APPLICATION GUIDE

Preliminary Wireless Application Guide

Document Edition 2.0

Product Description

The Delta wireless product family consists of the

DFM-ZBEE wireless gateway, the RPT-ZBEE wireless
repeater and the WNS-Txxxx wireless temperature and
humidity sensors. The DFM-ZBEE is a small module
powered by 24 VAC and works in conjunction with a
System or Application level device by putting the
remote sensor data onto the Delta Controls LINKnet
network. The WNS-Txxxx are wireless
temperature/humidity sensors that transmit and receive
data from their location to the DFM-ZBEE gateway.
The RPT-ZBEE is a 24 VAC powered wireless
repeater/router used to extend the range of sensors
from the gateway.

When a RPT-ZBEE repeater is used with a gateway,

up to 11 sensors are supported. The gateway alone
will communicate with up to 8 sensors.

Typical applications include mounting in specialized

areas that are difficult to wire, such as on solid
concrete and marble walls or in atriums, foyers and
auditoriums.

Other applications include spaces that change

periodically such as tenant retrofit areas. An extra set
of terminals allows for remote location of an external
thermistor temperature probe, which can be used to
retrieve temperatures from inside a cold storage box,
environmental chamber or from an outside loading
dock.

Important Information
Related Documents

Delta Controls Wiring Guidelines

DFM-ZBEE / RPT-ZBEE Installation Guide

WNS-Txxxx Installation Guide

ORCAview Technical Reference Manual

Release Notes for related Firmware

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Cautions or Warnings

This controller is an electrostatic-sensitive device. Proper ESD protection (ground strap) should be
used when installing this product so that damage to the product does not occur. Equipment
damage or loss of data may occur if these procedures are not followed as specified.

Installations requiring CE conformance: All wiring for CE rated products must use a seperated
extra low voltage (SELV) or protective extra low voltage (PELV) transformer. Use safety-isolating
transformers, (Class II transformer) per EN61558. The transformer must be rated for 100% duty
cycle.

Wireless sensors should not be installed in any critical area or where you require absolute
reliability. Wireless communication is sufficiently reliable for most applications. However, it is not
100% predictable due to several variables such as intermittent signal interference from outside
sources or weakened battery strength because of battery life.

Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. The lithium battery used in the sensor
should only be removed or installed by a trained technician. Replace only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions. Replace the battery with type LS14500.

General Principles of Operation

The DFM-ZBEE and the WNS-Txxxx combine the features of the Delta Controls LINKnet architecture with the
flexibility of remote wireless sensors providing a two-part solution. The RPT-ZBEE repeater can be used to
extend the range between the DFM-ZBEE gateway and the WNS-Txxxx sensors

1. The wired component is an AC-powered gateway (DFM-ZBEE) that is hardwired to a Delta Controls
System or Application controller.
2. The wireless components are battery-powered sensors (WNS-Txxxx) that periodically transmit brief data
pulses to the gateway on a fixed radio frequency channel. If the optional repeater (RPT-ZBEE) is used, the
transmission will pass through the repeater on the way to the gateway.
Device addressing and wireless communications channels are configured directly through on-board DIP
switches. Data points are read by creating LINKnet variables in the controller. The gateway serves as the
interface between the traditional wired network and the wireless sensors.

The frequency channel used is automatically determined by the gateway on network setup based on signal
strength and interference at that time. If there is continued interference on the channel being used, pressing the
network reset (associate) button will re-evaluate the best frequency to be used. Cycling the power will not
change the channel being used.

The wireless portion of the Delta WNS, RPT-ZGB and DFM-ZBEE system follows the standards as set by IEEE
802.15.4 for low-power wireless devices. Within a building, the maximum range between a sensor and the
gateway/repeater or between a repeater and a gateway is 30 meters (100 ft), visual line of site. The distance
may be less if the wireless signal must pass through objects that reduce the signal strength such as walls with
metal partitions or even large groups of people.

The default transmit period for the sensors is once every 90 seconds. The updates can be adjusted for a faster
or slower rate with a maximum of 15 minutes and a minimum of 30 seconds in multiples of 30 seconds.

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Sensor battery life of 5 years is rated on an assumed update interval of once every 90
seconds. Adjusting for a faster update time shortens the overall life of the sensor battery.

In addition to temperature (WNS-TB, WNS-THB) and humidity (WNS-THB only), the sensors send additional
information such as the battery condition, and general status information.

Every time the gateway receives a sensor transmission, it acknowledges that transmission, verifies it is correct
and makes it available as a Delta LINKnet variable. The gateway then sends additional information such as new
configuration parameters back to the sensors if required.

Method for Optimal Wireless Installation

Since wireless communications can be affected by environmental factors, consider the following:

location of the devices;

setting of the wireless channels;

testing for consistent and reliable data exchange between the sensors and the gateway.

The following steps outline a methodical approach to a successful installation of the wireless system.

1. Perform a site survey and identify preliminary locations for the gateway and sensors and optionally
repeater(s).
2. Install the gateway database into the system/application controller.

Information on installing the database is out of the realm of this application guide. Please refer
to the appropriate System or Application controller documentation to get those instructions.

3. Set the LINKnet addresses for the gateway and sensors.

4. Set the PAN ID for the gateway
5. Set the PAN ID in the repeater(s) to match the gateway, if applicable
6. Set the PAN ID in each sensor to match the gateway/repeaters
7. Initialize the gateway wireless channel using the gateway network reset (associate) button.
8. Test the system to assure all sensors are communicating to the gateway.
9. Verify Signal Strength.
10. Final mounting of the gateway and sensors.
11. Retest to ensure values are still updating in Navigator.

1- Perform Site Survey and Device Location

Unlike wired equipment, wireless systems present different approaches to site installation and commissioning. If
done properly, the results are reliable and long lasting. A sophisticated understanding of radio frequency theory
is not required. However, there are several factors to consider for successful wireless communications.
Distance
It is important to stay within the maximum recommended distance ranges. Distances of up to 100 meters (300
feet) are possible when installing devices out-of-doors, provided there is a direct and unobstructed, line of site
between devices. However, the majority of applications will be located indoors, and there are additional
variables to consider as part of final design and installation.

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A reduced indoor range allows a maximum of 30 meters (100 feet), line of site. This maximum can be further
reduced by several factors such as: thick walls, metal-bearing partitions, large crowds of people, other wireless
devices or devices that emit high frequency interference (Microwave ovens, for example). In some cases,
placing the sensor or gateway a few feet from either side of a planned location can significantly improve or
reduces signal performance.

If the sensor RSSI indicator reports inadequate signal strength, a repeater may be required.
Site Survey
A site survey is always recommended prior to final mounting of any wireless devices. This includes
experimenting and pre-testing communications between the sensor and gateway and optional repeater(s).
Bench testing is a good way to establish basic communications and can help you become familiar with product
operation. Mount the sensors permanently after communications are tested.
Gateway/Repeater Location and Signal Strength
The gateway/repeater locations are best identified after noting the placement of each sensor.

Check that the line of site distance between each sensor and the gateway/repeater is within the maximum
range.

Check if there are obstructions that may block or reflect the signal. The indoor maximum range is
acceptable when passing through 2 plaster walls.

If there are several walls to penetrate or metal obstructions that might block or reflect the signal, device
relocation might be required. Concrete, brick or other masonry walls can reduce the signal range by 30 to
40%. Concrete or other masonry structures with internal iron or steel reinforcing support may further reduce
the range.

The repeater itself does not indicate signal strength. Signal strength is only indicated at a gateway or
sensor. When locating repeaters, a sensor can temporarily be used to determine signal strength where the
repeater is to be placed.

3- Set LINKnet Addressing Architecture

Delta Controls LINKnet is used for communication between the DFM-ZBEE gateway and the System Controller.
Data received by the gateway is mapped in the controller as standard BACnet objects. The total number of
devices that can be used depends on the controller model. RPT-ZBEE repeaters do not appear as LINKnet
devices and do not count towards these totals. Common controllers and their LINKnet capacities are shown in
the following table.

Maximum Maximum Devices

Product Family Model Name
Total Devices DFM-ZBEE / DFM
System Controllers DSM-RTR 0 0
DSC-1616/1616H/1616E 12 2
DSC-1212/1212H/1212E 12 2
DSC-1280/1280H/1280E 12 2
DSC-1180 12 2
DSC-1146 12 2

Application Controllers DAC-1600 4 2

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Maximum Maximum Devices

Product Family Model Name
Total Devices DFM-ZBEE / DFM
DAC-606, DAC-633 6 2
DAC-304, DAC-322 4 2
DAC-1180 8 2
DAC-1146 10 2
DVC-304, DVC-322 4 2
DSC/DAC/DNT-T305,
4 2
DSM-T0/PWR/MOD
DFC-304R3 4 2
DLC-G1212 12 2
DLC-D312/D624/D936 12 2

For example, the following combinations could be applied using a DSC-1212:

8 WNS, 1 DFM-ZBEE

11 WNS, 1 RTP-ZBEE, 1 DFM-ZBEE

10 WNS, 2 DFM-ZBEE, 0 DFM

8 WNS, 2 DNS-24L (LINKnet BACstat), 1 DFM-ZBEE, 1 DFM

Each gateway or repeater supports up to 8 sensor/repeaters connections. Although the repeaters do not count
towards the total number of LINKnet devices, they factor into the total number of connections to one
gateway/repeater. For example, using 11 sensors on a DSC-1212 might have 7 sensors plus 1 repeater
connected to the single gateway and an additional 4 sensors connected to the repeater

The Delta Controls wireless products follow the standard LINKnet conventions as System and
Application controllers. WNS devices are treated as standard LINKnet sensors, and DFM-
ZBEE gateways are treated in the same class as DFM devices. Each LINKnet device
(including the gateway, wired and wireless sensors) must have a unique LINKnet address.
RPT-ZBEE repeaters are not LINKnet devices, they do not require network connections.

Using the LINKnet allows both wired and wireless devices to co-exist on a given LINKnet LAN. There are
several possible combinations.

It is not recommended to use a DFM-1616 on the same LINKnet network as a wireless

gateway and sensors

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Possible LINKnet Architectures

The LINKnet address serves as the device ID for the LINKnet variables that reside in the controller. Every
sensor and gateway must have a unique address. Do this by manually setting the LINKnet address switch on
each device. Repeaters do not require a LINKnet address.

Set the LINKnet address prior to system installation and powering on. If the installation is small (one gateway
and one or two controllers), the gateway is normally set for address 1, and the sensors for subsequent
addresses 2 and upward.

For larger systems with additional LINKnet devices or multiple gateways and or repeaters, layout the address
requirements on a diagram, and if future expansion is anticipated, allow gaps for additional later device add-ons.

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5-Setting the Gateway Parameters

The LINKnet address serves as the device ID for the LINKnet variables that reside in the System/Application
controller. The PAN ID switches establish a common wireless group that bind a single gateway to all the
sensors and repeaters that communicate with it. The PAN ID of each sensor and repeater must be identical to
the gateway to which it communicates. The transceiver frequency that the gateway, sensors and repeaters use
to communicate is automatically determined by the gateway.

The Gateway should always be commissioned first, prior to powering up any repeaters or sensors. The
gateway determines the wireless frequency channel to be used. Any repeaters and sensors that are
associated with the gateway will then inherit the same channel.

Within each group of sensors and their parent gateway, the PAN ID must be identical. These switches
must be manually set on the gateway, sensors and repeater(s) if present.

The Channel ID DIP switches are not used. The gateway will automatically set the best frequency channel
when the network reset (associate) button is pressed or the PAN ID is changed.

Once the LINKnet address is selected, the next task is to set the PAN ID (for “Personal Area Network
Identifier”). The PAN ID defines a unique group of sensors and optional repeaters with their gateway. All devices
with the same PAN ID will communicate at the same frequency automatically determined by the gateway. There
are 8 switches that set the PAN ID allowing for valid numbers 0 to 255. Once a PAN identifier is selected, that
same ID must be used on a particular gateway and all its associated sensors.

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A newly shipped gateway will have the PAN ID switches set at zero. A PAN ID zero is a legitimate value to use.
A new PAN ID need only be assigned if there are multiple gateways on the same site. Then each gateway and
associated sensors/repeaters should have a different PAN ID.

Before mounting the DFM-ZBEE, a site-survey is recommended. This is especially important

when there are large numbers of controllers or multiple gateways. Pre-planning helps to
determine that the final location of the sensors and the gateway provide optimum
communication.

6- Setting the Sensor Wireless Identifiers

The PAN ID DIP switches establishes the common wireless group that bind a gateway to all the sensors and
repeaters that communicate with it. Change the PAN ID to a unique value if there are multiple gateways on a
site.

When configuring the PAN ID of a sensor or repeater, physically set the DIP switches to the same value as the
gateway. For example, if the gateway has been configured for a PAN ID of 10, all the sensor and repeater DIP
switch settings should match.

Sensors are controlled between OFF and ON, by selecting the appropriate position for the
battery power jumper. When placing a new battery into the sensor, be sure that the jumper is
in the OFF position. Only activate the battery when the sensor is being powered for test or
final location. If the sensor is not in use, disable the battery jumper

7-Signal Strength Indication

To assist in determining the best location, for all devices, Delta includes the ability to read the received signal
strength indication (RSSI) for both the sensors and the gateway. The RPT-ZBEE repeater does not indicate
received signal strength, however a sensor or gateway that connects through the repeater will show the signal
strength received from that repeater.

On the sensor, there is a test pushbutton and five LED indicators as seen in the following graphic. Briefly press
and hold the button down to indicate the following:

The red LED to the far left indicates the battery condition.

The next four LEDs show relative signal strength as follows:

1st LED (Red): Signal is very weak and communications is unreliable

2nd LED (Green): Signal is questionable, some data transfers could be

lost

3rd LED (Green): Signal is sufficient for good data transfers

4th LED (Green): Signal is strong and communication is reliable

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LED Function Description

Battery Indicates battery condition If this red LED lights when the RSSI button is pushed, the battery
condition is OK.
Status

RSSI The Received Strength Four LED’s indicate the quality of an RSSI test between sensor
Signal Indicator (RSSI) and gateway. Each LED step is as follows:

1st LED lights [red] = weak signal, unreliable

2nd LEDs lights [green] = poor signal, questionable reliability

3rd LED lights [green] = moderate signal, communications

OK

4th LED lights [green] = strong signal, reliable

communications

Associate Indicates success or When the Associate button is pressed, a single short flash of the
failure of associate green LED indicates that associate was successful.
function

There is a similar set of LEDs on the gateway. As the gateway polls each sensor it registers the response on the
LEDs. Any indication of 3 or above is considered a reliable signal. Two or less and the signal strength should be
considered unreliable.

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Step Guide to Commissioning and Performance Tuning

Gateway Power-up
Sequence Task Steps to be taken

a. Load the database into the controller.

System/Application
1 b. Ensure that the appropriate database variables are configured
Controller Configuration
in the controller according to the device type and the associated
LINKnet address.

2 Initial Starting Point Ensure the gateway is powered off.

Set the Termination jumper according to LINKnet wiring

3 Termination: Set Jumpers
standards.

4 Configure LINKnet Address Set the gateway LINKnet address DIP switch.

Set the PAN ID to the value that will be shared by all sensors
5 Set gateway PAN ID
and repeaters.

a. Power On the controller

6 Power On the devices
b. Power On the gateway

Press the network reset (associate) button on the gateway to

7 Initialize channel frequency
configure the optimal channel the gateway will communicate on.

a. Verify that the LINKnet object for every device is present.

8 Verify Operation b. Verify communications. Confirm the LINKnet variables are

updating and that the Status value (AV X+1) is correct. See the
LINKnet Variables [From the Gateway] table for correct values.

While this gateway is powered On, proceed to commission the

Power-up additional next gateway.
9
gateways
Repeat steps 1 through 6 until all gateways are on line.

LINKnet and PAN ID switches are read on power-up. When changing any of these values, the
gateway power must be switched OFF and then ON before the new values are read. Alternately,
it is possible to reset the gateway by setting AV X+2 to a value of 7 to force a commsanded
software reset.

Note: If you set AV X+2 to a value of 7 forcing a Command Reset, set AV X+2 back to 0 after
writing the command. This prevents the command from being continually resent, which would
cause a continual reset of the gateway

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Associate Sensor to Gateway

Any Sensors that will communicate directly to the Gateway can be now be powered on.
Sequence Task Steps to be taken

1 Initial Starting Point Verify that that battery jumper pin is set to OFF. Install the
special 3.6-volt battery. Making sure that the polarity is correct.

2 Configure LINKnet Address Set the LINKnet address DIP switch.

3 Set the PAN identifier Set the PAN ID switch to the identical number used by the group
gateway.

4 Power-up Move the battery jumper pin to the ON position.

If the thermostat has already been associated with the Gateway,

the Associate LED will flash briefly to indicate the thermostat
correctly associates with the gateway, otherwise move on to
step 5

5 Associate Sensor with a. Press the Network Reset button on the upper right corner of
Gateway the sensor to associate the sensor to the gateway

b. The Associate LED will flash briefly to indicate the thermostat

correctly associates with the gateway

c. Verify that there is now data returning to the gateway by

checking that the associated LNK object exists and has value
Online in the system controller database.

d. Verify through the Network Address (AV X+30) that the

sensor has associated with the gateway.

An address that has the integer part 0, such as 0.2, will indicate
the sensor has associated with the gateway. The fractional part,
2 in this example, does not correspond to the LINKnet address.
As each sensor is added to the gateway, that sensors address
will increment in the fractional part. For example the next sensor
added will be addressed 0.3

Associate Repeaters to Gateway

Any repeaters that will communicate directly to the Gateway can be now be powered on. The repeater must be
powered on after the Gateway to ensure it will communicate on the same frequency channel.
Sequence Task Steps to be taken

1 Set the PAN identifiers Set the PAN ID switch to identical number used by the group
gateway.

2 Power-up a. Attach 24 VAC power to the repeater

b. The status LED of the repeater is used to indicate power.

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The repeater does not show any information in the system controller database. The repeater is
not an active member of the network, it simply passes on the data from it’s associated sensors to
the gateway

Associate Sensor to Repeater

Any Sensors that will communicate directly to the Gateway through the Repeater can now be powered on.
Sequence Task Steps to be taken

1 Initial Starting Point Verify that that battery jumper pin is set to OFF. Install the
special 3.6-volt battery. Making sure that the polarity is correct.

2 Configure LINKnet Address Set the LINKnet address DIP switch.

3 Set the PAN identifier Set the PAN ID switch to the identical number used by the group
gateway and repeater.

4 Power-up a. Move the battery jumper pin to the ON position. The Associate
LED will flash briefly when the thermostat correctly associates
with the repeater.

b. Verify that there is now data returning to the gateway by

checking that the associated LNK object exists and has value
Online in the system controller database.

c. Verify the Network Address (AV X+30) shows that the sensor
has associated with the repeater.

In general, an address has its integer part in the 1000’s, such as

2200.6, will indicate the sensor (ie 6) has associated with a
repeater (ie 2200). The fractional part, 6 in this example, does
not correspond to the LINKnet address. As each sensor is added
to the gateway, that sensors address will increment in the
fractional part. For example the next sensor added will be
addressed 2200.7

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Gateway and Sensor Diagnostic Checks

Desired Check or Action Steps to be taken

Check the Received Signal Strength a. At the Sensor: Briefly press and hold the RSSI button. Observe
the 4 RSSI LEDs to the right of the Battery Indicator. The signal
strength will display as follows:

1st LED (Red): Signal is very weak and communications is

unreliable

2nd LED (Green): Signal is questionable, some data

transfers could be lost

3rd LED (Green): Signal is sufficient for good data transfers

4th LED (Green): Signal is strong and communication is

reliable

b. At the Gateway: Wait for the update timer to expire and check
the LED readout.

Check Sensor Battery Condition a. Be sure the correct type of battery is installed and the battery
polarity is correct. Be sure the battery jumper pin has been
moved from OFF to ON.

b. At the Sensor: Press the Battery-RSSI test button. If the

leftmost RED LED lights, the sensor battery is good.

c. At the Gateway: After the gateway receives a transmission

from the sensor, observe the AV X+5 value for that sensor
(where X is the LINKnet address of the Gateway x 100). If the
value is below approximately 2.8V, the battery needs
replacement. A new battery should show approximately 3.4V

Check the Reset Counter For the Gateway: Indicates the number of times the gateway has
been reset. The value of AV X+5 is the reset count.

Note: the sensor must be configured to the same PAN ID as the gateway in order to correctly
communicate the RSSI value.

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Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Problems / Checks

LINKnet sensor variables show fault even a. LINKnet address is incorrect on the sensor.
though sensor associate shows success
b. LINKnet not enabled on the current DAC/DSC port.

c. Sensor broken or other malfunctions in the WNS.

d. Over the limit of supported number of LINKnet devices.

e. Sensor may have a duplicate address

Gateway Device status LED is red or a. At least one sensor has failed to communicate with the
alternates between Green and Red gateway even after several retries.

b. Review the number of on-line LINKnet devices to determine

which sensor or sensors are off-line.

c. Check the battery level of the off-line sensor(s).

d. Check the signal strength of the off-line sensor(s) to see if it is

marginal and may need to be relocated.

WNS fails to associate with the The signal between the WNS and the gateway/repeater is out of
gateway/repeater range or has reduced range due to some type of interference.

Gateway fails to receive updates from the Poor range, obstruction or interference problems. Do an RSSI
sensor. test at the sensor and verify signal strength at the gateway.

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Database

LINKnet Variables [From the Gateway]

LINKnet Variable Description Default Unit Read / Range
Variable Instance Value Write
1
Analog X +1 Status 1.0 None Read 1.0 –Operational
Variable
2.0 –Duplicate Address
3.0 –Xbee Module Fault

X+2 Command 0.0 None Write 1.0 – Reset gateway

2.0 – Radio Network Reset
9.1 – Xbee Module Reset

X+5 Reset Counter 1.0 None Read 0 to 21,474,800

Shows number of device resets

X+30 ZigBee Network 0.0 None Read 0 to 6553.5

Address
2
X+31 Channel ID 0.0 None Read 12 to 23

X+32 Pan ID 0.0 None Read 0 - 255

1
The stand-in variable X, identifies each DFM-ZBEE device (1 to 12) x 100.
2
The Channel ID is set automatically when the Network Reset (Associate) button is pressed on the Gateway or the
Radio Network Reset command is performed

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LINKnet Variables [Sensor Data]

LINKnet Variable Description Default Unit Read / Range
Variable Instance Value Write
1
Analog X+1 WNS_X n/a C or F Read
Input Temperature

X+3 WNS_X Humidity n/a % RH Read 0 - 100

Analog X+1 Status 1.0 None Read 0.0 –Uninitialized

Variable 1.0 –Operational
2.0 –Duplicate Address
3.0 –Xbee Module Fault

X+3 Last Update Timer 0 Seconds Read 0 t- (3x(Sleep Time) +5)

2
X+5 Battery Supply 3.4 Volts Read 0 - 65535
Voltage

X+30 ZigBee Network None Read 0 – 6553.5

Address
3
X+31 Sleep Time 90 Seconds Read 30 – 900 (multiple of 30)

X+32 Manual Sleep 0 Seconds Write 30 – 900 (multiple of 30)

Time
1
The stand-in variable X, identifies each WNS device (1 to 12) x 100.
2
New Battery Voltage
3
Sleep Time (X+31) is a read only value of what is currently set, Manual Sleep Time (X+32) is used to change the Sleep Time

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