VC1000 Focus Guide - ProLon

Focus Guide 

VAV Controller 

Configuration guide for ProLon Focus 

software 

Guide Focus Français 

REV 5.4.0 

www.prolon.net 

info@prolon.net



Table of Contents 

1 VAV Controller Icon .............................................................................................................. 4 

1.1 Icon Data ........................................................................................................................ 4 

1.2 Icon Colors ..................................................................................................................... 5 

2 Configuration of a VAV Controller ...................................................................................... 6 

2.1 Config Menu ................................................................................................................... 6 

2.1.1 VAV Controller Home Screen .................................................................................... 6 

2.1.1.1 Readable Values ............................................................................................... 6 

2.1.1.2 Icon Quick Jumps .............................................................................................. 8 

2.1.1.3 Icon Manual Override ........................................................................................ 8 

2.1.1.4 Resume Normal Button ................................................................................... 10 

2.1.1.5 Renaming an Output ....................................................................................... 10 

2.1.2 Display Configuration ............................................................................................... 11 

2.1.3 Temperature Configuration ...................................................................................... 12 

2.1.3.1 PI controller ..................................................................................................... 12 

2.1.3.2 Setpoints ......................................................................................................... 13 

2.1.3.3 Unoccupied Mode ........................................................................................... 14 

2.1.3.4 Thermostat ...................................................................................................... 14 

2.1.4 Damper Configuration .............................................................................................. 15 

2.1.4.1 Movement Control ........................................................................................... 15 

2.1.4.2 Damper Setup ................................................................................................. 17 

2.1.5 Outputs Configuration .............................................................................................. 18 

2.1.5.1 Setpoint Selection* .......................................................................................... 19 

2.1.5.2 Control Mode Selection* ................................................................................. 19 

2.1.5.3 Output Default Values ..................................................................................... 20 

2.1.5.4 Other options ................................................................................................... 20 

2.1.6 Radiant Floor Configuration ..................................................................................... 21 

2.1.6.1 Limits ............................................................................................................... 21 

2.1.6.2 Unoccupied Mode ........................................................................................... 22 

2.1.6.3 PI Loop ............................................................................................................ 22 

2.1.6.4 Setup ............................................................................................................... 23 

2.1.7 Pressure Independent Configuration ....................................................................... 24 

2.1.7.1 Flow Setpoints ................................................................................................. 24 

2.1.7.2 Duct Setup ....................................................................................................... 25 

2.1.7.3 Sensitivity ........................................................................................................ 25 

2.1.8 Timing Configuration ................................................................................................ 26 

2.1.9 Calibration –> Temperature Calibration ................................................................... 27 

2.1.10 Calibration –> Air Flow ........................................................................................ 28 

2.1.11 Device Properties ................................................................................................ 31 

2.2 Network Menu .............................................................................................................. 33 

2.2.1 Math Functions (for BACnet or LON networks only) ............................................... 33 

2.2.2 Group Codes ............................................................................................................ 36 

2.2.3 Lon Configuration ..................................................................................................... 37 

2.2.4 BACnet Configuration .............................................................................................. 38 

2.2.5 COM Port Settings ................................................................................................... 39 

2.3 Template Menu ............................................................................................................ 40 

2.3.1 Save as Template .................................................................................................... 40 

2.3.2 Load Template… ..................................................................................................... 40 

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Table of Figures 

Figure 1.1.1: Typical VAV Controller icon ....................................................................................... 4 

Figure 1.2.1: Grey icon .................................................................................................................... 5 

Figure 1.2.2: Green icon .................................................................................................................. 5 

Figure 1.2.3: Red icon ..................................................................................................................... 5 

Figure 1.2.4: Blue icon ..................................................................................................................... 5 

Figure 2.1.1: VAV Controller home screen ...................................................................................... 6 

Figure 2.1.2: Thermostat display ..................................................................................................... 7 

Figure 2.1.3: Icon quick jump example ............................................................................................ 8 

Figure 2.1.4: Manual override of the damper .................................................................................. 9 

Figure 2.1.5: The damper is overridden .......................................................................................... 9 

Figure 2.1.6: “Resume Normal” button .......................................................................................... 10 

Figure 2.1.7 Renaming an output .................................................................................................. 10 

Figure 2.1.8: Display configuration screen .................................................................................... 11 

Figure 2.1.9: Temperature configuration screen ........................................................................... 12 

Figure 2.1.10: Damper configuration screen ................................................................................. 15 

Figure 2.1.11: Configuration of output screen ............................................................................... 18 

Figure 2.1.12: Proportion deadband diagram ................................................................................ 19 

Figure 2.1.13: Differential diagram ................................................................................................ 20 

Figure 2.1.14: Radiant Floor configuration screen ........................................................................ 21 

Figure 2.1.15: Pressure independent configuration screen .......................................................... 24 

Figure 2.1.16: Timing configuration screen ................................................................................... 26 

Figure 2.1.17: Temperature calibration configuration screen ........................................................ 27 

Figure 2.1.18: Ventilation calibration configuration screen ........................................................... 28 

Figure 2.1.19: Positive offset ......................................................................................................... 28 

Figure 2.1.20: Correction factor ..................................................................................................... 29 

Figure 2.1.21: Damper progress bar ............................................................................................. 29 

Figure 2.1.22: Airflow dialog box ................................................................................................... 29 

Figure 2.1.23: Device properties screen ....................................................................................... 31 

Figure 2.2.1: Math function configuration screen .......................................................................... 33 

Figure 2.2.2 Group codes screen .................................................................................................. 36 

Figure 2.2.3 LON configuration screen ......................................................................................... 37 

Figure 2.2.4: BACnet configuration screen ................................................................................... 38 

Figure 2.2.5: COM Port configuration screen ................................................................................ 39 

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1 VAV Controller Icon 

Each VAV Controller added to your system has its own icon. Each icon displays data 

about the VAV Controller it represents, and this data is updated regularly. You can open 

the configuration screen for a VAV Controller by double-clicking on its icon. If the VAV 

Controller is offline, all data values will show “N/A” (not applicable). 

Figure 1.1.1: Typical VAV Controller icon 

Please note that if the VAV Controller is Pressure Independent, the airflow in the duct 

will be shown in the icon. Otherwise, the damper position will be displayed instead. 

1.1 Icon Data 

• Title: The name of the VAV Controller. You can change it by right clicking the icon and 

choosing “Rename”. By default it is set to “VC1000”. 

• PIN number: This can be seen in the blue and orange circle (yin/yang) at the left side 

of the icon. This is the address number you typed when creating the icon. It 

represents the PIN number on the dipswitch of the VAV Controller. 

• Temperature: The current room temperature. Will display “N/A” if there is no 

temperature sensor attached or if offline. 

• Setpoints: The active heating and cooling setpoints, respectively. Will display “N/A” if 

the VAV Controller is offline. 

• Demand: The demand calculated by this VAV Controller. Ranges from 100% cooling to 

100% heating. Will display “N/A” if the VAV Controller is offline. 

• Damper: The position of the damper in percentage. Will be replaced by “Flow” (airflow 

in the duct) if the VAV Controller is pressure independent. Will display “N/A” if the 

VAV Controller is offline. 

• Flow: The airflow in the duct controlled by this VAV Controller in CFM (cubic feet per 

minute). Will be replaced by “Damper” (damper position) if the VAV Controller is 

pressure dependent. 

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1.2 Icon Colors 

The icons change color depending on their status and demand. 

• Grey: The icon is grey if working offline or if the communication with that VAV 

Controller is lost. All data will be seen as “N/A”. 

Figure 1.2.1: Grey icon 

• Green: The icon is green when the demand is within the deadband (between 5% 

cooling and 5% heating). 

Figure 1.2.2: Green icon 

• Red: The icon turns red when the demand is greater than 10% HEATING, and stays 

red until the demand returns to 0%. 

Figure 1.2.3: Red icon 

• Blue: The icon turns blue when the demand is greater then 10% COOLING, and stays 

blue until the demand returns to 0%. 

Figure 1.2.4: Blue icon 

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2 Configuration of a VAV Controller 

To view the configuration of a VAV Controller in detail, double-click on its icon to see its 

configuration screen. Use the menus in the top left corner to navigate between the 

different sections, or simply double-click any item in the VAV Controller Home screen to 

transfer you to its corresponding page. (See Icon Quick Jumps for more details, p.8). 

2.1 Config Menu 

2.1.1 VAV Controller Home Screen 

Figure 2.1.1: VAV Controller home screen 

This screen shows the status of all inputs and outputs of the VAV Controller, as well as 

the active setpoints. All values will be “N/A” (Not Applicable) when offline. 

2.1.1.1 Readable Values 

• Supply Temp: The supply temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Will be “N/A” 

if no sensor is attached or if no supply temperature is received from network. 

• Slab Temp: The slab temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Will display N/A if 

no sensor is attached. Will not be visible if there are no outputs set with the Radiant 

Floor Special Function (p.20). 

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• Flow: The airflow in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Will be “N/A” if the VAV Controller is 

set to “Pressure Dependent”. 

• Damper opening: The position of the damper (in percentage) can be seen under the 

icon of the damper. The damper icon rotates according to its position and will move 

clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on the chosen setting. 

Thermostat 

Zone 

Temperature 

Active Heating 

Setpoint 

Active Cooling 

Setpoint 

Figure 2.1.2: Thermostat display 

• Zone Temperature: The actual temperature read from the temperature sensor input, or 

as provided by the digital thermostat. Will be “N/A” if no sensor is attached. 

• Active Heating Setpoint: This is the heating setpoint currently used by the VAV 

Controller. In occupied mode, it is provided by a potentiometer physically attached to 

the board, or by the digital thermostat. If no setpoint is supplied, the default heating 

setpoint is used. In unoccupied mode, the heating setpoint reduced by the 

unoccupied heating offset (see p.12). 

• Active Cooling Setpoint: This is the cooling setpoint currently used by the VAV 

Controller. In occupied mode, it corresponds to the sum of the active heating setpoint 

and the occupied deadband. In unoccupied mode, the cooling setpoint is increased 

by the unoccupied cooling offset (see p.12). 

• Occupied/Unoccupied: The current occupancy status of the VAV Controller, 

accompanied with a representative icon. In occupied mode, the icon is orange. In 

unoccupied mode, the icon is grey. When offline, it displays “Unoccupied”. 

• Outputs: The current level of each output in percentage. Outputs 1 through 4 are digital 

(ON or OFF) or pulsed, while Output 5 is analog (0-10VDC). Outputs set to “OFF” do 

not show on screen. You can rename the outputs by right clicking on them and 

selecting “Rename”. 

• Demand: The calculated demand of this VAV Controller. The status icon will be red 

when the demand is in heating, blue when in cooling and green when near the 

deadband. 

• Duct Heater: The current level of the output that has been designated as a duct heater. 

The icon’s color represents the intensity of the heating action being taken. This icon 

is absent when no output is designated as a duct heater. 

• Baseboard: The current level of the output that has been designated as a baseboard. 

The icon’s color represents the intensity of the heating action being taken. This icon 

is absent when no output is designated as a baseboard. 

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2.1.1.2 Icon Quick Jumps 

Certain items in the Home screen will direct you to their corresponding configuration 

screen when double-clicked. A red contour will surround the object if this feature is 

available. 

Figure 2.1.3: Icon quick jump example 

The following is a list of the featured items and their corresponding destination: 

Items 

Quick Jump 

Damper 

Damper Configuration 

Thermostat 

Temperature Configuration 

Status 

Timing Configuration 

Output 1 Configuration of Output 1 





Supply Temperature Sensor 

Temperature Calibration 

Flow Sensor* 

Pressure Independent Configuration 

Duct Heater 

Configuration of the output that has 

been designated as a the duct heater 

Baseboard 

Configuration of the output that has 

been designated as a the duct heater 

Slab Temp* 

Radiant Floor Configuration 

* Visible only when the appropriate features are enabled 

Please note that if the advanced password is enabled, you will not be able to double-click 

on any objects, except the thermostat. 

2.1.1.3 Icon Manual Override 

Certain components of the VAV Controller can be overridden. To use this feature, rightclick 

on the item of the component you wish to override. A pop-up menu will appear if this 

feature is available. 

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Figure 2.1.4: Manual override of the damper 

• Normal: Selecting the “Normal” button will revert the selected item to its normal 

automatic behavior. Any override applied to this object will be disabled. 

• Override: Selecting the “Override” button will allow the user to manually override the 

selected object until the normal mode is resumed. 

The following is a list of all items that can be overridden: 

• Damper: The minimum damper opening is ignored. 

• Status: Generally, all slaves will assume the same occupancy status as the 

master. If the master is overridden to “unoccupied”, setting a slave to 

“occupied” will also force the master to be occupied. All others slaves will 

remain unoccupied. 

• Outputs 1 to 5: An output that is configured to control a damper cannot be 

overridden. However, the damper can always be overridden by right-clicking on 

the damper itself (See Output Configuration, p.18). 

• Duct Heater: Identical to overriding the output designated as a duct heater. 

• Baseboard: Identical to overriding the output designated as a baseboard. 

When an override is applied to an object, a yellow contour appears around its icon 

and any associated text starts to flash. For example, in the figure below, the damper 

has been overridden to 35%. 

Figure 2.1.5: The damper is overridden 

Please note that if the advanced password is enabled, or if you are offline, you will 

not be able to override any objects. 

All overrides are removed when the VAV Controller is reset or loses power. 

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2.1.1.4 Resume Normal Button 

Figure 2.1.6: “Resume Normal” button 

This button allows the VAV Controller to return to its fully automated behaviour. All 

overrides previously applied to the VAV Controller will be disabled. However, before any 

action is taken, a dialog box will appear to confirm your choice. 

2.1.1.5 Renaming an Output 

Each output can be renamed by right clicking on the its text and selecting the “Rename” 

option from the dropdown menu. A maximum of 16 characters can be used. 

Figure 2.1.7 Renaming an output 

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2.1.2 Display Configuration 

Figure 2.1.8: Display configuration screen 

This screen lets you customize the graphical display of the home screen. The options 

found here do not affect the sequences of the VAV Controller in ANY way, and are for 

display preferences only. 

• Sensors: This option instructs Focus whether or not to display the supply temperature 

sensor. 

• Baseboard: Using the dropdown menu, you can indicate to Focus which output, among 

the 5 available, is controlling a baseboard. A baseboard icon will then appear on the 

graphical display of the home screen, whose color represents the intensity of the 

heating action of that output. 

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2.1.3 Temperature Configuration 

2.1.3.1 PI controller 

Figure 2.1.9: Temperature configuration screen 

When a PI controller is used, the demand is calculated by adding the proportional 

component to the integral component. 

• Proportional: Defines the proportional band used by the VAV Controller to calculate the 

proportional component of the demand. Please refer to the following image. Setting 

this value to zero removes proportional control, and consequentially, integral control. 

Demand will always be zero and the controller will function as an Air Volume 

Controller. 

Proportional 

2 

Proportional 

2 

Deadband 

100% 0% 

0% 100% 

°C 

Heating 

Setpoint 

Cooling 

Setpoint 

Units MIN MAX Default 

°C 0 50 3 

°F 0 18 5.4 

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• Cooling Integral: Defines the amount of time required for the cooling integral 

component of the demand to equalize the proportional component. Setting this value 

to zero removes the cooling integral component of the demand. 


Minutes 0 120 15 

• Heating Integral: Defines the amount of time required for the heating integral 

component of the demand to equalize the proportional component. Setting this value 

to zero removes the heating integral component of the demand 



2.1.3.2 Setpoints 

• Default Heating Setpoint: When there is no exterior source (thermostat) supplying the 

VAV Controller with a heating setpoint, this is the value used as the heating setpoint. 


°C 5 30 21.5 

°F 41 86 70.7 

• Occupied Deadband: The deadband between the occupied heating setpoint and the 

occupied cooling setpoint. 


°C 0.5 15 1 

°F 0.9 27 1.8 

• Setpoints Limits: These are the minimum and maximum values of the setpoints. These 

values overwrite any input to the VAV Controller that is beyond their boundaries. 

Used during occupied mode ONLY. 

• Minimum Heating Setpoint 


°C 5 30 19 

°F 41 86 66.2 

• Maximum Heating Setpoint 


°C 6 44.5 25 

°F 42.8 112.1 77 

• Minimum Cooling Setpoints 


°C 5.5 44 20 

°F 41.9 111.2 68 

• Maximum Cooling Setpoints 


°C 6.5 45 26 

°F 43.7 113 78.8 

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2.1.3.3 Unoccupied Mode 

• Offsets: The setpoints that would be used in occupied mode are offset by these values 

during unoccupied mode. 

• Heating 


°C -20 0 -3 

°F -36 0 -5.4 

• Cooling 


°C 0 20 5 

°F 0 36 9 

• Unoccupied Setpoints: These are the setpoints limits used when the VAV Controller 

goes into unoccupied mode. 

• Heating 


°C 5 30 15 

°F 41 86 59 

• Cooling 


°C 5.5 45 30 

°F 41.9 113 86 

2.1.3.4 Thermostat 

• Scale Limits: These are the minimum and maximum values of the scale on the 

thermostat connected to the VAV Controller. It isn’t necessary to change these 

values unless you are using a thermostat other than a ProLon standard thermostat. 

• Minimum 


°C 5 30 5 

°F 41 86 41 

• Maximum 


°C 5 30 30 

°F 41 86 86 

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2.1.4 Damper Configuration 

2.1.4.1 Movement Control 

Figure 2.1.10: Damper configuration screen 

• Damper Control Source: 

• Demand: The damper opens and closes relative to the demand (pressure 

dependent). 

• Pressure: The damper opens and closes until the airflow in the duct reaches 

the desired level (pressure independent). 

• Unoccupied Mode: 

• Open: The damper will fully open in unoccupied mode, unless there is a 

demand other than 0% AND the supply air is unfavourable, at which point it will 

close to its minimum. This is the default setting. 

• Demand: When inside the deadband, the damper will remain at its minimum 

position. If the zone temperature approaches within 0.5 degrees Celsius of the 

edge of the deadband AND the supply temperature is favourable, the damper 

will fully open, until the zone temperature moves back by 1 degrees Celsius 

from the edge of the deadband. 

• Closed: The damper will remain at its minimum position, unless there is a 

demand AND the supply air is favourable, at which point it will fully open. 

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• Supply Temperature Deadband: This value indicates how much difference there must 

be between the supply temperature and the zone temperature before the damper 

switches from opening or closing. 


°C 0.5 10 1 

°F 0.9 18 1.8 

• Damper Proportional Band: Indicates the value of the demand that must be reached to 

open the damper to its maximum value. 


% 0 100 100 

• Damper Differential: This is the amount by which the desired damper position must 

change before the damper will actually move. 


% 1 100 10 

• Duct Heater Setpoint: The minimum value of the output designated as a duct heater 

required to enable use of the minimum heating damper position (pressure 

dependent) or the minimum flow heat setpoint (pressure independent). 


% 5 100 25 

• Max Damper Opening: This value indicates the permanent maximum position of the 

damper. It is used to perform air balancing on the system through software. These 

values can only be accessed when the VAV Controller is set to pressure dependent. 


% 0 100 100 

• Min Damper Opening: This value indicates the minimum position of the damper. It is 

used to maintain airflow in the zone. These values can only be accessed when the 

VAV Controller is set to pressure dependent. 

• Ventilation: Minimum damper opening value at all times. 


% 0 100 0 

• Heating: Minimum damper opening value when one of the outputs is designated as a 

duct heater and whose value is greater than the duct heater setpoint. 


% 0 100 30 

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2.1.4.2 Damper Setup 

• Damper Opening Direction: 

• Clockwise: The damper opens clockwise. 

• Counter Clockwise: The damper opens counter-clockwise. 

• Use Halomo: When this option is selected, damper positioning is calculated 

automatically using the Halomo motor. 

• Damper Opening Delay: The amount of time taken for the outboard floating type 

actuator to fully open, starting from a closed state. The actuator’s manufacturer 

specifies this value. When the Halomo motor is being used, damper positioning is 

done automatically, so this parameter is disabled. 


Seconds 15 300 95 

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2.1.5 Outputs Configuration 

Figure 2.1.11: Configuration of output screen 

The ProLon VAV Controller has two possible hardware variations: VC1000 Full Card and 

the VC1000 Light Card. A VC1000 Full Card has 5 outputs: 4 triac 24VAC 

ON/OFF/pulsed outputs and 1 output that is 0-10VDC modulating. A VC1000 Light Card 

does not have the first 3 outputs, so only Outputs 4 and 5 are configurable. 

• Output Source: 

• Demand: The output is calculated using the demand. Selecting “Demand” 

enables the setpoint and control mode selection boxes (see below for details). 

• Damper: The output is used to control a damper. Only Outputs 1, 2 and 5 can 

be configured for damper control. 

If Output 1 is set to damper control, Output 2 will automatically be set to 

damper control, and vice-versa. By default, Output 2 is activated when opening 

the damper, and Output 1 is activated when closing the damper. 

If Output 5 is set to damper control, then its value will be the same as the 

desired damper position (0-100%). 

• Occupancy: The output will be at 100% when occupied and 0% when 

unoccupied. 

• Occ Night SP: The output will be at 100% when occupied and 0% when 

unoccupied, unless there is a heating demand greater than 25%. In that case, 

the output will also be on. 

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• Math 1-5: The output is calculated using the chosen math function. In a 

standard ProLon Modbus network, the VAV Controller will use the math 

functions provided by the network master. In Lon or BACnet, setting an output 

to use math functions will automatically activate the VAV Controller’s own math 

calculations (even if this was not enabled in the Math Functions configuration 

screen). See the Math Functions configuration screen on p.33 for more details. 

• Off: The output remains inactive and will not appear on the Home screen. 

2.1.5.1 Setpoint Selection* 

• Heating Setpoint: The desired setpoint in heating mode. Setpoint cannot be zero. 

• Cooling Setpoint: The desired setpoint in cooling mode. Setpoint cannot be zero. 

2.1.5.2 Control Mode Selection* 

• Proportional Band: In proportional band control, the output is zero when the demand 

reaches the setpoint, increases proportionally with the demand by pulsing (Outputs 1 

to 4) or modulating (Output 5), and finally reaches 100% when the demand reaches 

the setpoint + proportional band (see figure below). The sum of the setpoint and the 

demand cannot be greater than 100%. 

Proportional Band 

0% 

Output = 0% Output = 100% 

Demand 

Setpoint 

Figure 2.1.12: Proportion deadband diagram 

Ex.: Setpoint = 25% 

Proportional band = 50% 

Demand = 45% 

Output = ((45-25)x100)/50 = 40% 

• Differential: In differential mode, the output alternates between 0 and 100% (ON/OFF). 

From an OFF state, the output becomes ON when the demand passes (setpoint + 

differential/2) and remains ON until the demand goes back down below (setpoint – 

differential/2) (see figure below). The setpoint must always be greater then the 

differential. The sum of the setpoint and the differential must be less than 100%. 

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Differential 

OFF 

Setpoint 

ON 

Demand 

Figure 2.1.13: Differential diagram 

* These fields are enabled only when Output Source is set to “Demand” or to a math function. 

2.1.5.3 Output Default Values 

Output Source Setpoint Control Mode 

Output 1 Occupancy N/A N/A 

Output 2 Demand Heating: 1% Proportional Band: 99% 

Output 3 Demand Heating: 25% Proportional Band: 75% 

Output 4 Demand Heating: 50% Differential: 40% 

Output 5 – 

Demand Heating: 5% Proportional Band: 95% 

Full Card 

Output 5 – 

Light Card 

Demand Heating: 25% 

Proportional Band: 75% 

(Pulsed) 

2.1.5.4 Other options 

• Reverse Acting: This option is only available for Output 5. The output voltage will be 

inversely proportional to the calculated output value. 

• Pulsed: Output 5 will be pulsed 0-10VDC instead of modulating. 

• Voltage: Output 5 can work over 3 different voltage ranges: 

• 0-10V 

• 2-10V 

• 0-5V 

• Special Function: This setting lets you attribute a special function to a single output. 

• Duct Heater: Indicates to the VAV Controller that this output is a duct heater and 

that the minimum damper heating position (pressure dependant) or flow 

(pressure independent) should be used when this output is activated. 

• Radiant Floor: Indicates to the VAV Controller that this output controls the radiant 

floor system in a room. This enables access to the Radiant Floor Configuration 

screen and disables Differential mode operation. 

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2.1.6 Radiant Floor Configuration 

Figure 2.1.14: Radiant Floor configuration screen 

This screen can only be accessed when an output on the VAV Controller is set to Radiant 

Floor (see Output Configuration screen, p.20). 

2.1.6.1 Limits 

The Slab Temperature Setpoint is determined using a scale defined by the minimum and 

maximum slab temperatures. The Calculated Output Level that determines the Slab 

Temperature Setpoint is defined by the configuration of the output selected to control the 

radiant floor (see p.20): 

Slab Temperature 

Max Slab 

Temp 

Slab 

Temperature 

Setpoint 

Min Slab 

Temp 

0% 

Calculated Output 

Level 

100% 

Example 

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Output 3 is set as a radiant floor output. Its heating setpoint is 30%, with a proportional 

band of 60%. The minimum slab temperature is set to 21°C, and the maximum slab 

temperature is set to 27°C. 

At a given moment, the demand of the zone is 45%. The Calculated Output Level is 

therefore (45-30) / 60 = 25%. 

Therefore, the Slab Temperature Setpoint will be 25% of the way between the min and 

max slab limits: (27-21) x 0.25 + 21 = 22.5°C. 

• Max Slab Temp 


°C 5 30 27 

°F 41 86 80.6 

• Min Slab Temp: 


°C 5 30 21 

°F 41 86 69.8 

2.1.6.2 Unoccupied Mode 

• Min Slab Temp: When in unoccupied mode, the scale defined above is ignored, and 

the controller maintains this temperature in the slab. 


°C 5 30 19 

°F 41 86 66.2 

2.1.6.3 PI Loop 

The controller heats the radiant floor using pulse width modulation. The percentage of the 

cycle that the output is activated is determined by a proportional / integral (PI) loop. 

The output pulses at 50% of the cycle length (defined below) when the slab temperature 

reaches the setpoint. The proportional band will increase or reduce the length of the 

pulse depending on the offset from the setpoint. The integral increases the action of the 

output over time (the longer the slab temperature is incorrect, the more effect the integral 

component will have). 

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• Proportional: 


°C 0 10 1 

°F 0 18 1.8 

• Integral: Defined as the amount of time required to cause the pulse width to vary by 

100% to compensate for a continual error of 1 °C. 


min 0 600 60 

2.1.6.4 Setup 

• Cycle Length: The amount of time of a total ON AND OFF cycle. 


min 5 250 15 

• Outside Cutoff Temp: Above this temperature, the radiant floor output always 

remains deactivated. (There is a 2°C differential to allow for temperature 

fluctuations). 


°C 5 30 15 

°F 41 86 59 

• Slab Temperature Calibration: This applies an offset to the slab temperature reading, 

if required. 


°C -15 15 0 

°F -27 27 0 

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2.1.7 Pressure Independent Configuration 

Figure 2.1.15: Pressure independent configuration screen 

This screen can only be accessed when the VAV Controller is set to pressure 

independent (see Damper Configuration screen, p 15). 

2.1.7.1 Flow Setpoints 

• Ventilation Setpoints: Setpoints used by the VAV Controller to calculate the desired 

airflow according to the demand. 

• Minimum 

• Maximum 


Cubic feet per 

minute (cfm) 

0 5000 90 



minute (cfm) 

0 5000 225 

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• Min Ventilation Heat Setpoint: The minimum airflow that the damper tries to achieve 

when heating (overrides minimum ventilation setpoint during heating only). To enable 

this setpoint, one of the outputs must be set to “Duct Heater” (see p.20). 



minute (cfm) 

0 2000 120 

2.1.7.2 Duct Setup 

• Duct Diameter: The diameter of the duct in which the flow sensor is installed. 


Inches 0 20 8 

• K Factor: Multiplication factor induced by the airflow sensor (specified by the 

manufacturer). 


N/A 1 300 2.39 

• Sensor Type: The type of flow sensor used. 

• Low Velocity: Up to 1200 fpm. 

• High Velocity: Up to 2200 fpm. 

2.1.7.3 Sensitivity 

• Sensor Differential: The airflow must change by half of this amount before the damper 

will attempt to compensate for the change in airflow. 



minute (cfm) 

0 1000 40 

• Damper Speed: The speed at which the damper will move to reach the desired airflow. 

Slow this down for increased stability. 1=slow, 5=fast (3 is the default). 

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2.1.8 Timing Configuration 

Figure 2.1.16: Timing configuration screen 

• Unoccupied Mode Override Time: The time spent in occupied mode when the VAV 

Controller is overridden from unoccupied mode. 


Minutes 0 720 120 

• Morning Warm Up period: The duration that outputs 3, 4 or 5 will be disabled after 

receiving a morning warm up command from the network master, unless the network 

master is using a longer period. 



• Max Receive Time: The amount of time that data received from the network remains 

valid. This applies to all Modbus, BACnet and Lon networks. Data will always remain 

valid if this is set to zero. 


Seconds 0 6550 720 

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2.1.9 Calibration –> Temperature Calibration 

Figure 2.1.17: Temperature calibration configuration screen 

• Room Calibration: This value will be added to the temperature received from the room 

sensor to calculate the actual room temperature. You can use the slider or simply 

type in the desired value. 


°C -15 +15 0 

°F -27 +27 0 

• Supply Calibration: This value will be added to the temperature received from the 

supply sensor to calculate the actual supply temperature. You can use the slider or 

simply type in the desired value. This value will NOT BE ADDED if the network 

provides the supply temperature. 


°C -15 +15 0 

°F -27 +27 0 

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2.1.10 Calibration –> Air Flow 

Figure 2.1.18: Ventilation calibration configuration screen 

This screen can only be accessed when the VAV Controller is set to pressure 

independent (see Damper Configuration screen, p 15). 

• Offset: This value will be added to the airflow sensor reading to calculate the actual 

airflow. You can use the slider or simply type in the desired value. 

Figure 2.1.19: Positive offset 


Cubic feet per minute (cfm) -1000 +1000 0 

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• Correction Factor: Multiplication factor used to correct the slope of the airflow sensor. 

Figure 2.1.20: Correction factor 


N/A 0 10 1 

Auto Calibrate: This calibration procedure is provided by Focus to automatically 

determine the correction factor and offset that best suits your system. To perform this 

function, you must be online and have a balometer ready (air flow sensor). Also, you 

must have already input to the VAV Controller the correct K Factor of the flow sensor, the 

duct diameter and the damper opening delay. 

• Step 1: Focus overrides the damper position to 100% (or lower in case of an invalid 

reading). A progress bar appears indicating the current damper position. You can 

cancel the operation at any time by pressing the “Cancel” button. 

Figure 2.1.21: Damper progress bar 

• Step 2: With the damper now open, Focus asks you for the first balometer reading in 

CFM (cubic feet per minute). The moment you click on the “Next>” button, Focus will 

also retrieve the airflow reading from the VAV Controller. If you type an invalid 

number, or if Focus cannot read from the VAV Controller, the operation is aborted. 

Figure 2.1.22: Airflow dialog box 

• Step 3: Focus overrides the damper to 20% (or greater in case of an invalid reading). A 

progress bar appears indicating the current damper position. You can cancel the 

operation at any time by pressing the “Cancel” button. 

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• Step 4: With the damper now at 20% open, Focus once again asks you for a balometer 

reading. The moment you click on the “Next>” button, Focus will also retrieve the 

airflow reading from the VAV Controller. 

• Step 5: With two data points now in memory, Focus can calculate the correction factor 

and offset needed to adjust the airflow sensor readings so that they correspond to 

your balometer readings. A pop-up screen will appear to confirm that the calculation 

was successful. Please note that these new settings have been calculated but not 

applied yet. To apply the new settings to the VAV Controller, click the ‘Apply’ 

button. 

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2.1.11 Device Properties 

Figure 2.1.23: Device properties screen 

This screen shows all the intrinsic properties of the device you are configuring. This helps 

you determine its capabilities without having to visually inspect the device. 

• Device Type: The type of controller you are configuring. 

• Software version: The current software in the controller. The greater the software 

version, the more advanced the device is. Devices can be upgraded by 

reprogramming them (see “Reprogram” below). 

• Hardware version: This is the physical nature of the controller. Different hardware has 

different features. The hardware can only be changed by replacing it physically. 

• Device Number: The network address of the controller, which is configured manually 

using the dipswitches on the board itself. 

• Device Name: This field indicates the current name of the controller, which you can 

modify. Alternatively, you can just right-click on the icon and select the rename 

option. 

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• Reset Device: Causes the device to perform a reset. All configuration properties 

REMAIN SAVED. However, resetting the controller removes all active overrides. This 

function is useful for recalibrating the damper or for other debugging purposes. 

• Reprogram: This function is used to upgrade the controller with a new software 

version. Focus will begin by asking you for the HEX file that contains the software 

update. Software update HEX files can only be provided by ProLon. At the end of the 

procedure, Focus will automatically reapply all the parameters you have previously 

configured into the device. 

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2.2 Network Menu 

2.2.1 Math Functions (for BACnet or LON networks only) 

Figure 2.2.1: Math function configuration screen 

This screen is used to configure the math functions of a VAV Controller when it is in a 

BACnet or LON network ONLY. If you want to change the math functions available in a 

Modbus network, this can only be done on the master controller of the system. 

Besides calculating its own demand, a VAV Controller can detect and analyze the 

demand and group codes of other VAV Controllers on a BACnet or LON network, as long 

as they are on the same subnet (127 device maximum). The information is then used to 

calculate the math functions specified on this screen. The resulting math values can then 

be used to control the outputs of the VAV Controller and are also accessible to the rest of 

the network in NVO form. 

• Enable Math: To avoid creating unnecessary network traffic, the VAV Controller’s math 

functions are disabled by default. Two methods can be used to activate the math 

functions. The first is to set an output’s control source to a math function, and the 

second is to activate them manually using this option. 

• Source: Each math function can be calculated in one of the following ways: 

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• Weighted Average: The weighted average of all the VAV Controllers included 

in the calculation. The weighted average is calculated by multiplying the 

demand of each VAV Controller by its respective weight and adding them 

together. The result is then divided by the total weight in the calculation. This 

provides a math function whose final result is more influenced by the zones 

with greater weight. 

• Max Heating: This returns the highest demand of heating of all the VAV 

Controllers included in the calculation. 

• Max Cooling: This returns the highest demand of cooling of all the VAV 

Controllers included in the calculation. 

• Weighted Average (heating only): This is the same as “Weighted Average”, 

except only zones with a heating demand are included in the calculation. 

Zones in cooling are worth 0%. 

• Weighted Average (cooling only): This is the same as “Weighted Average”, 

except only zones with a cooling demand are included in the calculation. Zones 

in heating are worth 0%. 

• Occupancy: If there is at least one VAV Controller found in this calculation that 

is occupied (or overridden to be occupied), this math function will return 100%, 

otherwise it will be 0%. 

• Override: If there is at least one VAV Controller found in this calculation that is 

overridden from unoccupied to occupied mode, this math function will return 

100%, otherwise it will be 0%. 

• Global: When this is selected, ALL VAV Controllers found on the network are included 

in the calculation. If “Weighted Average” is selected, then the weight used will be 

specified in the Group Codes configuration screen, in the Global field of each VAV 

Controller. 

• Group Code: When this is selected, ONLY the VAV Controllers belonging to this group 

are included in the calculation. There are 250 groups available, numbered 1 through 

250. If weighted average is selected, then the weight will be specified in the Group 

Codes configuration screen of each VAV Controller. When group codes are not being 

used, it is automatically set to zero. 


N/A 1 250 0 (Not used) 

• Poll Rate: The interval at which this device will retrieve new data from the VAV 

Controllers on the network. Increase this value to alleviate network traffic. 


Seconds 1 250 3 

• List Refresh Rate: The interval at which this device will attempt to detect any VAV 

Controllers on the network. It can only find VAV Controllers that are on the same 

subnet (127 total). Setting this to zero will disable list refreshing. 



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• Unoccupied Mode: This option lets you decide if the master should modify the math 

calculation strategies during unoccupied mode. 

• Max demand: During unoccupied mode, “Averaging” type math functions will 

be replaced by “Max demand” type functions: 

o “Weighted Average” is replaced by “Max Demand”. In the case 

where there are conflicting demands between different slaves 

(cooling and heating), heating has priority. 

o “Weighted Average (Cooling Only)” is replaced by “Maximum 

o 

Cooling” 

“Weighted Average (Heating Only)” is replaced by “Maximum 

Heating” 

• Normal: Math functions will always be calculated the same way, regardless 

of occupancy. 

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2.2.2 Group Codes 

Figure 2.2.2 Group codes screen 

This screen lets you configure the groups and weights of this VAV Controller on the 

network. A VAV Controller can belong to three different groups at a time, as well as the 

global group. 

• Group #: The group that the VAV Controller belongs too. When this is set to zero, the 

VAV Controller does not participate in a group. 


N/A 0 250 0 

• Weight: The weight of the VAV Controller in the selected group. Used in weighted 

average calculations. Setting this to zero removes it from the group. 


N/A 0 15 0 

• Global Weight: The weight of the VAV Controller in the global group. Used in weighted 

average calculations. Setting this to zero removes it from the global group. 


N/A 0 60 1 

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2.2.3 Lon Configuration 

Figure 2.2.3 LON configuration screen 

This screen lets you configure the parameters that are exclusive to the LON protocol. 

This screen cannot be accessed if the LON plug-in card is not connected to the VAV 

Controller board. 

• Max Send Time: The maximum amount of time that can elapse between two 

sequential transmissions of the same NVO. Even if the NVO has not changed, it will 

still be sent when this delay expires. (SCPTmaxSendTime) 


Seconds 5 6550 40 

• Min Send Time: The minimum amount of time that must elapse between two 

sequential transmissions of the same NVO. Even if the NVO changes frequently, it 

can only be sent once this delay expires. (SCPTminSendTime) 


Seconds 0 6550 3 

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2.2.4 BACnet Configuration 

Figure 2.2.4: BACnet configuration screen 

This screen lets you configure the parameters that are exclusive to the BACnet protocol. 

This screen cannot be accessed if the VAV Controller is not configured to use BACnet. 

To activate BACnet, simply move the last switch of the addressing dipswitch to the ON 

position. 

• Max Master: The maximum address up to which this device will search for other 

BACnet masters (ProLon Master or other) while performing the “Poll For Masters” 

operation. 


N/A 0 127 127 

• Device Instance: The unique BACnet identification number of this device on the 

network. By setting this value to 4194303, the VAV Controller will instead use its own 

PIN number that can be set using the dipswitches on the board. 


N/A 0 4194303 4194303 

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2.2.5 COM Port Settings 

Figure 2.2.5: COM Port configuration screen 

Changes to the settings in this section will only take effect once the VAV Controller is 

reset or powered OFF/ON. Each port on the VAV Controller has the same options. The 

NET port is the port with two screw terminals. 

• Baud Rate: This sets the baud rate value for the COM port. The default baud rate used 

by a VAV Controller is 57600bps but may be set to any of these standard values: 

• 9600 bps 

• 19200 bps 

• 38400 bps 

• 57600 bps 

• 76800 bps 

• 115200 bps 

• Parity: This sets the parity for communication on the COM port. The default parity used 

by a VAV Controller is “None” but may be set to any of these standard values: 

• None 

• Odd 

• Even 

• Stop Bits: Sets the number of stop bits used by the COM port. By default, it is set to 1, 

but can also be set to 2. 

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2.3 Template Menu 

2.3.1 Save as Template 

The VAV Controller template function gives you the ability to save the configuration of a 

particular VAV Controller. Selecting this menu item opens a dialog box where you select 

a location on your computer to save the template file. Each configurable property of the 

VAV Controller is then saved into this template file. This function is very useful if you 

have many VAV Controllers with the same or very similar configurations. Now you will be 

able to quickly copy and paste the configuration from VAV Controller to VAV Controller. 

2.3.2 Load Template… 

After saving a VAV Controller configuration in a template, you can load this template into 

another VAV Controller by selecting this menu item in the configuration screen of the 

VAV Controller you wish to change. All configuration properties found in the template are 

then copied into the configuration screen for your viewing or possible modification. Once 

you are satisfied with the set of properties, click the “Apply” button. 

NOTE: The template configuration will not be applied to the VAV Controller until you click 

on the “Apply” button. If you do not wish to use the configuration properties of a loaded 

template, click on the “Refresh” or “Exit” buttons. 

© Copyright 2013 ProLon. All rights reserved. 

No part of this document may be photocopied or reproduced by any means, or translated to another language without prior written consent 

of ProLon. All specifications are nominal and may change as design improvements are introduced. ProLon shall not be liable for damages 

resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

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VC1000 Focus Guide - ProLon

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