WattMaster CommLink 5 Technical Manual

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CommLink 5

Technical Guide

Table of Contents

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

CommLink 5 Overview .............................................................................................................................................3

Optional IP Module Kit .............................................................................................................................................3

Installing CommLink 5 ONLY ...................................................................................................................................3

System Requirements ..............................................................................................................................................3

Quick Guide .....................................................................................................................................4

Connections and Wiring .................................................................................................................. 5

Loop Communication Setting ......................................................................................................... 6

Baud Rate Setting ........................................................................................................................... 7

USB Driver Installation Instructions .............................................................................................8

Finding the COM Port Number ........................................................................................................ 9

Prism 2 Setup Instructions ........................................................................................................... 10

CommLink 5 LED Descriptions ..................................................................................................... 12

Connecting the Network .............................................................................................................. 13

Proxy and Firewall Compatibility ............................................................................................................................13

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................14

Troubleshooting T ips ..............................................................................................................................................14

Changing the USB Serial COM Port Number ........................................................................................................15

WattMaster Controls, Inc.
8500 NW River Park Drive · Parkville, MO 64152
Toll Free Phone: [phone]
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Visit our web site at www.wattmaster.com
Form: WM-CL5-TGD-01G © October 2014 WattMaster Controls, Inc.
Windows® XP, Vista, 7 & 8 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
WattMaster Controls, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
This document is subject to change without notice.

CommLink 5 Technical Guide

General Information

CommLink 5 Overview

The OE361-13 CommLink 5 is used to transfer communications
between controllers or local loops on your control system. It can also
be used as an interface for connection of a computer to your system.

The CommLink 5 provides communication with the control system
through any computer that is running Prism 2 software. For remote
communications, an IP Module Kit can be installed for LAN and
Internet connections.

Optional IP Module Kit

The OE415-02 IP Module Kit, when installed and confi gured in
the CommLink 5 communication interface, provides TCP IP In­ternet and/or intranet connection for Ethernet networked computer
systems, allowing them to communicate with your control system.
The OE415-02 IP Module Kit consists of the IP Module and a 10
ft. long CAT5 Ethernet crossover cable.

Using standard TCP/IP Protocol, with WattMaster’s Prism 2 soft­ware, you are able to monitor and confi gure your controllers without
a modem or a direct connection from a PC. Utilizing existing rout­ers, proxies, or fi rewalls allows a PC running Prism 2 to connect to
a controller in a remote accessible location or building. Several IP
connection profi les can be created to facilitate monitoring several
CommLink 5’s with IP Module Kits installed on individual sites.

Installing CommLink 5 ONLY

When you are using the CommLink 5 in an application without a

computer or IP Module, follow Steps 1 & 2 in the Quick Guide on
page 4.

WARNING: If you are replacing an earlier version of the

CommLink with a CommLink 5, be aware that the polarity
of the terminal block is reversed on the CommLink 5 from all
previous models. You must always confi rm that the polarity is
correct when wiring 24 VAC power to the CommLink power
terminal block or serious damage to the product will result.

NOTE: Please note, the R(+) and T(-) terminals on the

communications terminal block are reversed from all previous
versions of the CommLink.

System Requirements

To program the CommLink 5 to work with Prism 2, you will need:

Standard Items (Required)

• CommLink 5 with USB cable and power adapter

• A PC with an Ethernet communications port or USB
port (supplied by others)

• USB drivers on CD-ROM (supplied and also
downloadable from any of our websites)

®

• Microsoft Windows
on the PC you are going to use)

• Prism 2 software, version 4.0.3 or later (can be
downloaded from any of our websites)

Optional Items

IP Module Kit that comes with Ethernet RJ-45

•

Crossover CAT 5, 10 ft. long cable for LAN, and Internet
remote communications

• MiniLink, MiniLink PD, or MinkLink PD 5

XP, Vista, 7, or 8 (must be installed

Operator Interface

Revised: 11/6/12

3

CommLink 5 Technical Guide

Quick Guide

Quick Guide

Follow the fi ve steps below to get your CommLink up and running in
no time.

NOTE: If you are using the CommLink 5 without utilizing

Prism 2, you need only perform Steps 1 through 3.

Step 1: Set your CommLink’s Loop switch to Multiple or Single.

See Figure 2 on page 6.

Step 2: Set your CommLink’s Baud rate switch to High or Low.

See Figure 3 on page 7.

Step 3: Wire your CommLink to the appropriate controller on your

system, and plug the CommLink into a power supply. See

Figure 1 on page 5.

NOTE: Please note, the R(+) and T(-) terminals on the

communications terminal block are reversed from all previous
versions of the CommLink.

WARNING: If you are replacing an earlier version of the

CommLink with a CommLink 5, be aware that the polarity
of the terminal block is reversed on the CommLink 5 from all
previous models. You must always confi rm that the polarity is
correct when wiring 24 VAC power to the CommLink power
terminal block or serious damage to the product will result.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

 First install the USB drivers, then follow the included

CommLink 5 connection and wiring instructions sheet

(Figure 1 on page 5) to connect and confi gure the

CommLink 5.

 Familiarize yourself with all system components and

review all documentation. Pay special attention to
“Cautions,” “Notes,” and “Warnings” since these may
keep you from experiencing unnecessary problems.

 If you encounter any problems, please refer to the

Troubleshooting section of this guide fi rst. If you
can’t resolve the problem, please call WattMaster
Technical Support at our toll free number—
1-866-918-1100.

Step 4: Install the USB drivers located on the included CD-ROM.

See instructions on page 8. Then attach one end of the USB

cable to the back of your CommLink and the other end into
your computer’s USB port.

Step 5: Install Prism 2 software on your computer. See instructions

on pages 10 & 11.

NOTE: For remote communication, follow the instructions

included in your IP Module Technical Guide.

4

Revised: 11/06/12

Operator Interface

CommLink 5 Technical Guide

CommLink 5 Connections & Wiring

Connections and Wiring

WARNING! If You Are Using The IP
Module With Your CommLink, Do Not
Have Your Ethernet Connection And
USB Connection Connected At The
Same Time. This Could Cause
Unreliable Communications.

10/100

ETHERNET

DIAG

ACT LNK

Optional Items
Not Required
For CommLink-Only
Installations.

USB Cable (Included).
Connect This Cable To
Your Computer USB Port
For Direct Connection To
The CommLink 5. Also
Used For Advanced
Configuration of The
CommLink 5.

Optional - Prefabricated Ft. Long CAT5
Ethernet Cable (Included With Optional OE415­02 IP Module Kit).
Ethernet Router On Your LAN.
Ethernet Cable Is Required, You Will Need To
Obtain (From Others) And Install An Ethernet
Cable Of The Required Length For Your
Installation.

10

Connect To A 10/100 Base-T

If A Longer

When Using
A MiniLink,
Switch Should
Be Set To
Multiple.

COMPUTER

USB

MULTIPLE

SINGLE

LOOP

BAUD

HIGH

Communications

LOW

CommLink 5

Interface

GND

SHLD

T(-)

R(+)

485 LOOP

POWER

If Desired A 24 VAC Transformer
Included)
Used Instead Of The Supplied Power Pack.
Use 18 Gauge Minimum 2 Conductor Wire
Between The Transformer & CommLink 5
Terminals

NOTE: Please Note, The R(+) And T(-) Terminals
On The Communications Terminal Block Are
Reversed From All Previous Versions Of The
CommLink.

WARNING! If You Are Replacing An Earlier
Version Of The CommLink With A CommLink 5,
Be Aware That The Polarity Of The Terminal

Serial #

24V

Block Is Reversed On The CommLink 5 From
All Previous Models. You Must Always Confirm
That The Polarity Is Correct When Wiring 24 VAC
Power To The CommLink Power Terminal Block
Or Serious Damage To The Product Will Result.

24 VAC Power

18 Gauge 2 Conductor
With Shield (Not Included)
See Note 1

Connect To A
MiniLink PD, MiniLink
Or Other Controller As
Required By Your
Specific System
Wiring Instructions.
See Note 1

120 to 24 VAC Power Pack
(Included) Connect To 120/1/60
Duplex Receptacle (By Others)

Rated At 12 VA Minimum May Be

(Not

NOTES:

1) Use 18 Gauge Minimum 2 Conductor Twisted Pair With Shield Cable Belden #82760 Or Equivalent (Not Included) To Connect
The CommLink 5 To A MiniLink or MiniLink PD.

2) For Direct Connection Via USB, Your Computer Must Have An Unused USB Port Available. Drivers For Your USB Port Are
Provided On A CD Supplied With The CommLink 5. Please Follow The Directions In The CommLink 5 USB Driver Installation
Section (Included) To Install And Configure The USB Drivers.

3) The CommLink 5 Cannot Communicate With The Control System Through Its Ethernet Port And USB Port At The Same Time.

4) All Wiring Must Conform To Applicable Federal, State & Local Electrical Wiring Codes.

Figure 1: CommLink 5 Connection & Wiring

Operator Interface

Revised: 11/06/12

5