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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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