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Point Colour User Guide

Point Colour
Remote Telemetry Unit
User Guide
 Point Colour User Guide

Author Disclaimer
While the author and the publisher believe that the information and guidance given in this
work are correct, all parties must rely upon their own skill and judgement when making use
of it. Neither the author nor the publisher assume any liability to anyone for any loss or
damage caused by any error or omission in the work, whether such error or omission is the
result of negligence or any other cause. Any and all such liability is disclaimed.
Copyright and copying
This publication is copyright under the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright
Convention. All rights reserved. Apart from copying under the U.K. Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988, Part 1, Section 38, whereby a single copy of a section may be supplied,
under certain conditions, for the purposes of research or private study, by a library or a class
prescribed by the Copyright (Librarians and Archivists) (Copying of Copyright Material)
regulations 1989: SI 1898/1212, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of
the copyright owners. Permission is, however, not required to copy sections on conditions
that a full reference to the source is shown.
Published by Metasphere Ltd, Millfield, Dorking Road, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7TD.
Point Colour User Guide User Guide, Issue 8.0
© 2018 Metasphere Ltd
Printed in Great Britain.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Contents
Contents ......................................................................................................... 3
About this manual ........................................................................................... 6
Text conventions .............................................................................................................6
Numerical conventions ...................................................................................................6
Terms and Abbreviations ................................................................................. 7
Storage and Handling ...................................................................................... 9
Storage .............................................................................................................................9
Handling ..........................................................................................................................9
Point Colour Overview ................................................................................... 10
Available models .......................................................................................................... 11
Basic functionality ........................................................................................................ 11
External connections ................................................................................................... 11
Configuration ............................................................................................................... 12
External IO .................................................................................................................... 12
Internal Points .............................................................................................................. 12
Points ............................................................................................................ 13
Updating point values .................................................................................................. 13
External IO .................................................................................................................... 14
External IO Configuration ............................................................................................ 15
Available IO ................................................................................................................... 16
Pin Table ....................................................................................................................... 17
Removing Configured Channels ................................................................................. 17
Connector pin-out ........................................................................................................ 18
Digital inputs................................................................................................. 19
Count of Digital ............................................................................................................ 19
Poco+ Configuration .................................................................................................... 19
Counter inputs .............................................................................................. 20
Flow calculations .......................................................................................................... 20
Poco+ Configuration .................................................................................................... 20
Analogue Inputs ............................................................................................ 21
Ground Connections .................................................................................................... 21
Active loop .................................................................................................................... 21
Active voltage ............................................................................................................... 22
Passive loop .................................................................................................................. 23
Passive voltage ............................................................................................................. 23
Serial ............................................................................................................. 25
Overview ....................................................................................................................... 25
Modbus ......................................................................................................................... 26
SDI-12............................................................................................................................ 30
Mainstream ................................................................................................................... 32

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Internal IO ..................................................................................................... 33
Local monitoring .......................................................................................................... 33
Modem Points ............................................................................................................... 37
RTU diagnostic points .................................................................................................. 42
DNP3 Diagnostic Points ............................................................................................... 44
Events and Alarms ......................................................................................... 45
Digital Inputs ................................................................................................................ 45
Counter Inputs ............................................................................................................. 45
Analogue Inputs ........................................................................................................... 46
Deadbands .................................................................................................................... 47
Trending ....................................................................................................... 50
Medina .......................................................................................................................... 50
DNP3 ............................................................................................................................. 50
WITS Logging ................................................................................................................ 51
Dynamic Trending ........................................................................................................ 51
Time.............................................................................................................. 53
Synchronisation ............................................................................................................ 53
Communications ........................................................................................... 54
Power up connection ................................................................................................... 54
Scheduled connections ................................................................................................ 54
Alarm connection ......................................................................................................... 54
DNP3 Event Buffer Overflow ........................................................................................ 54
Terminating a connection ........................................................................................... 55
Retry regime ................................................................................................................. 55
External Antenna .......................................................................................................... 57
FTP ................................................................................................................ 58
CSV Files ....................................................................................................................... 58
Communication ............................................................................................................ 59
Configuration ............................................................................................................... 60
WITS .............................................................................................................. 61
Device Profile ................................................................................................................ 61
Version .......................................................................................................................... 61
Configuration ............................................................................................................... 61
Connections .................................................................................................................. 63
Health Check Data Set ................................................................................................. 63
Data Set Events ............................................................................................................. 64
Actions .......................................................................................................................... 64
DNP3 Object Flags ....................................................................................................... 65
Powering the Point Colour ............................................................................. 66
Internal Battery ............................................................................................................. 66
External Battery ............................................................................................................ 66
External DC source ...................................................................................................... 66

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Power source switching ............................................................................................... 66

Configuring Point Colour ............................................................................... 68
Local Configuration ...................................................................................................... 68
Programming cable ...................................................................................................... 68
Remote Configuration.................................................................................................. 69
Installing/upgrading firmware ....................................................................... 70
Firmware upgrade from PC ......................................................................................... 70
DNP3 File Transfer ....................................................................................................... 70
Medina Master Control ................................................................................................ 70
Accessories ................................................................................................... 72
IO cables ....................................................................................................................... 72
Test box ........................................................................................................................ 76
External battery ............................................................................................................ 77
Installation .................................................................................................... 78
Overview ....................................................................................................................... 78
Safety precautions ........................................................................................................ 78
Pipe................................................................................................................................ 80
Bracket .......................................................................................................................... 80
Wall ................................................................................................................................ 80
Configure and Connect ................................................................................................ 81
Points List ..................................................................................................... 83
Analogue Inputs ........................................................................................................... 83
Counters ....................................................................................................................... 88
Digital Inputs ................................................................................................................ 89
String Points ................................................................................................................. 90
Diagnostics ................................................................................................... 92
DNP3 Error codes ......................................................................................................... 93
DNP3 Communication Logs......................................................................................... 95
Technical details – Point Orange .................................................................... 96
Point Blue ...................................................................................................................... 97
Standards and Approvals ............................................................................... 98
Further information ....................................................................................... 99
Index........................................................................................................... 100

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 Point Colour User Guide

About this manual

This manual describes the functionality of the Point Orange and Point Blue Remote
Telemetry Units (RTU) from the Point Colour range. It explains how to configure, program
and install these RTU’s.
It is assumed that the reader has a basic understanding of telemetry, RTU’s and
configuration of central telemetry systems.

Text conventions
This user guide uses different text types.

➢ Note: Notes provide extra information to help improve understanding of the text, or to
introduce other related topics.

WARNING
Warnings are deliberately conspicuous as they only convey critical
information. They should never be ignored.

The remaining text types are shown below:

This Represents
bold Words that require extra emphasis
italics Referenced chapter or section headings

Numerical conventions
This user guide refers to decimal values unless otherwise stated. In some cases, binary and
hexadecimal notation may be used, as indicated below:
This Represents
2#00010 Binary
0x24 or 16#24 Hexadecimal

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Terms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description
APN Access Point Name
BCF Bulk Configuration File (WITS)
CA Configuration Application (WITS)
CCITT Comité Consultatif International Téléphonique et Télégraphique
(International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee)
CSQ Carrier Signal Quality
CSV Comma Separated Value
DBE Database Editor
DC Direct Current
DG Data Gatherer
DNP3 Distributed Network Protocol
EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
FMEA Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
FTP File Transfer Protocol
FTPS File Transfer Protocol Secure
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GSM Global System for Mobiles
HCDS Health Check Data Set
IC Incremental Configuration (WITS)
IET The Institute of Engineering and Technology
IIN Internal Indication (DNP3)
IO Input / Output
IP68 Ingression Protection 68 – according to IEC60529
LTC Lithium Thionyl Chloride
M2M Machine To Machine
MC Master Control
PC Personal Computer
PDP Packet Data Protocol
PEM Privacy Enhanced Mail
PSU Power Supply Unit
RTU Remote Terminal Unit
SD Secure Digital
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
USB Universal Serial Bus

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 Point Colour User Guide

Abbreviation Description
UTC Coordinated Universal Time
WITS Water Industry Telemetry Standard
WITS-DNP3 Water Industry Telemetry Standard extending the DNP3 protocol

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 Point Colour User Guide

Storage and Handling

The Point Colour RTU’s have internal lithium thionyl chloride (LTC) battery packs. This is a
mature proven primary lithium battery technology that has been deployed globally to power
millions of devices. The manufacturer of the cells used in Point Colour has an exemplary
track record and excellent design and quality assurance. These cells are used in many
industries and have been certified to all relevant standards.
However, as with all lithium batteries, it is important to follow the manufacturers
recommended guidelines for handling and storage. These guidelines are repeated below for
convenience and are subject to update by the cell manufacturer. Please contact Metasphere
if you require any further information about the lithium battery pack used on Point Colour.

WARNING
This equipment contains lithium thionyl chloride batteries which must
not be short circuited, punctured, crushed, deformed, recharged or
exposed to water, moisture or high temperatures. Batteries should not
be removed from this housing.
Replacement packs are available from Metasphere Ltd.

Storage
Store in a cool, regulated (preferably below 21°C and in any case below 30°C), dry and
ventilated area, away from possible sources of heat, open flames, food and drink. Avoid
exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Temperatures above 100°C may cause leakage and rupture, resulting in shortened battery
service life. Keep proper clearance space between batteries and walls. Since short circuit
can cause burn hazard, leakage or explosion hazard, keep batteries in original packaging until
use and do not mix them.

Handling
■ Do not open the battery system.
■ Do not crush or pierce the cells.
■ Do not short (+) or (-) terminal with conductors.
■ Do not reverse the polarity.
■ Do not submit to excessive mechanical stress.
■ Do not remove the Printed Circuit Boards from the unit housing.
■ Do not mix batteries of different types or mix new and old ones together.
■ Do not expose the unsealed unit to water or condensation.
■ Do not directly heat, solder or throw into fire. Such unsuitable use can cause
leakage or spout vaporized electrolyte fumes and may cause fire or explosion.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Point Colour Overview

Point Orange is a compact Logger/RTU device with integrated battery, a combined tri-band
3G modem with quad band GPRS/GSM fallback, internal and external antenna options,
flexible IO, and an integrated submersion sensor. The Point Blue is an intrinsically safe
version of the Point Orange. It provides all the features of the Point Orange but in addition it
can be installed and operated in hazardous areas (in particular, areas where there is a risk
from the ignition of potentially explosive gases).
The unit is designed to be intrinsically safe in accordance with EN60079-0:2012 and
EN60079-11:2012, the device is certified as Ex II 1G Ex ia IIB T4 Ga (-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +50°C). It can
operate in areas classified as Zone 0, gas group IIB and temperature class T4 between a
minimum of -20°C and a maximum ambient temperature of +50°C.

The key functions of Point Orange and Point Blue are:

■ IP68 enclosure, suitable for submersion to 4m for 4 days
■ Integrated installation bracket offering a range of mounting options
■ Up to five programmable external IO channels, allowing over 100 possible
combinations of serial, analogue, counter and digital inputs
■ Internal submersion sensor – to detect when the unit is submerged under water
■ Communicates with Medina Data Gatherers, DNP3, WITS-DNP3 masters, or an
FTP/S server via a combined Tri-band 3G and quad band GSM/GPRS modem
■ Internal and external antenna with automatic antenna selection
■ Internal lithium battery pack for long life
■ Provision for connecting an external DC supply or battery pack
■ Local diagnostic points such as GSM signal strength, temperature and battery
voltage

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 Point Colour User Guide

Available models
Point Orange
The Point Orange is available with a 3G modem that provides GPRS fall-back in the event
that no 3G network is available. The model can be identified by reading the serial number
label or the product identification label. Both will include the full product name. For
reference a serial number label is shown below;

Point orange3G

Point Blue
Like the Point Orange the Point Blue is available with a 3G modem that provides GPRS fall-
back. Further, the RTU can be powered by either an internal battery, or by a higher capacity
external battery. With these options there are 2 variants of the Point Blue RTU;
■ Point Blue 3Gi (3G modem, internal battery)
■ Point Blue 3Ge (3G modem, external battery)
The 3rd part of the product name specifies these options using “i” for an internal battery and
“e” for an external battery.
The different versions can be identified by reading either the serial number label, or the
product identification label. Both will include the full product name. For reference the serial
number labels are shown below;

Point blue3Gi
Point blue3Ge

Basic functionality
The Point Colour is an intelligent Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) that allows the user to
monitor signals from a wide variety of sensors. The data read, can be logged at regular
intervals (Trending), log when a particular event has occurred (Events) or report by
exception if an urgent message needs to be reported (Alarms).
Data is stored using the onboard memory, and reported using either Medina, DNP3, WITS-
DNP3 or FTP/S protocols to a server using the internal modem. The Standalone mode allows
the Point Colour to behave as a logger, with data that can be retrieved using Poco+.

External connections
The Point Colour has two external connectors; the first is the main connector at the front,
which is used for connecting external sensors and/or the USB cable for configuring or

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 Point Colour User Guide

monitoring the RTU. The second connector is the external antenna connector that allows for
a second antenna for use in areas of poor GSM network coverage.

Configuration
Before using Point Colour, it needs to be configured using the Poco+ configuration tool
available from Metasphere. Poco+ is a Windows based application that allows the user to
specify how the Point Colour should operate. For more information on Poco+ please contact
Metasphere.
The Point Colour should be connected to the PC running Poco+ using the Point Colour
Service Cable which connects to the main connector on the Point Colour and a spare USB
port on the PC.

External IO
The Point Colour has up to five IO channels; these are provided through the single main
connector on the front of the unit. The function for each of these channels is controlled by
software and is configured using Poco+.
The options for each channel include Analogue Inputs (AI), Counters (CI), Digital Inputs (DI)
or Serial. The exact options will vary depending on the configuration selected, for example,
the unit is limited to supporting two active loop analogue inputs. However, given the
flexibility of the various channels, over 100 IO combinations are possible.

Internal Points
In addition to external sensors the Point Colour has a wide range of internal points that can
be read by a master station such as battery voltage, ambient temperature, or whether the
unit is submerged or not. These points are always available and can be logged by the RTU as
configured. Details can be found in the Points List section of this User Guide.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Points
The Point Colour has a fixed list of points built into the firmware. These points are available
to be measured by the selected telemetry protocol or can be monitored using Poco+. A
complete list of all available points is provided in the Points List section of this User Guide.
This section provides a high-level overview of the points available. This is followed by further
sections with more details, including what they are and how they are configured and
updated. To ease navigation, the external points are described first with a section for each
point type, followed by a section about the internal points. In general, all points are
advertised as analogue inputs, counters, digital inputs or string points.
The first five points for AI, CI and DI are reserved for external IO. These points are always in
existence; however, they will only register values if configured in the Poco+ IO tab. If the IO
points are not configured, and the points are measured, the values will be fixed at zero.
Internal points are always present in the configuration of the Point Colour and can be
measured as required.
Analogue points are measured using raw values. The measurement can be scaled by
providing the raw values and the engineering units they map to at each end of the
measurement range. This indicates the possible raw values of the point, and the suggested
values for configuring the master station’s engineering scaling conversion factors.

Updating point values

The Point Colour has been designed with the principle of conserving power. As a result, the
point values are only updated when the RTU is awake. For example, if the highest frequency
trend configured on the RTU is 15 mins, then the point values will only be updated at this
frequency, as the RTU is asleep in between these samples. There are three exceptions to this
rule;
■ When the USB is connected
■ If an alarm is configured on a passive analogue input
■ Digital inputs
USB Connected
The first exception is for when the USB is connected to the Point Colour, the RTU will not go
to sleep, as it is assumed that the user is configuring the RTU or wishes to monitor the point
values as they are updated. In this instance, all passive points are updated continuously on a
2 second cycle.
In addition to this it is possible for the Point Colour to be configured to keep the loop supply
switched on if the USB is connected at boot up. After the configured sensor settle time, the
sensor will be continuously sampled until the USB is disconnected. After which the loop
supply is turned off and will revert to any configured trend period frequency. This feature is
useful when installing the Point Colour in the field to verify that the sensor readings are
accurate. This feature is called ‘Sensor Validation’ and can be activated by selecting the
check-box in Poco+.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Figure 1: Sensor Validation setting

WARNING
Connecting the Point Colour to the PC using the USB cable will leave the
Point Colour on for the duration of the connection. This will drain the
battery and prolonged periods of connection should be avoided.

WARNING
The Point Blue ATEX/IECEx certificate specifies that the USB connection
should NOT be used in the hazardous area. All users should adhere to
these instructions along with the other guidelines in the Point Blue
Safety Guide provided with every Point Blue.

Analogue Alarms
The second exception is for passive analogue points that are configured with an alarm. In
this instance, the Point Colour will wake up at the frequency specified by the ‘Alarm Check’
setting in Poco+. This setting is NOT used for any active sensors or serial points which are
checked according to the trend period.

Figure 2: Alarm check setting

Active sensors, i.e. those that are powered by the RTU are only sampled on the specified
trend frequency, or at power up when the USB is connected. Therefore, the value displayed
in Poco+ when monitoring is the reading from the last trend period unless Sensor Validation
is active.
If no trends have been configured for external active sensors then the RTU will only take one
reading, at power up. The point value will not be updated until a trend has been configured
on the RTU. All serial points are treated as active points and are therefore only updated
when a trend is configured on any serial point.
Digital Inputs
The third exception is digital inputs. The DI channels are interrupt driven, so if an external DI
channel is configured in Poco+ then the RTU will wake up when a state change is detected.
The action taken upon detection of the state change will depend on the configuration. i.e. if
an alarm or event is configured.

External IO
The Point Colour has 5x software configurable IO channels; these are provided through the
single main connector on the front of the unit. They can be configured to perform distinct
functions – for example, channel 1 can be configured to be a digital input, an analogue input,
or a counter input. Note that not all channels can support all options – for example, the unit

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 Point Colour User Guide

is limited to supporting two active loop analogue inputs. However, given the flexibility of the
various channels, over 100 IO combinations are possible. The external IO options available
include:
■ Digital input
■ Counter input
■ Active loop analogue input
■ Passive loop analogue input
■ Active voltage analogue input
■ Passive voltage analogue input
■ Serial connection (e.g. RS485, RS232, SDI-12)
For each of these options, the range of signal they can read and how they should be
connected to the Point Colour is summarised below and described in more detail in
following sections.
Type Max No. Range Notes
Digital input 5 0-1 Volt-free
Counter input 4 32-bit Volt-free, up to 100 Hz
Active loop 2 4-22mA Independent settle time, 12V supply
Passive loop 2 4-22mA
Active voltage 2 0-2V Independent settle time, 12V supply
Passive voltage 5 0-2V
Supports connection to various serial slave devices via
Serial 1 N/A
interfaces such as RS232, RS485 full and half duplex

External IO Configuration
The Point Colour has software configurable IO – no hardware settings or switches are used.
This allows the RTU to be easily configured for a wide range of applications. The Poco+ tab to
configure the IO is made up of three sections (Available IO, Configured IO Channels, and Pin
table) and is shown below.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Figure 3: IO Configuration tab

Available IO
The IO options available are listed in the upper left-hand box, with a green ‘+’ button next to
each option.

Figure 4: Available IO

Clicking this button will add a channel of that type. As channels are added the available IO
list is updated automatically. The number of channels of a particular type is displayed in
brackets after each IO type i.e. with no IO configured a Point Colour can have up to 5x digital
inputs, 2x Active loops, 2x passive Loops etc. These numbers are updated as IO channels are
added. Figure 4 shows a comparison the IO available with no channels added and after an
active loop, digital input, and counter have been added. Figure 3 shows these configured
channels

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 Point Colour User Guide

➢ Note: The serial port can only be assigned to a particular set of pins, so upon selection
the availability of other pin types is reduced.

Pin Table
Below the Available IO box is the pin table:

Figure 5: Available IO

This table lists the pins that are allocated to the configured IO channels. As channels are
added the table is updated, with the pins used highlighted in the colour of the RTU. Using
the same example as Figure 4, Figure 5 shows how the pins are allocated when an active
loop, digital input and a counter have been added.

➢ Note: Pin 3 is always allocated to ground.

Removing Configured Channels

To remove a configured IO channel, click on the red cross next to the IO channel to be
removed. After clicking this button, the channel is deleted, and any configuration for the
point is lost. The Available IO table is updated to reflect the removal.

➢ Note: The options remaining on the left automatically reduce in quantity, or are greyed
out, depending on what has already been selected.

➢ Note: At the bottom of the screen, the pin-out for the main connector is given. This pin-
out corresponds to the combination of IO specified in the “Configured IO Channels”
section.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Connector pin-out
The pin numbering scheme of the single 12-pin connector on Point Colour is shown in the
following table. Note that many of the pins have multiple uses, depending on how they are
configured in Poco+ as discussed above.
Pin Usage Pin numbering
1 IO – as configured by Poco+

2 IO – as configured by Poco+

3 Ground.

4 IO – as configured by Poco+

5 IO – as configured by Poco+

6 IO – as configured by Poco+

7 IO – as configured by Poco+

8 USB port.

9 USB port 6
5
4
12 11
7 3
10 USB port 8 2
10
9 1
11 IO – as configured by Poco+

12 External power source positive terminal.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Digital inputs
The Point Colour can be configured to read up to 5x digital inputs (DI). Each of these inputs is
defined as volt-free. i.e. no whetting voltage is required for the change in state to be
detected. The DI’s will also accept a 0-2V signal as a digital input. This makes the DI’s suitable
for connecting to a wide range of sensors, including switches. Figure 6 shows a wiring
example.
3.0 v

Pin 11

Pin 3
Gnd

Figure 6: Example DI connection circuit

➢ Note: Whilst the Point Colour is protected against voltages up to 24V if external voltages
are expected to be greater than 2V, it is recommended that an external circuit is used.
E.g. a potential divider or relay.

➢ Note: Four of the five digital inputs can record state transitions up to 100Hz, although it
should be noted that this can generate a significant amount of data over a prolonged
period and will have adverse effects on the expected battery life.

➢ Note: The fifth digital input, using pin 7, cannot support state transitions above 0.5Hz.

Count of Digital
There are five counter points (CI26 to CI30) that record the number of times each respective
digital input has turned on and off. These five counters of the digital inputs also have
associated flow calculation points (AI41 to AI45).

➢ Note: Digital inputs and counters are considered separate points; CI0 is not the same as
DI0 and will not keep track of how many times DI0 has been toggled. CI26 is the count of
how many times DI0 has been toggled.

Poco+ Configuration
The digital inputs do not have any additional settings.

Figure 7: Digital Input configuration

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Counter inputs
The Point Colour can be configured to read up to 4x counter inputs (CI). Like the DI channels,
they are defined as volt-free. The counters can count at up to 100Hz and include a debounce
filter for use with mechanical switches. The counter value will increment on the falling edge
of a pulse. The wiring for counters is the same as DI’s.

Flow calculations
There are four analogue points (AI24 to AI27) showing the number of pulses for a particular
counter during a trend period. For example, if CI0 has a 15-minute trend, then AI24 (the
corresponding analogue point) will display the number of pulses on CI0 in the previous trend
period.
The calculation is as follows, if at t0 CI0 = x and at t1, CI0 = y, then the value displayed in the
analogue point is y-x. If the value is negative, then it will be reported as 0.

Poco+ Configuration
The counter inputs have two parameters to be configured: initial and rollover. The initial
setting specifies the starting value of the counter. The default is 0 but can be any value from
0 – 4,294,967,295.
The rollover value is the number at which the counter will reset to zero. For example, if set
to 999, the counter will go up to 999 and on the next pulse it will rollover back to 0. This can
be useful for keeping track of meter readings.

Figure 8: Counter configuration

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Analogue Inputs
The Point Colour supports four distinct types of analogue input, listed below with the
maximum number per type in brackets;
■ Active Loop (Max 2)
■ Active Voltage (Max 2)
■ Passive Loop (Max 2)
■ Passive Voltage (Max 4)
The first two, active loop and active voltage configure the Point Colour to supply power to
the external sensor. The Point Orange can supply up to 80mA at 12V to power an external
sensor. This maximum power would need to be shared if there were more than one sensor
connected and powered up at any one time. The Point Blue is limited to 22mA per channel.
The second two, passive loop and passive voltage do not power the external sensor and are
to be used where a secondary power supply is used to power the sensor, or the sensor is
self-powered. The loop channels accept a 4-20mA current loop and the voltage channels can
accept a 0-2V signal.

Ground Connections
When an analogue input is configured on the Point Colour, Poco+ will attempt to assign a
ground connection to ease the installation of sensors. However, it does not specify which
ground connection to use, as any can be used.
Poco+ will always try to add a ground pin for each input, but as the number of channels
added increases, this is not always possible, and some ground sharing may have to occur for
larger IO configurations.

Active loop
The Point Colour can be configured to read up to two active loop inputs. An active loop
channel provides a 12V DC power supply to power an external sensor and can read a 4-20mA
signal from the sensor. Figure 9 shows a typical connection for this 2-pin interface.
12 v

Pin 1

4-20mA
sensor
Pin 5
Gnd

Figure 9: Typical active loop connections

Each channel can measure a maximum current of 40mA, the headroom can be used by some
instruments that support out-of-band signalling. The Point Colour can turn on the power
supply for a configurable time to allow the sensor to complete any power up sequence and

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the readings to stabilise, before any values are recorded for use by the RTU. This period is
called the settle time and can be configured for each active loop channel independently.

➢ Note: Some smart sensors have a high surge current requirement when first powered on.
If this is the case, then it might be necessary to either limit the number of such sensors
that can be connected or else to use an external loop power supply.

As each channel can be configured independently each connected sensor can be controlled
as required. For example, one sensor could be sampled at 15-minute intervals and the other
sensor at 20-minute intervals, and only the sensor being read will be powered and sampled.
Poco+ Configuration
The active loop inputs require the user to specify a settle time (in milliseconds) for the
sensor to be connected to this channel. This is normally the time for the sensor to provide an
accurate reading after power up, as specified by the sensor manufacturer. The minimum
settle time is 1000ms.

Figure 10: Active Loop configuration

Active voltage
The Point Colour can be configured to read up to two active voltage analogue inputs. An
active voltage channel provides a 12V DC power supply to power an external sensor and can
read a 0-2V signal from the sensor. Figure 11 shows a typical connection for this 3-pin
interface.
12 v

Supply Pin 1

0-2v Signal Pin 11

sensor

Gnd Pin 6
Gnd

Figure 11: Typical active voltage connections

Similar to the active loop channels, each active voltage channel can provide a maximum
current rating of 40mA per channel to power the sensor. Again, these channels can be
controlled independently, with different settle times sample periods as required.
Poco+ Configuration
The active voltage inputs have the same settle time setting as the active loop inputs, again
specified in milliseconds. The minimum settle time is 1000ms.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Figure 12: Active Voltage configuration

Passive loop
The Point Colour can be configured to read up to two passive loop analogue inputs. A
passive loop channel can read a 4-20mA signal from the sensor, the RTU requires a minimum
loop supply voltage of 12V to read correctly. Figure 13 shows a typical connection.
Signal Pin 6

4-20mA
signal
Gnd Pin 11
Gnd

Figure 13: Typical passive loop connections

Poco+ Configuration
The passive loop inputs have no additional configuration settings, as it is assumed that the
sensor is being powered by an external supply, which is beyond the control of Point Colour.

Figure 14: Passive Loop Configuration

Passive voltage
The Point Colour can be configured to read up to 4x passive voltage analogue inputs. A
passive voltage channel can read a 0-2V signal from the sensor. Figure 15 shows a typical
connection
Signal Pin 11

0-2v
signal
Gnd Pin 6
Gnd

Figure 15: Typical passive voltage connections

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 Point Colour User Guide

Poco+ Configuration
The passive voltage inputs do not have any additional settings.

Figure 16: Passive Voltage configuration

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 Point Colour User Guide

Serial
Overview
The Point Colour can communicate with external serial devices using a serial interface.
Multiple protocols are supported as detailed in the following sections.

➢ Note: Serial will always use specific I/O pins, and thus may not be available depending
on the current I/O allocation.

Figure 17: Serial I/O configuration

Clicking on the ‘+’ button for Serial will show the dialog in Figure 17, from which Modbus,
SDI-12 or Mainstream can be selected.
Connecting to sensors
The Point Colour can be connected to a wide range of serial devices each of which require a
specific cable. For example, the cables for RS232, RS485 and SDI-12 are all different. Users
should ensure the cable they are using is correct for their application.
The Point Orange can supply up to 80mA at 12V to power a serial sensor. The Point Blue can
supply up to 22mA at 12V to power a serial sensor.
Reading values
To conserve power, the Point Colour will only communicate with the serial slave device at
the specified trend frequency. This trend frequency is the fastest trend frequency configured
on any of the serial points. On every serial communication, all configured serial values will be
read, and the corresponding points will be updated. Values for all configured serial points
are read whenever any of them are trended, but only the values for those points being
trended are stored.
Error handling
The serial communications are monitored to ensure the integrity of data and log errors to
aid diagnostics. The monitoring varies depending on serial protocol and sensor connected
but typically consists of ensuring responses are received in a given time, monitoring for error
codes that are reported, and checking data integrity.
Errors found during communication with serial devices are reported using the Serial Error
Code Analogue Input Point. Please see the Points List section of this User Guide for complete
details on all the errors that are monitored. This point can be used to diagnose
communication problems and ensure that field-bus data is valid during measurement.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Modbus
The Point Colour can be configured to communicate with a Modbus Slave via RS232 or
RS485 (half or full duplex). This is done using a specially designed cable connecting to the
main connector (see the IO cable section for details).
12 v

Pin 1
Rx Tx

Pin 4
Point
Modbus Tx Rx
Orange Point
Slave RS232 Orange
Pin 5
Cable
GND GND
Pin 3
Gnd

Figure 18: Modbus RS232 connections

12 v

Pin 1
RS485 A RS485 A
Pin 4
Modbus RS485 B Point
RS485 B
Slave Orange
RS485 Pin 5 Point
GND Half Orange
GND
Duplex
Cable Pin 6

Pin 3
Gnd

Figure 19: Modbus RS485 Half Duplex connections

12 v
RS485 A RS485 A
Pin 1
RS485 B RS485 B
Pin 4
Point
Modbus RS485 Z RS485 Z Orange Point
Slave RS485 Pin 5 Orange
Cable
RS485 Y RS485 Y
Pin 3
GND GND Gnd

Figure 20: Modbus RS485 Full Duplex connections

The Point Colour reads various configured coils and registers and records these values as
digital, analogue, counter and string points on the Point Colour. Specific Modbus points have

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 Point Colour User Guide

been added to the points list to record the values read from the Modbus slave these include
10x digital points, 10x analogues points, 10x counter points and 5x string points.
Communications with a Modbus slave will be started before the trend time to ensure that all
points have been read and values updated. This is determined by the number of configured
Modbus points multiplied by the response timeout.
Modbus can be configured to operate using RS232, RS485 full duplex or RS485 half-duplex.
There are several settings that can be configured including baud rate, number of data bits
and parity.
Poco+ Configuration

Figure 21: Modbus configuration

Once added as a serial channel there are several settings that need to be configured
correctly for successful communication with the Modbus slave. These settings are common
for RS232 and RS485;
Setting Description
Baud Rate The baud rate to be used by the Modbus serial interface
Serial Settings A string representation of data bits, parity and stop bits (in that order). For
example, “8 N 1” would equate to 8 stop bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
Modbus Variant The Modbus communication type to be used; RTU or ASCII
Slave Address The Modbus slave address to be used
Response Timeout The length of time the Point Colour will wait for a response from the slave
to single command. i.e. to read each register. Care must be taken to ensure
this timeout is not too long
Command Delay The delay needed between the Point receiving a response from the slave
and sending the next command.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Digital points
The 10x Modbus DI points are assigned as DI16 to DI25. The configuration settings for each
point include the Modbus register address and the register type; Coil or Discrete Input.

Figure 22: Modbus DI configuration

Analogue points
The 10x analogue points are configured to read holding or input registers from the Modbus
slave. The configuration options are summarised in the table below;
Parameter Details
Register Type Holding Register or Input Register
Start The register address of the value to be read
Modbus Registers
Length in bytes Calculated dependent on the Modbus format
Int16 16-bit integer data contained in 1 register
Int32 32-bit integer data contained in 2 consecutive registers
Int64 64-bit integer data contained in 4 consecutive registers
IEEE-754 32-bit floating point data contained in 2
Float32
Modbus Format consecutive registers
IEEE-754 64-bit floating point data contained in 4
Float64
consecutive registers
32-bit integer data contained in 2 consecutive registers
Siemens Totaltype followed by 32-bit integer data for fractional component
contained in 2 consecutive registers
Big endian registers, big endian bytes in register
The byte ordering
of the registers to Little endian registers, big endian bytes in register
Modbus Endian
be read from the Big endian registers, little endian bytes in register
slave.
Little endian registers, little endian bytes in register

Counter Points
The 10x counter points are configured to read holding or input registers from the Modbus
slave. The configuration options are summarised in the table below;
Parameter Details
Register Type Holding Register or Input Register
Start The register address of the value to be read
Modbus Registers
Length in bytes Calculated dependent on the Modbus format

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 Point Colour User Guide

Parameter Details
Int16 16-bit integer data contained in 1 register
Modbus Format Int32 32-bit integer data contained in 2 consecutive registers
Int64 64-bit integer data contained in 4 consecutive registers
Big endian registers, big endian bytes in register
The byte ordering
of the registers to Little endian registers, big endian bytes in register
Modbus Endian
be read from the Big endian registers, little endian bytes in register
slave.
Little endian registers, little endian bytes in register

String points
The 5x string points are configured to read holding or input registers from the Modbus slave.
The configuration options are summarised in the table below;
Parameter Details
Register Type Holding Register or Input Register
Start The register address of the value to be read
Modbus Registers Specify the length of the string to be read to maximum
Length in bytes
of 32 characters
Big endian registers, big endian bytes in register
The byte ordering
of the registers to Little endian registers, big endian bytes in register
Modbus Endian
be read from the Big endian registers, little endian bytes in register
slave.
Little endian registers, little endian bytes in register

Figure 23: Modbus register configuration

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 Point Colour User Guide

SDI-12
The Point Colour can be configured to communicate with one SDI-12 sensor using a specially
designed cable connecting to the main connector (see the IO cable section for details).
12 v

Pin 1
Power Power
Pin 4
SDI-12 Data Data
Sensor Point
Orange Pin 5 Point
GND SDI-12 Colour
GND
Cable
Pin 6

Pin 3
Gnd

Figure 24: SDI-12 connections

The Point Colour will initiate the measurement and retrieve the data from an SDI-12 sensor.
Up to nine serial analogue input points can be read from the sensor, dependant on what is
available from the sensor.
Communications with an SDI-12 sensor will be started before the trend time to ensure that
all points have been read and values updated prior to the trend value being stored. The
longest time of all previous successful queries serves as a reference of how long the data
acquisition takes and requests are started that amount of time before the trend is required.
This value is reported in the SDI-12 Response Time Analogue Input point (AI46).
Poco+ Configuration
The SDI-12 serial interface has the physical parameters specified by the standard, therefore
less configuration is required.

Figure 25: SDI-12 configuration

Once added as a serial channel there are several settings that need to be configured
correctly for successful communication with the SDI-12 slave;

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 Point Colour User Guide

Setting Description
Sensor Address The SDI-12 address of the sensor connected.
Sensor Boot Time A settle time required by the sensor before communication can be
initiated.
Additional Break A checkbox option to specify if an additional break character is required to
be sent before data is returned from the sensor to the Point Colour.

SDI-12 Points
The Point Colour has 9x serial analogue input points that are used to store SDI-12 data.
There is no specific configuration as SDI-12 always uses a floating-point format.

Figure 26: SDI-12 point configuration

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 Point Colour User Guide

Mainstream
The Point Colour can be configured to communicate with one Mainstream AV-Flow
Transmitter sensor using a specially designed cable connecting to the main connector (see
the IO cable section for details).
12 v

POD +12V Pin 1

Rx Tx Pin 4
Point
Mainstream Orange Point
Slave Tx Rx Mainstream Orange
Pin 5
Cable

GND GND Pin 3

Gnd

Figure 27: Mainstream connections

The Point Colour will initiate the measurement and retrieve the data from a Mainstream
sensor. The data updates 8 predefined serial analogue input points.
Communications with a Mainstream sensor will be started 7 seconds ahead of when the
trend is to be taken to ensure it completes in time.
Poco+ Configuration
Once added as a serial channel, the Mainstream interface requires no additional
configuration parameters.
Mainstream Points
When configured to communicate with a Mainstream AV-Flow Transmitter, the Point Colour
has eight analogue points that are used to store the retrieved data. The data is stored with a
floating-point format.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Internal IO
The Point Colour has a wide range of internal points that can be measured such as battery
voltage, or whether the unit is submerged or not. These conditions are mapped to points
and are always available.
The full list of points is given in the Points section of this guide. These points include
integrated sensors e.g. ambient temperature, measured conditions e.g. GSM signal strength
and diagnostic information, e.g. number of successful connections. Each of these points,
how and when they are updated is summarised and described in more detail below.

Local monitoring
Internal temperature (AI5)
The Point Colour has an onboard temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside
the enclosure. The sensor has not been designed to compensate and calculate the
temperature external to the enclosure and is provided as an indication only.
The sensor is accurate to +/- 1°C and has a range of -40°C to +125°C, although this is well
beyond the operational range of Point Colour (-20°C to +80°C). As with other Metasphere
battery powered RTU’s the ambient temperature can be recorded at regular intervals to give
an indication of the temperature on site.
Battery voltage (AI6)
The Point Orange has an internal 2-cell lithium thionyl chloride (LTC) battery pack, with a
nominal pack voltage of 7.2V. This voltage is measured when the RTU is awake, and the
point value updated.
The Point Blue has either an internal battery or an external battery dependant on version.
Both versions will report the battery voltage as this point.
Battery monitor (AI39)
The battery voltage varies dependant on load, and a single reading is not an accurate
indication of battery condition. The battery monitor point records the average voltage of the
battery during the last communications session, which is when the unit is under the most
load. This point can be used to assist in determining the condition of the battery.
External supply voltage (AI7)
If an external supply is connected to the Point Orange, the voltage level of this supply is
sampled when the RTU is awake and the point value updated. This point is not updated on
the Point Blue.
Sensor supply voltage (AI8)
If configured for active loop, active voltage, or serial connections the sensor supply voltage is
measured. Similar to the sensor readings this point is only updated once at power up and
then when the active IO point is trended.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Submersion Sensor (AI9)

The Point Colour has an onboard submersion sensor. This point returns the analogue value
of the submersion sensor (see Submersion sensor (DI12) for more information on how the
submersion sensor works).
Trend Delta (AI24 – AI27 and AI41 – AI45)
These points are updated after any configured trend is taken on one of the four external
counter inputs or five counters of external digital inputs. The value is the number of pulses
for the previous trend period. If no trend is configured on the counter point, then the
respective AI point will be zero. The table below shows an example.
CI0 AI24
0 0
50 50
150 100
325 175
350 25
400 50

The table below indicates the relationship between trend delta, counter and digital input
points (where applicable).
Trend Delta point Counter point Digital point
(where applicable)
AI24 CI0
AI25 CI1
AI26 CI2
AI27 CI3
AI41 CI26 DI0
AI42 CI27 DI1
AI43 CI28 DI2
AI44 CI29 DI3
AI45 CI30 DI4

Trend delta was previously known as “flow rate”.

External Power (DI5)
When an external supply is connected to the Point Orange the RTU automatically switches to
the new external supply. When this occurs, this point is set to 1. If the external supply is
removed, or the power source has depleted such that it can’t power the RTU, the Point
Orange will automatically switch back to the internal battery and set this point to 0.
Point Blue does not set this point, and it will always return 0.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Reed Switch (DI10)

The Point Colour has a reed switch that can be activated using a magnet, and if configured, it
will force the RTU to contact the master. The reed switch is located on the side of the RTU as
shown in Figure 28. This is the opposite side to the external antenna connector. To trigger a
dial in the magnet must be held against the enclosure for 3 seconds.

Figure 28: Point Colour reed switch location

The current value of this point is updated by interrupt, so if a dial in is triggered using the
reed switch, unless the magnet is held in position for the duration of the connection, the
current value reported to the master will be zero. However, it can be useful, when using the
“Monitor points” window in Poco+ to know that the switch has been closed successfully.
Submersion sensor (DI12)
The Point Colour has an integrated submersion sensor that can be used to determine if the
Point Colour is submerged. The sensor is located in the cap of the enclosure, therefore the
water level must be higher than this to trigger the sensor. Figure 29 shows the threshold, left
showing unsubmerged, and the right showing submerged.

Figure 29: Point Colour submersion threshold

The sensor is sampled each time the RTU wakes up from sleep. This is normally done at the
fastest trend frequency, however, if an alarm is configured on the DI point then the sensor

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 Point Colour User Guide

will be sampled at the alarm check frequency. This allows for more frequent sampling of the
sensor if desired.
Once a submerged reading has been detected, the Point Colour will take a further five
samples at 10 second intervals. If the average of these six samples has a deviation greater
than the threshold, then the unit is considered submerged and the binary point for
submersion is set to true (one) indicating that the Point Colour is submerged. If the average
is lower, the Point Colour assumes that the first reading was erroneous and waits until the
next wake time to sample the sensor again. The same algorithm is used to determine when
the unit is no longer submerged, setting the binary point to false (zero).

➢ Note: The submersion sensor is not read while the modem is switched on.

➢ Note: The submersion detection algorithm is not activated when it is configured for sleep
mode, to conserve battery power.

Calibration and Recalibration

The submersion sensor is calibrated by the RTU if no calibration exists. This calibration
process takes approximately 5 minutes, after which the sensor is sampled at regular
intervals depending on the configuration of the RTU.
Recalibration of the submersion sensor can be handled by Poco+. The RTU must have a sleep
configuration during calibration of the submersion sensor. To ensure that the calibration is
successful, no additional Poco+ windows, such as the monitoring of points should be open
during the process.
From Poco+, select the Calibrate Submersion Sensor from the Device menu.

Figure 30: Poco+ submersion calibration

➢ Note: If the precautions are not adhered to then resulting performance of the submersion
sensor may vary.

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 Point Colour User Guide

WARNING
The Point Blue ATEX/IECEx certificate specifies that the USB connection
should NOT be used in the hazardous area. All users should adhere to
these instructions along with the other guidelines in the Point Blue
Safety Guide provided with every Point Blue.

USB Connected (DI13)

This digital point is updated by interrupt and is set to 1, when a USB cable is connected
between the Point Colour and a PC. This can be used as a tamper detection to determine if
and when a local connection is made to the RTU.
Loop on (DI15)
This digital point indicates if the 12V loop supply, used to power active loop and active
voltage IO, is on or not. 0 = loop supply off, 1 = loop supply on.

Modem Points
The internal modem in the Point Colour offers a wide range of information that can be
extracted and reported. This information can be useful for debugging purposes or for just
locating a unit.
In addition to the data extracted from the modem there are some additional points
associated with the modem that are useful for monitoring the performance of the battery
life. Some of these points are updated before communicating with the master so can be read
as current values, whilst others are only updated at the end of the connection attempt so
the value is not available until the next connection. The following sections describe each
point including when the point value is updated.
Modem CSQ (AI10)
This point is the received signal strength indication (RSSI) recorded during the current
connection attempt and is updated before contacting the master. The CSQ reading is
sampled several times during the connection attempt and an average calculated to give a
more accurate picture of the signal strength.

➢ Note: The reported signal strength whilst useful should only be used as an indication of
the network strength at the time of the connection attempt.

Modem Bit Error Rate (AI11)

This point is the Bit Error Rate (BER) recorded during the current connection attempt and is
updated before contacting the master. The reading is sampled a number of times during the
connection attempt and will only show the latest value.
Modem Fail Code (AI12)
This point is the failure code for the last connection attempt. The point value is updated at
the end of the connection attempt and is only set to zero if there were no errors during the
connection. The possible error codes are listed below.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Code Description Possible cause of error

0 No error detected -
50 Couldn’t create modem driver. Point Colour firmware errors please contact Metasphere.
51 Couldn’t install modem driver Point Colour firmware error please contact Metasphere.
52 Invalid modem serial port Point Colour firmware error please contact Metasphere.
The Point Colour firmware cannot determine which
53 Unknown modem
modem is connected. Please contact Metasphere.
Can’t communicate with Possible connection problem between the processor and
101
modem. modem. Please contact Metasphere.
Couldn’t register on GPRS Check the SIM card activation and consider increasing the
102
network GPRS registration timeout period.
Couldn’t attach to GPRS
103 Check that SIM card supports GPRS M2M communication
network
Check APN settings and retry. Consider increasing the start
104 Activate PDP failure
bearer timeout.
Check destination IP address and port number. Ensure that
105 Socket creation failed firewalls are configured to allow incoming connections on
the configured port number.
Check destination IP address and port number. Ensure that
106 Could not connect to IP firewalls are configured to allow incoming connections on
the configured port number.
Consider increasing the start bearer timeout. The default
setting of 30 seconds is normally sufficient, but in some
107 Start bearer timeout
instances 60 or 90 seconds may be required, especially if
the SIM card has just been replaced.
Check that the SIM card has been inserted correctly, is
108 Failed to read SIM ID
locked securely and is active.
At the end of each connection attempt the Point Colour
GPRS Network deregistration attempts to deregister the modem from the network. This
110
failed process can occasionally fail, however the connection may
have been completed successfully.
The modem could contact the destination IP address, but
the socket was unexpectedly closed. The server might not
199 Socket closed by remote host
be configured to accept communication from the Point
Colour. Check the server and application software settings.
Connection closed by remote The remote server unexpectedly closed the connection
201
host during an established comms session.
Could not connect to phone
202 The modem failed to connect to the configured number.
number (GSM)
Check destination IP address and port number for the FTP
Could not connect to FTP server. Ensure that firewalls are configured to allow
301
server incoming connections on the configured port number. If
using FTPS, PEM file may be invalid or expired.
302 FTP data read ended Currently unused

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 Point Colour User Guide

Code Description Possible cause of error

The modem was unable to open an FTP connection. Check
303 FTP Command failed the FTP settings (IP address, port number, username and
password) and that the server is available.
The modem was not in data mode.
Bad FTP Command starting
304 Point Colour hardware or firmware errors, please contact
state
Metasphere.
305 FTP failed to open local file The file on the Point Colour could not be opened.
Data could not be read from the file on the Point Colour.
FTP failed to read from local
306 Point Colour hardware or firmware errors, please contact
file
Metasphere.
Data could not be written to the file on the Point Colour.
307 FTP failed to write to local file Point Colour hardware or firmware errors, please contact
Metasphere.
The data connection failed during data exchange. If this is
308 FTP data connection failed seen repeatedly, increase last poll and overall timeout
connection parameters.
309 FTP data connection timed out Timeout during data transfer.
FTP not supported on this FTP is currently only supported on Telit modems. Check
310
Modem the point Modem Type (AI23).
When configured for FTPS, no PEM file has been
311 FTPS PEM file not found
downloaded to the Point Colour
312 FTPS Error using PEM file Error in writing the PEM file to the Point Colour modem
401 NTP failed to connect to server FTP filed to get time from network or from NTP server

Registration Code (AI13)

This point reports the registration code returned by the modem during the registration
attempt and is applicable to the current connection attempt. This can be particularly useful
for SIM cards that are able to roam from their home network to determine, how often the
home network is used.
Code Description
0 Not registered, modem is not currently searching a new operator
1 Registered, home network
2 Not registered, but modem is currently searching for a new operator to register to
3 Registration denied
4 Unknown
5 Registered successfully on guest network

Connection Seconds (AI14)

This point is updated at the end of a connection attempt, and is the time taken (in seconds)
for the connection attempt. This point is useful for determining the average connection
duration.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Mobile Country Code (AI16)

This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master. This point reports the mobile country code for the network with which the modem
has registered. The codes are administered by the CCITT.
Mobile Network Code (AI17)
This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master. This point reports the mobile network code for the network with which the modem
has registered. The codes are administered by the CCITT.
Radio Band (AI18)
This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master. This point displays the current GSM/GPRS modem radio bands currently used by the
modem.
Code Description
17 Radio bands for use in the Americas
12 Radio bands for used by the Rest of the world

External CSQ (AI19)

This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master. This point shows the last signal strength read when the external antenna was in use.
Typical signal strength values and their meaning
Point Value Signal Strength Meaning
2-9 Marginal signal quality. Review antenna position and signal coverage.
Communication will be impacted and retries seen.
10-14 Acceptable signal quality. Occasional retries will be seen.
15-31 Good coverage.

Internal CSQ (AI20)

This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master. This point shows the last signal strength read when the internal antenna was in use.
Typical signal strength values and their meaning
Point Value Signal Strength Meaning
2-9 Marginal signal quality. Review antenna position and signal coverage.
Communication will be impacted and retries seen.
10-14 Acceptable signal quality. Occasional retries will be seen.
15-31 Good coverage.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Modem Types (AI23)

This point shows which modem is installed in the Point Colour.
Point Value Modem
0 None
1 Unknown
2 Wismo 2G
3 Telit 3G
4 Telit 2G

Modem Power (DI6)

This digital point reports if the modem is on or off to allow users to monitor a connection
locally. 0 = Off, 1 = On
Antenna (DI11)
This digital point indicates which antenna is being used for the current connection attempt.
0 = External, 1 = Internal
Network Technology (DI14)
This digital point indicates which network technology is being used by the Point Colour. 0 =
2G, 1 = 3G.
Last Contact Time (CI5)
This point is updated at the end of a connection attempt and displays the last time the RTU
made contact with the master station (in Unix time – i.e. number of seconds since
01/01/1970 00:00:00).
Successful Connections (CI6)
This point is updated at the end of a connection attempt and is a count of the number of
successful connections made to the master.
Unsuccessful Connections (CI7)
This point is updated at the end of a connection attempt and is a count of the number of
unsuccessful connections made to the master.
Registration Failures (CI8)
This point is updated at the end of a connection attempt and is a count of the number of
times the modem failed to register on the network.
Modem Seconds (CI14)
This point is updated at the end of a connection attempt and indicates how many seconds
the modem has been powered up since the RTU was last reset.
Number of Start Bearer Timeouts (CI15)
This point is updated at the end of a connection attempt and is a count of the number of
times the modem timed out while trying to start the bearer.

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 Point Colour User Guide

GSM Network (ST1)

This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master and shows the name of the network used by the modem.
Modem IMEI (ST2)
This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master and shows the IMEI number of the modem.
Modem Firmware (ST3)
This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master and shows the firmware version of the modem.
SIM Card Number (ST4)
This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master and shows the SIM card number.
Location Area Code (ST5)
This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master and shows the Location Area Code (LAC) for the GSM network currently used by the
modem. This point together with the Cell ID, the Mobile Country Code and Mobile Network
Code can help in locating the position of the RTU.
Cell ID (ST6)
This point is updated during the connection attempt so can be read as a current value by the
master and shows the Cell ID of the cell used by the modem.

RTU diagnostic points

Configuration Version (AI15)
This is the configuration file version number and is used by Poco+ to determine what fields in
the configuration file expect.
Configuration Error Code (AI22)
This analogue point can be used to indicate if a recently downloaded configuration file has
been applied or not. The table below shows the possible values for this point and the flow
chart in Figure 41 shows when they are set.
Code Description
0 Not configured
No new configuration found
2 Not configured
New configuration invalid
4 Configured
No new Configuration found
6 Configured
New configuration invalid

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 Point Colour User Guide

Code Description
7 Configured
New configuration valid

Awake Seconds (CI11)

This is the number of seconds that the Point Colour has been awake for. i.e. running at full
power processing data. The clock is stopped each time the RTU goes to sleep.
Serial Number (ST0)
This is the serial number of the Point Colour unit and will match the number located on the
top of the enclosure. This can be useful for tracking where units are.
Date of Manufacture (ST7)
This point contains a numeric string representing the date that the Point Colour was
manufactured. It uses DDMMYYYY format.
Valid Config (DI9)
This digital input is set to 1 if the current configuration file is valid and set to 0 if the
configuration file is invalid.
RAM Used (AI40)
This analogue input reports the percentage of the memory that has already been used for
data storage and diagnostics. Values outside of 0 to 100% indicate errors as detailed in the
following table:
Code Description
201 No free space
202 Too much free space

SDI-12 Response Time (AI46)

This analogue input reports the highest number of seconds taken for successful
communication with an SDI-12 sensor and includes the configured sensor boot time. The
response time indicates how long before a trend is taken that the SDI-12 read must be
initiated to ensure it is completed.
The value is used to schedule the start of the communication with the SDI-12 sensor before
a trend is taken. This ensures that under normal operation the trend value is up to date.
XLP Version (AI47)
This analogue input reports the extra low power (XLP) counter firmware version being used,
with a multiplication factor of 10.
LVD Reset Count (AI48)
This analogue input reports the number of Low Voltage Detect (LVD) resets. This value is
incremented when the RTU resets due to low voltage, and decremented when a connection
to a master is successful. If this value reaches five (indicating repeated LVD resets) the RTU
will enter a battery recovery state. In this state, the RTU will sleep for 30 minutes to give the

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 Point Colour User Guide

battery a chance to recover enough to resume normal operation. Entering the battery
recovery is a sign that the battery is reaching end of service.

DNP3 Diagnostic Points

When configured as a DNP3 slave the Point Colour maintains several local points that can
help show the current state of the RTU.
DNP3 IIN Bits (AI21)
This point shows the current state of the IIN bits for the slave. The point is an analogue
point (16-bit number) which is a bit array where the LSB represents IIN1 and the MSB
represents IIN2, see section 4.5 of the DNP3 standard for more information. The following
shows what each bit being set in the point represents:
Bit number Description
0 Broadcast Message received
1 Class 1 events available
2 Class 2 events available
3 Class 3 events available
4 Time Synchronisation required
5 At least one output point is in local operation mode
6 Abnormal condition exists on Outstation (Trouble)
7 Device restart
8 Function not supported
9 Object not supported
10 Parameter error (Outstation is unable to parse the Application Layer
fragment)
11 Event buffer Overflow
12 Operation already executing
13 Configuration Corrupt
14 Reserved
15 Reserved

DNP3 Events (CI12)

This point shows the number of currently unreported events that are held on the Point
Colour. At the end of a connection with a DNP3 or WITS-DNP3 master, this value should have
returned to zero.
This value includes Data Set Events as used by WITS-DNP3.
DNP3 Points (CI13)
This is the total number of points that are available to read by a DNP3 or WITS-DNP3 master.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Events and Alarms

The Point Colour can be configured to raise events based on certain conditions. These events
are stored by the RTU and reported back to the master or stored in a CSV file for FTP mode.
An alarm is a critical event that causes the RTU to make immediate contact with the Master.
Alarms are referred to as contactable events for RTU’s in DNP3 or FTP mode.
The configuration determines the conditions under which alarms, or events are raised. When
using the Medina protocol these are configured at the master using the workstation or
Palette. On initial communication, the master configures the RTU. This allows
reconfiguration whenever the Point Colour communicates with the master.
For DNP3 and FTP all configuration is done using Poco+ and downloaded directly to the Point
Colour. It is then fixed until the configuration is replaced.
Events and alarms are supported in WITS-DNP3, although they are termed as actions. An
event is equivalent to action 2 to raise event, while an alarm is equivalent to action 3 to raise
event and contact master.
The WITS-DNP3 protocol allows for configuration of actions for more items than with DNP3
or Medina. Actions can be generated when there are changes to DNP3 flags, the point has
been reconfigured or when point has changed state. This change of state is either for a
digital, or an analogue crossing a boundary. For details of configuration of the Point Colour
when using WITS-DNP3, see the WITS Configuration section. The WITS-DNP3 Application
Notes contain full details of all functionality.

➢ Note: The detection of these alarms and events, how and when they are reported is
dependent on the point types and is described below. Note: For DNP3 and WITS-DNP3 if
a point has an event class of 0, no events will be generated.

Digital Inputs
The external DI’s on Point Colour are interrupt driven. This means that if configured with an
external DI the RTU will sleep until the point value changes. Upon detecting the change in
state, the RTU will wake and assess what action to take. Depending on the configuration of
the RTU digital events can be created on the change of state of a particular digital input.
Of internal DI’s only the USB connection (DI8) the reed switch (DI10) and the external power
(DI11) are interrupt driven. All the other DI’s are set based on other readings and are
calculated when the RTU is awake. Whilst alarms can be configured on these ‘calculated’ DI
points, the alarm or event generation is based on the timings according to the other data
used. For example, the submersion sensor DI uses the analogue readings from the sensor to
determine when the RTU is submerged and is only set when a number of criteria are met.
The process for determining when these alarms are raised is dependent on the ‘Alarm
Check’ configuration option.

Counter Inputs
Counter input events are created in DNP3 and FTP modes. A counter input event will occur
when a counter rolls over and will therefore only occur on external counter points.

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 Point Colour User Guide

➢ Note: Neither Medina or WITS-DN3 generate counter input events.

Analogue Inputs
When alarms are raised, analogue inputs fall into one of two categories, active or passive
points. Active points are those that require the Point Colour to power an external sensor i.e.
active loop or active voltage.
Active points
Active points are only sampled on a specified trend frequency, and once at power up. If an
alarm is configured on an active AI channel and an alarm condition is detected, with no time
or level deadband then it is raised by the Point Colour immediately.
With a time deadband on the alarm will only be raised if the alarm condition is present at
the next sample and the time between samples is greater than the configured deadband. For
example, an active loop is configured with a 15 minute trend and a 10 minute time
deadband. The sensor is powered up at 14:15 and an alarm condition is detected, however
an alarm is not raised as there is a time deadband configured. At 14:30 the sensor is
powered up again and another reading taken. If the alarm condition is still present, then an
alarm is raised. If the alarm condition is no longer present, then no alarm is raised and the
time deadband check reset.
Passive points
Passive points are sampled every time the RTU wakes up and every 2s thereafter as long as
the RTU stays awake. If there is an alarm configured on any of the passive points the Point
Colour will wake up at the frequency specified by the ‘Alarm Check’ setting in Poco+.
Otherwise if there are no alarms configured the RTU will wake at the minimum trend
frequency.
Models
When configured for DNP3, Point Colour supports two event generation models for
analogue inputs, value change and level change. When configured for Medina or FTP, the
Point Colour follows the Medina alarm model.
Level Change Events/Alarms (Medina, DNP3 & FTP)
The level change model is used with Medina and DNP3 masters as well as FTP servers. This
model has six discrete levels, Overrange, HiHi, Hi, Lo, LoLo, and Underrange that can be
configured to generate events and alarms.
HiHi, Hi, Lo and LoLo are set at limit and cleared through limit. This means that they will
create an event when the limit is reached, and only clear it when the value is back past the
limit. The Overrange and Underrange limits are set through limit and cleared at limit.

➢ Note: Medina does not support Overrange and Underrange on the Point Colour. They
should be disabled for all analogue points within Master Control.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Event raised Event cleared

Overrange
Event raised Event cleared

HiHi
Event raised Event cleared

Hi

Event raised Event cleared

Lo
Event raised Event cleared

LoLo Event cleared

Event raised

Underrange

10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Figure 31: Level Change event example

Value Change Events/Alarms (DNP3)

The value change model is used with DNP3 masters. This model generates an event when an
analogue input value changes by the configured amount (deadband) between samples.
Second sample
Event raised
Deadband

First sample

10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Figure 32: Value Change event example

➢ Note: A value deadband of zero will disable event generation.

Deadbands
When configuring alarms, the concept of deadbands is applicable to AI and DI points. There
are two types of deadband that are used by the Point Colour, time deadbands and level
deadbands. Time deadbands can be applied to both digital and analogue points. Level
deadbands are only applicable to analogue points.

➢ Note: The WITS protocol terms define time deadbands as persistence, and level
deadbands as hysteresis.

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Time deadbands
A time deadband is the time period after an alarm condition has been detected that the
event or alarm is raised. If the alarm condition is cleared within this time deadband then the
alarm or event is not raised. Figure 33 shows a when an alarm is raised for a digital point
with a 10 second deadband.
Alarm condition cleared.
Alarm condition t< Tdb Alarm not raised Alarm raised Alarm condition
detected (t=17) (t=40) cleared
(t=10) (t=55)

Alarm condition
detected
(t=30)

Alarm cleared
(t=65)

10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Figure 33: Digital time deadband example

The same principle applies to analogue inputs, i.e. the value must be above the alarm level
continuously for the time deadband period for the alarm to be raised.
Level deadbands
Level deadbands apply only to analogue points and can be used with or without time
deadbands. Typically, analogue points measured using an ADC will exhibit minor variations
about a nominal value. This means that as an analogue value approaches one of the alert
levels the RTU is likely to see a very large number of duplicate alerts being raised and cleared
as the value fluctuates about the level. To minimise this problem, each analogue can be
independently configured with a level deadband.
With a level deadband in place, the current value of an analogue must equal or exceed the
event level value to raise the event. However, to clear the event the current value must be
more than level deadband value below the event level. Figure 34 shows a when an alarm is
raised for an analogue point with a level deadband.

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Event raised Deadband

Event level
Event cleared

Event cleared Deadband

Event raised

Event level

10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Figure 34: Analogue level deadband example

Analogue events can be configured with time and level deadbands. Figure 35 shows a when
an alarm is raised for an analogue point with a level deadband and a 5s time deadband.
Event condition Event raised
Event condition not raised (t=25)
detected (t= 10) Deadband
t< Tdb (t=13)
Event level Event condition Event cleared
detected (t= 20)

Deadband
Event condition Event cleared
not raised Event raised
t< Tdb (t=53) (t=66)

Event level Event condition

detected (t= 50) Event condition
detected (t= 60)

10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Figure 35: Analogue level and time deadband example

WITS Alarm Model

The alarm model for WITS-DNP3 is defined in the Application Notes as the analogue limits.
When configured for WITS-DNP3, the Point Colour adheres to that model.
A limit is defined as the boundary separating states. The states are numbered from 0
(normal) to the maximum configured rather than given names. As the Point Colour offers a
maximum of two negative limits and two positive limits, Poco+ avoids the WITS numbering
system and uses the same naming as with other stacks.
A state is either between two limits or is above or below all other states. There is a single
hysteresis (known as deadband in other stacks) as well as enter and leave persistence values
that are shared for all limits (known as raise and clear deadbands in other stacks).
Separate Underrange and Overrange handling is performed. The alarm model is fully
detailed in the WITS-DNP3 Application Notes and will not be expanded in this User Guide.

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Trending
Point Colour can sample measured values at periodic intervals and store these samples (with
a time-stamp) and then report these values. This sampling is referred to as trending.
Digital, analogue and counter points can be trended. The frequency at which the point is
trended is a user configurable value. For a pulse counter point, the data recorded is the
instantaneous value at the end of the trending period. In addition, points AI24 – AI27 and
AI41 – AI45 are updated with the difference in counter values allowing the change rate to be
easily monitored.

➢ Note: Please note that loop powered points (such as Active loop, Active voltage and
serial) will not be trended during user initiated file transfers. Once the file transfer has
completed the points will continue to be trended as normal.

Medina
For RTU’s with a Medina master this frequency can only be configured from the master and
is automatically downloaded to the Point Colour when it powers-up and contacts the
master. A Medina Point Colour can hold up to 32 trend streams, identified by a unique
combination of point derivation, type, and number. When a trend stream is created, the
trend period and time/date for the first value are configured by the message. Only Current
Value trends are supported.
The Point Colour has 400kB of volatile memory available to store events and trends. When
the data is read successfully and acknowledged by the master, the read data is deleted. If
the Point Colour’s trend data area becomes full, the device will stop taking new values to
avoid deleting old data. The percentage of memory used is available in the AI40 point.

➢ Note: Master Control will receive all trend data, and it is up to the configuration as to
the length of time that the Data Gatherer (DG) will retain this data. Thus, if more data is
transferred than the DG will retain, it will be lost before it is transferred to the Data
Server (DS).

DNP3
If a Point Colour is configured as a DNP3 slave, the maximum number of events that can be
stored for each class can be configured in the configuration file. If the Point Colour reaches
this maximum number of events it will attempt to dial-in to the master and continue to
collect events.
The maximum number of events for each DNP3 group can also be configured however if this
is reached the Point Colour will not dial-in and it will not continue to collect events until the
events have been read by the master. This functionality can be disabled by setting the
maximum number events stored by each group to 0. The Point Colour supports one trend
per DNP3 point and can hold up to approximately 15,000 events.

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WITS Logging
The equivalent to trending in WITS-DNP3 is known as Data Logging. It uses a file transfer
method to retrieve the logged data in a standard format. This format is detailed in the WITS-
DNP3 Application Notes and will not be expanded in this User Guide.
The Point Colour uses periodic Logging for analogue and counter input points. When the
Point Colour is unable to store further data, it can either maintain the existing data and
discard new data or remove the oldest data to make room for new data. This is the discard
mode and is configurable using Poco+.

Dynamic Trending
Point Colour is able to change its trend frequency based on the alarm state for any analogue
input. If the value of a point indicates that it is in an alarm state, and it has been configured
to dynamically trend, the sample period for that point is changed, from the normal trend
frequency, to the dynamic trend frequency.
DNP3 & FTP
An example configuration is given below followed by a description of how the trending
frequency changes. To keep the example simple, all deadbands (time and level) have been
disabled. To enable dynamic trending, an analogue point must have trending and level
change events enabled.
Dynamic trending can be used to take fewer readings from an active sensor when in a
normal state to assist with prolonging battery lifetime. For DNP3 and FTP configurations,
trends values are only recorded when needed, allowing more data to be collected under
specific circumstances.
Parameter Setting
AI0 Active loop input
AI0 Trend frequency 5 mins
AI0 Dynamic trend frequency 1 min
Apply dynamic trending for Overrange, HiHi, LoLo, and Underrange
Deadbands None

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Overrange Event raised

Overrange Event cleared
Overrange
HiHi Event raised
HiHi Event cleared

HiHi Hi Event
raised
Hi Event cleared
Hi
Sampled as Lo
stop dynamic trending
Sampled as HiHi
Lo Event cleared
start dynamic trending Sampled as Hi
stop dynamic trending Sampled as LoLo
start dynamic trending
Lo

LoLo Underrange
Lo Event Underrange Event cleared LoLo
raised Event raised Event
cleared
Underrange LoLo
Event
raised
Sample taken
Time
Time between 5 1 5 1 5
samples (minutes)

10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Figure 36: Dynamic Trending example

With reference to Figure 36, when the point value is greater than LoLo and less than HiHi,
the loop is powered and AI0 is sampled (trended) at the normal trend frequency of 5 mins.
When the value of AI0 goes above HiHi, (at 10 mins in Figure 36) the dynamic trend
frequency is applied and the loop for AI0 is powered and sampled at the faster rate of 1 min.
When the point value of AI0 goes back below the HiHi threshold, (at 32 mins in Figure 36)
the trend frequency reverts back to the normal trend frequency of 5 mins.
Medina
How dynamic trending works and is therefore configured slightly different when the RTU is
used in Medina mode. When the RTU is configured for Medina, all trends are configured and
controlled by the Medina master. To use the dynamic trending on the Point Colour, the
Medina master should be configured with the dynamic trend frequency and the Point
Colour, using Poco+ should be configured with the regular trend frequency. The significant
difference for Medina is that the trend stream specified at the DG must be quickest.
When the RTU contacts it is configured with the trend frequency as specified on the Medina
master (i.e. the quickest), which in the example above is 1minute. The RTU now has a
1minute trend stream that must return a value for each minute slot to the Medina master to
ensure a continuous trend stream is maintained.
However, to preserve battery life, when the value of AI0 is greater than LoLo and less than
HiHi, the loop is only powered and AI0 sampled at the regular trend frequency of 5 mins,
configured in Poco+. This value is then used for the next four slots after which AI0 is sampled
again. When the value of AI0 goes above HiHi, (at 10 mins in Figure 36) the loop for AI0 is
powered and sampled at the Medina master trend frequency of 1 min. When the point value
of AI0 goes back below the HiHi threshold, (at 32 mins in Figure 36) the value of AI0 is
updated at the slower 5 minute frequency.

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Time
Time on the Point Colour is maintained in UTC. No provision is made for local time. This
means that all events files and records that have a timestamp use the UTC time and date.
The Point Colour has an integrated RTC that is responsible for maintaining time.
When the Point Colour is first powered up or is reset, the time is initialised to the start of
Unix time, i.e. 01/01/1970: 00:00:00. When configured for Medina, the time is reset to
01/01/1976, 00:00:00.

➢ Note: No DNP3 events or Medina trends or alerts are raised before the time has been set
by the master.

Synchronisation
During the first connection to a master, either Medina, DNP3 or WITS-DNP3, the time on
Point Colour is set as specified in the respective set time polls. Once this has successfully
completed, the RTC will maintain the time on the Point Colour. During the next
communications session with the master, a set time poll will be issued again to the Point
Colour. If the time on the Point Colour is more than 1 second away from the server time, the
time nudge process is started.
The time nudge process, allows the time on the Point Colour to be adjusted without any
jumps in time that could cause synchronisation issues with trend or event data. If the time
needed to be nudged, the Point Colour will wake up at 1 minute intervals and nudge the
clock either forwards or backwards 1 second. The process is stopped when the time has
been synchronised. So, to make up an 11 seconds difference it will take 11 minutes.
FTP Time Synchronisation
A Point Colour configured in FTP mode will attempt to retrieve the time from the mobile
network to set and maintain the RTC. If the network is unable to provide the time, then the
Point Colour will attempt to retrieve the time from an NTP server hosted by Metasphere. In
both cases the time uses UTC rather than the local time. The Point Colour will not function if
it cannot retrieve the time from either source.
WITS Logging with Time Jump, If the Point Colour is configured to jump time, and a time
jump is required, the WITS-DNP3 logging will restart and lose all previously collected data.
Therefore, it is suggested that the drift mode is always used.

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Communications
Point Colour is designed as a battery powered RTU and as such needs to preserve power
wherever possible. The Point Colour cannot be permanently connected to the master as use
of the GSM/GRPS modem requires substantial power. The Point Colour therefore primarily
contacts the master on a configurable schedule, and by exception.

Power up connection
When a Point Colour powers up or is reset, it will attempt to read its configuration file, and if
configured with a communications route, will attempt to contact the appropriate master.
During this first connection, a number of parameters are initialised by the master including
the time. If for any reason the RTU does not get it’s time set, the Point Colour will consider
this to be a failed connection and will enter the retry regime.
A GPRS/3G configuration will set the modem to use the best network technology available. A
GSM configuration will set the modem to use 2G to enforce CSD. If this is different from the
previous configuration, the mode will be changed, which may record a failed connection. In
this case the retry regime will be entered.

Scheduled connections
Point Colour can be configured with a specific connection schedule. After the initial power
up connection the Point Colour will follow this schedule for future connections, unless there
is an alarm or a connection fails. This schedule is aligned to the ‘Starting On’ time in the
configuration file.
For example, if the Point Colour has a configured ‘Starting On’ time of 09:00, is configured to
‘Communicate Every’ 10 minutes and the current time is 09:25, the next connection will be
at 09:30, then at 09:40, 09:50 and so on.
If the ‘Starting On’ time is in the future the RTU will not communicate, except for the initial
connection, until the ‘Starting On time. If the ‘Starting On’ time is configured as ‘Don’t Care’
the schedule will start from the nearest minute after the initial connection has finished,
subject to the hold-off period. If a connection fails, the Point Colour will enter the retry
regime.

Alarm connection
When an alarm is detected on the Point Colour, the RTU will attempt to contact the master
using the last known good route. If successful, the Point Colour can be polled for other data
as well, but this is left at the discretion of the master station configuration. If the connection
fails, the Point Colour will enter the retry regime.

DNP3 Event Buffer Overflow

If configured to do so, the Point Colour will attempt to contact the master when it is unable
to add an event to the buffer. This overflow condition will also set the Internal Indication bit.

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Terminating a connection
DNP3
DNP3 is master/slave protocol, and the Point Colour has been designed to be a DNP3 slave.
(For more information about the specific DNP3 functionality supported see the DNP3 device
profile.)
As there is no native connection termination method for DNP3, if no frame is received from
the master within a certain timeout period, the ‘Last Poll Timeout’, the Point Colour will
assume that the master no longer needs to communicate, and it will terminate the
connection. Additionally, if the master terminates the connection the Point Colour will shut
down the modem and set the DNP3 stack ready for the next scheduled connection.
Medina
When configured as a Medina slave, the Point Colour will terminate the connection if
instructed to terminate the connection by a poll from the master. However, the Point Colour
also uses the ‘Last Poll Timeout’ setting to terminate a Medina connection if it does not
receive a poll from the master within this timeout period.
FTP
When the Point Colour uses FTP, the connection is terminated after the last file has been
sent. If the overall timeout is exceeded before the last file is sent, the file currently being
transferred will be completed before the connection is terminated.
WITS-DNP3
The WITS-DNP3 protocol provides a mechanism so that the master can inform the outstation
before the connection is terminated. This is the HCDS Close Comms Link bit.

Retry regime
When attempting to contact a master the Point Colour will try each configured IP address or
phone number starting with the last successful address or number. For example, the Point
Colour completed its power up sequence using the first IP address in its configuration.
However, at the next connection attempt, the first IP address failed, so the Point Colour
moved to the second IP address, which succeeded. At the next connection attempt, the
Point Colour will use the second IP address in the list.
If after trying all IP addresses, the Point Colour cannot contact the master, or if the attempt
fails for another reason, such as GSM registration failure, or APN logon failure, then the
Point Colour will enter the Retry Regime. If the connection is terminated halfway through
the connection for some reason, then the Point Colour will not consider this a failed
connection and won’t enter the Retry Regime. Figure 37 shows the retry regime as a
flowchart.

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Start

Connect

Retry Regime

Success? No Count = 0

Wait_Time = Short
Retry Delay

Wait_Time Delay

Yes Yes

Connect

Yes Success?

No

Hold Off Delay Count ++

Count < No. Wait_Time = Short

Alarm? Yes
of Retries? Retry Delay

No No
No

Scheduled Wait_Time = Long

Count = 0
Connection? Retry Delay

Figure 37: Retry regime flow chart

Figure 38 is a graphical representation of the retry regime. In the retry regime the RTU
attempts to connect to the DG a number of times (number of retries), where each attempt is
separated by a short delay (short retry time). If it is still unsuccessful in doing this the RTU
performs a longer delay (long retry time). After this delay the RTU retries the number of
retries connection attempts where each connection attempt is separated by the short retry
time. This repeats until a successful connection is obtained. The short retry time, long retry
time and number of retries are all configurable parameters and are set using Poco+. Some
default values are specified by Poco+ and will be used if not changed by the user.
Failed
Connection
1 2 3 n-1 n 1 2 3 n-1 n 1
Attempt
…. …. ...

A A A A B A A A B
Where: n = Number of Retries A = Short Retry Time B = Long Retry Time is a connection attempt

Figure 38: Short & Long retry times

➢ Note: The Point Colour will continue to sleep and collect data as normal between
connection attempts when in the retry regime.

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➢ Note: If an alarm occurs or the Reed switch is activated while the RTU is in a retry regime
the RTU will dial-in immediately and the retry regime will reset.

➢ Note: When the Point Colour enters the retry regime, this will always override the
configured dial in schedule, regardless of settings.

External Antenna
The Point Colour has two antenna options internal or external. The selection of which to use
is controlled by software and the user has three options, Internal only, External only, or
Automatic. The first two options fix the antenna selection to either the internal or external
antenna. However, the automatic switching uses an algorithm to determine which antenna
to use.
On power up, if configured for automatic the Point Colour will always try to use the internal
antenna first; it will then follow the flow chart shown in Figure 39.
Start

Y N
Have both antenna be
Start call
used?

Swap to the other N

Modem able to
antenna register?

Read CSQ

Y CSQ <
Complete call
configurable
attempt
value?

Change antenna for

Complete Call
next call

End

Figure 39: Automatic antenna selection

The threshold signal quality is a configuration setting and can be adjusted using Poco+
according to the user’s requirements, however as a starting level, a signal quality (CSQ) of 10
is recommended for reliable GPRS communications.

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FTP
The FTP mode on the Point Colour allows the RTU to be used without a traditional SCADA
master station. Instead of storing data on the RTU in binary format and then reporting to the
master station using the relevant protocol messages, the Point Colour stores the data in
human readable Comma Separated Value (CSV) files.

➢ Note: FTP mode is only available for Point Colour RTUs with Telit modems. Point AI23
indicates which modem is fitted.

CSV Files
Depending on the configuration, the Point Colour can create two different types of CSV file.
One for the storage of trend data and the other for recording alert data.
For every 24 hour period (starting at 00:00:00 UTC), a new trend and alert file is generated
with the date and a user configurable identifier added to the file name to specify when the
file was created. Any files from the previous day are transferred to non-volatile storage. Each
filename uses the following format:
<identifier>_<type>_<date>.csv
identifier User configurable up to 8 characters
type T for Trends
A for Alerts
date In YYYYMMDD format

For example, Orange_T_20150503, is a trend file for an RTU with the identifier Orange on 3rd
May 2015.
Trend File
This file stores all trend data collected by the RTU as configured using Poco+. The first line of
the file is a header with all the points that are being trended. Each subsequent line contains
a date and time stamp (in UTC) and then the values that are required at that time. If a value
is configured to be trended with a longer interval than other points, then it will not contain
data in each row. An extract from an example file is shown below. This file has been
configured with three trends, AI0 @15 mins, AI5 (temperature) and AI6 (battery voltage)
@60mins.
Date & Time AI0 AI05 I AI06 (I…
2015/05/20 09:16 12734 24.15685 7.16210
2015/05/20 09:31 12799
2015/05/20 09:46 12669
2015/05/20 10:01 12589
2015/05/20 10:16 12734 24.08437 7.16209
2015/05/20 10:31 12762
2015/05/20 10:46 12796
2015/05/20 11:01 12569
2015/05/20 11:16 12799 24.32522 7.19713
2015/05/20 11:31 12665
2015/05/20 11:46 12661
...

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Alert File
This file stores all event and alarm values (collectively known as alerts) as configured by
Poco+. The first line is a header indicating that each following line will use the format of date
and time, point and value.
The alert model is the same as the DNP3 and Medina modes and is detailed in the Events
and Alarms section. When an event or alarm condition is detected, the details are added to
the alerts file. If any of these alerts are configured as alarms the RTU will attempt to contact
the FTP server to report the data by transferring the alert file.
All points use a two-character type and a two-digit numeric identifier, e.g. AI06 for battery
voltage. An extract from an example file is shown below.
Date & Time Point Value
2015/05/20 09:16 AI0 3799
2015/05/20 13:21 AI5 7.162005
2015/05/20 16:46 AI0 8453

Communication
Setting the Time
The Point Colour will attempt to get the current time at the start of every communication
session. This uses the mobile network time (adjusting to UTC), and if this fails then it will
attempt to contact a Metasphere NTP server to receive the time in UTC. An initial
connection is made after a new configuration is downloaded to set the date and time and
create initial files. These initial files only contain the header information and are transferred
to the FTP server to allow the user to confirm that the configuration is correct. Subsequent
connections will use the time to correct for any drift

➢ Note: If both the time from the mobile network, and the time from the Metasphere NTP
server fail during the initial connection, then the RTU will not have a time set and will not
collect any data. In this instance it is possible to set the time from Poco+.

File Transfer
Subsequent communications transfer the files from any previous days, before transferring
the files for the current day. This is done with the alert files first. Any existing files with the
same name on the FTP server are overwritten. Once a file from a previous day has been
successfully transferred it is deleted from non-volatile storage.
If communication cannot be established with the FTP server, then the CSV files are retained
on the Point Colour until communication is possible. The overall call timeout should be
configured to a suitable value to allow for the transfer of all data.
The last poll timeout should be configured depending on the amount of data to be logged.
Many points being logged, frequent logging or many alerts will generate larger files. These
larger files require a longer transmission time. Therefore, the last poll timeout must be set to
a suitable value, e.g. 60 seconds for FTP. Signs that the value is too small will be partial files
being transferred. As FTP does not support reconfiguration over-the-air it is advised to set
this value to at least 60s.

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Configuration
The following parameters are configurable in addition to the communications parameters.
Parameter Details Length
FTP username Used to log into the FTP server Maximum 64 characters
FTP password Used to log into the FTP server Maximum 64 characters
Identifier Used as a prefix in generate d Maximum 8 characters
filenames
CSV Location Relative path on the FTP server where Maximum 32 characters
the CSV files are to be transferred to
Protocol FTP or FTPS -

If the file identifier in the configuration is changed, and previous data stored on the RTU has
not been transferred to the FTP server, it is assumed this data is no longer wanted and will
not be transferred. If the file identifier remains the same, then reconfiguration and
subsequent connection to the mobile network will overwrite the earlier data for that day
but, leave previous days data to be transferred. The FTP server address and port should be
configured along with the other communications parameters.

➢ Note: In FTP mode the Point Colour cannot be configured remotely. This includes RTU
configuration and firmware upgrades.

➢ Note: Passive mode is always used for FTP transfers, and so the server must support this.

FTPS
A secure login to an FTP server can be made by configuring FTPS. This requires a PEM file to
be downloaded to the Point Colour using the Poco+ configuration application. The PEM file
must have a maximum size of 2047 bytes, and only use line feeds. It should include the -----
BEGIN CERTIFICATE----- and -----END CERTIFICATE----- strings.
Details on how to generate a PEM file and configure an FTPS server are outside the scope of
this document.

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WITS
This section details functionality that is specific to the WITS-DNP3 implementation on the
Point Colour, and its supporting configuration application, Poco+.

Device Profile
The WITS-DNP3 device profile details in a standardised way the capabilities of the Point
Colour. It is an XML document that is available from Poco+ when exporting a WITS pack.
Further details regarding the Device Profile can be found in the WITS Application Notes
available from the WITS protocol website.

Version
The Point Colour supports WITS-DNP3 protocol version 1.1.

Configuration
As for other communication stacks, The Point Colour can be configured for WITS-DNP3
operation using Poco+. Alternative configuration methods that are standard for WITS-DNP3
are detailed below.
Bulk Configuration File (BCF)
The Bulk Configuration File (BCF) is produced by the Poco+ Configuration Application (CA) for
use by the WITS-DNP3 master station. It is no different from a standard Point Colour
Configuration (.pcc) file, just with a WITS-DNP3 compatible extension of .bcf. It is created by
using Poco+ and exporting as a WITS pack.
When the WITS-DNP3 master downloads and activates a BCF the Point Colour will reset
following termination of the connection.
BCF Type
Poco+ can create three types of BCF in accordance with the WITS standard. These are named
Normal, Comms Configured and Template, and between them, allow the Point Colour to
meet all aspects of the field device states as defined in the WITS-DNP3 Application Notes.
A Normal configuration contains a full configuration and will always fully overwrite the
existing configuration.
A Comms Configured configuration, contains the communication settings to allow the Point
Colour to contact a WITS master. After this file has been downloaded to the Point Colour, it
will set the CONFIG_CORRUPT DNP3 IIN bit and then attempt to contact the WITS-DNP3
master. This instructs the master to download a BCF to the RTU, which should be a Normal
or Template configuration. The communications details are specified as the following
sections in the configuration: Comms, Retry, DNP3, Group 0, Unsolicited, Classes 1/2/3.
A Template BCF is a full configuration that will not overwrite the existing communications
details. It will be merged by the RTU to create a Normal configuration.

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BCF Type Details Used For

Normal Fully replaces existing configuration Full reconfiguration
Comms Configured Configuring individual Point Colour with enough Large scale roll-out at RTU
information to communicate with a Master
Station
Template Updates configuration except communications Large scale roll-out from
master

Incremental Configuration (IC)

Incremental Configuration (IC) is a binary file format specified in the WITS-DNP3 Application
Notes. It is used to configure common functionality for WITS field devices and is made up of
multiple records, each relating to a specific configuration item. Being a common format to
WITS-DNP3, a master station can parse a provided IC file to configure itself ready for the
field device.
Poco+ will generate a corresponding IC file when exporting the BCF. This will contain
configuration settings that are present in the BCF in IC file format. The IC file will contain the
following information:
■ Device On/Off Scan
■ Connection Detail
■ Scheduled Connections
■ Point On/Off Scan
■ Analogue Range/Scaling
■ Analogue Limits
■ Point Archives
■ Binary States
■ DNP3 Object Flag Actions
The IC file should be imported into the WITS-DNP3 master station. It may choose to send this
initial IC file to the Point Colour, although the BCF will contain all required configuration.
When a change to configuration is made at the master, a new IC file is created which can be
sent to the Point Colour. When the WITS-DNP3 master station downloads and activates the
IC the Point Colour will apply the revised configuration it contains. The internal configuration
is regenerated, and so previously sent IC records cannot be retrieved.

➢ Note: If an IC file contains unsupported records, unsupported configuration in a record

or errors, the Point Colour will reject the IC. A log file is generated for every application
of IC detailing if any errors were found. The format of this is defined in the WITS-DNP3
Application Notes.

➢ Note: If a BCF and accompanying IC are sent and activated in the same communications
session, the IC will not be applied until after the Point Colour has reset to update to the
new BCF.

➢ Note: User defined scaling can only be applied to AI0 to AI4. Any other attempt to change
scaling on other points using IC 1002 records will be rejected. Other points have either
default scaling (e.g. temperature is in °C), or 1:1 scaling.
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On/Off scan
The complete Point Colour, as well as each point can be set to be on or off scan. This is as
detailed in the WITS-DNP3 Application Notes. Once configured this can be changed with the
appropriate IC record.
The following table indicates that it's only possible for a point that is on scan to generate log
and/or event data when the device is on scan.
Device Point Point generates log and/or event data
Off Scan Off Scan No
Off Scan On Scan No
On Scan Off Scan No
On Scan On Scan Yes

➢ Note: A state change that would generate an event (i.e. an action of 2) or generate an
event and initiate a connection to the master (i.e. an action of 3), will not do so when the
point is off scan, or the whole device is off scan.

➢ Note: When the field device is off scan, it will continue to connect to the configured WITS-
DNP3 master with the scheduled connection.

Connections
Point Colour WITS-DNP3 only supports IPv4 connections that are initiated by the RTU.

Health Check Data Set

WITS-DNP3 defines a DNP3 Data Set for use in reporting information regarding to the
condition of Field Device, the status of the data log file, handling the connection, scan state
and action inhibits. The following sections detail the supported bits for the Point Colour.
Bit 0 - Supply failure
This bit is the inverse of DI5 to indicate the failure of the external supply. When powered by
the battery this will be set.

➢ Note: All variants of the Point Blue will always report as supply failed as set.

Bit 1 - Battery voltage low

The battery voltage is monitored and if it falls below the configured value this bit will be set.
This can be configured using the Poco+ CA.
Bit 2 - I/O failure
This is not set by the Point Colour and will always be clear.
Bit 3 - Scheduled connection occurrence
This bit is set when the Point Colour is making a scheduled connection.

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Bit 4 - Local user device attached

This bit will be set when the Point Colour has its USB connected to a computer. This is
irrespective of whether the Poco+ CA is running.
Bit 5 - Log file filling
The threshold percentages for log file filling and log file no longer filling are configurable
using the Poco+ CA. They are determined as a percentage available of shared memory in the
device. This is exposed as AI40 for RAM Used.
Bit 6 - Log file has discarded some information
If the logging is unable to store new data while retaining existing data it will set this bit. The
discard mode, oldest or newest data, can be configured using the Poco+ CA.
Bit 7 - Close comms link
The Point Colour will always set this bit to indicate that it wishes the link to be closed when
the master has completed its actions.
Bit 8 - Configuration changed
If the configuration has been changed locally using the Poco+ CA this bit will be set.
Bit 9 - Device off scan
When the Point Colour is off scan as a complete device, this bit will be set.
Bits 10 and 11 - Highest permitted action for all points
This has not been implanted on the Point Colour, so in accordance with the WITS
specification both bits will always be set.

Data Set Events

The WITS-DNP3 protocol defines seven different Data Sets, of which the Point Colour
implements four; Analogue, Counter and Binary Events and the Health Check.
The events are stored in the same manner as DNP3 events, and so the same limitation of a
maximum of 15,000 events as described in DNP3 Trending is maintained.

Actions
The following actions are supported:
■ 0 = No Action
■ 2 = Raise Event
■ 3 = Raise Event and Contact Master
Action Inhibits
These are not supported.

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DNP3 Object Flags

WITS actions can be configured to be performed when the following DNP3 object flags
change. All other DNP3 object flags are not supported.
DNP3 Object Flag Details
ONLINE All points can configure the action to perform on a change of the ONLINE DNP3
flag.
COMM_LOST Only serial points can configure the action to perform on a change of the
COMM_LOST DNP3 flag.
OVER_RANGE Only analogue points can configure the action to perform on a change of the
OVER_RANGE DNP3 flag.
STATE Only digital points can configure the action to perform on a change of the STATE
DNP3 flag.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Powering the Point Colour

Internal Battery
The Point Orange is supplied with an internal battery pack as standard. The Point Blue is
supplied with either an internal or external battery pack. These battery packs are capable of
powering the RTU and external sensors for up to 5+ years. The internal battery pack is not
user replaceable and the Point Colour internal battery pack should never be opened by the
user.

WARNING
This equipment contains lithium thionyl chloride batteries which must
not be short circuited, punctured, crushed, deformed, recharged or
exposed to water, moisture or high temperatures. Batteries should not
be removed from this housing.
Replacement packs are available from Metasphere Ltd.

External Battery
The Point Colour external battery packs are based on the internal battery pack and can be
used to extend the operational life of the unit. For example, high frequency of reading
multiple externally powered sensors or to allow lots of calls per day.

External DC source
Rather than using an external battery, the Point Orange can instead be powered by an
external DC source. This power supply must be between 5V DC and 8V DC maximum. The
source should be capable of providing 7.5W to allow for the high power required for
GPRS/3G communications. It is highly recommended to fit a 1.5A fuse to the supply and
follow the IET wiring guidelines.

Power source switching

When an external power source, either an external battery or a DC source, is connected to
the Point Orange, the RTU uses this power source to power the RTU. The internal battery
pack is preserved, and DI5 is set to 1 to indicate that the external supply is being used.
In the event that this external source fails (falls below ~5V), either DC supply failure, or
external battery expires, the Point Orange, detects this removal of power and automatically
switches to the internal battery without any interruption to the operation of the unit. DI5 is
set to zero to indicate that the internal pack is being used. As and when the external source
is replaced, the Point Orange again switches back to the external source.

➢ Note: To counter the effect of battery voltages fluctuating as loads are added and
removed, any alarms configured on DI5 should have a long time deadband > 3minutes.

This function allows for seamless battery changes, removing the risk of data or operational
loss due to battery failure. It also allows for rapid battery pack changes, as time on site is
minimal and no RTU monitoring is required.

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The Point Blue can only have a single battery, internal or external and therefore this
functionality is not present. DI5 will always be set to 0 to indicate an internal battery,
whether it is internal or external.

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Configuring Point Colour

Before installing the Point Colour, it needs to be configured with contact details for the
master, external IO and various other options. These configuration options are stored on a
file and downloaded onto the Point Colour.
If Point Colour does not have a valid configuration it will go into a sleep mode when
unplugged from the PC. The Point Colour can only be woken from this mode when
connected to the PC via a USB programming cable.

Local Configuration
Point Colour can be configured by using the Poco+ configuration application. For more
information about Poco+ please see the relevant user guide.

Programming cable
A programming cable can be provided as a standard Metasphere part (PN 4-107). This
connects the Point Colour to your PC using the USB connector.

Figure 40: Programming cable (now standardised to 2m length)

WARNING
Connecting the Point Colour to the PC using the USB cable will leave the
Point Colour on for the duration of the connection. This will drain the
battery and prolonged periods of connection should be avoided.

WARNING
The Point Blue ATEX/IECEx certificate specifies that the USB connection
should NOT be used in the hazardous area. All users should adhere to
these instructions along with the other guidelines in the Point Blue
Safety Guide provided with every Point Blue.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Remote Configuration
The Point Colour supports remote configuration where the configuration file is downloaded
to the Point Colour from the master. The configuration file must be called ‘rtucfg.pcc’ and
can be downloaded from the master using file download and activation functions. The
configuration file adheres to a strict format and may fail if the format is invalid.

➢ Note: The Point Colour does not support remote configuration when using FTP

The following flow chart shows the various states that the Point Colour can be in with
regards to configuration file download. In the flow chart reference is made to AI22. This is a
RTU diagnostic point displaying the current configuration code. Each time the Point Colour is
reset the process illustrated in the following diagram is run.

Start

New file Existing

No No AI22 = 0
on RTU? valid file?

Yes Yes AI22 = 4

Is new file Existing

No No AI22 = 2
valid? valid file?

Yes Yes AI22 = 6

Is new file
Yes AI22 = 3
sleep?

No AI22 = 7

Figure 41: Flow chart showing the configuration file download states of the Point Colour

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 Point Colour User Guide

Installing/upgrading firmware
Point Colour supports firmware upgrades, either remotely from a Medina, DNP3, or WITS-
DNP3 master using file transfer, or locally via the USB cable from Poco+.

➢ Note: The Point Colour does not support remote firmware upgrade when using FTP

The Point Orange and Point Blue variants both use the same firmware.

Firmware upgrade from PC

In Poco+, select Device then Download Firmware. Browse to the firmware file issued by
Metasphere – this will have an .rfu file extension.

Figure 42: Downloading firmware

Poco+ will download the firmware to the unit. The unit will reset and communicate with
Poco+ once the reset has been completed. If the upgrade process has been successful, the
new version will be reported in the task bar.

Figure 43: Firmware version

➢ Note: The Point Colour RTU received a hardware modification that means newer
hardware is not compatible with older firmware. Firmware since version V009.0c0019
supports all hardware. The hardware modification level is shown on the internal ‘mod-
label’. Hardware modification levels greater than those listed below are not compatible
with older firmware:

Product Modification Label

Point Orange 3G MOD 6
Point Blue 3Ge MOD 5
Point Blue 3Gi MOD 3

DNP3 File Transfer

The firmware on Point Colour can be updated remotely from a DNP3 or WITS-DNP3 master
using DNP3 file download and activation functions. The firmware file must have an extension
“*.rfu”.

Medina Master Control

From version 8.2 of Master Control, the Data Gatherer “rfuload” tool is to be used to
schedule the download of the RFU file. Details of this tool can be found in the Master
Control Data Gatherer System Administration Manual.

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 Point Colour User Guide

➢ Note: Loop powered points (such as Active loop, Active voltage and serial) will not be
trended during user initiated file transfers. Once the file transfer is complete the points
will continue to be trended as normal.

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Accessories
IO cables
Metasphere provide some off-the-shelf cables which are pre-wired for some common
applications. These are described in the sections below. In addition, a cable with bare-ends
can be supplied, allowing the user to wire their own sensor.
For applications with multiple IO and potentially an external battery pack, the off-the-shelf
cabling comes in multiple parts:
■ A splitter cable to split out the single connector on the Point Colour to multiple
connectors for the sensors and potentially the external battery pack
■ Individual cables which connect the individual sensors to the splitter cable
An example of this multi-part cable system is given below. The photos show the system both
before and after the various connectors have been joined together. This particular setup
gives two analogue inputs, and two pulsed inputs.

Figure 44: Example cable assembly

Point Colour Sensor cables

The table below lists the various fully terminated cables, which have been standardised to
2m cables, available for the Point Colour. More terminated sensor cables are available,
please contact Metasphere for more information, or if you have a specific sensor
requirement.
Part Part Description IO Picture Common application
number usage
4-106 Point Colour AI0 Impress 10 bar 4-20mA
Impress sensor + pressure transducer
AI0 cable terminated with Point
Colour connector.

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Part Part Description IO Picture Common application

number usage
4-115 Point Colour AI1 Impress 10 bar 4-20mA
Impress sensor + pressure transducer
AI1 cable terminated with Point
Colour connector.

4-104 Point Colour Splitter for Connect a loop-

Splitter – AI0 & single powered analogue
Ext Battery analogue sensor to AI0 and an
and external battery pack
external
battery
4-114 Point Colour UK None Powers the test box and
mains PSU Point Colour from the
mains supply

4-107 Point Colour Connect to Allows the user to

service cable a PC program the unit

4-100 Point Colour Serial IO Connects to a

Mainstream cable Mainstream Sensor

Point Colour Unterminated Cables

In addition to the full terminated cables, which have been standardised to 2m length cables,
listed above a number of unterminated cables are available allowing users to connect any
sensor to the Point Colour. The sections below describe these cables including pin outs and
core colours.

➢ Note: Users should ensure that any unused cores are suitably insulated to prevent
shorting which could result in excessive current being drawn, shortening battery life.

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 Point Colour User Guide

Point Colour Unterminated All cable (PN 4-101)

This cable has all IO pin cores exposed allowing any combination of sensors to be connected.
An earlier revision included the external battery as a ninth core.
Signal Core colour (9) Core colour (8) Picture
Pin1 Red White
Pin2 Blue Brown
Pin3 (Ground) Green Green
Pin4 Yellow Yellow
Pin5 White Grey
Pin6 Black Pink
Pin7 Brown Blue
Pin11 Violet Red
External Battery Orange -

Point Colour DI0 Unterminated cables (PN 4-102)

Signal Core colour Pin number Picture

DI0 Brown 11

Ground White 3

Point Colour AI0 Unterminated cables (PN 4-110)

Signal Core colour Pin number Picture

AI0 (+ve) White 1

Ground (-ve) Brown 5

Point Colour AI1 Unterminated cable (PN4-111)

Signal Core colour Pin number Picture

AI0 (+ve) Brown 2

Ground (-ve) White 4

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 Point Colour User Guide

Point Colour RS232 Unterminated cable (PN4-116)

This cable is for connecting a Modbus slave communicating via RS232.
Signal Core colour Picture

Tx White

Rx Brown

GND Green

Point Colour RS485 half-duplex unterminated cable (PN 4-108)

This cable is for connecting a Modbus slave communicating via RS485 half-duplex.
Signal Core colour Picture

RS485 A White

RS485 B Brown

GND Green

Point Colour RS485 full duplex unterminated cable (PN 4-117)

This cable is for connecting a Modbus slave communicating via RS485 full duplex.
Signal Core colour Picture
RS485 A White
RS485 B Brown
RS485 Z Green
RS485 Y Yellow
GND Grey

Point Colour SDI-12 cable (PN 4-119)

This cable is for connecting an SDI-12 sensor. The previous part number (5-142) had different
core colours.
Signal Core colour (5-142) Core colour (4-119) Picture

Power Brown White

Data Blue Brown

GND Black Green

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 Point Colour User Guide

Test box
The programming cable incorporates an IO test box. This test box allows you to connect one
or more sensors to the Point Colour in a user-friendly way, allowing you to trial different
sensors for a given application. This facility can be used to check that IO arrangements work
correctly before a final cable, suitable for use in the field, is made. The connector on the test
box is labelled with the pins which correspond to the IO pins on the Point Colour main
connector.
The test box also has the option for a DC input (7.5V). If connected to a DC source, the test
box will power the Point Colour. If the DC input is not present, Point Colour will use its
internal battery to stay awake for the period when the programming cable is connected.

Figure 45: Test Box

WARNING
Connecting the Point Colour to the PC using the test box, without the
DC connection, will drain the Point Colour’s battery. Long periods
connected to USB should be avoided.

Connector Cap
The external IO connector on Point Colour is normally used to connect sensors to the RTU.
However, in some applications, for example flood detection (using the internal submersion
sensor) no external connections are required. In these examples a connector cap should be
fitted to maintain the IP68 rating of the RTU.

Figure 46: Connector cap

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 Point Colour User Guide

Antenna Cap
Similar to the external IO cap, an antenna cap for the external antenna connector is also
available. This cap is included as standard with a Point Colour. The purpose of this cap is to
prevent debris from being caught in the connector that might damage the connection should
an external antenna be needed at a later date. This cap should always be used unless an
external antenna is fitted.

Figure 47: External antenna cap

External battery
Metasphere also provides an external battery pack that can be used to power the Point
Orange. The battery pack is based on the internal battery pack and can be used to extend
the operational life of the unit. For example, high frequency of reading multiple externally
powered sensors or to allow lots of calls per day. It uses the same enclosure as the Point
Orange but both parts are orange to allow easy identification. For more information on the
Point Orange external battery, see the relevant documentation.
The Point Blue is available with an external battery pack for high demand applications, but
this is instead of the internal pack.

Figure 48: Point Orange External Battery

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 Point Colour User Guide

Installation
Overview
The Point Colour has been designed to minimise the time required to install the unit
enabling rapid deployment of the unit in the field. The Point Colour can be installed to a
wide variety of sites thanks to its unique design offering three different methods: Pipe;
Bracket; and Wall. The following sections describe each installation method and when you
should consider employing the method.
Metasphere recommend that you use this information together with the latest installation
regulations and guidance from both the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and
your own organisation’s procedures and standards.

WARNING
This equipment contains lithium thionyl chloride batteries which must
not be short circuited, punctured, crushed, deformed, recharged or
exposed to water, moisture or high temperatures. Batteries should not
be removed from their housing.
Replacement packs are available from Metasphere Ltd.

Safety precautions
Before describing the installation methods, the user should read and understand the
following safety precautions.
■ Except where statutory or local procedures are followed appropriate safety
equipment should be worn. The Metasphere range of RTU’s and ancillary
equipment should be installed in a safe place away from areas where personnel
may be at risk from falling, moving machinery, high voltage and or passing traffic.
■ All installations must be performed by a competent professional to a standard at
least compliant with BS7671 (see IET Wiring regulations 16th Edition) or other
local standards where these may apply.
■ Take care to avoid wiring mains inputs to any connection.
■ It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that wider system safety implications
have been considered and establish necessary risk mitigation measures.
■ Unless explicitly stated, RTU’s are not certified for installation in hazardous
environments covered by the ATEX directive.
■ Safety related equipment located in areas adjacent to Metasphere RTU’s and
ancillary equipment must be immune to electromagnetic radiation as specified by
the EU EMC directive 2004/108/EC.
■ Other equipment installed near an RTU must not produce electromagnetic
interference at levels higher than those that the RTU is immune to as specified by
the EU EMC directive 2004/108/EC.
■ If the Point Colour is not used as specified in this manual the protection provided
may be impaired.

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WARNING
The Point Blue plastic enclosure may present a potential electrostatic
ignition hazard and must not be rubbed or cleaned with a dry cloth.

WARNING
The Point Blue 3Ge can be used with one external battery pack (Point
Blue External Battery) This device can be mounted and connected in a
Zone 0 hazardous area.

WARNING
Ensure that any device which is connected to the Point Blue meets the
safety parameters outlined in this manual. Please ensure that any cable
between the Point Blue and connected devices is taken into account
when performing intrinsic safety verification.

WARNING
Ensure devices which are connected to the Point Blue are made in
accordance with the instructions given within this manual.

WARNING
Ensure that the terminals to the External Battery Pack are not shorted as
this could damage the battery pack.

WARNING
The intrinsic safety parameters shown in the ATEX certificate must be
observed at all times when connecting devices to the Point Blue. Safety
parameters of connected devices must be verified by the user as being
safe before connection to the Point Blue. Please also ensure that any
cable between the Point Blue and connected devices is taken into
account when performing intrinsic safety verifications.

Any connection to Poco+ using USB must be made outside of the

hazardous area.

Overloading of equipment
RTU’s are susceptible to damage if the inputs of the device are overloaded.
Hazards arising from static electricity

WARNING
RTU enclosures may be susceptible to electrostatic charges. Static
handling precautions must be taken.

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Hazards arising from overheating

WARNING
Overheating of RTU's can be caused by friction or impacts occurring
when positioned near moving machinery. For example, frictional heating
between materials and the RTU while rotating or vibrating.

Pipe
The first installation method for the Point Colour is to secure the unit to a pipe or pole. This
is achieved by sliding a cable tie (or two) through the specially designed slot on the back of
the enclosure before securing to a pipe. This installation method offers a quick clean
installation, with no tools required and is normally employed when a suitable pipe or pole is
in an easily accessible area.
Care must be taken to ensure that the pipe is suitable for mounting the unit. The purpose of
the pipe, (i.e. water, gas etc.) should be determined before installation proceeds. It is the
responsibility of the user to ensure that the pipe is suitable for installation. Metasphere
accept no responsibility for damage to pipes or other damage as a direct or indirect result of
the Point Colour being secured to a pipe. An example installation is given below:

Figure 49: Point Colour installed on a pipe

Bracket
The second option available to the user is to use the bracket method. This option uses a
plastic bracket that slides down the rear of the enclosure. The unit can then be secured to a
flat surface using the two mounting holes in the bracket. The bracket is an optional
accessory for the Point Colour and is not included as standard.

Wall
The third option available to the user is to use two screws in a wall, which the Point Colour
can hang on. The bracket described above provides the perfect guide to the installer,
allowing the mounting holes to be quickly and easily marked. The Point Colour can then
‘hang’ on the two screws.

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➢ Note: This method of installation is only suitable for sites where the unit is unlikely to be
knocked or exposed to flooding. It is possible that the Point Colour can be dislodged from
the mounting screws.

Figure 50: Integrated mounting bracket with screw slots

Configure and Connect

To preserve the internal battery of the Point Colour, all units are manufactured with a
default deep sleep configuration. In this mode, the unit is in permanent sleep with all
peripherals turned off. The unit can be woken from this sleep connecting it to a PC using the
service cable.

WARNING
Configuring the Point Colour in a deep sleep configuration will remove
any previous configuration.

The USB configuration cable provides a spare IP68 connector that mimics the connector
found on the Point Colour. This allows the user to configure and connect the sensor to a
Point Colour simultaneously. Using the monitor facility offered by Poco+, the installer can
ensure that both the Point Colour and sensor are operating as desired. The following steps
describe a typical installation.
1. Install the Point Colour using the most suitable method for the site, Pipe, Bracket or
Wall.
2. Connect the service cable to the Point Colour
3. Connect the sensor to the service cable
4. Run the Poco+ application and connect the USB cable to the PC. After a small delay
the status bar in Poco+ should indicate that a Point Colour is connected.
5. Open, or create a suitable configuration using Poco+ and download to the Point
Colour.
6. Use the Monitor window to check that the Point Colour has contacted the relevant
server (Medina, DNP3, WITS-DNP3 or FTP/S), is reading the sensor correctly and
that the battery voltage and GSM / GPRS signal are at a suitable level.

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7. Wait for the last contact time (CI5) to be updated in the monitor points window in
Poco+ and the modem turned off. Then disconnect the service cable from the
sensor and the PC.
8. Connect the sensor cable to the Point Colour.
9. Installation is then complete.

WARNING
The service cable is not an IP68 cable. It only provides an IP68 style
connector to assist with installation.

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Points List
This section provides a summary of all points available on the Point Colour, including scaling
information.

Analogue Inputs
Point
Name Notes
Index
Analogue input 0 (if configured)
If configured as passive voltage or active voltage:
Offset = 0, multiplier = 0.0000625
0V = 0
1.0V = 16000
2.0V = 32000
If configured as active current:
Offset = 0, multiplier = 0.00125
4mA = 3200
12mA = 9600
20mA = 16000
AI0 0
If configured as passive current for Point Orange:
Offset = 0 multiplier = 0.0012255
4mA = 3264
12mA = 9792
20mA = 16320
If configured as passive current for Point Blue:
Offset = 0 multiplier = 0.000625
4mA = 6400
12mA = 19200
20mA = 32000
Analogue input 1 (if configured)
AI1 1
See above for scaling details
Analogue input 2 (if configured)
AI2 2
See above for scaling details
Analogue input 3 (if configured)
AI3 3
See above for scaling details
- 4 Reserved for future use
Internal temperature of the unit.
Offset = -40, multiplier = 0.01
-20°C = 2000
Temperature 5 0°C = 4000
20°C = 6000
85°C = 12500
Min = 0, Max = 32767
Internal battery voltage
Battery Voltage 6
Offset = 0, multiplier = 0.0019515

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Point
Name Notes
Index
0V = 0
5V = 2562
8V = 4095
Min = 0, Max = 32767
External source voltage
Offset = 0, multiplier = 0.0019515

External Voltage 7 0V = 0
5V = 2562
8V = 4095
Min = 0, Max = 32767
Sensor supply voltage
Offset = 0, multiplier = 0. 0032275
Sensor Supply 0V = 0
8
Voltage 8V = 2479
13.22V = 4095
Min = 0, Max = 32767
Submersion 9 Submersion indication
Signal quality from the modem (CSQ). In the range 0-30.
Offset = -113dBm, multiplier = 2
Modem CSQ 10 0 -113 dBm
15 -83 dBm
30 -53 dBm
99 Not known or not detectable
Bit Error Rate (in percent)
0 less than 0.2%
1 0.2% to 0.4%
2 0.4% to 0.8%
3 0.8% to 1.6%
Modem BER 11
4 1.6% to 3.2%
5 3.2% to 6.4%
6 6.4% to 12.8%
7 More than 12.8%
99 Not known or not detectable
Modem failure code. Reflects the error status of the last
connection attempt:
0 OK
50 Couldn’t create modem driver
51 Couldn’t install modem driver
52 Invalid modem serial port
Modem Fail Code 12 101 Can’t communicate with modem
102 Couldn’t register on GPRS network
103 Couldn’t attach to GPRS network
104 Activate PDP failure
105 Socket creation failed
106 Could not connect to IP
107 Start Bearer Timeout

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 Point Colour User Guide

Point
Name Notes
Index
108 Failed to read SIM card number
110 GPRS Network deregistration failed
199 Socket closed by remote host
201 Connection closed by remote host
202 Could not connect to phone number (GSM)
301 Could not connect to FTP server
302 FTP data read ended
303 FTP Command failed
304 Bad FTP Command starting state
305 FTP failed to open local file
306 FTP failed to read from local file
307 FTP failed to write to local file
308 FTP data connection failed
309 FTP data connection timed out
310 FTP not supported on this Modem
311 FTPS PEM file not found
312 FTPS Error using PEM file
If the modem is on this is modem registration code of the
current connection attempt.
If the modem is off this is the modem registration code of the
last connection attempt.
Possible values are as follows:
0 Not registered, modem is not currently searching a new
Registration Code 13 operator to register to
1 Registered, home network
2 Not registered, but modem is currently searching a new
operator to register to
3 Registration denied
4 Unknown
5 Registered, roaming
If the modem is on this is the number of seconds since it was
switched on.
Connection Seconds 14
If the modem is off this is the number of seconds the modem
was on during its last switched on period.
Configuration
15 Version number of the configuration file format.
Version
MCC 16 Mobile Country Code
MNC 17 Mobile Network Code
Current GSM/GPRS modem radio band selected;
Radio Band 18 12 Rest of world (EMEA, Australia and most of Asia)
17 Americas
External CSQ 19 The last recorded signal strength for the external antenna.
Internal CSQ 20 The last recorded signal strength for the internal antenna.
16-bit representation of the current status of the DNP3 IIN bits;
Bit Description
DNP3 IIN Bits 21 0 Broadcast Message received
1 Class 1 events available
2 Class 2 events available

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Point
Name Notes
Index
3 Class 3 events available
4 Time Synchronisation required
5 At least one output point is in local operation mode
6 Abnormal condition exists on Outstation (Trouble)
7 Device restart
8 Function not supported
9 Object not supported
10 Parameter error (Outstation is unable to parse the
Application Layer fragment)
11 Event buffer Overflow
12 Operation already executing
13 Configuration Corrupt
14 Reserved
15 Reserved
Error code showing status of last configuration attempt;
0 Not configured
No new configuration found
2 Not configured
New configuration invalid
Configuration Error
22 4 Configured
Code
No new Configuration found
6 Configured
New configuration invalid
7 Configured
New configuration valid
Current modem used by the Point Colour
0 None
1 Unknown
Modem Type 23
2 Wismo 2G
3 Telit 3G
4 Telit 2G
Trend Delta CI0 24 Number of pulses on counter 0 during the counter 0 trend period
Trend Delta CI1 25 Number of pulses on counter 1 during the counter 1 trend period
Trend Delta CI2 26 Number of pulses on counter 2 during the counter 2 trend period
Trend Delta CI3 27 Number of pulses on counter 3 during the counter 3 trend period
Failure codes from Serial connections (Modbus / SDI-12)
0 No Error
Modbus Specific
1 Illegal Function
2 Illegal Data Address
Serial Error Code 28 3 Illegal Data Value
4 Slave Device Failure
5. Acknowledge Failure
6. Device Busy
7. Acknowledge
8. Memory Parity error
9. Not Configured

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 Point Colour User Guide

Point
Name Notes
Index
10. Command not supported
11. Communication Timeout
12. Data Length incorrect
13. CRC error
14. Unsupported function
15 Incorrect address
SDI-12 Specific
101 Parity error in response
102 Incorrect number of values
103 Timeout while waiting for response
104 Communication with sensor is in progress
Partech WW1 Miller Argent WC1 Specific
111 Cannot open serial port
112 Buffer full
113 Timeout
Metasphere CT Specific
121 Cannot open serial port
122 Buffer full
123 Timeout
Mainstream Specific
130 No Error
131 Cannot open serial port
132 Timeout waiting for initial response
133 Timeout waiting for request confirmation
134 Timeout waiting for data
135 TL Command too long
136 UC Unknown command
137 IS Incorrect size
138 BC Bad checksum
139 CT Communications timeout
140 IA Illegal argument
141 PP Password protected
Serial AI0 29 Serial Analogue point 0
Serial AI1 30 Serial Analogue point 1
Serial AI2 31 Serial Analogue point 2
Serial AI3 32 Serial Analogue point 3
Serial AI4 33 Serial Analogue point 4
Serial AI5 34 Serial Analogue point 5
Serial AI6 35 Serial Analogue point 6
Serial AI7 36 Serial Analogue point 7
Serial AI8 37 Serial Analogue point 8
Serial AI9 38 Serial Analogue point 9
Battery Monitor 39 Average battery / external voltage during previous call

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Point
Name Notes
Index
Offset = 0, multiplier = 0.0019515
0V = 0
5V = 2562
8V = 4095
Min = 0, Max = 32767
Percentage of RAM filesystem used, or specific error:
RAM used 40 201 File system full
202 File system error
Trend Delta DI0 41 Number of pulses on DI0 during the CI26 trend period
Trend Delta DI1 42 Number of pulses on DI1 during the CI27 trend period
Trend Delta DI2 43 Number of pulses on DI2 during the CI28 trend period
Trend Delta DI3 44 Number of pulses on DI3 during the CI29 trend period
Trend Delta DI4 45 Number of pulses on DI4 during the CI30 trend period
SDI-12 Response The time in seconds that a connected serial device requires to
46
Time complete communication
XLP Version 47 Version of counter firmware
LVD Reset Count 48 Count of Low Voltage Detect Resets

Counters
Point
Name Notes
Index
CI0 0 Counter input 0 (if configured)
CI1 1 Counter input 1 (if configured)
CI2 2 Counter input 2 (if configured)
CI3 3 Counter input 3 (if configured)
- 4 Reserved
Last Contact Time The time of the last contact with the master station (in Unix time
5
– i.e. number of seconds since 01/01/1970 00:00:00).
Successful The number of successful master station connections since the
6
Connections unit was last reset
Unsuccessful The number of unsuccessful master station connections since the
7
Connections unit was last reset
Registration Failures The number of GSM / GPRS registration failures since the unit
8
was last reset
- 9 Reserved
- 10 Reserved
Awake seconds The number of seconds the Point Colour has been awake since it
11
was last reset

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 Point Colour User Guide

Point
Name Notes
Index
DNP3 Events The number of unreported DNP3 events currently stored on
12
Point Colour
DNP3 Points 13 The number of DNP3 points available to the DNP3 master
Modem Seconds The total number of seconds the modem has been on for since
14
reset. This value is updated after each connection is completed.
Number of Start The total number of times that the start bearer command has
15
bearer timeouts timed out.
Serial CI0 16 Serial Counter point 0
Serial CI1 17 Serial Counter point 1
Serial CI2 18 Serial Counter point 2
Serial CI3 19 Serial Counter point 3
Serial CI4 20 Serial Counter point 4
Serial CI5 21 Serial Counter point 5
Serial CI6 22 Serial Counter point 6
Serial CI7 23 Serial Counter point 7
Serial CI8 24 Serial Counter point 8
Serial CI9 25 Serial Counter point 9
DI0 Counter 26 Total count of pulses seen on DI0
DI1 Counter 27 Total count of pulses seen on DI1
DI2 Counter 28 Total count of pulses seen on DI2
DI3 Counter 29 Total count of pulses seen on DI3
DI4 Counter 30 Total count of pulses seen on DI4

Digital Inputs
Point
Name Notes
Index
DI0 0 Digital input 0 (if configured)
DI1 1 Digital input 1 (if configured)
DI2 2 Digital input 2 (if configured)
DI3 3 Digital input 3 (if configured)
DI4 4 Digital input 4 (if configured)
Indicates if the unit is using the external power source.
0= no external power being used
External Power 5
1 = using external power
Point Blue will always indicate 0
Indicates if the modem is on.
Modem Power 6 0 = off
1 = on

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Point
Name Notes
Index
- 7 Reserved for future use
- 8 Reserved for future use
Indicates if the RTU is using a valid configuration file
Valid Config 9 0 = Invalid configuration
1 = Valid configuration
Indicates if the reed switch has been activated;
Reed Switch 10 0 = Reed switch open
1 = Reed switch activated (closed)
Indicates antenna currently being used;
Antenna 11 0 = External antenna
1 = Internal antenna
Indicates if the Point Colour has been submerged;
Submersion 12 0 = Unsubmerged
1 = submerged
Indicates if local USB is connected to a PC;
USB Connected 13 0 = USB disconnected
1 = USB connected
Indicates the network Technology currently in use by the modem
Network Technology 14 0 = 2G
1 = 3G
Indicates whether or not the loop has been turned on
Loop on 15 0 = Loop is off
1 = Loop is on
Serial DI0 16 Serial Digital point 0
Serial DI1 17 Serial Digital point 1
Serial DI2 18 Serial Digital point 2
Serial DI3 19 Serial Digital point 3
Serial DI4 20 Serial Digital point 4
Serial DI5 21 Serial Digital point 5
Serial DI6 22 Serial Digital point 6
Serial DI7 23 Serial Digital point 7
Serial DI8 24 Serial Digital point 8
Serial DI9 25 Serial Digital point 9

String Points
Point
Name Notes
Index
Serial Number 0 Serial number of Point Colour
Network 1 Name of the network to which the modem is registered.

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Point
Name Notes
Index
IMEI 2 IMEI number of modem
Modem Firmware 3 Firmware version string
SIM (ICCID) 4 SIM card number
LAC 5 Location Area Code
Cell ID 6 Cell Identity
Manufacture 7 Date of manufacture
Serial ST0 8 Serial String point 0
Serial ST1 9 Serial String point 1
Serial ST2 10 Serial String point 2
Serial ST3 11 Serial String point 3
Serial ST4 12 Serial String point 4

➢ Note: String points cannot currently be read by Medina masters.

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Diagnostics
The Point Colour can be configured to record diagnostic information regarding its operation.
This is useful in the event of unexpected operational characteristics.
Multiple files are generated with diagnostic information as the following table shows
Filename Notes
diags.txt General purpose diagnostics
sysdiags.txt System diagnostics (e.g. firmware upgrade, reset)
meddiags.txt Medina protocol diagnostics detailing the communication to a Medina master or
Poco+
moddiags.txt Modem diagnostics detailing commands sent to the modem
DNP3-index.log Index for DNP3 diagnostics (see DNP3 Communication Logs)
DNP3-nnnnn.log DNP3 diagnostics in the same format as ClearSCADA

Once a diagnostic file reaches 128kB, it is archived with a filename that includes an index
number of five digits (e.g. diags00000.txt). Only the most recent 25 of each diagnostic file
are retained as an archive (00000 to 00024). The numbering cycles through rather than
being ordered. Diags.txt should be checked to identify the most recent archive file for all
diagnostics.
The level of diagnostic information that is stored is configurable. Each level includes the
information from the lower levels. The following table details the levels and what they will
report
Level Details
No Trace No diagnostic information
Error Only operational errors are reported
Warning Important information (this is the default)
Notice Useful information
Informational Significant information
Debug All information

➢ Note: It is not advised to leave the diagnostics at Debug level unless a specific issue is
being tracked. The use of diagnostics will have a small impact on performance and
battery life.

➢ Note: The general-purpose diagnostics will contain any Modbus information and that
when set to Debug level this will include the messages being transferred.

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DNP3 Error codes

Where issues arise in DNP3 communication, the following codes may be present in the
diagnostic logs.
Number Name Notes
0 SDNPDIAG_OPER_OBJVAR Object/variation not supported for operate request
1 SDNPDIAG_FREEZE_OBJVAR Object/variation not supported for freeze request
2 SDNPDIAG_WRITE_OBJVAR Object/variation not supported for write request
3 SDNPDIAG_SELECT_OBJVAR Object/variation not supported for select request
4 SDNPDIAG_DIRECT_OBJVAR Object/variation not supported for direct operate
request
5 SDNPDIAG_ASSIGN_OBJVAR Object/variation not supported for assign class
6 SDNPDIAG_REQ_PENDING Request received with previous request still pending
7 SDNPDIAG_CANCEL_FRAGMENT Cancelled current response fragment
8 SDNPDIAG_OPER_SELECT Operate did not follow select
9 SDNPDIAG_CHNL_BUSY Response deferred due to channel bus
10 SDNPDIAG_APPL_NO_RESP Application error with no outstanding response
11 SDNPDIAG_ALLOC_EVENT Error allocating space for event
12 SDNPDIAG_ADD_EVENT Error adding event
13 SDNPDIAG_SELECT Error processing select request
14 SDNPDIAG_OPERATE Error processing operate request
15 SDNPDIAG_DIR_OPERATE Error processing direct operate request
16 SDNPDIAG_FREEZE Error processing freeze request
17 SDNPDIAG_ASSIGN_CLASS Error processing assign class request
18 SDNPDIAG_WRITE Error processing write request
19 SDNPDIAG_ENABLE_UNSOL Enable/Disable unsolicited requests only support
object 60
20 SDNPDIAG_ENABLE_UNSOL_VAR Invalid variation for Enable/Disable unsolicited request
21 SDNPDIAG_ENABLE_UNSOL_NA Enable/Disable unsolicited request not allowed
22 SDNPDIAG_RESTART_COLD Performing Cold Restart
23 SDNPDIAG_RESTART_WARM Performing Warm Restart
24 SDNPDIAG_UNSOL_CONF_SEQ Invalid sequence number in unsolicited confirmation
25 SDNPDIAG_UNSOL_CONF_UNEXP Unsolicited confirmation received when not expected
26 SDNPDIAG_RESPONSE_SEQ Invalid sequence number in response confirmation
27 SDNPDIAG_RESPONSE_UNEXP Response confirmation received when not expected
28 SDNPDIAG_APPL_TX Application layer transmission failed
29 SDNPDIAG_TIME_NO_OBJECT Record Current Time Request has no object data
30 SDNPDIAG_UNSOL_TO Unsolicited confirmation timed out
31 SDNPDIAG_READ_POINT Error reading point number from request

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Number Name Notes

32 SDNPDIAG_REQUESTED_POINT Requested point is not available
33 SDNPDIAG_PATTERN_QUAN Invalid quantity for Pattern Control Block
34 SDNPDIAG_INV_QUAL_CTRL Invalid qualifier for control
35 SDNPDIAG_INV_QUAL_PATTERN Invalid qualifier for Pattern Control Block
36 SDNPDIAG_INV_QUAL_FILE Invalid qualifier for file request
37 SDNPDIAG_INDICES_PATTERN Invalid indices for pattern mask
38 SDNPDIAG_PATTERN_8_16 Pattern Mask qualifier must be 8 or 16 bit start stop
39 SDNPDIAG_CROB_STATUS Status in CROB request not 0
40 SDNPDIAG_ANLG_STATUS Analogue control status not equal 0
41 SDNPDIAG_VTERM_NOTFOUND Virtual Terminal point not found or enabled for write
42 SDNPDIAG_VTERM_WRITE Error writing to virtual terminal
43 SDNPDIAG_STR_NOTENABLED String not enabled for write
44 SDNPDIAG_STR_WRITE Error writing to string
45 SDNPDIAG_PATTERN_STATUS Status must be 0 in Pattern Control Block request
46 SDNPDIAG_PATTERN_NOTRCVD Pattern Control Block not received prior to Pattern
Mask
47 SDNPDIAG_FILE_TO File transfer timed out
48 SDNPDIAG_FILE_VAR Invalid variation for file request
49 SDNPDIAG_FILE_AUTO_CLOSE File automatically closed because of reopen of same
filename
50 SDNPDIAG_FILE_AUTH Error returned from authentication routine
51 SDNPDIAG_50_QUAL Invalid qualifier for write Object 50 Variation 1
52 SDNPDIAG_50_QUANT Invalid quantity for write Object 50 Variation 1
53 SDNPDIAG_50_NORECORD Record Current Time request was not received
54 SDNPDIAG_FREEZE_QUAL Unsupported qualifier or invalid point indices in freeze
request
55 SDNPDIAG_SELECT_TO_MANY Too many control objects in select
56 SDNPDIAG_PARSE_ERROR Error parsing message
57 SDNPDIAG_XML_SIZE_ERROR Object won't fit in XML buffer
58 SDNPDIAG_AUTH_BROAD_DISC Critical broadcast message discarded
59 SDNPDIAG_AUTH_BADUPDMETHOD Secure Authentication, unsupported update key
change method
60 SDNPDIAG_AUTH_BADUPDSCS Secure Authentication, Status Change Sequence
Number must increment

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DNP3 Communication Logs

The DNP3 communication can be captured into a series of log files. An index with
timestamps of each is maintained. To retrieve a specific DNP3 communication log, the index
should be retrieved first and consulted to identify the name of the log file. As with the other
diagnostics, only the most recent 25 logs are maintained as an archive. To avoid rewriting
the index, earlier files (which still appear within the index) are deleted and new files are
created. A Maximum of 65535 files can be created after which the filename will reset to
DNP3-00000.txt.File transfers are not captured to avoid amplification of the data (where
reading the data creates more data that could lead to a never-ending feedback loop). Large
file transfers would generate significant communications logging, which is not always
helpful. If such information is required, it is advised to collect it from the DNP3 master.

WARNING
It is not advised to leave DNP Communication Logs enabled unless a
specific issue is being tracked. The use of the logs is for diagnostic
purposes and will have a small impact on performance and battery life.

➢ Note: Before the time has been retrieved from the DNP3 master, the Point Colour will
record the time as 1st January 1970 in the log.

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Technical details – Point Orange

Analogue Inputs Up to 4 channels
Type: Active Current, passive current, active voltage, passive voltage
Current range: 0-20mA, Voltage range: 0-2V
Active AI power supply (12V DC, 80mA)
Input impedance: 10.2kΩ
Accuracy: ±0.5% (Max ±2%)
Absolute maximum ratings: 0-30VDC
Resolution: 16-bits
Digital inputs Up to 5 channels
Volt free, Impedance: 50kΩ
First 4 channels support change of state up to 100Hz
Fifth channel supports change of state up to 0.5Hz
Counter inputs Up to 4 channels
Volt free, Impedance 50kΩ
32-bit counter support up to 100 Hz
Power Internal lithium battery pack
Optional external battery pack
DC power input (5-8V DC) (Point Orange only)
Protocols Medina
DNP3 (Level 2+ elements of level 3 and 4)
WITS-DNP3 V1.1
FTP, FTPS
Modbus master (RS232, RS485 full and half duplex)
SDI-12 master
Mainstream
Memory 256MB flash memory
512kB static RAM
Comms Internal tri-band 3G modem (850, 900, 2100 MHz) with quad band
GSM/GPRS fallback (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Auto switching internal and external antenna
Local Ambient temperature sensor (± 1°C)
monitoring Integrated submersion sensor
Battery, loop, and external supply voltages
Automatic external power source detection and switching
Antenna selection and performance
Remote Remote firmware upgrade
management Remote configuration
Dimensions 156mm × 110mm × 112mm (excluding mating cables)
0.6 Kg (fully assembled)
Environmental Operating temperature -20°C to +80°C
Relative Humidity up to 95% non-condensing
Protection classification: IP68 4m for 4 days

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Point Blue
Analogue Inputs Up to 4 channels
Type: Active Current, passive current, active voltage, passive voltage
Current range: 0-20mA, Voltage range: 0-2V
Active AI power supply (12V DC, 21mA per channel)
Input impedance: 10.2kΩ
Accuracy: ±0.5% (Max ±2%)
Absolute maximum ratings: 0-30VDC
Resolution: 16-bits
Digital inputs Up to 5 channels
Volt free, Impedance: 50kΩ
First 4 channels support change of state up to 100Hz
Fifth channel supports change of state up to 0.5Hz
Counter inputs Up to 4 channels
Volt free, Impedance 50kΩ
32-bit counter support up to 100 Hz
Power Internal or external LTC battery pack
Protocols Medina
DNP3 (Level 2+ elements of level 3 and 4)
WITS-DNP3 V1.1
FTP, FTPS
Modbus master (RS232, RS485 full and half duplex)
SDI-12 master
Mainstream
Memory 256MB flash memory
512kB static RAM
Comms Internal tri-band 3G modem (850, 900, 2100 MHz) with quad band
GSM/GPRS fallback (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Auto switching internal and external antenna
Local Ambient temperature sensor (± 1°C)
monitoring Integrated submersion sensor
Battery, and loop supply voltages
Antenna selection and performance
Remote Remote firmware upgrade
management Remote configuration
Dimensions 156mm × 110mm × 112mm (excluding mating cables)
0.6 Kg (fully assembled)
Environmental Operating temperature -20°C to +50°C
Relative Humidity up to 95% non-condensing
Protection classification: IP68 4m for 4 days
Certification II 1G Ex ia IIB T4 Ga (-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +50°C)
Atex: Baseefa15ATEX0045X
IECEx: BAS 15.0027X
Test Report number GB/BAS/ExTR16.0050/00

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Standards and Approvals

Directives Council Directive 1999/5/EC Radio equipment and Telecommunications
Terminal Equipment
Council Directive 2004/108/EC Electromagnetic compatibility
Council Directive 2006/95/EC Low Voltage
Standards EN60950-1:2006 - Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1:
General requirements
EN60950-22:2006 - Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 22:
Equipment installed outdoors
EN61010-1:2010 - Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control, and laboratory use - Part 1: General
requirements
EN61326-1:2006 - Electrical equipment for measurement, control and
laboratory use
EN62311:2008 - Assessment of electronic and electrical equipment
related to human exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields (0 Hz-
300 GHz)
EN301 489-1:v1.9.2 - Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum
Matters (ERM); ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio
equipment and services; Part 1: Common technical requirements
EN301 489-7:v1.31 - Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum
Matters (ERM); ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio
equipment and services; Part 7: Specific conditions for mobile and
portable radio and ancillary equipment of digital cellular radio
telecommunications systems (GSM and DCS)
EN301 511:v9.0.2 - Global System for Mobile communications (GSM);
Harmonized EN for mobile stations in the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 bands
covering essential requirements under article 3.2 of the R&TTE directive
(1999/5/EC)
EN61131-2:2007 - Programmable controllers - Part 2: Equipment
requirements and tests
Environmental Operating temperature -20°C to +80°C
Relative Humidity up to 95% non-condensing
Enclosure IP68 rated enclosure made from ABS
Battery Pack Lithium thionyl chloride.
Certified to UN 38.3

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Further information
For further information on the Point Orange, Point Blue or any of the other Metasphere
products, contact Metasphere using one of the methods below:
Post Metasphere Ltd
Millfield
Dorking Road
Tadworth
Surrey
KT20 7TD
Telephone +44 (0) 1737 846100
Fax +44 (0) 1737 846101
email info@metasphere.co.uk
Web http://www.metasphere.co.uk

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Index

Alarms Communication ................................................. 59

Alarm Check ...................................................... 14 Configuration .................................................... 60
CSV Files ............................................................ 58
Alerts FTPS ................................................................... 60
Analogue inputs ................................................ 46 Time synchronisation ....................................... 53
Counter input .................................................... 45 Trend file ........................................................... 58
Deadbands ........................................................ 47
Digital input ...................................................... 45 Installation
Level change...................................................... 46 Bracket ............................................................... 80
Value change ..................................................... 47 Pipe .................................................................... 80
Safety ................................................................. 78
Analogue inputs Wall .................................................................... 80
Active loop ........................................................ 21
IO
Analogue Inputs Analogue Input.................................................. 21
Active voltage .................................................... 22 Counter input .................................................... 20
Passive loop....................................................... 23 Digital ................................................................ 19
Passive voltage .................................................. 23 Internal .............................................................. 33
Cables Pin Table ............................................................ 17
Sensor ................................................................ 72 Sensor validation............................................... 13
Test box ............................................................ 76 Local points
Unterminated .................................................... 73 Battery monitor ................................................. 33
Comms Battery voltage .................................................. 33
Alarms ............................................................... 54 External power .................................................. 34
Event Buffer Overflow ....................................... 54 External supply voltage .................................... 33
External antenna ............................................... 57 Internal temperature ......................................... 33
Power up............................................................ 54 Loop on ............................................................. 37
Retry regime ...................................................... 55 Loop supply voltage.......................................... 33
Scheduled .......................................................... 54 Reed Switch ....................................................... 35
Terminating ....................................................... 55 Submersion sensor ........................................... 35
Submersion Sensor ........................................... 34
Configuration Trend Delta ....................................................... 34
Analogue input .................................................. 22 USB Connected .................................................. 37
Counter input .................................................... 20
Digital Input ...................................................... 19 Mainstream
Local .................................................................. 68 Points ................................................................. 32
Remote .............................................................. 69 Mobile points
Connector Country Code .................................................... 40
Pin-out ............................................................... 18 Network Code ................................................... 40

Diagnostic points Models

Awake seconds.................................................. 43 Blue .................................................................... 11
Configuration Error Code ................................. 42 Orange ............................................................... 11
Configuration Version....................................... 42 Modem points
Date of manufacture ......................................... 43 Antenna ............................................................. 41
LVD Reset Count ............................................... 43 Bit error rate ...................................................... 37
RAM used .......................................................... 43 Cell ID ................................................................ 42
SDI-12 Response Time ...................................... 43 Connection seconds ......................................... 39
Serial number .................................................... 43 CSQ .................................................................... 37
Valid config ....................................................... 43 Fail code ............................................................ 37
XLP version ........................................................ 43 Firmware version............................................... 42
DNP3 diagnostic points IMEI .................................................................... 42
Event count........................................................ 44 LAC .................................................................... 42
IIN ...................................................................... 44 Last contact time .............................................. 41
Number of points .............................................. 44 Modem power ................................................... 41
Modem seconds ................................................ 41
Firmware Network name ................................................... 42
Local update ...................................................... 70 Network technology .......................................... 41
Remote update .................................................. 70 Radio Band ........................................................ 40
FTP Registration Code ............................................. 39
Alert File ............................................................ 59 Registration failures.......................................... 41

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SIM Card Number .............................................. 42 Modbus .............................................................. 26

Start bearer timeouts ........................................ 41 SDI-12 ................................................................ 30
Successful connections ..................................... 41
Submersion sensor
Types ................................................................. 41
Recalibration ..................................................... 36
Unsuccessful connections ................................ 41
Points Time
Synchronisation................................................. 53
Flow calculations ............................................... 20
List ..................................................................... 83 Trending
Updating values ................................................ 13 Dynamic............................................................. 51
Regular .............................................................. 50
Power
External ............................................................. 66 WITS
Internal .............................................................. 66 Configuration .................................................... 61
Switching ........................................................... 66 Device Profile .................................................... 61
Health Check Data Set ...................................... 63
SDI-12
Logging .......................................................51, 53
Points ................................................................. 31
Version .............................................................. 61
Serial
Mainstream........................................................ 32

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