The user-friendly STARTER commissioning tool can be used for:

• Commissioning
• Optimization
• Diagnostics

This software can be operated as a standalone PC application, or integrated as a TIA-compatible program in SIMATIC STEP 7, or highly integrated into the SCOUT Engineering System (for SIMOTION). The basic functions and handling are the same in both cases.

In addition to the SINAMICS drives, STARTER also supports MICROMASTER 4 devices.

The project wizards can be used to create the drives within the structure of the project tree.

Beginners are supported by solution-based dialog guidance, whereby a standard graphics-based display maximizes clarity when setting the drive parameters.

First commissioning is guided by a wizard which makes all the basic settings in the drive. Therefore, getting a motor up and running is merely a question of setting a few of the drive parameters as part of the drive configuration process.

The individual settings required are made using graphics-based parameterization screens, which also precisely visualize the principle of operation of the drive.

Examples of individual settings that can be made include:

• How terminals are used
• Bus interface
• Setpoint channel (e.g., fixed setpoints)
• Closed-loop speed control (e.g., ramp-function generator, limits)
• BICO interconnections
• Diagnostics

For experts, the expert list can be used to specifically and quickly access individual parameters at any time. An individual compilation of frequently used parameters can be saved in dedicated user lists and watch tables.

In addition, the following functions are available for optimization purposes:

• Self-optimization of the controller settings (depending on drive unit)
• Setup and evaluation of trace recordings ¹⁾
  Tool function for recording 2 Г— 8 signals with
  • Measuring cursor function
  • Extensive trigger functions
  • Several Y scales
  • Sampling times in the current controller cycle clock

Diagnostics functions provide information about:

• Control/status words
• Parameter status
• Operating conditions
• Communication states

Performance features

• User-friendly: Only a small number of settings need to be made for successful first commissioning: The motor starts to rotate
• Solution-oriented dialog-based user guidance simplifies commissioning
• Self-optimization functions reduce manual effort for optimization.

System requirements

The following minimum requirements must be complied with:

• Hardware
  • PG or PC with Pentium III min. 1 GHz (recommended >1 GHz)
  • Work memory 2 GB (4 GB recommended)
  • Screen resolution 1024 Г— 768 pixels, 16-bit color depth
  • Free hard disk memory: min. 5 GB
• Software
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer V6.0 or higher
  • 64-bit operating systems:
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1
    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate SP1
    Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise SP1 (standard installation)
    Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
    Microsoft Windows Server 2016
    Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
    Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise

Supported virtualization platforms

STARTER (V5.1 SP1 and higher) can be installed in a virtual machine. For this purpose, one of the following virtualization platforms in the specified version or a newer version can be used:

• VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) 6.0
• VMware workstation 11 V12.5.2
• VMware player Pro 7.0 V12.5.2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V

You can use the following guest operating systems to install STARTER within the selected virtualization platform:

• Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate/ Enterprise (64-bit)
• Windows 10 Professional/Enterprise (64-bit)

¹⁾ Depending on drive unit. Not supported for MICROMASTER 4, SINAMICS G110, SINAMICS G120 <firmware V4.4, SINAMICS G110D and SINAMICS G120D <firmware V4.5.