6
Section 2
Getting Started
General
This section is for new users and describes the installation and hookup of the Life Cycle
Test System. The user supplied resources are discussed and verification of proper setup
is provided.
User Supplied Resources
The LCTS uses shop air to drive the pneumatic air cylinder. There is a coupling on the
back of the Controller Unit which will accept a standard 1/4 inch NPT quick disconnect
hose coupling. The user must supply the air using a sleeve lock socket. The maximum
air pressure must be limited to 150 psi. Standard pressures of 85 to 125 psi are best.
The air must be clean and free of water and oil. The air exhausted from the air cylinder is
expelled into the Controller Unit. Excessive liquids will build up in the Controller Unit
and may cause failure. An air dryer is recommended. Only compressed air should be
used. No other gasses are approved.
Controller Unit power is powered by a wall mount power source. The basic unit comes
complete with an American style, 115 vac, 60 Hz module. Other variations are available
from TRICOR Systems by special request. A suitable power receptacle must be located
near the LCTS so that the Power Module can be connected.
User Supplied Computer
A personal computer running any 32-bit version of Microsoft Windows is required to
configure the LCTS and to download test data. Any version of Windows 95, Windows
98, Windows Me, Windows 2000 or Windows NT version 4.0 can be used. The computer
does not need to be located at the same sight where testing will occur, but it is much
more convenient if it is. The LCTS can operate stand-alone, and can be configured at a
different location. It then can be moved to the sight of the testing. The LCTS is connected
to a serial port on the PC. The LCTS comes with a 20 foot cable with modular
connectors on each end. One end plugs into the back of the Controller Unit. The other
end of the cable plugs into the modular connector of a 9-pin D connector adaptor which
is also supplied. The adapter plugs into the serial communication port of the user’s PC.
A special order, 25-pin version of the adaptor can be obtained from TRICOR Systems.
The PC must have one active serial port available. The application software will
automatically search all available ports in an attempt to locate the LCTS. The
application software is delivered on CD-ROM. The PC must have a CD-ROM drive to
install this software. By special request when ordering the LCTS, TRICOR Systems can
provide the application on floppy disks.
