Prolon NC2000 Installation instructions

HARDWARE GUIDE
Network Controller - NC2000
Specifications and Operational Guide
REV. 6.1.6
PL-HRDW-NC2000-C/F-EN
www.proloncontrols.com |[e-mail]
17 510, rue Charles, Suite 100, Mirabel, QC, J7J 1X9

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Table of Contents
Table of Figures
General Information............................................................................................................................3
PL-NC2000 Controller .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Communication interface........................................................................................................................................... 3
Occupancy and outside temperature distribution.............................................................................................. 3
Email-based alerts ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Trend logs ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Components ........................................................................................................................................5
Component Identification.......................................................................................................................................... 5
LEDs .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Jumpers ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Communication Settings Reset Button................................................................................................................... 8
Communication Ports..........................................................................................................................9
Inbound Communication ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Ethernet Port - Cloud Communication.................................................................................................................... 9
Ethernet Port - TCP/IP ................................................................................................................................................10
USB Port.........................................................................................................................................................................10
RS485 IN Port ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
Outboud Communication ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Technical Specifications.................................................................................................................... 13
Compliance ........................................................................................................................................ 14
FCC User Information................................................................................................................................................. 14
Industry Canada .........................................................................................................................................................14
Overall Dimensions ........................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 1 - Component Identification ............................................................................................................................ 5
Figure 2 - LEDs Identification.......................................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 3 - Location of the EXTERNAL jumpers ........................................................................................................... 7
Figure 4 - Jumpers ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 5 - Communication Reset Button...................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 6 - Inbound Communication.............................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 7 - RJ45 Pinout ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 8 - Outbound Communication ........................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 9 - NC2000 Size Diagram................................................................................................................................... 15

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General Information
The NC2000 network controller is a communication module that performs several network management
functions when installed in a ProLon network. It is intended to be set up and configured using ProLon
Focus software.
Communication interface
First and foremost, it acts as a communication interface allowing a user to communicate to the various
controllers on the ProLon RS485 Modbus network via Ethernet or USB. It converts the incoming messages
from a user’s laptop, PC, tablet or smartphone into the Modbus RTU protocol, transmits those messages
out over the ProLon RS485 network bus and then returns the converted response back to the user for
visualisation in the ProLon Focus or ProLon Focus App software.
Occupancy and outside temperature distribution
The NC2000’s second main function is to determine the current occupancy status and distribute it to
various controllers on the ProLon network. Up to 16 weekly schedules and calendars can be configured,
which can then be distributed to any controller. The NC2000 can also be instructed to collect the outside
temperature reading from any given controller on the network and then distribute that reading to the
other controllers, preventing the need to purchase and install multiple outside temperature sensors.
Email-based alerts
The NC2000 can also be used as a remote alarming system. It can be configured to poll any data point
(temperature readings, output actions, demands, etc…) from any ProLon controller and then send email-
based alerts whenever the data points meet or exceed user-selectable conditions. Conditions for a single
alert can be combined between different data points and controllers, while respecting a configurable
minimum delay time.
For example, an alert can be set up so that it is only sent out when a fan is requesting to be on AND no
proof of fan is obtained for two consecutive minutes (as opposed to simply sending an alert anytime
there is no proof of fan). Up to 100 combined alarm conditions can be recorded on the NC2000. The email
alerts generated by the NC2000 can be sent to three separate email addresses.
PL-NC2000 Controller

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Trend logs
Finally, the NC2000 can also record trend logs for any data point (temperature readings, output actions,
demands, etc…) from any controller on the network. Up to 50 separate trend logs can be recorded at a
time. Data can be recorded at configurable intervals or upon a user-specified change of value.
The NC2000 records the data onto a standard-size SD card (SDSC or SDHC) which can be plugged into
the NC2000 and removed at will. Trend logs can also be downloaded directly from the NC2000 without
removing the SD card, using the ProLon Focus software. Visualization of the data in chart format can be
performed using an Excel-based template that is supplied along with the ProLon Focus software, or man-
ually using any spreadsheet software.

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Components
Figure 1 - Component Identification
Component Identification
Legend:
A- RS485 OUT Port (2 x 3 terminal block and 2 x RJ45 jacks - all in parallel)
B- Communication Settings Reset button
C- SD card slot (standard size, SDSC or SDHC)
D- Power Input (24 VAC - class 2)
E- Ethernet connector
F- USB connector (female plug)
G- RS485 IN Port (3 terminal block and 1 RJ45 jack in parallel)
H- Jumpers for terminating and bias resistors for the RS485 OUT port
I- Jumpers for terminating and bias resistors for the RS485 IN port
USB
RS485 IN

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LEDs
The NC2000 has a variety of LEDs visible on the front cover that are linked to different functions of
the controller. Each LED is individually identified to help the user make a quick visual diagnostic of the
controller’s activity and status.
LED Descriptions
• 24 VAC: The NC2000 is receiving 24 VAC from
the power source
• UPDATE: The NC2000 is waiting to receive a
programming update. This LED will light up for
five seconds after start up to indicate a brief
window during which the controller can be
updated.
• HBEAT: When this LED is blinking, the NC2000 is
running in normal operation.
• RS485 IN - REC: Indicates reception of data
from the ‘RS485 IN’ network bus.
• RS485 IN - SND: Indicates the transmission of
data back onto the ‘RS485 IN’ network bus.
• USB - REC: Indicates the reception of data from
the USB serial port.
• USB - SND: Indicates the transmission of data
back onto the USB serial port.
• ETHERNET - CABLE: The NC2000 is detecting
electrically that another Ethernet device is
connected to it through a CAT5 cable on its
Ethernet jack.
• ETHERNET - CONN: Indicates that a TCP/IP
connection has been opened on the NC2000
through port 502. Does not reflect the status of
Cloud communication.
• RS485 OUT - REC: Indicates reception of data
from the ‘RS485 OUT’ network bus.
• RS485 OUT - SND: Indicates the transmission of
data back onto the ‘RS485 OUT’ network bus.
Figure 2 - LEDs Identification
SND
REC
SND
REC
CONN
CABLE
SND
REC
HBEAT
UPDATE
24VAC
RS485 OUT
ETHERNET
USB
RS485 IN

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Jumpers
The NC2000 has jumpers that are externally accessible that allow for configuration of the bias and termi-
nating resistors used on both RS485 communication ports.
Activating a jumper enables the associated resistor on the respective communication port. To disable a
resistor, remove the jumper (setting the jumper on only a single pin is the same as removing it).
Bias Resistors: On a given RS485 bus, a single device must have the BOTH bias resistors enabled. The
location of this device is not important, as long as there is only one that has these resistors enabled. The
bias resistors should be disabled on the remaining devices.
Terminating Resistors: On a given RS485 bus, the devices at both extremities of the bus should have
their terminating resistors enabled. The terminating resistor should be disabled on all devices in between
the extremities.
See the ProLon Network Guide or the RS485 protocol for more information about bias and terminating
resistors.
Figure 3 - Location of the EXTERNAL jumpers
Figure 4 - Jumpers
USB
RS485 IN
RS485
OUT
RS485
IN

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Communication Settings Reset Button
The NC2000 has a button located on the left side of the controller that can be used to reset the IP address,
as well as other important settings related to communication, in case they are forgotten or lost. After
following the procedure described below, the following settings will be in effect:
To reset the communication settings of the NC2000, follow these steps:
1. Power up the NC2000 and wait for the blue heartbeat LED (HBEAT) to start blinking.
2. Hold down the Communications Reset Button for approximately 8 seconds, at which point the
heartbeat LED will stop blinking and the NC2000 will self-reset. Release the button.
3. After approximately 5 seconds, the NC2000 will resume normal operation, but will have the new
communication settings as described above.
In the case where only the IP settings have been forgotten, an alternative to using the communications
reset button is to communicate to the NC2000 using one of the other two inbound communication ports
that are available: the USB port or the RS485 IN port. The ProLon Focus software allows you visualize and
edit the IP settings of the NC2000 in its communications configuration page.
HBEAT
Communication
Reset Button
Figure 5 - Communication Reset Button
IP Address 192.168.1.99
Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway 192.168.1.1
IP Mode Static
Modbus Address 99
Baud Rate 57600

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Communication Ports
Inbound Communication
The NC2000 has several inbound communication ports. These ports are intended to communicate with
various user interfaces such as PCs, laptops, tablets or smartphones equipped with ProLon Focus or
ProLon Focus App software, either locally or remotely through the internet. The messages received at the
inbound ports are interpreted by the NC2000 and then forwarded outwards to the ProLon RS485 network
as required. The default Modbus address of the NC2000 itself, regardless of the port being used, is 99.
Ethernet Port - Cloud Communication
The Ethernet Port on the NC2000 allows for Prolon Cloud Communication. Cloud Communication works
by posting messages onto the Prolon Cloud server that the Network Controller detects and responds to.
Cloud Communication is encrypted and does not require any inbound port opened in the router so the
network security is much greater.
Also, since the Network Controller is DHCP by default, Cloud Communication should be plug-and-play
for most installations.
For higher security setups, the following outbound ports may need to be authorized in the router:
•8080 to proxy.prolon.net for Cloud Communication
•4225 for the Network Controller email alert service
Figure 6 - Inbound Communication
Ethernet
USB
RS485 IN

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Ethernet Port - TCP/IP
The Ethernet Port on the NC2000 is specifically designed to respond to incoming Modbus TCP/IP connec-
tions on TCP port 502, such as those generated by ProLon Focus software.
Because the NC2000 is in DHCP mode by default, its local IP address may vary. Refer to your router for
more information. Alternatively, the NC2000 can be configured with a static IP address. This can be done
by using the Communication Settings Reset button (see p.8) to allow initial access, or by using one of the
other connection ports (USB or RS485) to perform the setup.
To be able to connect to the NC2000 from outside the local area connection, the building’s router must
be set up for port forwarding on TCP port 502. A static IP address or a dynamic DNS service may also be
required to ensure connection availability from the outside. Only one TCP/IP connection can be made at
a time to the NC2000.
If configured to send out alert emails, the NC2000 will open a connection to port 4225 on ProLon’s
external SMTP server using encrypted authentication whenever an email needs to be sent.
USB Port
The USB port on the NC2000 acts as a communication port, allowing a user to connect and visualize the
ProLon network using a computer, tablet or smartphone. The USB port is not intended to be used to
connect USB flash drives or other peripherals.
The USB plug on the NC2000 is a female USB type ‘A’ connector. Therefore, a typical connection between
a computer and the NC2000 would require a male-to-male USB type ‘A’ cable.
Upon connecting your interface of choice to the NC2000 USB port, you may be prompted to provide the
location of the driver that should be used. These driver files can be found in the ProLon Focus folder,
under “Drivers”. Once driver setup is complete, the USB port will appear in the Focus software as an
option in the Serial Port selection drop down list.
WARNING: USB wires connect the electrical commons of the two devices at both extremities. Please
ensure that your chosen interface (PC, laptop, etc…) shares the same common as the NC2000, or that one
end is electrically floating (laptop running on batteries only, NC2000 using floating transformer, etc…).
ProLon is not responsible for any damages to your interface that may occur when connecting through
USB.

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RS485 IN Port
The NC2000 also comes equipped with an RS485 IN port that is only used for communication that is
directed to the NC2000 from a computer or other interface. The NC2000 acts as a Modbus RTU slave on
this port and will not initiate communication on its own. This is not the appropriate port to connect the
rest of the ProLon controllers (rooftop controllers, zone controllers, thermostats, etc…). Typical use of this
port requires a USB to RS485 converter between your computer and the NC2000.
The RS485 IN port is actually a group of two different connectors, both wired in parallel. Either connector
in the group can be used for inbound communication. The purpose of having these two connectors in
parallel is simply to offer both Modbus RTU physical connection types (two-wire bus or RJ45 jack).
The RJ45 jack is internally wired to correspond to the Modbus RTU specifications.
The remaining connector is a simple screw-type terminal block with three terminals for the A (+), B (-)
and GND.
Figure 7 - RJ45 Pinout

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Outboud Communication
The NC2000 only has a single outbound communication port, the RS485 OUT port. This port is intended
to be wired to the actual network of ProLon controllers communicating in Modbus RTU over RS485
(rooftop controllers, zone controllers, thermostats, etc…). On this port, the NC2000 acts as a network
Master, initiating communication to the controllers, polling them and distributing information.
This port will NOT respond to incoming messages from the ProLon Focus software or other devices,
therefore any attempt to connect to this port with your computer or RS485 converter is futile. Instead,
use the RS485 IN port (on page 11) for communication with a PC or other network master device.
The RS485 OUT port is actually a group of four different connectors, all wired in parallel. Any connector
in the group can be used for outbound communication. The purpose of having these four connectors in
parallel is just to simplify daisy-chaining.
Two of the connectors in the group are RJ45 jacks that are internally wired to correspond to the Modbus
RTU specifications.
The remaining two connectors are simple screw-type terminal blocks with three terminals each for the
A (+), B (-) and GND. (See Figure 7)
Typical wiring setup is to daisy-chain this NC2000 outbound port to ProLon master controllers (rooftop
controller, heatpump controller, etc…) on their respective inbound ports (INT ports). Bias and terminating
resistors should be enabled as required. The master controllers are then wired from their respective
outbound port (NET port) to their respective slave controllers (Zone controllers, thermostats, etc…).
See the ProLon Network Guide for more information on network topology and wiring.
Figure 8 - Outbound Communication
RS485 OUT Port

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Technical Specifications
Supply: 24 VAC ±10%, 50/60 Hz, Class 2
Consumption: 5 VA max
Indication lights (LED): State of the communication ports / Power supply / Microprocessor state
Microprocessor: ASIX AX11015, 8 bits, 25 MHz, 512 KB FLASH memory
Battery: Super-capacitor 0.5F, keeps precise time for 10 days. This battery is only used to keep accurate
time during power outages. Does not allow the NC2000 to keep transmitting data, send alarms or
perform data logging.
Communication:
•Modbus TCP/IP (Static IP address or DHCP)
•Modbus RTU (RS485), 1 Input port and 1 Output port, up to 127 nodes
•USB
Baud rates: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200
SD Card: Standard size only, SDSC or SDHC, FAT16 or FAT32
Connections: Removable screw-type terminal blocks (16 AWG max) for power and RS485, modular RJ45
jacks for Ethernet / RS485, USB female type A for local PC connection and DIN Rail connector or 4 screws
for panel mount.
Dimensions: 5.39" x 4.41" (137mm x 112mm) Non-Condensing
Environment: 32-122 ºF (0-50 ºC) Non-Condensing
Certification: UL916 Energy Management Equipment, CAN/CSA-C22.2, RoHS
The performance specifications are nominal and conform to acceptable industry standards. ProLon Inc. will
not be liable for damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.

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Compliance
•cULus Listed; UL 916 Energy Management Equipment, File E364757, Vol.1
•CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 2015-12, Signal Equipment
•FCC Compliant to CFR47, Part 15, Subpart B, Class B
•Industry Canada (IC) Compliant to ICES-003, Issue 5: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
•RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC)
FCC User Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Caution: Any changes or modifications not approved by ProLon can void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Industry Canada
This Class (B) digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe (B) respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le matériel brouil-
leur du Canada.

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Overall Dimensions
© Copyright 2019 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.
REV. 6.1.6
PL-HRDW-NC2000-C/F-EN
4.41"
(112 mm)
5.39"
(137 mm)
2.29"
(58 mm)
Figure 9 - NC2000 Size Diagram
SND
REC
SND
REC
24VAC
CONN
CABLE
SND
REC
HBEAT
UPDATE
24VAC
RS485 OUT
ETHERNET
USB
RS485 IN
proloncontrols.com
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