Communications Protocol
RS-232 Communications Protocol & Command Set
The RS-232 serial interface can be used in the following ways:
1. Initial system setup. An installer can use a notebook computer to
set the variables within the Power Control software. Once the setup is
completed, the notebook computer can be disconnected. All settings are
stored in the MB1500.
2. Connection to a PC or Network: Functionality is very similar to a stan-
dard UPS with a PC. The MB1500 can provide continued power to main-
tain recording capabilities of any number of devices in the event of a
black out or brown out. It is also capable of saving open documents and
shutting down the PC during extended power failures. This requires a
permanent RS-232 connection to the PC and having the Power Control
software running in the background on the PC. (Windows based OS only;
Mac Energy Saver software compatible)
3. Integration with sophisticated automation systems like AMX® and
Crestron®: The serial communications command set and protocol is
open and is published later in this manual. This information can be used
by the automation system programmer for both MB1500 control by the
automation system and reporting of power events by the MB1500 to the
automation system.
Command Set/Status Messaging
The following commands are applicable when communicating with your
MB1500 using the included RS-232 interface. These commands can
also be used when directly connecting to the device via Telnet protocol
with the BlueBOLT-CV1 interface card (sold separately).
Connector Pin-out:
Pin 2, Transmit. The MB1500 transmits data on this pin.
Pin 3, Receive. The MB1500 receives data on this pin.
Pin 5, SG (signal ground).
Baud Rate: 9600 bps
Start Bits:
Data Bits:
Stop Bits:
Parity:
Flow Control:
RS232 Pin-out
1
6
Pin 2 -Transmit
2
7
Pin 3 - Receive
3
8
4
9
Pin 5 - Signal Ground
5
1
8
1
None
None
1
6
Pin 2 -Transmit
2
7
Pin 3 - Receive
3
8
4
9
5
Controller Commands
Commands and responses are in the form of ASCII character strings terminated
with a carriage return (<CR>,OCh, 13d). If the state variable LINEFEED MODE =
ON, a linefeed character (<LF>, 0Ah, 10d) will follow the carriage return.
Incoming messages (to the MB1500) shall be terminated with one of the follow-
ing characters: NUL (00h, 00d), carriage return, or line feed.
The MB1500 shall discard the incoming message under the following condi-
tions: The message overruns the receiver buffer (32 characters). No terminating
character (NUL, <CR>, <LF>) is received within 500ms of receipt of the last
character. The following are commands sent by the controlling equipment to
the MB1500.
NOTE: Responses are only transmitted automatically if unsolicited feedback is
enabled (!SET_FEEDBACK)
ALL ON
Turns on all outlets. Turn on is immediate with no delay.
Send to UPS: !ALL_ON<CR>
If power is not switched off due to low battery conditions:
Action: Turn on Outlet Bank 1 & 2
Response from UPS: $BANK 1 = ON<CR>
$BANK 2 = ON<CR>
If UPS battery level > Shutoff Threshold
Action: Turn on Outlet Bank 3 & 4
Response from UPS: $BANK 3 = ON<CR>
$BANK 4 = ON<CR>
If UPS battery level < Shutoff Threshold
Action: Turn off Outlet Bank 3 & 4
Response from UPS: $BANK 3 = OFF<CR>
$BANK 4 = OFF<CR>
$BATTERY = charge%<CR>
Action: Activate Power Button
Response from UPS: $BUTTON = ON<CR>
ALL OFF
Turns off all outlets. Turn off is immediate with no delay.
Send to UPS: !ALL_OFF,
Action: All outlets will turn off
$BANK 1 = OFF<CR>
$BANK 2 = OFF<CR>
$BANK 3 = OFF<CR>
$BANK 4 = OFF<CR>
Response from UPS: $BUTTON = OFF<CR>
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