BUL L E T I N
344H
I N S T A L L A T I O N & O P E R A T I O N
WirelessEZ
Wireless Communication Interface
Standard Antenna Shown
Thank you for purchasing a quality product manufactured by Monitor
Technologies LLC. We realize that you do have a choice of vendors
when buying instrumentation and we sincerely appreciate you business!
This manual contains the information necessary to ensure a safe and
successful installation. Please read and comply with the section on
page 10 of this manual pertaining to SAFETY. Doing so will ensure proper operation of the equipment and the safety of all personnel.
Before discarding shipping container or the internal packing materials,
please inspect the packaging thoroughly and verify that all parts are
accounted for. This product is shipped with the antenna, and mounting
plate (with its fasteners) detached from the
Interface (radio module).
In the event that information contained herein does not completely satisfy
your requirements or answer your questions, you may contact Technical
Support on our website at www.monitortech.com, by telephone at 800766-6486 (630-365-9403) or by e-mail at techsupport@monitortech.com.
If your
in or out of warranty, please contact us and obtain an RMA number prior
to shipping the unit to us.
WirelessEZ Communication Interface ever requires service either
WirelessEZ Communication
®
Both the
SiloPatrol
Bulletin 344A) and the RS-485 equipped Flexar
®
SMUse “smart” sensor (Refer to
®
Guided
Wave Radar Sensor (Refer to Bulletin 354A) can be used
in conjunction with either the
SiloTrack™ Inventory
Management PC-Based Software (Refer to Bulletin 344J)
or an HMI
ulletin 344B). Communication between the sensors and
B
the
2-wire RS-485 communication format. The Wireless
2 Operator Interface Control System (refer to
SiloTrack software or HMI2 is accomplished via a
EZ
Communication Interface can be used to replace the RS485 wiring between the sensors and the control system.
With reliable and affordable technology, the Wireless
EZ
Communication Interface, in some cases, can be used to
lower the cost of installation and to overcome obstacles
that make hardwiring impractical or impossible.
PR E-I NS TAL LAT ION C ONS I DER ATI O NS
Choosing a location: (See Figure 1)
1) Anticipated Range: Plan installation to stay within the
range of the antenna selected. Monitor's standard
antenna (small rubber duck style) can achieve dis tances of 5000 ft (1 mile) or greater in ideal conditions.
Longer transmission distances can be achieved with
higher performance antennas.
2) Idealizing Range: The 900MHz frequency band is
capable of propagating around obstacles. However,
optimum performance is achieved when antennas are
positioned in the line of sight of each other. Whenever
possible, select antenna locations that are elevated
and where the signal can travel without being impeded
by large steel obstacles (such as the steel buildings).
An example of an ideal installation is as follows: One
Wireless
is on an office roof wired to the control system (i.e.
SiloTrack™ system or an HMI2 operator interface) and
the second Wireless
(radio/antenna) is on the top of the silo attached to a
safety railing wired to the sensors.
3) Cabling effects: Due to the modest transmission power
of the radio, it is preferable to keep the antenna as close
to the Wireless
module) as possible. Whenever possible mount the
antenna directly to the Wireless
vertical orientation. In some challenging applications,
it maybe necessary to install a higher performance
antenna that requires co-axial cabling between the
radio and the antenna. The co-axial cable introduces
loss into the system thereby negating some benefit of
the better antenna. In these applications, keep the
coaxial cable as short as possible. Monitor's standard
length is three feet long (perhaps just long enough to
reach past/through a metal barrier). It is always
preferable to use the hardwired medium (RS-485) to
span the distance from the control system/sensors to
the Wireless
ule) than to use extended lengths of coaxial cable to
span the distance between the Wireless
module) and the antenna.
EZ Communication Interface (radio/antenna)
EZ Communication Interface
EZ Communication Interface (radio
EZ (radio module) in a
EZ Communication Interface (radio mod-
EZ (radio
RS-485
CABLE
RS-485
CABLE
Figure 1
2
ME CHA NI C AL I NST A LL ATI O N
Wir eles s
ounting:
M
1) Wall mount: A universal mounting plate supplied with
each WirelessEZ transceiver can be attached to the
back of the enclosure with the two screws provided.
Secure the plate to the wall using the holes in the
mounting plate that best suit the installation.
Do not modify the enclosure in any way as its
weatherproofing and the internal electronics may be
compromised. Instead, make any necessary
modifications to mounting plate.
2) Rail mounting: (See Figure 2 & 3) It is anticipated that
the Wir eless
located on the top of the silo.
The universal mounting plate supplied with each unit
can be attached to the back of the enclosure with the
two screws provided. Determine the piping diameter,
source suitable conduit clamps (not provided due to so
many possible sizes) then clamp the mounting plate to
the conduit/railing. Various hole patterns are provided
in the plate to permit optimum clamp sizing. Do not
modify the enclosure in any way as weatherproofing
and internal electronics may be compromised. Instead,
make any necessary modifications to mounting plate.
3) Cable entrance positioning: In outdoor applications,
mount the box with the conduit openings facing down wards. If installing with conduit, be sure to provide a
drip loop (i.e. a section of conduit that is more then 6"
lower then the box, with a means to disperse any accu mulated water in the conduit so that water does not
pour into the box). Likewise, if installing with cable and
the cord connectors provided, position a drip leg in the
cable (i.e. a portion of cable that is more then 6" lower
then the box so that water will tend to run down and
away from the box entries).
4) Placement with respect to standard rubber antenna:
When using the standard antenna (rubber ducky style)
attached to the top of the Wireless
best performance mount the enclosure so that the
antenna IS NOT immediately adjacent to obstacles
(Ex. conduit, railings, etc.).
EZ Communication Interface (Radio Module)
EZ will be mounted to conduits or railings
EZ enclosure, for
Figure 2
Figure 3
Antenna Mounting: (See Figure 4)
1) Direct attachment to Wireless
Interface: The standard antenna (rubber ducky style)
from Monitor has a fitting that attaches directly to the
top of the W irel ess
2) Attached through coaxial cable to WirelessEZ
Communication Interface: Higher performing anten-
nas (Monitor's extended range antenna or similar) must
be connected to the Wireless
module) enclosure with a coaxial cable. Since
the cable attenuation restricts the effective range of the
radio signals, it's recommended that the cable be kept
as short as possible. In these cases the antenna
should be mounted to a supporting structure using its
own mounting bracket. Then the cable can be
connected as a bridge between the antenna and the
connector located on the top of the enclosure.
The length of the antenna should NOT be immediately
adjacent to obstacles (Ex. conduit, railings, etc.).
EZ Communication
EZ tranceiver enclosure.
EZ transceiver (radio
Figure 4
3
EL ECT RI C AL I NST A LL ATI O N
Permanently Connected Equipment:
Disconnecting devices shall be included in the system
installation. The disconnects shall be within close proximity of the equipment, accessible to operators, and
marked appropriately as the disconnect for the associated
circuit. Assure the disconnect ratings are appropriately
sized for the circuit protected (See Specifications).
ircuit Separation:
C
Two cable entry locations are provided to aid in maintaining separation of “hazardous live” (typically mains voltages such as 115VAC and 230VAC) and limited circuits
(typically control voltages less than 30Vrms or 42.4VDC
such as the data communication signals). However, since
the Wireless
compartment can not absolutely protect against physical
contact between multiple circuits, it is required that all
wiring used must have an insulation rating of 300v minimum, and a temperature rating of 176˚F (80˚C) minimum.
Protective Earthing:
Each Wireless
with a "protective conductor terminal" which shall be terminated to the local earth ground potential. This terminal
shall be used to eliminate shock hazard in the unlikely
event of internal insulation breakdown. Select wire size
that can carry in excess of the sum of all circuit's maximum amperage.
EZ Communication Interface's single wiring
EZ Communication Interface is provided
Figure 5
EMI Optimizing: (See Figure 5)
Ferrite beads are provided for installation in the wiring to
minimize affects of EMI. Wrap the large ferrite bead with
the incoming power wires (including protective earth conductor) two to four full turns through the bead’s core.
Wrap small ferrite bead with incoming data wires(RS-485)
two to four full turns through the bead’s core. Position
each bead immediately inside the cable entrance of the
enclosure.
Power Input:
1) 85 to 265VAC Source: (See Figure 6) Verify the
intended voltage supply is compatible with the voltage
configuration indicated on the electronics and the
external nameplate. Standard mains supply voltage
(85VAC to 265VAC as ordered) can be connected to
the unit's H/L1 and N/L2 terminals.
Figure 6
4
Data Communications:
The Wireless
receives data through an RS-485 communications BUS.
Before wiring, determine which data communication
wiring medium is to be tied to the Wireless
ommunication Interface and proceed as follows (Refer
C
to Setup section for further explanation).
1) RS-485 Connection: (See Figure 9) The RS-485 pro tocol permits network interconnection of multiple
devices such as the control system (
EZ Communication Interface transmits and
SiloTrack or
HMI2), sensors (SMUs or Flexar), Auxiliary Output
Enclosures (AOEs) and Wireless
Interfaces. Devices on this “network” are
interconnected in a daisy chain, multi-drop
configuration using a 2-conductor shielded cable
(such as Belden 9322 or Alpha 6302). The order of
connection is not important (i.e.the Wireless
Communication Interface can be connected between
SMUs if necessary). The Wireless
Interface creates a “wireless link” that replaces a
section of the RS-485 wiring.
This break in the wiring results in two wired circuits:
a) The wired circuit connecting the control system
SiloTrack or HMI2) and the WirelessEZ
(
Communication Interface,
b) The wired circuit connecting the second Wireless
Communication Interface and the sensors
in the field.
Each wired circuit operates most effectively when the
interconnection has only two ends. “T”s should be
avoided whenever possible. Observe polarity when
making the communication interconnection (D+ and
D-). Attach the cable shield to the "SHD".
EZ Communication
EZ
EZ Communication
EZ
Refer to Installation and Operation Bulletin #344J for
connection to the USB serial adapter when
the operator interface.
SiloTrack is
5
Figure 9
6
SE TUP
nitial Setup: (Setup selections required before use)
I
1) Radio channel: The Wireless
are programmed at the factory, 1-10. For simplicity, it is
typical to match the radio channel to the network
number (1-10 Silo
standard channel. Channels other than 1 have to
be specified at the time of ordering. In applications with
greater than 16 sensors, multiple networks are needed.
When multiple networks are required and Wireless
Communication Interfaces are used, different radio
channels are needed for each network to assure data
from one control system network does not collide with
data from a different control system network. SiloPatrol
SMU or SMUse sensors may NOT reside on the same
network as Flexar
installations using Silo
permissible for Silo
network if the HMI
(Note: For clarity and convenience, when using a
SiloTrack system or an HMI2, it may be desirable to
match the radio channel with the network number. This
should not be confused with the SMU or Flexar sensor
address.)
2) Protocol: The is Wireless
many different serial protocols. The standard protocols
available are intended for SMU and Flexar sensors,
programmed at the factory. Other serial protocols are
available and must be specified when ordering.
Options are:
BAUD Rate: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19,200
BITS: 7 or 8
PARITY: None, Even or Odd
STOP BITS: 1 or 2
3) BIAS Selector: Because the RS-485 system is half
duplex (signals alternately travel both directions on
the same set of wires), some systems will require the
application of a BIAS on the wires...some
manufacturers will refer to this as Pull-up or Pull-down
resistors. Typically a BIAS is applied only at the
master device (controller). Just like termination loads,
you DO NOT want the BIAS of too many devices on a
RS-485 network “ON” or the system may get
overloaded. If a Wireless
of remote sensors, the Wireless
master of the RS-485 network because requests are
coming onto the RS-485 network from the
Wireless
Wireless
4) RS-485 load: (See Figure 9) This selection is used
to terminate the RS-485 link to achieve maximum
communication reliability. If no RS-485 communica tions is to be used, simply turn “OFF” this selection.
If there is to be RS485 communications, then you must
determine if the Wireless
is physically on the end of the RS-485 wiring circuit.
If so, then the load selector should be turned “ON”. If the
Wireless
of the wiring circuit (i.e. two wire pairs branch off in two
different directions) then this selector should be turned
EZ. In this example, turn the only BIAS of the
EZ on.
EZ Communication Interface is not at the end
Track,1-2 HMI2). Channel 1 is the
®
Guided Wave Radar Sensors in
TrackTMas the control system. It is
Patrol SMU’s to coexist on the same
2 is used as the control system.
EZ has Tx channels that
EZ
EZ capable of operating with
EZ is connected to an island
EZ is considered the
EZ Communication Interface
“OFF”. This evaluation should be conducted for every
device on the RS-485 network.
5)
SiloTrack Timeout: When using the Wir elessEZ
Communciation module with SiloTrack, Inventory
Monitoring Software,the
set for 200ms. Time out is defined as the amount of
time between each sensor query by
default for
time required for the “radio link”, change registry setting
to 200ms as follows on Windows-based PCs:
For Current Windows Supported Operating Systems
a) Press the Windows button and “R” key
simultaneously to open RUN window
b) Type in regedit then click OK,
Click on: Computer g HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
g Software g Wow6432Node g Monitor
Technologies g STComDriver g Communication.
When you click on “Communication” a
list will open up on the screen adjacent to the
registry directory tree. Double click on the
Timeout entry. Enter Value Data to 200 and select
Decimal.
c) OK
d) Close registry window
e) Restart PC.
Indicators: (See Figure 10)
(Three provided for reporting status)
1) Power: The green POWER indicator will light
when power is applied to the unit.
2) Tx: The Orange Tx (Transmit Data) light strobes when
the Wireless
ting data to the other side of the wireless bridge.
3) Rx: The Yellow Rx (Receive Data) light will strobe when
the Wireless
from the other side of the wireless bridge.
LED Bar Graph-Received Signal Strength:
There is a three LED signal strength “Bar Graph” located
on the left side of the PCB next to the RF Module. The bar
graph only works when the unit receives data from the
other WirelessEZ Communication Interface. This will
occur when properly connected to a control device, such
as the HMI
panied by activity on the Rx indicator (Yellow).
The stronger the received signal, the more LED bars that
will illuminate.
SiloTrack is 100ms. To accommodate the
EZ Communication Interface is transmit-
EZ Communication Interface receives data
2 or SiloTrack PC Software, and will be accom-
SiloTrack “Timeout” must be
SiloTrack. The
(See Figure 10)
Figure 10
7
(Tx)
(Rx)
MA INT EN AN C E
Fuse Replacement:
The fuse incorporated into the Wir eless
Communication Interface PCB is not intended for operator
replacement. A qualified technician can replace the applicable fuse according to the following specifications.
If necessary, consult the factory for additional technical
assistance or for return of the Wireless
Interface.
F1: Fuse, TR5-FAST, 315mA, 250V, SLO
Monitor Part #: 4722-0014
Preventive Maintenance:
The Wir eless
maintenance free. In typical applications, once the apparatus is properly setup, it will operate without any further
attention. The electronics are housed in a weatherproof
enclosure. In addition the PCBs are conformal coated
with a silicone-based material to further prevent electrical
influence by condensation. The electronics should periodically be observed for any signs of contamination
caused by improper enclosure protection (i.e. insure cover
is fully engaged, and that wire entries are properly
sealed.)
EZ Communication Interface is virtually
EZ Communication
EZ
Figure 11
Cleaning Requirements:
In the event that the antenna is fouled by external contamination, reliable communication of the RF wireless signal
may be degraded. In these cases, clean antenna with a
soft damp towel.
8
TR OU B LES HOO TIN G
PROBLEM: SiloTrack™ or HMI2 occasionally displays
a “COM error” for a specific vessel
CAUSE/SOLUTION:
1) This error is caused by the inability of the Control
System (ex.
receive a return response from a sensor. Brief
dropouts of communication can be expected in
wireless radio links, especially during
periods of severe weather. If dropouts are unac ceptable, see alternate suggestions below.
2) Check the signal strength.
3) Confirm that there are no other Wireless
Communication Interfaces on the control side of
the “wireless link” set to the same radio channel.
4) Verify proper termination of the RS-485 wiring.
5) Consider altering radio installation positions for
best line-of-sight, highest elevation, and no
obstructions (especially metallic).
6) Consider installing a higher performance antenna.
PROBLEM:
“COM error” for a specific vessel
CAUSE/SOLUTION:
1) This error is caused by the inability of the Control
System (ex.
return response from a particular sensor. This can
be caused by a variety of issues, many not related
to the Wireless
2) Verify the sensor's address corresponds to
the
3) Verify that each sensor on any given network has a
unique sensor address selection.
4) Verify electrical power is connected to the sensor.
5) Verify polarity of the RS-485 wiring.
6) Verify proper termination of the RS-485 wiring.
7) If using
the
8) Verify that SMU software is revision V1.01 or
greater.
9) Proceed to the following PROBLEM/SOLUTIONS
pertaining to the Wir eless
Interface. Continue to proceed down the items
until problem is solved. Some may not apply.
SiloTrack or HMI2 node (channel) number.
SiloTrack TIMEOUT is set for 200ms.
SiloTrack or HMI2) to continuously
EZ
SiloTrack or HMI2 continuously displays a
SiloTrack or HMI2) to ever receive a
EZ Communication Interface.
SiloTrack as the Control System, verify that
EZ Communication
in question is on the control side or sensor side of
the “wireless link”. Then:
Control side of “wireless link”
2) Verify electrical connection and polarity between
SiloTrack and WirelessEZ Communication Interface.
Sensor side of “wireless link”
3) Verify that the Wir eless
Interface on control side of “wireless bridged link”
is indicating “query” by a strobing LED labeled as
“Tx”. If not, check steps 2-4 above then continue.
4) Verify that the radio channel & protocol selections
made on the two Wireless
Interfaces forming the “wireless link” are on the
same channel number. The channel number is
printed on the product label. If working with multiple
channels it is imperative that covers remain with
the actual radio it came with.
5) Verify performance of the “wireless link” by
examining the three LED signal strength “Bar
Graph” located on the left side of the PCB next to
the RF Module. The bar graph only works when the
unit receives data from the other Wireless
Communication Interface and three illuminated
led’s indicates stronger received signal than one or
two. It is possible that the radio installation position
and/or the antenna performance are insufficient to
successfully achieve a wireless link. See above
regarding “occasional” COM error.
PROBLEM: The reply LED labeled as “Rx” is not
strobing
CAUSE/SOLUTION:
1) This error is caused by the Wireless
Communication Interface not receiving data from
the other end of the wireless bridge.
2) Verify electrical connection and polarity between
the Wireless
sensors.
EZ Communication Interface and the
:
:
EZ Communication
EZ Communication
EZ
EZ
PROBLEM: The green power LED does not light
CAUSE/SOLUTION:
1) This error is caused by the lack of power connect-
ed to the Wireless
2) Verify electrical power is connected, that it is the
proper voltage as indicated on the nameplate, and
that the magnitude is within the specified limits.
3) Verify status of fuse F1. If blown, examine the con nections and environment in an attempt to deter mine why fuse blew before replacing.
PROBLEM: The “Tx” LED is not strobing
CAUSE/SOLUTION:
1) This error is caused by the Wireless
Communication Interface not receiving the
commands from the control system.
Identify if the Wireless
EZ Communication Interface.
EZ
EZ Communication Interface
9
B U L L E T I N
344H
S A FET Y
General Safety:
CAUTION! It is essential that all instructions in this man-
ual be followed to ensure proper operation of the equip-
ent and safety of operating personnel. The use of this
m
symbol is used throughout manual to highlight important
safety issues. Please pay particular attention to these
items.
Electrical Shock Caution:
Certain Wireless
ered with HIGH VOLTAGE. No operator serviceable parts
are inside. All servicing is to be performed by qualified
personnel. Each Wireless
provided with a “protective conductor terminal” which shall
be terminated to earth ground potential (See Electrical
Installation). This product's design complies with
EN61010-1 overvoltage category II and pollution degree
2. When installing certain high performance antennas, it
is critically important that the antenna not come in contact
with overhead power lines. Doing such may put operators
at risk of electrical shock that may be harmful or fatal.
EZ Communication Interfaces are pow-
EZ Communication Interface is
ME CHA NI C AL S
DIMENSIONS ARE SHOWN IN INCHES WITH MILLIMETER EQUIVALENT IN BRACKETS
WirelessEZ Communication Interface
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):
The Wir eless
transmitter module FCC ID: OUR-9XTEND. This enclosed
device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions.
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
EZ Communications Interface contains
WA R RAN TY
Monitor Technologies LLC warrants each Wir elessEZ
Communications Interface it manufactures to be free from
defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service for two (2) years from the date of purchase. The purchaser must notify Monitor of any defects within the warranty
period, return the product intact, and prepay transportation
charges. The obligation of Monitor Technologies LLC under this
warranty is limited to repair or replacement at its factory. This
warranty does not apply to any product which is repaired or
altered outside of Monitor Technologies’ factory, or which has
been subject to misuse, negligence, accident, incorrect wiring by
others, or improper installation. Monitor Technologies LLC
reserves the right to change the design and/or specifications
without prior notice.
Left: Standard Antenna
Center: High GainAntenna
Right: Yagi Antenna
Power Requirements: 85 to 265 VAC (±15%); 8VA;
50/60Hz
Ambient Operating Temp: -40° to +150° F (-40° to +65° C)
Data Input Signal: RS-485 half-duplex, isolated
Wiring Distance: 3,279 ft. (1,000m)
Radio Output: 900MHz (North America); 1W
Radio Sensitivity: -110dBm
Conduit Entry: Two 0.88in (22.4mm) dia. holes
Indicators: Orange LED: Tx
Yellow LED: Rx
Green LED: Power
Housing: Powder coated die cast aluminum,
IP66
Mounting: Wall or pipe/rail
SP ECI FI C AT I ONS
CHINA RoHS 2
Monitor Technologies LLC
44W320 Keslinger Rd. tElburn, IL 60119 t630-365-9403 t800-766-6486 tFax: 630-365-5646 twww.monitor tech. com
GDR JSC MAY 19 2017 DOC-001-344H 4
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