The Emerson 1420 Smart Wireless Gateway is a robust industrial Wireless Gateway designed to act as the central interface between WirelessHART® self-organizing mesh networks and host control systems (such as DeltaV™, Ovation™, or third-party DCS/PLC systems). It provides a secure, reliable communication bridge, allowing field data from wireless transmitters to be integrated into broader automation and maintenance management platforms.

📋 Technical Specifications

• Network Capacity: Up to 100 wireless devices
• Communication Protocol: IEC 62591 (WirelessHART®), 2.4 GHz DSSS
• Output Protocols: Modbus® TCP/IP, Modbus® RTU (via RS-485), OPC, EtherNet/IP™, HART-IP™
• Dimensions: Approx. 280mm x 210mm x 150mm (housing dependent)
• Weight: ~4.54 kg (10 lb)
• Power Supply: 10.5–30 VDC or Power over Ethernet (PoE 50–57 VDC)
• Ingress Protection: NEMA 4X (Low-copper aluminum housing)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
• Country of Origin: USA

 

⚙️ Mechanical Installation Requirements

• Mounting Method: Designed for wall or pipe mounting in outdoor industrial environments. Ensure the enclosure is mounted vertically to maintain NEMA 4X integrity.
• Spatial Clearance: Maintain a clear line-of-sight for the antenna where possible. Keep at least 20cm (8 in) separation distance from all personnel during operation.
• Thermal Dissipation: No active cooling is required, but ensure that the gateway is not installed in direct, high-intensity sunlight or near external heat sources that would push the ambient temperature beyond 70°C.

 

⚡ Electrical Wiring & Connectivity

• Terminal Definitions: * Power/Serial: Route through the right-side wiring entries.
  • Antenna/Specialized signals: Route through the left-side wiring entries.
• Wire Gauge Requirements: Use shielded twisted-pair cables (18 AWG) for serial RS-485 connections. Ethernet connections should utilize Cat5E shielded cabling.
• Grounding Specifications: The gateway housing must be connected to the facility’s protective earth/grounding busbar. Shielding for communication cables should be grounded at a single point to prevent ground loops.

 

📡 Communication Configuration

• IP Address: Default IP for standard units is typically 192.168.1.10. For DeltaV-ready units, default may be 10.5.255.254. Access the web interface via a browser to configure static IPs.
• Network ID/Join Key: Configured via the gateway’s web-based user interface. All field devices must match the Network ID and Join Key to authenticate and join the mesh network.
• Update Rates: User-configurable (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 seconds, or 1–60 minutes). Note that network capacity decreases as the update frequency increases.

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

• How do I restore the gateway to default settings?

  Use the physical jumper block (typically J4) located on the internal CPU card. Place the jumper while the unit is powered off, apply power for ~1 minute, then remove to reset to factory defaults.

• Can this gateway be hot-swapped?

  It is not a plug-and-play hot-swappable module; disconnecting the gateway will break the WirelessHART mesh network pathing, requiring the network to re-organize once the gateway is restored.

• Why are my devices failing to join the network?

  Check the “Join Key” and “Network ID” settings. Ensure the devices are within radio range and that the gateway is not exceeding its 100-device limit.

• Is the gateway compatible with non-Emerson systems?

  Yes, the device supports industry-standard protocols like Modbus TCP/IP, OPC, and EtherNet/IP, making it highly compatible with third-party PLC and DCS hardware.