HW4 Software

The HygroPalm firmware version 4.1b or higher is designed for use with the ROTRONIC HW4 software. HW4 is compatible with several other ROTRONIC products. HW4 is available in the following versions:

HW4 Standard Edition: for single users. Unlimited number of instruments (depends on capabilities of PC and available ports) On-line display of the measured and calculated values (dew point or other) - limited to a single instrument at a time (instrument may have several probes). Automatic retention of the most recent data in a temporary on-line buffer. Logging of measured and calculated values to the PC (can be done simultaneously with local data logging). Easy-to-read graphs and data tables. Statistical data analysis: mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum (off-line data only) Data print-out (table or graph) Automatic device/instrument recognition and identification Device/instrument configuration Adjustment / calibration of the HygroClip digital probes Psychrometric Conversion Tool Built-in security to protect against manipulation of recorded data HW4 Professional Edition: meets the requirements of FDA 21CFR Part II / GAMP and allows multiple users, with either administrator or standard rights. On each single port (RS-232, USB or TCP/IP), HW4 Professional can monitor up to 64 instruments connected together in a multi-dropped RS-485 network. The number of such networks depends on the number of available ports. All the functionality of HW4 Standard Edition On-line display in a single graph of the data from multiple instruments and probes Overlaying of several log files into a single graph User Event Logging: automatically keeps track of user activity Self Event Logging: automatically records eventual software problems to facilitate troubleshooting Logger Event Logging: automatically records the data logger internal events and configuration changes. Automatic creation of protocols detailing instrument configuration changes, log function programming and probe adjustments. Password protected log-in Indication of an alarm condition when displaying log file data Indication on the PC of an alarm condition, printing of a report or sending an e-mail (MAPI or SMTP) 1 Automatic downloading and archiving on the PC of the files recorded locally by a data logger 1 Automatic synchronization of the networked devices with the PC time 1 Device protection against unauthorized configuration / programming changes 1 HW4 Professional Edition can be installed on a file server 1 for simultaneous access by several users (limited rights). 1 Availability of this feature depends on the HW4 software release and on the firmware release of some devices. HW4 Professional with OPC Server: this version includes all features of HW4 Professional while also providing OPC tags that can be enabled for each individual device communicating with HW4. This allows exporting and integrating the HW4 data with with practically any OPC client (requires configuration / programming of the OPC client by the user). HW4 Validated: this version offers the same functionality as HW4 Professional with OPC server. Additionally, the “HW4 e-compliance Package” is available. This extensive collection of documents (including template of qualification documents) is designed to support the “regulated user” by qualifying/validating HW4-based solutions. The most current validated release of HW4 is v 1.2.1. Release 1.2.2 will be validated during the second half of 2006. HW4 Professional Trial Version: this is a fully functional version of HW4 Professional, including the OPC server functionality. Activation requires a product key which can be requested by filling a form on the ROTRONIC web site. A trial product key will be sent to your e-mail address. This must be entered in the registration form which appears when starting HW4 for the first time. After 30 days, the trial product key expires and HW4 can no longer be started.   1 Web page subject to change

HW4 Requirements: Computer/Operating System Requirements: The following are the minimum values required to install and run HW4 on a computer. It is highly recommended to exceed these values. Processor: Pentium II, 450 MHz RAM: 128 MB Available hard disk space: 50 MB Monitor: SVGA, 1024 x 768, 256 colors Ports: one free serial (COM) port or one free USB port or Network Interface Card (Ethernet)  Operating System Compatibility: Windows XP, NT4 with SP 6a or higher Windows 2000 with SP 2 or higher Windows Server 2003 HW4 was written for the Microsoft .NET framework and requires this framework to be installed on the computer. The .NET framework offers significant improvements in the areas of networking and user security. When new software is being installed, the .NET framework also eliminates the potential problem of conflicting dynamic library files (DLL).

Probe Adjustment

 

Using the keypad, a digital HygroClip probe can be adjusted at one or more points with the HygroLab indicator 1. A better alternative is to connect the HygroLab 2 to a PC with the HW4 software and to adjust the probe from the PC. Using a PC makes it possible to generate, save and print a probe adjustment protocol. The HygroClip probes can be adjusted for temperature at up to 2 points and for humidity at up to 4 points. The physical reference is provided either by a humidity standard or by a humidity-temperature generator. 1 The HygroLab 1 is limited to a 1-point adjustment of the probe.
HW4 Software: software based probe calibration is both simple and precise: there are no hard-to-reach, hard-to-adjust potentiometers. HW4 offers a high level of flexibility in selecting the calibration reference, giving the user complete control over the calibration process. HW4 features the following calibration modes: Humidity: 2, 3 or 4 points Temperature: 2 points 1-point adjustment function (offset) for both humidity and temperature When adjusting humidity against a ROTRONIC humidity standard, HW4 automatically corrects the value of the standard to reflect the temperature of calibration (see note). HW4 also offers the possibility of saving and printing a probe adjustment protocol.
	ROTRONIC HygroGen: this humidity-temperature generator is primarily designed for the calibration of humidity instrumentation. It is completely self-contained, requiring no external resources except mains power, and is light enough to be portable for use on-site. Suitable for all types of humidity-temperature probes Fast equilibrium to move from one condition to another Generates an extremely stable humidity and temperature environment Smart chamber design minimizes temperature and humidity gradients Range: 5 to 50°C and 5 to 95 %RH Chamber accepts up to five probes Data loggers can be inserted in the chamber Available with different models of chamber door Stainless steel enclosure

Certified Humidity Standards: if you do not have access to a humidity generator, the ROTRONIC humidity standards offer a reliable and convenient way to generate a reference humidity condition during probe calibration. The ROTRONIC standards are shipped with an internationally accepted certificate, meeting in full the requirements of quality systems such as ISO 9000. The standards are available in boxes of 5 glass ampoules of the same value, and can be stored indefinitely. Standards in the range of 5 to 95 %RH are non-saturated aqueous salt solutions. The 0 %RH humidity standard is made of small granules of a highly porous ceramic. A Material Safety Data Sheet is available for each standard. Note: the value of the standards does not depend on barometric pressure (altitude).

Calibration Devices: a calibration device is a small airtight container that fits on the probe and seals around the humidity sensor. During calibration, a known reference humidity is produced inside the calibration device by means of a humidity standard.