The flow chart below summarises the steps required to successfully install and commission the S-LX system.
Detailed descriptions of each step can be found below
It is recommended that installation diagrams are prepared prior to installation and referred to throughout the installation process.
The S-LX system is highly flexible and can be applied to many serial port and Ethernet remote monitoring applications and is not limited to those listed below.
Please contact MPEC to discuss any potential further applications
If trouble is encountered please contact MPEC technical support for further assistance:
Telephone: 01332 363 979. Available Monday to Friday 8 AM to 4 PM UK time.
Email: support@mpec.co.uk. Response typically within 24 hours.
System Overview
Industrial Computing Platform to decode, pre-process, and buffer monitored system data
Isolating wide-range power supply, 85 to 230 V AC
High Impedance, Fault Tolerant, Isolated RS232 Input to allow non-intrusive monitoring
Isolated RS485 output prevents tampering with RS232 signal or data stream
2 x Isolated LAN Ethernet Ports, for monitoring non-safety critical IP data streams, back-office connectivity or master-slave installation with additional S-LX systems.
Integral SD Card and SIM card for persistent data storage of provision of cellular connectivity
Integral LTE cellular modem
USB port for future monitoring and data storage applications
Prepare Overlay Diagrams
The means of connection to the monitored system will differ dependent on the application.
Refer to the application specific instructions below for example “overlay” wiring diagrams.
VHLC Level Crossing Applications
HXP3 Track Circuit Applications
Westronic 1024 TDM Applications
SSI Technicians Terminal Applications
AZLM Axle Counter Applications
Unbox & Mount the S-LX system
Carefully remove the S-LX system from its packaging
The system shall already supplied loose, with DIN rail, or attached to a 19 inch rack shelf
Antenna and accessory cables will be packed separately.
Mount the DIN rail in the desired location.
Fit the S-LX and HZS devices onto the DIN rail. The S-LX device uses a sliding plastic clip. The HZS device, a sprung steel clip.
The DIN rail may be cut to size. If doing so ensure that all sharp edges are deburred.
When supplied in a 19 inch rack, install the rack into an appropriate cabinet.
Antenna Installation
Antenna and antenna cable are supplied separately.
Mount the antenna external to the building
Never mount antenna inside an equipment enclosure or building
The antenna must be placed a minimum of 3 meters from sensitive electronic signalling equipment such as SSI.
The antenna features a magnetic mounting base. If this is not suitable, contact MPEC to discuss alternate mounting arrangements.
The antenna is to be mounted upright, with the “whip” element pointing skyward.
Ideally the antenna shall be placed clear of large structures and earthworks.
Bear in mind during placement that the antenna may need relocating during commissioning if inadequate signal strength is available.
A minimum 12 mm circular aperture is required to route the antenna cable into the building / enclosure.
If the building or enclosure structure must be pierced to run the antenna cable, ensure this is done in a responsible manner using appropriate tools. Any new openings must be appropriately sealed against moisture ingress and rodent attack.
route the antenna cable using appropriate cable management from antenna to SLX device.
Avoid sharp radius bends and never bend the antenna cable tighter than a 13mm radius.
Avoid running the antenna cable directly parallel and close to sensitive digital signal cables, such as SSI data links.
Do not attempt to shorten or lengthen the cable unless competent to do so and in possession of the appropriate tools and connectors.
MPEC offer a range of antenna cable lengths, so please contact MPEC if the standard 5m cable is inappropriate.
Hand tighten the hexagonal SMA connector to terminal W1 of the S-LX compute module. Do not use tools to over-tighten.
Hand tighten the round TNC connector to the antenna base. Do not use tools to over-tighten.
Connect AC Power Supply
General
The HZS PSU and Port Isolator plug connector features six terminals:
2 x BX terminals. The terminals are electrically common and accept the “live” connection to the incoming AC power supply.
2 x NX terminals. The terminals are electrically common and accept the “neutral” connection to the incoming AC power supply.
2 x E terminals. The terminals are electrically common and provide a protective earth connection to the incoming AC power supply.
The electrically common terminals allow power circuits to be daisy-chained to multiple S-LX systems whilst only occupying a single primary busbar connection.
Each terminal features a spring-cage contact to prevent accidental contact with hazardous live voltage. Guidelines for successful and safe connection are as follows
Maximum conductor area of cable should be 1.5 mm square
Cables shall always be fitted with ferrule crimps of the appropriate size. Example crimps are:
0.75 mm2 cable: WEIDMULLER H0,75/16 W SV INSULATED FERULE. P/N: 9025860000
1.5 mm2 cable: WEIDMULLER H1,5/10 UNINSULATED FERULE. P/N: 0186500000
Ferrule crimps shall be fitted using a “square end crimper”, such as WEIDMULLER PZ 10 SQR WIRE END FERULE CRIMPER. P/N: 1445080000
A tool is required to release the spring inside the connector to allow cable insertion
Straight 2.5 mm flat bladed screwdriver
Angled flat bladed screwdriver - https://www.wago.com/gb/tools/operating-tool/p/210-658
When fully inserted, no exposed conductor or ferrule should be visible to prevent electrical shorting and shock risk
Connection to BX110 Isolated Signalling Supply
The HZS device is product approved by Network Rail for connection to all 110 V AC isolated power circuits.
BX terminal shall be connected to a fused position on a BX110 busbar
The primary fuse shall be of 3 Amps - Slow Blow (3TA)
Do not energise the power supply at this stage. Wait until commissioning
NX terminal shall be connected to a vacant position on a NX110 busbar
E terminal does not require terminating as a protective earth bond is not required, however, safety and performance is not compromised if the earth terminal is connected.
Connection to 230 V AC Domestic Supply
The HZS device has been safety tested for connection to 230 V AC domestic mains supplies
The HZS device remains isolated from earth unless under fault condition.
The BX terminal shall be connected to an appropriate “live” AC connection.
The primary fuse shall be of 3 Amps.
Do not energise the power supply at this stage. Wait until commissioning
The NX terminal shall be connected to an appropriate “neutral” AC connection.
The E terminal must be connected to a suitable protective earth connection. This is required to provide electric shock protection under fault condition.
Protective Earth connection cable shall be of 1.5 mm square CSA.
Connect Serial, Ethernet or USB Connection
Connections to monitored signalling equipment are made through serial, Ethernet or USB ports
Refer to the example “overlay diagrams” which detail connection of the monitoring ports.
Installation of monitoring connections can cause loss of system service in some applications.
Consult the individual application pages for more information.
If in doubt. Please contact MPEC for further guidance.
Commissioning
Commissioning of the device can be split into three stages.
If issues are discovered, refer to the Trouble Shooting & Maintenance section.
S-LX Indication summary
Energise Power Supply
Energise the main power supply and check:
HZS device Power Indication illuminates
S-LX device Power Indication illuminates
S-LX device then begins boot sequence. This can take up to one minute
S-LX Run Indication begins to flash. The should continue to flash whilst the device is operating
The S-LX Error Indication will illuminate during boot.
The S-LX Error indication will then extinguish once the boot sequence is complete
Check for Logged Data Reception
The S-LX system will be pre-configured to work out-of-the-box with the application and site for which it was purchased. The steps below are to verify correct wiring of the connections
RS232 Connections
The TX and RX indications will illuminate on the HZS device
The Disk access indication on the S-LX device will flash intermittently
Ethernet Connections
The Link indication (Green) will illuminate and Activity indications (yellow) will blink on connected Ethernet ports
The Disk access indication on the S-LX device will flash intermittently.
RS422 Connections
The Downlink indication on the TCC-120i will illuminate
The Disk access indication on the S-LX device will flash intermittently.
USB Connections
The Activity Indicators on connected USB ports on the USB hub will illuminate.
The USB indication on the S-LX will illuminate
The Disk access indication on the S-LX device will flash intermittently.
Check for Cellular Modem Transmission
The S-LX system will be pre-configured to work out-of-the-box with the application and site for which it was purchased. The steps below are to verify correct wiring of the connections and antenna placement.
All 3 signal strength indications should ideally be illuminated.
A single illuminated indicator may be tolerable, but improvement should be considered if practicable.
In the case all signal strength indicators being dark, the antenna may need re-siting, although other troubleshooting steps may also be necessary.
The server indication will illuminate when the S-LX successfully connects to Centrix