Echelon, LON, LONWORKS, LonTalk, Neuron,
LONMARK, 3120, 3150, LNS, LonMaker, and
the Echelon logo are trademarks of Echelon
Corporation registered in the United States
and other countries. LonPoint and
LonSupport are trademarks of Echelon
Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Neuron
Chips, LonPoint Modules, and other OEM
Products were not designed for use in equipment or
systems which involve danger to human health or safety
or a risk of property damage and Echelon assumes no
responsibility or liability for use of the Neuron
Chips or
LonPoint Modules in such applications.
Parts manufactured by vendors other than Echelon and
referenced in this document have been described for
illustrative purposes only, and may not have been tested
by Echelon. It is the responsibility of the customer to
determine the suitability of these parts for each
application.
ECHELON MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, OR
CONDITION OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY,
OR OTHERWISE OR IN ANY COMMUNICATION WITH YOU,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY
QUALITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
NONINFRINGEMENT, AND THEIR EQUIVALENTS.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of Echelon Corporation.
The LonMaker Integration Tool is a software package for designing, installing, and
maintaining multi-vendor, open, interoperable L
on Echelon's LNS
®
network operating system, the LonMaker tool combines a
ONWORKS
®
control networks. Based
powerful, client-server architecture with an easy-to-use Visio user interface. The
result is a tool sophisticated enough to design, commission, operate, and maintain a
control network, yet economical enough to be left behind as an operation and
maintenance tool. The LonMaker tool complies with the LNS plug-in standard,
making it compatible with the wide variety of LNS plug-ins available from Echelon
and many other vendors.
LonMaker User’s Guide iii
Purpose
This guide outlines the new features in the Turbo edition of the LonMaker Integration Tool, and it
describes how to use the LonMaker Integration Tool to design, commission, monitor and control,
maintain, and manage a network. The LonMaker Integration Tool includes an online help system that
provides context-sensitive help that supplements the information in this guide.
Audience
This guide is intended for system designers and integrators with an understanding of control networks.
Related Reading
LNS Utilities and LONMARK Reference Help File—Describes the LNS utilities included with the
LonMaker tool and provides reference documentation on L
files, and standard network variable and configuration property type d efinitions.
i.LON 100e3 User’s Guide—Describes how to install, configure, use, and m a nage the i.LON 100e3
Internet Server as a Web server, network interface, gateway, and controller.
™
i.LON
the i.Lon 600 L
Configuration Server.
600 LonWorks®/IP Server User's Guide—Describes how to install, configure, use, and manage
ONWORKS/IP Server as an IP-852 router, and how to use the Echelon LONWORKS/IP
ONMARK resource files, device interface
Introduction to the L
NodeBuilder User’s Guide—Describes how to use the NodeBuilder software with the LonMaker tool
to develop and test device applications.
Mini EVK User’s Guide—Describes how to use the Mini EVK Evaluation Kit to develop and test
device applications.
Go to the LonMaker Web site at www.echelon.com/lonmakerfor the latest versions of documentation
and any available updates for your software. Go to types.lonmark.org for updated resource file
documentation.
ONWORKS System—Introduces the basics of the LONWORKS system.
Content
This guide includes the following content:
• Introduction: Provides an introduction to the LonMaker Integration Tool, new features in the
Turbo Editions; and the basics of LonMaker Network Designs, L
• Installing and Activating the LonMaker Tool : Lists hardware requirements for installing the
LonMaker Integration Tool; describes how to install the various software and components
included in your copy of the LonMaker Integration Tool; and describes how to activate the
LonMaker Turbo Integration Tool.
• Getting Started: Provides information on the planning a LonMaker network design; using the
LonMaker Design Manager; setting up a network interface; creating and opening a LonMaker
network design; LonMaker client types; using the LonMaker tool remotely; using Network Device
shapes; and creating and using user profiles.
ONWORKS, and Visio.
• Designing Networks: Describes how to design a network using the LonMaker tool. Covers how
to create the following objects in a LonMaker drawing: application devices, functional blocks,
network variables, routers, channels, and subsystems. Explains how to connect network variables.
Explains working with LonMaker shapes and layers, customizing the LonMaker user interface,
and using LonMaker with AutoCAD drawings.
iv Preface
• Installing Networks: Describes how to install devices using the LonMaker tool, including how to
load applications into them, set the initial state of their applications, set the source of their
configuration properties, and select how they manage device-specific configuration properties. It
also explains the different methods for acquiring device Neuron IDs and how to alternatively use
the device discovery method to install a network.
• Monitoring and Controlling Netw orks: Describes how you can monitor and control the devices in
your network with the LonMaker tool. Describes the three methods you can use to read and/or
write network variables and configurat i o n p roperties: using monitored connections, browsing with
the LonMaker Browser, and using Data Point shapes. Covers how to bind network variables to
the host in order to receive event-driven updates. Describes how to change the types and formats
of network variables and configuration properties. Explains how to create simple HMIs in your
LonMaker drawing with Data Point and Visi o shapes.
• Maintaining Networks: Provides an overview of network maintenance tasks that you can perform
with the LonMaker tool. Describes loading, replacing, and decommissioning devices. Explains
how to resynchronize and propagate configuration properties values. Explains how to back up and
restore a LonMaker network; create a LonMaker network by recovering information from the
physical network; and resynchronize the network database, LonMaker drawing, and physical
devices. Explains how to merge two LonMaker networks.
• Managing Networks: Explains how to test and verify application devices, functional blocks, and
routers; describes LonMaker styles; and details how to generate device status summary reports,
network resource reports, and LNS network reports.
• Exporting and Importing a Network Using XML: Describes how to export a L
to a LonMaker network XML file; view a LONWORKS network XML file in a web browser; edit
a LonMaker network XML file; and import a LONWORKS network XML file to update a
network.
• LonMaker Credits: Provides information on licensing the LonMaker tool; using, viewing, and
adding LonMaker credits; licensing remote clients; transferring a LonMaker license; usin g
LonMaker demo mode.
• Using LNS Plug-ins: Provides an overview of LNS Plug-ins and then describes how to start a
plug-in, get plug-in informati on, and re-register, enable, and disable plug-ins.
• Creating and Using LonMaker Shapes and Stencils: Describes how to create a LonMaker stencil
and create and use custom master shapes for devices, functional blocks, subsystems, and
connections. Explains how to modify a master shape by changing its user-defined cells.
• Appendices: Includes information on setting LonMaker default options; instructions for installing
network interfaces; a quick-start exercise you can use to quickly create a LonMaker network, and
control and monitor devices; the LonMaker Credits Order Form; the LonMaker Software License
Agreement; the LonMaker License Transfer Agreement; a glossary; and the index.
ONWORKS network
For More Information and Technical Support
• See the LonMaker Turbo Editions Help file for detailed information on using the LonMaker Turbo
Integration Tool.
• See the LonPoint Application an d Pl ug-In Guide, the LonPoint Plug-In help file, and the LonPoint
plug-in for detailed information on using LonPoint devices.
• Adobe Acrobat versions of the LonMaker User’s Guide and LonPoint Application and Plug-In
Guide are also included in LonMaker and LonPoint program folders when you install the
LonMaker Turbo Editions and LonPoint software. You’ll need the Adobe Acrobat reader that is
optionally installed by the LonMaker setup application to view these files.
LonMaker User’s Guide v
The LonMaker and LonPoint Plug-In ReadMe files provide descriptions of known problems and their
workarounds. To view the LonMaker Turbo Editions ReadMe file, click Start, point to Programs,
point to Echelon LonMaker, and then select LonMaker Read Me. To view the LonPoint ReadMe
file, click Start, point to Programs, point to Echelon LonPoint Software, and then select LonPoint Read Me First. You can also find additional LonMaker and LonPoint information at the LonMaker
Web page at www.echelon.com/lonmaker.
If you have technical questions that are not answered by the documentation, on-line help, or LonMaker
Web page, you can get technical support from Echelon. Your LonMaker distributor may also provide
customer support. You can also enroll in training classes at Echelon or an Echelon training center to
learn more about how to use the LonMaker tool.
To receive technical support from Echelon for the LonMaker tool, you must register your copy with
Echelon and you must purchase support services from Echelon or an Echelon support partner. See
www.echelon.com/support for more information on Echelon support and training services.
There is no charge for software installation-related questions during the first 30 days after you receive
the LonMaker CD.
You can obtain technical support via phone, fax, or email from your closest Echelon support center.
The contact information is as follows:
Region Languages Supported Contact Information
The Americas
English
Japanese
Echelon Corporation
Attn. Customer Support
550 Meridian Avenue
San Jose, CA 95126
Phone (toll-free): 800 258 4LON
(258-4566)
Phone: 408 938 5200
Fax: 408 790 3801
lonsupport@echelon.com
Europe
Japan
English
German
French
Italian
Echelon UK
16, The Courtyards
Hatters Lane
Watford
Herts. WD18 8YH
United Kingdom
Phone: 44 0 1923 430200
Fax: 44 0 1923 430300
lonsupport@echelon.co.uk
Japanese Echelon Japan
Holland Hills Mori Tower, 18F
5-11-2 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0001
Japan
Phone: 81 3 5733 3320
Fax: 81 3 5733 3321
lonsupport@echelon.co.jp
vi Preface
China
Region Languages Supported Contact Information
Chinese
English
Echelon Greater China
Rm. 1007-1008, IBM Tower
Pacific Century Place
2A Gong Ti Bei Lu
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100027, China
Phone: 86 10 6539 3750
Fax: 86 106539 3754
lonsupport@echelon.com.cn
Other Regions
English Phone: 408 938 5200
Fax: 408 328 3801
lonsupport@echelon.com
Echelon will provide Visio support only for those Visio features that are required for use of the
LonMaker tool. To receive support for Visio from Microsoft, you must purchase separately a retail
version of the Microsoft Visio Professional or Standard 2003 drawing application. Echelon will not
support use of the LonMaker Integration Tool with versions of Visio other than the version included on
the LonMaker CD.
You can submit a feedback form with suggestions on how to improve the product’s functionality and
documentation at http://www.echelon.com/company/feedback. This feedback form is not forwarded to
technical support and should not be used to submit technical or product support related issues—send
technical support questions to your Echelon support center.
LonMaker User’s Guide vii
Table of Contents
Preface .................................................................................................... iii
Purpose .......................................................................................................... iv
Audience......................................................................................................... iv
Related Reading............................................................................................. iv
This chapter provides an introduction to the LonMaker Integration Tool, new features in
the Turbo Editions; and the basics of LonMaker Network Designs, LONWORKS, and
Visio.
LonMaker User’s Guide 1
Introduction to the LonMaker Tool
The LonMaker® Integration Tool is a LONWORKS ® network tool that runs on the LNS® client/server
network operating system and uses Microsoft Visio
user interface. LNS provides the set of directory, installation, management, monitoring, and control
services used by the LonMaker tool. In addition, the client/server architecture of LNS allows multiple
users running the LonMaker tool on separate computers to access the LNS server simultaneously. This
means that managers, system integrators, installers, and maintenance personnel can all work on the
same L
ONWORKS network at the same time. The LonMaker tool is compatible with Windows XP
Professional and Home editions, Windows 2003 Server, and Windows 2000.
The LonMaker tool can be used to manage all phases of a network’s life cycle, from the initial design
and commissioning to the ongoing operation, because it provides the functionality of several network
tools in one single solution:
• Network Design Tool. You can design a network offsite (without actually being connected to the
network) and/or onsite, and modify it anytime. The LonMaker tool can also learn an existing
network’s design through a process called network recovery.
• Network Installation Tool. You can rapidly install a network designed offsite once it is brought
onsite. The device definitions can be quickly and easily associated with their corresponding
physical devices to reduce on-site commissioning time. The LonMaker Browser provides
complete access to all network variables and configuration properties.
• Network Documentation Tool. You can create a LonMaker drawing during the network design
and installation process. This LonMaker drawing is an accurate, logical representation of the
installed physical network. The LonMaker drawing is therefore an essential component of as-built
reports.
• Network Operation Tool. You can operate the net w or k using the operator interface pages
contained within the LonMaker drawing.
®
(Professional or Standard 2003) as a graphical
• Network Maintenance Tool. You can easily add, test, remove, modify, or replace devices, routers,
channels, subsystems, and connections to maintain the network.
What’s New for LonMaker Turbo Editions
This section lists and then describes the new features that have been added to the LonMaker tool for
the Turbo Editions.
LonMaker Design Manager
LonMaker Shapes
Application Devices and
Routers
• One-click network creation
• New tabs for setting new network and LonMaker
default options
• Network Wizard accelerator
• ToolTips for displaying shape data
• Simplified wizards
• Automatic channel selection
• Channel re-assignment with the Connector tool
• Simplified shape menus
• Firmware upgrade
• Device-specific configuration property support
• Passive configuration mode
• Enhanced subsystem recovery
• Active device template and resource file updates
• Accelerated device interface verification
2 Introduction
Functional Blocks
Connections
Monitoring
Network Explorer
Multi-User Modification
• One-page wizard
• Automatic device selection
• Device re-assignment with the Connector tool
• Simplified shape menu
• Dynamic functional blocks
• Dynamic network variables on application functional
blocks
• Simplified Connector tool
• Automatic connection type selection
• Fast connection property modification
• New connection descriptions
• More default connection descriptions
• New connection property modification
• Connection hiding
• Connection reference shape alignment
• New Data Point shape
• Network variable access
• Channel and device template views
• Device template menu
• Automatic drawing synchronization
• LNS event tracking
• LonMaker event log
Resource Usage Reports
Application Integration
LNS network database
Visio 2003 Integration
Windows Compatibly
Performance
LonMaker Design Manager
• Network resource report
• Alias table summary
• XML export to other applications and reports
• XML import from other applications
• LonMaker network report
• Automatic extension record copying
• Plug-in disable/enable
• Hot backup while the LNS Server is running
• Scheduled backup
• Automatic resynchronization
• LNS network database validation and repair
• Tablet PC support
• LonMaker drawing markup with digital ink
• Compatible with Windows XP Professional and
Home Editions, Windows 2003 server, and Windows
2000
• Faster device, router, functional block, channel, and
connection creation
• Faster commissioning
• Faster resynchronization
The LonMaker Design Manager has been enhanced to provide greater flexibility in customizing your
networks, and to speed up creating and opening networks.
LonMaker User’s Guide 3
One-Click Network Creation
You can now create new networks with only one mouse click from the LonMaker Design Manager.
To use the one-click network creation feature, clear the Show All Options check box in the New Network box on the General tab, and select the options in the New Network Options tab to skip the
pages for setting the management mode, network interface, registered plug-ins, and default LonMaker
stencils.
New Network and LonMaker Default Options Tabs
The LonMaker Design Manager includes New Network Options and LonMaker Default Options
tabs that let you select the default settings for new networks.
The New Network Options tab lets you set the default properties for the network interface, plug-ins,
user logon, management mode, and network components pages that appear in the Network Wizard
when you create a new network. The properties you set for these pages are then applied to each new
network you create. You can also set options to skip these pages in order to create a new network with
one click. See New Network Options in Chapter 3, Getting Started, for more information on the
options you can set in the New Network Options tab.
The LonMaker Default Options tab lets you set the default options for LonMaker objects such as
devices, functional blocks, and configuration properties and processes such as backup/restore,
commissioning, network variable browser/monitoring, and synchronization. Each new network you
create will use these default settings. You can change any of these settings after creating the network
by opening the LonMaker menu and clicking LonMaker Options. See LonMaker Default Options in
Chapter 3, Getting Started, for more information on the options you can set in the LonMaker Default Options tab.
Network Wizard Accelerator
When creating or opening a network with the Network Wizard, you can click the new Finish button to
skip any remaining pages in the wizard. New networks will be created using the current settings in the
New Network Options tab of the LonMaker Design Manager for those pages that you skip. Existing
networks will be opened using the settings in the Network Properties dialog in the LonMaker
drawing, which you can access by opening the LonMaker menu and clicking Network Properties.
LonMaker Shape Tooltips
You can enable a ToolTip to display selected data items when the mouse pointer is over application
device, functional block, connection, channel, and network variable shapes. Using an application
device for example, you can set a ToolTip to display any or all of the following data items when the
mouse pointer is over the device shape: shape name, template name, network variable alias data,
Neuron ID, Subnet/Node ID, and LNS handle. See Shape ToolTips Options in Appendix A for more
information.
Application Devices and Routers
The new features in the LonMaker Turbo Editions for application devices and routers are described in
the following sections.
Simplified Wizards
The New Device Wizard and New Router Wizard have been short ened. The channel selection page in
both wizards and the device template page in the New Device Wizard have been eliminated, and the
options from these pages have been added to the first page of the respective wizards. In addition, each
page of the wizard now has a Finish button, which you can use to skip any remaining pages. Clicking
Finish is the same as clicking through the remaining pages in the wizard without making any changes.
These simplified wizards let you define and commission an application device or router with only one
click.
4 Introduction
See Creating Application Devices and Creating Routers in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more
detailed information on using these simplified wizards.
Automatic Channel Selection
You can use automatic channel selection to enable the LonMaker tool to automatically select the
appropriate channel or channels for a new application device or router, skipping their respective
wizards. This feature lets you create a new device or router with a single click and drag. To enable
automatic channel selection for all new LonMaker networks or for an existing LonMaker networ k, set
the Enable Automatic Channel Selection check box in the network properties: Device options
category.
See Creating Application Devices and Creating Routers in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for
information on using the automatic channel selection feature.
Channel Reassignment with the Connector Tool
You can move an application device to a different channel, preserving the device’s configuration and
all of its connections. You can do this to assign a device to a channel different from the one
automatically selected by the LonMaker tool, or to physically move a device to a different compatible
channel. To move a device to a different channel, you can either right-click the device and then click
Move Device on the shortcut menu, or you can use the Connector tool on the Visio Standard toolbar
to graphically move the device.
See Creating Application Devices and Creating Routers in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more
information on moving application devices and routers.
Simplified Shape Menus
You can right-click an application device or router to display a shortcut menu for the device. The
shortcut menus have been simplified to display hierarchical menus for commissioning and moving
devices, and for starting plug-ins (application devices only). Visio-specific commands—such as cut,
view, format, shape, and help—no longer appear in the device shortcut menus. You can disable the
new LonMaker menus to display all Visio commands. To disable or enable the LonMaker shape
menus, open the LonMaker menu and then click Use LonMaker Shape Menus.
See Using LonMaker Shape Menus in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for information on enabling and
using LonMaker shape menus.
Firmware Upgrade
When you load a new application image into a compatible device, you can upgrade (or downgrade) the
device firmware to make the device compatible with the application image being loaded into it. The
device and the existing device firmware must support firmware updates to use this option. This option
is available when you commission, replace, or load an application file into a de vice. See Chapter 5,
Installing Networks, for information on the firmware upgrade feature.
Device-Specific Configuration Property Support
The LonMaker tool now provides improved support for device-specific configuration properties.
Unlike other configuration properties, device-specific configuration properties have values that can be
modified independent of the LNS network database. For example, a thermostat may include a user
interface to allow the user to locally change a setpoint configuration property. This change may occur
independently of the LNS network database and therefore not be reflected in it. The setpoint
configuration property should be defined as device-specific in the device to communicate to the LNS
server that it may be changed independently of the LNS network database.
If the manufacturer does not specify that a particular configuration property is device-specific, but you
know that it should be, you can now change the device-specific flag for that configuration property in a
device template.
LonMaker User’s Guide 5
You can also set the initial values of device-specific configuration properties when commissioning or
replacing a device, loading a new application image into the device, or resynchronizing configuration
properties. For example, when commissioning or replacing the thermostat in the previous example,
you may load the configuration property value from the LNS network database to assign the initial
setpoint.
See Chapter 5, Installing Networks, for more information on managing device-specific configuration
properties.
Passive Configuration Mode
You can now manually propagate configuration property value changes to one or more devices without
affecting the network configuration of the devices. You can use this feature to enable a plug-in to
operate as a passive configuration tool, which allows you to use plug-ins on devices installed by
network tools not based on LNS. To use this passive configuration mode, attach the LonMaker tool to
the network, keep it OffNet, and then recover the network. You can then configure any device in the
network using plug-ins, and apply confi g uration property value changes to these devices by rightclicking a device (or selecting multiple devices and right-clicking one of the devices), pointing to
Commissioning, and clicking Propagate CP Values to Device on the shortcut menu.
Enhanced Subsystem Recovery
You can now store subsystem data in application devices and routers. This improves the network
recovery process (see Recovering a LonMaker Network in Chapter 7, Maintaining Networks), as the
LonMaker tool can use the saved subsystem data to place application devices and routers in their
correct subsystems.
To enable subsystem data to be stored in devices, select one or both of the options in the network
properties: Recovery options category (see Appendix A). The options consist of storing the subsystem
ID in the location property of application devices and routers and storing the subsystem path in the
SCPTlocation configuration property of application devices.
• If you select the Set Location Property to Subsystem ID option, the LonMaker tool stores the
subsystem ID in application devices or routers when they are commissioned. This subsystem ID
appears as a 6-character ASCII or 12-digit hex string in the Location field of the Basic Properties
dialog box. The LonMaker tool automatically updates the subsystem ID when you move the
device, and when you move or rename its subsystem and the Update all Devices when Subsystem Name is Modified option in the network properties: Recovery options category is set
to Yes.
If you select the Set SCPT Location Value to Subsystem Path option, the LonMaker tool stores
•
the subsystem ID in the SCPTlocation configuration property of application devices when they
are commissioned. The LonMaker tool automatically updates the subsystem path stored in the
SCPTlocation configuration property when you move the application device, and when you move
or rename its subsystem and the Update all Devices when Subsystem Name is Modified option
in the network properties: Recovery options category is set to Yes.
Active Device Template and Resource File Updates
You can now update the device interface (XIF) file or the resource files for a device template currently
being used by devices in the network. To update the XIF file or resource files of a device template,
open the Network Explorer, click the new Device Templates tab, right-click a device template, point
to Import XIF or Resync to Resource Files, and then select whether to update the device template
and all the devices using that template, or just the device template.
See Network Explorer in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more information on updating device
templates and resource files.
6 Introduction
Accelerated Device Interface Verification
The LonMaker Turbo Editions let you disable any or all of the validation steps performed on the
device interface when a device is commissioned. This may reduce the time required to install a
network, especially for power line devices. To set the validation options, right-click a device template
in the Device Templates tab in the Network Explorer, and then select Properties from the shortcut
menu. Under the Device Validation box, clear the check boxes for those validation steps the LNS
Server is to skip when you commission devices using that device template.
See Network Explorer in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more information on setting device
interface validation options.
Functional Blocks
The new features in the LonMaker Turbo Editions for functional blocks are described in the following
sections.
One-Page Functional Block Wizard
The functional block wizard has been reduced from two pages to one. The functional block name page
has been eliminated, and the options have been added to the first page of the wizard. This one-page
wizard lets you create a functional block with only one click. See Creating Functional Blocks in
Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more detailed information on using the simplified Functional
Block wizard.
Automatic Device Selection
You can use automatic device selection to enable the LonMaker tool to automatically select the
appropriate device for a new functional block, skipping the functional block wizard. This feature lets
you create a new functional block with a single click and drag. To enable automatic device selection
for all new LonMaker networks or for an existing LonMaker network, set the Enable Automatic Device Selection check box in the network properties: Functional Block options category. This
option is cleared by default.
See Creating Functional Blocks in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more formation on using
automatic device selection.
Device Re-assignment with the Connector Tool
You can move a functional block to a different device, preserving all of the functional block’s
configuration and connections. You can do this to assign a functional block to a different device than
the one automatically selected by the LonMaker tool, or to re-assign any functional block to a different
compatible device. To move a functional block to a different device, you can either right-click the
functional block and use the Move FB command, or you can use the Connector tool on the Visio
Standard toolbar to graphically re-assign the functional block.
See Creating Functional Blocks in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more formation on re-assigning
functional blocks to different devices.
Simplified Shortcut Menu
You can right-click a functional block to display a shortcut menu for the functional block. The
shortcut menu has been simplified to display a hierarchical menu for configuration properties, display
options, moving the functional block, and for starting plug-ins. Visio-specific commands—such as
cut, view, format, shape, and help—no longer appear in the functional block shortcut menu. You can
disable the new LonMaker menus to display all Visio commands. To disable or enable the LonMaker
menus, open the LonMaker menu and then click Use LonMaker Shape Menus.
See Using LonMaker Shape Menus in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for information on enabling and
using LonMaker shape menus.
LonMaker User’s Guide 7
Creating Dynamic Functional Blocks
You can create dynamic functional blocks on devices that support them. Device manufacturers can
implement dynamic functional blocks on devices that support customized interfaces, such as
programmable controllers. Within the LonMaker tool, dynamic functional blocks are similar to the
more common static functional blocks except that they can only be added to a compatible device and
they do not contain configuration properties. When you create a dynamic functional block, you can
select whether to create shapes all for mandatory and optional network variables defined in that
dynamic functional block.
See Creating Functional Blocks in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more formation on creating
dynamic functional blocks.
Connections
The new features in the LonMaker Turbo Editions for connections are described in the following
sections. See Creating Connections in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more detailed information
on using these new features.
Creating a Connection with the Connector Tool
You can use the Connector tool on the Visio Standard toolbar to connect network variables and
message tags on functional blocks and supernodes that are located in the same subsystem.
Automatic Connection Description Selection
You can use the LonMaker tool to automatically select the connection services for network variab le
connections. The LonMaker tool will select the connection service that optimizes network
performance, while providing reliable message delivery and minimizing network resource usage. For
example, you can use this feature to minimize the use of ANSI/CEA-709.1 (EN14908) groups in large
networks.
Fast Connection Property Modification
You can manually change a connection type quickly by right-clicking the connection, pointing to Set
Connection Description, and then selecting the new connection description. Selecting a connection
description that does not start with “SCD_” disables automatic connection description selection. To
automatically select the appropriate smart connection description (SCD), select <Recompute>.
New Connection Descriptions
To provide more flexibility when manually selecting a connection type, five new default connection
descriptions have been added:
1. Acknowledged with Alias Multicast
2. Repeated with Alias Multicast
3. Repeated with Broadcast Multicast
4. Unacknowledged with Alias Multicast
5. Unacknowledged with Broadcast Multicast
Hiding and Showing Connector Shapes
You can hide connector shapes to simplify a LonMaker drawing, or you can selectively show the
connector shapes attached to specific functional blocks or superno des t o examine their connections.
You can also set an option on a functional block to not create connection shapes. See Hiding and Showing Connector Shapes in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more detailed information on the
different ways you can hide and show connector shapes.
8 Introduction
Automatic Reference Connection Shape Alignment
You can automatically align and keep aligned all the reference connection shapes in a subsystem or the
reference connection shapes attached to a specific functional block. This feature eliminates the need to
manually move functional block, connector, and connector reference shapes to keep your LonMaker
drawing organized. See Aligning Reference Connection Shapes in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for
more detailed information on using this feature.
Monitoring—Data Point Shape
The LonMaker tool includes a new Data Point shape that you can use to monitor and control a
network. You can use the Data Point shape to monitor and control the value of any network variable,
configuration property, or functional block state (enabled or in override) in your network. In addition,
you can use the Data Point shape to create simple human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in your
LonMaker drawing.
The Data Point shape serves as a replacement for the LNS Text Box shape, which was introduced in
LonMaker 3. The Data Point shape functions similarly to the LNS Text Box shape and has all the
same functions, but it performs significantly better. The Data Point shape keeps Visio in design mode,
does not crash Visio when a page is deleted, makes saving a LonMaker drawing easier, and improves
security because it does not remove the digital signature associated with a LonMaker drawing. The
LNS Text Box shape is still available for legacy drawings, but new drawings should use the Data Point
shape because of its improved performance.
See Using Data Point Shapes in Chapter 6, Monitoring and Contr ol l i ng N et w orks, fo r more detailed
information on using the Data Point shape.
Network Explorer
The new features in the LonMaker Turbo Editions for the Network Explorer are described in the
following sections. See Network Explorer in Chapter 4, Designing Networks, for more information on
using these new features.
Network Variable Access
You can access network variables and view their properties from the Network Explorer. To show
network variables in the Network Explorer for all new LonMaker networks or for an existing
LonMaker network, select Subsystems, Devices, FBs and NVs in the network properties: Network Explorer options category. To access network variables from the Network Explorer, expand a device
and then expand one of its functional blocks. The network variables appear listed alphabetically below
their respective functional blocks, and they are marked with black arrows within a grey icon.
New Channel and Device Template Views
You can view the devices in a LonMaker drawing organized by subsystem, channel, or device
template. You can click the new Channels and Device Templates tabs to find all the devices on a
particular channel, or to find all the devices using a specific device template. In the Channel and
Device Template tabs, the channels and device templates in your LonMaker drawing are listed
alphabetically, and the objects that you selected to be displayed in the Network Explorer are listed in a
hierarchal manner (in the order of devices, functional blocks, and then network variables) under their
respective channel or device template.
Device Template Menu
To work with a device template, open the Network Explorer, click the Device Templates tab, and then
right-click a device template to open the Device Template menu. This menu, previously located under
the LonMaker menu, has been enhanced with several new options and features. It includes access to a
new Device Properties dialog box where you can set new device validation options, and it contains
new options for updating a device template .
LonMaker User’s Guide 9
Multi-User Modification
The new features in the LonMaker Turbo Editions for multi-user modification are described in the
following sections. See Resynchronizing a Ne t work in Chapter 7, Maintaining Networks, for more
detailed information on using these new features .
Automatic Drawing Synchronization
You can make changes to a LonMaker drawing at the same time other users are modifying the
network, even if the other users are modifying the same subsystem as you. The LonMaker tool uses
LNS events and a new LonMaker event log described in the following subsections to keep the
LonMaker drawings synchronized with the LNS network database and with each other. The
LonMaker drawings will remain synchronized even as multiple users and applications access and
modify the drawings and the LNS network database.
LNS Event Tracking
The LonMaker tool uses LNS events to detect changes to a LonMaker drawing made by LNS
applications other than the LonMaker tool, as well as changes in the status of devices as reported by
the LNS server. Actions tracked exclusively by LNS events consist of detecting and commissioning
application devices and routers. LNS events track other actions that are also tracked in the LonMaker
Event Log described in the next section. These actions include upgrading application devices; creating
application devices, routers, subsystem s, and connect io ns; d e l et i ng appl i cat i on de vi ces, ro ut ers, and
connections; and renaming application devices, routers, functional blocks, and subsystems.
LonMaker Event Log
The LonMaker tool stores every change made to a LonMaker drawing in a shared log called the
LonMaker event log. The LonMaker event log is kept in the LNS network database so that all
LonMaker tools on a network can view the events logged by all other LonMaker tools on the same
network—including tools that are not active at the same time. All LonMaker tools check the log when
they open a LonMaker drawing and periodically thereafter (every 10 seconds by default), and update
their copies of the LonMaker drawing based on the log entries.
Additional benefits of the LonMaker event log are that it can be used by the LonMaker tool to restore
your work if you computer fails while you are updating a drawing, and it reduces the number of times
that you need to resynchronize a LonMaker drawing. You may still need to resynchronize if
applications other than the LonMaker tool make changes to the LNS network database that affect a
LonMaker drawing, or if log entries are deleted.
You can view the LonMaker event log, and you can export it to an XML file. See LonMaker Event Log
in Chapter 7, Maintaining Networks, for how to do this.
Resource Usage Reports
The LonMaker Turbo Editions include the following new features to help you determine usage of
critical network resources such as group IDs, subnet IDs, selectors, and network variable alias table
space. See Using Resource Usage Reports in Chapter 8, Managing Networks, for more information on
using these new features.
Network Resource Report
You can display a summary of the usage of group IDs, subnet IDs, and selectors in your network. The
usage of these resources is displayed in a network resource report. This report displays the number of
group IDs, subnet IDs, and selectors that have been allocated out of those available in your LonMaker
drawing. Individual color status bars indicate the percentage consumed and availability of each
resource. As more network resources are consumed, the status bar fills up and changes color.
• Green. Resource is readily available (up to 75 percent used).
• Yellow. Resource is available, but beginning to run low (between 75 and 90 percent used).
10 Introduction
• Red. Resource is critically low (over 90 percent used).
To view the network resources report, open the LonMaker menu and then click LonTalk Network
Resources.
Alias Table Summary
You can display a summary of the usage and availability of alias table entries for a device in a
ToolTip. The device shape ToolTip lists the total number of network variable aliases for the device,
and the number of aliases currently available.
To view the alias table summary, move the pointer over the desired device shape and keep it there for
the ToolTip delay (the default ToolTip delay is 2 seconds). The device shape ToolTip will then
appear. The total and available network available alias counts are by default the last two items listed in
the ToolTip.
Application Integration and XML Export/Import
The LonMaker Turbo Editions include the following new features to support integration with other
applications and provide enhanced network reports.
Exporting a LONWORKS Network XML File
You can export your LonMaker network to a LONWORKS network XML file using the new
LonMaker XML Plug-in. The export can be fully automated, or you can manually export your
LonMaker network. You can export selected items, subsystems, or your entire network to an XML
file. The XML file will consist of a report of all the devices, connections, network variables,
configuration properties, and other data within the specified network scope. In addition, the exported
XML file by default will include a reference to an XSLT style sheet that you can use to transform the
file into a LonMaker Network Report. You can then view the LonMaker Network Report in your Web
browser.
See Exporting a L
XML, for more information on using the XML export feature.
ONWORKS Network XML File in Chapter 9, Exporting and Importing Networks with
Importing a LONWORKS Network XML File
You can import a LONWORKS network XML file from another application using the LonMaker XML
Plug-in. The import can be fully automated, or you can manually import a LONWORKS network
XML file using the LonMaker tool. Importing a LONWORKS network XML file will update or create
a LonMaker drawing by creating, modifying, and dele ti n g ob ject s i n the LNS network database.
See Importing a L
XML, for more information on using the XML import feature.
ONWORKS Network XML File in Chapter 9, Exporting and Importing Networks with
Automatic Extension Record Copying
You can enable automatic extension record copying so that extension records will automatically be
copied when you create a new subsystem, device, or functional block from a copy (a custom master
shape or an existing shape). This is useful for integrating with other LNS applications that store
device-specific data in extension records. When enabled, the LonMaker tool copies extension records
that are identified in the LNS network database as records that should be copied. To enable automatic
extension record copying, select the Enable Configuration Properties check box in the network
properties: Configuration Properties options category.
Plug-in Enable/Disable
You can enable or disable plug-ins. This is useful for disabling plug-ins that you have installed but are
no longer using. See Enabling and Disabl i n g Pl ug -i ns in Chapter 11, Using LNS Plug-Ins, for more
information on enabling and disabling plug-ins.
LonMaker User’s Guide 11
LNS Network Database
The LonMaker Turbo Editions includes new features to help you backup, validate, repair, and
synchronize your network database. These features are described in the following sections.
LNS Hot Backup
You can make a hot backup of the network database while you or another user is working in the same
network—without disrupting the other LNS applications. A hot backup is a backup that is created
while one or more LNS applications are accessing the LNS network database. The LonMaker tool
creates the hot backup as a shadow copy of the LNS network database.
To use hot backups, select the Use LNS Hot Backup check box in the network properties:
Backup/Restore options category. This check box is selected by default. When you attempt to back
up your network in the LonMaker drawing and another application is accessing the LNS network
database, the LonMaker tool automatically creates a hot backup of that database.
If this check box is cleared, you can still use the hot backup feature. When you attempt to back up
your network in the LonMaker drawing, a prompt will open giving you the option to close all
applications accessing the network database or make a hot backup. Click Yes to make a hot backup.
See Manually Backing Up a LonMaker Network in Chapter 7, Maintaining Networks, for more
information on using hot backups.
Scheduled Backups
You can use the LonMaker tool (and the Windows Task Scheduler) to automatically backup the
network database periodically. To use the LonMaker tool to schedule automatic backups, open the
network properties: Backup/Restore options category and enter the desired database backup interval
in the Database Backup field under the Auto Save Interval box. The LonMaker tool will then create
a hot backup of the network every n minutes, where n is the specified backup interval.
See Scheduling Drawing Saves and Database Backups in Chapter 7, Maintaining Networks, for more
information on scheduling automatic database backups.
Automatic Resynchronization
The LonMaker tool will attempt to automatically resynchronize a LonMaker drawing to its network
database when it detects an inconsistency internally or between the drawing and the database. This
resynchronization will be transparent, except that you may notice a slightly lower response time during
the resynchronization. The LonMaker tool will perform an automatic resynchronization when a Visio
shape in the LonMaker drawing or a LonMaker object in the LNS database is missing or cannot be
found, or when there is missing or incorrect information in the LonMaker drawing. If the automatic
resynchronization fails for any reason, you will be prompted to manually resynchronize the LonMaker
drawing to the network database.
See Automatic LonMaker Drawing Synchronization in Chapter 7, Maintaining Networks, for more
information on this feature.
Database Validation and Repair
You can validate the structure of and repair the LNS network database and optionally resynchronize
the LonMaker drawing to the repaired database. You must be using the LonMaker tool on a local
client to use the database validation and repair features.
See Manual Network Synchronization in Chapter 7, Maintaining Networks, for more information on
this feature.
12 Introduction
Visio 2003 Integration
Tablet PC Support
You can run the LonMaker tool on a Tablet PC. The ease of portability of a Tablet PC makes it ideal
for installing a network under the ad-hoc system scenario, in which you both design and commission
the network onsite. You can wirelessly connect the Tablet PC to an i.Lon IP-852 router that is attached
to the physical network, and then carry the Tablet PC around the site, designing the LonMaker drawing
and commissioning devices at the same time. Using the LonMaker tool on a Tablet PC also makes it
easy to make last-minute changes or additions to an engineered design (a LonMaker network designed
offsite and then installed), and upgrade and replace devices.
LonMaker Drawing Markup with Digital Ink
Using the digital ink feature in Visio 2003 on a Tablet PC, you can easily markup a LonMaker drawing
with a special tablet pen, and save the markup as part of the drawing. The markups can be included in
a LonMaker backup and then later restored. Digital ink provides an effective means for designers and
integrators to communicate with each other as demonstrated in the following figure.
Windows Compatibility
You can use the LonMaker tool on a computer running Windows XP (Professional, Home, and Tablet
PC 2005 Editions), Windows 2003 Server, or Windows 2000.
Professional, Standard, and Trial Editions
Three editions of the LonMaker Turbo Integration Tool are available: Profession al, Standard, and
Trial. These editions differ in the edition of Visio 2003 included (Professional or Standard), number of
LonMaker credits included, and the expiration of the LonMaker tool software license. The advantage
of Visio 2003 Professional is that it includes all of the business diagramming tools of the Standard
edition, as well as additional comprehensive technical and drawing solutions.
Professional Edition
The professional edition ships with Visio 2003 Professional, comes with 64 LonMaker credits, and
does not expire. You can purchase additional LonMaker credits for the professional edition (see
Adding LonMaker Credits).
LonMaker User’s Guide 13
Standard Edition
The standard edition ships with Visio 2003 Standard, comes with 5 LonMaker cr edits, and does not
expire. You can purchase additional LonMaker credits for the standard edition (see Adding LonMaker Credits).
Trial Edition
The trial edition ships with a 30-day evaluation copy of Visio 2003 Professional, does not come with
any LonMaker credits, and requires licensing the professional or standard edition to continue using th e
LonMaker tool after the 30-day trial period ends. The trial edition also has the following restrictions:
• All drawings created with the trial edition include a “LonMaker Demonstration Network” banner
in the background.
• Networks are limited to a maximum of six devices.
• You cannot add LonMaker credits using the trial edition.
LonMaker Network Designs
A LonMaker Network Design consists of an LNS network database and a LonMaker drawing.
LNS Network Database
An LNS network database contains definitions of the devices contained within a LonMaker drawing,
including information such as the name, address, application configuration, and network connections
for each device. Whenever you change a LonMaker drawing, the LonMaker tool automatically uses
LNS services to update the information in the LNS network database associated with the LonMaker
drawing.
Every LonMaker drawing is associated with an LNS network database, and the LNS network database
is always located on the computer with the LNS Server. The LNS Server may be located on the same
computer as the LonMaker tool, or it may be located on a different computer. You can maintain
backup copies of the LNS network database, and you can move the LNS Server and LNS network
database to a backup computer. See Backing Up a LonMaker Network Design in Chapter 7, Maintaining Networks, for more information.
LonMaker Drawing
A LonMaker drawing contains the graphi cal rep resentation of theLONWORKS network. A LonMaker
drawing consists of one or more drawing files, and the drawing files consist of one or more pages that
each represent a subsystem. One drawing file is designated as the top-level drawing file; this drawing
file is the one created when you create a new LonMaker network design. A subsystem within the
top-level drawing file is designated as the top-level subsystem; this subsystem is represented by the
first page of the drawing that you create when you create a new LonMaker network design.
A LonMaker drawing is always located on the computer running the LonMaker tool. If you are
running multiple LonMaker tools on the same LonMaker drawing, each computer running a LonMaker
tool must have a copy of the LonMaker drawing. The LonMaker tool automatically keeps these
multiple copied synchronized. Multiple-user operation is described in Managing Multiple Remote Clients in Chapter 3, Getting Started.
LONWORKS Basics
This section provides an overview of the following topics and defines related terms:
ONWORKS networks
• L
• LonMaker client types
14 Introduction
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