General
Why a 375 Field Communicator?
The availability of both FOUNDATION™ fieldbus and HART® devices from many vendors continues to create the need for a single, intrinsically-safe communicator that provides universal support for all these devices. Besides providing a powerful tool that can configure and troubleshoot these devices on the bench or in the maintenance shop, the 375 Field Communicator is indispensable when it is necessary to go into the field to perform these operations. No other portable, intrinsically-safe communicator supports the number of HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus devices (currently over 1000!) that the 375 Field Communicator does.
How much memory does the 375 Field Communicator have? Is it enough to hold all DDs?
When first released in 2003, the 375 Field Communicator contained a 128 MB System Card. This System Card has enough memory to hold all currently-released HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus DDs. Beginning in mid-2007, 375 Field Communicators will begin shipping with a 512 MB System Card. If the capacity of the your current System Card is reached, you can transition to a card with more memory or use the 375 Easy Upgrade Programming Utility to remove seldom used DDs from the current System Card, freeing up space for the DDs you would like to add.
How many device configurations can be stored in the 375 Field Communicator?
Up to 25 device configurations may be stored in any 375 Field Communicator. For increased storage capacity, the optional Configuration Expansion Module (option code C) is available. The Configuration Expansion Module is capable of storing in excess of 500 device configurations and snaps into the side of the 375 Field Communicator. It can be installed or removed while in a hazardous area.
How does the 375 Field Communicator interface with AMS Device Manager? Which versions support the 375 Field Communicator?
Communication between the 375 Field Communicator and AMS Device Manager is accomplished using IrDA. Communication with the 375 Field Communicator is supported in AMS Device Manager versions 6.2 and above.
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Easy Upgrade Questions
What is Easy Upgrade?
Easy Upgrade provides unlimited upgrades of HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus DDs, as well as enhancements to HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus applications for 3 years. Near the end of the 3 years, before the Easy Upgrade option has expired, you will be notified and given the opportunity to renew this option.
Can I upgrade my 375 Field Communicator via the Internet?
Yes! The Easy Upgrade option provides unlimited upgrades of HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus DDs, as well as enhancements to HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus applications for 3 years. Using the Check for Updates feature in the 375 Easy Upgrade Programming Utility, updates can be downloaded via the Internet to your PC. This feature allows you to keep all your 375 Field Communicators up-to-date with the latest DDs and System Software, without having to send them to a service center. Near the end of the 3 years, before the Easy Upgrade option has expired, you will be notified and given the opportunity to renew this option.
If you do not have the Easy Upgrade option, the 375 Field Communicator can be updated with new DDs and System Software at any Emerson service center for the standard service charge. Easy Upgrade gives you the ability to manage updates onsite and provides significant benefits, both from a cost and convenience perspective.
Your sales representative can help you add Easy Upgrade, so you can keep your communicator up-to-date over the internet. Or add Easy Upgrade yourself with the Online Licensing capability.
How will I know when new devices or application updates are available?
Whenever new System Software or DDs are available for download (view using the Check for Updates feature of the Programming Utility), they are listed at the following site: http://fieldcommunicator.com/syssoftdds.htm. This site will display the latest System Software available, and have lists for each protocol that show newly available DD's as well as a list of All DD's that are available.
How do I license my 375 Field Communicator for FOUNDATION fieldbus?
The FOUNDATION fieldbus license is available at time of purchase by specifying protocol option code F (HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus). It is also possible to add the FOUNDATION fieldbus license using the Online Licensing process. Transferring FOUNDATION fieldbus applications and new DDs from the Programming Utility to a 375 Field Communicator requires the communicator to be licensed for Easy Upgrade.
How can I tell if my PC has a working IR Port that is compatible with Easy Upgrade?
Most laptops have an IrDA Port built in. Most desktop PCs do not have a built in IrDA Port. To determine if your PC has a working IRDA port, select SETTINGS – CONTROL PANEL from the START button (or just START – CONTROL PANEL for Windows XP). If your PC has a working IrDA port, there will be an entry in the CONTROL PANEL for Wireless Links. Double click on Wireless Links and select the Hardware tab. An IrDA port should be listed with an indication that the device is working properly. In some cases, a laptop may have a built in IrDA port that is not enabled. Check the laptop manufacturer’s user manual for instructions on enabling the IrDA port. Finally, it should also be noted that the NT Operating System does not support IrDA and is, therefore, not supported by Easy Upgrade
What if my PC does not have an IR port?
For PCs without an IR port, IrDA to USB adapters are available (except for NT-based systems). An adapter may be purchased as an accessory (part number 00375-0015-0002) from the 375 Spare Parts list or from an independent supplier.
Do I need to purchase the Easy Upgrade Option with my 375 Field Communicator?
The Easy Upgrade Option is strongly recommended for 375 Field Communicators licensed for only HART devices. It is required for 375 Field Communicators licensed for both HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus devices. It is also required for units that license the Graphics Option.
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Battery Questions
Is there an alkaline (AA) battery option for the 375 Field Communicator?
No. The 375 Field Communicator uses rechargeable NiMH batteries only. Commonly used in cell phones, these batteries can be quickly charged in 1-2 hours, have no appreciable memory effect, and are rated for hundreds of charge cycles. The unique design of the 375 battery pack (patent pending) was essential to achieving compliance with current worldwide intrinsic-safety approval standards.
How long will the 375 Field Communicator operate before it needs recharging?
Fully-charged batteries will allow continuous use in excess of 8 hours. Extended use of the backlight at high intensity will reduce this time. As is typical with NiMH batteries, operation in cold weather will reduce battery life. If user requirements exceed 8 hours of typical use, a second battery pack is recommended (option code B). Battery pack features include rapid recharge (approx. 2 hours), the ability to charge while operating the communicator, a built-in charge indicator, and the capability to replace the battery pack in a hazardous area.
When not in use, the 375 Field Communicator can be put into a Standby Mode for up to 40 hours before requiring a recharge. By using Standby Mode with periods of continuous use, the 375 Field Communicator could typically be used for up to 20 hours before requiring a recharge.
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Version 2.0 Questions
What new capabilities are available in the 375 Field Communicator 2.0 release?
Version 2.0 provides significant improvement in the areas of power management and performance for the 375 Field Communicator. These improvements equate to longer battery life and faster boot up time. The Graphics Option is officially released with Version 2.0. Using enhanced EDDL technology , the 375 Field Communicator can now support a graphical interface for both HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus devices. This includes the capability to display trends, bar charts, gauges, echo curves, images, and more.
Version 2.0 also provides additional features in the FOUNDATION fieldbus application, including the ability to more easily change the mode of function blocks and improved FOUNDATION fieldbus segment diagnostics. The ability to instantiate function blocks is also provided in this release.
How much additional battery life can I expect with Version 2.0?
The amount of additional battery life will depend on how the 375 Field Communicator is being used. If the unit is kept on continually, the expected battery life will be about 9 hours. The use of the screen backlight feature will reduce this length. If the unit is allowed to go into Standby Mode when not being used for several minutes, it is expected that a single battery charge will last about 20 hours. With Version 2.0, a single battery charge lasts over 40 hours when the unit is in the Standby Mode.
How much faster is the boot up time with Version 2.0?
The time required from when the unit is first turned on to when it begins communicating with a HART device is approximately 47 seconds. This is 30% faster than the previous version.
I do not currently have the Easy Upgrade option? Will I still be able to update my unit to Version 2.0?
Yes, the Version 2.0 upgrade is available to all 375 Field Communicator owners, even those without Easy Upgrade. However, users without the Easy Upgrade option will not receive the latest DDs.
If I do not have an Easy Upgrade license, where do I get the Easy Upgrade program to perform the Version 2 upgrade?
The Easy Upgrade program is contained on the CD that was delivered with your communicator. Contact the Global Support Center for instructions on how to download an additional copy at no charge.
I have a number of my plant’s HART device configurations saved in my 375 Field Communicator. Will they still be available after the Version 2.0 upgrade?
Any HART device configurations included in the flash memory of the 375 Field Communicator will be deleted when Version 2.0 upgrade is performed. You can retain these configurations in two ways.
- Save them to a 375 Expansion Module prior to the upgrade.
- Save them to AMS Device Manager prior to the upgrade.
In both cases, they can be restored after the upgrade.
Will all HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus DDs still be available in my 375 Field Communicator after the Version 2.0 upgrade?
All tested DDs (including the new enhanced DDs) will still be available in a 375 Field Communicator after the upgrade. Any untested DDs that have been added to the communicator, however, will be deleted. They will have to be reloaded manually using the DD tab in the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility.
I just purchased a new 375 Field Communicator and it does not have Version 2.0 installed. What happened?
Depending on the timing of your order and the location from which it shipped, it is possible that you received Version 1.8. Your 375 Field Communicator is brand new, but has not had the Version 2.0 software loaded. You should perform this upgrade as soon as possible. Of course, the standard warranty applies to your new communicator.
How do I install Version 2.0?
The procedure for installing Version 2.0 is fully described at: How to Upgrade to Version 2.0
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Graphics Questions
Is the graphical interface available to anyone who installs Version 2.0?
The graphics capability, which uses the latest EDDL technology, is included in the Version 2.0 release. To enable this feature, however, you must purchase the Graphics Option.
What benefits do I get from the Graphics Option? How do I purchase it?
The availability of the Graphics Option for the 375 Field Communicator gives you a whole new level of capability. By deploying EDDL technology, the 375 Field Communicator can now present information from field devices in a graphical manner. Bar charts, graphs, gauges, and pictorial images are just a few of the capabilities that are now available. The Graphics Option is available at the time of purchase by specifying option code G. It is also possible to add the Graphics Option using the Online Licensing process.
Do I need to send my 375 Field Communicator to a Service Center to enable the Graphics Option?
No. You can purchase and download the Graphics license over the Internet using Online Licensing.
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Online Licensing Questions
Why should I register my 375 Field Communicator(s)?
Registering a 375 Field Communicator (and System Card) populates the Online Licensing server with the information needed to fulfill an order. Please note that you must register your communicator(s) before you can purchase new licenses.
In addition, registering lets you sign up to receive 375 Field Communicator product update emails. These emails provide information on new DD and software updates, technical support bulletins, and special offers.
How do I register my 375 Field Communicator(s)?
Registration requires Easy Upgrade Programming Utility version 1.6.0 (or higher).
To register your 375 Field Communicators, follow these steps:
- Use IrDA to connect the communicator to the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility. (You can connect only one communicator at a time.) The Licensing & Registration Summary will display the licensing information for each communicator.
- From the Licensing & Registration tab, click Online.
- Log in to PartnerNet. Create a new account if necessary.
- Once you log in, the data is uploaded to the Online Licensing server, and you will see a message stating “Registration Update Complete.”
- At this time, registration is complete. If you want to purchase licenses for your communicators, a Configurator is available on the Online view to help you gather the required information for the purchase order. Otherwise, exit the Online view.
What version of the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility is installed on my PC?
Open the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility, and select Help | About from the main menu. The version number will be displayed.
What is PartnerNet?
PartnerNet is an access portal for Emerson Process Management customers that allows you to create one account in order to access information from multiple Emerson Process Management divisions. Divisions, such as Rosemount®, already use PartnerNet, so you may already have an account.
What is Online Licensing?
Online Licensing lets you add functionality, such as the Graphics or Easy Upgrade option, to your 375 Field Communicator (and System Card) without sending it to a service center. With the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility (1.6.0 or higher), you can download licenses from the Internet. You can add functionality at your site when it is convenient for you.
What licenses are available?
The FOUNDATION fieldbus, Graphics, and Easy Upgrade licenses can be added to System Cards where they do not yet exist.
The Easy Upgrade option can also be renewed on System Cards where Easy Upgrade exists and has not yet expired.
Does Online Licensing work with a card reader?
No. Registering and licensing a communicator can only be performed with IrDA.
What is a System Card S/N?
A System Card Serial Number(S/N) is a number assigned to a System Card to uniquely identify it. The System Card S/N is analogous to the System ID used with AMS Device Manager.
When ordering a license, the System Card S/N must be provided; otherwise, the order cannot be processed.
The System Card S/N is displayed on the General tab and the Licensing & Registration tab in the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility (1.6.0 or higher). It is also displayed on the License screen in the 375 Field Communicator.
Why is “(None)” displayed as the unit name?
The unit name will display “(None)” until you assign a name to your 375 Field Communicator. To add a unit name, connect a communicator through IrDA and use the Update view in the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility (1.6.0 or higher). Note: an internet connection is required. For further details, see the Programming Utility Online Help.
The unit name lets you personalize your 375 Field Communicator (and System Card). This is particularly helpful when there are multiple System Cards listed in the Licensing & Registration tab.
What happens if I delete a listing from the Licensing & Registration Summary?
If you delete a listing from the Licensing & Registration tab, you will still be able to purchase new licenses for that communicator. If you registered your 375 Field Communicator, its information will still be present in the Online Licensing server, which is required to purchase licenses. However, you will be unable to use the optional Configurator in the Online view.
Deleting a listing will not affect the operation of the 375 Field Communicator.
You should delete a listing if the communicator is no longer used.
How do I sign up to receive emails about 375 Field Communicator product updates?
In the About You section of your PartnerNet profile, answer Yes to the option “Would you like to receive new product announcements and other updates via email?”. Select No when asked to be removed from the mailing list. You can access your profile by clicking the Edit My Profile link in the Online view.
What Licensing and Registration tasks do not require an Internet connection?
You do not need a PC with an Internet connection to do the following tasks:
Offline view
- Review, add, or delete the communicator information from the Licensing & Registration tab.
Online view
- An Internet connection is required.
Update view
- An Internet connection is required.
What Licensing and Registration tasks require an Internet connection?
You need a PC with an Internet connection to do the following tasks:
Offline view
- An Internet connection is not required.
Online view
- Register your 375 Field Communicator(s).
- Select new licenses for your 375 Field Communicator(s).
- Edit your PartnerNet account.
Update view
- Download new licenses to a connected 375 Field Communicator.
- Add, modify, or delete a unit name.
Why is the Easy Upgrade option automatically selected when I choose the FOUNDATION fieldbus or the Graphics license from the Configurator in the Online view?
To enable a FOUNDATION fieldbus or Graphics license, Easy Upgrade must already be enabled on the System Card or be specified in the purchase order. Otherwise, the order will be rejected.
Can I make a payment electronically?
The Online Licensing system does not support electronic payment. This should be available starting in 2008.
When will my license be available to download, and how will I know when it is available?
Licenses should be available in 1-3 business days after you have submitted your purchase order. If you provide an email address with your PO, you can expect an email informing you the license is available.
Do I have to use the same PC for both licensing and registration?
No, you can use any PC that meets the system requirements, has Internet access, and has the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility version 1.6.0 installed.
Can I download a license to my PC first, and then enable it in the 375 Field Communicator at a later date?
No, licenses are never downloaded to the PC. They are sent directly to the 375 Field Communicator. For this reason, downloading and enabling licenses requires a connected 375 Field Communicator and an Internet connection.
Why can’t I see a Licensing & Registration tab in my version of the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility?
You must have the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility version 1.6.0 (or higher). Previous versions did not have this tab.
If you have version 1.6.0 (or higher) and you still do not see the tab, make sure the communication mode is set to 375 Unit. To do this, select Edit | Options | General from the main menu.
Is there a User Manual for the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility?
While there is not a printed User Manual, the online Help (click Help | Contents) contains information about the various functions in the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility.
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Easy Upgrade Renewal Questions
How long do I have to renew my Easy Upgrade license?
Easy Upgrade renewals extend the current expiration date by 3 years. Subsequent renewals will not be possible until you are within 3 years of the Easy Upgrade expiration.
How do I know when my Easy Upgrade license expires?
In the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility version 1.3.0 or higher, a pop-up message appears whenever a connected 375 Field Communicator has less than 90 days before expiration. Starting with version 1.6.0, the Easy Upgrade expiration date is also displayed in the Licensing & Registration tab.
Note: To display the Easy Upgrade expiration date for a 375 Field Communicator, the communicator must have been connected (using IrDA) at least once to version 1.6.0 (or higher) of the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility.
My Easy Upgrade license has expired. How do I renew it?
Renewing your Easy Upgrade license follows the same process used to order a new license. See the Easy Upgrade Programming Utility Online Help for more information.
There are two Online Licensing options for Easy Upgrade.
- Renew (part # 00375-0142-2003) is available for communicators (System Cards) where Easy Upgrade is licensed and has not expired. It extends the current expiration date by 3 years, and is typically less expensive than purchasing a new Easy Upgrade license.
- New (part # 00375-0142-0003) is available for communicators where Easy Upgrade it is not licensed or has expired. It establishes an expiration of 3 years from the date that the license is made available for download.
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Information
Where do I get more information about the 375 Field Communicator?
Additional information about the 375 Field Communicator is available by contacting your local Emerson sales office or representative.
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