WattPlot™ ACKcess 6.0 Field TestA number of long-time WattPlot users and testers have expressed an interest in participating in field testing new WattPlot releases. This has worked very well for our previous major launches, so we now organize field tests for all significant updates and new product releases.
The latest software release entering field trials is the first of a new generation of tools...
WattPlot™ ACKcess 6.0 Any WattPlot users out there who experienced the leap forward from WattPlot 4 to WattPlot 5 know the huge leap forward that our software suite took after a decade of monitoring systems around the world. Well, we've done it again!
WattPlot 6 begins with an entirely new foundation for our software, based on Modbus technology and a new strategy of graphic interface. Among other things, this means less configuration - more plug-and-play, and the addition of support for other manufacturers and other modbus-compatible devices.
Our first WattPlot 6 tool is a new one, called WattPlot ACKcess. You can read all about it here.
After taking a few years of pausing development, we're finally back - now at the BETA testing phase for WattPlot ACKcess. That means that we are at the stage where the essentials of the features and user interface are well-defined and mostly implemented. (The nature of ACKcess is that we will always be expanding it with support for more manufacturers and more devices!) We anticipate a production release well before the end of 2023.
We have made a lot of progress since 2019! Most recently, we are now able to relax our specific requirements for our ACKcess field testers:
- You must have an OutBack MATE3 or MATES or AXS Port device
OR
You must have a MidNite Solar Classic charge controller.- Familiarity with earlier versions of WattPlot software is an asset.
- The ability to capture session fragments with a screen cam would be an asset.
- Patience is a must. A willingness to contribute new ideas for features is a plus.
- Preference will be given to sites that offer diverse configurations from other test sites.
- Please contact us ahead of time, letting us know what system components you have.
Instructions
Install the program from the ACKcess product page.
Watch for issues, try things out, and watch here for program updates.
Please email us at WattPlot and let us know that you are participating in this field test, and we'll let you into the inner circle of people being informed of the latest updates and progress!
Reporting Bugs or Suggestions
WattPlot ACKcess has a phenomenal amount of error handling and data capture processing built right into it. It is a an extremely sophisticated piece of software, working in a large variety of live data environments, so bugs are sometimes very hard to track down and/or reproduce.
It is therefore imperative that you give us as much information as possible when you encounter a problem. Our best testers use screen cam video software to show us exactly what happened, but not everyone will have that. It is therefore critical that you describe exactly what you were doing when the issue arose. WattPlot ACKcess will sometimes suggest data files to include in the email coming to us - probably best to go with the suggestions as a minimum!
Updates & Notes
Latest Update EXEYou do not need to un-install or re-install WattPlot ACKcess to get these updates. Most updates are done by simply downloading a replacement ACKcess.exe file.
- Click on the "Download now" button below.
- Depending on your browser, click the "Save As", "Save", or "Copy" button, and then direct your system to save it in the folder where your WattPlot EXE files reside (which is typically c:\Program Files (x86) \WattPlot).
- If it tells you that the file already exists, and asks if you want to overwrite it, click Yes.
- If you are using a MATE3, you will need to connect it to your router using a network cable.
- On the MATE3, go to Settings / System / OPTICSre and set BOTH OPTICSre and SunSpec Interface to Enabled.
The latest version of WattPlot™ ACKcess is: 6.0.8.15 (11 June 2023)
This is a replacement EXE, not an installation program.
Do NOT attempt to RUN this program from the web site.
See the numbered steps above.
Known bugs, limitations, and incomplete functions - as of 11 June, 2023:
- There is a low-level Modbus socket error that seems to be occasionally triggered by a Modbus Write action. ACKcess catches the error, but the link may have to be reset within the program. It seems to take the MATE3 about 42 seconds to recover from this. We are still tryng to determine why this happens, but no pattern has emerged.
- The Performance Graphs and Summary window is a very powerful resource, showing performance data as either graphs or numerical summaries ("9.9" - numbers view). The numerical summaries seem to still need a bit of work to show the correct values under every possible option.
- It would appear that the MATE3 firmware does not handle control of a charge controller AUX port correctly - perhaps depending on the state of the actual charge controller display screen - although this may have been fixed in 6.0.5.0.
- We are still trying to resolve FTP issues with the MATE3 SD Card. This appears to be a MATE3 firmware issue. ACKcess works great using FTP on the AXS Port SD Card.
- The TCP Server function has now been implemented but seems to have some issues.
- Some REactor response actions have not yet been implemented.
- Everything else has been implemented and is fair game for testing. NOTE that many of these functions may be carry-overs from WattPlot 5. It is awesome when these still work without any additional effort, but not surprising if they need some tweaking for the new foundation. Do let us know what miscellaneous things DO work and which DON'T.
- The User's Guide is not yet written.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.15 - 11 June 2023
Corrected - Pen-plot Auto-scaling issues.
Corrected - Command Builder error for AUX.
Corrected - Error in memory compaction of negative values.
Corrected - Negative inverter wattage from shunt value.
Corrected - Allow negative plot scale for shunt wattages.
Corrected - Allow plot autoscaling to switch zero-style to middle.
Corrected - Updating of Home Screen Alert count in real-time.
Corrected - Error handling for off-scale values with Auto-scaling.
Corrected - Messages with checkbox (e.g. time change needed) to show full message (with scroll bars).
Corrected - Disable pen-plotting when reselecting values to plot.
Corrected - Setting Master inverter when it is not an FX.
Corrected - Snapshot bar image for All Inverters referencing XR inverters.
Enhanced - Modbus SetValue does nothing if new value equals old value.
Enhanced - Removed Text Logs from View menu, added direct entries for Event and Maintenance Logs.
Enhanced - Show latest error message in Home Screen status bar.
Enhanced - Restored History functions disabled during pen-plot memory field tests.
Enhanced - Snapshot values from shunts are now displayed in brown font.
Enhanced - Display of pen-plot off-scale (maximum) values.
Added - Support for environments that can't handle high-resolution plotting.
Added - Snapshotbars for split-inverters (Radians).
Added - Synch Gateway/PC clocks option added to Program Options screen.
Added - Can now click on pen-plot to lock plot details.
Added - Legend colours to plot point details.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.14 - 28 May 2023
Corrected - Error handling for Plot Data Set definition errors.
Enhanced - Significant reduction in memory usage to free up memory for pen-plots, etc.
Enhanced - More entries for MS Classic in Device Information/Settings screen.
Enhanced - Temporarily disable History functions during pen-plot memory field tests.
Added - Support for second MS Classic Aux port on Snapshot display.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.13 - 24 May 2023
Corrected - Inverter Inverting and Selling Amps appearing as 0 in Snapshot display.
Corrected - Extra zeroes in IP Address prevents connection!
Corrected - Register definition for FX Serial number and Model.
Corrected - Scan IP Address button in Communication setup screen.
Corrected - Battery Charging Actions menu from Inverter Tools.
Enhanced - Generator Config screen to accomodate control from IC Station Relay boards.
Enhanced - Simplified Advance Settings screen.
Enhanced - Remember size and placement of Web Browser window.
Added - IC Station Relay support to Device Information/Settings screen.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.12 - 21 May 2023
Corrected - Battery flow explanation on Home Screen.
Corrected - Battery click for more information on Home Screen.
Corrected - Shunt wattage replacement for Radians.
Corrected - Home Screen Information icon click for battery when system has a battery monitor.
Enhanced - Now displays reminder if SunSpec is Disabled on MATE3.
Enhanced - Error handling when referencing Device Information and Settings window.
Enhanced - Added more help instructions to Shunt Configuration screen.
Added - Wattage display on Home Screen for External DC Device.
Added - Initial Battery Specifications to Battery Monitor Device Settings.
Added - More support for DC Generator flow on Home Screen.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.11 - 18 May 2023
Corrected - Scroll bars appearing on home screen - trying another tactic.
Corrected - Removed GENERATOR heading from Device Settings tree if not included in system.
Enhanced - Now detects if Windows environment is unable to handle high-resolution pen-plots.
Enhanced - Allow unlicensed programs full access to connectivity and Home Screen at no charge.
Enhanced - More appropriate checks for presence/absence of program license activation.
Enhanced - Use of shunt watts now indicated on Home Screen by font colour.
Enhanced - Shunt watts now shown in Home Screen Watts calculation (if applicable).
Added - Charger control to Inverter Tools function.
Added - BATTERY heading in Device Settings tree for systems with no independent battery monitor device.
Added - External DC device image on Home Screen.
Added - Clickable shunt images on Home Screen.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.10 - 04 May 2023
Corrected - Viewing Charge Controller performance data in Graph and Performance Summary window.
Corrected - Configuring Pen-plot when one of the axis data sets is absent (0).
Corrected - Pen-plots being added to Windows menu multiple times.
Corrected - Tracking of FnDC cumulative data for Historical data sets.
Corrected - Snapshot window now enabled on View menu.
Corrected - Device Data window was not being shown if it had been minimized before previous program exit.
Corrected - Switching systems from tool strip in main window.
Corrected - Errors and lingering pieces from old system when switching to new system.
Corrected - Adjusted Home Screen size to get rid of transient window scroll bars appearing.
Enhanced - Shunt configuration display in Device Information/Settings window.
Enhanced - More settings for Charge Controller MPPT and Grid-Tie Mode Settings.
Enhanced - IP Scan button in Communications Configuration window is enabled more and provides help.
Enhanced - Reduced the pixel bit size in pen-plots in attempt to avoid memory failure on older systems.
Added - Initial parts of Graphing and Performance summaries for battery monitors.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.9 - 01 May 2023
Corrected - Code for switching systems to be monitored on the fly.
Corrected - AC USE/DROP command success verification.
Corrected - Removed Left/Right Module references for FXR inverters.
Enhanced - Error tracking on Device Information/Settings window issues.
Enhanced - Code for naming multiple copies of same gateway model.
Enhanced - Code for Midnite Solar Classic device support.
Added - Charge Controller entries now included in Device Information/Settings.
Added - Some Inverter/CC Set entries for Device Information/Settings.
Added - Capability to add a new Gateway Device on the fly from Options menu.
Added - Capability to enable and disable Debug Tracing on the fly from Tools...Diagnostics menu.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.8 - 28 Apr 2023
Corrected - Object unassigned errors in the new Device Settings screen.
Corrected - FnDC shunts shown as Disabled if FnDC window was left open on program exit.
Corrected - FnDC cumulative data being updated.
Corrected - Ability for ACKcess to detect a grid connection to an inverter.
Enhanced - Device Settings menu entry moved from Options to View.
Enhanced - Device Information/Settings expanded to include dynamic information.
Enhanced - Display of battery temperature in FnDC Snapshot.
Enhanced - Information provided in error handling (various locations).
Enhanced - SOC warning colours now use battery type to set limits.
Enhanced - Screens now use WattPlot icon.
Added - Ability to detect and deal with failed/off-line OutBack device.
Added - Activity LED and empty field indicator to FnDC window.
Added - Information "i" icon for Home Screen devices now invokes Device Information/Settings window.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.7 - 24 Apr 2023
Corrected - Accumulated values in FnDC screen.
Corrected - Checking AC In status for snapshot screen in certain system configurations.
Corrected - AGS always shown as Enabled in Generator Information screen.
Corrected - Copy of Config values into Data for Tick packets.
Enhanced - Simplification of device classes (internal coding).
Added - New Device Settings tree under Options menu.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.6 - 19 Apr 2023
Corrected - Bug when restoring FnDC status window on program restart.
Corrected - Device Command Build screen for MATE3/AXS Port.
Corrected - Tools for Grid form Home Screen.
Corrected - Nominal VDC for charge controllers.
Corrected - Some Time Zones not having scale factor applied.
Corrected - Expected inverter VAC=0 flagged in red on snapshot screens. Again.
Corrected - Bad error logging in Summary Update screen.
Enhanced - System status information from "i" icon.
Enhanced - Many setting descriptions.
Enhanced - Display improvements to the Summary Update screen (now tabbed).
Added - Information screen for Generator settings.
Added - Option of having *no* device controlling generator.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.5 - 11 Apr 2023
Corrected - System Status translation (Bulk Charging) - OutBack documentation error.
Corrected - FXR inverters do not have an Aux Relay.
Corrected - Modified Home Screen layout to handle DC generators.
Corrected - Expected inverter VAC=0 flagged in red on snapshot screens.
Corrected - Reported Grid-Tie status for MATE3.
Enhanced - Better handling of unexpected code data values from gateway.
Enhanced - Snapshot window width can now be adjusted.
Enhanced - Various improvements to the Check System Settings function.
Added - Warnings when unexpected codes from device fail translation.
Added - Check for Input Mode/AGS incompatible settings for FXR/Radian.
Added - Advanced Settings button to Check System Settings screen.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.4 - 21 Mar 2023
Corrected - Explanation of inverter flow calculations.
Corrected - Device argument used in MATE3 Commands.
Corrected - Expand/Contract button in Snapshot Display when restoring window.
Corrected - Charge controller indices for All Charge Controller plot definition.
Corrected - Possibility of Generator supplying power to different place from controlling device.
Corrected - FnDC Settings menu call.
Corrected - Reversed 'irrelevant' indication in Settings screens.
Enhanced - Dropped big-button startup menu - goes straight to desired display.
Enhanced - Information screens for devices.
Enhanced - Removed delay on populating FnDC Status screen 'extra data' fields.
Enhanced - IP address Node scan now skips previously defined gateways.
Enhanced - The description of Aux Port/Relay effects.
Enhanced - Change mousepointer to Hand over Snapshot device buttons.
Enhanced - The description of bitfield values.
Added - Window menu to menu strip at top of main window.
Added - Static Information for charge controllers.
Added - Floating icon toolbar for snapshot window.
Added - Right-click on Home screen to turn animation on/off.
Added - FnDC snapshot bar.
Added - Relay control button on FnDC status window.
Added - Help button to the Settings screens.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.3 - 21 Mar 2023
Corrected - Error restoring snapshot display before communications started.
Corrected - PV Amps and single-leg split inverter values were not being plotted.
Corrected - Error loading Generator Watts and Battery Voltage in pen-plot.
Corrected - Conflict between WattPlot and MATE3 record of generator type.
Corrected - Calling plot for full system from Performance Summary graph screen.
Enhanced - Strengthened bad data error handling for plot auto-scaling.
Enhanced - "All Inverter" snapshot image now reflects mode of master inverter.
Added - Generator type setting to Generator Control screen.
Added - Default plot definition to main Pen-Plot button.
Added - Support for plotting inverter Charge/Buy watts as negative.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.2 - 21 Mar 2023
Corrected - Daily kWh in charge controller snapshot (divide by 10).
Corrected - Unsuspend comms when clicking OK to Communication parameters.
Corrected - Should not offer Comms. edit screen after unsuspending comms.
Enhanced - Home Screen History buttons now use device-default plot definitions.
Added - Ability to create multiple custom plot definitions.
Added - Default plot definitions by device type.
Added - Entry count display for Event Log.
Added - "Hide and Exit" entry to Main File menu.
Added - More plotable Charge Controller values.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.1 - 17 Mar 2023
Corrected - Completely reworked Custom Pen-Plot logic.
Enhanced - Confirmation before turning Aux Port On/Off from Snapshot bar.
Added - AutoScaling, so pen-plot can adjust scales when maximum exceeded.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.8.0 - 12 Mar 2023
Corrected - Error when Snapshot window displayed before communications have started.
Corrected - Updated the Advanced Settings Screen to the latest code standards.
Corrected - "Today's Activity Plot" now shows pen-plot.
Corrected - Stray labels appearing at the bottom of many snapshots.
Enhanced - Snapshot bars now displayed in order by device type, not port.
Enhanced - Don't force clocks to be synchronized in order to allow operation.
Enhanced - Prevent setting and Plot naming conflicts. Existing definition will have to be rebuilt!
Enhanced - Restored application licensing requirement.
Added - Alert/Event Log button to Home Screen tool bar.
Added - Option to preload recommended Pen-Plot legend.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.7.5 - 03 Mar 2023
Corrected - Wrong background image used in Charge Controller snapshot.
Corrected - Attempt to set Right Plot Scale when no data set selected for right scale.
Corrected - Error when translating operating mode when data stream not started.
Corrected - BackColor for Enumerated MATE3 settings (white for default, yellow for not).
Corrected - Do not allow IP Scan if IP Port number is not specified.
Corrected - Bypass licensing questions for field testing.
Enhanced - Summary information for devices from "i" button on Home Screen.
Enhanced - Error logging information everywhere.
Enhanced - Added Device IDs to Device Filter list for archived event logs.
Enhanced - Gateway setup has a reminder to put in an IP Port number.
Added - Option to disable synchronization of PC and Gateway clocks and time zones.
Added - Splitter bar between main display panels of Event Log window.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.7.4 - 26 Feb 2023
Corrected - Enable Archive button in event log.
Corrected - Helpful bottom line messages for changing MATE settings now appear in correct window.
Corrected - Register noted in certain write setting errors.
Corrected - FnDC shunt enabled/disabled value definitions when editing directly.
Enhanced - Suspend data stream during extensive setting changes.
Enhanced - Faster suspension of modbus connection (and fewer errors) when write setting attempt fails.
Enhanced - Event Log Export is now more compact.
Enhanced - Made warm reboot seconds configurable.
Enhanced - Error logging for Modbus setting write failures.
Added - Static information to FLEXnet DC Information window.
Added - Progress bar to warm reboot of modbus connection (which seems to take 42 seconds).
Added - Float Coordination setting to Global System Settings window.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.7.3 - 24 Feb 2023
Corrected - New MATE3 firmware stores time zone differently (x100) - can now accommodate.
Corrected - FnDC Shunt Amps display was offset by one position.
Corrected - Custom Plot Legend now remembers if each data line was flagged to be included or not.
Corrected - Save in-place changes to custom plot scales and plot line attributes.
Corrected - Update Monthly Summaries fails if system not properly defined.
Corrected - Single point values for mouse-hover over compressed plots.
Corrected - Battery temperature panel display when BTS not available.
Corrected - Possible issue with writing AGS time settings.
Enhanced - Adjusted code to allow multiple custom plot definitions in the future.
Added - Global System Settings access from the Systems Settings menu.
Added - Ability to restart suspended communications using Comms button.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.7.2 - 17 Feb 2023
Corrected - Error in reloading past charge controller data.
Corrected - USB communication defined for MATE3 should not reattempt modbus connection.
Corrected - Problem with switching Systems from main window dropdown.
Corrected - Performance Graphs window if system is not adequately defined.
Corrected - Generator Control tool if system is not adequately defined.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.7.1 - 11 Feb 2023
Corrected - Licensing bug related to version number change.
Corrected - Custom pen plot bug when opening second time without definition.
Corrected - Positioning of custom plot scroll bar and compression progress bar.
Corrected - Live custom plot sometimes fails when busy changing compression.
Added - Option to use shunt watt values instead of device reported values.
Added - Ability to open archived event log files.
ACKcess, Version 6.0.7.0 - 28 Jan 2023
Corrected - Object reference Error in older Serial communications.
Added - Serial Port scan when defining communication parameters.
Added - Firmware information to System Information inquiry results.
Added - Information buttons in Home screen for Inverters and Charge Controllers.
Added - MATE3 Web Browser access to Main View menu.
Thanks!
We can't promise you anything for helping out - except an earlier release date, however if you ask some of our previous testers, they'll tell you that people who give great feedback during these trials are often rewarded for their patience and diligence! Who are these people? Well you'll find a list of the hardest-working ones by double-clicking on the WattPlot icon in the Help...About screen. (Your small reward for reading this far!)
Thanks again! And enjoy being on the leading edge!
For More InformationIf you would like more information, please contact us.
