High Country Tek HGC-2, Closed Loop Controller - Manual (Page 6)

Hydraulic Generator Controller – HGC-2
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HGC-2 set-up, monitoring, health checks and diagnostics can be accessed through the supplied GUI. This
program will operate on PC using a based Windows® XP Professional, Vista Business, Ultimate and Windows
7 operating system and is password protected to maintain module parameter integrity by only allowing
authorized users to access different levels of the controller settings.
Passwords protect the settings of the module at all times and are needed to make any changes to the
operational parameters.
The interface is designed to be simple to use and follows the familiar Windows® menu format with drop down
option screens to select the various options available at the user level allowed.
Explanation of the screens are covered in detail, later in this guide.
Once the PC has been connected to a ‘live’ HGC-2, and the GUI program started, a free communications port
will be either automatically allocated.
After communications have been established, the user will be presented with the initial information screen that
will give all the basic information needed to assess the health of the system.
Real time graphing is available here to monitor a wide range of items ( selectable from a drop down and select
list ) and for remote diagnostics, a
‘Data Log’ button will start a Windows Excel file that can be used as a
monitor for comparison to other logged charts during the system’s life or can be E-mailed to an engineering
source if there is a problem for diagnosis.
About the HGC-2 Controller:
PC Graphical User Interface (GUI) :
The HGC-2 Hydraulic Generator Controller is the latest addition to the HCT family of rugged controller
modules, designed for reliability under extreme conditions.
The highly cost effective HGC-2 is designed to control a generator driven by a hydraulic motor where speed is
controlled by a proportional solenoid valve, either directly at the motor or as part of the pump compensator.
The HGC-2 is a closed loop controller that monitors the AC line voltage from the generator output for outer
loop closure and provides the necessary current to a valve coil in order to maintain the desired generator
frequency. A single LED indicator on the top of the unit to provide an overview of the operating status
The unit has enough processing power and functionality when operating as a single control module to support
a wide range of hydraulic generator applications. As with all of the HCT modules, the HGC-2 is packaged in a
small rugged enclosure. All connectors are sealed and the module is encapsulated to withstand extreme
conditions in the harsh mobile operating environment.
The HGC-2 is designed to make the generator unit easy to configure and control. The hardware contains the
framework software where the parameters can be changed depending on the users needs via the PC
Graphical User Interface (GUI).
The GUI has been organized into various user screens that are logical and easy to understand. Terminology
has been used that is commonplace through the industry to allow easy configuration and is intended to cater
for a wide range of users with varying levels of computer familiarity.
Once configured, all the settings are stored in permanent memory within the unit, even when no power is
applied.
The HGC-2 is housed in a small, rugged housing and is fully encapsulated for maximum reliability. All I/O
connections are made through a heavy duty industry standard 8-pin male Deutsch connector.