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| Illustration 1 | g00509768 |
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Cable for the Service Tool | |
The VIMS has extensive off-board capabilities. The information that is stored in the onboard memory can be downloaded. The service tool is used by the service technician to download the on board information. The service technician can choose from two locations to connect the service tool to a machine. There is a RS-232 port in the machine cab and there is a port available ground level on the bumper. If the ground level port is used, it is necessary for the service technician to turn the VIMS service keyswitch to the ON position. The VIMS service keyswitch is located next to the ground level port. The on board information may be downloaded in order to help the service technician identify problems and correct problems.
Note: The 127-9797 Cable Assembly can be modified for use with the Truck Payload Measurement System (TPMS). The modified cable can be used at the ground level port of a machine that is equipped with the VIMS. However, the service technician needs to turn the key start switch to the ON position in order to power up the electrical system.
This information can be used to create reports as a graph or in a "tabular form". The reports supply information on a variety of topics. The following topics are included: repair management, repair intervals, modification to the application of the site, operator training, evaluation of the site and evaluating productivity.
The programs that interface with the on board system and the programs that are used to analyze the data from the on board system are listed here: The Caterpillar Vital Information Management System (Vehicle Off-board Bundle), JERD2137 and Annual Subscription, JERD2138. After June 1, 1996 Information System Builder (ISB) is included. This allows the user to configure the payload information on the large wheel loaders and view/print parameter information and limits in a given configuration. Refer to the documentation for ISB for more information.
The Caterpillar Vital Information Management System (Vehicle Off-board Bundle), JERD2137 software consists of four programs:
Utilities - Allow the user to set up machines in the data base.
Communications - Allow the user to view data and download data by communicating with the on board system.
Analysis - Allow the user to view reports. The user may create reports in the form of graphs or in a tabular form from downloaded data and historical data.
Merge - Allow the user to incorporate downloaded data into historical data.
Note: Never attempt to merge more than 99 files.
Note: The service technician will be primarily interested in the programs of Communications and Analysis.
This section will only cover the off-board applications that directly relate to the specific needs of the service technician. The functions of VIMS that are associated with management are not covered. Consult the appropriate service information for specific details that concern the application of the software. The various manuals are provided with the VIMS off-board software.
Note: All documentation on the Vital Information Management System assumes that the user is familiar with the operation of Microsoft Windows 3.1 software. Service personnel that work on machines that are equipped with the VIMS need a working knowledge of the service tool (PC) and the associated off-board software.
Caterpillar does not recommend using early versions of the off-board software with Microsoft Windows '95. Use Microsoft Windows '95 only with the versions of off-board software that are listed here:
- VIMS-PC software V2.0-Up
- Caterpillar Common Services V1.3 or later
- Information System Builder (ISB) V1.1-Up
All Caterpillar software programs contain security. The security access limits the use of the program. The security for the VIMS-PC software is maintained by the Caterpillar Common Services software. Each service technician that performs maintenance on a machine that is equipped with the VIMS needs the Caterpillar dealer system administrator to assign a user ID, a password and security access. The security access determines the options and functions that may be accessed. The security access also determines the data that can be modified.
The computer hardware that is required to successfully run the VIMS-PC software is listed below:
Laptop Computer
- IBM-COMPATIBLE 166 MHz processor or better
- 1 "Gbyte" hard drive.
- CD-ROM
- 3.5 inch 1.44 "Mbyte" disk drive.
- Mouse
- Microsoft Windows '95
- RS-232 port with 16550AF UART
- An additional RS-232 port
The software that is required for the service tool is listed here:
Software
- Caterpillar Vital Information Management System (Vehicular Off-board Bundle), JERD2137
Note: Caterpillar provides a well trained Technical Support Hot Line for assistance. The Technical Support Hot Line is open Monday through Friday. The hours of operation are from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Central Standard Time (CST). Call 1-800-290-1808 within the United States and parts of Canada and 309-494-4151 from all other locations. The Technical Support Hot Line may be contacted via internet E-Mail at:
metsmining@cat.comThe off-board VIMS-PC software is included in the Vehicular Off-board Bundle (VOB). The VOB includes three off-board software packages that are listed here: Truck Payload Measurement System, the Wheel Loader Payload Management System and the VIMS-PC Software. The VIMS off-board software includes the items that are listed below:
- Dealer VOB Site License, JERD2137
- Dealer VOB Annual Subscription, JERD2138
- Customer Site License Annual Subscription, JERD2175
Note: The software packages that are listed above are the minimum purchases that are required for the dealer to run the VIMS off-board software.
Other support materials are listed here:
- Customer Site License For VOB, JERD2092. The software that is included is listed here: VIMS-PC software, ISB and CSS
- VIMS Getting Started Booklet and Quick Reference, JERD2135
- VIMS User Procedures Manual , JERD2136
- VOB Additional Diskettes and Documentation , JERD2139
- VOB Additional Getting Started Books, JERD2140
- Technical Information Manual (TIM) , SEGV2597, "VIMS Introduction"
- Technical Information Manual (TIM) , SEGV2605, "VIMS Large Hydraulic Excavators"
- Technical Information Manual (TIM) , SEGV2610, "VIMS Off Highway Trucks"
- Systems Operation, RENR2517, "Large Wheel Loader VIMS Payload Users Manual"
- Window Cling Film, SEEU6995, "Keypad Commands for VIMS Off Highway Trucks"
- Window Cling Film, SEEU7071, "Keypad Commands for VIMS Excavators"
- Window Cling Film, SEEU7027, "Keypad Commands for VIMS Large Wheel Loaders"
Connection Procedure for VIMS-PC to VIMS
Note: The information that is provided in this section is for the most recent version of VIMS-PC. This information may not match future versions of the program exactly. However, operation of the program should remain similar.
- The VIMS-PC software is automatically configured for use with the machine after connecting to the machine. This procedure assumes that the following PC settings have been previously configured.
- The parity of Windows communication port protocol is set to "NONE". Some "PC's" default to the "XON/XOFF" setting. This can cause problems with the hardware. For additional information on this function, consult the documentation that came with the PC.
- The power management routine that is used by the PC has the "COM port" turned ON. Some computers conserve power by setting the "COM port" to OFF. For additional information on this function, consult the documentation that came with the PC.
- Once the PC is configured connecting to the machine is relatively simple.
- Connect the 127-9797 Cable Assembly between the machine's download port and the serial COM port on the PC. Each machine usually has two service ports. One port will be located inside the machine cab and the other port will be located outside of the machine cab. Refer to the Operation And Maintenance Manual for the exact location.
- Turn the key start switch or the VIMS service keyswitch to the ON position if the switch is not already ON. The engine does not need to be running in order to activate the VIMS. The VIMS service keyswitch is mounted near the ground level port on some machines.
- Turn on the PC and start Windows, if necessary. Typing the command "WIN" at the C:\ prompt will start Windows for most PC's automatically.
- Double click on the "VIMS-PC Communicate" icon. The "VIMS-PC Communicate" icon is located within the "VIMS-PC group". The "VIMS-PC Communicate" program will automatically perform the actions that are listed here:
- The VIMS will select a baud rate that will allow optimum communication with VIMS-PC. The baud rate is automatically set to the fastest speed that is possible. For most applications, this speed will be 19,200 baud. The highest possible setting is 38,400 baud, only if the PC is capable of the setting.
- VIMS-PC software will check for the presence of the operating software (source). If no source software is found, an error message will be displayed. Refer to the Testing and Adjusting, "Uploading Source Software and Configuration Software" section for instructions on the uploading of the source software. The connection proceeds, if the source software is present.
- VIMS-PC software will check for the presence of an operating machine configuration. If no configuration is found, an error message is displayed. Refer to the Testing and Adjusting, "Uploading Only a Machine Configuration Software" section for instructions on the uploading of the machine configuration. The connection proceeds, if configuration software is found.
- VIMS-PC software will check the time that is reported by the on board clock. If the time differs by more than the allowable amount that is specified under the "FILE/PREFERENCES" button, the user will be prompted to correct the differences. For additional information on this function, consult the "VIMS-PC User's Manual" or consult the help program that is contained in the VIMS-PC software.
- VIMS-PC software automatically updates some "decoding files" for the onboard "channel arrangement". This information affects the downloading of "Dataloggers" and "Snapshots".
- VIMS-PC software will check the machine serial number and the equipment number. If the numbers for the machine do not exist in the "VIMS-PC Utilities database", the user is prompted by the VIMS-PC software to modify the number or the user may accept the number. Generally, this prompt appears only when a specific PC is connected to the VIMS for the first time. When the dialog box that is shown in illustration 2 is displayed the service technician may update the machine serial number and the equipment number or the service technician can press the "OK" key in order to accept the present values. A validation of the machine serial number and equipment number is performed after the service technician presses the "OK" key or the "CANCEL" key. The user is prompted to change the machine serial number and the equipment number when the numbers that have been assigned are not valid according to the software.
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Illustration 2 g00509769 Note: Older VIMS machines may have non-printable characters at the end of the machine serial number and equipment number. The non-printable characters may cause the values that are entered by the user to appear acceptable. However, these values may cause problems later. Generally, when a user is prompted to re-enter the machine serial number and the equipment number, the user may delete the previous text. The user may then re-enter the appropriate values.
- When the user has changed the machine serial number and the equipment number, the VIMS-PC software will then abort communications with the machine. When the VIMS accepts the values that have been entered by the user, the VIMS-PC software will break communication with the onboard system. Proceed to Step 2d to continue with this procedure.
- If the user has not changed the machine serial number and the equipment number, the sequence of connection for the VIMS-PC software is complete. The "Machine Status" screen will be shown if the user has selected "Display Machine Status on Connect" in the "FILE/PREFERENCE" dialog box. For more information on this option, consult the "VIMS-PC User's Manual" or the on-line help in the VIMS-PC software.
Uploading the Source Software and the Configuration Software
While the service tool is connected to the VIMS main module the category 3 alarms that are associated with invalid software will be silenced. The alarm will remain silenced until the valid software has been loaded into the main module. Once valid software has been loaded, the main module will no longer be in the limited mode.
Note: Limited Mode is explained in the Systems Operation, "Limited Mode/Application Mode (V3.0 Hardware)" section of this manual.
Service light is on.
Display text:
" S:---------- H:3.0 "
"C:---------- "
If there is a valid source or configuration software, the dashes will be replaced with the part number of loaded source or configuration software.
Diagnostics that are Associated with the Connection of the Service Tool
Diagnostic messages have been added in the main module for problems that are associated with loading of the source and configuration software. The diagnostic messages are displayed on the message center. The text that is shown in the following examples is for the source software, but the configuration software will also display the same messages.
Display Text:
"S:ERASING H:3.0" - The PC has issued the command that starts the flash program and the flash memory chip is being erased.
"S:PROGRAMMING H:3.0" - The flash memory chip has been erased and the transfer of the data (programming) has started.
Error Messages that are associated with onboard software:
"S:ERASE ERR1 H:3.0" - The flash memory chip has not been erased.
"S:PROGRAM ERR2 H:3.0" - The flash memory chip has not been programmed.
"S:FILE ERR3 H:3.0" - The source or configuration software has attempted to load into the wrong location or the incorrect type of binary file was loaded.
"S:CHKSUM EER4 H:3.0" - The source software or configuration software has failed the verification of the checksum.
"S:PC COMM EER5 H:3.0" - A failure has occurred during the xmodem transfer due to the corruption of multiple packets of data. The failure may also occur because of a time out of communication.
S:ABORT EER6 H:3.0 - The PC has aborted operations.
S:LO VOLT EER7 H:3.0 - The flash process has failed because the system voltage is below 20 volts and the flash memory chip failed to verify.
"S:INVALID EER8" - A pre-9.x configuration was loaded. A VIMS configuration was loaded into a VIDS main module. A different type of VIMS configuration (793 versus 789) was loaded into the main module.
Uploading the source software and the configuration software is a common service procedure for a machine that is equipped with the VIMS. This process is accomplished by using VIMS-PC software and the appropriate on board software. For a list of source software and configuration software that is compatible with a given machine, contact the product support of the appropriate Business Unit. The following step-by-step procedure is provided for loading these files:
- Connect the 127-9797 Cable Assembly between the data communications port of the machine and the serial communications port of the PC. Each machine usually has two service ports. The port is located in the cab of the machine. An additional port is located outside the cab.
- Turn the key start switch or the VIMS service keyswitch to the ON position if the switch is not already in the ON position. The engine does not need to be running in order to activate the VIMS. The VIMS service keyswitch is mounted near the ground level port on some machines.
- Turn on the PC and start Windows, if necessary. Typing the command WIN at the C:\ prompt will start Windows for most PC automatically.
- Double click on the "VIMS-PC Communicate" icon. The "VIMS-PC Communicate" icon is located within the "VIMS-PC group". This starts the initial connection sequence. Refer to the explanation of the connection sequence earlier in this section for more information.
- The service technician should make a copy of any existing on board software before proceeding. Refer to the Testing and Adjusting, "Copying a Machine's Configuration" for information regarding this function.
Note: Configurations can NOT be mixed and matched within a machine model in all cases. For example, a given configuration for a 793B may not be compatible with any other 793B. For a list of configuration software that is compatible with a given machine, contact the product support of the appropriate Business Unit.
- Select "CONFIGURE/Upload Source Code... " from the "VIMS-PC Communicate menu".
- Select the source software (file) to load and select "OK". Be sure that the name of the file appears in the "File:" window before selecting "OK".
- Select the Configuration software (file) to load and select "OK". Be sure that the name of the file appears in the "File:" window before selecting "OK".
- The starts the loading of the source software. The display that appears on VIMS-PC display is shown here:
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Illustration 3 g00509770 - The V3.0 main module and all cases of source software will display the messages that are shown here on the VIMS message center module:
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Illustration 4 g00509771 - The following message is then displayed.
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Illustration 5 g00509772 - The pre-V3.0 main module and all cases of source software will display the message that is shown here on the VIMS message center module:
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Illustration 6 g00509773 - The VIMS-PC software prompts the user to verify that the on board time is correct. If necessary, the user can adjust the on board time. Setting the time at this point prevents an event from entering the event list with incorrect time stamped information. VIMS-PC software uses the dialog box that is shown here for setting the time:
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Illustration 7 g00509774 - The data that is displayed can be changed by deleting the current entry and inputting the desired data. If no change is desired, do not update the fields. The information is confirmed by selecting the "check boxes" and pressing "OK".
Note: Confirm the time entries by selecting the "check boxes" that are located to the left of the fields. Change the time entries by selecting the "check boxes " that are to the left of the fields. If neither box is checked, the VIMS-PC software will not proceed with the loading of configuration software since the accuracy of the on board clock can not be confirmed.
- The loading of the configuration software will begin. The VIMS-PC software will display the dialog box that is similar to the one that is shown here:
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Illustration 8 g00509775 - The V3.0 main module and all cases of source software will display the messages that are shown here on the VIMS message center module:
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Illustration 9 g00509776 - The following message is then displayed.
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Illustration 10 g00509777 - The pre-V3.0 main module and all cases of source software will display the message that is shown here on the VIMS message center module:
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Illustration 11 g00509773 Note: If the configuration software that was chosen was not compatible with the source software that was loaded, the VIMS-PC software will display the following message: "The Upload Configuration Was Successful". However, the message center will display the following message for the V3.0 main module:
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Illustration 12 g00510503 - For the V2.0 main module, the message center will continue to display a message that can not be cleared:
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Illustration 13 g00509773 Note: In such a case, the configuration software must be loaded again with source software that is compatible.
- When the configuration software has been loaded, the user is prompted to supply a serial number and the equipment number. The following message will be displayed:
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Illustration 14 g00509769 - Update the serial number and the equipment number or press "OK" in order to accept the values. A validation of the machine serial number and equipment number is performed after the service technician presses "OK" or "Cancel". The user is prompted to change the machine serial number and the equipment number when the numbers are not valid according to the software.
Note: Older VIMS machines may have non-printable characters at the end of the machine serial number and equipment number. The non-printable characters may cause the values that are entered by the user to appear acceptable. However, these values may cause problems later. Generally, when a user is prompted to re-enter the machine serial number and the equipment number, the user may delete the previous text. The user may then re-enter the appropriate values.
- When the user has changed the machine serial number and the equipment number, the VIMS-PC software will then abort communications with the machine. Refer to the Testing and Adjusting, "Connection Procedure for VIMS-PC to VIMS" section for information regarding this function.
Uploading of the Machine Configuration Only
In some cases, it may not be necessary to change both the source software and the machine configuration. A few reasons that changing both the source software and the machine configuration are not always necessary are listed here:
- Adding a new sensor to a machine
- Modifying the configuration software for improvements to the Payload system of VIMS equipped Large Wheel Loader.
- Update the machine in order to obtain a new feature and enhancements.
- An initial upload to a machine that does not have a configuration
The following step-by-step procedure is provided in order to load only a machine configuration. The procedure to load the source software is skipped completely. If this procedure fails, perform the procedure that is listed in the Testing and Adjusting, "Uploading Source Software and a Configuration" section of this manual.
- Connect the 127-9797 Cable Assembly between the machine's download port and the serial COM port on the PC. Each machine usually has two service ports. One port will be located inside the machine cab and the other port will be located outside of the machine cab. Refer to the Operation And Maintenance Manual for the exact location.
- Turn the key start switch or the VIMS service keyswitch to the ON position if the switch is not already ON. The engine does not need to be running in order to activate the VIMS. The VIMS service keyswitch is mounted near the ground level port on some machines.
- Turn on the PC and start Windows, if necessary. Typing the command WIN at the C:\ prompt will start Windows for most PC's automatically.
- Double click on the "VIMS-PC Communicate" icon. The "VIMS-PC Communicate" icon is located within the "VIMS-PC group". The starts the initial connection sequence. Refer to the explanation of the connection sequence earlier in this section for more information.
- The service technician should make a copy of any existing onboard software before proceeding. Refer to the Testing and Adjusting, "Copying a Machine's Configuration" for information regarding this function.
Note: Configurations can NOT be mixed and matched within a machine model in all cases. For example, a given configuration for a 793B may not be compatible with any other 793B. For a list of configuration software that is compatible with a given machine, contact the product support of the appropriate Business Unit.
- Select "CONFIGURE/Upload Source Code... " from the "VIMS-PC Communicate menu".
- Select the Configuration software (file) to load and select "OK". Be sure that the name of the file appears in the "File" window before selecting "OK".
- The VIMS-PC software prompts the user to verify that the on board time is correct. If necessary, the user can adjust the on board time. Setting the time at this point prevents an event from entering the event list with incorrect time stamped information. VIMS-PC software uses the dialog box that is shown here for setting the time:
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Illustration 15 g00509774 - The data that is displayed can be changed by deleting the current entry and inputting the desired data. If no change is desired, do not update the fields. The information is confirmed by selecting the "check boxes" and pressing "OK".
Note: Confirm the time entries by selecting the "check boxes" that are located to the left of the fields. Change the time entries by selecting the "check boxes" that are to the left of the fields. If neither box is checked, the VIMS-PC software will not proceed with the loading of configuration software since the accuracy of the onboard clock can not be confirmed.
- The loading of the configuration software will begin. The VIMS-PC software will display the dialog box that is similar to the one that is shown here:
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Illustration 16 g00509775 - The V3.0 main module and all cases of source software will display the messages that are shown here on the VIMS message center module:
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Illustration 17 g00509776 - The following message will then be displayed.
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Illustration 18 g00509777 - For the V2.0 main module, the message center will continue to display a message that can not be cleared:
Note: If the configuration software that was chosen was not compatible with the source software that was loaded, the VIMS-PC software will display the following message: "The Upload Configuration Was Successful". However, the message center will display the following message for the V3.0 main module:
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Illustration 19 g00510503 Note: For the V2.0 main module, the message center will continue to display a message that can not be cleared:
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Illustration 20 g00509773 Note: In such a case, the configuration software must be loaded again with source software that is compatible.
- When the configuration software has been loaded, the user is prompted to supply a serial number and the equipment number. The following message will be displayed:
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Illustration 21 g00509769 - Update the serial number and the equipment number or press "OK" in order to accept the values. A validation of the machine serial number and equipment number is performed after the service technician presses "OK" or "Cancel". The user is prompted to change the machine serial number and the equipment number when the numbers are not valid according to the software.
Note: Older VIMS machines may have non-printable characters at the end of the machine serial number and equipment number. The non-printable characters may cause the values that are entered by the user to appear acceptable. However, these values may cause problems later. Generally, when a user is prompted to re-enter the machine serial number and the equipment number, the user may delete the previous text. The user may then re-enter the appropriate values.
- When the user has changed the machine serial number and the equipment number, the VIMS-PC software will then abort communications with the machine. Refer to the Testing and Adjusting, "Connection Procedure for VIMS-PC to VIMS" section for information regarding this function.
Copying A Machine's Configuration
Making a backup copy of a machine configuration can be helpful under the conditions that are listed here:
- The service technician is loading new on board software. This erases the current configuration.
- The service technician is obtaining a copy of the configuration for use with Information System Builder (ISB). Refer to the "ISB User Guide"for more information.
Note: Configurations can NOT be mixed and matched within a machine model in all cases. For example, a given configuration for a 793B may not be compatible with any other 793B. For a list of configuration software that is compatible with a given machine, contact the product support of the appropriate Business Unit.
Use the steps that are listed here to copy a machine's configuration:
- Connect the 127-9797 Cable Assembly between the data communications port of the machine and the serial communications port of the PC. Each machine usually has two service ports. The port is located in the cab of the machine. An additional port is located outside of the cab.
- Turn the key start switch or the VIMS service keyswitch to the ON position if the switch is not already on. The engine does not need to be running in order to activate the VIMS. The VIMS service keyswitch is mounted near the ground level port on some machines.
- Turn on the PC and start Windows, if necessary. Typing the command WIN at the C:\ prompt will start Windows for most PC's automatically.
- Double click on the "VIMS-PC Communicate" icon. The "VIMS-PC Communicate" icon is located within the "VIMS-PC group". The initial connection sequence begins. Refer to the explanation of the connection sequence earlier in this section for more information.
- Select the "Configure/Copy Configuration" option from the menu.
- The downloading of the configuration software begins. A dialog box that is similar to the dialog box that is shown here is displayed by the VIMS-PC software:
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Illustration 22 g00509778 - A prompt will appear after the file has been copied. The prompt appears in order to provide a name for the configuration and a storage location for the configuration.
Downloading Data From The Machine
Downloading data from the VIMS is the most common operation that is performed with the VIMS-PC Communicate program. This step-by-step procedure assumes that the download preferences have been set for the specific data. For more information on downloading data, see the "VIMS-PC User Manual" or the on-line "help system".
- Connect the 127-9797 Cable Assembly between the data communications port of the machine and the serial communications port of the PC. Each machine usually has two service ports. The port is located in the cab of the machine. An additional port is located outside the cab.
- Turn the key start switch or the VIMS service keyswitch to the ON position if the switch is not already on. The engine does not need to be running in order to activate the VIMS. The VIMS service keyswitch is mounted near the ground level port on some machines.
- Turn on the PC and start Windows, if necessary. Typing the command WIN at the C:\ prompt will start Windows for most PC's automatically.
- Select the "DATA/DOWNLOAD DATA" option from the menu. The dialog box that is shown here will appear. The dialog box reflects the current preference settings.
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Illustration 23 g00509779 - Select the type of download and then select "OK". The download begins and the dialog box that is shown here will be displayed:
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Illustration 24 g00509780 - "CANCEL" aborts the downloading of the current file. The downloading of the next file in the list begins. The on board data of the skipped downloads will not be reset. "CANCEL ALL" will completely terminate the download. After selecting "CANCEL ALL", no on board data will be reset.
