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Power Service Singapore +65 6896 3363 Aurora ® Power Service Malaysia +603-8025 9963 INSTALLATION AND OPERATOR’S MANUAL MANUALE DI INSTALLAZIONE E OPERATORE Model: PVI-DESKTOP-yy-xx Rev. 1.3 - Aurora ® is a trademark by Power-One - Product is subject to technical improvements...
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PVI-DESKTOP Remote controller and monitoring system INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL Note: this document contains information which is the sole property of Power-One Inc.. No part of it may be copied or circulated without the prior written consent of Power-One. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS! Model number: PVI-DESKTOP-yy-xx Rev.
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Page 2 of 51 REVISION TABLE Document Date Description of changes revision 21/07/2009 First release 29/12/2009 First revision 09/12/2009 Second revision 25/07/2011 Third revision...
Page 3 of 51 CONTENTS MANUAL INFORMATION .............. 5 SYMBOLS USED..................5 PURPOSE ....................5 PRODUCT INFORMATION ............. 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE PVI-DESKTOP SYSTEM ..........5 POSSIBLE USE ..................7 2.2.1 Possible connection to inverters:............7 2.2.2 Operative systems compatible for PC connection: ......... 7 PACKAGING CONTENTS ................
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............... 37 6.3.2 firmware upgrade via sd card ............. 41 TROUBLESHOOTING ..............42 MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING ..........43 BATTERIES CHARGE AND DISCHARGE ............. 43 CLEANING PROCEDURE ................43 DISPOSAL..................43 10 AURORA PVI-DESKTOP TECHNICAL DATA ........44 11 CERTIFICATES ................46...
PRODUCT INFORMATION DESCRIPTION OF THE PVI-DESKTOP SYSTEM The PVI-DESKTOP allows to monitor and display the performance of the AURORA Power-One inverter and is ideal for residential or small commercial system installations. The main advantage of using a PVI-DESKTOP lies in the possibility of setting up wireless communication in the absence of wired communication, thanks to the PVI-RADIOMODULE installation (on every inverter) .
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Page 6 of 51 Figure 1 – Communication diagram for the PVI-DESKTOP (inverter communication via RS485). Figure 2 – Communication diagram for the PVI-DESKTOP system (inverter communication via radio connection).
Page 7 of 51 The wireless and wired (RS485) connections are mutually exclusive, therefore the PVI-DESKTOP cannot be used in both configurations and the communication channel must always be chosen. When the use wireless communication is chosen, it is absolutely necessary that every field inverter has the PVI-Radiomodule installed;...
Page 8 of 51 PACKAGING CONTENTS The packaging contains, a PVI-DESKTOP and its docking station, and all other accessories shown in the figure below: Figure 3 – Packaging Contents PVI-DESKTOP Software and documentation Stylus Pen (already assembled) DC power-supply USB cable SD Card (already assembled) Wall mounting kit (2 dowels + 2 universal screws) NOTE: The distributor delivered your PVI-DESKTOP to the courier safely packed, and in perfect...
Page 9 of 51 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION Several versions of the PVI-DESKTOP are available, and they differ by their features or added components. The various models are identified by the P/N ID. PVI-DESKTOP-yy-xx US - North America AU - Australia No suffix – European version BT - Bluetooth version No suffix - Standard version 2.4.1...
Page 10 of 51 PVI-DESKTOP CONNECTIONS AND INTERFACES For a correct use of the PVI-DESKTOP it is recommended to carefully observe Figure 6 to be able to identify each component of the device.
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WARNING: Component 7. is a connector to be used solely and exclusively for connection by RS485 to the Aurora inverters. On no account use it for anything else (i.e. connection of Ethernet cables for PC or phone connections) to prevent damage to the communication port.
Component 7 in Figure 6 shows the connector entry of the RS485 port. This port is to be used exclusively for Aurora inverters connection. The connecting cables must have a RJ45 connector with 8 pins and must be used in accordance to the following table.
There is the possibility of having a Bluetooth® module as an optional interface for the PVI-DESKTOP. This interface allows communication with PCs equipped with Bluetooth® and dedicated software (Aurora Communicator) which allows data download. Under normal operating conditions, the Bluetooth® function is disabled to eliminate unnecessary power consumption.
Page 14 of 51 2.5.8 TOUCHSCREEN The PVI-DESKTOP is equipped with a (resistive) touch screen that allows easy and fast navigation through the menus. At the back (see Figure 6) there is a groove where to insert a stylus pen, for use apply pressure on the screen.
LED 3 (orange) is flashing (see Figure 10 for LED positioning). • Check that the Aurora inverters in your system are switched on. • Check that the addresses for the RS485 ports are all different for each inverter (they do not need to be sequential).
Page 16 of 51 • Preferably install the PVI-DESKTOP on walls with less obstacles coming between the inverter and the PVI-DESKTOP system. • Avoid installing the system near large metallic walls (i.e. boilers, steel doors, metal boxes etc. in order ®...
Page 17 of 51 SYSTEM INSTALLATION 4.2.1 WALL MOUNTING Choose the location carefully for wall mounting for comfortable and easy reading of data. The figures below illustrate the procedure for proper wall mounting. Figure 9 – Wall mounting procedure...
Page 18 of 51 • Drill two holes, diameter 5 mm and 3 cm apart from each other. • Insert the dowels. • Screw the base to the wall using the screws provided. • The PVI-DESKTOP support base is designed to make it easy to remove the device even with the power or communication cables inserted.
Page 19 of 51 PVI-DESKTOP SYSTEM OPERATION INITIAL START UP OPERATION The battery inside the PVI-DESKTOP may not be completely charged, or even completely discharged, at the time of initial start up. The PVI-DESKTOP can be recharged in operation and even when it is switched off. The power sources are the AC/DC power unit and the USB cable connected to a USB 2.0 door.
5.3.1 INVERTER ASSOCIATION For proper PVI-DESKTOP system start up ensure that the Aurora inverter is correctly configured as reported in paragraphs 4.1.1 and 4.1.2. •...
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Page 21 of 51 At this point it is possible to choose which inverter(s) to associate uniquely with the own PVI-DESKTOP so that they cannot be “seen and recognised” by other PVI-DESKTOPs nearby. The selection is made by pressing the '+' key next to each inverter chosen. Pressing the '+' key changes the colour of the corresponding row in the table and highlights the selection.
Page 22 of 51 5.3.2 INVERTER DISASSOCIATION Whenever deemed necessary to delete one or more inverters from the list of associated inverters, (i.e. inverter replacement) it is necessary to run the guided procedure again, accessing it from the “Settings – Configuration wizard”...
Page 23 of 51 5.3.3 ASSOCIATION (or CONFIGURATION) OF ADDITIONAL INVERTERS Whenever deemed necessary to add one or more inverters please procede as follows : • Check that all inverters are switched on and disassociate all already configured inverters as per the guided procedure described in paragraph 5.3.2.
It is then necessary to connect the device to a PC via USB cable or Bluetooth (BT models only) and use the Aurora Communicator Software (contained in the CD supplied) allowing to open the calibration screen through the PVI-DESKTOP dedicated menu.
WARNING: we strongly do not recommend handling the files directly from the SD card without accessing them through Aurora Communicator. Any unintentional or intentional editing of the files on the SD card seriously jeopardise the device's operation. Always use the Aurora Communicator interface to process and download saved data.
Page 26 of 51 MAIN MENU NOTE: because of the continuous firmware updates, the graphics may be slightly different from the pictures shown below. This does not constitute a product non-conformity. 5.7.1 DEFAULT SCREEN The PVI-DESKTOP remains, by default, on an intuitive screen, summarizing the system's important data and operating status.
INFO MENU In the sub-sections of this menu it is possible to get information as follows: • Aurora PVI Desktop ID: device ID info • System ID: info related to PVI-DESKTOP associated inverter and RADIOMODULE installed inside each of them.
Page 28 of 51 PC CONNECTION USB DRIVERS CONFIGURATION Download the latest version of USB drivers for the PVI-DESKTOP from the web address: http://www.power-one.it/digilab/Digi.aspx?Code=15 • Click “Download” and save file AuroraPVIDesktop-inf.zip in a PC folder (in the following example C:\ is considered).
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Page 29 of 51 • Select “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)” and click Next>: • Select the folder where the drivers have been saved (C:/) and click Next>. • When the following screen appears click Continue. • Wait for the drivers to configure and when configured click Finish.
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Page 30 of 51 • To check if configuration is correct, open the System Control Panel, choose “System Properties” select Hardware tab. At this point open“Device Manager”: In the Ports section (COM and LPT) check that the new communication port has appeared (in the example it is COM14):...
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It is therefore necessary to launch the software in a compatible way according to the following procedure: PROCEDURE PREREQUISITE: before modifying the access level to the Aurora Communicator Software it is necessary to configure the PV-Desktop using the guided Windows procedure for new hardware installation.
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Page 32 of 51 3 – Tick the selection Theprogramme requires additional authorisations and click Next. 4 – Run the Aurora Communicator programme.
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Page 33 of 51 5 – Within the Aurora PVI Desktop section select Firmware update. 6 – Verify if device is correctly recognized. Close the Aurora Communicator programme. 7 – Press in the window Programme compatibility.
Aurora Communicator can display on PC the total daily and historical production data, and for each individual inverter of the photovoltaic field. Connecting Desktop PVI Aurora PVI to a PC using a USB cable or Bluetooth, from the specific menu it is possible to use the Aurora Communicator for various functions: The “Set (Bluetooth) communication”...
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Page 35 of 51 In the upper panel “System” data related to the whole system are available, while the lower part contains inverters data. Use “Import data” button (for the system or for an inverter selected from the list) to see available files: Only select the desired files from the list, select the folder to save them and click “Download”.
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Page 36 of 51 The download window will open: Follow the same procedure to cancel files: simply click the “Cancel data” button and select the files to be cancelle from the list, and then click “Cancel”. NOTE: to use “Cancel data” buttons it is necessary to update the PVI-DESKTOP to at least version 6.18. Once the files have been downloaded into the PC, it is possible to view them in Communicator: click “Open file ”...
The PVI-DESKTOP can be upgraded very simply. Upgrading is possible by two different methods: through the USB 2.0 port and the Aurora Communicator software or directly through the SD card tab. It is recommended using the first procedure as it is simpler and automatic.
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Page 38 of 51 • Click Test Device to check communication between PC and PVI-DESKTOP. If communication is stable it will be possible to read some information regarding the device and “Device found” will appear at the bottom left of the screen. Other function keys will also appear. •...
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Page 39 of 51 • The Firmware update will require three operations during which some messages will appear on the display. On the PVI-DESKTOP display “FW update” will be lit. The next operations will be as follows: “Delete memory section” “Writing firmware”...
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PVIDESKTOP System to the USB 2.0 port. A working internet connection is still needed. • If the PVI-DESKTOP is connected to the USB, launch Aurora Communicator and choose Aurora PVI- Desktop Update from the Configuration menu. •...
Page 41 of 51 • To update the PVI-DESKTOP using the Aurora Communicator, choose Open File from the next screen and then select Update. 6.3.2 FIRMWARE UPGRADE VIA SD CARD This update procedure presupposes availability of FW (previously downloaded from Power-One server) and to be able to directly interact using the SD Card memory (SD card reader).
Page 42 of 51 TROUBLESHOOTING Here below, some of the most common problems together with their possible solutions are described: Problem Possible cause Solution The PVI-DESKTOP does Battery totally flat Connect the provided power-supply and not switch on verify that orange LED is on. Switch system Connect the provided power-supply and press system reset key using the stylus pen.
Page 43 of 51 MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING BATTERIES CHARGE AND DISCHARGE The device battery can auto discharge even when the device is switched off, the same way as a standard battery. It is advisable not to leave the system idle for more than 6 months and to fully recharge it if not used for a long time.
Assembly Kit (Desk and Wall) Product versions available Standard PVI-DESKTOP PVI-DESKTOP-AU PVI-DESKTOP-US Bluetooth PVI-DESKTOP-BT PVI-DESKTOP-BT-AU PVI-DESKTOP-BT-US Safety Certification C-Tick (1) All string AURORA® series are provided with radio transmitter (optional). To verify the compatibility see paragragh 2.2 of this manual...
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Page 45 of 51 FCC WARNING (Federal Communications Commission) This device meets the part 15 of FCC regulations. The device operation must comply with the following 2 conditions: This device must not cause harmful interferences This device must accept any received interference, including interferences that can cause an undesired functioning FCC ID: X6W-DESKNOP...
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