4 Minute Read
| Overview
The HelioNode is an advanced IoT room controller created for temperature, IAQ, and lighting control in office buildings. It is easy to install in the ceiling and contains within it, the required sensors for measuring temperature, humidity, CO2, occupancy, and light levels, which eliminates wiring runs or additional integration of sensors.
Its low-profile blends with most office environments and its versatile design allow it to be mounted on junction boxes, hard ceilings, or ceiling tile.
The HelioNode is part of the 75F product lineup that works seamlessly "out of the box" with the Facilisight suite of applications. Thoughtful design touches include, large cutouts making it easy to install when wearing gloves, knurled edges for easy grip, a ring close design that is easy to lock/unlock when up on a ladder, a size that is easy to hold and finger holds behind the base plate to support the unit when pressing the buttons. The HelioNode dramatically cuts down the time to install and commission applications such as
- Dynamic Airflow Balancing (DAB) using external actuators
- Variable Air Volume (VAV) based on ASHRAE GPC-36
- Advanced sequences for occupancy-based demand control ventilation (IAQ) compatible with ASHRAE 90.1 and ASHRAE 62.1 2018.
Powered by commonly run 24V ac or dc, the HelioNode can provide 2 x 0-10V analog out signals for external actuators or lights. 2 relays provide additional versatility in terms of switching ON/OFF loads. In addition, a full RS 485 port with power and a low-voltage sensor bus allow for extendable applications.
The low power consumption of fewer than 1.0 watts and ample ventilation makes it a green choice and more accurate readings without self-heating.
The HelioNode is derived from the SmartNode and adds in a PIR, and CO2 sensor. It operates off 24v AC and has inputs for measuring room and airflow temperatures.
| Precautions
- Take all precautions normally taken when installing a thermostat (e.g. not in direct sunlight, not on an exterior wall, not near heat-producing equipment)
- Disconnect power before installing. Never connect or disconnect wiring with power applied
- Do NOT run the Sensor harness next to the line voltage
- Install by all State and local codes.
| Operating Power
| AC | DC |
| 24V | 24V |
| 50Hz/60Hz, 0.08A | 0.1A |
| Features
- Can provide 2 x 0-10V analog out signals for external actuators or lights.
- 2 relays provide additional versatility in terms of switching ON/OFF loads.
- In addition, a full RS 485 port with power and a low voltage sensor bus allow for extendable applications.
- It has 2 Analog inputs, 2 Thermistor Inputs, 4 Analog outputs, 4 relay outputs, and 2 configuration switches to switch between the analog ins and the door and window sensors, and the other to switch between the 6.5 Ohms supply on the RS485 connector and termination.
| Wiring Pin Details
The HelioNode is provided with several pins for wiring the HVAC inputs and control outputs below are the details of the same.
At Position 1:
| Pin Details | Purpose/Usage |
| RC | Hosts the power wire connection for the 24V power supply to power the HelioNode |
| C | Hosts the ground wire connection for the 24V power supply to power the HelioNode |
| AO1 | Hosts the power wire connection for analog-based controlled output for damper1 actuator as shown below |
| AO2 | Hosts the power wire connection for analog-based controlled output for damper2 actuator if available to control |
| Pin Details | Purpose/Usage |
| A03 | For future use for additional analog-based control requirements, which are currently not programmed to power. |
| A04 | For future use for additional control requirements, which are currently not programmed to power. |
| GNDs | Hosts the ground wire connection for analog-based controlled output for damper actuator |
Note:
At Position 2:
| Pin Details | Purpose/Usage |
| RC | Hosts the power wire connection for the the24V power supply to daisy chain power to the next device (Nodes/Stats) |
| GND | Hosts the ground wire connection the for the24V power supply to daisy chain power to the next device (Nodes/Stats) |
| AI1 | Hosts the power wire connection for analog-based input sensing for additional parameter/entity sensing. |
| AI2 | Hosts the power wire connection for analog-based input sensing for additional parameter/entity sensing. |
| TH1 | Hosts the wire for any sensor which could provide resistance as an output, for example, the Airflow temperature Sensor as shown below where sensing of the parameter happens by a foreseeable and precise variation in resistance. |
| TH2 | Hosts the wire for any sensor which could provide resistance as an output, for example, the Airflow temperature Sensor as shown below where sensing of the parameter happens by a foreseeable and precise variation in resistance. |
Airflow Temperature Sensing
The Airflow Temperature Sensor, which is inserted into the airflow duct, as shown above, is wired to the thermistor pins of the HelioNode. Based on the Airflow, a foreseeable and precise variation in resistance results, and the resultant resistance is communicated to the HelioNode in Ohms. The HelioNode looks up a preconfigured table for a corresponding temperature value and uses the same for altering the control sequences.
At Position 3:
| Pin Details | Purpose/Usage |
| RL1 | Host wiring for the relay-based controls provided for profiles (Cooling/Heating) |
| RL2 | Host wiring for the relay-based controls provided for profiles (Fan) |
| RL3 | for future use, for additional relay-based control requirements, which are currently not programmed to power. |
| RL4 | for future use, for additional relay-based control requirements, which are currently not programmed to power. |
| COMs | Hosts the ground wire connection for relay-based controlled output for Cooling/Heating/Fan |
At Position 4:
At position 4, the HelioNode is provided with a RS 485 socket that supports a 4-wire protocol connector. This hosts the wiring for HelioNode with Modbus or any other connected BMS modes.
The 75F supports a wiring harness to meet the demands of various BMS systems that would use the HelioNode.
4 Pin to 6 Wire Screw Connector
This uses a 4-pin Molex connector at one end which can be connected to the RS485 port in the HelioNode, and a 6-wire, screw connector at the other end. You can simply twist the wires in any of the connected BMS and insert them into the screw slots provided for connection.
At position 4, the HelioNode is also provided with a low-power Sensor Bus socket that supports sensor bus connections. This hosts the wiring for additional sensor requirements.
The 75F supports a wiring harness to meet the connection of the additional sensors.
3 Pin to 3 Pin Cable
This uses a 3-pin Molex connector at both ends and can be used with sensors.
| Mounting
The HelioNode can be mounted in 3 different ways to get the maximum sensing out of the device.
- HelioNode Mounted on Gypsum wall or soft wall
- HelioNode Mounted on concrete ceiling
- Pipe Mounted Detail on open ceiling
| Wiring
The HelioNode is an IO controller that is capable of controlling many unique applications. You will know what terminal profile you should be using based on the equipment you have. For wiring and specific terminal profile configuration please refer to the article HelioNode-Profiles.
| Pairing
You can pair a HelioNode to a zone that has been preconfigured or you can create and configure a zone yourself through Setup > Floor Plan on the CCU.
Once the power is supplied
- Press and hold the right and left Navigation buttons for five seconds to switch on the HelioNode.
Initially, when you switch on the HelioNode the screen displays a message "Waiting to Connect Over 900MHz.
- Press the right navigation button to navigate to the Installer Options screen.
- Press the right navigation button to select the Pair with CCU option.
The HelioNode enters into the advertising mode, the advertising screen is displayed.
- Disconnect the CCU tablet from the CM and carry close to the HelioNode installed. The pairing will be performed using Bluetooth.
From the CCU
- choose the zone you wish to pair and press Pair Module.
The pairing process will start. If no zones are displayed, you will need to add all floors and rooms before pairing. Choose the type of profile the SmartNode will be.
The Select device type screen is displayed.
- Select the SN SmartNode| HN HelioNode option.
- Click the arrow
icon next to any of the modules to expand the list of profiles available.
- Select a profile you would like to configure for the HelioNode installed.
The configuration screen for the selected profile is displayed.
- Configure the required parameter for the selected profile.
- Click Set to confirm the configuration.
The configured profile on the CCU is displayed below.
| Troubleshooting - Pairing
Pairing Bluetooth devices comes with its own set of nuances that can cause the device to not pair successfully. But don't worry, this isn't uncommon and is almost always an easy hurdle with a couple simple steps.
If you're having trouble pairing your device with your CCU and are getting to a place where the device is displaying a MAC address or PIN but it is not being displayed on the CCU, try the steps below one at a time.
- Tap away from the pairing screens on the CCU and retry the pairing.
- Toggle the Bluetooth adapter Off and back On. Swipe down from the upper right and press the Bluetooth icon and wait for it to turn gray. Then tap it again and wait for it to turn white.
- Power cycle, or press the reset button on the device itself.
- Reboot your CCU.
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