Communications Manual

AST-ID
Refrigerant Identifier

t'lNFlCONINFICON
Two Technology Place
East Syracuse, NY 13057-9714

INFICON

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
1Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 4

2

Installation of the PC Application ................................................................................................... 4

3

Connecting to an Integrated Identifier ........................................................................................... 4
3.1

LED Indicator ..................................................................................................................... 4

3.2

USB Connector .................................................................................................................. 4

3.3

RS-232 Connector ............................................................................................................. 5

3.4

Power Supply Connector ................................................................................................... 5

4

Connecting to AST-ID (Standalone Only) ...................................................................................... 55Running the PC Application............................................................................................................ 65.1

Com Port Settings.............................................................................................................. 65.2Connection......................................................................................................................... 7

5.3

Disconnection .................................................................................................................... 8

6SAE Commands ............................................................................................................................... 8

7Non-SAE Commands ..................................................................................................................... 10
7.1

Calibration........................................................................................................................ 10

7.2

Extended Commands ...................................................................................................... 10

8Diagnostics ..................................................................................................................................... 11

9Configuration.................................................................................................................................. 1210

Program .......................................................................................................................................... 13

11

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1 | Introduction

INFICON

1 Introduction
This manual is to be used in conjunction with the AST-ID Integrated Refrigerant Identifier
manual and the AST-ID Refrigerant Identifier manual. It describes the protocol requiredfor communicating with automotive air conditioning equipment and using the AST-ID
Config Pro PC application which simulates the communications with automotive airconditioning equipment.
The AST-ID Config Pro PC application can be used with both integrated and standalone
versions of AST-ID.
This comprehensive PC software application allows service unit manufacturers and othersuitably trained users to test, calibrate and configure the identifiers during the production
process.
This manual also covers the protocol required for communications between SAE J2843,
SAE J2851 or SAE J3030 automotive air conditioning service equipment.

2 Installation of the PC Application
This is a Windows® compatible application. A copy of the application (.zip format) isavailable to approved customers only.
Extract the files to a suitable folder on your PC and then run the Setup.msi file. Thisinstalls the application onto your PC and places a shortcut icon on the desktop, asshown below.

3 Connecting to an Integrated Identifier
Either the USB or RS-232 output of the AST-ID Integrated Refrigerant Identifier can beconnected to the PC on which the application is installed.
If the RS-232 connection is used, the PC must be fitted with an appropriate interface
card such as PCI or PCI Express. Alternatively, an RS-232 to USB adapter can be used
to allow connection to a USB port on the PC.
AST-ID requires power from a 12 V(dc) power supply.

3.1 LED Indicator
The LED illuminates or flashes red or green, indicating the state or process the identifier
is in. See the AST-ID or AST-ID Integrated manuals for more information.

3.2 USB Connector
The USB connector is a standard Type B socket.

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Connecting to AST-ID (StandaloneOnly) | 4INFICON

3.3 RS-232 Connector
The module is fitted with a 6-way plug from the “TE Connectivity®” Mini-Universal
MATE-N-LOK® series mounted onto the internal circuit board.

Rear view of module RS-232 connector
0 V (supply common)

32

1+12 V(dc) supply

RX (receive data)
0 V (data common)

654TX (transmit data)

3.4 Power Supply Connector
The nominal 12 V(dc) power supply for AST-ID can either be provided as part of theRS-232 cable using the connections shown above, or separately supplied via a 2.5 mm
power jack plug connected as shown below.

Ring= 0 V
Tip = +12 V(dc)(white stripe on cable)

4 Connecting to AST-ID (Standalone Only)
Connect a USB cable between the USB port of the computer and the USB type A
connector situated on the left-hand side of AST-ID (as viewed from the front).

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5 | Running the PC Application

INFICON

5 Running the PC Application
1.

Connect AST-ID to the PC using either a USB or RS-232 connection as
described in sections 3 and 4.

2.

Turn AST-ID on.

3.

Run the application by clicking on the desktop shortcut. The screen appears asshown below.

There are four main areas of the page:
Connection and settings
Function tabs

Commands area

Messages

5.1 Com Port Settings

6 / 16

1.

Click on the Settings tab; the following box appears.

2.

Using the drop-down menus, choose the appropriate settings detailed below andselect Save.

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Running the PC Application | 5

Com Port: Select the appropriate COM port (e.g. COM1 or COM3).
Protocol: USB or RS232
Baud rate (USB only): Select 9600 or 115200
Encryption: Choose one of the following:
SAE encryption OFF
SAE encryption ON
VDA encryption OFF
VDA encryption ON

SAE output provides individual gas readings as per SAE
J2912. Note that SAE J2912 specifies the use ofencryption.
VDA output provides PASS/FAIL only. (Fails if purity isbelow 95%.)

NOTICEIt may be necessary to try various combinations of Port and Baud Rate settings until
you are able to successfully connect your PC to AST-ID.
1.

If Data Encryption is selected, the output is encrypted with the AES-256
algorithm by AST-ID prior to transmission to the service unit. The service unit
needs to have the capability to de-encrypt the data.

2.

If the settings have been successfully saved, the following typical messages aredisplayed.

5.2 Connection
1.

Click on Connect.

2.

If the connection to AST-ID is successful, the following typical messages aredisplayed.

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6 | SAE Commands

INFICON

5.3 Disconnection
1.

Click on Disconnect.

2.

If AST-ID is disconnected, the message “Instrument successfully disconnected”
is displayed as shown in the last line of the message window.

6 SAE Commands
The SAE Commands states the communications protocol required for AST-ID tocommunicate with a recovery/recycle/recharge machine and the PC application. TheSAE Commands tab allows the PC application to simulate the commands sent from anA/C Recharge Station in accordance with SAE Surface Vehicle Standard J2912.
This enables AST-ID units to be tested both before and during service.

CAUTION
The message area of the window displays the command issued when clicking on anicon. A corresponding replay from AST-ID then appears in the message area as detailed
in the following table. Please note that after powering the instrument, the first SAE
command sent is ignored.
Icon Name

Command

ReplyRemark

System check

NACK

System OKQ

Request calibration (zero the gas
sensors in ambient air)

FReplace oil filter

OThe air sensor expires soonNAKIn warm-up period or fault condition

Get device nameDd#### (C/R)

E.g. d0353

Get serial numberBb####### (C/R)

E.g. b0012345

Get software version

Gg####E.g. Version 1.0 = g0100

Calibrate R1234yf

Cc

Zeroing the gas sensors in ambient
air in preparation for an R1234yf
analysis. Acknowledge when zeroingis complete or select NAK for not
ready or fault

ACKNAK

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INFICONSAE Commands | 6Icon Name

CommandReplyRemark

Calibrate R134aWc

Zeroing the gas sensors in ambient
air in preparation for an R134aanalysis. Acknowledge when zeroingis complete or select NAK for not
ready or fault

ACKNAKAnalyze sample

ANAK

Not ready or fault, see
Troubleshooting

aAnalyzing

A data stream is received when analysis is completed
followed by C/R. This is either encrypted or non-encrypted
according to the setting chosen in section 5.1.
Request last 5 tests

LI
Followed by thedata

Analysis data from the last five tests
are sent out, separated by a carriage
return.

Filter was replacedRr

Reset the filter counter.

Acknowledge air sensor
warningOoAir sensor warnings are suppressedfor five readings.

Acknowledge

ACKReset the filter counter.

Negative (not ready)

NAKCustom Command
Restore backup#X

ACKNAK

ACK if function is successful or NAK if
unsuccessful.

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7 | Non-SAE Commands

INFICON

7 Non-SAE Commands
7.1 Calibration

CAUTION
The calibration function is for use by INFICON personnel only.

7.2 Extended Commands
The Extended Commands tab provides six functions:

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Diagnostics | 8

Set Date and Time – clicking on the icon sends the date and time selected in the dropdown menus to AST-ID. The time and date can be adjusted using the Select Time andSelect Date boxes.
Air Sensor Replaced – clicking on the icon sends a command to AST-ID to register thata new air sensor has been fitted. This action changes the date fitted information within
the identifier and causes it to automatically turn on its internal pump and carry out azero-air calibration. A management password is required.

NOTICEThe following commands are for INFICON personnel only.
Restore Backup – This function restores AST-ID to its factory configuration. A
management password is required.
System Restore – This function is password protected and removes all datafrom AST-ID.
System Backup – This function is password protected.
IR Source Replaced – This function is password protected.

8 Diagnostics
The Diagnostics tab provides live technical information about the operational
performance of the various sensors inside AST-ID and can be used by trained staff ormembers of the INFICON support team to diagnose performance issues with theinstrument and provide a recommended course of action to be taken if a fault develops.

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9 | Configuration

INFICON

9 Configuration
The Configuration tab shows the current configuration of AST-ID. It contains nine
individual menu tabs of which only the Editable Fields tab is available for the user tocarry out changes. It provides a convenient way in which to set up the various user
defined fields; for example, when setting up a new AST-ID for its first use.

12

3

1

Get configurations

Allows the user to retrieve the current settings from AST-ID.

2

Set configurations

Allows the user to enter new data into the editable fields, which is thenprogrammed into AST-ID.

3

Clear fields

Removes the on-screen data within all fields, however it does not clear
the settings within AST-ID. Field data must be entered before selecting
Set Configurations.

If there is a data field with a grey background, this indicates that it is not relevant to thetype of instrument connected to the PC; for example, the Auto Power Off Time fieldwould not be applicable for an AST-ID Integrated built into an A/C Service Station that iscontinuously powered when in use.

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Program | 10

Data within the following menu tabs can be viewed, but not changed:• Device• 1234yf• R134a• R22• HC• Oxygen• Gen
Access to the Engineer tab content requires user authentication via a password, and isfor use by INFICON personnel only.

10 Program
The Program tab enables AST-ID to be reprogrammed with the last firmware provided
on the INFICON website.

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11 | Troubleshooting

INFICON

11 Troubleshooting
Connection to AST-ID
Problem / Error

Cause

RemedyFailed to connect to AST-ID,
please check the port andconnect again

Incorrect COM setting

Select the correct COM port, baudrate, protocol, and encryption
status.

Incorrect wiring configuration
on RS232

Rectify the connection faults.

SAE Commands
Problem / Error

Cause

RemedyAfter "Calibrate R1234yf/
R134a" is selected, AST-ID
reply is NAK

Low flow rate

There is a blocked air inlet or adefective pump. Refrigerant gas has
been sucked into the air inlet or thesample has been applied too early.
Place AST-ID in clean air and retry.

Sensor outputs too low

Arrange for recalibration of AST-ID.

A healthy flow rate has notbeen detected for a 60
second period

Investigate the cause, e.g. oil
ingress, blocked sample line, orsample pressure too high or low.

A valid air calibration has notbeen performed within thelast 10 minutes

Perform zero cycle.

The air sensor requires
replacement

Replace the air sensor.

AST-ID required recalibration

Arrange for recalibration of AST-ID.

Air calibration process has
failedInvestigate the cause, e.g. oil
ingress or blocked sample line.

Sensor outputs are too low

Contact INFICON or your local
distributor.

After "Analyze Sample" isselected, AST-ID replay is NAK,
Analyze Sample Failed, or error
code 00005

If none of the above remedies resolves the issue, please contact INFICON or yourlocal distributor.

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