Trane BACnet Setup Tool - Setup Trane BCI / UC for Integration into (non-Trane) BAS

Issue:

Need to setup Trane BACnet controller for integration / communication on a BACnet network.

Trane controller will not communication BACnet

Resolution:

The Tracer BACnet Setup Tool is a FREE simple software tool for adjusting BACnet protocol settings and controller units (ip/si/custom) on Trane BACnet controllers such as the UC400, UC600, BCI-R, BCI-I, and BCI-C.

• BACnet Setup Tool will not work with a UC800 and requires Tracer TU to changed baud rate and set the device ID.

It also allows you to configure most Trane equipment to work within a BAS instead of how they ship from the factory, for standalone operation.

If you do not have the correct point on your BCI- controller, BACnet Setup Tool - Rebuild BCI Points

Procedure:

1. FREE for anyone - Download and install latest version of BACnet Setup Tool (BST)
   • HVAC Download Panel
   • If you are unable to use the link above, you can manually navigate to the file through the Trane.com public website ->Commercial->Products and Systems->Design and Analysis Tools ->Download Center ->Software Download Center.  Set filter to Building Controls, All Resources, then search.
2. Make sure that controller rotary setting is valid and unique for that MS/TP link (1-127 are valid) before powering up controller
3. Make sure that the equipment and controller have both been powered for at least 2 minutes (120 seconds) before attempting connection to the device
   • A BCI is simply a communication interface that builds its points list upon the first two minutes of initial startup (1-time event). Interrupting this process will result in installation and operational issues.
   • If it is a UC210, UC400 or UC600 you can disregard this.
4. Physically connect USB A to B cable (aka USB printer cable) to controller
   • Note: PC and USB cable will properly power the controller (status lights will be lit), and that is enough power to accomplish Section 1 below (BACnet Comm Parameters), but not Section 2 (BAS Point Configuration)
5. Launch BACnet Setup Tool (BST) and "Connect" to the controller
   • If you are getting errors attempting to connect, make sure that the USB driver has completed its install
     • Note: If you have a fully communicating BACnet MS/TP link you can perform a BACnet discovery via the "Tools" menu or the icon in the toolbar to work on any unit on the link

Section 1 - BACnet Device Communication Parameters

1. Navigate to the "Controller Setting" tab and setup the BACnet parameters per your Integrator's / Automation System's needs
2. Apply the correct BACnet settings in Tracer TU / Controller Settings or in Tracer BACnet Setup Tool / Controller
   settings.
   • The defaults settings are: Controller Units / Device Units - SI, Protocol - baud rate = 76800, Device ID = rotary dial address. Remember that only addresses 1-127 are valid.
     • Device Units: (units of measure) SI, IP or Custom is how the point value will be communicated to the BAS. Select the BACnet Controller Units per your integration need
       • SI – system international (metric)
       • IP – imperial (inch pounds)
       • Custom - if you want to use Custom, ensure that all unit options are set correctly
     • Device Name: Give device a unique/descriptive name (cannot have identical BACnet names within a single network)
     • Device ID: Set software device ID per automation system specification (default is rotary dial)
       • Tracer Systems automate this process to ensure unique device IDs in a network. You can leave this setting at its default, unchecked

• "Send to Device"

Section 2 - BACnet Point Configuration

1. Navigate to the "BAS Control Selection" tab and Check Binary Output 1, "System Control Command. It must be set to BAS Control.                    
   • The default value is Standalone. If the unit is left in Standalone, it will ignore all BAS Setpoints and use local values.
     • You can verify this by looking at Binary Input 1, System Control Status.

               Place the unit in BAS Control by checking the box for all points (BCI-R screenshot below, points may vary for BCI-I, BCI-C)

• Check "System Control Command"
• Recommend checking "Select All" for remaining Setpoints, as most integrators/front ends prefer full BAS control over equipment
  • Verify which of the "sensor" values will be communicated via a BAS or monitored locally on the unit
  • Tracer BACnet Setup Tool / BAS Control Selection, allows for a pre-determined number of BACnet point’s to set for BAS
    control  
    • Points selection will vary depending on the type of RTU communicating with the BCI                                 
  • 
• "Save" to device
• Your BCI- Communications interface now has the appropriate BACnet communication settings, correct points, parameters and control settings to integrate in to your Automation System

For additional explanation of specific applications and point settings, refer to BCI-R Point Configuration for Control with (non-Trane) Automation System

WARNING:

Information in this article is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical and mechanical experience and who comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, orders, or regulations related to the installation, service, or repair of a heating or central air conditioning product. Any attempt to install, service, or repair a heating or central air conditioning product may result in personal injury and/or property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of the information contained herein, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.