770, 772, 773E, 773F, 777E and 777F Off-Highway Trucks and 775F Quarry Truck VIMS Truck Payload System Caterpillar

Setup of the VIMSpc Software Prior to Connecting to a Machine

The setup functions that are listed below should be performed prior to connecting the service tool to a machine. This initial setup will minimize the time that is spent on the machine. This procedure ensures that the machine data will be downloaded and saved correctly.

Setup of the Communication Port

Illustration 1	g00642201

The "communicate port" option allows the service tool to communicate with the machine and download information from the machine to the service tool. The VIMSpc program must be configured to use the correct communication port.

Illustration 2	g00642203

The "Communication port" is configured with the following procedure:

1. Select "Communicate Port" from the "Setup" menu. This will display the "Communication Setup" dialog box.

2. Click on the arrow that is located in the "Port" drop-down menu in order to select the desired "communication port". The default port is "COM1".

3. Click on the "up/down" arrow that is located in the "Number of Retries" list box in order to change the "Number of Retries". This list box is used to designate the number of communication attempts before an error message is given. The default setting is one.

4. Click on the "OK" push button in order to accept the "Communication Setup". Click on the "Cancel" push button in order to exit the "Communication Setup" without saving the changes.

System Preferences Setup

Illustration 3	g00642205

The "System Preferences" option allows the user to setup "system preferences" of the VIMSpc software.

Illustration 4	g00642207

The "System Preferences" are configured with the following procedure:

1. Select "System Preferences" from the "Setup" menu. This will display the "System Preferences" dialog box.

2. Click on one of the "Select Machine" options.

3. Select any of the "Communication" options.

   Refer to the VIMSpc Users Procedure Manual, FEBJ0047 for additional information.

4. Click on the "Default Paths" push button in order to display the "Setup Default Paths" dialog box.

   Refer to the VIMSpc Users Procedure Manual, FEBJ0047 for additional information.

5. Click on the "Regional Settings" push button in order to display the "Regional Settings"dialog box.

   Refer to the VIMSpc Users Procedure Manual, FEBJ0047 for additional information.

"Download Data" Setup

Illustration 5	g00642209

The "Download Data" option allows the user to setup "download preferences" of the VIMSpc software.

Illustration 6	g00642213

Use the following procedure to create a "Download Data" group:

1. Select "Download..." from the "Data" menu. This will display the "Download Data" dialog box.

2. Select the items from the "Download" list that will make up the "Data Group". Then select the items that are reset after the download.

3. Click on the "Save As" push button. This will display the "Save As" dialog box.

4. Enter the name of the group in the "Group Name" text cell.

5. Click on the "Save" push button in order to save the "Group Name". The display returns to the "Download Data" dialog box. Click on the "Cancel" push button in order to exit without saving the "Group Name".

6. Click on the "Close" push button in order to return to the application window of VIMSpc.

Download Recommendations

The payload system has a certain amount of memory space that is available for storing the payload data. This data needs to be downloaded on a regular basis for sites that wish to keep records of the payload data. The frequency of the scheduled downloads is dependent on the factors that are listed below:

• The number of shifts

• The amount of loading

The VIMS begins to write over the old payload data once approximately 2400 payload cycles have been recorded.

The old data is overwritten when the payload memory reaches the maximum limit. This means that the system continues to collect the new data. However, the old data is lost in the process. The oldest data is lost and the new data is stored. This ensures that the "payload memory" will always contain data from the most recent operations.

Downloading the payload data prior to making changes to the onboard time due to daylight savings time is recommended. This should prevent erroneous payload data from being stored due to the change of the onboard time.

Communicate With a Machine

"Connect Machine"

The "Connect Machine" option of the "File" menu allows the user to establish communications with a machine.

Illustration 7	g00642327

Select the "Connect Machine" option from the "File" menu. The "Trying to Connect" message is displayed at the bottom of the "Application" window. After the VIMSpc software establishes communication with the machine, the baud rate of connection is displayed on the status bar. The connection icon that is located on the status bar will indicate the connection. The arrows have become green.

"Disconnect Machine"

The "Disconnect Machine" option of the "File" menu allows the user to abort communications with a machine.

Illustration 8	g00642980

Select the "Disconnect Machine" option from the "File" menu. After the VIMSpc software aborts communications with the machine, the connection icon that is located on the status bar will indicate that the connection has been disconnected. The arrows become red.

Install Source Software and Configuration Software

Installing source software and configuration software is a common service procedure for machines that are equipped with the Vital Information Management System. This process is accomplished by using the WinFlash program and the appropriate onboard software. WinFlash is a program that is included with the Electronic Technician Software. Contact the product support group of the appropriate Business Unit for a list of flash software that is compatible with a given machine.

Electronic Control Module (ECM) (Flash Program)

The following procedure is used in order to FLASH software into the VIMS electronic control module.

1. Procedure

   1. Connect the Data Link Cable between the Communication Adapter and the Caterpillar Electronic Technician.

   2. Connect the Data Link Cable between the Communication Adapter and the diagnostic connector of the machine.

   3. Turn the disconnect switch and the key start switch to the ON position.

   4. Use WinFlash in order to load the software.

VIMS Onboard Software Update Worksheet

This worksheet should be completed prior to flashing any new VIMS onboard software. This worksheet will help prevent the loss of stored on board data. This worksheet will also help prevent the loss of "user settings" in the configuration.

Note: The service program codes (SPC) can be used to access the information that is required to complete this worksheet. Refer to the System Operation, KENR5955, "VIMS Electronic Control Module" section for more information on the service program codes.

Illustration 9	g01052974

Illustration 10	g01052978

Note: Verify that a copy of the current VIMS onboard software is available, before the new VIMS onboard software is flashed.

Note: A print of the VIMSpc Machine Status Display screen may be used in place of item (4). This print can be used to reference important information about the setup of the machine. Perform the following procedure to make a file that will save the print.

Procedure to make a print of the screen

1. Connect VIMSpc to the machine and establish communication. Then access the "Machine Status Display" screen.

2. In order to place the print on the clipboard, press the Print Screen key.

3. Open the Windows Paintbrush, the Clipboard Viewer, the Microsoft Word or the WordPad program on the PC.

4. Use the "paste option" in the "Edit Menu" or press "Ctrl-V" in order to place the image on the "desktop".

5. Save the file by opening the "File Menu" and selecting the "Save As" option.

6. Enter a name for the file in the Save As dialog box. Using the serial number of the machine or the equipment number of machine will make the file easier to track. Select a directory for storage of the file. Click on the "Save" button in the Save As dialog box.

The file is now saved for later use and you can move the file to the same subdirectory as the "downloaded" files.

Downloading Data From The Machine

Downloading data from the VIMS system is one of the most common functions that are performed with the VIMSpc program.

Use the following procedure to download the onboard data:

1. Connect the 127-9797 Cable to the data communications port of the machine and the serial communications port of the service tool. The port is located in the cab of the machine. An additional port is located outside of the cab.

2. Turn the key start switch or the VIMS service keyswitch to the ON position. The engine does not need to be running in order to activate the VIMS.

3. Turn on the PC.
   Show/hide table

   Illustration 11	g00642209

4. Select "Download..." from the "Data" menu. The "Download" dialog box is displayed.
   Show/hide table

   Illustration 12	g00644130

5. Select the desired items from "Download" list.

   Note: Choosing "Reset After Download" permanently clears the machine's memory.

6. Click on the "Download" push button in order to start downloading. The "Download" push button is replaced by the "Cancel" push button during the download. This allows the user to cancel the download.

Merge on Download

Selecting the "Merge on Download" check box will cause the data to be automatically combined into the database. This is done immediately after the data has been successfully downloaded. The data is combined into the database simultaneously as the data is being downloaded.

The downloaded data is stored in files if the "Merge on Download" check box is not selected. These files can then be combined at a later time.

Note: Downloaded data must be combined into the database before reports can be generated from that data.

Note: Merging data can take several minutes, depending on the amount of data that was downloaded, and the speed of the computer.

Click on the "Close" push button in order to exit the "Download Data "dialog box. This returns the program to the "application" window of VIMSpc.