30
Using HeadStart Software
HeadStart software is used to monitor diagnostics and configure registers with Power Patrol meters. All
Power Patrol meters use HeadStart software to communicate with the meter.
The screen displayed for each HeadStart tab can be somewhat different based on the selected meter
and the communication protocol (BACnet/Modbus). HeadStart also displays language changes, i.e.,
registers/objects, in dialog boxes and text fields based on the selected protocol.
The Communications screen is displayed when HeadStart is first started. This is where the software
networking parameters are entered to match the Power Patrol networking configuration (PC Interface,
COM port, baud rate, base address, etc.). HeadStart remembers your last connection and displays those
previous selections when opening the software once again.
H
EAD
S
TART
S
CREENS
HeadStart has six screens accessed by tabs. Click on any tab to display that screen.
Communications - provides the setup parameters that enable HeadStart to communicate with
the Power Patrol.
Meter Setup - enables current transformer (CT) type and amperage rating changes.
Comms Setup - enables communications mode (BACnet/Modbus) changes.
Real-Time Values - displays the current readings for verifying the system is configured properly.
Read/Write Registers - provides diagnostic and special configuration options, allowing the
changing or viewing of the value of Power Patrol Modbus registers or BACnet objects.
Firmware - verifies the current firmware version and updates the Power Patrol internal firmware
when directed.
C
OMMUNICATION AND
S
TATUS
M
ESSAGES
Common to each screen is a
Status
field that displays information regarding the current process. Also, a
Help
button is available in the upper right-hand corner of each screen where you can access information
about the different screens.
H
EAD
S
TART
C
OMMAND
B
UTTONS
Each HeadStart screen includes a row of command buttons at the bottom of the screen. The buttons
vary depending on the current screen.