105U User Manual PDF
105U User Manual PDF
105U User Manual PDF
ELPRO Technologies Pty Ltd, 9/12 Billabong Street, Stafford Q 4053, Australia.
Tel: +61 7 33528600 Fax: +61 7 33528677 Email: sales@elprotech.com
Web: www.elprotech.com
905U Wireless I/O Module User Manual
105S Serial I/O Module
Thank you for your selection of the 905U / 105S module for your I/O needs. We trust it will give you
many years of valuable service.
ATTENTION!
Incorrect termination of supply wires may
cause internal damage and will void warranty.
To ensure this product enjoys a long life,
double check ALL your connections with
the user’s manual
before turning the power on.
Caution! For continued protection against risk of fire, replace the module fuse F1 only with
the same type and rating.
CAUTION:
To comply with FCC RF Exposure requirements in section 1.1310 of the FCC Rules, antennas used
with this device must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 33 cm from all persons
to satisfy RF exposure compliance.
DO NOT:
• operate the transmitter when someone is within 33 cm of the antenna
• operate the transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and any open connectors are properly
terminated.
• operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere
All equipment must be properly grounded for safe operations. All equipment should be serviced only
by a qualified technician.
Notices: Safety
Exposure to RF energy is an important safety consideration. The FCC has adopted a safety standard for
human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment as a
result of its actions in Docket 93-62 and OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01.
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Important Notice
ELPRO products are designed to be used in industrial environments, by experienced industrial
engineering personnel with adequate knowledge of safety design considerations.
ELPRO radio products are used on unprotected license-free radio bands with radio noise and
interference. The products are designed to operate in the presence of noise and interference, however
in an extreme case, radio noise and interference could cause product operation delays or operation
failure. Like all industrial electronic products, ELPRO products can fail in a variety of modes due to
misuse, age, or malfunction. We recommend that users and designers design systems using design
techniques intended to prevent personal injury or damage during product operation, and provide
failure tolerant systems to prevent personal injury or damage in the event of product failure. Designers
must warn users of the equipment or systems if adequate protection against failure has not been
included in the system design. Designers must include this Important Notice in operating procedures
and system manuals.
These products should not be used in non-industrial applications, or life-support systems, without
consulting ELPRO Technologies first.
1. For 905U modules, a radio licence is not required in many countries, provided the module is
installed using the antenna and equipment configuration complying with the country’s
regulations.. Check with your local distributor for further information on regulations.
2. For 905U modules, operation is authorised by the radio frequency regulatory authority in your
country on a non-protection basis. Although all care is taken in the design of these units, there
is no responsibility taken for sources of external interference. The 905U intelligent
communications protocol aims to correct communication errors due to interference and to
retransmit the required output conditions regularly. However some delay in the operation of
outputs may occur during periods of interference. Systems should be designed to be tolerant of
these delays.
3. To avoid the risk of electrocution, the antenna, antenna cable, serial cables and all terminals of
the 905U/105S module should be electrically protected. To provide maximum surge and
lightning protection, the module should be connected to a suitable earth and the antenna,
antenna cable, serial cables and the module should be installed as recommended in the
Installation Guide.
4. To avoid accidents during maintenance or adjustment of remotely controlled equipment, all
equipment should be first disconnected from the 905U/105S module during these adjustments.
Equipment should carry clear markings to indicate remote or automatic operation. E.g. "This
equipment is remotely controlled and may start without warning. Isolate at the switchboard
before attempting adjustments."
5. The 905U/105S module is not suitable for use in explosive environments without additional
protection. These modules are approved for use in Class 1 Division 2 areas in North America.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 8
1.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER TWO INSTALLATION ................................................................................................ 11
2.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2 ANTENNA INSTALLATION (905U & 105U UNITS ONLY) ............................................................ 11
2.2.1 Dipole and Collinear antennas. ........................................................................................... 13
2.2.2 Yagi antennas. ..................................................................................................................... 13
2.3 POWER SUPPLY ........................................................................................................................ 15
2.3.1 AC Supply ........................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.2 DC Supply ........................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.3 Solar Supply ........................................................................................................................ 16
2.3.4 Multiple Modules ................................................................................................................ 17
2.3.5 24V Regulated Supply ........................................................................................................ 18
2.4 INPUT / OUTPUT ....................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.1 Digital Inputs (905-1, 905-2 and 905-4) ............................................................................. 18
2.4.2 Digital Outputs (905-1) ....................................................................................................... 18
2.4.3 Digital Outputs (905-2, 905-3 and 905-4) .......................................................................... 19
2.4.4 Analog Inputs (905-1 and 905-2) ........................................................................................ 19
2.4.5 Analog Outputs (905-1 and 905-3) ..................................................................................... 21
2.4.6 Pulse Input (905-1) ............................................................................................................ 23
2.4.7 Pulse Inputs (905-2 and 905-4) .......................................................................................... 23
2.4.8 Pulse Output (905-1) ........................................................................................................... 24
2.4.9 Pulse Output (905-3 and 905-4) .......................................................................................... 24
COUNT+ ........................................................................................................................................ 24
2.4.10 RS232 Serial Port ............................................................................................................ 25
2.4.11 RS485 Serial Port ............................................................................................................ 25
2.4.12 Connecting 105S Modules to 905U Modules ................................................................. 26
CHAPTER THREE OPERATION .................................................................................................. 27
3.1 POWER-UP AND NORMAL OPERATION ...................................................................................... 27
3.1.1 Communications ................................................................................................................. 27
3.1.2 Change of state conditions .................................................................................................. 29
3.1.3 Analog Set-points................................................................................................................ 32
3.1.4 Start-up Poll ........................................................................................................................ 32
3.1.5 Communications Failure (CF) ............................................................................................ 32
3.1.6 Resetting Outputs ................................................................................................................ 33
3.2 SYSTEM DESIGN TIPS ............................................................................................................... 33
3.2.1 System Dynamics ................................................................................................................ 33
3.2.2 Radio Channel Capacity ..................................................................................................... 33
3.2.3 Radio Path Reliability ......................................................................................................... 34
3.2.4 Design for Failures .............................................................................................................. 34
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Radio
Serial
Digital 4 4 4 to 16
Inputs (DI)
Comments PI is DI 1. PO is PI’s are the same PO’s are the same PI/ PO’s are the
separate to DO. as DI’s. as DO’s . same as DI/ DO’s.
Note regarding -4 modules. The 905U/105S-4 has a total of 20 digital I/O. Four are fixed inputs
(also PI’s) and four are fixed outputs (also PO’s). The other 12 are selectable individually as DI or
DO. The I/O range can vary from 16DI + 4DO to 4DI + 16DO or any combination in between.
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Input signals connected to a module are transmitted to another module and appear as output signals.
These input signals may also be configured to appear as “inverted” signals on the output. A
transmission occurs whenever a "change-of-state" occurs on an input signal. A "change-of-state" of a
digital or digital internal input is a change from "off" to "on" or vice-versa. A "change-of-state" for an
analog input, internal analog input or pulse input rate is a change in value of the signal of 3%
(configurable from 0.8 to 75 %).
In addition to change-of-state messages, update messages are automatically transmitted on a regular
basis. The time period may be configured by the user for each input. This update ensures the integrity
of the system.
Pulse inputs are accumulated as a pulse count and the accumulated pulse count is transmitted regularly
according to the configured update time.
The I/O modules transmit the input/output data as a data frame using radio or serial RS485 as the
communications medium. The data frame includes the "address" of the transmitting module and the
receiving module, so that each transmitted message is acted on only by the correct receiving unit. Each
transmitted message also includes error checking to ensure that no corruption of the data frame has
occurred due to noise or interference. The module with the correct receiving "address" will
acknowledge the message with a return transmission. If the original module does not receive a correct
acknowledgement to a transmission, it will retry up to five times before setting the communications fail
status of that path. In critical paths, this status can be reflected on an output on the module for alert
purposes. The module will continue to try to establish communications and retry, if required, each time
an update or change-of-state occurs.
A system may be a complex network or a simple pair of modules. An easy-to-use configuration
procedure allows the user to specify any output destination for each input.
The maximum number of modules in one system is 95 modules communicating by radio. Each of
these modules may have up to 31 other modules connected by RS485 twisted pair. Modules may
communicate by radio only, by RS485 only or by both RS485 and radio. Any input signal at any
module may be configured to appear at any output on any module in the entire system.
Systems with a 905U-C or 905U-G module and host device can have more than 95 radio modules.
Modules can be used as repeaters to re-transmit messages on to the destination module. Repeaters can
repeat messages on the radio channel, or from the radio channel to the serial channel (and serial to
radio). Up to five repeater addresses may be configured for each input-to-output link.
The units may be configured by using a PC connected to the RS232 port. The default configuration
and software configuration is defined in Section 4 Configuration.
Note: In this manual, reference to the 905U Wireless I/O units also relates to the 105U
Wireless I/O units.
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the antenna is a larger obstruction than a group of trees further away from the antenna. The 905U
modules provide a test feature which displays the radio signal strength.
Line-of-sight paths are only necessary to obtain the maximum range. Obstructions will reduce the
range however, but may not prevent a reliable path. A larger amount of obstruction can be tolerated for
shorter distances. For very short distances, it is possible to mount the antennas inside buildings. An
obstructed path requires testing to determine if the path will be reliable - refer the section 6 of this
manual.
Longer distances can be achieved using the licensed 105U units, because they use a lower frequency
and licensed conditions generally allow a higher RF power to be used.
Where it is not possible to achieve reliable communications between two modules, then a third module
may be used to receive the message and re-transmit it. This module is referred to as a repeater. This
module may also have input/output (I/O) signals connected to it and form part of the I/O network -
refer to Chapter 4 Configuration of this manual.
An antenna should be connected to the module via 50 ohm coaxial cable (eg RG58, RG213 or Cellfoil)
terminated with a male SMA coaxial connector. The higher the antenna is mounted, the greater the
transmission range will be, however as the length of coaxial cable increases so do cable losses. For
use on unlicensed frequency channels, there are several types of antennas suitable for use. It is
important antenna are chosen carefully to avoid contravening the maximum power limit on the
unlicensed channel - if in doubt refer to an authorised service provider.
The net gain of an antenna/cable configuration is the gain of the antenna (in dBi) less the loss in the
coaxial cable (in dB).
The maximum net gain of the antenna/cable configuration permitted for 905U is
Country Max. gain (dB)
USA / Canada 6
Australia / New Zealand 0
The gains and losses of typical antennas for 905U are
Standard Antennas Gain (dB) Elpro Part Nos.
Dipole with integral 15’ cable 0 CFD890EL
5dBi Collinear (3dBd) 5 SG900EL
8dBi Collinear (6dBd) 8 SG900-6
6 element Yagi 10 YU6/900
9 element Yagi 12 YU9/900
16 element Yagi 15 YU16/900
Cable type Loss (dB per 30 ft / 10 m)
RG58 -5
RG213 -2.5
Cellfoil -3
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The Yagi gain also acts on the receiver, so adding Yagi antennas at both ends of a link provides a
double improvement.
Yagi antennas are directional. That is, they have positive gain to the front of the antenna, but negative
gain in other directions. Hence Yagi antennas should be installed with the central beam horizontal and
must be pointed exactly in the direction of transmission to benefit from the gain of the antenna. The
Yagi antennas may be installed with the elements in a vertical plane (vertically polarised) or in a
horizontal plane (horizontally polarised). For a two station installation, with both modules using Yagi
antennas, horizontal polarisation is recommended. If there are more than two stations transmitting to a
common station, then the Yagi antennas should have vertical polarisation, and the common (or
“central” station should have a collinear (non-directional) antenna.
Note that Yagi antennas normally o
Protected
90 area -
have a drain hole on the folded approx 45 deg angle
element - the drain hole should be to vertical
Antenna installed
with drain holes
down
905U
Optional Battery
Fuse 2A
2.3.2 DC Supply
For DC supplies, the positive lead is connected to "SUP1" and the negative to "GND". The positive
side of the supply must not be connected to earth. The DC supply may be a floating supply or
Power +
SUP1 BAT+
Supply
DC Out _ SUP2 GND
GND - +
15 – 30 VDC SOL 905U
>17V if battery
is used Optional Battery
Fuse 2A
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negatively grounded.
The module may also be powered from an external 11.5 - 15 VDC battery supply without the need for a
"normal" supply connected to "SUP1". This external battery supply is connected to "BAT+" and
"GND" terminals. The positive lead of the external supply should be protected by a 2A fuse.
+ Power
SUP1 BAT+
Supply
SUP2 GND _ DC Out
GND
SOL 905U
11.5 – 15 VDC
Fuse 2A
Upon failure of the normal supply, the module may continue to operate for several hours from a backup
battery. The module includes battery charging circuits for charging up to a 12 AHr sealed lead acid
battery. The battery is connected to the "BAT+" (positive) and "GND" (negative) terminals. The
positive lead from the battery should be protected with a 2A fuse, installed as near to the battery
terminal as possible. On return of main supply, the unit will switch back to mains operation, and
recharge the battery. To provide adequate current to recharge the backup battery, an AC supply of 15V
minimum or a DC supply of 17V minimum must be used. Typically, a 6 AHr battery will supply the
905U for 1 - 3 days, depending on I/O loads.
For example, assume there is a 905U-1 module and a 105S-1 module at the same location. The total
I/O at the location is 3 analog inputs, 6 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs. The total load will be :-
So both modules could be powered from one power supply and one battery, provided the external
supply voltage is more than 15VAC or 17VDC.
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Voltage-free
contact input DI 1
V+
Transistor + DI 4
input _ COM V-
905U
DC +
DO 1 Load Max 30VDC
_ 2A
AC
DO 2 Max 50VAC
Load
905U 5A
DO 1
DC +
DO 2
Load
Max 30VDC
0.5A
905U COM _
Digital outputs may be configured to individually turn off if no command message is received to that
output for a certain period. This feature provides an intelligent watch dog for each output, so that a
communications failure at a transmitting site causes the output to revert to a known state. See Chapter
4 Configuration for further details.
The output circuit is connected to the appropriate pair of "DO" terminals. Each digital output circuit
includes a LED indicator which is lit when the digital output is active.
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The positive terminal ("AI 1+" or "AI 2+", etc) should be connected to "+24V".
+24V
+AI
+
- AI
_ COM
905U
2-wire
Input
+ +24V Note:
AI must be within
External 4-20mA
+AI 27V of COM. If
Power - AI terminal voltages
exceed this, a
_ 4-wire COM loop isolator must
Input 905U
be used.
Externally powered loops may be connected by connecting the input between "AI 1+" and “AI 1-” for
analog input 1 or "AI 2+" and “AI 2-” for analog input 2, and so on for other inputs. Common mode
voltage may be -0.5V to 27V.
Shielded cable is recommended for analog I/O loops to minimise induced noise and Radio Frequency
Interference (RFI). The shield of the cable should be connected to earth at one of the cable only. The
use of shielded wiring inside an enclosure containing a module is also recommended.
To connect an AI on the 905U to an analog signal from a PLC or DCS output, check the internal
circuit of the output carefully as different devices use different ways to create an analog signal. The
following diagram shows two ways of connecting.
+V Note:
+24V 1. AI must be
Current +
+AI within 27V of COM.
source AO If terminal voltages
output -V _ - AI exceed this, a loop
PLC COM isolator must be
905U used.
2. COM on the
105U is connected
to ground/earth. If
+24V the COM of the
+AI PLC cannot be
Current AO grounded, then a
sink - AI loop isolator must
output be used.
COM
COM 905U
PLC
+24V
AO 1 _ +
905U COM
A 24VDC supply is available on the module for powering the analog output loop (max external loop
resistance 1000 ohms). In this case, the analog loop is connected between a "+24V" terminal and "AO
1" ( for the first analog output) or "AO 2" (for the second analog output), and so on for the other
output signals.
If connecting to an external device such as an electronic indicator, recorder or PLC / DCS input, the
loop can be powered be either the 905U or the device. Externally powered loops to 27 VDC may be
connected by connecting the output between the "AO” terminal (positive) and the "COM" terminal
(negative). Zener protection of analog outputs provides protection against short periods of over-voltage
but longer periods may result in module damage.
Note that the common is connected internally to ground and no other point in the analog loop should
be grounded. If the external device has single-ended grounded inputs, then a signal isolator must be
used.
Analog outputs may also be configured to individually turn off (0 mA) if no command message is
received to that output for a certain period. . See Chapter 4 Configuration for further details.
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+
+24V
AO 1
_
905U
DEVICE
COM
+V Note:
COM on 905U is
+ connected to
+24V ground/earth. If
_ the external power
AO 1
supply cannot be
-V grounded, a loop
905U COM DEVICE isolator must be
used.
+24V +V
AO 1 AI
Passive + DI 1 +
transistor _
device
COM _
905U
Note:
External DI 1 +
power
+ Use a solid
supply _ state relay if
the voltage
range is not
Active pulse device _ suitable.
COM
905U
Active pulse signals can be connected directly provided the peak voltage is between 3.5–13V and the
low voltage is less than 1.5V. Note that the 905U will ground the negative of the pulse signal. If the
voltages are not compatible, use a solid state relay to isolate the two devices.
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905U COM
+24V
COUNT + Use solid-state
PO
+ relay isolator if
voltages are not
_
905U COM _ compatible
If the counter device requires a voltage pulse signal (such as electronic or elector-mechanical counters),
use the 24V analog loop supply, or the 12V BAT supply for the voltage source. Use a by-pass diode if
the counter is inductive.
Some devices such as PLC counter modules power the pulse loop. For these devices, connect to the
PO and COM terminals of the 905U. The COM terminal will connect a ground/earth to the external
device. If this is not suitable, use a solid state relay to isolate the external device.
Although the count is accurately re-created, the rate of output pulses may not accurately reflect the
input rate. The actual input pulse rate may be configured to appear at an analog output if required.
Note that the pulse rate and accumulated value will remain accurate even if a period of
communications failure has occurred. The maximum output rate is 100 Hz.
5 SG - Signal Ground
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The modules include a terminating resistor on-board. If the 905U module is the first or last module in
the RS485 chain, then the terminating resistor may be connected by operating the single DIP switch in
the end-plate next to the RS485 terminals. “On” or “down” means that the resistor is connected.
A B
TERMINATING
RESISTOR SWITCH
Activate resistor-connection
switch at both end modules
105S modules connect to a 905U via the RS485 port on each module - refer to section 2.4.11. Up to
31 x 105S modules can be connected to a 905U module. This number is reduced for 105S-3 and –4
modules, as these modules use two unit addresses (refer to chapter 4 of this manual).
The 105S modules can be mounted next to the 905U module, or they can be remote from the 905U.
The reliable distance for a RS485 multi-drop line depends on the shielding of the wire and how close it
is installed to electrical noise sources - distances of more than ½ mile (1 km) can be achieved by good
installation methods. External RS485 isolators are recommended if the earth potential difference
between modules is greater than 7V.
OK On Normal Operation
Additional LED’s provide indication of the status of digital inputs and outputs. LED’s display the status of
each digital input (lit for active), and LED’s display the status of each digital output (lit for active). Other
conditions indicating a fault are described in Chapter Six Troubleshooting.
The module monitors the power supply and provides status of supply failure and battery low voltage
for "mapping" to one of the module's own outputs or transmitting to a remote output. When the
module is powered from a normal supply (i.e. via either of the “SUP” terminals), the PWR LED
indicator is lit. When the modules is powered from a solar panel and battery, the PWR LED indicator
is lit only when the charge current is available (i.e. when the solar panel is receiving light).
If a backup battery is connected, the module will generate a low battery voltage status when the
voltage has dropped to 11.3V for approx 45 seconds. This status may be transmitted to another
module. In the event of excessively low battery voltage (10.8V), the OK LED will go off, the unit will
automatically set all outputs off, and disable the +24V analog loop supply. the OK LED will turn on
again after the battery voltage exceeds 11.8V. This enables installations to be configured so that the
battery current drain is minimised in the event of extended mains failure, reducing the possibility of
deep discharge of batteries.
3.1.1 Communications
Before each transmission, the 905U radio will “listen-before-transmit” to make sure that another
module is not already transmitting - if there is another transmission, the 905U will wait until the
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transmission is complete. When the 905U transmits, it will wait for a return “acknowledgement”
message from the destination module, indicating a successful message. If transmissions are not
successful (radio or serial), then the module will re-try up to four times at random intervals to transmit
the message.
Example of Successful Communications
If communications is still not successful, the “Comms Fail” internal status will be set. In the default
configuration, this will have no consequence and the module will continue to attempt to transmit to the
remote module every ten minutes. For critical applications, the “comms fail” status can be configured
• Transmit • Receive
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Analog Change-of-state
A "change-of-state" for an analog input, battery voltage or pulse input rate is a change in value of the
signal of 3% (configurable) since the last transmission. Note that the sensitivity of 3% refers to 3% of
the analog range, not 3% of the instantaneous analog value. That is, if an analog input changes from
64% (14.24 mA) to 67% (14.72 mA), a "change-of-state" will be detected. This “change-of-state”
sensitivity is configurable between 0.8% and 75%.
Analog inputs are digitally filtered to prevent multiple transmissions on continually varying or "noisy"
signals. The input is filtered with a 1 second time constant and a 1 second debounce. The analog
outputs are filtered with a 1 second time constant. An example of an analog input and how the output
follows it is shown below:
UPDATE
TIME
0.5 sec
INPUT
SIGNAL 0.5 sec 0.5 sec
SENSITIVITY
BAND
A B C D E
TIME
OUTPUT
SIGNAL
Input
Pulses
Time
Output
Pulses
Time
PO update time
The default values for the pulse input update time and pulse output update time is 1 minute. In this
case, the output pulses are effectively 1 minute behind the input pulses. These update times may be
changed by the user. The pulse output update time should not be set to be more than the pulse input
update time. Note that the maximum pulse rate for both inputs and outputs is 100Hz.
As well as accumulating the pulse input, the module will also calculate the rate of pulses. Pulse rates
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are treated as an “internal” analog input and are configured with analog sensitivities for change-of-
state transmissions. The maximum pulse rate corresponding to 20mA output may be configured by the
user.
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Canada, the 905U uses both sub-bands - but in other countries, only the high sub-band. In America
and Canada, it is possible to restrict the frequency hopping of the 905U to only the high or low band.
If there are many 905U systems in the same area, this technique will help to separate systems to avoid
radio interference. Note that this technique is only possible in America / Canada.
The radio sub-band can be selected by the “system address” - refer section 4 of this manual. An odd
system address selects the low band, and an even system address selects the high band.
Note that this section is not applicable to the fixed frequency 105U units.
3.2.3 Radio Path Reliability
Radio paths over short distances can operate reliably with a large amount of obstruction in the path. As
the path distance increases, the amount of obstruction which can be tolerated decreases. At the
maximum reliable distance, “line-of-sight” is required for reliable operation. If the path is over several
kilometres (or miles), then the curvature of the earth is also an obstacle and must be allowed for. For
example, the earth curvature over 5 miles (8km) is approx 10 feet (3m), requiring antennas to be
elevated at least 13 feet (4m) to achieve “line-of-sight” even if the path is flat.
A radio path may act reliably in good weather, but poorly in bad weather - this is called a “marginal”
radio path. If the radio path is more than 20% of the maximum reliable distance (see Specification
section for these distances), we recommend that you test the radio path before installation. Each
105U/905U module has a radio path testing feature - refer to section 6.2 and 6.3 of this manual.
There are several ways of improving a marginal path :-
• Relocate the antenna to a better position. If there is an obvious obstruction causing the problem,
then locating the antenna to the side or higher will improve the path. If the radio path has a large
distance, then increasing the height of the antenna will improve the path.
• Use an antenna with a higher gain. Before you do this, make sure that the radiated power from the
new antenna is still within the regulations of your country. If you have a long length of coaxial
cable, you can use a higher gain antenna to cancel the losses in the coaxial cable.
• If it is not practical to improve a marginal path, then the last method is to use another module as a
repeater. A repeater does not have to be between the two modules (although often it is). If possible,
use an existing module in the system which has good radio path to both modules. The repeater
module can be to the side of the two modules, or even behind one of the modules, if the repeater
module is installed at a high location (for example, a tower or mast). Repeater modules can have
their own I/O and act as a “normal” 905U module in the system.
3.2.4 Design for Failures
All well designed systems consider system failure. I/O systems operating on a wire link will fail
eventually, and a radio system is the same. Failures could be short-term (interference on the radio
channel or power supply failure) or long-term (equipment failure).
The modules provide the following features for system failure :-
• Outputs can reset if they do not receive a message within a configured time. If an output should
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the mapping at #2. If #1 fails to receive update messages from #2, then the output will reset,
indicating a communications failure. Notes regarding this method:
1. This method will work with repeaters in the link.
2. The “comms OK” output is fail-safe - if module #1 fails, then the output will reset indicating a
problem.
3. You should use separate outputs to indicate “comms OK” of different remote modules.
4. It is recommended that you set the reset time at #1 to more than twice the update time of the
mapping at #2. This means that the comms OK output will only reset if #1 misses two consecutive
updates from #2.
3.2.6 Testing and Commissioning
We recommend that you set-up and test the system with all of the modules together before you install
the modules. It is much easier to find a configuration problem.
When the system is configured, record the radio signal strength and background noise level for each
radio link. If there are future communications problems, you can compare the present measurements to
the as-commissioned values. This is an effective way of finding problems with antennas, cables and
also changes in the radio path (for example, the erection of new buildings).
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In this configuration, the “PO” Pulse output is inactive and no special action is taken on “Comms fail”,
“Mains fail” or “Battery Low”. “DI 1” is configured as a digital and not a pulse input.
If any of the above values are not appropriate to your system, Section 4.4 below will detail how to change
one or all of the above variables.
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The password can be between 6 and 256 characters. You can also change password by selecting this
option from the “Utilities” menu.
If you are starting a new project, you have the option
of “Enabling Security” - please read Section 4.3.7 and
the associated warnings before using this option.
To proceed with the configuration, double-click on the
project name on the menu on the left side of the screen.
“Units” will appear. You can now enter the types of
units which will be used in the system. If you double-
click on “Units”, then the modules that have already
been selected will appear.
Loading configuration from an existing module
To load the configuration from a module, connect the module to the PC via the RS232 cable and click
on “Load Unit”. This will allow you to view the module configuration, change it, or copy it for
another module - refer to section 4.3.3 for more information.
Adding a new module to the system configuration
To add a new module to the system configuration, click on “Units” on the left-hand menu and then
“Add Unit”. Select the type of module from the list.
Note that this program covers 105U, 105S and 905U modules.
These modules are essentially the same as far as configuration is
concerned. That is, a 105-1 or a 905-1 selection will configure a
105U-1, 105S-1 or a 905U-1.
The program will ask to select the unit address and will display
the list of available addresses for you to select. For 905U
modules, select an address between 1 and 95. For 105S
modules, select an address between 96 and 127.
The default name for a unit will include the unit address. For
example, “905-3#8” is a 905U-3 module with unit address 8
(and also 9, as a -3 takes two unit addresses). You can change
the name of a unit - for example, you could replace the default
name with “Pump Station 14”.
Deleting a Unit
A module can be deleted from the configuration by highlighting
the unit and selecting “Delete Unit”.
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6. If you select a 905U-G as the destination module, you will be asked to select a I/O Register as the
destination “output”. Note that the grey-shaded I/O registers have already been allocated.
7. Select any intermediate repeater units needed to reach the destination address (entered in order of
nearest to furthermost repeater). You can either select from the list of configured units or enter the
unit address in the “Repeater” box. If no repeaters are required, do not enter anything in the
repeater boxes. If only one repeater address is required, enter the address in box 1 and leave the
other repeater boxes empty.
Note: Every module must have at least one mapping configured to another module. If no
mappings are required (for example, you are only using outputs at a module), then you need to
configure a mapping for a spare input to an unused output on another module.
It is possible to configure multiple mappings for an input - each mapping will generate separate
transmissions. We recommend that you do not configure multiple mappings to the same output as the
output will have the value of the last message that it receives. Each output should have only one
mapped input.
It is possible to map a digital input to an analog output - the output will be maximum value when the
input is on and minimum value when the input is off. It is also possible to map a analog input to an
digital output - the output will be on when the input is equal or greater than 12mA and off when the
input is less than 12mA.
For more information on using 105S modules, refer to Section 4.3.8.
Edit existing mappings
To edit an existing mapping, double-click on the mapping line, or select the mapping line and “Edit”.
To delete an existing mapping
To delete a mapping, select the mapping and delete or right-mouse click and select Delete.
Configuring Start-Up Polls
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each field. The display also shows the maximum and minimum values. For the -1, -2 and –3 modules,
the maximum update time is 16 minutes, however the update time for -4 inputs can be up to 5 days.
If a zero value is entered as an update time, then the input will not update at all.
Changing Multiple Settings
You can change the Update Times of several inputs simultaneously by using the <Shift> Select feature.
For example, if you want to change all digital inputs to 1 minute update, you could change each
individually, or you could “block” the four digital inputs using the “Shift” Select feature and select
“Edit”. You only need to enter the change once to change all of the inputs selected. This feature is
also available with the other configurable parameters.
Output Reset Time Configuration
This allows the Comms Fail Time
to be selected - this is the time for
an output to reset if it has not
received an update or change
message.
Each output on the unit, either analog
or digital, may be configured to reset
(off or 0mA) when no update
transmission has been received for a
certain time. This option can be used
to ensure that communications failure
will not result in loss of control. For
example, outputs connected to pumps
should be configured to reset on communications failure so that the pump will turn off. The default
condition is zero (no reset).
If the reset time is less than the update time, then the output will reset when the reset time expires, and
then set again when the update message is received. We recommend that the reset time be a little more
than twice the update time.
To set an output reset time, select “Output Reset Times” on the left-hand menu and double-click the
selected input. The update time will be shown in days:hours:minutes:seconds. Change the values in
each field. The display also shows the maximum and minimum values.
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4.3.7 Security
There are two security features available. You can enter a password to protect the configuration files,
and you can enable security encryption of the radio transmissions.
The password can be between 6 and 256 characters. The password is case sensitive and any ASCII
characters can be used. If you have entered a password, then this password will need to be entered if
the configuration is to be changed later. You can view the configuration, but you will not be able to
make any changes. You are able to change the password from the “Utilities” menu. If unauthorised
access to the files is a concern, we recommend that you change the password regularly or whenever
there is a change of staff.
Security Encryption is an additional level of security. The security option uses an 8-character security
key to provide 64-bit data encryption of the radio messages. All modules in the same system will be
configured with the same security key used to encrypt and decrypt the messages. This feature is
available for modules with serial numbers with the middle three numbers greater than 210 - that is
xxxx210xxxx, or xxxx220xxxx etc. If you are adding modules to an old system which does not have
the security encryption feature, then you cannot use security encryption on the new modules.
Note that the security key is different than the password.
• To enable the security encryption, select the “Enable Security” box on the project display. An 8-
character security key is entered and you will be prompted to enter the security code a second time
to confirm. The security key can be any characters or numbers. Characters are case sensitive. The
security key will never be displayed.
• If you do not enable security, there will be no data encryption of the radio messages. This is the
default setting.
• If a security key has been entered, this key is downloaded into each module as part of the
configuration download process. You can download another configuration at any time - if the
security key is different, or if there is no security key in the new configuration, the old key will be
over-written.
• You can change the security key in the configuration files simply by entering a new security key in
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the security key window. You will be prompted to confirm the new security key. If the
configuration files are password-protected, you will be asked for the password. Note that if you
change the security key, it will not match the security key previously loaded into existing modules.
• If you want to change a configuration, we recommend that you change the archived configuration,
and then download the configuration onto the module. The archived configuration already has the
valid security key.
• If you lose the archived configuration, you can upload the configuration from a module, but you
cannot upload a security key. That is, you can upload the module configuration, view it, change it
- but if you don’t know the original security key, the old key will be over-written when you
download the new configuration. This module will no longer communicate with other modules in
the system as the security key is different.
The security options provide security against a “hacker” in the following way:
A hacker cannot listen-in to radio messages without the security key to decrypt the radio messages.
Similarly, a hacker cannot force outputs by transmitting a radio message to a module without the
security key.
A hacker cannot access the security key from an installed module or from the configuration files.
The archived configuration files cannot be changed, downloaded or uploaded without the
password.
Warning!!
These security options provide a high level of security, but no data-security system can provide
“100% protection”. But it does make it very difficult for someone to interfere with the 905U
system - difficult to the point where there would be many easier alternate ways to cause
malicious damage.
The password must be kept in a secure place. Security procedures need to be adopted. If staff
with access to the password leave your organization, we recommend that the password be
changed.
We recommend that you use a random 8-character string for the security key and that you do
not record the key. It is not necessary to know what the security key is. The key will be recorded
in the archived configuration files, and therefore the configuration files should be held in a
secure place and backed up.
The security key does not prevent a hacker uploading a configuration from a module and
downloading with a new security key. This module will no longer operate with other modules in
the system. To prevent this, unauthorized access to modules must be prevented.
If you lose the configuration files, you can regenerate these by uploading the configuration from every
module in the system into a new project with a new security key. After uploading each module,
download the configuration with the new security key.
If you wish to change the security key, simply enter a new key in the configuration program, and
download the new configuration to all modules in the system.
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In this example, a 105S-2 is connected to 905U-1#8. DI1 is mapped to a remote 905U-C module. The
905U that is connected to the 105S module acts as a repeater - a serial-to-radio repeater.
When DI1 changes, the 105S will send a message via the serial link to 905U-1#8, and this 905U
module will repeat the message by radio to the 905U-C module.
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Communications fail status May be mapped to local or Resetting of outputs on comms fail
remote output configurable
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Analog Input Setpoints 905U-1/105S-1 AI 1 only Configurable high & low set-points, allowing
905U-2/105S-2 AI 1-4 set/reset of remote digital outputs
Analog Outputs current sink to common max loop voltage 27V,
905U-1/105S-1 Resolution 15 bit, Accuracy 0.1%
Two 4-20mA
905U-3/105S-3 Resolution 12 bit, Accuracy 0.1%
Eight 0-20mA
System Parameters
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PO
AO
AO
DO
DO
DO
DO
OUTPUTS
ELPRO xxxx-x 35
mm
(1.4”)
190
mm
(7.5”)
165 mm 60 mm
(6.5”) (2.4”)
RADIO TELEMETRY
MODULE
INPUTS
SUP
SUP
+24
+AI
+AI
GN
CO
DI
DI
DI
DI
130
mm
(5.1”)
82.5 mm
(3.25”)
55 mm (2.16”)
62 mm (2.45”)
The green OK LED on the front panel indicates correct operation of the unit. This LED extinguishes on
failure as described above. When the OK LED extinguishes shutdown state is indicated. In this state, all
digital outputs turn OFF and the +24V supply turns off.
On processor failure, or on failure during start-up diagnostics, the unit shuts down, and remains in
shutdown until the fault is rectified. The unit also shuts down if the battery voltage falls below 10.8 volts.
This is a protection feature designed to protect the battery from deep discharge in case of extended period
without supply voltage.
Note: During diagnostic testing, it is likely that the module will reset and restart. This will affect the
output signals.
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The unit will require re-configuration after SELF TEST. Ensure you know the required
operational configuration including system and unit addresses so that the network can be
restored after testing.
Remove the cover in the front panel, and set the DIP switches as shown below. Hold down the red button
for five seconds, or until the Rx LED glows yellow, release the Red button (the Rx LED now flashes), then
press and release the Red button (the flashing Rx LED extinguishes).
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Input signals may now be connected to the input terminals of the module. If the module is operating
correctly, then the input signals will be reflected to the corresponding output on the same module. For
example, if DI 1 is connected to common - i.e. the first digital input is turned "ON" - then DO 1 will
activate, if the module is functional. Similarly, if a 12mA signal is connected to AI 2, then a 12mA
signal should be able to be measured from AO 2, if the module is functioning correctly.
If a module does not pass its self test function, then it should be returned to an authorised service agent
for attention
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Choose an item from the menu by entering the letter before that item. For example, to select the
"Signal" function from the 105-1 Menu, enter :- k
During the diagnostics session, if you press Enter or Space while the menu is displayed, the module
will restart in normal operating mode. To re-enter diagnostics mode, hold the red button for 5 seconds
etc.
After the diagnostics session is over, force the module to restart, then select “Stop Terminal”, then
“Close”.
Inputs
This option provides a dynamic display of the status of all of the inputs in the 905U, both internal and
external.
VBATT is the current internally derived battery voltage. 4000 corresponds to 8 Volts, C000 represents
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905U-3/105S-3 Modules
ML VBAT VSLR
00 9FA2 0000
Note ‘M’ indication will also come on when a solar voltage above approx 10.5V is connected to the
Solar Terminal.
‘VSLR’ will indicate the solar voltage – Range is 8 to 20V
905U-4/105S-4 Modules
Digital Inputs
DIN DIO PULSED
1234 123456789ABC MLS PIN1 PIN2 PIN3 PIN4
1001 010101010 001 101 0001 0001 0001 0001
Analog Inputs
VBAT PR1 PR2 PR3 PR4
8DBE 0000 0000 0000 0000
Switch
This option allows testing of the DIL (Dual In Line) switches. The diagram below indicates the layout
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of the switches of which there are two sets of eight, with an “Enter” button located to the right of the
pair. the display indicates the current switch settings with the digit ‘1’ corresponding to ‘On’ and the
digit ‘O’ corresponding to ‘Off’. Changing the switch settings in this mode will change the display.
Test each switch and check to ensure the display changes accordingly.
Switches Displayed
1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
1110001001010101
0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
Signal
This option provides for testing the radio path between two units for a suitable reliability margin.
Although a pair of units may communicate successfully, radio communication may be affected by a
range of influences, including atmospheric conditions, changing landscape, degradation of antennas or
co-axial cable, low battery voltage etc. “Fade margin” is an indication of how far a radio path can
deteriorate before communication becomes unreliable.
When using the Signal feature, the current received radio signal level is displayed in negative dBm
(dBm is relative to 1mW of RF power). A display of 100 means –100dBm. This means that a stronger
signal will have a lower measured value.
For 105U fixed-frequency units, the signal level is displayed as a scale - refer to the end of this
section.
To check the radio path between two units, select the signal option at the local unit. The display will
initially show the background noise of the radio band. Determine the approximate average of the noise
level. The remote unit may then be set up for tone reversals (refer 1 above). Determine the
approximate average of the received signal strength. It is normal for the measured values to
continually change - the radios are continually changing frequency. Calculate the best average for
both the noise and signal. For a reliable radio path, the signal strength must be at least 10dB lower than
the noise level, or 98, whichever is less.
For example, if the noise level is 120, then the radio signal must be 98 or lower for a reliable path. If
the noise level is 100, then the radio signal must be 90 or lower.
A simpler method when remote units are not easily accessible is to cause a transmission from the local
unit to the remote unit (by setting a digital input which maps to the remote unit, for example). The
meter will latch the received signal from the remote unit for half a second, allowing the received level
to be read.
If any obstructions in the radio path are likely to change, then this should be allowed for. For
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If you select any message line with the mouse, information about the message will be displayed at the
bottom of the screen - the system address, RSSI and CRC (error-check) status. The “text box” at the
bottom middle of the screen decodes the message - that is, it decodes the message to display I/O
channel and value.
You can display the register values in Decimal by selecting “Dec” at the bottom of the screen. If you
select “Dig”, the values will be displayed as a 0 or 1 digital value (1 if the 16-bit value is greater than
50% - that is, the most significant bit is 1). If you select “Anlg”, the value will be displayed as a 4-
20mA range.
To stop “comms logging”, select the “Stop Comms” box. You can then shut down the diagnostics
screen, or select “Terminal” to go back to the diagnostics menu.
Add Time Stamps
Time stamps can be added by selecting the “Time Stamps” box. This will allow the current time and
date to be displayed with each message. The “Comms log” can be saved to a file for future reference
by selecting “Log to File”.
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The radio path is reliable if the transmitted signal is 10dB above the noise level, or better than –
98dBm. For example, if the noise level is –115dBm, then the minimum level for reliability is –
98dBm. If the noise level is –100dBm, then you need –90dBm for a reliable path. If the laptop
displays a scale measurement instead of a numerical measurement, then the transmitted signal
should be at least 3 divisions, and at least 2 divisions above the noise level.
If the weather is poor during the test, then the transmitted signal needs to be 5dB above noise, or 1
division. It is best not to do radio tests during poor weather.
Record these measurements for comparison later during commissioning or if the system has
problems later.
If the radio path test is not successful:
1. Increasing the height of the antenna at either module, or at both modules can significantly improve
the result. Sometimes moving the antenna to the side helps, if there is an obvious obstruction in the
radio path.
2. Change one or both antennas to a higher gain if regulations allow.
3. Use a shorter coaxial cable between the antenna and the 905U.(this may involve moving 905U
nearer to antenna mounting), or use a different coaxial cable with lower loss.
4. If a reliable radio path is not possible because of distance or path obstructions, you will need to
consider using a repeater module. The ideal repeater is another module in the system, in a good
location to act as a repeater. If this is not the case, you need to consider installing a module to act
specifically as a repeater.
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905U-1
#1
105U-3 905U-2
#96 #2
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BAT+
+24V
DO 3
DO 4
DO 1
DO 2
AO 1
AO 2
GND
PO
1 2 3 4
OUTPUTS
ELPRO xxxx-1
INPUTS
1 2 3 4
SUP1
SUP2
+AI 1
+AI 2
COM
GND
+24V
DI 2
DI 3
DI 1
DI 4
SOL
BAT+
+24V
COM
AI 5+
AI 6+
COM
AI 3+
AI 4+
GND
DOT
OUTPUT
ELPRO xxxx-2
INPUTS
1 2 3 4
SUP1
SUP2
+AI 1
+AI 2
COM
+24V
GND
DI 2
DI 3
DI 1
DI 4
SOL
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BAT+
+24V
DO 5
DO 6
DO 7
DO 8
+24V
COM
COM
AO 5
AO 6
AO 7
AO 8
GND
1 2 3 4
OUTPUTS
ELPRO xxxx-3
OUTPUTS
1 2 3 4
SUP1
SUP2
DO 2
DO 3
DO 1
DO 4
+24V
COM
GND
AO 1
AO 2
AO 3
AO 4
SOL
BAT+
DIO10
DIO11
DIO12
DO 1
DO 2
DO 3
DO 4
DIO7
DIO8
DIO9
COM
GND
SOL
OUTPUTS I/0
ELPRO xxxx-4
INPUTS I/0
SUP1
SUP2
DIO5
DIO6
DIO1
DIO2
DIO3
DIO4
COM
GND
DI 1
DI 2
DI 3
DI 4
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