Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions (Faq) - HindlePower AT Series Operating Instructions Manual

APPENDIX A
AT Series Communications Module
What is the AT Communications Module?
The AT Communications Module allows the AT Series Charger to interact with a computer system. A
remote operator can read and change the parameters of the battery charger. Everything that the user can do at
the charger's front panel display is accessible remotely.
Why would I want to use the remote communications?
The AT Series charger is equipped with a common alarm relay that is activated with any other alarm.
However, the common alarm does not indicate which alarm was activated. The communications option allows
a computer system to remotely monitor all alarm conditions and monitor all parameters of the charger including
the output voltage and current. It also allows the user to change set points and charger modes remotely.
What features are available to me from a remote location?
Meters
Voltage
Current
Equalize Time Remaining
Battery Temperature
Setpoints
Float Voltage
Equalize Voltage
Equalize Time
Current Limit
High DC Voltage Alarm
Low DC Voltage Alarm
High DC Shutdown Enable
Status
Temperature Probe Installed
Forced Load Share Enabled
How do you connect to the AT Communications Module?
The AT Communication Module supports a serial connection using either RS-232 or RS-485. RS-232
is a standard serial connection used on computer systems and is limited to a maximum cable length of 50 feet.
For industrial applications RS-485 is recommended. RS-485 is designed to be immune to electrically noisy
environments and can have up to a maximum cable length of 4,000 feet.
What wiring variation of RS-485 is supported?
Two wire, half-duplex
Can I communicate to more than one AT Series charger?
Yes. RS-485 communications allows multiple AT Series chargers to be connected to the same serial
network. Up to 32 AT Series chargers can be connected together. Each charger will be assigned an address so
that the computer system knows which charger it is communicating with. RS-232 does not support multiple
chargers on a serial network.
What speed does the AT Communications Module support?
The AT Communications Module can be configured for either 9600 or 19200 bits per second (baud
rate).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Charger Mode
Float
Equalize
Equalize Method
Manual
Timer
Auto
Alarms
High DC Voltage
Low DC Voltage
DC Output Failure
AC Input Failure
Positive Ground Fault
Negative Ground Fault
High DC Voltage Shutdown
Common Alarm Relay
Error Number Code