AUTOMATION COMPONENTS, INC Version : 4.0
2305 Pleasant View Road Page 3 of 4 I0000475
Middleton, Wisconsin 53562 (888) 967-5224
www.workaci.com
CHECKOUT
Version identification:
Most DRN3.1’s are shipped as version #1. An IC chip on the DRN3.1 is labeled with the
version program number. Make sure you have the correct version. You may have to remove the resistor network
card to view and compare to table on page 1.
Resistor network:
Each DRN3.1 requires a plug-in resistor network card (RN) to operate properly. This resistance
card determines the simulated slide wire potentiometer values for the output. Insert the RN (usually in a separate
package from DRN3.1) into the DRN3.1. The HW3 pin on the Resistor Network card should be oriented towards the
top as shown on Page 1. There are two rows of pins on the RN and two rows of female connections on the DRN3.1.
The DRN3.1 resistance output simulates a potentiometer. The Terminal Block located on the far right is the Wiper.
The Terminal Block located in the middle is the Maximum; the high end of the potentiometer. The Terminal Block
located on the far left is the Minimum; the low end of the potentiometer. Upon power-up, the wiper will start at the
Minimum position and will remain there until the first PULSE or FLOATING POINT signal is received. The ANALOG
version will begin tracking the input signal instantly after “sampling” the input signal to eliminate error. The output
resistance will not change on the PULSE version until the end of the pulse. To check the resistance output, vary the
input signal and measure the resistance. The resistance between terminals Wiper and Minimum will increase as the
input signal increases and the resistance between Wiper and Maximum will decrease. If both floating point inputs are
on for 3 seconds, the DRN3.1 resets to minimum resistance output.
Setting the jumpers:
Remove power from the DRN3.1. Place jumpers S1 through S6 in the appropriate positions.
All six jumpers must be in proper position for each input type. Hold the DRN3.1 vertical with the label at top right to
orient its jumper shunts with the chart. Version #1 and Version #2 share the same analog inputs. Ramping time for
floating point inputs are selectable. Version #4 accepts a continuous pulse signal command string within a 10 second
window. No pulse in this 10 second window produces minimum percent output. A ten second pulse in this 10
second window produces 100% output. Continuous pulse will produce maximum percent output.
When power is restored, changes will be recognized. Apply 24 VAC/VDC to “PWR” terminal, confirm power light is
on and measure voltage to confirm proper voltage.
When power is applied to terminals “+24V” and “-“, the POWER LED will light and the Fail Safe terminals will be
disconnected from the output terminals. Fail-back only occurs when the DRN3.1 has lost power. When the DRN3.1
is not powered on terminals “24V” and “-“, the Fail Safe terminals are connected to the Output terminals. Check for
continuity.
The DRN3.1 will automatically fail-back to 0 Ohms. For a fail-back to some other resistance, a manual potentiometer
or fixed resistor can be added between Minimum and Wiper only, if out putting a normal acting signal. If out putting a
reverse acting signal, please contact ACI for assistance.
TESTING THE INPUT:
Voltage input:
Connect the “+” or positive wire to “V/I+”. Connect the common to “24V-“. Apply a voltage from
control source. Measure voltage at “24V-“ and “V/I+” at terminal block.
If the commanded voltage is not present, remove the “+” or positive wire and measure from “+” wire to “24V-“. If no
voltage is measured check the wiring from controller. If voltage disappears or is reduced when connected to the
DRN3.1, confirm input jumper is set to voltage mode and remove signal input wires and power from unit. Measure
the resistance from “24V-“ to “V/I+”. Resistance in the voltage modes will be around 10K. If input is shorted, contact
ACI Technical Support. If not shorted, remove the controller input common and connect 24 VDC/VAC to the DRN3.1.
Check for ground loop: Place meter in voltage mode and measure VAC and VDC from analog input common wire to
power supply common. If any voltage is measured in DC or AC a ground loop most likely exists. Check power
commons and / or ground potentials. Use a separate 24 volt transformer for the DRN3.1 and let common float.
Current input:
Confirm the input jumper is in the correct position. Measured input resistance should be around 250
Ohms. Connect “+” or positive to “V/I+” and common or “-“ to “24V-“. Apply mA signal. Place meter in voltage and
measure voltage across “V/I+” and “24V-“ 4 mA is equal to 1 volt and 20 mA is equal to 5 volts. Use Ohms Law to
find voltage from current. (Current x 250 = Volts. Sample: 12 mA or 0.012 x 250 = 3 volts). If no voltage is present,
check wiring for open. Current cannot exist without voltage present from “V/I+” to “24V-“ unless dead shorted.
Pulse Width Modulated (or PWM) input:
Apply 24 VAC/VDC to the PWR terminals. Connect your meter to the
Wiper and Maximum terminals on the output terminal block. Set meter to resistance range of resistor network.
Connect a jumper wire from UP to the 24V “+” terminal (this is your jumper wire #1). Connect another jumper wire
into the 24V “-“ terminal only (this is your jumper wire #2). You are now ready to simulate a timed pulse signal. For
testing purposes, select 0.1 to 25.5 or 0.1 to 10 seconds on version 2. Be sure to reset power to allow the DRN3.1 to
recognize new settings. Take the free end of jumper wire #2 and connect by holding wire to the COM terminal.
Reference Figure #2. Count to 50% of timing range and remove. Verify the pulse UP LED indication. Voltage can
be measured across the input to verify proper voltages. Read the output. Has the output changed? The output
should be close to 50% of set output. If no, contact ACI Technical Support. If yes, unit is functioning properly.
