User`s manual

MDL-DataManager™ Reference Guide Architectural Energy Corporation
Section 4.0 MDL-Remote™ Application Page 26
Since you may want to automatically download the MDL for the duration of the data
collection, use the following suggested run time parameters:
Memory Write Enable
If you wish to be able to collect data indefinitely, check
this box. (Recommended only if you're going to be
using MDL-DataRetriever.)
Duration
As long as you wish to collect data, or longer
Button Start/Stop
If you wish to be able to start the loggers by pushing
the button before you leave the site, check this box.
(Disadvantage: If you check this box and start the
loggers with a button press, the time stamp for
different loggers may be slightly different.)
3. Install Smart Port (MDL-SMPORT) if more than one MDL is being used.
If you are using more than one MDL, you can use a Smart Port to connect up to five
MDL units to a modem. Connect the MDLs to the Smart Port using the standard MDL
serial cable (CABLE-SERIAL). If the MDL needs to be placed farther than six feet
from the Smart Port, then you can use a RS-232 extension cable (CABLE-EX-050 or
200) between the standard serial cable and the Smart Port. Extended distance RS-
232 cables are stocked by AEC, and are available in standard 50 foot and 200 foot
lengths. As many as four of the 50 foot cables may be connected together to create a
combined length of 200 feet, but it is recommended that total extended lengths not
exceed 200 feet due to possible signal degradation. If your extension needs are less
than 25 feet, then a standard, readily available RS-232 extension cable may be used.
The Smart Port requires external power through the supplied power supply.
4. Connect modem (MDL-MODEM) to Smart Port (MDL-SMPORT), or to MDL
if a single MDL is being used.
The modem connects to the Smart Port using the modem adapter cable (CABLE-
MODEM). Although any modem that is capable of auto-answer can be used, we
recommend that you use an AEC-provided modem (MDL-MODEM), which has been
pre-configured and tested, and includes the required modem adapter cable. If
necessary, an extension cable may be used between the modem and Smart Port,
although in practice it may be easier to keep them close to one another since they
both require power.
5. Connect the modem to the phone line using standard phone cable.
Configuring MDL-DataManager to remotely communicate with MDLs:
After physically setting up the MDLs, Smart Port, and modem and you've returned to
the host computer, you can set up MDL-DataManager 4.0 or higher to communicate
directly with the remote MDLs. To set all this up, start the MDL-DataManager
software and follow these steps:
! Select Options under the Preferences menu.
! Select the Comm Port/Modem tab in the Options dialog and set up the
phone number.
! If a Smart Port is installed, check the Smart Port checkbox.
! If a Smart Port is installed, select the Port ID for the desired MDL unit.