When setting up the Modbus RTU Master/Slave over an RS485 network, a three-wire cable is required to connect back to the interface converter. The Simple NULL Modem cable with external +24 vdc power is recommended, but the Allen-Bradley 1761-CBL cable is also functional. To begin, plug the cable to the round eight-pin mini DIN receptacle and set the P10 Jumpers for RS-485 on the Catalyst. Parametric changes are also required within the RSLogix 500 and Alarmware to synchronize the Modbus Drivers. Here are the steps: 1. Connect the MicroLogix to your PC using the required 1761-CBL cable ... Continue Reading

The Verbatim Gateway system—interfaced with an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix family of PLCs containing a native Modbus RTU Slave driver—performs alarm and monitoring functions with existing wiring to PLCs as inputs via data communications. In order to facilitate data communications via Modbus RTU Master/Slave over RS232 data interface, RACO provides a NULL Modem serial cable, VAB-1. This cable has the RJ-45 connector required for the system. Below are instructions on how to integrate MicroLogix to Verbatim Gateway via Modbus Protocol over RS232. Communication setup for Allen-Bradley Mi... Continue Reading

Part four in RACO’s six-part video series shows how to record voice messages for the Verbatim autodialer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=putZCBe_XH0 Now that you have programmed your alarm system, you can start recording voice messages for alarm conditions. First, you should plan and write down all the messages you will record. Use Worksheet C in the manual to help with this process. Two different messages are used for each contact input: one for normal conditions and one for alarm, or fault, conditions. You can leave the normal condition message set to default. Here’s how y... Continue Reading

A dry contact or digital input is a set of switch contacts that have no other circuit or voltage wired to them. These contacts can signal the Verbatim to perform several functions: set the alarm on a set of normally open or closed contacts, report the status of a set of contacts, inquire about the digital inputs of contacts that have been closed and more. It can also be programmed on an individual basis. Click here for a complete list of dry contact functions or visit RACO’s Support Center for more information.... Continue Reading

Part three in RACO’s six-part video series covers programming the Verbatim autodialer’s alarm system. Part A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9vOiC5vC0U Part B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2KKqmOWuWE Now that you have your Verbatim Alarm System, it is time to program your unit. Following are instructions of how to finish the initial setup. 1. Clear and reset the system Turn the unit on and press the program button. This puts the device in program mode. Erase the system memory by dialing 9-3-5-9 and then press the enter button. 2. Phone number programming Now th... Continue Reading