The configuring of 3rd party CANopen slave units in MultiTool has been redesigned to provide a better user experience. The basic communication settings (heartbeat interval etc) have been separated from the OD view for easier access. The OD view itself has been changed to provide a better overview of what has been configured.

For more information of how the new CANopen slave configuration works, see MultiTool manual.

Sometimes a project is started with a small control unit, but later the amount of I/O in the small unit is not enough. To avoid having to make all the settings again in MultiTool, it is now possible to change the type of the control unit.

See MultiTool manual and Programming and libraries manual for more information.

Soon to be released Epec’s Azure IoT Edge capable solution provides easily configurable interaction between OT-IT systems using Epec MultiTool, with minimum effort and optimized time-to-market. Multitool version 7.0 already support the configuration of the Edge solution. Epec’s solution will enable the following functionalities, accompanied with a developers guide for using Epec’s Azure IoT Edge capable solution including documented APIs:

 - Capability to configure the interface and send data to customer’s own Azure cloud.
 - OTA (Over-The-Air) software updates to machines from Azure.
 - Remote machine parametrization from Azure.
 - Possibility to send Events and alarms to Azure cloud.
 - Device commanding from Azure cloud.
 - Edge functionality expansion with customer’s own third-party developed Azure Edge modules.

More information about Edge

A new library has been provided for the S and E series devices for easier controlling of non-safety I/O. The new library provides function blocks for:

 - Reading and calibrating joysticks
 - Reading and calibrating sensors
 - Using proportional valves

The new library is included in the latest EC44 device description.

The user interface of CAN gateway for CODESYS 3.5 devices has been completely redesigned. Additional functionality has also been added for selecting the CAN adapter and channel.

Upcoming Licensing in MultiTool Creator 8.5

Starting from version 8.5, MultiTool Creator will require a valid license. This change ensures we can continue developing MultiTool and bring you new features and capabilities in the future. For more details, please contact your local Epec Sales Representative or sales@epec.fi.

MultiTool 8.4 has been released!

Most important new features:

• Support for SC4X control unit

See full list of improvements in MultiTool Creator 8.4