F4T Touch Screen Controller Compatibility


F4T Touch Screen Controller Modern touch screen interface and connectivity		Original F4 Controller Developed in 1998

F4 Compatibility Mode in the F4T Controller

The F4T has an F4 Compatibility mode that allows you to use software originally designed for the F4 Controller. Only a limited set of parameters are available in this mode, but it should be sufficient for most applications. Commands mapped from the Original F4 include Set Point, Process Variable, and Events when the F4T Modbus Data Map is set to "2", or Data Map "3" for chambers with Part Temperature Control (Cascade Control). Not all F4 parameters are mapped over to the F4T, so check this document under "F4 Compatibility Mode (Data Map 2)" before assuming the F4T will be compatible with your existing software.

GPIB Interface Options TE-0003 and TE-1052

These options convert the controller’s RS-232 interface to GPIB. The converter handles the Modbus RTU packet formatting, simplifying the command structure.

Ethernet Interface Option TE-1055 and TE-1056

The native F4T Ethernet Interface uses the Modbus protocol. Composer software will only work with the native F4T Ethernet interface.

Ethernet Interface Options 1055 (ICS 8099) and 1056 (ICS 9099) convert the controller’s RS-232 interface to Ethernet. The converter manages the Modbus RTU packet formatting, simplifying command structure. An internal web server provides a web page to read and control the chamber’s set points and event outputs.

F4 Event Option 0005

Not compatible with the F4T. While Option 0005 has seven event relays, many chambers utilize some for system functions, limiting availability for customers. The F4T requires separate +V connections, whereas Option 0005 has a single common +V connection.

Option 0005 is being discontinued and replaced with Option 0033, featuring four AC Solid State Relays rated for 24-240 VAC, 5.0 Amps. Customers retrofitting the F4T into older chambers with Option 0005 must replace it with Option 0033.

F4 Cascade Control Option 0006 (Part Temperature Control)

The F4T offers an improved implementation of cascade control compared to the original F4. Cascade control can be turned ON/OFF via a button on the F4T screen. The part number for F4T Cascade Control is F4T-T-CASCADE.

F4 Retransmit Outputs 0003 for Temperature Chambers

The F4T includes a slot for retransmit outputs. The part number for the F4T retransmit option is F4T-RETRANSMIT.

F4 Retransmit Outputs 0003 for Temperature-Humidity Chambers

For Temperature-Humidity chambers, retransmit outputs can be accommodated only if event outputs 6 and 7 are removed. The part number for the F4T retransmit option is F4T-RETRANSMIT.

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