MEX016u Expander
Technical Instructions
Rev. 9/8/2011
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Contents
What is the MEX016u expander?................................................................................................ 1
Inputs .......................................................................................................................... 1
Specifications .............................................................................................................. 2
To mount the MEX016u ............................................................................................................. 3
Wiring for power........................................................................................................................ 3
To wire for power .......................................................................................................... 4
To address the MEX016u ........................................................................................................... 4
Wiring for communications ........................................................................................................ 4
ARC156 wiring specifications ....................................................................................... 4
To wire the MEX016u to the controller ........................................................................... 5
Wiring inputs ............................................................................................................................ 6
Wiring specifications .................................................................................................... 6
To wire inputs ............................................................................................................... 6
To assign inputs to points .......................................................................................................... 8
Input values ................................................................................................................. 8
Resolution values ......................................................................................................... 9
Offset/Polarity values ................................................................................................... 9
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 10
LED's ......................................................................................................................... 10
Serial number ............................................................................................................ 10
To monitor expander communication .......................................................................... 10
Replacing the MEX016u's fuses ................................................................................. 11
Compliance............................................................................................................................ 12
FCC Compliance......................................................................................................... 12
CE Compliance........................................................................................................... 12
BACnet Compliance ................................................................................................... 12
Appendix - MEX016u coverplate............................................................................................... 13
2011 Automated Logic Corporation. All rights reserved throughout the world. Automated Logic Corporation, the Automated Logic logo,
WebCTRL, EIKON, BACview, SuperVision, and InterOp are registered trademarks, and Alert is a trademark of Automated Logic Corporation.
BACnet is a registered trademark of ASHRAE. All other brand and product names are trademarked by their respective companies.
What is the MEX016u expander?
The MEX016u expander connects to the ME line controller to increase the number of
inputs. You can connect up to 5 MEX016u's to the ME line controller.
Inputs
The MEX016u has 16 inputs that accept the signal types described below.
Signal Type
Description
Thermistor1
Precon type 2 (10 kOhm at 77F). Input voltages should be from
0.489 Vdc to 3.825 Vdc for thermistors.
Accuracy: 0.5F (0.28C)
Dry contact
A 5 Vdc wetting voltage detects contact position, resulting in a 1 mA
maximum sense current when the contacts are closed.
05 Vdc
010 Vdc
The output impedance of a 05 Vdc or a 010 Vdc source must not
exceed 200 Ohms. The input impedance of the MEX016u is
approximately 20 kOhm.
020 mA
The input resistance on the positive (+) terminal is 250 Ohms. The
Aux Power Out connector is capable of supplying 24 Vdc to multiple
420 mA transducers, but the total current demanded must not
exceed 200 mA. If the voltage measured from the Aux Power Out
connector to Gnd is less than 18 Vdc, you need to use an external
power supply.
RTD1
Platinum - 1 kOhm at 32F (0C)
Nickel/Iron - 1 kOhm at 70F (21C)
Balco TS8000 - 1 kOhm at 70F (21C)
Input voltages should be from 0.61.2 V.
NOTE ALC recommends use of an external current transducer
between an RTD and the MEX016u.
Pulse counter2
Pulse counting up to 40 pulses per second.
Minimum pulse width (on or off time) required for each pulse is 12.5
msec.
To use a thermistor or RTD not listed above, you can set up a custom translation table for your
sensor.
The MEX016u can perform pulse counting for dry contact or voltage inputs if you assign the input
to a Pulse to Analog Input microblock. See To assign inputs or outputs to points (page 8).
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Specifications
Power
24 Vac 10%, 5060 Hz, 45 VA
26 Vdc 10%, 21 W
Inputs
16 inputs, configurable for 05 Vdc, 010 Vdc, 020 mA,
RTD, thermistor, or dry contact
Input resolution
14 bit A/D
Input pulse frequency
40 pulses per second. Minimum pulse width (on or off time)
required for each pulse is 12.5 msec.
Microprocessor
8-bit microprocessor with 60 kB Flash memory, 2 kB SRAM,
and CAN controller
Protection
Incoming power is protected by 2 replaceable 3 Amp Pico
fuses. (Replacement fuses available from ALC, Part
#FUSEPKG.)
The power and network connections are also protected
against transient excess voltage/surge events lasting no
more than 10 msec.
Status indicators
LED's indicate status of communications, running, errors,
and power
Environmental operating
range
-20 to 140F (-29 to 60C), 1090% relative humidity, noncondensing
NOTE Install in a UL Listed enclosure only.
Physical
Rugged aluminum cover, removable, screw-type terminal
blocks
Overall dimensions
Height:
Width:
9 in. (22.9 cm)
5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
Mounting dimensions
(in a panel)
Height:
Width:
8 9/16 in. (21.8 cm)
3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm)
Recommended panel
depth
2 3/4 in. (7cm)
Weight
13.3 oz. (.377 kg)
Listed by
UL-916 (PAZX), cUL-916 (PAZX7), FCC Part 15-Subpart BClass A, CE EN50082-1997
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
To mount the MEX016u
You can mount an MEX016u in one of the following locations:
On an ME812u, ME812u-E, or ME812u-LGR controller using the 2 provided 7/64
socket head cap screws, 6-32 thread.
MEX816u
Me812u
In an enclosed panel. Screw the MEX016u to the panel using the four mounting holes
on the cover plate. Leave about 2 in. (5 cm) on each side for wiring.
See Wiring for communications (page 4) to wire the MEX016u to the controller.
Wiring for power
CAUTIONS
The MEX016u is powered by a Class 2 power source. Take appropriate isolation
measures when mounting it in a control panel where non-Class 2 circuits are present.
ALC controllers can share a power supply as long as you:
Maintain the same polarity.
Use the power supply only for ALC controllers.
NOTE For the controller to recognize an attached expander, you must turn on the
expander before you turn on the controller.
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
To wire for power
Turn off the MEX016us power to prevent it from powering up before you can verify
the correct voltage.
Remove power from the power supply.
Pull the screw terminal connector from the controller's power terminals labeled 24
Vac and Gnd (Return).
Connect the transformer wires to the screw terminal connector.
Apply power to the power supply.
Measure the voltage at the MEX016us power input terminals to verify that the
voltage is within the operating range of 21.626.4 Vac.
Insert the screw terminal connector into the MEX016u's power terminals.
Turn on the MEX016u's power.
Verify that the Power LED is on and the Run LED is blinking.
To address the MEX016u
You must give the MEX016u an address that is unique on the network. You can address
the MEX016u before or after you wire it for power.
1
If wired for power, turn off the MEX016u's power and the attached controller's power.
Set the MEX016u's address on the rotary switch. For example, the switch below
shows an address of 5.
Turn on the MEX016u's power, then turn on the attached controller's power. The
controller reads the powered MEX016u's address each time you turn on the
controller.
Wiring for communications
Use ARC156 wiring to wire the MEX expander to the controller. Do not exceed 100 feet
total wire length.
ARC156 wiring
specifications
Below are the specifications for ARC156 wiring. The wire jacket and UL temperature rating
specifications list two acceptable alternatives. Halar has a higher temperature rating and
a tougher outer jacket than SmokeGard, and it is appropriate for use in applications
where you are concerned about abrasion. Halar is also less likely to crack in extremely low
temperatures.
NOTE Use the specified type of wire and cable for maximum signal integrity.
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Description
Single twisted pair, low capacitance (12pF), CL2P, 22
AWG (7x30), TC foam FEP, plenum rated cable
Conductor
22 AWG (7x30) stranded copper (tin plated)
0.030 in. (0.762 mm) O.D.
NOTE 24 AWG can be used for segments <200 ft.
(6.7 m).
Insulation
Foamed FEP
0.015 in. (0.381 mm) wall
0.060 in. (1.524 mm) O.D.
Color code
Black/white
Twist lay
2 in. (50.8 mm) lay on pair
6 twists/foot (20 twists/meter) nominal
Shielding
Aluminum/Mylar shield with 24 AWG (7x32) TC drain
wire
Jacket
SmokeGard (SmokeGard PVC)
0.021 in. (0.5334 mm) wall
0.175 in. (4.445 mm) O.D.
Halar (E-CTFE)
0.010 in. (0.254 mm) wall
0.144 in. (3.6576 mm) O.D.
DC resistance
15.2 Ohms/1000 feet (50 Ohms/km) nominal
Capacitance
12.5 pF/ft (41 pF/meter) nominal conductor to
conductor
Characteristic impedance
100 Ohms nominal
Weight
12 lb/1000 feet (17.9 kg/km)
UL temperature rating
SmokeGard
167F (75C)
Halar
-40 to 302F (-40 to 150C)
To wire the
MEX016u to the
controller
Voltage
300 Vac, power limited
Listing
UL: NEC CL2P, or better
Wire the MEX016u's Xnet Remote Expansion port to the same port on the controller.
NOTE To use more than one expander, wire their Xnet Remote Expansion ports
together in a daisy-chain configuration. The controller must be the first device on the
expander network.
Set the MEX016u's Baud Select jumper to 500k.
If the expander network has more than one expander, remove the Term jumper from
all expanders except the one at the end of the expander network.
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Wiring inputs
Wiring
specifications
Input
Maximum length
Minimum gauge
Shielding
Thermistor
Dry contact
1000 feet
(305 meters)
22 AWG
Shielded
05 Vdc
010 Vdc
1000 feet
(305 meters)
26 AWG
Shielded
020 mA
3000 feet
(914 meters)
26 AWG
Shielded or
unshielded
RTD
100 feet
(30 meters)
22 AWG
Shielded
NOTE ALC recommends use of an external current transducer between an RTD and the
MEX016u.
To wire inputs
Verify that the MEX016u's power and communications connections work properly.
Turn off the MEX016u's power.
Connect the input wiring to the screw terminals on the MEX016u.
NOTE Connect the shield wire to the GND terminal with the ground wire.
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Set Universal
Input Mode
Select jumper to...
+
10 kOhm
thermistor
Gnd
+
Dry
contact
Gnd
+
1 kOhm
RTD
Gnd
Any input
Any input
Thermistor
Dry-contact
RTD
Any input
0-5 Vdc,
2 wire
3 wire
4 wir e
External
24 Vdc
half-wave
power
supply
V+ 0-10 Vdc, Out
or
4-20 mA
n/c Gnd
0-5 Vdc,
Out
or
4-20 mA
Gnd
V+ 0-10 Vdc,
V+ 0-5 Vdc, Out +
Gnd
0-10 Vdc,
or
4-20 mA Out -
+
Gnd
+
Gnd
Any input
Any input
Any input
Volts
mA
or
Volts
mA
or
Volts
mA
or
0-5 Vdc,
2 wire
3 wire
4 wir e
V+ 0-10 Vdc, Out
or
4-20 mA
V+
V+
Gnd
+
n/c Gnd
0-5 Vdc, Out
0-10 Vdc,
or
Gnd
4-20 mA
Out +
0-5 Vdc,
0-10 Vdc,
or
Out 4-20 mA
+
Gnd
+
Gnd
Any input
Any input
Any input
Volts
mA
or
Volts
mA
or
Volts
mA
or
Aux Power Out
connector
+24 Vdc
200 mA max
NOTE For a loop-powered 4-20 mA sensor, wire the sensor's positive terminal to the
+ terminal on the MEX016u's Aux Power Out connector. Wire the sensor's negative
terminal to an input's + terminal.
4
Set each input's Universal Input Mode Select jumper to indicate the type of input.
Turn on the MEX016u's power.
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
To assign inputs to points
To use an input, you must assign it to its corresponding point in the control program.
1
In WebCTRL's GEO tree, select the equipment controlled by the MEX016u.
On the Properties page, select the I/O Points tab.
For each point, type the expander's rotary switch address in the Exp field and the
number of the expander's corresponding input in the Num field.
EXAMPLE If IN-1 on the MEX016u (which has a rotary switch address of 5) is used
for the point Fan Status, enter 5:1 in the Exp:Num column for Fan Status.
Enter the appropriate values for your input in the remaining columns. See Input
values, Resolution values and Offset/Polarity values below.
NOTE You can also enter these values in EIKON LogicBuilder.
Input values
If you have not performed the initial download to the attached controller, you must
download now to verify inputs.
To verify each input's operation, force each sensor to a known value, then compare it
to the Value shown on the Properties page on the I/O Points tab.
Input
I/O Type
Sensor/Actuator Type
Min/Max
0-5 Vdc
05 Volt
Linear Full Range
Engineering values
associated with 0 Vdc
(Min) and 5 Vdc (Max)1
0-10 Vdc
010 Volt
Linear Full Range
Engineering values
associated with 0 Vdc
(Min) and 10 Vdc (Max)1
2-10 Vdc
010 Volt
Linear w/Offset,
210 Volts
Engineering values
associated with 2 Vdc
(Min) and 10 Vdc (Max)1
0-20 mA
020 mA
Linear Full Range
Engineering values
associated with 0 mA
(Min) and 20 mA (Max)1
4-20 mA
020 mA
Linear w/Offset,
420 mA
Engineering values
associated with 4 mA
(Min) and 20 mA (Max)1
RTD
RTD Input
Select your RTD type or set N/A
up and select a Non-Linear,
Custom Table2
Thermistor
Thermistor
Select your Thermistor type
or set up and select a NonLinear, Custom Table2
Analog (BAI)
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
N/A
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Input
I/O Type
Sensor/Actuator Type
Min/Max
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Pulse to Analog (BPTA)3
Pulse Counter
Counter Input
Digital (Binary) (BBI)
Dry Contact
Resolution values
Dry Contact
The sensor reads a value and sends a corresponding signal (Volt, mA, or psi) to the MEX016u's
physical input. The Analog Input microblock uses the Min and Max values to linearly translate the
signal into the engineering value used in subsequent control logic. For example, set Min to 0 and
Max to 10 for a 420 mA sensor that measures velocity from 0.0 to 10.0 inches/second so that
when the input reads 4 mA, the microblock outputs a value of 0. Similarly, when the input reads 8
mA, the microblock outputs a value of 2.5.
You can set up a custom translation table on the driver's Custom Translation Tables pages in
WebCTRL.
The control program must have one Pulse to Analog Input microblock for each pulse counting
input.
Resolution is not particular to a type of input, but the driver handles analog and digital
(binary) inputs differently. To set these values appropriately, you should understand how
the driver uses them.
Resolution
Notes
Analog Input
(BAI)
The driver truncates the microblock's present value according to the
resolution.
EXAMPLE If the calculated present value is 13.789 and you set the
Resolution to 0.1, the control program uses 13.7 for any calculations
downstream from the microblock.
Digital Inputs
Offset/Polarity
values
N/A
Offset/Polarity is not particular to a type of input, but the driver handles analog and
digital (binary) inputs differently. To set these values appropriately, you should understand
how the driver uses them.
Offset/Polarity
Notes
Analog Input
(BAI)
Offset value (positive or negative) adds a fine adjustment to a sensor
reading after all scaling for calibration.
EXAMPLE If a sensor reads 74.9F when the actual measured value
is 73.6F, enter an Offset of 1.3 to calibrate the sensor to the
measured value.
Digital (Binary)
Input (BBI)
Polarity determines the microblock's present value when no signal is
received from the equipment.
When no signal is received from the equipment, if Polarity is set to:
normalpresent value is off
reversedpresent value is on
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Troubleshooting
If you have problems mounting, wiring, or addressing the MEX016u, contact ALC
Technical Support.
LED's
The LED's on the MEX016u show the status of certain functions.
If this LED is on...
Status is...
Power
The MEX016u has power
Rx
The MEX016u is receiving data from the network segment
Tx
The MEX016u is transmitting data over the network segment
The Run and Error LED's indicate controller and network status.
If Run LED shows...
And Error LED shows...
Status is..
2 flashes per second
Off
Normal
5 flashes per second
2 flashes per second
Boot is running
5 flashes per second
On
Fatal error. Replace expander or
return for repair.
Serial number
If you need the MEX016u's serial number when troubleshooting, the number is on a
sticker on the back of the main controller board.
To monitor
expander
communication
You can add an analog input in a control program that will provide the communication
status of the MEX016u. If the input reads a value of 65, the expander is communicating.
If the input reads 0, the expander is not communicating.
To have the input provide the MEX016u's status, define the following properties for the
input.
Expander: The expander number you want to read
Input Number: 1
Input Type: Special
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
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2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Replacing the
MEX016u's fuses
If you turn on the MEX016u's power switch and the Power LED is not lit, use a multimeter
to see if either of the 3 Amp Pico fuses that protect the incoming power is blown.
Fuses
You can order replacement fuses from ALC, Part #FUSEPKG.
Before replacing the fuse, try to determine why the fuse blew. Check the power wiring
polarity of the MEX016u, the controller that the MEX is attached to, and any other
controllers that share the power supply. Use the same polarity for all of them.
To replace the fuse:
1
Turn off the MEX016u's power.
Remove the MEX016u's coverplate.
Using needle-nose pliers, pull the bad fuse from the controller.
Cut the wires on the new fuse so that the total length is approximately 1 inch and the
fuse is centered.
1 inch
Bend the wire ends so that the length is approximately 1/2 inch.
1/
2
inch
Use the pliers to grip one wire end of the fuse and push into a fuse socket on the
controller.
Grip the other wire end of the fuse and push into the other fuse socket.
Replace the MEX016u's coverplate.
Turn on the power and verify that the Power LED is lit.
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
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2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Compliance
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party for
compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment.
CE Compliance
WARNING This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
BACnet
Compliance
BACnet is a registered trademark of ASHRAE. ASHRAE does not endorse, approve or test
products for compliance with ASHRAE standards. Compliance of listed products to
requirements of ASHRAE Standard 135 is the responsibility of the BACnet manufacturers
Association (BMA). BTL is a registered trademark of the BMA.
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
12
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
Appendix - MEX016u coverplate
24ac/26dc Power
Return
Off
24 Vac, 40 VA, 1.7A, 50-60 Hz
26Vdc, 19 W, 0.75 A
On
Use Copper Conductors Only
Class 2
Module
Address
Power LED
Error LED
Run LED
200m A max
24 Vdc
24 Vdc
Aux Power Out
Term.
Xnet +
Xnet
Remote
Xnet Expansion
Gnd
Tx LED
Rx LED
62.5k
500k
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
+ IN-1
Gnd
+
Gnd IN-2
+
Gnd IN-3
+
IN-4
Gnd
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
+
IN-5
Gnd
+
IN-6
Gnd
+
IN-7
Gnd
+
Gnd IN-8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
+
IN-9
Gnd
+
IN-10
Gnd
+
IN-11
Gnd
+
Gnd IN-12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
+
IN-13
Gnd
+
IN-14
Gnd
+
Gnd IN-15
+
Gnd IN-16
Baud
Select
Universal Input
Mode Select
mA
Thermistor/
RTD
Volts
MEx 016u
CONTROL MODULE
Open Energy
Management Equipment
88F0
E143900
TYPE: 002303
Inputs: All
10V Max, 20m A Max
MEX016u Expander Rev. 9/8/2011
Made in USA
13
2011 Automated Logic Corporation
