Flbase+ Manual

FLBase+ Manual
FLBase+ Manual
Document ID: 40-8600-00-Rev001
www.qualitrolcorp.com
1. Introduction
FLBase+ is a master station application which runs on a PC under the Windows operating system.
It is used to communicate with Qualitrol Hathaway’s fault location devices. It is compatible with the
TWSMkIII, MkIV, MkV and MkVI devices and also the DSFLMkII and MkIII devices. FLBase+ is a
direct replacement for the TWSbase2000, Network File Editor and Poll and Display software
packages.
1.1. Overview of Fault Location

In a typical double ended fault location installation a TWS or DSFL is placed at either end of the
transmission line being monitored. The units are used to capture high frequency traveling waves
resulting from faults on the transmission line. As these high frequency traveling waves reach each
end of the transmission line the TWS/DSFL time tags their arrival and takes a snap shot of the
signals. This information is then made available for download to the central PC running FLBase+
software. The FLBase+ software uses the time difference between the time tags and the known line
length to calculate the distance to fault. The following diagram shows a typical TWS installation
where FLBase+ is installed on the master station PC.
1 www.qualitrolcorp.com
1.2. FLBase+ Overview
FLBase+ can be used to: -
• Create a network of TWS/DSFL devices.

• Communicate to remote TWS/DSFL devices and provide fast automatic listings of
exact fault positions.
• Display results shortly after a line trip – no operator intervention is required.
• Automatically emailed results to maintenance departments to get repair crews
moving faster.
• Monitor the health status of the fleet of TWS/DSFLs
Note that if communication to the older TWSMkIII and MkIV or DSFLMkII devices is required then
PCAnywhere version 9.2 must also be installed along with FLBase+. Data collected and processed
by FLBase+ is stored in an Microsoft Access database. Microsoft Access does not need to be
installed on the PC for correct operation of FLbase+.
2. Software installation
2.1. Minimum requirements

• Pentium 4 class CPU
• 512Mb RAM
• Windows 2000, XP, Windows 7.
2.2. Installing FLbase+ on your system.

Insert the FLbase+ CD and wait for autorun or browse to the CD drive using Windows Explorer and double
click on setup.exe.
The Setup window is displayed as shown below: -
Click on the Next button and the License agreement window will be displayed.
Read the license agreement carefully and if accepted select “I accept the terms in the license agreement”
followed by clicking on the “Next” button.
The customer information window will appear. Enter the username and organization information and click on
the “Next” button.
The folder destination window will be shown. To change the destination click on the “Change” button and
select new destination. If the default destination is ok then click on “Next”.
A summary of the install will appear. To continue click on the “Install” button. The installation will take place
and when completed the user will be presented with the following screen.
Click on Finish and the FLBase+ software will launch.
3. Initial Setup.
The following diagram shows the main FLbase+ window.
Quick access buttons
Main
Menu
Distance to Fault result

Circuits list or
Devices list
Records from
matched pairs
DTF Results list
Time Filter Selection
Index files
(individual time
tags from each
end of line)
Communications log
3.1. Circuits and Devices List.
The left hand pane of the main window is used to list all the devices or all the circuits.
The following diagram shows how a device list could look. The devices are listed by “Region” and
then by device name. Under the device name is the line module name (in the case below the line
module names are default names of Line1, Line2 etc).
The user can toggle between the two different lists by clicking on the following quick access button:-
The following diagram shows how a circuit list could look. The circuits are also listed by “Region”
and then by circuit name. Under the circuit name is the line names.
3.2. Creating a Device
A device can be added to the device list in two ways. The first is creating the device from scratch
and the second is creating a dummy device and using these device details to retrieving a config
from an existing unit. The following steps show how to create a device by retrieve a config from an
existing unit.
Steps: -
Click on the “Network” menu and select “Add Device”
The device properties window will open as shown below. Select the “General” tab and then select
the correct “Device Type” from the drop down box. Enter a temporary device name and substation
name. The name “Dummy” is used below as an example. Select the correct communication method
and enter the ip address or telephone number where appropriate.
Once completed click on the “Save Local” button. The following prompt will appear.
Click on the “Yes” button to save the configuration. A new device called “Dummy” will be added to
the “All Devices” list. Right click on the device icon and select “Retrieve configuration from device”.
If communications to the unit is successful a new “Device Properties” window will open showing the
downloaded device configuration as shown below.
The devices list will also be updated. The dummy device will be removed and the newly
downloaded device name with associated line modules will appear as shown below.
3.3. Editing the Config

Once the config has been downloaded from a device the user can make any necessary changes
before sending the modified config back to the device.
Steps: -
Left click on the device in the devices list and click on the “Properties” button on the quick access
toolbar shown above or right click on the device name in the “Devices List” and select “Device
Properties”.
The “Device Properties” window will open as shown below. There are two tabs on the “Device
Properties” window namely the “General” tab and the “Configuration” tab.
Make any necessary changes followed by clicking on the “Save Local” button to save changes to
the local FLbase+ database or click on the “Save and Send” button to save changes to the local
FLBase+ database and send the updated config to the unit.
3.4. Other Device Specific Actions.

Right click on the device name in the “Devices List” presents the user with a number of other
actions that can be performed.
Each of the available actions are described below: -
Device properties
As described previously, allows the user to view or change communication details and device
configuration details
View most recent diagnostic file….

Will open the last downloaded
diagnostic file in notepad format as
shown opposite
Retrieve and display diagnostics

Will retrieve a diagnostic file directly
from the device and display in
notepad format as shown opposite
Retrieve and display directory

Will retrieve index files (a list of time tags of faults) from the device and display them in a directory
format as shown below. These trigger times will also get added to the FLBase+ database.
Manual trigger
Allows the user to make a manual trigger on one or more line modules on a specific device as
shown below
Hang up modem
This will drop the modem connection to a device. Note this will not interrupt the process of making a
dial up connection; it will only drop a connection if the connection has already been successfully
established.
Delete Device
This action will delete the device but can only be performed if the device is not part of a circuit. If the
device is part of a circuit and needs to be deleted then the circuit must be deleted first.
3.5. Creating Circuits

In order to perform distance to fault calculations it is necessary to define what line modules are
matched together at either end of the transmission line. This can be achieved in the FLbase+
software by adding a circuit. The following steps show how to create a circuit.
Steps: -
Click on the “Network” menu and select “Add Circuit”.
,
A “Circuit Properties” window will open as shown below. This window can be used to give the new
cct a: -
• Name
• Velocity factor (98.84 is the accepted standard for overhead lines)
• Line module at endpoint A
• Line module at end point B
• Distance from A to B.
When finished click on the “ok” button to save the new circuit details. The circuit will be added to the
ccts list as shown below.
Once the circuit is created a number of actions can be performed by right clicking on the circuit and
selecting the appropriate act.
Update DTF results

An updated distance to fault list can be performed by right clicking on the circuit name and selecting
“Update DTF results” as shown below. The FLBase+ will communicate to the fault location devices
at each end of the line and retrieve back the index files.
If the software finds any matched pairs they will be displayed in a new results list in the right hand
pane as shown below.
Update DTF results with waveforms
An updated distance to fault list with waveforms can be processed by right clicking on the circuit
name and selecting “Update DTF results with waveforms” as shown below. This differs from the
“Update DTF results” in that it also downloads the waveforms for all matched pairs. The FLBase+
will communicate to the fault location devices at each end of the circuit and retrieve back the index
files.
The software then processes these index files to finds any matched pairs. It then communicates
again to the devices and retrieves back the records for each matched pair. The results are
displayed in a new results list in the right hand pane as shown below.
Recalculate DTF results
A recalculation of distance to fault results can be processed by right clicking on the circuit name and
selecting “recalculate DTF results” as shown below. This action will review all previously
downloaded data and process the data looking for any new matched pairs. (The reasons for
performing this action could be if index files had been manually downloaded outside of the normal
process or if circuit details had been amended.)
Once the new results details are processed the results pane will be updated appropriately.
Hang up modem
This will drop the modem connection to a device. Note this will not interrupt the process of making a
dial up connection; it will only drop a connection if the connection has already been successfully
established.
Delete Circuit
This action will delete the circuit and any associated results lists.
4. Viewing Results
It is possible to view records/index files from the fault location devices in matched pair mode (circuit
based) or individual mode (device based).
Steps: -
Click on the “View” menu and select either “Circuit based” or “Device based” view as appropriate.
Note the quick action button circled in red below can also be used to toggle between “Circuit based”
or “Device based”.
The example shown below is displaying the results in “Circuit based” mode. On the left hand side all
the circuits are listed. On the right hand pane matched pairs with distances to fault from end A and
from end B are listed in red. To view a distance to fault results select the circuit in the left hand pane
followed by selecting the matched pair in the right hand pane. As each matched pair is selected the
corresponding two records are displayed below along with the full index files from each end of the
line.
If the waveforms have not been downloaded then a retrieve button will be displayed. The
user can simply click on the retrieve button to download the corresponding waveform as
shown below.
When results are first presented in the results list they appear in bold red. The user can highlight
one or more results and click on the acknowledge button and the corresponding results will
changed from bold red to black as shown below.
The following example shows records being displayed in “Device based” mode. Simply select the
fault location device or individual line module on the left hand pane to display all the corresponding
records on the right hand pane.
The waveforms can be manipulated for further analysis using the tool bar icons shown below.
Zoom in on the waveform

Zoom out on the waveform
Zoom out to display the entire record
Zoom to show best fit of the waveform
Increase vertical gain
Decrease vertical gain
Scroll to the left
Scroll to the right
Hide/Show trigger list below waveform
Switch between time and distance on the x-axis
Set the new trigger line to the cursor line
Save the current position of the trigger line and update the results list with new trigger position
Draw true signal or normal point-point signal.
As well as manipulating the waveform it is possible to place a second cursor in the record at the
secondary pulse reflected back from the fault and using the time difference between the trigger line
and the new cursor line to calculate a distance to fault. This technique is referred to as single ended
analysis. Often a record does not allow for easy analysis in single ended mode. For more
information on this technique please contact Qualitol.
Second cursor
5. Health Status (alarms)
Each time FLBase+ communicates (or attempts to communicate) to a device it gives feedback to
the user on the devices health status in the form of an alarm list. This alarm list can be viewed via
the quick access button as shown below.
If a successful connection is made the application downloads the devices diagnostic file and
analyses it to determine lock history and trigger history. Should there be any issue with GPS lock or
trigger activity an appropriate alarm is added to the alarm list. If communication to the device is
unsuccessful an appropriate alarm is also added to the alarm list.
The alarm list can be toggled between “View active alarms” and “View all alarms”. The “View active
alarms” lists all alarms that are currently active in the devices. As each alarm gets fixed the data
and time of the fix is tagged to the alarm along with the duration between the alarm being raised
and the alarm being fixed. The alarm is then removed from the “View active alarms” list. The “View
all alarms” lists all currently active alarms and all historical alarms.
Any new alarms raised following a scheduled job can be included in the automatic email feature.
This gives the user a truly automated system where they are notified of any alarm conditions in their
fleet of devices.
6. Configuring Polling
The FLBase+ software can be configured to automatically poll the fault location devices. During
polling the FLbase+ software can download the index files, waveforms and diagnostic files allowing
calculation of distance to fault results and assessment of each unit’s health status. This can be
achieved by configuration an automatically scheduled job.
Steps: -
Click on the “Scheduler” menu and select “Configure automatic scheduled jobs”.
A “Scheduled Job” window will open as shown below. A scheduled job can be added, edited or
deleted. To add a new scheduled job click on the “Add button”.
The new window that opens allows the user to give the scheduled job a: -
• Name
• Action
• Time interval or specified time
• Device(s) to poll
Once configured click on the “Ok” button to save the scheduled job. The current status of all
automatically scheduled jobs can be reviewed by clicking on the “Scheduler” menu and selecting
“View automatically Scheduled Jobs”.
To begin polling click on the “Start” button on the quick access tool bar circled in red below or click
on the “Scheduler” menu and select “Scheduler followed by “Start automatic scheduler” as shown
below.
On completion of a scheduled job the FLbase+ software processes the new data and if it finds new
matched pairs an associated distance to fault result will be calculated and added to the results list
for the corresponding circuit. If the email feature has been configured a list of new distance to faults
and any new alarms will be sent to the appropriate email address.
7. Configuring Automatic Email
The FLBase+ software can be configured to send out an email each time a scheduled job is
completed. This email can include any new distance to faults results or any new alarms or both.
Steps: -
Click on the “Option” button on the quick access tool bar circled in red below or click on the “File”
menu and select “edit options”.
The “System options” window will open. Select the “Email” tab and configure how the email will be
sent. Note the example below shows Microsoft outlook selected meaning the software will use the
Microsoft outlook program installed on the PC to send emails. Other options are also available
including Direct (SMTP server) and Microsoft Mail (MAPI). Email user account information is
required for both “Direct” and “Microsoft Mail” options.
Once the appropriate emailing method is selected, click on the “Users” tab and click on the “Add”
button to add the user details. In the user details window enter the users name and email address
and if required a description of the user. Now tick the box beside the type of report to be sent.
Once complete click on the “Ok” buttons to save the changes. An email will now be sent to the
user(s) following all subsequent scheduled jobs finishing.
8. Time Filtering of Results
To make it easier to locate faults from a list of results FLbase+ offers a time filtering option. To
display the “time filter” feature click on the “View” menu and select “Time interval Selection” as
shown below.
The time selection dialogue box will appear on the bottom left hand corner of the FLbase+ main
screen as shown below.
The user can filter records between a start date and a finish date. The drop down box can be used
to select predefined times.
The start date predefined times are: -

1 hour ago
12 hours ago
Start of today
24 hours ago from now
1 week ago
1 month ago
Start of the year
Custom
The finish date predefined times are: -

None (Forever)
Custom
Selecting Custom allows the user to set a specific “start date and time” and a specific “finish date
and time”. Clicking on the apply button will implement the filter option on all waveforms and results
listed.
9. Topology Tree Grouping
The Device list and Circuits list can be arranged by three different predefined groups. The groups
are “Substation Name”, “Region” and “Voltage level”. To place a Device or Circuit in a particular
group select the device or circuit and click on the “Properties” button.
Select the Device then

click on the properties
button
The device or circuit property window will open as shown below. Populate the “Grouping” fields with
an appropriate word(s). The drop down boxes can be used to select previously defined groups.
Device Properties Circuit Properties
Grouping Fields
To then arrange the lists in the grouping categories click on the “View” menu and select “Group
topology tree” and highlight the grouping category required as shown below.
The following devices list shows all the devices grouped by region.
10. Trace window

All communication activity is displayed in the trace window. This window should stay open at
all times during the use of FLBase+. When FLbase+ application is shut down it automatically
closes the trace window.
11. System Options
Data storage
FLBase+ uses a Microsoft office database to store device topology, line data, fault information etc.
The data storage tab shown below allows the user to select the database to use. The user can also
select the specific folder to stor al record data files. The default settings are shown in the
screengrab below.
Electrical Parameters
The user can define the default velocity factor and distance units via the electrical parameters tab
shown below. The speed of propagation of a high frequency travelling wave on a transmission line
is close to the speed of light. The velocity factor allows the user to fine tune this speed of
propagation. From real data experience the default value of 98.84 will suit most installations.
Appearance
The layout of FLbase+ can be tweaked via the appearance tab as shown below. The topology tree
can be shown in expanded view, the time selection window can be displayed on startup and
settings saved. Also a filter option can be applied to the comment field to allow easier analysis of
the results list.
Fault Processing
Parameters for processing of faults can be set via the “Fault Processing” tab. The “tolerance
duration” field was implemented for older TWSMkIII, and MkIV units where a limitation on the
seconds time tagging of records meant the same fault on a TWS with numerous line modules could
have had different seconds time tags for each line module. This limitation is not applicable to the
later TWSmkV and TWSmkVI and DSFLMkIIII units. Therefore this field can be left as default for
more up to date units. The data downloaded from a device can also be processed to check for
recent trigger activity. A limit on the number of days without trigger activity can be set. If the unit
goes beyond this setting an alarm will be raised and added to the “Veiw active alarms” list.
Email and Users
For more information on email and users tab see section 7 “Configuration automatic email” of this
manual
Maintenance
Over time the size of the database and or data storage folder can grow. The maintenance tab can
be used to compact and backup the database as well as automatically delete data using defined
rules as shown below.
Communication
When FLBase+ dials a device the connection can be held open for a period of time so that any
further commands can be made without having to redial the device. The communications tab can
be used to define the modem connection time as shown below. Note the application must be
restarted if any field in this tab is changed for the changes to take effect.
12. Importing from TWSbase2000 and PAD.
FLBase+ can be used to import networks/data/results from TWSbase2000 and the Poll and Display
database.
Steps:-
Click on the “File” menu and select “Import” followed by “TWSbase & TWSPAD data…”
The “Import” window will open as shown below. Select the PAD database and/or TWSbase2000
network to be used during the import process followed by clicking on the “Import” button. The import
process will scan the appropriate files for devices, circuits and faults and import the information into
the FLBase+ software.
®
QUALITROL Field Services
®
QUALITROL provides on-site commissioning/ start-up and comprehensive maintenance contracts to all customers
worldwide. To further improve reliability, an extended warranty is available on selected products commissioned by
®
QUALITROL .
®
QUALITROL Educational Services
®
QUALITROL professional training (designed to achieve hands-on performance based objectives) prepares operations,
®
maintenance, and engineering personnel to install, test, configure, operate and maintain QUALITROL products.
®
QUALITROL Accelerated Delivery
®
QUALITROL provides accelerated delivery on many products and services including replacements, spare parts and
repairs.
®
About QUALITROL :
®
QUALITROL manufactures substation and transformer monitoring and protection devices used by electric utilities and
manufacturing companies. It is the global leader in sales and installations of transformer asset protection equipment, fault
®
recorders and fault locators. Established in 1945, QUALITROL produces thousands of different types of products on
demand, each customized to customers' unique requirements.
©2008 QUALITROL® Company LLC, an ISO 9001 system certified company. All rights reserved. Information subject to change without notice.
All trademarks are properties of their respective companies, as noted herein. 40-8600-00-Rev001.

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FLBase+ Manual

1.1. Overview of Fault Location

• Create a network of TWS/DSFL devices.

2.1. Minimum requirements

2.2. Installing FLbase+ on your system.

Click on Finish and the FLBase+ software will launch.

Quick access buttons

Distance to Fault result

Time Filter Selection

Click on the “Network” menu and select “Add Device”

3.3. Editing the Config

3.4. Other Device Specific Actions.

Each of the available actions are described below: -

View most recent diagnostic file….

Retrieve and display diagnostics

Retrieve and display directory

3.5. Creating Circuits

Click on the “Network” menu and select “Add Circuit”.

Update DTF results

Zoom in on the waveform

8. Time Filtering of Results

The start date predefined times are: -

The finish date predefined times are: -

Select the Device then

Device Properties Circuit Properties

10. Trace window

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