ETA Interface and Communication
DS8 – Discrete Summary Module
The number of discrete switch closure inputs required in an HVAC system often exceeds the number of hardware inputs available (or justifiable) on the controller. Summarizing multiple discrete points into a single system input is an easy and effective solution. The DS8 module accepts up to eight dry contacts and provides a single dry contact signal to the controller when the number of monitored points reaches a user-defined threshold.
The DS8 is great for grouping alarms which you will want to distinguish in the field, but don’t need to distinguish on the central computer. Examples include dirty filter alarms, condensate float switches, VFD faults, moisture monitors, door switches, etc. A technician can glance at the DS8 and quickly determine which filter to change; which drain to check or which VFD to inspect.
The DS8 plugs into the BP4 or BP8 backplane and accepts up to eight independent dry switch contacts on easy-to-use connectors at the front of the module. Each input has an LED to indicate when the contact is closed. An eight-position DIP switch allows the user to set the alarm threshold. The output is also user switchable to a NO or NC dry contact.
The DS8 can also be used to monitor multiple auxilliary contacts when multiple discrete points are controlled using a R49. Typical applications include lighting controls and small fan controls.
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EA1 – Two Position Actuator Interface
The EA1 simplifies the wiring and troubleshooting of “Belimo” style two-position actuators with end switch position feedback. Each EA1 module can control two actuators from a single controller output and provide a summary dry contact status when a user-selectable number of end switches close (1,2, or more). The actuators can move together or in opposite directions based on jumper settings on the module. An additional end switch input allows multiple EA1s to be cascaded together.
The connectors on the front of the EA1 module are readily accessible and make terminations quick and easy for the controller, actuators and actuator end switches. The red and amber LEDs on the EA1 indicate when power is being supplied to the actuators and when they have reached their end states. These LEDs tell the technician the state of the controller output, when power is being sent to the actuators and if the actuator end switch is closed.
The EA1 plugs into a BP4 or BP8 backplane. A green LED on the EA1 indicates when power is present.
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EA2 – Modulating Actuator Interface
The EA2 simplifies the wiring and troubleshooting of “Belimo” style modulating actuators with voltage feedback, saving time and money every time you install or check an actuator. The connector plug on the front of the EA2 module makes terminations quick and easy for the controller and the actuator. The four actuator wires and the controller’s output signal terminate on the connector plug. The EA2 provides regulated and fused power for the actuator from the backplane.
The EA2 module is an excellent troubleshooting tool because the technician does not need to gain physical access to the actuator to determine if the actuator is in the correct position. The EA2 display shows the actuator position based on the actuator’s feedback signal. An easy push of a button on the EA2 and the display shows the position which the controller is requesting. Troubleshooting is a simple comparison of the two. If they don’t match, you have a problem; the actuator is either stuck, manually overridden, not terminated properly or dead.
The EA2 plugs into a BP4 or BP8 backplane. A green LED on the EA2 indicates when power is present.
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OAM – Output Adjust Module
Many times, it is necessary to move an actuator throughout its entire range of motion to troubleshoot the mechanical linkage. In DDC systems, this procedure may require a laptop computer, communications interface and special software. Then you have to know which controller to interface with, that controller’s individual address and which output connects to the actuator you need to troubleshoot. Now the battery is going dead on your laptop and there is nowhere to plug in the charger.
There is a better way. If you use the EA2 module (p.G6) to drive your modulating actuators, the OAM (Output Adjust Module) accessory allows you to stroke your actuator to any position without any additional equipment. Simply plug the actuator cable into the OAM and then plug the OAM into the EA2. Turning the knob on the OAM allows you to set the actuator’s position anywhere in its range. Push the button on the EA2 to see your commanded position, release the button to see the actuator’s position.
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CDSP – Carbon Dioxide Sensor Power Supply
Many facilities use Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sensors for demandcontrolled ventilation. Although BAPI makes CO2 sensors that can run on AC or DC power, other CO2 sensors typically require 24 VDC to operate and additional terminations to land the wiring. The extra power supplies, wiring and terminations can clutter up the control panel or the control room.
The BAPI CDSP module removes the clutter and the wiring hassles by providing the power and terminations for up to three CO2 sensors. Additional CDSP modules can be mounted neatly in the associated backplane to accommodate an unlimited number of CO2 sensors throughout the facility.
The CDSP module plugs into a BP4 or BP8 backplane. Three green LEDs indicate when power is present to the CO2 sensors. Another green LED indicates when power is present to the CDSP module. The CDSP can be used to power virtually any four-wire sensor requiring 24 VDC.
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CDSP2 – Carbon Dioxide Sensor Power Supply
Many facilities use Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sensors for demandcontrolled ventilation. Although BAPI makes CO2 sensors that can run on AC or DC power, other CO2 sensors typically require 12 or 24 VDC to operate and additional terminations to land the wiring. The extra power supplies, wiring and terminations can clutter up the control panel or the control room.
The BAPI CDSP2 module removes the clutter and the wiring hassles by providing the power and terminations for two CO2 sensors. Additional CDSP modules can be mounted neatly in the associated backplane to accommodate an unlimited number of CO2 sensors throughout the facility. The 12 or 24 VDC output power of the module is field selectable via a jumper on the circuit board.
The CDSP2 plugs into the BP4 or BP8 Backplane. The CDSP2 receives power from the backplane which is powered by a BAPI PS17 – Power Supply or other power supply. Three green Output Power LEDs light whenever power is present at the output terminals.
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SQ4 – Four-Step Sequencer
The high cost of energy today makes proportional control of HVAC systems a necessity, not a luxury. With proportional control you use only the energy needed to get the job done.
Proportional control is easy for water valves and air dampers, but more complex and cost prohibitive for electric heat units, fans and refrigeration systems. The SQ4 module simplifies the job by sequencing multiple on-off devices based on a single analog output from the controller. Now items such as cooling towers with multiple two-speed fans, staged electric heat units and multi-compressor chillers can be controlled to provide the utmost efficiency and consistency for the load at hand – all at a reasonable price.
Each SQ4 module provides four NO/NC output relays that trigger at four fixed voltages across the 0-5 or 0-10 control voltage range. Two SQ4 modules can be cascaded to provide eight independent output stages. When closed, each output relay provides 24 VDC at 120 mA. In addition, sequencer modules are available that provide a rotational sequence as well as contact monitoring and alarm output.
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3312VC & 3324VC – Voltage Converters
Some of BAPI’s ETA products require regulated power of 12 or 24 VDC, including the FOX – RS-485 Fiber Optic Transceiver and the RPTR – RS-485 Repeater. The 3312VC and 3324VC Voltage Converters can provide the 12 or 24 VDC regulated voltage required by the other ETA units. The 12 or 24 VDC output is field selectable via a jumper on the circuit board.
The 3312VC and 3324VC can be mounted in two ways. In the first method, the units plug vertically into a BP4 or BP8 Backplane like a standard interface device. The voltage converter receives its supply power from the Backplane which is supplied by a PS17 – 33VDC Power Supply or other power supply.
The 3312VC and 3324VC can also be mounted in snaptrack. The unit is then powered with a two-wire connection from the PS17 – 33VDC Power Supply or other power supply.
If the 3312VC is powering a FOX or RPTR module, the 12 VDC output from the 3312VC is sent to a RBP – Communications Repeater Backplane or SRBP – Single Repeater Backplane. The Repeater Backplane then provides power, communications and mounting for the FOX and RPTR modules.
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R49 – Relay Interface, 9 Output
It is often necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in an HVAC system – for example, turn on an auxiliary supply fan, turn on an exhaust fan, open purge dampers and close return dampers. Rather than tying up four I/O spots on the controller to perform these tasks, the BAPI R49 conserves critical controller space by turning on or off up to nine relays using only one controller output.
Each output on the R49 module has a polarity switch so that some loads may be turned off while others are turned on as the input changes state.
Each R49 output supplies a nominal 24 VDC at 120 mA allowing it to control most common relays or small contactors. Each output has a red LED to indicate when power is present.
The R49 plugs into a BP2, BP4 or BP8 Backplane. A green LED indicates that power is present to the module.
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DS6R – Dry Switch Monitor
The DS6R module monitors six dry switch closure devices and provides one resistive output to the controller.
Each switch closure subtracts a precise resistance from the output so a simple subtraction algorithm at the controller decodes which switches are set. Each switch terminates on an independent plug on the front of the DS6R module and an LED associated with each input indicates switch closure for simple troubleshooting.
The DS6R plugs into the BP2, BP4 or BP8 backplane.
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PMPB5 – Pulse Meter Pulse Buffer
Many electrical, water or gas meters provide a pulse output with each pulse representing a specific quantity of the media being measured. These pulse outputs often need to be electrically isolated from the controller’s input by a buffer. The PMPB5 provides that buffer by receiving the pulses from the meter and recreating them as dry contact closures. An LED lights whenever the buffer contacts are closed. The PMPB5 fits standard 2.75” snaptrack.
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TS1 & TS2 – Transient Suppressor
HVAC control systems can be subjected to electrical transients (temporary excess voltage) from various sources. Damage to control systems can occur if static electricity, lightning or contactors produce transients of sufficient magnitude and duration to overwhelm the protection built into the control system components. The TS1 and TS2 can significantly increase the transient protection and reduce the possibility of damage to the control system. Both modules fit in standard 2.75” snaptrack
The TS1 is specifically designed for network communications between control system components. The TS1 clamps voltages to 10 VAC or ±14 VDC Line to ground and 7.5 VDC line to line. Please Note: The added capacitance of the TS1 may be unsuitable for some combinations of communications line length and high speed data. For best operation you may have to reduce line lengths and add data repeaters.
The TS2 is designed to protect 4 to 20 mA current loops. The TS2 clamps the signal return line to 5 volts above ground and 1 volt below ground. The voltage supply line is clamped to ±39 VDC Line to ground.
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TURB – Terminal Unit Relay Board
Today’s energy costs are forcing older buildings to be retrofitted with Building Management Systems – keeping the occupied spaces comfortable while reducing the overall energy use. The TURB – Terminal Unit Relay Board is an interface board that allows convenient interconnection between a Digital Controller and a DX unit’s conventional thermostat terminal block. The TURB eliminates the wiring mess and provides a neat professional look that simplifies maintenance to eliminate costly callbacks.
The TURB provides an easily pluggable interface between the modules and provides fused power to the controller from the “R” terminal of the DX unit. Dry-contact pilot duty relays interface between the Digital Controller and the conventional thermostat inputs of the DX unit.
The TURB also provides a “mini communications block” with surge protection to provide a clean and easily pluggable connection to the controller. All this is packaged on a board that mounts in a 2.75” snaptrack in one orientation, or a 3.25” snaptrack in the other orientation, depending on how you want to install the module.
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BP2, BP4 or BP8 Backplane
The BP2, BP4 and BP8 Backplanes provide a convenient way to mount and power the BAPI ETA interface devices which helps cut down on control panel and control room clutter. All three backplanes fit standard 2.75” snaptrack.
Connectors on the face of each Backplane plug into mating connectors on the ETA modules. The BP8 Backplane accommodates eight ETA interface modules while the BP4 Backplane accommodates four modules and the BP2 accommodates two modules.
For large control systems, the Backplanes receive power from a PS17 or PS17CB Power Supply. The Backplanes can be plugged together using the end connectors to build large systems. For small control systems, the Backplanes can receive power from BAPI’s VC100 or VC350 voltage converters (in Accessories section).
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BP4V – Vertical Backplane & BR – Bridge
The BP4V – Vertical Backplane was designed to add additional ETA boards into a congested panel. The Vertical Backplane allows the use of small vertical spaces that may go unused. Each Vertical Backplane accommodates four ETA modules.
If there is enough space for more than one Vertical Backplane, they should be connected together with a BR – Bridge. The Bridge provides clearance from one Vertical Backplane to the other for easy insertion of the ETA modules.
For large control systems, the Vertical Backplane receives power from a PS17 or PS17CB Power Supply (See page G17 of this section). For small control systems, the Vertical Backplane can receive power from BAPI’s VC350 voltage converters (See the Accessories Sections for more info on the VC350 voltage converters).
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PS17 & PS17CB – Power Supplies
The PS17CB Power Supply with Circuit Breakers provides up to six 33 VDC power supplies with circuit breakers to operate any of the BAPI ETA modules except the FOX & RPTR RS-485 communication modules. Each PS17CB output has a green LED, which lights to show normal power. Both power supplies fit standard 2.75” snaptrack
The PS17CB uses a 120 VAC to 24 VAC transformer with a rating of 75VA to 400 VA depending upon current consumption. Total your current consumption and pick the appropriate transformer from the table below.
The PS17CB provides a transient line filter for the 120 VAC input to the transformer. Screw terminals on the PS17CB allow convenient termination of the input and output of the transformer. Plug a standard computer power cord into a duplex outlet and then into the line filter to power the PS17CB. A green LED lights when 120 VAC is applied and the circuit breaker is not tripped.
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VC2700-STM – 2.7 Amp Voltage Converter
The VC2700-STM is a 2.75” snaptrack-mountable 2.7 amp voltage converter. The unit takes a 24 VAC input and converts it to a regulated and adjustable output of 3-26 VDC.
The unit also has a filtered, unregulated 24 VAC output tap drawn from the 24 VAC input. Both the 24 VAC and the VDC outputs are routed through independent ON-OFF rocker switches. The switches allow you to remove power from the AC or DC loads without disturbing the other circuit.
There are status LEDs for 24 VAC IN, 24 VAC OUT, VDC OUT and VDC FAULT (indicating that the resettable circuit breaker has tripped). The user can determine at a glance whether there is a problem with the HVAC system power and where the problem exists. The resettable circuit breaker eliminates the need for fuses.
This unit has removable terminal block plugs at all inputs and outputs to simplify wiring. The unit can also be plugged directly into the BP2, BP4 or BP8 Backplanes of the ETA line to provide power to a variety of ETA modules or other peripherals, and features a user-selectable full wave or half wave rectification. The unit comes with an 8” piece of 2.75” snaptrack.
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TB4 & TB4-VC100
The TB4 plugs directly into the VC2700 and provides four sets of depluggable terminals for the VC2700’s output voltage. These additional outputs can be used to power BP8, BP4 and BP2 ETA backplanes.
The TB4-VC100 plugs directly into the VC2700 and adds a 100 mA adjustable voltage converter for a second system voltage of 5 to 20 VDC. Additional TB4-VC100’s may be plugged in for 3rd and 4th system voltages. The adjustable voltage must be 6 VDC or more below the VC2700 voltage.
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COMSRG – Comm. Surge Protector
In some applications, the transient protection on the communications terminals of DDC controllers is inadequate. Examples are roof mounted air handlers, pad mounted air conditioners or chillers – or anything attached to the building’s HVAC system but outside the building envelope.
BAPI’s COMSRG provides the extra muscle necessary to prevent damage. The COMSRG plugs between the communications network and any of the COMBLK, RPTR or TUCOM.
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RPTR – RS-485 Repeater
RS-485 is the most common communications standard for DDC controllers; however, it is limited to 32 unit loads and 4,000 feet. Extending the network beyond 32 unit loads or 4,000 feet requires repeaters.
BAPI’s RS-485 repeater (RPTR) connects two RS-485 segments together. Data from one segment repeats to the other segment and vice versa. Each RPTR module allows an additional 32 unit loads or 4,000 feet. The RPTR may be installed directly into the snaptrack to form a simple stand alone bus extender as described above.
The RPTR module also plugs into the communications repeater backplane (RBP). Additional RPTR modules plugged into the backplane will form a star network, allowing multiple segments to connect to the same point. Each repeater card consumes one unit load for the primary RS-485 network and one unit load for the repeated network.
A green power LED indicates that 12 VDC is present to the module. A red LED at each RS-485 network connector flashes when data is transmitted or received.
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RS-485 Repeater Communication Kit
RS-485 is the most common communications standard for DDC controllers; however, it is limited to 32 unit loads and 4,000 feet. Extending the network beyond 32 unit loads or 4,000 feet requires repeaters.
The RS-485 Repeater Communication Kit provides all the functions for one repeater and remote RS-485 network, plus it comes in a self-contained, easy-to-apply and cost effective assembly. The kit also aids in troubleshooting because LEDs indicate when power is applied and communications are present.
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FOX – RS-485 Fiber Optic Transceiver
BAPI recommends fiber optic cable for HVAC communications networks that travel between buildings.
The FOX – Fiber Optic Transceiver converts the RS-485 data from the copper network to a fiber optic signal for transmission to other buildings. A FOX in the other building converts the fiber optic signal back into RS-485 for the remote copper network.
The FOX module accepts the multi-mode fiber cable on standard ST connectors. The copper RS-485 connection is made on the 8-pole plug along with the power and ground connections. The FOX also plugs into the communications repeater backplane (RBP). Each FOX module consumes one unit load on the RS-485 bus.
A green power LED indicates that 12 VDC is present to the module. A red LED at each fiber cable connection flashes when data is transmitted or received.
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FOX Communication Kit
BAPI recommends fiber optic cable for HVAC communications networks that travel between buildings.
The FOX Communication Kit provides all the functions for one fiber optic and remote RS-485 network, plus it comes in a self-contained, easy-to-apply and cost effective assembly. The kit also aids in troubleshooting because LEDs indicate when power is applied and communications are present.
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SOX – RS-485 Fiber Optic Transceiver
BAPI recommends fiber optic cable for HVAC communications networks that travel between buildings.
The SOX – Fiber Optic Transceiver converts the RS-485 data from the copper network to a fiber optic signal for transmission to other buildings. A SOX in the other building converts the fiber optic signal back into RS-485 for the remote copper network.
The SOX module accepts single-mode fiber cable on standard ST connectors. The copper RS-485 connection is made on the 8-pole plug along with the power and ground connections. The SOX also plugs into the communications repeater backplane (RBP).
A green power LED indicates that 12 VDC is present to the module. A red LED at each fiber cable connection flashes when data is transmitted or received.
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AVI – Air Valve Interface
The Air Valve Interface (AVI) connects long-running jack-screw style Variable Air Volume (VAV) floating point actuators with mechanical end switches to DDC controllers. The unit has two input signal modes;
PULSE – The DDC controller’s 24 VAC actuator drive power pulses are timed, the timing is multiplied by the AVI’s Gain Filter potentiometer setting and appropriately long 24 VAC power pulses are sent from the AVI to the air valve actuator.
ANALOG – A 0 to 10 VDC proportional control voltage is turned into 24 VAC power pulses to position the actuator accordingly, fully closed (0 VDC) to fully open (10 VDC). The Gain Filter potentiometer sets a hysteresis dead band for the input voltage to prevent motor wear due to controller hunting or noisy signal.
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AVI-ADAPT – Air Valve Interface Adapter
The AVI-ADAPT – Air Valve Interface Adaptors are used to connect a VAV actuator cable to an AVI – Air Valve Interface (pg. G31) when the factory installed connector is missing from the actuator cable.
The Air Valve Interface Adaptors are a press fit on the output connector of the Air Valve Interface module. One adaptor has a toggle type connector for the actuator cable while the other adaptor has 1/4” quick connects for the actuator cable.
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IRM4 – Interposing Relay Module
The IRM4 – Interposing Relay Module has four independent channels that convert a relay output to a contact output or a voltage output. The relay output is energized by either an external power source or power sourced on the IRM4 Module. Jumpers are used to set the mode for each individual channel and the I/O for each channel via 4-pole 3.5mm connectors.
The unit is mounted in a BP2, BP4, BP8 or BP4V Backplane with power provided by the Backplane The Backplane is typically powered by a PS17, PS18 or PS19 Power Supply.
Each relay on the IRM4 Module has a 24VDC coil switching Form C contacts. A SPDT switch allows for configurable output contacts for each output. LEDs provide power status of the unit as well as the state of each individual channel.
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UCRB2 – Universal Controller Relay Board
The Universal Controller Relay Board (UCRB2) is used to interconnect a DDC controller’s digital outputs to any device that requires a conventional thermostat input.
There are five inputs that control five relays. The first relay’s output (1/G) is an interlock for the other four, outputs 2, 3, 4 or 5 will not change state until output 1/G is on. The UCRB2 fits into 2.75” snaptrack.
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SS-AC Selector Switch/Alarm Counter 8
The SS-AC Selector Switch/Alarm Counter will monitor up to 8 dry contacts and output one or two voltage or mA signals. The output signals are based on the highest contact when the module is in Selector Mode, or the number of closed contacts with the module is in Counter Mode.
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SD2 Status Display, Dual 7-Segment Display
The SD2 is an ETA module that is used to indicate a program error code which requires a manual reset. The module includes a manual reset switch that can be pressed to route a reset signal to a controller.
The polarity of the reset switch can be set to Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) operation via the jumper on J2. When the reset switch is pressed, Terminals #3 and #4 of J1 are either connected or disconnected. Two 7-segment displays are available at the edge of the module, denoting where the input signal is within the range.
The SD module receives an input signal from a controller, and then displays a number from 0 to 10 up to 0 to 50, depending on the jumper position of J3. It can accept a current input of either 0 to 20mA or 4 to 20mA or a voltage input of 0 to 10V or 2 to 10V.
The unit is typically mounted in a BP2, BP4, BP8 or BP4V Backplane with power provided by the Backplane; however, the unit can be powered directly with an alternate DC supply. The green LED indicates that power is available to the module.