06 wsos – an overview

Editor's Notes

• #5: WSOS has evolved mainly in order to support the CAPM controller. In recent times WSOS has began to incorporate tools such as Configurable DNP3, Configurable IOEX and User Defined Curves for which the CAPM has had to provide support.
• #6: WSOS can be downloaded from the Nu-Lec web site at: www.nulec.com.au There are also links on this site to information on the features included in the latest release.
• #7: When the ‘Download WSOS’ link is clicked on the Nu-Lec web site, a new screen appears with a form to enter your personal details. This form must be completed and submitted. An email will then be sent to the email address entered which contains a link to the WSOS download.
• #8: During the install process, a Setup Type screen will appear. This screen allows users to select the type of setup they want in terms of which tools they want to include. The default is WSOS only. The selection at the bottom of the list includes all of the toos such as Curve Editor, Configurable IOEX and Configurable DNP3.
• #9: Anyone can download WSOS from the Nu-Lec web site and use it in demonstration mode. In this mode it is not possible to connect to a switchgear or save files. In order to use WSOS with switchgear it must be licensed. Licences are available in different levels according to which type of connection you are using and whether or not you want to use some of the advanced features. The Demonstration level allows the features of WSOS to be tried but the user cannot control or configure “real” switchgear. The Direct connection level allows connection to a switchgear device using a serial cable for configuration, control or down-loading. The Modem Connection level allows not only direct connection using a serial cable but also connection using a dialup modem either over telephone lines or a cellular telephone system. The Radio Connection level allows direct connection, modem connection and radio connection using a VHF or UHF radio system. The Multiple Connections level allows multiple direct connections, multiple modem connections and multiple radio connections all at the same time.
• #10: WSOS is used in different ways by different users. It can be used with a direct connection to load and save switchgear configuration files. This means that settings can be entered into an Off-Line file and loaded into a switchgear controller at a later date when the user can go On-Line. While On-Line the configuration files for the switchgear can be retrieved and stored in a database of switchgear configuration settings. With a remote connection, WSOS can be used to control and monitor switchgear from a central location.
• #11: WSOS is Off-Line when a configuration file is selected with the File – Open command. This means that the data on the WSOS screens is coming from the configuration file. When WSOS is On-Line, the data is coming from the switchgear controller over a serial data link. This could be a cable, a phone line or a radio. When On-Line the switchgear can be tripped, closed or otherwise controlled.
• #12: At the top of the screen is the Title Bar which shows the licence holder, the operating level and the name of the switchgear in session. Under the Title Bar is the Menu Bar. Each of these menu options have further drop down options when selected. If a menu item is disabled or not available it is greyed out. Under the Menu Bar is the Tool Bar which provides easy selection of the most frequently used WSOS features. The buttons on the Tool Bar either give access to new screens or perform common functions. At the bottom of the screen is the Status Line (not shown). Ths Status Line give a brief description of a menu item when one is selected and the ‘Num Lock’, ‘Caps Lock’ status at the current time.
• #13: The most commonly used screens can be opened from the Tool Bar. All screens can be opened from the Display drop down menu on the Menu Bar.
• #14: WSOS holds the configuration of each recloser or load break switch in a separate Switchgear Configuration File. When it is not On-Line, WSOS works with the data in this file. This enables configurations to be up-loaded from the switchgear and examined Off-Line at a later date and for configuration to be set up Off-Line and later down-loaded to the switchgear in the field. WSOS creates multiple data files for each switchgear. The most important is the configuration file which has a .sos extension. It is important to set up the correct directory structures to manage the switchgear and to understand the commands that are provided by WSOS to manage the files. When historical data is retrieved from the switchgear (such as an event record) it is held in separate files in the same directory as the configuration file. The history files can be viewed in WSOS or exported into other programs such as spreadsheets.
• #15: Writing: The command ‘Options - Write Switchgear Settings to the Switchgear’ writes all of the configuration settings (not operator settings such as Auto Reclose ON) from the current configuration file into the On-Line switchgear. Reading: The command ‘Options – Read Switchgear Settings from the Switchgear’ reads all of the configuration and current operator settings from the On-Line switchgear and writes it to the current configuration file.