Kernel Main Window

Maximize the Kernel Main window to view the diagnostic messages. This enables you to see the Plant SCADA start-up procedures.

Note: The Kernel Main diagnostic window has no scroll bar. New messages are added to the bottom of the message list; as the window fills, the oldest message (at the top of the window list) scrolls out of view. Maximize the Plant SCADA Kernel and the Main windows to gain the maximum view of available messages, alternatively, you can view the same information using Syslog.dat file.

After your I/O devices are properly configured, use the Main window to check that all of your I/O devices come online correctly when Plant SCADA started. First the ports will be initialized, then the I/O Device will be brought online. If there is a problem, Plant SCADA displays a message such as "PLC not responding", "I/O Device Offline", or similar.

Some I/O devices might take two attempts to come online. If so, Plant SCADA waits (usually 30 seconds) and tries again. If your I/O device does not come online after the second attempt, check your configuration (at both ends) and the network in between.

If an element repeatedly becomes inoperative at startup, you should investigate the problem. Common factors that may cause startup errors include:

• Incorrect computer setup: usually solved by running the Computer Setup Wizard.

• Networking errors or bad hardware: cables wrongly wired or unplugged, or equipment not powered up, or inoperative or improperly configured equipment .

• Communication errors: usually a configuration mistake like wrong protocol settings, wrong port, and so on.

To enable the Kernel diagnostics window on Plant SCADA start-up:

1. In the Citect Explorer menu, select View | Configuration File. This launches Windows Notepad and loads and displays the Citect.ini file for manual editing.

2. Scroll down to the "[Debug]" category, and edit the section to include the following parameter:

   [DEBUG
   Kernel=1

3. Save and Close Notepad.

This parameter causes the Plant SCADA Kernel window diagnostics framework to appear automatically when Plant SCADA starts up. Swap to it to Plant SCADA runtime processes.

To add the Kernel menu item to the runtime Control menu:

4. In Plant SCADA Studio's Projects activity, launch the Computer Setup Wizard and select Custom mode.

5. Click Next until you reach the Security Setup - Control Menu page.

6. Check the Kernel on menu option and click Next until finished.

At runtime, you can display the Kernel window by selecting Kernel from the Control menu (top-left corner). If a Title Bar is not displayed in your runtime project, you can access the Control menu by pressing Alt + Spacebar (if the Alt-Space enabled option is ticked on the Security Setup - Keyboard page).

You should clear these options before placing the system into service to minimize the likelihood of accidental or unauthorized use of the Kernel in the delivered system.