README
USAmp+ for Windows Version 3.2.0.6(Update)
Copyright (c) 1988-2006
Underground Systems Inc.
USAmp+ for Windows Version 3.2.0.6, build 1315 is an
authorized update to all previous versions 3.0.1 through 3.2.0
Version 3.2.06 release includes:
Updated
Aerial calculation has been corrected to properly
handle armored and unarmored cable constructions.
Updated CalCamp
calculations
The cable editor has been revised
to allow an additional 200 cable ID’s for each
category
1. Software Updates
Version 3.2.0.5 release includes:
Updated
Aerial calculation has been corrected to properly
handle armored and unarmored cable constructions.
Version 3.2.0.4 release includes:
Additions and corrections to the Aerial section of the program, the license date warning now only occurs one time on startup.
The Short Circuit section has also been updated, as well as the Help files.
The Installation procedure has been changed in version 3.2.0.4. There is now a separate procedure for installing the hardware protection key. The software required for the hardware protection key is no longer embedded in the USAmp download file.
Please download the file called "Sentinel" from the support page. No password is required for this download. Once the file has been saved to the computer hard drive, double click on "Sentinel.exe" and the driver for the hardware key will be installed.
Version 3.2.0.4 now supports a "soft" key as an alternative to the hardware protection key. USAmp will run in "production mode" if either the hardware key OR the soft key is in place.
To obtain a "soft key", run the **new** program called: "ReadSerialNum" which is found in the USAmp program file directory along with the other USAmp EXE's and data files. Click on the disk serial number button to obtain the required data. Please call or EMAIL USi with this number; a soft key file called "USAMPSN.DAT" will be sent to licensed users. Copy the "USAMPSN.DAT" file into the USAmp program file directory. Once the file has been installed, the spash screen will show the USAmp current version number and the program will operate in production mode.
Version 3.2.0.3 release includes:
A correction to the Pipe Type Cable Editor to properly handle AEIC parameters, and to corrects the SAVE File as error.
Some features of the 3.2.0.1 release include:
A new Short Circuit calculation function was added. This function can be accessed using a new button on the cable index screen, and from the Cable Editor screens where the short circuit calculator is located under the "View" menu selection. Click on View, then click on Short Circuit to bring up the calculations.
There are three choices on the Short Circuit menu. Using the menu, select either: the Shield short circiuit capability, the Conductor short circuit capability or the Armor short circuit capability. The user can set the fault time for the short circuit calculation by entering a value in the "Fault Time" box, or by using the left mouse button and clicking at the desired fault time on the X axis of the graph. The cursor will move to the selected location, new values will appear on the screen and in the fault time box.
The user can change the start temperature and the final temperature for the calculation using the Start Temp and Final Temp boxes on the lower right hand section of the graph. Values can be selected from the pull down menus, or may be typed in. These new values will cause the calculations to be run, and the results will appear on the graph.
The number of rows and columns for a duct has been expanded from 10 rows by 15 columns to 15 by 15.
The 3.1.0.4 update
included:
A "print" function was added to the cross section hidden menu. When the mouse cursor is placed over a cross section installation, when a the right mouse button is pressed a "hidden menu" appears -- a print function has been added that prints a text report of the selected installation. A graphic print of the cross section can be printed from the main menu by selecting "Print Cross Section Graphic".
Sorting on the index menus has been improved. Now an index -- cross section, installation and reports -- can be sorted on the Date column. The FileName column has been widened to make extended file names easier to read.
A label has been added to the main cross section form to identify the "Cross Section Description" text.
The 3.1.0.2 and 3.1.0.3 updates
included:
There is a new user interface for the Aerial cable ampacity functions. The new screen formats are more closely aligned with the USAmp underground rating program. The calculation screen now includes the print preview function. Overhead cable configurations are more intuitive and the program preselects allowed configuration items.
Note: Please read the revised and expanded Help files for Aerial Installations (press F1 when you are using the Aerial Input screen).
More improvements have been made to the cable editor.
The cable editor now allows for unshielded type cables
to be defined. You may select "shielded" or "unshielded"
for single conductor cables. EPR cables exceeding the AEIC maximum rated
voltage of 69KV may now be entered. Typical (non-AEIC)
Insulation thickness values are supplied for EPR and
XLP insulated cable rated above 69KV.
A cable report print error has been corrected.
The 3.0.2.5 update
included:
Revision 3.0.2.5 corrects a calculation error in the previous version which may affect the ampacity of closely spaced single conductor cables with continuous metallic sheaths or shields. Losses due to eddy currents were neglected due to an error in version 3.0.2.4. This error could be significant for low resistance copper or aluminum sheaths and it is recommended that calculations for this type of cable be repeated. The calculation of sheath circulating current losses was not affected. Calculations for cables with wire or ribbon shields were not affected. Versions previous to 3.0.2.4 did not have this error.
Revision 3.0.2.5 corrects a calculation error in previous versions for installations with one duct or one directly buried cable. This error affects the calculation of the earth thermal resistance when the backfill or concrete thermal resistivity differs from that of the native earth. The numerical error usually is not great. This error did not affect the calculation for the case of more than one duct or directly buried cable or for the case where the native earth and the backfill resistivities are equal.
Other improvements include: new code for handling exception conditions such as: no printer assigned and write protected files. Many diagnositic and corrective messages have been added to assist the user. The interface now supports screen resizing.
Revision 3.0.2.5 adds a Print Preview function that incorporates the Microsoft NotePad text viewer for all reports. The user can now view the textual output before committing to print. Notepad also permits the user to annote the report, and to save the report file to a new filename.
A MakeNew function was added to help the define a new set of empty data directories when handling multiple projects.
The cable editor(s) now permits viewing and operating on both design and details cable data parameters. Non pipe type cables can be defined for design voltages less than 1kV.
Version 3.0.2.5 prints a graphical view of the cross section.
A User Manual is available for this revision.
The 3.0.2.3 to 3.0.2.4
update included:
Corrections to the selection of the Tan delta (normal and emergency) parameters for Paper Insulated AEIC cables.
Corrections to the selection of skin and proximity parameters for Paper Insulated AEIC cables and for Pipe Type cables.
The upper kV limit for Paper (PILC) type cables has been extended to 69kV from 46kV.
The user can now run calculations for specific installations without creating a new cross section file, and without saving a new cross section file.The program will create a report file in the REPORTS directory. Note that the input data must be retreived from the Installation file index.
The tool bar menu has been refined --
when a calculation is requested from the menu,the program no longer asks (again) about computing
details, only when starting the calculation from the command button.
The 3.0.2.2 to
3.0.2.3 update included:
·
The cable file
index "Cable Description" was expanded to
include the full text description of the cable. Previously only the first 40
characters were displayed.The REINDEX function must be used the first time this version is run to
"unscramble" the cable file index screen.All
previous data is preserved with no modifications.
·
Reorganized the
file menus.Now the file menu selection shows:
"Select Printer", which allows the user to pick any local or network
printer for output.
·
A new Select
Font feature was added to allow the user to select
their preferred printer font.Note that better results
are produced with the mono space fonts -- Courier New and Lucida Console.
·
A setup file
called Ampair.ini was added to better manage the
aerial cable selections.
·
Additions and
improvements were made to the Help subsystem.
The 3.0.2.1 to
3.0.2.2 update included:
·
Added up-to-date
release names, copy right notices, and dates in the
about box.
·
The BIL
calculation procedure for was added.
·
Improvements
were made to process of assigning cable ID's and a
diagnostic was added to trap and in some cases correct errors in the cable
files.
·
The pipe cable
editor and "other" cable editor now both have the same save and save
as procedures.
·
The cable editor
now handles the "#" sign ahead of a wire size correctly.
·
Added titles and
copy right notices to printed reports.
·
The insulation
calculation procedure for HPGF cables was corrected.
The 3.0.2 to 3.0.2.1 update included:
·
A software bug
was corrected that improperly created the new CableID
in version 3.0.2. Version 3.0.2.1 now creates correct Cable ID's.
·
Nine support
files were added to the installation for use with the cable editor.These
files contain defaults dimensions for AEIC cable designs.The
cable editor now tests data from the cable editor against AEIC defaults,when the user chooses:
AEIC, AEIC3, or AEIC5 for the insulation wall parameter.
The 3.0.1 to 3.0.2 update included:
·
The Pipe Cable
Editor can save new cable IDs
·
A REINDEX feature
has been added to the Cable Index.This
rewrites the cable index each time a new ID is added or an ID has been deleted.The reindex can be
initialed from the Cable Index form.
·
Version 3.0.2 was validated for Windows 95 operation.
·
The program
prompts the user for a cross section file name before running teh calculation and the user can now abort the calculation.
Authorized users can now download updates to
USAmp+ for Windows from our Support web site.
The URL is:
http://www.usi-power.com/support.html
The latest update file is called:
USAmp3022.EXE and is password protected.The use can
download the file to their hard drive,as a self
extracting ZIP file.When the user clicks on the file name,the self extractor program will request the password
to be typed in.After typing a valid password,the USAmp+ for Windows
installation program will run.
The previous version of USAmp+
for Windows must be removed before installing the update.Run the installation the first time and choose
"REMOVE".Then run the installation a second
time and choose "COMPLETE.."For users
upgrading from USAMPLUS for DOS, that version does not need to be removed.
Any data files that have
been modified will be preserved when the previous Windows version is
removed and the new installation completed.
The USi Technical Support staff is ready to help you with problems that you encounter when installing or using USAmp+ for Windows. The Support staff will do its best to help you succeed. When contacting Technical Support, please be ready to provide the following information:
--your
name
--company name
--telephone and Fax numbers
--email address
--product name and version
--platform (Win 95, NT, etc)
Also, please be prepared to describe the specific question or problem you are having, and the steps required to reproduce a problem (if applicable).
If you have a problem with unusual output or run-time errors we suggest the following: Re-run the data set and request "Calculation Details" when prompted. E-mail the resulting output text file (*.PRN) contained in the Reports sub-directory to: ternst@usi-power.com together with a brief description of what cable and installation you are attempting to model.
To request technical support, you can contact us as follows:
1) North American technical support staff:
(914) 273-8727 (Monday - Friday from
2) Tony Ernst at USi: (631) 344-2054
(Monday-Friday
3) Web Site: http:\\www.usi-power.com - click
on Info/Email
_____________________________________________________
Copyright (c) 1988-2003
Underground Systems Inc