VersaNet FAQs

No. Because of the way VersaNet encodes the data using a proprietary protocol and addressing, and also error checking, data will not be corrupted by interference.

Before each transmission, VersaNet employs a Listen Before Transmit technique, which avoids collisions with other users. It will wait for a clear channel before transmitting.

When the transmission is received at the other node, it carries out a 16 bit error check on the data and if it has been received correctly, it sends back an acknowledgement. If no ack is received, the sending node with repeat the message. The number of times the message is repeated is user programmable.

Yes, the system is modular.

Each VersaNet node comprises a controller card containing the main micro controller and the radio and a number of expansion cards for the I/O. Expansion cards can be added to increase the I/O to suit the application. Up to 16 of each type of card, digital, pulse or analogue, can be fitted to each node. Once the system is installed, other nodes can be added as required.

Each additional I/O card or node, requires minimum reprogramming of the VersaNet system to accommodate the new I/O connections.

Yes, the VersaNet has special low power modes of operation to allow for remote sites without mains power.

When a VersaNet node is programmed to Low Power Transmit mode, the unit drops back to a sleep state and only draws approximately 400uA. It is programmed to wake up periodically, or by switching a digital input. It will then draw the normal current for a brief period during the cycle of reading the I/O status and transmitting the information.

Using the Low Power mode, the node can be powered from batteries or normally from batteries with a solar panel charger.

There are a number of  monitoring and test facilities provided within VersaNet Manager, the software provided with the system.

For this you will require a PC running VNMGR and a suitable serial cable. The programme allows you to view all the attached I/O cards and check the programming of the connections. You can also carry out functional tests including the received signal strength from a remote node. See section 4.4.12 and 4.4.13 for a full explanation of the tests.

You can carry out a very basic check without a PC. The controller card is fitted with 6 status LEDs. Power down the VersaNet, by removing the green 12V DC connector, then re-connect the power. You should see the LEDs behave as follows:

The red power LED will light immediately. The clear run LED will flash green until the unit has booted up, then it will light solid green. After boot up, the orange RX LED will light. After a second or two, the RX light will go out and the TX LED will light briefly. This is the unit sending its current status to other nodes. Note that it will only transmit its status if it is programmed to communicate with another node. If it does not transmit, it may be because of programming, rather than a fault with the hardware. The TX light will go out and the RX LED will light solid.

Once the unit has settled into the above running state, the CD (carrier detect) LED should remain clear. If there is any activity, this may indicate interference. The carrier detect LED is tri-colour, that can light red, orange or green. If it lights or flashes red, it indicates a carrier signal has been detected. This could be from any radio source on the same channel. If it flashes or lights orange, this indicates that it has detected data, probably from another VersaNet node. Flashing or lighting green, indicates it is receiving valid data.

If interference is suspected, another channel can be selected, but this will require the VersaNet manager to be connected.