Conext Combox Owners Guide

Conext™ ComBox
Communication and
Monitoring Device
Owner’s Guide
www.schneider-electric.com
Copyright and Contact
Copyright © 2013 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks are owned by Schneider Electric Industries
SAS or its affiliated companies.
Exclusion for Documentation

UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, SELLER
(A) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED
IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION;
(B) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS OR EXPENSES, WHETHER SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION
WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK; AND
(C) REMINDS YOU THAT IF THIS MANUAL IS IN ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH, ALTHOUGH STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO
MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THE TRANSLATION, THE ACCURACY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. APPROVED CONTENT IS CONTAINED WITH
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION WHICH IS POSTED AT WWW.SCHNEIDER-ELECTRIC.COM.
Document Number: 975-0679-01-01 Revision: Revision D Date: August 2013

Product Part Number: 865-1058
Contact Information www.schneider-electric.com

For country details please contact your local Schneider Electric Sales Representative or visit the Schneider Electric website at:
http://www.schneider-electric.com/sites/corporate/en/support/operations/local-operations/local-operations.page
Information About Your System

As soon as you open your product, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase.
Serial Number _________________________________
Product Number _________________________________
Purchased From _________________________________
Purchase Date _________________________________

About This Guide
Purpose
The purpose of this Owner’s Guide is to provide explanations and procedures for
installing, operating, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting the Conext
ComBox Communication and Monitoring Device.
Scope
The Guide provides safety guidelines, planning, and setup information,
procedures for installing the Conext ComBox, as well as information about
configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting the unit. It does include information
on how to use other Schneider Electric products.
Firmware Revision
Some Conext ComBox features and functions described in this guide may be
incorporated with later firmware versions. This manual is valid for Conext
ComBox version 01.00 and above. To view the firmware version on your product,
see the Conext ComBox Status Information in the web user interface.
Audience
The Guide is intended for use by anyone who plans to construct, install, or
operate a system involving the Conext ComBox. The information in this manual is
intended for qualified personnel. Qualified personnel have training, knowledge,
and experience in:
• Installing electrical equipment

• Applying all applicable installation codes
• Analyzing and reducing the hazards involved in performing electrical work
• Changing any TCP/IP-related settings
Organization
This Guide is organized into five chapters and an appendix.
Chapter 1, “Overview”, describes physical features of the Conext ComBox and

introduces the user interface.
Chapter 2, “Installation”, describes how to install, wire, and connect the Conext
ComBox to your network.
Chapter 3, “Configuration”, describes how to configure and change device
settings, manage data logs, import and export data, and upgrade firmware.
Chapter 4, “Monitoring”, describes how to monitor LED indicator lights (LEDs),
system and device levels, and create historical views.
Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting”, describes how to interpret events and alerts.
Appendix A, “Specifications”, contains the electrical, mechanical and
environmental specifications for the Conext ComBox.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D iii

About This Guide
Conventions Used
The following conventions are used in this guide.
DANGER
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
can result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
can result in moderate or minor injury.
NOTICE
NOTICE indicates important information that you need to read carefully.
Abbreviations and Acronyms

DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
LED - Light Emitting Diode (used for indicator lights)
SELV - Safety Extra Low Voltage
SNTP - Simple Network Time Protocol
TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
iv 975-0679-01-01 Revision D
About This Guide
Related Information
Related Products
For more information about related products, refer to:
XW Hybrid Inverter/Charger Operation Guide
XW Series Solar Charge Controller Owner’s Manual
XW Automatic Generator Start Owner’s Guide
XW System Control Panel Owner’s Guide
Conext SW Inverter/Charger Owner’s Guide
XW MPPT 80 600 Solar Charge Controller Operation Guide
XW MPPT 60 150 Solar Charge Controller Operation Guide
Grid-Tie-AUS Solar Inverter Owner's Manual
Conext TX Solar Inverter Owner's Manual
You can find more information about Schneider Electric as well as its products
and services at www.schneider-electric.com.
For specific information on Solar products go to

www.schneider-electric.com/solar.
Modbus Maps
Modbus maps are not included in this guide. They are available at http://
www.schneider-electric.com/products/ww/en/7000-solar-off-grid-and-back-up/
7030-monitoring/62089-conext-combox/. The following Modbus maps are used
with the Conext ComBox:
• Conext SW Modbus Map (503-0244-01-01)

• XW Modbus Map (503-0246-01-01)
• XW Automatic Generator Start Modbus Map (503-0247-01-01)
• XW MPPT 60 150 Modbus Map (503-0248-01-01)
• Grid-Tie/TX Modbus Map (503-0250-01-01)
• XW System Control Panel Modbus Map (503-0251-01-01)
• XW MPPT 80 600 Modbus Map (503-0252-01-01)
• Conext Modbus Converter/ComBox Modbus Map (503-0253-01-01)
975-0679-01-01 Revision D v
vi
Important Safety Instructions
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - DO NOT DISCARD
This guide contains important safety instructions for the Conext ComBox
Communication and Monitoring Device that must be followed during installation
and configuration procedures.
DANGER
HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
• Read all instructions, cautionary markings, and all other appropriate
sections of this manual before installing, operating, troubleshooting or
performing maintenance on the Conext ComBox.
• Exercise extreme caution at all times to prevent accidents.
• These instructions are for use by qualified installers only.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.
DANGER
HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE
• Connect only to Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) circuits and power
sources.
• All wiring must be done by qualified personnel to ensure compliance with
all applicable installation codes and regulations.
• For Indoor Use Only.
• Do not disassemble. No user serviceable parts inside.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D vii

Safety
NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
• All cables connected to the Conext ComBox must run indoors and not be
susceptible to lightning strikes.
• Turn OFF all devices before connecting cables. The Conext ComBox does
not have an ON/OFF switch.
• Do not connect an Ethernet cable from the Conext ComBox to the WAN/
MODEM port on the network router.
• Do not connect an Ethernet cable plug into a Xanbus port on the Conext
ComBox.
• Do not connect a Xanbus RJ-45 cable plug into the 10/100 Ethernet port of
the Conext ComBox.
• Do not connect any port on the Conext ComBox to an outside line or to a
public telecommunication network.
• Ensure that the device connected on the Xanbus network is in standby
mode before changing settings. Do not change any settings unless you are
familiar with the device.
• Changes to any TCP/IP-related settings should only be performed by a
qualified IT professional.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage equipment or affect
network performance.
NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
• Do not disassemble the Conext ComBox.
• See Warranty for instructions on obtaining service.
• The Conext ComBox contains no user-serviceable parts. Attempting to
service the Conext ComBox yourself will void your warranty.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage equipment.
Important: This device can be configured to connect to the Internet using port-
forwarding in your network router’s settings. There is a security risk in port-
forwarding unencrypted network traffic over a public network (Internet). Use of
a VPN or a secure tunnel to route Conext ComBox communication via the
Internet is recommended.
viii 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Contents
Important Safety Instructions
1 Overview
Compatible Xanbus™ Components - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2
Physical Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–3
Data Ports and Reset Button - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–3
LED Indicator Lights (LEDs) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–4
Communication and Power Ports - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–5
Types of Conext ComBox Networks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–6
Conext ComBox on a Local Area Network (LAN) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–6
Conext ComBox with Remote Access - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–7
Conext ComBox as a Modbus Slave (RS 485) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–8
Power Sources for the Conext ComBox - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–9
User Interface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–10
Home Screen - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–11
Menu Bar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–12
Conext ComBox Setup Buttons - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–13
Other Buttons - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–14
Monitoring and Logging Functions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–15
System Scheduled Maintenance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–16
2 Installation
Choosing a Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2
Materials and Tools Required - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3
Materials List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3
Additional Material and Tools - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3
Mounting the Conext ComBox - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–4
Wall Mount - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–4
DIN Rail Mount - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–6
Wiring the RS 485 Modbus Connector for Data Communication to the Conext ComBox - - - - - - - 2–7
Wiring the Dry Contact Connector - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–9
Connecting the Conext ComBox to an Ethernet Network - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–10
Turning On the Conext ComBox- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–12
Connecting the AC/DC Power Adapter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–13
Wiring the RS 485 Modbus Connector for Power to the Conext ComBox - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–14
975-0679-01-01 Revision D ix
Contents
Finding the Conext ComBox on the Network- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–16

Changing the ComBox Language - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–18
Logging in to the Conext ComBox Web User Interface Using a USB Thumb Drive- - - - - - - - - - 2–19
3 Configuration
Configuration Steps - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2
Logging In- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–3
Changing the Admin Password - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–5
Changing the Time- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–7
Changing E-Mail Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–9
Connecting the Conext ComBox to the Xanbus Network - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–11
Changing Conext ComBox Settings- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–14
General Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–15
Change User Password Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–16
Change Admin Password Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–16
TCP/IP Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–17
E-mail Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–17
E-mail Reporting - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–18
Web - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–20
FTP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–21
FTP Logger - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–22
Dry Contact Relay - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–23
Suppress Device Faults/Warnings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–23
Xanbus Communications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–24
Modbus Communications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–25
Modbus Byte Order - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–26
Modbus Address List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–27
Modbus Address Enumeration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–28
System Diagram - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–29
Resetting the Conext ComBox to Factory Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–30
Changing Device Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–31
Cascading Parameters and Copy Configuration Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–34
Using Cascading Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–34
Using Copy Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–35
x 975-0679-01-01 Revision D
Contents
Upgrading Firmware - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–38

Clearing Conext ComBox Internal Firmware Memory - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–38
Installing Conext ComBox Upgrades from a Thumb Drive - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–39
Installing Conext ComBox Upgrades Remotely - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–41
Installing Xanbus Device Upgrades - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–45
4 Monitoring
Monitoring LEDs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Startup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Operating Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3
Monitoring Conext ComBox Status Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
Monitoring System Components - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6
Devices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7
System Component Energy Graphs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–10
Interpreting a Battery Energy Graph - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–14
Interpreting a Load Energy Graph - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–15
Interpreting a Grid Energy Graph - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–16
Interpreting a Solar Energy Graph 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–17
Interpreting a Solar Energy Graph 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–18
Interpreting a Generator Energy Graph - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–19
Managing Data Logs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–20
Accessing and Downloading Log Files - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–22
5 Troubleshooting
Viewing Xanbus Device Faults and Warnings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2
Viewing ComBox Events - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–6
Viewing System Faults and Warnings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–6
Browsing Event and Fault Log Files - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–7
Browsing Energy Log Files - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–9
Troubleshooting - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–13
A Specifications
Electrical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Communication Interfaces - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Data Interfaces - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Power Supply (SELV on all sources) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Memory - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
General Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–3
Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–3
Regulatory Approvals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–4
Schneider Electric Products that work with the Conext ComBox - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–4
Physical Dimensions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–5
Front View - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–5
Side View - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–5
975-0679-01-01 Revision D xi
Bottom View A–6
Back View A–6
xii
1 Overview
Chapter 1 describes the features of the Conext

ComBox and provides an overview of its
physical features and web user interface. It
includes:
• Compatible Xanbus™ Components
• Physical Features
• Types of Conext ComBox Networks
• Power Sources for the Conext ComBox
• User Interface
• System Scheduled Maintenance
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–1

Overview
The Conext ComBox Communication and Monitoring Device is a multi-function

communication device that provides an overall view of system performance for
residential power monitoring systems. It also provides a communications
gateway between a network of XanbusTM-enabled devices and Modbus devices.
Operators can configure the system and devices, monitor performance, and
access data logs through the web-based user interface. A Modbus interface can
link the Conext ComBox with third-party software packages and building
management systems, and a Micro-SD card slot provides additional data storage
capability.
Other features of the Conext ComBox include:
• Compatibility—connects directly to Xanbus-enabled devices

• Real-time clock—keeps time for the entire system
• Non-volatile memory—preserves the latest Conext ComBox settings if power
is interrupted or network communication is disrupted.
• Firmware storage and upgrade capability—uses the Conext ComBox to
upgrade or downgrade firmware for Xanbus-enabled devices on the
network.
Compatible Xanbus™ Components

The Conext ComBox works with several Schneider Electric products including:
• XW Inverter/Chargers
• XW System Control Panel (SCP)
• XW Automatic Generator Start (AGS)
• Conext SW Inverter/Chargers
• MPPT 60 150 Solar Charge Controllers
• Conext TX Grid-Tie Solar Inverters
• Grid-Tie-AUS Series Grid-Tie Solar Inverters
Note: For details on specific models supported, see the “Specifications”

section. The Conext ComBox supports up to a maximum of 20 devices on a
Xanbus network depending on the device types.
1–2 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Physical Features
Physical Features
The following illustration shows the Conext ComBox. The tables in the following
sections contain descriptions of the connectors, indicators, and data ports on the
Conext ComBox
Data Ports and Reset Button

The data ports and reset are located at the top, front of the Conext ComBox.
Their functions are listed in the following table.
Item Description
Reset The Reset pinhole is used to restore factory settings or clear
internal firmware memory. See “Resetting the Conext ComBox to
Factory Settings” and “Clearing Conext ComBox Internal Firmware
Memory”.
Micro-SD The Micro-SD data port is used with a micro-SD card to extend
Conext ComBox memory for data logging.
Host The Host USB data port is used for uploading firmware upgrades
into the device - a thumb drive or equivalent mass storage device
can be used. See “Clearing Conext ComBox Internal Firmware
Memory”.
Device The Device USB data port is used for transferring files from the
Conext ComBox to a PC.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–3

Overview
LED Indicator Lights (LEDs)

The Power LED flashes slowly (2 flashes per second) during the Conext ComBox
application loading and flashes quickly during application initialization. The other
LEDs light up one by one as the startup progresses. Once the Conext ComBox is
ready, the power LED is on and other LED’s behave as described below. See
“Monitoring LEDs” for more information.
Item Description
Power Green LED. The Conext ComBox is powered and ready to
communicate when on.
Memory Green LED. Device is logging data to internal memory when
flashing.
Xanbus Green LED. Device is actively communicating or transferring data
with the Xanbus network when on.
Modbus Green LED. Each flash indicates that the Conext ComBox received
a message from the Modbus.
Status Amber LED. Devices on the Conext ComBox system have events or
alerts when on.
1–4 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Physical Features
Communication and Power Ports
1 2 3 4 5 6
Item Description
1 Power port. Use an AC/DC power adapter connected to a wall
outlet to provide power to the Conext ComBox.
2 Xanbus ports. Plug in a CAT5 cable from Xanbus-enabled devices
for communications and/or power to the Conext ComBox.
3 DIN rail sliding catch. Slide up/down to lock/release the Conext
ComBox to a DIN rail.
4 RS 485 Modbus port. Use the RS 485 Modbus connector from a
Modbus device for communications and 24V power terminals to the
Conext ComBox.
5 10/100 Ethernet port for CAT5 cable only. Use to connect to a
DHCP-enabled network router.
6 Dry Contact port. Used for signalling with SELV (Safety Extra Low
Voltage) device.It does not provide power to the Conext ComBox.
See the “Installation” section for more detail on these ports.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–5

Overview
Types of Conext ComBox Networks

The Conext ComBox can interface with different LAN devices using wired or
wireless connections, so you can configure your Xanbus devices and monitor
your power system performance. There are three communication network
options:
• Conext ComBox on a Local Area Network (LAN)

• Conext ComBox with Remote Access
• Conext ComBox as a Modbus Slave (RS 485)
Conext ComBox on a Local Area Network (LAN)

When the Conext ComBox is part of a LAN, you can access the Conext ComBox
web user interface from a computer on the same LAN or through a wireless or
wired LAN connection. An Ethernet connection is required between the Conext
ComBox and a router and computer for configuring the Conext ComBox.
Ethernet Cables
Xanbus Device Conext ComBox External Interface

Network with
Xanbus Cables
1–6 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Types of Conext ComBox Networks
Conext ComBox with Remote Access

You can access the web user interface for the Conext ComBox from a remote
computer using the Internet. The Conext ComBox must be connected to a router.
The router firewall settings must allow port forwarding, which allows the remote
computer to access the Conext ComBox using the router’s IP address and the
port number for the Conext ComBox.
Note: There is a security risk in port forwarding unencrypted network traffic

over a public network (Internet). It is recommended you use a VPN or a secure
tunnel to route Conext ComBox communication via the Internet.
Conext ComBox
www
Router with
Ethernet Cables
remote PC
Xanbus Device Network with

Xanbus Cables
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–7

Overview
Conext ComBox as a Modbus Slave (RS 485)

You can use the Conext ComBox as a Modbus slave where performance data
can be sent to a master device, such as a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system through an RS 485
connection. You can also configure the system devices from the master device.
Modbus Slave
(Conext ComBox)
Modbus Cable
to RS 485
Connector
Conext TX
1–8 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Power Sources for the Conext ComBox
Power Sources for the Conext ComBox

The Conext ComBox consumes an average of 2 W under most operating
conditions and up to 10 W maximum. The power sources connected to the
Conext ComBox must be capable of providing this power requirement.
There are three power sources for the Conext ComBox:
• AC/DC power adapter (supplied)
• Xanbus-enabled device via CAT5 or CAT5e cable (Xanbus cable)
• 24 V DC power input connections on the RS 485 Modbus connector
All three sources can be used alone or simultaneously. Typically, the AC/DC
power adapter (supplied) is used as a primary source with either a Xanbus or
RS 485 Modbus connection as secondary sources. See the following diagram for
connection locations.
AC/DC power Xanbus cable 24 V DC input on

adapter RS 485 connector
DANGER
Connect only to Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) circuits and power sources.
Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) is a designation that refers to a circuit in which
the voltages within the circuit and from the circuit to ground have values that are
not a shock hazard, under both normal and single fault conditions. In the Conext
ComBox, the SELV circuits and their intended connections are:
• The supplied AC/DC power adapter connected to the power port of the Conext
ComBox.
• Xanbus communications and power which come from SELV circuits on Xanbus-
enabled Schneider products.
• 24 V DC power input connections which must be SELV and are connected to the
Conext ComBox via the RS 485 Modbus connector.
• SELV Ethernet circuits or Class 2 circuits (Class 2 is a 24V, 100VA limited circuit).
• An external SELV circuit connected via the Dry Contact connector (see “Wiring
the Dry Contact Connector” on page 2–9).
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–9

Overview
User Interface
This section describes the elements of the web-based user interface for the
Conext ComBox. This interface is used to check the status of the Conext
ComBox, configure, monitor and log data for your network, and perform
upgrades. The menu bar contains icons for all functions plus home, close and
setup icons. You can also link to the Schneider Electric website.
To access the web user interface, log in with a user name and password. For
more details see “Logging In” on page 3–3.
Web browsers Correct operation of the web interface has been verified with the following
browsers:
• Mozilla Firefox 12.x and later

• Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer 8.x or later*
• Google Chrome 18.x and later
• Safari 5.x and later
• Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
Other browsers have not been tested and may have varying degrees of
compatibility with the Conext ComBox.
*Internet Explorer 8.0 and 9.0 does not support firmware upgrade.
Note: JavaScript and cookies must be enabled in your Web browser for the
interface to function.
1–10 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

User Interface
Home Screen
Note: Although the Conext ComBox interface is displayed within a web

browser, it does not use web browser functions such as the Back button. All
navigation through the interface is done within the main (Home) screen.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–11

Overview
Menu Bar
Item Description
Returns you to the Home menu.
Takes you to the Conext ComBox Setup’s Status Information

window. Click the Setup button in the left side menu to open the
Conext ComBox Setup screen.
In the Conext ComBox Setup screen, you can configure ComBox

settings such as Time Zone and Network Settings. For more
information, see “Conext ComBox Setup Buttons”.
1–12 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

User Interface
Links to the Schneider Electric Conext ComBox website.

http://www.schneider-electric.com/products/ww/en/7000-solar-off-
grid-and-back-up/7030-monitoring/62089-conext-combox/
Closes the Conext ComBox web user interface and logs out.
Shows Xanbus Devices of all types in the network.
Shows the Battery status for the network.
Shows system AC output power, voltage and current.
Shows the Grid status of AC input and output to the main utility grid.
Displays the status of solar input energy.
Displays the status of generator input energy.
Conext ComBox Setup Buttons

These buttons are found in the Conext ComBox Setup screen.
Item Description
Saves a parameter’s new value to the Conext ComBox.
Recalls (or refreshes) a parameter’s previous value that is still not

saved (or that may have been changed by another device).
Found in E-mail-related settings, the Conext ComBox sends

information out via the e-mail system.
Found only in the Network Time (SNTP) setting, this button performs
a manual network time synchronization.
Found only in General Settings, this button reboots the Conext

ComBox.
Found only in General Settings, this button shuts down the Conext
ComBox.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–13

Overview
Captures the most up-to-date value from a parameter.
Sets the time and date in the Conext ComBox.
Sets the time zone in the Conext ComBox.
Found only in FTP Logger Settings, this button sends a sample log
file to an FTP site.
Causes a physical indicator on the Xanbus device to flash, light up,

or beep, depending on the device.
Found only in Modbus Address List Settings, this button resets the
Modbus addresses of Xanbus devices.
Other Buttons
These buttons are found in other Conext ComBox web user interface screens, such as
Upload screens and dialog screens.
Item Description
Found in Firmware Uploads And Device Upgrades, this button
uploads an upgrade file from a storage device to the Conext
ComBox.
Found in Firmware Uploads And Device Upgrades, this button
initiates the device upgrade process for a Xanbus device.
When visible this provides the option to cancel a prompted action.
Enacts an action prompted by a dialog screen.
Closes a user interface screen or a pop-up application.
1–14 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

User Interface
Monitoring and Logging Functions
Item Description
Device Shows all power system devices. A yellow flashing device icon
indicates a warning. A red flashing icon indicates a fault. Click a
device icon to view a system status summary.
Battery Shows battery status such as voltage, current, power, temperature,

charge cycle information and historical information.
Loads Shows the load status for the system and devices including power,
apparent power, voltage, current, and frequency
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–15

Overview
System Scheduled Maintenance

The Conext ComBox is unavailable for approximately three minutes at 3:05 AM
daily. During this time, the Conext ComBox performs routine maintenance and
does not respond to queries via any of its external interfaces, such as
Modbus TCP, RS 485, Web Services, and Web Pages. Data logging is also
suspended during this period.
Machine to Machine Communication
The Conext ComBox signals the start of the routine maintenance period to
external communication devices one minute before the routine starts, by setting
its "MAINTENANCE" Modbus register (at address 0x003D) to 1.
External communication devices should stop queries to the Conext ComBox for
at least four minutes after detecting that the Conext ComBox’s "MAINTENANCE"
Modbus register is currently set to 1.
After the routine maintenance is completed, the "MAINTENANCE" Modbus

register (at address 0x003D) is reset to 0.
1–16 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

2 Installation
Chapter 2 describes how to install, wire, and

connect the Conext ComBox to your network. It
includes:
• Choosing a Location
• Materials and Tools Required
• Mounting the Conext ComBox
• Wiring the RS 485 Modbus Connector for
Data Communication to the Conext ComBox
• Wiring the Dry Contact Connector
• Connecting the Conext ComBox to an
Ethernet Network
• Turning On the Conext ComBox
• Finding the Conext ComBox on the Network
• Changing the ComBox Language
• Logging in to the Conext ComBox Web User
Interface Using a USB Thumb Drive
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–1

Installation
Choosing a Location
Choose a clean, dry, easily accessible location indoors.
If you mount the Conext ComBox on a wall, the recommended height is at eye-
level so that you can clearly see the LEDs and have easy access to the data
ports.
All the communication ports on the Conext ComBox are accessible from the
bottom of the device when mounted on a wall or DIN rail. Clearance of at least 2
inches (50 mm) below the device is needed to allow for the bending radius of
cables that connect to the Conext ComBox.
You should not run cables through conduits that can be exposed to lightning
strikes. The following are recommended maximum cable lengths in a Conext
ComBox system:
131 feet (40 m) Total Xanbus network
328 feet (100 m) Router to Conext ComBox
164 feet (50 m) Modbus Master (RS 485) to Conext ComBox
DANGER
• Connect only to Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) circuits and power
sources.
• All wiring must be done by qualified personnel to ensure compliance with
all applicable installation codes and regulations.
• For Indoor Use Only.
• Do not disassemble. No user serviceable parts inside.
2–2 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Materials and Tools Required
Materials and Tools Required

Materials List
The following materials are supplied in the Conext ComBox package:
❐ Conext ComBox unit

❐ Conext ComBox Quickstart Guide
❐ Conext ComBox CD includes:
• Device Discovery Tool
• Conext ComBox Owner’s Guide
❐ AC/DC power adapter (PN: 0J-921-0023-Z) with replaceable multi-plug for
North America, Europe, Asia, UK
• 5.5 mm diameter (outer, negative), 2.1 mm diameter (inner, positive)
connector
• 12 VDC (output), 1.5 ADC
❐ Dry contact connector
❐ RS 485 Modbus connector
❐ Ethernet cable (2 m)
❐ USB cable (1.8 m)
❐ Xanbus network terminator
❐ Two #6 wood screws with anchors
Additional Material and Tools

The following materials and tools are not supplied but are required to complete
the installation:
• CAT5 or CAT5e network cable(s) for Xanbus connections - 6.5 feet (2 m) or

longer
• Modbus network cables(s)
• Wire stripper
• Ferrules
For wall mount:
• Two #6 (or equivalent) mounting screws for non-drywall mounting

• Screwdriver set
For DIN rail mount:
• 35-mm “top hat” DIN rail (EN50022)

• Pliers
• Diagonal cutter or heavy duty scissors
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–3

Installation
Mounting the Conext ComBox

Wall Mount
To mount the Conext ComBox on a wall:
1. Choose the location for mounting the device.

2. Using the template in the Conext ComBox Quickstart Guide, mark the
mounting holes on the wall with a pencil.
The holes must be at the same height and 4 7/16 inches (112 mm) apart.
3. Insert the two anchors and mounting screws supplied in the marked
locations on the wall, leaving a space of about ¼ inch (6 mm) between the
wall and screw head.
¼ inch
(6 mm)
If you are mounting the Conext ComBox on concrete, the supplied anchors
and mounting screws are not suitable. Use two mounting screws that are
equivalent to #6 screws.
2–4 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Mounting the Conext ComBox
4. Place the Conext ComBox on the mounting screws, and confirm a snug fit
before going to the next step.
5. Connect the wiring and cables. Go to “Wiring the RS 485 Modbus Connector
for Power to the Conext ComBox” on page 2–14.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–5

Installation
DIN Rail Mount

A standard 35-mm “top hat” DIN rail (EN50022) must be used for mounting.
To mount the Conext ComBox on the DIN Rail:
1. Choose the location for mounting the device.

2. Using heavy duty scissors or a diagonal cutter, cut both ends of the side tab
on one end of the Conext ComBox.
Side tab
3. Break off the side tab. You may need to use pliers for this.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the tab at the other end of the Conext ComBox.
5. Use a suitable tool, such as a screwdriver, to pull down the catch on the
bottom of the Conext ComBox.
6. Mount the Conext ComBox on the DIN rail and release the catch. See the
following illustration.
DIN rail catch
7. Connect the wiring and cables.
2–6 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Wiring the RS 485 Modbus Connector for Data Communication to the Conext ComBox
Wiring the RS 485 Modbus Connector for Data

Communication to the Conext ComBox
The RS 485 Modbus connector provides three terminals to wire communication
cables to the Conext ComBox. The five-terminal RS 485 connector uses the first
three terminals for a data cable. The cable has a size of 16–24 AWG with
1.5 mm2–0.25 mm2 wires. The cable can be shielded or non-shielded.
To wire the RS 485 Modbus connector for data communication:
1. Select a two-wire, twisted pair, shielded cable not longer than 164 feet
(50 m). Refer to the local electrical code and application to select the
insulation and temperature class of the cable to be used.
2. Strip 3/8 in.(10 mm) from the end of the wires to be connected and attach
ferrules to the two signal wires (red and black in the following diagram).
3. Insert the ferrules and the shield wire into the connector terminals as shown
in the following diagram.
3/8 in.
D
D
Sh
1
0
ie
(10 mm)
ld
4. Secure the wires by tightening the screw on the terminal.
The middle terminal is not connected internally but is provided for the shield
connection of the cable.
5. If you intend to use the Dry Contact, go to “Wiring the Dry Contact
Connector”. Otherwise, go to “Connecting the Conext ComBox to an
Ethernet Network”.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–7

Installation
Modbus versus The RS 485 Modbus connection and Xanbus cable connection provide data
Xanbus communication from the network and devices to the Conext ComBox.
Communication with Modbus devices is handled through the RS 485 or 10/100
Ethernet connection on the Conext ComBox while communication with Xanbus
components occurs through the Xanbus ports of Xanbus-enabled devices.
Connecting the In the Modbus implementation, the Conext ComBox acts as a slave to an RS 485
Conext ComBox master device. The RS 485 connection to the Conext ComBox allows
with other Modbus communication between the Xanbus network and the master device. This
Devices enables Conext devices to link to third-party software and building management
systems.
If a Modbus device, including the Conext ComBox, is installed as the last device
in a daisy chain, a 120 ohm terminator must be used because they do not have
an internal terminator for the RS 485 network. When inserting two wires in one
terminal, as in the case of daisy-chained RS 485 Modbus devices, use smaller
gauge wires. See the following example.
Note: Turn off all Modbus and other devices prior to wiring the connectors.
Connect the
RS 485 connector
to the RS 485 port.
See NOTE below.
Modbus Modbus
Device 2 Device 3 D1
D0
Shield
24 V 
Modbus Power
Device 1 Supply
RS 485
120-ohm RS 485 Modbus
Terminator 120-ohm Device 4
Terminator
2–8 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Wiring the Dry Contact Connector
Wiring the Dry Contact Connector

Wiring instructions for dry contact wiring for SELV devices is included in this
section. The dry contact connector is intended to control the trigger of SELV
devices such as small DC fans or external AC or DC relays. It does not provide
power to the Conext ComBox.
To wire the dry contact connector:
DANGER
ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD
• Turn off all other devices prior to wiring the connectors.
• The Dry contact port must only be connected to a circuit rated 24V DC
max, 4A max, and supplied from an SELV source.
1. Strip 3/8 in. (10 mm) from the end of the wire to be connected and attach
ferrules to the bare wires.
2. Insert the ferrule into the Dry Contact connector’s wire terminal.
3. Secure the wire by tightening the screw on the terminal.
3/8 in.
N
C
N
C
om
O
(10 mm)
normally
closed
common
normally open
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the remaining wires.
Note: The Dry Contact Connector should not be used for any safety-critical
applications.
5. Once all the Dry Contact wires are secured, push the Dry Contact connector
into the Dry Contact port until it locks into place.
6. Go to “Connecting the Conext ComBox to an Ethernet Network”.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–9

Installation
Connecting the Conext ComBox to an Ethernet Network

Note: The computer and network router may remain powered at this stage in
the process. If not already powered, make sure these two devices are on before
proceeding.
Before connecting a computer and router to the Conext ComBox, make sure it
meets the following prerequisites.
Router The network router must be able to supply DHCP addresses automatically to
connected devices. If your network router does not support automatic DHCP,
refer to your network router’s user guide or contact your system administrator.
Operating System • Microsoft® Windows® 7 (recommended) or later

• Microsoft® Windows XP® (SP2, SP3)
• Windows Vista® X86
• Mac OS® X 10.4.8. or later
Web Browsers • Mozilla® Firefox® 12.x or later
• Microsoft® Windows® Internet Explorer® 8.x or later
• Google Chrome™ 18.x or later
• Safari® 5.x or later
Note: JavaScript and cookies must be enabled in your web browser.
To connect the Conext ComBox to a Computer on an Ethernet Network:
1. Make sure the computer and network router are turned on and the Conext
ComBox is not turned on. Make sure the network router selected has DHCP
enabled.
2. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the computer’s network port.
NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
• Do not connect an Ethernet cable from the Conext ComBox to the
WAN/MODEM port on the network router.
• Do not connect an Ethernet cable plug into a Xanbus port on the Conext
ComBox.
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a vacant Ethernet/LAN port on
the network router.
2–10 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Connecting the Conext ComBox to an Ethernet Network
Step 1: Turn on
the computer
and router. Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Ethernet cable
supplied
Step 5
4. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable (supplied) to the LAN port on the
network router.
At this stage, the network router should be on but the LED showing port
activity on the router will not show any indication.
5. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Conext ComBox.
At this stage the Ethernet cable should be the only cable (except for the Dry
Contact if used) plugged into the Conext ComBox.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–11

Installation
Turning On the Conext ComBox

The Conext ComBox must be wired into an Ethernet connection before it is
powered up. Follow the sequence of steps in “Connecting the Conext ComBox to
an Ethernet Network” on page 2–10.
To turn on the Conext ComBox:
1. Connect a power source to the Conext ComBox. You can do either of the
following:
• Plug the AC/DC power adapter into the AC wall outlet (see “Connecting
the AC/DC Power Adapter”), or
• Plug the RS 485 connector, which has been wired with a 24 V DC power
supply, to the RS 485 port on the Conext ComBox until it locks into place.
See “Wiring the RS 485 Modbus Connector for Power to the Conext
ComBox” for the wiring procedure.
WARNING
PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD
Xanbus is a valid power source for the Conext ComBox. However, for the first
time set-up, using Xanbus as a power source is not recommended. the Conext
ComBox clock will override the other Xanbus devices’ clocks and could
trigger unintentional time-based events. Therefore, DO NOT connect the
Conext ComBox to the Xanbus network prior to setting up the internal clock of
the Conext ComBox. Refer to “Changing the Time” on page 3–7. If Xanbus is
the only source powering the ComBox, after installation verify the time settings
in all devices.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious injury.
2. When power is applied to the Conext ComBox, all the LEDs flash once and
then the Power LED flashes intermittently for approximately two minutes
during the application loading and initialization sequence.
Wait until the Power LED lights up steadily before proceeding to the next
step. See “LED Indicator Lights (LEDs)” on page 1–4.
3. When the Conext ComBox is ready, proceed to either “Finding the Conext
ComBox on the Network” on page 2–16 or “Logging in to the Conext
ComBox Web User Interface Using a USB Thumb Drive” on page 2–19.
2–12 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Connecting the AC/DC Power Adapter
DANGER
Use only the AC/DC Power Adapter supplied with this Conext ComBox unit.
When ordering a replacement, reference PN: 0J-921-0023-Z.
To use the AC/DC power adapter supplied with the Conext ComBox as a
power source:
1. Conext ComBox uses a universal plug with interchangeable pins and plug
styles.
2. Connect the power plug to the AC outlet.

3. Connect the other plug of AC/DC power adapter to the Power port on the
Conext ComBox.
4. Go to step 2 of “Turning On the Conext ComBox”.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–13

Installation
Wiring the RS 485 Modbus Connector for Power to the Conext ComBox
To use the Modbus RS 485 connector to provide power to the Conext ComBox,
use the following procedure. When powering the Conext ComBox through the
24 V DC terminals on the RS 485 connector, use a power supply (AC/DC or DC/
DC) that provides galvanic isolation to meet the required SELV connections.
DANGER
If the power terminals on the Modbus RS 485 connector are used, the RS 485
connector must only be connected to a circuit rated 24V DC max, 1A max
(fused on the positive wire), and supplied from an SELV source.
NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Turn OFF all devices before connecting cables. The Conext ComBox does not
have an ON/OFF switch. See “Power Cycle” below.
performance.
Power Cycle To power cycle the Conext ComBox:
1. Turn the Conext ComBox OFF – perform a proper shutdown (see “Shutting
down the Conext ComBox” on page 3–14) then unplug and disconnect it
from all power sources.
2. Wait ten seconds before the next step.
Ensure that there is no USB thumb drive inserted in the USB Host port.
3. Turn the Conext ComBox ON – plug and connect it to a power source.
Wiring Steps To wire the RS 485 Modbus connector for power to the Conext ComBox:
1. Turn off the 24 V DC power supply, if not already.

2. Unplug the RS 485 connector from the RS 485 port on the Conext ComBox.
3. Strip 3/8 in. (10 mm) from the end of the 0 V (–) wire of the power cable.
4. Terminate the wire with a ferrule.
5. Install a 1A DC fuse on the 24 V (+) wire of the power cable and strip 3/8 in.
(10 mm) from the end of the wire.
6. Terminate the wire with a ferrule.
2–14 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

7. Insert the ferrules into the Modbus connector’s wire terminals as shown.
3/8 in.
(10 mm)
0 V (–)
1A DC fuse on
the positive wire
24 V (+)
power supply
Note: The polarity of the wires is shown above and on the unit.
8. Secure the wires by tightening the screws on the terminal.
9. Plug the Modbus connector into the RS 485 port of the Conext ComBox.
10. Turn on the 24 V DC power supply.
11. Go to step 2 of “Turning On the Conext ComBox”.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–15

Installation
Finding the Conext ComBox on the Network

After the Conext ComBox is wired into and powered up on a LAN, it will exist as a
LAN device at an IP address. The following procedure describes how to find the
Conext ComBox LAN address.
To find the Conext ComBox on your network:
1. Load the Conext ComBox CD (supplied) in the computer.

If the computer in the Conext ComBox system does not have a CD drive:
• On a computer with an optical drive, copy the Device Discovery Tool
folder on the CD to a USB thumb drive.
2. Temporarily disable all antivirus software including firewall protection
software running in the background.
3. Open the Device Discovery Tool folder either on the Conext ComBox CD or
the USB thumb drive.
4. Double-click ConextComBoxLocator.jar.
This tool requires Java Runtime Environment (JRE). If you see a message
about this, go to http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp to download and
install JRE.
5. In the list that appears, click the Web Address for the Conext ComBox
(cb-XXXX where XXXX is a factory- assigned number).
If a web browser opens up, you will see the Conext ComBox user interface
Login window. Go to the next step.
The default value of the Web Server Port is 80. For example, if you change
this value to 8080, you must append the URL address with “:8080” at the end
of the IP address (e.g. http://10.167.73.66:8080).
If a web browser window does not open:
• Note the Web Address for the Conext ComBox.
2–16 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Finding the Conext ComBox on the Network
• Open a web browser.

• Enter the Conext ComBox Web Address in the URL field.
• Press Enter on the keyboard.
The Conext ComBox user interface Login window appears.
6. Enable all antivirus software including firewall protection software.

7. To complete configuration of your Conext ComBox, go to the “Configuration”
section.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–17

Installation
Changing the ComBox Language

You can change the language appearing on the screens.
NOTE: After the language is changed, it will apply to all units connected to the
ComBox.
1. In the Login Screen’s Language drop down list, choose a language and click
APPLY.
The Language Change warning screen appears.
2. Click:
• CANCEL to return to the login screen without changes
• PROCEED to change the language
2–18 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Logging in to the Conext ComBox Web User Interface Using a USB Thumb Drive
After clicking PROCEED, wait for the ComBox to reboot. The new language
appears after the reboot.
Logging in to the Conext ComBox Web User Interface Using

a USB Thumb Drive
In cases where it is not practical to obtain the Conext ComBox’s IP address using
the Device Discovery tool (or using the Windows network browser), obtain the IP
address using a USB thumb drive.
1. Plug a USB thumb drive into the Conext ComBox’s USB Host data port while
the Conext ComBox unit is powered on (the Power LED is steadily on and not
flashing).
2. Watch the Memory LED and wait for it to flash quickly five times.
3. Remove the USB thumb drive from the USB Host data port.
4. Plug the USB thumb drive into your computer’s USB port.
5. Use the file system browser on your computer to navigate to the thumb
drive’s root directory.
6. Look for a file named serial number.html, where serial number is the Serial
Number of the Conext ComBox.
7. Double-click the serial number.html file. Your default web browser will launch
and display the System Information below.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 2–19

Installation
8. Click the Connect button shown within System Information. The web browser
opens up and the Conext ComBox user interface Login window appears.
Note that this will only work if your computer is on the same Local Area
Network as the Conext ComBox.
2–20 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

3 Configuration
Chapter 3 describes how to configure settings

for the Conext ComBox. It also includes how to
connect devices to the Xanbus network. The
topics are:
• Configuration Steps
• Logging In
• Changing the Admin Password
• Changing the Time
• Changing E-Mail Settings
• Connecting the Conext ComBox to the
Xanbus Network
• Changing Conext ComBox Settings
• Resetting the Conext ComBox to Factory
Settings
• Changing Device Settings
• Upgrading Firmware
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–1

Configuration
Configuration Steps
To complete Conext ComBox setup, you must successfully complete the
procedures in the Installation section. Make sure the Conext ComBox is
connected, the Power LED is on, and the Status LED is off. Your Xanbus devices
should still be in standby mode.
When you log in to the web user interface, most of the setup information appears
automatically with their default values. Some information requires change (such
as passwords), some information can be modified as needed, and some
information can only be modified by a qualified IT professional.
The following items are part of the Conext ComBox configuration process:
Primary ❐ Log in - see “Logging In”

❐ Change the password - see “Changing the Admin Password”
❐ Set the time - see “Changing the Time”
❐ Enter e-mail information - see “Changing E-Mail Settings” and sending
reports - see “E-mail Reporting”
❐ Connect the Conext ComBox to the Xanbus network - see “Connecting the
Conext ComBox to the Xanbus Network”
Secondary ❐ Change TCP/IP settings if you want to use static IP addresses - see “TCP/IP
Settings”
❐ Configure Conext ComBox settings - see “Changing Conext ComBox
Settings”
Optional/ ❐ Configure general device settings - see “Changing Device Settings”

Occasional
❐ Clear the device memory - see “Clearing Conext ComBox Internal Firmware
Memory”
❐ Upgrade the device firmware - see “Upgrading Firmware”
3–2 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Logging In
Logging In
The first time you log in to the Conext ComBox web user interface, use the default
User name: admin and Password: password.
NOTE: See “Two Types of

Accounts” below.
admin
password
Two Types of Accounts
User name Password Privileges

admin password System-level access. Allows
read and write access to
settings on the Conext
ComBox as well as Xanbus
devices. Allows system and
status monitoring including
logging.
user user Limited access. Allows only
read access to devices,
system monitoring, and status
monitoring.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–3

Configuration
The Home screen (also called the System Diagram screen) appears after logging
in successfully.
Figure 3-1 Home Screen (or System Diagram Screen)
Once you log in, click in the menu bar to change the password.
3–4 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Changing the Admin Password
Changing the Admin Password

Change the password from the default “password” as soon as possible.
Changing the To change the Conext ComBox Admin Password:

Admin password
1. In the menu bar, click .
2. Click in the left side menu.
3. Under Conext ComBox Settings, click Change Admin Password.
4. Enter the Old Password.

5. Enter your New Password.
The password should contain at least eight alphanumeric (0-9, a-z, A-Z)
characters with no special characters and spaces. Passwords are case-
sensitive, and the maximum length is 32 characters.
6. Enter the New Password (confirm) again.
7. Click Submit.
A message indicates that the password change was successful.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–5

Configuration
Recovering the To recover a Password:

Admin password
If you forget the password, click Recover Lost Password in the Login window.
An e-mail will be sent to the designated e-mail address(es) containing the current
or a random temporary password for your Conext ComBox.
Note: You must have the Conext ComBox E-mail Settings configured and
connected to the internet for this feature to work. See “Changing E-Mail
Settings” on page 3–9’.
3–6 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Changing the Time
Changing the Time

WARNING
PHYSICAL INJURY HAZARD
Be careful when changing the Conext ComBox time setting. It will override any
time settings on individual Xanbus-enabled devices in the network. The time
represents the entire system. Any appliance or equipment that is time-
controlled by a Xanbus device, such as a generator connected to an AGS,
can inadvertently turn on at the wrong time.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious injury.
You can also choose to use the network time for your system. If enabled, network
time (SNTP) will override the Conext ComBox Time setting at the next SNTP
polling update. See “Using Network Time”.
The default setting has SNTP network time enabled (SNTP state is On).
To change the Conext ComBox time and/or date:

3. Under Conext ComBox settings, click Time and Zone.
4. Click to display the current time.

5. To change the Date/Time, enter it in the same format as shown
(YYYY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS) and click Set Time.
6. To set the Time Zone, select from the drop-down list and click Set Time Zone.
Note: This date/time setting overrides settings on other devices in the system.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–7

Configuration
Using Network You can choose to use the network time for your Conext ComBox system.
Time
Note: If you enable this option, it will replace any manual settings you set
under Time and Zone at the next update according to the SNTP poll setting.
To use the network time and date:

3. Under Conext ComBox settings, click Network Time (SNTP).
4. In SNTP Server Name, enter the IP address or URL of the network time
server, (pool.ntp.org is recommended) and then click .
5. In SNTP Poll Interval, enter (in hours) how often you want to update the
Conext ComBox system time to the network time and then click .
6. To enable the automatic network time setting, select SNTP State On and then
click .
To disable the automatic network time setting, select SNTP State Off and
then click .
7. To perform a manual network time synchronization (SNTP State must be On),
click under Perform SNTP Synchronization.
3–8 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Changing E-Mail Settings
Changing E-Mail Settings
Mailer Status Activate or deactivate e-mailing

features. When enabled, a user who
forgets a password when trying to log
in can have the Conext ComBox send
the current password or a randomly
generated temporary password by
e-mail.
E-mail Server Address Specify the mail server address
provided by the Internet service
provider. It has the format
mailserver.yourdomain.com. Contact
your Internet service provider for the
correct information.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–9

Configuration
E-mail Server Port Specify the port number used by a

computer to transmit electronic data
through the Internet. The number 25 is
typically reserved for e-mail.
E-mail Recipients Enter multiple e-mail addresses
separated by a comma and no space.
Any address listed here will receive e-
mail messages generated by the
Conext ComBox.
E-mail Authentication Enable or disable an external e-mail’s
authentication settings. When enabled,
you have to supply the E-mail User ID
and E-mail Password below.
E-mail User ID Specify the external e-mail account’s
user ID, which is usually the full e-mail
address that includes the domain
name.
E-mail Password Specify the external e-mail account’s
password.
Lost Password E-Mail Recipients Specify a valid e-mail address where
the current password or a random
temporary password can be sent.
For multiple e-mail recipients, separate
the addresses with a comma and no
space.
Lost Password E-Mail From Address Specify a valid e-mail address that can
be used as an identifier of the sender.
Generally, the sender is also the user of
the Conext ComBox.
By default, this is set to no-
reply@schneider-electric.com and
should not be changed.
Reset Lost Passwords Select No to send the current
password by e-mail.
Select Yes to generate a random
temporary password to be sent by
e-mail.
Send Test E-Mail Test that the e-mail settings above
have been configured correctly.
Press the button to send a

sample e-mail message to the
addresses listed in the E-mail
Recipients parameter. Mailer Status
must be enabled for the button to work.
3–10 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Connecting the Conext ComBox to the Xanbus Network

After you have installed and configured the Conext ComBox, you can add the
Xanbus devices. The Conext ComBox application automatically discovers new
devices, and Modbus addresses are assigned according to the starting address
configuration settings. Log out of the web user interface and then log in again to
check the Modbus address for the new device and its status.
The Xanbus network cable (a CAT5 cable) can provide both data communication
and power from Xanbus-enabled devices.
When applying power to the Conext ComBox by connecting it to the Xanbus

network, make sure the Xanbus network itself has power. The inverter/charger or
controller supplying power to the Xanbus network must be operating.
The following Xanbus-enabled devices can provide power to the Xanbus

network:
• XW Inverter/Chargers
• Conext SW Inverter/Chargers
The MPPT 60 150 Solar Charge Controller, XW System Control Panel, and XW
Automatic Generator Start cannot provide power to the Conext ComBox.
However, two or more Conext TX Grid-tie Inverters in the same Xanbus network
can supply enough power to the Conext ComBox.
Note:
• Use Xanbus network cables that are at least 6.5 feet (2 m) long such as:
25-foot (7.6-m) network cable (809-0940)
75-foot (22.9-m) network cable (809-0942)
• Using Xanbus network cables shorter than 6.5 feet (2 m) will result in
degraded Xanbus network performance
Note:
• Xanbus components can be arranged in any ordera.
• Use a network terminator at both ends of the Xanbus network.
a.Similar to the Grid-Tie Solar Inverter Monitor, a maximum of five Grid-Tie inverters can be
connected in series to the Conext ComBox. Since the Conext ComBox can support up to 20 Grid-
Tie inverters, you can use a hub to connect four sets of 5 Grid-Tie inverters.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–11

Configuration
Note: Xanbus is a valid power source for the Conext ComBox. However, for
first-time setup, using Xanbus as a power source is not recommended. The
Conext ComBox clock will override the other Xanbus devices’ clocks and could
trigger unintentional time-based events. Therefore, DO NOT connect the Conext
ComBox to the Xanbus network prior to setting up the internal clock of the
Conext ComBox. If Xanbus is the only power source to the ComBox, after
installation verify the time settings in all devices. See “Changing the Time” on
page 3–7.
To connect the Conext ComBox to a Xanbus network:
The assumption at this point is that there is an existing Xanbus network and all
Xanbus-enabled devices in that network have been previously interconnected
with each other.
1. Put the Xanbus-enabled inverters, inverter/chargers, and solar charge

controllers into standby mode before connecting the Conext ComBox to
avoid triggering any unintentional time-based events.
You may put the Xanbus-enabled inverters, inverter/chargers, and solar
charge controllers out of standby mode later when you have completed
configuration of the Conext ComBox.
2. Using the sample illustration below, connect the Conext ComBox to the
Xanbus network.
NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Do not connect a Xanbus RJ-45 cable plug into the 10/100 Ethernet port of the
Conext ComBox.
network performance.
3–12 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Xanbus network terminators
Be sure to terminate the Xanbus network with Xanbus network terminators at

both ends.
When the Conext ComBox starts communicating with other Xanbus-enabled
devices on the network, the Xanbus LED will go on.
The Conext ComBox is now ready to configure, control, and monitor the
devices connected on the Xanbus network.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–13

Configuration
Changing Conext ComBox Settings

The procedures for configuring the other Conext ComBox Settings are described
in the following sections.
To change Conext ComBox Settings:

You will see a screen similar to the one shown below.
3. Click the setting type you want to change.

That portion of the window expands to display the change options for that
setting. The size and content of the expanded window varies depending on
the setting type.
4. In the expanded window, click to see the current setting. This may be
different from the value shown if the change was made in another way.
5. Modify the value(s) as necessary.
6. Click to save the change(s).
3–14 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

General Settings
Changing the The default Device Friendly Name is the device’s serial number assigned at the
device name factory. It is good practice to change this default to a user-friendly name.
To change the device name:
1. Replace the default value using alphanumeric characters.
2. Click to save the setting.
3. To recall the previous value, click .

Rebooting the You can reboot the Conext ComBox unit from the web user interface without
Conext ComBox doing a power cycle. This type of “soft” rebooting is oftentimes necessary when
certain settings are changed, like changing the Xanbus Bit Rate parameter.
To reboot the Conext ComBox:
1. Click the button. A Warning dialog box appears.

2. Click the OK button on the Warning dialog box.
3. To discontinue rebooting, click the Cancel button on the Warning dialog box.
Shutting down the You should shut down the Conext ComBox unit from the web user interface.
Conext ComBox Shutting down is equivalent to turning off the unit, usually for preparing to store
the unit away or to reinstall the unit at a different location.
Note: Do not shut down by abruptly disconnecting all power sources to the
Conext ComBox without following the procedure below. An abrupt disconnection
may result in data corruption.
To shut down the Conext ComBox:
1. Click the button. A Warning dialog box appears.

2. Click the OK button on the Warning dialog box.
3. To discontinue shutting down, click the Cancel button on the Warning dialog
box.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–15

Configuration
Change User Password Settings

The Change User Password setting applies only to the Conext ComBox user
account.
1. Enter the Old Password.

2. Enter your New Password.
The password should contain at least eight alphanumeric (0-9, a-z, A-Z)
characters with no special characters and spaces. Passwords are
case-sensitive and the maximum length is 32 characters.
3. Enter the New Password (confirm) again.
4. Click Submit.
A message indicates that the password change was successful.
Change Admin Password Settings

The Change Admin Password setting applies only to the Conext ComBox admin
account.
See “Changing the Admin Password” on page 3–5.
3–16 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

TCP/IP Settings
By default, the Use DHCP parameter is set to Yes. By enabling DHCP, the four
parameters (TCP/IP Address, TCP/IP Net Mask, Gateway Address, and DNS
Server Address) are filled automatically. If the Use DHCP parameter is set to No,
you have to manually fill the four parameters with static IP addresses.
Note: Only a qualified IT professional should perform changes to any TCP/IP

related settings.
E-mail Settings
See “Changing E-Mail Settings” on page 3–9.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–17

Configuration
E-mail Reporting
Email System Report Activate or deactivate system reporting

features. When activated (Yes), system
reports are sent electronically to
recipients listed in
E-Mail Recipients under E-mail
Settings.
System Report Include (Included) or exclude (Not
Included) certain categories in the
system reports that are being sent. The
system reports are broken down into
different categories such as Generator
Energy, Load Energy, etc.
3–18 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Email Device Report Activate or deactivate device-specific

reporting features. When activated (Yes),
device reports are sent electronically to
recipients listed in
E-Mail Recipients under E-mail
Settings.
Email Report Frequency Change the frequency of reporting by
day, week, or month.
Email Report Day For weekly reporting, choose a day of the
week to receive system reports.
For monthly reporting, choose whether to

receive system reports at the last day of
each month or any particular day of the
month.
Send Test Report Test that the E-mail Settings in
“Changing E-Mail Settings” on page 3–9
have been configured correctly.

sample e-mail message to the addresses
listed in the E-mail Recipients parameter.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–19

Configuration
Web
If you want Web access to the Conext ComBox:
• In Web Server Access, select HTTP and then click .
If you do not want Web access to the Conext ComBox:
• In Web Server Access, select Disabled and then click .
The default value of the Web Server Port is 80. If this value is changed to 8080,
you must append the URL address with “:8080” at the end of the IP address.
Note: You must restart ComBox after changing the Web Server Port.
Note: If the Web server is disabled (for example, for security reasons), the
Web server will not be available on the next reboot of the Conext ComBox. To
regain access to the Web server, “Resetting the Conext ComBox to Factory
Settings” is necessary to make configuration changes.
3–20 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

FTP
Note: This setting is for advanced users only.
Use for updating The FTP User 1 Name and FTP User 1 Password are used for firmware
firmware upgrades. By default, the password is the same as the user name so it must be
changed
Important: For upgrades go to

http://www.schneider-electric.com/products/ww/en/7000-solar-off-grid-and-back-up/7030-monitoring/62089-conext-combox/
Use for The FTP User 2 Name and FTP User 2 Password are used to download log
downloading logs information. By default, the password is the same as the user name so it must be
changed.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–21

Configuration
FTP Logger
This setting allows the user to push event and detected fault logs to an FTP site.
FTP Log Enable Activate or deactivate FTP logging

features. When activated (Enable), FTP
logs are sent electronically to an FTP
site.
FTP Log Destination Address Specify a valid FTP site.
FTP Log Username Specify the FTP site’s valid user name.
FTP Log Password Specify the FTP site’s valid password in
the (New) field. Repeat the password
in the (Confirm) field.
FTP Log Destination Directory Specify a valid directory on the FTP
site where all the logs will be stored.
Test FTP Logging Test that the FTP Logger settings have
been configured correctly.

sample log to the FTP site specified in
FTP Log Destination Address.
3–22 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Dry Contact Relay

You can set the Relay Mode of Operation to Automatic so that the relay will
automatically go on if a fault is detected in the system.
To manually control the mode of operation so that the relay is always on (or off),
select On (or Off).
Suppress Device Faults/Warnings

You can suppress certain fault and warning codes from being included in the
device reports that are sent to E-Mail Recipients specified in E-Mail Settings.
List the fault and warning codes for each device you want to exclude in the report
by entering the name of the code. Separate multiple codes by comma.
The fault and warning codes for all the devices are usually listed under the
Troubleshooting section of the device’s Owner’s Guide.
Grid-Tie Inverters For Grid-Tie inverters, enter the following values:
Suppress Grid-Tie Faults/Warnings F11, F54, F58, F61
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–23

Configuration
Xanbus Communications
The Xanbus Bit Rate parameter for the Conext ComBox has two possible values: 125
and 250 Kbps. The default value for the Xanbus Bit Rate is 250 Kbps. XW system
devices and components require a 250 Kbps bit rate. You cannot change the bit rate for
XW system devices and components.
When this setting is changed, reboot the Conext ComBox for the new setting to take
effect. See “Rebooting the Conext ComBox” on page 3–15.
Important: Devices operating on the same bus must have the same bit rate. You
cannot operate devices with different bit rates on the same bus.
Grid-Tie By default, the Xanbus bit rate is set to 250 Kbps for North American Grid-Tie inverter
Inverters models and 125 Kbps for European models. If you have a Grid-Tie inverter and want to
change the bit rate, make sure you follow the recommended procedure supplied by
Schneider Electric: Application Note, “Xantrex Grid-Tie Solar Inverter Baud Rate
Change Procedure” (976-0216-01-01). To obtain the Application Note, go to
www.schneider-electric.com, navigate to the product page and then to the downloads.
Important: Remote firmware upgrade using the Conext ComBox is not

supported on systems with a 125 Kbps bit rate. If you change the bit rate to 125
Kbps, then you will no longer be able to use the Conext ComBox to upgrade the
firmware on Grid-Tie inverters. You will have to upgrade each inverter in the
system using an RS-232 cable and a laptop.
3–24 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Modbus Communications
All of the RS 485 and Modbus settings for the Conext ComBox can be changed as
necessary. The default value for the Modbus TCP Port is 502 and the Server Modbus
Address is 201.
Select Listening in Modbus TCP Enabled to enable Modbus communication.
Note:
When writing a character string using function code 0x10 (Write Multiple
Registers), the NUL terminator MUST be written or the string will not be stored.
When writing 32-bit modbus registers, both 16-bit registers which make up the
32-bit value must be written in order to store the data.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–25

Configuration
Modbus Byte Order

You can configure the Conext ComBox to change the Modbus byte and word ordering
for packed ASCII strings, and 32-bit values. There are two settings for Modbus Byte
Order:
1. Least Significant byte/word first (LSB First)

2. Most Significant byte/word first (MSB First)
Select the appropriate setting for your Modbus network.
The following are examples of how the settings operate.
Packed When sending the text string "CONEXT" over Modbus:

String
Example: 1. Least Significant byte:
O C E N T X
2. Most Significant byte:
C O N E X T
32-bit Word When sending the value 0x12345678 over modbus:

Example:
1. Least Significant word:
5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4
2. Most Significant word:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
3–26 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Modbus Address List

Use this function to change the Modbus address of a device. The Conext ComBox
automatically assigns addresses when it is installed, but individual values can be
changed as necessary. The default addresses are assigned per device type.
Note: To change the initial starting address settings, see “Modbus Address
Enumeration”.
To change a device Modbus address:
1. In Setup, click Modbus Address List.

The expanded window displays a table of addresses that are already reserved
along with the associated device, its ID and On Line status.
Note: Valid Modbus addresses are listed from 1 to 247. The rest are assigned
special meanings.
2. To change a device Modbus address:

• Select the Device from the drop-down list.
Its address is displayed in the address box.
If you want to make sure you have selected the correct device:
Click and a physical indicator on the device will flash, light up, or beep
depending on the device.
• Click to make sure you view the latest information.

• Enter the new address for the device in the address box. Do not use an
address that is already reserved.
• Click Submit to save the address change.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–27

Configuration
To reset all of the device Modbus addresses to their default values:

◆ In Modbus Address List, click Reset Addresses.
Modbus Address Enumeration
Use this setting to change the initial starting Modbus addresses for device types. The
Conext ComBox automatically assigns starting addresses when it is installed but the
starting values can be changed as you wish.
Make these changes before connecting new devices to the Conext ComBox system.
When the Conext ComBox detects a new device, it will assign the address based on
the current start address setting for that device type. For example, an XW Modbus Start
Address of 10:
• The first XW discovered on the network will be assigned the address 10.
• The second XW discovered on the network will be assigned the address 11, and so
on.
The starting addresses for each device type on installation of the Conext ComBox are
listed above.
3–28 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

To change device type starting addresses:
1. In Modbus Device Address Enumeration, click for the device type to ensure you
have the current information.
2. Enter the new starting value for the device type and click .
Note: Valid Modbus addresses can be from 1 to 247. The rest of the numbers
are assigned special meanings.
3. Once you have saved all device type starting addresses, there are two options:
• You can keep the existing device addresses, and the new start address will be
applied only to newly discovered devices.
When a new device is detected, the Conext ComBox determines the starting
address of that device type, finds the first unused address for that device type,
and assigns this address to the new device
• The Conext ComBox can perform a device rediscovery to reassign addresses
based on the changed starting addresses.
To reassign new addresses to all devices:
In Modbus Address List, click Reset Addresses. Then, perform a reboot (see
“Rebooting the Conext ComBox” on page 3–15).
System Diagram
Use this setting to include (checked box) or exclude (unchecked box) system diagrams
of each electrical system component as displayed in the System Diagram screen (see
Figure 3-1 on page 3–4).
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–29

Configuration
Resetting the Conext ComBox to Factory Settings

If you need to return the Conext ComBox to all of the original factory settings, you can
perform a reset.
To reset the Conext ComBox to original factory settings:
1. Turn off the Conext ComBox by shutting it down properly (as shown on page 3–15)
and then disconnecting all its power sources. Make sure the Power LED is off. Wait
ten seconds before the next step.
To turn the unit on, insert a pointed object such as a paper clip into the Reset
pinhole, and press the button while reconnecting the Conext ComBox’s power
source.
10 seconds quick flashes

elapsed time
2. Continue pressing (holding) the Reset pinhole button until all indicator LEDs flash
quickly five times (approximately 10 seconds) and then quickly release the button.
Important: Do not hold the reset button too long after observing the quick
flashes. When you observe that the indicator LEDs have begun flashing slowly,
the internal firmware memory will have already been cleared. There is no way to
undo this except to do an upgrade. See “Upgrading Firmware” on page 3–38.
Note: The Power LED flashes slowly during the Conext ComBox application
loading and flashes quickly during application initialization. The other LEDs go
on as the startup progresses. This process takes about two minutes.
3. When the reset is complete, the Power indicator is on to indicate the Conext
ComBox is ready.
3–30 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Changing Device Settings

Before making any changes familiarise yourself thoroughly with the effects of changing
the power system settings.
NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
• Consult the device’s Owner’s Guide when changing the device’s settings.
• Make sure the device connected on the Xanbus or Modbus network is in
standby mode before changing settings.
• Do not change any settings unless you are familiar with the device.
To set a device in Standby mode:
1. Click the Devices icon to show all Xanbus devices in the network.
2. Select the device type from the Devices screen.
Depending on your system, there may be one or more devices shown.
3. Click the device you want to change from the Devices screen above.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–31

Configuration
The Device Summary Table screen opens. If there are more than one of the same
device type, the devices will be listed in the summary table.
4. Click the device you want to change from the summary table. The Device Status
screen opens.
You will see a list of Device Settings for that type of device.
6. Click to expand the Controls setting.
3–32 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

7. Change the Operating Mode parameter to Standby.
8. Click to save the setting.
To change a Device Setting after putting the device on Standby:
1. After putting a device on Standby mode, proceed to change the device’s other
settings. In the example below, the XW inverter/charger device has the following
Device Settings you can change.
Important: Device settings for each

Xanbus device vary. Be sure to
consult the device’s Owner’s Guide
before trying to change the settings
via the Conext ComBox.
2. Click the Device Setting type you want to change.

That portion of the window will expand to display the change options for that
setting. The size and content of the expanded window varies depending on the
type of setting.
3. In the expanded window, click to see the current setting. This may be different
from the value shown, if the change was made in another way – for example,
another device like the SCP was used to change the value.
4. Modify the value(s) as necessary.
5. Click to save the change(s).
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–33

Configuration
Cascading Parameters and Copy Configuration Features
Using Cascading Parameters

Xanbus-enabled devices are typically configured one at a time. However, because
devices often have common settings, cascading parameters can simplify and speed
up system configuration. When a parameter is “cascaded,” a newly configured device
setting on one device is applied to all devices of the same device type on a common
AC or DC connection.
Table 3-1 shows which device settings are able to be cascaded. Once cascading
parameters are enabled, any change to a device setting in listed in Table 3-1 will be
automatically applied to all devices of the same type.
For example, if cascading parameters are enabled and a Battery Size (Ah) parameter is
changed on the XW inverter setup menu, the same battery size setting is applied to
other XW inverters.
To enable or disable cascading parameters:
1. Put the device on standby mode. See “To set a device in Standby mode:” on
page 3–31.
2. Click to access the individual devices menu.
3. Click the device you want to configure.

Xanbus device vary. The one shown
here is for the XW inverter. Be sure
to consult the Owner’s Guide of the
device before trying to change the
settings via the Conext ComBox.
Also, when configuring the network-

managed power system with
cascading parameters enabled, you
should verify that the configurations
have been cascaded correctly to
other devices. Communication
errors may cause parameters to
revert to their original values or
generate a warning message.
3–34 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

5. Click to expand the device setting.
6. Click the check box to enable the setting. If the box is already checked then
cascading is already set up and no further action is necessary.
7. Click to save the change.
Using Copy Configuration

The copy configuration feature allows you to copy all device settings described in Table
3-1 from one device to another device of the same type on a common AC or DC
connection.
To copy parameter settings from one device to another device of the same type:
1. Put the device on standby mode. See “To set a device in Standby mode:” on
page 3–31.
2. Click to access the individual devices menu.
3. Click the device you want to configure.

Xanbus device vary. The one shown
here is for the XW inverter. Be sure
to consult the Owner’s Guide of the
device before trying to change the
settings via the Conext ComBox.
Also, when configuring the network-

managed power system with
cascading parameters enabled, you
should verify that the configurations
have been cascaded correctly to
other devices. Communication
errors may cause parameters to
revert to their original values or
generate a warning message.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–35

Configuration
5. Click to expand the device setting.
6. From the drop-down box, select the device to which you want to copy the settings.
7. Click to copy the settings.
Table 3-1
Parameter Cascade Copy
SearchMode No Yes
Grid Support Yes Yes
Battery Voltage Yes Yes
Battery Type Yes Yes
Battery Capacity Yes Yes
Max Charge Rate Yes Yes
Charge Cyle Yes Yes
ReCharge Volts Yes Yes
Absorb Time Yes Yes
Dft Batt Temp Yes Yes
Eqlz Support Yes Yes
Eqlz Voltage Yes Yes
Bulk Voltage Yes Yes
Absorb Voltage Yes Yes
Float Voltage Yes Yes
Batt Temp Comp Yes Yes
ChgBlockStart Yes Yes
ChgBlockStop Yes Yes
Lo Batt CutOut Yes Yes
LBCO Delay Yes Yes
Hi-Batt Cut-Out Yes Yes
Search Watts Yes Yes
Search Delay Yes Yes
AC Priority Yes Yes
AC1 Breaker Yes Yes
AC1 Lo Volts Yes Yes
AC1 Hi Volts Yes Yes
AC1 Lo Freq Yes Yes
AC1 Hi Freq Yes Yes
AC2 Breaker Yes Yes
AC2 Lo Volts Yes Yes
AC2 Hi Volts Yes Yes
3–36 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Table 3-1
Parameter Cascade Copy
AC2 Lo Freq Yes Yes
AC2 Hi Freq Yes Yes
Grid Supp Volts Yes Yes
Max Sell Amps Yes Yes
Load Shave Yes Yes
Load Shave Amps Yes Yes
Load Shave Start Yes Yes
Load Shave Stop Yes Yes
GenSup Mode Yes Yes
GenSup Amps Yes Yes
LowBattV (Trigger Level) Yes Yes
LowBattV (Trigger Delay) Yes Yes
LowBattV (Clear Level) Yes Yes
LowBattV (Clear Delay) Yes Yes
HighBattV (Trigger Level) Yes Yes
HighBattV (Trigger Delay) Yes Yes
HighBattV (Clear Level) Yes Yes
HighBattV (Clear Delay) Yes Yes
Connections (AC1) No Yes
Connections (AC2) No Yes
Connections (AC Out) No Yes
Connections (DC Conn) No Yes
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–37

Configuration
Upgrading Firmware
You can perform firmware upgrades for your Conext ComBox and Xanbus-enabled
devices when they are available for download. You can download them from the
Schneider Electric Conext ComBox website at http://www.schneider-electric.com/
products/ww/en/7000-solar-off-grid-and-back-up/7030-monitoring/62089-conext-
combox/ to a mass storage device, such as a thumb drive, or to a computer that you
then connect to the Conext ComBox.
Note: It is recommended you clear the internal firmware memory of the Conext
ComBox before installing Conext ComBox firmware upgrades.
Clearing Conext ComBox Internal Firmware Memory

Note: Clearing internal firmware memory should be done for Conext ComBox
upgrades only. It is not necessary for upgrades to other devices on the network.
To clear the Conext ComBox internal firmware memory:
1. Turn off the Conext ComBox by shutting it down and disconnecting all its power
sources. Make sure the Power LED is off. Wait ten seconds before the next step.
Insert a pointed object such as a paper clip into the Reset pinhole and press the
button while turning on the Conext ComBox by reconnecting to its power source.
10 seconds quick flashes

elapsed time
continue to hold the Reset pinhole
to bypass the Reset to Factory
Settings procedure
the Upgrading Firmware

procedure starts here
5 seconds
slow flashes
elapsed time
2. Continue pressing (holding) the Reset pinhole button until all indicator LEDs flash
quickly five times (approximately 10 seconds). Continue to hold the button until the
LEDs flash slowly (approximately 5 seconds).
When the memory has been cleared, the Status and Power LEDs are on and a
firmware upgrade must be done.
3–38 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Upgrading Firmware
Installing Conext ComBox Upgrades from a Thumb Drive

To install an upgrade for the Conext ComBox using a thumb drive:
1. Connect the thumb drive to a computer with Internet access.

There must be only one .bdl file on the thumb drive. If there are two or more .bdl
files, there is no guarantee which .bdl file will be chosen.
2. In a Web browser, go to http://www.schneider-electric.com/products/ww/en/
7000-solar-off-grid-and-back-up/7030-monitoring/62089-conext-combox/ to
select the upgrade you need.
3. Once you have found the upgrade, save the .bdl file to the root directory of the
thumb drive.
Note: Save the .bdl file to the root directory of the thumb drive so the upgrade
can install properly.
4. Clear the Conext ComBox internal memory. See “Clearing Conext ComBox Internal
Firmware Memory”.
Connect the thumb drive to the USB port labeled Host on the top front of the Conext
ComBox.
The firmware upgrade begins automatically.

5. Watch the indicator LEDs on the Conext ComBox. When the Xanbus LED goes on, it
is now okay to remove the thumb drive.
As the upgrade progresses the Power LED flashes. The other LEDs go on to
indicate the upgrade process. This can take several minutes depending on the size
of the upgrade.
6. When the upgrade is complete, the Power LED is on to indicate that the Conext
ComBox is ready.
7. Clear your computer’s web browser cache after the upgrade before you log back in
to the Conext ComBox’s web user interface.
Clearing a To clear the web browser’s cache:

web
browser’s 1. In PC-based web browsers, press the keyboard shortcut .
cache
2. In the dialog box that opens (varies for each web browser), select an option to clear
temporary Internet files or “cache”. See examples in Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3 on
page 3–40.
3. For Mac’s Safari web browser, you have to go to Preferences and then to Security.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–39

Configuration
Figure 3-2 Internet Explorer Delete Browsing History
Figure 3-3 Firefox Clear Recent History
3–40 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Upgrading Firmware
Installing Conext ComBox Upgrades Remotely
Note: Your web browser may not support the upgrade function. Use Chrome
18.x or later, IE 10.x or later, Firefox 12 or later, or Safari 5.x or later for Conext
ComBox upgrades.
To install a Conext ComBox upgrade remotely:
1. In a web browser, go to http://www.schneider-electric.com/products/ww/en/

select the Conext ComBox upgrade you need.
2. After you find the upgrade, save the .bdl file in a local directory.
3. In your web browser, connect to your Conext ComBox.
4. Log in to the Conext ComBox web user interface with your user name and
password.
5. Click in the menu bar.
7. In File under File Uploads to Conext ComBox, click the field box to select the .bdl
file (factory.bdl) you saved in a local directory from the Schneider Electric website.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–41

Configuration
8. Click Upload.
You are automatically prompted with a warning dialog box. Click OK.
As the bundle is transferred to the Conext ComBox, progress is indicated in
percentage, and a message screen indicates when the file transfer has been
completed successfully.
When the bundle file has transferred to the Conext ComBox, the files in the bundle
are automatically extracted and reprogramming of the Conext ComBox begins.
The Conext ComBox update will show a series of update progress screens similar
to what is shown in the next page.
3–42 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Upgrading Firmware
9. Clear your computer’s web browser cache after the upgrade before you log back in
to the Conext ComBox’s web user interface. See “Clearing a web browser’s cache”
on page 3–39.
10. Reboot the Conext ComBox. See “Rebooting the Conext ComBox” on page 3–15.
Bootloader What happens when a new bootloader is included in the upgrade file?
Upgrade
It is possible that the bundle file may also contain a bootloader upgrade file. To find out,
you need to log back in and follow these instructions.
1. In your web browser, connect to your Conext ComBox.

password.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–43

Configuration
4. Click in the left side menu. If a new bootloader is included in the

bundle file, you are automatically prompted to update the Conext ComBox
bootloader.
When you click OK, you will see a series of bootloader upgrade progress screens
similar to what is shown in the next page.
3–44 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Upgrading Firmware
After the bootloader upgrade is complete, the Conext ComBox restarts

automatically.
5. Clear your computer’s web browser cache after this upgrade before you log back in
to the Conext ComBox’s web user interface. See “Clearing a web browser’s cache”
on page 3–39.
Installing Xanbus Device Upgrades

You can upgrade firmware for specific Xanbus-enabled devices remotely or from a
computer connected to the Conext ComBox with the USB cable supplied.
Note: Your Web browser may not support the upgrade function. Use Chrome
18.x or later, IE 10.x or later, Firefox 12 or later, or Safari 5.x or later for Conext
ComBox upgrades.
To install upgrades for Xanbus devices connected to the Conext ComBox:
1. In a Web browser, go to http://www.schneider-electric.com/products/ww/en/

select the device upgrade that you need.
2. Once you have found the upgrade, save the .xf0 file in a local directory.
Note: Do not change the .xf0 file name unless it is for a Grid-Tie inverter.
For a GT .xf0 file you must prefix the file name with 867.0001, for example,
867.0001.filename.xf0
3. In your Web browser, connect to the Conext ComBox.

password.
7. In File under File Uploads to Conext ComBox, click to select the .bdl file you saved
from the Schneider Electric website.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 3–45

Configuration
8. Once the file is successfully transferred to the Conext ComBox, go to the Xanbus
Device Upgrades section.
9. In Device, click to load the latest list of devices.

10. Select the Device you want to upgrade from the drop-down list.
You can click to confirm you have selected the device you want. When
you click the icon, some type of visual and/or audio indicators on the selected
device will flash.
11. In Firmware file, select the .xf0 file for the device upgrade.
12. Click Upgrade.
Device upgrade progress is indicated in percent and Device upgrade status is OK
when the upgrade has completed successfully.
If the device upgrade is not successful, click Upgrade again to retry.
If retrying does not work:
• Do a power cycle of the Xanbus device that is being upgraded.
• Then, click Upgrade on the web interface.
3–46 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

4 Monitoring
Chapter 4 describes the many ways the

Conext ComBox can monitor system
components. Topics include:
• Monitoring LEDs
• Monitoring Conext ComBox Status
Information
• Monitoring System Components
• Managing Data Logs
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–1

Monitoring
Monitoring LEDs
LED indicators allow you to monitor the functioning of the Conext ComBox. There
are five LEDs in the upper right corner of the Conext ComBox:
• Power
• Memory
• Xanbus
• Modbus
• Status
All LED indicators are green except for the amber Status indicator.
Startup
The Power LED flashes slowly when the Conext ComBox application is loading
and flashes quickly during application initialization. The other LEDs illuminate as
startup progresses. Once the Conext ComBox is ready, the Power LED turns on
steadily. This process takes about two minutes.
4–2 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Monitoring LEDs
Operating Mode
The LED states and descriptions are listed in the following table.
Indicator State Description

Power On Powered and ready to communicate
Flashing The Conext ComBox is rebooting
Memory Flashing Logging data to internal memory
Xanbus On Actively communicating or transferring data
with the Xanbus network
Modbus Flashing Receiving messages from a Modbus master,
one flash per message
Status On Checking the status on a Xanbus device or the
Conext ComBox. Checking the web user
interface status screen to identify the current
state of the device or checking the e-mail for
reported faults
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–3

Monitoring
Monitoring Conext ComBox Status Information

You can view the current settings for the Conext ComBox without making
changes.
To view Conext ComBox Status Information:

You will see the screen shown below.
3. Click the setting type you want to view.

The selected setting expands to display the options for that setting as shown
in the following screen. The size and content of the expanded window varies
depending on the setting type.
Modbus Address This list enumerates the Modbus addresses of Xanbus devices. Each
List Xanbus device has a corresponding Modbus map that you need to refer to at
http://www.schneider-electric.com/products/ww/en/7000-solar-off-grid-and-
back-up/7030-monitoring/62089-conext-combox/.
Web Application Displays information about the Conext ComBox web user interface. It shows
Version the build and version number.
4–4 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Monitoring Conext ComBox Status Information
Conext ComBox Displays information about the Conext ComBox firmware. It shows the
Version application version and its build date. It also shows the bootloader version
and its build date.
Device Information Displays information about the Conext ComBox hardware such as the Device
name. It shows the model number, serial number, and hardware revision
number. It also shows the MAC address, IP address, and hostname.
Note: The information

displayed in these
examples will be
different from those in
your Conext ComBox.
Figure 4-1 Conext ComBox Status Information Example Screens
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–5

Monitoring
Monitoring System Components

The system components are: Devices, Battery, Loads, Grid, Solar, and Generator.
• Devices - refers to the Xanbus units, such as inverters, chargers, charge

controllers, automatic generator starters (AGS), and system control panels
(SCP).
• Battery - refers to the total energy stored in the battery system. It monitors
energy during charging as well as discharging.
• Loads - generally refers to total energy that is being used by electrical
appliances and machines directly connected to the inverters in the system. It
is not a specific appliance or machine.
• Grid - total energy that comes from and also exported to the main utility
company.
• Solar - refers to energy that is harvested from the sun using solar panels,
managed by charge controllers or grid-tie inverters and stored in batteries.
• Generator - refers to energy that is produced by a generator and accepted in
the system.
In the Home screen, we can identify these system components easily.
Menu bar
Main screen area which currently shows the home screen
4–6 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Devices
When you click the Devices icon , you obtain direct access to all individual
Xanbus-enabled devices, allowing you to monitor and configure the settings of
each Xanbus-enabled device. Your commands are communicated from the web
user interface to each device, effectively controlling them remotely.
To access a Xanbus-enabled device:
1. Click the Devices icon from the home screen or menu bar. The Devices
screen opens.
2. Click the device you want to monitor or control from the Devices screen.
The Device Summary Table screen opens up. If there are more than one of
the same device type, the devices will be listed in the summary table.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–7

Monitoring
3. Click the specific device listed in the summary table that you want to monitor or
change settings. The Device Status screen opens.
use for information

and monitoring
use for control and

configuration
The Device Status screen is the initial screen. Click in the left
side menu if you want to return to this screen after navigating away from it.
4–8 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

4. Click in the left side menu, if you want general energy-related

information gathered by the device, such as energy consumption, output,
and load.
5. Click in the left side menu, if you want information about faults
and warnings reported by the device.
NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
• Consult the device’s Owner’s Guide when changing the device’s settings.
• Ensure that the Xanbus-enabled device connected to the network is in
standby mode before changing settings. See “To set a device in Standby
mode:” on page 3–30.
• Do not change any settings unless you are familiar with the device.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–9

Monitoring
7. Before making any changes, put the device on standby mode. See “To set a
device in Standby mode:” on page 3–30.
8. Change the settings accordingly. See “To change a Device Setting after
putting the device on Standby:” on page 3–32.
System Component Energy Graphs

Each of the system components, except Devices, generates an interactive
energy graph that allows you to monitor energy readings of the Battery, Loads,
Grid, Solar, and Generator. Aggregate energy information collected on a daily,
weekly, monthly, and yearly basis can be displayed for each of the components
using bar and line graphs. Using the graphs as an aid, you can analyze your
system’s performance and maximize its energy consumption. You can make
decisions on effective load management, find areas for energy efficiency, and
develop plans for selling any surplus energy back to the utility grid.
4–10 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Note: For a description of each graph element refer to the following table on page 4–12.
aggregate energy real-time system

information readings
Y-axis
data area
objects
X-axis
1st calendar controls 2nd calendar controls
1st data interval graph type 2nd data

series setting setting series
Figure 4-2 Elements of an Energy Graph
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–11

Monitoring
Graph Element Description

Aggregate Energy Information Displays total energy used by the system component. It accumulates
data on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and lifetime basis.
• Daily aggregates information collected at the start of the day

(12:00AM), up to the most recently completed hour.
• Weekly aggregates data starting from the most recent Sunday
up to the most completed day to date.
• Monthly sums up all information for the current month from day
1 up to the most completed day to date.
• Yearly sums up all information for the current year from month 1
up to the most completed month to date.
• Lifetime aggregates all data collected from the very beginning
the system started.
Important: Energy aggregation is based on the data collected by

ComBox. Actual lifetime energy for each device may differ.
Real-Time System Readings Displays real-time information on the system component selected.
Data Area This is where the graph is presented. If you hover the mouse pointer
over the data area, an information bubble containing information on the
object displays.
X-Axis The X-axis label generally represents time. The tick mark labels on the
X-axis change depending on the time Interval Setting selected. For
example, if the Interval Setting is Hours, then the tick mark labels will
be each hour of the day starting from 12:00 AM.
Y-Axis The Y-axis label is Energy in watt-hours (Wh). The tick mark labels on
the Y-axis adjusts accordingly. For example, if the watt measurement
expands to kilowatts, then the labels will appear with a “k”.
Data Series There are two data series. This means that you can display two
different data sets which you can analyze and compare.
The 1st Data Series (represented in Orange) always pertains to a data

set or data sets belonging to the system component selected. For
example, if the system component is Battery, then the 1st Data Series
could either be Battery Charge or Battery Discharge. For sources like
PV and Generator, which have power flow in only one direction, there
will be only “input” energy viewable in the 1st Data Series.
The 2nd Data Series (represented in Blue) pertains to data sets

belonging to all the system components. Collectively, the data sets of
all system components are Grid Input, Grid Output, Generator Input,
Load Output, PV Input, Battery Discharge, and Battery Charge.
Calendar Controls There are two calendar controls. The 1st Calendar Controls (also in
Orange) is meant for the 1st Data Series. The 2nd Calendar Controls (in
Blue) is for the 2nd Data Series.
The controls are the left arrow, right arrow, and the calendar pop up link
in between the two arrows. When you click the calendar pop-up link, it
displays a calendar selector application.
4–12 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Graph Element Description

Interval Setting The interval setting changes the Y-axis label to one of four choices:
Hours, Days, Months, or Years.
Graph Type Setting By default, the graph displays bars. You have the option to display a
line graph simply by selecting the check box next to the Line Graph.
To open a graph and use its interactive features:
1. Click any system component from the menu bar, except Devices. The system
component’s energy graph opens.
In this example,
Grid is selected
information bubble on
mouse-over
click to move forward/

backward in time
click to change
the X-axis click to change click the link to
click to change the
data set the bar graph to open the calendar
a line graph selector app
• To open an information bubble on an object, hover the mouse pointer on

the object.
• To change the time reference of Series 1 (or Series 2), click the left and
right buttons to move backward and forward in time, respectively.
• To change Series 1 (represented as orange), click the Series 1 drop
down button and select a data set. If Series 1 only has one data set then
the drop down button disappears.
To change Series 2 (represented as blue), click the Series 2 drop down
button and select a data set you want to compare with Series 1.
2. To change the graph type setting to a line graph, select the Line Graph check
box.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–13

Monitoring
3. To change the X-axis label, click the Interval drop down button and select
Hours, Days, Months, or Years.
4. To change the time reference of Series 2 (or Series 1), click the link to open the
calendar selector app and choose a date. Close the calendar selector app by
clicking the close button on the top-right corner of the app.
Interpreting a Battery Energy Graph

This graph compares energy that is stored during charging (Series 1) versus
energy that is being exported to the grid (Series 2).
Observation #1: This is net energy that is

consumed by loads that are backed up by XW
inverters.
Important: This graph is from a solar grid-tied backup system and is shown for
illustration purposes only. Different systems perform variably and the graph
above may not be typical.
4–14 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Interpreting a Load Energy Graph

This graph compares energy consumed by system loads versus energy received from
the utility grid.
Observation #1: The loads Observation #2: How can the system continue to power the loads when there is no more grid
are receiving pass-through input? It is still possible because the system also receives power from the sun. And during this time
energy from the grid. when the sun is up, the system collects energy and supplies it to the loads.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–15

Monitoring
Interpreting a Grid Energy Graph

This graph compares energy that is exported back to the utility grid (Series 1) versus
energy that is taken by the system on the same day from the utility grid (Series 2).
Observation #1: The system takes Observation #2:The sun is shining

energy from the grid. and the solar harvest is yielding
enough surplus energy that the
system is able to sell to the grid.
4–16 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Interpreting a Solar Energy Graph 1

This graph compares PV Input energy versus energy used by the loads (Series 2).
Observation #2: This is a typical

sunny day trend.
Observation #1: Load energy

consumption is steady through
the day.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–17

Monitoring
Interpreting a Solar Energy Graph 2

This graph compares energy that is stored by the system for a whole month from
harvesting solar energy (Series 1) versus energy that is used by the loads (Series 2).
Observation #1: The trend is representative

of a system that typically uses energy from
both the grid and solar.
Observation #2: The differences between

solar energy input versus energy
consumption by the loads indicate that
during these times, the sun was yielding
less energy and the system was relying
heavily on energy from the grid. Where the
blue bar exceeds the orange bar, it means
energy consumption by loads exceeds the
PV yield.
4–18 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Interpreting a Generator Energy Graph

The below illustration shows an energy graph for April 15, 2013, comparing the total
generator input versus battery discharge for a site operating in a diesel cycle charging
application. The baseload was approximately 10-12 KW average throughout the day,
represented by the blue bars. The orange bars represent the total energy from the
generator to power the loads and charge the batteries again.
Observation #1: Shows that

around 4pm, the generator
was turned on and kept
running until 10pm.
Important: This graph is based on a diesel cycle charging application and is

shown for illustration purposes only. Different systems perform variably and the
graph above may not be typical.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–19

Monitoring
Managing Data Logs

Data logging is an integral function of the Conext ComBox. Data logs record vital
information about the electrical system including information about devices in the
Xanbus network. Information such as energy consumption, battery charging status,
grid energy output, generator output, and system fault detections cannot be displayed
in a useful manner without taking data out of data logs. There are two types of data
logs - Events and custom Logs.
Events Log The Conext ComBox records its own device events as well as system-wide faults and
warnings that have been detected. You can display this information by accessing the
Events log.
To access the Events Log:

A System Events screen, similar to the example shown below, displays.
By default, the System Event Type displays Faults and Warnings detected within
the system. This includes each device that reported a fault, the time it occurred,
and a brief description.
3. Click the System Event Type drop-down button to select Events.
The System Event Type displays a log of events recorded by the Conext ComBox
device such as Login and Logout events.
4–20 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Managing Data Logs
Custom The Conext ComBox records custom data logs and stores them in the SD card inserted
Logs in the micro-SD port. You can display this information by clicking the Logging button.
To access the custom Logging information:

A screen, similar to the example shown below, displays.
3. Click Custom Logging Status to display logging information.
The Custom Logging Status displays current information about the micro SD card.
It displays logging status, the number of logged items, and the frequency of
logging and file creation.
4. Click Custom Logging Setup to display the settings for logging.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–21

Monitoring
The Custom Logging Setup allows you to enable and disable logging. You can
change logging intervals and choose devices and the associated events that get
recorded in the logs. Currently, you can record up to 20 parameters.
Accessing and Downloading Log Files

Log files are saved internally using onboard memory and externally using a micro-SD
card. The Conext ComBox web user interface allows you to browse through log files
within a simple file system.
To access the log files:
You will see a screen similar to the example shown in the next page.
4–22 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Managing Data Logs
There are two data sources: Energy And Event Logs and Custom Data Logs. The
energy and event logs are stored internally in the Conext ComBox memory and the
custom data logs are stored in an external micro-SD card.
Go through the folders on the left side of the screen to search for log files. The
folders represent device names and are organized by year and the numerical
month. Each log can be displayed on the main screen. If the file cannot be
displayed, a message similar to the one below will tell what to do.
The logs can be viewed on the right-hand panel of the main screen by left-clicking
on individual logs.
To download the logs to a hard drive or another storage device, right-click the File
Link on top of the main screen, and select Save Link As to save the log to a
location.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 4–23

Monitoring
4–24 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

5 Troubleshooting
Chapter 5 describes event and alert indicators

and resolutions to issues that might be
encountered when installing or operating the
Conext ComBox. It includes:
• Viewing Xanbus Device Faults and
Warnings
• Viewing ComBox Events
• Viewing System Faults and Warnings
• Browsing Event and Fault Log Files
• Browsing Energy Log Files
• Troubleshooting
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 5–1

Troubleshooting
Viewing Xanbus Device Faults and Warnings

If the Devices icon on the Conext ComBox home screen is flashing red or
orange, it indicates that one or more Xanbus devices has a fault (red) or warning
(orange).
5–2 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

To determine the cause of the fault or warning:
1. Click the flashing red or orange Devices icon to open the Devices page.
2. Click the device with the fault or warning you want to examine. In this
example, click MPPT, with the fault (red) to open the SCP Device Summary
Table.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 5–3

Troubleshooting
3. Click or the device name to view the device details.
4. Click Events.
5–4 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

5. Select the Event Type. You can choose one of these options: Active Faults,
Historical Faults, Active Warnings, or Historical Warnings. In the following
example, Active Faults has been selected to get a list of the current active
faults.
6. Mouse over the fault name to get a detailed description of the fault.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 5–5

Viewing ComBox Events
You can use the system event list to troubleshoot the ComBox operation. The system
event list only shows events from today.

2. Click Events in the left side menu.
3. Select Events in System Event Type.
The events are listed in chronological order. Use the scroll bar to navigate through
the list.
Note that system events show only the events for the current day. If you want to view
system events from previous days, use the file browser navigator.
Viewing System Faults and Warnings

You can use the Faults and Warnings event list to troubleshoot the ComBox and Xanbus
device operation. The list displays all faults and warnings with timestamps in a common
place.

2. Click Events in the left side menu.
5–6
Browsing Event and Fault Log Files
3. Select Faults and Warnings in System Event Type.
Browsing Event and Fault Log Files

2. Click Browse in the left side menu.
3. In Data Source, select Energy and Event Logs.
4. Click the root folder to expand the file tree.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 5–7

Troubleshooting
The root folder contains the following folders:

• A Diagnosis folder, which contains diagnostic data for use by Schneider
Electric only,
• An Energy folder, which contains energy log data for the attached Xanbus
devices.
• One or more yearly folders containing event and fault log data.
5. Under the root folder, click one of the year folders to view event and fault log data
for a particular year, for example, 2013.
6. Click to expand the month within the selected year, for example, 05.
The files in the month folder are in the following format: yyymmdd.evt.txt (event log
files) and yyyymmdd.flt.txt (fault log files).
5–8 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Browsing Energy Log Files
7. Left click a log file (for example, 20130519.evt.txt, the event log for 19th May 2013).
The log file displays in the right-hand preview pane of the System Log Browser.
8. To open the log file in a separate browser window, left-click the File Link at the top of
the preview pane.
9. To save the log file to a local copy on your computer, right-click the File link at the
top of the preview pane and select Save link as...

2. Click Browse in the left side menu.
3. In Data Source, select Energy and Event Logs.
4. Click the root folder to expand the file tree.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 5–9

Troubleshooting
5. Click the Energy folder to expand the Energy sub-directory.
6. Click the year sub-directory to review data for the specified year, for example, 2013.
5–10 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Energy data is arranged into file groups arranged into directories by device type
and identifier, for example:
GT1788172: GT device with ID 1788172
HVMPPT842343: MPPT-80 device with unique identifier 842343, etc.
a - Yearly energy data by device type

b - Monthly energy data by device type
c - Daily energy data by device type
Within each time period (year, month, day) directory:
• System data is stored in the System0 directories.
• Conext XW data is stored in the XW<deviceid> directories
• MPPT-60 energy data is stored in the MPPT<deviceid> directories
• MPPT-80 energy data is stored in the HVMPPT<deviceid> directories
• Grid Tie energy data is stored in the GT<deviceid> directories
• Conext SW data is stored in the CSW<deviceid> directories
In each device sub-directory, the data logs are arranged by port type on the
device.
For example, the AC1Out.log file for the XW device type contains energy log data
for the AC1 output port (energy to grid).
7. Left-click the .log file to display the energy data in the System Log Browser preview
pane.
In the example below, the XW daily AC1 output log file for 12th of June, 2013, is
selected.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 5–11

Troubleshooting
The System Log Browser preview pane displays the energy (in WattHours)
generated on the XW AC1 output for each hour of the day.
8. To open the log file in a separate browser window, left-click the File Link at the top of
the preview pane.
9. To save the log file to a local copy on your computer, right-click the File link at the
top of the preview pane and select Save link as...
5–12 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Problem Symptom Solution
Device Discovery Tool The Conext ComBox Check to see if the Power indicator is on.
cannot find the is not listed in the
Conext ComBox. results list from the Check all Conext ComBox connections to make sure
search. they are secure.
Check the configuration settings. See “Changing

Conext ComBox Settings” on page 3–14.
Check that there are no faults with the Ethernet cables.

Unexpected behavior For example, the An upgrade may have been applied to the Conext
in the web user Loading in progress ComBox.
interface. message continues
for an extended Clear your web browser cache. See “Clearing a web
period. browser’s cache” on page 3–38.
Firmware upgrade not Status light is on, and There may have been a communication event. Restart
successful. there is a message in the upgrade process.
the Upload screen.
Clear the Conext ComBox internal memory. See
“Clearing Conext ComBox Internal Firmware Memory”
on page 3–38.
Status light is If a firmware upgrade is in progress, wait for it to finish.
flashing. The Status light will turn off on completion.
Xanbus overload All devices on the The network may exceed traffic limits for the Conext
network do not ComBox. The maximum number of devices for the
appear in the web Conext ComBox network is 20.
user interface.
Logged data is
random.
Conext ComBox does Conext ComBox Reset the Conext ComBox. See “Resetting the Conext
not boot up. startup process does ComBox to Factory Settings” on page 3–30
not complete.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D 5–13

Troubleshooting
5–14 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

A Specifications
Appendix A contains the electrical,

mechanical, and environmental specifications
for the Conext ComBox Communication and
Monitoring Device.
Note: All specifications are subject to change without notice.
975-0679-01-01 Revision D A–1

Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Communication Interfaces
Xanbus Connector: 2 x RJ45
Products Supported: Conext XW, Conext SW, Conext
TX, MPPT 60, HV MPPT 80, AGS, SCP - for details on
specific Schneider Electric products supported see
“Schneider Electric Products that work with the Conext
ComBox”
Ethernet Connector: 1 x RJ45, 10/100 MBPS
Server: FTP, Web, Modbus TCP/IP
Client: SMTP, SNTP, Auto discovery: DPWS
RS 485 Modbus (1 x Connector: Screw 5-terminal, 16-24AWG,
2-wire serial, 19200 bps)
Data Interfaces
USB 2.0-Host Connector: USB-A, Protocols: MSD
USB 2.0-Device Connector: USB-mini B, Protocols: CDC, MSD
Data transfer interfaces USB Host, USB Device, Micro SD Card
User Interface Status indicator LEDs on Conext ComBox
Web-server pages for Configuration and Monitoring
functions
Power Supply (SELV on all sources)

Power Consumption 2 W average / 10 W peak
AC/DC adapter Input: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz, 0.6A,
(supplied)a Output: 12V DC, 1.5A, 5.5mm outer, 2.1mm center-
positive jack
Xanbus When connected to Conext XW / SW or
HV MPPT 80 providing 15V DC, 200mA min
24V on RS 485 Modbus 24V DC, 1A max input only through pins 4 and 5
connector
a.When ordering a replacement, reference PN: 0J-921-0023-Z.
Memory
Internal 96 MB Flash
External Micro-SD Card (Connector: uSD push-push, up to
2 GB, Class 2 or better recommended)
A–2 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

General Specifications
General Specifications
Weight (device only) 250 g (0.6 lb)
Dimensions (device only) 6.7 × 4.5 × 2.1 inches
(W × H × D) (169 × 114 × 54 mm)
Shipping package 12.6 × 9.6 × 3.1inches
dimensions (includes (320 × 245 × 80 mm)
device, CD, cables,
adapters, connectors,
screws, Quickstart Guide)
Shipping package weight 2 kg (4.5 lb)
Housing/Mounting system ABS Plastic
DIN rail: 35 mm top hat
Wall mount: 2 screws
IP rating / Mounting Location IP 20, NEMA 1, Indoor only
Status Display 5 x LEDs
Temperature Operating: -4 to 122 °F (-20 to 50 °C)
Storage: -40 to 185 °F (-40 to 85 °C)
Maximum case temperature:
140 °F (60 °C)
Humidity Operating: < 95%, non-condensing
Storage: < 95%
Features
Programmable dry contact Screw 3-terminal, 16-24 AWG, NC-Com-NO,

relay Form: Class 2, 24 V DC, 4 A max SELV input only
Graphical user interface Internet Browser, Android Tablet App
Remote firmware upgrades Yes (ComBox and connected Xanbus devices)
Custom Datalogger Yes (requires Micro-SD card)
Max. number of Xanbus Up to 20 (depending on the device type)
devices
975-0679-01-01 Revision D A–3

Specifications
Regulatory Approvals
EMC immunity EN61000-6-1
EMC emissions EN61000-6-3, FCC Part 15 Class B, Ind. Canada ICES-003
Class B
Substances / RoHS
environmental
Schneider Electric Products that work with the Conext

ComBox
• Conext XW Inverter / Chargers:
230 V/50 Hz
• XW 4024 Product No. 865-1045
• XW 4548 Product No. 865-1040
• XW 6048 Product No. 865-1035
120/240 V/60 Hz
• XW 4024 Product No. 865-1010
• XW 4548 Product No. 865-1005
• XW 6048 Product No. 865-1000-01
• Conext SW Inverter / Chargers:
• SW 2524 120 Product No. 865-2524
• SW 4024 120 Product No. 865-4024
• SW 2524 230 Product No. 865-2524-61
• SW 4024 230 Product No. 865-4024-61
• Conext TX Grid-Tie Solar Inverter (N. America):
• TX 2800 Product No. 878-2801
• TX 3300 Product No. 878-3301
• TX 3800 Product No. 878-3801
• TX 5000 Product No. 878-5001
• Grid-Tie Series AUS Solar Inverter:
• Grid-Tie 2.8 Product No. 864-1030
• Grid-Tie 5.0 Product No. 864-1039-01
• MPPT 60 150 Solar Charge Controller: Product No. 865-1030-1
• MPPT 80 600 Solar Charge Controller: Product No. 865-1032
• XW System Control Panel (SCP): Product No. 865-1050
• XW Automatic Generator Start (AGS): Product No. 865-1060
A–4 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Physical Dimensions
Physical Dimensions
Front View
6.7 in. (169 mm)
Side View
4.5 in. (144 mm)
2.1 in. (54 mm)
975-0679-01-01 Revision D A–5

Specifications
Bottom View
Back View
1.5 in. (38 mm)
A–6 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.com
For other country details please contact your local Schneider Electric Sales Representative or visit the Schneider Electric website at:
http://www.schneider-electric.com/sites/corporate/en/support/operations/local-operations/local-operations.page
975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Conext Combox Owners Guide

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Conext Combox Owners Guide

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Conext Combox Owners Guide

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Conext™ ComBox

Exclusion for Documentation

Document Number: 975-0679-01-01 Revision: Revision D Date: August 2013

Contact Information www.schneider-electric.com

Information About Your System

Serial Number _________________________________

Product Number _________________________________

Purchased From _________________________________

Purchase Date _________________________________

• Installing electrical equipment

Chapter 1, “Overview”, describes physical features of the Conext ComBox and

975-0679-01-01 Revision D iii

Abbreviations and Acronyms

LED - Light Emitting Diode (used for indicator lights)

SELV - Safety Extra Low Voltage

SNTP - Simple Network Time Protocol

TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

For more information about related products, refer to:

XW Hybrid Inverter/Charger Operation Guide

XW Series Solar Charge Controller Owner’s Manual

XW Automatic Generator Start Owner’s Guide

XW System Control Panel Owner’s Guide

Conext SW Inverter/Charger Owner’s Guide

XW MPPT 80 600 Solar Charge Controller Operation Guide

XW MPPT 60 150 Solar Charge Controller Operation Guide

Grid-Tie-AUS Solar Inverter Owner's Manual

Conext TX Solar Inverter Owner's Manual

For specific information on Solar products go to

• Conext SW Modbus Map (503-0244-01-01)

975-0679-01-01 Revision D vii

viii 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Finding the Conext ComBox on the Network- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–16

Upgrading Firmware - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–38

Chapter 1 describes the features of the Conext

975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–1

The Conext ComBox Communication and Monitoring Device is a multi-function

Other features of the Conext ComBox include:

• Compatibility—connects directly to Xanbus-enabled devices

Compatible Xanbus™ Components

Note: For details on specific models supported, see the “Specifications”

1–2 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Data Ports and Reset Button

975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–3

LED Indicator Lights (LEDs)

1–4 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Communication and Power Ports

See the “Installation” section for more detail on these ports.

975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–5

Types of Conext ComBox Networks

• Conext ComBox on a Local Area Network (LAN)

Conext ComBox on a Local Area Network (LAN)

Xanbus Device Conext ComBox External Interface

1–6 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Conext ComBox with Remote Access

Note: There is a security risk in port forwarding unencrypted network traffic

Xanbus Device Network with

975-0679-01-01 Revision D 1–7

Conext ComBox as a Modbus Slave (RS 485)

1–8 975-0679-01-01 Revision D

Power Sources for the Conext ComBox