how to record n/a in ION8650 load profile

[Chen-Leo_Liang]

Hello ION meter support:

I have ION8650 modbus master application, and when the communication between the two meters is lost, we want the master meter temporarily stop recording data for certain channels specifically Channels 1 and 4. But

I found even the input integrant is n/a, the integrator module still records 0. Is there a way to record an error or n/a in it?

Thanks

Leo

[Mehran_Mehrnia]

Hi @Chen-Leo_Liang 

The Integrator module in ION architecture does not store “N/A” or error states, it always outputs a numeric value. When the input becomes invalid (N/A), the module substitutes 0 by design. There is no built-in option to make the integrator record “N/A” or an error code.

The Modbus Master module provides output registers such as Status or Unsuccessful Read, which can be used as logic inputs for the Data Recorder’s Record control. This allows you to stop recording when communication between the master and slave is lost. However, to apply this selectively, either for all channels or only specific channels, you will likely need separate Data Recorder modules.

Data Recorder in ION meters, can only log Boolean, numeric, or numeric bounded registers.

So, here are the workarounds:

• Freeze Integrator When Comms Fail

  • Use a Pulse or Boolean control linked to the Modbus Master’s Comms Status output.
  • When comms fail, disable the Integrator (using its Enable input) so it stops accumulating.

• Log Error State Separately

  • Create a Data Recorder for the Modbus input status.
  • This way, you can correlate integrator values with comms errors later.

• Custom Framework

  • If you need “N/A” representation, you can build a custom template using Arithmetic modules and Data Recorders to store a special code (e.g., -9999) when comms fail.

Best Regards,

-Mehran

L3 Expert Advanced metering

[Chen-Leo_Liang]

Thanks Mehran,

I created ART module: IF(S3,S1,S2).  pass through good value when comm is good, output n/a when comm is lost. then R1 connect to data recorder.

(S3 to check comm status from Modbus master device module; S1 link to output of integrator, S2 link to n/a)

do you see any issue with it? I am not sure because never link ART module to data recorder directly.

[Mehran_Mehrnia]

Hi @Chen-Leo_Liang 

You're welcome.

As previously mentioned, Data Recorder Module only can record Boolean or numeric type registers and if it is linked to any module that has N/A, as I tested for the time the link signal is N/A, you will see blank record:

In this case, as stated previously, if you need an “N/A” representation, you can define a special code (e.g., -9999) in one of the channels of the Arithmetic Module when communications fail.

Best Regards,

-Mehran

L3 Expert Advanced metering

[Chen-Leo_Liang]

Is there any potential risk/issue of linking ART module to data recorders directly?  like it probably causes issue when downloading HHF files with ION Setup as it links interval integrator values to cumulative

[Charles_Murison]

Hello @Chen-Leo_Liang ,

Maybe, hhf files include a 'total' reading that is used to validate the interval data. If the label from the ART module matches the correct label, ION Setup can know what integrator to use to get the total reading. The next question is if the integrator is still accumulating while the N/A is being recorded, you may see mismatches in validation.

The details of the configuration could possible make things work or maybe cause problems with HHF.

Regards,

Charles