Honeywell VCON2 Handheld Communicator

Honeywell VCON2 Handheld Communicator

Product Overview

The VCON2 Versatilis Configurator from Honeywell is a next-generation handheld communication platform engineered for field technicians and instrumentation engineers. Unlike traditional handheld communicators that force users to accept restricted hardware, small screens difficult to operate with gloves, and costly proprietary upgrades, the VCON2 platform delivers a modern, tablet-based architecture with an intuitive smart application-8.

The VCON2-2-00-1-00-0-0000 is the Zone 2/Class 1 Div 2 certified communication interface variant, designed for hazardous area deployment. This specific model includes the modem module, battery charger, transmitter connector cable, hanging strap, and two sets of rechargeable batteries—explicitly excluding the tablet to allow users to pair with their preferred intrinsically safe Android device-1. This modular approach reduces total cost by up to 60% compared to full handheld units-12.

The Versatilis platform supports configuration, calibration, monitoring, and diagnostics of universal HART devices, Modbus instruments, Honeywell DE equipment, as well as provisioning and troubleshooting of ISA100 Wireless and WirelessHART networks-8. By separating the intrinsically safe modem from the user interface tablet, the VCON2 communication interface enables safe device operation from a distance while maintaining full functionality in hazardous locations-8.

Technical Specifications

Sources: 6†L9-L15, 7†L22-L31, 7†L35-L40, 7†L43-L47, 7†L49-L50, 8†L29-L34, 9†L23-L25, 13†L8, 13†L11-L12, 15†L29-L30

Field Communication Protocols

The VCON2 Versatilis Configurator delivers comprehensive protocol compliance:

HART Revision 5.0 Universal Commands – Core command set for essential device operations

HART Revision 5.0 Common Practice Commands – Extended functionality for field instrumenHART Revision 6.0 – Enhanced command architecture with advanced diagnostics

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

Honeywell DE (Digitally Enhanced) – Proprietary Honeywell protocol for legacy device support

ISA100 Wireless & WirelessHART – Provisioning and troubleshooting for wireless field networks

The VCON2-2-00-1-00-0-0000 model implements the HART physical layer using Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) modulation at 1200 baud, with 1200 Hz representing binary “1” and 2200 Hz for binary “0,” superimposed on the 4–20 mA analog current loop. This approach enables simultaneous analog and digital communication in point-to-point configurations without affecting process variable integrity.

Supported Connection Modes:

Point-to-Point Mode – Single transmitter on a two-conductor 4–20 mA loop; primary PV represented by analog current while HART digital communications ride via FSK

Multi-Drop Mode – Up to 16 transmitters (addresses 0–15) on a single network; analog transmission precluded, all data conveyed via FSK modulation

Sources: 7†L18-L21, 7†L25-L27

Device Description File Compatibility

The VCON2 platform supports multiple industry-standard device description formats:

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

Device Type Manager (DTM) – For FDT frame applications (via companion software)

The Versatilis Configurator comes preloaded with HART device description files for immediate operation. The intuitive DD management tool allows technicians to add new DD/EDDL files to the library without waiting for software releases—eliminating upgrade costs and delays when new device versions are deployed-8.

Compatible Honeywell Device Families:

SmartLine pressure and temperature transmitters

ST 3000 series pressure transmitters

STT 3000 series temperature transmitters

UDA2182 analyzers

UDC controllers

ISA100 Wireless field devices

Application Software Features

The VCON2 Versatilis Configurator is driven by a smart mobile application (Versatilis Connect) delivering both online and offline configuration capabilities:

Online Configuration – Real-time device connection via Bluetooth; Scan & Connect interface for rapid modem discovery-12

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

Device Diagnostics – Monitor device status, read diagnostic reports, 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

Wireless Device Provisioning – Supports ISA100 & WirelessHART device provisioning via “AndroidProvDev” app (supplied with WDM R321 onwards)-8

Efficiency Improvements:

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

80% faster menu navigation through intuitive touch interface

Basic device configuration completed in under 30 seconds

Safe device communication from a distance, minimizing hazardous area exposure

A single tool replaces multiple protocol-specific handhelds

Sources: 7†L48-L50, 7†L54-L56, 8†L41-L50, 7†L32-L33

Hazardous Area Compliance

The VCON2-2-00-1-00-0-0000 Versatilis Configurator is specifically certified for Zone 2 and Class 1 Division 2 hazardous locations. This certification makes it suitable for deployment in potentially explosive atmospheres common to oil refineries, chemical processing plants, and other heavy industrial environments.

The intrinsically safe design separates the communication modem from the user interface tablet, allowing technicians to keep the tablet in a safe area while the VCON2 modem connects directly to field devices in hazardous zones. This approach enables full configuration and diagnostic capabilities without requiring technicians to enter hazardous areas with non-certified electronics.

Certifications attained:

CSA (Canadian Standards Association) – Intrinsically Safe, Class I, Div. 2 Groups A, B, C, D

FM (Factory Mutual) – Approval for hazardous locations

ATEX – European hazardous area compliance

IECEx – International Electrotechnical Commission certification

UKCA – United Kingdom Conformity Assessed marking

Sources: 6†L9-L15, 13†L11-L12, 9†L13-L14

Physical Specifications

Sources: 7†L35-L36, 7†L43-L47, 9†L34-L38, 7†L22-L24

Industrial Applications

The VCON2 Versatilis Configurator is engineered for field service across critical process industries requiring hazardous area certification:

Oil & Gas Refineries – Configuration and diagnostics of pressure, temperature, and flow transmitters in Zone 2/Class 1 Div 2 areas

Chemical Processing Plants – Safe instrument management in potentially explosive atmospheres with ATEX/IECEx certification

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

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – Compliance-driven device configuration with offline capabilities

Food & Beverage Processing – Rapid instrument setup 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, analyzers

Mining & Minerals Processing – Ruggedized operation in harsh field conditions

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 with a single tool

Ordering Information