Xantrex Inverter Communications Adapter manual

Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) M ICA Owner’ s Manual[...]

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Inverter Communications Adapter Owner’s Manual[...]

About Xantrex Xantrex T echnolo gy Inc. is a world-leadin g supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with pro ducts from 50 watt mobile units to one MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar , ba tteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applicatio ns in both grid-connected and st and-alone systems. Xantrex products include inv[...]

iii About This Manual Purpose The purpose of this Owner ’ s Manual is to provide explanations and procedures for in stalling, oper ating, maintaining, and troubl eshooting the Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA). Scope The Sine W ave Plus Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) Owner ’ s Manual provides safety guidelines, p lanning and setup in[...]

About T his Manual iv 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Conventions Used The following conventions are used in this guide. Illustrations Since software levels can change frequently to incorporate upgrades and improvements, it is recommended that you visit www .xantrex.com for the latest version of this software. Therefore, please keep in mind that software leve[...]

About T his Manual 975-0052-01-01 Rev A v Abbreviations and Acronyms AC Alternating Current ASC Authorized Service Center AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction COM COMmunications Port DC Direct Current DOS Disk Operating System ICA Inverter Communications Adapter ICAP Inverter Commu nications Adapter Program (software) ICM Inverter Control Module ID ID[...]

About T his Manual vi 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Related Information Y ou can fi nd more info rmation about Xant rex T echnology Inc. as well as its prod ucts and services at www .xantrex.com.[...]

vii Important Safety Instructions 1. Before installing the ICA, read all i nstructions and cautionary markings on th e ICA, the inverter , the batteries, and all appropriate sections of this guide. 2. Do not expose the ICA to rain, snow , or spray . 3. Use only attachments recommended or sold by the manufacturer . Doing o therwis e may result in a [...]

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ix Important Safety Instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii 1 Installation Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Features/Components - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Connecting the ICA Cable - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Connecti[...]

Contents x 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Help - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 LEDs and LCD Display - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Multiple-Unit Drop-Down Box - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Navigation Buttons - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 ICAP Keyboard and[...]

xi Figure 1-1 Inverter Communicatio ns Ad apter (ICA) - - - - - - - - - - 3 Figure 1-2 Connecting Directl y to the Inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Figure 1-3 Connecting the ICA t o a Computer using a Modem - - - 7 Figure 1-4 Connecting Multiple ICAs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 Figure 1-5 Enlargements of pin assignments and colo[...]

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xiii Table 3-1 Keyboard Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Table 3-2 Keyboard Commands (ICAP Only) - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Table 3-3 Keyb oard Commands (Terminal Emulation Programs Only) - - - - - - - - - - - 33 Table 3-4 Troubleshooting the ICA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40 Ta b l e s[...]

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1 Installation Chapter 1, “Installation” de scribes how to install the ICA cable with or without a modem. The following topics are covered in this chapter . F or this topic ... See ... “Introduction” page 2 “Features/Components” page 2 “Connecting the ICA Cable” page 4 “Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem” page 6 “C[...]

Installation 2 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Introduction The Inverter Communicati ons Ad apter (ICA) allows any Sine W ave Plus Inverter/Char ger to be connected to a computer serial port or directly to a modem to be controll ed and monitored over l ong distan ces. It uses the Inve rter Communications Adapter Prog ram (ICAP) to communicate with the inverte[...]

F eatures/Compone nts 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 3 Figure 1-1 Inverter Communicati ons Adapter (ICA) ICA adapter DB-9 Serial port adapter 25’ phone cable[...]

Installation 4 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Connecting the ICA Cable The ICA converts the REM OTE port on the Sine W ave Plus Inverter/Charger into a standa rd RS232 type communications port interface. See Figure 1-2 for the location of the Remote P ort on the Sine W ave Plus Inverter/Char ger. T o install the ICA: 1. Connect the ICA adapter to the Sine W [...]

Conne cting the IC A Cable 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 5 Figure 1-2 Connecting Directly to th e Inverter AC Side of Sine Wave Plus inverter R EMOTE Port ICA Adapter (LED and RJ11 port) LED illuminates wh en the ICA is able to communicate with the inverter. 1 2 3 4[...]

Installation 6 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem The ICA can be connected directly to a modem for use in remote sites where a computer may not be ava ilable or desired. Any computer that has an available serial communications port and term inal emul ation so ftware can communicate with the SW Plus series inverter t[...]

Conne cting the IC A Cable 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 7 Figure 1-3 Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem ICA Adapter[...]

Installation 8 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Connecting Mult iple ICAs to a Single Computer Up to eight ICAs can be used with a single computer serial port. The four phone cable c onductors are simply run in parallel using standard pho ne cable line “splitters”. T o connect multiple adapters to a single serial port: 1. Connect each ICA adapter in dividu[...]

Conne cting the IC A Cable 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 9 Figure 1-4 Connecting Multiple ICAs ICA Adapter (8 maximum)[...]

Installation 10 975-0052-01-01 Rev A P ositive Gr ound or PV Ground F ault Protection Installations When using the ICA in inverter installations t hat have DC ground fault p rotection (PVGFP-CF) or wh ere the inverter is connected in a “positive ground ” configuration, an opto- isolator must be co nnected s omewher e between the ICA and the com[...]

Conne cting the IC A Cable 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 11 RJ 11 connector on ICA Serial Port Adapter RJ 11 connector on 25-foot (4-conductor, teleph one standard) cable RJ 11 connector on ICA Adapter Figure 1-5 Enlargements of pin as signme nts and color coding on ICA cable and connectors 5 4 3 2 1 6 BLACK (Y EL LO W *) RE D (GRE EN* ) GREEN (RED*) Y EL L[...]

Installation 12 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Additional P ossible Requirements The modem at the inverter lo cation ma y need to be DC powered if it is necessary to conn ect to the inverter during a fault condition where the inverter has shut of f its AC output. Advanced Monitoring Softwar e The ICA was dev eloped to change th e Sine W ave Plus Inverter/Cha[...]

2 Configur ation Chapter 2, “Configuration” de scribes how to install the ICAP software provided with the ICA and how to set up a modem (if used). The following topics are covered in this chapter . F or this topic... See ... “Installing the ICA Software: ICAP” page 14 “T o install the software with Autorun enabled on your CDROM drive:” [...]

Configuration 14 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Installing the ICA Software: ICAP The Inverter Communications Adapter software program (ICAP) is included on the CD in the ICA package. It allows a personal computer to operate as a virtua l control panel for up to eight Sine W ave Plus Inverter/Char gers. For other computer platform s, See “Setting Up a Mode[...]

Installing the ICA Software: ICAP 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 15 2. Click on the NEXT button to start the setup program. The License Agr eement screen should appear next. 3. Click on the ACCEP T button to accept the License Agreement and continue with the installation. The Important Information screen will appear next. 4. Review the list of required compo[...]

Configuration 16 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 5. The ICAP installation folder will default to the location shown in Figure 2-4. If you do not want the software installed at the default locatio n, enter the de sired location in the window below “Install f iles to this location” or use the BROWSE button to navigate to the desired location. 6. Click on th[...]

Installing the ICA Software: ICAP 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 17 8. The Ready T o Install screen should appear next. If you want to have a shortcut put on y our desktop, click in the small box next to the questio n “Do you want a sho rtcut on your desktop?” A small ch eck mark should appear in the box. If you do not want a shortcut placed on your desk[...]

Configuration 18 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 10. After the setup program has updated your system, the Installed screen will appear to confirm that the installation was succe ssful. Click on the NEXT button to proceed to the final step. 1 1. When the setup program ha s finished installing the software the Readme Option screen will appear . If you do not wa[...]

Installing the ICA Software: ICAP 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 19 Starting Setup Manually T o start the program fr om the CD if Autor un is disabled on your computer: 1. Insert the ICAP CD into yo ur CDROM drive. 2. Open W indows Explorer (or Click on My Comp uter) and navigate to the CDROM drive to view the contents of the disk. 3. Either: a) Double-click[...]

Configuration 20 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Starting Setup From a Command Pr ompt T o start the pr ogram from a command pr ompt: 1. Insert the ICAP CD into yo ur CDROM drive. 2. Click on ST AR T and select “RUN”. 3. Enter the drive letter assig ned to your CDROM and the name of the installation program as shown in Figure 2- 10. 4. Follow the setup wi[...]

Setti ng Up a M odem Con necti on 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 21 Setting Up a Modem Connection Modem connection requires the use of a terminal emulation program. A modem is required at both the inverters and at the computer , with a phone line available to make the connection. The ICA supports use with most “terminal emulation” programs. Any computer [...]

Configuration 22 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Establish the T y pe of Connection T o establish the type of modem connection: 1. In the Phone Number dialo g box (Figure 2-12), enter the following information. 2. Select one of th e following in the “Connect Using” drop down list: 3. Click OK . The Phone Num ber dial og is cl osed. Country code: (e.g., Un[...]

Setti ng Up a M odem Con necti on 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 23 Enter COM P ort Pr operty V alues T o enter the COM port values : 1. In the COM1 Properties dialog (Figure 2-13) enter the following: *This setting must be “fixed”. Some programs will over -ride this setting and will at tempt to find the fastest speed. Ensure the accuracy of these settin[...]

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3 Oper ation Chapter 3, “Operation” desc ribes how to operate the ICAP software, change the ICAP settings, test, and troubleshoot the connection. The following topics are covered in this chapter . F or this topic... See ... “Starting ICAP” page 26 “User Interface Features” page 27 “Changing IC AP Settings” page 34 “T esting the IC[...]

Operation 26 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Starting ICAP The ICA program can be started with either of the following methods. Method 1: If you allowed the setup pr ogram to put an application shortcut on your desktop: • Double click on the shortcut icon on your desktop. Method 2: If you did NOT allow the setup pr ogram to put an application shortcut on yo[...]

User Interface F eatures 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 27 User Interface F eatures The ICAP User Interface has the following features. The user can either click on the virtual button s or use keyboard commands to navigate th rough the program . • The ICAP Menu Bar is used for setting ICA parameters (such as number of connecte d inverters, port usage, cust[...]

Operation 28 975-0052-01-01 Rev A ICAP Menu Bar Use the features of the ICAP Menu Bar to access and/or alter programmable parame ters for the ICA Ad apter . The ICAP Menu bar consists of the following commands: •E x i t • Go Past END MENU • ICA Commands • Communications •H e l p Exit Exit the ICAP program by using one of the following met[...]

User Interface F eatures 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 29 Go P ast END MENU This command provides the mean s for the user to move past the END MENU of eac h menu map for the SW Plus Inverter . Pressing the virtual Navigation Buttons in ICAP will not take the user past the End Menu in each Menu Map like the ICM does. Menu maps include the User Menu, the Setu[...]

Operation 30 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Communications This drop-down menu item provides a means to reset the RS232-port used by the ICA and select the number of ICAs attached. H ELP Access help information by using one of the following methods: • Click here on the Men u Bar • Press F1 • Press AL T + H + H T o leav e HELP , press ESC. LEDs and LCD [...]

User Interface F eatures 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 31 Navigation Buttons Use the virtual Navigation Butto ns to move around within the Menu Maps. Navig ation buttons are groupe d into four categories: • INV or GEN buttons access Inverter or Generator features. • The Menu Heading buttons access the Menu Headings for each menu map. • The Menu Item b[...]

Operation 32 975-0052-01-01 Rev A T a ble 3-1 Ke y b o a r d C o m m a n d s K eystroke Function L, l Menu Headings (Previous Menu Heading ) R, r Menu Headings (Next Menu Heading) U, u Menu Item (Previous Menu Item) D, d Menu Item (Next Menu Item) + Set Point (h igher value) – Set Point (l ower value) I, i Inverter O N / OF F Menu (same as the RE[...]

User Interface F eatures 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 33 T a ble 3-3 K eyboard Commands (T erminal Emulation Programs Only) K eystroke Function 1-8 Select inverter: 1 thro ugh 8 is the inverter ’ s ID number , 1 is the default. S Setup Menu - Accesses either “BEGIN BASIC SETUP” or “BEGIN ADV ANCED SETUP” Menus. ? or / Sends ASCII LED S tatus. The[...]

Operation 34 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Changing ICAP Settings ICAP enables you to change ce rtain settings to acc ommodate your specific configuration. Th is is done by using the ICA C OMMANDS and C OMMUNICATION commands on the ICAP Menu Bar . Use the ICA Commands to change configuration parameters for the ICA adapte r . Use the Communicat ions Commands[...]

Changing ICAP S ettings 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 35 Identifying Single o r Multiple ICA s T o establish multiple inverters in ICAP , start ICAP and follow the steps illustrated in Figure 3-3. Figure 3-3 Identifyi ng the Number of ICAs atta ched 2. Click this dr op down box to display th e options. 3. Select the a ppropriate number for the number of ICA[...]

Operation 36 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Assigning ID Numbers to the ICA If you are installing a multiple-i nverter system, you will need to identify each inverter to be monitored and assign an ID number to that inverter and IC A. It is recommended that you label each cable as well for ease of identification at a later date. T o change ID Number on the IC[...]

Changing ICAP S ettings 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 37 Figure 3-4 Assigning ID Numbers to the ICA Important: Y ou must click on the W RIT E New ID button to save changes made to the Advanced Configura tion Settings. Clicking on the OK button will o nly exit the wi ndow without saving the changes. 1. Click on ICA C OMMANDS Menu, then select R EAD C ONFIGUR[...]

Operation 38 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Advanced Configuration Settings The Advanced Configura tion settings include the C ONFIGURATION PARAMET ER , the D ESELECT T IME , and the S ERIAL N UM BER and should only be changed as directed by Xantrex personnel. T o make changes to the Advanced Configuration settings: Figure 3-5 Changing the Adv anced Configur[...]

Changing ICAP S ettings 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 39 Changing the PC’ s COM P ort Number T o change the COM port number , start ICAP and follow the procedure illustrate d in Figure 3-6. COM Port options range from 1 to 8. Figure 3-6 Changing the PC’ s COM P ort Number 2. Click in this box to display ports 1 through 8 3. Select the appropriate number[...]

Operation 40 975-0052-01-01 Rev A T esting the ICA In order to test the ICA, it must be plugged into an inverter that is powered up on batteri es or other suitab le power supply . Press the first unit’ s ID number (1 is the default) on your computer keyboard. If everyt hing is correct, the inverter ’ s display will change (and reflect) the same[...]

T roubleshootin g the ICA 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 41 T roubleshooting if No Resp onse comes from the ICA Check ID If the ICA is not responding, ensure you have the correct “ICA unit number” selected on the ICAP user interface window , see figure 3-2. If you selected “ICA Unit 1” and nothing happened, then try sel ecting “ICA Unit 2” and so[...]

Operation 42 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Reset Program Reset the program by closing the ICAP program. Then disconnect the ICA adapter and plug it back in, mak ing sure the phone cor d is securely plugged in. When you p lug in the ICA, the green LED on the ICA adapter should light up. Phone Connections Be sure that the phone cable is the correct type. The [...]

T roubleshootin g the ICA 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 43 Check Configuration W ith the ICAP software, only have one ICA adapter connected. Check the ICA adapte r ’ s configuration code (02) and deselected time (03). Reset if needed and retry . If multiple ICA adapters are connected, disconnect them and try each individually with a single cable and no ot[...]

Operation 44 975-0052-01-01 Rev A On the other hand, if the SW Plus in verter ’ s disp lay is parked on a static menu item, then wh en you startup, the software window may show a blank display for a few seconds. This condition is nothing to wo rry about and should correct itself in about 1 minute. When the ICAP software shuts down, it will try to[...]

45 W arranty and Return Information Wa r r a n t y What does this warranty cover? This Limited W arranty is provided by Xantrex T echnology , Inc. ("Xantrex") and covers defe cts in workmanship and materials in your Inverter Communications Adapte r. This warranty period last s for two (2) years from the date of purchase at the point of sa[...]

W arranty and Return 46 975-0052-01-01 Rev A What proof of pur chase is requir ed? In any warranty claim, dated proof o f purchase must accompany the product and the product must not have been disassembled or modified without prior writ te n authorization by Xantrex. Proof of purchase may be in any one of the following forms: • The dated purchase[...]

W arranty and Return 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 47 IN NO EVENT WI LL XANTREX BE L IABLE FOR ANY SPECI AL, DIRECT , INDIRECT , INCIDENT AL OR CONSEQUENTIAL D AMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES HOWEVER ARISING WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TOR T INCLUDING WITHOUT RESTRICTION A NY ECONOMIC LOSSE S OF ANY KIND, AN Y LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PROPER TY , ANY PERSONA L INJUR [...]

W arranty and Return 48 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Return Procedur e 1. Package the unit safely , preferably usi ng the original box and packing materials. Please ensure that your produc t is shipped fully insured in the original packaging or equivalent. This warranty wi ll not apply where the product is damaged due to improper packaging. 2. Include the [...]

W arranty and Return 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 49 Information About Y our System As soon as you open your Inverter Communi cations Adapter package, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase. If you need to contact Customer Service, please record th e following details before calling. This information will help our repre[...]

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A Abbreviations an d Acronym s v C CD with ICAP Softw are 2 changing the COM port number 39 color coding for ICA phone cable 11 connecting multiple ICAs to a single computer 8 Customer Service preparing to call 49 I ICAP software configuring 34 installing 14 keyboard commands in 31 using advanced monit oring software with 12 Information about Y our[...]

Index 52 975-0052-01-01 Rev A W warranty out of warranty service 48 terms and conditions 45 X Xantrex web site vi[...]

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Xantrex Technology Inc. 1 800 670 0707 Tel toll free NA 1 360 925 5097 Tel direct 1 360 925 5143 Fax direct customerservice@xantrex.com www.xantrex.com 975-0052-01-01 Revision A PC Printed in USA[...]