CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION

3.4Communications Setup

3.4.1 Description

The EPM 6000 Power Metering System provides two independent communication ports. The first port, COM1, is an optical IrDA port. The second port, COM2, provides RS485 communication via the Modbus protocol.

3.4.2IrDA COM1 Port

The COM1 IrDA port is located on the meter faceplate. The IrDA port allows the unit to be set up and programmed using a remote laptop without the need for a communication cable. Just point at the meter with an IrDA-equipped computer to configure it.

Use the GE Communicator software package that works with the EPM 6000 IrDA port to configure the port and poll readings. Refer to the GE Communicator User Manual for details on programming and accessing readings.

Wireless Communication

Direct PC Interface

Modbus

Serial RS485

Master Host

FIGURE 3–15: Simultaneous Dual Communications Paths

Settings for the COM1 IrDA port are configured using GE Communicator software. This port communicates via the Modbus ASCII protocol only.

3.4.3RS485 COM2 Port

The EPM 6000 COM2 port uses standard 2-wire, half-duplex RS485 communications. The RS485 connector is located on the back face of the meter. A connection can easily be established to a master device or to other slave devices, as indicated below.

EPM 6000 MULTI-FUNCTION POWER METERING SYSTEM – USER GUIDE

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GE EPM 6000 Multi-function Power Metering System instruction manual Communications Setup, IrDA COM1 Port, 3 RS485 COM2 Port