Master-Touch™

and ValuMass™

Modbus Communications

Master-Touch™ and ValuMass™ flowmeters are shipped with the RS232 communications protocol as the
factory default. Prior to connecting a flowmeter to a RS485 Modbus RTU network, you must use our
EPICommunicator™ software, or the Master-Touch™ keypad, to set up the flowmeter with the Modbus
settings discussed in this manual.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
80202201 (Rev. 3.0)
 Eldridge Products, Inc.
465 Reservation Road
Marina, CA 93933
Tel: 800/321-3569
or 831/648-7777
Fax: 831/648-7780
Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 by Eldridge Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents

Section A Overview ...................................................................................................1

RS485 Physical Layer .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Modbus Address................................................................................................................................................... 1
EPI Modbus Information ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Report Slave ID ................................................................................................................................................... 2
Read Holding Register Commands.................................................................................................................. 2
Read Only EPI Data Commands ...................................................................................................................... 3
Read Single 32 Bit Data EPI Menu Commands............................................................................................. 3
Write Holding Register Commands .................................................................................................................. 4
Write Single 32 Bit Data Commands ............................................................................................................... 4
Exception Codes ................................................................................................................................................. 5
EPI Modbus Command List............................................................................................................................... 5

Section B Flowmeter Firmware............................................................................... 15

Master-Touch™ Firmware 5.x ..................................................................................................................... 15
200 *Utility* Submenus...................................................................................................................................... 15
Master-Touch™ Firmware 6.x ..................................................................................................................... 16
200 *Utility* Submenus...................................................................................................................................... 16
ValuMass™ Firmware 1.x ........................................................................................................................... 17
200 *Utility* Submenus...................................................................................................................................... 17

Section C EPICommunicator™ 2.1x ....................................................................... 18

Master-Touch™ Firmware 5.x and 6.x ........................................................................................................ 18
ValuMass™ Firmware 1.x ........................................................................................................................... 18
EPICommunicator™ Screens...................................................................................................................... 19
Master-Touch™ Firmware 5.x ........................................................................................................................ 19
Menu 210 ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Menu 226 ....................................................................................................................................................... 20
Menu 233 ....................................................................................................................................................... 20
Master-Touch™ Firmware 6.x ........................................................................................................................ 20
Menu 210 ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
Menu 226 ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
Menu 233 ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
ValuMass™ Firmware 1.x ............................................................................................................................... 22
Menu 218 ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Menu 226 ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
Menu 233 ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
EPICommunicator™ Modbus Module ......................................................................................................... 24
Settings Window / Modbus Comm Port ..................................................................................................... 24
Modbus Icon .................................................................................................................................................. 25
Modbus Module ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Modbus Settings ........................................................................................................................................... 25

Section D Modbus Wiring........................................................................................ 26

Section A Overview

The intention of this implementation is to communicate the Flow Rate, Flow Total, and Temperature
(Temperature not available on all units) using the Modbus protocol on a RS485 physical layer.
This device is a slave device that supports the Modbus RTU protocol. It is assumed that the user has a
copy of the Modbus specification or is Modbus literate. It is not the intention of this document to
explain the specifics of the protocol. However the document discusses the device’s implementation of
the specification. This device uses the RS485 physical layer to communicate the protocol.
If any aspect of the implementation does not meet the requirements for your application, please
contact the factory regarding upgrading the firmware. Examples of potential upgrades would be other
commands not supported, exception handling, device parameter configuration, etc.

RS485 Physical Layer

The slave device uses a RS485 port with no termination resistors applied on the device. When the
device’s Modbus address is set by the user, the default port configuration is 19200 baud, 1 start bit, 8
data bits, even Parity, 1 stop bit. The baud and parity values are modifiable after the Modbus address
has been set. See Manual for Instructions

Modbus Address
Refer to Section B of this Manual for instructions on how to set the flowmeter’s Modbus address. Each
time the Modbus Address command is executed the port baud rate and parity revert back to the default
settings as programmed from the factory

EPI Modbus Information

 Supports Modbus RTU Communications only – All bytes come out High byte to Low byte order
 Modbus supported on the RS485 serial port. This port is half duplex and RTS is controlled by the
firmware with no RTS signal
 Fastest Query rate should be >= 50mS
 Use RS232 Port to setup the Modbus Slave ID (CMD 210) – See Manual for using the RS232 port
o Upon setting the Modbus Slave ID, the RS485 Serial Settings default to: 19200, 8Bits,
Even Parity, 1 Stop Bit
o After Modbus Slave ID has been set, you may change the RS485 baud rate (CMD 226)
and the parity (CMD 233) via the RS232 serial port – See RS232 Manual
 Function codes supported. See sections below for specifics
o 0x03 – Read Holding Registers
o 0x10 – Write Holding Registers
o 0x11 – Report Slave ID
 Firmware was verified using the following Modbus Master Simulator Utility:
o http://www.baseblock.com/PRODUCTS/demosoftware.htm

ELDRIDGE PRODUCTS, INC. 80202201 (Rev. 3.0) Page 1

Instruction Manual RS485 Modbus RTU

Report Slave ID
Request Size Value Range
Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Function Code 1 Byte 0x11
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Response Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Function Code 1 Byte 0x11
Byte Count 1 Byte 0x26
Serial Number 4 Byte 0xyyyyyyyy Serial Number - Integer
Run Indicator Status 1 Byte 0xyy 0x00 – OFF, 0xFF = ON
Firmware Description 13 Bytes ASCII Name
Firmware Revision 8 Bytes ASCII Revision
Flow Engineering Units 4 Bytes ASCII Flow Units
Total Engineering Units 3 Bytes ASCII Total Units
Temperature Units 1 Byte ASCII C or F
Full Scale Value 4 Bytes Float Full Scale
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Error Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Error Code 1 Byte 0x91
Exception Code 1 Byte 0xLL 1-3 See Exception Code
List
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Read Holding Register Commands

There are 2 EPI categories that are used to read information from the EPI Meters via Modbus
1. EPI Read Only Data Commands
a. These registers contain real‐time and static data particular to this meter
b. These registers are single and multiple command reads
c. The data formats vary depending on Command selected: ASCII, Integer, and Float
d. See Table for “Number of Registers” returned per Data Command
i. 1 Register = 2 Bytes, 2 Registers = 4Bytes, etc….
e. For multiple register reads, Quantity of Registers = Sum of the “Number of
Registers” per Data Command requested
f. See Table below for commands
g. See Section “Read Only EPI Data Commands”
i. Command (Address) 0 starts the legacy mix of dynamic and static data
ii. Command (Address) 50 starts the dynamic data
2. EPI Menu Commands

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RS485 Modbus RTU Instruction Manual

a. These registers are similar to the standard EPI Command Menus

b. These registers are single command reads
c. See Table below for commands
d. See Section “Read Single 32 Bit Data EPI Menu Commands”

The EPI Commands value is used in place of the register address in the definition of the command
structure

Read Only EPI Data Commands

EPI only supports “single and multiple” EPI data commands per read operation. EPI data commands
are a mix of ASCII, Integer, and float data values. See Table below for format per command. If multiple
registers are requested these formats may be intermixed. To support these reads, EPI expects Read
Holding Registers (Function Code 3) where the Quantity of the Registers is always equal to 2 * the
number of registers (commands) of data you require. Any other quantity will respond with an error
exception code = 3.

Request Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Function Code 1 Byte 0x03
Start Address 2 Bytes EPI Data Command See CMD List
Number of Registers 2 Bytes Sum of “Number of See CMD List
Registers”
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Response Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Function Code 1 Byte 0x03
Byte Count 1 Byte 0xYY YY = “Number of
Registers” * 2
Data Value TBD Bytes TBD Formats See CMD List for format
and bytes
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Error Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Error Code 1 Byte 0x83
Exception Code 1 Byte 0xLL 1-3 See Exception Code
List
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Read Single 32 Bit Data EPI Menu Commands

EPI only supports “single” EPI menu command (register) per read operation. For EPI menu commands
that are not ASCII data values, EPI supports a response of 32 bit size in the format of integer or float
depending the format of the data of the EPI Menu Command selected. To support these reads, EPI
expects Read Holding Registers (Function Code 3) where the Quantity of the Registers is always equal
to 2. Any other quantity will respond with an error exception code = 3.

ELDRIDGE PRODUCTS, INC. 80100701 (Rev. 3.0) Page 3

Instruction Manual RS485 Modbus RTU

Request Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Function Code 1 Byte 0x03
Start Address 2 Bytes EPI Menu Command See CMD List
Qty of Registers 2 Bytes 0x0002
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Response Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Function Code 1 Byte 0x03
Byte Count 1 Byte 0x04
Data Value 4 Bytes 0xyyyyyyyy See EPI Manual for data
description
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Error Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Error Code 1 Byte 0x83
Exception Code 1 Byte 0xLL 1-3 See Exception Code
List
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Write Holding Register Commands

EPI only supports “single” EPI menu commands per write operation. For EPI menu commands that are
not ASCII data values, EPI supports 32 bit data size in the format of integer or float depending on the
data of the EPI Command selected. To support these writes, EPI expects Write Holding Registers
(Function Code 16) where the Quantity of the Registers is always equal to 2. Any other quantity will
respond with an error code.
Prior to issuing any Write Commands, Issue Command 219 with the data equal to the Slave Device's
Password; Factory default = 9001. This unlocks the device for data writes otherwise the device will
respond with Error Exception Code = 3 for any write operations. If you set your own password, save it in
a secure place to prevent loss and lockout from user variables.

Write Single 32 Bit Data Commands

Request Size Value Range
Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Function Code 1 Byte 0x10
Start Address 2 Bytes EPI Menu Command See CMD List
Qty of Registers 2 Bytes 0x0002
Bytes Count 1 Byte 0x04
Register Value 4 Bytes 0xyyyyyyyy See EPI Manual for data
description
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

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 RS485 Modbus RTU Instruction Manual

Response Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Function Code 1 Byte 0x10
Start Address 2 Bytes EPI Menu Command See CMD List
Qty of Registers 2 Bytes 0x0002
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Error Size Value Range

Slave ID 1 Byte 0xLL LL = 1 to 127
Error Code 1 Byte 0x90
Exception Code 1 Byte 0xLL 1-3 See Exception Code
List
CRC 2 Bytes Calculated

Exception Codes
1. Unsupported Function Code
2. Unsupported EPI Menu Command
3. Invalid Register Quantity or Data Value or for writes, Not Unlocked

EPI Modbus Command List

Format / Menu Command Details
Number of Description
Command

VM-BASE

CB-BASE

Registers
CONDO
Access

Mix of Static and Dynamic EPI Read Only Data Commands (Legacy)
000 R Y Float Flow Rate Returns the real time flow rate value
2 Registers
002 R Y Float Total Returns the real time totalizer value
2 Registers
004 R Y Float Temperature Returns the real time Gas Temperature;
2 Registers Not supported on all devices and will
report 0
006 R Y Integer Serial Returns the serial number
2 Registers Number
008 R Y ASCII Flow Units Returns flow rate engineering units in 4
2 Registers ASCII Characters
010 R Y ASCII Total Units Returns Totalizer engineering units in 4
2 Registers ASCII Characters
012 R Y Float Max Range Returns Max Range
2 Registers
014 R Y Float Full Scale Returns Full Scale
2 Registers

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Instruction Manual RS485 Modbus RTU

016 R Y ASCII Temperature Degrees F or C in 1 ASCII Character; Not

2 Register Units supported on all devices and will report “
“ space.
018 R Y Integer Alarm Relay Returns Alarm Relay status.
2 Register 1 Status 0=Deactivated and 1 = Activated;
020 R Y Integer Alarm Relay Returns Alarm Relay status.
2 Register 2 Status 0=Deactivated and 1 = Activated;
022 R Y ASCII Event 1 Returns the Event 1 Selection in 16 ASCII
4 Registers Characters
026 R Y ASCII Event 2 Returns the Event 2 Selection in 16 ASCII
4 Registers Characters
030 R Y ASCII Event 3 Returns the Event 3 Selection in 16 ASCII
4 Registers Characters
034 R Y ASCII Event 4 Returns the Event 4 Selection in 16 ASCII
4 Registers Characters
038 R Y Float % of Full Returns the flow rate as a percentage of
2 Registers Scale full-scale
Dynamic Read Only Data Commands
050 R Y Float Flow Rate Returns the real time flow rate value
2 Registers
051 R Y Float Total Returns the real time totalizer value
2 Registers
052 R Y Float Temperature Returns the real time Gas Temperature;
2 Registers Not supported on all devices and will
report 0
053 R Y Integer Alarm Relay Returns Alarm Relay status.
2 Register 1 Status 0=Deactivated and 1 = Activated;
054 R Y Integer Alarm Relay Returns Alarm Relay status.
2 Register 2 Status 0=Deactivated and 1 = Activated;
055 R Y Float % of Full Returns the flow rate as a percentage of
2 Registers Scale full-scale
056 R Y Float Linear 0–5 Returns the flow rate as a linear 0–5
2 Registers
Start of EPI Specific Menu Commands
100 R Y Integer Engineering Returns the Engineering units currently
Units active
101 W Y Integer SCFM Sets Engineering units to:
Standard Cubic Feet / Minute
102 W Y Integer SCFH Sets Engineering units to:
Standard Cubic Feet / Hour
103 W Y Integer LB/M Sets Engineering units to:
Pounds / Minute
104 W Y Integer LB/H Sets Engineering units to:
Pounds / Hour

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RS485 Modbus RTU Instruction Manual

105 W Y Integer SCIM Sets Engineering units to:

Standard Cubic Inches / Minute
106 W Y Integer SCIH Sets Engineering units to:
Standard Cubic Inches / Hour
108 W Y Integer LB/D Sets Engineering units to:
Pounds / Day
109 W Y Integer SFPM Sets Engineering units to:
Standard Feet / Minute
110 W Y Integer SFPS Sets Engineering units to:
Standard Feet / Second
111 W Y Integer BTUH Sets Engineering units to:
British Thermal Units / Hour
112 W Y Integer BTUD Sets Engineering units to:
British Thermal Units / Day
117 W Y Integer SLPM Sets Engineering units to:
Standard Liters / Minute
118 W Y Integer SCCM Sets Engineering units to:
Standard Cubic Centimeters / Minute
119 W Y Integer NCMH Sets Engineering units to:
Normal Cubic Meters / Hour
120 W Y Integer NCMM Sets Engineering units to:
Normal Cubic Meters / Minute
121 W Y Integer KG/M Sets Engineering units to:
Kilograms / Minute
122 W Y Integer KG/H Sets Engineering units to:
Kilograms / Hour
123 W Y Integer KG/S Sets Engineering units to:
Kilograms / Second
124 W Y Integer SLPH Sets Engineering units to:
Standard Liters / Hour
125 W Y Integer NMPS Sets Engineering units to:
Normal Meters / Second
126 W Y Integer NMPM Sets Engineering units to:
Normal Meters / Minute
127 W Y Integer NMPH Sets Engineering units to:
Normal Meters / Hour
129 W Y Integer NLPM Sets Engineering units to:
Normal Liters / Minute
130 W Y Integer NCCM Sets Engineering units to:
Normal Cubic Centimeters / Minute
131 W Y Integer NLPH Sets Engineering units to:
Normal Liters / Hour

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Instruction Manual RS485 Modbus RTU

140 R/W Y Float Full Scale This menu item is used to adjust the
scaling of the 0 – 5VDC and 4 – 20mA
output signals. This value cannot exceed
the factory calibrated Maximum Range
(see menu item 811–MaxRange). To
change this value, enter the desired value
at the prompt, and then press Enter. (The
meter settings must be unlocked to make
this change.) The meter will accept the
new value and return to the data entry
prompt. To verify the change, return to
menu 140.
218 R/W Y Integer Reset Lock# A read of this command returns 9000 no
matter what the password. This menu
allows the integer password to be
changed. The flowmeter must be
unlocked prior to accessing this menu
item. All flowmeters are shipped with an
initial password of 9001 unless otherwise
specified at the time of purchase. The
range of valid passwords is 9001–9999. If
you set your own password, save it in a
secure place to prevent loss and lockout
from user variables.
219 W Y Integer Unlock This menu item is used to enter the pre-
set integer password that unlocks the
flowmeter’s settings. You can access any
number of menu items while the settings
are unlocked. The settings are locked
again when the flowmeter is returned to
Run Mode. Factory default is 9001

236 W Y Integer PSWD Mode This menu item is used restore the factory
settings
237 R/W Y Integer PSWD Mode This menu item is used to change the way
the password function works.
Mode Definitions:
0 – Normal, Must enter a password to
change the password using the change
password command. Password required to
change other command’s data values
1 – Hybrid, No password required to
change the password using the change
password command. Password required to
change command’s data values
2 – Disabled, No password required to
write to command’s data values. The unit
is always unlocked
401 R/W Y Integer Set Event This menu item selects the specific relay
Event (Ev1–Ev4) to which a response
condition is assigned.

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RS485 Modbus RTU Instruction Manual

402 W Y Integer Disabled This menu item causes the current active
Event to ignore all response conditions.
403 R/W Y Float Trip High This menu item sets the current active
Event to respond to a flow rate that is
higher than the preset value.
404 R/W Y Float Trip Low This menu item sets the current active
Event to respond to a flow rate that is
lower than the preset value.
405 R/W Y Integer MAX Button This menu item sets the current active
Event to respond when the MAX key on
the LCD panel is pressed or when Mode 1
is grounded.
406 R/W Y Integer MIN Button This menu item sets the current active
Event to respond when the MIN key on the
LCD panel is pressed or when Mode 2 is
grounded.
407 R/W Y Integer Timer This menu item sets current active Event
to respond to a time duration, such as a
pulsed output. Enter the desired preset
duration value in units of 50ms.
408 R/W Y Integer PropPOut This menu item sets the current active
Event to respond to the current flow rate.
The pulses are based upon flow rate per
minute, proportional to the value in menu
item 140–FScale. Using the keypad enter a
value equal to the desired number of
pulses per minute at the Full Scale flow
rate. Any value between 1 and 250 may
be entered at the prompt (>). The same
value must be entered for both relay
events (1&2 or 3&4). This will give a
50/50 duty cycle.
409 R/W Y Float Total This menu item sets the current active
Event to respond to an elapsed total.
Enter the desired preset value in the
current engineering units (whole numbers
only – no decimals).

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Instruction Manual RS485 Modbus RTU

410 R/W Y Integer PulseOut This menu item sets the current active
Event to respond to an elapsed total. This
function is used with remote data
collection systems which count the pulses
to generate an elapsed flow total. Enter a
value to activate a relay for every X
number of units on the totalized flow,
i.e., every 1 unit, 12 units, 50 units, etc.
Any whole number between 1 and
2,000,000 may be entered at the prompt
(>), but we recommend decimal values
(1, 10, 100, . . .).; A timer function must
be associated with this menu item to
release the relay from the active state
(see menu item 407–Timer). The timer
must be set fast enough to release the
relay before the next preset total value is
reached.
411 R/W Y Integer Trip Delay This menu item sets the response delay
for the current active Event. Enter the
desired value in increments of 50ms (20 =
1 second). The acceptable values are 1–
255.
412 R/W Y Integer ESD/EMI Rst This menu item detects LCD errors caused
by power supply noise or other
electromagnetic interference. A value in
increments of 50ms must be entered to
determine the duration of such
interference before the relay responds. A
value of one (1) will cause a response to
the shortest disturbance. Consult factory
for additional information and a diagram
of required wiring of input power to
implement this function.
500 W Y Integer Run Mode If meter unlocked it stores changed data
and relocks the flowmeter; Always
Reboots the meter
501 W Y Integer Run Mode If meter unlocked it stores changed data
and relocks the flowmeter; Never Reboots
the meter
751 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
5% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
752 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
10% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
753 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
15% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details

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RS485 Modbus RTU Instruction Manual

754 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a

Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
20% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
755 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
25% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
756 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
30% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
757 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
35% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
758 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
40% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
759 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
45% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
760 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
50% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
761 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
55% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
762 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
60% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
763 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
65% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
764 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
70% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
765 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
75% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details

ELDRIDGE PRODUCTS, INC. 80100701 (Rev. 3.0) Page 11

Instruction Manual RS485 Modbus RTU

766 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a

Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
80% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
767 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
85% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
768 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
90% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
769 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
95% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
770 R Y float Point-Wise Point-Wise Correction 5%. This value is a
Correction %correction between -100 and 100% for
100% this range. Consult Manual and factory for
further details
801 R Y float CoeffTermA Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
802 R Y float CoeffTermB Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
803 R Y float CoeffTermC Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
804 R Y float CoeffTermD Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
805 R Y float CoeffTermE Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
806 R Y float CoeffTermF Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
807 R Y float CoeffTermG Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
808 R Y float CoeffTermH Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
809 R Y float CoeffTermI Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.
810 R Y float CoeffTermJ Factory Calibration Coefficient. Requires
Diagnostic Password for access. Consult
factory.

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RS485 Modbus RTU Instruction Manual

811 R/W Y Integer C Factor This value is a multiplier used to adjust

the P-Curve linearization. It is normally
set to 1.0, but may be adjusted based the
Installation Guidelines, or to correct for
aberrations in sensor readings. The C
Factor can also be used to change
standard conditions (STP) or to apply a
density factor (vapor density) when
changing the engineering units from
volumetric units (SCFM, NCMH, etc.) to
gravimetric units (Lbs/Hr, Kg/Hr, etc.) in
flowmeters calibrated for gases other
than air.
812 R/W Y Integer Zero Offset This voltage value is subtracted from the
sensor curve linearizer to correct for
minor sensor voltage errors. This ensures
that zero flow is attained even though
some bias voltage may exit which would
otherwise prevent an absolute zero
reading (see also menu item 815–Auto
Zero).
813 R/W Y Integer SetXSection This value is the cross-sectional area of
the flow section or process line. The units
of measure are determined by the
engineering units selected (see menu
items 101–132). For example, if the
current engineering units are SCFM, then
the menu item 813 value must represent
square feet (F2). A value of one (1) may
be used if the current engineering units
represent velocity (SFPM, NMPS, etc.) or
if the flowmeter in an “inline” style with
its own flow section.
815 W Y Integer Auto Zero This menu item automatically establishes
a new Zero Offset (see menu item 812–
Zero Offset). Entering a one (1) at the
prompt changes the zero offset to the 0–
5VDC output voltage of the flowmeter
when the selection is made. This is
particularly valuable for No Flow zeroing
adjustments. Entering a zero (0) at the
prompt leaves the existing zero offset
value unchanged.

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Instruction Manual RS485 Modbus RTU

816 R/W Y Float Flow Cutoff This menu item is used to set a
percentage of the Full Scale value (menu
item 140–FScale) as the minimum
readable flow rate. Actual flow rates
below this minimum value will be treated
as No Flow. The display will show “Low”
instead of the real-time flow rate, no
additional elapsed flow will be recorded,
the 0–5VDC signal will drop to 0VDC, and
the 4–20mA signal will drop to 4mA. For
example, if the full scale is 1000 SCFM, a
value of 10 (10%) will cause the
flowmeter to ignore flow rates below 100
SCFM or less. When the actual flow rate
increases above this value, all of the
flowmeter’s functions will resume.

Master-Touch™ and ValuMass™ flowmeters are shipped with the RS232 communications protocol as the
factory default. Prior to connecting a flowmeter to a RS485 Modbus RTU network, you must use our
EPICommunicator™ software, or the Master-Touch™ keypad, to set up the flowmeter with the Modbus
settings discussed in this manual.

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Section B Flowmeter Firmware

Master-Touch™ Firmware 5.x

The Master-Touch™ 5.x firmware is installed on all standard Series 8000MP–8800MP and Series
8000MPNH–8800MPNH flowmeters.

If the Temperature Output option or the 3Txxx option for wide process gas temperatures was
requested for your flowmeter, refer to the information for firmware version 6.x.

The submenus for Modbus are shown below. It is assumed that the user has a basic familiarity with the
Master-Touch™ firmware, its menu system and the process for data entry. The menuing system is
accessed by using the 4-button keypad or a Communicator™ II handheld infrared device.

200 *Utility* Submenus

210-Modbus Addr This menu item is used to set the Modbus address for the flowmeter.
The value can be 1 to 127.

226-Set RS485 Baud This menu item adjusts the baud rate of the RS485 port.
0 = Factory Default (19200)
1 = 9600
2 = 14400
3 = 19200
4 = 28800
5 = 33400
6 = 56000
7 = 57600
8 = 115200

233-SetRS485Parity This menu item adjusts the parity of the RS485 port.
0 = 1 8 NONE 1
1 = 1 8 EVEN 1 (Factory Default)
2 = 1 8 ODD 1
3 = 1 8 NONE 2

Although the Modbus communications can be set up using the firmware menuing system, it is
strongly recommended that you use our free EPICommunicator™ v2.1x software for this
process.

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Master-Touch™ Firmware 6.x

The Master-Touch™ 6.x firmware is installed on all Series 9100MP–9800MP and Series 9100MPNH–
9800MPNH Flow Averaging Tube (FAT™) flowmeters.
The submenus for Modbus are shown below. It is assumed that the user has a basic familiarity with the
Master-Touch™ firmware, its menu system and the process for data entry. The menuing system is
accessed by using the 4-button keypad or a Communicator™ II handheld infrared device.

200 *Utility* Submenus

210-Modbus Addr This menu item is used to set the Modbus address for the flowmeter.
The value can be 1 to 127.

226-SetRS485Baud This menu item adjusts the baud rate of the RS485 port.
0 = Factory Default (19200)
1 = 9600
2 = 14400
3 = 19200
4 = 28800
5 = 33400
6 = 56000
7 = 57600
8 = 115200

233-SetRS485Parity This menu item adjusts the parity of the RS485 port.
0 = 1 8 NONE 1
1 = 1 8 EVEN 1 (Factory Default)
2 = 1 8 ODD 1
3 = 1 8 NONE 2

Although the Modbus communications can be set up using the firmware menuing system, it is
strongly recommended that you use our free EPICommunicator™ v2.1x software for this
process.

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ValuMass™ Firmware 1.x

The ValuMass™ 1.x firmware is installed on all Series 500 and 540 flowmeters.
The submenus for Modbus are shown below. It is assumed that the user has a basic familiarity with the
ValuMass™ firmware, its menu system and the process for data entry. The menuing system is accessed
by using a Communicator™ II handheld infrared device.

200 *Utility* Submenus

218-Modbus Addr This menu item is used to set the Modbus address for the flowmeter.
The value can be 1 to 127.

226-SetRS485Baud This menu item adjusts the baud rate of the RS485 port.
0 = Factory Default (19200)
1 = 9600
2 = 14400
3 = 19200
4 = 28800
5 = 33400
6 = 56000
7 = 57600
8 = 115200

233-SetRS485Parity This menu item adjusts the parity of the RS485 port.
0 = 1 8 NONE 1
1 = 1 8 EVEN 1 (Factory Default)
2 = 1 8 ODD 1
3 = 1 8 NONE 2

Although the Modbus communications can be set up using the firmware menuing system, it is
strongly recommended that you use our free EPICommunicator™ v2.1x software for this
process.

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Section C EPICommunicator™ 2.1x

EPICommunicator™ 2.1x (EPICom) software is compatible with Master-Touch™ firmware versions 5.x and
6.x and with ValuMass firmware version 1.x. It includes the Modbus menu selections and a separate
Modbus Module for communication with as many as eight (8) flowmeters. It is assumed that the user
has a basic familiarity with the EPICom software, its menu system and the process for data entry.

To prepare for this process, check the RS232 and Modbus Comm Port numbers to which the
flowmeter is connected by viewing Hardware Manager on your PC and make note of these
ports. You must also know the Parity values required by your system or network. Please refer
to Section B of this Manual for the menu descriptions.

Master-Touch™ Firmware 5.x — 7.x

Use the following directions to set up Master-Touch™ Firmware 5.x and 6.x for Modbus communications.
 Launch EPICom version 2.1x
 Confirm the RS232 Comm Port connection settings for the flowmeter in the View/Settings menu
 Click on the Terminal Mode icon in the EPICom tool bar to connect to the flowmeter
 After the start up screen appears, hold down the period (.) key until 100 Menus screen appears
 Type in “9001” at the prompt and press the Enter key to unlock the microprocessor settings
 Type in “210” at the prompt and press the Enter key to go to Menu 210
 Type in a value from 1 to 127 at prompt and press the Enter key
NOTE: This sets the Modbus Address to 1–127. This address must be unique for each flowmeter on the same network.
 Type in “226” at the prompt and press the Enter key to go to Menu 226
 Type in a number between 1 and 8, corresponding to the desired Baud rate, and press the Enter
key
 Type in “233” at the prompt and press the Enter key to go to Menu 233
 Type in a number between 1 and 4, corresponding to the desired Parity setting, and press the
Enter key
 Type in “500” and press the Enter key to return the flowmeter to Run Mode
The flowmeter is now ready to communicate via RS485 Modbus RTU. Please refer to the instructions for
your Modbus system or network for further directions.

ValuMass™ Firmware 1.x

Use the following directions to set up ValuMass Firmware 1.x for Modbus communications.
 Launch EPICom version 2.1x
 Confirm the RS232 Comm Port connection settings for the flowmeter in the View/Settings menu
 Click on the Terminal Mode icon in the EPICom tool bar to connect to the flowmeter
 After the start up screen appears, hold down the period (.) key until 100 Menus screen appears
 Type in “9001” at the prompt and press the Enter key to unlock the microprocessor settings
 Type in “218” at the prompt and press the Enter key to go to Menu 218
 Type in a value from 1 to 127 at prompt and press the Enter key
NOTE: This sets the Modbus Address to 1–127. This address must be unique for each flowmeter on the same network.
 Type in “226” at the prompt and press the Enter key to go to Menu 226
 Type in a number between 1 and 8, corresponding to the desired Baud rate, and press the Enter
key

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 Type in “233” at the prompt and press the Enter key to go to Menu 233
 Type in a number between 1 and 4, corresponding to the desired Parity setting, and press the
Enter key
 Type in “500” and press the Enter key to return the flowmeter to Run Mode
The flowmeter is now ready to communicate via RS485 Modbus RTU. Please refer to the instructions for
your Modbus system or network for further directions.

EPICommunicator™ Screens
Master-Touch™ Firmware 5.x
The following are the EPICom screens that you will see when setting up the Modbus communications for
Firmware 5.x installed on most Series 8000MP–8800MP and Series 8000MPNH–8800MPNH flowmeters:

Menu 210

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Menu 226

Menu 233

Master-Touch™ Firmware 6.x

The following are the EPICom screens that you will see when setting up the Modbus communications for
Firmware 5.x installed on most Series 9100MP–9800MP and Series 9100MPNH–9800MPNH Flow Averaging
Tube (FAT™) flowmeters:

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Menu 210

Menu 226

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Menu 233

ValuMass™ Firmware 1.x

The following are the EPICom screens that you will see when setting up the Modbus communications for
Firmware 1.x installed on ValuMass flowmeters:

Menu 218

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Menu 226

Menu 233

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EPICommunicator™ Modbus Module

Use the following directions to set up the flowmeter to communicate with the Modbus Module:
 Go to the View Icon on EPICom tool bar
 Confirm the Modbus Comm Port connection settings for the flowmeter in the View/Settings
menu
 Select the Modbus Comm Port Tab
 Select the same Comm Port as the USB Serial Port noted in Device Manager
 Select the Baud rate that matches the set up in the flowmeter
(the Factory Default is 19200)
 Select the Parity setting that matches the set up in the flowmeter
(the Factory Default is 1 8 EVEN 1)
 Exit Settings window
 Click on the Modbus icon to launch the EPI Modbus module
The selected Comm port # and baud rate are shown in the Modbus Module; confirm that the Modbus
Address in the top left field is the same address that you set in Menu 210 of Firmware 5.x and 6.x, or in
Menu 218 of Firmware 1.x.
NOTE: If this is not correct then redo the settings instructions
The flowmeter should be displaying flow rate and totalizer
NOTE: If this “times out”, there is a problem with your RS485 connection.
Then enter “2” in the Update Every Seconds Field, select the radial button, and then press the CMD 3
button
The CMD 3 button will change to a STOP Button
In the Top Left Box you will see the Flow Rate and Total the same as the flow rate and total on the
terminal screen
To end the real-time communication, press the Stop button
You can repeat this procedure to connect to as a many as eight EPI flowmeters.

Always use the top left Modbus window as the first flowmeter. If this window is left blank, the
Modbus Module will not communicate with any of the other connected flowmeters.

Settings Window / Modbus Comm Port

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Modbus Icon

Modbus Module

Modbus Settings

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Section D Modbus Wiring

The following drawing show the wiring details for Modbus connections.

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