BACnet/IP to EasyBAC Module - 5 Modules (B6091)

B6091

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Collections: BACnet, Modules

Category: B6091, BACnet, EasyBAC, Module

Type: BACnet

Description
Specifications
Applications
Documentation

Note: You will need to have the EasyBAC SDK to use this.

This module is an elongated Ethernet connector which contains a powerful microprocessor with all memory and software required to support connection to a state-of-the-art Building Automation System network. Design your circuit board so this module can fit in and connect to the serial port of your host microprocessor (TTL level RS232).

The EasyBAC software system works like this:
1. Define the analog, binary or multi-state objects needed for your product using the Cimetrics Object Database Creator program (Windows). Download this setup to the Xport module over Ethernet.
2. Upon powerup, your microprocessor must write to the module with the value of all objects and from then on just report status changes by writing simple commands such as "Object 15, Value 35"or "Object 10 Status on". Data from the EasyBAC module to your micro-processor is also in this format.
3. There are a few other commands which need to be implemented, but all coding is extremely simple.
Network interface:
- Ethernet 10BaseT or 100BaseTX (Auto-Sensing), RJ45 connector
- BACnet/IP conforming to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135 (ISO 16484): executes Read-Property, Write-Property and Who-Is requests; initiates I-Am requests.
- DHCP is supported for easy network addressing.
- A built-in Web Server enables setup of Device and IP communication parameters using a web browser
Host microprocessor interface:
- Asynchronous serial (UART) communication
- CMOS (5V tolerant)
- Cimetrics EasyBAC serial protocol
General:

Power: 3.3VDC at 100-270 mA (idle to communication)
Weight: 9.6 grams (0.34 oz)
Material: Metal shell, thermoplastic case
Operating temperature range: Commercial, 0°C to +70°C (32°F to 158°F)
Storage temperature range: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Relative humidity (operating): 5% to 95% non-condensing
Non-operational shock: 500 g's
Non-operational vibration: 20 g's
Dimensions: 33.9 x 16.25 x 13.5mm (1.33 x 0.64 x 0.53 in) without pins and tabs
RoHS-compliant product

The EasyBAC module hardware is produced for Cimetrics by Lantronix.
Build Simple BACnet/IP Devices with Minimal Effort and Time

The EasyBAC module is an elongated Ethernet connector with a powerful built-in microprocessor and has all of the memory and software required to support connection to a BACnet/IP network.

Users can quickly create a BACnet/IP device as long as their circuit board is designed to accommodate this EasyBAC module. The module connects to the serial port (UART) of the host microprocessor.

Once the circuit board is designed to accommodate the EasyBAC module, minimal programming is required to make the device communicate using BACnet/IP. This makes creating BACnet/IP compliant devices a snap !
B6091 Datasheet (693.3 kB)
EasyBAC API (1.66 MB)
BACstac Update 2012 (312.51 kB)

Product Q&A

Ask a Question

Q: Can I create any kind of BACnet product using this?

No. The EasyBAC concept was to keep the serial side of the communications very simple to program. Once you get past concepts such as analog, digital, and multistate values then things start to get complicated. Therefore, the EasyBAC API only supports these types of objects.

That said, there are MANY applications such as wireless access points, motors, pumps, sensors, and more that only need this amount of functionality.

Q: How many objects can EasyBAC support?

A: We are still verifying the specific total (during beta testing), but our goal is to offer at least 100 objects. The memory requirements for each type of object is different so some combinations can actually allow more objects.

Q: Can one EasyBAC module represent more than one BACnet device?

At this moment (on going beta testing), we only support one device. We see applications where more devices are desireable so we expect to offer this in future releases.

Please tell us if this is important to you so we consider your needs when we make our development priorities.

Q: How do I get started with the EasyBAC?

To get started with the EasyBAC, please follow the below given steps in order:

Install the OPC Server program from the CD you have received

Execute the .NET environment installation program "dotnetfx.exe" which is on the CD

Execute the Setup.exe on your cd

Install the file named "Sentinel Protection Installer 7.3.0.exe" that is in the folder called "Hardware Key Driver" on the CD.

Attach the USB key that you have received to your PC

Now go to Start | All Programs | Cimetrics |EasyBAC | Virtual Object Creator

Using the Virtual Object Creator, create your .asn file and save it.

Once the file is saved, attach the EasyBAC interface to your network (preferably a private network where only your PC and the EasyBAC are the only two devices. Also keep in mind that your PC has to be in a 192.168.0.xx subnet with a mask of 255.255.255.0) and go to File | Transfer

The username and password for the transfer are both "manu" without the quotes.

This will transfer your file to the EasyBAC interface.

Q: What is the Virtual Object Creator (VOC) and how do I use it?

The Virtual Object Creator allows you to create Standard BACnet Objects for the device that you to make speak BACnet.

In order to get started, follow the below instructions in the correct order

Go to Start | All Programs | Cimetrics | EasyBAC| Virtual Object Creator

In the VOC, add objects by going to Object | Add Object

Once the required type and number of objects have been added, save the file

The username and password for the transfer are both "manu" without the quotes.

This will transfer your file to the EasyBAC interface.

Q: How can I transfer a file created by the VOC into the EasyBAC?

A: To transfer a saved file into the EasyBAC, have the EasyBAC attached to your PC either directly using a crossover cable or via a hub.

If the EasyBAC is at the factory default IP address of 192.168.0.14, change the IP address of your PC to match the IP subnet of the EasyBAC i.e. allocate your PC an IP address like 192.168.0.100 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.

Once the IP Address of your PC is configured, start the VOC program and open the file you intend to transfer followed by going to File | Transfer. This will open a new window called "Transfer Virtual Objects". The IP address of the EasyBAC is listed as the default of 192.168.0.14 leave it as is if it is correct. If it is not correct, please change it to the correct IP address.

The username and password are both the same and it is "manu" (case sensitive) without the quotes. clicking on "Start" will transfer the file into the EasyBAC. Upon completion, you will see a message that indicates a success or failure.

If you see any other message other than "Success", check your connections and the username and passwords.

Q: What are the Standard BACnet Object types that are supported by the EasyBAC?

The EasyBAC supports only the following type of Standard BACnet Objects

Device
Analog Input
Analog Output
Analog Value
Binary Input
Binary Output
Binary Value
Multistate Input
Multistate Output
Multistate Value

Q: Can I control BACnet devices from the serial port of the EasyBAC?

A: No, the serial port cannot be used to initiate a request. The BACnet/IP port is to be used for initiating requests and controlling the device.

Q: Why do I need a USB Dongle and where do I use it?

The USB dongle that you have received is to be plugged into the USB port of the PC that you will be using the VOC program on. In the absence of the USB dongle, the user will not be able to Transfer a file i.e. upload a file from the VOC into the EasyBAC.

The VOC program will become a licensed copy only when the USB key is present on the machine.