Alpha Technologies RBMS User manual

Your Power Solutions Partner
Remote Battery Monitoring System (RBMS)
Installation & Operation Manual
Part # 0370260-J0
Effective: 11/2017
member of The Group™

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Contents
Important Information............................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1. Revision History ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Safety Notes............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3. Important Symbols................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4. Definition of Terms .................................................................................................................................. 5
1.5. Contact Information................................................................................................................................. 5
1.6. What Comes in the Box............................................................................................................................ 6
System Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
2. 8
2.1. Battery Sensor Description ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.1. “Low Voltage” Sensors............................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2. Sensor Selector Guide................................................................................................................ 8
2.2. RBMS Plus Description ............................................................................................................................. 9
2.3. Accessories............................................................................................................................................. 11
2.3.1. Utility AC Transformer (Optional, Alpha Part# 0180059) ........................................................ 12
2.3.2. Moisture Sensor (Optional, Alpha Part# 7400162).................................................................. 12
2.3.3. Current Sensor (Optional, Alpha Part# 7400583) .................................................................... 12
2.3.4. Using the General Purpose Interface....................................................................................... 12
Initial Bench Evaluation............................................................................................................................................ 14
3. Sensor Installation ........................................................................................................................................ 16
3.1. Installation ............................................................................................................................................. 16
3.2. Sensor LED.............................................................................................................................................. 17
4. RBMS Plus Installation.................................................................................................................................. 18
4.1. Powering ................................................................................................................................................ 18
4.2. Network Connections ............................................................................................................................ 18
4.3. Connecting Sensors................................................................................................................................ 18
4.4. Connecting Current Sensor (Optional)................................................................................................... 18
4.5. Setting the IP Address............................................................................................................................ 19
4.6. Configuring the RBMS Plus .................................................................................................................... 19
4.6.1. Direct USB Connection............................................................................................................. 19
4.6.2. USB Port Selection ................................................................................................................... 20
4.6.3. Accessing the Setup Menu....................................................................................................... 20

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4.6.4. Ethernet Crossover Cable Method........................................................................................... 20
4.6.5. Router Method ........................................................................................................................ 20
4.7. Running the RBMS Plus Telnet Setup .................................................................................................... 21
4.8. RBMS Plus Setup Menu.......................................................................................................................... 21
4.8.1. Server Setup (0) ....................................................................................................................... 22
4.8.2. Password Setup (1) .................................................................................................................. 25
4.8.3. SNMP Setup (3) ........................................................................................................................ 26
4.8.4. HMS Defaults (4) ...................................................................................................................... 30
4.8.5. E-mail Setup (5)........................................................................................................................ 31
4.8.6. NTP Setup (6) ........................................................................................................................... 35
4.8.7. Restore Factory Defaults and Reset (7) ................................................................................... 36
4.8.8. Exit Without Resetting (8)........................................................................................................ 37
4.8.9. Save Changes and Reset (9) ..................................................................................................... 37
4.8.10. Erase String and Battery Database (13) ................................................................................... 37
4.8.11. Reset All Sensors (14)............................................................................................................... 37
4.8.12. Erase String (15) ....................................................................................................................... 37
4.8.13. Setup Firmware Server (19) ..................................................................................................... 38
4.9. Web Server............................................................................................................................................. 38
4.9.1. Accessing the Web Server........................................................................................................ 39
4.9.2. Ports......................................................................................................................................... 39
Navigating the Web Pages ....................................................................................................................................... 39
5. 40
5.1. Overview Display.................................................................................................................................... 41
5.2. Single String Display (with optional battery sensors) ............................................................................ 43
5.3. Single Jar Display (with optional battery sensors) ................................................................................ 44
5.4. Provisioning............................................................................................................................................ 46
5.4.1. Provisioning Site Settings......................................................................................................... 46
5.4.2. Provisioning String Settings (with optional battery sensors)................................................... 47
5.4.3. Provisioning Analog Alarms ..................................................................................................... 48
5.4.4. Provisioning Discrete Alarms (with optional sensors) ............................................................. 48
SNMP........................................................................................................................................................................ 50
6. 50
6.1. MIBs ....................................................................................................................................................... 50
6.2. Community Strings................................................................................................................................. 51
6.3. Traps....................................................................................................................................................... 51

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6.4. MIB Browsers......................................................................................................................................... 51
Updating Firmware .................................................................................................................................................. 52
Summary of Port Usage ........................................................................................................................................... 53
Resolving Common Problems .................................................................................................................................. 54

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Important Information
1.1. Revision History
Release
Date
Revision Description
Rev 1.2
Rev 1.1
11/10/2016
10/9/2015
Removed reference to PBT-PRG-USB, rewrote section on default IP address
Initial Release, Firmware Version XP 01.0b0, PIC 1.0
1.2. Safety Notes
•High currents and voltages may be present on the equipment terminals and on the interior of the
equipment. Make sure you understand and observe all appropriate safety codes and regulations. Follow
prudent electrical safety practices when installing or servicing the equipment. Installation, maintenance and
servicing of the equipment should only be performed by qualified, trained and authorized personnel.
•Before installation, take measurements with a volt meter to ensure that no jar post in the system has lethal AC
or DC voltages relative to earth ground.
•Except as explained in this manual, there are no user-serviceable parts inside the RBMS Plus. Opening the
equipment could expose you to dangerous voltages and void the product warranty. All product servicing
should be referred to factory-authorized personnel.
•Use only interconnection cables supplied by or authorized by Alpha Technologies. Use of user-made
interconnection cable assemblies could result in damage to equipment and potential safety hazards, as well as
voiding of equipment warranties.
•Do not exceed the voltage specifications of the product.
•Make sure the equipment is grounded properly.
•The equipment should be protected from liquids, moisture, explosives and corrosive vapors.
1.3. Important Symbols
CAUTION!
The use of CAUTION indicates safety information intended to prevent damage and/or injury.
NOTE:
A NOTE provides additional information to help complete a specific task or procedure.

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1.4. Definition of Terms
Admittance
The inverse of impedance in units of Siemens. Admittance is a measure of how easily a circuit or
device will allow a current to flow. Resistance is a measure of the opposition of a circuit to the flow
of a DC current, while impedance takes into account not only the resistance, but AC effects (known
as reactance) as well. Likewise, admittance is not only a measure of the ease with which a DC current
can flow (conductance, the inverse of resistance), but also takes in to account the AC effects of
susceptance (the inverse of reactance).
Battery
A collection of jars connected in series. A battery is sometimes referred to as a battery string or
string in this document.
Cell
A collection of plates connected to a single positive and a single negative terminal, immersed in
electrolyte, in a single container. The cell may have multiple positive and negative connections, but
they connect to a single set of plates. A lead acid cell produces approximately 2.1 volts.
Jar
A collection of one or more cells connected in series in a single housing. A 12-volt jar contains six
cells. A jar is commonly and incorrectly referred to as a battery.
String
A collection of one or more batteries.
1.5. Contact Information
If you have any questions about the installation or use of the equipment described in this manual, contact Alpha
Technologies Technical Support at 1-(888)-462-7487.
When contacting Alpha Technologies please have the following information available:
1. RBMS Plus model number and firmware version.
2. Battery sensor model number, hardware version and firmware version. The version numbers are shown on the
RBMS Plus single jar web page.
3. The battery and string voltage.
4. The battery model number.

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1.6. What Comes in the Box
The RBMS Plus is typically shipped in a single carton and will contain the RBMS Plus controller, cables and options
ordered. PBT recommends taking an inventory of all items to insure that you received all of the components needed for
your application.

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A label on the front of the carton will contain the MAC address of the RBMS Plus controller.
System Overview
The Alpha Technologies Remote Battery Monitoring System(RBMS) Plus is the first in a series of low cost controller
options designed to dramatically lower cost and provide battery health and cabinet/hut facility monitoring capabilities.
The RBMS Plus can be equipped with either an eight-battery wiring harness or a battery sensor option. The eight-
battery harness allows for the lowest-cost solution monitoring, battery string and individual battery voltages. Using the
sensor option provides additional battery measurements, including ohmic measurements and individual battery
temperatures. Both solutions offer facilities and cabinet monitoring capabilities.
The control unit connects to a network switch, router or cable\DSL\cellular modem via an Ethernet connection. Among
the facilities parameters monitored are AC line voltage (optional), equipment AC load current (optional), moisture
(optional), controller internal temperature, two monitorable digital inputs and one controllable digital output.
The RBMS controller typically obtains its operating power from the battery string being monitored and supplies a 12
Vdc output to power a companion cable\DSL\cellular modem, thus eliminating the need for a separate modem power
unit.
The RBMS has a built-in SNMP agent, a built-in web server and a built-in SMTP mail client. The SNMP agent supports
IEEE/SCTE HMS MIBs making the RBMS compatible with virtually any management system. HMS traps are generated
based on alarm conditions defined using the HMS Property MIB. The built-in web server allows the status of the
monitored batteries to be analyzed from anywhere in the network using a common web browser. This eliminates the
need for expensive client application software licenses. Near real-time monitoring and alarm provisioning are available
via standard web browser or software. The built-in SMTP mail client can be set up to send alarm messages to another
computer (via e-mail addresses) or to a mobile phone when an alarm occurs.
The RBMS is downloadable over the network, facilitating firmware upgrades and feature enhancements as they
become available. The unit also contains a special “watchdog timer” that monitors the modem and automatically
resets it in case of a modem “hang” situation.

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2.
2.1. Battery Sensor Description
Sensor modules are small, inexpensive units designed to mount in close mechanical, electrical and thermal proximity to
the monitored jar’s terminal posts. The sensor takes a very small amount of “idling” power from the monitored jar
(typically less than 10 mA). Internally, a programmable microcontroller chip provides an optically isolated
communications interface for the site control unit. Sensors are connected to the RBMS Plus using a CAT5 cable daisy
chain.
The sensor continuously monitors the voltage and temperature of the jar. At user-defined intervals, the microcontroller
generates a digitally synthesized AC test signal of approximately 0.5 to 6.0 amps (depending on sensor type) which
drives the jar’s terminals for testing purposes. This test current causes a small AC voltage, proportional to jar
impedance, to be superimposed on the jar’s DC terminal voltage. This AC voltage is separated from the DC terminal
voltage and amplified inside the sensor module. It is then fed to an analog-to-digital converter inside the
microcontroller chip. The microcontroller digitally samples the AC waveform and performs a DSP (digital signal
processing) algorithm that filters out noise and measures the amplitude of the AC signal. These measurements and
subsequent calculations determine the jar’s internal AC impedance, which is the basis for admittance measurements.
Mechanically, the sensor consists of two wires with terminal lugs that connect to the jar’s positive and negative
terminal posts, and an electronics assembly that contains the test signal generation and measurement circuitry.
The two wire sensors have the advantage of working with a wide variety of jar mechanical configurations.Each sensor
is shipped with a 1’ CAT5 cable to connect the sensor to the daisy chain. This cable is the proper length for most
applications. Longer cables are available from PBT.
2.1.1. “Low Voltage” Sensors
The RBMS Plus system is used in environments where string voltages are 59 Vdc and lower. Low voltage sensors are
appropriate to be used in these low voltage strings.
CAUTION: Installing low voltage sensors on a high voltage string will damage the sensors and may present a shock
hazard.
Sensors will be auto-discovered by the controller. These low voltage sensors have the advantage that their position in
the string is automatically discovered. This means the sensors can be connected in any order and the controller will
automatically discover which cell or jar the sensor was installed upon.
Each sensor has a bi-color red/green LED that indicates the operational state of the sensor and its communications
status with the RBMS Plus. Each sensor is also is internally fused so that improper connection to the jar will not damage
the jar, the jar cabling or the sensor. The sensors are fully optically isolated from the RBMS Plus.
2.1.2. Sensor Selector Guide
The standard RBMS Plus system 0370260-002, ships with power cable, CAT5 cable and 4 battery sensors. When two
battery strings are required to be monitored then order 0370260-003.

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Model
Description
0370260-002
(PBT-RBMS Plus-12-4-4)
Mini Controller with power cable, one
CAT5-7 cable, and four BS3B-12-4-EQ
sensors.
0370260-003
(PBT-RBMS Plus-12-4-8)
Mini Controller with power cable, two
CAT5-7 cables, and eight BS3B-12-4-EQ
sensors.
Spareparts
0180055
(PBT-PA-BS3B-12-4-EQ)
Battery Sensor Module,12V,High
Current,Type4
8701040
(PBT-PAC-0BAT)
Power Cable to power RBMS Plus
Controller
BS3B-12-4-EQ Sensor
This is a universal sensor with two wire
connections that will work with most jars.
The maximum bolt size for the terminals is
5/16 inch. When the sensor is mounted to
the top of the jar, and not in the direct
cooling air flow, the sensor will read the
approximate jar case temperature. The
sensor is equipped with a self-adhesive
industrial Velcro strip for fastening the
sensor to the jar.
2.2. RBMS Plus Description
The RBMS Plus is a small, low-cost unit that monitors batteries directly using a battery wiring harness or with optional
sensor modules, and makes the data collected by them available via a local area network or the Internet. The RBMS
Plus has two RJ-45 ports for connection of up to, two strings of three or four jars. Connections are available for optional
features, including a current sensor, moisture sensor and line voltage monitoring transformer. Included are additional
input and output capability through two general purpose digital inputs and one general purpose digital output. A USB
setup port allows direct connection to a PC for configuration.
The RBMS Plus has connections on both the front and back panels.
The RBMS Plus is powered directly from a battery string voltage of 36-48Vdc. The voltage range is 24 to 59Vdc and
power consumption is about 7 W, with current draw dependent on the input voltage and whether or not an external
device is being powered from the rear panel power output connector (0.5 A typical). Power is supplied to the unit via a
front-panel connector via the PBT-PAC-8BATT harness or via the PBT-PAC-0BATT
harness when optional battery sensors are used.
A rear panel USB connection provides access to configure the RBMS Plus IP
address and other parameters during installation. Setup can also be performed
over the network connection via a Telnet connection.

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Option AC
Transformer
+12V,500mA
Output
Tamper
Input
Moisture Sensor
Reset
Button
USB Port for
Configuration

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The RBMS Plus has two RJ45 connectors on the right front panel for connecting sensors, integrating up to two strings of
monitored jars.
A front panel Ethernet connection provides a TCP/IP (Internet protocol) interface to a local area network or to the
Internet. A built-in web server is accessible via this interface, with no need for any software other than a common PC
web browser. More sophisticated monitoring and control of the RBMS Plus can be performed remotely using any
SNMP-capable network management software system. These systems are described in additional detail in the SNMP
section of this manual.
Upon power-up, the RBMS Plus automatically begins a search sequence to determine which of its string ports are
attached to sensors and discovers each sensor module.
When a string of sensors is discovered, the controller automatically discovers each sensor and its correct position in the
string. (No factory programmed address is necessary.)
Once the “auto-discovery” process is finished, the RBMS Plus can individually address each sensor, collect its readings
and display those readings in the hierarchical web page display. This process is ‘plug & play’. All sensor assignments and
configuration information are saved in non-volatile memory, so the system automatically reconfigures itself if power is
lost or if the system is turned off for maintenance.
The RBMS Plus can be mounted in any small, inconspicuous location that is available in the cabinet / enclosure.
2.3. Accessories
Various optional accessories are available to enhance the RBMS Plus system functionality.
Battery
Harness
String
Ethernet
Aux 1 Digital
Inputs 1&2 and
Digital Output
Battery Sensor
Interface String
one
Battery Sensor
Interface String Two

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2.3.1. Utility AC Transformer (Optional, Alpha Part# 0180059)
The RBMS Plus can monitor the utility power voltage via an optional 12Vac wall mount
transformer. The transformer plugs into a jack on the RBMS Plus rear panel.
2.3.2. Moisture Sensor (Optional, Alpha Part# 7400162)
The PBT-PAC-MS-1 adds capability for the transponder to detect that snow and/or
standing water have infiltrated the standby power supply cabinet. The kit consists of a
sensor board with double-faced foam tape adhesive and a companion wire harness.
The sensor cable plugs into a Aux 3 connector on the RBMS Plus rear panel.
2.3.3. Current Sensor (Optional, Alpha Part# 7400583)
The model PBT-PA-CS-1 kit adds capability to measure the AC output current from the
power supply. The kit consists of a current transformer module and a wiring harness.
The sensor cable plugs into a Aux 1 connector on the RBMS Plus front panel.
2.3.4. Using the General Purpose Interface
The RBMS Plus is based on PBT’s GP series of general purpose power supply transponders with a special application
module and firmware to perform the RBMS Plus functionality. The GP interface can be used to monitor and control
auxiliary equipment if the interface between the GP and the monitored/controlled equipment is properly designed.
This section discusses how the GP web interface screens relate to available GP input and output points, as well as
electrical specifications for interfacing those points to the target equipment. Please refer to the picture below that
shows the locations of the interface connection points on the GP’s front panel.
Interface Table
Input Two
J6-1
Input One
J6-2
Output One
J6-3

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Mating connectors are available or may be ordered from a distributor with the part information shown. A detailed
schematic diagram of the I/O circuitry in the GP is available from Alpha.
Mating Connector Information:
J5 - TE (Tamper on back panel) Connectivity #3-644540-2; DigiKey #A3110-ND
J6 - Shell: Hirose Electric #DF1B-10DS-2.5RC; DigiKey #H3813-ND
Pins: Hirose Electric #DF1B-2428SC; DigiKey #H8232CT-ND
Web Description
Schematic
“Type”
“Auxiliary Input 1”
“Aux1”; pin-2
Contact closure input
“Auxiliary Input 2”
“Aux 1”; pin-1
Contact closure input
“Auxiliary Output”
“Output”; pin-3
Contact closure output to gnd
Tamper
Closed

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Initial Bench Evaluation
If the user has no previous experience with the RBMS Plus Battery Management System, it is recommended that a
small local test and evaluation of the system components be set up prior to field deployment of the equipment. This
approach will allow you to verify proper operation of the RBMS Plus’s web server, Telnet configuration and DHCP client
without having to troubleshoot larger network issues (firewalls, router and connectivity etc.).
The above diagram shows a low cost networking router (D-Link™, NetGear™ or other) connected to a laptop/desktop
and the RBMS Plus. In this scenario the installation steps are as follows:
1. Power up the router.
2. Power up the laptop and connect the laptop to the router.
3. Verify that the laptop has acquired an IP address from the router. (View the router’s configuration web page and
write the address down.)
4. Connect the controller to the router (via Ethernet connection).
5. Power up the controller. (Upon power up, the controller will seek an IP address from the router.)
6. Battery harness - If sensors are not being used in the system, connect a PBT-PAC-8BATT harness as shown in
Drawing 705-000017-00. Connect any unused lugs to the String (-) position of the battery string or tape them
together. Connect the other end of the harness to the battery connector on the RBMS Plus front panel.
7. Sensors – Connect the sensors to each battery in the string. Connect the sensors to each other (via CAT5 cables
daisy-chained from sensor to sensor). Connect the last sensor in the daisy chain to the String 1 input of the sensor
interface module. Connect the sensor interface module to the CAT5 connector on the rear panel of the RBMS Plus.
Connect the two-wire PBT-PAC-0BATT harness to the RBMS Plus and to the battery String+ (Red) and String- (Black)
terminals.
8. View the router’s web page to determine which IP address has been given to the controller. (Write it down.)
Network Router
Sensor Daisy Chain
CAT 5 cables
RBMS-Plus
Controller
Ethernet Cables

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9. Type the IP address of the controller into your laptop’s web browser and verify that the web page displays
properly. Verify that all battery voltages and number of strings or optional sensors have been auto-discovered.
Verify that the parameter information displayed in the web page appears reasonable.
10. Verify Telnet connectivity by connecting to the controller via Telnet (remember Alpha Technologies uses port 9999
for our Telnet connection.)
11. If you are using an SNMP manager, verify proper SNMP operation (gets, sets and traps).
This bench evaluation can also be performed using the free Lookout software described in the SNMP section of this
manual.

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3. Sensor Installation
CAUTION! Lethal voltages may be present on the battery strings. If you are not fully trained to work safely
around batteries and our monitoring system, leave the installation to a certified technician. Read the sensor
installation instructions carefully.
CAUTION!Be sure to disconnect the rectifier or charger before installing the sensors. Failure to do so could
result in sensor damage.
3.1. Installation
This section provides installation information common to installing sensors on a battery string. The cables used to connect
the sensors to each other and to the RBMS Controller are standard CAT5 cables. A cable is provided with each sensor and we
recommend that you order the appropriate Cable Kit for each battery string. We recommend that you do not make your own
sensor cables. A single improperly made cable can destroy an entire string of sensors. The sensor uses all 8 wires in the cable.
Many cable testers do not test all 8 wires and we have found cables that were tested as good and still damaged the sensors.
The use of an improperly made cable may void the warranty. If you need cables of a length other than those provided, please
contact Alpha Technologies.
CAUTION! Be certain that the battery string is isolated from earth ground, and that no lethal voltages are
present during this operation. The battery circuit breaker should be switched off or the string should be
isolated from the DC power bus and the charger.
NOTE: The sensor module is supplied with a red plastic insulating sleeve over the lug that will connect to the
jar’s positive terminal. Do not remove this sleeve until instructed to do so. Failure to observe this could result in
the lug accidentally contacting another electrical point in the battery system during installation. This could
damage the sensor and void the warranty.
NOTE: NOTE: To obtain consistent admittance readings, it is recommended that the sensor lugs be located in
the same position on each jar terminal. Generally, the sensor should be installed on top of the existing strap or
lug and under the washer.
CAUTION! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INSTALL THE SENSORS WHILE THE UPS IS ONLINE OR
WHILE THE TRAYS ARE ASSEMBLED. ATTEMPTING TO DO SO COULD CAUSE AN
INADVERTANT SHORT CIRCUIT THAT MIGHT LEAD TO ELECTRIC SHOCK OR EXPLOSION.
Do not remove the plastic cap on the end of the sensor wire(s) until instructed to do so. The
cap prevents the sensor wire from shorting to battery terminals or other metal parts and
damaging the sensor.
Loosen the negative terminal bolt on the first jar which will have a sensor installed and place
the black wire of the two-wire sensor on the negative terminal. If the sensor is connected with
the wrong polarity the sensor fuse will blow. Tighten the terminal bolt to the jar
manufacturer’s recommended torque setting (typically 100-120 inch/oz).
CAUTION! Failure to tighten the connections to the manufacturer’s recommended torque can result in jar
terminal failure during a power outage, damage to the terminal, or inconsistent admittance measurements.
Loosen the positive terminal bolt on the same jar. Remove the red plastic insulating cap that covers the lug at the end of
the red wire on the sensor. Place the lug between the washer and the positive cable on the positive jar terminal. Use

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caution to be sure that the positive and negative terminals are on the same jar. Tighten the terminal bolt to the jar
manufacturer’s recommended torque setting (typically 100-120 inch/oz). At this point, the green LED on the sensor will
flash at about a one second rate. If the LED is not flashing confirm that the sensor is connected with the correct polarity.
NOTE: NOTE: The sensors can be connected to the daisy chain in any order. Choose an order that is
aesthetically pleasing and minimizes the cable clutter.
Be sure that you have read the general sensor installation section above before proceeding. Every High Voltage sensor
module has a unique factory-programmed address built into it. At installation and system initialization time, the site
controller ‘discovers’ each sensor module’s factory address and assigns the sensor to a jar. The specific jar that the sensor
gets assigned to depends on the order in which the sensors were discovered, but the user can change the assignments from
the Site Controller web page after the installation is complete. Refer to the Site Controller Manual to see how this is done.
If the jars are in a cabinet start with a top shelf and work down, one shelf at a time. In most cases it will be necessary to
remove the jars from the UPS cabinet to gain access to the Jar terminals. As each jar is reinstalled connect a sensor to each
jar, as described above in the general installation
instructions. Pay particular attention to the sensor LED,
tightening torque, and be sure to record the sensor
address and jar number since it may require removing
several jars to correct a problem. The LED should be
flashing green when the jar is reinstalled.
As the sensors are installed record the jar number and
address of each sensor. The jars can be numbered in any
order. This information will be required later to put the
batteries in the proper order on the Web page.
3.2. Sensor LED
Once the sensor is installed successfully on the jar the green LED on the sensor will begin to blink periodically (roughly once
per second). When the interconnection daisy-chain containing the sensor string is connected to the site controller, the auto
discovery process will begin. As each sensor is discovered by the site controller, its LED will stop the 1 second green
flashing, flash red momentarily, and will illuminate solid green. Shortly after the sensor is discovered and its LED changes to
solid on green, the sensor will make an admittance measurement. During this measurement the LED will be switched off
until the measurement is complete. (Early sensors flashed the green LED very rapidly during the measurement).
After this initialization sequence, the sensor’s LED will stay on green until it is polled by the Site Controller. Upon receiving
a poll the sensor LED flashes off briefly and then comes on solid green.
The sensor LED will flash red if the sensor is reporting an alarm as defined by the Site Controller configuration.
The sensor LED will flash alternately red and green if the sensor flash function is activated from the Site Controller Web
page.
The state of the LED can also be controlled through SNMP by the SNMP Manager.
Important Advisory!:

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0370260-J0 Rev B
Each Sensor is powered from the battery that it is connected to. Sensor current consumption is very low (~10ma average)
and has virtually no effect on the battery during normal battery plant operation. However, batteries are subject to potential
damage if left discharged or not connected to a charger for an extended period of time. To avoid possible long term battery
damage, we recommend disconnecting sensors from any batteries that will not be recharged for 30 days or more.
4. RBMS Plus Installation
NOTE: Before any sensor strings are connected to the RBMS Plus, connections should be made to the network
(Ethernet connection) and it should be powered up and checked for network connectivity.
Select a location for the RBMS Plus. The location should be central to the strings being monitored and the modem (if
used) or router. It should be dry and free of corrosive or explosive vapors.
4.1. Powering
The RBMS Plus is powered by the battery string via the PBT-PAC-0BATT or PBT-PAC-8BATT harness. Connect the
appropriate harness to the batteries, verify correct wiring and then connect the connecter end of the harness to the
RBMS Plus battery string connector. The connectors are keyed and will only fit into one of the RBMS Plus female
connectors.
NOTE:... If the 8 BATT harness is used, the battery strings and the RBMS Plus must share a common negative ground
4.2. Network Connections
Connect the rear panel Ethernet connector to the router (or modem).
Set the IP address of the RBMS Plus as described in the following section.
Verify network communications by accessing the web page and Telnet setup menu over the network.
4.3. Connecting Sensors
Connect the cable from the string one sensor daisy-chain to the String 1 RJ-45 connector on the sensor interface input
labeled string one front panel. If two battery strings are being used, connect the second string of sensors to the String 2
input on the RJ-45 String 2 sensor interface. .
NOTE: We strongly recommend that you order the appropriate cable kit for each string and not make your own
sensor cables. A single improperly made cable can destroy an entire string of sensors.
The RBMS Plus will auto-discover the sensors connected in each of the daisy-chains. Once a string has been discovered,
it will be visible in the web pages.
4.4. Connecting Current Sensor (Optional)
Follow the detailed instructions included with the PBT-PA-RBMS Plus-CT kit. The installation process requires
interrupting the output of the power supply during installation of the sensor. Plan accordingly when installing this
option. The sensor measures power supply AC output current in the range of 0 - 20 A.
Connect the current sensor harness to the RBMS Plus front panel connector.