Renogy MT-50 User Manual

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Page 1

MT-50 Remote Tracer Meter

RENOGY Remote Tracer Meter for Commander Series and ViewStar Series Charge Controllers

2775 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario CA 91761

1-800-330-8678

Version 2.0

Page 2

General Information ...................................................................................................... 3

Identification of Parts ................................................................................................... 4

Installation ..................................................................................................................... 5

Frame Wall Mount Installation .................................................................................. 5

Flush Wall Mount Installation ................................................................................... 6

Operation ....................................................................................................................... 6

Menu Display ............................................................................................................. 6

1. Monitoring ........................................................................................................... 7

2. Device Info .......................................................................................................... 9

3. Test Operation .................................................................................................... 9

4. Control Parameters ............................................................................................ 9

5. Load Set ............................................................................................................ 11

6. Device Parameters ........................................................................................... 13

7. Device Password .............................................................................................. 13

8. Factory Reset .................................................................................................... 14

9. Failure Info ........................................................................................................ 14

10. Meter Parameters ............................................................................................. 14

System Status Icons ................................................................................................... 15

System Status Glossary ............................................................................................. 16

Failure Information...................................................................................................... 17

Device Considerations ............................................................................................... 17

Warning Indicator .................................................................................................... 17

Telecommunication Port ........................................................................................ 18

Battery Level Flashing ............................................................................................ 18

Battery capacity AH ................................................................................................ 18

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 18

Technical Specifications ............................................................................................ 19

Mechanical Parameters .......................................................................................... 19

Temperature Parameters ........................................................................................ 19

Electrical Parameters .............................................................................................. 19

Charging Parameters .............................................................................................. 19

Threshold Voltage Parameters ............................................................................... 20

Interface Pin Numbers ............................................................................................ 20

CAD Dimensions ..................................................................................................... 21

Table of Contents

Page 3

Important Safety Instructions

Please save these instructions.

This manual contains important safety, installation, and operating instructions for the unit. The following symbols are used throughout the manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or important safety information.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing

this task.

CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller

NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that is important to the safe and proper operation of the

controller.

General Safety Information

• Inspect the MT-50 after it is delivered. If any damage, notify the company immediately. A

photograph might be helpful as well.

• Read all directions and cautions in the manual before installation

• Keep the MT-50 away from rain, severe dust, and electromagnetic interference.

General Information

The Renogy MT-50 is a new generation meter compatible with the Commander Series and ViewStar Series charge controllers. It is a self-diagnostics meter ideal for monitoring and displaying the current solar system status information and any error indications the system might be experiencing. The information is displayed on a backlit LCD display and is easily navigated using the buttons on the meter. The MT-50 could also be flush mounted on a wall or flat surface using the mounting frame provided.

NOTE: The MT-50 is not compatible with the Commander 60A charge controller.

Key Features

• Large backlit LCD display

• Compatible with multiple Commander Series (20A/40A) and ViewStar Series

(10A/20A/30A) charge controllers

• Real-time monitoring and graphical display

• Customizable parameters for charge control and load control

Included Components

• Wall Mounting Frame

• 6.5 foot cable

• 4 x ST4.2X32 self-tapping screws

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Identification of Parts

Key Parts

1. Communication Indicator (Green)

2. Alarm Sound port (Alarm will be discontinued in new models)

3. Warning Indicator (Red)

4. 4 X Mounting Holes

5. Display Screen

6. Navigation Buttons

7. RS485 Port

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Installation

WARNING: BEFORE drilling, make sure there are no electrical components or other obstacles

that may interfere with installation on the other side of the mounting surface.

CAUTION: Before installing the MT-50, apply power and make sure the meter is working properly. Resolve any issues before installing the meter and the meter cable.

The MT-50 can be mounted in two ways: Frame Wall Mount or in a Flush Wall Mount. A plastic mounting frame has been included for the purpose of Frame Wall Mounting. If Flush Wall Mounting then the MT-50 faceplate sits flush with the mounting surface and the body of the meter would be able to rest comfortably in a hole cut-out on the mounting surface.

Frame Wall Mount Installation

When frame mounting, the MT-50 Tracer will be utilizing the provided frame and be mounted on a wall or surface. No cut-outs are required for the surface with the exception of the 4 x screw holes.

1. Locate and drill the screw holes based on the mounting frame dimension and erect the plastic expansion bolts on the wall.

2. Use 4 x ST4.2x32 self-tapping screws to fix the frame.

3. Use 4 x M4x8 pan head screws to mount the MT50 front to the frame

4. Mount the 4 associated screw plugs into the screw holes

5. Plug the meter in and verify the meter powers up and displays the appropriate data. Troubleshoot if necessary.

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Flush Wall Mount Installation

This is a low-profile installation. The faceplate of the MT-50 sits flush with the mounting surface or wall and the body of the meter rests in a hole cut-out on the mounting surface. The meter wiring is concealed behind the mounting surface, or the interior of the wall.

1. Locate and drill screw holes based on the installation size of the surface. Level the faceplate and remove a hole-cutout.

2. Use 4 x M4x8 cross recessed pan head screws with the M4 nuts to mount the MT-50 surface onto surface.

3. Mount and use white plugs in the screw holes.

Operation

NOTE: The MT-50 is not compatible with the Commander 60A charge controller.

The following keys are used to cycle through the screens or adjust the parameters on the tracer:

Once the Tracer Meter is connected, the user will see welcome screen followed by a device info screen, before settling on the Default Screen.

Menu Display

Press ESC to access the main menu, and utilize the up and down keys to maneuver through the menu. Select OK to choose an option

NOTE: In some models, you might be prompted to enter a password. Simply put “0” all the way

through and press enter.

Welcome

VS2024BN Rate.Vol: 24V Char.Cur: 20A Disc.Cur: 20A

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NOTE: To customize charge parameters, Battery Type must be set to USER, under 4. CONTROL

PARAMETERS

NOTE: The values found in your controller are default values and will not necessarily match the

ones listed. The values on this table are to show the user what the different screens are used for.

1. Monitoring

NOTE: Use the up and down arrows to maneuver through the monitoring menus. The left and

right arrows indicate submenus and display further information regarding the system

The Default Screen displays information regarding the PV module, Battery, and Load. The PV module indicator will have a sun or a moon depending on the time of day. The face will indicate normal system behavior in terms of the battery.

The screen displays the Charge Controller Model Number, followed by the Date and Time.

The kilowatt hours accumulated in a day, Month, and total since the controller has been turned on

NOTE: Once the battery is disconnected, the values

are reset to 0 unless there is an external battery installed on the controller face

Same as above but regarding discharged energy

Demonstrates the battery’s Voltage, Amperage,

and State of Charge (SOC).

NOTE: The Battery SOC% is an estimation

based on the charging voltage.

Battery Voltage: 0.00 V Current: 0.00 A

SOC: 0.05 %

Discharge Energy Day: 0.00 kWh Month: 0.00 kWh Total: 0.05 kWh

Charge Energy Day: 0.00 kWh Month: 0.00 kWh Total: 0.05 kWh

VS2024BN

Jan-01-2015

04:40:44

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Demonstrates Battery Temperature, the Max. Voltage detected and the Minimum Voltage Detected by the Battery.

This screen gives the user a visual of battery status beyond voltage, temperature, and amperage. The user can see if they battery is charging, the energy flow, and if there are any faults In the system.

Looks at PV voltage, current, and power generated.

Demonstrates PV status in terms of it PV state, whether there is a fault detected, and the mode of charge.

The charge controller’s temperature and status is

displayed.

Displays the current Load Voltage, Current, and Power generated in kilowatt hours.

Indicates whether the load is on or off and whether it is experiencing any error.

Determines whether the user wants to manually control the paramaters of the Load.

NOTE: If timers are on, then it will display that

screen as opposed to this screen.

Manual Control

Default: Off

Load

Work: OFF

Fault: Yes

Load Voltage: 000.0 V Current: 000.0 A Power: 000.0 kWh

Controller Temperature: 000.0 °C Status: Normal

PV Work: Disconnect Fault: No Mode: PWM

PV Voltage: 0.0 V Current: 0.0 A Power: 0.0 W

Battery Charge: No Charge Energy: Normal Fault: No

Battery

Temperature: 0.00 °C

Max Voltage: 0.00 V

Min Voltage: 2.4 V

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2. Device Info

NOTE: Use the up and down arrows to maneuver through the monitoring menus. The left and

right arrows indicate submenus and display further information regarding the system

Displays device info for the charge controller and the next menu displays the charge controller name and screen number.

3. Test Operation

NOTE: Press OK to change from reading mode to parameter setting mode. Once the parameter

is highlighted, use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the setting and press OK once again to save the setting.

The test operation is used for the load terminal and determines whether the output is normal. It does not affect the working-load settings (if there are any preset) and upon turning the test operation on/off, the screen will save and exit.

4. Control Parameters

NOTE: Press OK to change from reading mode to parameter setting mode. Once the parameter

is highlighted, use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the setting and press OK once again to save the setting.

NOTE: To customize charge parameters, BATT must be set to USER, under 4. CONTROL

PARAMETERS

NOTE: A Control Parameters table can be found under Technical Specifications for parameter

boundary limits.

Choose Gel, Sealed, Flooded or User battery and modify the Amp-hours(Ah) if necessary. Choose from 1-999 Ah.

VS2024BN

SN: 16 digit code

VS2024BN Rate.Vol: 24V Char.Cur: 20A Disc.Cur: 20A

Test Operation

VS2024BN: ON

Battery Type

Sealed

Battery AH

200AH

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Temperature fluctuation can affect performance in the system. Therefore, the purpose of temperature compensation is to adjust the performance of the system to keep the system functioning normally. Choose from 0mV to -9mV Choose between 12V, 24V or AUTO for rated battery voltage.

Default parameters for over-voltage disconnect and charge limit.

Default parameters for over-voltage reconnect and equalization charge rate.

Default Parameters for Boost and Float Charge

Default parameters for Boost reconnection and Low voltage reconnect

Default parameters for under voltage reconnect and under voltage warning

Default parameters for low voltage disconnect and the discharge limit.

Low Voltage Disconnect

11.1 V

Discharge Limit

10.6 V

Under Voltage Reconnect

12.2 V

Under Voltage Warning

12.0 V

Boost Reconnect

13.2 V

Low Voltage Reconnect

12.6

Boost Charge

14.4 V

Float Charge 13.8 V

Over Voltage Reconnect

15.0 V

Equalization Charge

14.6 V

Over Voltage Disconnect

16.0V

Charge Limit

15.0 V

Temp Comp. Coeff

-3mV/°C/2V

Rated Voltage

Auto

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If using the SOC for battery management, then these parameters let the Charge Controller/Tracer know the SOC of the battery based on these boundary limits.

NOTE: This function will be discontinued in future

models.

Set a time for how long equalization and boost charges occur.

5. Load Set

NOTE: Use the up and down arrows to maneuver through the monitoring menus. The left and

right arrows indicate submenus and display further information regarding the system

NOTE: Press OK to change from reading mode to parameter setting mode. Once the parameter

is highlighted, use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the setting and press OK once again to save the setting.

ESC

Manual control gives the user complete control over the load terminals. The user can set it to be manual by default or not.

NOTE: If ON, load will remain on assuming battery

capacity is enough and no abnormal conditions occur. Load can be turned off and on by pressing the OK button on the meter

Equalize Time

120min

Boost Time

120min

Battery Charge SOC

100%

Battery Discharge SOC

30%

Manual Control

Default: ON

√ Manual Control

0Light on/Off 0Light on+Timer 0Timer Control

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ESC

In Light On/Off the user sets to load to be operated by the time of day.

The load terminal automatically turns ON when the solar voltage goes BELOW the point of NTTV (Night Time Threshold Voltage).The load automatically turns OFF when the voltage goes ABOVE the point of DTTV (Day Time Threshold Voltage). There is a delay between turning the load on or off and can be programmed to be from 0-99minutes.

NOTE: Minimum and maximum charge parameter

values can be found in Technical Specifications

Similar to Light On/Off parameter with the addition of a timer that the user sets in order to indicate how long a load will be on or off. The user also sets an appropriate time for when it is night time. Nightime12 indicates the remaining time between the Load being on and off

NOTE: Timer needs to be activated for it to work

Using a 24-hour clock, the user is able to set the

time for when the load will turn on and the time for when the load will turn off. The system works fine with just one timer, the second timer serves the purpose of dual functioning. For example, if the user wants to turn the load on and off within 3 hours of night time and turn the load on and off again before sunrise they will be able to with a dual timer.

Time Control

Time1/Time2 OnTime 19:00:00 OffTime 06:00:00

0Manual Control 0Light on/Off 0Light on+Timer

√Timer Control

Light On+Timer OnTime1 01H:00M OnTime2 01H:00M

Light On+Timer

On 05.0 V Delay 10M Off 06.0 V Delay 10M

Nightime12 H00

0Manual Control 0Light on/Off

√Light on+Timer

0Timer Control

Light On/Off On 05.0 V Delay 10M Off 06.0 V Delay 10M

0Manual Control

√Light on/Off

0Light on+Timer 0Timer Control

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6. Device Parameters

NOTE: Use the up and down arrows to maneuver through the monitoring menus. The left and

right arrows indicate submenus and display further information regarding the system

NOTE: Press OK to change from reading mode to parameter setting mode. Once the parameter

is highlighted, use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the setting and press OK once again to save the setting.

The display will be the version number of the Charge Controller as well as display the ID. The ID is important if there are custom settings (For Example, the USER function), then the parameters will be saved under that certain ID. This serves the purpose of having the tracer work for various charge controllers and their respective ID’s.

NOTE: The ID of the charge controller and the tracer

must match for them to be operable together.

The backlight is also modifiable as well as the date and time.

7. Device Password

NOTE: In some models, you might be prompted to enter a password. Simply put “0” all the way

through and press enter.

NOTE: Press OK to change from reading mode to parameter setting mode. Once the parameter

is highlighted, use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the setting and press OK once again to save the setting.

Before making any parameter changes, the user can have the charge controller require a password.

8. Factory Reset

NOTE: Press OK to change from reading mode to parameter setting mode. Once the parameter

is highlighted, use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the setting and press OK once again to save the setting.

Reset the controller to factory settings. This will erase any customized parameters the user may have set. The default “0” password may also be activated.

Device Parameter

Backlight 60S

Month-Date-Year

HH:MM:SS

Device Parameter

Ver: Version #

ID: 001

Device Password OriPsw: XXXXXX NewPsw: XXXXXX

Factory Reset

YES NO

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9. Failure Info

NOTE: Press OK to change from reading mode to parameter setting mode. Once the parameter

is highlighted, use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the setting and press OK once again to save the setting.

Any faults or indicators that the controller experiences will be readily available to view in the Tracer’s Failure information.

A maximum of 15 failure messages could be displayed. When the failure has been corrected, it will disappear from the failure information log. For a list of common failures, check the Failure

Information Table

10. Meter Parameters

NOTE: Press OK to change from reading mode to parameter setting mode. Once the parameter

is highlighted, use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the setting and press OK once again to save the setting.

First screen displays information regarding the controller and the tracer type.

The Switch-Pages feature allows the menu screens, under Monitoring, to cycle through the displays at every second desired by the user.

NOTE: There is a 10 minute delay when modifying

the switch pages feature.

The backlight controls the time it is on, following the last button being pressed.

The alarm sound can be turned on or off to indicate error.

NOTE: This alarm feature will be discontinued in

future models.

Failure Info.

Meter Parameters SW-Pages: 000S Backlight: 000S AudAlarm ON

Meter Parameters

Type: MT-50

Version: version #

SN: SN #

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System Status Icons

BATTERY

SYSTEM

LOAD

Day/ PV

Charging

Battery

Charging

System Normal

Load

Night/ PV

Not

Charging

Battery

Level Full

System

Under

Voltage

Load

OFF

Battery

Over

Discharge

System

Over

Discharged

System Status Glossary

PV Status

Meaning

Connect

PV is Connected

Disconnect

PV is Disconnected

Measure Err

Measurement Error at the PV terminal

Input O. cur.

PV is Overcurrent

RPP Short

(Metal oxide semiconductor) used for PV reverse polarity is short.

MOS-C Short

(Metal oxide semiconductor) used for charging is short.

RPP Break

(Metal oxide semiconductor) in control circuit is damaged

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BATT Status

Meaning

Equalize

Battery is equalizing

Boost

Battery is in boost mode

Float

Battery is in float mode

NoCharge

No charge to battery

LVD

Low voltage disconnect

UVW

Under voltage warning

Normal

Battery is normal

OVD

Over voltage disconnect

Disc.O.O.Ctrl.

Battery experiencing error charging/discharging

Ctrler O.Temp.

Battery is too hot, over temperature

LOAD Status

Meaning

Load On

Off

Load Off

Load O. cur.

Load is overloaded

Load Circuit

Load connection is short

Error

Load experiencing error

MOS Short

Metal oxide semiconductor used in load is short

Failure Information

Indicator

Troubleshoot

Load MOS-Short

Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists, contact supplier.

Load Circuit

Load circuit is short. Check the device wiring and connections going into the load. There may be a break in the wire.

Load O. cur.

Load is overcurrent. Check to make sure the devices connected to the load terminal are within the load specification. If so, then reduce the number of loads and it will reconnect automatically.

Input O. cur.

PV terminal overcurrent. Use a multi-meter to determine whether solar panel(s) specification match the nominal parameters of the charge controller.

RPP Short

Check connections to make sure they are not reverse. Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists, contact the supplier

RPP Break

Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists, contact the supplier

Char.MOS-Short

The charge driver is short. Reset the controller to factory settings. If problem persists, contact the supplier

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Disc.O.O.Ctrl.

Check that the battery connections are properly connected to the battery terminals of the charge controller. Make sure there is no short along the line. Reboot the controller. If problem continues, reset the controller.

Ctrler O.Temp.

Controller Over temperature. Place the controller in a cooler environment where it will automatically reconnect.

Comm. Timeout

Error with the communication port. Check controller connection and reboot device.

Device Considerations

Warning Indicator

The red LED on the tracer will turn on where there is an issue. Check the Failure Information Log first. The following are possible reasons for the warning indicator

1. One battery could be disconnected, over voltage, or open circuit. Check connections. Disconnect and reconnect.

2. The remote temperature sensor probe is malfunctioning. Check the sensor probe. Disconnect and reconnect.

3. The system is experiencing overcharging current. Check connections, disconnect and reconnect

4. Solar PV is short circuited. Check connections, disconnect and reconnect.

Telecommunication Port

When the meter running on individual power or the communication is cut off, the MT-50 will display graphical symbols abnormally. Press any key to stop the display and resume normal activity. If problem persists, disconnect the port and connect it again. Normal behavior is when the meter updates every 20 seconds.

NOTE: Errors could occur in the telecommunication port if the connection is not properly

secured. Also, too long of a cable may cause some inconsistencies.

Battery Level Flashing

The meter measures battery capacity by the voltage it is experiencing. When batteries are charging, they will not necessarily match the accurate battery capacity.

Battery capacity AH

AH is the accumulation of charging, each one minute will count. The data is not accurate while the charge current is too small. The min. is 1AH, means 1 amps charging for 1 hour, Ah comes to show.

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Troubleshooting

MT-50 has no display

• Verify the charge controller is powered on and that it is securely connected to the MT-50.

LCD display is dim

• Check the system battery voltage. The MT-50 needs a minimum of 8 V to operate.

• Verify that the temperature is within range of the LCD operating parameters.

MT-50 turns on, but shows no data

• MT-50 is potentially damaged or the cable is damaged. Replace the cable by contacting the manufacturer.

MT-50 display does not match product manual

• Our products undergo manual revisions from time to time. Please check our website at Renogy-store.com > downloads for latest documentation.

Buttons do not work

• Disconnect the MT-50 and clean the faceplate to remove any potential buildup of residue

• Reconnect MT-50

Technical Specifications

Mechanical Parameters

Communication Cable

RJ45 (8 pin)

Cable Length

2 m (6.5 ft)

Faceplate Dimensions

98 x 98mm (3.86 x 3.86in)

Wall Frame Dimensions

114 x 114mm (4.49 x 4.49in)

Weight

0.23 Kg

Temperature Parameters

Operation Temperature

-4°F to 158°F

Humidity

0-100%

Electrical Parameters

Rated Voltage

12V

Minimum Voltage Suggested

Strong backlight on consumption

< 23mA

Backlight and LED indicator off consumption

< 15mA

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Charging Parameters

Battery type

Gel

Sealed

Flooded

High Volt Disconnect

Default

16.0V; x2/24V

Max

17.0V; x2/24V

Min

15.0V; x2/24V

Charging Limit Voltage

Default

15.5V; x2/24V

Max

16.0V; x2/24V

Min

14.0V; x2/24V

Over Voltage

Reconnect

Default

15.0V; x2/24V

Max

16.0V; x2/24V

Min

14.0V; x2/24V

Equalization Voltage

Default

N/A

14.6V; x2/24V

14.8V; x2/24V

Max

N/A

15.2V; x2/24V

Min

N/A

14.2V; x2/24V

Boost Voltage

Default

14.2V; x2/24V

14.4V; x2/24V

14.6V; x2/24V

Max

15V; x2/24V

Min

13.8V; x2/24V

Float Voltage

Default

13.8V; x2/24V

Max

14.2V; x2/24V

Min

13.2V; x2/24V

Boost Return Voltage

Default

13.2V; x2/24V

Max

13.5V; x2/24V

Min

12.7V; x2/24V

Low Voltage

Reconnect

Default

13.2V; x2/24V

Max

13.5V; x2/24V

Min

12.7V; x2/24V

Under Voltage Recover

Default

12.2V; x2/24V

Max

12.6V; x2/24V

Min

11.8V; x2/24V

Under Voltage Warning

Default

12.0V; x2/24V

Max

12.4V; x2/24V

Min

11.6V; x2/24V

Low Voltage

Disconnect

Default

11.1V; x2/24V

Max

11.8V; x2/24V

Min

10.5V; x2/24V

Discharging Limit

Voltage

Default

10.8V; x2/24V

Max

11V; x2/24V

Min

10.5V; x2/24V

Equalize Duration

N/A

2 hours

Boost Duration

N/A

2 hours

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Threshold Voltage Parameters

The following chart demonstrates the parameters when using the Timer under load settings.

Description

Parameter

Day Time Threshold Voltage (DTTV)

Default

5V; x2/24V

Max

10V; x2/24V

Min

1V; x2/24V

Night Time Threshold Voltage (NTTV)

Default

6V; x2/24V

Max

10V; x2/24V

Min

1V; x2/24V

Interface Pin Numbers

Pin Number

Definition

Power +5 to 12V input

RS485-B

RS485-A

GND

Page 21

CAD Dimensions

NOTE: Dimensions are in millimeters