Support

FAQs

General

What is the maximum distance for communication between 2 DIN PowerGates?
It depends on the quality of the power line but, 1.8 km on the Power Line and 15 km on dedicated wires are possible.
Does the 3-phase master needs to be physically connected to the 3 phases?
Yes. The master needs to be physically connected to the three phases. A conventional twisted pair can be used to communicate between the master and a computer.
Can we use a DIN PowerGate as a repeater?
Yes. If communication is difficult on a specific path, we can simply ad a PowerGate. It will become part of the network and thus relay the information (Master-Slave or Pass-Through configuration).
Are the DIN PowerGate protected against surge?
Yes. A varistor on the power input and a tranzorb on the Rhino communication side. We are compliant with IEC 61000-4-5.
Can the radio frequency of the Rhino signal affect instruments?
Possible but not likely for very sensitive equipment (spectrum analyzer) on the same power line and near a transmitter. No for computers or other similar equipments. We are compliant with EN50065-1:2001 which ensure that our product doesn’t interact with other products on the power line.
Are the various control outputs configurations controlled via DIP switches?
Yes, two of the 4 I/Os contains a DIP-Switch based controllable pull-down resistor to choose between a dry-contact or direct input.
Can we connect a category I Din PowerGate to a category IV electricity meter?
Yes, category IV means that they guarantee a double insulation between the MAINS supply and the measurement device (in this case the DIN PowerGate) per standard EN61010-1 para. 6.7.4. So, we can connect a device category I to a device category IV.
Why is there a GND on the labels for the 0 V of the I/Os? Is it dangerous to connect the AC round to that terminal?
Yes, it is dangerous to permanently damage your DIN PowerGate as soon as another device is connected to any connector of the DIN PowerGate.
From the input point of view, what does GND mean?
GND on the label of the DPWG means the 0V of the low voltage control board of our device. This 0V is insulated from the MAINS.
How do you handle sites with multiple transformers (i.e. one per floor)?
A phase coupler can be added to connect secondary phases from different transformers but this is valid only if the secondary phases are in phase together (same zero-crossing). If there is a phase (usually 120°), then a repeater (or a master) must be used. The repeater (master) is connected between the 2 secondary phases.
If we put some inductors or active inductors to prevent harmonics, what impact could this have on communications?
Inductors can weaken the RHINO signal. But if they are not added on one of the RHINO signal’s path, they can facilitate the RHINO communication.
What happens to the DIN PowerGate if voltage goes over 265 VAC (spike), any permanent damage to the unit or does it stop communicating?
The DIN PowerGate is protected against spikes as defined in the European standard EN61000-4-5: Surge Withstand Immunity 1KV differential and 2kV Common mode. If voltage over 265Vac is regularly applied to the unit, then the unit can suffer permanent damage.
When a Data Logger is configured to log data every half hour or every hour, is it done right on the half hour and at the hour?
Yes (00-30-00-30) always, based on RTC time

Master-Slave configuration

Can we use master-slave configuration if the slaves receive their inputs via the RS-232?
Yes. Slaves can receive their input via the RS-232. But the PowerBus API must be used to communicate on the RS-232 between the device and the slave. The maximum length of the message is 16 bytes.
If yes, is it a two-way communication?
Yes. A device can write data into a slave and retrieve data from it. But a master cannot send command directly to a device via the RS-232. The master must write an instruction in the buffer memory of the slave and this instruction is then read by the device.

Pass-through configuration (modem)

In Pass-through mode, is it possible to have more than a point to point?
Yes, up to 255.
If yes, how would communication be done to avoid collision on a network like that?
The master would initiate communication with each PowerGate. The PowerGate would only be able to transmit if asked by the master.