Network – Wattsense Support Portal

How to send a downlink from a Modbus IP client ?

This article is a tutorial for users who configured a Modbus IP Gateway into their Tower/Bridge, which is redirecting Lorawan sensors values. You can learn more about setting up a Modbus IP Gateway from this tutorial.

Attention

Downlink specifications are explained in sensor manufacturer documentation only.

Step 1

Be sure that you configured a Modbus IP Gateway redirecting the correct properties. In order to send a downlink, the property "Encoded downlink message" is required.

Remember the address of the property. Here is 268.

The type of the property is Text and should not be changed.

Step 2

Go to your Modbus client interface and connect to your Wattsense device IP address. You should be able to find it on the Configuration > Connectors tab.

For this example, I am using my computer as my Modbus client, using the software ModbusDoctor.

Step 3

Set the address of the Encoded downlink message property. (268 in my example)
Set the type as Holding register.
Configure the number of registers of the downlink, depending on its size. (A single register contains 16 bits, so you can put 2 ASCII characters per register).
In this exemple, we send the following downlink: 401E20:1
(This downlink contains 8 characters so we can set the size to 4)

Write 2 ASCII characters of your downlink in each register area.

Click on WRITING to send the downlink.

Be aware that for a Class A Lorawan sensor, the downlink will be received only right after it sends an uplink. If you send multiple downlinks they will be stored and sent to the sensor one by one. The downlink queue is a LAST IN - FIRST OUT queue per sensor.
Link to further documentation about Lorawan downlink.

If you need any additional information, please contact us here.

How to send a downlink from a Bacnet client ?

This article is a tutorial for users who configured a Bacnet Gateway into their Tower/Bridge, which is redirecting Lorawan sensors values. You can learn more about setting up a Bacnet Gateway from this tutorial.

Attention

Downlink specifications are explained in sensor manufacturer documentation only.

Step 1

Be sure that you configured a Bacnet Gateway redirecting the correct properties. In order to send a downlink, the property "Encoded downlink message" is required.

The Bacnet Object Type must be a CharacterString.

Be aware that most supervisors do not support the necessary data type in BACnet to write Downlink. CSV is not supported.

Step 2

Go to your Bacnet client interface and search for your Wattsense Bacnet Gateway. You should be able to find your redirected Lorawan properties.

For this example, I am using my computer as my Bacnet client, using the software Yabe.

Step 3

Choose the Encoded downlink message property and write your downlink as a present-value. Press enter to send the downlink to your sensor

Attention

Be aware that for a Class A Lorawan sensor, the downlink will be received only right after it sends an uplink. If you send multiple downlinks they will be stored and sent to the sensor one by one. The downlink queue is a LAST IN - FIRST OUT queue per sensor.
Link to further documentation about Lorawan downlink.

Please contact us if you need any additional information : Wattsense Support

How can I create my Bacnet network?

Here is a video that would explain you how to create your Bacnet network really easily.

Please contact us if you need any additional information: Wattsense Support

How can I send a lorawan downlink ?

This article explains in detail how to send a lorawan downlink.

First of all, make sure that you've followed the installation tutorial here.

Step 1

Go in your equipment properties :

In the selected properties, be sure that you've checked the one called "Encoded downlink message"

It's the only property with a "Write" Access type

Step 2

Now that all the requirements are completed, you can send the downlink. Go to "Live data" and click on "Set property"

Step 3

1) Fill this blank with the value of your downlink. Downlink specifications are explained in sensor manufacturer documentation.

2) Once you click on "Save" the downlink will be sent to the sensor.

If you send several downlinks in a row, the last downlink will overwrite the previous one. Link to further documentation about Lorawan downlink

The port number must be specified at the end of the downlink as follows :

[DOWNLINK]:[PORT]

ex:
ABCDEFG:1

Please contact us if you need any additional information: Wattsense Support

Network architecture with SIM card

This refers to the layout and structure of the network, including how devices are connected to the Wattesense's box.

Within the Tower or Bridge products, a SIM card is integrated, enabling communication with Wattsense's servers in the event of troubleshooting or data storage needs.

GSM communication takes precedence within the network, regardless of whether an Ethernet connection is established. This ensures uninterrupted access to the device.

GSM connectivity ensures constant accessibility to the device, which is essential for seamless configuration and overall functionality.

Within the Bridge, data is transmitted for a continuous duration of 60 minutes, guaranteeing reliable communication and configuration for all devices connected to the Wattsense Box.
The Tower maintains constant data transmission, serving as the primary structure for both data storage and data transmission.

SchemaGsm (1).png

Is it possible to deactivate the 4G SIM card ?

Yes, it is possible to deactivate the 4G SIM card. This action can be performed remotely, and there is no need to open the Wattsense box to physically remove the SIM card, as doing so could potentially damage the box. Before deactivating the SIM card and ensuring continued communication between the Tower or Bridge, a few network configuration steps should be followed.

Diagramme sans nom.drawio.png

The initial step is to set up your installation, ensuring that your devices are assigned an IP address and can communicate to the Wattsense box. For accurate configuration guidance, consult the Routing table article.

It's important to test your network communication before deactivating the SIM card, as at this point, remote troubleshooting by Wattsense's support won't be possible. Additionally, please be aware that for information on configuring your network firewall and access, the "open ports" article offers detailed instructions.

If you need any additional information, please contact us here.

Mapping between the different protocols

This article explains the mapping between different protocols.

	OUTPUT (Server)
INPUT (Client)	MQTT	BACNET	MODBUS TCP/IP
Lorawan	RW	RW*	RW
Modbus RS485	RW	RW	R
Diematic	RW	RW	-
M-Bus	R	R	-
LPB	RW	RW	-
KNX	RW	R	RW

Device can be used as client, for this please check the mapping below :

	OUTPUT (Server)
INPUT (Client)	MQTT	BACNET	MODBUS TCP/IP
Modbus IP	RW	R	RW
Bacnet IP	RW	-	RW**

* To send a downlink from a BACnet equipment to a LoRaWAN device, the encoding must be UTF-8

** For Modbus TCP/IP Read checked :

Binary Input/Output/Value => Coil/flag
Binary Input/Output/Value => holding register/uint16 and int16
Analog Input/Output/Value => holding register/uint16 and int16
Analog Input/Output/Value => holding register/f32_abcd
Multistate Value/Input/Output => holding register/int16 and uint16

** For Modbus TCP/IP Write checked:

Binary Output <= holding register/uint16 and int16
Analog Output/Value <= holding register/f32_abcd
Analog Output/Value <= holding register/uint16 and int16
Multistate Value/Output <= holding register/int16 and uint16

How to use the Mbus Scan

This article explains how to use the Mbus Scan.

The Mbus bus is a serial bus powered by the master (Tower or Bridge) with 37V, the Tower/Bridge can handle natively 3.6mA (3*UL) on the bus.
If you want to scan/communicate with more than 3 devices, you should use an Mbus repeater.

Hardware installation

Be sure that you are correctly wired :

Polarity is respected
Make sure that you have the Bus powered only by the Tower/Bridge (around 37V)
All devices are on the same network configuration (baudrate/unique M-bus address/etc..)
Wire are communication twisted pair
Make sure that your topology respect this one

Step 1 :

Go on the configuration tab and add a new equipment using the configuration Wizard.

Then select the "Scan M-bus network" button.

Select the baudrate of your M-bus network.

Step 2 :

Run a scan on primary address

-> You can choose to run the scan on primary address by using a "Full scan"

-> Or you can choose to run the scan between an address range

Run a scan on secondary address

Once the method is selected, click on the "launch the scan" button and wait for the scan to be finished.

The scan duration can take more than 6 minutes, depending on how many meter are on the bus and the baudrate.

Step 3 :

Select the datapoints you wish to monitor.

Please contact us if you need any additional information : Wattsense Support

How to connect a Modbus RTU device with my Wattsense Tower/Bridge ?

This article will guide you through the installation of your Modbus RS485 device.

First of all, please check this previous article about the Modbus RS485 network. It will help you to prepare your further installation.

Installation Information :

In order to make the system work you'll have in mind some important information :

Be sure that your Tower/Bridge is connected to the network with twisted pair communication cables.

Be sure that you know the Modbus RS485 register table of the device if you are using one that is not in our compatibility checker.

Please check this document that will detail the Hardware installation for many networks.

Step 1 :

Add your equipment by using our Configuration Wizard :

Equipment information :

If your device is not in the Configuration Wizard list it does not mean that the Box can't connect to it but only that you will have to do the setup manually for the first time.

Feel free to send us your missing equipment and we will add it for you to our compatibility list.

Step 2 :

Select the equipment and click on Next.

Step 3 :

Once you've selected your equipment (in the example France Air - WALLPLAY), you'll have to setup:

-> Slave ID (has to be unique on a network)

Step 4 :

As it is mandatory, the baudrate on a network needs to be the same on all devices (Box and equipment).

Other parameters (Parity, Data, and Stop bit) are also mandatory and need to be identical on all devices (Box and equipment).

Step 5 :

Select the properties you want to monitor and click on "Save"

Once saved, your Modbus Equipment is connected to your Tower/Bridge.

If you need any additional information, please contact us: here

Configure a static IP address to Ethernet port

This article explains how to configure a static IP address to Ethernet port.

By default the 2 ethernet ports are configured in DHCP mode, which means that if there is a DHCP server on the network, it will set up automatically the ethernet addresses.

If there is no DHCP server or if you need to configure static addresses, here is the tutorial about how to do it.

Go to "Configuration" tabs of the user console, then "Connectors".

Click on the appropriate Ethernet port you want to configure
First select the "Manual" method and configure the following parameters

IP Address : Would be the IP address of the port ETH1.
Gateway : Configure the gateway of the network if there is one, if not leave it empty.

The netmask should match the one defined in the network (please contact your IT department for more information)

If you need any additional information, please contact us here

Connect the BOX to internet via a PC and mobile phone

This article explains how to connect the BOX to internet via a PC and mobile phone

Pre-requisite:

Windows PC with windows 10
Mobile shared connection already on your PC
Ethernet cable
Box Wattsense already power on
Access to your box on console.wattsense.com

The attached pdf explained in detail the procedure.

If you need any additional information, please contact us here.