Question: 

How do I install a Filtered, Dedicated circuit for my q-com equipment?

Answer:    

Sometimes it is advantageous to dedicate a special circuit to the GEM system, and to filter this circuit to protect against unusual line conditions.  If the system is a new installation, and this approach is used from the beginning, it is quite easy to accomplish.  If you are filtering an existing installation, especially one that is spread out in many locations, you may have a little more complexity.  In any case, this is what is required to get your system on a filtered, dedicated circuit:

·         Purchase a special line filter designed to limit RF interference.  We can either supply you the filter or can put you in touch with companies that supply the right kind of filter for this application.

·         Pick ONE single-phase 120 VAC circuit breaker in any convenient panel and dedicate it to Q-COM.  DO NOT connect any other load(s) to this circuit, either at the panel, or anywhere ALONG the circuit.  Make certain that there are no receptacles attached to this circuit at any point.  If you want access to this circuit for mobile Q-COM equipment, like a sprayer controller (not the sprayer itself) or a mobile test sensor unit, use a non-standard plug configuration so that ONLY the Q-COM motherboard can get power from this circuit.  This non-standard plug will prevent someone from plugging in a noisy device and defeating your filter system.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do NOT power the host computer (GEM Computer) from this circuit.  It communicates via its serial port, not over the power-line.  The host computer can actually INJECT noise back into the filtered circuit, totally defeating its purpose.

·         Connect every Q-COM motherboard, including the translator, to the FILTERED side of this circuit.  If any device needs to communicate with the host computer, and is not powered from the load side of this filter, it will not be able to communicate.  (see the diagrams that follow)

·         DO NOT connect the dedicated GROUND (green wire) at any point to the building ground, except at the ground buss in the panel.  This ground should be treated just like the line and neutral; as dedicated.  We have found many greenhouse grounding systems to be noisy.  So, do not let your filtered ground come in contact with this potential noise source AFTER it leaves the filter.

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you are controlling heavy loads (anything other than small relays and/or contactors) from the TB1 or TB2 connections on the motherboard, remove strap S1 and bring in a separate circuit for control power. (See wiring diagrams in your user manual)

 

Please give us a call if you have any questions at (949) 833-1000.  We will be glad to help.