ICA Owner’s Manual Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) M
Inverter Communications Adapter Owner’s Manual
About Xantrex Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products from 50 watt mobile units to one MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid-connected and stand-alone systems. Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power supplies, and variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean, and distribute electrical power.
About This Manual Purpose The purpose of this Owner’s Manual is to provide explanations and procedures for installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA). Scope The Sine Wave Plus Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) Owner’s Manual provides safety guidelines, planning and setup information, procedures for installing the ICA and its software (ICAP), as well as information about operating and troubleshooting the unit.
About This Manual Conventions Used The following conventions are used in this guide. WARNING Warnings identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life. CAUTION Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to the unit or to other equipment. Important: These notes describe an important action item or an item that you must pay attention to.
About This Manual Abbreviations and Acronyms AC Alternating Current ASC Authorized Service Center AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction COM COMmunications Port DC Direct Current DOS Disk Operating System ICA Inverter Communications Adapter ICAP Inverter Communications Adapter Program (software) ICM Inverter Control Module ID IDentification LCD Liquid Crystal Display LED Light Emitting Diode PC Personal Computer PV Photovoltaic PVGFP PV Ground Fault Protection RMA Return Material
About This Manual Related Information You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as its products and services at www.xantrex.com.
Important Safety Instructions WARNING This chapter contains important safety and operating instructions as prescribed by UL and CSA standards for the Sine Wave Plus Inverter Communications Adapters (ICA) used in residential, RV, and marine applications. Read and keep this Owner’s Manual for future reference. 1. Before installing the ICA, read all instructions and cautionary markings on the ICA, the inverter, the batteries, and all appropriate sections of this guide. 2.
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Contents Important Safety Instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii 1 Installation Introduction- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Features/Components - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Connecting the ICA Cable - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem - - - - - - - 6 Connecting Multiple ICAs to a Single Computer - - - - - - - - - 8 Positive Ground or PV Ground Fault
Contents Help - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 LEDs and LCD Display - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Multiple-Unit Drop-Down Box - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Navigation Buttons - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 ICAP Keyboard and Terminal Emulation Keyboard Shortcut Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 Changing ICAP Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Figures Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2 Figure 1-3 Figure 1-4 Figure 1-5 Figure 2-1 Figure 2-2 Figure 2-3 Figure 2-4 Figure 2-5 Figure 2-6 Figure 2-7 Figure 2-8 Figure 2-9 Figure 2-10 Figure 2-11 Figure 2-12 Figure 2-13 Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 Figure 3-3 Figure 3-4 Figure 3-5 Figure 3-6 Figure 3-7 Figure 3-8 Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) - - - - - - - - - - 3 Connecting Directly to the Inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem - - - 7 Connecting Multiple ICAs - - - -
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Tables Table 3-1 Table 3-2 Table 3-3 Table 3-4 Keyboard Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Keyboard Commands (ICAP Only) - - - - - - - - - - - - Keyboard Commands (Terminal Emulation Programs Only) - - - - - - - - - - Troubleshooting the ICA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 32 33 40 xiii
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1 Installation Chapter 1, “Installation” describes how to install the ICA cable with or without a modem. The following topics are covered in this chapter. For this topic... See...
Installation Introduction The Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) allows any Sine Wave Plus Inverter/Charger to be connected to a computer serial port or directly to a modem to be controlled and monitored over long distances. It uses the Inverter Communications Adapter Program (ICAP) to communicate with the inverters and emulates the inverter control module on the inverter. Virtually everything that can be done with the inverter’s control module can be emulated by ICAP.
Features/Components 25’ phone cable ICA adapter DB-9 Serial port adapter Figure 1-1 Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 3
Installation Connecting the ICA Cable The ICA converts the REMOTE port on the Sine Wave Plus Inverter/Charger into a standard RS232 type communications port interface. See Figure 1-2 for the location of the Remote Port on the Sine Wave Plus Inverter/Charger. Important: There are two ports located on the inverter – one is used for the stacking cable and the other is for the remote control port. Make sure you connect the ICA to the correct port.
Connecting the ICA Cable 3 2 1 REMOTE Port 4 LED illuminates when the ICA is able to communicate with the inverter.
Installation Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem The ICA can be connected directly to a modem for use in remote sites where a computer may not be available or desired. Any computer that has an available serial communications port and terminal emulation software can communicate with the SW Plus series inverter through a cable or modem connection.
Connecting the ICA Cable ICA Adapter Figure 1-3 Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 7
Installation Connecting Multiple ICAs to a Single Computer Up to eight ICAs can be used with a single computer serial port. The four phone cable conductors are simply run in parallel using standard phone cable line “splitters”. To connect multiple adapters to a single serial port: 1. Connect each ICA adapter individually to the computer (or modem) to ensure it operates properly. Once functionality has been confirmed on each inverter, disconnect the ICAs. 2.
Connecting the ICA Cable ICA Adapter (8 maximum) Figure 1-4 Connecting Multiple ICAs 975-0052-01-01 Rev A 9
Installation Positive Ground or PV Ground Fault Protection Installations When using the ICA in inverter installations that have DC ground fault protection (PVGFP-CF) or where the inverter is connected in a “positive ground” configuration, an optoisolator must be connected somewhere between the ICA and the computer com port. Opto-isolators can be obtained through www.blackbox.com (part SP400A-R3 and PS576 9 Vdc power supply).
Connecting the ICA Cable 6 5 BLACK (YELLOW*) 4 RED (GREEN*) 3 GREEN (RED*) 2 YELLOW(BLACK*) 1 RJ 11 connector on ICA Serial Port Adapter *Depending on the Cable Installation 6 5 BLACK(YELLOW *) 4 RED(GREEN*) 3 GREEN(RED*) 2 YELLOW(BLACK*) RJ 11 connector on 25-foot (4-conductor, telephone standard) cable 1 *DependingontheCableInstallation 1 BLACK (YELLOW*) 2 RED (GREEN*) 3 GREEN (RED*) 4 YELLOW (BLACK*) 5 6 RJ 11 connector on ICA Adapter *Depending on the Cable Installation Figure
Installation Additional Possible Requirements The modem at the inverter location may need to be DC powered if it is necessary to connect to the inverter during a fault condition where the inverter has shut off its AC output. Advanced Monitoring Software The ICA was developed to change the Sine Wave Plus Inverter/Charger raw data output to an RS232 protocol output. The ICA code only manipulates the inverter’s control panel keypad strokes. The included software emulates these keystrokes.
2 Configuration Chapter 2, “Configuration” describes how to install the ICAP software provided with the ICA and how to set up a modem (if used). The following topics are covered in this chapter. For this topic... See...
Configuration Installing the ICA Software: ICAP The Inverter Communications Adapter software program (ICAP) is included on the CD in the ICA package. It allows a personal computer to operate as a virtual control panel for up to eight Sine Wave Plus Inverter/Chargers. For other computer platforms, See “Setting Up a Modem Connection” on page 21. Select one of the following methods to install the software: • • • Use Autorun (must be enabled on your CDROM drive).
Installing the ICA Software: ICAP 2. Click on the NEXT button to start the setup program. The License Agreement screen should appear next. 3. Click on the ACCEPT button to accept the License Agreement and continue with the installation. The Important Information screen will appear next. Figure 2-2 ICAP License Agreement Screen 4. Review the list of required components and ensure your system meets all the requirements. If you do not have the required components in place, click on the CANCEL button.
Configuration 5. The ICAP installation folder will default to the location shown in Figure 2-4. If you do not want the software installed at the default location, enter the desired location in the window below “Install files to this location” or use the BROWSE button to navigate to the desired location. 6. Click on the NEXT button to continue with the installation. The Shortcut Folder screen will appear next.
Installing the ICA Software: ICAP 8. The Ready To Install screen should appear next. If you want to have a shortcut put on your desktop, click in the small box next to the question “Do you want a shortcut on your desktop?” A small check mark should appear in the box. If you do not want a shortcut placed on your desktop, be sure this box is empty. Click the INSTALL button to start installing the files. Click here to have the installation program place a shortcut on your desktop.
Configuration 10. After the setup program has updated your system, the Installed screen will appear to confirm that the installation was successful. Click on the NEXT button to proceed to the final step. Figure 2-8 Installed Screen 11. When the setup program has finished installing the software the Readme Option screen will appear. If you do not want to read the Readme file, then click on the check within the white box to remove it. Click here to view the Readme file. Figure 2-9 Readme Option Screen 12.
Installing the ICA Software: ICAP Starting Setup Manually To start the program from the CD if Autorun is disabled on your computer: 1. Insert the ICAP CD into your CDROM drive. 2. Open Windows Explorer (or Click on My Computer) and navigate to the CDROM drive to view the contents of the disk. 3. Either: a) Double-click on the file ICAPxxx.exe where xxx = software level (e.g., ICAP102.exe, ICAP103.exe, or ICAP104.exe) or b) Copy the file ICAPxxx.exe from the CD to the hard drive on the computer.
Configuration Starting Setup From a Command Prompt To start the program from a command prompt: 1. Insert the ICAP CD into your CDROM drive. 2. Click on START and select “RUN”. 3. Enter the drive letter assigned to your CDROM and the name of the installation program as shown in Figure 210. Important: The drive letter assigned to your CDROM may be different from the one shown in Figure 2-10. Be sure to use the correct letter for your drive or the program will not start. Figure 2-10 Run Window 4.
Setting Up a Modem Connection Setting Up a Modem Connection Modem connection requires the use of a terminal emulation program. A modem is required at both the inverters and at the computer, with a phone line available to make the connection. The ICA supports use with most “terminal emulation” programs. Any computer that has available serial communications port and terminal emulation software can communicate with the Sine Wave Plus Inverter/Charger using a cable and modem connection.
Configuration Establish the Type of Connection To establish the type of modem connection: 1. In the Phone Number dialog box (Figure 2-12), enter the following information. Country code: (e.g., United States of America (1) Area code: (e.g., 360) Phone Number: (e.g., 123-4567) Figure 2-12 Phone Number Dialog 2. Select one of the following in the “Connect Using” drop down list: Direct to COMx: for connections to the ICA with a cable, where “x” is a number from 1 to 4.
Setting Up a Modem Connection Enter COM Port Property Values To enter the COM port values: 1. In the COM1 Properties dialog (Figure 2-13) enter the following: Bits per second: 9600 BAUD* Data bits: 8 Parity: No or None Stop Bits: 1 Flow control: Either setting *This setting must be “fixed”. Some programs will over-ride this setting and will attempt to find the fastest speed. Ensure the accuracy of these settings. Other settings will not produce the desired results.
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3 Operation Chapter 3, “Operation” describes how to operate the ICAP software, change the ICAP settings, test, and troubleshoot the connection. The following topics are covered in this chapter. For this topic... See...
Operation Starting ICAP The ICA program can be started with either of the following methods. Method 1: If you allowed the setup program to put an application shortcut on your desktop: • Double click on the shortcut icon on your desktop. Method 2: If you did NOT allow the setup program to put an application shortcut on your desktop: 1. Click START, then PROGRAMS, then XANTREX. 2. Then select . When the program starts, the following splash screen will appear briefly.
User Interface Features User Interface Features The ICAP User Interface has the following features. The user can either click on the virtual buttons or use keyboard commands to navigate through the program. • • • • The ICAP Menu Bar is used for setting ICA parameters (such as number of connected inverters, port usage, customer ID etc.) Navigation Buttons are used to navigate through and alter SW Plus Menu Maps. • Click on these buttons to navigate through the Menu maps.
Operation ICAP Menu Bar Use the features of the ICAP Menu Bar to access and/or alter programmable parameters for the ICA Adapter. The ICAP Menu bar consists of the following commands: • • • • • Exit Go Past END MENU ICA Commands Communications Help Exit Exit the ICAP program by using one of the following methods: • • • 28 Click on in upper right corner of window. Or click on the word “Exit” in the Menu bar.
User Interface Features Go Past END MENU This command provides the means for the user to move past the END MENU of each menu map for the SW Plus Inverter. Pressing the virtual Navigation Buttons in ICAP will not take the user past the End Menu in each Menu Map like the ICM does. Menu maps include the User Menu, the Setup Menu, and the Advanced Setup Menu. Each Menu Map has an “END MENU” menu item (e.g., END USER MENU, END SETUP MENU, END ADVANCED SETUP MENU).
Operation Communications This drop-down menu item provides a means to reset the RS232-port used by the ICA and select the number of ICAs attached. HELP Access help information by using one of the following methods: • • • Click here on the Menu Bar Press F1 Press ALT + H + H To leave HELP, press ESC. LEDs and LCD Display The LEDs and LCD display show inverter status. Multiple-Unit Drop-Down Box Directly below the LEDs is the Multiple-unit Drop-down box.
User Interface Features Navigation Buttons Use the virtual Navigation Buttons to move around within the Menu Maps. Navigation buttons are grouped into four categories: • • • • INV or GEN buttons access Inverter or Generator features. The Menu Heading buttons access the Menu Headings for each menu map. The Menu Item buttons navigate through the menu items associated with each menu heading. The (+) or (–) buttons modify system parameters.
Operation Table 3-1 Keyboard Commands Keystroke Function L, l Menu Headings (Previous Menu Heading) R, r Menu Headings (Next Menu Heading) U, u Menu Item (Previous Menu Item) D, d Menu Item (Next Menu Item) + Set Point + (higher value) – Set Point – (lower value) I, i Inverter ON/OFF Menu (same as the RED button on the Inverter Control Panel) G, g Generator ON/OFF Menu (same as the GREEN button on the Inverter Control Panel) Table 3-2 Keyboard Commands (ICAP Only) Keystroke Function A
User Interface Features Table 3-3 Keyboard Commands (Terminal Emulation Programs Only) Keystroke Function 1-8 Select inverter: 1 through 8 is the inverter’s ID number, 1 is the default. S Setup Menu - Accesses either “BEGIN BASIC SETUP” or “BEGIN ADVANCED SETUP” Menus. ? or / Sends ASCII LED Status. The information displayed on the screen mimics the layout of the LEDs on the inverter control module : each LED is represented by a dash or a character, laid out in two rows of four characters.
Operation Changing ICAP Settings ICAP enables you to change certain settings to accommodate your specific configuration. This is done by using the ICA COMMANDS and COMMUNICATION commands on the ICAP Menu Bar. Use the ICA Commands to change configuration parameters for the ICA adapter. Use the Communications Commands to control how the ICA communicates with the inverter. General settings include: • • • Identifying a single (default) or multiple configuration.
Changing ICAP Settings Identifying Single or Multiple ICAs To establish multiple inverters in ICAP, start ICAP and follow the steps illustrated in Figure 3-3. 1. Select the COMMUNICATIONS Menu. 2. Click this drop down box to display the options. 3. Select the appropriate number for the number of ICAs connected. 4. Click on the SAVE button to save the changes. 5. Note and verify change to the ICAP emulation screen. Use this drop down box to switch between inverters.
Operation Assigning ID Numbers to the ICA If you are installing a multiple-inverter system, you will need to identify each inverter to be monitored and assign an ID number to that inverter and ICA. It is recommended that you label each cable as well for ease of identification at a later date. To change ID Number on the ICA: 1. Connect one ICA to a Sine Wave Plus Inverter/Charger. See Figure 3-4. Only one ICA can be connected at a time for this procedure to be successful. 2.
Changing ICAP Settings 1. Click on ICA COMMANDS Menu, then select READ CONFIGURATION Click in this box to change the Customer ID Number (Optional) 2. Click in this box to change the Unit ID Number 3. Click Write New ID to save changes. 4. Click OK to close the window. Click Reset to Default to restore factory settings for the ICAP (Optional) Figure 3-4 Assigning ID Numbers to the ICA Important: You must click on the WRITE New ID button to save changes made to the Advanced Configuration Settings.
Operation Advanced Configuration Settings The Advanced Configuration settings include the CONFIGURATION PARAMETER, the DESELECT TIME, and the SERIAL NUMBER and should only be changed as directed by Xantrex personnel. To make changes to the Advanced Configuration settings: 1. Click on ICA COMMANDS Menu, then select READ CONFIGURATION 2. Click in the Edit Advanced Config box to allow access to changing these settings. Click Reset to Default to restore factory settings for the ICAP (Optional) 3.
Changing ICAP Settings Changing the PC’s COM Port Number To change the COM port number, start ICAP and follow the procedure illustrated in Figure 3-6. COM Port options range from 1 to 8. 1. Select the COMMUNICATIONS Menu. 2. Click in this box to display ports 1 through 8 3. Select the appropriate number for the COM port being used by your computer. 4. Click on the SAVE button to save the changes.
Operation Testing the ICA In order to test the ICA, it must be plugged into an inverter that is powered up on batteries or other suitable power supply. Press the first unit’s ID number (1 is the default) on your computer keyboard. If everything is correct, the inverter’s display will change (and reflect) the same as the ICAP window. Troubleshooting the ICA Table 3-4 below lists some of the problems and solutions that you may encounter with your ICA.
Troubleshooting the ICA Table 3-4 Troubleshooting the ICA (Continued) Symptom Recommendation Modem is not connecting Run the ICAP program directly to the ICA to determine if the adapter is functioning and all connections to the adapter are correct. ICA and inverter spontaneously jump menus or give false indicators DC power was cycled on the inverter with ICAP already running. This does not cause harm to the system; it is just a nuisance.
Operation Reset Program Reset the program by closing the ICAP program. Then disconnect the ICA adapter and plug it back in, making sure the phone cord is securely plugged in. When you plug in the ICA, the green LED on the ICA adapter should light up. Phone Connections Be sure that the phone cable is the correct type. The small clip on the crimped on jacks must be located on the same side of the cable or it will cause garbled characters or no communication.
Troubleshooting the ICA Check Configuration With the ICAP software, only have one ICA adapter connected. Check the ICA adapter’s configuration code (02) and deselected time (03). Reset if needed and retry. If multiple ICA adapters are connected, disconnect them and try each individually with a single cable and no other adapters or splitters in the cable. Try the adapter on another computer or inverter.
Operation On the other hand, if the SW Plus inverter’s display is parked on a static menu item, then when you startup, the software window may show a blank display for a few seconds. Figure 3-8 Screen Display Startup Anomaly #2 This condition is nothing to worry about and should correct itself in about 1 minute. When the ICAP software shuts down, it will try to park the inverter’s display at a more friendly menu location so that the next time it starts up it doesn’t have these problem.
Warranty and Return Information Warranty What does this warranty cover? This Limited Warranty is provided by Xantrex Technology, Inc. ("Xantrex") and covers defects in workmanship and materials in your Inverter Communications Adapter. This warranty period lasts for two (2) years from the date of purchase at the point of sale to you, the original end user customer. You require proof of purchase to make warranty claims.
Warranty and Return What proof of purchase is required? In any warranty claim, dated proof of purchase must accompany the product and the product must not have been disassembled or modified without prior written authorization by Xantrex.
Warranty and Return IN NO EVENT WILL XANTREX BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES HOWEVER ARISING WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT INCLUDING WITHOUT RESTRICTION ANY ECONOMIC LOSSES OF ANY KIND, ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, ANY PERSONAL INJURY, ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY ARISING FROM OR AS A RESULT OF MISUSE OR ABUSE, OR THE INCORRECT INSTALLATION, INTEGRATION OR OPERATION OF THE PRODUCT.
Warranty and Return Return Procedure 1. Package the unit safely, preferably using the original box and packing materials. Please ensure that your product is shipped fully insured in the original packaging or equivalent. This warranty will not apply where the product is damaged due to improper packaging. 2. Include the following: • The RMA number supplied by Xantrex Technology, Inc. clearly marked on the outside of the box. • A return address where the unit can be shipped.
Warranty and Return Information About Your System As soon as you open your Inverter Communications Adapter package, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase. ❐ Serial Number _______________________________ ❐ Purchased From _______________________________ ❐ Purchase Date _______________________________ If you need to contact Customer Service, please record the following details before calling. This information will help our representatives give you better service.
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Index A M Abbreviations and Acronyms v modem connection for remote locations 6 modem connection, setting up 21 multiple adapters 8 C CD with ICAP Software 2 changing the COM port number 39 color coding for ICA phone cable 11 connecting multiple ICAs to a single computer 8 Customer Service preparing to call 49 I ICAP software configuring 34 installing 14 keyboard commands in 31 using advanced monitoring software with 12 Information about Your System form 49 installing the ICA 4 Inverter Communications A
Index W warranty out of warranty service 48 terms and conditions 45 X Xantrex web site vi 52 975-0052-01-01 Rev A
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Xantrex Technology Inc. 1 800 670 0707 Tel toll free NA 1 360 925 5097 Tel direct 1 360 925 5143 Fax direct customerservice@xantrex.com www.xantrex.
