Exponent software update

It has come to our attention that the Haugh Unit calculation in Exponent/Exponent Lite software (versions 6.1.15.0 and lower) has an error in the location of a bracket within the formula. This is due to how formulas are translated into computer instructions.

Incorrect: HU = 100log(h – (1.7w)^0.37 + 7.6)

Correct: HU = 100log(h – 1.7w^0.37 + 7.6)

We have made the appropriate correction for all future software versions (including Connect software) and can advise the following:
The grading of eggs may be affected. Changes will be most noticeable for those eggs that have a thin albumen (below 4mm) and coupled with a higher weight (e.g. 75g). For the majority of egg weights and albumen heights (that would have resulted in a high Haugh Unit) the egg grading will be unchanged.

An error was found in Exponent versions prior to 6.1.12.0 with the flow rate calculation of the Dough Inflation System Type 2 model. The adjustment for the larger piston diameter was not being made so the actual flow rate was higher than displayed in the T.A. Settings window.

For operators of the DR/DIS2 who have created their own projects or made copies of the sample projects, the Dough Inflation System will continue to operate in the same way as before i.e. the displayed value of 26.7 will continue to operate at the actual flow rate of 60.9 cm³/sec for compatibility with existing results.

The new sample projects and library sequences (supplied from version 6.1.12.0 onwards) correct this issue and run at the displayed flow rate i.e. 26.7 cm³/sec. Operators who have been directly using sample projects from previous Exponent versions, and wish to continue using the same flow rate as the previous versions, will need to change the flow rate value to 60.9 cm³/sec.

Windows NT has extra security features that can prevent access to files and folders on a per user basis. This can prevent Exponent from saving some user configuration parameters. One of the common indications that security permissions are a problem is an error message that states the Testlog can not be accessed or locked after a test is complete. You may also find that your Macro and Project manager settings are not accepted.

To ensure this does not inconvenience users then all the files and directories located in the TE32 "Application Data" directory specified by Windows need to have read/write privileges. This is normally something like "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\StableMicroSystems\TE32" but you can find out for sure in the About box of Exponent (Help > About menu command)

Exponent tries to create the permissions when it creates the folder but this may fail if the active users NT permissions are not sufficient. For this reason it is recommended that Exponent is run for the first time by a user with Administrator rights on NT.

Some global settings are stored in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Stable Micro Systems\TEE32 branch of the registry. If you need to allow users to change these global settings then the security settings of this branch will also need to be configured accordingly. Normally these settings are not changed very often so provided Exponent is initially configured by an NT administrator then the standard privileges should be OK for normal use. Exponent tries to create the permissions when it creates the registry entry but this may fail if the active users NT permissions are not sufficient. For this reason it is recommended that Exponent is run for the first time by a user with Administrator rights on NT.

The following items are stored in this branch of the registry: 

Com port

User List

Aux channel mappings

RS485 channel mappings

Registration details

We have tested Exponent (Tee32.exe) V4.0.6.0 on Windows Vista and it appears that the software will work with the operating system.

We did however encounter some problems with versions 4.0.5.0 and earlier as detailed below:

Firstly the UAC (User Account Control) needs to be disabled to install and initially configure the software. After this you can re-enable the UAC again although you will not be able to alter software configuration changes that are global to the system whilst this is enabled. (This is mainly settings from the File > Preferences > Global menu)

Secondly Vista does not support the Winhelp32 file format. We are in the process of updating all our help files to the .chm format and some of them are now supplied with Exponent 4.0.3.0 and later although you may find some are still in progress. These old files can however still be accessed by downloading the old winhelp32 program from Microsoft. You will need to search the Microsoft web site to find this download.

In version 4.0.6.0 all but three of the help files are .chm format. As these are minor help files provide by third parties they may never be updated to .chm. Also, Exponent is launched at the end of the setup program to ensure it has full administrator rights even when the UAC is switched on and all folders and registry keys are pre-created at that time to ensure the correct permissions can be assigned so that standard user can use the software on subsequent log-ins.
If you do experience any other problems using our software on Microsoft Windows Vista please e-mail us and we will do our best to resolve any issues as they arise.