Red Lion PAXCDC1,2 User Manual

Finger
Hold

Finger

Hold

Serial

Communications

Card

Setpoint
Output
Card

Alignment

Slots

Connectors

Main
Circuit
Board

Analog Output

or

Real-Time

Clock Card

ANALOG
OUTPUT OR
REAL-TIME
CLOCK CARD

SETPOINT
OUTPUT
CARD
LABEL

SERIAL
OUTPUT
CARD
LABEL

MAIN

LABEL

LABEL

Bulletin No. PAXCDC-F
Drawing No. LP0402
Released 07/10

Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.redlion.net

MODEL PAXCDC -SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS PLUG-IN OPTION CARDS

DESCRIPTION

This bulletin serves as a guide for the installation, configuration and
operation of the RS232 and RS485 cards for the PAX family of meters. Only
one communication card can be used at a time.

INSTALLING AN OPTION CARD

Caution: The option and main circuit cards contain static sensitive
components. Before handling the cards, discharge static charges
from your body by touching a grounded bare metal object. Ideally,
handle the cards at a static controlled clean workstation. Also,
handle the cards by the edges only. Dirt, oil or other contaminants
that may contact the cards can adversely affect circuit operation.

Warning: Exposed line voltage exists on the circuit boards. Remove
all power to the meter AND load circuits before accessing the unit.

1. Remove the main assembly from the rear of the case. Squeeze the finger
holds on the rear cover, or use a small screwdriver to depress the side
latches to release it from the case. It is not necessary to separate the rear
cover from the main circuit card.

2. Locate the option card connector for the type of option card to be installed.
Hold the unit by the rear connector, not the display board, when installing
an option card.

3. Install the option card by aligning the option card connector with the slot
bay in the rear cover. The cards are keyed by position with different main
board connector locations. Be sure the connector is fully engaged and the
tab on the option card rests in the alignment slot on the display board.

4. Slide the assembly back into the case. Be sure the rear cover latches fully
into the case.

5. Apply the option card label to the bottom side of the meter. Do not cover
the vents on the top surface of the meter . The surface of the case must be
clean for the label to adhere properly. Apply the label to the area designated
by the large case label.

The PAX meter can be fitted with up to three different option cards. The slot
bays of the option cards are dedicated to a particular card function. The option
card functions are: serial communications, analog output and setpoint output.
Only one card from each function category can be installed into the meter.

TOP VIEW

ORDERING INFORMATION

MODEL NO. DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER

RS485 Serial Communications Output Card with
Terminal Block

Extended RS485 Serial Communications Output

PAXCDC

1

Card with Dual RJ11 Connector
RS232 Serial Communications Output Card with

Terminal Block
Extended RS232 Serial Communications Output

Card with 9 Pin D Connector

PAXCDC10

PAXCDC1C

PAXCDC20

PAXCDC2C

12

TXD

RXD

COMM.

PAX METER (DTE)

RECEIVING DEVICE

2

NC

RXD

TXD

3

32

75

5

DTE

3

2

DB9

13

14

15

DTEDCE

DB25DB25

1

5

9

6

PIN 3 RXD
PIN 5 COMMON

FEMALE

PIN 2 TXD

12

B(-)

33K

33K

+5V

Transmit
Enable

PAX METER

RECEIVING DEVICE

A

(+)

COMM.

*

NC

*

OPTIONAL

13

14

15

SPECIFICATIONS

PAXH Isolation For Both Cards:

Isolation To Sensor Common: 1400 Vrms for 1 min.

Working Voltage: 125 V

Isolation To User Input Common: 500 Vrms for 1 min.

Working Voltage: 50 V

RS485 Communication Card

Type: RS485 multi-point balanced interface
Isolation To Sensor & User Input Commons: 500 Vrms for 1 min.

Working Voltage: 50 V. Not Isolated from all other commons.

Baud Rate: 300 to 19.2k
Data Format: 7/8 bits; odd, even, or no parity
Bus Address: 0 to 99, max 32 meters per line
Transmit Delay: Selectable; 2 - 50 msec or 50 - 100 msec

RS232 Communication Card

Type: RS232 half duplex
Isolation To Sensor & User Input Commons: 500 Vrms for 1 min.

Working Voltage: 50 V. Not Isolated from all other commons.

Baud Rate: 300 to 19.2k
Data Format: 7/8 bits; odd, even or no parity

WIRING CONNECTIONS

RS232 Communications

RS232 is intended to allow only two devices to communicate over distances up
to 50 feet. Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) transmits data on the Transmitted
Data (TXD) line and receives data on the Received Data (RXD) line. Data
Computer Equipment (DCE) receives data on the TXD line and transmits data on
the RXD line. The PAX emulates a DTE. If the other device connected to the
meter also emulates a DTE, the TXD and RXD lines must be interchanged for
communications to take place. This is known as a null modem connection. Most
printers emulate a DCE device while most computers emulate a DTE device.

Some devices cannot accept more than two or three characters in succession
without a pause in between. In these cases, the meter employs a busy function.

As the meter begins to transmit data, the RXD line (RS232) is monitored to
determine if the receiving device is “busy”. The receiving device asserts that it
is busy by setting the RXD line into a space condition (logic 0). The meter then
suspends transmission until the RXD line is released by the receiving device.

Terminal Block Connection Figure

Extended Comms Connection Figure

RS485 Communications

The RS485 communication standard allows the connection of up to 32
devices on a single pair of wires, distances up to 4,000 ft. and data rates as high
as 10M baud (the PAX is limited to 19.2k baud). The same pair of wires is used
to both transmit and receive data. An RS485 bus is therefore always half-duplex,
that is, data cannot be received and transmitted simultaneously.

PAX METER

+5V

Transmit
Enable

33K

33K

12

13

14

15

Terminal Block Connection Figure

Not used

Not used

PAX CONNECTOR

Not used

COMM

B-

A+

3542

Extended Comms Connection Figure

2

RECEIVING DEVICE

(+)

COMM.

NC

OPTIONAL

MODULE 7 - SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS PARAMETERS ()

7-SrL

PAR

bAUd

Baud Rate

It is necessary to match the PAX meter’s serial communications parameters
to the host’s parameters before communications can be established. This is
accomplished by using the PAX front panel keys to enter .

Indicates Program Mode Alternating Display.

Parameter

dAtA

Parity BitData Bit





Factory Settings are shown.





Selection/Value

PARAMETER MENU

PAr

Addr

Meter

Address

Abrv

Abbreviated

Printing

PAR

INP

Print

Input Value





Enter the serial node address. With a single unit on a bus, an address is not
needed and a value of zero can be used (RS232 applications). Otherwise, with
multiple bussed units, a unique address number must be assigned to each meter.
The node address applies specifically to RS485 applications.

tot

Print

Total Value





OPt

Print

Options

HILO SPNt

Print

Max & Min

Values

METER ADDRESS

to

NO

YES

Print

Setpoint

Values

Pro

BAUD RATE

 
 

DATA BIT

 

PARITY BIT

  





















Set the baud rate to match that of other serial communications equipment.
Normally, the baud rate is set to the highest value that all of the serial
communications equipment is capable of transmitting.





Select either 7 or 8 bit data word lengths. Set the word length to match that
of other serial communication equipment. Since the meter receives and
transmits 7-bit ASCII encoded data, 7 bit word length is sufficient to request
and receive data from the meter.



Set the parity bit to match that of the other serial communications equipment
used. The meter ignores the parity when receiving data, and sets the parity bit
for outgoing data. If no parity is selected with 7-bit word length the meter
transmits and receives data with 2 stop bits. (For example: 10 bit frame with
mark parity)



ABBREVIATED PRINTING

 

PRINT OPTIONS

 

  
  
  
  















Select abbreviated transmissions (numeric only) or full field transmission.
When the data from the meter is sent directly to a terminal for display, the extra
characters that are sent identify the nature of the meter parameter displayed. In
this case, select . When the data from the meter goes to a computer, it may be
desirable to suppress the node address and mnemonic when transmitting. In this
case, set this parameter to .



 - Enters the sub-menu to select those meter parameters to appear in the

block print. For each parameter in the sub-menu select  for the parameter to
appear with the block print, and  to disable the parameter.

*Setpoints 1-4 are setpoint plug-in card dependent.

Input Value
Max and Min Values
Total Value
Setpoint values*

3

Sending Commands and Data

When sending commands to the meter, a string containing at least one
command character must be constructed. A command string consists of a
command character, a value identifier, numerical data (if writing data to the
meter) followed by a the command terminator character * or $.

Command Chart

Command Description Notes

Node Address

N

Specifier

T Transmit Value (read)

V Value change (write)

R Reset

Block Print Request

P

(read)

Command String Construction

The command string must be constructed in a specific sequence. The meter
does not respond with an error message to illegal commands. The following
procedure details construction of a command string:

1. The first 2 or 3 characters consist of the Node Address Specifier (N) followed

by a 1 or 2 character node address number. The node address number of the

meter is programmable. If the node address is 0, this command and the node

address itself may be omitted. This is the only command that may be used in

conjunction with other commands.

2. After the optional address specifier , the next character is the command character.

3. The next character is the register ID. This identifies the register that the

command affects. The P command does not require a register ID character. It

prints according to the selections made in print options.

4. If constructing a value change command (writing data), the numeric data is

sent next.

5. All command strings must be terminated with the string termination

characters * or $. The meter does not begin processing the command string

until this character is received. See timing diagram figure for differences of *

and $ terminating characters.

Address a specific meter. Must be followed by
one or two digit node address. Not required
when node address = 0.

Read a register from the meter. Must be
followed by register ID character.

Write to register of the meter. Must be
followed by register ID character and numeric
data.

Reset a register or output. Must be followed
by register ID character

Initiates a block print output. Registers are
defined in programming.

Register Identification Chart

ID Value Description

A Input INP

B Total TOT

C Max Input MAX

D Min Input MIN

E Setpoint 1 SP1

F Setpoint 2 SP2

G Setpoint 3 SP3

H Setpoint 4 SP4

Analog Output

I

Register
Control Status

J

Register
Absolute (gross)

L

input display value

Q

Offset/Tare (PAXS)

† -Register ID for the PAXS.

Register

Applicable Commands/Comments

ID

T, P, R

T, P, R

T, P, R

T, P, R

T, P, V, R

T, P, V, R

T, P, V, R

T, P, V, R

AOR (Applies to manual mode)

T, V

CSR

T, V

ABS

T, P

†

GRS

OFS

T, P, V

†

TAR

(Reset command [Ver2.5+]
zeros the input [“REL” or Tare])

(Reset command resets total to
zero)

(Reset command resets MAX to
current reading)

(Reset command resets MIN to
current reading)

(Reset command resets the
setpoint output)

(Reset command resets the
setpoint output)

(Reset command resets the
setpoint output)

(Reset command resets the
setpoint output)

(Ver 2.5+)

Command String Examples:

1. Node address = 17, Write 350 to Setpoint 1, response delay of 2 msec min
String: N17VE350$

2. Node address = 5, Read Input value, response delay of 50 msec min
String: N5TA*

3. Node address = 0, Reset Setpoint 4 output, response delay of 50 msec min
String: RH*

Sending Numeric Data

Numeric data sent to the meter must be limited to 5 digits (-19,999 to 99,999).
If more than 5 digits are sent, the meter accepts the last 5. Leading zeros are
ignored. Negative numbers must have a minus sign. The meter ignores any
decimal point and conforms the number to the scaled resolution. (For example:
the meter’s scaled decimal point position = 0.0 and 25 is written to a register.
The value of the register is now 2.5 In this case, write a value = 25.0).

Note: Since the meter does not issue a reply to value change commands, follow

with a transmit value command for readback verification.

Receiving Data

Data is transmitted by the meter in response to either a transmit command (T),
a print block command (P) or User Function print request. The response from
the meter is either a full field transmission or an abbreviated transmission. In this
case, the response contains only the numeric field. The meter response mode is
established in programming.

Full Field Transmission

Byte Description

1, 2 2 byte Node Address field [00-99]

3 <SP> (Space)

4-6 3 byte Register Mnemonic field

12 byte data field; 10 bytes for number, one byte for sign, one byte for

7-18

decimal point (The T command may be a different byte length)
19 <CR> carriage return
20 <LF> line feed
21 <SP>* (Space)
22 <CR>* carriage return
23 <LF>* line feed

* These characters only appear in the last line of a block print.

The first two characters transmitted are the node address, unless the node address
assigned =0, in which case spaces are substituted. A space follows the node address
field. The next three characters are the register ID (Serial Mnemonic).

The numeric data is transmitted next. The numeric field is 12 characters long
(to accommodate the 10 digit totalizer), with the decimal point position floating
within the data field. Negative value have a leading minus sign. The data field
is right justified with leading spaces.

The end of the response string is terminated with a carriage return <CR> and
<LF>. When block print is finished, an extra <SP><CR> <LF> is used to
provide separation between the blocks.

Abbreviated Transmission

Byte Description

12 byte data field, 10 bytes for number, one byte for sign,

1-12

one byte for decimal point

13 <CR> carriage return
14 <LF> line feed
15 <SP>* (Space)
16 <CR>* carriage return
17 <LF>* line feed

* These characters only appear in the last line of a block print.

The abbreviated response suppresses the node address and register ID,
leaving only the numeric part of the response.

Meter Response Examples:

1. Node address = 17, full field response, Input = 875

17 INP 875 <CR><LF>

2. Node address = 0, full field response, Setpoint 2 = -250.5

SP2 -250.5<CR><LF>

3. Node address = 0, abbreviated response, Setpoint 2 = 250, last line of block

print

250<CR><LF><SP><CR><LF>

4

SERIAL COMMANDS FOR PAX SOFTWARE

Ready Ready

1

t t

2

Ready

t

1

t

2

Ready

t

3

Command

String

Transmission

Meter

Response

Time

Command

Terminator

Received

First

Character

of Reply

Reply

Transmission

NO REPLY FROM METER

RESPONSE FROM METER

(CSR) Control Status Register

The Control Status Register is used to both directly control the meter’s
outputs (setpoints and analog output), and interrogate the state of the setpoint
outputs. The register is bit mapped with each bit position within the register
assigned to a particular control function. The control function are invoked by
writing to each bit position. The bit position definitions are:

bit 0: Setpoint 1 Output Status

0 = output off
1 = output on

bit 1: Setpoint 2 Output Status

0 = output off
1 = output on

bit 2: Setpoint 3 Output Status

0 = output off
1 = output on

bit 3: Setpoint 4 Output Status

0 = output off
1 = output on

bit 4: Manual Mode

0 = automatic mode

1 = manual mode
bit 5: Always stays 0, even if 1 is sent.
bit 6: Sensor Status (PAXT only)

0 = sensor normal

1 = sensor fail
bit 7: Always stays 0, even if 1 is sent.

Although the register is bit mapped starting with bit 7, HEX < > characters
are sent in the command string. Bits 7 and 5 always stay a zero, even if a “1” is
sent. This allows ASCII characters to be used with terminals that may not have
extended character capabilities.

Writing a “1” to bit 4 of CSR selects manual mode. In this mode, the setpoint
outputs are defined by the values written to the bits b0, b1, b2, b3; and the
analog output is defined by the value written to the AOR. Internal control of
these outputs is then overridden.

In automatic mode, the setpoint outputs can only be reset off. Writing to the
setpoint output bits of the CSR has the same effect as a Reset command (R).
The contents of the CSR may be read to interrogate the state of the setpoint
outputs and to check the status of the temperature sensor (PAXT only).

Examples:

1. Set manual mode, turn all setpoints off:

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0:bit location

VJ<30>* or VJ0* ASCII 0 = 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 or <30>

V is command write, J is CSR and * is terminator.

2. Turn SP1, SP3 outputs on and SP2, SP4 outputs off:

0:bit location1234567

VJ<35>* or VJ5* or <35>10101100ASCII 5 =

3. Select Automatic mode:

0:bit location1234567

VJ<40>* or VJ@* or <40>00000010ASCII @ =

Note: Avoid writing values <0A> (LF), <0D> (CR), <24> ($) and <2E> (*)
to the CSR. These values are interpreted by the meter as end of command
control codes and will prematurely end the write operation.

(AOR) Analog Output Register

The Analog Output Register controls the analog output of the meter. The
manual mode must first be engaged by setting bit 4 of the Control Status
Register. The range of values of this register is 0 to 4095, which corresponds to
0 mA, 0 V and 20 mA, 10 V; respectively. The table lists correspondence of the
output signal with the register value.

Register Value

1 0.005 0.0025

4094 19.995 9.9975

Output Signal*

I (mA)

V (V)

0.0000.0000

5.00010.0002047

10.00020.0004095

*Due to the absolute accuracy
rating and resolution of the output
card, the actual output signal may
differ 0.15% FS from the table
values. The output signal
corresponds to the range selected
(20 mA or 10 V).

Writing to this register while the meter is in the manual mode causes the
output signal to update immediately. While in the automatic mode, this register
may be written to, but the output will not update until the meter is placed in
manual mode.

Examples:

1. Set output to full scale:

VI4095*

2. Set output to zero scale:

VI0*

Command Response Time

The meter can only receive data or transmit data at any one time (half-duplex
operation). The meter ignores commands while transmitting data, but instead
uses RXD as a busy signal. When sending commands and data to the meter, a
delay must be imposed before sending another command. This allows enough
time for the meter to process the command and prepare for the next command.

Timing Diagram Figure

Time

At the start of the time interval t

string to the com port, thus initiating a transmission. During t1, the command

, the computer program prints or writes the

1

characters are under transmission and at the end of this period, the command
terminating character (*) is received by the meter. The time duration of t1 is
dependent on the number of characters and baud rate of the channel.

t1 = (10 * # of characters) / baud rate

At the start of time interval t2, the meter starts the interpretation of the
command and when complete, performs the command function. This time
interval t2 varies from 2 msec to 50 msec. If no response from the meter is
expected, the meter is ready to accept another command.

If the meter is to reply with data, the time interval t2 is controlled by the use
of the command terminating character. The standard command line terminating
character is ‘*’. This terminating character results in a response time window of
50 msec minimum and 100 msec maximum. This allows sufficient time for the
release of the sending driver on the RS485 bus. Terminating the command line
with ‘$’ results in a response time window (t2) of 2 msec minimum and 50 msec
maximum. The faster response time of this terminating character requires that
sending drivers release within 2 msec after the terminating character is received.

At the beginning of time interval t3, the meter responds with the first
character of the reply. As with t1, the time duration of t3 is dependent on the
number of characters and baud rate of the channel. t3 = (10 * # of characters) /
baud rate. At the end of t3, the meter is ready to receive the next command.

The maximum serial throughput of the meter is limited to the sum of the
times t1, t2 and t3.

5

Communication Format

Data is transferred from the meter through a serial communication channel.
In serial communications, the voltage is switched between a high and low level
at a predetermined rate (baud rate) using ASCII encoding. The receiving device
reads the voltage levels at the same intervals and then translates the switched
levels back to a character.

The voltage level conventions depend on the interface standard. The table
lists the voltage levels for each standard.

LOGIC RS232* RS485*INTERFACE STATE

1 TXD,RXD; -3 to -15 V a-b < -200 mVmark (idle)
0 TXD,RXD; +3 to +15 V a-b > +200 mVspace (active)

* Voltage levels at the Receiver

Start bit

IDLE 0

(8 data, no parity, 1 stop)

(7 data, no parity, 2 stop)

Note: b - b is ASCII data.

Character Frame Figure

b

01b2bb3b4b56

bb

0b132bb4b5b6

(7 data, parity, 1 stop)

bbb

01bb324bb56

0

7

b

1 IDLE

b

7

P1

11

Stop bit

IDLEIDLE 0

IDLEIDLE 0

Data is transmitted one byte at a time with a variable idle period between
characters (0 to ). Each ASCII character is “framed” with a beginning start bit,
an optional error detection parity bit and one or more ending stop bits. The data
format and baud rate must match that of other equipment in order for
communication to take place. The figures list the data formats employed by
the meter.

Start bit and Data bits

Data transmission always begins with the start bit. The start bit signals the
receiving device to prepare for reception of data. One bit period later, the least
significant bit of the ASCII encoded character is transmitted, followed by the
remaining data bits. The receiving device then reads each bit position as they
are transmitted. Since the sending and receiving devices operate at the same
transmission speed (baud rate), the data is read without timing errors.

Parity bit

After the data bits, the parity bit is sent. The transmitter sets the parity bit to
a zero or a one, so that the total number of ones contained in the transmission
(including the parity bit) is either even or odd. This bit is used by the receiver
to detect errors that may occur to an odd number of bits in the transmission.
However, a single parity bit cannot detect errors that may occur to an even
number of bits. Given this limitation, the parity bit is often ignored by the
receiving device. The PAX meter ignores the parity bit of incoming data and
sets the parity bit to odd, even or none (mark parity) for outgoing data.

Stop bit

The last character transmitted is the stop bit. The stop bit provides a single
bit period pause to allow the receiver to prepare to re-synchronize to the start of
a new transmission (start bit of next byte). The receiver then continuously looks
for the occurrence of the start bit.

6

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7

The Company warrants the products it manufactures against defects in materials and

LIMITED WARRANTY

workmanship for a period limited to two years from the date of shipment, provided the products
have been stored, handled, installed, and used under proper conditions. The Company’s liability
under this limited warranty shall extend only to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at
The Company’s option. The Company disclaims all liability for any affirmation, promise or
representation with respect to the products.

The customer agrees to hold Red Lion Controls harmless from, defend, and indemnify RLC
against damages, claims, and expenses arising out of subsequent sales of RLC products or products
containing components manufactured by RLC and based upon personal injuries, deaths, property
damage, lost profits, and other matters which Buyer, its employees, or sub-contractors are or may be
to any extent liable, including without limitation penalties imposed by the Consumer Product Safety
Act (P.L. 92-573) and liability imposed upon any person pursuant to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act (P.L. 93-637), as now in effect or as amended hereafter.

No warranties expressed or implied are created with respect to The Company’s products except
those expressly contained herein. The Customer acknowledges the disclaimers and limitations
contained herein and relies on no other warranties or affirmations.

Red Lion Controls
Headquarters
20 Willow Springs Circle
York PA 17406
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]

Red Lion Controls

Europe

Printerweg 10

NL - 3821 AD Amersfoort

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Fax [phone]

Red Lion Controls

India

54, Vishvas Tenement

GST Road, New Ranip,

Ahmedabad-382480 Gujarat, India

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

8

Red Lion Controls

China

Unit 101, XinAn Plaza

Building 13, No.99 Tianzhou Road

ShangHai, P.R. China 200223

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Fax [phone]