A Bus Identifier (sometimes referred to as Address) applies to equipment that is connected to Bus (RS485) ports in The Attendant. This concept is similar to a MAC address in the computer world. This identifier is used to differentiate between multiple pieces of equipment connected into a single port. For example, the Bus Identifier on a pump allows The Attendant to send commands to that one specific pump even if multiple pumps are connected to that port. A bus identifier must be configured for all devices connected to Bus type ports. Some manufacturers allow you to assign each device a Bus Identifier number starting with 1 and going up based on how many pieces equipment that you have connected. Other manufacturers will pre-assign a unique identifier to each device.
Auto-Detect Bus ID
The Attendant will try to automatically detect any devices connected to “Bus” ports every two minutes. Hayward, Jandy or Pentair pumps detected in this way will be available in the dropdown of possible Bus Identifiers whenever you add a new Pump to the attendant Configuration.
Pumps
Hayward, Jandy, and Pentair pumps all have bus identifiers that will auto populate in most cases. You may still manually type in a known device address if you prefer.
Hayward
Hayward uses the term HUA (Hayward Unique Address) as their Bus Identifier. The majority of Hayward pumps will auto populate the Bus Identifier as long as the pump is wired and configured correctly. It is typically made of 5 to 6 double digits pairs, for example 11-11-11-11-11. The Attendant is capable of controlling any number of Hayward pumps connected to a single Bus port. Hayward devices can not have the HUA address changed/updated.
Please note that Hayward Salt Cells should not be connected to the same port as Hayward Pumps.
Jandy
Jandy use numbers 1 through 4 as their device address. Pumps or heaters can each have their own address assigned. Please consult the Installation Manual for each device you are connecting to get specific instructions on configuring the address of your equipment. By default most Jandy equipment uses address 1.
Pentair
Pentair pumps and heaters can be assigned addresses from 1 through 16. Please consult the Installation Manual for each device you are connecting to get specific instructions on configuring the address of your equipment. By default most Pentair equipment uses address 1.
Other Equipment
Most devices connecting to RS485 ports have some notion of a Bus Identifier or address. Please consult your device user guide for default address numbers and procedures needed to view or update the currently set address. Use caution and make sure that you do not overlap the Bus Identifier numbers for devices connected to one Bus port on The Attendant. For example, it is OK to have a pump with Bus Identifier 1 connected to port Bus 1 and a pump with Bus Identifier 1 connected to port Bus 2. Having two pumps with identifier 1 connected to port Bus 1 is not supported.