Xantrex Technology SW Communications Adapter User Manual

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.

Trademarks

Trace and Xantrex are registered trademarks of Xantrex International.

Notice of Copyright

Disclaimer

While every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this guide, Xantrex International assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Note as well that specifications and product functionality may change without notice.

Since the use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation, operation, use and maintenance of the unit are beyond the control of Xantrex Technology Inc., the company does not assume responsibility and expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage, or expense arising out of or any way connected with such installation, operation, use, or maintenance.

Due to continual improvement through product updates, photographs and/or illustrations used in this manual may not Technology Inc., reserves the right to update this product without notice or releasing an updated manual when

fit, form or function

exactly

match your unit. Xantrex

are not affected.

Date and Revision

April 2002, Revision A

Part Number

973-0022-01-01

Contact Information

Web: www.xantrex.com

Email: dpm@xantrex.com

Phone: 360.435.8826

Fax: 360.435.2229

P/N 973-0022-01-01 Rev A 04/2002

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

CONDITION EXISTS IN THIS AREA. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN PERFORMING THESE TASKS.

AVERTISSEMENT

DANGEREUSE EXISTE DANS CETTE ZONE. FAIRE PREUVE D’EXTRÊME PRUDENCE LORS DE LA RÉALISATION DE CES TÂCHES.

CAUTION

installation or operation of the unit. Follow these instructions closely.

ATTENTION

l’installation ou l’utilisation de l’unité en toute sécurité. Suivre ces instructions de près.

NOTE

closely.

NOTE

instructions de près.

• All electrical work must be done in accordance with local, national, and/or international electrical codes.

• Before installing or using this device, read all instructions and cautionary markings located in the manual, and on the inverter, the batteries, and the PV array.

• Do not expose this unit to rain, snow or liquids of any type. This product is designed only for indoor usage.

• This product contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to repair this unit.

- A DANGEROUS VOLTAGE OR

- UNE TENSION OU CONDITION

- This procedure is critical to the safe

- Cette procédure est essentielle à

- This statement is important. Follow instructions

- Cette déclaration est importante. Suivre les

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iii

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS........................................................... iii

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................... 1

2.0 INSTALLA TION.................................................................. 3

To install the SWCA ........................................................................................... 3

Connecting the SWCA to a Computer using a Modem ............................ 4

Requirements ............................................................................................. 4

Additional Possible Requirements .......................................................... 4

Connecting Multiple SWCAs to a Single Computer .................................. 4

Advanced Monitoring Software .................................................................... 5

Installation Concerns ......................................................................................... 5

Multiple SWCAs ............................................................................................. 5

Positive Ground or PV Ground Fault Protection Installations .................. 5

Installing the SWCPS DOS Program ................................................................ 8

3.0 OPERATION ....................................................................... 9

Using the SWCPS DOS Program ..................................................................... 9

SWCA DOS Display Emulation Software .................................................... 9

Virtual Control Panel ................................................................................. 9

Function Keys and Other Displays .............................................................. 10

The SWCA Programming Menu ............................................................ 10

The SWCA Programming Menu Function Keys .................................... 11

LED Control Indicators ........................................................................... 12

Keyboard Commands .............................................................................. 13

Starting the Program ................................................................................... 14

ID Numbers .................................................................................................. 14

Changing the PC’s COM Port Number ..................................................... 14

Accessing HELP Information from the SWCPS Program ........................ 15

Accessing the SETUP MENU from the SWCPS Program ....................... 15

Switching Between Multiple SWCA Adapters/inverters .......................... 15

Exiting the SWCPS Program ....................................................................... 15

Use of the SWCA with Terminal Emulation Programs ................................. 16

Making a New Connection .......................................................................... 16

Telephone Number ...................................................................................... 17

COM Port Values .......................................................................................... 18

Testing the SWCA ............................................................................................. 19

4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................... 21

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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 ......................................................................................... A-3

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List of Figures

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

Figure 2-2b Enlargement of Pin Assignments and Color Coding

Figure 2-2c Enlargement of Pin Assignments and Color Coding

Figure 3-1 Virtual Display using DOS Emulation Program ................... 9

Figure 3-2 SWCA Programming Menu Display.................................... 10

Figure 3-3 Making a New Connection ................................................... 16

Figure 3-4 Telephone Number Dialog Box ............................................ 17

Figure 3-5 Com 1 Properties ................................................................... 18

on Custom-made Serial Port Adapter ............................... 7

for 25-foot (4-conductor, telephone standard) Cable ..... 7

on SWCA Adapter ............................................................... 7

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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

Table 4-1 Troubleshooting the SWCA .................................................. 21

Emulation Programs ......................................................... 14

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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.

The SWCA package includes the following items:

• SWCA adapter (gray plastic housing with green LED, phone jack and a 25-pin connector)

• Custom-made Serial Port Adapter (black plastic housing with phone jack and 9-pin connector)

• 25-foot, 4-conductor phone cable (with RJ11 jack tabs on the same side of the cable)

• 3.5" floppy disk with DOS program SWCPS.EXE (simulates the inverters control panel)

• SWCA Owner’s Manual

Please be sure all of these parts are included before trying to use the SWCA.

Phone Cable

SWCA

Adapter

SW Communications Adapter (SWCA)

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Figure 1-1

Custom-Made

Serial Port Adapter

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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

located on the left end of the inverter, near the AC wiring compartment.

NOTE: There are two ports located on the inverter – one

is used for the stacking cable and the other is for the remote control port. Make sure you connect the SWCA to the correct port. If a SW series remote control is being used, it will have to be disconnected while the SWCA is in use.

2. Connect the phone cable to the phone jack on the gray SWCA housing and to

the black serial port adapter.

3. Plug the serial port adapter into the computer serial port.

NOTE: On some computers, a DB9-to-DB25 adapter may be needed to allow connection.

remote

port

Remote

Port

SW Inverter/Charger Remote Port Location

NOTE: The location of the REMOTE PORT may vary slightly depending upon the model of SW inverter/charger being used. All models should be labeled, however, to simplify the identification and location of the port.

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Figure 2-1

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