Point Six Link Manager 4010-43 User Manual
LINK MANAGER
Manual
Version 1.5 – 12/5/2014
TM
Point Six, Inc. | 161 Prosperous Place | Suite 200 | Lexington, KY 40509
(859) 266-3606 | sales@pointsix.com | support@pointsix.com | www.pointsix.com
© 2014 Point Six, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents
Introduction 5
Overview ............................................................................................................................. 5
Over the Air Sensor Data Collection ..................................................................................... 5
Link Manager Sensor Virtualization...................................................................................... 5
Link Manager Notes ............................................................................................................. 6
Quick Start Setup 8
Steps ................................................................................................ .................................... 8
Connecting the Link Manager 11
Overview: Connecting ........................................................................................................ 11
Ethernet – TCP/IP .............................................................................................................. 12
Serial Port .......................................................................................................................... 14
RS-485 Port........................................................................................................................ 14
Set Up Your Sensor Using the Point Sensor Utility. ................................................. 8
Connecting the Link Manager ................................................................................. 9
Set Up Your Link Manager. ................................................................ .................... 9
LAN Connection................................................................................................... 12
Direct to PC .......................................................................................................... 13
Browser ................................................................................................................ 13
Point Sensor Utility 15
Overview ........................................................................................................................... 15
Set Up Point Sensor Utility ................................................................................................. 15
Point Sensor Utility Usage .................................................................................................. 16
Advanced Setup ................................................................................................................. 16
User Interface 18
Overview ........................................................................................................................... 18
Main Menu......................................................................................................................... 18
I/O Status ........................................................................................................................... 19
Sensor Setup ...................................................................................................................... 20
Setup Menu ........................................................................................................................ 20
Manager Setup ................................................................................................................... 21
Communications Setup ....................................................................................................... 22
Set Manager’s Clock .......................................................................................................... 23
Automatic Time Update...................................................................................................... 23
Passwords Setup ................................................................................................................. 24
Activity Log ....................................................................................................................... 25
Usage Notes 26
Link Manager Manual Contents i
Notes.................................................................................................................................. 26
Development Notes 28
Overview ........................................................................................................................... 28
“I Am Here Packet” ............................................................................................................ 28
Common Software Tools 30
Software ............................................................................................................................. 30
Discover Utility .................................................................................................... 30
PC Utilities and Tools ........................................................................................... 30
Link Manager Advanced Functions 31
Current I/O Readings .......................................................................................................... 31
Pass-Thru Mode ................................................................................................................. 31
Repeater Mode ................................................................................................................... 35
Support Functions .............................................................................................................. 36
Discovery ............................................................................................................. 36
DHCP ................................................................................................................... 36
Factory Reset ........................................................................................................ 36
Communicating with the Link Manager 38
Link Manager Protocol ....................................................................................................... 38
CRC16 Algorithm ................................................................................................. 39
Example C function .............................................................................................. 40
General information............................................................................................................ 41
Sensors ................................ ................................................................................. 41
Command Overview ........................................................................................................... 43
Command Syntax ................................................................................................. 43
Time representations ............................................................................................. 43
Future Compatibility ............................................................................................. 44
Command Outline .............................................................................................................. 45
Commands 47
A’ - Auto Add Mode command.......................................................................................... 47
‘C’ – Notify Setup .............................................................................................................. 51
‘CC’ – Configure/Read Clock ............................................................................................. 52
‘CCN’ – Configure Automatic Time Update ....................................................................... 54
‘CD’ – Configure/Read Link Manager Identification Label ................................................. 55
‘CI’- Configure/Read Link Manager Static IP Address ........................................................ 56
‘CID’- Configure DHCP ..................................................................................................... 58
‘CIP’- Configure TCP/IP Ports ........................................................................................... 59
‘CPD’ & ‘CPC’ – Configure Login Passwords .................................................................... 60
‘CR’ - Configure Radio ..................................................................................................... 61
‘CS’ - Configure/Read Sensor Setup .................................................................................. 63
Sensor I/O Point Setup .......................................................................................... 64
‘CT’ – Configure Media Ports............................................................................................. 69
‘CTB’ – Set Simple Protocol .............................................................................................. 70
‘CTC’ – Enable Command Processor .................................................................................. 71
‘CTF’ – Set CRC16 Protocol .............................................................................................. 72
‘CTP’ – Set CRC16 Protocol Direct .................................................................................... 73
‘CV’ – Configure/Read Enumerated Engineering Unit Table ............................................... 75
‘CX’ - Set Media Repeater Modes ..................................................................................... 77
ii Contents Link Manager Manual
‘CYD’ – Configure UPD Pass-Thru Destinations ................................................................ 79
‘CYP’ – Configure UDP Pass-Thru Parameters and Discovery ............................................ 81
‘D’ - Get Last Data command ............................................................................................ 83
‘EC’ – Clear Activity Log ................................................................................................... 86
‘ER’ – Read an Activity Log Record ................................................................................... 87
‘EU’ – Activity Log Usage ................................................................................................. 92
‘IC’ – Information Counts .................................................................................................. 93
‘IIU’ – Information UDP Pass-Thru Destination ................................................................. 94
‘ILR’ – Current Sensor Log State........................................................................................ 95
‘ILT’ – Destination Sensor Table List ................................................................................. 96
‘IM’ – Media Information ................................................................................................... 97
‘IP’ – IP Address Settings ................................................................................................... 98
‘IPS’ – DHCP State Information ................................................................ ......................... 99
‘IT’ – Time Zone Information ........................................................................................... 100
‘ITD’ – Daylight Savings Schedule ................................................................................... 101
‘IU’ – Information Pass-Thru ............................................................................................ 103
‘IV’ – Version Information ............................................................................................... 104
‘IY’ – Information Synchronize the Clock......................................................................... 105
‘L’ – Login/Logout Commands......................................................................................... 106
‘PY’ – Attempt Automatic Time Update ........................................................................... 107
‘S’ - Get Status Data Command ....................................................................................... 108
‘U’ - Set Pass-Thru Mode ................................................................................................ 109
‘UM’ - Set Pass-Thru Mode Direct .................................................................................. 111
‘V’ – Verbose ................................................................................................................... 113
Error Codes 115
Overview ......................................................................................................................... 115
Error Code List ................................................................................................................. 115
Appendix 117
Models ............................................................................................................................. 117
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................... 117
Sensor Issues ...................................................................................................... 117
Delivery Issues to the Host Application ............................................................... 118
Connection Issues ................................................................ ............................... 118
UDP Packet Formats ........................................................................................................ 119
UDP Discovery Request ..................................................................................... 119
UDP Discovery Response ................................................................................... 119
UDP PassThru & Wifi Sensor UDP Packet......................................................... 120
UDP Host Acknowledgement ............................................................................. 121
UDP Set Destination ........................................................................................... 121
Reset Password ................................................................................................................ 122
Ethernet Firmware Download ................................................................ ........................... 123
Overview ............................................................................................................ 123
Preparation ......................................................................................................... 123
Procedure ........................................................................................................... 123
Specifications ................................................................................................................... 125
Acknowledgements 126
Trademarks ...................................................................................................................... 126
Glossary of Terms 127
Link Manager Manual Contents iii
4 Introduction Link Manager Manual
Introduction
Overview
The Link Manager is a data server designed to bridge 900 Mhz Point Sensors and a
host application listening on a TCP/IP network using the Extended Point Sensor
Protocol using UDP. The Link Manager collects data from the 900 Mhz Point
Sensors, both the beacon, configuration and the logged data, and maintains an image
of the beacon, configuration and logged data. The Link Manager then makes contact
with a host application using the same UDP protocol as used for the Wifi Point
Sensors and responds to host commands. The Link Manager at this point looks like
a Wifi Point Sensor. The Link Manager can support up to sixty (60) 900 Mhz Point
Sensors.
Over the Air Sensor Data Collection
The Link Manager communicates with the Point Sensor when the sensor sends a
beacon packet. The Link Manager then responds with additional commands
depending on if data log records need to be collected or setup information from the
sensor needs to be gathered. The Link Manager only collects new log records from
the sensor per conversation. The Link Manager collects the setup information when
the sensor indicates its setup has been changed locally (through the Point Sensor
Utility). The Link Manager conversation frequency is dictated by how often the
sensor sends the beacon packet (transmit period). If the Link Manager is holding
setup information sent from the host, the Link Manager will send the setup
information when the next packet is received from the sensor.
Link Manager Sensor Virtualization
The Link Manager will hold the log data and setup information for up to 60 sensors.
When communicating to a host, the Link Manager emulates a Wifi Point Sensor.
The Link Manager will send a sensor beacon packet to the host that starts the
conversation with the host. The Link Manager then responds to requests from the
host. To the host the Link Manager virtualized sensor appears like a Wifi Point
Sensor. The host can send setup information to the Link Manager which will be later
be forwarded to the 900 Mhz sensor.
Link Manager Manual Introduction 5
The Link Manager will send a beacon packet to the host when the conversation with
the sensor has been completed. The Link Manager will continue to send a beacon
packet at a regular interval to the host until an acknowledgement response is received
from the host.
Link Manager Notes
Collects data log records and setup information from 900 Mhz Point
Holds data log records and setup information for up to 60 sensors.
Emulates sensors to the host application. Appears to the host application
The sensor needs to be registered with the Link Manager. (Like how
New setup information can be obtained from the sensor (when the setup has
The host can send setup information to the Link Manager. The Link
Sensors.
like up to 60 Wifi Point Sensors.
sensors are registered with Point Managers).
been changed through the Point Sensor Utility).
Manager will forward the setup information to the sensor when the next
beacon packet is sent from the sensor.
Conversations with the host are initiated when the Link Manager’s
conversation with the sensor is finished.
The Link Manager is fully configurable through a web browser. Use the
Discover tool to locate the Link Manager and then use your web browser to
configure the Link Manager and register sensors.
Each sensor has its own radio address based on the serial number. The
Point Sensor Utility is used to set this radio address.
Programmers can use the Link Manager’s command interface to change the
setup and check status.
Link Manager has additional functions link sensor packet PassThru and
radio repeater function.
6 Introduction Link Manager Manual
Link Manager Manual 7
Quick Start Setup
Steps
Set Up Your Sensor Using the Point Sensor Utility.
1. Point Sensor Utility Setup:
a. Make sure the following line is set in the PointSensorUtility.INI
file in the section called [Settings]:
“XSCSerializeAddressEnable=1”.
b. In the Advanced Options (from the main menu select the Options /
Advanced Options), make sure the “Set radio address from serial
number” is checked.
8 Quick Start Setup Link Manager Manual
c. Set Up the Sensor:
i. Connect the USB Programmer interface to the sensor and
then click the Retrieve button in the Setup tab.
ii. From the Setup tab, set the Transmit Time (ex. 5
minutes), Tries (ex 4) and Log Period (ex 2 minutes).
iii. Click the Update button in the Setup tab to transfer the
settings to the sensor. Remove the USB Programmer
interface from the sensor when finished.
Connecting the Link Manager
1. Connect Antenna. Depending on your specific unit, thread the supplied
antenna(s) to the antenna connector(s) to the Link Manager
2. Connect Ethernet Cable. Connect an RJ-45 cable to the Link Manager and
to your network. Your network must have a DHCP Server that will assign
an IP address to the Link Manager. See the section “Ethernet – TCP/IP”, if
your network does not have a DHCP Server. The green light will light if
there is an active Ethernet connection.
3. Connect the Power Supply. Connect the provided power supply to the Link
Manager. When power is applied, the Link Manager will turn on the red
power light. The red light indicates that the Link Manager is functioning.
It may take a few seconds before the power light is turned on. The Link
Manager also uses the red power light to indicate reception of a packet from
a Point sensor. The Link Manager will blink the red light momentarily
indicating a packet has been received and processed.
4. Run the Discover program to find the Link Manager on your network. Run
the Discover program from a computer that is on the same subnet as the
Link Manager.
5. From the Discover program, double click the Link Manager entry to bring
up the Link Manager web page.
Set Up Your Link Manager.
1. At the Link Manager’s web page, select the Setup menu option and then
select the Manager Setup menu option.
2. Enter a name for a Link Manager.
3. In the Add Sensors field, select “Service Mode for 20 minutes”.
4. Enter a Destination Address. This is the address of the computer running
the host application. The address can be an IP address or a hostname.
5. Click the Submit button to save and apply the settings.
Register the Sensors With the Link Manager.
1. Navigate to the Link Manager I/O Status page.
2. Press the service button (or use magnet) on the Sensor.
3. Wait up to 15 seconds or press Refresh on you browser. The Sensor will be
listed in the I/O Status page. If you click on the default name of the sensor,
Link Manager Manual Quick Start Setup 9
the Link Manager will present you a screen to change the sensor name. The
Link Manager will start collecting the sensor’s log data. This may take up
to 2 minutes to complete. Additional sensors can be registered after the
sensor’s log data is collected.
4. Press the service button on the sensor and examine the host application to
determine the Link Manager is sending sensor data to the host application.
If the sensor’s log buffer is full, it will take a few minutes for the Link
Manager to collect all the sensor data before sending to the host application.
You view the progress of the collection from the I/O Status page.
10 Quick Start Setup Link Manager Manual
Connecting the Link Manager
Ethernet Link
Power & Activity
Overview: Connecting
The Link Manager has four communication ports: Ethernet-TCP/IP, built-in 900/2.4
Mhz/Ghz Radio an RS232 serial port and an RS485 port. The Link Manager will
respond to commands or receive sensor packets on all ports Before using the Link
Manager, you should carefully evaluate the communication resources available at the
site where the Link Manager will be installed. Typically just the Ethernet and 900
Mhz ports are used.
Link Manager Manual Connecting the Link Manager 11
Power Connection
Ethernet Port
Serial Port
Reset
418/433 Mhz Receiver
900 Mhz/2.4 Tranceiver
RS-485 Port
Ethernet – TCP/IP
LAN Connection
Check with your network administer before connecting the Link Manager to a
LAN.
Dynamic IP Address
By default the Link Manager is capable of being assigned an IP address
automatically by the network if the network has a DHCP Server. Connect the Link
Manager using a straight through Ethernet cable to the LAN. Connect power to the
Link Manager. If the ‘Ethernet Link’ light is on, then the Link Manager is connected
physically and electrically to the LAN.
The next task is to obtain the IP address assigned to the Link Manager. Run the
Discover utility that came with your Link Manager (or obtain the utility from your
dealer). Using the Discover utility, note the IP address for this Link Manager. To
view the Link Manager's web page using the Discover tool, right click over the Link
Manager entry and then select "Browse" from the pop menu. The Discover utility
will start the browser and point it to the Link Manager's web page.
Another method to finding the IP address is to connect via the serial port with your
PC. Follow the instructions as described in the section that follows called "Serial
Ports" and issue the "IP" command.
12 Connecting the Link Manager Link Manager Manual
Static IP Address
In order for the Link Manager to communicate TCP/IP, it needs an IP address,
network mask, and possibly a gateway address. You may need to consult with your
network administrator to determine these parameters. Chances are you will have to
change the Link Manager’s default IP address: IP address 192.168.1.55, network
mask 255.255.255.0, no gateway address and port 1000 and turn off dynamic IP
address mode. You can change these settings using the "CIDS" and “CIS”
commands through any of the communications ports. If you need to use the Ethernet
port to change these settings see the next section “Direct to PC”.
Example
Command: <^B>CIDSF,F<CR>
Response: <^B>CIDSF<CR>
Remarks: turn off dynamic IP mode.
Command: <^B>CIS192.168.1.46,255.255.255.0,192.168.1.200<CR>
Response: <^B>CIS192.168.1.46<CR>
Remarks: set IP address to “192.168.1.46”, subnet mask
to”255.255.255.0” and gateway to “192.168.1.200“.
<^B> is STX (02H). Press Ctrl and B using a terminal emulation program.
<CR> is 0DH. Press Enter using a terminal emulation program.
Connect your Link Manager through its Ethernet port to the LAN with a standard
(non-crossover) Ethernet cable. The ‘Ethernet Link’ light will turn on indicating a
valid Ethernet physical connection. To test if the connection is valid and the Link
Manager is set up properly, use the Ping utility on your computer and ping the Link
Manager’s IP address. Use your Internet browser to view the Link Manager web
page. You can also use the Discover tool to locate the Link Manager if you do not
know its IP address.
Direct to PC
The Link Manager can be connected directly to a computer through the Ethernet port
by a network cable. You may need to change the TCP/IP settings on your PC and/or
the settings in the Link Manager. If the Link Manager's address cannot be
automatically assigned, the Link Manager will default to address 192.168.1.55,
subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and port 1000. You will need to set the computer’s
address to an address on the Link Manager’s subnet or change the Link Manager’s
address to match the computer’s subnet mask. To change the IP settings on a
computer running the Windows operating system, follow these steps: select the
following ‘Control Panel -> Network -> TCP/IP’; select the TCP/IP service for your
network card; choose ‘Properties->IP Address’; choose ‘Specify an IP Address’
(example: 192.168.1.40 255.255.255.0); and fill in the initial values for subnet
mask and IP address. View the LAN connection status or run IPCONFIG to verify
changes. When finished changing the IP address and connecting the computer to the
Link Manager, use the Ping utility on your computer and ping the Link Manager to
verify your settings and connection. Use your Internet browser to view the Link
Manager web page.
Note: If your Link Manager has been assigned a dynamic IP address on a previous
network and then is moved to a network that does not have a DHCP server, it will
remain at the last assigned IP address, not revert back to 192.168.1.55.
Browser
Once you have your Link Manager connected and configured for TCP/IP
communications, start the browser on your computer and enter the Link Manager’s
IP address where you would normally enter an URL (Ex. Address: 192.168.1.55). If
Link Manager Manual Connecting the Link Manager 13
Pin
Description
RX+
+ communication signal
RX-
- communication signal
Gnd
Ground
PWR
Optional output power to power sensors.
9 Volts DC, 100 milliamps maximum
Serial Port
RS-485 Port
you have successfully made the connection, your browser should show the title
“Link Manager” and a header row for the sensor table with no sensors.
The Link Manager has an external serial port so it can be connected to receiver or a
PC. The serial port can receive packet information from a receiver or receive
commands and send responses. The serial port is an RS232 DTE device and
requires a NULL modem cable to connect to a computer. Link Manager uses RS232
communication parameters of 19200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity.
The Link Manager does not use RS232 handshaking lines. If connecting to a PC
through a NULL modem, it is best to turn off handshaking mode in your
communication program.
The RS-485 Port is used to connect RS-485 wired sensors (2 wire). These sensors
can be multi-dropped (more than one sensor connected to the RS485 port). Link
Manager provides optional power through the RS485 connector. The
communication parameters for the port are 19200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and
no parity. The following shows the connector pin out:
Commands can be sent and response received through the RS-485 port using the
CRC16 protocol.
14 Connecting the Link Manager Link Manager Manual
Point Sensor Utility
Overview
The sensor must be configured in order to be used with the Link Manager. The Point
Sensor Utility is used to configure the sensor.
Set Up Point Sensor Utility
Point Sensors must use a special addressing mode for use with the Link Manager.
The Point Sensor Utility must be set up to configure the sensor to use the addressing
mode.
In the Point Sensor Utility’s setup file, add the following settings paramter to enable
the special addressing mode. In the Point Sensor Utility , go to the Help menu and
then select “Utility Folder Paths” and then “Explore Setup”. The utility will open a
text editor showing the Point Sensor Utility settings. Add the line
“XSCSerializeAddressEnable=1” to the [Settings] section. Here is an example:
[Settings]
QuickHelp=0
DebugLog=1
XmitPeriodOverride=0
DHCPCache=0
ARPCache=0
DNSCache=0
ConnectWindow=5.0
WLanRate=15
DestPortOverride=0
XSCSerializeAddressEnable=1
Save the changes and then restart the Point Sensor Utility.
Go to the Advanced Options Window (from the main menu select “Options” and
then “Advanced Options”) and check the box “Set radio address from serial number”
and click OK
Link Manager Manual Point Sensor Utility 15
Set the utility to use the Digi XBee 900 radio. From the main menu, select Options
and Radio Type. Select “Digi Xbee 900/2.4”.
Point Sensor Utility Usage
Advanced Setup
Connect the USB Programming interface into the sensor and then from the Setup tab
click on the Retrieve button to retrieve the sensor’s settings.
From the Setup tab, set the Transmit Period, Tries, Logging Period, Alarms and the
ID Info.
Click the Update button (in the Setup tab) to update the sensor with the latest settings
and also set the special addressing mode for the sensor radio.
Disconnect the USB Programming interface. The sensor is now ready to be used
with a Link Manager.
You may need to set the Point Sensor to use another radio Hop Table under the
following circumstances:
1. Having interference issues using the default Hop Table (3).
2. Have more than one Link Manager within radio range and want to isolate
the radio networks between Link Managers.
To change the Hop Table number, in the Point Sensor Utility , go to the Help menu
and then select “Utility Folder Paths” and then “Explore Setup”. The utility will
open a text editor showing the Point Sensor Utility settings. Add the line
“XSCSNHopTable=n” to the [Settings] section where “n” is a number from 0 to 6.
Here is an example:
16 Point Sensor Utility Link Manager Manual
[Settings]
QuickHelp=0
DebugLog=1
XmitPeriodOverride=0
DHCPCache=0
ARPCache=0
DNSCache=0
ConnectWindow=5.0
WLanRate=15
DestPortOverride=0
XSCSerializeAddress=1
XSCSerializeAddressEnable=1
XSCSNHopTable=6
Save the changes and then restart the Point Sensor Utility.
The Link Manager must be set to the same Hop Table.
Link Manager Manual Point Sensor Utility 17
User Interface
Overview
From the Link Manager web pages, the Link Manager can be configured to manage
sensors and send data to the host application.
Main Menu
The main menu allows access to the I/O Status, Setup and Activity Log web pages.
The Link Manager also shows the name given to the Link Manager, the current time
of date set in the Link Manager’s clock along with the time zone offset. The Link
Manager also shows various states and conditions.
The Link Manager shows the current sensor and the number of log records being
collected.
The Link Manager shows how many seconds remain for adding sensors to the Link
Manager through the AutoAdd mechanism.
18 User Interface Link Manager Manual
I/O Status
The Link Manager will frame the time and date and timezone with “*” to indicate
that the Automatic Time Update could not update the real time clock. Just because
the automatic time update failed does not necessarily mean the clock is wrong but
that the clock has not been synchronized.
The Link Manager shows the current state of the sensor in the I/O Status page. The
following information is presented:
Name – Name of the sensor. Click on the name to show the “Sensor Setup”
page. The name is only used within the Link Manager and is not given
to the host application.
ID – Serial number of the sensor. The serial number is used to identify the
sensor to the host application.
Age – Number of seconds since the last communications with the sensor.
Est Batt Life – Estimated battery life remaining shown as the percentage of
the battery remaining and also the estimated date at which the battery
will be exhausted.
Link Manager Manual User Interface 19
Last Reading – the last I/O reading from the sensor.
Units – Engineering units of the Last Reading.
Sensor Setup
The Link Manager will highlight the row color of a sensor to indicate a sensor
condition:
Offline – yellow – sensor is determined to be offline (as set in the Manager
Setup page)
Collecting – gray – the Link Manager is currently collecting or is expecting
to collect logged data from the sensor.
Host Cfg Pending – amber – the Link Manager has received a sensor
configuration change from the host application is waiting to send that it
on the next contact from the sensor.
The I/O Status page is refreshed every 15 seconds. Hit the Refresh button on your
browser to refresh the page on demand.
Setup Menu
From the Sensor Setup page, you can change the name of the sensor or delete the
sensor from the Link Manager. The name field is used only by the Link Manager
and not sent to the host application.
20 User Interface Link Manager Manual
The Setup Page gives a list of the setup options.
Manager Setup
The Manager Setup page allows you to configure the following:
Name – name of the Link Manager (shown in the main menu).
Serial No: MAC address of the Link Manager
Sensor Offline Time: the amount of time given before the Link Manager
identifies the sensor as being offline. Used by the Link Manager only;
not provided to the host application.
Auto Add Sensor: The amount of time the Link Manger gives to allow
sensors to be added via radio using the sensor’s service button.
Destination Address: The IP address or hostname of the host application
where the Link Manager will send the sensor data.
Link Manager Manual User Interface 21
Destination Port: The port number that the host application is listening for
data that the Link Manager will send. Default is 6767.
In the Destination Status, the Link Manager indicates the condition of the last
attempt to make contact with the host application. The Link Manager shows the time
and date of the last successful contact. If the last contact attempted failed, the Link
Manager will show an error message.
Communications Setup
The communication page shows that current settings of the Link Manager and allows
the user to change the communication parameters:
Current TCP/IP Settings – The Link Manager shows the current IP address,
Subnet mask, Gateway address and the DNS Server. These parameters
may be set statically or dynamically.
Dynamic IP mode – when checked the Link Manager will have the IP
parameters assigned dynamically from a DHCP Server; unchecked, the
Link Manager will the IP parameters entered and set statically.
Revert back to previous settings if no connection in 5 minutes – if checked
the Link Manager will revert back to previous settings if no contact is
made with the Link Manager in 5 minutes. If you cannot make contact
with the Link Manager after making changes, wait 5 minutes and the
Link Manager will revert back to the previous settings.
22 User Interface Link Manager Manual
Set Manager’s Clock
Radio Hop Table: default is 3. Select the desired radio channel hop table.
The sensor’s radio must be set to this same value using the Point
Sensor Utility.
Set the Link Manager’s time of day clock, daylight savings mode and time zone.
Time: Hours, Minutes, Seconds: set the current time of day.
Date: Month, Day, Year: set the current date.
Use Daylight Savings: check if using Daylight Saving mode.
Time Zone: set the time zone offset in hours.
Time Sync Setup: click link to show the “Automatic Time Update” page.
Automatic Time Update
Link Manager Manual User Interface 23
The Link Manager can update its clock from an external time server. The top
portion of the page shows the current status of the last update with the time server:
Last Update: timestamp of the last update with the time server.
Next Update: timestamp of the next scheduled update with the time server.
Comment: current status with the last update of the time server. The Link Manger
will show an error message if the last update failed or “Success” if the manager
successfully updated its time.
The NTP Server field specifies the address of the time server (hostname or IP
address). To stop the Link Manager from obtaining time from a time server, just
blank the NTP Server field.
The “Test” link starts the update process now instead of waiting for the next
scheduled update.
Click the browsers refresh button to update the Time Update Status section.
Passwords Setup
Link Manager can control access to the different resources of the Link Manager
through passwords. There are two levels of login access for the Link Manager: Data
and Setup. Through the Data Login, the Link Manager allows access to the data
portions of the Link Manager like the I/O Status page. Through the Setup Login, the
user can make changes to the Link Manager setup. With the Setup Login, the user
has all the rights of the Data Login as well.
24 User Interface Link Manager Manual
If you set up a password to restrict viewing ("Data Password") you must also
configure a Setup Password. If you configure a password for Setup ("Setup
Password") without setting the “Data Password” then viewing of data is not
Activity Log
restricted. In other words, you can have password restrictions for 1) Data and Setup,
2) Setup only, or 3) Neither. You cannot restrict passwords for Data only.
Click "Submit" to establish password protection in the Link Manager.
WARNING: User Name and Password are case sensitive.
Note: for the Data resources use the username “user”; for Setup resources use the
username “admin”.
The Link Manager stores changes in setup and changes in sensor state in an activity
log. The activity entries can be viewed to troubleshoot issues or know when a
condition for the sensor has changed. The Link Manager shows the latest events first
and in descending order. The Link Manager shows 10 events at a time. You can
move through the Activity Log by using the following links that are at the bottom of
the page:
Newest – the Link Manager shows the latest events. This the default page
when first select Events from the menu.
Previous – the Link Manager shows the previous (older) events.
Next – the Link Manager shows the next (newer) events.
Oldest – the Link Manager shows the first events that were logged.
The Activity Log page fields are the following:
Date/Time: date and time when the event occurred.
Message: event description
Name: Name of the sensor or the action.
Link Manager Manual 25
Value: The target of the activity.
Info: additional information about the event. For sensor this will be the row
number in the sensor table for the sensor.
Usage Notes
Notes
1. When a sensor is registered for the first time, the Link Manager only starts
contacting the host only when the configuration data and the whole logged data
is collected.
2. The Link Manager starts initiating a connection to the host only after the sensor
makes contact with the Link Manager. The Link Manager initiates contact after
all the data has been collected. The sensor’s Transmit Period dictates how often
the Link Manager attempts to make contact for that sensor.
3. If the Link Manager cannot contact the host, the Link Manager will retry every 5
seconds.
4. If the sensor’s log buffer is full, it takes 2 minutes for the Link Manager to
collect all of the sensor’s configuration and logged data.
5. The Link Manager has a conversation with one sensor at a time.
6. The Link Manager will transfer a sensor’s data to the host one at a time.
7. Using more than one Link Manager within radio range:
a. A sensor must be registered to just one Link Manager. If the same
sensor is registered to multiple Link Managers, this will cause
confusion to the whole system.
b. Have only one Link Manager in AutoAdd mode at a time.
c. If using 20 or more sensors in the system, consider assigning a unique
radio Hop Table for the Link Manager and the sensors to isolate Link
Managers and sensors. The isolation will help reduce interference from
sensors which will improve performance (reduced collection times and
retries).
8. Make sure Link Manager’s 900 Mhz antenna is secured tightly.
9. Sensor configuration information can be sent to the sensor via the Link
Manager. When the host sends the sensor configuration when the Link Manger
contacts the host application with sensor data, the Link Manager will highlight
the sensor row in the I/O Status with the color maroon. On the following
contact with the sensor, the Link Manager will send the configuration
information to the sensor at which point the Link Manager will show the normal
background color for the sensor row. It takes two conversations with the sensor
for the configuration information to be transferred.
26 Usage Notes Link Manager Manual
10. When the sensor configuration is changed locally at the sensor (using the Point
Sensor Utility), the Link Manager will read the sensor configuration from the
sensor on the following contact and make the information available to the host
application.
Link Manager Manual Usage Notes 27
Development Notes
Overview
The Link Manager follows the “Extended Point Sensor Packet Specification”. If you
have written an interface for Wifi Point Sensor, then the Link Manager will work
with your interface. There are two features that you will want your interface to take
advantage of the details that differs from using the Wifi Point Sensor:
1. When the Link Manager recollects the whole sensor buffer, it will set the
“Link Manager recollected sensor’s buffer” bit in the “status2” byte in the
beacon packet. The Link Manager collects the whole sensor buffer under
the following conditions:
a. First time collecting the sensor data.
b. If the current sensor clock is less than the previous sensor clock
value. This can happen when the sensor’s log buffer is cleared.
2. The “org” – origin value in the beacon packet is set to 7 to indicate the data
3. The Mac field in the beacon packet is set to the Link Manager’s MAC
“I Am Here Packet”
Link Managers will transmit an “I am here” UDP packet to the host when the Link
Manager has not sent a UDP packet on behalf of a sensor for more than 5 minutes. If
no sensors are registered, the Link Manager will send the “I am here” packet every
30 minutes. The Link Manager sends the Cmd 5 which is the same command as the
Point Sensor Utility sends for the Contact Destination packet. The Link Manager
sets the MAC field to its MAC address and sets the “org” field to 7. All other fields
are set to 0.
c. If the sensor has been offline for the time it takes to fill the log
buffer to 3/4s full (logging at 2 mins, this is 3 days).
came from a Link Manager
address.
28 Development Notes Link Manager Manual
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