Weidmüller WL-TX User manual
Safety Notes
Copyright
Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
All rights are reserved, including those of translation, reprinting, and reproduction of
this manual, or parts thereof. No part of this manual may be reproduced, processed,
copied, or transmitted in any way whatsoever (photocopy, microfilm, or other method)
without the express written permission of Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd, this includes
use as training material and in electronic systems. All rights reserved in the case of a
patent grant or registration of a utility model or design.
Copyright © 2009 by
Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd
43 Huntingwood Drive,
2148 Huntingwood, NSW
We have checked the contents of this manual for accuracy. Nevertheless,
because errors cannot be ruled out, we cannot accept any liability for complete
conformity. The information in this manual has been checked regularly and any
necessary corrections will be included in subsequent editions.
NOTE We always welcome suggestions for improvement.
Trademarks
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All products mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
Weidmüller® is a registered trademark of Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
User Manual: Handbuch Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd WL-TX/RX-900
Date: Wiedmuller WL-TXRX-900 Wireless IO.doc 26.03.2009
Revision: Version 1.00 March 2009
2
Safety Notes
Contents Page
Safety Notes 6
Indented safety notes 6
General Warnings 7
Liability 7
Use as Prescribed 8
Industrial applications 8
Range of application 8
Caution 8
1Introduction 9
1.1 Overview 9
1.2 WL-TX-900 Transmitter features 10
1.2.1 Overview 10
1.2.2 Front panel 10
1.2.2.1 Rotary Switches 10
1.2.2.2 LED Status Indicators 11
1.2.3 Power Saving Features 11
1.3 WL-RX-900 Receiver features 12
1.3.1 Overview 12
1.3.2 Front Panel LEDs 12
1.3.3 SIG Push Button 12
1.4 Mappings 13
1.4.1 Overview 13
1.4.2 Setpoints 13
1.4.3 Pulse inputs 13
1.5 Network settings 13
2Installation 14
2.1 Installing the antenna 14
2.1.1 Overview 14
2.1.2 Supported antennas 15
2.1.3 Radio transmission distances 15
2.1.4 Installing and earthing antennas 16
2.1.5 Dipole antennas 17
2.1.6 Collinear antennas 17
3
Safety Notes
2.1.7 Yagi antennas 18
2.2 Power supply 19
2.3 Inputs and outputs 20
2.3.1 Digital/Pulse inputs 21
2.3.2 Relay outputs 22
2.3.3 Status outputs 23
2.3.4 Analog input 24
2.3.4.1 Analogue Input Connections 25
2.3.5 Thermocouple input 26
2.3.6 Analog output 26
2.3.6.1 Analogue Output Connections 27
3Factory Default configuration 28
3.1 Overview 28
3.2 Default signal mappings 28
3.2.1 Resetting WL-TX-900 to factory defaults 29
3.2.2 Resetting WL-RX-900 to factory defaults 29
3.2.3 Linking a transmitter and receiver unit 30
4Configuration software 31
4.1 Overview 31
4.1.1 Configuration cable information 32
4.1.2 Installing/starting the software 33
4.2 Working with projects 33
4.2.1 Overview 33
4.2.2 Project options 34
4.2.3 Backing up and Restoring projects 34
4.3 Working with units 35
4.3.1 Overview 35
4.3.2 Adding units to a Project 35
4.4 WL-RX-900 Setup 36
4.4.1 Overview 36
4.4.2 Output Reset Times 37
4.5 WL-TX-900 Setup 38
4.5.1 Overview 38
4.5.2 Mappings 39
4
Safety Notes
4.5.2.1 Mapping Configuration Screen 40
4.5.2.2 Advanced Mapping options 41
4.5.3 Sensitivities 42
4.5.4 Pulsed Inputs 42
4.5.5 Setpoints 43
4.5.6 Thermocouples 44
4.5.6.1 Creating user-defined thermocouple tables 45
4.5.7 Unit Details 46
4.5.7.1 Overview 46
4.5.7.2 Unit Detail Options 46
5Troubleshooting 48
5.1 Bench Testing 48
5.2 Diagnostic Software 49
5.2.1 WL-RX-900 Radio Diagnostics 49
5.2.2 WL-TX-900 Input Status 50
Appendix A: Analog signal tables 51
References 52
5
Safety Notes
Safety Notes
Indented safety notes
In this Instruction Manual, safety notes are marked with a symbol and the keyword
CAUTION or NOTE at the page margin. Safety notes are printed in bold letters and
are marked with an outside border.
Definitions
The keyword DANGER is used to warn you of a possibly hazardous situation.
DANGER
The DANGER of electric shock symbol is used to warn of a possible electric
shock hazard.
DANGER
ATTENTION alerts you to hazards and error sources.
ATTENTION
The keyword NOTE is used to draw your attention to an important
recommendation.
NOTE
6
Safety Notes
General Warnings
Use only as prescribed. Unauthorised modifications and amendments are not
permitted.
DANGER Only sufficiently qualified and trained personnel should be allowed to operate,
service and maintain the WL-TX/RX-900 modules.
WL-TX/RX-900 modules must only be installed by a qualified electrician.
Before performing service or maintenance work, always switch off the power
supply first!
Reinstall all panelling, protective covering and safety devices immediately after
completion of service and maintenance work and check their functioning.
Dispose all electrical devices and materials according to the relevant
environmental regulations.
Liability
The contents of the present Installation Manual are subject to technical modification,
which may result, in particular, from the continuous further development of the
products. Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd will not assume any liability for printing errors
or any other inaccuracies contained in the present Installation Manual, unless these
are serious errors which are evidently known to Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd. In
addition, the "General Terms and Conditions for the Supply of Products and Services
in the Electrical Industry" shall apply. Irrespective thereof, the relevant national and
international standards and regulations will apply in addition to the notices and
instructions contained in this Installation Manual.
Use other than prescribed - exclusion of liability
Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd will not be liable for damage resulting from use or
application of WL-TX/RX-900 modules other than as prescribed.
NOTE Use as prescribed or according to the intended purpose also includes the exact
knowledge of this Installation Manual. In particular, the notes and safety notes
contained therein must be observed.
If you run the products together with other components, such as safety
modules, control systems or sensors, always observe the relevant user
information of such devices.
7
Safety Notes
Use as Prescribed
Industrial applications
Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd products are designed to be used in industrial
environments, by experienced industrial engineering personnel with adequate
knowledge of safety design considerations.
These products should not be used in non-industrial applications, or life-support
systems, without consulting Weidmuller Australia Pty Ltd first.
Range of application
WL-TX/RX-900 modules are available as transmitters (WL-TX-900) and receivers
(WL-RX-900). The receiver monitors its analogue, thermocouple and digital inputs and
transmits the information to one or more receiver units. The receiver units reproduce
the signals at their outputs according to the configuration.
Transmitters and receivers include a default function to work as a pair with the most
commonly used inputs of the transmitter mapped to the outputs of the receiver. You
can setup more complex applications using the configuration software via the RS232
RJ-45 serial port on the front of the unit.
Caution
Do not use WL-TX/RX-900 modules near electrical blasting caps or in potentially
explosive areas!
DANGER
Antennas used with this device must be installed to provide a separation
distance of at least 20 cm from all persons to satisfy RF exposure compliance.
DANGER Do not operate the transmitter when someone is within 20 cm of the antenna
Ensure that all RF connectors are secure and any open connectors are properly
terminated before applying power to the unit.
8
Introduction
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
WL-TX/RX-900 modules provide an economical method to transfer industrial signals
over long distances (using radio signals in the license free band). They can be used
for Analogue current/voltage and Digital signals. Transmission is one-way (from
Transmitter to Receiver).
WL-TX/RX-900 modules are available as transmitters (WL-TX-900) and receivers
(WL-RX-900). The transmitter monitors its analogue, thermocouple and digital inputs
and transmits the information to one or more receiver units. The receiver units
reproduce the signals at their outputs according to the configuration. Linking one of
the Transmitter inputs or internal variables to an output on a Receiver module is
known as mapping.
Transmitters and Receivers include a default setup to work as a pair. The default
setup maps the most commonly used Transmitter inputs to the Receiver outputs. You
can setup more complex applications using the configuration software via the RS232
RJ-45 serial port on the front of the unit.
9
Introduction
1.2 WL-TX-900 Transmitter features
1.2.1 Overview
The WL-TX-900 transmitter modules have:
Two digital inputs (for volt-free contacts or devices with NPN transistor outputs)
One 0-20mA/4-20mA analogue input (with field supply for loop powered
transmitter inputs)
A thermocouple/mV input with CJC
An internal supply (“battery”) voltage measurement
An internal temperature measurement from the CJC circuit
Programmable setpoints to trigger alarms from analogue measurements
Two digital status outputs
The digital inputs can accept status (on/off) signals (like level switches) or monitor
pulsed signals (like the output from a flow meter).
The WL-TX-900 sets the digital status outputs according to the Alarm Status and the
(combined) System/Communications Status.
1.2.2 Front panel
The front panel contains the following components:
1.2.2.1 Rotary Switches
The triangle on the rotary switch indicates the current position, for example the switch
shown below is in position 1:
Note: To avoid damaging the rotary switch, use a screwdriver to change the position.
The rotary switch selects the setpoint levels on the Analog and Thermocouple inputs.
10
Introduction
1.2.2.2 LED Status Indicators
The LEDs on the front panel indicate the unit status:
LED Status Indicates
None No power supply
OK LED Green Current status of the unit OK
OK LED Red Fault condition detected in unit
TX Led Flashes Transmitting Message
PG LED on Configuration Cable Connected
D1 Digital Input 1 is active (Low)
D2 Digital Input 2 is active
SP Analog Setpoint is active
Input LED ON Input LEDS light when the
corresponding input is
active. AZ Analog Input is zero mA
All LEDs medium
flash Medium speed flash (1.6HZ) indicates the module is halfway
through the configuration process. Medium speed flash also
happens when you set the rotary switch to position 0 when
powering on the unit.
1.2.3 Power Saving Features
The WL-TX-900 can control the 24Vdc power output for loop-powered input device to
save power in battery operated systems. It has a programmable timer so that the
device can warm up after power is restored and you can program the time between
readings for maximum efficiency.
11
Introduction
1.3 WL-RX-900 Receiver features
1.3.1 Overview
The WL-RX-900 Receiver modules have:
Three contact closure outputs rated at 1A, 240Vac
One 0-20mA analogue output
Two digital status outputs
You can wire the digital status outputs to activate an alarm if the software finds an
error or if the communications link fails. You can also set the outputs to a ‘safe’ state if
communications are lost.
1.3.2 Front Panel LEDs
The LEDs on the front panel indicate the unit status.
LED Status Indicates
None No power supply.
OK LED Green Current status of the unit OK.
OK LED Red Fault condition detected in unit.
RX Led Flashes Receiving Message.
CF Led ON Module Communication Failure Output is active.
PG LED on Configuration Cable Connected.
D1 Relay output D1 is ON (Contact
Closed).
D2 Relay Output D2 is ON.
Output LED ON The Output LEDs light
when the corresponding
output is active.
D3 Relay Output D3 is ON.
D1 Relay Output D1
D2 Relay Output D2
D3 Relay Output D3
Output or PG
LED flashes at
5 Hz
Output is in
communication failure
PG Analog output
1.3.3 SIG Push Button
When you press the SIG push button, the unit shows the signal strength by lighting the
LEDs from the bottom to the top. Signal strength is the strength of the last message
received that was addressed to this station.
LED Signal Strength LED Signal Strength
D1 More than -85 dBm RX More than -100 dBm
D2 More than -90 dBm CF More than -105 dBm
D3 More than -95 dBm PG Always on during RSSI test
12
Introduction
1.4 Mappings
1.4.1 Overview
Mappings let you configure which signals are sent to which outputs. Mappings are
triggered by a change of state and on a configurable time basis.
The change of state required to trigger a change is known as the input sensitivity. If
the input value is noisy or variable you can set a higher value to reduce the number of
messages sent over the radio network.
Analogue signals can be mapped to digital outputs by using setpoints.
For more complicated applications, you can map one input to multiple outputs (which
can be on different Receiver modules).
1.4.2 Setpoints
The setpoints allow you to map an analogue value (like the Temperature) to a digital
(on/off) output. Setpoints consist of a ‘High’ and a ‘Low’ setpoint value. The alarm
turns ‘on’ as the signal drops below the ‘Low’ value and turns ‘off’ when it moves
above the ‘High’ value (effectively acting as a ‘Low’ alarm type).
You can either program up to ten setpoint pairs into the Transmitter module and use
the configuration software and use the front panel rotary switch to select between
them, or you can simply set a single pair of values.
1.4.3 Pulse inputs
Normally the state of a digital input is mapped directly to a digital output. However,
when you use a ‘pulsed input’ to count the number of pulses, the Transmitter uses the
count to increment an internal ‘count’ register. You can then map the register value to
a digital output on a Receiver. The receiver will then send as many pulses out as the
count indicates.
There is also a sensitivity setting for pulsed inputs which sets the change in count
required to trigger the mapping.
1.5 Network settings
System Address Sets the unique address for a group of modules. A system can have
multiple receiver and transmitter units with inputs mapped to multiple receivers or
receiver outputs mapped to inputs on several different transmitters.
Unit address - Sets the unique address for a WL-TX/RX-900 module on a
network. Select a number between 1 and 95.
Secondary address - There is also an option to set a secondary address for
each Transmitter unit, so that you can have more than 95 Transmitter units on a
network.
Security code - When security is enabled the WL-TX/RX-900 network uses the
security code to encrypt all transmitted radio messages.
13
Installation
2 Installation
2.1 Installing the antenna
2.1.1 Overview
This section explains how to select and install your antenna.
You must select antennas for WL-TX-900 modules to avoid contravening the
maximum power output limit on the unlicensed channel. The net gain of the
antenna/cable configuration should be no more than 0 dB in Australia / New
Zealand.
ATTENTION
The net gain of an antenna/cable configuration is the gain of the antenna (in dBi) less
the loss in the coaxial cable (in dB).
For example, an SG900-6 antenna with a CC20/900 cable has a net gain of 2dB (i.e.
+8 dB – 6 dB) at 900 MHz.
The WL-RX-900 module has no limitation on antenna gain, as this module does not
incorporate a radio transmitter.
The following table details the gains of some typical antennas:
Antenna Gain (dBi)
Dipole with integral 3m cable 0
Dipole without cable 2
5dBi Collinear (3dBd) 5
8dBi Collinear (6dBd) 8
3 element Yagi 5
6 element Yagi 10
The following table details losses for typical cables:
Cable Loss (dB per 10m) at 900 MHz
RG58 -5
RG213 -2.5
Cellfoil -3
14
Installation
2.1.2 Supported antennas
You can use the following antennas with the units:
Antenna Description Total
gain Compatible cable
(WL-TX-900 only)
Wl-WH900-SMA Whip antenna for mounting
directly onto the module -
operation up to 1 km.
-6 dBi N/A
WL-CFD890EL 0 dBi Dipole antenna with 15’ of
Cellfoil cable and SMA connector. 0 dBi N/A
WL-SG900EL 5dBi Collinear omni-directional
antenna with N-type connector. 5 dBi CC10 or CC20.
WL-SG900-6 8dBi Collinear omni-directional
antenna with N-type connector. 8 dBi CC20.
WL-YU6-900 10dBi Yagi directional antenna
with N-type connector. 10 dBi External cable with
loss > 9dB.
WL-YU16-900 15dBi Yagi directional antenna
with N-type connector. You can
use the following cables with the
units:
15 dBi External cable with
loss > 15 dB
2.1.3 Radio transmission distances
The unit will operate reliably over large distances depending on the:
Antenna type;
Antenna location;
Amount of radio interference; and
Radio path obstructions (e.g. hills, trees and buildings).
Typical reliable distances are 20+ km using a unity gain antenna configuration (1W
Equivalent RF power permitted) with a good radio path.
You can only achieve maximum transmission distances if the radio path is “line
of sight”. Elevating antennas above intermediate obstructions including hills
and trees will improve transmission distances. Due to the earth’s curvature, you
must also elevate antennas above ground level for paths greater than about 5
km.
NOTE
Modules will operate reliably over shorter distances with some radio path obstruction;
however obstructions also reduce the reliable distance. For very short distances, you
can also mount the antennas inside buildings.
The closer the obstruction is to the antenna, the greater the blocking effect. For
example, a group of trees around the antenna is a larger obstruction than a group of
trees further away from the antenna.
You must test all obstructed paths to check the reliability of the path.
15
Installation
2.1.4 Installing and earthing antennas
You must connect an antenna to each module using the SMA connector at the top of
the housing.
Weidmuller recommends carefully taping the connections between the antenna
and coaxial cable to prevent moisture ingress. Moisture ingress in the coaxial
cable is a common cause of radio system problems as it greatly increases the
radio losses.
ATTENTION Tape the connection with three layers of tape:
Layer Tape
1 PVC tape.
2 Vulcanising tape (e.g. 3M 23 tape).
3 Additional layer of PVC UV-stabilized insulating tape.
The first tape layer lets you easily inspect the joint if required as you can easily
remove the vulcanising seal.
You must effectively earth all masts for mast-mounted antennas to avoid
lightning surges. We also recommend using a coaxial surge diverter for
antennas mounted outside industrial plant environments.
DANGER If the antenna is not already shielded from lightning strike by an adjacent
earthed structure, you should provide shielding by installing a lightning rod
above the antenna.
You should connect the antenna to the module using 50 ohm coaxial cable (e.g. RG58
or RG213) terminated with a male coaxial connector, The higher the antenna is
mounted, the greater the transmission range; however as the length of coaxial cable
increases so do cable losses. For use on unlicensed frequency channels, there are
several types of antenna suitable for use.
16
Installation
2.1.5 Dipole antennas
Unity gain dipole antennas are commonly used on unlicensed channels. The dipole
antenna does not provide any gain, so the power transmitted from the antenna is the
same as the power out of the module.
The WL-CFD890EL dipole antenna comes supplied with integral 5m cable. This cable
should not be extended for maximum range.
You should mount dipole antennas vertically, preferably at least 1 metre away from a
wall or mast for maximum performance.
2.1.6 Collinear antennas
Collinear antennas transmit the same amount of radio power in all directions
horizontally, and are easy to install and use. They provide gain by compressing the
radiated signal to a flattened disc shape, and reducing the amount of signal radiated
above and below the horizontal plane. You can use collinear antennas to
Compensate for the losses in long lengths of coaxial cable in WL-TX-900
Transmitters.
Increase receiver sensitivity in WL-RX-900 Receivers.
Collinear antennas are generally used at a central site with more than one remote site.
They are similar in appearance to dipole antennas; however the antenna is longer.
17
Installation
2.1.7 Yagi antennas
Yagi antennas are directional and have positive gain to the front of the antenna and
negative gain in other directions. You can use the gain to:
Compensate for coaxial cable loss for transmitter unit; and
Increase receiver sensitivity for receiver units.
You should install Yagi antennas with the central beam horizontal and pointed directly
in the transmission direction to benefit from the antenna gain.
Yagi antennas usually have a drain hole on the folded element. You should
position the drain hole at the bottom when installing the antenna.
You can install Yagi antennas to be either:
NOTE Vertically polarised – with the elements in a vertical plane; or
Horizontally polarised – with the elements in a horizontal plane.
If both stations are using Yagi antenna we recommend using horizontal polarisation. If
you are using a Yagi antenna to communicate with a Dipole or Collinear antenna we
recommend using vertical polarisation.
18
Installation
2.2 Power supply
The unit works with a 9-30 Vdc 0.6 Amp power supply.
The following table shows the power supply requirements.
WL-TX-900 WL-RX-900Power supply
12V 600 mA 250 mA
24V 300 mA 125 mA
The power supply can be either floating or negatively grounded.
The transmitter provides a 24V DC regulated supply for analog loop power. The
supply is rated at 35 mA and should ONLY be used for powering analog loops.
To ensure internal surge protection works correctly, you must earth each unit
using the Earth terminal.
You must connect the module to the same ground/earth point as the antenna
mounting to avoid differences in earth potential during voltage surges.
DANGER
19
Installation
2.3 Inputs and outputs
The units have the following inputs and outputs:
WL-TX-900 WL-RX-900 DescriptionInput/output 2 Suitable for Voltage free contact,
NPN transistor, 0-5V signal.
Digital inputs
Relay outputs 3 250VAC 1A / 30VDC 1A.
2 2 Max 30VDC, 500 mA. Indicate
module status, communication failure
and local setpoint status.
Status outputs
1 4-20 mA with over-range and under-
range.
0-10 mA with over-range.
Analog inputs
+24V Loop
supply 1 Provides power for 1 external current
loop (up to 35 mA).
Analogue
setpoint 1 Allows discrete setpoint to be
controlled from analog input.
Threshold adjustable via rotary
switch.
Thermocouple
/ millivolt input 1 Provides measurement of E, J, K, T
type Thermocouple, millivolt signals
and user-defined thermocouple
types.
Thermocouple
setpoint 1 Lets you control discrete setpoint
from thermocouple with threshold
adjustable via rotary switch.
Pulse inputs 2 Up to 10Hz.
1 0-22 mA, suitable for loop powered,
floating input or single-ended input
device.
Analog output
20
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