PowerTalk use guide – getting started
PowerTalk is a pc application that enables communication with products equipped with an esense controller. Esense controllers are generally used to provide intuitive drive support to a broad range of heavy mobile care products. PowerTalk is also a service tool that gives users an overview of system settings, sensor and parameter values, product usage history, firmware versions etc.
On this page is explained what you need to know to get started with PowerTalk, like how to connect a product, how to get around the user interface and how to use the features and functions that PowerTalk provides.
Connection
Connect you product with a (mini) USB cable to your pc. Make sure your product is switched on and start PowerTalk. The following start-up screen will open:

Click the “connect” button to connect your product to PowerTalk. If connection fails, follow the steps described under Procedures>Troubleshooting.
NOTE: When connecting a product to PowerTalk for the first time, you will be prompted to fill in a new system name. The information that PowerTalk collects during a session will be stored on the local hard disk of the connected pc under this name. When a product is connected the second time the pop-up box will not show again.
Interface
Here you find an overview of the PowerTalk interface: hover over the numbers for a description of the various elements. Click here for detail information on the underlying menu items.

NOTE: When your product is connected to PowerTalk and an internet connection is available, a status report will automatically be sent to Indes.
PowerTalk screens
The information and functionality within PowerTalk is categorized in tabs: click on the tabs below for more information about the different screens.
NOTE: the screens displayed in this guide are examples; content like available parameters varies by product type and depends on User Level and Viewing Mode (see menu User > Advanced View).
The Overview screen gives a global summary of information from the connected product. NOTE: the information displayed here is not adjustable.
Example below: esense 360 Power build-in system

The Activity screen gives graphical information about the activity history of the various system elements.
Example below: esense Line series patient lift

The Usage screen gives information about the system usage, related to the expected life-time.
Example below: esense Line series patient lift

The Values screen gives information about the parameter values stored in your esense system and batterypack. This information can be used to analyse the status of the system and the battery.
Example below: esense 360 Power build-in system

In the Settings screen you find system parameters that can be adjusted. The default factory setting is the most common settings profile that suits most users, but several settings can be personalized for users with special needs or wishes. NOTE: for a more detailed explanation on how to change, save and load settings see Procedures.
Example below: esense 360 Power build-in system (Advanced View)

In the Counters screen you can view (and reset) relevant built in system and battery counters for your product.
Example below: esense Line series patient lift (Advanced View)

In the Log screen you find the log file created by the firmware of the connected product. In this log all important events that happened when using the product are stored. The log file is very useful for service repairs and solving problems of users. NOTE: the log can store approximately 1500 lines of data; when more events happen the oldest line is erased.
Example below: esense 360 Power build-in system

Procedures
Change settings *
Depending on your User Level it is possible to adjust settings for your product in PowerTalk. To do so, follow these steps:
- Make sure your product is connected to PowerTalk (LIVE icon is green)
- Go to the tab “Settings” and unfold the sub menus
- Choose which values you want to change and fill in the desired values (NOTE: the value must be within the set range)
- Click the “Write” button to write the new settings to the connected product

Save settings *
It is possible to save a set of (custom) settings for your product. To do so, follow these steps:
- Click the “Save settings” button; a dialog box will open.
- Check the boxes of settings you want to save (NOTE: make sure all the values you want to save are selected; unchecked values will not be included in the saved profile).
- Press “Save” (within the dialog box) and select a location.

Load settings *
It is possible to load a (previously saved) set of (custom) settings for your product. To do so, follow these steps:
- Click the “Load settings” button; a dialog box will open.
- Select and open the desired file (NOTE: all values changed by loading the file are highlighted green).
- Click the “Write” button (bottom left) to write the settings to the connected product.

Troubleshooting
Failing PowerTalk connection
When the PowerTalk connection to a product fails, follow these steps:
- Close PowerTalk
- Remove the USB cable from the product or pc
- Restart the product
- Reconnect the USB cable
- Restart PowerTalk
- Check if the USB and Live icons are green; if not, press the connect button (in the shortcut menu)
If the steps described above do not work, the failed connection can be related to the COM port number that is used. PowerTalk only accepts COM port numbers from 1 to 9. Follow the instructions here to change the COM port number on the PC.
NOTE: The COM port numbers will increase every time a new product is connected, so it is advised to start with number 1.
Software update
When there is a new software version available for you system PowerTalk will display an orange “!” icon in the Overview screen: click the icon to install the new software version on the system.
WARNING: it is not possible to go back to previous software versions once the installation has been started. Never disconnect your product during an update session; this will result in an unusable system. Please make sure that the internet connection is stable and your pc has enough power.
Change system type
It is possible to select the system type that you want to connect to PowerTalk (User Level 3 only):
- Go to System > Set system type; a dialog box will open.
- Select the desired system from the drop-down menu.
- Press the “Write” button.
