Control Network Newsletter
Handle MS/TP Networks When Using the New Honeywell CIPer 30
The newly announced CIPer™ Model 30 Controller from Honeywell offers many features, but BACnet MS/TP device control is presently unavailable. At the recent Momentum conference, during the session on new controllers, the Honeywell presenter suggested that the Contemporary Controls BASrouter should be used by customers seeking this functionality with the CIPer 30.
The BASrouter (BASRT-B) is a BTL Listed compact BACnet multi-network router, which provides versatile stand-alone routing between BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet, and BACnet MS/TP networks. Installing and operating the DIN-rail mounted BASrouter is simple and straightforward. Once the BASrouter is properly installed and configured, all the MS/TP devices can be accessible from BACnet/IP.
The BASrouter is powered from a 24 VAC/VDC source that can be shared with other devices in some situations. It requires about 4VA of power. There is one MS/TP port and one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port. The MS/TP port offers an optically isolated transceiver that is compatible with both two-wire non-isolated MS/TP networks or three-wire isolated networks. Internal MS/TP bias and termination is provided but can be disabled via internal jumpers if needed. The BASrouter consumes one EIA-485 load and can drive 31 full-load devices (or even more partial-load devices) although a network limit of about 45 devices is recommended to improve responsiveness. The BASrouter is designed for near end installation. Mid-span installation is possible but should be avoided.
The Ethernet port offers a shielded RJ-45 connector. Auto-negotiation and Auto-MDIX allows this port to automatically match connections to the attached equipment. Therefore, either straight-through or crossover CAT5/6 cable can be used for connection to the network. A resident web server allows for commissioning and troubleshooting using a standard web browser. We are now exclusively shipping the BASrouter Version 3.0, which provides enhanced diagnostic capabilities with visual analytics. Diagnostics include a graphical MS/TP status table, routing status table, network errors count, and traffic statistics. These new features allow an integrator to install a robust BACnet network with ease.
Visit the BASrouter product page to learn more.