9.2 Ensuring reliable operation
The steps described in the following section are meant to ensure the reliable operation of the digitalSTROM system.
The tests are performed consecutively for every power circuit.
Avoid any operations in the tested power circuit (e.g. using push buttons) during the following tests.
If you have removed devices or terminal blocks from the power circuit, first test the device availability.
At least one digitalSTROM terminal block must be registered in and physically connected with the power circuit.
Switching on all electrical devices
Switch on all consumers in the tested power circuit (worst case) to test the transmission quality with the highest impact from potential sources of interference. This includes, for example:
- Chargers for telephones, MP3 players etc.
- PCs, laptops, monitors, printers, routers
- TV sets, radios, amplifiers
- Fluorescent lights, low-voltage lamps, ESL, dimmers
- Vacuum cleaner
Testing the transmission quality
In the main section
Hardware of the digitalSTROM Configurator select the respective digitalSTROM Meter and execute the
Test transmission quality command (
Fig. 60).
For a meaningful result you should use the value of 5 for "Number of queries from device".
Start the test
Disturbance sources should be identified and isolated using a digitalSTROM Device Filter (dS-FD):
If over 10 % of queries (number of devices * number of queries is equal to 100 %) are lost
If the mean value for the transmission quality of the upstream communication is less than 80 %.
Fig. 60 Test transmission quality dialogue
Checking results
The measurement results of the tests as well as the number of tested devices are summarised in the transmission qualityprotocol (
Fig. 61).
Fig. 61 Transmission quality protocol dialogue
Removing sources of interference
If an inadmissible number of transmission errors were detected, the source of interference must be localised and isolated.
If you have connected many electronic devices using one or several connector strips you should connect them first with a digitalSTROM Device Filter (dS-FD) and repeat the test. If the result improves considerably leave the digitalSTROM Device Filter (dS-FD) in this location. Otherwise, continue the search.
For the identification of individual sources of interference switch them off separately and repeat the transmission quality test. Considerably improves the result; the corresponding consumer should remain connected to the digitalSTROM power circuit by using a digitalSTROM Device Filter (ds-FD).
In the case of devices that are only operated very quickly, so that the temporary impairment can be tolerated, a digitalSTROM Device Filter (dS-FD) is also not necessary.
Attention: digitalSTROM Devices cannot be operated after a digitalSTROM Device Filter (dS-FD)!
If several devices are identified as sources of interference you may connect them together with a connector strip and a digitalSTROM Device Filter (ds-FD). In this case you have to make sure that the maximum digitalSTROM Device Filter (dS-FD) load is not exceeded.