26
IM 689-2
Alternate Methods: For PCs Without an Ethernet Adapter
If it is not possible to install an Ethernet adapter in your commissioning PC, there are three alternate
options for verifying MicroTech network communications:
1. Use an RS-232 to RS-485 converter and the BACdrop Setup Wizard.
The PC, converter, and BACdrop Setup Wizard emulate a level-1 MicroTech controller. If there
is a real level-1 MicroTech supervisory controller in the network, it must be turned off or
disconnected at port B when using this method (only one level-1 controller is allowed per
network). This means that network communications with a MicroTech supervisory controller
cannot be verified with the BACdrop Setup Wizard. In this case, method 3 might be a better
choice.
2. Use a temporary MicroTech level-1 controller and any Monitor software package (e.g., Open
Protocol commissioning software).
Any type of MicroTech controller can be used as long as it is set up as a level-1 controller. The
BACdrop Setup Wizard is not used.
3. If there is a level-1 MicroTech supervisory controller in the BACdrop network, use it and any
Monitor software package (e.g., Open Protocol commissioning software).
The BACdrop Setup Wizard is not used.
All of these alternate methods bypass the BACdrop gateway. Therefore, it makes no difference
whether the BACdrop gateway is connected to the trunk or not during the procedures. If it is
connected, it should be turned off.
The following procedure details method 1, using an RS-232 to RS-485 converter and the BACdrop
Setup Wizard. Methods 2 and 3 involve the use of Monitor software. See Bulletin No. IM 474,
MicroTech Open Protocol Master Panel
, for network commissioning procedures that can be easily
adapted to methods 2 and 3.
To verify MicroTech network communications with an RS-232 to RS-485 converter
1. Connect the RS-232 to RS-485 converter between the PC serial port and the MicroTech network.
The PC serial port is RS-232 and the MicroTech network is RS-485. Be sure to maintain the
correct polarity on the RS-485 connection.
The converter can be connected to the MicroTech network at any convenient location. One
possibility is the BACdrop panel’s “Network” terminal block. If the BACdrop gateway remains
connected to the trunk during the procedure, it should be powered off.
2. Start the BACdrop Setup Wizard.
For complete reference information on the wizard, including software installation instructions,
see the “
BACdrop Setup Wizard User’s Guide
” portion of this manual.
3. Select Network Diagnostics on the MicroTech Network menu.
The first MicroTech Network Diagnostic screen appears.
4. If you are sure that the PC and converter are properly connected, click the Next button.
The second MicroTech Network Diagnostic screen appears.
5. Select the COM port you are using and click Next.
The third MicroTech Network Diagnostic screen appears.
6. Enter the number of level-2 devices on the MicroTech network and click Next.
This number is the decimal equivalent of the highest L2 address. For example, if the highest
level-2 address is 3F.00, enter 63 here.
The fourth MicroTech Network Diagnostic screen appears, and the single-pass network
diagnostic begins.