FXS2017

en PC Linetester Tool – Short Description

1 Overview
The PC Linetester Tool allows the following functions:

• Read-in of a loop or stub. Display line device types and the order on the line (topology).
o Device type
o ID Number
• Display of line and line device faults.
• Display of invalid topologies.
• Detection of external alarm indicator (EAI)
• Activating the internal and external alarm indicators (AI/EAI).
• Optional configuration of sounder bases.
• Reset of the D-Bus address of the line devices.
• Activating the outputs of a line device.
• Support line protocol switching for migration.
• Add additional information and/or comments.
• Load and save.
• Export of the data:
o CSV – Table,
o PDF – Document for printing or archival,
o FSM – Import to engineering tool.
• Create a problem report.
• Display of measurement values such as line current.

FXS2017 Manual 1/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

2 User Interface

• Display of the topology

o Error free entries are shown in black text.
o In case of errors red text is used.
• If the entry "A" is selected, a summary of the entire line is shown in the right panel.
• Upon selection of a line device
o the info panel on the right side shows details for this line device.
o the indicator (AI and EAI) is activated.
o in expert mode it is also possible to control the outputs of the line device.
o It is possible to select multiple devices at once by holding the CTRL-key. The AI and EAI
of all selected devices are activated.
• The status bar at the bottom shows
o Left: important messages or help texts for the menu entries.
o Center: Hints when "Tasks" are processed.
o Right: Connection state.

FXS2017 Manual 2/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

2.1 New devices

Devices added to the line outside of a topology read-in are displayed under the tab “new devices”.
This can happen for example when a short is removed on running line and the device isolator is closed,
causing devices behind the removed short to start up.
Only limited functionality is supported with new devices, and they are not localized within the topology.
The line must be read in again to add these new devices to the topology.

2.2 Preferences
The behavior of the application can be configured via the menu [File->Preferences].

• Choose a language (the default is to detect the system language).

• Behavior of the topology tree after read-in.
• Show expert functions.
• Show functions for DS11i Migration read-in.
• Behavior after creating exports.

Options marked with "*" require a restart of the application to take effect.

2.3 View
Using this menu it is possible to navigate within the topology. It is also possible to show/hide all stubs
and sounder bases.

The message display shows an additional panel with information from the application. This may give
hints on unexpected behavior of the application.

2.4 FDUL221-EL
This menu contains functions to upload and erase the topologies in FDUL221 with "EL" firmware.

FXS2017 Manual 3/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

• Upload and save all topologies in a file.

• Erase all saved topologies on the FDUL221.
• Set up a COM port (can be different from the COM port used for direct read-in)

2.5 Help
This menu contains application version info and links to web pages and also the "create problem report"
action.

3 Read-In
To start the read-in either the menu can be used or the button on the bottom left.

If the option "DS11i Migration" is enabled in the settings, additional read-in options are available. These
functions are explained under "DS11i Migration".

3.1 FDUL221
The line tester FDUL221 has to be connected to the PC. Devices of the third generation are connected
directly to an USB port. The second generation is connected via a FDUZ221 or FDUZ227. The first
generation has a RS232 port built in and may need a separate USB-serial converter for the connection
to the PCs.

In the dialog for the read-in, select the tab "FDUL221" and select the appropriate COM port. The
connected line type needs to be selected (loop or stub). The read-in starts by closing the dialog with the
"OK" button.

Recommended Firmware for the FDUL221 is version 4.2.3 or newer. This ensures that all extended
measurement functions are supported. It is independent from the language or "EL" variant of the
Firmware.

To detect earth or shield errors, it is important to connect the earth connector of the FDUL221.

Additional information regarding the line tester FDUL221 is found in the manual 008250.

3.2 FC20/FC720 Panel

It is also possible to use a panel instead of the line tester. This has the advantage that the lines do not
need to be reconnected and the electrical conditions of normal operation are provided.

FXS2017 Manual 4/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

The PC is connected to the panel by ethernet (same as with the engineering tool). In the hardware tree it
is then possible to set a line card into the "line tester" mode. This causes that the line card is reported as
"faulty" on the panel, as long as the connection to the PC is established:

1. The FC20/FC720 must be in access level 2.2 or higher

2. In the menu go to topology and there the hardware tree
3. Select the desired station and line card
4. Select «Execute commands» and there activate "Enable line diagnosis "

Select "FC20 Panel" in the dialog for the read-in. It may be needed to enter the IP address of the panel.
The connected line type has to be selected (stub or loop). Close the dialog with the "OK" button to start
the read-in.

This function is only available in FS20 systems of version 50.16 or newer.

The "line tester" mode in the panel has a timeout of 60 seconds. Without communication to the
PC Linetester Tool, the panel will resume normal operation.

Limitations: Measurements of the loop resistance are only possible in "forward" direction. In
comparison, the FDUL221 also allows a measurement in "reverse" direction, which is helpful to
localize diodes.

3.3 Topology read-in

The read-in then proceeds independently of the connection type FDUL221 or FC20. A dialog shows that
it is in progress and closes automatically when the topology is ready to be displayed.

The status bar shows when tasks are finished.

FXS2017 Manual 5/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

4 Export
The export function is located in the [File] menu. Please note that on an interrupted loop both segments
A and B have to be exported separately.

4.1 PDF
A PDF file is generated. The topology, summary including the additional information is visible.
Additionally there is a diagram of the resistance values of each line device. There is also a section for a
signature so that this document can be used as documentation for a site.

4.2 FSM
This file format can be read by the engineering tool. A transfer of the topology, ID numbers and the
additional information is possible. This allows e.g. to parameterize the site before the panel is installed.

The "Additional Info" is assigned to the hardware tree. This is NOT the text that is visible on
the display of the panel.

4.3 CSV
A text file is written that is suitable for reading by a spread sheet application.

5 Tasks
Several tasks are available which have to be started by the user. Some are only available in the expert
mode (see [File->Preferences])

5.1 Locate Devices

The indicator AI and EAI can be activated:

• all on,
• all off,
• only line devices with errors,
• only line devices that are at the end of a stub.

Note:
Device with unconfigured sounder base may report a fault. See also "Sounder base configuration".

5.2 Damper Control

All outputs of the devices commonly used for damper control are (de-)activated. These devices currently
are: FDCIO222, FDCIO224.

Available commands:

• All Off
• All On

The outputs are activated regardless of actual use. Ensure it is safe to activate all outputs
before proceeding.

5.3 Sounder Base Configuration

All point detectors with sounder base are parameterized (Output B: 970Hz steady tone maximal volume,
Output C: 970Hz steady tone medium volume). This enables the possibility to test the sounder bases.

FXS2017 Manual 6/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

This function also detects sounder bases of the first generation that are not automatically detected at the
topology read-in.

No parameters are overwritten if sounder bases were already configured by a panel. In that case the
function is only useful to detect sounder bases of the first generation.

This operation triggers the external alarm indicator.

It is possible that controls that are connected to the external alarm indicator are activated for a
short time!

5.4 Resistance Measurements

Additional measurements are acquired to determine the wire resistance between line devices with more
precision. Only useful for loops. For stubs, these additional measurements cannot be acquired.

5.5 Read Device Settings

Reads the current settings of all devices on the loop. The data will be added to the topology file with the
next save command.

5.6 EAI Detection

Starts an additional measurement on all devices to detect attached external alarm indicators. After
completion, the device tree is updated and the info panel shows EAI: present / not present on devices
supporting EAI.

5.7 Measure sounder base leakage current

Configures and activates each sounder base one by one for a few seconds with sound pressure level
“Test” while running a measurement to detect high leakage current on active sounder bases. After
completion, the device tree is updated and devices with an affected sounder base are marked with an
error. The function activates sounder bases FDSB291/DBS720 only, all other alarm devices will not be
activated.

5.8 Reverse Topology

The order of the line devices on the loop is reversed. This is similar to exchanging the loop start and end
before the read-in is done.

This function may be useful to change the order of imported topologies from the FDUL221-EL in case
the order is not as expected.

5.9 Assign Algorex ID

Annotates all FDOOT241-A5 devices with the computed Algorex ID in the “Additional Info” field. Note
that this overrides any previous additional info already present.

5.10 Expert->Line Card

5.10.1 Switch View
When connected to a FS20 line card it is possible to switch the view to another connection. The topology
is not read-in. Only useful in connection with [Start All Connections].

5.10.2 Start All Connections

All connections of a line card are started up, one after the other in the same order as a panel would do it.
This may be useful to locate errors that only appear when multiple lines of one line card are used at the
same time. The topology view only shows one connection, see [Switch View].

FXS2017 Manual 7/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

5.10.3 Stop all connections

All connections of a line card are switched off. Only useful in combination with [Start All Connections].
Stopping all connections, waiting for 15 seconds then starting all connection is similar to the operation of
a line card under normal operation.

5.11 Expert->Convert Line

The line is repeatedly read-in until all line devices have switched. Useful when lines were operating
under a legacy protocol and are now switched to FDnet.

This function may use many minutes to complete.

5.12 Expert->Reset D-Bus Addresses

The D-Bus addresses of all line devices are reset and the connection is closed.
New addresses are automatically assigned when the line is read-in again (with this application or a
panel).

5.13 Expert->Assign D-Bus Addresses

The D-Bus addresses of all line devices are set according to the order in the topology. The starting
address can be set.

Note: Some panels (e.g. Sigmasys) will assign their own addresses when reading-in a line, which may
be different from the address assigned by this function.

6 FDUL221-EL
Saved topologies from a FDUL221 with "EL" firmware can be uploaded using the [FDUL221-EL ->
Upload…] menu. All topologies are saved into one file on the PC. This file then has to be opened using
the [File -> Open...] menu. A dialog to choose a topology is displayed if multiple topologies are contained
in the file.

It is then possible to normally work with the topology (additional info, export, etc.). Saving in the standard
file format is also possible and advised to keep entered additional information.

This process with [File -> Open...] has to be repeated for all topologies in the file.

7 Create Problem Report

With the help of [Help->Create Problem Report…] it is possible to save the topology and additional
internal data to a file. This can be useful when dealing with the Helpdesk or for bug reports for this
application.

8 DS11i Migration
For the migration of DS11i-lines, two read-in functions are provided. These require FDUL221 v4.1.0 or
newer.

8.1 Mixed Line Scan

The DS11i-line is started as a FDnet line. After this, the topology is determined at run-time. Only FDnet-
capable devices are considered and displayed.

This function is used to determine whether a line is a valid FDnet topology or to identify all connected
FDnet devices.

FXS2017 Manual 8/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

Never use the standard read-in function for DS11i lines. The higher voltage can damage
DS11i devices.
"DS11i Migration: Start Mixed Line Scan" only supports FDOOT241-A5 devices.

Error recognition is limited when using “Mixed Line Scan”. There is no localization of earth
faults and leak currents cannot be detected.

8.2 Low Voltage Scan

The DS11i line is started as a FDnet line at a low voltage. The topology is determined during the line
startup. The low line voltage prevents DS11i-only devices from running. Because of this, FDnet devices
that are positioned behind a DS11i device cannot be found.

Use this function to determine whether there are still DS11i-only devices on the line. To do this, first read
the topology using the "DS11i Migration: Mixed Line Scan". Save the topology. Then, read the topology
again using the "DS11i Migration: Low Voltage Scan". If there are still DS11i-only devices on the line,
they can be localized by comparing the two topologies.

Never use the standard read-in function for DS11i lines. The higher voltage can damage
DS11i devices.

FXS2017 Manual 9/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

9 Appendix
9.1 Command Line Tool
Also provided with the installation is a command line tool tool_export.exe:

Usage: topo_export.exe [options] filename

PC Linetester Command Line Tool.

Options:
-h, --help show this help message and exit
-v, --verbose shows diagnostic messages, add more to increase

Data output options:

Select output format

--csv Set output format to CSV (delimiter separated values)

--pdf Set output format to PDF (portable document format)
--fsm Set output format to FSM (SintesoWorks format)

Example usage (in a DOS box or batch file) convert all .topo files in current folder to PDF:
tool_export.exe --pdf *.topo

9.2 FDUD292
It is possible to use the detector tester FDUD292 to read information at the location of the line device.
The position, error messages and the customer text can be read. Setting test mode and controlling the
outputs is also supported.

9.3 Tips
The following hints may help to locate line errors more quickly:

• If a loop is not detected as expected, try read-in the loop from the other end.
• Has a loop an open line error in the plus wire, it is possible to locate that error by unplugging the
loop end. The end of stub that is created that way will show the position of the error.
• Compared to the PCLinetesterTool the FDUL221 used in stand-alone mode provides additional
functions in its measurements menu:
o Loop and Earth fault resistance values are indicated,
o the line load current is measured and displayed,
o on lines having a short circuit (isolated during scan by the device(s) next to the short), the
repair of this short is recognized because periodic trials to close these open isolators are
performed
o The DS11i migration functions are not available on the FDUL221.
• Certain devices on the line, for example those next to a line fault, or those expected to be at
another position in topology, may be more easily identified by activating their indicator.
• If the detector-IDs have been recorded on the situation plan it is easy to evaluate the cabling
plan, by consulting the topology tree which includes the detector-IDs of all found devices.
• It is good practice to test extended stubs originating from loops individually before connecting
them to the loop
• Sometimes exchanging the connections for loop start and loop end followed by a new scan may
give insight into special cabling problems.

FXS2017 Manual 10/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

9.4 Known Problems

• If a loop has an open line fault in the plus conductor only, there is just a global fault message –
open line plus – but no indication of the location of this fault (see also Hints).
• On a loop having T-Taps which is not continuous because of an open line or a short circuit, it is
not possible to automatically determine which one of the open stub ends is actually not a stub,
but part of the loop. Open loops are therefore always shown as 2 stubs which may have, if given,
sub-stubs.
• "DS11i Migration mixed line scan": A long empty cable after the last device on a stub can cause
the read-in to fail.
• When the FDUL221 is connected to the computer, an earth fault on the B-wire cannot be located.
A localization of the fault can be enforced by the following steps:
o Connect the A-wire to the earth at the FDUL221. This changes the earth fault on the B-
wire to a short circuit.
o Read in the topology. The location of the fault is shown.
• Some power supplies delivered with the FDUL221 trigger on a short on the P2 line leading to a
reset of the FDUL221 and causing read-in of lines with a short to fail. A work-around for this is to
have batteries in the FDUL221 even running it mains powered.

FXS2017 Manual 11/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products
 PC Linetester Tool

9.5 Glossary
Term Description
AI (internal) Alarm Indicator of a line device. Typically a red LED.
D-Bus Address Local communication address (bus address) of a FDnet line device. It is used for
communication with the Panel. Some systems show this number at the Panel and the
FDUD29x also displays this address.
DS11i Name of the “interactive” field bus used in AlgoRex systems.
EAI External Alarm Indicator, a connector to add additional alarm indicators to a line
device.
FDnet Name of the field bus which connects the line devices and the panel.
ID-Nr. Individual identification number which each line device has. Also printed on the label
of each line device.
Isolator FDnet have the ability to switch the minus wire. This way, faults like a short circuit can
be isolated.
Line Device Peripheral device which is connected to the panel via FDnet, e.g. automatic detectors,
manual call points.
Loop A topology with FDnet line devices that are connected with two connections to a
panel.
Stub A topology with FDnet line devices that are connected with one connection to a panel.
No branches are allowed.
Subloop A T-tap that returns to the loop. This is no valid topology.
T-Tap A branch in a loop topology.
Topology A visualization of the wiring between line devices.

9.6 References

• [Link] Manuals and more

Published by © 2023 Copyright Siemens Schweiz AG

Siemens Schweiz AG Delivery and techical changes reserved.
Smart Infrastructure
Global Headquarters
Building Products
Gubelstrasse 22
CH-6301 Zug
Tel. +41 41-724 24 24
[Link]/buildingtechnologies

FXS2017 Manual 12/12 Smart Infrastructure

Building Products