ABB Launches Handheld Configurator And Calibrator
Warminster, PA — ABB has introduced two handheld units—one, the Mobility DHH800-MFC, configures HART instruments while the other, the Mobility DHH810-MFT, offers both configuration and calibration. Both handhelds may be optionally supplemented to work with non-ABB instruments having HART support. The use of a single handheld across multiple instrument vendor products reduces customer inventory, training, and configuration time.
The new ABB Mobility Handhelds support downloads via the internet of updated firmware for their operation, as well as for Device Object Files (DOFs) of new and updated HART instruments. Purchase of a handheld includes a three-year download subscription.
The new handhelds come with a 2.6 inch (6.6 cm) square display having 13 lines with 128 by 128 pixel resolution. Having more information on a single display reduces the time necessary to page up or down to access needed information.
An innovative Review/Edit function allows the user to scroll a list of all editable parameters regardless of their position in the configuration menu structure. A convenient thumb wheel and buttons located on the side of the DHH800-MFC handheld configurator allow single-handed operation to scroll, monitor, and edit the parameters. This handheld also has a keypad with dedicated alphanumeric keys, reducing the time necessary to enter information while improving accuracy compared to navigating to characters and numbers.
The modular design of the DHH810-MFT hand-held configuration and calibration device allows any mix of NIST certified sensor modules for thermocouples, RTDs, Voltage/Current, absolute pressure, gauge pressure, differential pressure, and vacuum pressure to be removed and installed while under power in any of the 3 sensor bays. This flexibility simplifies the calibration effort and reduces time wasted in locating calibration source equipment. The high accuracy of the sensor modules (0.025% of full scale) can improve production and reduce variability due to measurement error. With appropriate equipment, the NIST certification accuracy can be confirmed and adjusted in the field, or in the absence of such equipment, the factory can adjust it.
Optionally available in conjunction with the DHH810-MFT is a calibration management software application called Device Management System (DMS) software. DMS simplifies the users effort in creating and scheduling calibration procedures throughout a plant. Scheduled calibration procedures can be downloaded into the DHH810-MFT, and data before and after the calibration is captured by the hand-held for uploading into DMS. This allows generation of calibration record certificates and provides a calibration history record for analysis of recurring calibration adjustments that may require instrument replacement before faults occur.
The ABB Mobility Handhelds support two styles of batteries: non-rechargeable alkaline throwaway batteries and NiMH chargeable batteries. In addition, the DHH800-MFC configurator supports a lithium non-rechargeable throwaway battery. For AC operation, the handheld's power adapter can be plugged into a power source of 110 to 240 VAC without need for user selection of the voltage. A plug adapter kit is available to convert the US style plug to socket styles employed throughout the world.
The ABB Mobility Handhelds come standard for use in non-hazardous areas and are optionally available and approved as intrinsically safe for use in Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C and D areas.
ABB expects the new handhelds to be attractive for a variety of industries with HART instrumentation, but especially for chemical, food/pharmaceutical, and utility plants that demand extensive record keeping of calibration maintenance activities.
SOURCE: ABB Measurement & Analytics