Getting Started with the MeteoPV

Overview

The MeteoPV is a Modbus/TCP Modbus/RTU gateway device. It allows you to connect multiple RS-485 sensors, and compile the data from all of them into one collection point. The MeteoPV reads data from all the attached sensors and assembles one Modbus map containing data and meta data from each sensor. All the data can be then simply collected by a Modbus Master over Modbus/TCP.

  • Note: The MeteoPV can be powered by USB (for configuration only), or by a 10-30 VDC Power supply connected to its + and - input terminals, or by PoE. If powered by the 10-30 VDC supply or by PoE, the MeteoPV will supply 12 VDC power to any attached RS-485 sensors. The MeteoPV will not supply power to attached sensors if it is being powered only by USB.
    • MeteoPV Block Diagram

    You can get up and running with your MeteoPV in no time. Once you are connected to the MeteoPV with a web browser, navigate to the Configuration page. You can configure a Station Name, Location field, and add Station Notes if desired. Then follow these instructions to Add Sensors, and set up Network Options.

    If you would like to be able to configure the MeteoPV remotely, you will need to set up an account with Administrator privileges. See the User Accounts section for help on setting up user accounts.

    1. Add Sensors

    You can configure the MeteoPV to read data from digital sensors connected to its RS-485 terminals. To customize the MeteoPV to read from your sensors, follow these steps:

    1. Click on the + Add Measurement button to see a list of available sensors.
    2. You can add up to four Pyranometers, one Compact Weather sensor and up to four Back of Module temperature sensors.
    3. After selecting a sensor, it will appear in the list and you will be presented with various parameters for that sensor that allow you to customize it to your application.
    4. You may also view the wiring diagram for the sensor by clicking on the Wiring button.
    5. If you selected a sensor by mistake or no longer wish to have the MeteoPV read data from it, you may remove it from the running configuration. Click the red trash can button on the right side of the sensor heading.
    6. Once you have added all of the sensors, make sure you perform the Network Options and Apply Configuration steps. Once the configuration is applied, the MeteoPV will start reading from the devices you added in this step.

    2. Network Options

    After you have finished adding sensors as outlined in the Add Sensors section, Click on the Network tab above the + Add Measurement button.

    • Ethernet:

      The Modbus TCP/IP protocol is used to communicate with the local SCADA system or other data collection platform. The Ethernet Device Settings configure the MeteoPV IP connection. Configure the Ethernet Interface by entering the IP Address, Netmask, and Gateway that the data collection system is expecting to use to communicate with the MeteoPV.

      MeteoPV Ethernet

      For more information on the IP settings, visit the Network section of the MeteoPV Configurtion page and click on the inline context help indicated by the sign.

    • RS-485

      The Modbus RTU protocol over RS-485 is used to interface with the sensors. The RS-485 Device Settings configure the connection to the attached sensors. Configure the RS-485 Network Baud Rate, Data Bits, Parity, and Stop Bits. Ensure that any sensors connected to the MeteoPV are configured with matching parameters.

      MeteoPV RS-485

      For more information on the RS-485 settings, visit the Network section of the MeteoPV Configuration page and click on the inline context help indicated by the sign.

      Cable Length Recommendation: Do not use cables longer than 1200 meters

      RS-485 Output Voltage: The MeteoPV RS-485 terminals will supply 12V to any sensors you attach. The voltage will vary slightly with load.

      RS-485 12V Output Specifications
      Output Voltage Minimum 11 V
      Output Voltage Maximum 14.5 V
      Typical Output Voltage under a full load of 500mA 11.6 V
      Current Supply Limit 500 mA

      Once you have added all of the sensors, and set the Network options, make sure you perform the Apply Configuration step. Once the configuration is applied, the MeteoPV will start reading from the configured devices using the configured network options.

    3. Apply Configuration

    Once you have added all of the sensors and set the network options:

    • click the Apply to Station button. This will save the configuration to the station.
    • You may also click the Save to File button to keep a copy of the configuration. It can then be loaded to this or another station using the   Load from File button.

    Setup User Accounts

    The device is protected by password access. If you are connected via the USB connection, all access is granted. If you want to be able to control how the device is accessed remotely you can set up user accounts. If you want to be able to configure the device remotely (over the Ethernet port), you will need to set up a user account with Administrator permission level.

    Click the User Accounts button to access the MeteoPV User Account Setup dialog. The following table explains what permission levels are available.

    User Account Permissions
    Permission Level Access
    None Disable an account without deleting it
    Read Only Permission to view the device values
    Administrator Permission to view the device values, to edit the device configuration, and to create and edit accounts

    Note: Creating an account with the user name "anonymous", without a password, will allow the specified access to anyone that connects to the device without having to enter a user name. A default "anonymous" account exists with read only access. This allows anyone to be able to see the Dashboard, the Historic Data, and the Modbus Map without having to enter a user name.

    Note: The "anonymous" account without password must exist in order to properly access the device using the Apple Safari browser.

    More Information

    For more information, visit the MeteoPV page on the Campbell Scientific website here.