Shenzhen McQuay Air Conditioning Co., Ltd.

McQuay Modbus User Manual

(Thermostat AC2981C)
V2.2

Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

 Shenzhen McQuay Air Conditioning Co., Ltd.

Change History
Version Date Description Author
2.1 5/23/2017 Initial version Wu Jibin

1. Added "Total fault" (address 30019) to

INPUT;
2. Added "Saving" (address 40010) to
HOLDING;
2.2 6/19/2017 Wu Jibin
3. Added "Saving Cool Temp" (address
40011) to HOLDING;
4. Added "Saving Heat Temp" (address
40012) to HOLDING.
Shenzhen McQuay Air Conditioning Co., Ltd.

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Contents

1. Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.1. Applicable Scope ................................................................................................................................ 4

1.2. Application Environment ..................................................................................................................... 4

1.3. Network Capacity ............................................................................................................................... 4

2. Introduction of Modbus Functions .............................................................................................................. 4

2.1. Supported Modbus Commands .......................................................................................................... 4

2.2. Supported Exception Codes ............................................................................................................... 4

2.3. Data Frame Format ............................................................................................................................ 5

2.4. Detailed Description of Function Codes ............................................................................................. 5

2.4.1. 03# Reading Multiple Holding Registers..................................................................................... 5

2.4.2. 04# Reading Multiple Input Registers ......................................................................................... 6

2.4.3. 06# Presetting a Single Register ................................................................................................ 7

2.4.4. 16# Presetting Multiple Registers ............................................................................................... 7

3. Communication Data Format ..................................................................................................................... 8

4. Networking ................................................................................................................................................. 9

4.1. Description of Networking Interfaces.................................................................................................. 9

4.2. Networking Precautions.................................................................................................................... 10

4.3. Communication Address Setting ...................................................................................................... 10

5. Data Table ................................................................................................................................................ 10

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1. Overview

1.1. Applicable Scope

AC2981C thermostats

1.2. Application Environment

The unit that uses the controller hardware of AC2981C thermostat and software of AC2981C thermostat,
and an upper computer compose an RS-485 network. The upper computer can be a PC, a
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or an operation panel.

1.3. Network Capacity

A network supports a maximum of 32 units.

2. Introduction to Modbus Functions

2.1. Supported Modbus Commands

0x03: reads multiple holding registers.

0x04: reads multiple input registers.
0x06: writes data to a single holding register.
0x10: writes data to multiple holding registers.
The maximum number of input or holding registers that can be read by an upper computer each time is
no more than 60.
The maximum number of holding registers, to which an upper computer writes data each time, is no
more than 60.

2.2. Supported Exception Codes

0x01: illegitimate function code. The slave unit receives a function code that cannot be executed and
indicates no program function.
0x02: illegitimate data address. The received data address is not allowed by the slave unit.
0x03: illegitimate data. The value in the query data area is not allowed by the slave unit.

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2.3. Data Frame Format

Device address Function code Data CRC16 check code

8 bits 8 bits N * 8 bits 16 bits

Device address: unit address, which starts from 0x01 by default. For details about how to change the
device address, see section "Communication Address Setting";
Function code: read or write;
Data: read or written data corresponding to the function code;
CRC: data error check method for each frame.

2.4. Detailed Description of Function Codes

For details, see the Modbus protocol. Common function codes are described in the following sections.

2.4.1. 03# Reading Multiple Holding Registers

The main unit makes a request for reading multiple pieces of 8-bit binary data from the slave unit. The
frame format is as follows:
Request frame of the main unit

Start address Start address of Register Register

Unit Function CRC CRC
of register register quantity quantity
address code (low bit) (high bit)
(high bit) (low bit) N (high bit) N (low bit)

Response frame of the slave unit

Byte quantity
Unit Function Data 1 Data 1 Data N Data N CRC CRC
of a register …
address code (high bit) (low bit) (high bit) (low bit) (low bit) (high bit)
2*N
Example:
Assume that the on/off status, mode control, temperature settings, and other information of 1# unit need
to be queried.
The query data table is shown as follows:
Holding register Definition and
Valid range
No. Address Data bit description
0XFFFF=Not
Setting invalid 0XFFFF
execute
40001. 0000
0X0000=Off; 1: on
On/Off control
0X0001=On; 0: off
0XFFFF=Not
40002. 0001 Setting invalid 0XFFFF
execute
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0X0001=Cool;
1: cooling
0X0002=Dehumid;
2: dehumidification
0X0004=Fan;
4: air supply
0X0008=Heat; Mode control
8: heating
0X0010=Auto;
0x10: automatic
0X0012=Floor
0x10: floor heat
Heat;
0XFFFF=Not
Setting invalid 0XFFFF
execute
0X0001=Ultra Low; 1: Ultra Low;
0X0002=Low; 2: Low;
0X0003=Mid Low; 3: Mid Low;
40003. 0002
0X0004=Mid; 4: Mid;
Fan speed
0X0005=Mid High; 5: Mid High;
0X0006=High; 6: High;
0X0007=Ultra High; 7: Ultra High;
0X0080=Auto; 0x80: Auto;

The query command packet is 01 03 00 00 00 03 05 CB.

The response command packet is: 01 03 06 00 01 00 10 00 02 9C B1

The response command packet indicates that 1# unit is on and works in automatic mode and at low fan
speed.
(Note: The query command is consistent with the command rule of function code 03 and is described as
follows. The unit address is 01, the function code is 03, the high bit and low bit of the start address of the
register are both 00, the high bit and low bit of the register quantity are 00 and 03 respectively, and the
last two bits indicate the low bit and high bit of CRC.)

2.4.2. 04# Reading Multiple Input Registers

The data frame format is as follows:

Request frame of the main unit

Unit Function Start address Start address Register Register CRC CRC
address code of register of register quantity quantity (low bit) (high bit)
(high bit) (low bit) N (high bit) N (low bit)

Response frame of the slave unit

Unit address Function code Byte quantity 2 * N Data 1 (high bit) Data 1 (low bit) ……

Data N (low bit) Data N (high bit) CRC (high bit) CRC (low bit)
Example:
Assume that the room temperature of #1 unit needs to be queried

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Query data table

Input register Definition and
Valid Range
No. Address Data bit Description
Signed actual value x 10, with the unit
30005 0004 Room temperature
degree attached

The query command packet is: 01 04 00 04 00 01 70 0B

The response command packet is: 01 04 02 01 2D 78 BD
The response shows that the room temperature is 30.1°C.

2.4.3. 06# Presetting a Single Register

The main unit sends two bytes of 8-bit data to the slave unit. The frame format is as follows:
Transmission frame of the main unit
Start address Start address
Unit Function Preset value Preset value CRC CRC
of register of register
address code (high bit) (low bit) (low bit) (high bit)
(high bit) (low bit)

Response frame of the slave unit

Start address Start address
Unit Function Preset value Preset value CRC CRC
of register of register
address code (high bit) (low bit) (low bit) (high bit)
(high bit) (low bit)
Example:
Set the control mode of 1# unit to automatic mode.
Data table
Holding register Definition and
Valid range
No. Address Data bit Description
0XFFFF=Not
Setting invalid 0XFFFF
execute
0X0001=Cool; 1: cooling
0X0002=Dehumid; 2: dehumidification
40002. 0001
0X0004=Fan; 4: air supply
Mode control
0X0008=Heat; 8: Heating
0X0010=Auto; 0x10: automatic
0X0012=Floor Heat; 0x10: floor heat

The setting command packet is: 01 06 00 01 00 10 D9 C6

The response command packet is: 01 06 00 01 00 10 D9 C6

2.4.4. 16# Presetting Multiple Registers

The main unit sends multiple pieces of 8-bit data to the slave unit. The frame format is as follows:
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Transmission frame of the main unit

Start address Start address Register Register Byte
Unit Function Data 1 Data 1
of register of register quantity quantity quantity
address code (high bit) (low bit)
(high bit) (low bit) N (high bit) N (low bit) 2*N

Data N Data N CRC CRC

…
(high bit) (low bit) (low bit) (high bit)

Response frame of the slave unit

Unit Function Start address Start address Register Register CRC CRC
address code of register of register quantity quantity (low bit) (high bit)
(high bit) (low bit) (high bit) (low bit)

Example:
Set 1# unit into cooling mode and on status
Query data table

Holding register Definition and

Valid Range
No. Address Data bit Description
0XFFFF=Not
Setting invalid 0XFFFF
execute
40001. 0000
0X0000=Off; 1: on
On/Off control
0X0001=On; 0: off
0XFFFF=Not
Setting invalid 0XFFFF
execute
0X0001=Cool; 1: cooling
0X0002=Dehumid; 2: dehumidification
40002. 0001
0X0004=Fan; 4: air supply
Mode control
0X0008=Heat; 8: Heating
0X0010=Auto; 0x10: automatic
0X0012=Floor Heat; 0x10: floor heat
The setting command packet is: 01 10 00 00 00 02 04 00 01 00 01 63 AF
The response command packet is: 01 10 00 00 00 02 41 C8

3. Communication Data Format

Baud rate 9600
Start bit 1bit
Data bit 8bit
Stop bit 2bit
Parity bit No parity check

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Note: the baud rate of AC2982D may be set as described below (the baud rate is fixed at 9600 for other
models)
(1)

Parameter Default
Parameter description Parameter value
item value
Two/four-pipe system 1 1: two-pipe system, 2: four-pipe system (no floor heating mode) 1
Cooling-only/Cooling and heating 2 1: cooling only, 2: cooling and heating 2
Auxiliary electrical heater (Y/N) 3 1: N, 2: Y 1
Valve control (Y/N) 4 1: with valve, 2: without valve (no valve control and four-pipe system cannot coexist) 1
Two-wire valve/three-wire valve 5 1: 2: 1
RS485 baud rate 6 1: 19200, 2: 9600 (set to 1 when McQuay host is connected) 1
Floor heating (Y/N) 7 1: N, 2: Y 1
30: three-step fan speed, 40: four-step fan speed under strong cooling (Low, Mid,
Fan speed step settings High, Ultra-high)
8 50
(manual fan speed step setting) 41: Silent four-step fan speed (Ultra-low, Low, Mid, High)
50: Five-step fan speed, 70: Seven-step fan speed
6: six-step fan speed, 7: seven-step fan speed (if the fan speed step in item 8 is 3
step, the automatic speed step of this item is fixed to step 3; if the fan speed step in
Auto speed step settings 9 item 8 is silent four step, the automatic speed step of this item is fixed to silent step 4; 6
if the fan speed step in item 8 is set to other steps, the automatic speed step operates
at step 6 or step 7)
Unit type 10 1: AC three-step, 2: AC four-step, 3: DC multiple step, 4/5: DC stepless 4

(2)
If item 6 is selected, when the parameter value is set to 1, the baud rate is 19200; when the parameter
value is set to 2, the baud rate is 9600.

4. Networking

4.1. Description of Networking Interfaces

The networking of the unit is performed through RS485 network as shown in the following figure.

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Figure 1 Networking wiring

4.2. Networking Precautions

1) Waterproof, insulated, and encircling cables can be used;

2) The maximum length of a cable shall not exceed 1,000 meters.
3) Terminal resistors of 120 Ω should be set at both ends of the loop (jumper cap);
4) Cables are grounded on one side of the master controller for insulation.
5) Polarity A and Polarity B for communication must be connected correctly.
6) When the connection of multiple systems is required, the master ODUs of the systems should be
connected in hand-in-hand networking mode

4.3. Communication Address Setting

The address of AC298 thermostat may be set at the first item in the user menu with a range of 1 to 32.

5. Data Table

Input Data (Function Code 0X04)

Read /
Address English Variable Valid Range Unit
Write
0X0001=Fan coil unit thermostat
30001 Class R N/A
series (FCU);
See the model code allocation table
30002 Model R N/A
document
Bit8--15 Integer No;
30003 Protocol Version R N/A
Bit0--7 Point No;
Bit8--15 Integer No;
30004 Software Version R N/A
Bit0--7 Point No;
30005 Room Temp R -100--500 (i.e. -10--50°C); 0.1°C
30006 Return Temp R -100--500 (i.e. -10--50°C); 0.1 °C
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0X0001=Cool;
30007 Run Mode R 0X0004=Fan; N/A
0X0008=Heat;
0X0000=Stop;
0X0001=Ultra Low;
0X0002=Low;
0X0003=Mid Low;
30008 Run Speed R N/A
0X0004=Mid;
0X0005=Mid High;
0X0006=High;
0X0007=Ultra High;
0X0000=Close;
30009 Valve State R N/A
0X0001=Open;
0X0001=Single Cold;
30010 Type R N/A
0X0002=Heat Pump;
0X0002=Two;
30011 Duct R N/A
0X0004=Four;
0X0000=N;
30012 Valve Control R N/A
0X0001=Y;
Two/Three Wires 0X0002=Two;
30015 R N/A
Valve 0X0003=Three;
0XFFFF=Invalid;
30016 Door Card R 0X0000=N; N/A
0X0001=Y;
0X0000=Normal;
0X0002=The temp sensor fault;
30017 Fault R N/A
0X0004=Memory failure;
0X0008=Filtering net alarm;
Bit1--15 N/A;
30019 Total fault R Bit0: 0=No total fault;1=Exist total N/A
fault;
30020 Reserved R 0XFFFF=Invalid; N/A
30021 Reserved R 0XFFFF=Invalid; N/A
30028 Cool Valve Output R 0--100; 1%
30029 Heat Valve Output R 0--100; 1%
0XFFFF=Invalid
30030 E-heat R 0X0000=Off; N/A
0X0001=On;
30035 Reserved R 0XFFFF=Invalid; N/A
30036 Reserved R 0XFFFF=Invalid; N/A
30037 Reserved R 0XFFFF=Invalid; N/A
30038 Reserved R 0XFFFF=Invalid; N/A

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30039 Reserved R 0XFFFF=Invalid; N/A

30040 Reserved R 0XFFFF=Invalid; N/A

Holding Data (Function Code 0x03/0x06/0x10)

Read /
Address English Variable Valid Range Unit
Write
0XFFFF=Not execute;
40001 On/Off R/W 0X0000=Off; N/A
0X0001=On;
0XFFFF=Not execute;
0X0001=Cool;
40002 Set Mode R/W 0X0004=Fan; N/A
0X0008=Heat;
0X0010=Auto;
0XFFFF=Not execute;
0X0001=Ultra Low;
0X0002=Low;
0X0003=Mid Low;
40003 Set Speed R/W 0X0004=Mid; N/A
0X0005=Mid High;
0X0006=High;
0X0007=Ultra High;
0X0080=Auto;
0XFFFF=Not execute;
40004 Set Temp R/W 0.1°C
160--300 (i.e. 16--30)

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0XFFFF=Not execute;
0X0000=Unlock;
0X0001=On/Off;
0X0002=Temp;
0X0003=Mode;
0X0004=Fan;
0X0005=On/Off+Temp;
0X0006=On/Off+Mode;
40005 Lock R/W 0X0007=On/Off+Fan; N/A
0X0008=Temp+Mode;
0X0009=Temp+Fan;
0X000A=Mode+Fan;
0X000B=On/Off+Temp+Mode;
0X000C=On/Off+Temp+Fan;
0X000D=On/Off+Mode+Fan;
0X000E=Temp+Mode+Fan;
0X00FF=AllLock;
0XFFFF=Not execute;
Bit13--15:
40007 Clock R/W Week(0=Sun;1=Mon; ….6=Sat) N/A
Bit8--12: Hour (0-23)
Bit0--7: Min (0--59)
0XFFFFFFFF=Not execute;
Bit16--32: Year (0000--9999)
40008/40009 Date R/W N/A
Bit8--15: Month (1--12)
Bit0--7: Day (1--31)
0XFFFF=Not execute;
40010 Saving R/W 0X0001=Saving; N/A
0X0000=No Saving;
0XFFFF=Not execute;
40011 Saving Cool Temp R/W 0.1°C
160--300 (i.e. 16--30)
0XFFFF=Not execute;
40012 Saving Heat Temp R/W 0.1°C
160--300 (i.e. 16--30)
40013 Reserved R/W 0XFFFF=Not execute; N/A

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