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:
This field gives information about the registered user of PowerTalk and the applicable User Level. Functionality of PowerTalk 2 depends on your User Level and the esense system configuration. The highest level described in this manual is L3. If a setting is only available in level 3 or 4 this will be indicated by [L3] or [L4].
This field gives information about the USB connection status (left) and the WIFI connection status (right).
By pressing this button you connect your product to PowerTalk
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.
Menu: pull-down menus for different operations.
Shortcuts to the most used operations.
PowerTalk tabs: find a detailed description under “PowerTalk screens” below.
Displays your current User level.
Connection statuses, from left to right: USB Connection to your product, Internet Connection and PowerTalk Status (a green icon means PowerTalk displays information from the connected system).
Service ID and Product serial number of the connected product: these are unique numbers for each system
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
This field gives information about your system.
This field gives all hardware and software information on the controller, actuators, Drive360, hand control and battery pack.
This field gives information about the availability of new software versions.
This field gives information about the force sensors in your product.
This field gives information about the battery pack and the maximum battery capacity of the connected product.
This field gives date and time from the connected product internal clock. NOTE: the clock will automatically be synchronized if it deviates for more than 1 minute.
This field shows when the next periodic check needs to be executed.
The Activity screen gives graphical information about the activity history of the various system elements.
Example below: esense Line series patient lift
Here you find the sub tabs that are available for the connected system: click on the name to open the tab. In this example the “Drive time” activity tab is open.
The bar graphs show the activity history of the system elements. In this example the graph displays the drive time (vertical axis) per month (horizontal axis): hover over a bar for detailed information.
This field shows the total activity over the entire system lifetime. In this example the total drive time.
The Usage screen gives information about the system usage, related to the expected life-time.
Example below: esense Line series patient lift
List of usage counters that are available for the connected system.
The bar graphs show the actual usage and the usage related to the expected lifetime: hover over the bar of a counter for detailed information.
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
Categorized list of Values parameters that are available for the connected system: use the arrows to open/close categories.
This column displays the current values.
This column explains how to interpret the values: hover over the “i” icon to display the information.
This column links to detailed information about the Values parameters: click on the “book” icon to open.
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)
Categorized list of Settings parameters that are available for the connected system: use the arrows to open/close categories.
This column contains the fields in which the current settings are displayed and new settings can be entered.
This column explains the function of the parameter and gives information about default/valid settings: hover over the “i” icon to display the information. NOTE: always check if you should consult Indes before changing a setting.
This column links to detailed information about the Settings parameters: click on the “book” icon to open.
Use the “undo changes” button to undo any changes made to the settings (NOTE: this only works if the settings have not yet been written to the connected product).
Use the “write” button to write changed settings to the connected product (NOTE: the number between the brackets displays the number of changes that will be written).
Use the “save settings” button to save a custom settings profile (NOTE: first select the settings you want to save; only selected parameters will be included in the profile).
Use the “load settings” button to load a previously saved settings profile (NOTE: always click the “write” button to write the loaded settings to the connected product).
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)
Categorized list of Counters parameters that are available for the connected system: use the arrows to open/close categories.
This column displays the current status/value of the counter.
Use this column to reset counters: click on the icon to reset a counter (NOTE: always check the info column for advice before resetting a counter).
This column contains additional information on the counters, including advice on if/when the counter should be reset.
This column links to detailed information about the Counters parameters: click on the “book” icon to open.
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
This column displays the line number: a newly added event will be stored at the top of the list. The numbers are meant to be used for communication purposes.
This column displays the date and time of the event (NOTE: events are stored immediately after they happened). The date/time information provides insight into when and how often specific events occur: this can be used for analysis purposes, e.g. for troubleshooting.
This column displays the code and category for the event. From the code more detailed information can be extracted about the event. The category icons help to quickly determine if an event can be ignored or indicate (potential) issues: GREEN (normal/system notification; no action required), ORANGE (potential issue; requires attention) or RED (fault/error; requires immediate action).
This column displays the pre-defined number and name of the event.
This column contains an explanation of the event and a first advice to prevent/solve issues: over over the “i” icon to display the information.
This column links to detailed troubleshoot information: click on the “book” icon to open.
Use the “refresh” button to update the information displayed in the log (NOTE: this only works if the product is connected).
Use the “filter” button to filter on a (combination of) event(s): select the desired name(s) in the log and click on the “filter” button.
Use the dropdown menu to filter on a specific category; only log events from the selected category will be displayed.
This field displays the total number of events within the current selection.
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
Unchanged system parameter
Changed system parameter.
Invalid system parameter entered.
“Undo changes” button active: use to undo all changes just made.
“Write button” inactive due to invalid entry.
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.
Check the boxes of the settings you want to save in this list.
Use the “save” button to save the selected settings on you pc.
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.
Select the desired .ptset-file.
Use the “open” button to load the file in PowerTalk.
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.
Select the matching system type from the drop-down menu in the dialog box
