Issue
Can the EasyLogic range of controllers & RP-IO Modules work under Building Operation 3.2 as BACnet MS/TP third-party devices
Product Line
EcoStruxure Building Operation
Environment
- EasyLogic Controllers, EasyLogic RP-V, EasyLogic RP-C, EasyLogic MP-C
- EasyLogic RP-IO
- SpaceLogic Advanced, Pro, and Pro Plus Controllers that support native BACnet MS/TP (via a SpaceLogic RS-485 Adapters.
Cause
The documentation states that EasyLogic Controllers can be used as a Native BACnet MS/TP device. These devices must be configured using their respective supported Building Operation versions, such as Building Operation 2022 and above. However, there are no guidelines on whether they can be used as a third-party BACnet device, in particular in earlier versions such as Building Operation 3.2.
Resolution
EasyLogic controllers can be used as BACnet MS/TP third-party party devices in Building Operation 3.2 since the EasyLogic range of RP and MP controllers, and RP-IO I/O modules natively communicate using the BACnet MS/TP protocol. This same concept applies when using the devices as true 3rd-party devices (e.g., with Continuum and I/A systems) when older controllers fail, and these EasyLogic controllers are used as temporary replacements before a full transition.
What MUST be understood before taking this approach is that there is no automatic conversion when migrating the site (and devices) to later Building Operation versions that support these devices natively. After the upgrade, the controller must be deleted from the database and hosted as a native EBO controller.
During this process, some programming may be lost. This risk may be mitigated by creating Custom Types for the application once engineered in Building Operation 2022 (or higher) to future-proof the site for upgrades. Using the latest firmware for the EasyLogic range of devices is also recommended.
Furthermore, the SpaceLogic Controller Range that supports native BACnet MS/TP (via an RS-485 Adapters) can be configured in the same fashion as described for the EasyLogic range.
Refer to Hardware Overview for further details on each product line.