Detailed introduction to Emerson 475 (usage, DD files, updates and upgrades).

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This post was last edited by ゞ① dot ゞ on 2019-5-7 17:39. Recently, I’ve seen some forum members wanting to know more about the 475 model; it’s too troublesome to reply via mobile phone. I’ll just post a main thread to explain in detail and share what I know with everyone. There is a lot of content; the text marked in blue is more important. Those who are interested in 475 are asked to read carefully. The 475 mentioned by instrument technicians usually refers to Emerson’s 475 handheld controller. Some of these instruments are also known as Harts. Emerson’s 475 is a color touchscreen device; there were also the 275 and 375 models in the past. Very few 375 models are still in use; 275 models can no longer be seen. As of now (May 2019), all three models – 275, 375, and 475 – have been discontinued. All services for 275 and 375 have also been discontinued for many years, and services such as DD updates, repairs, and spare parts for 475 will also cease by the end of 2019. In other words, after 2020, devices such as hand controllers will be completely phased out, and all related services will cease. 475 Appearance: A brief description of the appearance. Screen on top, keyboard below; the keyboard area has a blue background color. The simplest way to tell whether it’s an Emerson 475 by looking at its appearance is to check if the word “EMERSON” is printed on the back. See the illustrations on the front and back pages below. Supported protocols: The Emerson 475 supports up to two communication protocols: Hart and Fieldbus Foundation. Usually, the devices used on-site only have Hart functionality, as FF bus functionality is extremely expensive, so few users choose it. However, it is impossible to tell from the appearance which protocols are supported, as they all look the same. To find out exactly which protocols this 475 model supports and what functions it has, one must check the settings menu; these details cannot be seen from the outside appearance. Controller system version: The controller itself requires a system software, just like computers and smartphones; after the system is installed, other components can be added. Currently, the highest system version for the 475 handheld controller is 3.9; previous versions included 3.8 as well. In earlier years, the 475 was available in the Chinese market only in its English version, but around 2018, the Chinese language option became available during product selection. The language for 475 cannot be changed through settings; it can only be selected at the time of selection. So some users may have the Chinese version, but in the Chinese version of 475, only the main interface is in Chinese, while the deeper menus remain in English. Personally, I think it might be related to the language of the manufacturer’s DD file; no manufacturer provides DD files in Chinese, so this information needs to be confirmed. Device description file (DD file): The DD file is a file embedded within the handheld device. Different manufacturers and different product series will have different DD files. Even instruments of the same model produced by the same manufacturer can have different versions of DD files, due to differences in the software version inside the instrument. Hart and FF have different protocol versions, resulting in different DD files; Hart5 is still the most common standard in the field, while some systems use Hart7. For example, taking the Rosemount 3051 pressure transmitters as another case: one was manufactured in 2010 and the other in 2018. The manufacturer updates the software version of these instruments, and thus the software versions of the two instruments are different; consequently, the corresponding DD file versions for these instruments in the handheld device are also different. In the controller, usually multiple different versions of DD files are provided under one model. Below are the relevant images. The purpose of the DD file is as follows: It contains all the information related to the instrument. If the 475 device has the DD file corresponding to the version of the instrument with which communication is desired, then once communication between the 475 and the instrument is established, the 475 can identify the manufacturer of the instrument, its series, as well as all the menu options for configuration. All functions of the instrument can be viewed and configured using this file. If the DD file version does not match the instrument software version, 475 will display a prompt dialog box indicating that no DD file is currently installed, asking whether to use a compatible version of the DD file. Just click, and communication will work normally; the configuration will be completed. Only a few functions might not be available, but it doesn’t have much of an impact. If there is no DD file 475 at all for the field instrument, not even one version of it, then 475 will invoke the generic Hart protocol menu, and communication is generally possible; however, only the most basic function menus are available, such as those related to range and units, while other functions cannot be accessed. This is because there is an organization called the Hart Foundation, and membership requires annual fees that are quite high; some small manufacturers are unwilling to pay these fees, which is why 475 cannot obtain their DD documents. Many parameters of the instruments are proprietary to the manufacturers, and these proprietary parameters cannot be seen in the standard Hart protocol menu. DD file update and upgrade option: When making a selection, it is possible to include a three-year free upgrade option; if this option is available, Emerson will provide free updates and upgrades to the DD files for the 475. This is because the version of the DD file built into 475 at the time of manufacture is fixed, while the manufacturer’s software may be upgraded or new products may be introduced to the market. At this point, there is a 475 chance that communication will not be possible; if an upgrade option is available, it can be done for free to include the latest DD file. If there are some smaller manufacturers, or those that have not joined the Hart Foundation, they can also obtain the correct DD files from those manufacturers and import them into 475 themselves. To import it manually, a PC program is required, and one needs to be proficient in operating that program; otherwise it may cause the system to crash. It is recommended to contact the official representatives before proceeding with the operation. Of course, the prerequisite for all this is that 475 must come with upgrade options and be within its valid period; it’s not possible to proceed if it lacks such options or has passed its expiration date. For those without an upgrade option, you can contact Emerson’s relevant personnel to carry out a paid upgrade; the cost is unknown. However, the beginning of the article provides information regarding the timeline related to 475; please refer to that, as the services associated with 475 will soon be completely discontinued. At the beginning of 2019, many users reported that the 475 models purchased in 2018 could not communicate with the latest Fisher DVC6200 series. It was later discovered that Fisher had upgraded the software version of the DVC6200 series, which prevented users from establishing proper communication. After upgrading the 475 pairs of DD files, normal communication can be established. Operation advice: For daily use, it is recommended not to disconnect the cable during the process, and also not to disconnect it right after the configuration is completed. After the operation is complete, first return the interface to its initial screen, and then disconnect the communication cable. Improper operations can cause the system to crash. If the screen shows a black background with white text right after it is turned on, and there are three horizontal options at the bottom of the screen, it indicates that there is a serious fault with the 475, and it is advisable to contact a technician for repairs. The 475 manual that everyone is looking for: The manual for the 475 only describes its maintenance, charging, keyboard operation, and similar things. There is no function menu list corresponding to the instrument. To get a menu list, you have to keep using 475; the more you do it, the more proficient you will become. The 475 also does not have a fixed menu list; rather, the menu list varies depending on the version of the 475’s system software, the instrument manufacturer, the instrument series, the version of the software built into the instrument, and the version of the DD file contained within the 475. It will change in accordance with the changes in these elements; only when all of these elements remain fixed will the menu likely stay the same. Familiarize yourself with the operation methods of 475: 1. Operate 475 repeatedly to gradually understand the functions of each menu and their descriptions within 475. Since the location of the menu list may change, but the descriptions of the functions generally remain unchanged, it is still necessary to remember the descriptions of the operations to be performed. 2. Find the latest information on the corresponding instrument; this information may include a list of relevant menus ； After 475 is delisted: 475 is about to be delisted, and the related maintenance and upgrade services will also cease immediately. However, a product named “AMS Trex” has been on the market for many years; it is similar to a thicker tablet, about 5 cm thick, with more powerful functions, and can perfectly replace the 475. Please find out the details on your own, or contact Emerson’s relevant personnel. There are images below. The above is merely my personal understanding of 475; I’m sharing it with everyone. Please forgive me if there are any professionals among us.