Gantner Q.brixx Series User manual

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
1
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
Table of Contents
System preparation.......................................................................................................................4
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................4
Software Requirements .............................................................................................................4
Software Downloads .................................................................................................................4
PC Requirements ......................................................................................................................4
Accessories...............................................................................................................................4
System Assembly (Q.brixx 1) .......................................................................................................5
Description ................................................................................................................................5
Assembling the Modules...........................................................................................................7
DIP Switch Configuration ........................................................................................................12
Power Supply..............................................................................................................................15
Sensor Connections....................................................................................................................16
Standard Terminal Blocks .......................................................................................................16
Special Connectors.................................................................................................................16
Special Terminal Blocks..........................................................................................................17
Synchronizing Multiple Q.brixx Controllers.................................................................................18
Q.brixx Controllers ......................................................................................................................19
Connections ............................................................................................................................19
System Assembly (Q.brixx2).....................................................................................................21

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
2
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
PC Configuration.........................................................................................................................24
Firewall ....................................................................................................................................25
IP Address...............................................................................................................................25
Starting test.commander ............................................................................................................27
Applying the License & New Project.......................................................................................27
Slave Setup .............................................................................................................................29
Firmware Updates...................................................................................................................32
Connecting to the Hardware ...................................................................................................36
Configuring a Controller..............................................................................................................38
Controller’s Sample Rate (Q.station).......................................................................................38
Controller’s Sample Rate (Q.gate) ..........................................................................................40
PAC Functionality Activation/Deactivation ..............................................................................42
UART Configuration ................................................................................................................43
Life Signal (Q.station only) ......................................................................................................44
Interfaces (Q.station)...............................................................................................................45
Synchronization Source ..........................................................................................................45
Channel Configuration ................................................................................................................48
Real Variables .........................................................................................................................48
Virtual Variables ......................................................................................................................55
Naming Variables in Batches..................................................................................................61
Data Logger Configuration – Q.station .......................................................................................66
Rules .......................................................................................................................................66
Sample Rate Assignment........................................................................................................67
Apply Sample Rate to Measurement Modules........................................................................69
Accessing Logger Configuration ............................................................................................69
Project Verification ......................................................................................................................70
System Check .........................................................................................................................70
Viewing & Saving Live Data........................................................................................................72
Exporting Projects.......................................................................................................................75
Contact Information ....................................................................................................................77

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
3
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
© 2019 Gantner Instruments Inc.
Operating instructions, manuals, and software are protected by
copyright. Copying, duplicating, translating, conversion into any
electronic medium or into machine readable form, completely or
partially, is only permissible with the expressed consent of Gantner
Instruments Inc. An exception is the making of a copy of software for
one’s own use for backup purposes, where this is technically possible
and recommended by us. Infringements will be pursued in law and will
be subject to compensation claims.
All trademarks and brand names used in this document only indicate
the respective product or the proprietor of the trademark or brand name.
The naming of products which are not from Gantner Instruments Inc.
makes no claims on trademarks or brand names other than its own.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
4
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
SYSTEM PREPARATION
Introduction
Thank you for selecting Gantner Instruments as your data acquisition solution. This
quick start guide will discuss how to install and setup your system, including related
hardware and software features of a Q.brixx system. Use this document in conjuncture
with the Q.brixx Manual for complete details.
Software Requirements
The Q.brixx system is a great portable data acquisition system connected to a PC or a
completely autonomous data logger with optional PAC capabilities. To perform system
setup and configuration, test.commander is utilized.
A Q.brixx system consists of a test controller and an assortment of measurement
modules based on the required signals. ICP100, which is included with every copy of
test.commander is used to perform the channel configuration in every measurement
module.
Other Gantner software tools not discussed within this guide can be explained on a
project by project basis. Contact us today!
Software Downloads
test.commander:
https://gi-productbase.gantner-instruments.com/en/rest_api/downloads/public/46/
PC Requirements
Minimum OS: Windows XP
Recommended RAM: 4 GB
Recommended Processor: Dual Core (2+ GHz)
Data Storage: Depends on application requirement.
1 x Ethernet port (minimum)
1 x USB port (minimum)
Accessories
Ethernet Cable (CAT5E or better)
Electrical Wire (18-22 AWG)
Hex Key / Allen Wrench (2.5 mm)
Torx T10 Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
5
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
SYSTEM ASSEMBLY (Q.brixx 1)
Description
A Q.brixx system shipped from the factory comes pre-assembled unless told
otherwise. This means that the controller and measurement modules are all attached
together; all UART and node address settings are pre-configured.
In the situation that the system needs to be dismantled, re-assembled, or expanded,
this guide will describe that process.
1. The controller and measurement modules of a Q.brixx system are each
enclosed in their own aluminum shell along with an aluminum base. The base of
each module attaches to the main body of each module using 2 x Torx T10
screws.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
6
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
2. The bases are connected together and the main body of each module interlocks
together.
3. Each Q.brixx system also includes 2 x side pieces/handles (left side and right
side).

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
7
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
4. The bases connect together using 2 x Allen screws (built-into each base; the
base for the controller is the exception).
Assembling the Modules
1. Connect the handles and bases together. Start from the left side handle and
move left to right. The right side handle will be secured last.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
8
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
2. The controller is placed at the left most position (next to the left side handle).
Therefore we need to connect the controller’s base to the left side handle.
Secure the base to the left side handle using the 2 x Allen screws.
3. Connect all the bases together one by one, moving left to right.
4. Secure the bases together using a 2.5 mm Allen wrench.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
9
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
5. The right side handle attaches to the right most base and is secured using 2 x
Allen screws.
6. Before securing the controller and measurement modules onto their bases,
make sure to configure the DIP switches on the bases. Please refer to the
configuration section below for more details.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
10
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
7. Starting from left to right, secure the controller and measurement modules onto
their bases.
8. All the modules interlock together.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
11
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
9. Secure each module onto the base from the bottom. There are 2 x Torx T10
screws for each module.
10.Reverse the procedure to disassemble or replace any modules.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
12
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
DIP Switch Configuration
Unlike the Q.bloxx modules where the address of the measurement modules are
typically configured via software, the Q.brixx systems that are shipped from the factory
have the address configured via the DIP switches. These DIP switches are located on
the base of the module. Not only is the node address set using the switches, but
terminating resistors and UART settings are also set using this method.
1. There are two versions of the Q.brixx base. Both versions work together on the
same system. The difference between the versions is the location of the DIP
switches.
2. “Older” version has 1 x 10-pin dip switch and 1 x 4-pin dip switch.
3. The 10-pin switch is used to set the address and/or terminating resistances.
PINs 1-6: Sets the address of the module (binary)

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
13
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
Terminating Resistance ON: PIN 9 and 10 Up
Terminating Resistance OFF: PIN 9 and 10 Down
4. The 4-pin switch is used to set the UART setting.
UART 1: PIN 1 and 2 Up (PIN 3 and 4 Down)
UART 2: PIN 3 and 4 Up (PIN 1 and 2 Down)
5. “Newer” version has 1 x 8-pin dip switch and 1 x 6-pin dip switch.
6. The 8-pin switch is used to set the address (binary).
7. The 6-pin switch is used to set the UART and terminating resistance settings.
UART 1: PIN 1 and 2 Up (PIN 3 and 4 Down)
UART 2: PIN 3 and 4 Up (PIN 1 and 2 Down)

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
14
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
Bus Termination ON: PIN 5 and 6 Up
Bus Termination OFF: PIN 5 and 6 Down
Binary Table for Address Setting:
Module Address
Switch Configuration
0 (reserved for the controller) 00000000
1 10000000
2 01000000
3 11000000
4 00100000
5 10100000
6 01100000
7 11100000
8 00010000
9 10010000
10 01010000
11 11010000
12 00110000
13 10110000
14 01110000

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
15
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
15 11110000
16 00001000
Key: 1 = UP , 0 = DOWN
POWER SUPPLY
Similar to other Gantner systems, the Q.brixx system requires 10-30 VDC. This is
delivered via the LEMO plug located on the front of the test controller.
Each Q.brixx controller from the factory is shipped with an AC to DC adapter and
power cable. Connect the adapter to the LEMO plug to provide power:

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
16
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
In the situation where the AC to DC adapter cannot be used, simply provide 10-30
VDC from a standard power supply; use LEMO connector part #
FGJ.1B.302.CLLD42Z.
SENSOR CONNECTIONS
Standard Terminal Blocks
The Q.brixx system uses the same blue 10-pin terminal block that is on a standard
Q.bloxx module. Sensor leads connect directly to these terminal blocks. If necessary,
these terminal blocks are detachable from the main body of the module (for simpler
installations and/or swapping sensor types).
PIN assignment for a specific sensor type is displayed in ICP100 during the channel
configuration process (more details in a section below). These connections are also
available in the Q.brixx manual.
Example:
Special Connectors
The PIN connections for any special connections (DB9, BNC, mini TC, etc.) are
available in the Q.brixx Manual.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
17
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
Example:
Special Terminal Blocks
The special terminal blocks used with Q.bloxx modules can also be used with Q.brixx
modules. These terminal blocks are used for external cold junction compensation,
bridge completion, and shunt resistance. Remove the blue terminal block that the
module is originally equipped with and replace it with the special terminal block. Use
the PIN assignment on the side of the terminal block to connect the sensor leads.
•A101-CJC
•A101-B4/120
•A101-B4/350
•A103-SR
•A104-CJC
•A107-CJC
•A107-B4/120
•A107-B4/350
•A108-SR

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
18
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
SYNCHRONIZING MULTIPLE Q.BRIXX CONTROLLERS
It is possible to synchronize multiple Q.brixx controllers together. In this setup, one
controller is designated the master and the rest are slaves. All controllers use the real
time clock of the master controller. Configuring the software settings for this feature will
be explained in more detail in a section below.
Each Q.brixx test controller (Q.gate and Q.station) has 2 x sync lines. Connect a sync
cable from the master controller to the slave controller (1:1). The sync cable is a 2-wire
twisted pair with LEMO connectors at both ends. The LEMO connector is part #
FGG.00.302.CLAD30Z. The maximum length of all synchronization lines combined can
be 1000 meters.

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
19
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
Q.BRIXX CONTROLLERS
The standard Q.station, Q.gate-IP, and Q.gate-DP are all available in the Q.brixx
housing. The Q.gate-DP and Q.station are fitted into double-wide housings to
accommodate for the additional connections; the Q.gate-IP is in the standard single-
wide housing.
Q.station: Q.gate:
Connections
The Q.gate-DP has the same connections as the Q.gate-IP with the addition of 1 x
Profibus-DP port. This DB9 is a Profibus standard connector with the following PIN
configuration:
Connection PIN
Vp = 5 Volts 6
TxD-P 3
TxD-N 8
GND 5

Q.
uick Start Guide
Q.brixx
20
Gantner Instruments Inc.
USA | China | Singapore | India | Austria | Germany | France | Sweden
1550 Hotel Circle N ∙ Suite 180 ∙ San Diego CA ∙ 92108 ∙ T +1 888 ∙ 512 ∙ 5788
[e-mail]
www.gantner-instruments.com
The Q.station has similar connections as the Q.gate-IP with the following additional
interfaces:
•Gigabit Ethernet (vs. 10/100 in Q.gate)
•EtherCAT slave port (RJ45)
•USB/SATA combo port
•Digital Inputs (single LEMO connector Part # EGG.1B.308.CLL)
Connection
PIN
+5V Out
1
Digital Input 1
2
Digital Input 2 3
Digital Input 3 4
Digital Input 4
5
Digital Input 5
6
Digital Input 6
7
GND
8
•DVI port: Used to transmit the built-in HMI screen.
•2 x additional UARTs: There are 4 x UARTs total on a single Q.station, 2 of which
connect directly to the measurement modules via the base (same method used
with the Q.gate). The other 2 x UARTs are located on the front of the Q.station in
the form of LEMO plug (part # EGG.00.302.CLL). The external connector is part
# FGG.00.302.CLAD30Z.
•CAN port: Used to connect to H and L of the CAN interface. This connection
uses the same hardware as the UART and SYNC lines.