Obvius, LLC AcquiLite A7810-0 User manual

AcquiLite EMB – Data Acquisition Server
Obvius, LLC
Installation and Operation Manual
Model A7810
Date Aug 1 , 2 11
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Copyright Information
Copyright © 2001 - 2011 by Obvius
Obvius and AcquiLite are trademarks o Obvius Holdings LLc
Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks o their respective holders.
U.S. Government Restricted Rights: Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions set orth in subparagraph (a) through (d)
o the Commercial Computer Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19 when applicable, or subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) o the Rights in Technical Data and
Computer So tware clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, and in similar clauses in the NASA FAR Supplement.
Limited Warranty
OBVIUS IS PROVIDING THIS WARRANTY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ALL
CLAIMS AGAINST OBVIUS. OBVIUS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. OBVIUS'S TOTAL
LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE PRICE PAID FOR ITS PRODUCT.
Obvius promises buyer that any standard product manu actured by Obvius shall be ree rom all material de ects in design, material, or manu acturing or
a period o 2 years rom the manu acture date; provided, however, that the warranty shall not extend to ordinary wear and tear or to normally replaceable
components (e.g., batteries). During the warranty period, Obvius may repair or replace (in its sole discretion) any product su ering rom a warranty de ect
and returned reight prepaid by buyer, with no charge to buyer or any warranty repair or replacement. The warranty shall remain in ull orce and e ect
or such 2 year period, provided that the product: (1) was installed, operated, and maintained properly; (2) has not been abused or misused; (3) has not
been repaired, altered, or modi ied outside o Obvius's authorized acilities; (4) has not been sold subject to other warranty terms speci ied at the time o
sale; and (5) is still owned by the original purchaser. This warranty provides speci ic legal rights that may be varied by state law. Obvius's products are not
designed or li e or sa ety applications.
Product Application Limitation
Obvius products are not intended or use in critical applications such as nuclear acilities, human implantable devices or li e support. Obvius is not liable,
in whole or in part, or any claims or damages arising rom such uses.
Obvius strongly believes in continuous improvement, there ore we must reserve the right to change speci ications and product o erings without notice.
Where possible, we will substitute products with equivalent unctionality when necessary.
NOTICE
●This product is not intended for life safety applications.
●Do not install this product in hazardous or classified locations.
●The installer is responsible for conformance to all applicable codes.
FCC Part 15 Information
Note: This equipment has been tested by the manufacturer and found to comply with the limits of a class A digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications of this product without the express authorization of Obvius nullify this statement.
Obvius
33 NW 211th Terrace
Hillsboro, OR 97124
ph: 5 3-6 1-2 99
www.obvius.com
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Table of Contents
Overview....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Installation Checklist..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Markings and Symbols:................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Hardware Overview....................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
A7810 Features and Speci ications.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Electrical Connections............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Hardware Installation............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Basic Network Con iguration........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Laptop/Computer Setup...........................................................................................................................................................................8
AcquiLite Administration Overview............................................................................................................................................................10
Security........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Modbus........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Device List............................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Device List Options.........................................................................................................................................................................12
Device Details. ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Device Con iguration...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Advanced Con iguration Options....................................................................................................................................................14
Manual Device Add Options........................................................................................................................................................... 15
Troubleshooting Pulse inputs................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Modbus Setup........................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Alarm Setup........................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Modbus Framework...............................................................................................................................................................................17
Wireless....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Networking..................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Network Status...................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ethernet setup........................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Troubleshooting Ethernet Problems......................................................................................................................................................18
System Options............................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Status..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Processes............................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Date and Time....................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Universal Time Is Your Friend........................................................................................................................................................ 19
System logs............................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Firmware Update................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Diagnostics ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Host Lookup.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Connection Test.....................................................................................................................................................................................20
LCD Console............................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Log File Data............................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Log File Status....................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Log File Format.....................................................................................................................................................................................23
Log Storage Capacity............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Uploading data to the BMO website......................................................................................................................................................25
Retrieving Data From the AcquiLite........................................................................................................................................................... 26
HTTP Direct rom the AcquiLite...........................................................................................................................................................26
FTP Direct rom the AcquiLite.............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Enertrax download direct rom the AcquiLite........................................................................................................................................27
HTTP/Post Upload To Building Manager Online..................................................................................................................................27
HTTP/Post Upload To Your Database Server.......................................................................................................................................27
Removing Data From the AcquiLite......................................................................................................................................................27
Linking to AcquiLite Device Status Pages.............................................................................................................................................28
Mechanical Drawings.................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
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Overview
The AcquiLite™ data acquisition system is designed to allow owners and managers o commercial and industrial acilities
with a cost-e ective means o gathering crucial in ormation in a timely manner. To meet these requirements, the
AcquiLite™ system provides the installer with all the tools necessary to install and con igure the hardware and so tware with
a minimum o time and investment.
Installation Checklist
An AcquiLite™ system installation has the ollowing components:
Required hardware
●AcquiLite™ A7810 data acquisition server (required)
●Ethernet connection.
●Ethernet Cat 5 cable (required or LAN or direct laptop-to-AcquiLite connection)
●Power Supply: 24VDC
Optional hardware
●Additional pulse output devices such as a power meter.
●2 wire, twisted pair or pulse input connection.
LAN in ormation:
●Ethernet 10/100Mbit connection point (hub or switch)
●IP address and Netmask (check with system administrator)
●Gateway address (check with system administrator)
●DNS server address (check with system administrator)
●HTTP Proxy address (optional), may be required i the AcquiLite is behind a irewall (check with system
administrator)
3 Insulation connected to meters inside high voltage panels should have an insulation rating in excess o the service voltage.
Consult a licensed electrician and local building codes or urther requirements that may apply.
Markings and Symbols:
WARNING: A potential risk exists i the operating instructions are not ollowed
General Warning Symbol: This symbol indicates the need to consult the operating instructions provided with the
product.
This symbol indicates the presence o electric shock hazards.
This symbol indicates: Do not apply to or remove rom hazardous live conductors.
Direct Current symbol.
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Hardware Overview
A7810 Features and Specifications
Processor Arm9 embedded CPU
Operating System Linux 2.6
Memory 32 MB ram, 16 MB lash
LED Ethernet, Pulse (x4), power, alarm
Console 2 x 16 character LCD, two pushbuttons
LAN RJ45 10/100 Ethernet, ull hal duplex, auto polarity
Protocols Modbus/TCP, TCP/IP, PPP, HTTP/HTML, FTP, NTP, XML, SNMP-Trap
Power Supply124VDC, 500mA, Required (not included) The unit is to be sourced by a Class 2 power supply with
the ollowing output: 24Vdc, 500 mA minimum but not to exceed 8A.
Note: only 350mA is required i the USB port is not used.
Interval Recording User selectable 1-60 minutes. De ault 15 minute interval
Inputs24 pulse inputs, dry contact.
Monitor consumption, rate
Pulse rate/width user selectable to 10hz, 50hz or 100hz.
Pulse rate option: 10hz, minimum pulse width 50ms
Pulse rate option: 50hz, minimum pulse width 10ms
Pulse rate option: 100hz, minimum pulse width 5ms
Contact closure threshold 100Ω to 2.5kΩ user selectable
Pulse count values are stored in non-volatile memory.
Isolation2: The RJ45 Ethernet is isolated to 1500VDC rom the main board.
Power input, Pulse inputs, and USB port and are non-isolated.
Environmental Pollution Degree 2, Altitude up to 2000M.
For indoor and outdoor use when used in an appropriate enclosure.
The A7810 must be mounted inside a NEMA rated electrical enclosure or sa ety and isolation
requirements.
North America: Indoor, temperature -30º - +70ºc, 0 - 95% humidity, non-condensing. 4
Sa ety UL61010 Recognized, File: E320540 (Model A7810)
EMC FCC CFR 47 Part 15, Class A
EN 61000, EN 61326
Size 4” x 4.25” x 2” (102mm x 108mm x 51mm)
Mass 0.42 lbs (0.19 kg)
1 inputs are intended or low voltage
class 2 outputs.
2 i the product is used in a manner not
speci ied by the manu acture, the
protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired.
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Electrical Connections
Hardware Installation
Step 1 - Unpack materials: Remove all materials rom shipping box and veri y all required components are available
Step 2 - Mount the AcquiLite on the wall, panel or other appropriate location.
Step 3 – Attach pulse output devices to the pulse inputs on the A7810. For dry-contact
WAR I G: After wiring the A7810, remove all scraps of wire or foil shield from the electrical panel. This
could be dangerous if wire scraps come into contact with high voltage wires.
Step 4 - Power-up and diagnostics: A power supply is not provided with the AcquiLite EMB, there ore it is up to the
installer to provide the required 24VDC. A ter power is applied, the green “Alive” light in the upper right o the AcquiLite
should come on and the LCD display will display a series o diagnostic screens ending with the ollowing message on the
LCD display (this boot sequence may require up to 20 seconds to complete):
AcquiLite Ready
192.168.40.50
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This indicates that the AcquiLite has loaded properly and is ready or con iguration and connection to the network and
sensors. I the “Alive” light does not come on or the LCD display does not cycle to the above screen, veri y that the power
wires and connector are secure, and are providing required power as speci ied. I a ter cycling the power, the unit still does
not power up (or i an error message appears in the LCD display) contact technical support. A ter the A7810 has been
powered up or a minute, the green Alive LED should blink slowly once per second during normal operation.
●Alive: blinks once per second while the system is operating correctly.
●Alarm: blinks to indicate a problem.
●Ethernet Link/Act: On when connected to a hub or switch, o when not connected. Blinks when LAN
tra ic is being sent or received.
●RS485 RX/TX. The 485TX LED should blink slowly once per second during normal operation. The RX
LED will blink when external Modbus devices communicate with the AcquiLite.
Step 5– Veri y the pulse input LED next to each pulse input terminal blinks in conjunction with the power meter that is
attached to the input. The LED will turn on when the contact terminals are closed, or bridged together.
Basic Network Config ration
Step 1 - Determine the IP addressing needs: The IP address o the AcquiLite™ server can be implemented using one o three
methods. Check with the network administrator to determine which method applies. For phone installations, use "direct
connection to laptop" to allow initial con iguration.
●Static IP address - this is a ixed IP address which is assigned by a network administrator and con igured into the
AcquiLite; or
●Dynamic Host Con iguration Protocol (DHCP) address - this process assigns an IP address dynamically to the
AcquiLite when it is connected to the network rom a host DHCP server; or
●Direct connection between the AcquiLite and a single temporary computer such as a laptop. (primary connection
will be dialin or dialout by modem)
You will need the ollowing in ormation rom your network administrator: The addresses will be in the orm o
“###.###.###.###”), where “#” re ers to the numbers 0 to 9.
Static IP Address DHCP Direct Connection to Laptop
IP address: ___.___.___.___
Netmask: ___.___.___.___
Gateway: ___.___.___.___
DNS server: ___.___.___.___
DNS server: ___.___.___.___
HTTP Proxy _____________
proxy server port: ______
IP address: (dhcp assigned)
Netmask: (dhcp assigned)
Gateway: (dhcp assigned)
DNS server: (dhcp assigned)
HTTP Proxy _____________
proxy server port: ______
IP Address: 192.168.40.50
Netmask: 255.255.255.0
Gatway: 192.168.40.1
DNS: 70.99.203.62
HTTP Proxy: [blank]
( actory de ault settings)
Network Address Worksheet
Step 2 - Con igure the IP address as selected rom the table above. For Direct Connection to Laptop, the address settings
above are set as the actory de ault, and you may be able to skip to the "Laptop/Computer Setup" section i the actory
de ault settings are present.
To begin con iguration, make sure that the server displays the start screen:
AcquiLite Ready
192.168.40.50
I this screen does not appear on the LCD display, press and hold the Menu button on the server or several seconds and the
message should appear. To change the IP address to the static address assigned by the network administrator, do the
ollowing:
A. Press the Menu button once to get the TCP/IP con iguration menu
[Main Menu]
TCP/IP Config
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B. Press the Select button once to select the TCP/IP Con ig menu options, irst o which is DHCP:
[TCP/IP Config]
DHCP on/off
C. Press the Menu button once to see the TCP/IP IP Address menu:
[TCP/IP Config]
IP Address
D. Press the Select button again to select the IP Address menu:
[IP Address]
192.168.40.50
E. At this point, the cursor on the display will be blinking on the irst number in the IP address on the second
line.
F. To change the number, press the Menu button and the display will cycle through the digits 0-9 as well as
“.”. Once the correct digit is displayed, press the Select button to advance to the next digit and repeat the
process until all the digits are correct.
G. Once the IP address on the AcquiLite matches the assigned IP address, press the Select button once more to
return to the main TCP/IP menu.
Step 3 - Set the Netmask, Gateway, and DNS server(s) addresses as noted in the chart "Network Address Worksheet" using
the same technique as shown above. The only change is that a ter Step B, press the Menu button multiple times to see the
Netmask, Gateway, and DNS setup menus, then push the Select button to set the options.
Note: I DHCP con iguration is selected, the IP, Netmask, Gateway, and DNS server addresses will be obtained
automatically. Simply select the “Enable DHCP” rom the irst TCP/IP con iguration menu.
Step 4 - A ter the address in ormation has been set, you must reboot the AcquiLite. Select the "(Previous Menu)" option
a ter step B above. The menu will then state that the AcquiLite must be rebooted to take e ect. Press the Select button to
allow the AcquiLite to reboot.
Once the AcquiLite has rebooted, the new IP address will be displayed on the console. I DHCP addressing was speci ied,
the server assigned address will be displayed.
Note: i DHCP is unable to obtain an IP address, the AcquiLite will use the allback address o 192.168.0.100.
Laptop/Computer Setup
Step 1 - You must have a computer to access and con igure the AcquiLite. This computer must have an Ethernet connection
(on the LAN or by direct connection) and must have a web browser installed such as Internet Explorer or Fire ox.
Note: I your building already has an existing LAN to which the AcquiLite is attached, you can use an existing computer on
that LAN. Check with your network administrator or details. I this option is available, use a LAN-connected computer and
skip to the “AcquiLite administration overview” section below.
The remainder o this section will assume the installer has brought a laptop to the site, and will connect the laptop to the
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building LAN, or directly to the AcquiLite. Attach the laptop to the AcquiLite or LAN as shown in igure 6, Ethernet
hookup.
Step 2 - Attach the Laptop to the AcquiLite or to the LAN. The A7810 will automatically detect whether a direct or
crossover cable is required, and will reverse polarity accordingly. This eature will allow you to use either a straight
Ethernet cable or a crossover Ethernet cable interchangeably.
I the Laptop is to be attached to an existing LAN, obtain a static IP address (or use DHCP addressing) rom the network
administrator.
Static IP Address for the laptop DHCP Direct Connection to Laptop
Speci y an IP address
IP address: ___.___.___.___
Netmask: ___.___.___.___
Obtain an IP address automatically.
(All other required settings are assigned
by the DHCP server)
IP Address: 192.168.40.1
Netmask: 255.255.255.0
(AcquiLite actory de ault settings)
Laptop Address Worksheet
Step 3 - Con igure the laptop IP address using the ollowing steps. Note: Only Windows XP is detailed below, however you
can use any OS/Browser you wish such as MacOS or Linux. Details on network setup or non-windows operating systems is
beyond the scope o this document however.
A. From the Windows start menu, select the
"Settings”, “Network Connections" option.
Double click the 'Local Area' network
connection icon in the network older, then click
the "Properties" button.
B. In the network setup dialog, there should be a list
o items including adapters, clients and
protocols. Locate the item labeled "Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP)".
Note: I you have multiple Ethernet cards, you may have multiple lines labeled "TCP/IP --> Ethernet card". Locate
the Ethernet card that corresponds to the physical connection to the AcquiLite and then select the TCP/IP option
that is linked with that Ethernet card.
C. Double click the TCP/IP option you selected in step B above. The
Internet Protocol properties dialog will be shown. This page allows
you to select DHCP (obtain an IP address automatically) or
con igure an address manually.
D. Select the option or “Use the ollowing IP address” as shown in the
picture to the right. Set the IP and Netmask rom the Laptop
Address Worksheet above. It would be help ul to make note o your
previous settings in this dialog so you may set them back a ter you
are done with the AcquiLite Con iguration.
E. Close the TCP/IP settings dialog, and Network dialog.
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Acq iLite Administration Overview
The AcquiLite should now be available on the local area network or you to access using a web browser such as Internet
Explorer or Netscape.
Step 1 - Use your web browser to connect to the AcquiLite by entering
http://192.168.40.50/setup/
Where 192.168.40.50 is the IP address displayed on the on the AcquiLite LCD display.
Step 2 - When prompted, use the ollowing de ault login in ormation
Login: admin
Password: admin
Step 3 - Your web browser should now display the AcquiLite con iguration menu. To the le t, a list o con iguration options
are available. On the right, a speci ic con iguration page will be shown. The irst page is a welcome message with some
system status in ormation. Proceed with the con iguration o the AcquiLite using your web browser.
Step 4 - Click on the + mark next to the Accounts menu. Select the Admin account, and click 'Change Password'. All units
are shipped with the same actory de ault password, and it should be changed to prevent unwanted access.
Step 5 - Expand the Networking option, and select setup. Veri y the addresses are consistent with those in the "Network
Address Worksheet."
Step 6 - Expand the Modbus option, and select "Device List." You should see an entry or the onboard pulse inputs.
A. Click the device number to the le t o the device 250 (onboard pulse inputs).
B. A page with the current device status and readings will be displayed. Click on the 'con igure' button at the bottom o
the page.
C. Enter a name or the device in the supplied ield.
D. Change any low and high range alarm settings you may need. (optional)
E. Click the 'Save' button at the bottom o the page to save your changes.
F. Repeat these steps or each Modbus device.
Step 7 - Select the Modbus/Setup menu option. Speci y the Modbus Loop Name. This will become the name o the
AcquiLite. This is the name that will appear on the BMO website service (i subscribed). Speci y the data logging period.
The de ault is 15 minutes.
Step 8 – Decide upon a method o data trans er. (see section later in this document) . I you select the HTTP/Post method to
send data to the BMO website, you can con igure this by selecting the “LogFileData, Setup/Upload” page.
A. Make note o the AcquiLite serial number.
B. Select upload options as needed or time o day to upload the data and retry control.
C. Check the checkbox to allow remote con iguration. This will allow you to recon igure the AcquiLite rom the
BMO web site without having to connect directly to the AcquiLite.
D. Speci y the "Target address to upload data." This is the website address where the AcquiLite will send the collected
data. I you have an in-house data collection service, you should enter the address o your data server in this ield.
Obvius also provides a service called Building Manager Online that can collect and report data or you. I you are
using the BMO service, the target address to upload data should be set to
http://www.buildingmanageronline.com/upload.php
E. When con iguring the AcquiLite to send data to the BMO site or your own data collection server, the AcquiLite will
authenticate itsel with the server by using the serial number and a password. This password must be supplied here,
and can be obtained when you subscribe or the BMO service, or by your database administrator.
F. Click "Apply" to save your changes.
I you select a manual trans er method, remove (blank out) the target address in the Modbus/Upload Data page.
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Sec rity
The AcquiLite has three levels o security. These are “operator”, “user” and “admin”. When using a browser to access the
AcquiLite, basic http authentication is used to prompt your browser or a username and password. The admin account uses
“admin” as the de ault password. To change the password, select the Accounts menu rom the le t side tree display. Next,
select the account name. Click the “Change Password” button to set a new password or the selected account.
admin: This account has ull access to modi y any o the system settings. The de ault password is “admin”.
operator: This account may view settings, however may only change modbus alarm ranges and device names.
user: This account can view some system settings including the modbus device status pages and can change nothing.
When using FTP to access the AcquiLite, you may use the admin account username/password or read-only access. Log
in ormation is stored in /var/log/modbus. For read-write-delete access, use the login name “root” and the admin password.
The three usernames speci ied are not able to be changed or renamed, nor can arbitrary usernames be added to the
AcquiLite. Access is only controlled by setting the password or the three existing usernames noted above.
The “operator” and “user” accounts are disabled by de ault. These accounts are activated when you irst set a password or
each.
Modb s
De ice List
The Modbus Device List page will show a listing o all the devices the AcquiLite has con igured. The device list will show
the Modbus address number, status (OK, Error, Alarm, Uncon igured), the device name (user speci ied) and the device
identi ication string. Device 250 represents the onboard pulse input channels. Other devices must be added using Modbus
TCP.
Click on the Modbus address number or any o the devices or speci ic device details
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Note: not all Modbus devices have built in driver support in the AcquiLite. I a device appears in the list with “Unknown” in
the status column, you may need to upgrade the irmware on the AcquiLite to access the device. At the bottom o the device
list page under the Type column, a link is shown that will show all the Modbus devices with built in driver support provided
in the irmware. Use the System/Firmware update page to check or newer versions o the irmware. The Obvius.com
website aq also has a list o supported Modbus devices. Modbus devices that are not supported by built-in drivers may be
con igured using the Modbus Framework eature in the AcquiLite.
At the bottom o the device list, there is an option to allow you to rename all the devices listed. This is use ul or initial
deployments. There is also a troubleshooting link that will look or common con iguration problems and alert you to the
appropriate solution.
Device List Options
At the top o the Modbus device list page, there are several display options that control the sorting o the device list.
Tree display: Click this icon to organize the list by showing each ModHopper, and the devices attached to each one.
List display: (de ault) Show the list o Modbus devices sorted by the Modbus address number.
At the bottom o the Modbus device list, there are several options that may be selected to view or con igure all the Modbus
devices at the same time. These options are as ollows:
Add: Manually add a Modbus device to the device list. This option can be used to con igure a Modbus device that is not
presently connected to the system, add a ramework con igured device, or add a Modbus/TCP connected device. See the
section on manually adding a device below.
Troubleshoot: The AcquiLite will review the devices connected and o er suggestions about any problems ound.
Rename all devices: This option allows you to edit all the device names in one con iguration page. This is use ul when
initially con iguring a large number o new devices. A name must be assigned to a device be ore the AcquiLite will log data
or it.
List all supported devices: This option will show a list o all Modbus devices with built in drivers in the installed irmware.
Show [setup]: Display links or Device con iguration and Advanced con iguration or each device.
Show [devinfo]: Display the communications options including baud rate, serial number and irmware version (when
available) or all devices in the Modbus device list.
Show [stats]: show packet counters or all devices in the device list. These include
Sent: Total number o packets sent to this Modbus address.
Received: Total number o valid packets received rom this Modbus address.
Error: Total number o packets received that ail CRC or this device. (does not include non-response queries)
RTT: The average round trip time or the last 7-10 packets that received a valid response. This value is use ul
in con iguring the Modbus timeout in the Modbus Setup page. Note: i the timeout is set too short, you will
not see an accurate value because packets dropped or timeout are not counted or RTT.
XML: Display the device list data in XML ormat.
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Device Details.
The device detail page will show a list o all the pulse input data points, alarm settings and console options. The data point
names or most devices are automatically entered. At the top o the page, the status o the device is shown. This usually
reports “ok” however it can include error in ormation i the device is not responding properly. A list o device errors is
available in the log ile details section o this manual. At the bottom o the page, several buttons are present.
Done: returns you to the device list page.
Log File: This icon will display a table view o the most recent data in the current log ile. Use the log ile export page or
complete log data access.
XML: This icon will show the current data rom the Modbus device in an XML ormat. The URL rom this icon can be
copied and used to gather xml data or client side Javascript or Java applications.
Configure: This button will allow you to change the device parameters such as the name, alarm and console settings.
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Device Configuration
When the “con igure” button is clicked rom the device details page, the screen will be re reshed, with the same in ormation,
however the device name, alarm settings and console checkbox will be available.
Device ame: This ield allows you to speci y a name or the device such as “main building power” or other use ul name to
indicate the location or unction o the device. A name must be assigned to a device be ore the AcquiLite will log data or
it.
Low Alarm, High Alarm: Speci y a threshold or the alarm. I the data point is recorded below the Low Alarm, or above
the High Alarm levels at the time a log entry is taken, the point will be considered in an alarm state.
Console: Checking this checkbox will cause the AcquiLite to display this data point on the LCD console. Multiple data
points are rotated about every 10 seconds. The values on the LCD console are updated when the next log interval occurs.
Point Config: Some devices have con igurable point eatures. Most data points are automatically con igured and this
option may not be displayed.
Advanced: At the lower right corner o the page, an advanced con iguration button may be present depending on the
Modbus device eatures.
Advanced Configuration Options
The advanced con iguration page contains special options speci ic to the device you are con iguring. For the onboard pulse
inputs, the con iguration options are shown below. The device serial number and other speci ic parameters will be
displayed i available.
Speci ic options available in the Advanced Con iguration page vary depending on the eatures available in the Modbus
Device, as well as the eatures implemented in the built in AcquiLite driver.
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Manual Device Add Options
Modbus devices may be added manually by clicking on the “add” link on the bottom o the Modbus device list page. This
option is intended or use when adding devices to the con iguration pro ile prior to installing the physical hardware, or
con iguring Modbus/TCP devices that will not automatically populate in the Modbus device list.
The manual setup page has several options that must be con igured be ore the AcquiLite will recognize the Modbus device.
The options are as ollows:
Modbus Address: The Modbus device address must be supplied. Note: when con iguring a device on a remote
Modbus/TCP gateway, the Modbus address o the remote device must not be the same as any address already listed in the
device list page.
Modbus/TCP Gateway IP: This option allows the AcquiLite to log data rom a remote Modbus device that is attached to
the LAN via a Modbus TCP gateway device such as an EGX or Moxa gateway.
Modbus/TCP Gateway Port: I a remote Modbus/TCP gateway is used, the tcp port o the remote gateway must be
speci ied. The de ault TCP port is 502 on most gateways.
Device ame: You must provide a name or the Modbus device to identi y it in the device list. This should be something
that will identi y the meter location and purpose.
Device Type: This menu will allow the selection o any built in driver or any Modbus Framework template that is available
on the AcquiLite. It is important to select the driver or template that matches the Modbus device.
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Troubleshooting Pulse inputs
I the device you have attached does not appear in the Modbus device list, check the ollowing:
●Veri y the pulse input connections are correct .
●Veri y the status LED blinks or the speci ic pulse input in question. Try bridging the two terminals at the input o the
AcquiLite to veri y the input LED turns on.
●Bridge the terminals o the pulse output meter and veri y the input LED turns on. This will veri y the wiring to the meter
is correct.
Modbus Setup
The Modbus setup page provides several options related to the Modbus RS485 serial port.
AcquiLite ame: This is the name o the AcquiLite. This name will be present on all log ile descriptors when uploaded to
a central database website such as BMO. It is help ul to name the AcquiLite based on the physical location o the system, or
building. Note: this eature was labeled “Loop Name” in older irmware versions.
Data logging period: This option sets the log interval or the AcquiLite. Options range rom once per minute to once per
hour. All o the selections are even divisions o one hour. The AcquiLite calculates the next log time by inding the next
multiple o the log period past the start o the hour. For example, i the log period is 15 minutes, log readings will be taken
at 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour. The log period is not calculated based on “15 minutes a ter the last reading”
When the AcquiLite is irst started, it will take an initial reading o all the Modbus devices immediately. Following that, the
next log reading will be calculated as a multiple o the log period a ter the hour. The initial reading is taken to allow the
AcquiLite to gather in ormation or meters that require demand calculations, as well as provide accurate in ormation starting
when the AcquiLite is booted.
Modbus/TCP access: The AcquiLite has a Modbus TCP gateway eature that allows other systems to send queries to all
attached Modbus RS485 devices. This eature allows control o what systems have access to the Modbus TCP gateway
eature. The settings include “no access”, “local subnet only” and “allow any”. This basic security eature only allows
control based on the IP address o the system making the request. The Modbus TCP protocol does not have provisions or
any authentication password or other methods o security. By de ault, the gateway eature is disabled, and set to “No
Access.”
The Modbus TCP gateway is a eature that allows the AcquiLite to share the attached Modbus RS485 devices with other
systems such as PCs with so tware and building control systems. The gateway receives incoming TCP requests, veri ies the
length o the packet does not exceed 255 bytes, and orwards the packet to the Modbus RS485 loop. The gateway does not
veri y the contents o the packet, nor the target address speci ied in the request. I the Modbus RS485 device sends a valid
response back, the gateway will return this in ormation to the the system requesting it via TCP. I no response is received, a
timeout ailure will be sent to the requester. Because the gateway does not process the contents o the request or reply, it is
possible to query devices on the Modbus RS485 loop that are not speci ically supported by the AcquiLite. A Modbus/TCP
technical guide may be available soon at www.obvius.com.
Alarm Setup
The Modbus Alarms section provides the ability to send messages when alarm levels are exceeded. Messages can be sent by
email, SNMP or displayed on the LCD console. Alarms are processed at the end o the data logging period. For more
requent alarms, shorten the data log interval. Log readings and alarm processing can be set to as o ten as once per minute.
Display all alarms on LCD console: When checked, all alarm messages are shown on the LCD display o the AcquiLite.
S MP Trap Send Enabled: When checked, SNMP Trap messages are sent a ter every log period or each data point that
is in an alarm state. The trap includes in ormation about the AcquiLite system data point, and alarm state. A ull MIB is
located on the AcquiLite, click the MIB link to the right o this option.
S MP Trap Host 1 (2,3): When SNMP traps are enabled, a trap message is sent to each o the trap host addresses. Speci y
the trap host by IP address, not DNS name.
Direct email on alarm. When checked, the AcquiLite will send an email message when any data point changes its alarm
state.
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SMTP Mail Server Address: The IP address o the email server on the LAN that will process and orward the email
message to the recipient.
Sender Address: The address that will be used in the “From:” line o the email. This is help ul in identi ying the source o
the alarm email message. I your SMTP mail server has junk iltering, you may be required to use a sender address that
matches a mailbox address on the SMTP mail server; check with your mail server administrator or speci ic details on this
issue.
Recipient address 1 (2,3): The AcquiLite can send a copy o the alarm notice to multiple email addresses. Speci y one, two
or three email addresses in the ields provided or the recipient addresses.
Modbus Framework
The Modbus Framework eature is a tool to allow the AcquiLite to read data rom any Modbus device by creating a template
in the Modbus Framework editor. The template describes the Modbus register read commands, and the conversion required
or each data point that is to be read. The Framework eature is an advanced eature o the AcquiLite that requires the user to
be amiliar with the Modbus protocol and with the Modbus register point list or the speci ic Modbus device that will be
used. For more in ormation on the Modbus Framework eature, download the Modbus Framework documentation rom
www.obvius.com.
Wireless
The AcquiLite and AcquiSuite systems have the ability to provide diagnostic in ormation about R9120 ModHopper Wireless
Modbus Networks. On typical systems, an R9120 will be attached to the RS485 o the master system. The A7810 can
access a ModHopper network, however it must do so through a Modbus/TCP gateway. I a ModHopper is connected in such
a way, the wireless diagnostics options will be present in the AcquiLite. Please re er to the AcquiSuite A8812 or A8810 user
manuals or urther details on the wireless diagnostic eatures.
Networking
Network Status
This page displays the current status o the AcquiLite network connections. Several inter aces may be shown i both
Ethernet and ppp dialin/dialout are active at the same time. Each inter ace will report the ip address, number o packets sent
and received, and other details speci ic to the inter ace. For the Ethernet inter ace, the MAC address (HWaddr) will be
shown as well as a network collision count.
Ethernet network
eth0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 00:99:99:0E:C1:CA
inet addr:192.168.10.50 Bcast:192.168.10.255 Mask:255.255.255.0
U BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1
RX packets:2624171 errors:6 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
TX packets:220342 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
collisions:1 txqueuelen:100
RX bytes:174674347 (166.5 Mb) TX bytes:50607122 (48.2 Mb)
Interrupt:5 Base address:0x320
Note: the “lo” or Loopback inter ace is the internal network and is always present, “eth0” is the Ethernet segment, and
“ppp0” is the dialout or dialin connection. In addition, the current gateway and DNS server in ormation will be shown.
These items will provide in ormation about DHCP assigned con iguration in ormation.
Ethernet setup
The Ethernet setup page has the ollowing options:
●IP Address: The IP address o the Ethernet inter ace: De ault 192.168.40.50
●Netmask: The netmask o the Ethernet network. De ault 255.255.255.0
●Gateway Address: The gateway is the routing device that moves tra ic rom the LAN to the internet. The de ault is
192.168.40.1. I you do not have an internet connection or your LAN, or you are using a crossover Ethernet cable, leave
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this ield blank.
●DNS 1, DNS2: These are the primary and secondary DNS servers. I you are using a dialout connection, these must be
set to the DNS server provided by your dialup ISP. I you only use the AcquiLite on a crossover cable and/or dialin
mode, you should leave these blank.
●DHCP (enable/disable) I you LAN has a DHCP server, you may enable this option and remove the previous options or
IP, netmask, gateway, and DNS. Check with your LAN administrator irst.
●HTTP Proxy. I your LAN is connected to the internet using a sophisticated irewall, you may need to use the HTTP
proxy eature. Check with your LAN administrator irst, however i you don't have a proxy set on your computer
(MSIE/Tools/Connections-tab/LAN-Settings) then you most likely don't need to con igure the AcquiLite to use a proxy.
I in doubt, leave this blank irst, and try the connection test. I it ails, ask your LAN administrator about proxy servers,
i any.
A ter changing any o the settings on this page, you will be required to reboot the AcquiLite Use the system/status web
con iguration page, or the LCD console to reboot the AcquiLite.
Troubleshooting Ethernet Problems
A ter recon iguring the Ethernet settings, i you experience problems accessing the AcquiLite with your web browser, check
the ollowing items.
●Veri y that you rebooted the AcquiLite a ter making the changes to the network settings.
●Use the AcquiLite LCD console. Check the IP address and Netmask. Veri y these are correct.
●Veri y the ethernet link/act light next to the Ethernet port is on. It should blink with activity.
●Veri y the network connection in your computer has the proper IP address, on the same subnet, to access the AcquiLite.
NOTE: one common mistake is con iguring the Laptop IP to the same address as the IP address o the AcquiLite. In
order or the laptop and AcquiLite to communicate, the IP addresses should not be identical. (see the basic network
con ig or suggested IP addresses. )
●Use the LCD console to run the Network Status test. This will attempt a number o things including a ping query to the
gateway address. I the AcquiLite can ping an external machine such as a gateway, the Ethernet port is most likely
connected properly. I the AcquiLite does not use a gateway, try adding a gateway address, and make it the address o
your computer.
System Options
Status
The system status page shows the current memory and lash disk utilization values, system up-time, and load average. Also
included on this page are two buttons or Reboot and Shutdown. It is important to use the shutdown option prior to
removing power rom the AcquiLite. The LCD console will report the reboot or shutdown status.
Processes
The system process table is shown in both tree and tabular ormats. The process list is use ul when contacting Obvius
technical support.
Date and Time
The AcquiLite keeps time using UTC or Universal time. All log iles are recorded in UTC time as well. Timestamps shown
on the AcquiLite local con iguration pages are converted to local time or the convenience o the installer. The date/time
con iguration page provides the ollowing options
Date/time in UTC and Local time.
Date/time dropdown menus to select the current (Local) time manually.
Timezone: a drop down list o the supported timezones.
Time sync protocol: Select NTP or Rdate. Most Linux/Unix systems provide rdate, however many provide NTP as well.
Windows domain servers can also provide NTP. I possible use NTP as it is a more robust protocol.
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Time Server: Speci y the DNS name or IP address o your time server. The de ault “time.obvius.com” can be used i the
AcquiLite has a connection to the Internet. The AcquiLite will attempt to synchronize time with the time server every
upload session. This will ensure that the clock is checked and adjusted at a minimum o once per day. Typically, the
synchronization will align the clock to within +-1 second o the internet time source or atomic clock. You may need to
veri y i your irewall will allow NTP or Rdate packets to pass through. Generally, it is better to use a local time server i
possible. The time server time.obvius.com supports both NTP and Rdate time protocols. I you use a GSM-connected
system, you will probably need to use Rdate. NTP is blocked by many cellular service carriers.
Universal Time Is Your Friend
Log data is stored in UTC time. This allows data collection services such as BMO to collect data rom multiple sites in
di erent time zones. I you are operating your own database system to store log data rom the AcquiLite, it is best to store
the data in UTC time in the database as well, and only convert it to local time when generating the inal report or graph or
the user.
I you store data in Local time, you will have the ollowing issues.
1) Local time is relative. Is Local the time where the AcquiLite exists, or Local to where the data is stored? I local to the
AcquiLite, you must shi t each AcquiLite data set depending on its location.
2) There are about 11 time zones in the US. Some observe DST, others do not. These include Alaska, Aleutian, Arizona,
Central, Eastern, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Mountain, Paci ic, and Samoa.
3) When converting to local time, there will be one hour o overlapping data in the all when the time is adjusted or
Daylight Savings time. In other words, log entries run 12:45, 1:00, 1:15, 1:30, 1:45, 1:00, 1:15, 1:30, 1:45, 2:00am.
This will prevent you rom sorting your data by time in your database.
4) In the spring, you will have a gap in the data rom 1:59 to 3:00am. This can cause problems i you are calculating
demand values based on consumption.
5) Converting Local time to any other timezone usually involves converting it to UTC irst.
Using UTC time solves these problems elegantly. The best practice is to store data in the database in UTC ormat and then
convert the in ormation when generating a report or the user.
For example, i you wish to draw a graph o KW over Time, prompt the user or a date range, say Jan 1 midnight to Jan 2
midnight. Take the user speci ied end points and convert these times rom Local time to UTC. Next, create an SQL query
using the new UTC ormatted data as your select statement. ie:
SELECT * rom TABLE where time > '2003-01-01 08:00:00' and time < '2003-01-02 08:00:00'
Note that the time is 8 hours ahead o local time. This example is or Paci ic which is 8 hours o rom UTC. This will return
a list o data points between the two speci ied time ranges. Next, plot the data on a graph, using the UTC times or start and
end points. Lastly, when drawing the 'time' legend on the graph, convert the values back to Local time be ore displaying. For
example, 2003-01-01 00:00:00 to 2003-01-02 00:00:00. Any division lines on the time axis can be handled the same way.
The advantage o using this technique is that it will properly draw a graph across DST change boundaries. The graph axis is
based on UTC time with no DST, and will not show a gap or overlap a the time o the change. The axis labeling will be
correct as well, matching the UTC times precisely.
Another way to handle the conversion is to query and convert all the returned timestamps to local time be ore drawing the
graph. This is use ul i you do not have detailed control over the graph legend drawing process. This technique will not
properly graph across DST changes as the graph is based on local time including DST changes.
System logs
The AcquiLite can keep several log iles that report the general operation o the system, not related to the normal data logs.
These include the ollowing:
Debug Messages: The AcquiLite can run a “syslog” process to record more detailed in ormation about its operations,
however this log consumes vast quantities o memory quickly, and is disabled by de ault. Click the “start log” button to
enable the eature. Click the “end log” button to disable. Note: when the AcquiLite is rebooted, the debug log will be
disabled on startup.
Kernel Boot log: Startup messages about the Linux operating system startup. This log shows what hardware items were
detected and initialized.
Ftp Connection log: This log shows a list o iles trans erred by FTP on the AcquiLite.
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Last Data Upload log: This log ile contains a report rom the last data upload attempt to remote database/webservers such
as BMO. This log will show i any log iles are being rejected by the dabase/webserver, or i the network is not allowing a
connection.
Last Modem Connection log: This log ile shows the details o the modem operation including modem connection quality
parameters. This is updated ever time the modem makes a dialin or dialout connection.
Time Change Log: This log contains a list o time change events. When the AcquiLite system clock is changed either
manually or by automated time sync, and the change is more than a ew seconds, the event is recorded here.
System boot log: This log shows when the AcquiLite was started, and lists process events such as remote logins, or logger
process restarts. This log is most use ul or detecting when the AcquiLite was restarted, and whether there was a proper
shutdown event prior to rebooting (i not, possibly a power outage).
Start/End logging: This button allows the user to start detailed logging or disable it i it is running.
Purge Log Files: This button will clear all the system log iles listed on this page, but not the meter data log iles (deletes
kernel, boot, tp, messages, upload log iles). This does not clear the interval log data rom attached meter devices.
Firmware Update
The AcquiLite can upgrade its own irmware using the Firmware Version page. The AcquiLite must have an Internet
connection to communicate with the obvius.com website or irmware updates. I a LAN connection is present and
con igured, it will be used by de ault.
A ter clicking the “Check or updates” button, the AcquiLite will contact the obvius.com webserver and attempt to download
a list o irmware iles. The list is compared to the irmware versions installed, and a listing o the iles will be displayed. I
any irmware updates are available, a button to the right will be shown labeled “Download”. The irmware iles are :
asarm.cram s The main AcquiLite irmware ile including the modbus and data logging so tware
usrarm.cram s High level system support iles such as FTP, and timezone in ormation
ramdisk.gz Low level system iles and system libraries
zImage The Linux operating system.
When clicking on the Upgrade button, the AcquiLite will again contact the obvius.com website and download the requested
irmware image ile. The AcquiLite will take a ew seconds to veri y the ile checksum and prompt you with an “Install”
button. Click the install button and the AcquiLite will install the irmware update and reboot itsel to make the changes take
e ect.
Do not power down the AcquiLite during any step o the AcquiLite irmware update process. Doing so may corrupt the
system and render the AcquiLite unusable.
Diagnostics
Host Lookup
The Host Lookup page provides the ability to do some basic network tests. These are as ollows:
Ping: send an echo request to the speci ied host.
Traceroute: Send an echo request to the target address and attempt to locate every router in between the AcquiLite and that
address.
slookup: convert the DNS name to an IP address, use ul or testing the unctionality o the DNS server con igured in the
Network/Setup webpage.
To run a network test, enter the IP address or DNS name in the ield provided, check the checkbox next to the test you wish
to use, and click the OK button. Multiple tests can be speci ied.
Connection Test
The Connection Test page will attempt to establish an HTTP session with the speci ied upload server. Click the “Begin
Test” button to start this process. In ormation will be printed in black. Success responses will be printed in Green, and
ailure messages will be printed in Red. A sample upload test ollows:
ing localhost [127.0.0.1]: Success
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