Bermad MC406

Default Configuration Settings

Default MC406 Settings tested in-office by SigSense are as followings: 

Parity: 8N1

Connection: RS485

Baud: 9600

Slave Addr: 1

Register: 1687/1688

Function: Holding

Data Type: Float32

Byte Order: CDAB

Meter Telemetry Registration

The below options are the critical details for the Meter Telemetry Registration on the DQP Portal

Modbus (Recommended)

Pulse

Installation Overview 

This page will cover the process that can be followed to integrate a Captis Multi with a Bermad MC406 via Modbus.

A detailed step-by-step can be found in subsequent sections of this guide. A more concise outline of the installation is as follows:

1.1 Pulse Wiring

1.1 (a) Pass Captis Wires Through Gland

Strip back and pass the following cores through the MC406 cable gland:

1.1 (b) Terminate Wires To the Two Positive or Negative Terminations

Ensure you connect the white and black wires to the same loop - generally 1 & 2 for positive and 3 & 4 for negative. Positive indicates forward flow and negative indicated a reverse direction of flow.

1.2 Modbus Wiring

1.2 (a) Pass Captis Wires Through Gland

Strip back and pass the following cores through the MC406 cable gland

1.2 (b) Terminate Connections

Remove the connector (circled red) and terminate the Captis connection as below

Inside the MC406, securely terminate the Captis cable cut detection. Ensure sufficient insulation to prevent risk of short circuits. Solder and heat shrink or boot-lace ferrules are recommended. 

1.2 (c) Close MC406

Connect terminated MC406 modbus connector to PCB, ensure cable cut leads are securely connected and insulated, reinstall required MC406 components (e.g battery) and close converter.

2. Test DAS Communication

Due to the extensive battery saving features of the MC406, it is necessary to follow the below process to ensure converter battery life and reliable RTU communication.

2.1 Enable MC406 Modbus Output

For assistance navigating the on screen converter menu, please refer to the MC406 manual attached at the bottom of this page.

Using the navigation buttons, access the device function settings and change F46 to a value of 12

2.2 Wake Captis

2.3 Verify DAS Flow

If you're having issues accessing or using the DAS, feel free to give SigSense a call (07 3053 5229) and we'll help you verify the DAS reading.

Once the DAS reading has been confirmed, DO NOT WAKE THE CAPTIS AGAIN, CHANGE THE WIRING OR INTERFERE WITH THE CABLE CUT.

3. Adjust MC406 Modbus Activation (Battery Powered Only)

In step 2 we permanently enabled the modbus output of the meter to allow for the LID, meter and DAS to be tested 'end-to-end'. To permit greater battery life where no external power (e.g DC / Solar) is available, we must now change the Modbus activation window of the MC406 to match and sync with the installed Captis.

Once changed, the MC406 will keep the modbus interface active until it receives a Modbus request. The MC406 will then disable the modbus output and begin enabling it on the interval defined by the setting,  F46. As a result, it is important the next measurement request be the hourly scheduled measurement from the LID. Do not wake the device, interfere with the cable cut or disconnect the cable once beginning this section as it will result in the Captis measurement and MC406 activation intervals being out of sync.

Currently, all Captis devices used in NSW Non-urban metering have 60 minute logging intervals (on the top of each hour). This requires a setting of F46 = 11.

For assistance navigating the on screen converter menu or converter setting details, please refer to the MC406 manual attached at the bottom of this page.

3.1 Adjust MC406 Modbus Interval

For assistance navigating the on screen converts menu, please refer to the MC406 manual attached at the bottom of this page.

Using the navigation buttons, access the device function settings and change F46 to a value of 11.

Do not wake the device, interfere with the cable cut or disconnect the cable after completing this section.

4. Post installation DAS Verification

Although communication was verified in step 2, SigSense recommend a further check of the DAS at least 1 day after installation to ensure the MC406 activation window has been correctly set and measurements are successful. 

4.1 Final DAS Verification

If you're having issues accessing or using the DAS, feel free to  call (07 3053 5229) and we'll help you verify the DAS reading.

Product Manual

View the product manual and further wiring information below or click on the top right to download the manual. 

MC406 user manual (1).pdf