BE1-951 ASCII
Command
Interface
11-1
SECTION 11 • ASCII COMMAND INTERFACE
INTRODUCTION
Relay and power system information can be retrieved from a remote location using the ASCII command
interface. The ASCII command interface is also used to enter settings, retrieve reports and metering
information, and perform control operations. A communication port on the relay front panel provides a
temporary, local interface for communication. Communication ports on the rear panel provide a permanent
communication interface.
Front and rear panel communication ports can be connected to computers, terminals, serial printers,
modems, and intermediate communication/control interfaces such as RS-232 serial multiplexors. BE1-951
communication protocols support ASCII and binary data transmissions. ASCII data is used to send and
receive human readable data and commands. Binary data is used for computer communication and
transmission of raw oscillographic fault data if available.
Modbus™, DNP, and other common protocols are also available. Available communication protocol
instruction manuals include 9 3289 00 991 for Modbus
TM
and 9 3289 00 992 for DNP 3.0. For information
about other protocols, consult your Basler Electric Representative.
Note
Hyperterminal as shipped with Windows® 98 , either first or second edition, cannot be used
for communications with the relay due to a problem introduced in the Windows® 98 version
of Hyperterminal. The software bug is associated with the carriage return/line feed function
when acting as a terminal emulator. An upgrade to Hyperterminal that fixes the problem
is available from the Microsoft’s source of Hyperterminal (Hilgraeve Inc.) at
www.hilgraeve.com
. The upgrade is referred to as “Hyperterminal-Private Edition.”
Companies that download and use this software must review the terms and conditions
associated with the use of the software.
SERIAL PORT
Communication connections consist of two Data Communication Equipment (DCE) RS-232 ports, one
RS-485 port, and an IRIG port. BE1-951 communication protocol is compatible with readily available
modem/terminal software. If required, password protection provides security against unauthorized operation.
Detailed information about making communication connections is provided in Section 12,
Installation.
Communications port setup is covered in this section. Security settings are covered in Section 9, Security.
RS-232 Ports
Two female RS-232 (DB-9) connectors are provided. One port is located on the front panel and is
designated COM0. Another port is located on the rear panel and is designated COM1. Both ports support
full-duplex operation. Polled operation is possible at the rear port using a simple RS-232 splitter if a polling
address is programmed for COM1.
RS-485 Port
RS-485 terminal block connections are located on the rear panel and designated COM2. This port supports
half-duplex, multi-drop operation. Multi-drop (polled mode) operation is possible if a polling address is
programmed for the port.
