Lauer EPC series industrial computer configuration

Lauer EPC series industrial computer configuration

Product Overview and Application Positioning

Systeme Lauer's EPC (Embedded PC) series is an industrial tablet computer based on Windows CE. NET 4.1, covering four sizes: 6.4 ", 10.4", 12.1 ", and 15" (models EPC 640, 1000, 1200, 1500). This series uses the National Geode GX-1 300MHz processor, comes standard with 64MB SDRAM (expandable up to 256MB) and 32MB internal CompactFlash, supports resistive touch screens, and has a front panel protection level of IP65. It is designed specifically for process monitoring and control in harsh industrial environments.

The device integrates dual Ethernet ports, dual USB 1.0, PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces, VGA output, serial port (COM1 RS232), and PC/104 expansion slot, and can install communication modules such as MPI, Profibus, CAN, etc. Its uniqueness lies in the pre installed Lauer EPC Manager - a graphical configuration interface that allows for quick network setup, automatic startup, touch calibration, backlight control, and greatly simplifies on-site debugging. This article will focus on hardware installation, system configuration, remote management, and practical engineering skills to help engineers quickly master this platform.

Key points for installation and electrical connection

2.1 Power Requirements

EPC must use protection extra low voltage (PELV) power supply that complies with EN60950 standard, rated at 24V DC ± 20%, with reverse polarity protection. Typical power consumption is about 0.7A, it is recommended to use a 2.5A slow melting fuse. The power terminal is a two core Phoenix MSTBT 2.5/2 pluggable type, with the 0V end connected to the low impedance of the casing, making the grounding system design particularly critical.

2.2 Grounding and anti-interference

The equipment and the electrical cabinet must be connected to the central grounding point through the shortest path, and the cross-sectional area of the grounding wire should not be less than 4mm ² (yellow green line).

All data cables must be shielded cables, with both ends of the shielding layer grounded, and the connection impedance between systems must be low.

Installed in a metal HF protective cabinet, leaving at least 100mm of heat dissipation space around the equipment to ensure effective dissipation of internal heat.

2.3 Mechanical Installation

EPC adopts front panel embedded installation, fixed on the cabinet door opening with 6 or 8 hex nuts. The opening size varies for different models (e.g. EPC 640 is 197 × 142mm, EPC 1500 is 429 × 334mm). During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the front sealing ring is correctly positioned, otherwise IP65 protection cannot be guaranteed. Sufficient depth should be reserved at the rear (maximum 94mm when EPC 1500 with expansion card slot).

2.4 First Power On

After power on, the system automatically starts Windows CE and loads EPC Manager (if it exists in the external CF card). If the Manager does not start automatically, it can be manually started through the rear toggle switch or Windows Explorer.

Windows CE operating system and file structure

EPC comes pre installed with Windows CE. NET 4.1, supporting multi language interface, TCP/IP v6, RDP, FTP, Telnet, HTTP server,. NET Compact Framework 1.0, and ActiveX. System files are stored on an internal CF card (recognized as Storage Card2), while user files and registry are stored on an external CF card (recognized as Storage Card). Please note that the contents of the following RAM folders (My Documents, Program Files, Temp, etc.) are lost after power failure, so user data and configurations must be saved to the CF card.

Key Catalog:

Lauer EPC  Software  Lauer EPC Manager - Manager Main Program and Modules

Lauer EPC  www  wwnpub - Web Server Root Directory

Documents and Settings - Registry and User Configuration

Due to the dynamic allocation of CF card indexes, it is recommended to avoid using absolute paths and try to access them through environment variables or relative paths.

Detailed explanation of core functions of Lauer EPC Manager

Manager is the device configuration hub, with the main interface divided into buttons such as "Runtime", "Configuration", "About", "Control Panel", "Touch Calibration", "Date/Time", "Reboot", and "Backlight".

4.1 Runtime Mode

Click on Runtime to launch the user specified runtime software (usually zenOn visualization or PLC runtime). Before execution, a confirmation dialog box will pop up. If the runtime has been registered, it will be executed directly. Otherwise, there will be no response.

4.2 Configuration Panel

Configuration provides commonly used system settings and only displays basic items by default. Click on Show Extended System Configuration and enter the password (factory blank) to unlock advanced modules, including serial module configuration, auto start editor, ActiveX connection, zenOn runtime management, network connection, file browser, eVC remote tool connection, etc.

4.2.1 Serial port module configuration

The PC/104 slot at the rear of the EPC can be used to insert communication modules (S1 is RS232/TTY, S2 is RS422/RS485). This module allows for dynamic switching of interface types, which can take effect immediately after modification or after restart.

4.2.2 Autostart Editor

You can specify the EXE program that will automatically execute after the system starts, and choose whether to start the EPC Manager at the same time. The file selection is completed through the built-in browser and provides a clear button (convenient for keyboard free operation). It is strongly recommended to keep the Manager self starting for future debugging.

4.2.3 Sync Connection

ActiveSync is a bridge for data synchronization and software deployment between PC and EPC. You need to install ActiveSync 3.7 or higher on the PC and use a dedicated serial cable (9-pin female to female, specific pin crossover). Connection steps:

Start Sync on the PC and select the serial port.

Open Manager → Configuration → ActiveSync Connection on the EPC end, and click "Yes".

PC side automatic detection equipment, establish a "partner" relationship (can be skipped).

After successful connection, the PC can browse the EPC file system through Windows Explorer or perform remote debugging through tools such as eMbedded Visual C++.

If using Ethernet connection, you can select TCP/IP Transport for Windows CE in Platform Manager for faster speed.

4.2.4 ZenOn runtime management

If the system uses zenOn visualization software, this module can specify the startup project, set the automatic startup delay (0-100 seconds), and register as the default runtime.

4.2.5 eVC Remote Tools Connection

This module allows direct connection to the Manual Server on the PC side through TCP/IP, without the need for ActiveX. It is necessary to configure Transport as TCP/IP and Startup Server as Manual Server in the PC Platform Manager, and specify static port 5000 and the IP address of the PC. Afterwards, EPC can be remotely controlled using tools such as Remote File Viewer, Registry Editor, ZoomIn, etc.

4.2.6 Touch screen calibration

Due to the possibility of displacement of the touch screen during transportation or installation, the calibration program can be initiated through Touch Screen Calibration, which can be completed by clicking the crosshair on the screen one by one.

4.2.7 Backlight Control

The backlight automatic shutdown delay (1-100 minutes) and brightness adjustment can be set, which only takes effect on models that support software backlight control (such as EPC 1000 and above). When the screen is touched or the mouse keyboard is activated, the backlight automatically wakes up.

4.2.8 Software Keyboard (SIP)

EPC has a built-in virtual keyboard that supports automatic pop up (when the focus enters the input box) or manual mode (a draggable keyboard icon appears in the bottom left corner of the screen). In manual mode, the icon can be "thrown" to the corners for easy operation. Optional small or large keyboard layout.

Integrate server and network resource access

EPC defaults to enabling FTP, HTTP, Telnet, and RDP services for remote maintenance.

5.1 FTP Server

Use FTP protocol (ports 20/21) for file transfer. The PC can be accessed using Internet Explorer (with "Passive Mode" disabled and "Enable FTP Folder View" checked) or any FTP client. Connection address format: ftp://username: password @ IP address (default admin/admin). for example ftp://admin:admin @192.168.0.175, you can browse the root directory and perform upload/download/delete operations.

5.2 HTTP Server (Web Server)

Port 80, supports ASP, JavaScript, and VBScript. The factory built-in sample page can be accessed through http://device IP. Users can place custom web pages in the  Lauer EPC  www  wwwpub directory to achieve remote status monitoring or configuration interface.

5.3 Telnet Server

Provide command-line remote access and log in using admin/admin. Run telnet device IP on PC, enter username and password to execute CE command line commands (such as dir, copy, del, net use, etc.), suitable for scripting maintenance.

5.4 RDP (Remote Desktop)

Run cerdisp.exe on the EPC side and cerhost.exe on the PC side (located in the Storage Card2  Lauer EPC  Software  Support  Microsoft  cerhost directory of EPC). Start cerdisp on EPC, enter the IP address of the PC, and once connected, the PC can fully take over the mouse, keyboard, and screen display of EPC, which is very suitable for remote debugging.

5.5 Accessing Network Shared Resources

EPC can mount shared folders and printers in Windows networks. View shares through the command line net view   server name, and map them to net use local folder name   server name  share name. For example, net use Remote_Sir   cetkin  INTEMP, and then you can directly access it in the "Network" folder of EPC. After the printer is mapped, copying files to the folder triggers printing.

These mounting operations can be written to a batch file (. bat) and automatically executed upon startup through AutoStart Editor.

Technical parameters and engineering precautions

6.1 Environmental conditions

Working temperature: Vertical installation 0~45 ° C, horizontal installation 0~35 ° C (installation angle needs to be considered).

Storage temperature: -20~60 ° C, humidity 10~75% (no condensation).

Anti vibration: 2g (10-500Hz), anti impact 15g/11ms.

EMC complies with EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and EN 55022 (emission).

6.2 Interface Restrictions

The maximum output current of the USB interface is 100mA per port, and high-power peripherals require self powering.

The PS/2 mouse and keyboard must be plugged in and out while the power is off, otherwise the system will not recognize it.

COM1 defaults to the debugging port and needs to be configured as a standard serial port through software configuration before it can be used.

6.3 CF card compatibility

Only SanDisk branded CF cards are allowed to be used, and power must be turned off during replacement.

6.4 Password Management

The extended configuration password for EPC Manager is left blank at the factory and can be modified through the "Change" button on the configuration interface.

The system level user password (for FTP/Telnet/RDP) defaults to admin/admin and can be changed through the "Password" option in the Windows CE Control Panel. The two are independent of each other.

Common engineering scenarios and troubleshooting suggestions

Scenario 1: Unable to connect to ActiveSync during initial debugging

Check if the serial port cable is correct (cross connection is required), if the PC side is configured correctly with the ActiveSync serial port, and if the EPC side has enabled the ActiveSync Connection module. If using Ethernet, ensure that the IP is in the same network segment and Platform Manager selects TCP/IP Transport.

Scenario 2: Touch screen drift

Immediately execute Touch Screen Calibration and follow the prompts to accurately click on the center of the cross.

Scenario 3: Unable to wake up after backlight automatically turns off

Check if 'Automatically turn off backlight' is enabled. If so, touch the screen or press any key on the keyboard to wake it up. If it still doesn't work, check if the backlight brightness is set to the lowest.

Scenario 4: FTP connection failure

Confirm that the FTP service has been started (default enabled), and disable passive mode for PC IE. Third party FTP clients (such as FileZilla) can also be used and active mode can be selected.

Scenario 5: Do not enter Manager after system startup

Check if the external CF card exists, if not, the Manager will not start. You can force start by flipping the switch at the rear, or uncheck "Start Lauer EPC Manager" in the AutoStart Editor.