WattPlot™ Release Delta Document

This page describes the changes from one release to the next, and allows existing users to update to the latest version at no extra cost (no reactivation needed).  Update downloads will only work for previously activated sites.  New users must use a different download.

To see what version of WattPlot you are currently running, select the About option of the Help menu.

You do not need to un-install or re-install WattPlot to get these updates (except where specifically noted).  Most updates are done by simply downloading a replacement .EXE file.

When clicking on one of the download options in the table below, many browsers will ask if you want to Open (Run) or Save (Copy) the specified EXE file.  Select "Save" or "Copy", and then direct your system to save it in the folder where the older version EXE resides (which is typically Program Files\WattPlot).  If it tells you that the file already exists, and asks if you want to overwrite it, click Yes.

[For Windows Vista environments, use the Windows XP version]

[For Windows 98 and Windows 2000 environments, use the Windows NT version.]

Do NOT attempt to RUN these programs from the web site - DOWNLOAD them first.

WattPlot Updates	Windows XP	Windows NT
Monitor WattPlot.exe Download new file, replacing old one.	For pre-4.2 versions: Update to 4.6 Special Instructions For post-4.2 versions: Download 4.6.3	Download 4.2.4
Remote WP_Remote.exe Download new file, replacing old one.	For pre-4.2 versions: Update to 4.5 Special Instructions For post-4.2 versions: Download 4.5.4	Download 4.2.0
Viewer WP_Viewer.exe	Now OBSOLETE. Download Monitor program (above) and run unlicensed for full Viewer functionality	Download 4.2.4
VBMail VBMail.exe	Download 2.0.0	n/a
Test Utility WP_Tester.exe	Download 4.6.0	Download 4.2.0
User's Guide Users_Guide.pdf	Click to read OR Right-click, Save As... to download: Version 4.4 Version 4.5	Version 4.2 Click to read OR Right-click, Save As... to download
Problem Solver helper.pck	Version 3.5.1 Right-click! (see below)	Version 3.5.1 Right-click! (see below)

For Problem Solver update, right-click link and Save Target As... your-WattPlot-folder \ helper.pck
(not helper.htm!)

WattPlot Component Release History

Monitor, Version 4.6.4 1 September 2010

Added - Improved error checking when processing data extremes.
Added - Safety check to prevent errors from invalid charge controller data.
Added - Error message when per-minute-summary file is inaccessible.
Corrected - Reporting Set definition bug.
Corrected - Inadequate handling of bad data in FnDC data log time stamp.
Corrected - New issue for export inverters due to Windows change(?).

Monitor, Version 4.6.1

Added - Clarification defining system to prevent being stuck in FirstMATE Viewer mode.
Added - Improved PC ID generation to reduce character transposition.
Corrected - Minor truncation compensation issue when reloading historical data.

Monitor, Version 4.6.0

Added - Enhance error messages to distinguish OutBack-reported errors/warnings.
Added - Disallow max. VDC plot scale being equal to nominal voltage.
Corrected - Ongoing Vista/Windows 7 installation issues.
Corrected - Advice given for certain plot scale changes.
Corrected - Minimum battery voltage in summary file should never be 0.

Monitor, Version 4.5.9

Added - Optional 5-second state hold for Automatic Action value triggers.
Added - Optional delay for sending MATE commands using Automatic Actions.
Changed - Raw Data Capture file (.OBM) moved from application path folder to Logs folder.
Corrected - Log path retention if always relying on default but changing user log in.
Corrected - Unexpected WattPlot Connection Wizard behavior if MATE COM port is not first one in list.
Corrected - Incorrect error message regarding COM port validity when specifying COM port in Connection Wizard.
Corrected - Back button error in WattPlot Connection Wizard.

User's Guide, Version 4.5 - 19 January 2010

Added - Appendix E - System-by-Minute Summary file specifications.

Monitor, Version 4.5.8

Added - New values tracked for System Summary-by-Minute CSV file.
Corrected - Monthly Summary file name when viewing newly created file.
Corrected - Default data folder now more compatible with Vista/Windows 7 standards.
Corrected - Expanded warning for anomalous DC voltages reported by FnDC.
Corrected - Check for Device ID changes rendering Automatic Actions invalid.

Monitor, Version 4.5.7

Added - Ability to select MATE triggering Automatic Action to receive MATE command (MultiMATE only).
Added - Edit System goes straight to Add dialog if no systems defined.
Added - Monthly totals in Monthly Summary graph window.
Corrected - Monthly Summary graph scale for high AH values, FnDC kWh, Max Panel vDC, CC Aux Hrs, and Battery vDC.
Corrected - Possible false analysis of AUX Off MATE command effect.
Corrected - New warning for anomalous DC voltages reported by FnDC.

Monitor, Version 4.5.5

Added - Display TCP/IP Server parameters in menu bar.
Added - MATE selection for Automatic Actions (MultiMATE only).
Added - Restart of TCP/IP connection when MATE link is forcefully rejected.
Corrected - TCP/IP PiggyBack Secure Login.
Corrected - Occasionally offered WattPlot Connection Wizard twice for same problem.

Monitor, Version 4.5.4

Added - Error handling for incompatible USB-to-serial drivers.
Added - Better restarts of TCP/IP connection when MATE link times-out.
Corrected - Monthly summary scale now based on maximum monthly kWh value.
Corrected - FnDC monthly summary now allows for negative kWh values.
Corrected - DC voltage Settings Relationship screen for systems with no FnDC.
Corrected - Error in license move process.
Corrected - Scale setting from Options menu.

Monitor, Version 4.5.3

Added - Restart of TCP/IP connection when MATE link times-out.
Corrected - Panel wattage display for values > 9,999.
Corrected - Suppression of certain automatic actions inappropriately triggered by midnight resets.
Corrected - Scale setting by right-click in historical plot.
Corrected - Better handling of bad data in configuration file.
Corrected - Object error when inverter switches to Sell mode.

Monitor, Version 4.5.0

Added - Flexible bar/line graph window for Monthly Power Summaries.
Added - Built-in TCP server support for simultaneous TCP/IP piggy-back monitoring of another system.
Added - Ability to change scales without interrupting data reception.
Added - Option to double FLEXnet DC plot height for better detail and wattage range.
Added - Shunt descriptions for labeling power summaries on FLEXnet DC plot window.
Added - Bogus data from MATE for FLEXnet DC (such as battery voltage of 0) now ignored by WattPlot.
Added - Wattages now shown when mouse is hovered over selected amperages.
Added - Check for user's preferred spreadsheet viewing application.
Added - Support for free piggy-back monitoring from unlicensed WattPlot in FirstMATE Viewer mode.
Added - New self-extracting ZIP file for installation and setup.
Added - More installation and setup conveniences.
Added - Support for 'J' series inverters for Jamaica/Barbados.
Corrected - Bug with recent release creating new monthly summary on system without Excel.
Corrected - Various issues with MultiMATE version (retaining configuration, default device IDs).
Corrected - Time selected but not scrolled to in Right-Click Jump-to-Time function.
Corrected - Identification of defined devices from historical files to use specific settings.
Corrected - Bug with recent release storing configuration for systems with no OutBack HUB.
Corrected - Loading of device mode menu for Automatic Actions with single-device systems.

User's Guide, Version 4.5 - 23 October 2009

Added - Hyperlinks within User's Guide PDF file.
Corrected - Incorrect mention of reset delay in description of Automatic Actions for Errors and Warnings.
Updated - Corresponds to program enhancements described above.

Remote, Version 4.4.11

Added - Ability to better deal with Remote File access errors.
Corrected - Stop button being disabled when processing MATE command.
Corrected - Device Wizard should be disabled when defining Remote MATE data source.

Monitor, Version 4.4.10

Added - Ability to suppress certain triggers when data reception starts.
Added - Support for SMTP port specification and SSL for new VBMail. (PRO only - requires VBMail update)
Corrected - MATE Settings window when HUB ports are skipped. (PRO only)
Corrected - Timing and effect detection when sending MATE commands to WattPlot Remote.
Corrected - Misc. adjustments to FnDC Settings in MATE Settings window. (PRO only)
Corrected - Possibility of saving device configuration with no model specified.

Monitor, Version 4.4.9

Added - Ability to remove WattPlot License for disk replacements etc.
Added - Support for multiple FLEXnet DC monitors (MultiMATE only)
Added - Ability to better detect invalid installs (not running Setup.exe).
Added - Improved handling of dealing with invalid configuration data.
Added - Better prevention against entering invalid configuration data.
Corrected - Inability of email function to deal with attachment file missing. (PRO only)
Corrected - Calculation of Temperature-Compensated voltages.
Corrected - Window state of FLEXnet DC monitor accumulated values window on restart.
Corrected - Sending log files for All Devices. (PRO only)

Remote, Version 4.4.8

Corrected - Not reloading settings correctly from configuration file.

Monitor, Version 4.4.7

Added - Removed limit (3) on number of possible MATES for one system. (MultiMATE only)
Added - New capabilities to a re-vitalized Problem Solver for the Help menu.
Corrected - Improper renaming of devices in some systems after upgrade to 4.4.
Corrected - Overflow error on some higher wattage scales.
Corrected - Auto response on AUX On/Off triggers was not functioning properly. (PRO only)
Corrected - Truncation adjustment was not being applied to historical data on restart.
Corrected - Modes not being correctly displayed when hovering hover some FX plots.
Corrected - View Power Summary sub-menus.
Corrected - Filename for emailing current month's power summary.
Corrected - Bug in opening previously viewed file from File menu other than #1.
Corrected - Issue with opening a historical file from an unrecognized system folder.

Monitor, Version 4.4.4

Added - Identification of MATE # for MultiMATE errors. (MultiMATE only)
Added - More information provided for certain error conditions.
Corrected - Accuracy of FnDC monitor plotting (at higher values), and improved default wattage scale.
Corrected - Save Email settings in correct INI file (WPConfig.ini, not solrwind.ini).
Corrected - Miscellaneous problems with MATE Data Simulator. (PRO only)

Monitor, Version 4.4.3

Corrected - Handling of 'unspecified device' for certain Auto-actions. (PRO only)
Corrected - Display of selected Log on Edit of Auto-action logging option. (PRO only)
Corrected - Error in Auto-action of sending command to a MATE. (PRO only)
Corrected - Activation failure after returning a license to a previously licensed PC.
Corrected - Problem in issuing temporary license after hardware change detected.

Monitor, Version 4.4.2

Corrected - Better handling of permission conflict when two WattPlots running.
Corrected - Error handling when dialog box incorrectly loaded during data reception.
Corrected - Error when sending a MATE command to more than two MATEs.

Monitor, Version 4.4.1

Changed - Plot scales for incoming data are now edited from the Options menu.
Added - Raw MATE data can now be captured to a separate file while still monitoring.
Added - WattPlot can now monitor multiple-MATE systems.  A new MultiMATE license is required.
Added - Reporting sets may now contain other reporting sets.
Added - Viewer program features are now in Monitor program.  WattPlot Viewer is now obsolete.
Added - Unlicensed Monitor program now runs as free Viewer program.
Added - Device and set IDs can now be specified by the user if installed with 4.4 or later.
Added - WattPlot Connection Wizard to guide users through installation.
Added - Ability to use WattPlot Device Wizard for any MATE Data Source any time.
Added - Limit of one running instance per PC, reducing permission conflicts at some sites. (Optional)
Added - Drag/Drop plot and other files on to running WattPlot for easy opens and simulations.
Added - Relaxed time-out restrictions when waiting for Remote data packets.
Added - Monitoring simulations can now be run at double-speed (2 points per device per second).
Corrected - Allow "." in first part of email address.

User's Guide, Version 4.4

Updated - Corresponds to program enhancements described above.

Monitor, Version 4.3.6

Added - Check digit for PC ID to catch licensing errors.
Corrected - Auto-actions based on Errors or Warnings not always triggered (PRO version).
Corrected - Daily kWh zeroed in monthly summary for FLEXmax if PC and MATE clocks not synched.

Monitor, Version 4.3.5

Added - Check for FLEXnet DC end-of-month reset bug in firmware.
Corrected - Re-prompting for email settings (PRO version).
Corrected - Detection of FX On/Off command effectiveness on grid-tied inverters.
Corrected - Error handling for bad address in inbound data.
Corrected - Possible error in scale setting window when displaying negative values for FX.
Corrected - Possible error in MATE settings window when editing HBX voltage settings.
Corrected - Charge mode display in snapshot of MX reporting sets.
Corrected - Inappropriate warnings on 'midnight' reset when putting FLEXmax controllers in a reporting set.
Corrected - Inappropriate warnings of 'MX not in STATUS screen' for FLEXmax controllers.
Corrected - Larger message display in Send Information by Email dialog window.
Corrected - Allow for spaces in Automatic Trigger file paths (PRO only).
Corrected - Activated AC MODE Automatic Trigger. (PRO only).
Corrected - Problem with Batt Temp & SOC triggers not appearing in logs or being re-scheduled. (PRO only).
Corrected - Possible error if Automatic Action removed after alarm has been triggered. (PRO only).
Corrected - Continued improvements to scroll bar slider placement when resizing historical plots.

Monitor, Version 4.3.3

Added - More entries in MATE settings screen for FLEXmax Aux function.
Corrected - Edit/Remove buttons should be disabled after removing an Automatic Action.

Monitor & Viewer, Version 4.3.2

Added - More Help text in MATE settings screen.
Corrected - Removed hard-coded nominal voltage of 24 for MX (from testing).
Corrected - Detection of missing model information in plot data files.
Corrected - Bad display in MATE Settings screen.
Corrected - Input validation for RTS points entry on DC Voltage Settings Relationships screen.

Monitor & Viewer, Version 4.3.0

Added - Ability to store multiple system settings and monitor any one of multiple systems.
Added - More flexible and powerful configuration file format.
Added - Communication test capability right in configuration window.
Added - New ability to edit plot scales from Viewer program.
Added - New ability to temporarily change plot scales for historical plots.
Added - New MATE settings for latest MATE firmware.
Added - Freedom from data export limitation of 30 minutes-worth of data.
Added - Ability to jump to specified time-of-day in plot.
Added - Compatibility check for inverter models.
Added - Faster resumption of plotting (display refresh improvements).
Added - Memory of last folder for opening and saving log files.
Corrected - Plotting of FlexMAX 60/80 voltages.
Corrected - Subscript out-of-range in MATE settings screen.
Corrected - Sending of AC USE command, and reset of command status message.
Corrected - Bad form sizing with Windows tiling functions.
Corrected - Enable MATE Settings screen for FLEXmax-only systems.
Corrected - Misc. bugs with plot right-click functions when plot did not fill window.

Remote, Version 4.3.0 - 29 March 2009

Added - Ability to store multiple system settings and monitor any one of multiple systems.
Added - More flexible and powerful configuration file format.
Added - Communication test capability right in configuration window.
Added - Communication status now indicated on main screen.

User's Guide, Version 4.3 - 29 March 2009

Updated - Corresponds to program enhancements described above.

Monitor & Viewer, Version 4.2.6 - 17 January 2009

Added - Additional MATE settings (AGS and FM-80) for latest firmware.
Added - AC USE command cannot be verified if no AC present.
Corrected - FLEXmax 80 voltage plotting anomalies.
Corrected - Possible FLEXnet DC anomalies on midnight carry-over.
Corrected - Saving of selected battery bank voltage.

Special Instructions: Windows XP WattPlot versions 4.2 and higher have an additional OCX file (for TCP communication), so 4.1 (and earlier) versions should be updated as a new installation (once per computer is sufficient for all components).  If you install it in the same folder as your existing copy, it should simply overwrite the software, leaving your activation and data intact.

Remote, Version 4.2.5 - 3 December 2008

Corrected - Processing of commands sent to MATE.

Special Instructions: Windows XP WattPlot versions 4.2 and higher have an additional OCX file (for TCP communication), so 4.1 (and earlier) versions should be updated as a new installation (once per computer is sufficient for all components).  If you install it in the same folder as your existing copy, it should simply overwrite the software, leaving your activation and data intact.

Monitor & Viewer, Version 4.2.5

Added - Battery Temperature included in Raw Data capture from historical plot files.
Added - Connection time-out if no data found in Remote network file path.
Corrected - Reporting sets not being processed when monitoring by network file Remote.
Corrected - Ignore outdated Remote data files (older than 5 minutes).
Corrected - Truncation compensation setting temporarily disabled at midnight.
Corrected - Rechecking of Auto-response settings after trigger condition.
Corrected - File naming issue for right-click exporting of selected historical plot data.
Corrected - Mouse-hover reporting of off-scale negative FnDC wattage.
Corrected - Display and logging of MATE command attempts (need to turn on again in Logging Setup!).

Remote, Version 4.2.4

Corrected - Autostart setting not initialized correctly.

Viewer, Version 4.2.4

Corrected - Viewer was incorrectly reporting some plot files as corrupted.

Monitor, Version 4.2.4

Added - Enhanced data simulation capabilities.
Corrected - FX Warnings logged improperly.
Corrected - Background display of device errors and warnings.
Corrected - Daily flag for FnDC Charge parameters met in Power Usage summary file.
Corrected - Data simulation issues when initiated from System Components window.

Remote and Port Tester, Version 4.2.3 - 12 September 2008

Added - Improved use of defaults and data on-file.
Corrected - Help...About object error.

Monitor, Version 4.2.2

Added - TCP/IP connectivity to MATE.
Added - Amperage truncation compensation for MX currents as well.
Added - Support for FLEXmax 60.
Added - Improved mode reporting for MX sets.
Added - Daily flag for FnDC Charge parameters met in Power Usage summary file.
Corrected - Numerous Device Wizard issues.
Corrected - Minumum SOC value stored in Power Usage summary file.
Corrected - NT Trial activation issue.
Corrected - Reduced program file size.

Remote and Port Tester, Version 4.2.0

Added - TCP/IP connectivity to MATE.
Corrected - Reduced program file size.

User's Guide, Version 4.2

Updated - Corresponds to program enhancements described above.

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Copyright © 2006-09 Andrew Welch