The DCL series actuators support the Modbus-RTU protocol. By referring to this application manual, you can connect the DCL actuator to Modbus.

Panel Description

 

1. Interface Definition

  • P1: 220VAC Neutral (N)

  • P2: 220VAC Live (L)

  • P3: 4-20mA Input –

  • P4: 4-20mA Input +

  • P5: 4-20mA Output –

  • P6: 4-20mA Output +

  • P7: RS485 A

  • P8: RS485 B

2. Buttons

  • Open: In “Setup Mode” (when switch SA points to “2”), pressing this key opens the actuator, and releasing it stops the motor. Pressing Set and Open simultaneously is used for full-open position calibration.

  • Shut: In “Setup Mode,” pressing this key closes the actuator, and releasing it stops the motor. Pressing Set and Shut simultaneously is used for full-close position calibration.

  • Set: Used in combination with Open and Shut in “Setup Mode” to perform specific functions.

3. Selector Switch

  • SA: Selects the input signal’s direct/reverse action mode and setup state. It must be set while powered on for it to be effective. Factory default is 1:

    • 1 – Direct Action

    • 2 – Setup Mode

    • 3 – Reverse Action

  • SB: Sets the safety position. When an external control signal is lost, the actuator moves to the specified position. Factory default is 2:

    • 1 – Move to Full Open

    • 2 – Hold Current Position

    • 3 – Move to Full Close

    Note: When using Modbus control, SB must be set to position 2.

4. Deadband Value Adjustment Potentiometer

  • Adjusts the deadband value. Turning clockwise increases the deadband; counterclockwise decreases it. The range is 0.5% – 5.0% (factory default is 1.5%).

5. Indicator Lights

  • L1 (Green): Power Indicator – Lights up when power is supplied.

  • L2 (Red): Input Signal Failure Indicator – Lights up when input signal fails.

  • L3 (Red): Position Detection Failure Indicator – Lights up if the position potentiometer is open, shorted, or damaged.

  • L4 (Red): Jamming Failure Indicator – Lights up when jamming occurs.

 

Settings

To enter “Setup Mode,” set SA to position 2. This mode allows for:

  • Travel calibration

  • Input signal failure handling

  • Deadband value adjustment

  • Manual operation

  • Output current calibration

1. Setting End-position

  • Setting End-position of Close: Adjust the valve to the end-position of close using Open and/or Shut buttons. Press Set, then Shut, and hold both for about 4 seconds until L2 lights up, then release both buttons. L2 turns off, indicating setting completion.

  • Setting End-position of Open: Adjust the valve to the end-position of open  using Open and/or Shut buttons. Press Set, then Open, and hold both for about 4 seconds until L2 lights up, then release both buttons. L2 turns off, indicating setting completion.

2. Setting Modbus Address

  • The Modbus communication address and baud rate can be modified via Modbus commands.

  • Factory default address: 1

  • Factory default baud rate: 9600

3. Deadband Value Adjustment

  • Turning the potentiometer clockwise increases the deadband.

  • Turning it counterclockwise decreases the deadband.

  • Each tick mark corresponds to a 0.5% change.

  • If set below 0.5%, it is automatically processed as 0.5%.

  • In Setup Mode, use Open or Shut to manually open or close the valve.

 

Operation

To start automatic operation, set SA to position 1 or 3.

  • Upon power-up, the actuator defaults to 4-20mA signal control.

  • Sending a Modbus command switches the actuator to communication control mode.

  • After power cycling, the actuator returns to analog control mode.

Important: When using Modbus control:

  • Ensure SB is set to position 2.

  • Every control command must include the control mode and position value to prevent unintended actions after a restart.

Using 4-20mA for Position Control

Input Signal4mA8mA12mA16mA20mA
Pointer PositionCLOSE (0)2.557.5OPEN (100)
Valve Opening (%)0%25%50%75%100%
Output Signal4mA8mA12mA16mA20mA

Note:

  • In reverse action mode, 4mA corresponds to 100% open, and 20mA corresponds to 0% open.

  • Servo controller accuracy level: ±1%

  • Hysteresis: <1%

Using Modbus to Control Actuator Position

Physical Layer

The DCL actuator supports the Modbus-RTU protocol and uses the RS485 interface at the physical layer.

  • Communication Address: Configurable from 1 to 127, default is 1.

  • Baud Rate: Configurable, default is 115200.

  • Serial Port Format: 1 start bit + 8 data bits + 1 stop bit.

  • Broadcast Functionality: Supported.

Interface Definition

 

PinFunction
P1Power (-)
P2Power (+)
P7RS485 A
P8RS485 B
P3~P6Reserved for analog signals (420mA / 010V)

Modbus Wiring Diagram

Application Layer

1. ADU (Application Data Unit)

2. Function Codes

IDNameDescription
0x03Read Multiple RegistersReads a block of holding registers from a remote device.
0x06Write Single RegisterWrites a single register on a remote device.
0x10Write Multiple RegistersWrites a block of consecutive registers (1 to approximately 120 registers).

3. Configuring Communication Parameters

Registers 0x0040 – 0x0042 are used for communication settings:

  1. Write 0xA501 to register 0x0040 to enter configuration mode.

  2. Modify register 0x0041 (communication address) and register 0x0042 (baud rate).

  3. The new parameters take effect within 1 second, and further communication must use the updated settings.

  4. Exit configuration mode by writing 0x0000 to register 0x0040.

4. Forcing Default Communication Mode

  1. Set SA to position 2 and SB to position 2.

  2. Press and hold the KS button for about 3 seconds until the red light blinks, then release the button.

  3. Press and hold the KC button for about 3 seconds until the red light stays on, then release the button.

  4. The communication parameters are now reset to default values.

  5. Set SA back to position 1 to exit this mode.

  6. The new settings remain even after restarting the device.

Note:
If you forget the previous communication parameters, use this method to restore the default communication mode and configure the communication settings again.

Register List

Register AddressBitsGroupSignal NameMin ValueMax ValueUnitR/WTypeDescription
0x0010b15-b5r/whexReserved (0)
b4controlStopr/whex1: Stop, 0: Normal operation
b1-b0controlModer/whex1: Communication control, others: Exit communication control
0x0011b15-b0controlSetOpenDegree010000%r/wint/hex0-10000 corresponds to 0-100% valve opening (scaling factor: 1/100)
0x0018b15-b6rhexReserved (0)
b5infoerrPositionrhex1: Position signal failure
b4infoerrSignalrhex1: Input signal failure
b3infooverTorqueFlagrhex1: Overload detected
b2infostuckFlagrhex1: Jamming detected
b1infoopenRunFlagrhex1: Opening valve
b0infocloseRunFlagrhex1: Closing valve
0x0019b15-b0infoopenDegree010000%rint/hex0-10000 corresponds to 0-100% valve opening (scaling factor: 1/100)
0x0040b15-b0configcfgMode1127rwhex0x0000: Normal mode, 0xA501: Configuration mode
0x0041b15-b0configcmm_addr1127rwhexSets communication address
0x0042b15-b0configcmm_baudraterwhex0: 4800 baud, 1: 9600 baud, 2: 19200 baud, 3: 115200 baud

Communication Command Examples

1. Control Valve Position

Entering Communication Control Mode:
Send → ◇01 10 00 10 00 01 02 00 01 65 00
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 10 00 01 00 0C

Setting Valve Position: 0%
Send → ◇01 10 00 11 00 01 02 00 00 A5 11
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 11 00 01 51 CC

Setting Valve Position: 50% (5000 → 0x1388)
Send → ◇01 10 00 11 00 01 02 13 88 A8 47
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 11 00 01 51 CC

Setting Valve Position: 100% (10000 → 0x2710)
Send → ◇01 10 00 11 00 01 02 27 10 BF 2D
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 11 00 01 51 CC

Stopping Operation
Send → ◇01 10 00 10 00 01 02 00 11 64 CC
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 10 00 01 00 0C

 

2. Read Valve Status

Send → ◇01 03 00 18 00 02 44 0C
Receive ← ◆01 03 04 00 30 00 00 FA 3C

 

3. Set Communication Address

Entering Configuration Mode:
Send → ◇01 10 00 40 00 01 02 A5 01 12 00
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 40 00 01 00 1D

Change Communication Address to: 2
Send → ◇01 10 00 41 00 01 02 00 02 28 80
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 41 00 01 51 DD

Exit Configuration Mode:
Send → ◇02 10 00 40 00 01 02 A5 00 C7 30
Receive ← ◆02 10 00 40 00 01 00 2E

 

4. Set Communication Baud Rate

Entering Configuration Mode:
Send → ◇01 10 00 40 00 01 02 A5 01 12 00
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 40 00 01 00 1D

Change Baud Rate to: 9600
Send → ◇01 10 00 42 00 01 02 00 01 68 B2
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 42 00 01 A1 DD

Exit Configuration Mode:
Send → ◇01 10 00 40 00 01 02 A5 00 D3 C0
Receive ← ◆01 10 00 40 00 01 00 1D