Banner Sure Cross DXM User manual

Sure Cross®DXM Tips and Tricks
Instruction Manual
Original Instructions
b_4508278 Rev. B
9 July 2020
©Banner Engineering Corp. All rights reserved

Contents
1 Using 4–20 mA Sensors with 0–20 mA Inputs ............................................................................................................... 3
2 Mixing Performance and Non-Performance (150 mW) Radios in the Same Network ....................................................4
3 How Do You Monitor System Health? ............................................................................................................................5
3.1 Polling ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Heartbeat ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
3.3 Do I Use Heartbeat Mode or Polling? .............................................................................................................................................5
3.4 Map a Node's Lost Link Output to a DXM Controller .....................................................................................................................6
3.5 Verifying Communication Between a Modbus Sensor and MultiHop Radio or DXM ......................................................................7
3.5.1 Define the Local Registers ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.5.2 Create a Read Rule ................................................................................................................................................................. 9
3.5.3 Create a Threshold Rule ........................................................................................................................................................10
4 Modbus Communication Timeouts .............................................................................................................................. 12
4.1 MultiHop Networks vs DX80 Star Networks .................................................................................................................................12
4.2 Calculating the Communications Timeout for Battery-Powered MultiHop Radios ....................................................................... 12
4.2.1 Adjusting the Receive Slots and Retry Count Parameters ....................................................................................................12
4.3 Calculating the Communication Timeout for 10–30 VDC MultiHop Radios .................................................................................. 13
4.4 Calculating the Communication Timeout for a DX80 Star Network .............................................................................................. 13
5 Interpreting Register Values in the Banner Wireless System ........................................................................................ 14
5.1 Signed Numbers ........................................................................................................................................................................... 14
6 Using Action Rules to Control External Sensors .......................................................................................................... 16
6.1 Define the Local Registers ............................................................................................................................................................16
6.2 Create the Read and Write Rules ................................................................................................................................................. 16
6.3 Create the Action Rules ................................................................................................................................................................ 17
6.4 Save and Upload the Configuration File ....................................................................................................................................... 18
7 Setting Multiple Thresholds ..........................................................................................................................................20
7.1 Use Action Rules to Set Multiple Thresholds ............................................................................................................................... 20
7.1.1 Save and Upload the Configuration File ............................................................................................................................... 20
8 Sending a Text Message from an Input ........................................................................................................................ 22
9 What is a Scheduled Push? ..........................................................................................................................................23
9.1 Create a Scheduled Push ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
9.2 Configure the DXM to Access the Webserver .............................................................................................................................. 24
9.3 Save and Upload the Configuration File ....................................................................................................................................... 24
10 Activating a Cellular Modem ........................................................................................................................................25
10.1 Install the Cellular Modem (DXM100, 150, 700, and 1000 Models) .............................................................................................25
10.2 Install the Cellular Modem (DXM1200 Models) ............................................................................................................................27
10.3 Activate a 4G LTE or CAT M1 Cellular Plan ................................................................................................................................28
10.4 Configure the DXM Controller for a Cellular Modem .................................................................................................................. 28
Sure Cross®DXM Tips and Tricks

1 Using 4–20 mA Sensors with 0–20 mA Inputs
Sure Cross®devices allow analog inputs and outputs to use either 0–20 mA or 4–20 mA sensors. When using a 4–20 mA
sensor with a 0–20 mA input, the sensor uses the 4–20 mA section of the total range.
Using a 4–20 mA with a 0–20 mA input allows you to determine when you have an error condition with the sensor. A normal
input reading between 4 and 20 mA indicates a functioning sensor. A value below 4 mA indicates an error condition, such
as a broken wire or loose connection. Banner recommends using 0–20 mA analog I/O with 4–20 mA sensors to retain the
ability to detect errors.
0 mA
(0)
20 mA
(65535)
Range of the sensor’s input
4 mA
(13107)
Values in this range indicate
an error condition
Configured for 0 to 20 mA
4 mA
(0)
20 mA
(65535)
Configured for 4 to 20 mA
Use Threshold Rules to define the error conditions. In this example, when the Analog 1 input value drops below 13107, an
error register (Local Register 50 in this example) changes from 0 to 1 to indicate there is a problem with the analog sensor.
Figure 1. Threshold rules with the DXM Configuration Software
Using the 4 to 20 mA Range—If you want to only use the 4 to 20 mA range, use the DIP switches to configure the analog
inputs/outputs. Using the full register range for only the 4–20 mA readings changes the 4 mA register value from 13107 to 0.
Converting the analog I/O to 4–20 mA removes the value range that could notify you of a physical problem with the sensor
or wiring.
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2 Mixing Performance and Non-Performance (150 mW)
Radios in the Same Network
To comply with federal regulations, the 150 mW radios and 1 Watt radios communicate differently. All Performance models
offer the ability to select between 250 mW and 1 Watt operation using the DIP switches. To mix Performance radios with
non-Performance radios, refer to the product datasheet and:
• Operate Performance radios in 250 mW mode, not 1 Watt mode
• Set non-Performance (150 mW) radios to use Extended Address Mode
The 150 mW, 250 mW, and 1 Watt networks operate when collocated, but verify the antenna separation distance between a
Gateway and Node or between two Gateways is at least 10 feet apart. For more detailed instructions about setting up your
wireless network, refer to the following documents:
• DXM Quick Start Guide (p/n 191247)
• DXM Instruction Manuals (DXM100-Bx: 190037 and DXM150-Bx: 190038)
Sure Cross DX80 Gateway
(150 mW radio)
Sure Cross DX80 Node
(150 mW radio)
Sure Cross Performance Node
(in 250 mW mode)
Sure Cross DX99 Node
(150 mW radio)
Up to 3 miles
Sure Cross DXM Controller
(in 250 mW mode)
Sure Cross Performance Node
(in 250 mW mode)
Sure Cross DX80 Node
(150 mW radio)
Back
Enter
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3 How Do You Monitor System Health?
The Gateway monitors the radio link status in a DX80 system using one of two methods: polling or heartbeat. Each method
has different properties and is useful in different system configurations. Some system configurations may require both
methods to be used. Independent of the method, the status indication is stored in each device’s Modbus register eight.
3.1 Polling
A polling message originates from the Gateway to Nodes. When a Node receives a polling message, it is expected to
immediately respond to the Gateway, indicating the link is operational.
There are no retries on a polling message, just a single attempt of communication between the Gateway and Node. If the
message fails, the Gateway increments a missed message counter. A successfully received message resets the missed
message counter back to zero. When the maximum number of missed messages is reached, the link is considered bad.
The length of time to determine a radio link error is: Health Polling Interval × Maximum Bad Count.
Are you there?
Yes, I am here.
3.2 Heartbeat
Heartbeat mode is driven by the Node. The Node sends a heartbeat message to the Gateway based on a specific time
interval.
The Node resends the message when the message is not acknowledged by the Gateway. Use the User Configuration
Software to define the heartbeat interval for each Node in the network using the Node's parameters.
The Gateway is programmed to expect a message from each Node within the Node Heartbeat RX interval. If the Gateway
determines that a Node has not checked in within a specified interval and within the defined number of misses, the radio
link is considered to be bad. The maximum time an error is detected will be between one and two heartbeat intervals.
I am here
3.3 Do I Use Heartbeat Mode or Polling?
By default, the DX80 wireless network uses Polling to determine network health.
Polling is the most flexible method for a variety of 10–30 V DC powered applications. Polling can be programmed to be fast
or slow, but it will drain battery-powered devices quickly when the polling interval is not set to 16 seconds or longer.
The Heartbeat method is engineered to be more efficient for battery devices. Although radio link failures may not be
determined as quickly as with Polling, Heartbeat Mode is more efficient for most battery-powered networks.
For networks containing both battery-powered and 10–30 V DC powered devices, it is possible to use both Polling and
Heartbeat modes to determine the radio link status. Using both methods results in a programmable error detection time for
10–30 V DC devices and a more efficient interaction (and increased battery life) for battery powered devices.
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Using the latest version of the DX80 User Configuration Software:
1. Go to the Configuration > Device Configuration screen.
2. Click the arrow next to the Gateway device to display the Parameters.
3. Set either the Health Polling or Health Heartbeat parameters.
•Polling—For 10–30 V DC powered devices, set the Health Polling interval to 0.5 seconds with a Max bad
count of 10. This allows the system to detect a bad radio link within 5 seconds. However, this is not
recommended unless your signal strength is very strong because Nodes can drop out of the network quickly
(and prematurely).
•Heartbeat—Set the Health Heartbeat Interval to 20 seconds and the Number of misses to 10 to get a
Heartbeat Timeout of 43.25 seconds. The Heartbeat Timeout interval is calculated using the Heartbeat
Interval, the Number of misses, and the speed of the device. Using these settings, a bad radio link for
battery-powered devices would be detected within 43.25 seconds. However, this is not recommended
unless your signal strength is very strong because Nodes can drop out of the network quickly (and
prematurely). Changing the heartbeat interval is not recommended for battery-powered devices.
To set the ISM radio settings on a DXM Wireless Controller, you must use the DX80 User Configuration Software.
3.4 Map a Node's Lost Link Output to a DXM Controller
Mapping a Node’s lost link output to its master radio allows you to trigger an alarm or light or to send email or text message
notifications.
Because of heartbeat and polling, the link loss notification is not immediate. There is some time between when the radio
loses communication and when it drops out of the wireless network. For more information on heartbeat and polling, please
refer to Monitoring System Health.
It is important to know that I/O 8 on every Node is reserved as the "health" register. If there is a 128 in this register, there is
good communication between the Node and the DXM. Any other value indicates a communication issue.
1. Go to the Register Mapping > RTU > RTU Read screen.
2. Click Add Read Rule.
A new read rule opens and is read to be defined.
3. Name your read rule.
For this example, the rule is named Node 1 Health.
4. Define the read rule to read From slave ID 1 read 1 registers starting at 24.
Node 1's I/O point 8 (the health register) is in register 24 for the wireless network. This rule stores the data from the
health register of Node 1 into the DXM's local register 1.
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5. Go to the Local Registers > Action Rules > Thresholds screen.
6. Click Add Threshold Rule and click the arrow next to the new rule to display the parameters.
7. Name and define a threshold rule for the DXM's local register 1 to determine when the value is 128 (good
communication) or something other than 128 (lost link).
This threshold rule sets local register 2 to 0 when Node 1 is in the network and sets local register 2 to 1 when Node
1 has dropped out of the network. Use local register 2 to turn on an LED when the Node has lost its radio link with
its master radio.
8. To turn on a DXM LED, go to the Register Mapping > RTU > RTU Write screen.
9. Click Add Write Rule.
10. Define a Write Rule to write a local register from 2 (Node 1 Health On/Off), to slave ID 201 (Slave ID of the DXM
display) starting at register 1103 (Output LED 2, red light on DXM display) through 1103.
When Node 1 drops out of the wireless network, the red light (LED 2) on the DXM display turns on.
3.5 Verifying Communication Between a Modbus Sensor and
MultiHop Radio or DXM
Follow these steps to monitor a Modbus Banner Engineering sensor connection and/or operation status when the sensor is
connected to a MultiHop radio or a DXM Controller with an embedded MultiHop module.
Required equipment includes:
• Wireless DXM Controller master with a MultiHop radio module
• Wireless DXM Controller slaves and/or MultiHop slave radios
• Modbus sensor such as the Temperature/Humidity Modbus Sensor model M12FTH3Q, or an SDI-12 sensor
• Windows-based PC running the DXM Configuration Tool v3 (downloaded from the Banner website)
To confirm an active radio communication between the sensor and radio, define Read Rules and Action Rules. Use two
local registers to monitor each Modbus RTU sensor. Use an optional third register to monitor how long the sensor was not
communicating with the radio.
1. Connect to the DXM Controller master radio using serial or TCP/IP.
2. Define the Local Registers.
3. Define the Read Rule.
4. Define the Threshold/Action Rule.
5. Repeat these steps for each Modbus sensor and MultiHop slave radio you'd like to track.
3.5.1 Define the Local Registers
Define the local registers used to verify the connection between a Modbus sensor and a MultiHop radio.
1. Go to the Local Registers > Local Registers in Use screen.
2. Define a register to hold a data point.
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Figure 2. Example data point for a relative humidity (RH) Modbus sensor.
Figure 3. Example data point for a wind speed SDI-12 sensor.
3. Define a register to be used as an alarm notification register when the MultiHop radio cannot communicate with the
sensor.
Figure 4. Example alarm notification register for a relative humidity sensor.
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Figure 5. Example alarm notification register for a wind speed sensor.
4. Define a register to be used to track how long the Modbus sensor was not communicating with the master radio.
Figure 6. Example communication register for a temperature/relative humidity sensor.
3.5.2 Create a Read Rule
Create a Read Rule to define how often to read the sensor register and what to do if the communication attempt fails.
1. Go to the Register Mapping > RTU > RTU Read screen.
2. Click Add Read Rule to create a Read Rule.
3. Name the Read Rule and define from which slave ID this register is being read, how many registers are being read,
and the starting register.
4. Define how often to read this register (Frequency).
5. Define what value should be written to the register (Apply value) after the number of failed read attempts (read
failures).
Figure 7. Example read rule for monitoring the relative humidity sensor connection..
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Figure 8. Example read rule for monitoring the wind speed sensor connection.
For the relative humidity example, local register 4 (Garage Humidity) will be populated with the value from Modbus
ID 19, register 101. The DXM master radio attempts to communicate with the Modbus sensor (Slave ID 19) every 5
minutes. After five consecutive unsuccessful attempts, the value of 125 is placed in the local register 19 (Failure to
Read Garage RH).
For the wind speed example, local register 1001 (DS2 Wind Speed) will be populated with the value from Modbus ID
20, register 11101 and 11102. The DXM master radio attempts to communicate with the Modbus sensor (Slave ID
20) every 1 minute. After five consecutive unsuccessful attempts, the value ot 150 is placed in the local register 19
(Failure to Read DS2 Wind Sensor).
Note: You must place the SDI-12 sensor results in the 32-Bit Floating Point Register set in the
DXM Controller. When using an SDI-12 sensor and an SDI-12 enabled MultiHop radio, when the
DXM master or remote radios cannot communicate with the sensor, a value of 65535 is entered
into the Results Register for that sensor in the Local Registers.
Select an alarm value that makes sense for the potential values of the application, but won't adversely affect
graphing or charting the data point for analysis. For the RH example, the normal value for this local register is
between 0 and 100. Therefore, 125 is not too excessive but is different enough to be a trigger value. For the wind
speed example, 150 is a good choice.
3.5.3 Create a Threshold Rule
Create an action rule to define the behavior of the system when the communication fails.
1. Go to the Local Registers > Action Rules > Thresholds screen.
2. Click Add Threshold Rule.
3. Define a Threshold Rule so that when the local register Failure to Read value equals the error value (125 for relative
humidity, 150 for wind speed), a value of 1 is entered into the Communication Alarm register.
Figure 9. Example threshold/action rule for a humidity sensor communication failure.
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