Functional Description:
The AMI OLP Software package is actually two major pieces of software combined into a single program, which are designed to interact with each other. The major modules in the product are called Offline Programming (OLP) and Weld Data Recording (WDR). In concert with supporting hardware and a suitable IBM™ compatible personal computer they form a complete operational weld data record system. OLP software is not available for Macintosh systems running under non-Windows™ compatible operating systems.

Offline Programming (OLP):
The Offline Programming Software product, in conjunction with its supporting equipment, provides a method of transferring weld schedule parameter information between Arc Machines microprocessor-controlled power supplies and a personal computer. Writing a new weld schedule from scratch on a personal computer for later transfer to an AMI power supply is possible using the OLP software. However, the primary use of the OLP package is for the safe storage and transfer of weld schedule information between a personal computer and an AMI power supply. Weld schedule information contained in a power supply can be transferred into a personal computer for storage or loaded onto a floppy disk and mailed to a remote site to be transferred into a distant power supply. Currently the AMI model 215, 227 and 207A power supplies with appropriate software and hardware are supported by the OLP software package.

OLP also allows compatible weld schedules to be transferred between different types of power supplies provided both power supplies support the weld head selected within each weld schedule. As an example, a weld schedule written for a Model 9 weld head can be converted and transferred between the M215, M227 and M207A power supplies as these weld heads are supported by all three power supplies. However, weld schedules for a model 81 weld head could be converted and transferred only between the M227 and the M215 since only those power supplies support the M81 weld head. Such a weld schedule could not be transferred to the M207A power supply, as this weld head does not operate with the M207A.

Weld schedule information can be organized into "Groups" of weld schedules. Each group can be given a unique name and used to categorize the weld schedules within the group. Such grouping could be used for weld schedules with similar purposes such as welding a specific alloy type or welding with a specific weld head. Transferring weld schedules between groups is also supported. This allows the user to assemble custom groups of weld schedules for subsequent loading into a number of power supplies prior to the start of a specific job.

All screens and language prompts in the OLP software package can be written in multiple languages, translated and entered by the user.

Completed weld head and system set-up information can be added to the weld schedules stored in the OLP software. This allows for complete weld schedule repeatability at a later date, one week or ten years, after the weld schedule was stored.

REQUIRED CUSTOMER SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT (minimums):
IBM PC Compatible laptop or desktop computer running under the following operating systems:
Windows 95, 98™: Use P/N 1368301-01 version 1.4
Windows NT, 2000™: Use P/N 1368301-03 version 1.53

Hardware required:
40 MB hard disk minimum
3.5 inch floppy disk drive 1.44 MB
Monochrome Graphics Monitor (recommend VGA color)
Mouse or equivalent Pointing Device
RS232 serial port

OLP Functional Equipment Explanation

A complete OLP system consists of the following elements:

1. AMI RS232 Fiber-optical interface converter cable assembly from an AMI power supply directly to a personal computer.
2. IBM™ Personal computer (see specifications above)
3. AMI OLP Software
   

Fiber-Optic connection Cables:
The computer communication from the power supply is first passed though a cable that connects to the RS232 Converter described below. The computer information is in the form of light passing through a pair of fiber-optic cables. The fiber-optic cables are used to electrically isolate the power supply and the personal computer from electrical noise and interference that could disrupt the data communications or damage the computers in the PC or in the power supply.

Model 207 and M227 fiber-optic interface cables:
Fiber-optic communication cable used with the Model 207 and 227 has a 9-pin "D" type electrical connection on one end of the assembly and two optical fibers on the other end. The optical fibers are terminated with color-coded connectors.

The fiber-optic cables are attached to the M207 or M227 via two bulkhead fittings located on the left-hand side of the gray computer housing. Both connectors are color-coded. Each connector is to be mated with its matching color.

The opposite end of the fiber-optic connection cable has an industry standard RS232 9-pin "D" connection on it. This connector attaches directly to the RS232 port located on a personal computer.

Model 215 fiber-optic interface cables:
Fiber-optic communication cable used with the Model 215 has an industry standard 9-pin "D" type electrical connection on one end of the assembly a round multi-pin electrical connection at the opposite end.

One end of the interface cable is connected to the M215 upper bulkhead connector panel receptacle marked "Digital". The opposite end of the fiber-optic connection cable has an industry standard RS232 9-pin "D" connection on it. This connector attaches directly to the RS232 port located on a personal computer.

Weld Data Recording (WDR)
(M207A and M207A-HP Power Supplies Only)
Weld Data Recording (WDR) is a program module built into the OLP package. WDR is used to maintain records of welds performed during the course of a project or in a production environment. WDR enables the user to automatically maintain a record of:

• The Weld Identification number.
• The time and date a specific weld was performed.
• The name of the operator who performed the weld.
• The Model Number of the weld power supply used.
• The serial Number of the M207 Power supply used to perform the weld.
• Whether the Weld was completed successfully as programmed.
• The weld schedule number and weld schedule library information that was programmed into the power supply.
• What "override" limits to the weld schedule were programmed into the power supply.
• The welding parameters (all levels) used to perform the weld, which were programmed into the power supply.
  
  
  

REQUIRED CUSTOMER-SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT (minimums):
IBM PC Compatible laptop or desktop computer running under the following operating systems:
Windows 95, 98™: Use P/N 1368301-01 version 1.4
Windows NT, 2000™: Use P/N 1368301-03 version 1.53

Hardware required:
40 MB hard disk minimum
3.5 inch floppy disk drive 1.44 MB
Monochrome Graphics Monitor (recommend VGA color)
Mouse or equivalent Pointing Device
4 MB RAM (recommend 8 MB)
PCMCIA Type II card slot.
RS232 serial port
Windows™ compatible printer

WDR Functional Equipment explanation

The system consists of several software and hardware components. The M207 power supply with STD 2.2 software (or higher) contains the software that enables the system to record the acquired weld data onto a PCMCIA memory card after the weld is completed. The M207 WDR function is enabled though the SETUP menu in the power supply.

M207-PCMCIA Interface Assy:
The M207-PCMCIA interface is an assembly that allows a small "flash RAM" memory card to be attached to the M207 by way of the EMM module receptacle located on the left-hand side of the M207 upper computer housing. The PCMCIA interface module is custom-fitted to insert into the slot (one way only) and offers mechanical support to the adapter assembly. The PCMCIA memory card is then inserted into the available card slot.

Flash Memory Card 4 MEG:
The Flash Memory card is a small memory chip that is enclosed in a metal housing about the size of a credit card. Such devices are known as PCMCIA cards. The function of this card in the WDR system is to provide a portable means to collect the data produced by the power supply for transfer, storage, annotating and printing by a computer with AMI OLP software installed.

WDR Recording Sequence:
Once the PCMCIA adapter is installed onto the M207, the Memory card inserted into the slot and the WDR function is turned on, the following events occur for each subsequent weld sequence:

1. The operator presses the "Sequence Start" button either on the Operator‘s Pendant or on the Power Supply.
2. The weld sequence is then halted. The operator is prompted to enter the "Weld Identification Number" on the lower M207 power supply display. The Weld Identifier can be a mixture of numbers or letters, entered using the "upper" and "lower" function keys located on the lower M207 display.
3. Once the operator has entered the Weld Identification Number on the power supply he is prompted to press the "Enter" key. The M207 then checks the Weld Data stored in the memory card to make sure that the new number entered is not the same as a Weld Identification number already stored.
4. The operator then again presses the "Sequence Start" button either on the power supply or on the Operator‘s Pendant.
5. After successful completion of the weld sequence the weld data is stored to the PCMCIA memory card. Figure 1 below shows the data that is exported from the power supply and stored on the PCMCIA memory card.
6. The M207 system is then ready to repeat the above process.

At intervals determined by the specific use of the WDR system the Memory card is removed from the M207 PCMCIA interface. The memory card is then transported to a computer that is equipped with a PCMCIA card reader and AMI OLP software.

Once the Memory card is inserted into the computer‘s PCMCIA card reader and OLP is loaded the following functions occur:

• The information located on the PCMCIA memory card is transferred into the OLP software system.
• The operator can then retrieve each weld record from the OLP memory and complete the information on each WDR report. The entries added by the report computer operator could include notes and other relevant data. Refer to Figure 1 for the optional fields that the operator can insert data into.
  

The finished reports can then be:

1. Printed.
2. Stored in a text format for transfer and use by another computer program such as a word processor.
3. Stored and maintained in OLP on the reporting computer for later use.