Atonometrics Mars User manual
880060_C Page 2 of 25
Table of Contents
Table of Contents..........................................................................................................................2
1Product Overview...................................................................................................................3
2Configuration..........................................................................................................................4
2.1 Getting Started ..........................................................................................................4
2.2 Configuration Kit........................................................................................................4
2.3 Accessing the Web Interface.....................................................................................6
2.4Configuration Steps...................................................................................................8
2.5 Checking Communication .......................................................................................10
3Wiring...................................................................................................................................11
3.1 Power ......................................................................................................................11
3.2 Cable Options..........................................................................................................11
3.3 Atonometrics-Supplied Cables ................................................................................12
3.4 User Assembly of Power & RS-485 Cable ..............................................................13
3.5 Protecting Unused Wires.........................................................................................14
4Mounting ..............................................................................................................................15
4.1 Mounting Requirements ..........................................................................................15
4.2 Dimensions..............................................................................................................17
4.3 Mounting Accessories .............................................................................................18
5Network Setup .....................................................................................................................20
6Modbus ................................................................................................................................21
7Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................22
8Maintenance ........................................................................................................................23
9Theory of Operation .............................................................................................................24
10 Specifications.......................................................................................................................25
880060_C Page 3 of 25
1 Product Overview
The Atonometrics Mars™ Soiling Sensor, shown in Figure 1-1, is a revolutionary product that
provides simplified measurement of soiling losses for PV installations. Patented Mars™
technology detects accumulated soiling on a soil collection window using an internal camera. The
Mars™ unit requires no water, has no moving parts, is compact and easy to install, and does not
require site-specific dust calibration or technician service visits. It is specifically designed to be
suitable for a wide range of PV installation types, including small commercial and industrial
projects.
The Mars™ unit has two options for digital communication. An M12-connectorized Ethernet port
provides for simple setup, configuration, and status checks using a networked PC with a web
browser, as well as output data via Modbus TCP. An M12-connectorized RS-485 port is also
provided which may be used for output data via Modbus RTU.
The Mars™ unit and cable connections are IP67-rated for weather protection and the product is
built in a cast aluminum enclosure that provides for solid mounting.
Soil collection
window
M12
Ethernet port
Modbus TCP
IP67 Rated
Internal data analysis
M12
Power & RS485
Modbus RTU
Figure 1-1: Mars™ Soiling Sensor (810230)
880060_C Page 4 of 25
2 Configuration
2.1 Getting Started
Your Mars™ unit must be configured in order to work properly at your installation site. Key
configuration steps include updating software, setting the site’s physical coordinates, confirming
the unit’s clock, and setting communication parameters.
Before starting configuration, visit the Atonometrics website (www.atonometrics.com) and
download the latest version of the Mars™ firmware and the latest User Guide (this
document).
2.2 Configuration Kit
The optional Configuration Kit (810235-01, sold separately) allows you to conveniently power your
Mars™ unit while you perform configuration via Ethernet and, if desired, test communication over
the RS-485 port. The kit, shown in Figure 2-1, contains everything needed to connect your PC to
the Mars™ unit, including a power adapter (AC to 15 VDC) with slide-on worldwide receptacle
adapters, an Ethernet-to-USB adapter, an Ethernet cable, an RS-485 to USB adapter, and a cable
for connecting power and RS-485 to your Mars™ unit. (An M12 to RJ45 Ethernet cable is also
included with each Mars™ unit for connection to the M12 Ethernet port on SN15000 and higher.)
To assemble and install the kit:
•Select and install the receptacle adapter appropriate for your country
•Insert the 15 VDC plug into the Mars™ cable assembly
•Connect the Mars™ cable assembly to the Mars™ unit
•Connect the M12/RJ45 Ethernet cable to the Ethernet-to-USB adapter and to the Mars™
connector; insert the adapter into one of your PC’s USB ports; allow Windows to detect
the adapter and automatically install its driver; configure the adapter address to
10.244.69.1
•If desired, insert the RS-485-to-USB adapter into one of your PC’s USB ports; allow
Windows to detect the adapter and automatically install its driver, or install the driver from
the CD included in the kit
•Connect the power adapter to AC power
Note: The Configuration Kit is optional. You may duplicate the functions of the Configuration
Kit with user-supplied equipment, or using cables prepared for your installation site.
Note: Installing the RS-485-to-USB adapter is only needed for testing Modbus RTU over
RS-485. The configuration kit does not include software for this purpose. Use your own
or third-party Modbus software.
880060_C Page 5 of 25
RS485 Adapter
To PC USB Port
DC Power Adapter
To AC Power
Slide-On
Receptacle Adapter
(Worldwide Options Included)
15 VDC
To Mars™
M12 Power/RS485
Connector
White
Purple
Orange
Pink
Black
1 2 3 4 5
+ –
Ethernet Adapter
To Mars™
M12 Ethernet
Connector
To PC USB Port
Ethernet Cable
PN 830256-004
PN 830261-002
Figure 2-1: Configuration Kit 810235-01 (sold separately)
Table of contents
