Magnetek Material Handling
Electromotive Systems IMPULSE®•Link 4.1
Wireless Diagnostic System (WDS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: How does the IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS (Wireless Diagnostic System) compare to past drive
support tools, such as IMPULSE®•Link 4.0 and DataLogger?
A: The IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS (Wireless Diagnostic System) consists of both software (to program,
monitor, and troubleshoot the drives) and the wireless hardware.
1.
IMPULSE•Link 4.0 is being replaced with IMPULSE•Link 4.1 Basic.
2.
IMPULSE•Link 4.1 Basic is software to program and monitor your IMPULSE drives, and
includes a cable to hardwire to your PC (you must take your laptop up on the crane to the
drives).
3.
DataLogger is a microprocessor controlled, flash memory recording device that allows you to
easily access the Run, Alarm, and Fault histories of the IMPULSE•G+/VG+ Series 2 and
Series 3 drives. The DataLogger function is built into IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS.
4.
The IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS software, itself, has some additional features beyond
IMPULSE•Link 4.1 Basic such as:
• DataLogger function
• Improved communication profiles through the Wizard function, and more.
(To learn more about all of these products, check out our ‘IMPULSE Drive Diagnostic & Support Tools’
brochure on our website at www.magnetekmh.com.)
Q: What drives are supported by IMPULSE•Link 4.1 Basic and IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS?
A: Both the IMPULSE•Link 4.1 Basic and WDS packages support the IMPULSE®•G+/VG+ Series 2 and
Series 3 drives, as well as the IMPULSE®•P3 Series 2 drives. However, the DataLogger function within
IMPULSE Link 4.1 WDS does not support the IMPULSE®•P3 Series 2 drives.
Q: What are the PC requirements for installing and operating IMPULSE•Link 4.1 Basic and
IMPULSE•Link 4.1WDS software?
A: The PC requirements are:
1. Pentium class or equivalent 500MHz processor or better
2. 256 MB RAM or better
3. Minimum of 100MB free hard-disk space available
4. Windows 98 SE operating system or better
PO Box 13615
Milwaukee, WI 53213
Phone: 800-288-8178
Fax: 800-298-3503
N49 W13650 Campbell Drive
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
www.magnetekmh.com
Q: How many drives can be accessed via the IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS package?
A: We recommend 1 base unit per bay. Within that bay, you may have multiple remote units
communicating to that one base unit. One remote unit is required per crane, and you may have multiple
remote units communicating with 1 base unit. The total number of drives you can monitor with 1 base unit
is 31. Typically you would not have more than 7 drives on any given crane, so 4 or more cranes within a
bay can easily be monitored.
Q: How many drives can be accessed via the IMPULSE Link 4.1 Basic package?
A: The IMPULSE Link 4.1 Basic package requires that you connect your laptop computer to the
IMPULSE drive via the RS-232 port, allowing you only to connect to one drive at a time.
Q: With IMPULSE Link 4. 1 WDS, what are the advantages of USB versus the standard Ethernet?
A: If you require simplicity, USB may be an option as it’s very easy to set-up and does not require
additional hardware (the Ethernet port on a PC may be connected to a network and may require an Ethernet
switch). We recommend Ethernet if you require flexibility. It allows for greater distance between devices,
and allows for connection to either a PC or a company-wide network.
Q: What are the distance capabilities on the IMPULSE Link 4.1 WDS system?
A: The remote units have been tested to communicate effectively up to 1,000 feet from the base unit. If
using the standard Ethernet connection to your PC or company wide network, the modem can be a
maximum of 320 feet from the PC or network hub. The modem can be a maximum of 16 feet from your
PC if using the optional USB connection.
Q: What is the purpose of the hardware key that comes with the IMPULSE Link 4.1 WDS software?
A: The hardware key was implemented for safety and security reasons. The software is rendered
inoperable when the hardware key is not plugged into the USB port of the computer. Therefore,
unauthorized personnel cannot make parameter changes to the drives via the IMPULSE Link 4.1 WDS
software, which could cause unexpected, undesirable, or unsafe operation.
Q: What is the speed (baud rate) of communication for IMPULSE Link 4.1 WDS?
A: For IMPULSE•G+/VG+ Series 3 drives and IMPULSE®•P3 Series 2 drives, the baud rate can be set to
19.2 kbps. However, if there is an IMPULSE•G+/VG+ Series 2 drive in the system, the baud rate must be
set to 9600 bps for all devices.
Q: Is additional hardware required for my drives to communicate on the network with
IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS?
A: There may be additional hardware depending upon the model.
1. IMPULSE G+ / VG+ Series 2 drives require each drive have an additional (CMG5M) board
for communication.
2. IMPULSE G+ / VG+ Series 3 drives do not require additional hardware.
3. IMPULSE P3 Series 2 drives do not require additional hardware.
PO Box 13615
Milwaukee, WI 53213
Phone: 800-288-8178
Fax: 800-298-3503
N49 W13650 Campbell Drive
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
www.magnetekmh.com
Q: Can the IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS be used to control the drives?
A: The IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS allows for programming, monitoring, and troubleshooting. For safety
reasons, Magnetek does not allow the IMPULSE•Link 4.1 Wireless Diagnostic System to control the drives
(i.e. provide a start/stop or any other inputs). If wireless ‘control’ is desired, Magnetek can provide a
Telemotive Remote Control Radio product to meet your application needs.
Q: What discount schedule should I apply to price the IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS?
A: The Controls Components discount schedule should be used when quoting IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS.
Q: How do I price the IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS for my application?
A: The IMPULSE•Link 4.1 WDS Application Guide assists in determining how many base and remote
units your application requires, as well as allows Magnetek to set up the communication profiles for your
IMPULSE drives. For pricing on a retrofit, you may visit the Magnetek Material Handling Online Price
book at www2.magnetekmh.com. For pricing on a new control panel, you may contact your local
Magnetek representative, or the Magnetek Inside Sales Team at 800-288-8178.
PO Box 13615
Milwaukee, WI 53213
Phone: 800-288-8178
Fax: 800-298-3503
N49 W13650 Campbell Drive
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
www.magnetekmh.com
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