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Summary of Contents for Xantrex Communications gateway
- Page 1 Inverter Modbus / RS485 Communications Gateway Installation Guide Communications Gateway...
- Page 3 Communications Gateway Installation Guide...
- Page 4 About Xantrex Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products ranging from small mobile units to 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.
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Page 5: About This Guide
Chapter 3, “Configuration” contains information and procedures to configure the Communications Gateway. Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting” contains reference information you can consult if you have problems using the Communications Gateway. This chapter also lists routers that have been tested with the Gateway. -
Page 6: Related Information
These notes describe things which are important for you to know, but not as serious as a caution or warning. Related Information You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as its products and services at www.xantrex.com. 975-0330-01-01... -
Page 7: Important Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions WARNING: Read and save these instructions This Installation Guide contains important safety and operating instructions. Before using your Communications Gateway, be sure to read, understand, and save these safety instructions. General Precautions 1. Before installing and using this device, read all appropriate sections of this guide and any cautionary markings on the Gateway and the devices to which it connects. - Page 8 FCC Information to the User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential environment.
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Page 9: Table Of Contents
Contents Important Safety Instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -v 1 Introduction Gateway Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2 External Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–3 Types of Gateway Networks- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–5... - Page 10 Contents Using the Configuration Web Page - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–8 Entering Your Basic Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–9 Renaming Devices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–9 Configuring the Gateway for Your Network - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–10...
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Page 11: Introduction
Introduction Chapter 1, “Introduction” contains information about the features and functions of the Communications Gateway. This chapter covers the following topics: • “Gateway Overview” • “External Features” • “Types of Gateway Networks”... -
Page 12: Gateway Overview
Energy production history—daily, weekly, monthly • Inverter faults. To view this production data, you must install the Xantrex Solar Monitor Widget and configure the Gateway to communicate with your computer or computer network. Other means of viewing Gateway-transmitted data will be available from Xantrex in the future. For more information about Gateway data storage, see “History Data Storage”... -
Page 13: External Features
External Features External Features Inverter Modbus / RS485 Communications Gateway Figure 1-1 Gateway Front Item Description Inverter LED indicates overall status of the network between the Gateway and the inverters. The LED blinks in three colors: • Green: the network is working properly •... - Page 14 Introduction Inverter RS485 Zigbee WARNING! Not for computer Ethernet Figure 1-2 Gateway Bottom Item Description Inverter (Xanbus RJ-45) ports for connecting the inverter and other Xanbus devices to the Gateway. Caution: see “Equipment damage” below. Ethernet port for connecting the Gateway to a router or computer. Caution: see “Equipment damage”...
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Page 15: Types Of Gateway Networks
The Gateway provides performance data for display on a home computer. Data is displayed using the Solar Monitor Widget, available free from Xantrex. Connections between the Gateway, router and computer can be wired or wireless, but not both at the same time. An Ethernet connection between... - Page 16 Introduction Inverter Home computer Gateway with Widget Router Xanbus cable Wireless Internet Protocol connection Ethernet Connection Figure 1-4 Mixed Wired/Wireless Network 1 Inverter Home computer Gateway with Widget Router Xanbus cable Ethernet connection Wireless Internet Protocol connection Figure 1-5 Mixed Wired/Wireless Network 2 Inverter Home computer Gateway...
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Page 17: Gateway With Remote Access
Types of Gateway Networks Inverter Crossover cable is required for the Gateway-to-computer connection. Home computer Gateway with Widget Xanbus cable Ethernet connection Figure 1-7 Wired Network Without Router Inverter Home computer Gateway with Widget Xanbus cable Wireless Internet Protocol connection Figure 1-8 Wireless Network Without Router Important: Figure 1-7 and Figure 1-8 are “Ad-Hoc”... - Page 18 The PORT Forward web site (www.portforward.com) has collected information on how to configure most popular routers. Xantrex does not provide any guarantees as to the security of your network if you follow the advice provided at the PORT Forward web site.
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Page 19: Installation
Installation Chapter 2, “Installation” contains information and procedures to install the Communications Gateway. Gateway installation includes mounting the Gateway, then connecting it to a computer network and to the Xanbus network. -
Page 20: Installing The Gateway
Installation Installing the Gateway WARNING: Shock and energy hazards Connections to other equipment may require accessing wiring compartments containing circuits that are shock or energy hazards. In such cases, ensure that sources of power are disconnected. Installation should be done only by a qualified installer or electrician. -
Page 21: Choosing A Location
Choose a clean, dry, easily accessible location. Indoor installations are recommended. For outdoor installations, mount the Gateway inside a weatherproof enclosure. A recommended outdoor mounting enclosure is available from Xantrex (part number 864-0500). Minimum To comply with FCC and Industry Canada regulations, the Gateway must... -
Page 22: Materials And Tools Required
Installation 300 ft Varies 130 ft with (90 m) (40 m) (Wireless) router Router Personal Computer Gateway Inverter Figure 2-1 Maximum Distances Between Devices Materials and Tools Required The following materials and tools are required to install the Gateway. Supplied Materials p Gateway p 10 ft (3 m) Xanbus network cable (standard straight-through Ethernet cable—CAT 5e) -
Page 23: Other Materials And Tools
Xanbus power supply (required when connecting the Gateway to a single GT Inverter manufactured before spring 2008) For a network power supply, contact Xantrex at 1 800 670-0707 or customerservice@xantrex.com. p Weatherproof enclosure (required for outdoor installations, part... -
Page 24: Connecting The Gateway To A Router Or Computer
Installation Connecting the Gateway to a Router or Computer Important: During setup, a wired connection between the Gateway and the router is required. During configuration, the Gateway can be switched to wireless mode and the network cable can be removed. See “Configuring Wireless Mode” on page 3–12. - Page 25 Ethernet (CAT 5e) cable. A 10 foot (3 meter) network cable is included with the Gateway. If more cables or a different length are required, these standard cables can be purchased from Xantrex or any computer supply store. CAUTION: Equipment damage Do not use crossover cable.
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Page 26: Network Layout
Installation Network Layout Xanbus-enabled devices are linked with separate lengths of Xanbus cable, as shown in Figure 2-3. To ensure communication signal quality, each end of the network must be terminated. The Xanbus-enabled devices at each end of the network must have a male terminator inserted into their open network ports. -
Page 27: Connecting The Gateway To A Gt Inverter
Installing the Gateway • Allow for some slack in the cable tension. • Do not staple the cable outside the inverter with metal cable staples. Use the appropriate hardware fasteners to avoid damage to the cable. CAUTION: Unpredictable device behavior Do not connect one end of the network to the other to make a ring or loop. -
Page 28: Connecting The Gateway To A Xw Hybrid Inverter/Charger
Installation Connecting the Gateway to a XW Hybrid Inverter/Charger The XW Hybrid Inverter/Charger is equipped with two Xanbus network ports (see Figure 2-5). These ports may not be immediately accessible if a conduit box is installed on the bottom of the inverter/charger. Follow the guidelines for connecting devices and terminating the network as described in “Network Layout”... -
Page 29: Applying Power To The Gateway
Adding Devices to the Network Applying Power to the Gateway The Gateway gets its power from the Xanbus network through the network cable. When applying power to the Gateway by connecting the network cable, ensure that the Xanbus network itself has power. The inverter or inverter/charger supplying power to the Xanbus network must be operating. -
Page 30: Installing Yahoo! Widgets
• Connection to the Internet • 512 megabytes of RAM. After installing Yahoo! Widgets, install the Xantrex Solar Monitor Widget. To install the Solar Monitor Widget: 1. Select and copy the xtSolarMonitor-xx.xx.widget file on the supplied CD. The Widget file is in the _Widget folder. -
Page 31: Configuration
Configuration Chapter 3, “Configuration” contains information and procedures to configure the Communications Gateway. This chapter includes the following topics: • “Configuring the Gateway” • “Upgrading Device Firmware” • “Resetting the Gateway to Factory Defaults” • “Power System Monitoring on the Internet”... -
Page 32: Configuring The Gateway
Configuration Configuring the Gateway You can configure the Gateway using a web page embedded in the Gateway firmware. This web page allow you to configure parameters for: • basic networking • wireless networking • network time protocol • email messages for energy harvest and system performance. You can also use the configuration web page to upgrade firmware for network devices, including the Gateway. -
Page 33: Using The Solar Monitor Widget
Viewing the Configuration Web Page have to manually determine the Gateway’s IP address in order to view the configuration web page. See “Finding the Gateway IP Address Manually” on page 3–5. Using the Solar Monitor Widget After installing the Yahoo! Widgets and copying the Solar Monitor Widget from the CD, you should have a Yahoo! Widgets icon on the right side of your Windows taskbar. - Page 34 Configuration If the Widget does not discover the Gateway after five attempts and displays “Lost Communication,” automatic device discovery did not work. See “Finding the Gateway IP Address Manually” on page 3–5. Figure 3-2 Widget Main Status Screen To view the configuration web page using the Solar Monitor Widget: 1.
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Page 35: Finding The Gateway Ip Address Manually
Viewing the Configuration Web Page Finding the Gateway IP Address Manually To view the configuration web page on a protected domain: 1. Open your web browser and enter your router’s IP address into the Address bar. Check your router documentation if necessary. Usually this address is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, unless it was changed when the router was installed. - Page 36 Configuration 5. Write down or select and copy the Gateway IP address. 6. Start the Widget and right-click it to view the Widget preferences. 7. Under Comm in Widget Preferences, clear the Auto-detect Device check box. Figure 3-5 Widget Comm Preferences 8.
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Page 37: Finding The Gateway Ip Address With No Router In The System
Viewing the Configuration Web Page Your web browser opens. 12. If a password prompt appears, enter the default Gateway password “x” and click Sign in. The configuration web page opens. Figure 3-7 Gateway Configuration Web Page Finding the Gateway IP Address with No Router in the System If the Gateway is connected directly to your computer, or if your router cannot display the IP addresses of devices connected to it, you can use the application DeviceInstaller™... -
Page 38: Using The Configuration Web Page
• Mail Configuration—selecting and configuring email sent by the Gateway. See “Configuring Email” on page 3–16. • Upgrade Device—upgrade the firmware of any Xantrex network- enabled device in the system. “Upgrading Device Firmware” on page 3–17. Important: Set Network and Wireless Configuration first. If the Gateway... -
Page 39: Entering Your Basic Information
Using the Configuration Web Page Entering Your Basic Information Click Home and enter your name, phone number and email address. The Gateway includes this information in the “From:” line in any email the system automatically generates. In this way, customer care and installers will be better able to contact you if a service-related issue arises. -
Page 40: Configuring The Gateway For Your Network
Dynamically check box and configure only the new static Gateway IP address outside the range of addresses supplied by your router. Xantrex Gateway Address The Xantrex Gateway Address is the IP address that routers or computers use to connect to the Gateway. If necessary, enter a static IP address that network devices can use to connect to the Gateway. - Page 41 POWERSYSTEM. This name also appears in the list of auto-detected IP addresses on the Solar Monitor Widget. After clicking Save and Apply, the Xantrex Gateway reboots with new settings and does not reply for about a minute. This configuration page will attempt to reload with the IP address you set.
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Page 42: Configuring Wireless Mode
Configuration Configuring Wireless Mode When configuring wireless network parameters, you must enter as much identical information from your existing network as possible. Before configuring wireless mode, view and record the network wireless settings you are using with your router or computer. If the Gateway loses connection while configuring wireless mode, the Gateway may have to be reset. - Page 43 Using the Configuration Web Page Note that only channels 1, 6, and 11 are clear channels. All other channels overlap with 1, 6, 11, and each other. If you see channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in use in a neighborhood, then choose channel 11 to get a clear channel because channels 7 through 10 will overlap with channel 6, reducing your data transmission speed.
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Page 44: Configuring Network Time
Configuration Encryption Key. Configures the encryption key used in the wireless network. Set this value to be the same as your existing home network. Enter the key as hexadecimal numbers if the hex Key Type was selected above. Enter the key as a string of characters if the passphrase Key Type was selected above. - Page 45 Using the Configuration Web Page Local Date Sets the date when the Gateway is not connected to an NTP server. Important: The Gateway may send a Daily Harvest email when the Local Date is manually set. Local Time Sets the time when the Gateway is not connected to an NTP server.
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Page 46: Configuring Email
Configuration Configuring Email You can configure the Gateway to send Energy Harvest and System Alarm email to several different email addresses. Types of The Gateway can send four types of messages: messages • Alarm • Daily Harvest • Weekly Harvest •... -
Page 47: Upgrading Device Firmware
To upgrade the firmware for devices in the system, click Upgrade Device. You can then select the device you want to upgrade and browse for the latest firmware load. Firmware loads are available from from the Xantrex Web site at www.xantrex.com/gateway or your dealer. 975-0330-01-01 3–17... - Page 48 GW-01.01-ES.wie is the Spanish file). This file updates the Gateway firmware, the network firmware, and the configuration web page. Separate files for each language are available on the Gateway Quickstart CD and (for future updates) at www.xantrex.com/ gateway. Important: Close the Solar Monitor Widget before upgrading Gateway firmware or performing any action on the Upgrade Device page.
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Page 49: Resetting The Gateway To Factory Defaults
Resetting the Gateway to Factory Defaults Resetting the Gateway to Factory Defaults Resetting the Gateway to factory defaults resets all configuration settings and the password. For example, if the Gateway was configured for wireless operation, the reset procedure will return it to wired operation. After a reset, the Gateway does not clear any of its power harvest history. -
Page 50: Power System Monitoring On The Internet
PORT Forward web site (www.portforward.com) has collected information on how to configure most popular routers. Xantrex does not guarantee the security of your network if you follow the advice provided at the PORT Forward web site. Use at your own risk. - Page 51 Power System Monitoring on the Internet 5. On the Gateway configuration web page, click Save and Apply. Note: After restarting the Widget on your local network, you may need to manually set the Device IP Address in Widget Preferences to match the chosen address if the Widget cannot automatically detect the new address.
- Page 52 Configuration the router. You only need to configure forwarding for Port 80. Note: If you are familiar with this procedure and are already running an Internet-accessible web server on your home network, you may want to choose a port other than 80 in order to not conflict with the existing service. 11.
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Page 53: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting” contains reference information you can consult if you have problems using the Communications Gateway. This chapter also lists routers that have been tested with the Gateway. -
Page 54: Device Discovery
XW or two on the network. GT Inverters. Powering the Gateway from only one GT Inverter requires a separate power supply. Contact Xantrex for more information. Widget does not Widget shows Improper Wait at least a minute after the “Discovering... -
Page 55: Loss Of Communication
Loss of Communication Loss of Communication Consult this table if the Gateway consistently loses contact with your computer or computer network. Problem Symptom Cause Solution Gateway is not Widget shows Gateway did not Wait for the Gateway to fully initialize. responding or “Lost finish internal... -
Page 56: Email Messages
Troubleshooting Email Messages Consult this section if you have problems receiving email from the Gateway. Problem Cause Solution None or only some of the Email is not configured View the configuration web page and ensure expected email is correctly. that you have enabled the desired message received from the types and entered the correct email server. -
Page 57: Miscellaneous Issues
Miscellaneous Issues Miscellaneous Issues Problem Symptom Cause Solution After configuring Gateway clock The Gateway has Normal operation. If the Gateway Local Time, the changes been configured to has been configured to read time time resets itself to unexpectedly. read time from an from an NTP server, do not change GMT/UTC. -
Page 58: Router Compatibility
Troubleshooting Router Compatibility Xantrex has tested the following routers and found them fully compatible with the Gateway: • D-Link Wireless N, model DIR655, H/W 02, firmware version 1.02. • Linksys WRT300N v0.93.9 • Linksys WRT54G v 1.00.9 • Linksys WRT54GL, hardware version 1.1, firmware versions Linksys 4.30.9, Linksys 4.30.11, Tomato version 1.09... -
Page 59: A Specifications
Specifications Appendix A, “Specifications” contains electrical, mechanical and regulatory specifications for the Communications Gateway. -
Page 60: Electrical Specifications
Specifications Electrical Specifications Nominal input network voltage 15 Vdc, from Xanbus network Minimum operating network voltage 9 Vdc Maximum operating network voltage 16 Vdc Maximum operating current 300 mA @ nominal input network voltage Communication physical layer 2, CAN Communication protocol Xanbus Maximum Xanbus cable length 130 ft (40 m) -
Page 61: Mechanical Specifications
Mechanical Specifications Mechanical Specifications Dimensions (W × H × D) 6 --- - × 4 × 1 " (190 × 112 × 45 mm) -- - -- - Height including antenna: 9 " (249 mm) -- - Weight 0.46 lb (207 g) Ø3/16 (4) 9/16 (15) 3 3/16 (81) -
Page 62: Environmental Specifications
Specifications Environmental Specifications Operating temperature -4 to 122 °F (-20 to 50 °C) Storage temperature -40 to 185 °F (-40 to 85 °C) Operating humidity 5% to 95%, non-condensing Storage humidity 5% to 95% Regulatory Compliance North America FCC part 15B class B Industry Canada ICES-003 class B Europe Safety... -
Page 63: Warranty And Return Information
What will Xantrex do? Xantrex will, at its option, repair or replace the defective product free of charge, provided that you notify Xantrex of the product defect within the Warranty Period, and provided that Xantrex through inspection establishes the existence of such a defect and that it is covered by this Limited Warranty. - Page 64 Xantrex product specifications including high input voltage from generators and lightning strikes; c) the product if repairs have been done to it other than by Xantrex or its authorized service centers (hereafter "ASCs"); d) the product if it is used as a component part of a product expressly warranted by another manufac- turer;...
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Page 65: Return Procedure
MUST include return freight funds and are fully responsible for all documents, duties, tariffs, and deposits. If you are returning a product to a Xantrex Authorized Service Center (ASC) A Xantrex return material authorization (RMA) number is not required. However, you must contact the ASC prior to returning the product or presenting the unit to verify any return procedures that may apply to that particular facility and that the ASC repairs this particular Xantrex product. - Page 66 Warranty and Return Out of Warranty Service If the warranty period for your Communications Gateway 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 unit may be serviced or replaced for a flat fee.
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Page 67: Index
Index 4–3 A–3 communication loss mechanical specifications 2–5 configuration mounting the Gateway 3–16 email 3–20 monitoring on the Internet 3–14, 4–5 network time 2–6 network components 3–12 wireless mode 1–5, 2–8 network layout 3–14, 4–5 network time 3–2, 4–2 device discovery 3–9 password, changing 1–7, 3–20... - Page 68 Index warranty WA–4 out of warranty service WA–1 terms and conditions Widget 4–5 graphs 3–6 preferences 2–12 system requirements 3–12 wireless mode, configuring Xantrex web site 2–10 XW Hybrid Inverter/Charger network ports 2–12 Yahoo! Widgets IX–2 975-0330-01-01...
- Page 70 Xantrex Technology Inc. 1 800 670 0707 Tel toll free NA 1 408 987 6030 Tel direct 1 800 994 7828 Fax toll free NA 1 360 925 5143 Fax direct customerservice@xantrex.com www.xantrex.com 975-0330-01-01...
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