Data Delivery Devices VHF, UHF & ISM Wireless RTU RFScada 8ADI-9DO 4ADI-5DO User Manual

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 31 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
System Configuration. 
 
When the RFScada units are shipped they will already be configured for the final application, 
and no further programming, configuration or adjustments are required. Each unit stores its own 
settings inside non volatile memory where they will remain until the unit is reconfigured. Connection to 
power is not required to maintain these settings, there are no batteries or similar volatile devices 
required for storage. 
 
It may, however be necessary to change settings in the field if additional units are added to the 
system or changes in the configured settings are desired. It may also be desirable to monitor and 
possibly control conditions at various units using a computer. The RFScada units have this capability 
built in, and by using a standard PC with suitable software virtually every input, output and 
configuration setting may be monitored or changed by the user, even remotely over a phone line. It is 
also possible to permanently store new configuration settings in each unit. 
PC software is available from Data Delivery Devices LLC that allows units to be reconfigured. 
The software also has basic monitoring and control capability, to allow the user to monitor or make 
simple control adjustments in the field. Some basic configurations follow, then details for using the 
configuration software.   
 
There are literally millions of ways that the RFScada units may be configured, routing signals 
from any input on any unit to any output on any unit in a system. The following diagrams contain 
examples to explain some of the possible configurations.  
 
Basic system with two units. 
 
Here the eight digital switch inputs from unit 0 are mimicked by the eight output relays on unit 
1. The eight digital switch inputs from unit 1 are mimicked by the eight output relays on unit 0. The 
eight analog inputs from unit 0 are transmitted to unit 1. Standard units do not have any analog 
outputs, but 2, 4 or 8 channel output options are available. If any of these options are installed in unit 
1 then each analog output on unit 1 will mimic the corresponding analog inputs on unit 0. Similarly, 
unit 1’s analog inputs are transmitted to unit 0, which will output them if the analog output options are 
installed. The network status output relay on each unit will indicate verified communications between 
units. By changing the system configuration any input may drive any output, so for example switch 
input 3 on unit 0 may be configured to control relays 4 & 8 on unit 0, plus relays 1, 3 & 4 on unit 1. 
Similarly analog input 6 on unit 1 may be configured to drive analog output 1 & 2 on unit 0 plus analog 
outputs 5, 6, 7 & 8 on unit 1. Although not required, a PC may simultaneously be connected (either 
locally or via a modem) to monitor every analog and digital input on the network; the PC may also be 
used to override or force any analog or digital input, allowing complete monitoring and control 
capability for the whole wireless system.   
RFScada 
Unit 0 8 Analog  
4-20mA Inputs 
8 Dry Contact 
Switch Inputs 0, 2, 4 or 8 Analog  
4-20mA Outputs 
(optional) 
8 Relay Outputs RFScada 
Unit 1 8 Analog  
4-20mA Inputs 
8 Dry Contact 
Switch Inputs 0, 2, 4 or 8 Analog  
4-20mA Outputs 
(optional) 
Network Status 
 Relay Output 
8 Relay Outputs  Network Status 
 Relay Output 
PC  
 (Optional)  
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 32 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
Simple system with three units 
In this example a remote tank is filled from two pumps in separate locations. The tank has a 
full and empty pressure switch, plus a 4-20mA liquid level transducer. One pump, marked A, is 
controlled by a relay on unit 0. The second pump, marked B, is driven via a variable speed drive, 
which in turn is stopped and started plus the speed is controlled via the RFScada units. Here is how 
the signals are routed. The full and empty switches on unit 1 are sent to the full and empty status 
lamps on units 0 and 2. The tank level measured at the analog input of unit 1 is sent to the analog 
output 1 on unit 0 for local level display at unit 0, and also to analog output 2 on unit 2, for tank level 
indication at the VSD pump station. A switch input on unit 0 controls the relay output for pump A on 
unit 0, plus the warning light A at the tank. Switch input 2 on unit 0 drives the VSD start contact, driven 
via an output relay on unit 2 plus a warning light B at the tank. The VSD speed command is sent to an 
analog output on unit 2 from an analog input on unit 0. The pump B motor current is sent from an 
analog input on unit 2 to be displayed on an analog meter, output at unit 0. 
 
 The table summarizes the signal routing. 
 
RFScada 
Unit 1 Network Status 
 Relay Output 
Network Status 
 Relay Output 
PC  
 (Optional) 
Tank
Full switch 
Empty switch 
4-20mA level 
Pump A 
Pump A Switch Analog 
Tank Level 
Display 
Pump B Run 
switch 
RFScada 
Unit 2 
Network Status 
 Relay Output 
VSD / 
Pump B 
Pump B Run 
speed (4-20mA) 
 Speed command (4-20mA) Run command 
Relay Output 1 
Analog Output 1 
Full 
Empty  Relay 
 Outputs 
RFScada 
Unit 0 
Pump B 
running
Pump A 
Running
About to 
start 
About to start 
switch 
1 
2 
3 
1 1 
2 
3 
1 1 
2 
1 1 
1 11 2
2 
Full 
Empty 
Analog VSD 
Current 
Display 
1 
2 
 VSD / Motor Current (4-20mA) Output  Analog Input 1 
Relay Output 3 
Relay Output 4 
Analog 
Tank Level 
Display 
Analog Output 2  
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 33 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
Signal Output  Signal Source 
Unit 0 Relay 1  Unit 0 Digital Input 1 
Unit 0 Relay 2  Unit 1 Digital Input 1 
Unit 0 Relay 3  Unit 1 Digital Input 2 
Unit 1 Relay 1  Unit 0 Digital Input 1 
Unit 1 Relay 2  Unit 0 Digital Input 2 
Unit 2 Relay 1  Unit 0 Digital Input 2 
Unit 2 Relay 2  Unit 0 Digital Input 3 
Unit 2 Relay 3  Unit 1 Digital Input 1 
Unit 2 Relay 4  Unit 1 Digital Input 2 
Unit 0 Analog 1  Unit 1 Analog Input 1 
Unit 0 Analog 2  Unit 2 Analog Input 1 
Unit 2 Analog 1  Unit 0 Analog Input 1 
Unit 2 Analog 2  Unit 1 Analog Input 1 
 
Even with simple systems such as this and just a few signals it can quickly become 
complicated. With the capability for 16 inputs and 16 outputs on every unit, and 32 units in a system it 
can become very complex. Fortunately the RFScada units may easily be configured using software 
supplied by Data Delivery Devices LLC. Configuring the units is straightforward, quick and often 
requires just configuring a single unit. It may even be performed via a phone line if suitable modems 
are available.  
First of all a basic understanding of how the complete system operates will make it easier to 
understand the configuration process. One unit in a system is designated the ‘master’ unit, and is 
identified by its ID of zero. There must be one, and only one master in a system. This master unit 
contains all of the configuration settings for the complete system, in an essentially similar (but much 
larger) form to the table above. It polls each configured ‘slave’ unit in turn, collects analog and digital 
data from all units in a system, and at the same time it sends the correct data to each unit that 
requires it, routing data depending upon the masters system configuration table.  
Each slave device in a system must also have a unique id, which can be 1 to 31. The master 
will only communicate with slaves it is configured for, so time is not spent polling unused units. All 
units, the master and all slaves, are physically identical (apart from optional plug in boards) and only 
differ in how they are configured, meaning any unit damaged in the field may be replaced with another 
after a simple configuration change. The only reason to configure slave units is to assign id’s (or to 
change a few specialized settings such as timeouts or Modbus settings); since all signal routing is 
performed by the master unit. The configuration software allows the factory and user to route these 
signals as desired. The configuration may then be permanently stored in the RFScada master units 
memory. 
 
Using the Configuration Program. 
We will use the above example of a tank and two pumps to step through complete  
configuration of three RFScada units, routing all the required analog and digital inputs and outputs. To 
use the configuration program first a suitable cable is required, to connect between the PC and the 
RFScada device. Usually a standard PC RS-232 connection is used. (details about the RS-485 
interface are described further on in the Modbus section). It is assumed that the RS-232 interface will 
be used here, although the configuration program may use either interface.  
Standard PC’s have an RS-232 serial port (typically a 9 pin male connector, occasionally a 
male 25 pin on the rear of the PC) which connects via a suitable cable to J15 on the RFScada board. 
A suitable cable is available from Data Delivery Devices LLC for connection to a PC’s RS-232 port, or 
use the following table for connections if constructing you own cable. 
 
PC RS-232 to RFScada Interface Connections 
Signal  9 Pin PC Serial Port  25 Pin PC Serial Port  RFScada 
Received Data to PC  Pin 2  Pin 3  J15 Pin 1  
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 34 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
Transmit Data from PC  Pin 3  Pin 2  J15 Pin 2 
Ground  Pin 5  Pin 7  J15 Pin 3 
Shield Ground  Shield  Shield  J15 Pin 4 
 
Ensure that the a two pin shorting jumper, shorting two pins on J9, is removed for RS-232 
operation on the 8ADI-9DO. On the 4ADI-5DO install the jumper block between pins 2 and 3 on the 
jumper pins located between connector J15 and J16. Connect the PC and RFScada unit to each other 
using an appropriate cable, and apply power to the RFScada and PC; the order in which they are 
powered up does not matter.  
 
Instructions for installing the configuration software are supplied with it, so they are not 
repeated here. Note that in the following diagrams the actual screen shots and colors may vary 
somewhat, depending on factors such as the computer type, screen resolution, number of colors and 
the version of Windows being run.  
 
When first started the program will prompt the user for the appropriate serial port to use. The 
program will locate, test and enable selection of suitable and available serial ports on the PC. The 
program automatically searches for 16 serial ports even though few PC’s have more than two; this is 
primarily for PC’s with shared ‘modem pool’ modem or communication ports. In the following example 
three ports are available. If the connection to the RFScada unit is via a phone line and modems then 
check the appropriate box and enter the phone number to dial. Note that even if the PC modem is an 
‘internal’ unit it will usually have a ‘comm’ port associated with it, in this case the appropriate port must 
also be checked. Once the serial port details have been selected click ‘OK’ and the main configuration 
program will start.   
  
 
 
As soon as the main screen appears the program will start trying to communicate with an 
RFScada unit. If it is unable to locate a unit within a few seconds an error message is displayed. The 
user may then try to correct the problem, or manually load configuration settings from a configuration 
file (see further on for details on loading configuration files). Depending on the connected units 
configuration one of two screens will be displayed. If the unit is already configured as a ‘slave’ a 
screen similar to the following will appear.  
Serial Configuration Screen for RFScada  
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 35 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
 
If the screen does not look like this but rather looks like the ‘master’ configuration screen (see 
example further on) simply click on the units ‘configuration type’ drop down selector and change the 
value to 1; the screen will then switch to a ‘slave’ configuration screen as above.  
On a slave configuration screen several items are displayed, some may be changed by the 
user and others are fixed. First of all the button on the top left hand side allows the user to read the 
settings of any RFScada unit connected. Note that the configuration settings are read into the PC 
from the RFScada device on startup and read again each time this button is clicked. The settings 
inside the PC and displayed by this program may be changed by the user, but they will not be 
changed in the attached RFScada unit until the user clicks on one of the two ‘write to 
This unit’s configuration type 
(master or slave) and drop 
down ID selectorThis unit’s drop 
down timeout 
selector
This units 
S/W version Modbus specific settings 
for this unit 
(often not 
Restores 
settings 
to 
defaults 
Example Configuration Screen for a unit 
confi
gured as a Slave (ID 1 to 31)
Writes present settings 
to RFScada RAM 
configuration memory Writes present settings to 
RFScada EEPROM non-
volatile configuration memory  Click button to 
read configuration 
of connected unit  
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 36 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
RFScada’ buttons on the lower right hand side. At the top center on the screen is the units 
configuration ID. This is the units present ID, which for a slave unit is always between 1 and 31. Each 
slave in a system must have its own unique ID; they do not need to be sequential. By clicking on the 
drop down ID box the user may change this units ID, note that changing it to zero will effectively 
change this whole screen to a ‘Master configuration’ screen, see later for details on it. Below the ID 
field is this units timeout. It is the maximum time that this unit will maintain its present state after loss 
of verified communications to the master unit, it may be changed by the user. Note that it is not the 
‘network status’ timeout referred to in other parts of this manual, but a timeout for loss of 
communications between this unit and the master. Below the timeout is the version of software 
installed in the RFScada unit. The three Modbus related settings are in the top right hand corner, they 
are not normally used for most applications. The Modbus section discusses these settings in detail 
and  explains their use; unless a Modbus connection is made to this physical unit these settings will 
have no affect on operation.   
The ‘Default Values’ button changes settings to default factory values, it is mainly used in the 
Master configuration mode but also resets timers and Modbus settings in the Slave configuration 
mode here. The ‘Write to RFScada’ button will copy all settings from the PC program to the attached 
RFScada units RAM memory, immediately overwriting any existing settings. This is a useful way to 
test configuration changes quickly and easily, and these settings will remain in the RFScada unit until 
power is lost or they are overwritten again. When lost power is restored the RFScada configuration 
settings are copied from non-volatile EEPROM to RAM, so any changes that are not stored in non 
volatile memory are lost. To permanently store settings so they will be restored after power 
failures the button in the lower right hand corner, ‘Write to RFScada’s EEPROM’ must be used. 
It takes a few seconds to complete a write to the RFScada configuration registers, so status is 
displayed to the user during these writes. Also, to ensure that these write buttons were not 
accidentally clicked a warning will appear and the user must confirm the action before the writes 
commence.                  
If this units configuration ID is not already set to one change it to 1 using the drop down ID 
selector. The timeout, shown set to 10 seconds, will be suitable as this units relays just operate the 
two status lamps for pump A and pump B next to the tank. It means the lamps will remain on (or off) 
for 10 seconds after communications have failed between this and the master unit. Now the settings 
need to be written to the RFScada’s EEPROM. Click the button ‘Write to RFScada’s EEPROM’ in the 
lower right hand corner of the screen, a warning and confirmation screen will be shown. This 
completes the configuration for unit 1, which now has its configuration stored in non-volatile memory. 
Although not necessary, power may be cycled to the RFScada unit, then the settings may be re-read 
to verify that they are correct. We can now disconnect this unit; it may be useful to mark its ID with a 
label for future reference since all units, including masters and slaves, may look physically identical 
but will act and respond differently.  
The second unit, unit 2 in the above example, may now be connected and it too can be 
configured as a slave in a similar manner. Read its existing settings by clicking the ‘Read RFScada 
Configuration’ button. Set its ID to 2 as in the following diagram. This time we would like existing 
outputs to remain for 34 seconds in the case of communication failure, so the VSD will keep running 
in the event that power is briefly lost then restored at the master unit 0. After 34 seconds of lost 
communications all outputs at unit 2 will return to default (i.e. off) values. Again the Modbus settings 
at this unit do not matter. Save the settings into unit 2 by clicking on the button ‘Write to RFScada’s 
EEPROM’ in the lower right hand corner of the screen and mark unit 2 for identification later.  
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 37 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
 
Now it is time to connect and configure the master unit, which will route signals to both of the 
slaves. Once connected click on the ‘Read RFScada Configuration’ button to read the settings from 
the unit. If a ‘Slave configuration’ type screen appears change the units ID to ‘Master’ (0), and a 
screen similar to the following will appear. Many of the master configuration settings and adjustments 
are similar in form and function to the slave configuration. The main difference, however, is the 
addition of a slider to select the slave, an enable button and two ‘tables’ that allow with source signal 
selection. The slider changes the unit number that is presently displayed and may be edited, in this 
diagram it actually refers to the master unit, or itself. By adjusting the slider each of up to 32 units may 
be selected for display. The checkbox enables or disables the selected unit, in this case the checkbox 
is checked but it may not be modified by the user, since the master unit is always enabled in a 
system.  
 
 
This units drop down 
timeout selector set to 
34 seconds  This units configuration type 
set to slave with an ID of 2 
Modbus specific settings 
for this unit  
(often not 
Example Configuration Screen for a unit 
confi
gured as a Slave with ID 2 
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 38 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
 
 
The lower left section shows a column of relay numbers, 1 to 8, which cannot be changed by 
the user. These refer to the eight output relays on the presently selected unit, in this case 0, the 
master. Next is a column showing units, these refer to the unit that supplies the signal for each relay. 
The user may select 0 to 31 as the unit source for each relay, here it shows each relay using unit 1 as 
the signal source. To the right of the unit column are eight rows of selector ‘boxes’. The boxes 
indicate the digital input channel from the selected unit that supplies the signal for each relay. By 
Click button to 
read configuration 
of connected unit  Slider selects unit 
whose configuration 
is displayed This units configuration 
type (master or slave) 
and ID 
This units 
timeout
This units 
S/W versionText displays which units 
confi
guration is displayed 
Unit that supplies 
rela
y signal for relay 5 
Input channel  that supplies 
rela
y signal for relay 5 Unit that supplies analog 
si
gnal for analog output 7
Input channel that supplies 
analog output signal for 
analog output 7 Writes present settings 
to RFScada RAM 
configuration memory 
Writes present settings to 
RFScada EEPROM non-
volatile configuration memory 
Restores 
settings 
to 
defaults 
Example Configuration Screen for a unit 
confi
gured as the System Master(ID of 0)
Box 
checked 
indicates 
this unit is 
enabled 
Selects 
special 
control 
modes 
Modbus 
specific 
settings for 
this unit  
(often not 
used)  Unchecked  
indicates unit 
outputs will 
be sourced 
from 
physical  
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 39 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
clicking on these boxes the user may change the digital input to be used as the signal source. Only 
one box may be selected per relay although all relays may share similar digital input ‘sources’. The 
analog outputs are configured in a similar manner to the relays, with each output being matched to a 
source unit and channel. 
 
Adjust the settings so they match the following picture, which is for routing the master, (unit 0) 
outputs. The unused outputs may be signal sourced from an unused unit and or input as shown, so 
power will not be wasted by energizing unused relays.             
 
Once the screen has been set to route the outputs of interest the next units routing may be 
configured. There is no need to store modified settings in the RFScada unit yet, as changes made will 
be retained in the configuration program unless new ones are loaded from an RFScada device. Click 
on the slider and move it to the right, so the routing for unit 1 is displayed. If the signal routing boxes 
Configuration Screen showing the master 
(Unit 0) Relay and Analog Outputs  
Relay 2 on the Master 
Unit will  be driven by 
digital input 1 on unit 1 Relay 1 on the Master 
Unit will  be driven by 
digital input 1 on unit 0 
Relay 3 on the Master 
Unit will  be driven by 
digital input 2 on unit 1 
This indicates outputs 
being configured are 
the master units. 
Relays 4 to 8 on the Master Unit 
will all be driven by digital input 8 
on unused unit 31, i.e. disabled Analog output 1 on the Master 
Unit will  be driven by analog 
input 1 on unit 1 
Analog output 2 on the 
Master Unit will  be driven by 
analog input 1 on unit 2  
						

							RFScada 8ADI-9DO/4ADI-5DO Manual Ver 3.6 Copyright ©2005 Data Delivery Devices LLC Page - 40 – Bartlesville OK Tel 918-335-3318      FAX 918-398-9990 
are ‘grayed’, i.e. not enabled, then check the ‘Unit Enabled’ check box to both enable the unit and 
routing adjustments.    
 
 
Note that the text above the slider indicates these signal routings are for Unit 1. The settings 
and adjustments may again be changed so they match desired routing, and any unused outputs may 
be signal sourced from an unused unit. Since this unit does not have an analog output option the 
analog routing will have no effect. Once all settings are correct adjust the slider to display unit 2’s 
routing. Unit 2’s settings are shown on the following diagram. Again, note that unused relay or analog 
outputs maybe routed anywhere. Make sure the ‘Unit Enabled’ box is checked, to ensure that the 
master will include unit 2 in network communications.  
Configuration Screen showing Unit 1 Relay 
and Analog Output Signal Sourcing  
Relay 2 on Unit 1 will  
be driven by digital input 
2 on unit 0  Relay 1 on Unit 1 will  
be driven by digital input 
1 on unit 0 
This indicates outputs 
being configured are 
for Slave Unit 1. 
Relays 3 to 8 on the Unit 1 will all be driven 
by digital input 5 on unit 0, i.e. unused Analog output configuration does 
not matter, since unit 1 does not 
have any analog outputs  
Checked indicates master 
will communicate with unit 
Unchecked  
indicates unit 
1 outputs will 
be sourced 
from discrete 
inputs