FAQ
To provide quick and detailed answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions, we provide the information below. Your questions are important to us so please send them via our contact page.
The PowerXpress Solutions were designed to simplify field device configuration and troubleshooting for 2-wire powered HART field instruments. The all-in-one design enables quick and reliable device power, modem or handheld access and DMM for quick mA access without breaking the current loop – eliminating the need to assemble all of the items traditionally needed to power a HART device for setup, configuration or troubleshooting. Please watch the video on the home page to see a “Before and After” demonstration of the work process with and without PowerXpress! Visit our home page at: PowerXpress Solutions
The PowerXpress quickly provides HART compatible power and the necessary HART load resistor in two easy connections: 1) USB port and 2) Mini-grabber connection to the field device. Your device is powered and HART compatible.
Attaching your modem and milliamp meter to the PowerXpress allows you to quickly and easily configure your HART devices. The milliamp meter is connected without breaking the mA loop.
And, with the PowerXpress Plus model, the HART registered modem is included with the Power Supply making connections even faster.
The PowerXpress (Model H100USB–2) will provide the required 24VDC power to a HART device and the required loop resistor for the device setup, configuration or troubleshooting.
The PowerXpress Plus (Model H100USB-M) will also provide the required 24VDC power for the device as well as a USB HART modem to facilitate HART communication with a PC or a Handheld. The PowerXpress Plus will operate in 3 modes – Power Only, Power + Modem or Modem Only.
Many users now configure their HART devices using laptop PC’s with USB ports. The PowerXpress USB plug is designed to draw its power from a single USB port on a PC or by using an AC / USB adapter (not included).
The AC/USB adapter is particularly useful when using a handheld configurator for device configuration. You can also attach your milliamp meter to the PowerXpress without breaking the mA loop.
There are two sets of quick access points on the top/front of the PowerXpress. The left set (labeled MODEM) allow you to quickly connect your HART modem to the PowerXpress for reliable and convenient access to HART device communication. The quick access points on the right (labeled mA) allow you to quickly attach a milliamp meter using its standard mini-grabbers without breaking the mA loop. Now you’re completely hands free to operate your laptop or handheld HART communicator.
Yes, both units are universal and will work properly with any registered HART device regardless of the device supplier.
If device is installed in the field, plug into the modem only jack. If powering and configuring the device on the bench, add a series resistor whose value does not exceed “300 ohms” to the (+) mA terminal of the valve positioner. Plug into modem+power jack. Connect the red mini-grabber to the free end of the resistor. Connect the black mini-grabber to the (-) mA terminal of the valve positioner.
Yes. PowerXpress and PowerXpress Plus are CE and ROHS compliant.
If device is installed in the field, plug into modem only jack position. If configuring device on the bench, add resistor across device 4-20mA output and plug into modem only jack position.
The PowerXpress does not require any software or drivers and no PC configuration is required.
The PowerXpress Plus includes a HART modem which does require a modem driver. The drive can be downloaded from the PowerXpress website on the PowerXpress Plus product page. There are 2 options – 32 and 64 bit versions depending on the PC operating system. Click here to download
On the PowerXpress (Model H100USB-2) the pair of quick access pins allow you to connect your HART modem to the PowerXpress eliminating the need to connect another set of wires to the small and many times inconvenient terminals on the field device. This reduces the chance that the HART modem might come loose during device configuration or troubleshooting.
The PowerXpress Plus (Model H100USB-M) includes the HART modem when you plug the Minigrabber connection cable into the Power + Modem jack.
The quick access points on the right/front of the unit allow you to quickly connect a milliamp (mA or DMM) meter directly to the mA field device loop using the mA meters mini-grabbers. No need to break the mA loop for connection and little chance that your mA meter will come loose during configuration or troubleshooting.
When a DMM is connected to the mA quick access points you will be able to directly read the field device current with your mA meter without breaking the loop or powering down the device. The readings will be in the familiar 4-20mA range.
Yes. In HART multi-drop mode, the PowerXpress is connected to one of the devices and the other devices are then connected (in parallel) to the powered device. Note: When in multi-drop mode the current draw from each device is fixed at 4mA, therefore you can connect up to 10 devices without exceeding the 40mA PowerXpress current limit.
Yes, any registered HART modem from any supplier will work regardless of type (USB or serial).
Note: The PowerXpress Plus includes a built-in modem so an additional modem is not required.
Yes, virtually all handhelds require separate HART power and load resistance which is conveniently provided by the PowerXpress products.
The green LED confirms that power is applied from the USB port and is powering the PowerXpress or the PowerXpress Plus.
The red mini-grabber is connected to the field device (+) positive power supply terminal.
The black mini-grabber is connected to the field device (-) negative power supply terminal.
Nominally 24VDC @ 40mA with 500V isolation.
The PowerXpress is designed to provide HART compatible power up to 40mA. The PowerXpress is short circuit protected to avoid damage even if the output mini-grabbers are accidently shorted together.
The PowerXpress is internally current limited to avoid damage. We don’t recommend shorting out the mini-grabbers as it could shorten its overall life, but it is protected.
At a 20mA current load from your HART field device the USB port current draw will be nominally 225mA. Note: USB 2.x compatible ports are designed to supply up to 500mA from each powered port.
NO! The PowerXpress is for use only in a general-purpose area or one that has been tested and found safe according to the hot work permit procedures developed by your company.
Can I use the PowerXpress or the PowerXpress Plus on a device that is installed and already powered?
PowerXpress – No, the PowerXpress is designed to supply the required device power. However, in many cases when working in the field many powered devices do not include the necessary HART load for communication. In this case you can disconnect the field power and connect the PowerXpress to supply power and create the HART network for device configuration.
PowerXpress Plus – Yes but you must plug the device connection cable into the Modem Only jack.
If the PowerXpress green power light is not on, the USB port is not supplying power. On some PC’s the USB ports can be turned off. Try using another port or reconfiguring your PC to turn on the necessary USB port.
The PowerXpress warranty is 1 year from date of purchase.
NO. The PowerXpress is designed for HART devices only. However, stay tuned we are always developing new products.
