P-300 Controller

Touch-screen controller with USB access

Get improved performance, energy savings, plus USB access

New P-300 controller with USB

The exclusive ESPEC P-300 controller has USB and Ethernet features to make programming and data collection easier than before. The user interface uses tabs for faster access to any screen. Standard USB and optional Web Controller/Ethernet interfaces make programming and data acquisition much simpler. In addition, improved algorithms make operation faster and smoother.

DEMO: See how easy the P-300 is

USB port for upload/download of test profiles and test data

  • Test programs can uploaded or downloaded from the P-300 via USB thumb drive.
  • Create, edit, and store programs on a PC using the included Pattern Manager Lite software.
  • Accurate, repeatable testing by uploading the same program to multiple chambers.
  • Create your own back-up archive of programs, and get additional profiles from ESPEC's library.
  • Retrieve and download test operation data via USB thumb drive. Data timeframe is selectable.
  • For integrity, viewing test data on a PC and exporting to Excel requires included Pattern Manager Lite software.

Energy-saving operation

Invisible to the end user, the P-300 uses advanced cooling control via an electronic expansion valve, saving energy and improving temperature stability. Sophisticated future-looking algorithms make temperature ramping faster and smoother. These high-end features are unique to ESPEC. Additional improvements in refrigeration and heater operation will make the next generation of ESPEC chambers the most energy efficient ever.

Additional capabilities

  • Store up to forty programs, as well as three different constant-mode set-ups.
  • Multilingual display in English, Japanese, Chinese, or Korean.
  • Alarm diagnostics and history, plus a ‘back trace’ feature for troubleshooting.
  • Three programmable timers allow the user to set reminders for maintenance or other actions.
  • Energy saving by using only one compressor when testing above -10°C (for cascade refrigeration models).
  • Optional Ethernet/browser-based Web Controller access can also be used to upload and download programs, as well as data.
  • Optional Product Temperature Control allows faster ramping to the desired conditions on the sample.
  • Computer interface options for specialized programs: RS-232/serial or GP-IB.

P-300 Specification

Specification Features
Display

Color touch-screen, 6.5 inch diagonal, 640x480 resolution
Multilingual display in English, Japanese, Chinese, or Korean

Control Method

PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative)
plus WRTC (Window Reference Trajectory Control)

Communications

Standard: USB External Memory port
Optional: RS-232, RS-485, GP-IB, Ethernet

Operating Modes
(as indicated in upper left of the display)

STOP: chamber off, programmer on
PGM: RUN runs selected test profile
CONSTANT: runs at set value continually

Program Capacity

40 programs, 99 steps per program

Programming Capabilities

Create or copy programs
Upload and download of programs via USB
Copy, edit, insert, and delete steps
Two nested loops to repeat steps 999 times
Selectable end-of-test modes
Create pause steps within programs
Soak control delays timer until setpoint is reached

Additional Functions

Alarm report lists last 1000 alarms and time occurred
Time signal relay control (with naming capability)
High/low limit alarm functions
Audible alarm with on-screen explanation
Selectable restart modes after power failure
Automatic start and stop functions
Keylock protection and configuration lock-out
Service guide and help screens
Three settable reminder alarms for PM
Running time meter is integral
RoHS directive lead-free compliant

Pattern Manager Lite Software

Allows creation, editing, and archive storage of test profiles on a PC
Test profiles may be uploaded and downloaded to P-300
Allows viewing and graphing of chamber operation data downloaded via USB
Operation data may be exported to CSV for use with Excel or other programs

sidebar info:


P-300

Current models: Most models made in USA since 2012

"N-instrumentation" family also includes P-200 (on SU/SH benchtops) and P-310 on thermal shocks. Software below is not designed for these versions.

Software Interface Notes link

Pattern Manager Lite

USB

Allows upload/download of test profiles. Downloaded data in secure format can be converted to CSV or displayed.

Pattern Manager Lite download (zip)

Chamber Connect Software

RS-232/485

Basic monitoring and datalogging app for F4/F4T/SCP-220/P-300 (cannot be used concurrently with Web Controller)

Buy from ESPEC (online store)

Labview drivers

RS-232/485

for VISA 5.0+

Labview drivers at ni.com (link)

Web Controller v2

Ethernet

Full access to P-300 via web browser. RESTful API and command forwarding for external applications.

Buy from ESPEC. Learn more here.

Chamber Connect Library

Serial/RS-232 or Ethernet

As-is source code for custom programming (Python 3)

at Github.com

P-300 Communication Options

 In a nutshell :

  • Web Controller: ESPEC’s most complete solution with Datalogging (CSV), profile creation, email alarms, Restful API. Browser-based application. API for app integration and Command pass-thru for Modbus. (Try live demo)
  • Chamber Connect Software: Simple ESPEC PC software will show status and log data while connected to the controller. Uses/requires RS-232 option (CSV). 
  • Free Chamber Connect Library: Basic code for connecting to P-300 for custom applications. Uses/requires RS-232 option. (Download at Github.com)
  • Standard USB port: Allows data downloading, also program upload/download. Must use Pattern Manager Lite software to convert to CSV/Excel.
  • Optional RS-232 or IEEE-488 ports for direct access, including via Chamber Connect Software & LabVIEW

NOTE: This guide for P-300 on chambers manufactured by ESPEC North America in the USA which includes USB port only. Chambers made in Japan have different remote access functionality.

Data Download

The P-300 supplied by ESPEC North America includes a USB port with two functions:

  • Data Download
    • Get all the stored data points from the controller or just a specific segment of time.
    • Use the Pattern Manager Lite software to view the data and export to a CSV file.
  • Program upload/download
    • Enables the user to save programs and swap between chambers.
    • Pattern Manager Lite software allows editing of the profile from a PC before uploading.

P-300 Remote Access Tips

  • The Web Controller can also be used to pass thru commands directly to the controller, essentially functioning as an Ethernet-to-serial converter.
  • ESPEC’s recommended software approach is using Python code to access the Web Controller’s API. (This is how the Web Controller was built.)
  • For LabVIEW, consider connecting to the Web Controller’s API instead of direct serial connection that requires drivers.
  • ESPEC chambers manufactured by ESPEC CORP. in Japan and sold in the USA include USB and Ethernet interfaces as standard, such as SU & SH benchtops and TSE & TSA thermal shocks. Please refer to equipment documentation for details of capability. The Ethernet interface has some functions as the Web Controller, but it is not the same.

sidebar info:

sidebar info:

Contact ESPEC North America

General requests sent from this page will be routed to the best party in our organization to help you. Please complete all fields to ensure a fast response.


Contacting ESPEC