© 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

This manual is for information purposes only. The contents and products described are
subject to change without notice. Reliable Controls Corporation makes no representation with
respect to this manual. In no event shall Reliable Controls Corporation be liable for damages,
direct or incidental, arising out of or related to the use of this manual. Parts of this document
may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the express
written permission of Reliable Controls Corporation.

Reliable Controls® Corporation

120 Hallowell Road

Victoria, BC, V9A 7K2

Phone 1-250-475-2036

Toll-Free: 877-475-9301 (US & Canada Only)

Fax: 250-475-2096

Email: info@reliablecontrols.com

reliablecontrols.com

Reliable Controls, myControl, RC-Archive, RC-FLEXair, RC-FLEXone, RC-GrafxSet, RC-Hospitality,

RC-LicenseManager, RC-Passport, RC-RemoteAccess, RC-Reporter, RC-Studio, RC-Toolkit, and
RC-WebView are registered trademarks of Reliable Controls Corporation.

BACnet is a registered trademark of ASHRAE.

FlexTiles, MACH1, MACH2, MACH-Air, MACH-CheckPoint, MACH-Global, MACH-Pro1,

MACH-Pro2, MACH-ProAir, MACH-ProCom, MACH-ProLight, MACH-ProPoint, MACH-ProSys,
MACH-ProView, MACH-ProWeb, MACH-ProWebCom, MACH-ProWebSys, MACH-ProZone,
MACH-Sentry, MACH-Stat, MACH-System, MACH-Zone, SMART-Sensor, SMART-Net,
SMART-Space, and SPACE-Sensor are trademarks of Reliable Controls Corporation.
Compliance
This device complies with FCC Rules, Part 15 and Industry Canada's ICES-003 for a Class B
Digital Device.

Operation is subject to two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation.

Cet Apparreil numerique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le
material broilleur du Canada.

Open source software components

To obtain a copy of the source code being made publicly available by Reliable Controls
Corporation related to software used in this RC-FLEX product, you can send a request in
writing by email to opensource@reliablecontrols.com.
 Contents

RC-FLEXone overview 7
RC-FLEXone models and accessories 7
RC-FLEXone features 8
Standard applications 9
RC-FLEXone applications 9
RC-FLEXone flexibility 11
RC-FLEXone hardware overview 11
Additional resources 13

RC-FLEXone wiring and installation 15

Installation considerations 15
RC-FLEXone power 15
Grounded power 15
Status LED 16
RC-FLEXone Ethernet 16
Ethernet connections 17
Ethernet line network topology 18
Ethernet star network topology 19
Ethernet ring or loop topology 20
Dual Ethernet port 21
RC-FLEX Ethernet Copper Switch 21
Ethernet status LEDs 22
RC-FLEXone USB 22
RC-FLEXone SMART-Net 23
SMART-Net four-pin terminal 23
RC-FLEXone inputs, FLEX outputs, and FLEX I/O 24
Wire the RC-FLEX controller inputs or FLEX I/O (FIO) inputs 26
Wire the RC-FLEX controller FLEX outputs (FO) or FLEX I/O (FIO) outputs 27
Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switches 28
Output override potentiometer 28
Adjust the output voltage 29
Output and FLEX I/O LEDs 29

RC-FLEXone communications 30
RC-Toolkit and your controller 30

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Default user access settings 30

Set up a new controller using RC-Toolkit 30
MSet network view worksheet 31
Unconfigured RC-FLEX device discovery 35
Direct Connect with B/IP (USB/Ethernet) 35
Default USB settings 36
USB connections in RC-Toolkit 36
Set up a new RC-FLEX controller using USB 36
RC-FLEX USB driver information 37
Dual Ethernet model RC-FLEXone communications 38
Ethernet network requirements 38
Default Ethernet settings 38
Set up a new RC-FLEX controller using a host controller and DHCP 39
Direct Connect using Ethernet 40
Set up an Ethernet ring with RSTP 42
RSTP and RC-FLEX controllers 43
Set up the managed network switch 44
RC-FLEX Ethernet ring alarms 46
Quick Connect mode 48
Disable Quick Connect mode 49
Connect to a configured RC-FLEX controller 49

Configure and program the RC-FLEXone 53

RC-Studio and your controller 53
Controller resets 53
FLEX I/O 54
Configure FLEX I/O using RC-Studio 55
Configure pulse counting inputs 55
Automatic trend logs 57
Supported Control-BASIC statements and functions 58
Point Status BACnet property 60
Ethernet diagnostics BACnet properties 61
Create Ethernet diagnostic System Groups 63
Net Ins and Net Outs BACnet properties 66
Alarm count BACnet property 66
Alarm recurrence delay BACnet property 67

5 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 Contents

Start and Stop Loop BACnet properties 67

Object instance BACnet property 67
Object instance BACnet property 68

RC-FLEXone specifications 69

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 6
 RC-FLEXone overview
The RC-FLEXone® Advanced Unitary Controller from Reliable Controls is the perfect platform to power
sustainable buildings far into the future. Crafted with a compact footprint, a massive database, and a
high-performance multi-core processor, the RC-FLEXone delivers exceptional performance over a long
service life. With various input and output options—including new FLEX I/O universal input-output
technology—and several high-speed communication options, the RC-FLEXone can effortlessly
accommodate many diverse applications, from plant control or air-handling units to simple room
control and everything in between.

RC-FLEXone models and accessories

For the most complete, up-to-date information, click your product on the Products page to access the
submittal sheet.

RCFO-242
l RC-FLEXone controller with dual Ethernet and USB communications, two universal inputs, four
FLEX I/O, and two FLEX outputs.

RCFO-444
l RC-FLEXone controller with dual Ethernet and USB communications, four universal inputs, four
FLEX I/O, and four FLEX outputs.

RCFO-646
l RC-FLEXone controller with dual Ethernet and USB communications, six universal inputs, four
FLEX I/O, and six FLEX outputs.

RCFO-848
l RC-FLEXone controller with dual Ethernet and USB communications, eight universal inputs, four
FLEX I/O, and eight FLEX outputs.

Accessories
Options
l -H adds Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switches.
l -C adds real-time clock with capacitor backup.

Build your order

To create the order number, add your options to the base model. For example, RCFO-646-C-H is the
order number for an RC-FLEXone with six universal inputs, four FLEX I/O, and six FLEX outputs, real-
time clock with capacitor backup, and Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switches.

Related information
RC-FLEXone specifications 69

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

RC-FLEXone features
For the most complete, up-to-date information, click your product on the Products page to access the
submittal sheet.

For a comparison of features across Reliable Controls products, refer to the product features
documentation, available in the Support Center under the Engineer tab.

Database? More like databeast

l With tons of nonvolatile memory, the RC-FLEXone has enough space to handle the most
challenging applications now and in the future. It automatically logs all input, output, value,
calendar, loop, and schedule objects, which can each store more than 2,000 records. That’s
enough for over 1 million data points! It also has space for 64 control programs, each large enough
to run advanced energy sequencing, integrated fault detection and diagnostics, and much more.

Backward compatible, future ready

l Reliable Controls tests every product it manufactures to ensure compatibility with previous-
generation controllers. The RC-FLEXone is no different! You can add it to networks that host
previous-generation controllers without the need to purchase costly third-party gateways or
accessories. To further future-proof your investment, the RC-FLEXone features an open-source
Linux operating system renowned for its cybersecurity resilience and global community of
programming support.

Ultimate flexibility
l FLEX I/O universal input/output technology takes the legendary Reliable Controls flexibility to a
new level. Change each FLEX I/O terminal from an input to an output remotely! Interact with many
signal and output types including pulse counting, milliamp, voltage, and more! Gone are the days
when a job site change means a new order and a delay—transforming your system is just a mouse
click away.

Better by design
l RC-FLEX controllers are equipped with a versatile USB application port that provides convenient
access to a technician today and extended capabilities tomorrow. You can power the controller via
USB from a laptop to permit configuration, firmware updates, programming, and graphics
creation. You can also use the USB port to access the entire BACnet network.
l All input, output, and communication ports are hardware-protected against transient surges and
spikes, which hardens the controller against field-wiring mistakes and improves resilience.

Sustainable hardware
l Reliable Controls rigorously engineers their products to minimize their impact on the environment
and provide years of dependable, high-performance service. Products are manufactured in an ISO
9001– and 14001–certified facility and feature an industry-recognized 5-year warranty. Made from
highly recyclable materials, they also comply with RoHS 3, WEEE, and R2 directives to ensure easy,
clean disposal at the end of their useful life.

8 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone overview

Network resilience
l To improve Ethernet network resilience and safeguard against common failures, all RC-FLEX family
controllers come standard with Copper Switch™ technology and support for Rapid Spanning Tree
Protocol (RSTP). Copper Switch ensures that data can still pass through if a controller loses power,
maintaining uptime. RSTP lets you connect controllers in a ring topology, which provides inherent
redundancy with a duplicate network path; controllers can maintain communications even if one
part of the ring is severed.

Certifications
l BTL Listed (B-BC) pending.
l CE.
l CFR 47 Part 15/B Class B.
l UL 60730-1 Open Energy Management.
l WEEE.
l EN 60730-1.
l Canada ICES-003(B)/NMB-003(B).

Standard applications
Standard applications for Reliable Controls products are available in the Engineer tab in the Reliable
Controls Support Center.

Each standard application contains the elements needed to deploy an application, such as:

l Control-BASIC code.
l Panel Files.
l System Groups
l Annotated sequences of operation.

Standard applications can also serve as useful learning tools to increase your knowledge of different
product applications and Control-BASIC programming.

Search the library of existing standard applications or use the Standard App Builder to find a standard
application that meets your section criteria. If you cannot find a standard application that suits your
needs in the Standard App Builder, you can request it by clicking the Submit a request button.

Download and install the standard application and modify as necessary for your specific
implementation.

RC-FLEXone applications
The RC-FLEXone adds flexibility and value to your building control and management system. Some of
the benefits include:

l Support for a variety of hardware communications ports, methods, and protocols.

l FLEX I/O ports, an innovative feature that enables you to use FLEX I/O as a universal input,

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 9
RC-FLEXone® User Guide

universal output or solid-state relay output, depending on how you configure the I/O port in
software.

Dual Ethernet model RC-FLEXone application

This application diagram shows the dual Ethernet RC-FLEXone supporting a network of SMART-Net
devices. The network contains RC-FLEXone controllers managed by a router-model controller that
provides the primary data connection to a workstation running RC-Studio and other Reliable Controls
software. If the router-model host controller includes an onboard web server, you can configure
system information to view in a browser.

Figure 1: RC-FLEXone Ethernet network topology

* Router-model controllers can be MACH-Pro(Web)Com/Sys or MACH-ProView -R Models.

10 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone overview

RC-FLEXone flexibility
The FLEX I/O ports allow you to change the total number of inputs and outputs available on the
RC-FLEXone. For example, you can add up to four inputs to the standard universal inputs or up to four
outputs to the FLEX outputs by configuring the FLEX I/O as an input or output.

RC-FLEXone hardware overview

The RC-FLEXone has communication ports and I/O options.

Dual Ethernet model RC-FLEXone

Figure 2: RC-FLEXone dual Ethernet model with eight universal inputs, four FLEX I/O, and eight FLEX
outputs (RCFO-848)

Status LED and access to reset button

Ethernet ports with two status LEDs

USB port

Power

FLEX outputs

FLEX I/O

Inputs

SMART-Net

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 11
RC-FLEXone® User Guide

RC-FLEXone with optional Hand/Off/Auto (-H) internal detail

Figure 3: Internal view of RC-FLEXone with eight inputs, four FLEX I/O, eight FLEX outputs, and optional
Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switches (RCFO-848-H)

Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switches

Output potentiometers

FLEX I/O and Output LEDs

12 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone overview

Terminal layout
The following table summarizes the terminal connector layout for the universal inputs, FLEX I/O, and
FLEX outputs.

Additional resources
Additional resources are available on the Reliable Controls Support Center.

Click any of the following in the menu bar:

Products
View all product documentation, manuals, and marketing material.

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 13
RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Technical
View Release Notes, Bulletins, Product and Security Alerts, and the DDC (Direct Digital Control)
Glossary.

Training
Use the Learning Center to view and register for training courses, access eLearning courses and
videos, view webcasts, and download manuals.

14 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

The installation and wiring section describes how to connect the power, inputs and outputs of your
controller as well as the overall installation process and important considerations.

For more information about wiring and installing Reliable Controls products, refer to the product
documentation and the Hardware Installation Manual, available in the Reliable Controls Support
Center.

For more information about best practices and recommendations for Ethernet networks, refer to the
Ethernet Best Practices Guide, available in the Reliable Controls Support Center.

Installation considerations
All Reliable Controls devices must be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code
(NFPA 70), the Canadian Electric Code Part 1 (CSA C22.1-12), or the International Electrical Code
(IEC 60730-1) as applicable and in a manner acceptable to the local authority having jurisdiction.

This device is for use in UL Class 2 and Class 3 ELV circuits only.

Follow these guidelines when you install Reliable Controls products:

l Ground yourself before you touch any electronics by touching a grounded metal surface to
discharge static electricity.
l Use copper conductors only.
l Choose wires and cables appropriate for your application or installation requirements, for
example, plenum-rated material.

RC-FLEXone power
Your RC-FLEXone must be correctly wired to an appropriate power supply.

Supply Voltages
l 24 VAC ±10% 40 VA maximum, 50/60 Hz.
l 24 VDC ±10% 28 W maximum.

Wiring Terminals
l 16–24 AWG (1.31–0.21 mm2).
l Stranded or solid core.
l Copper conductors only.

To determine the size of the AC transformer or DC power supply required for your installation, use the
power calculator at reliablecontrols.com/support/engineer/calculator.php.

Grounded power
Follow these guidelines when you select and wire the grounded power supply:

l Use a UL Class 2 or Class 3 ELV 24 VAC/VDC power supply for the controller.
l Ensure that all controllers are connected to earth ground.

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 15
RC-FLEXone® User Guide

l To determine the size of the AC transformer or DC power supply required for your installation, use
the power calculator at reliablecontrols.com/support/engineer/calculator.php.

Figure 4: 24 VAC grounded power supply wiring

Figure 5: 24 VDC grounded power supply wiring

Status LED
The controller has an LED to indicate its operating status.

Status LED Status

One flash per second Normal operation.

Two quick flashes on and Controller is in Quick Connect mode.

one second off

Off Unpowered. Controller is not operational.

On solid No operation. Defective controller.

RC-FLEXone Ethernet
The RC-FLEXone dual Ethernet model has two Ethernet ports to allow for easy network connection.

16 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

Ethernet Communications
The RC-FLEXone is a non-routing, unitary controller that requires a network host controller.
l Two IEEE 802.3 Ethernet 10/100BASE-T ports, with a maximum distance of 50 m (164 ft) between
Ethernet connections using Category 5, 5e, or 6 cabling. Each device uses one IP address. The
second Ethernet port is a switched port; use it to line-connect additional devices.
l Automatic hardware coupling of Ethernet dual ports when controller loses power.
l Routing host controllers support up to 74 additional BACnet/IP-connected devices.
l RSTP: Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol.
l Allows ring topology for up to 40 devices isolated by a managed network switch.
l LLDP: Link Layer Discovery Protocol.
l Provides details of up to five of the most recently discovered neighboring devices.

The controller cannot route between two separate Ethernet networks. The second port functions as
an Ethernet switch for connecting additional devices to the network. This is an active switch. The
controller must be powered for network connections.

Use a star or straight-line Ethernet network topology. The controller supports an Ethernet ring or loop
topology for an isolated network whose traffic is controlled by a properly configured managed switch.

The controller automatically internally corrects for crossover and straight-through connections, so you
can use either cable for network connections.

Refer to the Ethernet Best Practices Guide, available from the Reliable Controls Support Center, for
Ethernet network examples, recommended topologies, network and device numbering conventions,
and troubleshooting.

Related information
Set up a new RC-FLEX controller using a host controller and DHCP 39

Ethernet connections
Your controller only supports one IP address and cannot route between two separate Ethernet
networks. The second port functions as an Ethernet switch for connecting additional devices to the
network. To maintain network operation, if the controller loses power or goes offline, the Ethernet
ports bridge to make the Ethernet network segments before and after the controller into one
continuous Ethernet network segment.

Your controller is intended for installation in a new or existing BACnet/IP network with a host
controller, but you can also directly connect to the controller over Ethernet or USB. Your controller
ships as a DHCP client by default and requires a DHCP server to automatically acquire an IP address.
Networks require at least one router-model controller such as a MACH-ProCom located on the same
local area network. You can have up to 74 devices per BACnet/IP network in addition to the router-
model controller.

Your controller supports star and straight-line Ethernet topologies. Your controller automatically
internally corrects for crossover and straight-through connections, so you can use either cable for

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 17
RC-FLEXone® User Guide

network connections. Your controller also supports ring or network loop topologies when the network
is correctly configured and rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP) is enabled.

Important: Ring topologies require a specific procedure for wiring the network and enabling RSTP.
Failure to follow this procedure causes loss of Ethernet network communications.

Use a line topology to provide a longer Ethernet network with controllers located at increasing
distances from the Ethernet switch. This topology allows you to span longer distances but is less
robust as the loss of one controller connection can affect other controller network connections.

Use a star topology to provide a robust Ethernet network that does not create network loops. If you
connect each controller to the Ethernet switch instead of using a daisy chain, if one controller loses its
network connection, it does not affect the other Ethernet devices.

Use an Ethernet ring or loop topology to create a managed network loop for improved network
resilience.

Refer to the Ethernet Best Practices Guide, available from the Reliable Controls Support Center, for
Ethernet network examples, recommended topologies, network and device numbering conventions,
and troubleshooting.

Ethernet line network topology

Use a line topology—similar to the daisy-chain architecture used in MS/TP networks—to create an
Ethernet network, as shown below.

Because each device is connected to only the previous device, this topology can cause your network to
be taken offline by a single faulty segment. Reliable Controls recommends you add a network
recovery link to line topologies.

Note: Do not connect the network recovery link on a working network. It creates an unsupported
ring topology and causes network communications to fail. Connect the network recovery link on a
broken network to help recover from the bad connection.

Note: RC-FLEX controllers ship with DHCP enabled. To use DHCP, the network where the device is
installed requires a DHCP server.

18 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

Figure 6: Line network topology

Note: Make sure the network recovery link does not exceed the maximum Ethernet segment
length. Consider using a line topology with alternating connections if that is more suited to your
installation.

Ethernet star network topology

In an Ethernet star topology, each controller is individually connected to a dedicated Ethernet port, as
shown below.

This topology helps prevent your network being taken offline by a single faulty device.

Note: RC-FLEX controllers ship with DHCP enabled. To use DHCP, the network where the device is
installed requires a DHCP server.

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 19
RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Figure 7: Star network topology

Ethernet ring or loop topology

An Ethernet ring or loop topology is where the last Ethernet device on a straight-line Ethernet
topology connects back to the dedicated managed network switch, to improve network resilience.

An Ethernet ring can contain up to 40 devices, in addition to the managed switch.

Requirements:

l The Ethernet ring network must be isolated by a dedicated managed network switch.
l The dedicated managed network switch must be configured to isolate ring bridge protocol data
unit (BPDU) traffic from the rest of the network.
l All Ethernet devices must support rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP). RSTP must be enabled for
each device using RC-Toolkit.

Follow the specified process to implement an operating Ethernet ring topology to avoid the loss of
Ethernet communications.

20 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

Figure 8: Ethernet ring or loop topology

Related information
Set up an Ethernet ring with RSTP 42

Dual Ethernet port

Your RC-FLEX controller's dual Ethernet ports allow you to use either straight-through or crossover
Ethernet cables interchangeably.

Reliable Controls recommends you consistently use Ethernet standard TIA/EIA-568A or TIA/EIA-568B
terminated cables.

Do not exceed 50 m (164 ft) Ethernet segment length between any two RC-FLEX Ethernet network
nodes.

RC-FLEX Ethernet Copper Switch

If the controller loses power, Copper Switch technology helps maintain Ethernet communications by
internally connecting the dual Ethernet ports to bypass the controller.

Copper Switch is a physical hardware component of the dual Ethernet ports on RC-FLEX controllers
that are revision D or later and does not require configuration. This feature is indicated by the fifth

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 21
RC-FLEXone® User Guide

character in the serial number. For example, a serial number that ends with FAMBD means the
controller has the built-in Copper Switch.

To maintain the maximum Ethernet network segment length specification of 100 m (328 ft), the
recommended maximum segment length between networked RC-FLEX controllers with the Copper
Switch is 50 m (164 ft).

Do not exceed 50 m (164 ft) Ethernet segment length between any two RC-FLEX Ethernet network
nodes.

The following Ethernet line topology network diagrams show before and after a controller loses
power. After the power loss, the controller's Copper Switch connects the dual Ethernet ports,
preventing loss of communications on the Ethernet network:

Figure 9: Before and after Copper Switch operation

Ethernet status LEDs

Your controller has two Ethernet status LEDs, Act and Link, located next to the Ethernet port.

Act: The Act (activity) LED illuminates when the controller is actively transmitting over Ethernet.

Link: The Link LED illuminates when there is a physical connection between the controller and a valid,
powered switch, hub, or controller. This LED indicates only a physical connection, not communication
or configuration status.

RC-FLEXone USB
The RC-FLEXone controller has a USB-A port for Direct Connect communications.

USB
l USB-A port with maximum cable length of 5 m (16.4 ft).

22 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

Connect a local workstation's USB-A port to the controller's USB-A port to temporarily access the
controller and BACnet networked devices without impact to existing network connections and
functions.

Important: Always route USB connections through a USB hub with a good quality USB cable to
help protect equipment and resolve protocol differences.

You can make a connection from your workstation to provide both power and communications to
configure the device using the RC-Toolkit MSet tool. USB-powered controllers cannot power outputs
and inputs. Do not use a USB connection to power a networked controller.

Important: The USB connection is for short-term configuration or troubleshooting. Leaving the
USB connected to the workstation can cause network issues.

RC-FLEXone SMART-Net
Your controller has a SMART-Net four-pin terminal block to support a network of SMART-Net devices.

SMART-Net Communications
l SMART-Net port with four-wire terminal block supports up to eight devices.

Wiring Terminals
l 16–24 AWG (1.31–0.21 mm2).
l Stranded or solid core.
l Copper conductors only.
l 5 mm (0.20") rising-cage screw terminal blocks.

The maximum tested SMART-Net cable length from the host controller to the last SMART-Net device
on the SMART-Net bus is 45 m (147 ft). With an externally powered SMART-Net Expansion Board or
SMART-Sensor Expansion Board located at the network midpoint, the maximum tested SMART-Net
cable length from the host controller to the last SMART-Net device on the SMART-Net bus is 75 m (246
ft).

SMART-Net four-pin terminal

Use the removable SMART-Net four-pin terminal block to wire and connect a network of SMART-Net
devices.

Note: The maximum tested SMART-Net cable length from the host controller to the last
SMART-Net device on the SMART-Net bus is 45 m (147 ft). With an externally powered SMART-Net
Expansion Board or SMART-Sensor Expansion Board located at the network midpoint, the
maximum tested SMART-Net cable length from the host controller to the last SMART-Net device on
the SMART-Net bus is 75 m (246 ft).

September 09, 2024 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved. 23
RC-FLEXone® User Guide

The SMART-Net network provides power and communications for SMART-Net devices. Reliable
Controls recommends 24 AWG (0.21 mm2), low capacitance < 82 pF/m (25 pF/f), solid core minimum
Category 3 cabling for SMART-Net networks.

Directly connect the SMART-Net four-pin terminals from the controller to the four-pin terminal block
on a SMART-Net device, matching the terminals.

Figure 10: SMART-Net four-pin connection

For detailed information about SMART-Net networks, sensors, and controllers, refer to the SMART-Net
device documentation available in the Reliable Controls Support Center.

RC-FLEXone inputs, FLEX outputs, and FLEX I/O

Your controller is equipped with inputs, FLEX outputs, and FLEX I/O:

l Inputs: A physical connection that operates as a universal input. It is set to thermistor/dry contact
by default.
l FLEX Outputs: A physical output connection that is software-configurable to operate as a universal
output or a solid-state relay. It is disabled by default and will not operate until it is configured in
RC-Studio.
l FLEX I/O: A physical input/output connection that is software-configurable to operate as a
universal input, universal output, or solid-state relay. It is disabled by default and will not operate
until it is configured as an input or output using RC-Studio.

Wiring Terminals
l 16–24 AWG (1.31–0.21 mm2).
l Stranded or solid core.
l Copper conductors only.

Important: Make sure the physical wiring to FLEX output and FLEX I/O connectors matches the
intended use of input, output, or solid-state relay. Record the physical wiring and intended
configuration, and back up the controller's Panel File once you have configured the inputs and
outputs using RC-Studio.

24 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

Input characteristics
Universal Inputs
l Standard 16-bit A/D converter.
l Software selectable 0–10 VDC, 4–20 mA, thermistor/dry-contact.
l Impedance:
l 3 MΩ on 0-10 VDC range.
l 249 Ω on 4-20 mA range.
l 20 kΩ on thermistor range.
l Pulse counting up to 150 Hz. Supports flow meters.
l 24 VAC overvoltage protection.

Analog inputs promptly detect faults when you set the D column in the Inputs worksheet to Y, or
decommissioned; otherwise, fault detection is slightly delayed to help prevent false alarms caused
when a user presses a button on a connected SPACE-Sensor Temperature.

FLEX output characteristics

When the controller is power-cycled, the outputs go to zero, then return to their normal values and
programs resume operation when power is restored. Universal outputs can sink or source current for
light dimming applications. Do not mix sinking and sourcing on the same output.

Universal Outputs
l 16-bit D/A converter.
l Analog: 0–12 VDC.
l Binary: Software configurable between 0–12 VDC.
l Output power: 75 mA at 12 VDC source, -10 mA sink.
l 24 VAC overvoltage and short protection.

Solid-State Relay Output

l Switch 24 VAC/VDC.
l 500 mA maximum.

FLEX Outputs
l Use software to select as universal or solid-state relay.

FLEX I/O characteristics

FLEX I/O inputs can be configured with a Sensor Type designed for S0 pulse counting compliance. It is
recommended that you use FLEX I/O inputs for pulse-counting applications.

FLEX I/O
l Software selectable universal input, universal output, or solid-state relay.
l Inputs can be configured for S0 pulse counting applications.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Wire the RC-FLEX controller inputs or FLEX I/O (FIO) inputs

Wire the RC-FLEXone universal inputs as dry contact, thermistor, 4-20 mA analog sensor, or 0-10 VDC
transmitter.

You can configure your controller's FLEX I/O (FIO) terminals to operate as a universal input. FLEX I/O
inputs support pulse counting settings.

Note: Use dry-contact digital input wiring connections for pulse-counting applications such as flow
and energy meters.

Figure 11: Dry-contact digital input wiring

Figure 12: Thermistor wiring

Figure 13: 0–10 VDC analog input wiring

26 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

Figure 14: 4–20 mA analog input with external DC power supply wiring

Note: 4–20 mA loop-powered sensors require a DC voltage power supply to operate. The
controller converts this input to a 1-5 VDC signal. If you scale this input in RC-Studio, the input
range of the table is 1-5 VDC.

Wire the RC-FLEX controller FLEX outputs (FO) or FLEX I/O (FIO)
outputs
FLEX outputs can control a low-voltage DC load or a relay.

You can configure FLEX outputs and FLEX I/O to operate as a universal output or solid-state relay.

Universal outputs
Connect a relay, digital, or analog output device to your controller's output terminals.

Use software to configure universal outputs as digital or analog outputs.

Solid-state relay outputs

The voltage supplied at the R~ terminal by the external power source is transferred to the FO or FIO
terminals to power the output load. The R~ terminal on each output terminal block must be
connected to power the FIO or FO terminals on that terminal block.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Figure 15: Solid-state relay wiring

Related information
Configure FLEX I/O using RC-Studio 55

Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switches

The optional Hand/Off/Auto switch can override the controller's Auto setting to force the output to the
Hand or Off setting.

For FLEX I/O, the HOA switch only functions if the FLEX I/O is configured as an output in RC-Studio.

In RC-Studio, the optional HOA switch setting is shown in the Switch column on the controller's
Outputs worksheet. It displays Auto if there is no switch or the HOA switch is set to Auto.

Note: The output status LED always reflects the output state, even when the output is controlled
by the HOA switch.

Hand (H)
The output is on, and the output voltage is set by the potentiometer.

Off (O)
The output is off.

Auto (A)
The output state is determined by the device's configuration and programs.

Note: Use proprietary BACnet property HOA_Switch (:1119) to read the switch position: Hand = 2,
Off = 0, or Auto = 1.

Output override potentiometer

Each output on your device has a potentiometer that controls the output's voltage when the
Hand/Off/Auto (HOA) switch is set to Hand (H).

This is only available on controllers that have the optional Hand/Off/Auto switch.

To decrease the output voltage, turn the potentiometer counterclockwise. To increase the output
voltage, turn the potentiometer clockwise.

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 RC-FLEXone wiring and installation

The output potentiometer does not affect the output when the HOA switch is set to Off (O) or Auto (A).

Devices are shipped from the factory with the output potentiometers set at their full voltage.

Adjust the output voltage

Use the output's potentiometer to vary the output voltage potential when the output's Hand/Off/Auto
(HOA) switch is set to Hand (H).

This is only available on controllers that have the optional Hand/Off/Auto switch.

To adjust the output voltage potential with a voltmeter and a small screwdriver:
1. Open the controller cover to access the internal circuit board.
2. Set the HOA switch to H.
3. Set the voltmeter to measure DC voltage, and connect its leads to the output terminals.
4. While viewing the voltmeter reading, use the screwdriver to rotate the output potentiometer
counterclockwise to decrease the voltage, or clockwise to increase the voltage, until the desired
output voltage reading is displayed.
5. Disconnect the voltmeter.
6. Set the HOA switch to A.
7. Close the controller cover.

Output and FLEX I/O LEDs

LEDs indicate the output voltage level for outputs and FLEX I/O configured in software as outputs.

The output LED brightness increases with the voltage potential between the output and ground or
common. If the voltage is zero, the LED is off. At maximum potential, the LED is at its brightest. The
LED brightness varies between those two states.

If the FLEX I/O is configured as an input, set the optional HOA switch to Auto to prevent LED issues.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

RC-FLEXone communications
This section describes how to connect to and communicate with your RC-FLEX device, from initial
connection at factory-default state to when the device is configured and integrated into your
building's BACnet network.

Reliable Controls offers dedicated training exercises in the Support Center to help you set up
communications for your RC-FLEX device.

RC-Toolkit and your controller

Use RC-Toolkit to configure your controller's communications features and to upgrade controller
firmware.

Upgrade RC-Toolkit to the latest release to support new features, improvements, and fixes.

RC-Toolkit has several tools for basic controller setup and troubleshooting:

l MSet : Use to set your controller's network and communication parameters.

l OS Send: Use to update your controller's firmware.
l Network Diagnostics: Use to view diagnostics for your controller to troubleshoot network issues.

RC-Toolkit includes the Panel File Utility, a separate program used to read and edit Panel Files and to
rapidly duplicate and modify Panel Files to load to your controller.

Default user access settings

The factory-default user access settings used to log in to the system are stored in the host controller:

l User: longview.
l Password: Empty, no entry.

For BACnet network security best practices, refer to the Reliable Controls Hardening Guide, available in
the Engineer tab in the Reliable Controls Support Center.

Set up a new controller using RC-Toolkit

Upgrade to the latest version of RC-Toolkit to take advantage of new software features and
improvements.

To set up the unconfigured RC-FLEX controller:

1. Connect the RC-FLEX controller to your network.

2. Run RC-Toolkit and connect to your network.

3. Click MSet to highlight the MSet tool, then click the network in the System Tree to select it and
display the MSet network view worksheet.
Unconfigured controllers have a teal (greenish-blue) highlight in the MSet network view
worksheet.

4. Enter the required information in the MSet network view worksheet to configure the controller.
For detailed descriptions of all the MSet settings, refer to the "MSet network view worksheet"
topic.

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 RC-FLEXone communications

Table 1: BACnet/IP configuration settings

IP Address Enter the assigned static IP address if the network does not use DHCP. You
must set DHCP to No to enter a static IP address.

DHCP Select Yes if the network has a DHCP server assigning IP addresses. Select
No if you are assigning a static IP address.

RSTP Select No, unless you are adding the controller to an existing RSTP network.

Device ID Enter a unique device ID.

Device Name You have the option to enter a more descriptive name for the controller.

BACnet/IP Enter the host controller's B/IP network settings.

Settings

5. Click Send to save the device settings.

6. Wait until the save operation is complete before closing the Device Configuration dialog box.

7. Click or rediscover the network node to view the newly-configured RC-FLEX controllers. They are
highlighted orange to indicate they are in Quick Connect mode, which allows you to reconfigure
the devices if necessary. Quick Connect mode times out after 10 minutes.

Tip: You can print the MSet network view worksheet to get a complete list of devices and
connection information for future network maintenance and troubleshooting.

MSet network view worksheet

Use the MSet network view worksheet to discover, view, and configure MS/TP- and BACnet/IP–
networked devices in network mode.

To open the MSet network view worksheet, select the network node for a BACnet/IP or MS/TP network
in the System tree.

Clicking a non-router controller in the system tree opens a version of this worksheet that shows only
that single device.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Figure 16: MSet network view worksheet for an IP-based network

Click the non-router controller in the System tree to open a version of this worksheet that shows only
that single device.

Actions
Print
Prints the IP network configuration worksheet to a document or printer.

Clear Device ID
Changes the device network state to Unconfigured by clearing its saved Device ID and Address
information. This option is available only when a single device is selected in the System tree.

Network Configuration
Opens the BACnet Network Configuration dialog box.

Broadcast Host Number to Subnetwork

Opens the Broadcast Host Number to Subnetwork dialog box, where you enter the host number
and destination subnetwork.

Set Master Password

Changes the default master password stored in all Reliable Controls system controllers. This option
is only available when you sign on with the Master Password.

IP-based network devices

Serial number
The device serial number. This is for information only and cannot be configured.

IP address
The version 4 IP address that RC-Toolkit reads from the device. If the IP address is configurable in
the MSet network view worksheet, this is the local IP address of the device. If the IP address is not
configurable, go to the device's specific MSet configuration screen to confirm the device's local IP
address. Because of technical limitations, devices on networks that communicate via methods other
than BACnet/IP or MS/TP may display incorrect information in the IP Address column. This includes

32 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone communications

devices on BACnet Ethernet networks hosted by router-model controllers. The IP address can be a
manually entered static IP address or dynamically assigned if DHCP is supported on the network
and enabled for that device.

DHCP
Displays whether Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is enabled or disabled and can be
configured in the MSet network view worksheet for some devices. If enabled, the LAN's DHCP server
automatically sets the device's IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS information. If there is
no DHCP server, the controller retains its last known assigned address or assigns itself a link-local
address.

Note: You can use DHCP for IP-connected devices that are not configured as BBMDs.

RSTP
Displays whether Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is enabled or disabled on the Ethernet port.
RSTP must be disabled for Ethernet line or star topologies. There is a specific process to wire and
configure Ethernet loop topologies where RSTP is enabled. Refer to the device user guide or the
Ethernet Best Practices Guide, available in the User Guides page on the Reliable Controls Dealer
Support Center, for requirements and instructions.

Node #
The setup address of an RC-FLEX device, ranging from 1 to 255. If the controller is not configured
with a value in the Device ID column and you select Device ID Auto Fill and edit the Node #
column, RC-Toolkit generates the Device ID using the value in the Node # column and the value
entered in the Base Address box. Use Node # and Device ID Auto fill to generate sequential device
IDs for the BACnet/IP terminal devices hosted on a single network. This property is not applicable to
other IP-based network devices.

Device ID
The BACnet device ID must be a unique number on the BACnet internetwork, limited to between 1
and 4,194,302, and is configurable in the MSet network view worksheet for some devices. If the
controller is not configured with a value in the Device ID column and you select Device ID Auto Fill
and edit the Node # column, RC-Toolkit generates the device ID using the value in the Node #
column and the value entered in the Base Address box. Delete the device ID on a configured
controller to put the controller in an unconfigured state and enable the default configuration port.

Note: Do not use device ID 0. Using zero can cause issues with older BACnet software and zero is
not supported by RC-Studio.

Device Name
The name of the device. This is the device model name by default; you can edit it to be more
descriptive.

Model Name
The device model name. This is for information only and cannot be configured.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Version
The version of firmware currently running on the device. This is for information only and cannot be
configured. Use OS Send to upgrade Reliable Controls device firmware.

Vendor
The BACnet device vendor. Use RC-Toolkit to configure Reliable Controls devices only.

Device ID Auto Fill

To assign automatic device IDs to your controllers, select Device ID Auto Fill, and change the value in
the Base Address box from the default value. Edit the value in the Node # column for an IP-based
network device to automatically generate the device ID.

Base Address
Enter the base address used to automatically generate device IDs.

BACnet/IP Settings
The BACnet/IP Settings area is displayed when you select an IP-based network that contains devices
that are configurable using MSet network view. Click a network node to display and configure the
devices on that network and assign device IDs. Once a device is given a device ID in network mode,
you can open it in single device mode from the System Tree.

The following settings are by default, from the first configured device read on the network. To
configure a single device, click on it in the System Tree.

Use the following options to configure the network settings:

Important: RC-Toolkit sends the updated BACnet/IP network settings only to devices that are
configurable using MSet network view and have a Device ID.

UDP Port
The network BACnet/IP UDP port. Every BACnet/IP network requires a unique port number.

Subnet Mask
Defines the range of IP addresses used in the BACnet/IP network. A common subnet mask value is
255.255.255.0.

Gateway Address
The internal IP address of the router used by the BACnet/IP network to connect to other networks
or the internet. This is required if the controller is configured on a wide-area network across
multiple subnetworks. If all devices are on the same subnet, Gateway Address can be left blank.

Primary DNS
The IP address of a valid DNS accessible to the BACnet/IP network. A DNS allows you to use domain
names instead of IP addresses.

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 RC-FLEXone communications

Secondary DNS
The IP address of a valid DNS accessible to the BACnet/IP network, used if the primary DNS is not
available.

Unconfigured RC-FLEX device discovery

When you connect unconfigured RC-FLEX controllers to existing networks, RC-Toolkit discovers them
and applies a teal, or greenish-blue row highlight in Network view in MSet. The highlight allows you to
quickly identify all discovered unconfigured RC-FLEX devices on the network.

Note: Unconfigured RC-FLEX controllers that are Direct Connect connected to the computer using
a USB-A male-to-male cable are automatically put into Quick Connect mode, indicated by an
orange row highlight in MSet.

When RC-Toolkit discovers unconfigured RC-FLEX controllers, the controllers display in the Local
Network node and also in compatible networks in the System Tree, for example a BACnet/IP network
for an Ethernet-connected RC-FLEX controller. You can then configure their Device ID and other
network properties as applicable.

RC-Toolkit can discover unconfigured RC-FLEX over local and remote, for example, RC-RemoteAccess
connections.

Direct Connect with B/IP (USB/Ethernet)

Connect your RC-FLEX device directly to a computer port using a USB-A male-to-male cable or an
Ethernet cable. Direct Connect B/IP (USB/Ethernet) is intended as a temporary connection method—
for example, to configure an unconfigured RC-FLEX device in RC-Toolkit, or to troubleshoot a
configured RC-FLEX device.

Direct Connect B/IP (USB/Ethernet) uses the default configuration port to establish connection
between the computer and the RC-FLEX device. This configuration port is enabled by default on
unconfigured RC-FLEX controllers. For configured RC-FLEX controllers, you can temporarily enable the
default configuration port by putting the controller in Quick Connect mode. Controllers in Quick
Connect mode display in orange highlight on the RC-Toolkit MSet screen.

The recommended Direct Connect B/IP (USB/Ethernet) method for RC-Toolkit is to use a USB-A
male-to-male cable, as it provides a fast local connection when you have easy access to the physical
RC-FLEX device. RC-Toolkit immediately connects to the device, whether it is configured or
unconfigured. See the "USB connections in RC-Toolkit" topic for more information.

To make a Direct Connect B/IP (USB/Ethernet) connection to a controller:

1. Connect the computer to the unconfigured RC-FLEX device. If the RC-FLEX device is already
configured, put it in Quick Connect mode.

2. Start RC-Toolkit or RC-Studio.

3. In the Systems List toolbar, click Direct Connect , then click BIP (USB/Ethernet) to make the
Direct Connect with BIP (USB/Ethernet) connection.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Default USB settings

The controller ships with the following default USB port properties:

l Quick Connect mode: Enabled for Direct Connect connection using USB-A male-to-male cable.
l Configuration port: Port 53229 for unconfigured controller.
l USB driver: Microsoft Windows Network Control Mode (NCM) driver.

USB connections in RC-Toolkit

Quick Connect mode is automatically set on the RC-FLEX device when you connect its USB-A port to a
USB-A port on the computer running RC-Toolkit.

Note: This feature is available on RC-FLEX controllers with firmware version 1.5 or later and
RC-Toolkit software version 3.4.2 or later.

The USB-connected device is highlighted orange in MSet Network view to indicate it is in Quick
Connect mode. The device remains in Quick Connect mode as long as the USB cable is connected.

Quick Connect mode and the highlight remain active for a few minutes after you disconnect the USB
cable, then the highlight and Quick Connect mode turn off.

After you connect the USB cable between the RC-FLEX controller and the computer, start RC-Toolkit,
click the Direct Connect icon, then click B/IP (USB/Ethernet).

Unconfigured RC-FLEX controller

An unconfigured USB direct-connected RC-FLEX controller displays by itself in the Local Network node
and also in all available networks in the System Tree.

Note: This behavior is unique for unconfigured RC-FLEX devices using the Direct Connect USB
connection method.

Configured RC-FLEX controller

RC-Toolkit displays the MSet Network view where the configured USB direct-connected RC-FLEX
controller resides. The network is expanded in the System Tree with the USB direct-connected
RC-FLEX icon automatically selected. If you click Local Network, RC-Toolkit automatically selects the
USB direct-connected RC-FLEX controller and displays it in its home network in the MSet Network
view.

Set up a new RC-FLEX controller using USB

This describes how to use the USB-A port of a computer running RC-Toolkit to configure the network
settings for a brand-new, factory-default RC-FLEX controller. Quick Connect mode is automatically set
on the RC-FLEX device when its USB-A port is connected to the computer's USB-A port.

To configure a new RC-FLEX controller:

36 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone communications

1. Connect the computer's USB-A port to the RC-FLEX controller's USB-A port using a USB-A cables
and a USB-A hub.

Important: Always route USB connections through a USB hub with a good quality USB cable to
help protect equipment and resolve protocol differences.

Figure 17: Typical USB direct connection from workstation to RC-FLEX controller

2. Start RC-Toolkit.

3. Click Direct Connect then click B/IP (USB/Ethernet).

The RC-FLEX controller displays by itself in the Local Network node. The controller is highlighted
orange to indicate it is in Quick Connect mode.

4. Configure the controller's communications settings:

l For the dual Ethernet model RC-FLEX controller, enter a unique device ID in the Device ID column,
then fill in the Ethernet communications settings under BACnet/IP Settings.
l For the MS/TP only (-M) model RC-FLEX controller, enter a unique device ID in the Device ID
column.

5. Click Send .

Related information
RC-FLEXone USB 22

RC-FLEX USB driver information

The required USB driver is defined by your controller's firmware version:

l Firmware version 1.5 or later: Your controller's USB port uses the Microsoft Windows Network
Control Mode (NCM) driver. NCM is included in Windows 10 version 1903 (build 18362) or later,
and Windows 11 version 21H2 (build 22000) or later.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

l RC-FLEXair firmware versions 1.4.1 or earlier: Your controller's USB port driver uses the Remote
Network Driver Interface Specification (RNDIS) driver. Refer to the "USB support for older
firmware" topic for instructions on how to download and install this driver.

Note: For optimum USB support we recommend you update your controller to the latest
firmware.

Dual Ethernet model RC-FLEXone communications

This section describes how to connect to and communicate with the dual-Ethernet model RC-FLEX
controller.

The controller ships from the factory unconfigured, with default settings designed for easy BACnet/IP
network installation. To configure the controller, enter a unique device ID for the controller and the
BACnet network's UDP port number. By default the controller ships with DHCP enabled, but can be
configured with a static IP address.

Refer to the Ethernet Best Practices Guide, available from the Reliable Controls Support Center, for
Ethernet network examples, recommended topologies, network and device numbering conventions,
and troubleshooting.

Ethernet network requirements

Unitary dual Ethernet RC-FLEX devices are designed to be installed on a BACnet/IP network hosted by
a router-model controller such as a MACH-ProCom, not as standalone Ethernet devices.

The controller ships with DHCP enabled by default for easy installation into a local area network with a
DHCP server. The RC-FLEX device must be hosted on a BACnet/IP network managed by a router-model
host controller such as a MACH-ProCom. You can also manually enter a static IP address if needed.

You cannot configure the RC-FLEXair or RC-FLEXone as a BACnet Broadcast Management Device
(BBMD).

You must use a local BACnet/IP connection to make the initial connection to a factory-default RC-FLEX
controller.

Default Ethernet settings

The controller ships with the following default Ethernet settings:

l DHCP: Enabled.
l BACnet/IP port: 53229. This is the default configuration port.
l Device ID: Unconfigured.

If no DHCP server is available, the controller assigns itself a link-local address using the standard link-
local range of 169.254.0.0 to 169.254.255.255 with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0.

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 RC-FLEXone communications

Set up a new RC-FLEX controller using a host controller and DHCP

To make a local workstation connection to a new, factory-default RC-FLEX controller installed in an
existing network, the network must have a DHCP server and a host router-model controller such as a
MACH-ProCom.

Refer to the Ethernet Best Practices Guide, available from the Reliable Controls Support Center, for
Ethernet network examples, recommended topologies, network and device numbering conventions,
and troubleshooting.

Figure 18: RC-FLEX controller Ethernet connection to an existing hosted BACnet/IP network

To connect your new, unconfigured controller when it is installed on an existing network with a host
controller and a DHCP server:
1. Connect your controller's Ethernet port to the local BACnet/IP network.
2. Identify the desired local BACnet/IP network destination for the controller.
3. Run RC-Toolkit.
4. Connect to the destination BACnet/IP network using the Systems List connection.
5. Select the highest level network node—the BACnet/IP network.
RC-Toolkit displays the MSet network view worksheet of all connected controllers, and highlights
all unconfigured controllers in teal (greenish-blue).

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Figure 19: RC-Toolkit MSet screen showing unconfigured RC-FLEX controller

Note: If RC-Toolkit does not display an unconfigured controller, right-click the BACnet/IP
network node, and select Rediscover Network.

6. To configure the controllers, enter a unique device ID for each controller, or click Device ID Auto
Fill to generate device IDs from the node number.
7. Set the BACnet port to the router-model host controller's BACnet/IP UDP port.

8. Click Send to save the configuration information to the controllers.

9. Allow the controller to reboot, which can take approximately 10 seconds, then rediscover the
network.
RC-Toolkit displays the newly configured controller icon in the System Tree on the appropriate
BACnet/IP network.

Related information
RC-FLEXone Ethernet 16

Direct Connect using Ethernet

The recommended Direct Connect B/IP (USB/Ethernet) method for RC-Toolkit is to use a USB-A
male-to-male cable, as it provides a fast local connection when you have easy access to the physical
RC-FLEX device. Refer to the "Direct Connect with B/IP (USB/Ethernet)" topic for details.

If you do not have a USB-A male-to-male cable, you can use an Ethernet cable to communicate with
the controller using RC-Toolkit Direct Connect B/IP (USB/Ethernet).

Note: Unconfigured RC-FLEX controllers running firmware version 1.5 or later can be discovered
remotely using connection methods such as RC-RemoteAccess, otherwise a local BACnet/IP
connection is required to perform device discovery.

40 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone communications

This procedure can be used to set up a new unconfigured RC-FLEX controller from its factory defaults.
1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the RC-FLEX controller's Ethernet port directly to the
computer's Ethernet port.

2. Wait a few seconds to allow your workstation to disconnect from the network and assign itself an
IPv4 link-local address in 169.254.0.0 to 169.254.255.255 range, which is compatible with the
RC-FLEX controller's factory-default setting.
You can open a Windows command prompt and enter ipconfig to confirm this.

3. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections, right-click the Ethernet
adapter and click Properties. Open the Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) properties and
verify they are set to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address
automatically.
If the TCP/IPv4 properties are set to a static address, record the IP address, subnet mask, default
gateway, and DNS server information so you can set the workstation's TCP/IPv4 properties to its
original settings after this procedure.

4. Start RC-Toolkit, then click Direct Connect > B/IP (USB/Ethernet).

RC-Toolkit discovers the unconfigured RC-FLEX controller on the local network node.

Figure 20: RC-Toolkit MSet screen showing unconfigured RC-FLEX controller

5. Configure the controller's MSet settings:

IP Address Enter the assigned static IP address if the network does not use DHCP. You
must set DHCP to No to enter a static IP address.

DHCP Select Yes if the network has a DHCP server assigning IP addresses. Select
No if you are assigning a static IP address.

RSTP Select No, unless you are adding the controller to an existing RSTP network.

Device ID Enter a unique device ID.

Device Name You have the option to enter a more descriptive name for the controller.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

BACnet/IP Enter the host controller's B/IP network settings.

Settings

Refer to the Ethernet Best Practices Guide, available from the Reliable Controls Support Center, for
Ethernet network examples, recommended topologies, network and device numbering
conventions, and troubleshooting.

6. Confirm all settings are correct, then click Send to save the updated information to the
controller.

7. Click or rediscover the network node to view the newly-configured RC-FLEX controller. The
controller is highlighted orange to indicate it is in Quick Connect mode, which times out after 10
minutes.

Set up an Ethernet ring with RSTP

Rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP) allows devices in a managed Ethernet network to be connected in
a ring or loop topology. This communications methodology provides Ethernet redundancy, so if one
device in the Ethernet ring loses communication, all other devices before or after that lost device
maintain Ethernet communications.

The Ethernet ring network can contain up to a maximum of 40 RC-FLEX devices, in addition to the
dedicated managed network switch.

Required equipment: A dedicated managed network switch to isolate the ring bridge protocol data
unit (BPDU) traffic from the rest of the Ethernet network.
1. Identify and label the managed switch ports to be used for uplink port, ring port 1, and ring port
2.

2. Connect the managed switch uplink port to the DHCP router or switch that links to the rest of the
Ethernet network.

3. Connect ring port 1 to the first Ethernet ring network device, then connect the rest of the
Ethernet ring network devices in a straight-line topology.

Note: Do not connect ring port 2 until you have configured all the networked devices in the
Ethernet ring.

4. Configure the managed network switch ports. Refer to "Set up the managed network switch" for
more information:
l Uplink port: Block ring BPDU traffic.
l Ring ports: RSTP/STP.

5. Configure all the Ethernet ring networked devices using the MSet tool in RC-Toolkit:
a. Select the network that contains the Ethernet ring.

b. Set the RSTP cell on all devices in the Ethernet ring to Yes. Double-click the RSTP cell for the

42 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.

 RC-FLEXone communications

controller to toggle between Yes (RSTP enabled) or No (RSTP disabled).

6. Connect the other end of the Ethernet network ring to the managed switch ring port 2.

Figure 21: Ethernet ring topology with a dedicated managed network switch

Related information
Ethernet ring or loop topology 20

RSTP and RC-FLEX controllers

Enable rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP) to configure RC-FLEX controllers in an Ethernet ring
topology.

The Ethernet ring topology improves network resilience by providing connection redundancy. Because
each Ethernet port is connected into the ring, if the ring is broken in one location, the controller can
access the network through the other part of the ring.

You must follow the specific process to implement an operating Ethernet ring topology network,
which involves configuring the Ethernet devices using RC-Toolkit. If you do not follow the correct
process, you will lose Ethernet communications.

Each Ethernet ring can support 40 RC-FLEX controllers in addition to the managed network switch. The
managed network switch is critical to isolate the RSTP network's ring bridge protocol data unit (BPDU)
traffic from the rest of the network.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Neighbor detection, or link layer discovery, is part of the RSTP implementation on RC-FLEX controllers.
Network tools used by IT specialists can access this information to identify broken links or device
offline issues without needing knowledge of BACnet.

IT specialists can use third-party network troubleshooting tools to identify broken link or device offline
issues

RC-FLEX controllers have additional proprietary BACnet properties you can use in a System Group to
manage, maintain and troubleshoot your network. These properties include the RC-FLEX controller's
Ethernet ports status and information about neighboring devices.

Set up the managed network switch

For an Ethernet network ring, you must have a dedicated managed network switch to isolate ring
BPDU traffic from the rest of the network.

Many managed network switches perform this function.

Reliable Controls does not recommend a specific managed network switch. Contact the Application
Engineering team for information about managed network switches that they have successfully
implemented in the field.

To configure the dedicated managed network switch:

1. Select STP switching.

2. Enable two ports, one for ring port 1 and one for ring port 2.

3. Disable all other outgoing ports.

4. Enter the following Classic Spanning Tree (CST) protocol settings:

l Bridge Priority: 0
l Bridge Max Age (secs): 40
l Bridge Forward Delay (secs): 30
l Spanning Tree Max Hops: 40
5. Enter the following Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) settings:
l Spanning Tree State: Enable
l STP Operation Mode: RSTP

Example for reference only

Reliable Controls used this example to configure a Netgear GS308T managed switch. This process is
intended to only provide guidance when configuring managed network switches. Consult the
manufacturer's documentation for setup instructions for your managed network switch.
1. Connect to the Netgear switch configuration webpage.
Refer to Netgear switch STP configuration.

2. Select Switching > STP in the top menu tabs.

3. Select Advanced > CST Port Configuration is the left-hand STP menu.

4. Enable the two physical ports used for ring port 1 and ring port 2.

5. Disable all other ports.

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 RC-FLEXone communications

6. Click Apply.

7. Select Advanced > CST Configuration in the left-hand STP menu.

8. Enter the following settings in the CST Configuration screen and click Apply:
Refer to Netgear switch CST configuration.
l Bridge Priority: 0
l Bridge Max Age (secs): 40
l Bridge Forward Delay (secs): 30
l Spanning Tree Max Hops: 40

9. Select Advanced > STP Configuration in the left-hand STP menu.

10. Enter the following settings in the Global Settings area, and click Apply:
Refer to Netgear switch Global Settings configuration.
l Spanning Tree State: Enable
l STP Operation Mode: RSTP
l Forward BPDU while STP Disabled: Disable

STP configuration

Configuration screens may display differently for different products and product revisions.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

CST configuration

Configuration screens may display differently for different products and product revisions.

Global settings configuration

Configuration screens may display differently for different products and product revisions.

RC-FLEX Ethernet ring alarms

All devices with Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) enabled in a managed Ethernet ring monitor the
network for communications problems such as an unplugged or broken cable in the Ethernet ring.
When this happens, RC-Studio triggers an alert about the broken communications link.

The following examples show how RSTP monitors the state of your Ethernet network:

Example 1: RSTP normal operation

The System Group below shows the normal state of the Ethernet ports, where 1 = working properly
and 2 = blocked by RSTP:

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 RC-FLEXone communications

Figure 22: RC-Studio System Group with RSTP blocked state

Example 2: Ethernet cable unplugged or broken

The System Group below shows the states of the Ethernet ports when the cable that connects the first
and second RC-FLEX devices is disconnected or broken, as indicated by port state 0 = Ethernet port is
down or communications link is not working:

Figure 23: RC-Studio System Group with a broken Ethernet link

The RC-FLEX devices alert the system about the broken communications link status and send alarms.
In this example, the first device reports its Ethernet port 2 has lost communications, and the second
device reports its Ethernet port 1 has lost communications:

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Figure 24: RC-Studio alarm messages show device and Ethernet port information for the broken link

Quick Connect mode

Quick Connect mode enables an additional factory-default communication port on the controller's
Ethernet and USB ports. This allows you to connect to the controller without needing to disconnect
the controller's Ethernet or MS/TP network connections.

When Quick Connect mode is enabled, the controller's status LED shows the Quick Connect blink
pattern (two blinks per second), and the controller appears with an orange highlight in the RC-Toolkit
MSet network view worksheet. The LED blink pattern and orange highlighting continues as long as the
controller is in Quick Connect mode.

The Quick Connect mode duration depends on how it is enabled:

Quick Connect activation method Quick Connect duration

Reset button is pressed and held for 3 seconds. 10 minutes.

RC-FLEX controller transitions from unconfigured to configured 10 minutes.

state.

RC-FLEX controller is connected to the computer USB port using a While the USB cable is
USB-A male-to-male cable. connected.

Note: Quick Connect through a USB direct connection applies to RC-FLEX controllers running
firmware 1.5.1 or later, and RC-Toolkit version 3.4.2 or later.

Orange highlight without enabling Quick Connect mode

Quickly press and release the reset button to apply a 10-minute orange highlight on the controller in
the RC-Toolkit MSet network view worksheet. You can use this method to quickly identify a specific

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 RC-FLEXone communications

controller without putting it in Quick Connect mode.

Related information
Controller resets 53

Disable Quick Connect mode

For security hardening, it may be necessary to disable Quick Connect mode on your controller.

To disable Quick Connect mode on an RC-FLEX controller, set the BACnet device property Allow_
Quick_Connect_Mode (:1329) to false.
1. In RC-Studio, go to Main > Data > Read/Write BACnet Properties to open the Read/Write
BACnet Properties dialog box.

2. Enter your controller information to enable or disable the quick connect operation:

l Device ID: Device ID

l Object: 8 (device)
l Instance: Device ID
l Property: 1329

Connect to a configured RC-FLEX controller

Connect to a configured RC-FLEX controller using a Systems List connection or Direct Connect > B/IP
(USB/Ethernet).

Systems List connection

To make a Systems List connection, you must know the connection details to access your BACnet/IP
network, such as the host controller's IP address and device ID, and the BACnet UDP port. You must
also know the network access username and password. To communicate to a specific controller on
the hosted BACnet/IP network, you need to know its device ID and subnet. If you know the IP address,
enter that information to make a Systems List connection for that controller.

Systems List connections allow you to consistently connect to all devices on the BACnet network and
allow for routing over RC-RemoteAccess B/SN connections. The Systems List on your workstation is
used by both RC-Toolkit and RC-Studio.

To connect using the Systems List, run RC-Toolkit or RC-Studio, select a Systems List entry, click
Connect, and enter network access credentials.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Figure 25: Systems List connection to host controller and its networked devices

Direct Connect connection

To make a Direct Connect connection, you need local access to an RC-FLEX controller in Quick Connect
mode. Quick Connect opens a default configuration port on your controller to communicate without
affecting existing connections.

For a Direct Connect connection, you do not need connection information such as IP addresses or
network access credentials.

You can use USB or Ethernet to make a Direct Connect connection.

USB connection
Connect to the RC-FLEX controller's USB port to automatically put the controller in Quick Connect
mode.

Important: Always route USB connections through a USB hub with a good quality USB cable to
help protect equipment and resolve protocol differences.

Important: The USB connection is for short-term configuration or troubleshooting. Leaving the
USB connected to the workstation can cause network issues.

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 RC-FLEXone communications

Figure 26: Direct USB connection to temporarily verify or troubleshoot a networked RC-FLEX controller

Ethernet connection
Press the reset button on a powered RC-FLEX controller for more than 3 seconds to put the
controller in Quick Connect mode for 10 minutes. Connect the Ethernet ports of your RC-FLEX
controller and a workstation to the local network switch.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Figure 27: Ethernet connection to detect an RC-FLEX controller in Quick Connect mode

Once you have made the physical connections, run RC-Toolkit or RC-Studio on your local workstation
and click Direct Connect > B/IP(USB/Ethernet) to connect to your RC-FLEX controller in Quick
Connect mode.

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 Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

Use RC-Studio to configure the operation of your controller.

RC-Studio and your controller

Use RC-Studio® to configure the functions available on your controller. Upgrade to the latest software
release for new features, improvements, and fixes.

Use the worksheets in RC-Studio to configure your controller's input and output characteristics and
any connected SMART-Net devices. You can also define the controller's objects, such as values, trend
logs, loops, and calendars, in RC-Studio worksheets. Create System Groups and write Control-BASIC
programs in the software to provide a graphical interface to your Reliable Controls system.

The RC-Studio System Tree includes a Network Status worksheet for each network that displays
controller information, including the firmware version and available memory.

For more information, refer to the RC-Studio online help. eLearning courses are available through the
Reliable Controls Learning Center.

Controller resets
To restore a controller to its factory configuration and clear the controller database, press the reset
button while you power up your controller.

Access to the reset button through a small hole in the controller housing to prevent unintended
activation. You may need to use a small screwdriver to reach the reset button.

Note: Read and understand the following information before you reset your controller.

Before you reset your controller, back up your controller's Panel File using RC-Studio. Make note of
your controller's RC-Toolkit MSet settings or back up your controller's MSet file if that option is
available on your controller. Resets do not affect the controller's firmware.

For example, to reset a controller if you intend to install a previously used device in a new location and
want to remove all information associated with the previous installation.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

The controller resets if you press the reset button while the controller is powered down and keep
pressing it while the controller powers up. The level of reset depends on how long you hold down the
reset button and is indicated by status LED flash pattern in the following sequence:

l On: Controller is powering up.

l One flash every 2 seconds: Database reset.
l Two flashes per second: Factory reset.

The level of reset depends on when you release the reset button.

When you release the reset button for a factory reset, the status LED continues to flash twice per
second for 15 seconds. The factory reset is complete when the status LED returns to its normal
operation pattern of one flash per second.

The reset types are as follows:

l Database : Press and hold the reset button, apply power to the controller, and release when the
status LED starts flashing once every 2 seconds. This clears the Panel File from the controller but
does not affect network settings such as device ID. Load an appropriate Panel File to restore
controller functions.
l Factory: Press and hold the reset button, apply power to the controller, and release when the
status LED starts flashing two times a second. This clears the Panel File and returns the controller
to its default network settings. Configure the controller's network settings and load an appropriate
Panel File to restore controller functions.

Related information
Quick Connect mode 48

FLEX I/O
Your controller has FLEX I/O terminal connections that are configured through software to operate as
either an input or an output.

The FLEX I/O wiring terminals are indicated by a letter instead of a number. The object mnemonics are
numbered based on their potential input or output row. For example, in an RC-FLEX controller with
four inputs (IN1-IN4), four FLEX outputs (FO1-FO4), and four FLEX I/O connections (FIOA-FIOD), the
fifth input and output are reserved for the first FLEX I/O (FIOA).

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 Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

In RC-Studio the FLEX I/O has assigned rows in the Inputs and Outputs worksheets but are only active
and editable in the worksheet that corresponds to its configuration type. If a FLEX I/O is configured as
an output, the associated row in the Inputs worksheet is grayed out and the Range is Unavailable.

Configure FLEX I/O using RC-Studio

Set your controller's FLEX I/O using the controller's Inputs and Outputs worksheets in RC-Studio.

The FLEX I/O does not function until you configure it in RC-Studio.

Important: When you configure a FLEX I/O, make sure it matches the wiring of the physical
terminals.

To configure a FLEX I/O:

1. Connect to your controller using RC-Studio.

2. Open the Inputs worksheet.

3. Configure the FLEX I/O connections that are physically connected to input devices.

4. Open the Outputs worksheet.

5. Configure the FLEX I/O connections that are physically connected to output devices.

To clear a FLEX I/O configuration, select the row and click Edit > Delete object. You can now configure
the FLEX I/O an input or output.

Related information
Wire the RC-FLEX controller FLEX outputs (FO) or FLEX I/O (FIO) outputs 27

Configure pulse counting inputs

Use the Inputs worksheet in RC-Studio to configure inputs for pulse counting applications. This feature
is supported on controllers with firmware version 1.4 and later.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

The controller firmware includes algorithms that can improve pulse counting accuracy with filtering
options and an anticipated input pulse profile.

In addition, FLEX I/O features improved input hardware to help detect pulses and debounce
mechanical switch inputs to reduce false readings. If your controller supports FLEX I/O, we
recommend you configure the FLEX I/O as an input and use it for your pulse counting application.

Note: The original pulse counting Range of 0-2^32 has been renamed to Pulse Count.

To configure pulse counting inputs in RC-Studio 3.9.2 or later:

1. Open the Inputs worksheet for your controller.

2. Select the input being used for pulse counting.

3. Select a Range that matches your pulse counting application. We recommend you set the Range
and Unit to Pulse Count S0 or Pulse per Minute S0.

An S0 Range counts pulses based on the following input profile:

l Minimum off time: 30 ms
l Minimum on time (pulse width): 30 ms
l Frequency: 16 Hz

4. Set Sensor Type to Pulse Counting if you are using FLEX I/O as pulse counting inputs.
Otherwise, Sensor Type is automatically set to Thermistor.

Note: For S0 compliant pulse counting, use a FLEX I/O input configured with Sensor Type as Pulse
Counting and an S0 Range.

Use these Range and Sensor Type settings in the Inputs worksheet for the following pulse counting
applications:

Application Range Sensor Type

Fast CT flow meter with fast pulse rate. Pulse Count 0-10 V

Dry contact with fast pulse rate. Susceptible to electrical Pulse Count Thermistor
noise, which might affect accuracy.

Slow pulse rate with ambient noise. Pulse Count S0 Thermistor

Slow pulse rate with noisy switch (FLEX I/O inputs only). Pulse Count S0 Pulse Counting*

Fast pulse rate with ambient noise (FLEX I/O inputs Pulse Count Filtered Pulse Counting*
only).

Fast CT flow meter with slow pulse rate. Pulse Count Filtered 0-10 V

*The Pulse Counting Sensor Type is only available on FLEX I/O inputs.

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 Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

Automatic trend logs

Your controller automatically creates Single-point Trend Logs for the following primary BACnet
objects:

l Inputs, outputs, and values

l Loops
l Schedules and calendars

Your controller generates the log name for an automatically created Single-point Trend Log by adding
-TL or -RTL to the object's name. You cannot delete an automatically created Single-point Trend Log or
change the associated object.

The automatically created Single-point Trend Log is the object BACnet property Auto_Log_Reference
(:1330). You can use this BACnet property to access the object's automatic trend log in a System Group
instead of specifying the Single-point Trend Log instance.

If you change the object's name or type, your controller updates the automatically created Single-
point Trend Log to reflect the change. If you delete the object, your controller automatically deletes
the trend log.

If you configure your controllers using Panel File Templates, Single-Point Trend Log instances may vary
from controller to controller to prevent overwriting the automatic Single-Point Trend Logs.

Automatically created Single-point Trend Logs for binary and multistate objects, and calendars have
the following default configuration:

l Name: Object name-RTL. Example: AH1-HCP-RTL

l Log Type: COV (change of value)
l Length: 1,000 records
l Increment: 1

Automatically created Single-point Trend Logs for calendars have the following default configuration:

l Name: Object name-RTL. Example: AH1-HCP-TL

l Log Type: COV (change of value)
l Length: 1,000 records
l Increment: 1

Automatically created Single-point Trend Logs for schedules have the following configuration:

l Name: Object name-RTL. Example: AH1-SCHED1-TL

l Log Type: COV (change of value)
l Length: 1,000 records
l Increment: 0.0001

Automatically created Single-point Trend Logs for analog objects and loops have the following default
configuration:

l Name: Object name-TL. Example: AH1-MAD-TL

l Log Type: Polled

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

l Length: 1000 records

l Interval: 00:05:00 (5 minutes)

Advanced settings for these logs have the following default configuration:

l Always Start: Selected

l Never Stop: Selected
l Stop When Full: Not selected
l Clear Log Data: Not selected

Supported Control-BASIC statements and functions

Your RC-FLEX controller supports a subset of the Control-BASIC statements and functions. Reliable
Controls protocol (RCP) statements and functions are not supported.

Note: If the controller's runtime interpreter encounters a statement or function it does not
support, the program exits at that line and sets the Exit status for that program to Yes.

Supported Control-BASIC statements

The controller supports the following Control-BASIC statements:

Alarm/Print Execution control Point command Miscellaneous

ALARM END CLEAR REM

ALARM-TYPE FOR CLOSE

DALARM IF / IF+ / IF- ENABLE / DISABLE

ON-ALARM GOSUB IDLE

GOTO LET

NEXT OPEN

ON RELINQUISH

RETURN SET-PRIORITY

CALL START

DECLARE STOP

WRITE

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 Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

The controller does not support the following Control-BASIC statements:

Alarm/print Point command

APDIAL

HANGUP

ON-ERROR

PHONE

PRINT

PRINT-AT

SET-PRINTER

The controller does not support the following RCP statements and functions:

STATUS UNACK

USER-A USER-B

WS-ON WS-OFF

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Supported Control-BASIC functions

The controller supports the following Control-BASIC functions:

Math System access Time

ABS LSEL CONPROP DOM

ARCCOS MAX CONRATE DOW

ARCSIN MAX-ITEM CONRESET DOY

ARCTAN MIN POWER-LOSS INTERVAL

AVG MIN-ITEM RAMP TIME

BIT-SET SELECT SCANS TIME-OFF

BIT-TEST SIN SCHED TIME-ON

COS SLIDE SENSOR-OFF WAIT

ENTHALPY SQR SENSOR-ON

FLOAT SWITCH SHARE (for -M model)

HSEL TAN SHARE-NET

INT LIMIT TBL

LN LN-1

Point Status BACnet property

Use the Point Status BACnet property to read an object's status as a number value for Control-BASIC
programming. The Reliable Controls proprietary BACnet property piPP_Point_Status (:1338) returns an
enumerated value based on the object and the object's state.

Reliable Controls proprietary BACnet properties are available in eForum on the Reliable Controls
Support Center.

This property is included on the following version 8 hardware and firmware controllers:

l MACH-ProAir, MACH-ProZone, MACH-ProLight

l MACH-Pro1, MACH-Pro2
l MACH-ProView
l MACH-Pro(Web)Com/Sys
l RC-FLEX controllers

The following table lists the objects and the enumerated values that describe the object state:

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 Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

Object type Enumerated values Notes

Calendar, programs, 0: Auto Write 0 to this property to return the object to

inputs, loops, automatic mode.
1: Timed override
schedules
2: Manual

Outputs, values 0: Auto Write 0 to this property to return the object to

automatic mode, clear out of service, and
(all types) 1: Timed override
relinquish all priorities except:
2: Manual
l 1: Life safety
3: Priority override
l 6: Minimum off/on time
(priority other than 8 or
l 10: Auto
10)

4: Out of service
(outputs only)

5: Overridden HOA off

6: Overridden HOA
hand

Ethernet diagnostics BACnet properties

Additional BACnet properties are available on RC-FLEX devices to help diagnose Ethernet
communications problems.

Ethernet diagnostics properties are in the device BACnet object and also available in port instance
BACnet objects.

Device object global Ethernet diagnostic properties

The following diagnostic properties apply to all Ethernet ports on the device. Do not enter a value in
the Array Index field:

l Object Type: 8 (Device)

l Instance: Same as Device ID

Property Property
Property name Supported values or range
ID type

Redundancy 1369 Boolean False = Link down alarm is disabled.

Alarm Enable
True = Link down alarm is enabled

Note: When rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP) is

enabled, the link down alarm is enabled by default.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Property Property
Property name Supported values or range
ID type

LLDP Enable 1368 Boolean This property enables or disables neighbor detection. It is
set to 1 (Enabled) by default.

0 = Disabled. No neighbor detection.

1 = Enabled. Device is broadcasting and receiving link

layer discover protocol (LLDP) information.

Device object port-specific Ethernet diagnostic properties

The following Ethernet diagnostics properties are available for the device BACnet object:

l Object Type: 8 (Device)

l Instance: Same as Device ID
l Array Index: The assigned value for the physical Ethernet connector on the device, where 1 = port
ETH1, and 2 = port ETH2

Supported values or
Property name Property ID Property type
range

Port State 1364 Enumerated 0 = Down (not working

or not connected)

1 = Up (working
properly)

2 = Blocked by RSTP

Port Speeds 1366 Real number 10000000.0 = 10 Mbps

100000000 = 100 Mbps

0 = Unknown

Port STP State 1367 Enumerated 0 = Disabled

(STP = Spanning Tree
1 = Listening
Protocol)
2 = Learning

3 = Forwarding

4 = Blocking

Neighbor Name* 1372 Character string Object Name property

of the neighbor device.

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 Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

Supported values or
Property name Property ID Property type
range

Neighbor ID* 1371 Character string Device ID of the

neighbor device

Neighbor Description* 1376 Character string For RC-FLEX controllers:

"Reliable Controls
RC-FLEX Advanced
Controller"

For other devices, this

displays the product
identification
information.

Neighbor Location* 1373 Character string Location property of

the neighbor device

Neighbor IP Addr* 1374 Character string IP address property of

the neighbor port
object

Neighbor MAC Addr* 1375 Character string MAC address property

of the neighbor port
object

* The BACnet property LLDP Enabled must be set to 1 (enabled) to read the Ethernet neighbor
properties. If multiple neighbors are detected, a comma-separated list of the five most recently
detected neighbors is displayed. The last known neighbor data is retained when power or
communications is lost. To clear or refresh the neighbor data, perform the Initialize Network
function in RC-Studio.

Create Ethernet diagnostic System Groups

Use BACnet Ethernet diagnostic properties to create System Groups on the network's host controller
and use the System Groups to monitor the Ethernet network status of your dual Ethernet devices in a
ring-topology RSTP network.

This is best used for monitoring ring topology networks that use RSTP as devices remain online and
update their values after an initial network break. If a device goes offline its values do not update, so
the System Group appears unchanged but you will get a device offline message. Refer to the
instructions to correctly set up a ring-topology RSTP network.

Note: Ethernet diagnostic BACnet properties are available in RC-FLEX firmware version 1.4 or later.

To create Ethernet diagnostic System Groups, you must:

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

1. Create and program analog values to show the Ethernet port status for each port on each device,
as described in "Create and program port status values:" below.

2. Create a network System Group and add Landing Pads to show each Ethernet port's status, as
described in "Create a System Group with Landing Pads" below.

3. Create System Groups to display information about the neighboring Ethernet devices, as
described in "Create a System Group with neighbor information" on the facing page.

Link the network System Group and the neighbor information System Groups to move between the
System Groups and identify issues.

Create and program port status values:

1. Connect to the system using RC-Studio.

2. Open the Values worksheet on the host controller.

3. Create analog values for each Ethernet port on each device. Refer to the example.

Important: Analog values retain their last known value. Alarms are generated for Ethernet
ports or devices going offline, but the analog port status value is not updated.

4. Open the Programs worksheet on the host controller.

5. Create a new program.

6. Open the new program in the Control-BASIC editor.

7. Program the analog values with the Ethernet Port_Status (:1364) BACnet property. Refer to the
example.

A example of analog values and Control-BASIC code for device ID 15101:

l Analog values: RCFA-15101-ETH1, RCFA-15101-ETH2

l Control-BASIC code:
10 RCFA-15101-ETH1 = {15101}15101:1364[1] : RCFA-15101-ETH2 = {15101}15101:1364[2]

Create a System Group with Landing Pads

1. Connect to the system using RC-Studio.

2. Open the System Groups worksheet on the host controller.

3. Create a new System Group with a background graphic that shows your dual Ethernet device
network.

4. Open the new System Group.

5. Insert one of the Ethernet port status analog values.

6. In the Edit Object dialog box:

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 Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

a. Enable High/Low.

b. Set High Limit to 2 and Low Limit to 0.

7. In the Edit Object dialog box, click Landing Pad to open the Landing Pad dialog box.

8. In the Landing Pad dialog box:

a. Enable the Landing Pad by selecting Enabled.

b. Set the Background Color to a color that indicates Ethernet port normal operation, such as
green.

c. Set the Width and Height to represent a single Ethernet port on a dual Ethernet device on
the System Group background graphic.

d. Enable High/Low.

e. Set the Background Hi/On Color to a colour that indicates non-standard but still-functional
Ethernet port status, for instance the port being blocked by the RSTP protocol on a ring
network.

f. Set the Background Low/Off Color to a colour that indicates the Ethernet port is not
working, such as red.

g. Click OK to save the Landing Pad settings and return to the Edit Object dialog box.

9. Click OK to close the Edit Object dialog box.

10. Move the Landing Pad to the Ethernet port location.

11. Insert the rest of the analog values that correspond to an Ethernet port status.

Create a System Group with neighbor information

1. Connect to the system using RC-Studio.

2. Open the System Groups worksheet on the host controller.

3. Create a new System Group with a background that shows one or more dual Ethernet devices.

4. Clear the Auto Update check box for the new System Group.

Important: Neighbor properties do not display if Auto Update is selected.

5. Open the new System Group.

6. Insert a dual Ethernet device into the System Group.

For example, for device ID 15101, enter 15101DEV15101 in the Insert Point or Keyword dialog
box.

7. In the Edit Object dialog box:

a. Enter a neighbor property into Property.
b. Enter Array Index of 1 for Ethernet port 1, or 2 for Ethernet port 2.
c. Click OK to close the Edit Object dialog box.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

8. Repeat inserting devices into the System Group and setting neighbor properties until all the
neighbor information is added to your System Group.

Note: An initialize network operation is required to update neighbor information on the

controller. Right-click the network and select Initialize Network to update neighbor
information.

Net Ins and Net Outs BACnet properties

Use these BACnet properties to monitor and control some aspects of Net Ins and Net Outs.

l Object Type: 8 (Device)

l Instance: Device ID

These properties are available in firmware version 8.31 or later.

COV_Notification_Mode (:1360)

This property is not available for the MACH-Pro1 and MACH-Pro2.

0: Default Unique Net Outs are created for every local BACnet/IP device that requests that point.

1: Net Outs are consolidated into a single Net Out for local BACnet/IP devices that request that
point. This setting is recommended for large RC-FLEX networks.

Net_Ins_Error_Count (:1362)
Returns the number of Net Ins in error. Type: Unsigned integer. Refer to the Control-BASIC example.

Net_Outs_Error_Count (:1363)
Returns the number of Net Outs in error. Type: Unsigned integer. Refer to the Control-BASIC
example.

Control-BASIC example
The following Control-BASIC example uses the Net Ins property to generate a delayed alarm when
problems occur. Specify a 2-minute (120 second) delay to prevent nuisance alarms that may occur in
situations such as system recovery after a power cycle.
10 DALARM MYCONTROLLER123:1362 > 0 , 120 , "Error retrieving values on the network"

Alarm count BACnet property

A BACnet property is available to count the number of times an input, output or value transitioned
from normal to alarm state for diagnostics and reporting.

l Object Type: Binary, analog, and multi-state inputs, outputs, and values.
l Instance: Enter the row number from the Inputs, Outputs or Values worksheets.

BACnet property Description

Event_Transition_Count The returned value is the number of times the object has gone into
(:1382) alarm. Write 0 to this property to reset the object alarm count value.

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 Configure and program the RC-FLEXone

Alarm recurrence delay BACnet property

RC-FLEX controllers firmware version 1.5 and later have a BACnet property that allows you to delay
the recurrence of a BACnet intrinsic alarm. An object with this property delays the recurrence of a
triggered BACnet intrinsic alarm for a set number of seconds.

l Object Type: Binary, analog, and multi-state inputs, outputs, values, and loops.
l Instance: Enter the row number from the Inputs, Outputs, Loops, or Values worksheets.

BACnet property Description

Alarm_Recurrence_Delay Enter the delay period, in seconds, before a BACnet intrinsic alarm
(:1390) can reoccur. The default value is zero, which causes no delay after an
alarm is triggered.

Start and Stop Loop BACnet properties

BACnet properties are available to modify the default behavior for Loop objects being commanded by
Control-BASIC.

l Object Type: 12 (Loop)

l Instance: Enter the row number from the Loops worksheet

BACnet property Setting description

Reset_on_Start (:1378) True: Default. The internal integral sum is reset.

False: The internal integral calculations resume as normal.

Reset_on_Stop (:1379) True: The internal integral sum is reset, and the Loop Value is
set to 0.

False: Default. Internal integral calculations are paused.

Loops can now be controlled by changing these BACnet properties. For example:

l To automatically turn off equipment or close a valve when Control-BASIC runs STOP on a loop,
change the default setting of Reset_on_Stop (:1379) to True.
l To pause and resume a loop without resetting the internal integral sum calculations, change the
default setting of Reset_on_Start (:1378) to False and make sure Reset_on_Stop (:1379) is set to
False.

Object instance BACnet property

The Object_Instance (:1395) BACnet property returns the instance number of an object. You can use
this property to determine the device number.

This BACnet property is available in firmware version 1.5.1 or later.

This property is available for reference in System Groups, Control-BASIC, and anywhere else that
supports BACnet properties.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Note: The SMART-Sensor EPD is limited to displaying values between 1 and 65535.

The following example code stores the device number of the local device in variable A:
10 A = DEV4194303:1395

Object instance BACnet property

The Object_Instance (:1395) BACnet property returns the instance number of an object. You can use
this property to determine the device number.

This BACnet property is available in firmware version 1.5.1 or later.

This property is available for reference in System Groups, Control-BASIC, and anywhere else that
supports BACnet properties.

Note: The SMART-Sensor EPD is limited to displaying values between 1 and 65535.

The following example code stores the device number of the local device in variable A:
10 A = DEV4194303:1395

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 RC-FLEXone specifications

RC-FLEXone specifications
For the most complete, up-to-date information, click your product on the Products page to access the
submittal sheet.

Processor and Memory

l Three cores, two 500 MHz high-performance, one 125 MHz, 32-bit embedded microcontroller.
l All nonvolitile flash memory with 10 years of data retention.
l Operating system firmware can be upgraded at any time over network.
l 2 GB database memory available; each trend log can support more than 2,000 records.
l Device status LED indicates operational modes for field service.

Supply Voltages
l 24 VAC ±10% 40 VA maximum, 50/60 Hz.
l 24 VDC ±10% 28 W maximum.

Ethernet Communications
The RC-FLEXone is a non-routing, unitary controller that requires a network host controller.
l Two IEEE 802.3 Ethernet 10/100BASE-T ports, with a maximum distance of 50 m (164 ft) between
Ethernet connections using Category 5, 5e, or 6 cabling. Each device uses one IP address. The
second Ethernet port is a switched port; use it to line-connect additional devices.
l Automatic hardware coupling of Ethernet dual ports when controller loses power.
l Routing host controllers support up to 74 additional BACnet/IP-connected devices.
l RSTP: Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol.
l Allows ring topology for up to 40 devices isolated by a managed network switch.
l LLDP: Link Layer Discovery Protocol.
l Provides details of up to five of the most recently discovered neighboring devices.

USB
l USB-A port with maximum cable length of 5 m (16.4 ft).

SMART-Net Communications
l SMART-Net port with four-wire terminal block supports up to eight devices.

FLEX I/O
l Software selectable universal input, universal output, or solid-state relay.
l Inputs can be configured for S0 pulse counting applications.

FLEX Outputs
l Use software to select as universal or solid-state relay.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Universal Inputs
l Standard 16-bit A/D converter.
l Software selectable 0–10 VDC, 4–20 mA, thermistor/dry-contact.
l Impedance:
l 3 MΩ on 0-10 VDC range.
l 249 Ω on 4-20 mA range.
l 20 kΩ on thermistor range.
l Pulse counting up to 150 Hz. Supports flow meters.
l 24 VAC overvoltage protection.

Universal Outputs
l 16-bit D/A converter.
l Analog: 0–12 VDC.
l Binary: Software configurable between 0–12 VDC.
l Output power: 75 mA at 12 VDC source, -10 mA sink.
l 24 VAC overvoltage and short protection.

Solid-State Relay Output

l Switch 24 VAC/VDC.
l 500 mA maximum.

Hand/Off/Auto (-H option)

l Hand/Off/Auto switch.
l Hand provides adjustable 0-12 VDC or solid-state on/off.
l LED indicator glows proportionally.

Real-Time Clock (-C option)

l Option adds real-time clock with 72 hours of capacitor backup.

32 System Groups
l Group related objects on one display.
l System Groups accommodate up to 320 objects.
l Host custom user interfaces for integrated fault detection and diagnostics.

32 Loops
l Standard P, PI, or PID controllers for closed loop control.

64 Calendars
l Designate days of the year as holidays.

16 Schedules
l Up to 7 on/off cycles for each weekday or exception.

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 RC-FLEXone specifications

512 Values
l Select standard and custom ranges as well as fixed or program-driven values. Some values are
automatically added by firmware.

16 Multipoint Trend Logs

l Store up to eight objects in each trend log.
l Record values by polling or change of value.
l User assigned.

Single-point Trend Logs

l 256 Manually defined logs.
l Automatically generated Single-point Trend Logs for all input, output, value, calendar, schedule,
and loop objects.

256 Notification Classes

l Specify broadcast destinations.

32 Arrays
l Up to 128 elements in a one-dimensional array.

Custom Units
l Eight analog engineering units.
l Eight binary engineering units.
l Eight multistate units with eight states, 32 characters each.

64 Programs
l Freely programmable control strategy in a readable, BASIC-like language.
l 6,400 bytes per program.

Eight Tables
l For creating custom scaling functions.

256 Net Ins

l Maximum number of shares from other devices.

128 Net Outs

l Maximum number of writes to other devices.

Real-Time Clock (-C option)

l Option adds real-time clock with 72 hours of capacitor backup.

Wiring Terminals
l 16–24 AWG (1.31–0.21 mm2).
l Stranded or solid core.
l Copper conductors only.

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RC-FLEXone® User Guide

Dimensions
l 17.7 cm L x 9.1 cm W x 6.0 cm H
(6 15/16" L x 3 1/2" W x 2 1/2" H).

Mounting
l Supplied with 35 mm DIN rail.

Weight
l 0.9 kg (2 lbs).

Ambient Limits
l Operating: -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F).
l Shipping: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F–140°F).
l Humidity: 10%–90% RH noncondensing.

Enclosure
l 6063-T6 Anodized aluminum extrusion and powder-coated die-cast aluminum end caps.

Certifications
l BTL Listed (B-BC) pending.
l CE.
l CFR 47 Part 15/B Class B.
l UL 60730-1 Open Energy Management.
l WEEE.
l EN 60730-1.
l Canada ICES-003(B)/NMB-003(B).

Warranty
l 5 years.

Related information
RC-FLEXone models and accessories 7

72 © 2024 Reliable Controls® Corporation. All rights reserved.