The GC315-REMOTE controller, referred to as "Remote," functions as a remote operator panel for a "GC315 Plus" or "GC315 Link" controller (referred to as GC315). It's important to note that the GC315 in its "basic" version cannot be connected to Remote as it lacks the necessary communication ports. This document details the wiring and configuration of the Remote controller, the required configuration for the connected GC315, and the information visible and commands available on the Remote controller.
Remote can only be connected to GC315 controllers with a firmware version of 01.59 or greater. The initial firmware version for Remote is 01.59. While the Remote firmware version can be older than the GC315's, it is recommended that both controllers have the same version for optimal performance. The Remote controller firmware code is EB025035301xx.
Function Description
The Remote controller acts as an extension of the main GC315 unit, allowing for remote monitoring and control of the generating set. It replicates the display pages and panel lamps of the GC315, providing a comprehensive overview of the system's status. It also enables the execution of commands and modification of parameters on the connected GC315.
Important Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: The cut-out dimensions for mounting are 218x159mm.
- Power Supply: Remote requires a continuous voltage between 8 and 33 Vdc. This can be supplied by the engine starter battery (common to GC315) or a separate power source. The JD connector is used for power supply, connecting the DC voltage to "1 - GND" (negative) and "2 - +BATT" (positive) terminals.
- Digital Inputs: Remote features eight opto-insulated digital inputs, accessible via the JN connector. These inputs are configurable for function (parameter P.2001), delay (P.2002), and polarity (P.2000). Default functions include Emergency Stop (4201), Request for REMOTE START mode (2032), Manual START command (2033), and Manual STOP command (2034).
- Digital Outputs: Remote provides eight digital outputs:
- Four static transistor outputs (max 500 mA total consumption) on the JE connector (Outputs 1-4).
- Two relay outputs (3 Ampere @ 30 Vdc) on the JL connector (Outputs 5-6).
- Two relay outputs (10 Ampere @ 250 Vac) with dry contacts on the JI connector (Outputs 7-8).
All outputs are configurable for function (P.3001) and polarity (P.3000). Default functions include Offline communication (3156) and External horn (3152).
- Communication Ports:
- Ethernet (JS): Supports up to four simultaneous TCP/IP connections, allowing multiple Remote controllers to connect to a single GC315. Connection can be point-to-point or through a hub/switch.
- RS485 (JO): An opto-isolated serial port with 6 terminals. Requires a 120 Ohm termination resistor at both ends, which is integrated into Remote and activated by connecting terminals 1 and 2 of JO. The RS485 line must be dedicated to communication between Remote and GC315.
- RS232 (JA): A non-isolated serial port for direct connection to GC315. Limited to very short cable lengths (max 12 meters). Requires the negative power supply poles of both controllers to be common.
- Modbus Address: The Modbus address of the Remote controller is "1."
- Firmware: Remote controller firmware code: EB025035301xx.
Usage Features
- Configuration: The BoardPrg4 software from SICES (downloadable from www.sices.eu) is required for parameter configuration. Connection to a PC is made via a USB cable to the JB connector, or via Ethernet if the IP address is known.
- Display: The Remote display shows various pages of information, including communication status, Ethernet details, controller information, and programming menus.
- Contrast Regulation: The display contrast can be adjusted using the ESC/SHIFT + ←→ combination. The selected level is saved in non-volatile memory.
- Display Back-light Lamp Management: The backlight activates when a button is pressed and remains on for a configurable duration (P.0492, default 999 seconds). It can be set to remain on continuously (P.0492 = 0). When ON-LINE, it can be configured to stay on when the engine is running (P.0493).
- Acoustic Feedback: A buzzer provides acoustic feedback when buttons are pressed. This can be disabled via parameter P.0495 (bit 7).
- Operating Modes: The operating mode of GC315 (OFF/RESET, MAN, AUTO) can be changed using the MODE-UP and MODE-DOWN buttons on Remote.
- START/STOP Buttons:
- In manual mode, these buttons start and stop the engine. The START button initiates an automatic start cycle configured by P.0210 on GC315.
- In AUTO mode, the START button switches to TEST mode and vice versa. The STOP button performs an emergency engine stop.
- MCB and GCB Buttons: In manual mode, these buttons open and close the respective circuit breakers on GC315.
- ACK/ENTER Button for Alarms:
- Silencing Acoustic Signal: Pressing ACK/SHIFT while the buzzer is active silences both Remote and GC315's buzzers.
- Acknowledging Alarms: Pressing ACK/SHIFT when the buzzer is off and anomalies are flashing acknowledges them on GC315.
- Resetting Alarms: Holding ACK/SHIFT for 5 seconds resets alarms on GC315.
- Security: GC315 parameters can be protected by alphanumeric (P.0469) and numeric (P.0004) passwords. Remote requires these same passwords (P.0304 for commands, P.0305 for communication access) to be configured for full functionality. Incorrect passwords will prevent commands from being executed and some information from being displayed.
- Parameter Modification: All GC315 parameters can be modified from Remote, subject to the same rules as direct modification on GC315. Remote parameters can also be modified, with two password levels: Installer (P.0002) and User (P.0003).
Maintenance Features
- Offline Information: When communication with GC315 is lost (OFF-LINE), Remote signals this by flashing all display lamps and de-energizing a relay output (terminals 4-6 of JI connector). In this state, Remote displays its own status pages and allows modification of its configuration parameters.
- Programming Menu: Remote has a programming menu identical to GC315's, accessible by pressing the ACK/ENTER button from the entry page. This allows for editing specific parameters of Remote.
- Clearing Functions (with restrictions): While GC315 offers various clearing functions by pressing ACK/ENTER + ESC/SHIFT for 5 seconds, some are disabled on Remote for safety (e.g., loading default parameters). Other functions, like resetting engine hours, energy counters, or historical archives, are available. If an analogue archive is displayed, both fast and slow archives are reset.
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