Frequently Asked Question
CLASSIC - SERIAL MODBUS ADDRESSING
Last Updated 4 years ago
Here is a complete write-up on how the Classic and MNGP addressing works.
First, you have two totally separate computer systems with each their own operating systems. We call this "Firmware" but in reality it is the code that contains the operating system for each unit.
The Classic "Main" or "Motherboard" can run without the MNGP. The MNGP is used as a serial data remote terminal to program and display data from the Classic's motherboard. Each can have a different address to communicate, we call this the Serial MODBUS Address.
The Classic's Motherboard and MNGP are factory set to Serial MODBUS Address #10.
One needs to understand they both can be "set" to different address but unless they are set the same they won't communicate and the infamous "GOT COMM" will show up. This "GOT COMM" will also show up if the Classic Motherboard is DEAD and can''t communicate with the MNGP.
Here are instructions on changing and SAVING the MODBUS Address on both the Classic and MNGP:
On the MNGP just hold the LEFT Arrow in and use the UP/DN Arrows to change the address. Letting go of the LEFT Arrow sets the MNGP to the last address that was displayed when you "Let go" of the Left Arrow.
To "SET" this address on the Classic Motherboard you MUST press the LEFT & RIGHT Arrows together and HOLD them IN until you see the report "ADDRESS IS NOW XX". (DON'T DO THIS WITH F-ME or SMA COMMBOX Cables installed, read below)
NOW, The MNGP and the Classic Motherboard have the same address and can communicate.
NOW IF YOU MOVE THE MNGP ADDRESS AND DO NOT "SEND" IT TO THE MOTHERBOARD YOU WILL GET "GOT COMM".
Remember what was said above, until you press LEFT & RIGHT Arrows the motherboard will be on the last set address because both the Classic Motherboard & MNGP can have different address.
***NOW THE WARNINGS***
DO NOT SET THE CLASSIC MOTHERBOARD ADDRESS WITH FOLLOW-ME OR SMA COMMBOX CABLES INSTALLED.
DO NOT USE ADDRESS #255
This is why, across the cables you can access any Classic who's motherboard has a different address just by dialing up that address in ANY MNPG attached to ANY Classic. You may inadvertently change the address of a Classic not necessarily the one you have the MNGP on.
FOR EXAMPLE: You have 3 Classisc with 3 MNGP's and Follow-Me cables installed. Each Classic is on Address #10 and each is communicating with it's own MNGP. BUT, if you get creative (First remove the F-Me Cables) and set Classic #2 to address #11 and Classic #3 to Address #12 as long as you HOLD LEFT & RIGHT Arrows after everything works fine as before.
Now on the Serial Cable Network (F-Me or SMA Commbox) you have 3 different address!!!
You can go to ANY Classic, change the MNGP Address to 10, 11, or 12 and the MNGP YOU ARE WORKING ON Will pull data from the address you selected, 10,11, or 12. If you go to #9 or #13 you will get "GOT COMM", why? Because the MNGP could not find a Classic on that address. There are uses for this but unless you SET THE CLASSIC NAME using the Local App, you may loose track of which Classic you are talking to. The Classic "Name" will pop up on the MNGP after you select it's address.
Cool but confusing...
First, you have two totally separate computer systems with each their own operating systems. We call this "Firmware" but in reality it is the code that contains the operating system for each unit.
The Classic "Main" or "Motherboard" can run without the MNGP. The MNGP is used as a serial data remote terminal to program and display data from the Classic's motherboard. Each can have a different address to communicate, we call this the Serial MODBUS Address.
The Classic's Motherboard and MNGP are factory set to Serial MODBUS Address #10.
One needs to understand they both can be "set" to different address but unless they are set the same they won't communicate and the infamous "GOT COMM" will show up. This "GOT COMM" will also show up if the Classic Motherboard is DEAD and can''t communicate with the MNGP.
Here are instructions on changing and SAVING the MODBUS Address on both the Classic and MNGP:
On the MNGP just hold the LEFT Arrow in and use the UP/DN Arrows to change the address. Letting go of the LEFT Arrow sets the MNGP to the last address that was displayed when you "Let go" of the Left Arrow.
To "SET" this address on the Classic Motherboard you MUST press the LEFT & RIGHT Arrows together and HOLD them IN until you see the report "ADDRESS IS NOW XX". (DON'T DO THIS WITH F-ME or SMA COMMBOX Cables installed, read below)
NOW, The MNGP and the Classic Motherboard have the same address and can communicate.
NOW IF YOU MOVE THE MNGP ADDRESS AND DO NOT "SEND" IT TO THE MOTHERBOARD YOU WILL GET "GOT COMM".
Remember what was said above, until you press LEFT & RIGHT Arrows the motherboard will be on the last set address because both the Classic Motherboard & MNGP can have different address.
***NOW THE WARNINGS***
DO NOT SET THE CLASSIC MOTHERBOARD ADDRESS WITH FOLLOW-ME OR SMA COMMBOX CABLES INSTALLED.
DO NOT USE ADDRESS #255
This is why, across the cables you can access any Classic who's motherboard has a different address just by dialing up that address in ANY MNPG attached to ANY Classic. You may inadvertently change the address of a Classic not necessarily the one you have the MNGP on.
FOR EXAMPLE: You have 3 Classisc with 3 MNGP's and Follow-Me cables installed. Each Classic is on Address #10 and each is communicating with it's own MNGP. BUT, if you get creative (First remove the F-Me Cables) and set Classic #2 to address #11 and Classic #3 to Address #12 as long as you HOLD LEFT & RIGHT Arrows after everything works fine as before.
Now on the Serial Cable Network (F-Me or SMA Commbox) you have 3 different address!!!
You can go to ANY Classic, change the MNGP Address to 10, 11, or 12 and the MNGP YOU ARE WORKING ON Will pull data from the address you selected, 10,11, or 12. If you go to #9 or #13 you will get "GOT COMM", why? Because the MNGP could not find a Classic on that address. There are uses for this but unless you SET THE CLASSIC NAME using the Local App, you may loose track of which Classic you are talking to. The Classic "Name" will pop up on the MNGP after you select it's address.
Cool but confusing...