CHAPTER 5 COMMUNICATIONS

5.1 Communications and Communication Wiring

The Mini-Pak™ 3000 Injector uses the EIA-485 standard for
communications. A converter is required to enable communications with
peripheral devices such as modems or personal computers which use
the EIA-232 interface standard. Honeyw Enraf can provide an EIA-485 to
EIA-232 converter if your application requires one.
Communications via modem requires a modem to be installed at each end
of the communications link, and an appropriate converter (if required). The
modem must be programmed to Auto Answer, and the cabling must be
designed to provide auto-answer capabilities on the terminal end.
Although often overlooked, proper system wiring is critical to the reliable
operation of serial communications interfaces. Improper wiring can cause
high data error rates and reduce data throughput.
Although exact wiring requirements vary depending on the type of interface
used, each of the following is important to the overall success of a
communications system:
Cable lengths and types
Shielding
Twisted Pair Wiring
EIA 485 interfaces are typically used in multi-drop configurations. The
system wiring can become very complex. When installing a 2-wire cable
for use with the Mini-Pak™ 3000, receive and transmit share the same
conductor pair. The wires must be a twisted pair.
Wiring for EIA 485 must be designed as a daisy chain. Cable stubs are
permitted so long as they are 15 feet or less in length. Conductor pairs
must be terminated with a 100 ohm resistor at the most distant end to
ensure proper line impedance for maximum signal reception. Using the
recommended cable (Belden Cable 9841 for 2-wire) an EIA 485 interface
may support multiple devices (stations) over a maximum wire length of
3600 feet.

5.1.1 Communication Settings

Communication with the Mini-Pak™ 3000 Injector may be achieved by two
methods. The Hand-Held Controller (HHC) and its keypad access the
Mini-Pak™ 3000 via an infrared port, through the explosion-proof
enclosure window, in much the same manner as a television remote
control. Use of the HHC offers the convenience and safety of on-site
communications with the unit in a hazardous environment, without
having to remove the cover and exposing potentially explosive electrical
connections.

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Installation & Operation Manual
 Communications

The other method of communications takes place through a hard-wired,

serial communications port which supports EIA 485 standards, and is
connected to the master via a data communications line.
Protocol selection is determined by setting Parameter # 190, with the
options being:
Disable serial port (0)
Type I – FMC Smith (1)
Type II – Brooks (2)
Type III – Not currently used (3)
Type IV - Modbus RTU ASCII protocol (4)
Refer to the Communications Specification for complete details regarding
your specific protocol.
The settings for all of the communication protocols are as follows:
Baud rate 1200/2400/9600/19,200
Data Bits 8
Stop Bit 1
Parity None

5.2 Accessing Mini-Pak™ 3000 Parameters Via Communications

How to read the tables:
Code = Parameter code or Task code
Register Description = the meaning or purpose of the register/task
code
Range = the minimum and maximum values that the
register can hold
Format = the exact format of the value as it is transmitted
or received
N - ASCII character between 0 and 9
(30 hex - 39 hex)
A - an ASCII alphanumeric character
(32 hex - 7A hex)
; - Semi-colon (3B hex) is reserved and
not allowed
B - ASCII character representation of a
binary value (0 or 1)
H - ASCII hex character representation of
a binary value
HH:MM:SS - Standard time format hours:
minutes:seconds
MM/DD/YY - Standard date format
months/days/years

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Installation & Operation Manual