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Which firmware is installed on my M-Bus level converter/splitter/gateway?
The current firmware version is displayed in the upper right corner of the device’s website in the Filter menu. Different devices have different firmware versions.
Are there firmware updates for the M-Bus level converters/splitters/gateways?
Firmware updates are available and can be installed with a special update tool. Our service will be happy to help you choose the right firmware.
Can I reach my M-Bus level converter/splitter/gateway without a DHCP server?
Yes, when directly connected to your PC, the device can be reached via the link-local address. This address is generated from the MAC address, which is located on a Sticker on the device. For the conversion, you can use the Link-Local-Converter at https://ben.akrin.com/mac-address-to-ipv6-link-local-address-online-converter/. Enter the determined result in square brackets and enter it in the web browser to access the device. We recommend using a DHCP server.
Why are no MQTT data points being sent from my M-Bus level converter/splitter/gateway?
Meter data points are only transmitted if meters are entered and saved in the scan list. In addition, a query interval that is too high for the meters can prevent data transmission.
Why is my scan list not available?
The scan list may not yet be available, as it takes a correspondingly long time to create if the query interval is high.
What does the "Transparent" mode describe for M-Bus level converters/splitters/gateways?
In “Transparent” mode, the device operates as a standard level converter, whereby signals at the interfaces (depending on the device: RS-485, RS-232, USB, M-Bus manager or Ethernet) are forwarded directly to the M-Bus terminals without processing.
What do the FCB and FCB Toggle functions mean for M-Bus level converters/splitters/gateways?
The FCB bit is sent to the meter and changes its status after successful transmission. If the FCB bit does not change, the device prompts the meter to send the data again. With FCB Toggle, the device automatically takes over the change of the bit.
What does the FCV function mean?
If a response telegram from a meter does not fit into a single RSP_UD telegram, the evaluation of the FCV bit can be activated. The simultaneous evaluation of the FCV bit and the FCB bit signals the correct reception of the RSP_UD telegram for the following telegram.
The meter responds to the toggle of the FCB bit and the FCV bit with a multiple telegram. Meters that only send a single RSP_UD telegram ignore the multiple telegram and always transmit the same, single telegram.
What does the SND_NKE function mean?
SND_NKE sends a protocol for Normalisierung der Zähler before the Readout.
What does the Data Timeout function do?
The TCP-IP interface is closed after the specified time and must be rebuilt. If the Data Timeout time is set to 0, the TCP connection remains permanently.
What does a flashing overload LED at 5-second intervals mean on the M-Bus level converter/splitter/gateway?
A flashing overload LED at 5-second intervals indicates a short circuit or overload of the device. It is recommended to check the loads on the M-Bus terminals.
What does a yellow flashing data LED indicate on the M-Bus level converter/splitter/gateway?
A yellow flashing data LED indicates a request to the meter.
What does a green flashing data LED indicate on the M-Bus level converter/splitter/gateway?
A green flashing data LED indicates a response from the meter.
What does an occasionally red flashing overload LED mean on the M-Bus level converter/splitter/gateway?
An occasionally flashing overload LED may indicate a reset or overload. A Blinking frequency at 5-second intervals indicates a short circuit or overload. It is recommended to check the loads on the M-Bus terminals.
Why does the M-Bus meter have 4 terminal pairs?
The four terminal pairs on an M-Bus meter or a corresponding connection module primarily serve to make installation and wiring more flexible and clearer. They are usually connected in parallel and thus offer several equivalent connection points for the 2-wire M-Bus line. The four terminal pairs are therefore not separate Bus segments, but only offer several parallel Access points to the same M-Bus line. This simplifies installation and wiring, especially in larger or more complex systems, and provides more flexibility when connecting meters or Sensors.
Which documents are included with the devices or are available?
The device is usually supplied with an operating manual. In addition, a data sheet and installation instructions are provided for download.
What do I do if my M-Bus meter does not work on the level converter?
In individual cases, problems may occur when communicating with meters that are not yet known. In this case, please contact our Support and specify the meter type used. We will check the problem and provide you with uncomplicated support, for example through a firmware update, to ensure compatibility.
What does standard load mean for M-Bus?
The standard load for M-Bus refers to the electrical current that a connected participant device (e.g. a meter) draws from the bus. It indicates how much current a device consumes on the M-Bus.
Details on standard load: standard load equals 1.5 mA.
Each M-Bus device (e.g. a heat meter) consumes a certain number of standard loads, usually one or two. The maximum number of participants on an M-Bus manager depends directly on the number of supported standard loads.
Example: A level converter MPW-64 is designed for 64 standard loads. If each meter draws 1 standard load (1.5 mA), 64 devices can be connected. If a device draws 2 standard loads (3 mA), only 32 devices are possible.
Why is this important? Knowledge of the standard load is crucial for the planning and design of an M-Bus system to ensure that:
- the manager is not overloaded,
- all devices communicate reliably,
- and the power supply via the bus remains stable.
Glossary
Definition
Asset management
Systems for Monitoring and management of system conditions in order to efficiently plan maintenance and avoid failures.
Drive
Electrical machines or devices that generate mechanical movement
Bandwidth
Data transfer rate of a network or interface.
Energy efficiency
Ratio of usable energy output to energy input.
Frequency converter
Devices that convert mains voltage and frequency into variable values to control electric motors.
M-Bus (Meter-Bus)
A standardized fieldbus system for the remote reading of consumption meters, such as water, gas, electricity or heat meters. It was developed specifically for use in building and energy technology. Communication takes place between meters and a central data collector, usually in a manager-subordinate system. The transmission medium is usually cable-bound (2-wire line), but there is also a wireless version (Wireless M-Bus). The system complies with the European standard EN 13757 and is energy efficient, scalable and widely used in smart metering Applications.
M-Bus splitters
An M-Bus splitter divides an existing M-Bus network into several Bus segments or expands it to connect several managers or remote meters without disrupting communication. It electrically isolates (to avoid interferences or ground loops), copies signals from an M-Bus manager to M-Bus device Bus segments without loss and enables parallel operation of several managers, such as energy suppliers and property management. Areas of application include the simultaneous request to the meter from meters by different systems (building management system and external billing service provider) or the expansion of large systems (splitters supply remote Bus segments). In addition, a splitter allows you to quickly switch to another manager if one manager fails. There are passive versions without amplification as well as active models with amplification and galvanic isolation as well as priority control.
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport)
A lightweight network protocol for communication between devices, which is mainly used in the Internet of Things (IoT). It enables efficient data transmission with low resource consumption, even with a poor network connection. The protocol is based on the publisher-subscriber model (Pub/Sub), in which devices publish messages to so-called topics or subscribe to them in order to receive them. MQTT uses TCP/IP as the transport protocol and works by default on ports 1883 (unencrypted) and 8883 (with TLS/SSL). The central intermediary is a broker (e.g. Mosquitto), which controls all messages. Devices (clients) send or receive messages that are organized into categories (topics), for example house/living room/temperature. Advantages of MQTT are the low overhead, the event-based data transmission and the support of Quality of Service (QoS) for reliable communication. Thanks to the support of MQTT, no M-Bus manager is required to access meter values, as all IP-based gateways and level converters are MQTT-compatible.