8
IM 689-2
BACdrop Software
The BACdrop gateway contains three files that allow it to perform its data translation functions:
•
BACdrop program
•
Point mapping file (PMF)
•
Configuration file
The BACdrop program and the point mapping file are downloaded into each BACdrop gateway at the
factory. New versions of either file can easily be downloaded in the field using a PC that contains the
BACdrop Setup Wizard software. New releases of BACdrop software will be made available (at no
charge) on the McQuay International bulletin board system called McQuay OnLine. For access to
McQuay OnLine, contact the McQuay Controls group in Minneapolis.
BACdrop Program
The BACdrop program is automatically loaded when the SBC boots. The program is contained in a
single executable file. The naming convention for the BACdrop file is, for example, BDRPv157.exe.
The “v157” indicates version 1.57.
Point Mapping File (PMF)
The PMF includes specific point mapping information for MicroTech control applications. For each
point in the PMF, a proprietary memory location for a MicroTech control application is associated
with a BACnet object type, object name, and instance number. Conversion factors and other data
such as engineering units and binary state labels are also included.
The
standard
PMF contains all currently supported
standard
MicroTech control applications. See
Table 1
for a listing. The naming convention for the standard PMF is, for example, PMFv107.tab.
The “v107” indicates version 1.07. Thirteen BACnet Data Information Packet (BDIP) documents
describe the various portions of the standard PMF. See
Table 1
.
Custom PMF files and BDIPs can be written for custom MicroTech control applications. Contact
your McQuay representative for a quotation.
Compatibility
The PMF file associates BACnet objects with specific memory locations within the MicroTech
controllers. These memory locations are defined by the MicroTech application software within the
controllers, and thus compatibility between the PMF file and the MicroTech application software
(identified by its IDENT code) must be maintained.
The BACdrop gateway is not able to check for software compatibility. It is the responsibility of the
installer (typically a representative of McQuay International) to assure software compatibility using
the information provided in the BDIP documents. See the appropriate BDIP for more information.
Configuration File
The configuration file contains data that is specific to the network the BACdrop gateway is part of.
The file is created by the BACdrop Setup Wizard during the commissioning process. It includes
information about the number, types, and addresses of the MicroTech controllers. After the
configuration file is created in the BACdrop gateway, it can be uploaded to a PC for backup. If the
SBC or its flash memory chip should ever require replacement, the backup configuration file can be
downloaded (restored) to the BACdrop gateway with the Setup Wizard.
Applying the BACdrop Gateway
The BACdrop gateway is required whenever one or more MicroTech controllers must be integrated
into a BACnet network. Each BACdrop gateway provides a single-point connection for up to 63
MicroTech controllers. See Figures 2 and 3 below.