Owner’s Manual SW Communications Adapter (SWCA)
About Xantrex Xantrex Technology Inc., is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products from 50 watt mobile units to 1 MW utilityscale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid-connected and stand-alone systems. Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power supplies, and variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean, and distribute electrical power.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This manual contains important safety instructions that should be followed during the installation and maintenance of this product. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, and to ensure the safe installation and operation of this product, the following safety symbols have been placed throughout this manual to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety instructions. WARNING - A DANGEROUS VOLTAGE OR CONDITION EXISTS IN THIS AREA.
Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................... iii 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 1 2.0 INSTALLATION .................................................................. 3 To install the SWCA ........................................................................................... 3 Connecting the SWCA to a Computer using a Modem ............................ 4 Requirements ........................
Table of Contents (continued) APPENDIX A PRODUCT AND SYSTEM INFORMATION ...... A-1 Warranty ............................................................................................................ A-1 Return Material Authorization Policy ............................................................ A-2 Return Material Procedure .............................................................................. A-2 Service Information ..........................................................................
List of Figures vi Figure 1-1 SW Communications Adapter (SWCA) ................................. 1 Figure 2-1 SW Inverter/Charger Remote Port Location .......................... 3 Figure 2-2 SWCAs in Multiple-Inverter Installations ............................. 6 Figure 2-2a Enlargement of Pin Assignments and Color Coding on Custom-made Serial Port Adapter ...............................
List of Tables Table 3-1 The SWCA Programming Menu ........................................... 11 Table 3-2 LED Control Indicator Definitions ....................................... 12 Table 3-3 Keyboard Commands for using Terminal Emulation Programs ......................................................... 14 Table 4-1 Troubleshooting the SWCA .................................................. 21 ©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc.
viii ©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc.
1.0 INTRODUCTION The Sine Wave Communications Adapter (SWCA) allows any SW series inverter/charger to be connected to a computer serial port or directly to a modem to be controlled and monitored over long distances.
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2.0 INSTALLATION The SWCA converts the REMOTE port on the SW series inverter/charger into a standard RS232 type communications port interface. See Figure 2-1 for the location of the REMOTE PORT on the SW inverter/ charger. TO INSTALL THE SWCA 1. Connect the SWCA adapter to the SW series inverter/charger remote port located on the left end of the inverter, near the AC wiring compartment.
2.0 INSTALLATION Connecting the SWCA to a Computer using a Modem The SWCA can be connected directly to a modem for use in remote sites where a computer may not be available. Requirements To use a modem, the following is required: • a terminal emulation program, See SECTION 3.0 OPERATION, Use of the SWCA with Terminal Emulation Programs.
2.0 INSTALLATION Advanced Monitoring Software The SWCA was developed to change the SW inverter raw data output to an RS232 protocol output. The SWCA code only manipulates the inverter’s display or remote (SWRC) keypad strokes. The included DOS software emulates these keystrokes. There are companies that have used these keystroke’s bits of information (coming out of the SWCA) to develop advanced monitoring software. This software can provide monitoring and data logging capability.
2.0 INSTALLATION Installation Concerns (continued) Figure 2-2 SWCAs in Multiple-Inverter Installations 6 ©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc.
2.0 INSTALLATION 6 5 BLACK (YELLOW*) 4 RED (GREEN*) 3 GREEN (RED*) 2 YELLOW (BLACK*) 1 *Depending on the Cable Installation Figure 2-2a Enlargement of Pin Assignments and Color Coding on Custom-made Serial Port Adapter %/$&. <(//2: 5(' *5((1 *5((1 5(' <(//2: %/$&. 'HSHQGLQJ RQ WKH &DEOH ,QVWDOODWLRQ Figure 2-2b Enlargement of Pin Assignments and Color Coding for 25-foot (4-conductor, telephone standard) Cable %/$&. <(//2: 5(' *5((1 *5((1 5(' <(//2: %/$&.
2.0 INSTALLATION INSTALLING THE SWCPS DOS PROGRAM A control panel simulation software program included on the floppy disk allows an IBM-compatible personal computer to operate as a virtual control panel for up to eight SW series inverter/chargers. For other computer platforms, See SECTION 3.0 OPERATION, Use of the SWCA with Terminal Emulation Programs, on page 9. To install the software, insert the floppy disk into your computer floppy drive and copy the file swcps.
3.0 OPERATION USING THE SWCPS DOS PROGRAM This section describes the operation of the SWCPS DOS program.
3.0 OPERATION Function Keys and Other Displays On the virtual control panel simulation, the buttons of the real control panel have been replaced with labels shown as F1 through F10. These refer to the function keys of the computer keyboard which are located either above or next to the main keyboard area. Each function key is associated with a specific inverter operation. Pressing the appropriate function key causes the display on both the inverter and the PC screen to change accordingly.
3.0 OPERATION The SWCA Programming Menu Function Keys Programming features are accessed by pressing function keys as described in Table 3-1. K ey ALT+P and by using the Purpose Changes SWCA ID number from the default of 1 to any number up to 8. F1 After changing the ID number, write the adapters new ID number on the outside of the adapter's gray housing to make later identification of the adapter easier. Changes the adapter's configuration code. This alters the operation of the adapter.
3.0 OPERATION LED Control Indicators The codes indicate the status of the inverter’s LEDs. The two letter codes are as follows: Abbreviation Definition IN Inverting LT Line Tie A1 AC1 IN A2 AC2 IN BK Bulk FL Float ER Error OC Over Current Table 3-2 LED Control Indicator Definitions If no codes display, it is because there are no LEDs on or the adapter is not responding.
3.0 OPERATION Keyboard Commands The following keystrokes enable navigation through the menus and provide the means to change available settings. K eystroke 1-8 Function Select i nverter: 1 through 8 i s the i nverter's ID number. 1 i s the default.
3.0 OPERATION Starting the Program From Windows: 1. Open MY COMPUTER or WINDOWS EXPLORER. 2. Locate the file swcps.exe and double-click it. or 1. Click START. 2. Select RUN. 3. Type swcps and press . From DOS (or a DOS prompt within Windows): 1. Locate the file swcps.exe. 2. Type swcps and press . When the program starts, a line drawing of the SW series control panel will appear on the computer screen.
3.0 OPERATION Accessing HELP Information from the SWCPS Program Help is available while using the SWCPS program by pressing F10 on the computer keyboard. To leave the help screen, press the simulation program. ESC key to return to control panel Accessing the SETUP MENU from the SWCPS Program To access the inverter SETUP MENU, press ALT-F8 together. This feature is available for inverters with Rev 4.01 and higher software versions.
3.0 OPERATION USE OF THE SWCA WITH TERMINAL EMULATION PROGRAMS Modem connection requires the use of a terminal emulation program as described in the following sections. A modem is required at both the inverters and at the computer, with a phone line available to make the connection. The SW Communications Adapter (SWCA) supports use with “terminal emulation” programs.
3.0 OPERATION Use of the SWCA with Terminal Emulation Programs (continued) Establishing the Connection 1. Enter Country code: (e.g., United States of America (1)) 2. Enter Area code: (e.g., 360) 3. Enter Phone Number: (e.g., 435-8826) 4. For connections to the SWCA with a cable, select “Direct to COM1”. (If you are using a port other than COM1, choose the com port you are using.) 5.
3.0 OPERATION COM Port Values You need to enter the following values for the COM port as shown in Figure 3-5. Bits per second: 9600 BAUD Data bits: 8 Parity: No or None Stop Bits: 1 Flow control: Either setting NOTE: These are the only acceptable values Figure 3-5 COM1 Properties Click OK and a blank window opens. 18 ©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc.
3.0 OPERATION TESTING THE SWCA In order to test the SWCA, it must be plugged it into an inverter that is powered up on batteries or a suitable power supply. Press the number “1”. If everything is correct, the inverter should reply with a “UNIT1” and possibly some two character codes. ©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc.
3.0 OPERATION 20 ©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc.
4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom Recommendation 1. Check the ID number of the adapter you are trying to access. Ensure it is correct. This will display when there is no adapter with the ID number you are entering. Display reads: ADAPTER OFFLINE This is displayed when running the DOS display emulation program when there is no adapter response. 2. Check the connection from the adapter to the remote port. 3. Check the connection from the COM Port to the remote port. 4. Check the LED on the SWCA Adapter. a.
4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING 22 ©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc.
APPENDIX A – PRODUCT AND SYSTEM INFORMATION WARRANTY Xantrex Technology Inc., warrants its power products against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase, established by proof of purchase or formal warranty registration, and extends this warranty to all purchasers or owners of the product during the warranty period.
APPENDIX A – PRODUCT & SYSTEM INFORMATION RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION POLICY You must obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from Xantrex before returning a product directly to Xantrex. Products returned without an RMA number or shipped collect will be refused. When you contact Xantrex to obtain servcie, be prepared to supply the serial number of your product and its date of purchase as well as information about the installation and use of the unit.
APPENDIX A – PRODUCT & SYSTEM INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION Xantrex Technology Inc. takes great pride in its products and makes every effort to ensure your unit fully meets your independent powering needs. If your product needs repair, contact our Customer Service department at: (360) 435-8826 to obtain an RMA# and shipping information; or, fax this page with the following information to: (360) 474-0616.
APPENDIX A – PRODUCT & SYSTEM INFORMATION Notes: A-4 ©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc.
1 360 435 8826 1 360 435 2229 dpm@xantrex.com www.xantrex.
