Morningstar Product Connectivity Manual Networking & Communications 27 Februrary 2018 MORNINGSTAR Corporation www.morningstarcorp.
8.0 E-mail / SMS Alerts / SNMP Traps Contents 9.0 Data Logging 1.0 Introduction 10.0 Network Security 1.1 Communications Protocols 11.0 Troubleshooting & Misc. 1.2 Communications Interfaces Appendix I - TSMPPT & EMC-1 Networking 1.3 RS-232 vs. USB I. Introduction 2.0 Networking Hardware II. Connect to LAN 2.1 Morningstar Equipment III. Remote Access 2.2 Other Equipment IV. Multi-Controller Networking 3.0 MeterBusTM Networks V. Additional Info 3.
1.0 Introduction IMPORTANT: Morningstar products are MODBUS™ RTU devices. Thank you for choosing Morningstar for your PV control system needs. Morningstar products offer a wide range of networking, logging, data transfer, and custom setting capabilities. Please review this document carefully and become familiar with all the networking/ communication options Morningstar products have to offer. 1.
1.2 Communications Interfaces The following table outlines the various communications interfaces found on Morningstar products. (Each dot represents one interface.
The RSC-1 adapter provides the ability to network serial devices over an EIA-485 bus using the MODBUSTM protocol. A null modem cable is used to connect a PC to the RSC-1, while a straightthrough serial cable is used to connect a Morningstar device to the RSC-1. 2.0 Networking Hardware There are many pieces of networking hardware. The following is a description of the most common hardware used to network Morningstar devices. 2.1 Morningstar Equipment The RSC-1 requires an external power source.
2.1.4 Ethernet MeterBus™ Converter (EMC-1) 2.1.5 Meter Hub (HUB-1) Figure 4. Morningstar Ethernet MeterBus™ Converter (model: EMC-1) The EMC-1 is a MODBUSTM Ethernet to MeterbusTM converter that bridges a TCP/IP connection to a Morningstar charge controller or inverter (Morningstar Device). The connected device needs to have a MeterBus™ (RJ-11) port. The EMC-1 acts as an Ethernet gateway that serves MODBUS IP, local Web pages, and Web Monitoring Services.
Figure 6. DB-25 to DB-9 Adapter Figure 8. Null Modem Serial Cable 2.2.2 Straight-Through Serial Cable Straight-through serial cables connect a DTE (data terminal equipment) device to a DCE (data communications equipment) device by matching Tx pins, Rx pins, CTS pins, and RTS pins between devices, thus the name straight-through cable. Both ends of the cable terminate in DB-9 connectors. These can either be regular-style (cylindrical) or ribbon cable (flat); either are suitable for use.
Figure 10. Ethernet Crossover Cable NOTE: Both standard and crossover Ethernet cables will vary in color and length. They may look identical on the outside, but internally they are different. Figure 12. Serial RS-232 / EIA-485 Converter Recommended: Morningstar’s RS-232 / EIA-485 Adapter (RSC-1) (See Subsection 2.1.2) 2.2.6 RJ-11 Cable RJ-11 cable is the standard cable used in telephone wiring. The wire must be either 4 or 6 (commonly referred to as RJ-12) conductor and terminate in RJ-11 connectors.
2.2.11 Ethernet Router Ethernet routers allow you to establish a LAN (local area network), which can then be connected to the Internet. Information sent from a PC or device will have a destination address. It travels to the router, where the router looks up the destination address and forwards it to the appropriate PC or device on the local network. This equipment can be used to connect multiple controllers and a PC over a network and allow them to communicate using the MODBUS IPTM protocol. Figure 14.
2.2.13 Point-to-Point Radio (supporting MODBUSTM) These radio systems are used to connect remotely to a device 10-25km away in the field. This type of connection requires a base radio at the PC and a field radio at the device site. Data is transmitted wirelessly over the connection without the need for external services or fees. These devices often operate in the ISM band so unlicensed operations are typically permitted.
power. (A) Supplies Power (B) Requires Power SunSaver Duo Remote Meter (RM-1) SunSaver MPPT TriStar Digital Meter 2 (TS-M-2) ProStar Gen 3 TriStar Remote Meter 2 (TS-RM-2) ProStar MPPT Relay Driver TriStar MeterBus™ Adapters & Converters for MODBUS™/MeterBus™ (see section 4.3.5) TriStar MPPT (150V & 600V) SureSine Table 2. Morningstar Device MeterBusTM Power Specifications Figure 19. Morningstar MeterBusTM Small Network Diagram • One device from Table 2.
3.3.3 Example #3 - RD-1 Polling Network A Relay Driver used in conjunction with a Meter Hub allows the Relay Driver to poll multiple controllers and trigger alarms based upon specific controller inputs. For example, the RD-1 could trigger an alarm for overcurrent on one of the controllers, while simultaneously triggering an alarm for LVD on one of the other controllers. Note that the Relay Driver is connected to Output Power Port A because it does not supply its own power to the MeterBusTM network.
3.4.2 Addressing To enable devices on the network to communicate with each other, each one must be assigned a unique MeterBusTM ID. Only 15 devices are allowed on a single network, therefore, the range of acceptable MeterBusTM IDs is 1 to 15. There are two manners in which you can assign these addresses: using a TriStar Meter, built-in ProStar or ProStar MPPT meter or by using a PC.
4.2.2 USB / Serial (USB / RS-232) 4.0 MODBUS Networking TM To connect the serial RS-232 connection on a Morningstar product to a USB port on a PC, a USB to Serial adapter cable is needed. See Subsection 2.2.8 for a info and a recommendation of a compatible USB to Serial adapter. Figure 25 below illustrates a proper connection. 4.1 Overview MODBUSTM is an open and free communications protocol widely used in industrial automation. It allows for networking of up to 247 devices on a single data link.
Figure 27. USB / RJ-11 Connection Diagram Once connected, please refer to Section 5 on how to make Local Connections in MSViewTM. 4.2.5 USB / Serial (DB-9) / RJ-11 A less preferred method for connecting a computer that does not have a serial (DB-9) port with a Morningstar device that has only an RJ-11 port is to make two transitions from USB to serial (DB9) and then from Serial (DB-9) to RJ-11. This requires a 3rd party USB to Serial (DB-9) with a Morningstar PC MeterBus™ Adapter (model: MSC).
cess. Using this type of connection requires a paid data plan subscription from your local cellular provider. In areas where cell phone towers are not yet located or there is a poor signal, satellite modems can be used in a similar manner. Satellites in orbit relay the signal, instead of a land-based tower. Contact your cellular provider for information on plans, pricing, activation, and technical assistance. Figure 30.
EMC-1 Ethernet Converter. For Morningstar controllers and inverters which only have an RJ-11 port the EMC-1 converts directly from Ethernet to the RJ-11. For Morningstar devices which includes an RS-232 port the EMC-1 will convert from Ethernet to RS-232. Figure 34 below illustrates the proper connection with Ethernet to RJ-11. Setup is similar to Ethernet to Ethernet described in subsection 4.3.3.1 and may require a Ethernet Crossover cable.
4.3.3.4 LAN/WAN/Internet IP addressing allows you to connect to a device over a LAN (local area network), WAN (wide area network) or from across the globe using the Internet. There are many different physical configurations allowing for such connections, however, their unifying attribute is the use of IP addressing. Once connected, please refer to Section 5 on how to make Remote Connections in MSViewTM. 4.3.3.
4.3.5 Multiple Devices via LAN/WAN/Internet Multiple devices can communicate via Ethernet connections in the same way a single device communicates with a PC. Several devices can be connected to a single LAN router or directly to the Internet. Each device (or Ethernet to serial converter) will have its own IP address, enabling communication with your Internet-connected system. Figure 39 illustrates multiple device Ethernet connections.
Please refer to the WinZipTM web site for instructions on how to unzip the MSViewTM file. Newer versions of MSViewTM do not require installation. After unzipping the download folder, double-click on the MSViewTM icon to run the program. 5.0 MSView™ 5.3 Establishing a Connection 5.1 Overview The MSViewTM software package is used by your PC to change custom settings, view real-time controller data, download internally logged data, log data in real time and view historic data graphically.
5.5.2 SunSaver Duo Setup Wizard 5.3.3 Connect If the connection attempt was successful, there should be a green device icon in the Edgebar of the MSView™ workspace. The label will display the connected device’s name and serial number. NOTE: DIP switch 4 must be ON to use custom setpoints. Disconnect power from the controller before changing any DIP switches; failure to do so will cause a fault. 5.4 Creating A New Display The MSViewTM software is frequently updated.
Progressing through the wizard, the user specifies absorption, float and equalize charging setpoints, along with appropriate temperature compensation. The ProStar has load settings which includes low voltage disconnect/reconnect, load current compensation and high voltage disconnect/reconnect as well as lighting settings and finally communication settings to define MeterBusTM/MODBUSTM addresses.
6.0 MSLoad™ IMPORTANT: Some controllers (like the TSMPPT) contain two microprocessors. These units will need a firmware update for each processor. Such update files will be designated ‘A’ and ‘B’. 6.1 Overview Periodically, Morningstar will release firmware updates to their charge controllers. These updates will fix minor operational bugs, adjust operating parameters for better battery charging, or add additional features.
7.2 Port Information 7.0 Web site Hosting via HTTP Controllers with web serving capability use the standard HTTP Port 80 for communications. In addition, Port 502 is used for MODBUS TCPTM communication. To access the controller remotely, the router to which the unit is connected must be configured for port forwarding. Port forwarding commands the router to direct all incoming internet traffic on a certain port to a computer or other device on your private network.
8.3 SMS Alerts (Text Messages) 8.0 E-mail Alerts / SNMP Traps SMS Text alerts can be sent by Ethernet equipped Morningstar products. 8.1 Overview Ethernet equipped Morningstar products provide alerts via E-mail, SMS (text message), or SNMP trap. Notifications can be enabled for the following conditions: • Self diagnostics fault condition (i.e. battery voltage sense failure) • Self diagnostics alarm condition (i.e. high-temp current limit) • User-defined event (i.e.
9.4 Data Acquisition Service 9.0 Data Logging Some companies provide data collection services for your renewable energy system. All the interfacing, programming, and setup are done by the service provider. Usually, the service provider collects data and displays it on a secure web site to be accessed at the customer’s convenience. Data can often be converted to a graphical format, making it easier to understand for customers without a technical background. 9.
10.0 Network Security General Morningstar controllers/inverters do not contain any built-in security features or protections. The user is responsible for security through network configuration and settings. There will be no login or password required to communicate with the controller/inverter. If your system has internet access, use of a firewall is highly recommended to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the controller.
11.0 Troubleshooting & Misc. Basic RS-232 Serial Communication Problems If you are having problems communicating with a Morningstar product while using a serial to serial (or serial to RJ-11) connection: • Make sure the device is powered with a battery or power supply. The device cannot communicate without power. • Verify that the serial cable is not a Null Modem or crossover cable. • Verify that no other programs or managers are attempting to use the same serial port.
attenuation requirements, therefore, the following figures are simply a guideline as many factors will affect them. Remember: In general, the shorter the wiring, the less attenuation and/or timing problems will occur. Interface Standard Maximum Distance 30 meters 15 meters 1.2 kilometers 5 meters 100 meters RJ-11 MeterBus RS-232 RS-485 USB RJ-45 Ethernet Table 5. Standard Cable Interface Max. Distances Several devices can be used to increase these lengths.
Status LED flash LEDs ON for 3 seconds green green + green + green Table 11a. EMC-1 Startup Indication Condition Network Connection OK Network Activity Error Green LED ON ON OFF Yellow LED OFF Blinking ON Table 11b.
Trendnet TE100-S5 Ethernet Switch Compatibility The TS-MPPT-60 Ethernet interface will not work properly with the Trendnet TE100-S5 Ethernet switches without a wiring modification. Trendnet switches have their Tx+ and Tx- lines, and their Rx+ and Rx- lines, swapped. These switches may work with a PC because most computers support auto-polarity (automatic adjustment to this swapped polarity). The TriStar MPPT Ethernet hardware does not support auto-polarity.
Obtain info using a Windows PC Click the start menu button Choose the Run... menu item Type cmd in the Open text field and click OK At the prompt type ipconfig /all and hit enter. (note: there is a space between the “g” and “/”) Network information similar to the screenshot below will be displayed HTML LAN Connection Using Live View Step 1 Connect the TriStar MPPT to your network using an Ethernet cable or follow the instructions in section 2 of the EMC-1 manual.
MSView™ Using a Windows PC Step 1 Connect the TriStar MPPT to your network using an Ethernet cable or follow the instructions in section 2 of the EMC-1 manual. The unit must be powered up to communicate. Before proceeding to the next step, allow 5 minutes for the controller to connect to the network and acquire its network settings. NOTE: MSView™ is a Windows based software but it is able run on Apple Mac and Linux operating systems with WINE software. https://www.winehq.
III. Configure Remote Access Configure remote access to allow communication with your TriStar MPPT or EMC-1 Ethernet enabled device from any computer or device on the internet. Use MSView™ or a web browser to view your solar system’s real-time operating information. NOTE: Before proceeding, make sure the Morningstar products is correctly configured and connected to your home/business network per the directions in Section II.
There are many different router models so we cannot provide specific directions in this document for configuring port forwarding. However, the web site: http://www.portforward.com provides a comprehensive list of routers and instructions for forwarding ports.
b. Enter the IP of the “Default Gateway” listed in the network settings information. Instructions for obtaining the network information are provided in the introductory notes in Section II. c. When prompted, enter the login/password information for the router. If you do not know this information, contact your ISP or consult the router documentation for the factory default login/ password. d.
Network Settings Static IP: 192.168.1.253Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1. Primary DNS 192.168.1.1 Secondary DNS 0.0.0.0 Bridged Ethernet MODBUS™ requests to the EIA-485 network are Disabled. Appendix II - Advanced System Example SNMP MIB file TSMPPT.mib can be downloaded from the HTTP Server’s root directory. A link is also provided on the Network settings page.
