Control Panel Reference

Overview

The Control Panel provides a single desktop view of the connected SigCore UC controller. Its main window groups relay outputs, digital and analog I/O, PID loops, functions, and logging status. Configuration dialogs are accessed from the corresponding control or function.

Names, addresses, values, software versions, and device states in these illustrations are examples from the captured controller. They are not prescribed defaults.

What the Control Panel does

The Windows Control Panel is the operator interface for a SigCore UC controller. It combines observation and configuration: input indicators report device conditions, output controls allow an operator to issue commands, and the properties dialogs determine how each channel is identified and behaves.

Live values versus settings

Values on the main window represent current operating information. The configuration dialogs specify properties such as names, scaling, ranges, and operating options. Changing a property is different from commanding an output: review the setting and use the dialog’s Save action to submit the change.

The screenshots show an example controller at one point in time. Channel names, readings, version information, and enabled functions may differ on another installation.

Connecting to a controller

Use Connect in the Functions panel to open the device selection dialog. The dialog shows discovered SigCore UC devices and permits an IP address to be entered manually.

1. Choose Connect from the main window.
2. Select a device from the list, or enter its address in Enter IP Address.
3. Choose Connect in the dialog.

Choosing the correct controller

Use the serial number, system name, and network address shown in the selection list to identify the intended unit before connecting. This is especially important when multiple SigCore UC devices are on the same network.

If discovery does not find a device

First confirm the controller is powered and connected to the network. If the IP address is already known, enter it directly rather than relying on discovery. The device selection dialog also offers Scan Subnet to initiate another search.

After connecting, verify the identity displayed in the main window before operating outputs or editing properties.

Main window

The upper-left identity area displays the system name, serial number, and address. The bottom-right corner shows the Core revision/version and Control Panel version. The panels arrange controls by function.

Three-line menu icons beside controls open the corresponding channel properties or configuration dialog.

Reading the screen

The identity and version areas establish which controller and software the window is showing. The relay, digital input, and analog input regions represent device I/O; analog output and PID regions can also present operating controls. The Functions area groups device-level actions.

Opening configuration

Use a channel’s menu icon to open the corresponding configuration dialog. The dialog shown depends on the channel type: a relay has startup and fail-safe settings, a digital input has debounce and inversion settings, and analog channels have presentation and scaling options.

Before making a change, identify both the channel number and its configured name. The name is descriptive; the numbered channel identifies the hardware point.

Relay outputs

Each relay tile identifies its channel (R1–R8), displays a configured label, and shows N/O and N/C state indicators. The large red/green state control shows the current output state in the captured interface. A menu icon opens Relay Configuration.

Use Save to submit changes, or Cancel to close without submitting them.

Operating a relay

Relays are discrete outputs. The on-screen state indicator helps distinguish energized and de-energized states; the N/O (normally open) and N/C (normally closed) indications describe the contact arrangement. Do not equate the indicator color alone with whether an external load is receiving power; the wiring and contact selection matter.

Startup and fault behavior

Default State defines the configured state at startup. Fail-Safe State defines the configured state for a fault condition. These should be chosen with the connected equipment in mind, independently of the relay’s normal operating state.

Inverted Logic changes the logical interpretation of a relay command. When using it, verify the expected physical operation at the terminal contacts before putting the connected equipment into service.

Example: controlling a valve

Name a relay “Vent Valve” so operators can identify it. Choose Default State for the intended startup state and Fail-Safe State for the desired fault response. Inverted Logic changes how logical commands map to the relay's physical operation. Verify the connected N/O or N/C contacts and observe the actual valve before relying on a displayed ON/OFF indication.

Digital inputs

The eight digital input rows (DI1–DI8) display an indicator and the configured input name. The menu icon opens the channel configuration.

Understanding a digital input

Each digital input represents a two-state signal from external wiring. The indicator displays the interpreted state; it is not a command button. Names such as “Door Closed” or “Pressure OK” make the input’s function recognizable to an operator.

Debounce and inversion

Debounce suppresses brief transitions that can occur with mechanical switches or electrically noisy signals. A longer interval rejects more short changes but can also delay legitimate state transitions. Inverted Logic reverses the reported logical meaning of the signal.

When troubleshooting an unexpected state, consider both the physical input voltage and whether inversion is enabled; a correct electrical signal can intentionally appear logically reversed.

Choosing debounce and inverted logic

A mechanical switch may briefly bounce between states when it changes. Debounce (ms) suppresses transitions shorter than the selected interval. Start with a short interval for a mechanical contact and increase it only if false transitions occur. Avoid excessive debounce on signals that must be detected quickly. For a normally closed contact intended to report “Door Closed” as the active condition, Inverted Logic can reverse the displayed logical state without rewiring the input.

Analog inputs

AI1–AI4 show measured values, units, and configured names. Numeric appearance depends on the channel's display settings.

From electrical input to displayed value

An analog input measures a changing signal and presents it as a number. Range determines the expected electrical input mode, while Units and Display describe how the value is presented. Precision controls the displayed number of digits; it does not by itself improve measurement accuracy.

Averaging, range, and calibration

Averaging combines multiple samples to reduce variation in the displayed reading, at the cost of responsiveness to sudden changes. Select the input range to match the actual source before interpreting the reading. Calibration changes how an electrical measurement is translated into an indicated value; it should be based on known reference measurements.

A useful setup sequence is to verify wiring and the selected range, establish the engineering-unit label, then set presentation, averaging, and any required calibration. Do not use formatting adjustments to conceal an incorrect range or wiring problem.

Choosing the electrical input range

Set the Range to match the sensor's electrical output before entering calibration. Voltage5V measures 0–5 V, Current20mA measures 0–20 mA, and Current4To20mA measures 4–20 mA. Voltage calibration input values are volts; current calibration input values are milliamps. These ranges can be set independently for each of the four input channels.

Calibration methods

Select a Cal Type to convert the electrical measurement (x) into the engineering-unit reading (y). Set Units to the desired display units. Precision and Display affect formatting, not measurement accuracy.

mXplusB: linear

Use for sensors with a straight-line response: y = m × x + b. From two known pairs (x1,y1) and (x2,y2), calculate m = (y2 − y1)/(x2 − x1) and b = y1 − m × x1. For a 0–5 V pressure sensor covering 0–100 PSI, enter m = 20 and b = 0.

MultiPoint: measured calibration pairs

Choose MultiPoint, then enter each known electrical Input and corresponding engineering-unit Output. Use Add Point and Remove to edit the list, and Sort by Input to order it. Between points, the controller uses linear interpolation. Below the first or above the last point, it extrapolates from the nearest two points. Cover the intended operating range with measured points.

Polynomial: fitted curve

Choose Polynomial and enter the constant, x, x², and higher-order coefficients for y = a0 + a1×x + a2×x² + …. Add Term extends the polynomial; Remove Highest Term reduces its degree. These coefficients can come from a sensor data sheet or a curve fit to measured reference data. Avoid unnecessarily high polynomial degrees, which can behave poorly outside the measured range.

Log10: logarithmic sensors

Choose Log10 for sensors using y = 10^(m×x + b), such as some vacuum gauges. For example, m = 1 and b = −3 gives 0.01 torr at 1 V, 1 torr at 3 V, and 100 torr at 5 V. If working from two known output values, both must be positive: m = (log10(y2) − log10(y1))/(x2 − x1), then b = log10(y1) − m×x1. Scientific display is useful for very wide measurement ranges.

Worked calibration examples

Linear (mXplusB): calculate slope and offset

Using two reference readings, 1.0 V = 2 torr and 4.0 V = 8 torr, calculate m = (8 − 2) / (4 − 1) = 2 and b = 2 − (2 × 1) = 0. Select mXplusB, enter m = 2 and b = 0, and select OK. At 3 V the calibrated display reads 6 torr.

MultiPoint: enter measured pairs

For a pressure sensor measured against a reference gauge, enter these points:

1. Select MultiPoint under Cal Type.
2. Enter each electrical Input and corresponding calibrated Output.
3. Use Add Point for additional rows, Remove to delete a row, and Sort by Input to order the pairs.
4. Choose OK and verify readings between the entered points.

For example, an input of 2.5545 V corresponds to approximately 2.5 torr. Outside the entered range, SigCore UC extrapolates from the nearest two calibration points rather than holding the endpoint value.

Polynomial: enter a manufacturer's coefficients

If the sensor documentation specifies y = 0.1 + 0.9x + 0.02x², select Polynomial and enter the coefficients: Constant = 0.1, x = 0.9, x² = 0.02. Use Add Term or Remove Highest Term to match the polynomial order, then select OK. At x = 3 V the indicated value is 0.1 + 2.7 + 0.18 = 2.98 engineering units.

Coefficients may come from the manufacturer or be fitted from measurements with software such as Excel, Python, or MATLAB. A high-order fit is not automatically more accurate, particularly beyond the measured range.

Log10: configure a logarithmic vacuum gauge

For a gauge described by Pressure (torr) = 10^{(V − 3)}, select Log10, enter m = 1 and b = −3, and choose OK. Expected readings include 1 V = 0.01 torr, 2 V = 0.1 torr, 3 V = 1 torr, 4 V = 10 torr, and 5 V = 100 torr. At 2.5 V the result is approximately 0.316 torr.

If deriving coefficients from two measured points, use m = [log10(y₂) − log10(y₁)] / (x₂ − x₁) and b = log10(y₁) − mx₁. Both reference outputs must be greater than zero. Choose the Scientific display format when measurements span many orders of magnitude.

Calibration verification

After saving, compare the displayed value with known reference measurements at multiple points across the usable range. For MultiPoint and Polynomial, check values between the entered points as well. For a 4–20 mA transmitter scaled 0–100 PSI, use m = 6.25 and b = −25: 12 mA should display 50 PSI.

Analog outputs

AO1–AO4 display the present output reading, its name, and engineering units. Use the channel menu to edit configuration.

Output value and operating mode

An analog output represents a commanded output signal. The Mode setting selects the available type of output behavior; the captured dialog shows PWM. The applicable scale and units depend on the selected mode and the attached hardware.

Engineering-unit scaling

Manual versus automatic operation

Automatic Mode indicates that the output may be controlled by another subsystem rather than only by manual commands. Before trying to change a live output, establish whether it is under automatic control and what equipment it drives.

Voltage and PWM modes

The Mode dropdown offers Voltage and PWM. Voltage mode provides a commanded analog voltage; PWM mode provides a pulse-width-modulated signal. PWM frequency is set in System Properties. Select the mode appropriate for the connected equipment.

Bidirectional output scaling

Voltage Scale (m) and Voltage Offset (b) convert between electrical voltage (V) and the value shown in engineering units: Display = m × V + b. When an operator enters an engineering value, the inverse is used: V = (Display − b) / m. The scale must not be zero. For example, a 0–5 V signal representing 0–100% uses m = 20 and b = 0; 2.5 V displays 50%, and entering 75% commands 3.75 V.

Manual and automatic operation

In manual mode, the numeric input on the main Control Panel screen determines the analog output value. In Automatic Mode, the assigned PID controller determines the AO value. If a manual edit does not change the output, check whether automatic operation is enabled. Before enabling automatic control, verify the PID input, output destination, direction, and output limits.

Check the output

Start with the appropriate mode and output scaling. Enter a known value in manual operation and verify the response of the connected equipment. Then change to automatic operation if required. The display precision affects the on-screen number, not the physical output resolution.

PID controllers

The four PID tiles show their configured titles and runtime values, including SP (setpoint), PV (process value), and Output. They also expose mode, ramp controls, and a tolerance indicator. Disabled controllers appear dimmed.

How a PID loop is organized

A PID controller compares a desired setpoint (SP) with a measured process value (PV) and determines an output intended to reduce the difference. The proportional, integral, and derivative gains determine how the controller responds to present error, accumulated error, and changing error.

Reading the live PID display

The PID tiles bring together the loop title, SP, PV, output, and operating status. The illustrated reference also shows visual indicators for process value, output, and tolerance. These indicators make it easier to assess behavior at a glance, but numerical readings remain important when adjusting a loop.

Tuning and limits

Kp responds to the current error. Ki accumulates error over time and can remove a persistent offset. Kd responds to changing error and may reduce overshoot, but can amplify noisy measurements. Integral Limit constrains integral buildup, while Output Range and PV Range establish the configured bounds used by the controller.

Operating safeguards

Auto Mode and Enabled are different concepts: an enabled controller may operate manually or automatically. Reset on Mode Change specifies whether internal controller state is reset at a transition. When first configuring a loop, confirm the connected sensor and output, reasonable limits, and intended direction of control before enabling automatic operation.

For commissioning, begin with known safe output limits. Change one tuning parameter at a time and observe the response; the appropriate gains depend on the physical process, so the screenshot values must not be treated as universal settings.

Configuring a PID loop

1. Choose the controller to configure and open its settings.
2. Set the loop title and assign its measured process-value (PV) source and the analog output (AO) it will control, using the available channel assignments.
3. Choose the desired setpoint (SP), output limits, and process-value display range.
4. Set proportional (Kp), integral (Ki), and derivative (Kd) gains suitable for the process.
5. Verify the response with safe manual output commands before enabling automatic operation.

Understanding setpoint, ramping, and tuning

SP is the desired process value; PV is the measured value; Output is the command produced by the controller. A ramp changes the target progressively rather than stepping immediately to a new setpoint. Kp responds to current error, Ki accumulates error to correct persistent offset, and Kd responds to the rate of change. Excessive gain may cause oscillation. Start conservatively, change one parameter at a time, and observe the process response.

Manual and automatic operation

With automatic control enabled, the PID computes the output from the measured PV and setpoint. In manual operation, the operator commands the analog output directly. The Enabled setting and Auto Mode are separate; make sure both reflect the intended operating state. Review Reset on Mode Change and Integral Limit when switching modes to avoid an unexpected response.

Functions and status

The Functions panel contains Connect, Restart, Get Status, Reset, System, and Network. System and Network open the configuration dialogs shown below. The Logging panel displays logging state and has a menu for configuration.

Caution: Restart and Reset are operational commands. This initial reference does not prescribe their effects or confirmation flow because the supplied screenshots do not show those interactions.

Connection and information actions

Connect opens device selection; Get Status requests controller status information. System and Network open their respective configuration dialogs. These actions are different from commands that affect operation.

Operational commands

Restart and Reset are separate controls in the Functions panel. They should be treated as operational commands rather than routine navigation. The precise state transitions and any confirmation prompts need verification from the current Control Panel before definitive instructions are published.

Check the current controller identity before using operational commands, especially when working with several units on a network.

Using the Functions panel

Get Status requests fresh status information from the connected controller. Connect opens device selection. System and Network open their respective settings. Restart and Reset are distinct operational actions, not navigation controls. Use them only after identifying the correct unit and considering the connected equipment. Their precise effects depend on the implemented device command; do not assume Restart and Reset are interchangeable.

System properties

Choose System from the Functions panel to view or edit general controller properties.

Identity versus adjustable settings

System Name is the operator-facing name of the controller. Serial Number, Hardware Version, and Software Version identify the unit and its installed revisions; their presence in the dialog does not imply that each identifier is user-editable.

Timing parameters

Analog Sampling Rate configures how frequently analog readings are sampled according to the available selection. PWM Frequency sets the output pulse frequency in hertz for applicable PWM operation. Changing timing can affect how quickly the controller responds or how external equipment behaves.

When comparing controllers or documenting a support issue, record the serial number and software version alongside the relevant settings.

Choosing sampling rate and PWM frequency

A faster analog sampling setting captures changes more frequently, while averaging can smooth noisy readings at the expense of response time. Choose a rate appropriate for how quickly the measured process changes. PWM Frequency (Hz) controls the switching rate of outputs configured in PWM mode; use a frequency supported by the connected device. Frequency and duty cycle are different: frequency sets how often cycles repeat, while duty cycle sets their active fraction.

Network settings

Choose Network from the Functions panel to open Network Settings. Ethernet and Wi-Fi have separate DHCP settings.

When DHCP is not selected, additional manual IP-address fields may be available. They are not shown in the provided screenshot.

Ethernet and Wi-Fi configuration

Ethernet and Wi-Fi are configured separately. DHCP asks the network to assign addressing information; without DHCP, the interface requires appropriate static address, subnet, gateway, and DNS information. The Wi-Fi SSID selects the wireless network, and the password is its authentication credential.

Before submitting changes

Check which interface currently provides access to the controller. A different IP address or incorrect subnet, gateway, or Wi-Fi credential can prevent subsequent connections even if the current dialog accepts the settings.

The screenshot illustrates a DHCP-based configuration with static fields hidden. Do not infer an interface’s currently active IP address from saved static fields while DHCP is enabled.

Finding your device by hostname

Start with the device hostname rather than looking up its IP address. For example, enter http://SCUC-000019/ in a browser for device SCUC-000019. A device's actual hostname is shown in its network configuration. Hostnames are particularly convenient when DHCP changes the IP address.

DHCP, static IP, and recovery

Use DHCP when your network assigns addresses automatically. Use a static address only when your network configuration requires it and the address, subnet, gateway, and DNS settings are known. Ethernet and Wi-Fi settings are separate. If the controller becomes unreachable after a network change, try its hostname, check the active interface, scan the subnet from the Control Panel, or reconnect using its current IP address. Verify the Wi-Fi SSID and password if operating wirelessly.

MySQL logger

The Logging panel displays logging status. Its menu opens MySQL Logger Configuration, where recording and database connection options are set.

Before changing a saved database password, verify the application's exact replacement and preservation behavior. Do not assume that an empty password field means the stored password will be retained.

How logging is configured

Enabled determines whether data recording is requested. Interval (sec) specifies the scheduled recording interval. Server, Port, Database, Table Name, User, and Password identify the destination and credentials for the MySQL connection.

Connection and command timeouts

Conn Timeout limits how long a database connection attempt may wait. Cmd Timeout limits a database command’s allowed execution time. They are database-operation settings; they are not the same as the Control Panel-to-controller request timeout.

Credential handling

Treat the saved database password as an existing configuration value, not as a disposable blank field. Do not replace a working password merely because a dialog masks it. Verify the current Control Panel’s password-display and save behavior before editing credentials.

If the logger is enabled but does not produce records, confirm the database address, port, database name, account permissions, and connectivity separately from the Enabled setting.

Database setup in MySQL Workbench

1. Visit the SigCore Software Downloads page and download the MySQL Logger database ZIP.
2. Extract sigcore_data_logger.sql.
3. Open MySQL Workbench and connect to your MySQL server.
4. Choose Server → Data Import and Import from Self-Contained File.
5. Select sigcore_data_logger.sql. If Workbench requests a default target schema, choose sigcore_data_logger.
6. Click Start Import, refresh the SCHEMAS panel, and confirm that the four tables were created.

The SQL file includes database creation and requires a MySQL account permitted to create schemas and tables. It contains table definitions but no logged records. Do not use the initial installation procedure as a database reset.

Database connection checklist

For a server located on another computer, ensure it accepts connections from the SigCore UC device. After enabling logging, verify new records in MySQL Workbench; when no records appear, check network reachability, privileges, connection information, and logging status.

Installing the logger database

Configuring logging

Enter the MySQL server address, port (normally 3306), database, user, and password. The database user needs permission to write records. Set Interval (sec) to the desired interval between measurement records, and enable the logger. The connection and command timeouts control how long database operations can wait.

Verifying logging

Verify that the four tables exist, that the MySQL server accepts connections from the SigCore device, and that new records appear after logging is enabled. If records do not appear, check the connection settings, database privileges, network access, and logger status. SQL installation requires account privileges to create the schema and tables.

Reference notes

Examples show typical configuration values and are not factory defaults. Confirm sensor specifications, intended output behavior, and controller version before changing an operating system. These reference instructions describe the current Control Panel interface and common operating procedures.