Elara Installation and Configuration

Owned by arkadi kaplon
Last updated: 12.09.24
8 min read

This manual will explain how to install the Elara gateway as a separate entity or on its dedicated tray/box, what are the components in the tray/box and how to connect other devices to the Elara.

The structure of the manual is built using the layered method, we will first explain how to install the main device, the Elara, then we will connect additional devices and sensors to it.

 

Elara Pre-Installation Checklist

This form is intended to check all relevant elements in the Elara gateway prior to installation. It is essential that the Elara gateway be in good working condition and ready for installation in the field. In addition, the form illustrates how to verify that the versions of Elara are accurate.

https://form.jotform.com/223452861793463

Elara Installation Process

The Elara is a Remote terminal unit (RTU) that transmits data from a variety of sensors & devices, connected to it via Digital & Analog inputs or RS485 ports, and uploads it to Galooli cloud databases, on which our SaaS is based.

Elara supports the "Daisy Chain" connection - instead of running two separate wires from each meter, you can connect a variety of accessories together.

Required Equipment

  • Computer

  • RS485 To USB Converter & two 0.5mm thick communication cables. The length of the cables is determined by the distance between the RS485 to the USB converter and the computer

  • Screwdriver (Slotted & Phillips)

  • SIM Card (Activated) & Provided Data & Network APN

  • SD Card

  • Elara Gateway

  • Power source for the Elara gateway - 12-60v DC

  • Galooli Metal Box/Tray (If necessary)

  • Power source for the Galooli gateway Elara Metal Box/Tray - 18-75v DC (Because of the DC to DC converter)

  • Power cables for the Elara gateway - two cables with a thickness of 0.5mm. The length of the cables is determined by the distance between the power supply and the Elara gateway

Elara Assembling

  1. Open the Elara cover and make sure the SD Card is properly inserted. Each unit should be fitted with an SD Card, on which all the configuration files of the Elara and the connected devices & sensor, will be on. Place the SD card inside its designated slot, as shown in the pictures:

Hold the card
Insert it inside the slot

 

  1. Make sure the SIM card s properly inserted. Each unit should be fitted with a Nano SIM card (12.3mm x 8.8mm) which will enable cellular data communication between the Elara and Galooli cloud servers. Insert the SIM into the device until you hear a click

 

  1. Connect the backup battery (if it is not coming from the factory connected). Close the Elara cover at the end of the process.

Power & Connectivity

It is possible to connect the power as well as all the various devices and sensors directly to the Elara gateway or to a metal cabinet tray.

Cabinet Tray/Metal Box

  1. Connect the Cabinet Tray/Metal Box to a power source via main input fuse.

The should be connected to the red part and the should be connected to the black part. If the connection is made the other way around, it will cause a short circuit and can be very dangerous.

  1. Connect the green connectors to the Elara, this will supply power, grounding, and extend its inputs to the terminal block. Elara supports the "Daisy Chain" connection - instead of running two separate wires from each meter, you can connect a variety of accessories together.

  1. Connect the GSM antenna to its dedicated socket.

  1. Make sure the Status LEDs are blinking as follows:

  • Status 1 LED is blinking Green color, one short blink every ~1 second

  • Status 2 LED is blinking Green color, short blinks

  • COM (Modem) LED is blinking fast, short blinks

  1. If all three conditions are met proceed to the next configuration step “APN & Cloud Server Configuration”

Direct to the Elara

  1. Connect the Elara gateway to a power source and grounding.

  1. Connect the GSM antenna to its dedicated socket.

  1. Connect the RS485 cables to the USB converter and then, connect the USB to the computer.

  1. Connect the RS485 to the relevant gateways/sensors. Elara supports the "Daisy Chain" connection - instead of running two separate wires from each meter, you can connect a variety of accessories together.

  1. Connect the relevant analog/digital inputs and output to the Elara. Elara supports the "Daisy Chain" connection - instead of running two separate wires from each meter, you can connect a variety of accessories together.

  1. Make sure the Status LEDs are blinking as follows:

  • Status 1 LED is blinking Green color, one short blink every ~1 second

  • Status 2 LED is blinking Green color, short blinks

  • COM (Modem) LED is blinking fast, short blinks


7. If all three conditions are met proceed to the next configuration step - Elara Installation and Configuration | APN & Cloud Server Configuration

APN & Cloud Server Configuration

Required Equipment

  • Computer

  • RS485 Converter

  • Power Center application

  • Screwdriver

  • Communication Cables

Connectivity Instructions

  1. Connect the communication cables to the 1(A) & 2(B) ports in the RS485 converter.

  2. Connect the other side of the cables to the Elara RS485 A & B Ports or the Elara tray/box:

    If your Elara is connected through a Tray, connect the cables to the gray terminal blocks, labeled DLS & BZR, while DLS is for Port A, and BZR is for Port B, as shown in the pictures:

If your Elara is connected without a tray/box, e.g. directly, you need to connect the cables to the second RS485 Port (the rightest) in the Elara, as shown in the pictures:

  1. Make sure the Elara is powered.

  2. Plug the RS485 converter into your computer, the converter will light with a red LED.

Power Center Configuration Instructions

  1. Make a serial connection using the Power Center application, as shown in the image below.
    If your computer is unable to detect the converter, please follow the next link.
    Elara's "Time Stamp" is determined by the server and not by GPS.

 

2. Perform the steps as displayed in the image below:

  1. After you double-click the “Network” tab, check the “Server URL”, “Network APN” and the modes in both Port 1+2:

  • Elara - Port 1 must be the host and Port 2 binary

Elara CAN - Port 1 must be binary and Port 2 host

Then follow the steps below:

  • If your SIM card has been provided by Galooli, check that the information listed in the tabs matches the information you received from Galooli. Contact Galooli technical support if needed.

  • If any other cellular supplier has provided your SIM card, you should contact them to verify the accuracy of the information

  1. If you have made any changes it is important to click "write configuration" and then “reset”

  1. After completing the configuration of the Power Center, you should proceed to the configuration of the Galooli Solution.

Galooli Solution Basic Configuration Instructions

Organization Tree

Open the Galooli Solution >> Click on the “Manager” application >> Click on “My Units” >> It is recommended that you create meaningful clusters and groups in your organization tree that will assist you in managing all future units.
My Units

Unit Configuration

In the event that you own an active Elara gateway in your organization, you can copy all or part of the configurations to the new Elara gateway using the "Copy Settings” tool or “Clone Unit” option.

In the event, this is the organization's first Elara gateway, please continue to the first paragraph.

  1. Find the relevant unit within the "Stock" cluster and click on it.
    My Unit

  2. The "Overview" tab should be used to give the unit a name, a description, and an asset type. Set the "Stationary Unit" to "Yes". Set the destination Email and SMS. Email and phone numbers can be set at the cluster or group level as opposed to the unit level. The remainder of the information can be filled in as needed.
    https://galooli.atlassian.net/l/cp/GUAkk1K4

  3. On the "Configuration" tab >> Click on the “IO’s” submenu >> Add inputs and outputs, followed by calibration tables. On the basis of the IO’s settings, it will be possible to define events in the system later on.
    https://galooli.atlassian.net/l/cp/sfiBfhtN

  4. On the “Configuration” tab >> Choose the “Device Configuration” submenu >> Choose the layout code appropriate to the type of the site. In the same place make any necessary display configurations.
    https://galooli.atlassian.net/l/cp/qJHywnNj

  5. On the "Configuration" tab >> Choose “Display Configuration” submenu >> Select the relevant “Dashboard” display (Telecom Site or Micro Grid) and choose which data will appear in Panorama display.
    https://galooli.atlassian.net/l/cp/8kDPbAKh

  6. On the "Configuration” tab >> Select the “Maintenance", set the relevant maintenance dates.
    Maintenance

  7. On the "Events" tab, add the relevant events.
    https://galooli.atlassian.net/l/cp/zjX0vNmg

  8. On the "Information" tab >> Choose the “Unit” submenu >> Select the “Hardware” section >> Enter the "SIM Phone Number" and "SIM Serial Number".
    Information | Unit

  9. On the "Information" tab >> Choose the “Additional Information” submenu >> It is important to add additional information about the unit in order to display relevant information, such as: KVA (kilovolt-ampere) and KWP (kilowatt-peak).
    Information | Additional Information

  10. Click on “Save”

12. Transfer the unit from the "Stock" cluster to another relevant cluster.

https://galooli.atlassian.net/l/cp/J6c4DHE1

13. Verify that the unit can be seen on the Panorama map and that the Panorama time stamp is being updated.
https://galooli.atlassian.net/l/cp/hth1o23t