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Summary of Contents for Xantrex Inverter Communications Adapter
- Page 1 Owner’s Manual Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA)
- Page 3 Inverter Communications Adapter Owner’s Manual...
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Page 4: Contact Information
Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and product names are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. Notice of Copyright Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) Owner’s Manual © June 2005 Xantrex International. All rights reserved. Disclaimer UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, XANTREX TECHNOLOGY INC. -
Page 5: About This Manual
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. -
Page 6: Conventions Used
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: an item that you must pay attention to. -
Page 7: Abbreviations And Acronyms
Alternating Current Authorized Service Center Authority Having Jurisdiction COMmunications Port Direct Current Disk Operating System Inverter Communications Adapter ICAP Inverter Communications Adapter Program (software) Inverter Control Module IDentification Liquid Crystal Display Light Emitting Diode Personal Computer Photovoltaic PVGFP PV Ground Fault Protection... -
Page 8: Related Information
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. 975-0052-01-01 Rev A... -
Page 9: Important Safety Instructions
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. - Page 10 viii...
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Page 11: Table Of Contents
Contents Important Safety Instructions 1 Installation Introduction- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Features/Components - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Connecting the ICA Cable - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem - - - - - - - 6... - Page 12 Contents Help - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 LEDs and LCD Display - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Multiple-Unit Drop-Down Box - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30 Navigation Buttons - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31 ICAP Keyboard and Terminal Emulation Keyboard Shortcut...
- Page 13 Figures Figure 1-1 Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) - - - - - - - - - - 3 Figure 1-2 Connecting Directly to the Inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5...
- Page 15 Tables Table 3-1 Keyboard Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Table 3-2 Keyboard Commands (ICAP Only) - - - - - - - - - - - - - 32 Table 3-3 Keyboard Commands (Terminal Emulation Programs Only) - - - - - - - - - - - 33...
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Page 17: Installation
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... “Introduction” “Features/Components” “Connecting the ICA Cable” “Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem”... -
Page 18: Introduction
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. -
Page 19: Figure 1-1 Inverter Communications Adapter (Ica)
Features/Components 25’ phone cable DB-9 Serial port ICA adapter adapter Figure 1-1 Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) 975-0052-01-01 Rev A... -
Page 20: Connecting The Ica Cable
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: used for the stacking cable and the other is for the remote control port. -
Page 21: Figure 1-2 Connecting Directly To The Inverter
Connecting the ICA Cable Port EMOTE LED illuminates when the ICA is able to communicate with the inverter. ICA Adapter AC Side of Sine Wave Plus inverter (LED and RJ11 port) Figure 1-2 Connecting Directly to the Inverter 975-0052-01-01 Rev A... -
Page 22: Connecting The Ica To A Computer Using A Modem
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. -
Page 23: Figure 1-3 Connecting The Ica To A Computer Using A Modem
Connecting the ICA Cable ICA Adapter Figure 1-3 Connecting the ICA to a Computer using a Modem 975-0052-01-01 Rev A... -
Page 24: Connecting Multiple Icas To A Single Computer
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. -
Page 25: Figure 1-4 Connecting Multiple Icas
ICA Adapter (8 maximum) Figure 1-4 Connecting Multiple ICAs 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Connecting the ICA Cable... -
Page 26: Positive Ground Or Pv Ground Fault Protection Installations
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 opto- isolator must be connected somewhere between the ICA and the computer com port. - Page 27 *Depending on the Cable Installation * D e p e n d in g o n t h e C a b le In s t a lla t io n BLACK (YELLOW*) RED (GREEN*) GREEN (RED*) YELLOW (BLACK*) *Depending on the Cable Installation Figure 1-5 Enlargements of pin assignments and color coding on ICA cable and connectors 975-0052-01-01 Rev A...
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Page 28: Additional Possible Requirements
Additional information on these programs can be found at www.righthandeng.com or www.mauisolarsoftware.com. Important: for the use or function of these advanced monitoring software programs. Xantrex Technology Inc. assumes no responsibility 975-0052-01-01 Rev A... -
Page 29: Configuration
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... “Installing the ICA Software: ICAP” “To install the software with Autorun enabled on your CDROM drive:”... -
Page 30: Installing The Ica Software: Icap
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. -
Page 31: Figure 2-3 Icap Important Information Screen
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. -
Page 32: Figure 2-5 Icap Shortcut Folder Screen
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. -
Page 33: Figure 2-7 Installing Files Screen
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. -
Page 34: Figure 2-9 Readme Option Screen
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. -
Page 35: Starting Setup Manually
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. -
Page 36: Starting Setup From A Command Prompt
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 2- Important: different from the one shown in Figure 2-10. -
Page 37: 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. -
Page 38: Establish The Type Of 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: Area code: Phone Number: 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 xxx Bps Data... -
Page 39: Enter Com Port Property Values
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: Data bits: Parity: Stop Bits: Flow control: *This setting must be “fixed”. Some programs will over-ride this setting and will attempt to find the fastest speed. -
Page 41: Operation
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... “Starting ICAP” “User Interface Features” “Changing ICAP Settings” “Testing the ICA” “Troubleshooting the ICA”... -
Page 42: Figure 3-1 Icap Splash Screen
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 Method 2: If you did NOT allow the setup program to put an application shortcut on your desktop: 1. -
Page 43: Figure 3-2 Icap User Interface Window
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.) •... -
Page 44: Icap Menu Bar
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 •... -
Page 45: Go Past End Menu
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. -
Page 46: Communications
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. Access help information by using one of the following methods: • Click here on the Menu Bar •... -
Page 47: Navigation Buttons
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. - Page 48 Operation Table 3-1 Keyboard Commands Keystroke Function L, l R, r U, u D, d – I, i G, g Table 3-2 Keyboard Commands (ICAP Only) Keystroke Function ALT+G ALT+X ALT+I ALT+C ALT+H Tab or arrow Menu Headings Menu Headings Menu Item (Previous Menu Item) Menu Item...
- Page 49 Table 3-3 Keyboard Commands (Terminal Emulation Programs Only) Keystroke ? or / V, v T, t 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Function Select inverter: 1 through 8 is the inverter’s ID number, 1 is the default. Setup Menu - Accesses either “BEGIN BASIC SETUP”...
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Page 50: Commands
Operation Changing ICAP Settings ICAP enables you to change certain settings to accommodate your specific configuration. This is done by using the ICA OMMANDS 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. -
Page 51: Figure 3-3 Identifying The Number Of Icas Attached
Identifying Single or Multiple ICAs To establish multiple inverters in ICAP, start ICAP and follow the steps illustrated in Figure 3-3. Figure 3-3 Identifying the Number of ICAs attached 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Changing ICAP Settings 1. Select the Menu. OMMUNICATIONS 2. -
Page 52: Assigning Id Numbers To The Ica
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. -
Page 53: Figure 3-4 Assigning Id Numbers To The Ica
2. Click in this box to change the Unit ID Number 4. Click OK to close the window. Figure 3-4 Assigning ID Numbers to the ICA Important: changes made to the Advanced Configuration Settings. Clicking on the OK button will only exit the window without saving the changes. -
Page 54: Figure 3-5 Changing The Advanced Configuration Settings
Operation Advanced Configuration Settings The Advanced Configuration settings include the ONFIGURATION PARAMETER the S ERIAL by Xantrex personnel. To make changes to the Advanced Configuration settings: 2. Click in the Edit Advanced Config box to allow access to changing these settings. 3. -
Page 55: Changing The Pc's Com Port Number
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. Figure 3-6 Changing the PC’s COM Port Number 975-0052-01-01 Rev A Changing ICAP Settings 1. -
Page 56: Testing The Ica
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. -
Page 57: Troubleshooting If No Response Comes From The Ica
Table 3-4 Troubleshooting the ICA (Continued) Symptom Modem is not connecting ICA and inverter spontaneously jump menus or give false indicators Troubleshooting if No Response comes from the ICA Check ID If the ICA is not responding, ensure you have the correct “ICA unit number”... -
Page 58: Reset Program
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. -
Page 59: Figure 3-7 Screen Display Startup Anomaly #1
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. -
Page 60: Figure 3-8 Screen Display Startup Anomaly #2
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. -
Page 61: Warranty And Return Information
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. - Page 62 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. Proof of purchase may be in any one of the following forms: •...
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Page 63: Return Material Authorization Policy
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. -
Page 64: Return Procedure
Out of Warranty Service If the warranty period for your Inverter Communications Adapter has expired, if the unit was damaged by misuse or incorrect installation, if other conditions of the warranty have not been met, or if no dated proof of purchase is available, your inverter may be serviced or replaced for a flat fee. -
Page 65: Information About Your System
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. -
Page 67: Index
31 using advanced monitoring software with 12 Information about Your System form installing the ICA 4 Inverter Communications Adapter (ICA) 2 connecting to a modem 6 installing 4 installing the ICAP software 14 pin assignments for RJ11... - Page 68 Index warranty out of warranty service 48 terms and conditions 45 Xantrex web site vi 975-0052-01-01 Rev A...
- Page 70 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.com 975-0052-01-01 Revision A PC Printed in USA...
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