ENOSERV RTS update
ENOSERV released an update to the RTS program on June 28th. Individuals within your company can update the RTS program on their computers by one of two methods.
1. A User can open the RTS program, choose from the opening screen the Menu Item "Update -> Auto-Update RTS", then proceed with the directions given.
2. A User can go to www.enoserv.com and navigate to the RTS download site, download the file RTSExes.zip, and extract these files into the existing RTS directory (Default is C:\ENOSERV\RTS). Existing files should be replaced when prompted.
This update of the RTS program involves modifications to various aspects of the program, rather than targeted at very specific issues. We feel the customer base as a whole will be pleased with many of the new additions. Below is a brief description of what to expect with this update. Details of all changes can be found on the RTS download section of the ENOSERV web site.
When installing RTS for the first time on a new machine, attention has been given to eliminating decisions that were previously determined by the new User. The program will load for the first time with what is considered acceptable default settings. The new User will be able to change the default settings as they feel necessary once training has been completed.
The RTS.ini has many entries added to give the User more flexibility. RTS.ini entries can be completed to auto-populate Relay Data Fields, Auto-Check Attention Flags, and change the label of the attention flags based on Users specific needs for the flag.
Additional BASIC commands have been added to RTS to give the User additional flexibility. Most of these changes involve working with the SEL relays. We have modified the SEL routines with the new commands in order to include more of the relay settings into the relay data tab (SHO, SHO L, SHO G, and SHO P), monitor the Users actions to attempt and prevent downloading the settings a second time once the any setting modifications have been made, and then to perform a COMPARE operation to verify original settings are present on the relay as the User complete the test procedure.
The Manta MTS-5000 code has been revised since the release of the driver in 4.3.2.0. Our customer base has had great success with this driver and we have nothing but high hopes as we continue to perfect the driver in the future.
The RTS Tools program has been modified in order to Filter Specific Library routines when Adding/Replacing Settings. An additional option has been added to allow Adding/Replacing of text in Connection Notes and Routine Notes. The greatest reason this has been added is to allow Users to modify all entries labeled MANTA and MANTA: to be replace with MTS-1700 or MTS-1700: specifically. With the release of the MTS-5000 came confusion with previous Notes and Comments that are labeled MANTA, but are targeted specifically at the MANTA MTS 1700 series test units, not the MTS-5000.
Doble came out with new firmware for the Doble 6000 (Version 2.21 and 4.21). These specifics versions created errors when attempting to operate the unit with RTS. Doble later removed these two versions and have currently released versions 2.22 and 4.22. RTS was run through a complete internal testing process using the latest firmware with no apparent problems. We feel comfortable at this point that RTS will work with the two latest versions.
The RTS Print and Crystal Report files have been modified to cure two main problems. The RTSGeneric reports will now print Test Result Sets based on a Tier Order type system rather than an alphabetical order based on unique name. Also, when performing a Quick Print operation, only the latest Test Result Set from each specific relay will be printed, rather than all Test Results Sets for that relay.
RTS Print now has the ability to save off two reports styles, rather than one. The new entry has been labeled as a Summary Report. An example of a Summary Report has been added to the RTS update for the customers use.
New and modified Routines have been added to the FasData.mdr and FasDemo.mdr databases. All the SEL Routines have been modified for the purpose of comparing a copy of the original settings to the As Left settings once all test procedures have been run. We have also created 3 phase test procedures for all KD relays styles in order to be tested with full 3 phase currents and voltages rather that the standard single phase method.
Attention has been given to copying Library Routines and System Routines and verifying data specific to the existing routine is not copied to the new routine.
Our goal is to continue and provide our customers with the best ideas and latest operations available when it comes to the automated relay test process. We always are open to hear your ideas and work as a team.
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Steven Stade Job Function Transitions
Some of you may be wondering what’s happened to Steven Stade, that technical guru you’ve spoken with for so many years. Steven has recently been promoted to Senior Project Developer, and while you’ll still see him at training classes, and of course he will be an integral part of the upcoming ENOSERV Client Conference, his focus will now be on development of RTS and acting as technical consultant to ENOSERV staff. We’d also like to take this opportunity to announce Steven’s marriage last month to long-time girlfriend, Regina. Please join us in wishing them both the best.
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What's a log file and how do I create one?
A log file is a record of the communications sent between RTS and the test set. Log files are an invaluable asset that aid in troubleshooting errors that occur ‘behind the scenes.’ All of the commands are located under the ‘Log File’ menu option that is available in each test routine. Below are explanations of each command involved with log files:
| Enable Logging |
This enables an option to log commands sent to the test set in its native language. If the option is not selectable, a log file is created regardless based on test set selection |
| Read Log File |
This opens Windows Notepad to display commands sent to the test set. The file can be printed or saved. The information can be valuable to ENOSERV for troubleshooting purposes. (Also known as capturing the log file) |
| Clear Log File |
This deletes the current log file. When internal processes are used for logging (based on selected test set), the commands are appended to the current log file. When commands used to run a specific test are desired, use the “Clear Log File” option to delete the existing file prior to running the test. |
| Read Parser File |
This opens Windows Notepad to display flags and command lines that were read to operate the Routine Test itself. The file can be printed or saved. The information can be valuable to the Developer and ENOSERV for troubleshooting purposes. |
How to create a log file
1. Select the ‘Enable Logging’ option located under the ‘Log File’ menu in the test routine.
2. Select the ‘Clear Log File, option located under the ‘Log File’ menu in the test routine. This will ensure that you start with a clean log file.
3. Run the test(s) that contains possible errors
4. Select the ‘Read Log File’ option located under the ‘Log File’ menu in the test routine. This opens Windows Notepad to display the commands sent to the test set. You can save, copy, or print this file.
Final Words
A log file can be an invaluable tool to identify problems between RTS and the test set or test relay, but should not be used as the only means of troubleshooting a problem.
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U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
 In 2004, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation had been searching for an easy-to-use, reliable software that provided compatibility with Reclamation’s relay database, good manufacturer support and all at a cost that wouldn’t break their budget. With those criteria, RTS was the advantageous choice for their relay testing needs. Not only has it allowed their users to share test plans, thus ensuring reliability and repeatability of testing procedures, it also decreases the number of staff days necessary to test electrotechnical, solid-state and microprocessor based relays. Reclamation’s experience has shown manual testing of a SEL-300G relay could take up to 5 staff days. The same testing can now be done using RTS in just over 4 hours and because the testing is automated it removes the chance of variation in outcome due to differences that might occur in the tester’s interpretations of the manufacturer’s instruction manuals, as can commonly occur with manual testing.
Another major influence in Reclamation’s selection of RTS was its ability to control multiple relay test sets. RTS allows control of the various test sets currently owned by Reclamation, and also allows them the freedom to pick future test sets based on the hardware capabilities rather than the manufacturer’s software limitations. The use of multiple relay test sets from different manufacturers required employees to undergo software training specific to each test set. They now can invest 2 days in an RTS training course and put their users on the fast-track to time-saving, reliable testing.
An important point made by Reclamation is that “while automated relay testing decreases the training necessary to test relays, the technician must still be knowledgeable in relay operation and protection to ensure the relay is being tested as intended. If the relay doesn’t pass a particular test, the operator needs to have a firm understanding on how to troubleshoot relays.” RTS is not meant to make relay testing a mindless, repetitive chore, but rather to provide users with a powerful software to help make their job easier and more accurate thus saving them valuable time and resources.
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New Staff Additions
For those of you who have called recently for Technical Support, you’ve probably spoken with one of the multiple new additions to ENOSERV’s staff, Randy Caldwell. As well as holding a B.S. in Computer Science and minor in International Business from Oklahoma State, Randy also has six years of experience as a Nuclear Reactor Operator with the U.S. Navy. Now making Tulsa his home, Randy is actively involved with the U.S. Army Reserve and enjoys playing lacrosse and spending time with his wife and their two dogs.
For customers of PowerBase, you’ll becoming more familiar with our newest IT Applications Support hire, Ross A. Pinkstaff. Ross comes to us with a background in English, Journalism, Advertising and with a B.S. in Computer Science from Oklahoma State University. In his spare time Ross can be found playing guitar or gardening and enjoying family life with his wife, their daughter and newborn son.
Another expansion occurring at ENOSERV is our field services division. We’re pleased to announce the addition of Steve Britton to that area. Steve comes to us from Grand Junction, Colorado and brings with him over twenty years of experience as a journey level technician in the electrical power industry including multiple years experience with such entities as Public Service Company of Colorado, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Tri-State G & T. Steve now makes his home in Tulsa but carries with him the interests he developed in Colorado including outdoor activities such as camping, fishing and visits to the shooting range.
ENOSERV Sponsors RMEL Foundation Baccalaureate Scholarship Recipient
 Oh to be young again… this year ENOSERV sponsored Lari Richardson in her effort to receive a 2006 RMEL Foundation scholarship. Some day she may be your boss because that’s her determined focus —to become a manager over an engineering department. Her college aspiration at Le Tourneau University in Texas is to earn a Bachelors of Science in electrical engineering and then work towards an MBA. Lari’s chief technology tools accompanying her to college are a laptop and a printer. Back in my day it was an electric typewriter & liquid paper! Lari first learned about the power industry the summer after her eighth grade year at the University of Tulsa's Mathematics Equity Academy, a two week camp held on the University of Tulsa's campus. Lari’s mother helped her track down all the elusive scholarship money she received. The scholarship money break down is as follows: she received an academic scholarship from LeTourneau amounting to $4,500, an outside scholarship from American Airlines in the amount of $2,500 and $1,800 from the RMEL Foundation. That totals $8,800…not bad at all! We are so excited to track Lari’s progress as she gains all the knowledge to enter our industry.
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