detect faster than expected changes, and
the low limits are used to detect slower than
expected changes.
Deviation alarm Specify the deviation from the norm, where the
high limit is larger than the warning high limit
and the low limit is larger than the warning low
limit
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Analog Read Only Points

Analog Read Only or Analog Input Points monitor the value of a variable, such as
voltage, fluid level, or temperature. The Adding an Analog Read Only Point and
Modifying Analog Read Only Point dialog boxes allow you to:
configure Analog Read Only Points
specify their characteristics
each point.
Step 1-Configuring the General Tab

Use the Adding An Analog Read Write dialog box to enter point properties.

no spaces
spaces.
control request.
the zero-based index of the point as sent in a DNP message.
5. Select the required Subtype.
Use the Sub Type box to configure the type of values that the point stores.
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If you select Then

Normal the point value changes as the point values
change.
Frozen the point value is frozen at a specific time.
If a single point on a remote device returns both Normal and Frozen point
subtypes, you must configure PowerLink with a separate point for each value
you require.
Linear Scaling lets PowerLink Advantage runtime operator view the point data
in engineering units.

a. In Precision, enter a numerical value (max 6)
b. Precision is the number of decimals that PowerLink Advantage
displays in the Detail Page(s). By default, precision is configured
for two decimals.
c. In Low Raw Values, enter the low raw value for the point.
d. In High Raw Values, enter the high raw value for the point.
e. In Low Engineering Values, enter the low engineering value for
the point.
In High Engineering Values, enter the high engineering value for the
point.
7. In Alarm Configured, click to access the Alarm Tab.
associated with a group. In PowerLink Advantage runtime, you can filter data by
group. For example, in the Alarm Viewer you can display alarm data for a
specific group.
or Amps. A unit's "name" cannot have more than six characters.
Step 2- Configuring the Alarm Tab

The Alarm Tab allows you to configure alarm conditions for a point.
To configure the point's alarm

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variable information created when the alarm generates. The total display length
menu.
variable.
2. From Class, select the alarm class.
Class ID Class Description Class
ALARM General Alarm Class General
SOE Digital Sequence of Events General
WARN General Warning Class General
HIGH High Priority Alarms CIMPLICITY
4SDIG Custom Alarm Handling) Custom
Alarm Type Properties
Absolute Absolute alarms detect when the value of a point is too high or
too low

a. Select Absolute in the Alarm Type field on the advanced
Alarm tab.
b. Enter at least one (up to four values) in the Alarm Limits
fields.
Each time the point's value is updated, PowerLink compares
its current value with the alarm values. An alarm is generated
when the point's value transitions from one Alarm State to
another.
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Deviation Deviation alarms detect when the value of a point deviates too
far from the "normal" value

b. In the Normal Value box, enter the value the point will
normally have.
c. Define the values in the Alarm Limits fields based on the
deviation from the value entered in the Normal Value box.
Make sure that the point's alarm limits are set so the:
An alarm generates when the difference between the current
value of the point and the current value of the Deviation Point
exceeds the alarm limit. PowerLink Advantage calculates the
difference whenever the value of the point or the Deviation
Point changes.
If the point measures in Engineering units (EU) and has

deviation alarming, an alarm generates when the difference
between the current converted value of the point, and
converted value of the deviation point exceeds an alarm limit
Rate of Change Rate of Change alarms detect either a faster or slower than
expected change in the value of a point
To configure Rate of Change Alarming:

a. In the Alarm Type box, select Rate of Change.
b. In the Interval box, enter the length of the interval between
point sampling for Rate of Change alarming.
c. From the time interval, select seconds, minutes or hours.
e. Define values for the Alarm Limits.
value of the point and its value at the last sample exceeds an
alarm limit. The current point is not evaluated for an alarm
condition each time the value changes.
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Advantage runtime. If you do not select manual reset the alarm must be reset by
the same process that detected the alarm condition and generated the alarm.
7. In Delay, select or clear this option.
The Alarm Delay delays the display of the alarm on PowerLink Advantage's
Active Alarm Viewers and Alarm Bar unless the point remains in an alarm state
for the configured time (seconds). If you select the Delay Alarms check box, the
time field represents the length of the delay before the alarm is reported.
The Alarm Delay feature is only available when you select Absolute or
Deviation alarms.
alarm limit.
Example
A deadband is five.
Example
A point has a:
High alarm limit of 100.
Warning high limit of 90.
Deadband of 2.
Is 100, the point is in Alarm High state.
Falls below 98, the state changes to Warning High (the alarm limit minus
the deadband).
If you configure the point to display EU (Engineering Units), the EU
converted deadband is used for all calculations.
9. In Role Selection, select or clear the roles that can view the alarm.
The Role selection lets you chose the Roles that can view alarms generated by
this point. By default, PACT allows all configured roles to view all generated
alarms.
10. In the Alarm Limits box, the required values.
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Enter the values you want for alarm limits in these fields. The evaluation of
alarm limits depends on the Alarm Criteria you select.
If you chose a(n)... then...
Absolute alarm define an upper and lower alarm limit and an
upper and lower warning limit for the point
value.
Rate of Change alarm specify positive alarm limits to check for
increasing values and negative alarm limits to
check for decreasing values. The high values are
used to detect faster than expected changes, and
the low limits are used to detect slower than
expected changes.
Deviation alarm specify the deviation from the norm, where the
High limit is larger than the Warning High limit
and the Low limit is larger than the Warning
Low limit.
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Analog Write Only Points

Analog Write Only or "setpoints" send a specific voltage or a current value to an external
device.
The Adding a Analog Write Only Point and Modifying Analog Write Only Point dialog
boxes allow you to configure Analog Write Only Points and specify their characteristics.
each point.
To configure the general tab:

the combined device/point name must be 28 characters or less
no spaces
all letters are uppercase
spaces.
control request.
4. For Control Type, select the type of point control.
An Analog Write Only point offers two Control Types:
If you select a... then...
Normal Control the control is a common control point.
Handdressed Control the control is simulated. The point behaves like
any other control point, but it is not configured in
the DNP driver. When an operator performs a
control on a Handdressed point, PowerLink
Advantage uses simulated feedback to update the
control as being successful. A real control
request is never transmitted. A Handdressed
control does not require an output point.
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If you select a Normal control:

a. In the Output Point box, select or enter the output point number.
The output point number is the zero based index of the point as
sent in a DNP message.
b. From Scaling, select either None or Linear.
If you select Linear Scaling:

a. In the Low Raw Values box, enter the low raw value for the point.
b. In the High Raw Values box, enter the high raw value for the
point.
c. In the Low Engineering Values box, enter the low engineering
value for the point.
d. In the High Engineering Values box, enter the high engineering
value for the point.
5. In Group name, type or select a group name.

Use the Control Tab to configure a point's SCADA controls. The Point control type you
select effects the dialog boxes necessary for configuration.

1. In Confirm Required, click to select or clear the option.
2. From Function Code, select how a control is sent to the device and whether an
A Functional Code indicates to PowerLink Advantage how to send a control to a
device, and whether the device acknowledges the control after receiving it.
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If you select... Then...

Advantage expects an acknowledgement.
from the device.
3. In Set Point Limits, enter a low and high limit.
The purpose of setpoint limits is to only allow setpoint entries within a specified
range of values. Enter the Low and High limits in the Setpoint box.
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Counters
Counters act as registers for storing an increment or decrement value.
They can indicate:
an accumulation
count changes-of-state of an input
indicate the results of a calculated value
The Adding a Counter Point and Modifying Counter Point dialog boxes allow you to
configure counter points and specify their characteristics. Configuration requirements for
these points vary based on the specific requirements of each point.
When the Adding a Counter to dialog box appears you will notice that most of the Tabs
contain orange text fields. This indicates mandatory information and you must enter a
value. Once all of the orange fields are complete, the Save button becomes active.
Yellow text fields indicate that at least one field must be completed before the Save
button becomes active.
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Step1-Configuring a Counter's General Tab

Once the Adding a Counter dialog box appears you can begin to enter point properties.
To configure a Counter:
no spaces
spaces.
The Size specifies whether to transmit a 16-bit or 32-bit value in the analog
output control request. Counter values are converted into engineering values for
display.
If you select then
16 Bit PowerLink Advantage stores the value as an
unsigned 16 bit value (0-65535).
32 Bit PowerLink Advantage stores the value as
unsigned 32 bit value (0-4,294,967,296).
4. From Sub Type, select a value.
Use the Sub Type box to configure the type of values that the point stores.
Normal the point value is stores as its value changes.
Frozen the point value is frozen at a specific time.
If a single point on a remote device returns both Normal and Frozen point
subtypes, you must configure PowerLink with a separate point for each value you
require.
the zero based index of the point as sent in a DNP message
Linear Scaling lets PowerLink Advantage runtime operator view the point data
in engineering units.
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a. In the Low Raw Values box, enter the low raw value for the point.
b. In the High Raw Values box, enter the high raw value for the point.
c. In the Low Engineering Values box, enter the low engineering value for
the point.
d. In the High Engineering Values box, enter the high engineering value
for the point.
7. Click Alarm Configured, to access the Alarm Tab.
8. In Group name, type or select a group name.
Step 2- Configuring the Alarm

Use the Alarm Tab to configure alarm conditions for the point.
To configure the point's alarm:

PowerLink Advantage's runtime environment. This message contains text as
well as variable information that the alarm generates. The total display length
menu.
variable.
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2. From the Class box, select the alarm class.
PACT offers two Counter alarm types:
Alarm Type Properties
Absolute Absolute alarms detect when the value of a point is too high or
too low

a. Select Absolute in the Alarm Type field on the advanced
Alarm tab.
b. Enter at least one (up to four values) in the Alarm Limits
fields.
Each time the point's value is updated, PowerLink compares
its current value with the alarm values. An alarm is generated
when the point's value transitions from one Alarm State to
another.
Deviation Deviation alarms detect when the value of a point deviates too
far from the "normal" value

b. In the Normal Value box, enter the value the point will
normally have.
c. Define the values in the Alarm Limits fields based on the
deviation from the value entered in the Normal Value box.
Make sure that the point's alarm limits are set so the:
value of the point and the current value of the Deviation Point
exceeds the alarm limit. PowerLink Advantage calculates the
difference whenever the value of the point or the Deviation
Point changes.
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If the point measures in Engineering units (EU) and has

deviation alarming, an alarm generates when the difference
between the current converted value of the point, and
converted value of the deviation point exceeds an alarm limit
Keep the help file in the project directory.
depending on the system you are using.).
Advantage runtime. If you do not select manual reset the alarm must be reset by
the same process that detected the alarm condition and generated the alarm.
alarm limit.
Example
A deadband is five.
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Example
A point has a:
High alarm limit of 100.
Warning high limit of 90.
Deadband of 2.
Is 100, the point is in Alarm High state.
Falls below 98, the state changes to Warning High (the alarm limit minus
the deadband).
If you configure the point to display EU (Engineering Units), the EU converted deadband
is used for all calculations.
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Complex Objects
A Complex Object is a combination object with both an analog input and counter input.
The Counter displays the duration of a Power Quality Event (ms). The Analog Point
provides the point's value at its largest deviation from a pre-configured nominal.
The Adding Complex Objects Point and Modifying Complex Objects dialog boxes allow
you to configure Analog Read Write points and specify their characteristics.
each point. PACT displays a project's points in the right pane.
Note: Orange text fields indicate mandatory information and you must enter a value.
Once all of the orange fields are complete, the Save button becomes active. Yellow text
fields indicate that at least one field must be completed before the Save button becomes
active.
Configuring a Complex Object

Once the Adding Complex Object dialog box appears you can enter point properties.

the combined device/point name must be 28 characters or less
no spaces
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spaces.
3. From Type, select a SCADA point type.
The Type box determines the type of power quality event the complex object
represents. Use these objects to develop CBEMA curve data that GE Energy's
PQ Event Viewer requires.
PowerLink Advantage offers four choices.
If you select Then...
D25 Sag the complex object represents a voltage drop of a
pre-configured deviation from nominal for a pre
configured time duration (measured in cycles).
D25 Swell the complex object represents a voltage rise of a
pre-configured deviation from nominal for a pre
D25 Interruption the complex object is an "extreme sag"
representing a near loss of voltage typically pre-
configured for less than 10% of nominal for a pre
Custom you can use third party complex objects.
However, you must specify vendor name PRO
registration number and object size during
configuration.
4. Sub Type, select the data type.
The sub type specifies if the complex object point is complex object data or a
complex object definition.
5. Select or enter an Input point. The input point number is the zero based index of
the point as sent in a DNP message
6. Group Name, select or enter a group name.
associated with a group. In PowerLink Advantage runtime you can filter data by
group. For example, in the Alarm Viewer you can display alarm data for a
specific group.
7. Enter an Area.
The Area is a text string that is added to Complex Object entry in the database.
8. Enter a Circuit.
The Circuit field describes the circuit that PowerLink Advantage is monitoring
for PQ events.
9. Enter a Phase.
The Phase field describes the phase that PowerLink Advantage is monitoring for
PQ events.
10. Click Save.
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About Ports
A port is a communication "socket" that connects one or more devices to the computer.
PACT has four pre-configured ports: 2 UDP/IP and 2 Serial. You can modify these ports
to match your project's requirements or you can add new ports. As well, PACT offers
TCP/IP functionality. Using PACT you can configure a TCP/IP communications port,
which is then added to both the port list and the Adding a New Device dialog box port
menu.
The Adding a New Port and Modifying Port dialog boxes allow you to configure ports
and specify their characteristics. Configuration requirements for ports vary depending on
the type of port and communications in use. Clicking the + sign beside the port icon
displays PACT's existing Ports.
Using PACT you can:
View Existing Ports
Modify an Existing Port
Create a new Port
PACT supports a maximum of 100 ports per project.
Viewing Existing Ports

To view a project's existing ports and their properties:
1. Expand the Ports folder in the left pane of the Workbench.

2. Highlight a Port.
Result: PACT displays the selected port's Current Information for Port-XXXX
appears.
If you make changes to the Current Information for Port-XXXX dialog box, the title bar
changes to Modifying Port XXXX and Save becomes active. Click Cancel to reopen the
Current Information for Port-XXXX dialog box with the last saved configuration.
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Modifying an Existing Port

Use the Modifying a Port dialog box to change Port characteristics.
To Modify an existing Port:

1. In the left pane, select the Port you want to modify.
Result: The Current Information for Port XXXX dialog box appears in the right
pane.
2. Make any required changes or modifications to the Port.
Result: The dialog box's title changes to Modifying Port-XXXX, and Save becomes
active.
4. Click Save.
Create a New Port

To create a new port:
Click the port icon in PACT's Toolbar.

Results: The Adding a New Port dialog box appears.
When the Adding a new Port dialog box appears you will notice that most of the Tabs
contain orange text fields. This indicates mandatory information and you must enter a
value. Once all of the orange fields are complete, the Save button becomes active.
Yellow text fields indicate that at least one field must be completed before the Save
button becomes active.
Configure a New Port

Use the Adding a new port dialog box to configure the port.
To configure a new Port:

1. In Identification, enter a name for the new port.
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Use the Port Identification to assign a name to the port you are creating. Once
the port is configured the name is added to the list of Ports available in the
Adding a New Device dialog box. The identification can be a combination of
letters and numbers up to a maximum of 15 characters.
2. In Type, select the kind of communication link for the port.
PACT offers four types of Primary communications:
Serial
Dial-Up Modem
UDP/IP
TCP/IP
Configure a Serial Port

To configure a Serial Port, enter the follow information.
Configuring a Serial Port:

1. In Name, enter an available communication channel.
The Name configures which of the ports, on PowerLink Advantage's host
computer, the newly created port uses for communications
2. From Data Rate, select a communication speed (bps).
The data rate sets the communication speed of the port in bits per second (bps).
3. In Confirm Timeout, enter a timeout value (ms).
In the Confirm Timeout box, specify the amount of time PowerLink Advantage
waits for datalink confirmation messages after it transmits each DNP frame. If
PowerLink Advantage does not receive a confirmation it re-transmits the frame
until the number of retries is exceeded. The configured time must allow for
transmission delays on the communication link plus turn around time between
the remote device and PowerLink Advantage.
4. In Response Timeout, enter a timeout value (ms).
When PowerLink Advantage polls a device, it waits the configured response
time plus the processing delay plus the network delay. Once PowerLink
Advantage receives the first frame, it waits the configured response time
between the frames of a multi frame response. If the first character of the next
frame is not received within the timeout PowerLink Advantage stops the
message reception.
5. In Maximum Retries, enter the number of retries.
Maximum Retries are the number of times PowerLink Advantage attempts to
send a frame if it does not receive a data link confirmation from the device. The
maximum value this field accepts is 255. Configuring this field is only necessary
if you select Use Data Link Confirm in the device configuration.
6. In Maximum Frame Size, enter the value for the maximum DNP frame size.
Maximum Frame size is the maximum number of bytes transmitted per frame
(15-249 bytes). If the communications link is less than optimal, and retries are
common, a smaller frame size may help to ensure proper data transmission.
7. From Handshaking, select the handshaking type.
Handshaking determines when a device can transmit data on to the
communications link. PACT offers three Handshaking Options:
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If you select then...

None Handshaking is not available.
Hardware Flow Control Selecting this option enables hardware flow
control. This enables RTS handshaking as well
as CTS (Clear-To-Send) and DSR (Data-Set-
Ready) flow control.
Request to Send (RTS) Selecting this option enables RTS handshaking.
You must also configure:
Preamble: The preamble field defines the amount of
time, in milliseconds, that PowerLink
Advantage asserts the RTS signal before
transmitting any data. The default value of
zero disables RTS preamble. RTS values
can range from 0 to 65535 ms.
Postamble: The Postamble value defines the amount of
time (in milliseconds) that PowerLink
Advantage asserts the RTS signal after
completing transmitting of the data. The
default value of 0 disables RTS postamble.
RTS values can range from 0 to 65535 ms
Collision Avoidance: Enabling collision avoidance forces
PowerLink Advantage to check (at random
intervals no greater than the configured
Maximum Retry Delay) the DCD (Data
Carrier Detect) to determine if it can
transmit a message. If PowerLink
Advantage determines the channel is
available, it transmits its message. The
default value of 0 disables Collision
Avoidance. The values can range from 0 to
65535 ms. For collision avoidance to work
properly configure all devices on the
communication link must use Collision
Avoidance.
Configure a Dial up Modem Port

To use a dial-up Modem, PowerLink Advantage requires the Data Carrier Detect (DCD)
and Request to Send (RTS) control line signals. As well, it is recommended that the
modem receives the Data Terminal Ready (DTR) control line signal.
To Configure a Dial-up Modem

1. In Name, enter an available communication channel.
The Name configures which of the ports, on PowerLink Advantage's host
computer, the new port will use for communications.
2. From Data Rate, select a communication speed (bps).
The data rate sets the communication speed of the port in bits per second.
waits for data link confirmation messages after it transmits each DNP frame. If
PowerLink Advantage does not receive a confirmation, it re-transmits the frame
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message reception.
if you select Use Data Link Confirm.
6. In Maximum Frame Size, enter the value for the maximum DNP frame size.
7. From Handshaking, select the handshaking type.
Handshaking determines when a device can transmit data on to the
communications link. PACT offers two Handshaking Options for a Dial up
modem:
If you select then
None Handshaking is not available
Hardware Flow Control Selecting this option enables hardware flow
control. This enables RTS handshaking as well
as CTS (Clear-To-Send) and DSR (Data-Set-
Ready) flow control.
8. In Initialization String, enter an initialization string.
The initialization string starts the dial-up modem, matches the modem and data
link data speed, and allows configuration of various options within the modem.
The default string:
disables the modem echo feature
initializes the modem to send digit responses
forces the modem to auto-answer calls after two rings
sets the remote carrier's wait time for dialing a device to twenty-five
seconds.
For more information, refer to the Modem's User Manual.
9. In Connection Timeout, enter a timeout value (seconds)
The Connection Timeout is the amount of time (in seconds) PowerLink
Advantage waits to establish a connection, after sending a dial string to the dial-
up modem. Connection Timeout values range from 1 to 255 seconds. The
default initialization string sets the remote carrier wait time to 25 seconds. The
Connection Timeout must be greater than the wait time for the remote carrier of
the dial-up modem. To determine the remote carrier wait time, see the modem's
Configuration Manual.
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10. In Redial/ Hang-up Retry, enter a value.

Retries are the number of times PowerLink Advantage attempts to send a dial
string to the dial-up modem to establish communications. Hang-up is the
maximum number of attempts at terminating a connection.
11. In Idle Timeout, enter a value.
Idle Timeout is the amount of time that the data link can remain idle before
PowerLink Advantage terminates the connection. The timeout resets with every
valid transmitted and received frame. Idle Timeout ranges from 1 to 255
seconds. The Idle Timeout value must always be larger than the Confirm
Timeout and the Response Timeout.
12. Click OK.
UDP/IP port
If you select a UDP/IP port, the following information is required.
To configure a UDP/IP Port:

1. In Host Name (a required field) type the name of the Host.
Host Name is the name assigned to the network interface card of the PowerLink
Advantage computer. For PowerLink Advantage and the device to communicate
you must change the host file in your system directory so that the host name is
mapped to the IP address of the network interface card.
Accessing your PC's Host File:

1. From the Start menu, open Windows Explorer.
2. In Explorer, follow the path <drive>\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\Hosts.
3. Open the file with any text editor, for example Notepad.
4. In the text file, enter the necessary information.
2. In Receive Port, enter a value.
The Receive Port is the service port number of PowerLink's receiving port.
PowerLink Advantage does not receive a confirmation, it re-transmits the frame
message reception.
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if you select Use Data Link Confirm.
6. In Maximum Frame Size, enter a value for the maximum DNP frame size.
7. Click OK.
TCP/IP Port
To configure a TCP/IP Port:
PowerLink Advantage does not receive a confirmation message, it re-transmits
the frame until the number of retries is exceeded. The configured time must
allow for transmission delays on the communication link plus turn around time
between the remote device and PowerLink Advantage
2. In Response Timeout, enter a time out value (ms).
message reception.
if you select Use Data Link Confirm found in the Device Configuration dialog
box.
4. In Maximum Frame Size, enter a value for the maximum DNP frame size.
common, a smaller frame size may help to ensure proper data transmission
5. Click OK
You must create and configure a TCP/IP port before PACT adds it to the Adding a New
Device dialog port menu. As well, TCP/IP communications require a TCP/IP port for
each device.
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About Cloning
Cloning is a powerful tool for the duplication of points and devices. You can use PACT's
cloning tools to:
Clone a Single Point
Clone Multiple Points
Clone a Device
PACT does not clone interlocking controls on Digital Points or Feedback on Analog
Points. If you require these features, you must modify the cloned point(s).
Cloning Devices
The Cloning a Device command makes a copy of the selected device. PACT allows you
to select whether you want to clone the device and its points or the device alone.
After PACT clones the device the Modify a Device dialog box displays allowing you to
make changes in the device's configuration.
Accessing Device Cloning
To Access Device cloning:

Result: A menu appears
3. Select Clone.
Result: The Clone Device dialog box displays.
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Cloning a Device
When you are cloning a device you can chose to clone the device and its points, or just
the device.
To Clone a Device
1. In the Clone Device dialog box.
2. Clear the Clone Points checkbox to clone only the device
or
1. Leave Clone Points selected to clone the device and its points.
2. Select the Override Point Group Name checkbox to change the Cloned points
Group Name.
If you override the Point Group Name, you must select a Group Name for the
cloned points.
Results: The Cloning Selected Device dialog box displays.
1. In the dialog box, make any of the required changes.

2. Click OK.
If you have chosen to clone the device's points the Cloning Points from device
dialog box appears
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3. Click Close
Results: PACT adds the cloned device and its points to the left pane.
Cloning Points
Using PACT you can create:
multiple point copies
a single copy of a point
clone selected points types
Access Point Cloning

To access point cloning:
1. In the left pane, expand the device and point folders.
2. In the left pane, highlight the point to clone and right-click.
3. From the menu, select Clone.
Results: The Cloning Points dialog box displays.
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Clone a Single Point

A single copy clone produces one copy of the point you select.
Cloning a Single Point:

1. In the Cloning Point dialog box, select Single Copy.
2. From the Destination Device menu, select one of the project's devices.
3. Click OK.
Result: The Cloning Point-XXX To Device-XXX dialog box displays in PACT's
right pane.
Cloning Multiple Points

Using multiple manual copies allows you to make more than one copy of a point and
manually apply names to the points.
Cloning Multiple Points:

1. In the Cloning Point dialog box, select Multiple Copies.
2. From Destination Device, select one of the devices in the project.
The destination device box lists all of the devices in the project. PACT assigns
the cloned points to the device that you select.
3. The Point Information Changes Required checkbox becomes active if you
enter a numerical value into Starting Point Name Suffix.
Selecting this checkbox forces PACT to open the spreadsheet view of the cloned
points. For more information see Using the Spreadsheet View.
4. In Point Name, enter the prefix of the points you are going to create. By default
PACT uses the name of the point being cloned.
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5. In Starting Point Name Suffix if you:

Enter a numerical value.
PACT's Cloning Points dialog box offers the Point Suffix Number to produce
individual point names for all cloned points. The numbers at the end of the
point's name differentiates each point. You can configure the Increment and the
Starting Point Name Suffix. If you chose to use the Starting Point Name Suffix
to identify your points you must select the Point Information Changes
Required checkbox to open the spreadsheet view of the cloned points.
Enter Nothing
PACT clones the points but does not generate names. PACT automatically
opens the spreadsheet once the points are cloned. Using the spreadsheet, you can
name the cloned points by copying and pasting from an existing spreadsheet or
by manually entering names. For more information see Using the Spreadsheet
View.
The Point Suffix is a number that appears at the end of the point name. When
you use the point cloning feature, the suffix increases by a configured increment
value.
If the values are set to... Then PACT adds these points
to the left pane...
Ensure that the Point Suffix has enough digits to support naming the number of
cloned points you require. For example, in the example above PACT could
name a total of 9998 points (TAA-2S_0001-TAA-2S_9999).
6. In Increment, enter the value that each Point Name Suffix increases after
cloning a point.
Example
If the Increment Value is 2, and the Point Name is TAA_2S_0001 the first
cloned point is TAA_2S_0003. Not entering a Point Suffix Number, or deleting
the Point Name disables the Increment box.
7. In Starting Input point, enter a starting Input point. The Input Point box lists
the next available device input point.
8. In Starting Output point, enter a value for the point. The Output Point lists next
available device output point.
The Starting Input and Starting Output fields are not available if you are cloning a digital
or analog read-only point.
9. In Number of Points required, enter the number of cloned points you want to
generate in the cloning operation.
10. Click OK.
Result: If you have selected Point Information Changes required or have not
entered a Starting Point Name Suffix PACT opens the spreadsheet view.
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or
If you have entered a Starting Point Name Suffix and cleared the Point Information
Changes the cloned points are added to PACT's left pane.
Once PACT saves the cloned points and adds them to your project, the point names
cannot be changed.
Modifying Starting Input and Output Point Numbers

The Input Point number appearing in the Input Point field is the next available device
input point.
The number automatically increases whenever a new point or points are added. For
example, if you configure a Digital Read Write 2-State Point using input point 1 the next
Digital Read Write 2-State Point configured, shows a value of 2 in the Input Point text
box.
You can modify the values in the Starting Input and Starting Output fields by using the
Modifying Device Settings dialog box.
To Modify Device Settings:

1. In the left pane, expand the Devices folder.
3. Select Modify Settings.
Results: The Modify Settings dialog box opens.
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4. In the input and output boxes, select or enter the input and output points.
5. Click OK.
Results: The Starting Input and Starting Output values in the Cloning Points dialog
box change to match the configured values.
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About PACT's Spreadsheet

PACT's spreadsheet provides a convenient method to change cloned point properties.
Opening the Spreadsheet
To open the Cloning Point spreadsheet:

1. Select Point Changes are Required in the Clone Point dialog box.
2. Click OK.
Result: PACT opens the Cloning Point spreadsheet. The spreadsheet lists all of the
points PACT will create during the cloning process.
You cannot make changes to any of the gray fields in the spreadsheet.
Editing the Spreadsheet

You can edit cells in the spreadsheet using one of the following methods.
To Edit the spreadsheet:
1. Move your cursor across the spreadsheet to display a down arrow in the
following columns:
Group Name (you can also edit and add group names by double clicking on
a cell)
Control Code
Alarm Class
Alarm Screen
2. Click the arrow and select an item from the list. PACT adds it to the
spreadsheet.
3. Double click other cells to edit them.
You cannot make changes to grayed-out columns.
PACT places a to indicate the row you are currently editing.
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The spreadsheet's Edit Menu allows you to copy, sort, and paste data into and out of the
spreadsheet.
You cannot change point names after the initial save.
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The Edit Menu

The Edit Menu allows you to perform the following tasks:
Copy to an Excel Spreadsheet
Copy from an Excel Spreadsheet
Special Paste
Fill
Sort
Copying to an Excel Spreadsheet
To copy to an Excel spreadsheet:

1. In a PACT spreadsheet column, select a cell.
2. From the PACT tool bar select Edit\Copy\Column or Edit\Copy\Selected Cell.
If you chose Column, PACT copies the selected cell's entire column.
If you chose Selected Cell, PACT copies only the cell you select.
3. Open an Excel Spreadsheet
4. Paste the column/cell into the spreadsheet.
For more information on the copy/paste operations refer to Excels help
files.
Copying from an Excel Spreadsheet
To Copy from an Excel Spreadsheet:

1. Open an Excel Spreadsheet containing the information you are adding to the
spreadsheet.
2. Copy the column.
For more information on copy/paste see Excels help files.
3. On the Windows taskbar, click to maximize the display.

4. In the appropriate PACT column, select the cell where the pasting operation
begins.
Ensure there are sufficient cells in the grid to insert the paste.
5. From the PACT tool bar select Edit\Special Paste.
6. Click Save.
To copy point names and/or descriptions from an Excel spreadsheet the

names/descriptions must be in a single column. Do not close PACT during this procedure
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Special Paste
To use the Special Paste command:

1. Open an Excel Spreadsheet containing the information you are adding to the
spreadsheet.
2. Copy the column.
In the appropriate PACT column, select the cell where the pasting operation
begins.
4. From the PACT tool bar select Edit/Special Paste.
5. Click Save.
To copy point names and/or descriptions from an Excel spreadsheet the

names/descriptions must be in a single column. Do not close PACT during this
procedure.
Fill
To use the Fill command:

1. In PACT's spreadsheet, select the cell containing the start value.
2. Highlight the column cells you want to fill.
3. From the Menu Bar select Edit / Fill.
Result: The Column fills with the selected value.
Sort
Using the Sort command, you can change the order of the point display.
To use the Sort:

1. Select a cell in the Spreadsheet
2. From the PACT tool bar select Edit/Sort/Ascending or Edit/Sort/Descending.
or
3. Click the Column heading. indicates an ascending sort indicates a
descending sort.
Result: PACT changes the column list to match the sort type you select.
A column sort changes the order of all the columns in the spreadsheet.
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Example Interlocking Expression

Use the I/Lock Tab to configure Inhibit or Warning interlocking controls for each
controllable state. The text description (maximum of 40 characters) displays in a
PowerLink Advantage runtime message box.
There are six steps to configure an Interlocking expression:
Step 1
In the Inhibit Condition Text field, enter the text that will be visible in
PowerLink Advantage runtime.
Step 2
In the I/Lock tab, click .

Result: The Edit Expression dialog box displays.
Step 3
In Edit Expression, click .

Result: The Point Selection window displays.
Step 4
1. In the Point Selection window, select a point.
2. Click OK.
Results: PACT adds the point to the Expression Window.
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Step 5
1. Click an operation ( ).
2. Type in the condition ("Travel").
3. Click .
4. Click , highlight the point (D200.BP_DI_259).

5. Type in the condition ("Invalid").
6. Click OK.
Result: The Edit Expression dialog box closes.
Step 6
In the I/Lock Tab, click .

Result: PACT saves the Expression as a point property.
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Runtime Results-If a PowerLink Advantage runtime user attempts to perform a Control

on this point state, and the conditions in the expression are met (D200.BP_DI_259 EQ
"TRAVEL") OR (D200.BP_DI_259 EQ "INVALID") the user receives the following
error message.
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Power Quality
About Power Quality

With its PQ (Power Quality) trending displays, PowerLink Advantage provides a tool to
monitor D25 power quality data. Using the combination of PACT's cloning tool and the
sample project's preconfigured PQ devices, you can quickly and easily configure your
system to display PQ data in PowerLink Advantage's runtime environment.
D25 power quality data includes:
Harmonic spectrum
Total harmonic distortion
RMS voltages
Load profiling
AC analog inputs
In addition, PowerLink Advantage can retrieve and log voltage, sags, swells, and
interruptions reported by a D25. Displaying this data requires a viewer application such
as the GE PQ Event Viewer.
It is recommended that you configure all PowerLink Advantage PQ systems starting with
a copy of the sample project (sample.gef). The project includes sample D25s and the
points required for the run-time power quality displays. If you chose to use a sample D25
you may have to update the point offsets to match your D25 configuration. However, do
not change the point names. PowerLink Advantage requires the naming conventions used
in the sample D25s.
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Creating a PQ device in the sample project

You must create all devices and points for your PowerLink project with PACT.
To open PACT
1. Click Start on the Windows 2000 taskbar.
2. Select Programs.
3. Select GE\PowerLink Advantage\Configuration Tool.
Opening a project
To open a PowerLink Advantage project:
There are two methods to open a project.
Method 1
1. Select File \ Project
2. Select Open.
3. In Open Project dialog box, select SAMPLE.
4. Click OK.
Method 2
1. From the Toolbar click

2. In Open Project dialog box, select SAMPLE.
3. Click OK.
PQ devices
To use PowerLink Advantage to gather PQ data requires approximately 200 Analog
Read-Only Points for each D25.
There are three devices, and their required PQ points, in the sample project.
Device Comment
D25_G2 Circuit-only layout of the PQ data as available in D25 Gen2, Gen3, and
Gen4
D25_G3 AC Analog Input data for RMS, THD and Phase Angle in addition to
the circuit layout of data
D25_G4 AC Analog Input data for RMS, THD, Phase Angle and Frequency in
addition to the circuit layout of data.
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Cloning PQ devices and their points

If you use the sample project, you can clone one of the preconfigured PQ devices, and its
points. The Cloning a Device command makes a copy of the selected device and its
points. After PACT clones the device the Modify a Device dialog box appears and
allows you to make changes in the device's configuration.
To access device cloning:

Result: A menu appears
3. Select Clone.
Result: The Clone Device dialog box displays.
To Clone a Device and its points

1. In the Clone Device dialog box, select Clone Points
Result: The Cloning Selected Device dialog box displays.
2. In the Clone Points dialog box, make any of the required changes.
3. Click OK
If you have chosen to clone the device's points the Cloning Points from device
XXX dialog box appears
4. Click Close
Result: PACT adds the cloned device and its PQ points to the left pane.
Repeat the steps to configure all of the PQ devices that your project requires.
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Creating a PQ device in a new project

If you are creating a project using the blank template you must create a PQ device and
configure all of the required PQ points manually.
Adding a PQ device to a new project:

1. Open PACT.
2. Open the new project.
3. In the PACT toolbar, click the icon.

or
Right click in PACT's left pane.
Result: The Add a Device dialog box appears.

4. In the dialog box configure the device to meet the requirements of your project.
5. In Class, select D25_WITH_POWER_QUALITY
6. Click OK.
Result: PACT adds the new PQ device to the device list.
Manual Point Configuration

Based on the D25 generation create and configure each of the points as indicated in the
PQ point configuration table.
The spelling of each point name is critical. If you do not configure each point name with
the spelling indicated in the table, PowerLink assumes that the point is not available for
the PQ displays. As well, ensure that the DNP I/O addresses and the DNP DPA addresses
in the D25 are correct.
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PQ point configuration
Point Name Point Description Description

Where x needs to be replaced by
ACx.FREQ AC Analog Input x Frequency the AC input number
ACx.PH AC Analog Input x Phase Angle (1 through 15)
ACx.RMS AC Analog Input x RMS (Voltage or Current) Applicable to Gen3 and Gen4
D25s where the PQ data is broken
ACx.THD AC Analog Input x Total Harmonic Distortion out by AC Analog Input.
CCTy.IA_THD Circuit y Ia Total Harmonic Distortion
CCTy.IB_THD Circuit y Ib Total Harmonic Distortion
CCTy.IC_THD Circuit y Ic Total Harmonic Distortion
CCTy.IN_THD Circuit y In Total Harmonic Distortion
CCTy.KVAA Circuit y Phase A Apparent Power
CCTy.KVAB Circuit y Phase B Apparent Power
CCTy.KVAC Circuit y Phase C Apparent Power
CCTy.KVAT Circuit y Total Apparent Power Where y needs to be replaced by
the Circuit number
CCTy.KVARA Circuit y Phase A Reactive Power (1 through 6)
CCTy.KVARB Circuit y Phase B Reactive Power
Applicable to Gen2, Gen3 and
CCTy.KVARC Circuit y Phase C Reactive Power Gen4 D25s where the PQ data is
broken out by Circuit.
CCTy.KVART Circuit y Total Reactive Power
CCTy.KWA Circuit y Phase A Active Power
CCTy.KWB Circuit y Phase B Active Power
CCTy.KWC Circuit y Phase C Active Power
CCTy.KWT Circuit y Total Active Power
CCTy.VA_RMS Circuit y Phase A RMS Voltage
CCTy.VB_RMS Circuit y Phase B RMS Voltage
CCTy.VC_RMS Circuit y Phase C RMS Voltage
CCTy.VA_THD Circuit y Va Total Harmonic Distortion
CCTy.VB_THD Circuit y Vb Total Harmonic Distortion
CCTy.VC_THD Circuit y Vc Total Harmonic Distortion
CCTy.VAB_RMS Circuit y Vab RMS Voltage
CCTy.VBC_RMS Circuit y Vbc RMS Voltage
CCTy.VCA_RMS Circuit y Vca RMS Voltage
You should confirm the scaling requirements against the D25 configuration.
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After creating the device, and its points, you must launch the Workbench to configure the
circuits and AC analog inputs.

1. Select Start \ Programs \ GE \ PowerLink Advantage \ Workbench.
2. Select File \ Open \ <project file path> to open your project.
3. In the Workbench left pane, click the Objects icon.
4. Select the Object in the Workbench right pane (the object ID is the D25 device
name followed by an underscore).
5. In Workbench left pane, click on the Objects icon.
6. Double click or right click and select Properties.
Ensure the PowerLink project is stopped

You must stop your PowerLink Advantage project before you use the Workbench to add
or modify any attributes or properties. You cannot configure PowerLink Advantage
dynamically.
To check whether a project is running in the Workbench:

Method 1
Click on File in the Workbench Toolbar. The Running Projects List indicates
which project is running
If no projects are running, the Running Project List does not appear on the File menu.
Method 2
Verify the that the STOP button is grayed out in the Workbench toolbar.
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Object Configuration
Configure descriptions and information for the circuits and AC analog inputs. The
example is a D25_G3 configuration.
Only configure the fields indicated in the example.
Configure the General tab:

1. In Number of Circuits, enter the number of circuits in the D25 configuration.
For example, entering 3 would include circuits 1, 2 and 3 in the PQ displays.
2. Harm Spectrum LRU?

If the D25 device then enter
does not have Harmonic Spectrum LRU 0
has Harmonic Spectrum Analog Input Data 1
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Configure the Circuit Names tab:

1. In the Circuit (x) Names, enter the descriptions for each circuit configured in
the D25. If you do not enter a description, PowerLink uses a default description
in the PQ display.
Configure the AC Names 1-15:

1. On the appropriate AC Names tab, enter the descriptions for each AC Analog
Input configured in the D25.
AC inputs without descriptions do not appear in the runtime PQ displays.
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Updating the Workbench configuration

When you make changes in a PowerLink Advantage project, you must update the
configuration.
Method 1
A. Click Project on the Workbench menu bar.
B. Select Configuration Update.
Method 2
A. Press Alt+P on the keyboard.
B. Press C.
Result: The Workbench does a configuration update.
Method 3
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Remote Viewers
About Remote Viewers

PowerLink Advantage allows you to configure remote viewers for your project. Using
the viewers, operators can monitor various PowerLink Advantage runtime screens and
perform SCADA tasks.
In order for the viewers to function properly within your project, you must add the viewer
computer name to the server configuration.
Adding Viewers to your project

To add Viewers to your PowerLink Advantage project complete the following tasks:
Step 1 Stop the PowerLink Advantage project
Step 2 Add the Viewer computer's name
Step 1-Stop the PowerLink Advantage project

dynamically.
Opening the Workbench and stopping the project:

1. Open the Workbench: Start \ Programs \ GE \ PowerLink Advantage \
Workbench.
2. Open your Project File \ Open \ <project file path>.
Method 1
A. Click File in the Workbench Toolbar.
B. The Running Projects List indicates the project that is running.
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If no projects are running, the running Project list does not display on the File menu.
Method 2
Step 2-Add the Viewer computer name

Adding the Viewer computer name
1. In the Workbench left pane, click on the Objects icon
Result: The Project Objects appear in the right pane.
2. In the Objects listing double click (or right click and select Properties)
PL_SYSTEM object.
Result: The Object <PL_SYSTEM> dialog box appears
3. Click the Remote Viewers tab
4. In the Remote Viewer <number>field enter the viewer computer name.
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Accessing the Viewer computer name:

If the Viewer computer is using:
a. Windows NT:
Start\Settings\Control Panel\Network
b. Windows 2000:
My Computer\Properties\Network Identification
5. Repeat for each of the viewer computers in the project.
6. Click OK.
or Apply then Cancel.
Step 3-Updating the Workbench configuration

When you use the Workbench to make any changes in your PowerLink Advantage
project, you must update the configuration.
Method 1
Method 2
On the Workbench Toolbar click .
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Setting up Trends and Historical

Logs
Trends and Historical Logs Overview

Using Group Point logging, PowerLink Advantage provides you with a method for
creating and maintaining records to analyze selected points, whose values and selected
attributes are logged at the same time. You can log individual points or group points
together for trend analysis and display in PowerLink Advantage's runtime environment.
The amount of data you choose to log to the database can affect the overall performance
of your PowerLink Advantage project. Other considerations affecting performance
include:
system resources
the length of time the data will be stored
PowerLink Advantage Trending Rules

All PowerLink Advantage database logging tables that will be used in the runtime
trending displays must meet the following conditions:
They must be Group Log Tables.
The table identifiers must begin with PL_Trend (e.g. PL_Trend_Sample).
The Logging Attributes tab must only have the point value selected.
It is strongly recommended that each point in a database logging table have a name that is
less than or equal to 20 characters in length.
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About Database Logging

PowerLink Advantage's preconfigured trending uses the Workbench's Database Logger
to add collected data to the SQL database. The Database Logger allows you to log values
in a group log table. Each entry in a group log table contains a timestamp and the
information selected for each point.
You can display the logged information in PowerLink Advantage's Trending Display, or
print the information in a report.
Data logged for groups of points include the time the values are logged (timestamp) and
Point ID values.
Configuring Logging in PowerLink Advantage

The steps required to add points and tables to the historical database logger include:
Step 1 Ensure the Project is stopped
Step 2 Open the Database Logger in the Workbench
Step 3 Create a new Group Log table
Step 4 Configure the Group Log table
Step 5 Add points to the group table
Step 6 Add points to PowerLink Advantage's Trending display
Step 1-Ensure the project is stopped

You cannot configure PowerLink Advantage dynamically. To add points to the database
logger you must stop the project in the Workbench.
Stopping the project in the Workbench:

Method 1

Method 2
1. Click Project on the Workbench menu bar.
2. Select Stop.
Result: After you stop the project, the Workbench removes the name from the
Running projects list and the Stop Button dims .
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Step 2-Open the Database Logger in the Workbench

To open the Database Logger:
1. Open the Workbench
2. Select Database Logger in the left pane of the
Workbench.
Method 1
Double-click Database Logger in the left or right
pane.
Method 2
a. Select Database Logger in the right pane of the Workbench.
b. Click Edit on the Workbench menu bar.
C. Select Properties.
Method 3
a. Right-click Database Logger in the right pane of the Workbench.
Method 4
a. Select Database Logger in the right pane of the Workbench.
b. Press Alt+Enter on the keyboard.
Result: The Database Logger window appears.
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Step 3-Create a new Group Log table

To create new database logging table:
1. In the Database Logger Configuration Window do one of the following:
Method 1
Click the New Table button on the Database Logger Configuration window
toolbar.
Method 2
a. Click File on the Database Logger Configuration window menu bar.
b. Select New Table.
Method 3
a. Right-click any icon in the Database Logger Configuration windows list.
b. Select New in the popup menu.
Result: The New Table dialog box appears.
New Table Dialog Box
Complete the fields using the following information:

1. Enter a Table identifier (e.g. PL_Trend_Sample).
2. Select Group Log Table.
3. Click OK
Result: The Table Properties dialog box opens.
Important: All PowerLink Advantage trending tables must be group log tables and their
table identifiers must begin with PL_Trend (e.g. PL_Trend_Sample)
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About Group Point Logging

Group Point Logging may be set based on a combination of the following:
At a specified time of day.
Periodically at a specified time interval.
Periodically at a specified time interval when a digital point becomes HIGH or LOW
or changes state.
When the alarm state on a point changes.
Whenever a point's value is updated.
Step 4-Configure the Group Log table

PowerLink Advantage requires that you configure the point logging properties in the
group table's Table Properties dialog box. (You can adjust the logging conditions for a
single point in the Database Loggers Point Properties dialog box.).
Configure Group Logging Properties

The tasks to configure your PowerLink Advantage Group Logging properties include:
Task 1 Open a Table Properties dialog box
Task 2 Configure logging conditions
Task 3 Configure logging attributes
Task 4 Configure maintenance events
Task 5 Configure maintenance actions
Task 1-Open a Table Properties dialog box
Open a group Table Properties dialog box:

Either:
1. Create a new group table
Open a group table (e.g., PL_Trend_Sample) in the Database Logger
Configuration window, or
Open the group table (e.g., PL_Trend_Sample) window.
2. Do one of the following when opening an existing table:
Method 1
Click the Table Properties button on either windows toolbar.

Method 2
a. Click Edit on either windows menu bar.
b. Select Table Properties
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Method 3
a. Right-click a group table in the Database Logger Configuration window or
any Point ID in the group table's window.
b. Select Table Properties from the popup menu.
Result: The group table's (e.g. PL_ Trend_Sample) Table Properties dialog box
appears.
Task 2-Configure Logging Conditions

The logging conditions establish when, and under what circumstances PowerLink
Advantage will log the data to the Group log table.
Note: Because the points in a group table are logged in parallel, the logging conditions
are the same for all of the points. However, you can select attributes that the Database
logger will log for individual points.
Configure Group Table logging conditions:

1. Select the Logging Conditions tab.
The conditions you check define when the Database logger records all of the
values in the table.
2. Specify Time/gated logging intervals, as follows:
a. Check Periodic to log data into the table at regular intervals
i. Enter the time value in the Periodic fields and
ii. Select the time interval.
Valid intervals are Days, Hours, Minutes, Seconds or Ticks (100 Ticks
= 1 second)
b. Select Synchronized to log data at a particular time of day
i. Enter the time in the input fields and
ii. Select AM or PM.
c. Select On digital point state to log data while a digital point is in a
certain state
i. Select the state to check for and
ii. Enter the digital Point ID in the input field
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Valid states are HIGH, LOW and TRANSITION

If a periodic time interval is not specified, logging is triggered
when the selected digital point transitions to the user defined state,
or any time the digital point changes (if transitions is selected).
If you select a TRANSITION point state, together with a periodic
or synchronized time, the gate is ignored.
3. Specify Data triggered logging as follows:
a. Select to log data when a select point value is updated as follows:
i. Check On point Value update

Enter a Point ID
Click the Browser button to open the Select a point browser
or
The conditions you check define the conditions for when the
values of all the points in the table will be logged
iii. Use the Deadband option if you want to filter out changes in the
value of the selected point type before triggering a logging event-
for either the point being logged or the specific point.
a. Select Deadband
b. Enter a Deadband value that is a floating-point number.
c. Specify if the entered value should be elevated to trigger another
logging event as an:
Absolute value or
Percent of the last value
The point's value must change more that the Deadband value before
another logging event will be triggered
Example 1. Absolute Value
An Absolute Deadband value is 5.0
Point Value Result
200.0 First logging event
201.3 No Logging event
204.2 No logging event
205.1 Logging event triggered
Example 2
A Percent Value Deadband value is 5.0
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Point Value Result

200.0 First logging event
210.2 Logging event triggered
b. Check ON point alarm state to log point values when a specified
point goes into one or more selected alarm states
Enter the Point ID in the Point Alarm field
Click the Browser button to open the Select a point browser or
C. Check one or more of the alarm states (e.g. Alarm High)
For this option to work successfully, you must define alarm limits for the
trigger point. For example, if you select a Point ID and choose its Alarm
High state, logging in the table occurs each time the point enters the Alarm
High States.
The values for these alarm states are specified on the Alarm tab in the
select points Properties dialog box in PACT.
Guidelines for selecting triggered logging

You can combine On point value update logging with ON point alarm state
logging.
If you do not define any logging conditions under Timed/Gated logging,
then the data will only be logged into the table when the trigger occurs.
You can combine triggers. When you combine triggers, logging occurs
when either of the triggers occurs.
Example
You want to log a set of points when POINT_A is updated or POINT_B is in
Alarm High State. Do the following
1. Check the ON point value update checkbox.
2. Enter Point_A in the Point field.
3. Check the ON Point alarm state check box.
4. Check the Alarm High Check box.
5. Enter POINT_B in the Point field.
Task 3-Configure Logging Attributes

Logging Attributes for a group table (e.g. Trend_Sample) enables you to:
Select the current point attributes the Database logger will log to the table.
Log the name of the PowerLink Advantage project.
The selected logging attributes are the default logging attributes for any additional points
you add to the group table.
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Note: You can also customize the selected attributes for any point in the group table.
Task 3 Configure a group log table's logging attributes:

1. Select the Logging Attributes tab.
If you are using the group table in a PowerLink trending display, you must only
select the point value.
2. Check any of the following point attributes to log:

Point attribute Description
Point Value Point's current value.
Previous Value Previous value recorded in this table for this point.
Raw Value Point's raw value
Alarm State Point's alarm state when the value is being logged.
Resource Point's Resource ID.
Time Last Logged Time the point was last logged in this table.
Engineering Units Point's engineering units.
Quality The value of the QUALITY attribute.
User Flags Value of the USER_FLAGS attribute.
Table attributes
Project name Project name.
Tip: Click Use Defaults to reset the Logging Attributes to their default values. The
defaults are to:
Log Point Value and
Not log the Project Name.
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Task 4- Configure Maintenance Events
Maintenance Events define when the Database Logger performs export, purge, and other
maintenance actions on the table.
You can specify that Table maintenance is triggered by:
A condition, such as low disk space, occurs or
On a periodic or gated interval
On a specific event
Task 4 Specify maintenance events for a group log table:

1. Select the Maintenance Events tab in group Table Properties dialog box.
2. Specify events in a similar manner as the logging conditions.
Task 5-Configure Maintenance Actions

Maintenance Actions define the actions that take place when a Maintenance Event
occurs.
You can configure a group table to:
Export records to an export file,
Purge records from a logging table and/or
Incorporate command line actions.
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Task 5 Configure one or more group log table maintenance actions:

1. Select the Maintenance Actions tab in the group log Table Properties dialog box.
2. Specify actions the same way you specify them for a data log table.
Step 5- Add points to the group table

You can add points to a group log through the Database Logger Configuration window
and in a Group Log window.
Add points to a group table:

1. In the Database Logger Configuration window
a. Select a group table (e.g., Trend_Sample) and use one of the following
methods.
Method 1
Click the Add Item button on the Database Logger Configuration

window toolbar.
Method 2
i. Click Edit on the Database Logger Configuration window menu bar.
ii. Select Add Points
Method 3
i. Right-click a group table.
ii. Select Add Points from the popup menu.
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Result: The Select a Point browser appears.

Point Browser Example
2 Click OK.
1 Select the Point

IDs to add to the
table
2. Select the Point IDs you want to add.

3. Click OK.
Result: The Point ID's display in the group table's window and the Database
logger, logs the points according to your specifications.
Browser Windows as Search Aids

The Workbench provides you with Browser Windows from which you can select the
Device ID, Resource or Point Type that you want to use as criteria for selecting what
points to display.
To use Browser windows to specify point display criteria:
1. Click the Browser button to the right of the Device ID, Resource or Point
Type field in the Point Search dialog box.
The appropriate Browser window opens.
Browser Window Examples Resource browser
Display
filters.
Double-click
to select.
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2. Enter criteria in the filter fields to reduce the display list.

3. Double click the item you want to use as a filter.
Result: The item appears in the appropriate Point search dialog box field.
Point Search Dialog Box Entry Examples
Point to list.
Use wild cards for any

entry:
?one character.
*multiple characters.
Description that appears Open a

in a Point Properties Browser
dialog box, General tab, window.
Description field.
One or more criteria.
Tip: Using wild card characters
Wild cards can help you filter your display even if you do not know the exact name for
the criteria you are using. Use either a * or a ?.
Enter an * in the following position when you enter any search criteria:
*Position Relative
To Entered To Display Any Points that:

Characters
After Begin with the entered characters, e.g. F_ Tank*
Before End with the entered characters, e.g. *Tank
Between Begin and end with the entered characters, e.g. F*1
Enter a ? to display any points that contain the characters you
enter, in addition to one character per ?, in the position that
the ? is entered, e.g. ?_Tank?
The point or points you specify will display in the right pane until you change your
specifications.
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Configuring for a Single PowerLink Advantage Point

You can specify the logging attributes for a single point.
To configure the logging attributes for a single point in a group table:

1. Open a group table (e.g. PL-TREND_LOG) window.
2. Select the point for which you want to log different attributes from the default
and use one of the following methods:
Method 1
Double-click the selected Point ID.
Method 2
Click the Item Properties button on the Group Log Table toolbar.
Method 3
a. Click Edit on the window's menu bar for the group log table.
b. Select Point Properties
Method 4
a. Click the right mouse button
The (Database Loggers) Point Properties dialog box opens when you use any of
the methods. It displays either the default logging conditions or conditions that
you have selected for the alarm.
If you are using the group table in a PowerLink trending display, you must only
select the point value.
3. Check the attributes that you want logged for the selected point.
4. Click OK.
Result: The Database logger logs the attributes for the selected point. The selection
does not change if you change the table defaults.
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Step 6-Add points to PowerLink's trending display

Once you add the points to the Database logger and the SQL server you can configure
PowerLink Advantage to trend the points based on the recorded information.
It is strongly recommended that each point in a database logging table have a name that is
less than or equal to 20 characters in length.
To add logged Point Values to PowerLink Advantage's Trending Displays:

1. Start your PowerLink Advantage project
2. Click on Trending Displays in the Application Toolbar .
3. Right click on a pen icon .

Result: The trend selection pen dialog box appears.
Logging Table
4. From the drop down menus:

A. Select the Logging Table.
B. Select one point in the selected Logging Table.
C. Select the Point Description.
D. Click OK.
Result: The pen traces the selected point's actions.
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PowerLink SmartObjects
About PowerLink SmartObjects

SmartObjects are a PowerLink Advantage feature that simplifies producing system
drawings, such as one-line diagrams. PowerLink Advantage supports both SmartObjects
and linked SmartObjects. A linked SmartObject automatically updates when the object it
is referencing changes. The object references for linked SmartObjects are located in
PL_Single_ Line.cim.
To use a SmartObject in a project you would typically:
Open the SmartObjects screens, or any drawing with a SmartObject
Select and copy a SmartObject
Paste it into a drawing
Associate the object with the appropriate point from the point database
You can copy and alter the standard SmartObjects as required on each individual screen.
For example, to suit the project requirements you may want to modify the symbols and
color animation of a standard SmartObject type on one screen. These changes are only
applied to that specific SmartObject. However, if you are using linked SmartObjects, then
you must perform any updates on the source object found in the PL_Single_Line.cim
screen. Any update is then applied to any linked SmartObject of that type in the project.
The abbreviations displayed by a linked SmartObject when the point is tagged or forced
(e.g. A for alarm inhibit) are automatically translated along with the rest of PLA runtime
screens when the target language is changed. In contrast, abbreviations displayed by a
regular SmartObject are not automatically updated.
Using linked SmartObjects may affect PowerLink Advantage performance.
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About CimEdit
PowerLink Advantage uses CimEdit to create all of the runtime PowerLink screens. It
provides a set of tools to make interactive graphic representations of physical realities.
In CimEdit you create objects, place them onto a screen, modify their layout, alignment,
etc. You can animate objects using an object property sheet that allows you to choose
from a variety of animation and control functions.
To maintain PowerLink's alarm banner and Power Bar menu, users of PowerLink
Advantage should not open a new screen in CimEdit. Instead, open an existing screen,
make any modifications, and use the Save As function to create a new screen.
Opening an existing PowerLink screen
Opening a PowerLink screen

Workbench.
3. In Workbench left pane, click the Screen icon.
Result: A list of available project screens appears in the right pane.
4. Select PL_Single_Line, right click and select Edit.

Result: The standard SmartObjects appear in the display.
SmartObject types
PowerLink offers various standard SmartObjects and linked SmartObjects including:
Circuit Breaker
Indicates device status with color
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Disconnect switch
Indicates device status by color and line position.
Analog Numeric
These SmartObjects display an analog value, and can optionally have an associated
setpoint. When a user clicks the object, PowerLink prompts for a new setpoint value.
Counter Numeric
These SmartObjects display a counter value.
Generic Digital Control
This SmartObject is a generic digital control button. Typical uses include Raise/Lower
controls for tap changers or variable increment controls for generators.
Device
System overview drawings use this SmartObject. When runtime users, with adequate
privileges, click this object, they can choose to either open a Telnet session to the device
(on-line RTU configuration) or jump to the detail page (list of points). On a multi-project
viewer, this object only works with the default project.
If you choose to use PowerLink Advantage's default roles, at a minimum a user must
be logged in as:
an Observer to access detail pages
a Supervisor to open a Telnet Session
Roles, Users and Privileges are created and modified using the Workbench.
For more information on assigning privileges see Assigning Role Application Privileges.
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Miscellaneous
This SmartObject allows the user to display SCADA points in the PowerLink Advantage
detail pages based on the filter parameters you configure in the SmartObject.
SmartObject features
Many of the SmartObjects have letters included with them. The letters are called flags
and are visible in PowerLink Advantage runtime if the following conditions exist:
Flag Condition
F point is offline
M point has been manually forced in PowerLink
A alarms are inhibited for this point
S scanning is inhibited for this point
C controls are inhibited for this point
I information tagging is applied to this point
Note: The abbreviations displayed by a linked SmartObject are automatically translated
when PowerLink Advantage's runtime target language is changed. The abbreviations
displayed by a SmartObject are not automatically updated.
Using SmartObjects
You can place SmartObjects using different methods:
Placing SmartObjects using the menu:

1. With any CimEdit screen displayed, select Tools\ShowObject Explorer.
Result: The symbols list appears.

2. From PowerLink SmartObjects select the type of SmartObject.
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Result: The right pane displays the SmartObjects available for that type.
3. In the right pane, double-click a SmartObject.

Result: CimEdit places the SmartObject on the open PowerLink screen.
4. Position the SmartObject on the screen.
Copy/Paste SmartObjects in the same project:

1. From the SmartObjects screen, or from any open drawing within the same
project, copy the SmartObject.
2. Paste the SmartObject into a new location on the same screen (or into any other
drawing).
You can also:
Drag and drop a SmartObject between drawings using the Ctrl key. This will
copy the SmartObject into the drop location.
3. Position the SmartObject on the screen.
Configuring a SmartObject point ID

Using CimEdit, you can configure a new SmartObject for your PowerLink project.
Configuring a new SmartObject point ID

After creating the SmartObject the SmartObject Configuration dialog box
appears.
The dialog box parameters depend on the type of SmartObject you select.
Digital SmartObject configuration dialog box
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Analog SmartObject configuration dialog box

1. In Point ID, enter or browse for the Point ID.
If you are configuring a digital SmartObject select a state:
Select 2 State for devices having only open/closed states.
Select 4 State for devices having transit/open/closed/error states.
2. Click OK.
Result: The SmartObject Configuration screen displays, showing the associated
point.
The point ID must exist within the same project as the SmartObject.
Editing a SmartObject
1. Right click a SmartObject from a drawing.

Result: A shortcut menu appears.
2. Select Trigger SmartObject.
Result: The SmartObject Configuration dialog box appears.
3. Change any parameters, as necessary.
4. Click OK
If you are editing a linked SmartObject you must perform any edits on the object in the
PL_Single_Line.cim screen. The updates are then applied to any linked SmartObject of
that type in the project.
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Browsing for point ID

Clicking the browse button opens the Select Point dialog box. Using this dialog box
you can browse and filter to progressively narrow down your search for the point ID.
Browsing and filtering for points

1. In Project, ensure that the project is the same as the current project name.
2. From the Device menu, select the Device type.
3. From Group, select the point group name.
4. In Name field enter a name, part of a name, or a wildcard using * or %.
5. In Description, enter part of a description, or a wildcard.
If the Name and Description fields are different, PowerLink searches the point
database on the Name filter.
6. In Type/Sub-Type, select a device Sub-type. Type is pre-selected based on the
Smart Object you chose, and is grayed out.
7. Click the Lookup button to list the points that match your criteria.
Result: The Number of Records field presents a count of the points that match
your filter criteria. The point names display in the list box.
8. Select a point. If you have selected Select the View Properties, the point's
Properties dialog box displays. To close this dialog box, click the Close button.
9. To associate the highlighted point with the Smart Object, click OK.
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Configuring a SmartObject Device ID

If you have selected or are configuring a SmartOject that requires a device association,
complete the following. After creating the SmartObject the SmartObject Configuration
dialog box appears.
Assigning properties for device SmartObjects:

1. In Device ID, enter or browse for a device.
2. In the Group field, enter or browse for the device group
3. In the Telnet Host name field, enter the Host name assigned to the device. If the
device does not support Telnet you can leave this field blank.
Result: The SmartObject Configuration screen displays, showing the associated
device.
Browsing for device and /or group names:

1. In Project, ensure that the project is the same as the current project name.
2. From the Device menu, select the Device type.
3. To associate the highlighted device with the Smart Object, click OK
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SmartObject Animation
This section gives you some insight into how some SmartObjects are animated. With this
knowledge, you may modify the functionality of the existing SmartObjects.
For more detailed instructions on using CimEdit drawing features to modify existing
SmartObjects, refer to the CimEdit online help.
Point Flags
The FMASCI flags are present on many SmartObjects. The flags have animation
configured on each letter using the following equations:
F {POINT_ID}.PL_ONLINE EQ 0
M {POINT_ID}.PL_FORCED EQ 1
A {POINT_ID}.QUALITY.ALARMS_ENABLED EQ 0
S {POINT_ID}.PL_SCAN_INHIBIT EQ 1
C {POINT_ID}.QUALITY.DISABLE_WRITE EQ 1
I {POINT_ID}.PL_INFO_TAG EQ 1
Circuit Breaker
The square box portion of the breaker object has event animation to handle the user
mouse clicks for control functions, and color animation to display the point status.
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Disconnect Switches
In a disconnect switch there is a line to display when the switch is open, another when it
is closed and another when there is an error. These objects are created using overlapped
lines. Using visibility animation, only one line will appear, thereby displaying the status
of the switch.
There is also a control circle on some switches. This is where the user clicks to control
the switch and it has event animation to handle that occasion.
The control circle also changes color depending on the state of the switch and the
availability of the point.
Expression List Attribute Animation (Disconnect Switch)
Numeric Displays
Numeric displays have text animation to display the value of the associated point. They
also have color animation to govern the color of the text and the background coloring (if
available).
Expression List Attribute Animation (Numeric Display)
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Miscellaneous Control button

This control offers no status feedback, but has event animation to process any user mouse
clicks.
RTU Device
This control offers no status feedback, but has event animation to process any user mouse
clicks.
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PowerLink's Network File

Retrieval
About Network File Retrieval

PowerLink Advantage can retrieve files across a network from TFTP servers using TFTP
(Trivial File Transfer Protocol).
You can configure some devices, such as the GE D25 to operate as TFTP servers;
building power quality fault detection data files that PowerLink can download. These
data files are COMTRADE (Common Format for Transient Data Exchange) files.
As well, PowerLink supports general file download from TFTP servers.
To set-up PowerLink for network file retrieval, you must configure the PowerLink
Network File Retrieval or TFTP module that controls file transfer from devices to the
PowerLink Advantage workstation's hard drive.
About COMTRADE files

The COMTRADE standard defines a file format that contains transient waveform and
event data collected from power systems.
Each COMTRADE file consists of a three-file set. The files have the same name but
different extensions: .hdr, .cfg and .dat for header, configuration and data.
PowerLink downloads COMTRADE files from two sources;
D25
UR Relay
If PowerLink does not retrieve a complete file set, the file download process fails and
PowerLink Advantage deletes any of the files that have been downloaded.
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D25 COMTRADE Files

Depending on how the D25 is configured, up to three types of COMTRADE files can be
downloaded:
DFR (Digital Fault Recording)
PQ (Power Quality)
ACDP (Alternating Current Data Profile)
For each D25 application that generates COMTRADE files only a single file set at a time
is available for retrieval. As well, the file names are always identical, e.g.
B063DFR1.HDR, B063DFR1.CFG, and B063DFR1.DAT.
Because the file names for a given application never change, PowerLink supports several
methods for handling duplicate file names.
Overwrite Overwrite the existing COMTRADE file set with the new one.
Counter Add a unique counter to the file name before the extension.
Timestamp Append the local time to the file name before the extension.
For PowerLink to initiate a COMTRADE file set transfer, there must be an event that acts
as a trigger. Each of the 3 D25 applications has a digital pseudo-point that indicates a file
set is ready for transfer. Each pseudo-point must be configured as a Digital Read Only
point in PACT. The digital point name is configured in the D25 device object as the
COMTRADE File Read Trigger.
UR Relay COMTRADE Files

The GE UR Relay device downloads OSC (oscillographic data) COMTRADE files.
Like D25 COMTRADE file sets, COMTRADE file sets retrieved from the UR Relay
consist of 3 files with the same name and a different file extension. Unlike the D25, the
UR Relay automatically appends a counter to each file name, before the extension, so
duplicate file name handling is not required.
The file naming conventions are as follows:
OSC1.DAT, OSC1.CFG and OSC1.HDR, where 1 is the trigger number.
The next trigger would produce the files OSC2.DAT, OSC2.CFG and OSC2.HDR.
For PowerLink to initiate a COMTRADE file set transfer, there must be an event that acts
as a trigger. Because a UR relay can have numerous file sets available for transfer at the
same time a DNP counter is used to provide this indication. The counter is called the
oscillography counter.
Oscillography Counter
The oscillography counter is a 16-bit value that wraps from 65535 to 1. In UR firmware
version 2.40, there are 9 DNP binary counters. Binary counter point number 8 ( the ninth
counter) represents the UR oscillography trigger number. The counter is incremented
every time a UR oscillography trigger occurs.
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If the counter value is then

0 there are no files available
1 there is one file set available
>1 more than one file set may be available
The actual number of file sets available depends on the UR relay settings (maximum of
64). The UR relay memory can be partitioned to store a fixed number of files. As the
maximum number of files is decreased, the amount of information that each file contains
increases (i.e. longer oscillography traces).
In PACT, the oscillography counter is configured as a 16-bit counter retrieved from the
UR relay. The counter name is configured in the UR Relay device object as the
COMTRADE File Read Trigger.
The value of the UR Relay oscillography counter indicates the following to PowerLink:
the name of the last COMTRADE set generated.
the maximum number of COMTRADE file sets available. For example, if the
counter value is 7, there are up to seven file sets available. The newest COMTRADE
set is OSC7.DAT, OSC7.CFG and OSC7.HDR.
Counter Value
PowerLink stores the counter value in the UR_LAST_COUNTER data item of the
PL_DEVICE_UR_RELAY object. Each time the counter value is updated, PowerLink
attempts to retrieve any new COMTRADE sets.
Example: If PowerLink reads the counter and its value has incremented from 7 to 9,
PowerLink attempts to retrieve COMTRADE sets 8 and 9. This data item is saved and
restored when PowerLink is shutdown and restarted.
Example: When PowerLink starts for the first time, or after not running for a long period
of time, the counter value may have increased by more than 64. In this case PowerLink
attempts to retrieve the maximum number (64) of UR relay files that could be available.
If however, the UR relay is configured to support only 15 files, each COMTRADE file
set that does not exist will return a file of zero length. PowerLink detects and deletes files
of zero length
File types
Although there are two types of COMTRADE files available, binary and ASCII,
PowerLink retrieves binary oscillography files from the UR Relay for the following
reasons:
Saves bandwidth.
Save storage space on the PC.
GE's DirectView supports reading binary files. (If you are using a COMTRADE
viewer that only supports ASCII, PowerLink can convert binary COMTRADE files
to ASCII)
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Clear Oscillography command
The UR Relay supports a Clear Oscillography command from the UR COMMANDS

menu, which clears the counter value to 0.
Note: If you use this command any COMTRADE file sets that PowerLink has retrieved
should be archived, or they will be overwritten when the UR relay generates a new
COMTRADE set with the same name.
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COMTRADE Status Codes

The Status Code table lists the status code values and an explanation
* These return values can occur if the network connection is broken during a file
transfer. If the TFTP module is configured to retry PowerLink will attempt the
transfer again.
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Monitoring File Retrieval Status

To monitor the status of a file retrieval operation, add the appropriate status point to the
Point Control Panel, or add custom screen animation to a screen based on the value of the
appropriate status point.
If the file retrieval is successful, then another point stores the name and path of the
uploaded file.
PowerLink Alarms
After a file retrieval transaction is complete (whether successful or not), PowerLink
generates an alarm. The alarm messages can be found in PL_PQ_DFR$TFTP_Alarm.bcl
in the project scripts directory. A system engineer may change the messages as needed.
For example, the messages can be translated into another language.
PowerLink uses the following system alarms. The Alarm Type ($CIMBASIC) and the
Alarm Message (%s) must not change. However, the remaining alarm properties can be
modified as required. In addition, the alarm class properties can be modified as required.
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Automatically notifying DirectView after retrieving new COMTRADE File Set

If the project includes DirectView, and the system engineer wants PowerLink to notify
DirectView when a new COMTRADE file set has been successfully retrieved, then
enable the function Notify_DirectView, found in PL_PQ_DFR$TFTP_Alarm.bcl in the
project scripts directory. By default, this function is disabled (commented out).
PowerLink notifies DirectView of the new COMTRADE file set by appending the path
and name of the uploaded file to the New Waveform Files.lst file, e.g.
C:\DFR\D25_1\<FileName>, when <FileName>.hdr, <FileName>.cfg and
<FileName>.dat have been retrieved and stored in C:\DFR\D25_1. If the New
Waveform Files.lst file does not exist, then this function creates it. A system engineer can
modify the function as required. For example, they may want to create New Waveform
Files.lst in a different location.
You can configure DirectView to look for New Waveform Files.lst.
Automatically clearing the D25 COMTRADE file availability indication

Newer versions of the D25 software may support clearing the COMTRADE file available
status indication. If you want to clear the status indication after successfully uploading a
COMTRADE file set complete the following:
Step 1 Configure a digital read write point for the file read trigger. This point indicates
the D25 COMTRADE available status. The associated output point will be the D25
control point used to clear the status.
Step 2 In the function Notify_DirectView, found in PL_PQ_DFR$TFTP_Alarm.bcl in
the project scripts directory there is sample code for clearing the COMTRADE available
status after a successful upload. By default, this function is disabled (commented out).
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The TFTP Module

The PowerLink TFTP module allows you to configure:
Retrieval of GE D25 COMTRADE three-part file sets
Retrieval of GE UR Relay COMTRADE three-part file sets
Retrieval of general file (non-COMTRADE file sets)
Automatic file retrieval triggered by a device pseudo-point
Optional conversion of binary COMTRADE files into ASCII format
Optional continual retries after a configurable delay if PowerLink cannot contact the
TFTP server
File storage location based on the name of the device that owns the file
Optional file renaming when duplicate file names exist (not supported for the UR
Relay)
COMTRADE file configuration

COMTRADE file configuration requires the following steps:
Step 1 Ensure your project is stopped
Step 2 Create device object in PACT
Step 3 Object Configuration
D25_WITH_POWER_QUALITY
UR_Relay
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Step-1 Ensure your project is stopped

dynamically.

Workbench.
Method 1
A. Click on File in the Workbench Toolbar.
B. The Running Projects List indicates the project that is running.
menu.
Method 2
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Step 2- Create the device object in PACT

PowerLink Advantage requires that you create a device in PACT before you can
configure it for TFTP file retrieval. This device represents an IED that builds fault
detection files for downloading to the PowerLink workstation.
There are two device types that support COMTRADE file retrieval:
D25 with Power Quality
UR Relay
The device type is based on the Class you configure in PACT.

If a D25 with Power Quality or a UR Relay currently exists in your project, you can
begin configuring TFTP parameters using the Workbench.
Adding a TFTP Device to PACT
Open PACT
1. Click Start on the Windows 2000 taskbar.
2. Select Programs.
3. Select GE\PowerLink Advantage\Configuration Tool.
Open a project
1. Click the Open A Project button to call the Open Project dialogue box:
2. Select your project from the drop-down list.
3. Click OK.
4. Right click the Devices icon in the left pane.
5. Click the Add Device button.
Open the Adding a New Device dialog box:
In the PACT toolbar, click the icon.

or
Right click in PACT's left pane
Results: The Adding a New Device dialog box appears
When the Adding a Device dialog box appears the Tabs may contain orange text fields.
This indicates mandatory information and you must enter a value. Once all of the orange
fields are complete, the Save button becomes active. Multiple yellow text fields indicate
that you must complete at least one of the fields before the Save button becomes active.
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Adding the TFTP Device:

1. In the Name field, enter the device name.
2. From the drop-down Class list select the device class type:
D25_WITH_POWER_QUALITY
or
UR_Relay
The STANDARD device class does not support TFTP download.

3. In the Host Name field, enter the name of the remote TFTP server device.
4. Click the Save button.
Results: PACT adds the device to your project.
5. Create as many TFTP server devices as your project requires.

6. Close the project in PACT.
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Step-3 Object Configuration

Configuring a D25_WITH_POWER_QUALITY
The D25 can generate three COMTRADE file types:
DFR (Digital Fault Recording)
PQ (Power Quality)
ACDP (Alternating Current Data Profile)
Configuring PowerLink for D25 TFTP file retrieval:

Results: The Project Objects appear in the right pane.
2. In the Objects listing double click (or right click and select Properties) the
device object you want to configure.
Results: The Object <device object name> dialog box appears.
Configuring the General tab
Configuring the General tab in the Object dialog box:

1. In Description, enter a description for the device.
2. In DFR COMTRADE Files?
If the device then enter
builds DFR files for TFTP download 1 (true)
does not build DFR files for TFTP 0 (false)
3. PQ COMTRADE Files?
builds PQ files for TFTP download 1 (true)
does not build PQ files for TFTP 0 (false)
4. ACDP COMTRADE Files?
builds ACDP files for TFTP download 1 (true)
does not build ACDP files for TFTP 0 (false)
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Do not change either the Device Name or the Resource ID fields. You must use PACT to
change or modify device names. The Resource ID and the device name must be the same.
Configuring for COMTRADE file name, destination and storage
Configuring the DFR or ACDP or PQ tab(s) in the Object dialog box:

Which tabs you have to configure depend on the file types configured in the General Tab.
The example is a DFR configuration.
1. In Retrieve File, enter the name (without file extension) of the DFR, PQ or
ACDP file set that PowerLink will retrieve from the device (maximum 64
alphanumeric characters).
2. In Storage Directory, enter the directory where you want to store the
downloaded file(s). If left blank, PowerLink uses the default configured for
DFR, PQ or ACDP and creates a sub-directory based on the device name
(maximum 80 alphanumeric characters).
3. In Save As, enter a new name for the file set. PowerLink saves the file using this
name. If left blank, PowerLink uses the Retrieve File name.
4. In File Read Trigger, enter the name of the point that triggers PowerLink to
retrieve the DFR, PQ or ACDP file set. Retrieval occurs when the point updates
and its value is greater than 0. The File Read Trigger point must be a digital.
(Do not use a fully qualified point name)
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Network connections to TFTP servers

If one network connection is not available, or fails, PowerLink uses the redundant
connection for TFTP download.
Configuring primary and secondary host name IP addresses

1. Click the Hostnames tab on the Object properties dialogue panel and configure
the following fields:
2. In PL Hostname, enter PowerLink's IP address on the primary network card.

(text)
3. In Sec. PL Hostname, enter PowerLink's IP address on the secondary network
card. (text)
4. In D25 Hostname, enter the name that is mapped to the D25 IED IP address on
the primary network card. (text)
5. In Sec. D25 Hostname, enter the name that is mapped to the D25 IED IP
address on the secondary network card. (text)
The other tabs on the D25 Object properties dialog panel: Circuit Names and AC Names
are not required for TFTP configuration.
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GE UR Relay
The GE UR Relay device downloads OSC COMTRADE files (these files contain
oscillographic data).
Configuring PowerLink for UR Relay file retrieval:

1. Open Workbench: Start \ Programs \ GE \ PowerLink Advantage \
Workbench.
2. Open your Project in Workbench: File \ Open \ <project file path>.
3. In the Workbench left pane click Objects.
Results: Project Objects appear in the right pane.
4. In the Objects listing double click the device object you want to configure
or
Right click and select Properties.
Results: The Object properties dialogue box appears.
In the General tab configure the following:

In the Description field enter a description for the device.
Do not change the Device Name or the Resource ID fields. You must use PACT to
change or modify device names. The Resource ID must be the same as the device name.
PowerLink assigns this value.
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Configuring the COMTRADE tab

1. In COMTRADE File Name, enter the name of the COMTRADE file set that
PowerLink will retrieve from the device. The default value is OSC (maximum
64 alphanumeric characters).
downloaded file(s). If left blank, PowerLink uses the default configured for the
UR Relay and creates a sub-directory based on the device name. (maximum 80
alphanumeric characters)
3. In Save As enter a new name for the file set. PowerLink saves the file using this
name. If left blank, PowerLink uses the Retrieve File name.
4. In File Read Trigger enter the name of the point that triggers PowerLink to
retrieve the file when its value updates and is greater than 0. Default is
OSC_TRIGGER. The point name must match the name of the COMTRADE
file retrieval point configured in PACT. You must use PACT to configure the
File Read Trigger point as a 16 or 32-bit Counter. (Do not use a fully qualified
point name)
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To configure the Hostname IP addresses

To configure the Hostnames tab:
1. In PL Hostname, enter the name that is mapped to the PowerLink IP address on
the primary network card (text).
2. In UR Relay Hostname enter the name that is mapped to the UR Relay IP
address on the primary network card (text).
UR Relays do not support redundant network connections.
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When you use the Workbench to make change in your PowerLink Advantage
project, you must update the configuration in the Workbench.
Method 1
Project Menu

Method 2
A. Press Alt+P on the keyboard.
B. Press C.
Method 3
General file configuration

The three steps to configure General file TFTP configuration are:
Step 2 Object configuration
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dynamically.

a. Open the Workbench: Start \ Programs \ GE \ PowerLink Advantage \
Workbench.
b. Open your Project File \ Open \ <project file path>.
Method 1
a. Click on File in the Workbench Toolbar
b. The Running Projects List indicates the project that is running
Method 2
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Step 2-Object Configuration

The steps below are for the retrieval of general files from a computer or device with (or
acting as) a TFTP server.
To configure non-COMTRADE general files

1. In the Workbench left pane right click Objects.
2. Select New from the popup menu.
or
Double click on the Objects Window in the right pane.
Results: The new object dialog box appears
3. In the dialog box, enter the name of the new object.
4. In the Class ID, browse for PL_TFTP_FILE RETRIEVAL .
5. Click OK.
Results: the Object-<object name> dialog box appears
In the General tab

1. In the Description field enter a description for the file..
2. In the Device ID, browse and select a TFTP device.
3. In the Resource ID, select or enter the value you entered in the Device ID field.
In the Hostnames tab

1. In PL Hostname, enter PowerLink's IP address on the primary network card
(required value).
2. In Sec. PL Hostname, enter PowerLink's IP address on the secondary network
card.
3. In IED Hostname, enter the name that is mapped to the IED IP address on the
primary network card (required value).
4. In Sec. IED Hostname, enter the name that is mapped to the IED IP address on
the secondary network card.
To configure the File tab

1. In File Name, enter the name of the file set that you want PowerLink to retrieve
from the device (maximum 64 alphanumeric characters, required value).
downloaded file (maximum 80 alphanumeric characters).
3. In Save As, enter a new name for the file set. PowerLink saves the file to the
hard drive by this name. If you leave it blank, PowerLink uses the Retrieve File
name.
4. In File Read Trigger, enter the name of the point that triggers PowerLink to
retrieve the file when the point's value updates and is greater than 0. The File
Read Trigger point must be configured in PACT as a digital.(required value).
(Do not use a fully qualified point name).
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When you use the Workbench to make change in your PowerLink Advantage project,
you must update the configuration in the Workbench.
Method 1
Project Menu

Method 2
b. Press C.
Method 3
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System Point Configuration

To modify system defaults, you can configure the following points in the Workbench.
However, the Workbench is configured with default values that will ensure your project
will successfully download using TFTP.
Step 2 System point configuration
Only complete the fields indicated below. PowerLink Advantage's functionality requires
that any other fields in the dialog box remain at the pre-assigned values.
Step 1-Ensure your project is stopped

dynamically.

Workbench.
Method 1
c. Click on File in the Workbench Toolbar
d. The Running Projects List indicates the project that is running
Method 2
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Step 2-System point configuration

To configure System Points for TFTP download functions
1. In the left pane of the Workbench, click Points.
Results: The Points directory structure appears in the right pane.
2. Expand the PL directory tree.
3. Expand the TFTP directory tree under PL.
Opening the Point Properties PL.TFTP.BLOCK_SIZE dialog box

1. Double click BLOCK_SIZE or right click and select Properties from the
menu.
2. The Point Properties PL.TFTP.BLOCK_SIZE dialog box appears.
3. In the Point Properties PL.TFTP.BLOCK_SIZE click .

4. Click the Virtual tab.
Once you have set the first dialog box to Basic all of the Point Properties tabs
display in this mode.
To configure the Virtual tab

1. In the Initial Value, enter the block byte size for the TFTP file download. The
block byte size value is the size of file transfer that the TFTP module attempts to
negotiate with the TFTP server (Default 2048 bytes, range 512-2048 bytes).
2. Click OK.
3. Close the Point Properties dialog box.
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To configure Ping Timeout on the TFTP servers

1. Expand the General directory tree under PL.
2. Double click PING_TIMEOUT.
or
Right click and select Properties from the menu.
Results: The Point Properties PL.TFTP.PING_TIMEOUT dialog box appears
4. In Initial Value set the time PowerLink attempts to ping a TFTP server before
timing out (5000 ms default).
5. Click OK.
To configure File Receive timeout on TFTP servers

1. Expand the PQ directory tree under PL.
2. Double click PING_TIMEOUT
or
3. Double click RECEIVE_TIMEOUT.
or
Results: The Point Properties PL.TFTP.RECEIVE _TIMEOUT dialog box
appears.
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5. In the Initial Value enter the maximum time interval, in milliseconds, that
PowerLink waits to receive the next byte block of a file download, from a TFTP
server before timing out (4000 ms default).
6. Click OK.
7. Close the Point Properties dialog panel.
To Configure for File Naming on TFTP servers

1. Expand the TFTP directory tree under PL.
2. Double click FILE_NAMING.
or
3. The Point Properties PL.TFTP. FILE_NAMING dialog panel appears.
4. Click the Virtual tab:
5. In Initial Value, enter a value that determines how PowerLink handles duplicate
file naming in TFTP. There are three valid values for this field:
Overwrite: the new file overwrites the old one.
Counter: adds a unique counter to the file name before the file extension.
TimeStamp: adds the local time to the file name.
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6. Click OK.
Inbound File Directory

Inbound file functioning for TFTP download is configured separately for each different
type of file:
DFR (from the D25),
PQ (from the D25),
ACDP (from the D25),
OSC (from the UR Relay),
and general files from other TFTP servers.
Expand the file directory tree under TFTP at the ACDP, DFR, GENERAL, PQ or UR
nodes for INBOUND_DIRECTORY.
The configuration for each type of file is similar. The sample configuration uses DFR as
an example.
To Configure the Inbound Directory for TFTP file downloads

1. Expand the DFR directory tree under PL.
2. Double click INBOUND_FILE_DIR
or
3. The Point Properties PL.TFTP.INBOUND_FILE_DIR dialog box appears.
5. In Initial Value set the default destination for DFR COMTRADE (or general
file) sets that PowerLink Advantage downloads from TFTP servers. If you do
not configure the file destination on the TFTP server device, this initial value
becomes the default directory on the PowerLink workstation machine. For
example, if PowerLink retrieves a fault recording COMTRADE file named
fault1.cfg from a device named HARDING, the default file storage location is
D:\DFR\HARDING\fault1.cfg.
6. Click OK.
1. Close the Point Properties dialog panel.
2. Repeat for any TFTP or general file type that PowerLink Advantage is
downloading.
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Method 1
Project Menu

Method 2
b. Press C.
Method 3
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Device Communication Alarms
About device communication failure alarms

PowerLink Advantage runtime generates device communication failure alarms. These
alarms indicate primary and/or secondary channel failures. By default, and dependant on
which channel fails, the runtime message displays as:
Primary Channel Failed
Secondary Channel Failed
The following diagram displays some sample device communication failure alarm
messages.
You edit device communication failure alarm messages in two parts:

First, you must open the device object. Here you configure the text displayed in the first
section of the runtime alarm statement. In the default message this section indicates
whether the alarm is presenting values from the primary or secondary communication
channel.
Second, you must edit the Alarm string. The alarm string allows you to edit the second
part of the alarm message, which displays a text message giving the alarm state. The
default PowerLink Advantage runtime message indicates Failed or OK.
Changing the alarm message

Device Communication Alarm Message Configuration requires the following steps:
Step 2 Change the Device Object
Step 3 Change the Alarm Variable
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dynamically.

Workbench.
Method 1
a. Click on File in the Workbench Toolbar.
b. The Running Projects List indicates the project that is running.
menu.
Method 2
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Step 2-Change the Device Object

Editing the Device Object text:
Results: The Project Objects appear in the right pane.
2. In the Objects listing double click (or right click and select Properties) the
device object you want to configure.
Results: The Object dialog box appears
3. Click the Channel Failures Tab.
4. Enter the text that you want PowerLink Advantage runtime to display in the first
part of the device communication alarm message.
5. Click OK.
Step 3-Change the Alarm Variable

Editing the Device Object text:
1 In the Workbench left pane, click Advanced\Alarms \Alarm Strings
Results: The Alarm Strings display in the right pane.
2 Double click the Index 2 line.
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Results: The Alarm String index dialog box displays.
3 In the Alarm high and Normal text boxes enter the text that you want PowerLink
runtime to display in the second part of the device communication alarm
message.
4 Click OK.

When you use the Workbench to make changes in your PowerLink Advantage
project, you must update the configuration in the Workbench.
To perform a configuration update:

Method 1
Project Menu

Method 2
b. Press C.
Method 3
The Workbench dims the icon if the project is running
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Multi-Project Viewer
About multi-project viewer

Normally, you configure PowerLink Advantage so each project communicates point data
with one or more viewers. However, using multi-project access, you can configure one or
more viewers to display and communicate qualified point data with up to nine additional
projects, as well as, the default.
Multi-project viewers
Project 2 Project 3 Project 4 Project 5 Project 6 Project 7 Project 8 Project 9 Project 10
Monitor
Project 1
Default project points

Qualified points
Currently, PowerLink Advantage does not support using multi-project viewer in a

redundant project.
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Multi-project viewer features

Using multi-project viewer in your PowerLink Advantage projects allows you to:
Run each project on a separate computer while viewing data from any of the projects
on custom screens.
Keep most of the default project functionality in screens and scripts while you are
connected to the other projects.
Use a pick list to switch to a different projects data (for example: Detail Page,
Alarm Viewer, and Communications Summary).
Multi-project viewer limitations

Using the multi-project viewer in your PowerLink Advantage projects has the following
limitations:
Currently, it does not support a PowerLink Advantage redundant system.
PQ Trending is only available while viewing the default project.
Only one project on each PowerLink Advantage computer.
You cannot change the project selection from the default while on a PQ display.
You cannot change the project selection while on a trending screen.
Dynamic Trending is only available on the default project. However, pre-configured
trending is available for all configured projects.
You must have the multi-project viewer connected to the default project at all times.
The default project must always be running.
If you have multi-projects configured, PowerLink Advantage clears runtime trending

screens when a trend screen closes. When you reopen the screen, you must reconfigure
your pen selections.
Deleting the multi-project viewer displays

If your project does not require the multi-project viewer, you can delete the following
animations in the runtime displays:
In the Alarm Banner, delete the project column
In the Alarm Viewer, delete the project column
In the PowerBar, delete the project indicator and the pull-down selection button.
These deletions are not required for the project to function correctly.
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Configuring a multi-project viewer

The three steps to configure a multi-project viewer are as follows:
Step 1 Add additional project names to the default project
Step 2 Configure additional data channels on the viewer.
Step 3 Add point qualification to custom user screens.
For your multi-project viewers to work correctly you must ensure that:
The points not belonging to the default project are prefaced by the project name
\\PROJECT\POINTNAME. For
example,\\SUB3C\SAMPLE_DEV_DRW.D1004_D001
The project name entered in the Additional Projects tab and the Connection Name
entered for the data source is identical.
You are working on a development computer with access to all of the projects
and their points. If not, you must type in qualified point names when you are
configuring screen animations.
Step 1-Add additional project names to the default

project
You must only perform Step 1 on the computer that is running the default project.
Because PowerLink Advantage does not configure dynamically, you must stop the
project.

Method 1
Click the Stop button on the Workbench toolbar

Method 2
a. Click Project on the Workbench menu bar
b. Select Stop
running projects list and the Stop Button dims.
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Add the additional projects to the default project

Adding the Additional projects:
1. Open CIMPLICITY Workbench, select <project>.gef
Result: The Workbench displays the selected project.
2. In the left pane, select Objects.
3. Double-click PL_SYSTEM.
Result: The Objects dialog appears.
4. Select the Other Projects tab.
5. Enter the names of up to nine additional projects (other than the default project).
6. Click OK.
7. Restart the project.
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Step 2-Configure additional data channels on the

viewer
To configure a viewer to interact with PowerLink Advantage projects, other than the
default, you must configure the correct data channels for each project to which the viewer
may switch.
Configure the following parameters:
ODBC Data Sources
ADO Connection Files
You do not have to stop the project during viewer configuration.
ODBC
In the ODBC Data Source Administrator, configure a new connection for each additional
project to which the viewer may connect.
Configuring the ODBC connection project:
1. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel/Administrative Tools, click

2. Select the System DSN tab.
3. In System DSN tab select .

Result: The Create New Data Source dialog box appears.
4. In the Create New Data Source dialog box, select SQL Server.
5. Click Finish.
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6. In the Create a New Data Source to SQL Server name field enter the name of
the data source.
Naming the data source is critical. The connection name for the data
source must be <project>, where <project> is the same name you entered in the
Additional Projects tab.
8. In Description enter a description of the data source (this is not required
information).
9. From the SQL drop-down menu, select the <project> computer.
10. Click Next.
Result: The SQL Server DSN Configuration dialog box appears.
11. Ensure that With SQL Server authentication using a login ID and password
entered by the user is selected.
12. In the Login ID, enter PowerLinkApp.
13. In the Password, enter PowerLinkAppPWD.
14. Click Next.
15. Click Next.
16. Click Finish.
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Testing the data source:

In the ODBC Microsoft SQL Server Setup dialog box.
1. Click Test Data Source.

If the Data Source test is successful:
The SQL Server ODBC Data Source message box appears.
a. In the SQL Server ODBC Data Source message box, click OK.
b. In the ODBC Microsoft SQL Server Setup, click OK.
If the Test Data Source is not successful.
Verify SQL Server is installed/running on the PowerLink server.
ADO
Configure new connections for each additional project to which the viewer may connects.
Configuring an ADO connection:

1. Using Windows Explorer go to <drive>:\GE\CIMPLICITY\HMI\exe.
Result: The explorer screen appears
2. Copy/paste the existing file ADOConnectionPri.udl.

3. Rename this new file to <project>ADOConnectionPri.udl.
Naming the new connection is critical. The connection name for the
data source must be <project>, where <project> is the same name entered in the
Additional Projects tab.
4. Double-click <project>ConnectionPri. UDL
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Result: The Data Link Properties dialog box appears

5. Select the Connection tab.
6. In the Select or enter a server name drop list, select the <project> computer.
7. Ensure that Use a Specific user name and password is selected.
The User Name is PowerLinkApp
The Password is PowerLinkAppPWD
The only difference between these connections and the original PowerLink
Advantage viewer connections are the SQL server name the user provides.
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Step 3-Add point qualification to custom user screens

Any of the user-created screens (such as Single_Line.cim) may contain animations with
data from all configured projects. To add point data from one of the additional projects to
a screen, you must add the points using qualified point names.
Opening an existing PowerLink Advantage screen

The following procedure uses PL_Single_Line as an example.
Opening a PowerLink Advantage screen:

Workbench.
3. In Workbench left pane, click the Screen icon.
Result: A list of available project screens appears in the right pane.
3. Select PL_Single_Line, right click and select Edit.
To animate a SmartObject in Single_Line.cim

1. After selecting the SmartObject the SmartObject Configuration dialog box
appears.
The dialog box parameters depend on the type of SmartObject you select,
digital or analog.
Digital SmartObject configuration dialog box
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Analog SmartObject configuration dialog box

2. In Point ID, type in or browse for a fully qualified Point ID.
Browsing and filtering points:
Clicking opens the Select Point dialog box. Using this dialog box you
can browse and filter to progressively narrow down your search for the
point ID.
a. In Project, select the project where the point is located.

b. From the Device menu, select the Device type.
c. From Group, select the point group name.
d. In Name field enter a name, part of a name, or a wildcard using * or %.
e. In Description, enter part of a description, or a wildcard.
If the Name and Description fields are different, PowerLink searches

the point database on the Name filter.
f. In Type/Sub-Type, select a device Sub-type. Type is pre-selected
based on the SmartObject you chose, and is grayed out.
g. Select Return Fully Qualified Point Name.
To configure a multi-project viewer you must select Return Fully
Qualified Point Name (if the point does not belong to the default
project).
i. Click the Lookup button to list the points that match your criteria.
Result: The Number of Records field presents a count of the points that
match your filter criteria. The point names display in the list box.
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j. Select a point. If you have selected Select the View Properties, the
point's Properties dialog box displays. To close this dialog box, click
the Close button.
k. To associate the highlighted point with the Smart Object, click OK.
2. If you are configuring a digital SmartObject select a state:
select 2-State for devices having only open/closed states.
select 4-State for devices having transit/open/closed/invalid states.
Results: The SmartObject Configuration screen displays, showing the associated
point.
3. Click OK.
Operational Considerations
The following are PowerLink Advantage runtime operational considerations for a multi-
project viewer:
The alarm banner shows the most recent alarms from all configured projects.
The system time in the runtime PowerBar is the time reported by the computer
running the default project.
Point control, forcing and tagging is maintained for qualified and regular points.
Each computer, both the project computer and the viewer computer, should be time
synchronized.
Dynamic trending and PQ trending are only available for the default project.
Detail Page, Alarm Logger, Operator Notes, Alarm history, and Communications
Summary, preconfigured trending shows data only from the selected project.
Security Considerations
The following security considerations exist when using a Multi-project viewer in your
PowerLink Advantage project:
The user must login in to every project to which the viewer connects.
The user name must be the same for each project. (PowerLink assumes that a
user's role is consistent across all projects. For example, if the user can operate a
switch in the default project than PowerLink Advantage assumes that the user
can operate a switch in each project.)
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Switching between projects in PowerLink Advantage runtime

The PowerLink Advantage PowerBar includes a list of alternate projects you have
configured in your multi-project viewers project. The name of the project that PowerLink
Advantage viewer is currently displaying is listed in the title bar.
If your system does not have a multiple project connection, you can delete the
project indicator and button from the PowerBar.
To change the project on a viewer
1. Click the Projects button

The selection box expands.
2. Highlight a project.
3. Click OK.
The viewer displays the selected project.
Storing multi projects viewer login information

The user name and password of all of the projects in the multi-project configuration can
be stored using CIMPLICITY saved logins functionality. Adding all of the projects to the
Login Panel eliminates PowerLink prompting for a user name and password each time
you switch projects.
When you are adding the projects to the CIMPLICITY Login Panel, the projects must be
running.
To store the project names, user names and passwords complete the
following:
1. Open the Workbench

2. In the Left pane click Runtime\ Login Panel
3. Double-click Login Panel
or on a Run-time viewer
1. Using Windows Explorer, Go to <Drive>:\GE\CIMPLICITY\HMI\exe.
2. Find and double-click LoginPanel.exe
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Results: The Login Panel displays.
4. From the taskbar click Edit\Saved Logins.

Results: The Saved Login displays.
5. In the Saved Login dialog box click Add.
Results: The Add Saved Login Panel displays.
6. From the drop-list select the name of the project, enter a valid user ID and
Password (if required).
7. Click OK.
8. Repeat for each of the projects the Viewer displays.
Results: The projects are added to the Login panel.
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Printer Monitor
Printer Monitor Overview

The Printer Monitor application allows you to configure PowerLink Advantage to
monitor the status of up to four printers. The status of each printer is stored in a system
point. PowerLink uses the points to generate printer error messages. You can use these
points to add printer status animation to your runtime displays.
System Point configuration for printer monitor

Printer names are configured in system points using the Workbench. To add one or more
printers complete the following:
Step 2 Add a new printer
Only complete the fields indicated below. PowerLink Advantage's functionality requires
that any other fields in the dialog box remain at the pre-assigned values.
Step 1-Ensure your project is stopped

dynamically.

Workbench.
Method 1
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Method 2
Step 2-Add a new printer

To add a new printer name:
3. Locate the point PL.PRINTERX (X=1,2,3,4).

4. Double click NAME.
5. In the Virtual Tab enter the fully qualified name, including any network path
6. Click OK.
Repeat for up to three additional printers.
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The name you enter in the Initial Value field must be fully qualified, including the entire
path and name of the printer.

Method 1
Project Menu

Method 2
b. Press C.
Method 3
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Default error handling

PowerLink Advantage generates an alarm on various printer error conditions. PowerLink
displays the alarm the same as any other configured alarm. As well, the alarms are logged
in the Historical Alarm Logger.
On the PowerLink Advantage server you can use the PrinterMonitor dialog box to
display printer conditions.
To access printer conditions:
1. Click the printer icon located at the bottom right of a running project
screen.
Result:The PrinterMonitor dialog box appears.
A red X over a printer indicates the printer is unavailable.

A yellow ? indicates that PowerLink Advantage was unable to retrieve printer
information.
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Customizing printer error handling

To customize the printer status error handling for your project's runtime you should be
familiar with CIMBASIC and/or Visual Basic programming.
To access the script files:

3. Click Basic Control Engine
4. Click Scripts
5. Select PL_PRINTERS$PrinterStatus.bcl.
Results: The printer status update script appears
6. Enter/Modify the script.
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Adding printer status animation to a runtime display

To add custom printer status animation to your projects runtime displays you should be
familiar with the CIMEDIT graphic editing package.
The system point required for printer animation is PL.PRINTERX.STATUS
(X=1,2,3,4).
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Persistence
About persistence
Persistence in PowerLink Advantage is the ability to save run-time properties and values
on normal project shutdown, and then restore those properties and values on project
restart. By default, PowerLink Advantage persistence is not enabled on project startup.
Therefore, on startup all SCADA points are unavailable, and there is no tagging and no
force on any of the SCADA points.
Enabling operator action persistence (warm start) forces PowerLink to save and restore
the following operator actions on SCADA points when a project shuts down and restarts:
Scan inhibit tag
Alarm inhibit tag
Control inhibit tag
Information tag
Force (manual entry)
Note: Depending on the number of SCADA points enabling operator action

persistence increases the project initialization time.
Cold Start
A PowerLink Advantage cold start occurs when SD_PERSIST_OPERATOR_ACTIONS
is equal to NO. During a cold start, PowerLink unconditionally clears all of the tagging
and forcing information on SCADA points.
Warm Start
A PowerLink Advantage warm start occurs when
SD_PERSIST_OPERATOR_ACTIONS is equal to YES. On normal project shutdown
PowerLink saves all the tagging and forcing information on SCADA points. On the next
project startup, PowerLink restores this information as part of its initialization.
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PowerLink Advantage
Operator Actions
Persistence of operator actions is controlled through a single PowerLink project
parameter, SD_PERSIST_OPERATOR_ACTIONS, accessible through the Workbench.
To change PowerLink's operator actions persistence complete the following:

Step 2 Access the project parameters
Step 3 Change the parameters properties
Ensure your project is stopped

dynamically.

Workbench.
Method 1
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PowerLink Advantage
menu.
Method 2
Access the project parameters
Opening Project Parameters:

1. From the Workbench left pane select and then double click Advanced.
2. In the open directory double click Global Parameters.
3. Click Project.
Results: The Project parameter settings appear in the right pane.
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PowerLink Advantage
Changing the persistence value
Changing the value:

1. Select SD_PERSIST_OPERATOR_ACTIONS, right click.
Results: The Global Parameters dialog box displays.
2. In the properties dialog box, enter YES.

3. Click Apply, click OK.
Results: the Value is changed from NO to YES.
Note: During this process a warning message box may appear. Click OK.
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Multi-Language
Overview
By default, PowerLink Advantage's runtime environment displays in the English
language. However, using PowerLink's multi-language functionality you can configure
your system to display an alternate language during runtime.
Generally, the decision as to which language PowerLink runtime will display in is made
during the planning stage and performed only once. But if maintenance or
troubleshooting issues require a language other than the one displayed, you can switch
between them.
PowerLink Advantage does not support dynamic language switching. You must
stop your project before you change the language settings.
Multi-language exceptions
The following are conditions and exceptions that you should be aware of when using
PowerLink's multi-language functionality.
1. You cannot use alphabetic characters with accents (for example , , or ) in
device or project names.
2. Diagnostic utilities such as the Point Control Panel, the Core Status Log, and the
Communications Wizard have an English interface. Users with the appropriate
security level can launch them at run-time. However, you can disable these
options by editing the appropriate un-compiled script.
3. All error logs are in English. This includes the Core Status Log and the DNP
Driver log file
4. A right-mouse click on a screen object brings up a menu that includes "Point
View" and "Properties". Although the menu items are translated, the dialog
boxes they open are in English. The dialog boxes display read-only diagnostic
information.
5. You must manually edit the column headings in PowerLink Advantage's Active
Alarm Viewer Screen.
6. Although the decimal character displayed at run-time is based on the user locale
settings, PACT requires a period to be used as the decimal character when
configuring the scaling values for analogs and counters.
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PowerLink Advantage
For more detailed instructions on using CimEdit drawing features to modify

existing Screens, refer to the CimEdit online help.
Configuring another language

Complete the following steps to configure an alternate target language in PowerLink
Runtime:
In the Server Machine

Step 1 Stop the project
Step 2 Change the project target language setting and update the project
configuration
Step 3 Change the project date time format
Step 4 Start the project and access the main screen from PLA Welcome screen
In the Viewer Machine

Once you have completed Steps 1-3 in the Server machine, and if you have a Viewer
machine, you must complete the following:
Step 5 From the Server, copy the translated screens to the remote viewer (you
do not have to stop the project on the PLA server computer)
Step 6 Start the Viewer
Important: you must complete Server machine alternate language configuration

BEFORE you configure your Viewer Machine.
Step 1-Stop the Project

that the project is stopped.
1. In the CIMPLICITY Workbench, open <project name>.gef.
Results: The project appears in the CIMPLICITY Workbench

Method 1

Method 2
b. Select Stop.
running projects list and the Stop Button dims .
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Step 2-Change the target language

The target language is the language that PowerLink Advantage displays in runtime. To
change the language complete the following:
Change the target language

1. From the Workbench select Point: PL.SYSTEM.TARGET_LANGUAGE.
2. In the Point Properties dialog click the Virtual Tab.
3. In the Virtual Tab, enter the language you want PowerLink Advantage runtime
to display in. (Ensure the language is supported by PowerLink Advantage).
4. Click OK.
5. On the Workbench Toolbar click to update the configuration.
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PowerLink Advantage
Step 3-Change the project date time format

1. From the Workbench select Point: PL.FORMAT.DATE_TIME
2. In the Point Properties dialog click the Virtual Tab.
3. In the Virtual Tab, enter the time format you want PowerLink Advantage runtime
to display in. (Time format setting needs to match the locale time format setting)
PowerLink supports two time formats:
USA: Date: MM/dd/yyyy Time: h:mm:ss tt (By default)
EUROPE: Date: dd/MM/yyyy Time: HH:mm:ss
E.g. If your local locale setting is French (France), PL.FORMAT.DATE_TIME
should set to be EUROPE. (You must use uppercase when modifying the initial
value.)
4. Click OK.
5. On the Workbench Toolbar click to update the configuration.
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Step 4-Start the project and access the main screen from PLA
Welcome screen
When you open the project in PowerLink Advantage runtime for the first time, the
Welcome screen displays in the default language (English). Once you access the main
screen, the PowerLink screens go through a translating process and then go back to the
Welcome screen. After that when you access the main screen the PLA screens display in
the target language.
In Step 2, if you entered a target language that PowerLink Advantage does not currently
support, an error message displays and you must stop the project and change the target
language to one supported by PowerLink.
Viewer (these steps are only necessary if your project

is supporting a remote viewer)
Step 5-Copy screens to the remote viewer
If your project has a remote viewer and you have changed the project target language you
must copy the project screens folder from the PLA server computer to the remote viewer
computer that the viewer runtime screens will display in the target language.
1. In the PowerLink Advantage Server computer, copy the project's screen folder.
2. Paste the folder to the following directory on the Viewer computer:
<drive>:\GE\CIMPLICITY\HMI.
3. When the overwrite message appears, click yes.
Step 6-Start the Viewer

Using the shortcut, start the Viewer.
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PowerLink Advantage
Appendix A
Device Pseudo-Points
PowerLink Advantage maintains a set of pseudo-points for each project device. Most of
these pseudo-points are used by the Communications Summary screen. The name of
each pseudo-point is prefixed by {DEVICE_NAME}_., e.g.
SAMPLE_DEV_.PS_CHANNEL.
DNP Communication Statistics
Pseudo-Point Name Description

PS_CHAR_TOUT Number of Inter-Character Timeouts
PS_CRC_ERRORS Number of Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)
Errors
PS_DATAERRORS Number of Data Errors
PS_FRAMETOUTS Number of Frame/Inter-Frame Timeouts
PS_NUM_FAIL Number of Communication Failures
PS_NUM_TRAN Number of Communication Transactions
PS_RX_FRAMES Number of Received Frames
PS_TX_FRAMES Number of Transmitted Frames
PS_TX_RETRIES Number of Transmitted Frame Retries
PS_PROP_DELAY One-Way Propagation Delay (milliseconds);
updated after a time synchronization request
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PowerLink Advantage
Communications

PS_CHANNEL Read/Write Active Channel (1=Primary;
2=Secondary). If there is only one channel configured
for the device, then this point always has a value of 1.
PS_CHECK_CHAN Test Channel Status (1=Primary; 2=Secondary). This
is the pseudo-control PowerLink Advantage uses to
check the alternate channel status from the Demand
Request menu.
To schedule periodic alternate channel checks, create
a script that updates this pseudo-point with the
alternate channel value, e.g. if PS_CHANNEL=1,
then set PS_CHECK_CHAN=2. Or, if
PS_CHANNEL=2, then set PS_CHECK_CHAN=1.
Next, create an event that is triggered on a timed
interval. Configure the event to run the script.
PS_DP_QUEUED Demand Poll Queued/In Progress (0=False; 1=True)
(read-only)
PS_ENABLED Enable/Disable Device (0=Disabled; 1=Enabled)
PS_MODE Device Mode (Bitfield: Bits 1 to 6) (read-only)
Bit 0: Device Enabled (0=False; 1=True)
Bit 1: Unsolicited Messages Enabled (0=False;
1=True)
Bit 2: Scheduled Polling Enabled (0=False; 1=True)
Bit 3: Demand Poll in Progress (0=False; 1=True)
Bit 4: Not used by PowerLink Advantage
Bit 5: Device Offline (0=False; 1=True)
PS_NUM_CHAN The number of channels the device has (read-only)
PS_POLLING Enable/Disable Scheduled Polling (0=Disabled;
1=Enabled)
PS_PRI_GOOD Primary Channel Status (0=Good; 1=Bad) (read-only)
PS_SEC_GOOD Secondary Channel Status (0=Good; 1=Bad) (read-
only)
PS_UNSOL_MSG Enable/Disable Unsolicited Messages (0=Disabled;
1=Enabled)
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PowerLink Advantage
Device Pseudo-Controls
For each of these pseudo-controls, set the value to 1 to send the command to the device.
The point value will remain 1 as long as the request is queued or in progress. The point
value will return to 0 after the command has been processed.

PS_COLD_START Cold Start
PS_DELAY_MEAS Delay Measurement
PS_FILE_DLOAD File Download
PS_FILE_UPLOAD File Upload
PS_FRZ_ANA Freeze Analogs
PS_FRZ_CTR Freeze Counters
PS_FRZCLRANA Freeze and Clear Analogs
PS_FRZCLRCTR Freeze and Clear Counters
PS_SAVE_CFG Save Configuration
PS_START_APP Start Application
PS_STOP_APP Stop Application
PS_TIMESYNC Time Synchronize the device to the PC time
PS_TIMESYNCPC Time Synchronize the PC to the device time
To schedule PowerLink Advantage to

periodically request a time synchronization
from the device, create a script that sets this
pseudo-point to 1.
Next, create an event that is triggered on a

timed interval. Configure the event to run the
script.
PS_WARM_START Warm Start
Miscellaneous
Data Item Description

PS_DIAGNOSTIC Write a device point name to this pseudo-point
to test if the Scada Driver Client has received a
point update. This point is for debugging
purposes only.
PS_IIN DNP Internal Indications from the Device
(For more information, refer to the DNP
protocol documentation.)
PS_NAME Device Name
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PowerLink Advantage
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PowerLink Advantage
Index
about Colors, 37
alarm classes, 34 ID, 36
About, 86, 101, 106, 113, 120, 126, 135, 144, 151 Open configuration dialog, 35
Analog Write Only Points, 126 Sound, 38
CimEdit, 190 Specifications, 36
Cloning PQ devices, 161 alarm classes
Complex Object, 135 about, 34
COMTRADE files, 201 about, 34
D25 COMTRADE files, 202 Alarm Classes
PACT's spreadsheet, 151 Configure, 34
Power Quality, 159 Alarm Functions (Expressions), 98, 99, 100
PQ, 159 alarm help files, 92, 104
Remote Viewers, 169 Alarm Limits, 119, 125
SmartObjects, 189 Alarm State
UR Relay COMTRADE files, 202 Group point logging attributes, 181
View Menu, 67 Alarm Tab, 91, 92, 103, 104
About Cloning, 144, 147 Alarm Tab for an Analog Read/Write point, 115
About,Analog Read Only Points, 120 Alarm Tab Manual Reset, 118, 124, 133
About,Analog Read Write Points, 113 Alarms, 91, 92, 103, 104, 115, 121
About,Digital Read Only Points, 101 communication failure, 231
About,Digital Read Write Points, 86, 101 Alarms,ARO alarm configuration, 121
About,Digital Write Only Points, 106 Alarms,ARW alarm configuration, 115
About:, 2, 49 Alarms,DRO 2 state alarm configuration, 103
absoulte alarms, 103, 116 Alarms,DRO 4 state alarm configuration, 104
Access Device Cloning, 144, 161 Alarms,DRW 2 state alarm configuration, 91
Accessing project parameters, 73 Alarms,DRW 4 state alarm configuration, 92
adding analog, 113, 114, 120, 126
audible alarms to a new project, 41 analog controls, 127
Adding, 79, 86, 101, 106, 120, 126, 129, 135, 138 Analog point function code, 114
Adding a new port dialog box, 143 Analog point scaling, 114
Adding,Analog Read Points, 120 Analog Read Only Point, 120
Adding,Analog Read Write Points, 126 Analog Read Only Points, 85, 120
Adding,Analog Write Points, 126 Analog Read Write Control Tab, 114
Adding,Complex Objects, 135 analog read write point units, 114
Adding,Counters, 129 Analog Read Write Points, 85, 113
Adding,Devices, 79 Analog write only control type, 126
Adding,Digital Read Write Points, 86, 101 Analog Write Only Points, 85, 126
Adding,Digital Write Points, 106 analog,point size, 113, 120, 126
Adding,Ports, 138 analog,point units, 114
ADO connections multi-project viewer, 241 Animating
Alarm Class circuit breakers, 197
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PowerLink Advantage
disconnect switches, 198 configuring, 86, 101, 106, 113, 120, 126
numeric displays, 198 Configuring a 4 state point DRO point, 102
SmartObjects, 197 Configuring a Complex Object, 135
Arithmetic Operations (Expressions), 98, 99, 100 Configuring a Counter, 129
ARO, 120 Configuring a Device, 79
ARO Alarm Tab, 121 Configuring a device dynamic indicators, 79
ARW, 113 Configuring a Digital Read Write Point, 86
Attributes Configuring a Port, 137, 138
For group logging tables, 180 Configuring a Two State Point, 102
audible alarms Configuring an Analog Read Write Point, 113
new project, 41 Configuring an Analog Write Only Point, 126
Audio configuring device channels, 82, 83
For alarm class, 38 configuring device channels,host name, 82
Auto Time Synchronization, 80 configuring device channels,offline condition, 83
AWO, 126 configuring dynamic and fixed indicators, 80
Background Color Configuring Harmonic Spectrum, 67
For alarm class, 37 Configuring Interlocking, 93
Backup a PowerLink Project, 63 Configuring Remote Viewers, 169, 170
Beep Configuring SmartObjects, 193
Sound for an alarm, 40 Configuring System Parameters, 65
Bitwise Operations (Expressions), 99, 100 configuring,analog read only point, 120
Blink configuring,analog read write point, 113
For alarm class, 37 configuring,analog write only point, 126
Browser Windows configuring,digital read write point, 86, 101
Point search aids in the Workbench, 184 configuring,digital write only point, 106
Changing SmartObjects, 194 Confirm Required, 90, 108, 114
Circuit breakers animation, 197 control feedback, 81
Class Control Feedback in devices, 80
Colors for alarm class, 37 control feedback,extended, 81
Configure for alarms, 34 control feedback,none, 81
Configure specifications for alarms, 36 control feedback,normal, 81
ID for alarm class, 36 Controls Interlocking, 87, 89, 107
Open Alarm Class dialog, 35 Controls Interlocking,inhibit, 87, 89, 107
Clone a Single Copy, 147 Controls Interlocking,warning, 87, 89, 107
cloning, 147 Conversion Operations (Expressions), 99, 100
cloning increment, 148 copy project, 62, 63, 160
Cloning Points, 146, 147, 149, 151 Copy to an Excel Spreadsheet, 153
Cloning Points,single points, 147 copy/paste SmartObjects, 193
Cloning Points,spreadsheet view, 151 copying, 62, 63, 145, 147, 160, 161, 162
Cloning Points,starting input point, 149 projects, 160
cloning,single points, 147 Copying From an Excel Spreadsheet, 153
Colors copying projects, 62, 63, 160
For alarm class, 37 copying,devices, 145, 161, 162
communication failure alarms, 231 copying,points, 147
communications port, 137 copying,projects, 62, 63
Complex Objects, 135 Counter Alarm Tab, 131
COMTRADE files, 201 Counter point Manual Reset, 118, 124, 133
D25, 202 Counters, 129, 135
UR Relay, 202 Create
Configure New alarm class, 35
Alarm class specifications, 36 Creating a TFTP device, 210
Alarm Classes, 34 Customer, 3
Blink for alarm class, 37 D25 COMTRADE files, 202
Colors for alarm class, 37 D25 TFTP configuration, 212
Group point logging properties, 177 Delay, 118, 124
number of points displayed, 65 Delete a PowerLink Project, 63
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PowerLink Advantage
Deleting Group Names, 65 Group Names, 114

deviation alarms, 92, 105, 116, 123, 132 Handshaking, 140
device, 79 Handshaking,postamble, 140
Device cloning, 144, 161 Handshaking,preamble, 140
device communication alarms, 231 Harmonic Spectrum, 66
Device Communications (channels), 81 Harmonic Spectrum configuration, 67
device configuration, 79 ID
device dialog box, 77 For alarm class, 36
device dyanamic indicators, 80 Inbound file directory, TFTP, 226
device dyanamic indicators,enabled, 80 initialization string, 141
device dyanamic indicators,scheduled polling, 80 Interlocking Controls, 87, 89, 107
device dyanamic indicators,unsolicited messages, 80 Interlocking Controls,inhibit, 87, 89, 107
Device Fixed Indicators, 80 Interlocking Controls,warning, 87, 89, 107
Device Indicators-Enabled, 80 Inter-Poll delay, 75
device names, 79 left pane selection, 72
Device Polling, 75 linked SmartObjects, 190
device processing delay, 83 Locking Interlocking Control, 87, 89, 107
Device Scheduled Poll Tab, 84 Logging Conditions
device, TFTP, 210 Group log, 178
Devices, 78, 145, 161, 162 Logical Operations (Expressions), 100
Devices,cloning, 145, 161, 162 Maintenance Events
Devices,deleting, 78 For point groups, 182
Dialog Box Types, 71, 72 master address, 73
Dialog Box Types,current information, 71 menu bar, 68
Dialog Box Types,modifying properties, 72 Menu bar functions, 62, 63, 160
digital point 4 state Alarm Tab, 92, 104 Menu bar functions,copy, 62, 63, 160
Digital Read Write Point, 86, 101 Menu bar functions,delete, 63
Display Options, 60, 71, 72 Menu bar functions,project Backup, 63
DNP address, 73 Menu bar functions,Project Restore, 64
DNP Driver, 8 menu bar,view last, 68
DNP Fragment size, 74 menu bar,view previous, 68
DRO, 101 modem, 140
DRW, 86, 101 modem initialization string, 141
DWO, 106 Modem Port Communications, 141
Editing Modem Port Communications,connection timeout,
SmartObjects, 194 141
Engineering Units Modem Port Communications,initialization string,
Group point logging attribute, 181 141
establishing a Destination Device, 147 modifying, 138, 149
Expand/Collapse Left Pane, 72 Modifying a Device, 149
Expression-text desciption, 157 Modifying an Existing Port, 138
feedback, 81 Modifying SmartObjects, 194
feedback,extended, 81 modifying,device, 149
feedback,none, 81 modifying,port, 138
feedback,normal, 81 Multi- language, 262
Fill, 154 Multi-project viewer
flags, 192 ADO connection, 241
Foreground Color ODBC connection, 239
For alarm class, 37 SmartObjects, 243
Group Log naming, 79
Add points through Database Logger, 183 naming cloned points, 147
Logging conditions, 178 naming cloned points,manually, 147
Maintenance actions, 182 naming,devices, 79
Maintenance events, 182 navigation, 70
Open, 177 Network connections
Table logging properties, 180 TFTP servers, 214
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PowerLink Advantage
New poll frequency, 74

Alarm Class Configuration dialog opened, 35 polling, 75
Numeric display animation, 198 polling,device, 75
ODBC connections for multi-project viewer, 239 polling,roundrobin, 75
On update alarms, 92, 104 port, 137, 138, 140
Open, 62, 160 Port Configuration in PACT, 138
Alarm Class Configuration dialog, 35 Port General Properties Tab, 138
Group log, 177 Port Handshaking-Postamble, 140
New Alarm Class dialog, 35 Port Handshaking-Preamble, 140
PACT, 60 Port Types, 139, 140, 142
Open a PowerLink Project, 60 Port Types,dial-up modem, 140
open an existing project, 62, 160 Port Types,serial, 139
Open,Existing PowerLink Project, 62, 160 Port Types,UDP/IP, 142
Open,New PowerLink Project, 62 port,about, 137
Opening a new project, 62 port,configuration, 138
Opening a PowerLink Screen, 190, 243 port,handshaking-postamble, 140
Opening the Spreadsheet, 151 port,handshaking-preamble, 140
Operation Expressions, 97, 111 Port-Modem Connection Timeout, 141
operations, 98, 99, 100 Power Quailty
operations,alarm functions, 98 projects, 159
operations,arithmetic, 98 PowerLink, 2, 49
operations,bitwise operations, 99 PowerLink Advantage
operations,conversion operations, 99 DNP driver, 8
operations,relational operations, 100 Sample project, 7
operations,scientific operations, 100 Template, 7
Oscillography Counter, 202 PowerLink Advantage project, 60
Overview PowerLink DNP Address, 73
Printer Monitor, 251 PowerLink Project, restore, 64
overview-Adding a new device, 71 PQ, 159
PACT open, 60 PQ devices, 160
PACT's Spreadsheet, 153, 154 Precision, 114
PACT's Toolbar, 69 Previous Value
paired points, 88, 102 Group point logging attributes, 181
point cloning, 144 Printer Monitor, 251
point configuration, 86, 101, 113, 120, 121, 126, 129, Printer Monitor Overview, 251
135 process delay, 83
point configuration,analog read only, 120 project, 62, 63, 160
point configuration,analog read write, 113 Project Name
point configuration,analog write only, 126 Group point logging attribute, 181
point configuration,complex objects, 135 Project Parameters, 73
point configuration,counters, 129 project,about, 60
point configuration,digital read write, 86 project,copy, 62, 63, 160
point configuration,digital write only, 86, 101 project,opening a new, 62
point enumeration, 87, 102, 107 project,opening an existing, 62, 160
Point Enumeration properties
default values, 28 point name, 126
Point Flags, 197 Properties
point name, 126 Configure for group point logging, 177
point name properties, 126 Quality
point size, 113, 120, 126 Group point logging attribute, 181
Point Value Rate
Group point logging attributes, 181 Blink for alarm class, 37
Points Raw Value
Configure group log properties, 177 Group point logging attributes, 181
Group logging conditions, 178 Realational Operations (Expressions), 100
Table group logging attributes, 180 Remote Viewer configuration, 170
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PowerLink Advantage
remote viewers, 169 Tasks

Resource Configure group point logging properties, 177
Group point logging attribute, 181 template, 7
Resources, 49 TFTP
Role Selection, 118, 124 Inbound file directory, 226
Roundrobin polling, 74 System point configuration, 222
RTU address, 79 TFTP configuration
Sample Project, 7 UR relay, 215
Scheduled Polling, 80 TFTP network connections, 214
Scientific Operations (Expressions), 100 TFTP transfer
screen, open, 190, 243 general files, 220
Search Aids Time Last Logged
Browser windows, 184 Group point logging attribute, 181
Wildcard characters, 185 time synchronization, 80
Serial Communications, 139 tools, 67, 69, 146
Serial Communications,configuring, 139 tools,cloning, 146
single point cloning, 147 tools,menu bar, 67
SmartObject tools,toolbar, 69
animation, 197 suppression, 93, 105
changing, 194 Transient State Suppresion, 93
modification, 194 Transient State Suppression, 105
SmartObject configuration, 193 type of alarm, 132
SmartObjects copy/paste, 193 types ,TFTP devices, 210
Sort, 154 types of ports, 139, 140, 142
Sound types of ports,dial-up modem, 140
Beep for an alarm, 40 types of ports,serial, 139
For alarm class, 38 types of ports,UPD/IP, 142
Wave for an alarm, 39 UR Relay
Special Paste, 154 Oscillography Counter, 202
Specifications UR Relay COMTRADE files, 202
Configure for alarm class, 36 UR Relay configuration, 215
spreadsheet, 151 User Flags
spreadsheet view, 151 Group point logging attribute, 181
spreadsheet,about the spreadsheet view, 151 User Interface, 9
standard SmartObjects, 190 Alarm Bar, 9
Starting Input for cloning, 149 Main Display area, 9
State Power Bar, 9
Colors for alarm class states, 37 using the spreadsheet, 151
Status Codes, 205 View Menu, 68
Steps View Menu,view last points, 68
Alarm class configuration, 34 View Menu,view previous points, 68
System, 2 viewers, 169
System Parameters, 65 viewing, 72, 85
System point configuration, 251 Viewing Existing Points, 85
Table Viewing Existing Ports, 137
Group logging conditions for points, 178 viewing,display options, 72
Table Logging Attributes Warning Interlocking Control, 87, 89, 107
Group point logs, 180 Wave
Tables Sound for an alarm class, 39
Maintenance events for point groups, 182 Wild Card Characters
Table logging attributes for group points, 180 For finding points in the Workbench, 185
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2003, General Electric Canada Inc. All rights reserved.

GE and g are trademarks and service marks of General Electric Company.

PowerLink Advantage Overview 5

Planning a PowerLink Advantage System 11

PACT (PowerLink Advantage Configuration Tool) 59

Step 3a- Configuring an Alarm for a 2-State Point .............................................................................. 103

Power Quality 161

Remote Viewers 171

Setting up Trends and Historical Logs 175

PowerLink SmartObjects 191

PowerLink's Network File Retrieval 203

To configure the Hostname IP addresses ............................................................................................. 219

Device Communication Alarms 231

Multi-Project Viewer 235

Printer Monitor 249

PowerLink Advantage Persistence 255

The Manual's Audience

About PowerLink Advantage help

Conventions used in the manual

PowerLink Advantage Overview

About PowerLink Advantage

PowerLink Advantage Features

What PowerLink Advantage Can Do

Acting as a Substation Local HMI

Offering SCADA Functionality

Performing Power Quality Monitoring

PowerLink Advantage Components

PowerLink Advantage template

The sample project

PACT (PowerLink Advantage Configuration Tool)

PACT and Database Interactions

The DNP Driver

PowerLink Advantage's User Interface

The Power Bar

The Alarm Bar

The Main Display Area

The planning considerations in this chapter present an overview of the most

Scope of the Project

Consideration 1- Identifying Network Devices and Their

Consideration 2- Data Collection Techniques

Consideration 3- Choosing Communication Facilities

Consideration 4: Network Addressing

Network protocol addressing

Addressing conventions for DNP

Specific PowerLink Advantage project planning

Consideration 1-Identifying PowerLink Advantage project

Consideration 2-Identifying device points

Consideration 3-Collecting data

Consideration 4-PowerLink Advantage screens

Consideration 5-Additions in the Workbench

Tag Points Operator

Manually Reset Alarms Supervisor

PACT offers the following default enumerations.

About the Workbench

Important: Because of database interactions between PowerLink Advantage

Left to right: Left to right: Left to right:

When you glance at the Workbench you will see that:

Opening the Workbench

Result: An empty Workbench Window appears.

Using the Workbench in a PowerLink Advantage

To open a PowerLink Advantage project in the Workbench:

PowerLink Advantage V3.00 User's Guide

PowerLink Advantage V3.00 User's Guide