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Comtrol DeviceMaster AIR User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Comtrol DeviceMaster AIR

  • Page 1 User Guide...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2004- 2006. Comtrol Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the contents of this document or to the suitability of the Comtrol product for any particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without notice.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    DB9 Loopback Plugs..........................33 DB9 Null-Modem Cables (RS-232) ......................34 DB9 Null-Modem Cables (RS-422) ......................34 DB9 Straight-Through Cables (RS-232/485)................... 34 Configuring SocketServer....................35 SocketServer Overview..........................35 SocketServer Versions ..........................37 Table of Contents DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 3...
  • Page 4 Troubleshooting WLAN Port Problems....................63 FAQs................................63 Assigning a Static IP Address........................65 Windows 2000/XP/2003........................65 Windows 2000............................. 66 Troubleshooting Checklist ........................66 General Troubleshooting........................... 68 Technical Support ............................70 Index............................71 4 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Table of Contents...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Ad Hoc mode. A basic Ad Hoc setup could consist of a DeviceMaster AIR and a PC with a wireless NIC. A more complex example would be to remove the access point and LAN Ethernet segment from the Infrastructure example on the next page.

  • Page 6: Installation Considerations (Wireless)

    Each wall or ceiling can reduce your DeviceMaster AIR unit’s range from 3 to 90 feet (1 to 30 meters). 2. Be aware of the direct line between the DeviceMaster AIR and the device with which it communicates, as well as between access points, residential gateways (routers), and computers.

  • Page 7: Wlan Configuration Requirements

    You will need to assign a static IP address to the computer that you are using to configure the DeviceMaster AIR, within the IP address range of the default DeviceMaster AIR IP address. For example, you can assign a static IP address of 192.168.0.2 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. If you need assistance...

  • Page 8: Locating Software And Documentation

    Firmware Download from Web Bootloader (.bin), which refers to the operating system that runs on the DeviceMaster AIR hardware during the power on phase, which then starts SocketServer. The bootloader can be disabled and you can communicate to the device using Redboot.

  • Page 9: Hardware Installation And Wlan Configuration

    DeviceMaster AIR so that you can configure the wireless settings. The second step to installing and configuring the DeviceMaster AIR is to set up the wireless communications (WLAN). After configuring the wireless settings, you can configure the serial portion.
  • Page 10 8. Open the web browser and enter the DeviceMaster AIR WLAN IP address (default IP address is 192.168.0.30). Note: If you do not know the IP address of the DeviceMaster AIR, you can use the Reset button, which is between the antenna and the power receptacle to reset it to the factory defaults.
  • Page 11 12. Optionally, enter a password in the Set Password screen, and select Next. Note: It is recommended for security purposes, to define a password for the DeviceMaster AIR. Hardware Installation and WLAN Configuration DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 11...
  • Page 12 Connecting the Hardware and Initial Configuration 13. To configure the DeviceMaster AIR to operate in Infrastructure mode (default), use the following procedure. Note: See Ad Hoc Mode on Page 14 if you want to configure the DeviceMaster AIR to operate in Ad Hoc mode.
  • Page 13 Connecting the Hardware and Initial Configuration d. Select Close. e. Select Next in the Set Wireless LAN Connection screen to continue. Go to Step 14 to continue the installation. Hardware Installation and WLAN Configuration DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 13...
  • Page 14 WEP Mode, keys, and select Next. Encryption is disabled by default but it is recommended that you enable encryption on all wireless devices to eliminate security problems with the network. Caution 14 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Hardware Installation and WLAN Configuration...

  • Page 15: Configuring An Ip Address (Static Or Dhcp)

    Page 9 and perform that procedure if necessary. 2. If necessary, start your web browser, and enter the DeviceMaster AIR WLAN IP address. The default WLAN IP address is 192.168.0.30. Note: The computer that you are using for initial configuration must have an...
  • Page 16 Select Dynamic IP Address and select Apply. Note: If you have not done so, give your System Administrator the WLAN MAC address of the DeviceMaster AIR so that they can assign an IP address from the DHCP pool of reserved addresses.
  • Page 17 10. Remove the Ethernet cable from the network port and use the appropriate procedure for your environment: • 1-Port Serial Device Server Connection on Page 18 • Ethernet-to-Wireless Bridge Connection on Page 19 Hardware Installation and WLAN Configuration DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 17...

  • Page 18: 1-Port Serial Device Server Connection

    1-Port Serial Device Server Connection 1-Port Serial Device Use the following procedure to connect cables to use the DeviceMaster AIR as a Server Connection wireless 1-port serial device server. 1. Reconnect the 4” Ethernet jumper cable between the WLAN and LAN port of the DeviceMaster AIR.

  • Page 19: Ethernet-To-Wireless Bridge Connection

    Bridge Connection with another DeviceMaster, for example, a DeviceMaster RTS 16-port. Note: When the DeviceMaster AIR is used as a wireless bridge with devices with a single Ethernet connection, the serial port on the AIR is no longer available. 1. Connect an Ethernet cable between...

  • Page 20: Changing The Wireless Operating Mode Settings

    Changing the Wireless Operating Mode Settings Changing the Wireless Operating Mode Settings Use your web browser and the Wireless tab to change the DeviceMaster AIR wireless settings. Use the following steps to access the Wireless tab. 1. Open the web browser and enter the DeviceMaster AIR IP address.
  • Page 21 Shared Key - devices must have identical WEP settings to communicate • Auto - automatically adjusts to the Authentication mode of the wireless client 12. Select Apply if you have made any changes or additions. Hardware Installation and WLAN Configuration DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 21...

  • Page 22: Changing The Wireless Web Interface Password

    Use your web browser and the Admin tab to change the password that supports the wireless port. 1. Open the web browser and enter the DeviceMaster AIR IP address. 2. Select or type in user name in the User Name field.

  • Page 23: Saving The Wireless Configuration System Settings

    Use your web browser and the Admin tab to save the current settings onto the local hard drive. 1. Open the web browser and enter the DeviceMaster AIR IP address. 2. Select or type in user name in the User Name field.

  • Page 24: Loading Wireless Configuration System Settings

    IP address within the same range as the WLAN IP address of the DeviceMaster AIR. After updating the wireless firmware, the DeviceMaster AIR is reset to the default IP address, 192.168.0.30.

  • Page 25: Restoring Default Wireless Configuration System Settings

    Restoring Default Wireless Configuration System Settings Restoring Default Wireless Configuration System Settings There are two ways to restore the default settings on the DeviceMaster AIR: • Reset button • Use a web browser and the Admin tab Using the Reset...
  • Page 26 Using a Web Browser 5. Select Restore from the System Settings group and Yes. 6. Select Continue. 26 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Hardware Installation and WLAN Configuration...

  • Page 27: Network Configuration For The Serial Portion

    It is best to determine how you want to use the serial ports before you program the network settings in the DeviceMaster AIR. TCP/IP Socket Use To configure the DeviceMaster AIR for use as only a TCP/IP socket does not (No COM or tty require installation of additional software. There are many methods that you can Support) use to configure the network settings.

  • Page 28: Installing, Updating, And Removing Portvision Plus

    (Locating Software and Documentation on Page 8). Note: PortVision Plus requires that you connect the DeviceMaster AIR to the same network segment as the Microsoft system during the configuration process. PortVision Plus Use this procedure to install PortVision Plus from a Software and Documentation Installation CD or download the latest from the internet.

  • Page 29: Using Portvision Plus To Configure The Network Settings

    Select whether or not you want PortVision Plus to create shortcuts for the COM port utilities; Test Terminal and Port Monitor. b. Select the Scan button and Yes to locate DeviceMaster AIR units on the network. 3. Highlight the DeviceMaster AIR for which you want to program network information and open the Configure Device screen using one of these methods: •...
  • Page 30 9. Optionally, select Save Settings to a File to create a configuration file that you can use to configure other DeviceMaster AIR units. 10. After entering the changes, select Apply Changes. 11. Close the Configure Device window. 30 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Network Configuration for the Serial Portion...

  • Page 31: Connecting Serial Devices

    232. There is a remote possibility that connecting a peripheral for the wrong mode could damage the peripheral. 1. Connect your serial devices to the appropriate port on the DeviceMaster AIR using the appropriate cable. You can build your own DB9 cables using Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs on Page 33.
  • Page 32 Connecting Devices The DeviceMaster AIR 1-port has four LEDs on the top of the unit that provide information about the network connection of the serial port. Description The amber Status LED on the device is lit, indicating you have power and it has completed the boot cycle.

  • Page 33: Db9 Serial Cables And Loopback Plugs

    Loopback connectors are DB9 female serial port plugs, with pins wired together as shown, that are used in conjunction with application software (Test Terminal or Minicom) to test serial ports. The DeviceMaster AIR is shipped with a a single loopback plug (RS-232/422).

  • Page 34: Db9 Null-Modem Cables (Rs-232)

    For example, a straight-through cable can be used to connect COM2 of one PC to COM2 to a modem. RJ45 DB25 Signal Pins Pins Pins Pins Signal TxD or TRx- TxD or TRx- RTS or TRx+ RTS or TRx+ 34 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Connecting Serial Devices...

  • Page 35: Configuring Socketserver

    .If you install and enable an NS-Link device driver, NS-Link loads on the DeviceMaster AIR. The default operation of the DeviceMaster AIR SocketServer is to buffer network- bound data and transmit the buffered data to the network once every 50ms. This is intended to provide a reasonable trade-off between latency and network utilization.
  • Page 36 UDP Mode Ethernet Hub Serial RS-232 connections LAN/WAN DeviceMaster DeviceMaster In this example, four Ethernet Hub PCs receive data simultaneously from one serial device. Serial Device 36 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Configuring SocketServer...

  • Page 37: Socketserver Versions

    SocketServer Versions The functionality of the SocketServer integrated in the firmware is the same as the NS-Link. If the NS-Link driver is running on the DeviceMaster AIR, the NS- Link loads when you open a web browser session. If the NS-Link driver is not running (not installed or not enabled), the default SocketServer loads when you open a web browser session.
  • Page 38 SocketServer Versions 38 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Configuring SocketServer...

  • Page 39: Updating Firmware

    Updating Firmware Use this section to update firmware on the DeviceMaster AIR. The DeviceMaster AIR has three upgradable sets of firmware on the device from the factory. • The wireless firmware provides a web interface to configure the wireless Ethernet port. See Updating the Wireless Firmware on Page 43.

  • Page 40: Updating Firmware With Portvision Plus

    5. Select Ok. 6. In the next minute, PortVision Plus updates the List View pane and displays the new firmware version. 40 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Updating Firmware...

  • Page 41: Using The Updater Utility (Socketserver And Bootloader)

    Preparing to Update Firmware on Page 39. 2. From the Start button, select Programs>Comtrol Utility>DeviceMaster RTS Update Utility>dmrtsupd.exe. 3. Enter IP address of DeviceMaster AIR that you want to update. 4. Go to the appropriate discussion to update the firmware: • Bootloader on Page 43 •...

  • Page 42: Socketserver

    5. Select the Close button after the download has completed. 6. Verify the new SocketServer version: a. Select the Reset button. Note: There will be no screen change. If the DeviceMaster AIR is local, watch the Ethernet LEDs to confirm that the DeviceMaster AIR did reset.

  • Page 43: Bootloader

    SocketServer version, repeat Step 1. 2. Select Ok after you confirm that it is the DeviceMaster AIR that you want to update. Note: If it is not the correct DeviceMaster AIR, enter the correct IP address and perform Steps 1 and 2.
  • Page 44 (Latest Firmware on Page 39). 2. Connect the DeviceMaster AIR directly to a LAN network using an Ethernet cable between the WLAN connector on the DeviceMaster AIR and the Ethernet network. 3. Open the web browser and enter the DeviceMaster AIR IP address.
  • Page 45 Updating the Wireless Firmware 6. Select the Admin tab. 7. Select Browse from the Firmware Upgrade group. 8. Locate the file that you downloaded and select Open. Updating Firmware DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 45...
  • Page 46 Updating the Wireless Firmware 9. Select Apply. 10. Select Continue. 11. You will need to reconfigure the wireless settings of the DeviceMaster AIR. • If you saved the configuration settings, see Loading Wireless Configuration System Settings on Page 24. •...

  • Page 47: Redboot Procedures

    PortVision Plus. You can use a serial connection between Port 1 on the DeviceMaster AIR and a COM port on a PC. If you plan on using the serial method, you will need a null modem cable and a terminal program installed and configured on the PC.

  • Page 48: Establishing A Telnet Connection

    Note: Press the Enter key if you have not programmed a password. 2. Type reset, and close the session. 3. Open a new telnet session, enter the DeviceMaster AIR IP address, and the password. 4. Type dis to disable the bootloader.

  • Page 49: Determining The Network Settings

    Serial connection between Port 1 on the DeviceMaster AIR and a COM port on a PC. If you do not know the IP address of the DeviceMaster AIR you must use a serial connection to communicate with the DeviceMaster AIR.

  • Page 50: Determining The Bootloader Version

    Updating Firmware on Page 39. 4. Type reset to reset the DeviceMaster AIR, if you do not have any other related Redboot tasks. Resetting the DeviceMaster AIR When you have completed your tasks in Redboot, you must enter a reset command at the RedBoot>...

  • Page 51: Uploading Firmware

    Parity = None • Stop bits = 1 • Flow control = None 4. Reset the DeviceMaster AIR (disconnect and reconnect the power cable). 5. Immediately type #!DM and press Enter in your terminal program. #!DM RedBoot>dis Loading disabled 6. At the RedBoot> prompt, type dis, and press Enter.
  • Page 52 Note: In a few seconds the ethernet and PWR LEDs cycle through a light sequence once and the update is complete. 13. Start your internet browser and enter the IP address of the DeviceMaster AIR to verify that the new version of SocketServer loads.

  • Page 53: Telnet Method (Socketserver And Bootloader))

    1. Verify that you have the .bin file (Latest Firmware on Page 39). 2. Open a telnet session, type reset, and close the session. 3. Open a new telnet session and enter the DeviceMaster AIR IP address. $ telnet 192.168.250.250 Default IP Address Trying 192.168.250.250...

  • Page 54: Configuring Passwords

    Note: You should see file information for a file called default. If you do not see this file, repeat the process starting with Step b. Reset the DeviceMaster AIR by typing reset at the RedBoot> prompt. Note: In a few seconds the ethernet and PWR LEDs cycle through a light sequence once.

  • Page 55: Redboot Command Overview

    Runs port-to-port RS-485 test. Displays RedBoot version information. version † Do not use these commands to change the values. Doing so may cause the DeviceMaster AIR to stop functioning. RedBoot Procedures DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 55...
  • Page 56 Redboot Command Overview 56 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C RedBoot Procedures...

  • Page 57: Hardware Specifications And Compliance Notices

    Input line frequency 50 - 60 Hz Coaxial 5.5±0.1 x 2.1 mm Input line voltage 100 - 240 Output voltage Output current 2.0A (Min) @ 5 Hardware Specifications and Compliance Notices DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 57...

  • Page 58: Hardware Specifications And Standards

    Hardware Specifications and Standards Hardware Specifications and Standards The following table lists hardware specifications for the DeviceMaster AIR. See Power Supply Specifications on Page 57 for detailed power supply specification information. Item Specification Current consumption 1.1A @ 5VDC Power consumption 5.5 W...

  • Page 59: Factory Default Settings For The Wlan Port

    Reset Transmission Auto rates Encryption Administrator Blank (no password password needed) IP address mode Static IP address 192.168.0.30 Subnet mask 255.255.255.0 Username admin (all lower case) Hardware Specifications and Compliance Notices DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 59...

  • Page 60: Environmental Specifications

    LAN and WLAN port on the AIR. • If the red 100 LED is lit, it indicates a working 100 MB Ethernet connection between the LAN and WLAN port on the AIR. 60 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Hardware Specifications and Compliance Notices...

  • Page 61: Connections

    LAN and WLAN connectors to support one serial port. If you use the DeviceMaster AIR as a bridge, you will not have any cables connected to the LAN connector. • WLAN: this RJ45 auto-sensing MDI/MIDX port provides connection to a network device using a Category 5 Ethernet cable.

  • Page 62: Notices

    This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Modifications (FCC Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Comtrol 15.21) Corporation may void the user's authority to operate this equipment. Serial Cables (FCC This equipment is certified for Class A operation when used with unshielded 15.27)

  • Page 63: Troubleshooting And Technical Support

    The following subsections only discuss troubleshooting information for the WLAN Ethernet port on the DeviceMaster AIR. FAQs This section provides solutions to situations that can occur during the installation and operation of the DeviceMaster AIR Ethernet-to-Wireless Bridge. Read the following descriptions if you are having problems. Questions/Problem Answers...
  • Page 64 FAQs Questions/Problem Answers Reset the access point to its factory default settings and restore the DeviceMaster AIR to its factory default I forgot my encryption settings. You may do this by pressing the Reset button key. on the back of the unit. You will lose the current configuration settings.

  • Page 65: Assigning A Static Ip Address

    Properties. 3. Select Use the following IP address, enter a temporary IP address and subnet mask value that allows this system to communicate to the DeviceMaster AIR. The default wireless IP address for the DeviceMaster AIR is 192.168.0.30. The IP addresses on your network must be within the same range.

  • Page 66: Windows 2000

    2. Select the Properties button. 3. Select Use the following IP address, enter a temporary IP address and subnet mask value that allows this system to communicate to the DeviceMaster AIR. The default wireless IP address for the DeviceMaster AIR is 192.168.0.30. The IP addresses on your network must be within the same range.
  • Page 67 \\.\COM20 as the file or port name. • If using NS-Link for a Microsoft system, you can use one of the Comtrol tools, which are discussed in the NS-Link User Guide. Device Advisor, which helps identify problems is a tab in the Advisor window of the driver.

  • Page 68: General Troubleshooting

    If you do not use the NS-Link driver to program the IP address, you only have 15 seconds to disable the bootloader with Redboot to get into the setup utility. 68 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Troubleshooting and Technical Support...
  • Page 69 Invalid IP information may also cause the switch or when connected to some router to check for a gateway address. Lack of a gateway Ethernet switches or address is a common cause. routers Troubleshooting and Technical Support DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 69...

  • Page 70: Technical Support

    Technical Support because they will request that you perform, some or all of the procedures before they will be able to help you diagnose your problem. If you need technical support, contact Comtrol using one of the following methods. Contact Method...

  • Page 71: Index

    49 WLAN restoring settings cables WLAN settings 59 building device null-modem dimensions 59 device drivers straight-through download latest 8 cache command 55 channel changing 20 default 59 COL LED 60 DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 71 Index...
  • Page 72 WLAN protocols 58 ip command execute IP gateway code at location 55 configuration 49 external antenna type default WLAN default Ethernet interface 58 network default values 58 Technical Support 70 protocols 58 72 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Index...
  • Page 73 IP address 55 default password 55 operating range telnet 55 WLAN 58 SNMP support 59 over-driving levels SocketServer WLAN 59 downloading latest 8 overview overview 35 installation steps 5 version Index DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C - 73...
  • Page 74 25 transmitter output power resetting to default 25 WLAN 59 saving settings 23 troubleshooting 63 specifications 58 tunneling serial 35 Tx LED 31 Xmodem load command 55 UL 60950 74 - DeviceMaster AIR User Guide: 2000365 Rev. C Index...

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