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DENT Instruments
PowerScout 24
PREPPING FOR FIELD INSTALLATION
There are multiple tasks that are typically completed before heading to the field, usually by your
technical support personnel. These include determining how to communicate with the meter, setting
address switches, installing ViewPoint, etc. Communication configuration must be set up in the
ViewPoint software even if you use a separate logger to record data. The more tasks completed before
installation means less time in the field.
These determinations figure into how you set up the PowerScout meter for operation:
BACnet vs. Modbus
Set the network address switches on the meter to either Modbus or BACnet
RS-485 vs. Ethernet
The type of connection is part of the configuration set up in the ViewPoint software
Laptop/PC for setup verification via USB
A convenient method for setup before going in the field, and once in the field, to easily read
real-time values
NOTE:
Installation of the ViewPoint
software and a communication cable should be completed and
tested with a meter prior to the field installation. A USB cable can be used when configuring the meter
in this manner.
Installing the ViewPoint Software
The ViewPoint software is designed to let you easily configure
the PowerScout for different current transformers, check
readings, and verify correct setup. All of DENT Instruments PowerScout meters use ViewPoint software
to communicate with the meter. It needs to be installed on any computer talking to the PowerScout 24.
ViewPoint is compatible with Windows® 7 (32 or 64 bit), Windows® 8 Pro, Vista (32 or 64 bit), or XP.
Insert the ViewPoint CD into the CD-ROM drive.
The installer starts automatically. If it does not, browse to the CD and locate the ViewPointInstaller.exe
program. Start the installer by double-clicking
ViewPointInstaller.exe
.
The Communication screen is displayed when ViewPoint is first started. This is where the software
networking parameters are entered to match the PowerScout networking configuration (meter type,
COM port, baud rate, base address, etc.). ViewPoint remembers your last connection and displays those
previous selections when opening the software once again.
NOTE:
ViewPoint software serves several functions, such as setting up a meter, getting real-time values,
and read/write registers and objects, but for the purpose of prepping for field installation only three are
important to the process: Communications, Meter Setup, and Comms Setup. The other functions are
described later in this document.