Honeywell VCON1 handheld communicator

Honeywell VCON1 handheld communicator

Overview

Honeywell’s VCON1 Versatilis Configurator is a next-generation handheld platform designed for field technicians and instrumentation engineers who require reliable configuration, calibration, monitoring, and diagnostics of smart field devices. As part of Honeywell’s Versatilis family, the VCON1 model number identifies a comprehensive communication interface solution that bridges the gap between legacy custom-built handheld tools and modern mobile-driven configuration workflows.

The VCON1 Versatilis platform overcomes the hardware limitations, small-screen constraints, and costly upgrade cycles associated with traditional handheld communicators-9. It supports universal HART devices, Modbus instruments, Honeywell DE devices, and provides provisioning capabilities for ISA100 Wireless and WirelessHART networks—all within a single intrinsically safe, ruggedized package-9.

For maintenance teams managing diverse field instrument inventories, the VCON1 handheld communicator eliminates the need for multiple proprietary tools, reduces lifecycle costs, and delivers consistent device access across protocols and manufacturers.

Core Technical Specifications

Sources: 11†L18-L21, 11†L22-L23, 11†L29-L30, 11†L38-L40, 9†L8-L11, 9†L15-L18, 11†L42-L44, 20†L8-L9, 9†L18-L19

Protocol and Communication Standards

The VCON1 Versatilis Configurator delivers full HART protocol compliance across multiple revisions. It supports:

HART Revision 5.0 Universal Commands – Core command set for basic device operation

HART Revision 5.0 Common Practice Commands – Extended functionality for common field devices

HART Revision 6.0 – Enhanced command structure for advanced diagnostics

HART Revision 7.0 (wired) – Latest specification including improved burst mode and event notification

Modbus* – For Modbus-enabled field instruments

Honeywell DE (Digitally Enhanced) – Proprietary Honeywell communication protocol

ISA100 Wireless & WirelessHART – For provisioning and troubleshooting wireless field networks

Source: 12†L12-L13, 11†L19-L21, 10†L37-L39

The VCON1 communicator implements the HART physical layer using Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) modulation per the Bell 202 standard. Digital signaling operates at 1200 baud, using two distinct frequencies—1200 Hz for binary “1” and 2200 Hz for binary “0”—superimposed on the 4–20 mA analog current loop without affecting analog measurement integrity-. This FSK approach enables simultaneous analog and digital communication in point-to-point configurations.

Supported Connection Modes:

Point-to-Point Mode – Single transmitter connected via two-conductor 4–20 mA current loop. The primary process variable (PV) is represented by the analog loop current, while digital HART communications are modulated via FSK without “bumping” the process variable-3.

Multi-Drop Mode – Up to 16 transmitters (addresses 0–15) connected on a single two-conductor network. Analog transmission is precluded in this mode; all variable data is conveyed via FSK modulation-3.

The VCON1 platform is fully compliant with HART Communication Foundation guidelines, ensuring interoperability with HART-capable transmitters from any manufacturer-3.

Device Description File Support

Field device configuration relies on standardized description files, and the VCON1 Versatilis Configurator is designed for maximum compatibility. It supports:

Device Description (DD) – Original HART device description files

Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) – Enhanced DD files with graphical and advanced features

FDI Device Packages – Field Device Integration packages for unified configuration

Device Type Manager (DTM) – For use with FDT frame applications such as PACTware (via companion software)

The VCON1 communicator is preloaded with HART device description files, allowing users to configure any HART 5, HART 6, or wired HART 7 device using common, universal, and device-specific commands-12. DD and EDDL files, provided by individual device vendors, contain all the information host systems and handheld devices require to utilize device functions-.

The configuration application includes an intuitive DD management tool that enables straightforward addition of new DD/EDDL files into the library—eliminating the need to wait for new software releases when a new device or version is deployed-12.

Compatible Device Families (Honeywell):

SmartLine pressure transmitters

ST 3000 series pressure transmitters (DP, GP, AP, Flanged, Remote Seal, Multivariable Flow)

STT 3000 temperature transmitters

SMV800, STT850, STT650, STT750, STT700 series

UDA2182 analyzers

UDC controllers

Source: 12†L11-L12, 3†L10-L12, 2†L26-L27, 12†L8

Application and Software Features

The VCON1 Versatilis Configurator is driven by a smart application that delivers both online and offline configuration capabilities. Key features include:

Online Configuration – Real-time device connection via Bluetooth-connected modem; scan-and-connect interface for rapid device discovery

Offline Configuration & History – Create device configurations without physical device connection; download to field instruments during plant commissioning to save valuable time

Device Diagnostics – Monitor device status, read diagnostic reports, and access calibration data

Device Simulation – Test configuration parameters before deploying to active instruments

DD/FDI Package Management – Centralized management of device description files

Documentation – Self-help videos and tutorials embedded within the application

User Experience Improvements:

30% less time to complete tasks (larger display reduces navigation steps)

80% faster menu navigation

Basic device configuration completed in under 30 seconds

Safe device communication from a distance, minimizing exposure to hazardous areas

Source: 11†L54-L56, 11†L48-L50, 12†L18

Physical and Environmental Specifications

Sources: 11†L45-L47, 11†L42-L43, 18†L9-L11, 9†L13-L17, 9†L16-L17, 9†L14-L16

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

The VCON1 Versatilis Configurator meets stringent safety and regulatory requirements for global deployment:

Intrinsic Safety Certification: AEx/Ex ia [ia Ga][ia Da IIIC] IIC T4…T3 Ga – suitable for hazardous locations including explosive atmospheres-

ATEX Certification – For European hazardous area compliance

RoHS – Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive compliance

UL916 – Underwriters Laboratories certification for energy management equipment

CE Mark – Conformité Européenne for EU market access

FCC Part 15 Subpart B (Class B) – US electromagnetic compliance

R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC – Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment

SRRC – State Radio Regulatory Commission (China)

RSS – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada radio standards

Source: 9†L8-L9, 9†L10

Versatilis Modem (VCON1 Communication Interface)

The VCON1 system includes a separate modem module that handles protocol-specific physical layer communication:

Form Factor: Compact, similar to an Apple TV box

Protocol Toggle: Simple button to switch between protocols with glowing LED indicator

Power Supply: 3x AA rechargeable off-the-shelf batteries

Operating Time: 40 hours on full charge (sufficient for one week of typical field use)

Battery Kit: Two battery sets supplied with separate charger

Status Indication: RGB LED for low battery, power status, and Bluetooth communication

Bluetooth Communication: Wirelessly pairs with the tablet interface

Source: 11†L35-L40

Field Device Manager (FDM) Integration

The VCON1 Versatilis platform integrates with Honeywell’s Field Device Manager (FDM) ecosystem. FDM Express supports open industry standards and can manage both HART and Profibus devices using unmodified vendor DD/EDDL files and Device Type Managers (DTMs)-. This integration provides:

Centralized library management of EDDL and DTM files

Easy addition of new device descriptions without software version upgrades

Consistent configuration and diagnostic tasks across mixed-vendor field devices

The FDM system can access all device information directly through HART AI and AO cards without requiring additional communication hardware or software-.

Offline configuration capabilities within the VCON1 application—when used alongside FDM—allow users to complete device configurations without being connected to the actual device, then download configurations later to save significant commissioning time-12.

Industrial Applications

The VCON1 Versatilis handheld communicator is engineered for field service across heavy process industries:

Oil & Gas Refineries – Configuration and diagnostics of pressure, temperature, and flow transmitters in hazardous areas

Chemical Processing Plants – Safe instrument management in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX/Ex ia certified)

Power Generation – Calibration and monitoring of field devices in turbine control and boiler feedwater systems

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – Compliance-driven device configuration with offline audit trails

Food & Beverage Processing – Rapid instrument setup and maintenance with minimal process interruption

Pulp & Paper Mills – Reliable handheld configuration in wet, dusty environments

Water & Wastewater Treatment – Multi-vendor HART device support for pumps, valves, and analyzers

Mining & Minerals Processing – Ruggedized operation in harsh physical environments

Primary Field Tasks:

Device configuration and parameter adjustment

Calibration verification and adjustment

Device status monitoring and diagnostic retrieval

Wireless device provisioning (ISA100 Wireless / WirelessHART)

Troubleshooting field communication issues

Ordering Information and Support

Source: 8†L19-L24

Why Choose the VCON1 Versatilis Configurator?

The VCON1 handheld communicator represents Honeywell’s response to the long-standing compromises field technicians have faced: restricted hardware, small screens difficult to operate with gloves, performance issues, and expensive upgrades-9. By transitioning to a modern tablet-based platform with an intuitive smart application, the VCON1 Versatilis solution delivers:

Unified Device Management – One tool for HART, Modbus, DE, and wireless devices

Vendor-Agnostic Compatibility – Works with any manufacturer’s HART-compliant devices via DD/EDDL files

Intrinsic Safety – Certified for hazardous location use without compromising functionality

Future-Ready Platform – Open architecture supports third-party productivity and mobility applications

Cost-Effective Maintenance – Commercial off-the-shelf batteries, free DD file upgrades, and no proprietary hardware lock-in