CTI Products NCB-AY with Serial Interface User Manual

Download

Model NCB-AY

Network Combiner Module

for Asynchronous Serial Channels

Wide Area Router for LONWORKS® Networks

User Guide # S2-60725-310

68-11310-310

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Standard Limited Hardware Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY. Equipment manufactured by CTI Products, Inc. is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for

a period of ONE (1) YEAR from date of shipment to original purchaser. Under this warranty, our obligation is limited to repairing or replacing any equipment proved to be defective by our inspection within one year of sale to the original purchaser. This warranty shall not apply to equipment which has been repaired outside our plant in any way, so as to, in the judgment of CTI Products, Inc. affect its stability or reliability, nor which has been operated in a manner exceeding its specifications, nor which has been altered, defaced, or damaged by lightning. CUSTOMER REMEDIES. In the event of a defect, malfunction, or failure to conform to specifications established by the seller during the period shown, the customer shall call CTI Products, Inc. to obtain a Return Authorization Number and return the product or module, shipping and insurance prepaid. CTI Products, Inc., will then at its option, either repair or replace the product or module and return it, shipping prepaid, or refund the purchase price thereof. On-site labor at the purchaser's location is not included in this warranty. EQUIPMENT NOT MANUFACTURED BY CTI Products, Inc. Equipment not manufactured by CTI Products, Inc. is excluded from this warranty, but is subject to the warranty provided by its manufacturer, a copy of which will be supplied to you upon specific written request. NO OTHER WARRANTIES. The foregoing constitutes the sole and exclusive remedy of the buyer and exclusive liability of CTI Products, Inc., AND IS IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY AS TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PURPOSE SOLD, DESCRIPTION, QUALITY, PRODUCTIVENESS OR ANY OTHER MATTER. NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL CTI PRODUCTS, INC. OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE CTI PRODUCTS, INC. EQUIPMENT BY PURCHASER OR OTHER THIRD PARTY, WHETHER UNDER THEORY OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), INDEMNITY, PRODUCT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF CTI PRODUCTS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR LOSSES. IN NO EVENT SHALL CTI PRODUCTS, INC.’S, LIABILITY EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID BY PURCHASER FOR THE EQUIPMENT GIVING RISE TO SUCH LIABILITY.

Location: CTI Products, Inc

1211 West Sharon Road

Cincinnati, OH 45240 USA Phone: +1.513.595.5900 Fax: +1.513.595.5983 Web: www.ctiproducts.com E-mail, Sales: info@ctiproducts.com

Technical Support: lwsupport@ctiproducts.com

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

This manual covers NCB units of Revision 300 or higher and NCB/Plug software revision

1.00 or higher. The NCB Unit Revision can be found on the rear of the unit following the

letter “U”. The NCB/Plug software revision can be found on the Help/About screen of the

program. If the revision of the product in hand is greater than that shown above, there may be additional features supported by the product that are not covered in this manual.

Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of CTI Products, Inc.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission of CTI Products, Inc.

This manual describes products that include copyrighted CTI Products, Inc. computer programs in semiconductor memory. CTI Products, Inc. reserves all rights for these programs, including the exclusive right to copy or reproduce the copyrighted computer programs in any form. No copyrighted computer program contained in products described in this manual may be copied, reproduced, decompiled, disassembled, or reversed engineered in any manner without express written permission of CTI Products, Inc. The purchase of products from CTI Products, Inc. shall not be deemed to grant either directly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license under the copyrights, patents, or patent applications of CTI Products, Inc., except for the normal non-exclusive, royalty fee license to use that arises by operation of law in the sale of the product.

Copyright (c) 1995-2001 CTI Products, Inc. All rights reserved NCB, NCB/AY, and WON are trademarks of CTI Products, Inc. Echelon, LON, LONWORKS, LONTALK, and Neuron are U.S. registered trademarks of Echelon Corporation.

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Radio Frequency Emissions and Immunity

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Limits specified in the standards listed below are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. UNITED STATES: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. CANADA: This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. EUROPE: This equipment has been tested and found to comform with the following standards: EN60950, EN50082-1, IEC801-2, IEC801-3, IEC801-4, and EN55022. This equipment complies with the requirements of the following directives: Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, and 93/68/EEC Harmonization of CE Marking

iii

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK-START GUIDE ............................................................................................................................................. 1

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 3

WHAT IS AN NCB/AY UNIT? ..................................................................................................................................... 3

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS ........................................................................................................................................... 5

FRONT PANEL ............................................................................................................................................................. 6

REAR PANEL............................................................................................................................................................... 7

2. SETUP AND OPERATION .................................................................................................................................... 9

STEP 1. MOUNTING .................................................................................................................................................... 9

STEP 2. SWITCH SETUP .............................................................................................................................................. 9

STEP 3. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 11

STEP 4. IMPLEMENTATION IN A NETWORK ............................................................................................................... 12

STEP 5. CONTROLLING THE WAN CONNECTION...................................................................................................... 15

3. NETWORK VARIABLE (NV) CONTROL ....................................................................................................... 17

TYPICAL NV BINDINGS ............................................................................................................................................ 17

MODEM CONTROLLER OBJECT ................................................................................................................................. 18

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY OBJECT .............................................................................................................................. 25

GLOBAL CONTROL OBJECT ...................................................................................................................................... 26

4. NCB/PLUG CONFIGURATION PLUG-IN ....................................................................................................... 28

INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 28

ACCESSING NCB/PLUG .......................................................................................................................................... 29

USAGE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 29

APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................................ 32

APPENDIX A. FACTORY DEFAULT CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................. 32

APPENDIX B. MOUNTING OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 34

APPENDIX C. CONNECTOR DETAILS ......................................................................................................................... 37

APPENDIX D. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................................ 40

APPENDIX E. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 43

APPENDIX F. RING MODE ................................ ................................ ................................................................ ......... 44

INDEX ........................................................................................................................................................................ 46

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

QUICK-START GUIDE

This Quick Start Guide provides a concise series of steps to get a pair of the NCB modules “up and running” quickly so that initial operation may be confirmed.

It is highly recommended that, if possible, the pair of NCB/AY modules be tested in your application by first connecting them “back-to-back” with a simple serial “null-modem” cable. Once operation is confirmed using this connection scheme, continue by connecting the NCB/AY modules together using the actual intended communication channel.

It is important that all LonWorks devices attached to the “NETWORK” connector of any one NCB module use

the same network transceiver . See “LONWORKS NETWORK TRANSCEIVERS” in section “1. INTRODUCTION”. In the following steps, identify the two units as “NCB Unit 1” and “NCB Unit 2”.

Switch Settings

 Set the switches on the NCB units as follows:

BAUD 1 : 7 BAUD 2 : 0 MODE 1 : 0 MODE 2 : 0 OPTION B Switches 1 through 4 : UP OPTION A Switches 1 through 4 and 6 through 8 : UP OPTION A Switch 5 : DOWN

Module Connection

 Connect LonWorks network devices to the “NETWORK” connectors of each NCB unit (both RJ-45s

and the terminal strip are in parallel). If using the RJ-45 connector(s), connect to pins 1 & 2 (the rightmost two pins) and use caution, as other pins on these connectors carry DC power.

 Connect the NCB units “back-to-back” via the “PORT 1” connector on the rear of each NCB unit

using the supplied null-modem cable.

 Connect power to the NCB units via the front panel “DC IN” connector. The units can be powered-up

in any sequence. If power is applied to one unit and not the other, or the serial cable is not attached to

PORT 1 of both units, the “ERR” LED will begin to flash on the powered (or both) unit(s).

Once properly connected and powered, the “ERR” LED will be off on both units and they are now ready for

use. Any LonTalk packets entering one NCB unit will exit the other and vice-versa.

Quick-Start Guide 1

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Quick-Start Guide 2

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

VIRTUAL

ASYNCHRONOUS

CHANNEL

LONWORKS

NODE

LONWORKS

NODE

LONWORKS

NODE

LONWORKS

NODE

NCB-AY

LONWORKS

NODE

LONWORKS

NODE

LONWORKS

NODE

LONWORKS

NODE

BUILDING 1

BUILDING 2

NCB-AY

Read this section to learn the general function and capabilities of an NCB Router

1. INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS AN NCB/AY UNIT?

The Network Combiner NCB/AYTM Module is a wide-area router with two asynchronous serial ports that is used for LONWORKS networks. The NCB/AY unit is used in pairs to connect LONWORKS networks real-time, spanning distances from building-wide to worldwide.. With the use of a CSU/DSU, The communication channel spanning the distance between local networks can be any digital channel such as fractional T1/E1 or microwave digital channel banks. Data transfer between distant networks via an NCB module pair is "live", delayed only by the transit time through the routers and modem connections.

The NCB module uses router technology so that no custom coding or additional hardware is necessary to seamlessly connect multiple networks across very large distances. The NCB module is self-contained, easily configured with standard network management tools, and requires no custom programming or coding changes in system nodes.

Basic Application

A basic application of the NCB module is where two multi-node LonWorks networks, separated by a distance beyond the reach of conventional wired media, need to be interconnected, as in Figure 1. This distance could be across a large building, business campus, city, etc. Using the NCB module, this interconnection is accomplished using one NCB module local to each network site and a single voice-grade telephone circuit connecting the two NCB modules. Additional networks can be added to this unified network by simply adding an NCB module pair per network.

Figure 1 Networks in two buildings connected with NCB modules

LonWorks Network Transceivers

The local LonWorks networks at different sites do not need to use the same network transceiver type. For example, an FTT-10A network, a TPT/XF-78 network, and a PLT-22 network can all be interconnected by using pairs of NCB modules with network transceivers matching the local network at each site.

1. Introduction 3

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

LONWORKS

NETWORK

Side

ROUTER

LONWORKS

TRANSCEIVER

“DC I N”

Connector

“NETWORK”

Connector

“PORT 1”

Connector

“PORT 2”

Connector

To Modem 1

To Modem 2

Side

SMX

TRANSCEIVER

POWER

SUPPLY

CONTROL

NEURON

PROCESSOR



See Appendix F for Ring Mode details.

NCB units are available with an option for LonWorks network transceiver type. The ordering code on the rear of the NCB lists the installed options. This ordering code is of the form: NCB/AY-Txxx, where ‘T’ indicates the transceiver type.

The following LonWorks network transceiver options are available: A = FTT-10A K = SMX RS485 B = TPT/XF-78 M = SMX PL22 C = TPT/XF-1250 X = None (SMX ready)

Wide Area Network Ports

Normally Point-to-Point connections are made between pairs of NCB units. A more fault-tolerant network may be implemented by using the Ring Mode connection topology.

External Serial Ports

“PORT 1” and “PORT 2” are standard asynchronous serial ports with individually configurable baud rates from 1200 to 115200 bps. An external modem can be connected to each port. “PORT 1” and “PORT 2” pinouts allow direct connection to a modem via a standard 9 pin to 25 pin cable.

Data Flow

There are three sources of message packets within the NCB module. The first source is the LonWorks NETWORK connector on the front of the unit. The second is the “PORT” connectors on the rear of the unit. The third source is the Control Neuron Processor. Message packets originating from any of these sources are sent to the other two. This message packet flow is shown in the block diagram of Figure 2.

Figure 2 NCB Network Combiner Block Diagram

The “NETWORK” connector attaches to the local LONWORKS network using a compatible transceiver

internal to the NCB module and is associated with Side B of the internal router.

The “PORT” connector attaches to the (Wide Area Network communications channel as the link to the

NCB unit at the other network site and is associated with Side A of the internal router.

The Control Neuron Processor allows network management messages to be sent to the NCB module for

connection control and status monitoring and is associated with Side A of the internal router.

1. Introduction 4

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Document

Source

Reference Number

Message Buffer Configuration

CD ROM or www.ctiproducts.com

Technical Note TN010

Usage with Serial Devices that

Emulate the ‘AT’ Modem

Command Set

CD ROM or www.ctiproducts.com

Technical Note TN012

Using Explicit Messages to Configure and Monitor Dialing Parameters of an NCB

CD ROM or www.ctiproducts.com

Technical Note TN022

Using NCBCON to Configure and Monitor Dialing Parameters of an NCB

CD ROM or www.ctiproducts.com

Technical Note TN023 Setting the PCNSS Card to Network Interface Mode

CD ROM or www.ctiproducts.com

Technical Note TN024 SMX Transceiver Installation

CD ROM or www.ctiproducts.com

Technical Note TN025

NCB Installation with Network Management Tools

CD ROM or www.ctiproducts.com

Technical Note TN026 LonWorks Router User’s Guide

Echelon

078-0018-01B

Router Function

The router contained in each NCB module may be configured as a repeater, bridge, or configured router. The easiest configuration is as a repeater, where all messages which enter the NCB module (via any of the three data sources described above) are simply passed to the other two sources, regardless of the domain, subnet/node, or group destination address. A bridge only passes messages that match one of the two domain IDs configured on the router. A configured router only passes messages that match a domain ID as well as a set of subnet or group numbers. The proper choice of router mode depends on desired simplicity of installation versus required system performance.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

The following additional information is available from the sources indicated.

1. Introduction 5

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

1234567

OPTION A

DC IN

ERR

ACT

PWR

NETWORK

OUT

RSVC

CSVC

RESET

CMD

NCB

NETWORK COMBINER

NETWORK

LonWorks NETWORK Connections

RJ-45 and Screw Terminal

CMD Button Not Used CSVC Button Initiates Service Request

from Control Neuron

RSVC Button Initiates Service Request

from Router

RESET Button

DC IN Connector for input power

OPTION A Switches

Selects LonWorks

Addressing parameters. (See Setup and Operation for more detail)

PWR LED Indicates correct input power ERR LED Indicates an error condition ACT LED Indicates LonWorks packet

activity in router

FRONT PANEL

Figure 3 NCB Front Panel

Front Panel Indicators and Buttons

PWR LED (Green) - Indicates condition of DC input power or a “Wink” command.

 Always On: Correct DC input power is present.  Flashing Continuously: DC input to module is below minimum required voltage.  Flashes for 2 Seconds: A “Wink” network management command has been sent to the Control

Neuron Processor.

ERR LED (Red) – Indicates a possible error condition.

 Always On: A diagnostic error has been detected. Press the “RESET” button. If the “ERR” LED now

stays off, the EEPROM contained invalid data and has been reinitialized. Any non-volatile information must be re-entered by using the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in or the DOS NCBCON program. If the LED stays on solid, a hardware problem is indicated. Contact technical support for assistance.

 Slow Flash: (once per second) LonWorks configuration information is insufficient. Using a Network

Management Tool, re-commission the internal router nodes (and optionally, the Control Neuron Processor node).

 Quick Flash: (twice per second) A serial port configured for use (“BAUD” switch set to a value that is

not ‘0’) does not detect an attached modem or is in the process of initializing it. In Ring Mode, this

could also indicate that duplicate Unit Numbers have been detected in the Ring.

ACT LED (Yellow) - Indicates a packet has been passed by the NCB router.

1. Introduction 6

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

123

897

F01

345

689

F01

345

689

F01

345

OPTION B

PORT 2

BAUD 1

BAUD 2

123

678

PORT 1

123

678

897

F01

345

MODE 1

MODE 2

MODE 1 and MODE 2 Switches

The NCB-AY unit is always

operated in MODE 0

OPTION B Switches

See Section 2, Step 2 for more detail.

PORT 1 and PORT 2 Connectors

Asynchronous serial data

BAUD 1 and BAUD 2 Switches

Baud rate selection for Port 1

and Port 2. See Section 2, Step 2 for more detail.

REAR PANEL

Figure 4 NCB Rear Panel

1. Introduction 7

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

1. Introduction 8

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

1234567

1. Not Used

2. Not Used

3. Not Used

4. Not Used

5. Control Neuron Addressing Method....... Hardware Network Management Tool

6. Control Neuron Hardware Subnet/Node 255/2 255/1

7. Not Used

8. Not Used

UP DOWN

See Appendix B for Mounting Option details.

Follow the steps in this section to setup an NCB Router for the first time

2. SETUP AND OPERATION

STEP 1. MOUNTING

Non-slip rubber feet are included on all NCB modules to allow them to conveniently rest on any horizontal surface. Four 6-32 threaded holes are also available on the bottom of the module to allow bolting of the module in any convenient orientation. WARNING: Care should be taken to limit protrusion of the screw into the module to no more than 0.125 inch from the module bottom surface!

Mounting kits are available as options to allow wall or rack (19” EIA) mounting of the NCB module.

When wall or rack mounting the NCB, a suitable safety and protective earth ground should be provided to the metal enclosure. The protective earth ground provides a path to ground for electrostatic discharge (ESD) energy. This connection is most conveniently made directly to the wall mount bracket or rack plate.

STEP 2. SWITCH SETUP

OPTION A Switches

OPTION A switches set the LonWorks addressing parameters (switches 5 and 6). Leave the unused switches in the UP position. The position of the OPTION A switches are read by the NCB at module power-up or after pressing the “RESET” button on the front panel.

Setting the LonWorks Addressing Parameters (Switches 5 and 6)

Switches 5 and 6 provide a simple (but very limited) method of setting the LonWorks domain/subnet/node address of the internal Control Neuron Processor. This method is useful for systems with two NCB modules, but does not provide enough flexibility for larger systems. (Standard Network Management Tools are a much better choice.) For more information on setting this address, see “STEP 4. IMPLEMENTATION IN A NETWORK” for a tutorial on network management tools.

 If OPTION A Switch 5 is UP, Switch 6 determines a static subnet/node address for the Control Neuron

Processor: Switch 6 DOWN fixes the Control Neuron Processor subnet/node address at 255/1 in the zero-length domain, while Switch 6 UP fixes the subnet/node address at 255/2 in the zero-length domain. This setting allows for a quick evaluation of the NCB modules, requiring minimal user setup.

2. Setup and Operation 9

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

1. PORT 1 CTS sense..........................Disabled Enabled(Normal)

2. PORT 1 DSR sense.........................Disabled Enabled (Normal)

3. PORT 2 CTS sense..........................Disabled Enabled (Normal)

4. PORT 2 DSR sense.........................Disabled Enabled (Normal)

DOWN UP

123

Signal

Direction

Function

CTS

Input to NCB

Active when the connected device is ready to accept characters from NCB.

This signal is driven by the RTS signal of the connected device.

RTS

Output from

NCB

Active when NCB is ready to accept characters from the connected device.

This signal is received by the CTS signal of the connected device.

DSR

Input to NCB

Active when a connected device is functioning.

This signal is driven by the DTR signal of the connected device. If driven inactive, NCB front panel “ERR” LED will flash quickly, and NCB will not communicate with this device. If DSR signal is not available from connected device, strap to DTR output.

DTR

Output from

NCB

Always driven active by NCB.

Position

Function/Baud Rate

Disable Port

1200 Baud

2400

4800

9600

19200

38400

57600

115200

897

EF0

56897

EF0

BAUD 1

BAUD 2

 If OPTION A Switch 5 is DOWN, dynamic determination of the domain/subnet/node number by a

Network Management Tool is allowed.

OPTION B Switches

OPTION B switches set the Serial Port Handshaking options.

CTS/RTS flow control can be used to pace the transmission of individual bytes between the NCB and a connected device.

DSR/DTR handshaking informs the NCB that a connected device is active. If the channel does not directly support DSR/DTR handshaking, DSR must be strapped back to the (always active) DTR output signal.

When enabled, the operation of CTS/RTS and DSR/DTR is as follows:

BAUD Switches

“BAUD 1” and “BAUD 2” switches correspond to “PORT 1” and “PORT 2” connectors and allow either disabling the port for use or enabling it at a specific baud rate.

2. Setup and Operation 10

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

897

EF0

56897

EF0

MODE 1

MODE 2

NETWORK

OUT

NETWORK

PORT 1

123

678

See APPENDIX C for pinouts and cable diagrams.

See Appendix C for Connector Details

NOTE: Set the “BAUDn” switch to 0 if the respective port will not be used. This is important, as the front panel “ERR” LED will flash continuously if a serial port “BAUD”

switch is non-zero and no modem is connected.

Mode Switches

“MODE 1” and “MODE 2” switches allow setting the NCB for compatibility with certain types of external

modems (i.e. dial-up or leased-line). A different type of modem can be connected to each port. NOTE: previous versions of the NCB-IM unit have only one “MODE” switch. It this case, two modems can still be connected to a single NCB unit, but they must both be of the same type (either both dial-up or both leased-line).

Set both “MODE” switches to 0 for proper operation of the NCB-AY.

STEP 3. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

LonWorks Network Connection

The local LONWORKS network must be attached to the NCB module via the “NETWORK” connector following standard Echelon guidelines as to cable type, cable length, and termination appropriate for the selected transceiver.

The dual RJ-45 “NETWORK” connector allows a daisy-chained network connection method, as the network pins of the two RJ-45 connector are directly paralleled. Note that other pins on the RJ-45 are connected to circuit ground and DC power.

The 2 pin removable terminal strip is wired in parallel with the network connections on the dual RJ-45 connector.

NOTE: If your NCB module was purchased without a LonWorks

transceiver (SMX-ready), refer to Technical Note TN025 to install your SMX transceiver.

Asynchronous Channel Connection

Connect the asynchronous communication channel using the “PORT 1”

connector. The minimum set of signals that must be connected are TXD, RXD, and ground. DTR/DSR and RTS/CTS should be connected if available on the channel. (See ‘OPTION B Switches’ information above for signal details.) If DSR is not available, it must be strapped active by connecting it to the DTR output of the NCB. If CTS is not available, sensing of it

must be disabled using the OPTION B Switches.

2. Setup and Operation 11

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Why is a Network Management Tool needed?

Factory Default Settings

An NCB could be placed in a network using the configuration as it was shipped from the factory (Repeater Mode, fixed Subnet/Node address). All messages would simply be passed through the NCB. This may suffice for small networks where channel bandwidth and message timing issues are of no concern.

Use of a Network Management Tool

If a larger network is planned, and channel bandwidth limitations require segmentation of message traffic, then a Network Management Tool should be used to perform some or all of the following functions:

 Assign unique addresses to each NCB Router

and Control Neuron

 Configure domain address tables in routers  Optimally set Transaction Timers based on

Channel Delays

 Configure forwarding tables in routers for traffic

segmentation

Tutorial . . .

DC IN

NOTE: Set the BAUD 1, BAUD 2, MODE 1, MODE 2, and OPTION B switches according to information in section “2. SETUP AND OPERATION”, “STEP 2. SWITCH SETUP” BEFORE powering up the NCB module.

DC Power Connection

DC power must be attached to the NCB module via the DC IN connector (see

“APPENDIX C. CONNECTOR DETAILS”). Apply DC power to the NCB module only after all other connections have been made. A wall plug-in style power

supply designed for the NCB module is an available option.

STEP 4. IMPLEMENTATION IN A NETWORK

Will a Network Management Tool Be Used?

 If NO, and the NCB will be used

with its factory default settings (Repeater Mode), skip the rest of this section. The NCB is ready to function in a network.

 If NO, and the DOS NCBCON

program will be used to access and configure the Control Neuron Processor, then see Technical Note TN023.

 If YES, and LonMaker For

Windows will be used, be certain

that ‘OPTION A Switch 5 is in

the DOWN position, and see

Commissioning the NCB with LonMaker for Windows later in

this section.

 If YES, and another Network

Management Tool will be used, be

certain that ‘OPTION A Switch 5

is in the DOWN position, then see Technical Note TN026.

Commissioning the NCB with LonMaker for Windows

Commissioning each NCB in a network with LonMaker for Windows involves commissioning two different network devices, both contained in the single NCB enclosure: a standard LonWorks router, and the control neuron.

Since the standard LonWorks router portion of an NCB router interfaces a LonWorks channel to a Wide Area Network channel, it requires connection to two channels on the LonMaker drawing. A standard LonWorks

2. Setup and Operation 12

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

channel will be connected to Side B of the router shape, and a CUSTOM (WAN) Channel will be connected to Side A of the router shape.

Commissioning the NCB control neuron requires that the .XIF file be available. The simplest way to do this is to install the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-In, as this process copies the required .XIF file to the proper directory.

Installing NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in

A) Install the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in on your PC:

 Insert the NCB/Plug CD into your CD-ROM drive.  Click the Windows Start button, choose Run..., click Browse… , select the Setup application on the

NCB/Plug CD, and click Open .

 Follow the instructions displayed by the Setup application.  Restart your computer when the Setup application is complete.

NOTE: Two External Interface Files (.XIF) are automatically transferred to the hard drive when NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in is installed. NCBTLC30.XIF should be used for the Control Neuron Processor of an NCB of Version 3. NCBTLC20.XIF should be used for the Control Neuron Processor of an NCB of Version 2.

B) Register NCB/Plug with LonMaker for Windows:

 Click the Windows Start button, choose Programs, then NCBPlug, and click on NCBPlug.  Click Register Plug-In .  Click Exit .

C) Register NCB/Plug with the desired LonMaker for Windows network:

 Start LonMaker for Windows and open the desired network (be sure to checkmark the “Show all

Network Option Screens” box). When the “Plug-In Registration” window within the Network Wizard appears, highlight the “NCB_Plug” under “To Be Registered” and click Finish.

After installing and registering the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-In, commission the “local NCB” (the one whose “NETWORK” port is connected to the NSI attached to LonMaker for Windows) using the following

steps:

Commissioning the NCB

A) Add a CUSTOM channel to the network drawing (this will be the WAN channel):

 Drag the Channel shape to the drawing. The “Channel Definition” window will be displayed.  Specify an appropriate Channel Name.  In the “Transceiver Type” field, click the down arrow and select CUSTOM.  In the “Delay” section, choose “Specify”, and enter a value of 50ms.  Enter a Channel Description, if desired.  Click OK to continue.

B) Add the standard LonWorks router portion of the NCB to the network drawing:

 Drag the Router shape to the drawing. The “New Router Wizard” window will be displayed.  Specify the desired router name.  Click NEXT to continue.  In the “Channel A” Name field, choose the custom channel created in Step a.  In the “Channel B” Name field, choose the standard LonWorks channel connected to the

“NETWORK” connector on the NCB.

 Click NEXT to continue.  Specify a Location string and Description, if desired. “Ping Interval” can be set as desired,

however should be set to “never” for remote NCB routers which are not connected full-time (for example, those connected via dial-up telephone lines).

 Click NEXT to continue.  Specify desired advanced router properties. Router Type : Configured is recommended.  Click FINISH to complete the “New Router Wizard”.

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C) Add the Control Neuron Processor to the network drawing:

 Drag the Device shape to the drawing. The “New Device Wizard” window will be displayed.  Specify the desired Device Name.  Click NEXT to continue.  In the “External Interface Definition” section, choose ‘Existing Template’, click the down arrow

and choose the appropriate template as follows: NCBTLC30.XIF should be used for the Control Neuron Processor of an NCB of Version 3, NCBTLC20.XIF should be used for the Control Neuron Processor of an NCB of Version 2.

 Click NEXT to continue.  In the “Channel: Name:” section, choose the custom channel connected to Side A of the router that

was created in Step a.

 Click NEXT to continue  Specify a Location string and Description, if desired. “Ping Interval” can be set as desired,

however should be set to “never” for remote NCBs which are not connected full-time (for example, those connected via dial-up telephone lines).

 Click FINISH to complete the “New Device Wizard”.

D) Commission the LonWorks router:

 Right-click on the router shape added in step b.  Click on the Commission function  Select the Online state.  Click FINISH to commission the router.

E) Commission the Control Neuron:

 Right-click on the Control Neuron device shape added in step c.  Click on the Commission function  Select the Online state and Current Values in Database for Source of Configuration Property

Values.

 Click FINISH to commission the Control Neuron.

Figure 5--LonMaker NCB Diagram

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NCB/Plug

LNS plug-ins are applications that can be started from within an LNS application (such as the LonMaker tool) to perform a specialized task. The NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-In implements configuration and query commands for the NCB. The NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-In and Network Variables can be used simultaneously. The following functions are available if the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-In is installed:

 Configure Ring Mode parameters  Request a soft reboot of NCB

Tutorial . . .

Network Variables

Network Variable Bindings allow a device to send and receive messages to and from other devices on the network. All configuration and status commands sent to the NCB module are carried on the LonTalk network in the form of Network Variables bound to the Control Neuron Processor inside the NCB module. The following functions are available if Network Variable bindings are made:

 Configure Ring Mode parameters  Request a soft reboot of NCB  Request Product Name Output from NCB

Tutorial . . .

STEP 5. CONTROLLING THE WAN CONNECTION

At this point, the “local” NCB (the one connected to the LonMaker for Windows NSI) has been configured and

fully commissioned for use. This last step involves making a connection to the “remote” NCB via the WAN channel. Normally when using the NCB-AY, since the dedicated channel will allow immediate communication with the remote NCB, no control of the WAN connection is required. Message packets will flow between the local and remote NCBs across the dedicated channel. To commission the remote NCB router, repeat B and D of Commissioning the Router in Step 4 above.

Since controlling the WAN connection is normally not required when using the NCB-AY, the remainder of this step can be skipped, and the NCB-AY is ready for use. However, if using “MODE 8”, as described in Technical Note TN011, the following information may be useful. In addition, the following information may be useful for requesting a soft reboot or product name.

Network ables and the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-In

Will bindings be made to any Network Variables?

 If NO, you may wish to use the NCB/Plug

Plug-In (See ‘Tutorial: NCB/Plug’ above).

 If YES, see SECTION 3, NETWORK VARIABLE

(NV) CONTROL. You may also wish to use the NCB/Plug plug-in (See ‘Tutorial: NCB/Plug’ above).

2. Setup and Operation 15

Will NCB/Plug be used?

 If NO, you may wish to make Network

Variable bindings (See ‘Tutorial: Network Variables’ above).

 If YES, see SECTION 4, NCB/PLUG. You may

also wish to make Network Variable bindings (See ‘Tutorial: Network Variables’ above).

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This Section contains details of Network Variables and Bindings

Phone Book

Object

Some Alarm

Device

nviReqDialStr

nvoDialStr

Modem

Controller

Object

nviDialStr

nviCallCancel

nvoConnectStat

nvoCallCancel

nvoReqDialStr

nviConnectStat

3. NETWORK VARIABLE (NV) CONTROL

TYPICAL NV BINDINGS

All commands sent to the NCB module are carried on the LonTalk network in the form of Network Variables bound to the Control Neuron processor inside the NCB module (connected to Side A of the internal router). This section details the Functional Blocks (objects) and the network variables of each. The Modem Controller Objects and Directory Objects will be functional only if a modem is attached to the “PORT” connector.

The Modem Controller Object is typically used in conjunction with the Directory Object and some other eventgenerating object which causes connection control information to be given to the Modem Controller Object. This information initiates modem dialing so that, once a connection is established, transfer of data can be accomplished via the modem.

Figure 6 is an example of typical network variable bindings.

Figure 6 Typical Network Variable Bindings

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Phone Book

Object 1

Some Alarm

Device

nviReqDialStr1

nvoDialStr1

Modem

Controller

Object 1

nviDialStr1

nviCallCancel1

nvoConnectStat1

nvoCallCancel1

nvoReqDialStr1

nviConnectStat1

Phone Book

Object 2

Modem

Controller

Object 2

nvoCallCancel2

nvoReqDialStr2

nviConnectStat2

nviReqDialStr2

nvoDialStr2

nviDialStr2

nviCallCancel2

nvoConnectStat2

The example in Figure 7 uses multiple Directory Objects with multiple Modem Controller Objects.

Figure 7 Multiple Directory Objects with Multiple Modem Controller Objects

MODEM CONTROLLER OBJECT

The Modem Controller Object is used to control the functions of the NCB Module’s data modem. These functions include configuration, connection control, and connection status.

Network Variables

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Value

Call Cancel

Off

No Action

Modem goes On-Hook

Dial String (Input)

C Language Syntax

network input SNVT_str_asc nviDialStr1; network input SNVT_str_asc nviDialStr2;

Usage

 A non-null string sent to this input network variable while the current modem connection state

is TEL_NOTINUSE causes the modem to go off hook, wait for a dial tone, then perform a dialing sequence using the provided character string.

 A non-null string sent to this input network variable while the current modem connection state

is other than TEL_NOTINUSE has no effect on the modem connection state or action.

 A null string sent to this input regardless of current modem connection state has no effect on

the modem connection state or action.

Valid Range

 A NULL terminated ASCII string up to 31 bytes in length.  All ASCII characters are valid, with specific support for the following:

 Letter P (upper or lower case, first character in string only) – Pulse Dial.  Digits (0-9,*,#) – Dials digit directly.  Comma (,) – Pauses 2 seconds for each comma encountered.  Letter W (upper or lower case) – Pauses until a dial tone is detected.  Exclamation Point (!) – Hookflash, go on hook for 0.5 seconds, then back off hook.  Punctuation (space, dash, left and right parentheses) – Valid in string, but ignored.

Call Cancel (Input)

C Language Syntax

network input SNVT_switch nviCallCancel1; network input SNVT_switch nviCallCancel2;

Usage

 An input value of ON to this network variable causes the modem to immediately go on hook,

terminating the connection attempt in progress or breaking the existing connection to the distant modem. The modem returns to the TEL_NOTINUSE state.

Valid Range

Default Value

Off

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Value

Output String

Description

TEL_NOTINUSE

Modem on hook and idle

TEL_OFFHOOK

Modem waiting for dial tone

TEL_DIALING

Modem dialing (and training for NCB/EM)

TEL_DIALCOMP

Modem executing mid dial pause (NCB/IM only)

TEL_ANSWERED

Modem training (NCB/IM only)

TEL_TALKING

Modem connected and online with distant modem, ready to send data

TEL_HOLD

Modem retraining (NCB/IM only)

TEL_ERROR

Modem initializing, not present, or port disabled

Connect Status (Output)

C Language Syntax

network output SNVT_telcom nvoCnctStat1; network output SNVT_telcom nvoCnctStat2;

Usage

 This output network variable provides the current state of the modem connection process.

Valid Range

When Transmitted

The output is updated upon each change in modem connection state.

Update Rate

The output is updated only once per change in modem connection state.

Connect String (Output)

C Language Syntax

network output SNVT_str_asc nvoCnctStr1; network output SNVT_str_asc nvoCnctStr2;

Usage

 This output network variable provides detail in text format of the connection parameters

established after the modem connection has reached the TEL_TALKING state. These parameters include connect speed, protocol, error correction, etc.

Valid Range

A NULL terminated ASCII string up to 31 bytes in length.

When Transmitted

The output is updated when the modem connection state reaches TEL_TALKING or TEL_NOTINUSE.

Update Rate

This network variable is updated once after the modem has entered the TEL_TALKING state and once after the modem has entered the TEL_NOTINUSE state.

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Request Dial String (Output)

C Language Syntax

network output SNVT_char_ascii nvoReqDialStr1; network output SNVT_char_ascii nvoReqDialStr2;

Usage

 This output network variable is associated with Perpetual Dial-Up Mode (see Tutorial

“Which Modem Mode Should Be Used” in section “2. SETUP AND OPERATION”) and is used when the Directory Object storing the telephone number (to be dialed) belongs to a node other than the call-originating NCB.

Valid Range

0-F (Hex)

When Transmitted

Transmitted when the Modem Controller Object senses that a connection is not made.

Perpetual Dial-up Mode

The NCB module can be configured to provide a “perpetual” connection using the ‘dial-up’ mode of the modem, with no runtime user or application intervention required to initiate or maintain a

constant modem connection. There are two methods available for implementing a “perpetual” connection using Dial-up mode:

1) The first method uses only configuration properties. This method is useful when the Directory

Object storing the telephone number (to be dialed) belongs to the dialing NCB module. a) Specify an entry in an NCB units Directory that contains the phone number to be dialed.

This can be accomplished using either the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in (discussed in “Section 4. ” or using the “Dial Mode” Configuration Property (discussed later in this section).

b) Set the “Dial Mode” (for the call-originating NCB) to “Perpetual”. This can be

accomplished most easily with the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in (discussed in “Section “4. ” by accessing Dial Mode choices under the Modem Options menu item. Changing the Dial Mode to Perpetual may also be accomplished by using the “Dial Mode” Configuration Property (discussed later in this section).

2) The second method uses a combination of configuration properties and network variable

bindings. This method is useful when the Directory Object storing the telephone number (to be dialed) belongs to a node other than the call-originating NCB.

a) Specify an entry in an NCB units Directory that contains the phone number to be dialed.

This can be accomplished using either the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in (discussed in “Section 4. ” or using the “Dial Mode” Configuration Property (discussed later in this section). This step is the same as in the first method.

b) Set the “Dial Mode” to “Manual” mode (the default setting). c) Make network variable bindings as shown in Figure 8.

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Phone Book

Object

nviReqDialStr

nvoDialStr

Modem

Controller

Object

nviDialStr

nvoReqDialStr

Figure 8 Perpetual Dial-up Mode using NV Bindings

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Why are Configuration Properties important?

Configuration Properties of an object (such as the Directory Object or Modem Controller Object) are used to alter the operation of a device. These properties are normally setup parameters that are accessed just once for purposes of initialization. However, they may be altered at any subsequent time. Configuration Properties may need to be changed from default values if any of the following is required:

 Perpetual Connect mode enabled (in Modem

Controller Object).

 Auto Answer mode disabled (in Modem

Controller Object).

 Dial string entry (in Directory Object),  Ring Mode enabled and parameters initialized

(in Global Control Object).

Accessing Configuration Properties

Alternative methods of accessing Configuration Properties are available:

 Direct access by either Network Variable

bindings or File Transfer (if a large amount of data is involved).

 Indirect access when a plug-in is used, such as

the NCB/Plug plug-in.

Tutorial . . .

Configuration Properties

Will Configuration Properties be modified?

 If NO, and the NCB objects

(functional blocks) will be used with factory default settings (Manual Dial-Up or Leased-Line modes, Auto Answer mode Enabled, Ring Mode disabled), skip to Directory Object, later in this section.

 If YES, but the NCB/Plug plug-in

will be used to modify the Configuration Properties, skip to Directory Object, later in this sections and also section “4. ”.

 If YES, then the information

following is this section will be useful.

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Mode:

Value

Dial-up Mode

Index: 0-F hex

0 Manual

Perpetual

Dial Mode

C Language Syntax

Typedef struct UCPT_DialMode {

unsigned char Mode; unsigned char Index; } network input config SCPTdialMode UCPT_DialMode1; network input config SCPTdialMode UCPT_DialMode2;

Usage

 This input configuration network variable allows the modem dialing Mode (Manual or

Perpetual) to be set, as well as the Directory entry Index number (0 through 15) that should be used when dialing in Perpetual mode. These configuration properties can also be modified using the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in as described in section “4. ”.

 Manual dial mode requires either of the following for dialing to take place:

 A string should be sent to nviDialStr input network variable of the Modem

Controller Object.

 Or, a character representing the entry Index number should be sent to nviReqDialStr

input network variable of the Directory Object. In addition, a binding is need between nvoDialStr of the Directory Object and nviDialStr of the Modem Controller Object.

 Perpetual mode causes the modem to automatically dial a number stored in the specified

Index entry of the local Directory Object and requires the following:

 The Dial Mode configuration property should be used to set the Mode to Manual,

and the Index to a Directory entry that will be used when dialing. In addition, the Directory’s configuration property Dial String should be used to add the dial string to the proper Index of the Directory. (See Directory Configuration Properties later in this section.)

 If the modem is currently connected to another NCB, the Dial Mode will not change until

the current call is cancelled.

Valid Range

Default Value

Mode: 0 Index: 0

Auto Answer Enable/Disable

C Language Syntax

network input config snvt_switch UCPT_AutoAnswer1; network input config snvt_switch UCPT_AutoAnswer2;

Usage

 This input configuration network variable provides a mechanism to enable or disable the

‘Auto Answer’ modem function.

3. Network Variable Control 24

Valid Range

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Value

Auto Answer Mode

Off

Disabled

Enabled

Default State

On (Enabled)

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY OBJECT

A Directory Object is used to store and retrieve arrays of ASCII strings that are characterized as telephone numbers (including characters used for control) used in dialing a data modem. The ASCII arrays are configured using data file transfer or configuration network variables and are retrieved in real-time using an index value passed via a network variable.

The output of a Directory Object (which emits telephone numbers) is typically bound to a Modem Controller Object. The input to a Directory Object is typically driven by an object requiring the services of the Modem Controller Object to accomplish some connectivity task, e.g. notification of an alarm to a remote site. Usage of a Directory Object allows the alerting object to initiate dialing of the Modem Controller Object to a specific telephone number by simply emitting an array index from 0 to 15.

Two Directory Objects are available, for independently sending a distinct dial string to each of two Modem

Controller Objects. They are named ‘Directory 1’, ‘Directory 2’, etc. both Directory Objects use the same

configuration data (both contain the same dial string data).

Network Variables

Request Dial String (Input)

C Language Syntax

network input SNVT_char_ascii nviReqDialStr1; network input SNVT_char_ascii nviReqDialStr2;

Usage

Two variables are available, one for each of the Directory Object. These input network variables request the output of a telephone number, from the requested index.

Valid Range

0-15

Dial String (Output)

C Language Syntax

network output SNVT_str_asc nvoDialStr1; network output SNVT_str_asc nvoDialStr2;

Usage

Two variables are available, one for each of the Directory Object. These output network variables provide the phone number string from the Directory entry corresponding to the index number received on nviReqDialStrx.

Valid Range

A NULL terminated ASCII string up to 31 bytes in length (including the NULL). All ASCII characters are valid, with specific support for the following:

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Exclamation Point (!) – Hookflash, go on hook for 0.5 seconds, then back off hook. Punctuation (space, dash, left and right parentheses) – Valid in string, but ignored.

When Transmitted

Transmitted upon receipt of a valid nviReqDialStr input, unless requested entry index is not supported or entry is blank (first character of entry is a NULL), in which case this variable is not transmitted.

Receipt of another nviReqDialStr input causes this output to be transmitted, containing the phone number string from the Directory entry corresponding to the index received on nviReqDialStr, even if the index received is the same index as received on the previous update to nviReqDialStr.

Update Rate

Updated only on an update to nviReqDialStr input.

Configuration Properties

Dial String

C Language Syntax

network input config SNVT_str_asc nciSetPhoneNum;

Usage

The first byte (character) specifies the Index entry (0-F hex) of the Directory Object. Up to 29 additional bytes (characters) can be used to specify the dial string.

Valid Range

A NULL terminated ASCII string up to 31 bytes in length (including the NULL). All ASCII characters are valid, with specific support for the following:

Letter P (upper or lower case, first character in string only) – Pulse Dial. Digits (0-9,*,#) – Dials digit directly. Comma (,) – Pauses 2 seconds for each comma encountered. Letter W (upper or lower case) – Pauses until a dial tone is detected. Exclamation Point (!) – Hookflash, go on hook for 0.5 seconds, then back off hook. Punctuation (space, dash, left and right parentheses) – Valid in string, but ignored.

Default Value

The NULL character.

The File Transfer method of communications can also be used to configure the Dial String(s) in a Directory Object. A Dial String Array (nciDialStr[16]) can be loaded with the desired dial strings. This array holds data of type SNVT_str_asc.

GLOBAL CONTROL OBJECT

The following network variables pertain to the entire NCB, and not just to a single Modem Controller object or Directory Object.

Product Name (Output)

C Language Syntax

network output SNVT_str_asc nvoProductName;

Usage

This output network variable contains an ASCII string identifying the product.

When Transmitted

Unsolicited at power-up and reset, or when polled.

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Value

Ring Status

Off

Open

Closed

Ring Status (Output)

C Language Syntax

network output SNVT_switch nvoRingStat;

Usage

This output network variable provides ring open or closed status. It has no function in the NCBIM.

Valid Range

Configuration Properties

Ring Mode Parameters

Typedef struct UCPT_RingMode { unsigned char Enable; unsigned char UnitNumber; unsigned long PropDelay; unsigned long TestInterval; }

Usage

This output structure contains setup information when a group of NCB Modules are configured in a redundant ring topology. It has no function in the NCB-IM. See “APPENDIX F. RING MODE” for additional Ring Mode details.

Valid Range

Enable: 0 (Disabled), 1 (Enabled) UnitNumber: 0 to 64 PropDelay: 1,000 to 7,500 (ms) TestInterval: 10,000 to 65,000 (ms)

When Transmitted

When polled.

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4. NCB/PLUG CONFIGURATION PLUG-IN

LNS plug-ins are applications that can be started from within an LNS application (such as LONMAKER for Windows) to perform a specialized task. The NCB/Plug plug-in implements configuration and query commands for the NCB. The NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in and Network Variables can be used simultaneously. The following functions are available if NCB/Plug is installed:

 Pulse router service pin  Request a soft reboot of NCB

The following function (for models NCB-EM, NCB-IS, and NCB-AY) will also be displayed, but will have no effect when using NCB-IM and NCB-RF models:

 Configure Ring Mode parameters

The following functions (for models NCB-IM, NCB-EM, and NCB-IS) will also be displayed, but will have no effect when using NCB-AY, and NCB-RF models:

 Send a dial string to a modem  Send a ‘Call Cancel’ command to a modem  Configure the NCB Directory  A window displays ‘Connect Status’  Select Dial Mode (Manual or Perpetual)  Select Auto Answer Enabled Mode

INSTALLATION

NOTE: If you have already performed these steps as detailed in Section 2 “Setup and Operation”, they do NOT

need to be repeated here. In this case, skip directly to “Accessing NCB/Plug” below.

1. Install the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in on your PC: a) Insert the NCB/Plug CD into your CD-ROM drive. b) Click the Windows Start button, choose Run..., click Browse… , select the Setup application on

the NCB/Plug CD, and click Open .

c) Follow the instructions displayed by the Setup application. d) Restart your computer when the Setup application is complete.

2. Register NCB/Plug with LonMaker for Windows: a) Click the Windows Start button, choose Programs, then NCBPlug, and click on NCBPlug. b) Click Register Plug-In . c) Click Exit .

3. Register NCB/Plug with the desired LonMaker for Windows network: a) Start LonMaker for Windows and open the desired network (be sure to checkmark the “Show all

Network Option Screens” box). When the “Plug-In Registration” window within the Network Wizard appears, highlight the “NCB_Plug” under “To Be Registered” and click Finish.

Two External Interface Files (.XIF) are automatically transferred to the hard drive when NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in is installed. NCBTLC30.XIF should be used for the Control Neuron Processor of an NCB of Version 3. NCBTLC20.XIF should be used for the Control Neuron Processor of an NCB of Version 2.

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ACCESSING NCB/PLUG

a) Bring NCB/Plug to the desktop: b) Right click on the Control Neuron Functional

Block to be configured (Modem, Directory, Globals). In the drop-down list, click “Configure”. The Plug-In will appear as shown here.

c) Alternatively, right click on the Control

Neuron Processor device shape. In the dropdown list, click “Plug-Ins…”, and select NCB/Plug. Click OK to continue. The Plug-In will appear as shown here.

USAGE

Starting NCB/Plug from a Modem or Global Functional block shows the main NCB/Plug window from which both modem and Directory configurations and operations may be performed. Starting NCB/Plug from a Directory functional block shows only the Directory window from which only Directory information may be configured or printed.

If LonMaker is currently in “Offnet” mode, only the configuration functions of NCB/Plug (including Directory

and certain Modem and NCB Options) will be available, and “<OFFNET>” will appear in the Message Box. If the Control Neuron device being configured is not currently attached to the network, NCB/Plug will display a

“Connection Error”.

 “Yes” may be clicked to retry communication with the device after reconnecting it.  “No” may be clicked to ignore the error and enter NCB/Plug to perform configuration functions only.

In this case, “No response from <device name>” will be shown in the Message box.

 “Cancel” may be clicked to abort the load of NCB/Plug.

Manual Dialing

A dial string can be entered directly into the Phone Number box of the main NCB/Plug window. The Dial button can then be used to initiate a call. The Call Cancel button can be used to terminate a call. Connect Strings are displayed in the Message window. Connect Status is also displayed.

Directory Menu Item

The Phonebook menu item accesses the Directory and is used to edit a list of 16 phone numbers (dial strings). A Description field is available for each of the 16 Number entries. Any entry in the Directory can be accessed for dialing by using the pull-down button of the Phone Number box on the main NCB/Plug window. File -> Print to File pastes the current Directory information to Windows Notepad from where it may be saved, printed, pasted, etc.

NCB Options Menu Item

The NCB Options menu item provides access to the following functions:

Pulse Router Service Pin

This is equivalent to pressing the “RSVC” button on the NCB units front panel.

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Soft Reboot

This is equivalent to pressing the “RESET” button on the NCB units front panel.

Ring Mode Parameters

NCB units connected in a Ring topology provide fault tolerance for the Telco channel. If values for Unit ID, Ring Propagation Delay, and Ping Test Interval are edited, click on Apply Settings to save Ring Mode Parameters. Click on the Enable/Disable menu item to display a drop-down list, then choose Enable to activate ring mode for this NCB. See “Appendix F. Ring Mode” for further Ring Mode details.

Modem Options Menu Item

These functions will have no effect for other models (such as the NCB-AY). The Modem Options menu item provides access to the following functions for model NCB-IM.

Auto Answer (Dial-Up only)

This option allows enabling or disabling the Auto Answer function in Dial-up mode. A check next to the menu item indicates Auto Answer is currently enabled. Be careful when disabling Auto Answer mode on a remote NCB, as once connection with this unit is broken, it will no longer automatically answer an incoming call. To re-enable Auto Answer mode, proceed as follows:

 Press and hold the “CMD” button on the remote NCB  Press and release the “RESET” button on the remote NCB.  Wait until the “PWR” LED begins to flash on the remote NCB, then release the “CMD” button.

These steps will temporarily enable Auto Answer mode for the remote NCB for one incoming call. Use NCB/Plug, NCBCON, or explicit messages to re-enable Auto Answer mode for future connections.

Mute Input Audio

To maximize data throughput, handsets should normally remain disconnected or the input audio be kept muted on any NCB that may be installed where normal background noise could be detected by the handset. Audio input is automatically un-muted when a connection is established

Dial Mode (Dial-Up only)

Manual or Perpetual dialing modes are supported. If the modem is currently connected to another NCB, the Dial Mode will not change until the current call is cancelled.

Connection Statistics

The Connection Statistics window appears to the right.

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APPENDIX

APPENDIX A. FACTORY DEFAULT CONFIGURATION

Control Neuron Processor

Restoring Factory Default Parameters

Should the Control Neuron Processor's communication parameters be overwritten incorrectly by a network management tool, they can be restored as follows:

 Press the “RESET” button on the front of the NCB unit  After the “ERR” LED goes off, press the “RESET” button a second time.

The Control Neuron communication parameters are now restored to factory defaults.

Router

The router portion of the NCB module may be configured for various operational characteristics. The factory default configuration is as a repeater, where all messages entering the NCB module (via any of the three data ports described in section “1. INTRODUCTION” are simply passed through, regardless of the domain, subnet/node, or group destination address of the message. Other algorithms, as described in section “1. INTRODUCTION”, can be selected using standard LONWORKS Network Management Tools such as the LonBuilder, LonMaker, or LNS.

The communication parameters for sides A and B of the router are forced to their proper settings via NCB hardware and need not be set (nor can they be changed) by the Network Management Tool.

Further details of router operation and configuration are contained in the Echelon document entitled "LonWorks Router User's Guide", Echelon part number 078-0018-01B.

Address Assignments

The router inside the NCB module contains two Neuron chips, each with its own subnet/node number assignment. The default factory configuration of the router Neurons is subnet 255 node 126 and subnet 255 node 127. If any other nodes in the system to which the NCB is connected are configured with either of these subnet/node addresses, the router should be reconfigured to different addresses using any standard Network Management Tool.

Buffer Configuration

The NCB module utilizes buffers to store incoming messages and route them out to other ports. The configuration of these buffers (the number of bytes in each buffer as well as the number of buffers) determine the maximum size message that can be passed and the performance of the NCB module under conditions of bursty traffic. In the standard configuration, the NCB router restricts the maximum size message that can be passed to a length of 40 to 50 bytes of user data, depending on the addressing overhead in the packet.

Technical Note TN010 covers the topic of buffers and buffer sizes in detail and should be referenced if messages to be passed through the NCB module could exceed the maximum default size.

Appendix A. Factory Default Configuration 32

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Querying, Defaulting, and Unconfiguring Router Configuration using SETRTR.EXE

The SETRTR.EXE DOS utility provided with each NCB can be used to query the router for its current configuration, force the router to certain default states, or force the router to unconfigured mode. If the router will be installed with the configured router algorithm, it is highly recommended that the router module is set to unconfigured mode before being installed into the system (this step is mandatory if redundant routers are to be configured).

Refer to Technical Note TN025 for more information on configuration of the router with standard network management tools such as LonBuilder, LonMaker, LNS, and others.

The SETRTR program requires a network interface to be connected to the personal computer. This network interface can be an Echelon SLTA, PCLTA, PCNSS, or any other device conforming to Echelon network interface standards. Network interface driver software must be loaded in the personal computer and configured with a device name (typically "LONn" where n is a number). Documentation provided with the network interface device details how to install the unit and driver software. The network interface device must contain a network transceiver compatible with the network transceiver in the NCB module to be controlled.

NOTE: If you are using the PCLTA card as a network interface and the NCB is not performing the commands as expected, the PCNSS has probably not been configured for network interface mode. See Technical Note TN024 for information on configuring the PCNSS card into network interface mode.

After the network interface and its software driver are properly configured on the personal computer, connect its network port to the front panel “NETWORK” connector on the NCB.

Querying an NCB units Router for its Current Configuration

Start the SETRTR program with the following command line: SETRTR [-ddevicename] -L <cr>

where devicename is the name assigned to the network interface on the command line of the device driver (typically "LON1" or "LON2"). If this parameter is omitted, the default name of LON1 is used.

The -L parameter instructs SETRTR to List the current configuration of the router module.

After the signon message appears, press the “RSVC” button on the front of the connected NCB module.

SETRTR will report the current router configuration to the screen.

Returning an NCB units Router to Factory Default Configuration

Start the SETRTR program with the following command line: SETRTR [-ddevicename] -F <cr>

where devicename is the name assigned to the network interface on the command line of the device driver (typically "LON1" or "LON2"). If this parameter is omitted, the default name of LON1 is used.

The -F parameter instructs SETRTR to set the RTR-10 to full Factory defaults, including router algorithm, domain tables, and buffer settings.

After the signon message appears, press the “RSVC” button on the front of the connected NCB module.

SETRTR will send the required messages to the router and exit. Press the “RESET” button on the front of the

NCB module to complete the reconfiguration.

Setting an NCB units Router to Unconfigured Mode

Start the SETRTR program with the following command line: SETRTR [-ddevicename] -U <cr>

The -U parameter instructs SETRTR to set both sides of the NCB units router to Unconfigured mode.

After the signon message appears, press the “RSVC” button on the front of the connected NCB module.

SETRTR will send the required messages to the router and exit.

Appendix A. Factory Default Configuration 33

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

CA-80113-100

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

OPTION A

DC IN

ERR

ACT

PWR

RSVCCSVC

AUDIO

LINECD OH

RESET

CMD

NCB

NETWORK COMBINER

NETWOR K

FACEPLATE

SPACER

APPENDIX B. MOUNTING OPTIONS

Wall mount and EIA 19” rack mount kits are available as options for the NCB from CTI Products, Inc. The

wall mount kit includes brackets to allow a single NCB module to be mounted to any flat surface. The rack mount kit includes an adapter allowing up to three NCB modules to be mounted in a single rack unit height.

Rack Mount Option

The rack mount option allows up to three NCB modules to be mounted in a one rack unit height (1.75 inches) of a standard 19 inch rack. The modules are mounted in the rack plate by removing its front bezel and remounting the module into the rack plate. Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the rack mount installation. The top diagram shows the front view of the bracket with one module installed. The bottom two diagrams show a side view of the module installation into the rack adapter and rack adapter installation into the rack, respectively.

Figure 9 NCB Module Rack Mounting

Appendix B. Mounting Options 34

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Step

Operation

Remove the front panel from the module, including the bezel, by removing the two Philips head screws in the faceplate. The bezel is not used when rack mounting the module.

Position the module behind the rack adapter, lining up the holes in the rack adapter with the front panel screw holes on the module.

Position the front panel in front of the rack adapter, lining up the front panel with the module.

Fasten the front panel and module to the rack adapter with the Philips head screws that were previously removed.

Position the rack adapter into your rack, lining up the four mounting holes of the rack adapter with mounting holes in the rack frame.

Position the two spacers in the front of the rack adapter, aligning the cutouts in the spacers with the holes of the adapter.

Install mounting screws (customer provided) into the rack.

Step

Operation

From the front of the module, slide the PC board out of the housing.

Remove the back panel of the module.

From the rear of the module, slide the PC board back into the housing (there are markings on the PC board to indicate which edge to insert into the rear of the housing first).

Install the back panel of the module.

To attach a module to the rack adapter, and then mount the rack adapter into the rack, follow the steps below.

WARNING

Do not allow the PC board to slide out of the housing when the front panel is removed. If it does, DO NOT slide the PC board back into the housing from the front of the module. Doing so may

damage the unit, causing the unit to malfunction when powered on. Doing so will void the unit’s

warranty.

Rack Mounting Instructions

When the module’s front panel is removed, do not allow the PC board to slide out of the housing. If the PC

board does slide out of the housing, you must follow the steps below to replace the PC board in the housing. DO NOT RE-INSTALL THE PC BOARD FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOUSING !

Re-Installing a PC Board in its housing

Appendix B. Mounting Options 35

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Industry Canada

NOTE: THE NUMBE RS ON THIS DRAWING REFER TO THE ITEM NUMBERS

ON THE CORRES PONDING B ILLS OF MATERIAL FOR THIS AS SEMBLY.

24 VDC 100 m A

BOTTOM VIEW

US E O N LY 6- 3 2 X 1 / 4" LO N G

FL A T H EA D S CR E W S TO AT T AC H T HE

W A LL M O UN T B R AC KE T T O T HI S UN I T.

TO P R E VE N T D A M A G E T O T H E C I R CU I T BO A R D.

C A U T IO N !

US E O N LY 6- 3 2 X 1 / 4" LO N G

FL AT HE A D S CR EW S T O A TT A CH TH E

W A L L M O U NT BR A CK ET T O T H I S U NI T .

TO P R E VE N T D A M A G E T O T H E C I R CU I T BO A R D.

CAUTI O N!

Products Inc.

ETL APPRO

3.500

1.980

6.130

6.700

1.642

TOP VIEW

Provided by installer.

Allow ro om on ends

for connector s.

Allow ro om on ends

for connector s.

SIDE VIEW

1.980

QTY 2

QTY 4

QTY 4 NO . 8 SCR EW S OR OTHE R AP PR OP RIATE HA RDW A RE.

DRAWN BY

APPROVED BY

SCALE

DATE

SHEET OF

TITLE

DRAWING NUMBER

1 1

NONE

APPLICATION

CFA

11-22-96

WON PRODUCTS

RKK

WON NC B S IZE "B " WA LL MOUNT K IT

OPTIO N A

DC I N

ERR

ACT

PWR

RSVC

CSVC

AUDIO

LINE

RESET

CMD

NCB

NETWORK COM BINER

NETWORK

Wall Mount Option

The wall mount option allows an NCB module to be mounted to any flat surface. The NCB module has four screw holes on the bottom. Simply attach the two mounting plates to the bottom of the module using the four flat-head screws provided with the wall mount kit. This assembly is then attached to the flat surface with userprovided fasteners. Figure 10 shows a dimensioned view of the wall mount installation.

Be sure to use the flat head screws provided with the wall mount kit. If you are not using the wall mount kit from CTI Products, Inc., make sure that the screws do not protrude into the enclosure more than 0.125 inches from the bottom surface of the module.

Using a longer screw that touches the PC board inside the module may damage the module. Doing so will void the unit’s warranty.

Appendix B. Mounting Options 36

Figure 10 NCB Module Wall Mounting

CAUTION

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Function

Notes

Network

Network connection is NOT polarity sensitive

Network

Pins 1,2 of IN and OUT connectors tied parallel

+ DC Power

In on IN connector, Out on OUT connector

No Connection

5 No Connection

6 - DC Power

In on IN connector, Out on OUT connector

- DC Power

In on IN connector, Out on OUT connector

+ DC Power

In on IN connector, Out on OUT connector

Function

Network

Polarity

DC IN

Front View

NETWORK

OUTIN1234567

APPENDIX C. CONNECTOR DETAILS

DC IN Connector

Connector type: 2.5 x 5.5 mm coaxial Mating Connector: Switchcraft 760 or equivalent Connector pinout: CTI Products, Inc. standard power

supply wired with center pin positive, NCB module can accept either pin positive, polarity routing is provided internal.

NETWORK Connectors

RJ-45 Connectors:

Pins 1 and 2 of both RJ-45 connectors as well as the terminal strip pins are all wired in parallel. The dual RJ-45 connector designates "IN" and "OUT". These designations apply only to DC power that is passed down unused pairs of the 4 pair network cable. The two pins carrying the network pair are straight-through.

Connector Type: Standard RJ-45 telephone connector, 8 position 8

contact.

2 Pin Terminal Strip style:

Mating Connector: Weidmuller 128176

Appendix C. Connector Details 37

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Function

Network

Shield (RS-485 only)

Function

Direction

DCD

Channel  NCB

RXD

Channel  NCB

TXD

NCB  Channel

DTR

NCB  Channel

ground

6 DSR

Channel  NCB

RTS

NCB  Channel

CTS

Channel  NCB

NETWORK

1 2 3

C A - 8 0 0 8 5 - 1 0 0

PORT 1

123

67895

NETWORK

3 Pin Terminal Strip style:

Mating Connector: Weidmuller 128186

SMX Transceiver units:

SMX network connections are described in the documentation with the SMX transceiver.

PORT 1 and PORT 2 Connectors

Connector type: Standard DE9 male Data Format: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity Data Characteristics: A series of bytes entering the “PORT 1” or “PORT 2”

connectors must not have gaps between bytes greater than 500ms.

Handshaking: Activating the DSR input signal informs the NCB unit that the channel is

active. If the channel does not directly support DSR, it must be strapped back to the (always active) DTR output signal.

Flow Control: CTS/RTS flow control can be used to pace the transmission of individual

bytes between the NCB and a connected device. Sensing of CTS by the NCB can be enabled/disabled with the Option B switches. (See “STEP 2. SWITCH SETUP”, in section “2. SETUP AND OPERATION”.)

Appendix C. Connector Details 38

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

NCB 1 Signal Name

NCB 1 Pin

NCB 2 Pin

NCB 2 Signal Name

TXD

3 2 RXD

RXD

2 3 TXD

DTR

4 6 DSR

DSR

6 4 DTR

CTS

8 7 RTS

RTS

7 8 CTS

ground

5 5 ground

The following table shows the wiring list for back-to-back connections of two NCB-AY modules.

Appendix C. Connector Details 39

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

If the PWR LED . . .

REASON

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Is always illuminated.

Normal operation indicating that NCB unit

is receiving proper DC input power.

Go to next Table.

Flashes for 2 seconds.

Normal operation when WINK command is

being executed.

Go to next Table.

Flashes continuously.

DC input to unit is below minimum required

voltage.

Check for proper voltage at “DC IN”

connector (10-32VDC).

Does not illuminate.

NCB unit is not receiving DC input power.

Check for proper voltage at “DC IN”

connector (10-32VDC).

If the ERR LED . . .

REASON

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Is always off.

Normal operation indicating no error

condition was detected.

Goto next Table.

Occasionally blinks on, then

off.

Normal operation when “CSVC” button or

“RSVC” button is pressed.

Go to next Table.

Flashes slowly, at a rate of

once every 2 seconds.

The Router Neurons are unconfigured.

Use a Network Management Tool to

‘Replace’ or ‘Commission’ router, or Use NODEUTIL to change the

mode/state to ‘Configured’ and ‘Online’,

or Use SETRTR –F to configure the router to Factory default conditions (Repeater Mode).

Flashes quickly, at a rate of

twice per second.

1. A serial “PORT” is enabled, but is not

terminated correctly to an active device.

1a. Either disable the serial “PORT”

(setting the appropriate BAUD switch to ‘0’, or

1b. Terminate the serial “PORT” in an

active device such as another NCB, a modem, or terminal adapter.

Is always illuminated.

Router module, or Control Neuron

Processor, or Microprocessor is not functioning.

Call CTI Products, Customer Support (+1-

513-595-5900), to arrange to return unit for evaluation/repair.

APPENDIX D. TROUBLESHOOTING

Table D1

Table D2

Appendix D. Troubleshooting 40

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

If the ACT LED (on local

NCB) . . .

REASON

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Occasionally blinks on, then

off.

Normal operation indicating a message

packet has passed through the router module of the NCB.

Go to next Table.

Does not illuminate when

“RSVC” button on remote NCB is pressed.

1. LonWorks Service Pin message from

remote NCB is not reaching the local NCB.

2. LonWorks Service Pin message from

remote NCB is not passing through the local router module.

1a. Verify that “ACT” and “ERR” LED’s

on remote NCB flash once. If not, return remote unit for evaluation/repair.

b. Verify serial cable connection between

NCB units.

c. If “PORT1” is used, verify that

“BAUD1” switches on both NCB units are between ‘1’ and ‘7’ and set to the same position. See “BAUD SWITCHES” in section “2. SETUP AND OPERATION. Then press “RESET”.

d. If ‘PORT1’ is used, verify that

‘MODE1’ switches on both NCB units

are set to same position. See “MODE SWITCHES” in section “2. SETUP AND OPERATION”. Then press “RESET”.

2a. Place the remote router in Repeater

mode and verify that the local “ACT” LED illuminates when “RSVC” button on remote NCB is pressed.

b. If ‘2a’ is ok, re-commission the local

NCB router.

c. If ‘2a’ is not ok, swap either the local

or remote unit with a known-good-unit to determine the faulty unit.

Does not illuminate when

local LonWorks nodes are transmitting messages.

1. LonWorks message packets from local nodes are not passing through the local router module.

1a. Verify the connection between the

local LonWorks nodes and the local NCB.

b. Place the local router in Repeater mode

and verify that its “ACT” LED illuminates when local LonWorks nodes are transmitting messages.

c. If ‘1b’ is ok, re-Commission the local

NCB.

d. If ‘1b’ is not ok, return the local NCB

unit for evaluation/repair.

Table D3

Table D3 continued on next page 

Appendix D. Troubleshooting 41

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Does not illuminate when

remote LonWorks nodes are transmitting messages.

1. LonWorks message packets from remote nodes are not passing through the remote router module.

2. LonWorks message packets from remote nodes are not reaching the local NCB.

3. LonWorks message packets from remote nodes are not passing through the local router module.

1a. Verify the connection between the

remote LonWorks nodes and the remote NCB.

b. Verify that “ACT” LED on remote

NCB illuminates when remote LonWorks nodes are transmitting messages.

c. Place the remote router in Repeater

mode and verify that its “ACT” LED

illuminates when remote LonWorks nodes are transmitting messages.

d. If ‘1c’ is ok, re-commission the remote

router.

e. If ‘1c’ is not ok, return unit for

evaluation/repair.

2. See this Table above and verify that the

“ACT” LED “Does not illuminate

when “RSVC” button on remote NCB is pressed”.

3. See this Table above and verify that the

“ACT” LED “Does not illuminate

when “RSVC” button on remote NCB is pressed”.

Miscellaneous:

REASON

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Cannot communicate with

Control Neuron Processor of local NCB when using NODEUTIL.

1. In Bridge or Configured modes, router neurons and network interface are not in the same domain.

2. In Repeater mode, the network interface may be defective.

1. Verify that Nodeutil can communicate with another LonWorks node.

2a. Place the local router neurons in

Repeater mode and verify that communications is possible, or

b. Use Nodeutil to change the network

interface Domain to match the router neurons’ domains.

Cannot communicate with the

Control Neuron Processor of local NCB when using NCBCON.

1. In Bridge or Configured modes, the Control Neuron, the router neurons, and the network interface are not all in the same domain. (2)

2. In Repeater mode, the Control Neuron and network interface are not in the same domain. (1)

1. Place the local router neurons in Repeater mode.

2. Use NCBCON to change the network interface Domain to match the Control Neuron domain.

Cannot commission the

Control Neuron Processor when using LonMaker for Windows.

Incorrect external interface definition

(.xfb or .xif file) was specified when commissioning node.

Use NCBTLC30 for Version 3 NCB

units. Use NCBTLC20 for NCB units prior to Version 3.

Table D4

Appendix D. Troubleshooting 42

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

APPENDIX E. SPECIFICATIONS

NCB Unit

DC Power Input: 10 to 30 VDC, Negative Ground, Externally Current Limited

5 watts maximum without SMX transceiver 10 watts maximum with SMX power line transceiver

Size: 7.5” D x 5.6” W x 1.6” H

Operating Temperature: 0 to 60 C Humidity: 10-95% non-condensing Mounting: Desktop with integral non-slip feet

Wallmount or 19” rack mount with optional adapters

Transceivers supported: FTT-10A, TPT/XF-78, TPT/SF-1250, SMX Serial Ports: 2 Ports, one or two modems or adapters may be connected

1200 to 115200 bps 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity

Maximum packet size: 66 bytes (factory default router configuration)

255 bytes (maximum with software re-configuration)

Dialing: Modem Controller and Telephone Directory,

SNVTs or Explicit messages

Configuration: Factory default router mode is set to Repeater. Configured or Bridge mode

set using standard LonWorks network management tools capable of configuring routers.

Installation: Can be done with Standard Network Tools

Appendix E. Specifications 43

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

NCB A

PORT 1 PORT 2

NCB B

PORT 1 PORT 2

NCB C

PORT 1 PORT 2

APPENDIX F. RING MODE

The NCB-International module can be configured to allow a group of NCBs to be connected in a ring topology via their RS232 serial ports as shown in Figure 11 (note that the external modems are not shown but are implied):

Figure 11 NCB Modules Connected in Ring Mode

Up to 64 NCB modules can be connected together in such a ring. Connection order is not significant (“PORT 1” of one unit can be connected to either “PORT 1” or “PORT 2” of the other unit). Using this topology, any

LonTalk message entering one NCB unit is distributed to all of the other NCB units in a redundant manner such that the communication system will remain functional even if the ring is broken in any ONE place. The status of the ring (open or closed) is available by request from the control neuron of any of the NCB members.

Note: If a set of NCB-International modules are connected as shown in the figure above with all of the NCB units configured for NON-RING mode, a single LonTalk message entering any one of the NCB units will "loop forever" in the ring, causing saturation of the communication system. THEREFORE, ALWAYS BE CERTAIN TO CONFIGURE AT LEAST ONE OF THE NCBs TO ENABLE RING MODE (as explained below) BEFORE COMPLETING THE RING AS SHOWN ABOVE. For Ring Mode to function properly, ALL NCB modules in the ring must be configured with Ring Mode Enabled. Additionally, messages placed on the ring by NCB modules configured in non-ring mode will be ignored and dropped from the ring by NCB modules configured in ring mode, and vice-versa.

For operation in ring mode, all NCB modules in the ring must be configured to enable ring mode. Each NCB module in the ring must be assigned a unique Unit Number from 1 to 64. An NCB can be set to Unit

Number 0 in order to connect it into the ring as a "non-participatory" unit. This can be used to determine what other unit numbers already exist in the ring in order to choose one that will not conflict with any others. This "non-participatory" unit can be changed to an active unit by then changing its unit number to some non-zero value that is not already in the ring.

Additionally, the maximum expected ring propagation delay and desired test interval parameters must be specified. The ring propagation delay is used to set timeout values for ring maintenance packets and must have a value between 1000 and 7500ms. The test interval sets the frequency of ring maintenance packets that determine ring status, duplicate unit number faults, and sequence number resynchronization. The test interval must have a value between 10000 and 65000ms.

The NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in can be used to set Ring Mode parameters. The NCBCON.EXE DOS utility can be used to set Ring Mode parameters and also to query the ring status. See

Technical Note TN023, “Using NCBCON to Configure an NCB”.

Appendix F. Ring Mode 44

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Connection and Enabling Procedure

The following steps should be followed when installing a series of NCB modules for Ring Mode operation:

1) Connect all NCB modules in default mode (Ring Mode disabled). a) During installation of each NCB, enable both NCB serial ports using the appropriate “BAUD” and

“MODE” settings for switches on the rear panel.

b) Then press the “RESET” button on the front panel. (The front panel “ERR” LED will blink

rapidly if both serial ports are not terminated at another functioning device.)

2) Be certain that the ring is open in one place. It is usually convenient to remove the cable from one of the serial “PORT” connectors on the rear of the NCB, leaving the other one connected.

3) From the Central Site, with all Remote Site NCB units communicating, set Ring Mode parameters and enable Ring Mode on the Remote Site NCB units.

a) Begin by enabling Ring Mode for the NCB located just before the ring opening. (This will be the

furthest NCB around the ring, even though it may be very near the Central Site.) Once Ring Mode has been enabled for an NCB, it will not communicate with other NCB units in the ring until all are enabled for Ring Mode.

i) If the LonMaker for Windows browser is being used to enable Ring Mode (using the

configuration property UCPT_RingMode), a message may appear: “WARNING WHILE DOWNLOADING CP’S TO DEVICE”. This is understandable, since communication with

other units in the ring is discontinued until all units are enabled for Ring Mode. Since communication is discontinued, the device shape representing the Control Neuron on the LonMaker drawing will indicate a “Node Error”.

ii) If the NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-in is being used to enable Ring Mode, NCB/Plug will

automatically close, since communications to that NCB is no longer possible until all remaining NCB units are set to Ring Mode.

b) Enable Ring Mode for the next closest NCB around the ring. Finish by enabling Ring Mode for

the NCB at the Central Site.

4) Close the ring.

Communication is now possible and the device shapes representing the Control Neurons of each NCB on the LonMaker drawing will indicate “Node Normal”.

Disabling Procedure

The following steps should be followed when disabling Ring Mode operation for a series of NCB modules:

1) Open the ring at the Central Site by removing the cable from one of the serial “PORT” connectors on the rear of the NCB.

2) With all Remote Site NCB units communicating, disable Ring Mode on the Remote Site NCB units: a) Begin by disabling Ring Mode for the NCB located just before the ring opening. (This will be the

furthest NCB around the ring, even though it may be very near the Central Site.) Once Ring Mode has been disabled for an NCB, it will not communicate with other NCB units in the ring until all are disabled for Ring Mode.

b) Disable ring mode for the next closest NCB around the ring. Finish by disabling ring mode for the

NCB at the Central Site.

To prevent the “ERR” LED from continually blinking, disable any NCB serial “PORT” no longer in use, using

the appropriate “BAUD” and “MODE” settings for switches on the rear panel. Then press the “RESET” button

on the front panel.

Appendix F. Ring Mode 45

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

INDEX

ACT LED .................................................................. 6

Addressing ............................................................... 32

Auto Answer Mode ................................................. 30

BAUD Switches ...................................................... 10

Bindings ................................................................... 17

Bridge ........................................................................ 5

Buffer Configuration ............................................... 32

CMD Button ............................................................ 30

Commissioning the NCB ................................... 12, 13

Configuration Properties .............................. 23, 26, 27

Configured router ................................................ 5, 33

Connection Statistics ............................................... 30

Connectors ............................................................... 37

Control Neuron Processor...................... 4, 6, 9, 14, 32

CTS/RTS ................................................................. 10

Dialing, Manual ....................................................... 29

Domain .......................................................... 5, 32, 33

DSR/DTR ................................................................ 10

ERR LED................................................. 6, 10, 11, 32

Error ..................................................................... 6, 20

Explicit Messages ...................................................... 5

External modem ......................................................... 4

Factory Default Parameters ..................................... 32

Front Panel................................................................. 6

Functional Block...................................................... 17

Global Control Object ............................................. 26

Internal router ............................................ 4, 6, 17, 32

LINE connector ......................................................... 4

LNS Plug-Ins ........................................................... 28

LONMAKER for Windows ........................................ 12

LONWORKS ......................................................... 4, 13

Manual Dialing ........................................................ 29

Message Buffer .......................................................... 5

Mode Switches ........................................................ 11

Modem Controller object ................. 17, 18, 21, 25, 26

Mounting ............................................................. 9, 34

Mute Input Audio .................................................... 30

NCB/Plug Configuration Plug-In ..................ii, 15, 28

NCB/Plug Installation ........................................ 13, 28

NCBCON ............................................................ 5, 12

NETWORK connector .................................. 4, 11, 33

Network Management Tool ..................... 6, 10, 12, 32

Network Variables ....................................... 15, 17, 18

NV Bindings ............................................................ 17

NV Control .............................................................. 17

Object -- Global Control .......................................... 26

Object -- Modem Controller ............ 17, 18, 21, 25, 26

Object -- Telephone Directory ......... 17, 18, 25, 26, 29

OPTION A Switches ................................................. 9

OPTION B Switches ............................................... 10

PCNSS Card .............................................................. 5

Perpetual Dial-Up Mode .......................................... 21

PORT 1 .............................................. 4, 10, 11, 38, 40

PORT 2 .......................................................... 4, 10, 38

Power Connection.................................................... 12

Program ID .............................................................. 43

Pulse Router Service Pin ......................................... 29

PWR LED .................................................................. 6

Rear Panel .................................................................. 7

Repeater ............................................................... 5, 32

Ring Mode ........................................... 4, 6, 27, 30, 44

RJ-45 ................................................................. 11, 37

Router configuration ................................................ 32

Serial port .................................................. 4, 6, 11, 44

Serial Port Handshaking .......................................... 10

SETRTR.EXE ......................................................... 33

SMX ........................................................................ 38

Soft Reboot .............................................................. 30

Specifications .......................................................... 43

Index 46

CTI Products, Inc. NCB-AY User Guide

Subnet/node ............................................... 5, 9, 10, 32

Switched -- BAUD Rate .......................................... 10

Switches -- Mode ..................................................... 11

Switches -- OPTION A .............................................. 9

Switches -- OPTION B ............................................ 10

Telephone Directory object ............. 17, 18, 25, 26, 29

Troubleshooting ....................................................... 40

Wink .......................................................................... 6

XIF Files .................................................................. 28

Index 47

CTI Products NCB-AY with Serial Interface User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual