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Mac Plus
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User and Installation Manual
9. MasterBus
What is MasterBus
All devices that are suitable for MasterBus are marked by the MasterBus symbol
MasterBus is a fully decentralized data network for communication between the
different Mastervolt system devices. It is a CAN-bus based communication network
which has proven itself as a reliable bus-system in automotive applications. MasterBus is used as
power management system for all connected devices, such as the inverter, battery charger,
generator and many more. This gives the possibility for communication between the connected
devices, for instance to start the generator when the batteries are low.
MasterBus reduces complexity of electrical systems by using UTP patch cables. All system
components are simply chained together. Therefore, each device is equipped with two MasterBus
data ports. When two or more devices are connected to each other through these data ports, they
form a local data network, called the MasterBus. The results are a reduction of material costs as
only a few electrical cables are needed and less installation time.
For central monitoring and control of the connected devices Mastervolt offers a wide range of panels
which show full status information of your electrical system at a glance and a push of a button. See
www.mastervolt.com for all available options.
New devices can be added to the existing network in a very easy way by just extending the network.
This gives the MasterBus network a high degree of flexibility for extended system configuration, not
only today, but in the future as well!
Mastervolt also offers several interfaces, making even non-MasterBus devices suitable to operate in
the MasterBus network.
How to set up a MasterBus network
Each device that is suitable for the MasterBus network is equipped with two data ports. When two or
more devices are connected to each other through these ports, they form a local data network,
called the MasterBus. Keep the following rules in mind:
˗ Connections between the devices are made by standard MasterBus cables (straight UTP).
Mastervolt can supply these cables.
˗ As with all high-speed data networks, MasterBus needs a terminating device on both ends of
the network.
˗ Up to 63 MasterBus devices can be connected together.
˗ The electric power for the network comes from the connected devices. At least one device in
the network should have powering capabilities (see specifications). One powering device can
power up to three non-powering devices. As all powering devices are galvanically isolated,
multiple powering devices are allowed. Spread the powering devices over the network.
˗ Do not make ring networks.
˗ Do not make T-connections in the network.
For more details on networks, please contact your Mastervolt supplier.
