Operating Manual

ACUcapture
English
Disclaimer Copyright by RINCO ULTRASONICS AG, Switzerland
The information in this brochure corresponds to our current state of knowledge.
However, it is not to be understood as a warranty for certain characteristics or
for suitability of the products for certain applications. Version 1.3, gb, Art.-No. 35508
Our general contractual terms apply in this regard, and reference should also
be made to these terms with regard to liability. No industrial property rights of
any kind are granted to the user along with this brochure, nor are any assurances
made with regard to a licence. Corresponding separate agreements would be
necessary for this purpose. The suitability of the products for particular appli-
cations may only be checked with our own specialists. The German version of
the brochure is binding with regard to accuracy of the information given.

2
Short Description

These instructions are intended to give an overview

over the installation and operation of the data
logging software ‘ACUcapture’.
The ‘ACUcapture’ software can be used to transfer
welding results and welding graphs from the
ACUcontrols. It is possible to file these data in the
form of texts, as in the data window of the ACU, in
graphic form (as displayed on the graphics window)
or, if required, they can be saved in a database. For
the databases there is the option of exporting data
into a text file, which can then be processed using
programmes such as Microsoft Excel.
In addition, the data can be printed out directly or
exported as HTML files, which is particularly useful
for documentations.

These operating instructions are based on

ACUcapture version 3.2.1

Agency

3
Table of contents
1 Explanation of signs and symbols 5

2 Revision Index 6

3 System Requirements 6

4 Definitions 6

5 Installation of ACUcapture 7

6 Connnection between PC and ACU 9

6.1 Serial communication via RS232 9
6.2 Communication via Ethernet 10
6.2.1 Direct connection to the PC 10
6.2.2 Connection to an internal network 11

7 Working with ACUcapture 12

7.1 Types of connection between PC and ACU 12
7.1.1 Users and passwords 12
7.1.2 Starting ACUcapture 12
7.1.3 Connection via TCP/IP 13
7.1.4 Connection via serial interface 15
RS232
7.1.5 Offline operating mode 16
7.2 ACUcapture settings 16
7.2.1 Buttons 17
7.2.2 Menus 18
7.3 Forms of presentation of welding results 20
7.3.1 Data 20
7.3.2 Graphics 21
7.3.3 Database 23
7.4 Display of distribution and scatterplot 29
7.5 Error evaluation 29
7.6 Closing ACUcapture 29

8 Service Adresses 30

4
1 Explanation of signs and symbols

Please pay particular attention to sections of text with

the following symbols:

Note!
Very important information or operational note on
how to weld properly with the ultrasonic equip-
ment.

Caution!
Describes the serious hazards to the health of
people or damage to equipment that may result
from disregard.

Danger!
Describes dangers that may result in death or
serious bodily harm to people if disregarded.

5
2 Revision Index

Date Version Revisions

07.04.03 V 1.5 Adaptations to ACUcapture
version 2.1.5
03.03.04 V 1.6 Adaptations to ACUcapture
version 2.2.4
16.06.04 V 1.7 Adaptations to ACUcapture
version 3.0.0
17.06.04 V 1.8 Corrections to section
references
15.11.05 V 1.9 Adaptations to ACUcapture
version 3.2.1

3 System Requirements

Your PC system needs to meet the following minimum

requirements to be able to run ACUcapture:

Processor Pentium 133

Operating system Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, XP
RAM 32MB
Interfaces RS232 or network card
(TCP/IP)
Peripherals AUI to RJ45 transceiver
(connection via Ethernet)

4 Definitions

Symbols used in connection

with buttons: <Open>
Symbols used in connection
with menus: *Settings*
Symbols used in connection
with sections: “Installation”
Symbols used in connection
with registers: _Graphics_

6
5 Installation of ACUcapture

Insert the CD supplied into the CD drive of your PC.

Then start the ‘setup.exe’ application. Once this has
been executed correctly, a dialogue box with installa-
tion appears – follow the instructions.

Figure 1: Starting the installation dialogue

Figure 2: Click button to install into the selected directory

Figure 3: Change of the installation directory

7
 Figure 4: Selecting the programme group

Figure 5: The installation in progress

If the following message appears, the old files should

be retained. If these are updated, it is possible that
any existing installed programmes will no longer
function properly.

If ACUcapture does not function properly, the files on

the PC must be replaced. However, this may lead to
conflicts with the programmes already installed!

Figure 6: Conflict of versions during installation

Figure 7: Installation completed

8
6 Connection between PC and ACU

There are basically the two alternative options for

communicating between PC and the ACU: via RS232
or via Ethernet.

6.1 Serial communication via RS232

For the communication via the serial interface RS232
you required a straight 9-pole cable (not a crossover
cable). The cable and the ACU connection are
shown below:

Figure 8: ACU connection RS232 cable

Figure 9: PC connection RS232 cable

9-pole serial connection

to the ACU to the PC

9-pole SUB-D plug 9-pole SUB-D socket

(TXD) 2 2 (RXD)

(RXD) 3 3 (TXD)

(GND) 5 5 (GND)

Figure 10: 9-pole RS232 cable

9
6.2 Communication via Ethernet
For the communication via Ethernet (TCP/IP) the
computer must have a network card. A transceiver
(AUI to RJ45) must be connected to the ACU. There
are two basic connection options: one is the direct
connection to a PC and the other is the connection
to an internal network via a hub or router.

6.2.1 Direct connection to the PC

For the direct communication via Ethernet (TCP/IP)
without a hub or a router, a standard crossover RJ45
cable and an AUI to RJ45 transceiver are required.
The RJ45 cable is plugged into the network card of
the PC. The cable is shown in the figure opposite Figure 11: ACU connection RJ45 cable
(for the further procedure, see Chapter 7.1.3).

Figure 12: Transceiver RJ45 cable

RJ45 Plug RJ45 Connection

to the ACU to the PC

RJ45 plug RJ45 plug

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8

mandatory
optional

Figure 13: Crossover cable RJ45

10
6.2.2 Connection to an internal network
For this type of connection a standard straight
(i.e. not crossover) RJ45 cable is required. The cable
is shown in the figure opposite.

Figure 14: ACU connection RJ45 cable

Figure 15: Transceiver RJ45 cable

RJ45 plug RJ45 connection

to the ACU to the PC

RJ45 plug RJ45 plug

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8

mandatory
optional

Figure 16: Straight RJ45 cable

11
7 Working with ACUcapture

7.1 Types of connection between PC and ACU

7.1.1 Users and passwords
The following users and passwords have been set up
on the ACU:

User Password Standard

adjust ACU setting up operation 1000
init (ACU init operation) 3000

The passwords can be changed on the ACU. After a

password has been changed, the new password must
be used when establishing the connection.

7.1.2 Starting ACUcapture

The ACUcapture software can be started directly
via the Windows ‘Start’ menu or via the Explorer by
double clicking on ‘ACUcapture.exe’.

When starting up, a dialogue box appears asking for

the type of connection. The options are as described
in section 3, ‘Connection between ACU and PC’ via
RS232, TCP/IP but also offline without ACU.

Figure 17: Alternative connection options

12
7.1.3 Connection via TCP/IP
If the connection via TCP/IP is required, the PC must
be connected to the ACU as described in section
6.2, ‘Communication via Ethernet’.

In case of a direct connection (crossover cable,

Chapter 6.2.1) the PC must be allocated a fixed IP-
address. To change the IP address, open the
‘Network’ dialogue in the ‘System settings’ menu.
However, we would recommend that you contact the
system administrator since any wrong changes to the
system settings could lead to complications with
other programmes.

In case the connection is made via a network

(Chapter 6.2.2, the computer receives the IP-address
automatically. The settings, as have to be made with
a direct connection, are not necessary in this case.

Figure 18: Making changes to network settings

13
Once the IP address has been entered and the PC
started up again, the connection to the ACU can be
made. For this purpose, enter the IP address, the user
name and the password (same as on the ACU) for
the PC to make the connection to the ACU.

Figure 19: Entering user and password when connecting

via TCP/IP

If there is no error message, the system functions

correctly. At the lower left edge of the window of
ACUcapture it can be controlled whether the
connection really exists.

Figure 20: Checking the TCP/IP connection

14
7.1.4 Connection via serial interface (RS232)
If a serial connection via RS232 interface is required,
the PC must be connected with the ACU as descri-
bed in section 6.1, ‘Serial communication via RS232’.
For this purpose, the serial port, the baud rate, the
username and the password (same as on the ACU)
must be entered. Press the ‘OK’ button and the PC
will make the connection to the ACU.
In case the Serial-Port is not known, this can be
looked up in the system parameters --> system -->
hardware --> appliance manager under "connections
(COM and LPT)".

Figure 21: Entering user and password for serial connection

via RS232
If there is no error message, the system functions
correctly. In addition, a display message on the left at
the bottom edge of the window of ACUcapture
shows that the connection is up and how long it has
been up.

Figure 22: Checking the RS232 connection

15
7.1.5 Offline operating mode
It is possible to work offline with ACUcapture. In that
case the connection to the ACU does not have to
be made. However, in this mode it is only possible to
view and change the datasets already filed. As no
connection is built up when starting up ACUcapture,
no username or password have to be entered.

7.2 ACUcapture settings

From this point in the operating instructions we will
no longer make the distinction between serial con-
nection and connection via TCP/IP as the following
points are not dependent on the type of connection.
ACUcapture provides options for different settings.
The respective menus and buttons are explained
below.

1 2 3 4 5

Figure 23: Menus and buttons of ACUcapture

1 Connect/disconnect
2 Start/stop recording
3 Print preview
4 HTML-Export
5 Print

16
7.2.1 Buttons

<Connect> / <disconnect> button

This button can be used to make or disconnect the
connection between ACU and PC. The function of the
button is determined by the current status of the
connection. When placing the cursor onto the button,
the function of the button is indicated.
For further details of the connection between PC and
ACU please refer to section 7.1 ‘Types of connection
between PC and ACU’.

<Start> / <stop> recording button

By clicking on this button one can start or stop the
recording process. The function of the button is
determined by the current status of recording. When
placing the cursor on the button, a display will
appear and indicate the function that can be activated.
Further details relating to data recording are
contained in a subsequent section (chapter 7.3.3).

<Print preview> button

Click on this button to activate the preview of the
document to be printed out. However this requires a
printer to be installed.

<export> button
By clicking this button the data of the actual view
can optionally be filed as Excel, Word or HTML File.

<Printer> button
When clicking on this button, the current content
of the screen will be printed out. The type of
presentation depends on the active window open
in AUCcapture. If it is first to be checked, what will
be printed, this can be carried out using the button
<Print preview>.

17
7.2.2 Menus

File menu
Printer settings: This item can be used to
adjust the configuration of the
printer connected to the PC.
Preview: This shows the preview of the
print out (same function as
<Preview> button).
Export: Analogue to the button
<Export> an area can be
optionally exported into an
Excel, Word or HTML File.
Print: The current window will be
printed out (same as <Print>
button).
Close: Click this to close
ACUcapture

Connection menu
This menu can be used to make or disconnect the
connection between PC and ACU (same function as
<Connect / disconnect> button).

Recording menu
Select this menu in order to start or stop the recor-
ding process. The function is the same as under the
button <Start/stop recording>.

18
Settings menu
Language: This can be used to select
the required language of
ACUcapture. If the language
has been changed,
ACUcapture must be re-star-
ted.
Unit: Choice of the requested
length unit (mm or inch).
After changing the unit of
measure, it is recommended
to re-start ACUcapture.
Transfer graphics: Under this menu item it is
possible to activate the trans-
fer of the curves for path,
force and output. If these
graphs are not required we
recommend not to transfer
these data in order to save
time.
Database views: By selecting a profile, values
used as a standard can be
listed in the table below the
graphic. In case an own
selection is to be made, this
is also possible by selecting
the requested checkboxes.

Info menu
About ACUcapture: This menu item contains
information about the soft-
ware version.
By clicking the mouse on the
RINCO-Logo you can go to
the RINCO ULTRASONICS
AG Homepage if you have an
Internet connection.

19
7.3 Forms of presentation of welding results
Similar to the ACU, the system has the option of
displaying the welding results in the form of data or
graphs. Below are examples of the two different
forms of display.

7.3.1 _Data_
This form of display is used when the welding curves
for path, force and output are not required. If work is
carried out without a recording in a database or if
the welding curves are not to be filed in a database
then it is recommended in order to save transmission
time, under settings --> graphic transmission to
switch off the course of route, power and performance.

Figure 24: Data window

20
In addition, the welding parameters used can be vie-
wed by clicking the <Parameter> button. This shows
the selected parameters depending on the welding
mode.

Figure 25: Welding parameters window

7.3.2 _Graphics_
This window is used if the curves for path, force and
output are of interest. In addition, it is possible (as in
the data window) by clicking on the <Parameter>
button to view the current welding parameters. This
will cause the parameter settings to be displayed,
depending on the welding mode.

Figure 26: Graphics window

21
Zoom
The graphs for path, force and output can be zoomed.
When pressing the left-hand mouse button and
moving the mouse, the cursor will draw a line to mark
an area. Once the required area has been marked,
release the mouse button; the marked area will then
be displayed zoomed to fit the window. By pressing
the right-hand mouse button, the zoomed area can
be closed. The display shows all curves for the
welding job.

Figure 27: Zoomed graphics

22
7.3.3 _Database_
This register can be used to view a database that has
been recorded or is in the process of being recorded.
Likewise, it is possible to superimpose different
welding curves for the purpose of comparison. The
databases can be exported through which they can
be analysed and further processed with Microsoft
Excel or Word.
Of course, it is also possible to upload the database
into an analysis software in order to be able to com-
ment on the quality of the complete production batch
etc. In addition, it is possible to directly process the
databases in Microsoft Access.

Recording a database
To start recording a database, the button <Recording>
or the menu *Recording* need to be activated as
described in section 7.2 ‘ACUcapture settings’. This
will open a window on the screen in which the re-
quired database can be opened or a new one can be
created. Click on the <Open> button to select the
folder and the name of the database.
In addition, in order to save time, it is possible
to activate the action ‘Do not display current welding Figure 28: Start recording a database
data’ when only the recording is required, i.e. you
do not wish to evaluate the data visually on the PC.
This means that the data will not be displayed on
the screen but only written into the database. This
means that the time for building up the display
is saved.

When a recording job is in process there is a display

at the bottom edge of the screen to indicate this
process (similar to the connection display). On the
right-hand side, the duration, the number of measured Figure 29: Selecting the folder and name of database

values, the folder and the name of the database are

shown.

Figure 30: Check functionality of recording

23
Viewing a database
It is possible to view a database that has been
recorded or that is in the process of being recorded.
For this purpose, click the <Open> button in the
database window of ACUcapture. Similar to selecting
a recording process it is now possible to select a
database for viewing.

Figure 31: Database window

The left-hand area shows the different recording ses-

sions. At each start of a recording session, the start
time, the stop time as well as the user are saved. The
lower part shows the recorded welding jobs with the
respective welding data. By clicking on one of the
welding jobs, that job will be displayed on the right-
hand side in graphic form.
To delete a welding job from the record, click the
<Delete welding> button.
In order to make the table more clear, the table can
be adjusted with the menu *Database views*. All
marked information or parameters are thus shown in
the table.

24
You also have the option to superimpose several
curves of one session. For this purpose make your
appropriate choice with the mouse. Keep the left-
hand mouse button depressed while placing the
curser on the required welding jobs – the graphics
display on the right will automatically show the
respective curves superimposed. It is also possible to
activate the superimposed graphics by pressing
SHIFT and the left-hand mouse button for successive
welding jobs or by pressing CTRL and the left-hand
mouse button for non-successive welding jobs.

Figure 32: Superimposing welding curves

When placing the curser onto one curve in the

graphics display, the associated other welding curves
and the welding data in the lower part of the screen
will be highlighted. When placing the curser on a
measured point, a tool tip appears on the screen,
pointing to the welding job, the time and measured
value.

25
It is also possible to compare welding jobs from
different recording sessions with each other. For
this purpose it is necessary to select the required
sessions. The welding jobs contained in these
sessions will then be displayed and can be viewed
as described above. Likewise it is possible to super-
impose the welding curves from different sessions.

In order to combine different sessions, select the

sessions and combine these by clicking the
<Combine> button. This has the effect that the
combined sessions will be shown as one session
in the future.

It is possible to delete individual welding jobs as well

as whole sessions. For this purpose select the session
to be deleted and press the <Delete> button.

26
Processing databases
In addition to the functions explained above there is
the possibility of processing databases. It is possible
to file certain required welding jobs or recording
sessions into a database which can be given any
name.
Likewise, welding jobs or whole sessions can be
copied into an existing database. Also, welding jobs
or sessions can be deleted.
A new session can be created using the button
<New>, which can be found between <Combine>
und <Delete>. This session can be given any name.
However, in such a session no data can be saved
online.

Figure 33: Editing of databases

27
Exporting databases
In order to carry out further processing with a data-
base that has been recorded it is possible to export
this database into a text file. This is necessary when
the software installed on the computer does not have
the facility for processing mdb-Files (Access).
To export a database, open the required database in
the database window as described in section 7.3.3
„Viewing a database“. Then click on the <Export
database> button which will open a dialogue window
in which you can make the settings for the export.
You need to select the sessions to be exported, enter
the name of the text file to be created and determine
the graphics that are to be exported with the session
(path, force and output curve). Once you have made
the settings, press the <OK> button – the text file
will be placed in the selected folder under the name
entered.

Figure 34: Selecting the sessions and entering

a name for the text file

28
7.4 Display of distribution and scatterplot

Abbildung 35: Buttons for scatterplots and

distribution diagram

A selection of weldings can be compared using this

option. As an option the energy, US time or welding
route values can be analysed in a scatterplot (points
cloud) or a distribution (deviation from the mean
value).

7.5 Error evaluation

The error evaluation can be found right below the
distribution diagrams and scatterplots. The evaluation
is dependent on the selection which was made, i.e.
if an area in a session was marked the error analysis
is only carried out in this area. However, if only one
welding is selected then all weldings of the session
(or sessions) are evaluated.

7.6 Closing ACUcapture

As any other Windows application, ACUcapture can
be closed by double clicking the top left-hand button,
by single clicking the top right-hand button or via the
*Close* button in the *File* menu.

29
8 Service Addresses

If you experience problems with welding or technical

faults with the equipment, please contact the Techni-
cal Customer Service of RINCO ULTRASONICS AG,
who will be pleased to help you.
For an efficient response our Customer Service
requires the following information:

– A precise description of the technical fault

or welding problem.

Our address:
RINCO ULTRASONICS AG
Industriestrasse 4
CH-8590 Romanshorn
Switzerland

Tel. ++41 71 466 41 00

Fax ++41 71 466 41 01
www.rincoultrasonics.com
info@rincoultrasonics.com

30
 A C R E S T G R O U P C O M PA N Y

RINCO ULTRASONICS AG
Industriestrasse 4
CH-8590 Romanshorn 1
Switzerland

Tel. +41 71 466 41 00

Fax +41 71 466 41 01

31 info@rincoultrasonics.com
www.rincoultrasonics.com