15/10/2008

PS1 and PSA Inverters TN0021: Connecting to modem or direct connect

This document describes the methods for configuring modems and cables for use with Remote Link software for PS1 and PSA inverters.

Note that while PS1 are commonly displayed or referred to in this document, PSA inverters are handled similarly.

To communicate with a modem, the inverter must be configured correctly using either;

1. Dial-up modem, over a phone line 2. Direct cable connection

Remote Link is available at http://www.selectronic.com.au/remotelink.

To configure an inverter for dial up modem connection:

The PS1 or PSA inverter must be connected to a modem. Selectronic currently supplies and supports only the Netcomm AM5698.

The modem must first be programmed with specific settings or it will fail to communicate. Programming can be done using the “Program a modem for PS1 use” utility, which comes with the Remote Link software.

 Attach the modem to be programmed to a COM port on your Windows Computer.

 Start the utility and select the correct COM port.

 The default settings are usually suitable for most modems. Click the Write button to program the modem.

 The utility will write all the settings required and save them in permanent storage.

 Once the function is complete, close the utility and disconnect the modem.

 Attach the modem directly to the inverter, using the special RJ45 lead.

 Turn on the PS1 inverter.

 Turn on the modem. Verify that the Terminal Ready light is illuminated immediately, and does not go out 2 seconds after power up.

Correct connections at the computer’s modem

If you are using a which does not have a , you will need a USB to serial adaptor, as displayed below.

You should plug your modem directly into this device using the straight- through cable, which comes with your modem.

An internal modem in a laptop will usually also work fine. However, different brands of modem may require model specific settings.

To configure an inverter for direct cable connection

The inverter and the PC are both expecting to see a modem. So if you are using a direct cable connection you require a cable, sometimes called a crossover cable.

The required items displayed here, in order from the computer, are;

 USB to serial adaptor  Null Modem cable  PS1 serial lead

Note that when connecting to a PSA inverter, the special PS1 serial to RJ45 lead is not required.