Prolon PL-TREE-COM User manual

INSTALLING
THE TREECOM
with Prolon
REV 7.5.1
PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
www.proloncontrols.com
1-877-977-6566
[e-mail]
17510 Rue Charles, Suite 100, Mirabel, QC, J7J 1X9

2
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
Table of Contents
PL-TREE-COM Principles........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
PL-TREE-COM installation scenarios ....................................................................................................................................................7
Single-Zone Unit Controllers with Digital Wall Sensor....................................................................................................................................................7
VAV Zone controllers with Digital Wall Sensor...................................................................................................................................................................8
Master Controller with multiple Follower Controllers (fully wireless network)......................................................................................................9
Master Controller with multiple Follower Controllers (wired/wireless - hybrid network)............................................................................... 10
Master Controller with multiple Follower Controllers (wired/wireless - hybrid network)............................................................................... 11
PL-NC2000 connected to a group of Master PL-M2000 or PL-C1050 .................................................................................................................... 12
Measuring signal quality with NFC ....................................................................................................................................................13
Android.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
iOS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Low signal quality best practices (Focus PC only).............................................................................................................................16

3
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
PL-TREE-COM Principles
1. The Prolon PL-TREE-COM is a wireless communication device that transmits and receives Modbus RS485 data over radio frequency
communication (2.4GHz)
2. Its goal is to wirelessly extend, complement, or replace standard RS485 wired daisy-chains, where a physical connection would be
impractical or uneconomical. (Figure 1)
3. The TREE-COM modules communicate on dedicated wireless subnet "channels", where a unique "ROOT" module talks with one or
multiple "LEAF" units on the same channel.
3a) Channel identication is made through dipswitches. Up to 128 dierent channels may be created.
3b) All TREE-COM communicating on a given channel must be set to the same dispswitch channel number.
3c) These dipswitches are not to be mistaken with the controllers' Modbus address, they are for channel identication only.
(Figure 2)
3d) The "ROOT" module is always connected to a Modbus "Master" device, the "LEAF" always connect to "follower" devices.
Figure 2
PL-M2000-RTU
Modbus: 20
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
ROOT
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 21
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 22
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
Figure 1
4. Each wireless segment must have one TREE-COM set as a "ROOT".
4a) The "ROOT"/"LEAF" function is activated using dipswitch number #8. (Figure 2)
4b) There can only be one "ROOT" on any given segment.
4c) The "ROOT" can have as many "LEAF" modules as needed by the Prolon system.
4d) The PL-TREE-COM, set as a "ROOT", communicates with all its "LEAF" modules

4
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
6. Operational range
6a) The PL-TREE-COM can be oriented in any direction when operating under 200ft of range.
6b) The PL-TREE-COM can cover distances up to 2500 ft when oriented properly. (Figure 4)
Figure 4
2,500 ft
Figure 5
6c) The PL-TREE-COM radio wave pattern is directional, meaning the signal beam, while able to radiate everywhere, will travel
farther in one specic direction. The built-in antenna is aligned with its front cover (face with the lights and dipswitches). In
order to achieve maximum range, or communicate through complex building structure, both PL-TREE COM modules commu-
nicating together should have their faceplates facing each other. Signal quality (read at the "LEAF" module) must be at least
30% to achieve proper communication. (Figure 5)
NOTE: Aligning TREE-COM modules face to face is highly recommended for distances beyond 200 ft.
A signal quality
of at least 30% is
required for proper
communication
5. Channel number conguration
A unique channel number on each TREE-COM must be congured by setting the rst 7 switches on the channel number dipswitch
block to the desired value.
These switches are numbered from 1 to 7 and represent a binary value from 0 to 64 (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 respectively). The value
of each switch that is in the ON position is added together to form the numerical value of the TREE-COM channel used.
The example on Figure 3 shows switches 1, 2 and 4 on the ON position. So the corresponding values are 1, 2 and 8, giving a sum
of 11. (1+2+8=11)
TREE-COM modules allow the use of up to 128 channel numbers.
Figure 3

5
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
7. Weatherproof enclosures
Should a PL-TREE COM module need to be installed outdoors, we recommend installing it in a plastic or resin NEMA 4 type
enclosure, do not install inside a metal enclosure, since it will block all radio signals.
8. LEDS
The PL-TREE-COM comes equiped with ve LEDs to indicate device status. (Figure 6)
8a) HBEAT (BLUE): This LED simply indicates that the device is powered and operating. It should blink once every second, regardless
of RS485 or Wireless communication.
8b) CONN (BLUE)*: This LED indicates if other devices have been found on the same subnet as this device. If so, then the devices are
ready to share their RS485 information.
8c) ROOT (YELLOW): This LED indicates if this device has been set as a "ROOT" using dipswitch #8. When the LED is ON, this device
is set as the ROOT for its subnet. If the LED is o, it is instead a "LEAF".
8d) SND (RED): This LED indicates if data is being transmitted on the RS485 bus. Blinking occurs in quick short bursts.
8e) REC (GREEN): This LED indicates if data is being received from the RS485 bus. Blinking occurs in quick short bursts.
*Once a successful connection is established between a "ROOT" and one or more multiple "LEAF" devices, their individual
CONN blue lights will turn on. The connection process may take up to 7 minutes to complete.
Figure 6
HBEAT (BLUE)
CONN (BLUE) ROOT (YELLOW)
SND (RED)
REC (GREEN)
9. Setting bias and terminating resistors
The PL-TREE-COM comes with jumpers to enable RS485 bias and terminating resistors. Bias and terminating resistors are used
to stabilize an RS485 network. Terminating resistors should be placed at each extremity of an RS485 bus. Both bias resistors should
be activated at a single node on the RS485 bus, but the location of the node is not important
The jumper to activate the resistors are identied on the PL-TREE-COM via the front label. The resistors are activated when the
jumper covers both header pins for a given resistor.

6
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
10. Firmware compatibility
The PL-TREE-COM is designed to work with same generation products (v.7.5.0 or later), but can be retrotted into existing systems,
provided that the controllers usingTREE-COM modules are compatible.This is especially important with Modbus ''Master'' devices,
that must comply with the TREE-COM's specic communication caracteristics.
10a) When a PL-NC2000 is present, it must have rmware version 7.5.0 or later to support TREE-COM communication.
10b) Any Digital wall sensor (T200/T500/T1000) connected to a TREE-COM must have rmware version 7.5.0 or later to support
TREE-COM communication.
10c) Other Modbus Master controllers (RTU, HP, etc.) using older rmware may still work properly with TREE-COM modules. It is
strongly recommended however to update them for best communication performance
10d) Follower controllers are not aected by rmware version, all are compatible with the TREE-COM.

7
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
PL-TREE-COM installation scenarios
Single-Zone Unit Controllers with Digital Wall Sensor
The RTUS, HPS or FCU controllers can be connected to their respective communicating digital wall sensor, using the PL-TREE-COM
device.
**Important** A PL-RS wall sensor CANNOT be connected using a PL-TREE-COM (M2000 only).
1. The PL-TREE-COM connected to the communicating wall sensor must be set as the "ROOT".
2. The PL-TREE-COM connected to the Single-Zone Unit Controller must be set as the "LEAF".
3. Both TREE-COM modules must have their dipswitches set for the same channel number
Figure 7 Figure 8
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-T1000
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
ROOT
PL-M2000-###
Modbus: 20
PL-T1000
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 2
ROOT
PL-C1050-###
Modbus: 30
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 2
LEAF

8
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
VAV Zone controllers with Digital Wall Sensor
The PL-VC2000 or C1050 VAV controllers can be connected to a communicating digital wall sensor (T1000, T500,T200) using a PL-TREE-
COM. (Figure 9)
1. The PL-TREE-COM connected to the communicating wall sensor NEEDS to be set as the "ROOT". (INT port)
2. The PL-TREE-COM connected to the VAV controller must be set as the "LEAF". (INT port)
3. Both TREE-COM modules must have their dipswitches set for the same channel number.
Figure 9
PL-T1000
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
ROOT
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 1
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF

9
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
PL-M2000-###
Modbus: 10
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
ROOT
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 1
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 2
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-C1050-###
Modbus: 3
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
Figure 10
Master Controller with multiple Follower Controllers (fully wireless network)
Follower Controllers (VC2000, C1050-VAV, T1100, FLX, BLR, etc.) can be connected wirelessly to a Master Unit Controller such as a
PL-M2000-HP or RTU or a PL-C1050-RTU or HP.
1. Each controller must have its own dedicated PL-TREE-COM device
2. The PL-TREE-COM connected to each Follower Controller must be in set as the "LEAF". (NET Port)
3. The PL-TREE-COM connected to the Master Controller must be set as the "ROOT". (NET Port)
4. All PL-TREE-COM modules must have their dipswitches set for the same channel number.

10
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
Master Controller with multiple Follower Controllers (wired/wireless - hybrid network)
Example 1
It is possible to create hybrid networks, where wireless communication supports and complements wired daisy-chains. In this situation,
a PL-TREE-COM will be added to the daisy-chain to gap the link between the Master and all its Followers. (Figure 11)
1. The PL-TREE-COM on the M2000 Master's side must be connected in the NET port and be set as the "ROOT".
2. The Followers Network PL-TREE-COM can be inserted anywhere within their own wired daisy-chain. This device must be set as the
"LEAF".
3. Both TREE-COM modules must have their dipswitches set for the same channel number.
Figure 11
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 1
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 2
PL-M2000-###
Modbus: 10
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
ROOT

11
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 3
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 4
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 5
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 6
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 1
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
ROOT
PL-VC2000
Modbus: 2
PL-M2000-###
Modbus: 10
Figure 12
Example 2
A wired communication network can be spliced and re-united using TREE-COM modules, regardless of their location within a Prolon
network. (Figure 12)
1. The TREE-COM that is hardwired to the Modbus Master (PL-M2000-RTU) must be set in "ROOT" mode
2. The TREE-COM hardwired to the Follower controllers must be set to "LEAF" mode.
3. TREE-COM modules must have their dipswitches set for the same channel number.
4. The TREE-COM modules will act like a virtual segment of wire.
Master Controller with multiple Follower Controllers (wired/wireless - hybrid network)

12
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
PL-NC2000 connected to a group of Master PL-M2000 or PL-C1050
The communication network between any Master Controller and the PL-NC2000 can be connected wirelessly using the PL-TREE-COM.
(Figure 13)
1. The PL-TREE-COM connected to the PL-NC2000 via the RS-485 OUT port must be set as the "ROOT".
2. The PL-TREE-COM connected to individual PL-M2000, or PL-C1050 via the INT communication port must be set as the "LEAF".
3. All PL-TREE-COM modules must have their dipswitches set for the same channel number.
PL-C1050-###
Modbus: 30
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-M2000-###
Modbus: 10
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
PL-NC2000
Modbus: 99
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
ROOT
PL-M2000-###
Modbus: 20
PL-TREE-COM
Channel: 1
LEAF
Figure 13

13
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
Measuring signal quality with NFC
1. The incoming signal quality from a "ROOT" must be measured at a "LEAF" device, using the Prolon Focus app on a mobile device with
NFC capabilities.
2. A measurement only becomes possible on a ''LEAF'' device, once it has established a connection with its "ROOT" module.
3. Measuring a "ROOT" module using NFC will not yield signal quality, but rather number of associated "LEAF" modules it is able to
communicate with.
4. To use this feature, the NFC function must rst be enabled on the mobile device.
5. The NFC reading may take a few seconds to display.
Note: We recommend that you remove any casing from your mobile device if you are experiencing trouble connecting.
Figure 14

14
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
Android
Once on the settings page, hold your phone (back of the phone) close to the face of a powered-up PL-TREE-COM device.
1. To access NFC, tap on the
vertical ellopsis icon at the
top right of the screen.
2. Tap on "Settings". 3. Approach and hold the
back of the mobile device
very near the powered up
TREE-COM module.
4. Once detected, a popup
will show you the infor-
mation about the TREE-
COM found. Tap OK to go
back to the settings.

15
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
iOS
Note: We recommend that you remove any casing from your mobile device should you experience trouble connecting.
1. To scan the TREE-COM,
tap on the settings icon in
the left bottom corner.
2. Tap on "Scan PL-TREE-
COM".
3. When ready to detect,
approach and hold the
back of the mobile device
very near the powered up
TREE-COM module.
4. Once detected, a popup
will show you the infor-
mation about the TREE-
COM found. Tap OK to go
back to the settings.

16
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
Low signal quality best practices (Focus PC only)
A signal quality of 30% to 60% is considered low quality. To communicate succesfully with signals in this range, it is best to increase the
number of retries in Focus (PC) to 10 or 20 attempts, so to reduce the likelyhood of failure. Here is the procedure:
1. Click on “Project” on the top left of your Focus screen.
2. Click on “Setup”.

17
REV 7.5.1 / PL-INSTL-TREECOM-EN
REV 7.5.1
PL-INSTL-TREE-COM-EN
© Copyright 2022 Prolon. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be photocopied or reproduced by any means, or translated to another language without prior written
consent of Prolon. All specications are nominal and may change as design improvements are introduced. Prolon shall not be liable for
damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
3. Click on “Connection".
4. Enter the desired Retry number.