Nortec NHSC User Manual

NHSC / NHDI
Nortec OnLine

Installation Instructions

IMPORTANT: Read and save this guide for future
reference. This guide to be left with equipment owner.

Form #06-292 252-0819

Table Of Contents

OVERVIEW 1

NETWORKING 1

OFFERINGS 1

WIRING 2

- ETHERNET CONNECTIONS ...............................2

- GPRS OR DIAL-UP CONNECTIONS ...........................2

VARIABLE DEFINITION 2

USER WEBPAGE INTERFACE 3

- LIST OF HUMIDIFIERS ..................................3

- STATUS SCREEN .....................................3

- CONFIGURATION SCREEN ................................6

- TREND DATA .......................................8

- FAULT & SERVICE HISTORY ...............................9

- PARAMETER LINK .....................................9

NORTEC ONLINE START-UP CHECKLIST ..........................10

TROUBLESHOOTING: .....................................10

NORTEC ONLINE MODULE STATUS LED DESCRIPTION..................11

TROUBLESHOOTING COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS ...................11

SPARE PARTS .........................................12

OVERVIEW

The Nortec OnLine Option provides a
TCP/IP-based remote monitoring capability to
equipped NHSC or NHDI series humidifiers. The
Nortec OnLine option operates in conjunction with a
centralized server based at Nortec's facilities. This
server allows the user to monitor and control various
aspects of the humidifier operation. If a fault or service
warning is detected the Nortec server will send an
email response to three user-specified personnel.
Nortec OnLine also provides Nortec with the ability to
diagnose the humidifier's performance remotely,
ensuring quick response to customer inquiries.

Nortec OnLine provides the advantages of
immediate notification and quick diagnosis of
humidifier fault conditions, should they arise. Nortec
OnLine also provides a BMS-like interface when a
dedicated Building Management System is not
available or unfeasible. All that is required for Nortec
OnLine’s operation is either a Ethernet connection, an
external phone line or a wireless network connection.

NETWORKING

It is possible to network up to a maximum of 8
humidifiers, configured for Nortec OnLine, to a single
Nortec OnLine Module. This OnLine Module is located
internally to the humidifier. When multiple humidifiers
are desired, only a single module is required and will
be installed inside a 'lead' unit, which can be specified
by the user. Since each unit is separately addressed, it
is possible to monitor and control each unit
independently.

OFFERINGS

Different networking configurations may be
achieved and are mostly dependant on the type of
network present at the site. Nortec OnLine has been
designed to be used over a variety of network
topographies. Simply specify at the time of order,
which type of connection type would be preferable and
any details that may apply (refer to the configuration
form at the back of the manual). Once in the field, a
user can differentiate between the different connection
types by inspecting a tag adjacent to the OnLine
Module. This identifier tag will provide details such as
connection type and part number information.

For sites where Network Ethernet connections are
readily available, the OnLine Module may be plugged
into the Internet through an Ethernet port present on
the control board. Nortec OnLine is capable of
operating with either a Static IP address or a Dynamic
IP address.

The Nortec OnLine Module also comes equipped
with a serial port which allows a dial-up modem or a
wireless GPRS modem to be connected. All the
necessary programming for the connection details will
be pre-programmed at the factory.

Local Internet

Figure #1

Networking

Nortec
Server

External

Internet

Local Server

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WIRING

Ethernet Connections

The necessary internal wiring for the Nortec
OnLine Module is already present except for the
Network connection that can be made internally to the
unit. To network multiple humidifiers, configured for
Nortec OnLine, simply ‘daisy-chain’ them to each other
at the network terminal strip, provided with the
humidifier (Figure #2).

Figure #2

Connecting Multiple Humidifiers to a Lead

Humidifier

The Nortec OnLine Module has been designed
and tested to operate with a variety of third-party
manufacturers equipment that promote wireless
connectivity. Should a user desire to connect the
OnLine Module to the internet via a wireless
connection such as 802.11b or g class network, Nortec
can provide recommendations on which equipment to
use.

GPRS or Dial-up Connections

The Nortec OnLine Module is also able to connect
with the Nortec Server via a dial-up connection to a
local Internet Service Provider or even through a
GPRS connection. Should such a connection be
desirable Nortec can recommend a variety of third
party manufacturers equipment that the Nortec OnLine
Module has been proven to work well with.

If a dial-up or GPRS connection is desired it will be
necessary to contact Nortec at the time of order to
provide information on the required settings.

VARIABLE DEFINITION

Table #1 refers to the recommended wire types
and maximum recommended lengths from the Nortec
OnLine Module. Since communication between the
humidifiers and Nortec OnLine will always occur via a
EIA-485 signal type, Nortec recommends using 18-24
AWG shielded, twisted pair wire between the lead
humidifier and each of the secondary humidifiers.
Cable runs between the Nortec OnLine Module and
the furthest slave humidifier should not exceed 2,600
feet. Signal boosters or repeaters may be necessary
for longer wire runs.

Nortec OnLine is capable of monitoring dozens of
control variables present in a Nortec humidifier. By
providing the data values to these variables on a
remote platform, Nortec OnLine simplifies the
troubleshooting.

Table #1

Recommended Wire Types and Lengths

Polarity

Signal Type

EIA-485, 2-wire Net + Net - 18-24 AWG Shielded,

AB

Recommended Cable

Twisted Pair

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Maximum Recommended

Distance from

Nortec Module

2,600 ft.

USER WEBPAGE INTERFACE

The Nortec OnLine web page can be accessed via

the internet address www.norteconline.com.

Figure #3

Nortec OnLine Homepage

By clicking on the humidifier name, the user will
then be brought to a status screen with an image of
the selected humidifier. (Refer to Figure #5).

Figure #5

Status Screen

After initially logging into the Nortec OnLine server
the user will be presented with a list of humidifiers
currently registered with the Server program. Each
humidifier will be listed with a unit type identifier, a
serial number and an address descriptor.

The status screen (Refer to Figure #6) provides

the user with a quick reference to the unit’s operation.

Several key status values can be gathered at a
glance. Refer to Table #2 for a description of the
variables displayed on the status screen.

Figure #4

List of Humidifiers

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