Western Telematic RPC-4840N User Manual

WTI Part No.: 13224

Rev. A

RPC-4840N

Network Ready Remote Power Controller

User's Guide

Warnings and Cautions:

No Serviceable Parts Inside;
Authorized Service Personnel Only

Do not attempt to repair or service this device yourself. Internal
components must be serviced by authorized personnel only.

Shock Hazard - Do Not Enter

•

Nameplate Power Warning

This device should only be operated with the type of power
source indicated on the instrument nameplate. If you are not
sure of the type of power service available, consult your local
power company.

Connect unit only to a properly measured supply. Use

•

only three wire cord which is provided with the unit.

Reliable earthing of this equipment must be maintained.

•

Particular attention should be given to supply
connections when connecting to power strips, rather than
direct connections to the branch circuit.

Rack Mount Installation

When installing this device in an instrument rack, the following
factors must be accounted for:

1. Enclosed Racks: Enclosed racks must provide adequate
ventilation. Make certain that the rack is not overly
crowded and note that each unit in the rack generates its
own heat. An enclosed rack should have louvered sides
and a fan to circulate cooling air.

When mounting the unit in an enclosed rack with a
ventilation fan at the top of the rack, note that excessive
heat generated by devices at the bottom of the rack can be
drawn upward and into the ventilation slots of units
located at the top. Make certain to provide adequate
ventilation for equipment installed at the bottom of
the rack.

(Continued)

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RPC-4840N Remote Power Controller; User's Guide

Rack Mount Installation (Continued)

1. Enclosed Racks (Continued):

The ambient within the rack may be greater than room
ambient. Installation should be such that the amount of air
flow required for safe operation is not compromised. The
maximum temperature for the equipment in this
environment is 45°C. Consideration should be given to the
maximum rated ambient.

Installation should be such that a hazardous stability
condition is not achieved due to uneven loading.

2. Open Racks: Make certain that the rack frame does not
block the ventilation slots on the instrument cover. If the
device is installed on sliders, check the unit when seated
all the way into the rack to make certain that ventilation
slots are not blocked.

Ventilation

Slots in the instrument cover are provided to allow ventilation
for heat dissipation. To ensure safe, reliable operation, these
openings must not be covered or blocked.

Disconnect Power

If any of the following events are noted, immediately disconnect
the unit from the power source and contact qualified service
personnel:

1. If the power cord becomes frayed or damaged.

2. If liquid has been spilled into the device or if the device
has been exposed to rain or water.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Unit Description

2.1. Front Panel

2.2. Back Panel

3. Quick Start Guide

4. Installation

4.1. Power Connection

4.2. Option Switches

4.3. Reset Unit to Defaults

4.4. Console Port Connection

4.5. Connecting an External Modem

4.6. Connecting the Network Cable ..................4-4

5. Configuration ...............................5-1

5.1. System Mode and User Mode ..................5-1

5.2. Communicating with the RPC-4840N ..............5-2

5.3. Command/Menu Conventions ..................5-4

5.4. Defining General Parameters ...................5-4

5.5. Circuit Parameters .........................5-7

5.6. Network Parameters ........................5-9

5.7. Save Configuration Parameters .................5-12

6. Operation

6.1. Access the Command Mode

6.2. Displaying circuit Status

6.3. Boot/On/Off Commands

6.4. The Default Command

6.5. The Automated Mode

6.6. Other Commands

6.7. Operating Tips

7. Saving and Restoring Configuration Parameters

7.1. Sending Parameters to a File

7.2. Restoring Saved Parameters

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4.3.1. Default Button / Reset Button (Local)

4.3.2. Default Parameters Option

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5.6.1. Implementing IP Security ...............5-10

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6.6.1. Login as Different User

6.6.2. Reset Network Port

6.6.3. Exit / Disconnect

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RPC-4840N Remote Power Controller; User's Guide

Appendices:
A. Interface Descriptions

A.1. Console Port Interface
A.2. Modem Port Interface

B. Specifications
C. Customer Service

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List of Figures

2.1. Front Panel

2.2. Back Panel

3.1. The System Help Screen

4.1. RPC-4840N Block Diagram

5.1. System Help Screen

5.2. User Help Screen

5.3. General Parameters Menu (System Mode Only)

5.4. Circuit Parameters Menu (Circuit 1 Shown)

5.5. Network Parameters Menu (System Mode Only)

5.6. IP Security Menu

6.1. System Status Screen (Passwords Hidden)
A.1. Console Port Interface
A.2. Modem Port Interface

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1. Introduction

Network equipment sometimes "locks-up", requiring a service
call just to flip the power switch to perform a simple reboot. The
RPC-4840N Heavy Duty Remote Power Controller gives you the
ability to reboot DC powered equipment from anywhere on the
LAN/WAN, or if the network is down, to simply dial-in from a
modem for out-of-band power control.

Intelligent Power Control

The RPC-4840N can communicate over any TCP/IP network
using standard Telnet, or out-of-band using an external modem
and terminal emulation. Each DC circuit can be assigned an
individual password, device name, reboot delay time and unique
power-up default status.

Security

Address specific IP security masks prevent unauthorized users
from accessing the RPC command menu via network. The RPC
provides two separate password security levels; System level and
User level. The System password allows access to all
configuration and command functions. The User password
allows limited access to command functions.

Easy to Use, Easy to Configure

The RPC-4840N can be configured over the network, via modem,
or locally via the RPC Console Port. Easy-to-use commands let
you assign a location name, set system parameters and view
circuit status. Circuits can be switched On, Off, or Booted using
circuit numbers or user-defined names.

Heavy Duty DC Power Control

The RPC-4840N can control up to 40 amps of DC power per
circuit. Since larger routers require as much as 30 amps, the
RPC has power control to spare. The optional second Circuit
Module allows the RPC to control power for two 40 amp, DC
powered instruments.

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RPC-4840N Remote Power Controller; User's Guide

Features:

Dual 40 Amp Circuits

·

On/Off/Reboot Switching

·

Integral 10Base-T Interface

·

RS232 Modem and Console Ports

·

Circuit-Specific Password Security

·

Network Security Features

·

Manual On/Off Buttons

·

Typographic Conventions

Throughout this manual, typefaces and characters have been used
to denote the following:

COURIER FONT Indicates characters typed on the keyboard.

For example, /ON 1 or /OFF 2.

[Bold Font] Text set in bold face and enclosed in

square brackets indicates a specific key.
For example, [Enter] or [Esc].

1-2

2. Unit Description

2.1. Front Panel

As shown in Figure 2.1, the RPC-4840N front panel includes a
series of LED indicators which function as follows:

Figure 2.1: Front Panel

ON: Lights when Power is applied to the Control Section.

À

RDY: Flashes when the RPC-4840N is ready to receive

Á

commands. Indicates that the Console Port has received
the "Ready" signal from the control device.

RXD: Lights when the RPC-4840N receives commands.

Â

Circuit 1 Indicator: Lights when the Circuit 1 Switch is

Ã

closed (Power ON to connected device.)

Circuit 2 Indicator: Lights when the optional Circuit 2

Ä

Switch is closed (Power ON to connected device.)

2.2. Back Panel

Network Port and Activity Indicator: A 10BaseT, RJ45

À

Ethernet port for connection to your TCP/IP network. To
communicate via network, you must first specify network
parameters as described in Section 5.6.

Note: The RPC-4840N features a 10BaseT interface.
When connecting the RPC to a 100BaseT interface, note
that most 100BaseT router switches will autosense to
determine if the device is 100BaseT or 10BaseT and then
configure the network interface accordingly. If your router
switch does not autosense, then the network interface port
must be manually set to 10BaseT.

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RPC-4840N Remote Power Controller; User's Guide

Figure 2.2: Back Panel

Options Switch: Four DIP Switches which set the default

Á

baud rate, boot delay, echo mode, and timeout.

Default Button: Used in conjunction with the Reset

Â

Button to reset the unit to defaults (see Section 4.3.)

Console Port: A Male RS-232, DB9 Connector, DTE

Ã

configuration. For connection to a local PC.

Modem Port: A Male RS-232, DB9 Connector, DTE

Ä

configuration. For connection to an external modem.

Reset Button: Used in conjunction with the Default

Å

Button to reset the unit to defaults (see Section 4.3.)

2-2

Circuit Module 1: For connection to your DC power

Æ

supply and DC powered device. Each circuit is capable of
switching up to 40 Amps. Note that power for control
functions is also derived from the Circuit 1 input terminal.

A. ON Indicator: Lights when the corresponding Circuit

Module is switched On (switch closed).

B. Emergency Override Breaker: If the circuit is

overloaded, the breaker pops out and opens the circuit.
If necessary the Override Breaker can also be manually
pulled out to open the circuit. To reset the circuit,
press the Override Breaker in.

Circuit Module 2 (Optional): For connection to a second

Ç

DC power supply and DC powered device. Same as
Circuit Module 1.

3. Quick Start Guide

This section provides a brief overview of basic RPC-4840N
capabilities, and describes a simple test that can be performed to
determine if the unit is operating properly and demonstrate basic
communication capabilities.

Note that this Quick Start procedure is included only to provide a
quick demonstration of basic RPC-4840N capabilities. In order
to take full advantage of the complete range of features provided
by this unit, it is strongly recommended that you should complete
the entire Installation and Configuration sections after
completing the Quick Start procedure.

1. Apply Power to the RPC-4840N: Connect an appropriate
power source to the input terminals on the Circuit 1
terminal block, located on the RPC back panel. Prior to
connecting the unit to your power supply, make certain to
review the safety precautions listed at the beginning of this
User's Guide.

2. Connect a PC to the RPC-4840N: Attach a standard null
modem cable from your PC COM port to the Console Port
connector on the RPC back panel. For a description of the
port interface, please refer to Appendix A.

Note: When the RPC is shipped from the factory,
Console Port communication parameters are set as
follows: 9600 bps, 8 Data Bits, One Stop Bit, No
Parity. Although the RPC allows these parameters
to be easily redefined, for this Quick Start
procedure, it is recommended that you configure
your communications program to accept the default
parameters.

3. Access the Command Mode: Start your communications
program and then press [Enter]; the System Help Screen
should be displayed (Figure 3.1) and the "RPC>" command
prompt should appear. For more information on command
mode access, please refer to Section 5.2.

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RPC-4840N Remote Power Controller; User's Guide

Remote Power Controller v2.0 Site: WESTERN TELEMATIC, INC.

Commands:

Display
/H Display this help screen
/S[P] Display Ckt. Status, [P] with passwords

Configuration
/G View/Set General Parameters
/P [n] View/Set Ckt. Parameters
/N View/Set Network Parameters
/DL Download configuration to file

Control +------------------------------------+
/D Set Ckts. to default setting | [n] = optional Ckt. name or number |
/Boot <n> Boot Ckt. n | <n> = required Ckt. name or number |
/On <n> Turn On Ckt. n | n+n = Ckt. n and Ckt. n |
/Off <n> Turn Off Ckt. n | n:n = Ckt. n through Ckt. n |
/T Reset Network Interface | * = all Ckts. with access |
/R Relogin as different user +------------------------------------+
/X Exit/Disconnect

RPC>

Figure 3.1: The System Help Screen

4. Configure Network Port: In order to communicate with
the RPC-4840N via the Network Port, you must first
define the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway
Address. At the RPC> command prompt, type /N and
press [Enter] to display the Network Parameters menu.

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a) Settings for network parameters will depend on the

configuration of your individual network. Please
contact your network administrator to determine
appropriate settings for the IP Address, Subnet Mask,
and Gateway Address.

b) To assign network parameters, key in the number for

the desired parameter, press [Enter], and then follow
the instructions in the resulting submenu. For
example, to define the IP Address, type 1 and
press [Enter].

Quick Start Guide

5. Exit Command Mode: When you have finished setting

Network Parameters, type /X and press [Enter] to exit the
command mode at the Console Port.

Note: Only one port may access the command
mode at a given time. In order to allow access to the
RPC unit via other ports, always exit from the
command mode when finished communicating with
the unit.

6. Connect Network Cable: Connect your network interface
to the RPC-4840N Network Port. The Network Port is an
RJ45, 10BaseT Ethernet jack, for connection to a TCP/IP
network.

Note: The RPC features a 10BaseT Interface.
When connecting to a 100BaseT interface, note that
most router switches will autosense to determine if
the device is 100BaseT or 10BaseT, and then
configure the network interface accordingly. If your
router switch does not autosense, then the network
interface port must be manually set to 10BaseT.

7. Network Access: Telnet to the RPC's IP address. For
example, if the IP address is "119.1.1.1", on a UNIX
system the Telnet command would be invoked as follows:

$ telnet 119.1.1.1 [Enter]

After the Telnet connection is established, the RPC should
display the System Help Screen and the RPC> command
prompt should appear, indicating that you have
successfully accessed the RPC Command Mode via the
Network Port.

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RPC-4840N Remote Power Controller; User's Guide

8. Test Boot Commands: When the RPC-4840N is powered
up, both switched circuits will be set in the ON (closed)
position. In order to test for proper operation, you may
wish to perform the following test. Note that it is not
necessary to connect a device to either switched circuit in
order to perform this test.

a) Reboot Circuits: To initiate a boot cycle at both

circuits, go to the RPC> command prompt, type
/BOOT * and press [Enter]. Power to both circuits
will be switched OFF. After the Boot Delay Period
(Default = 5 Seconds), the power to both circuits will
then be automatically switched back ON. Note that the
Circuit Status Indicators on the RPC front panel will
also switch Off and On.

b) Switch Circuits OFF: To switch both circuits OFF, go

to the RPC> command prompt, type /OFF * and then
press [Enter]. Power to both circuits will be switched
OFF. Note that the Circuit Status Indicators will also
be switched Off.

c) Switch Circuits ON: To switch both circuits ON, go

to the RPC> command prompt, type /ON * and then
press [Enter]. Power to both circuits will be switched
ON. Note that the Circuit Status Indicators will also be
switched On.

9. Exit Command Mode: Type /X and press [Enter] to exit
from the RPC Command Mode, or disconnect using your
Telnet program.

This completes the introductory overview of the RPC-4840N.
Prior to installing and operating the unit, please review the
remainder of this User's Guide for important information
regarding safety considerations, as well as more detailed
installation, configuration, and operation instructions.

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4. Installation

4.1. Power Connection

Connect your DC power supply to the Circuit 1 Input Terminals
as shown in Figure 4.1. Connect the power supply lines from
your DC Powered device to the Output Terminals. Note that the
RPC-4840N is available with two separate 40 amp circuits. In
order for both circuits to function, power must be connected to
both input connectors on the unit's back panel.

CAUTIONS:

This device should only be operated with the

•

type of power source indicated on the
instrument nameplate. If you are not sure of the
type of power service available, please contact
your local power company.

Reliable earthing (grounding) of this unit must

•

be maintained. Particular attention should be
given to supply connections when connecting to
power strips, rather than directly to the branch
circuit.

"Always On" Architecture: The RPC features "Always On"

architecture. This means that once the RPC is connected to your
power supply, both circuits will always be set in the ON state,
unless program commands are used to set the circuit(s) to
the OFF state.

Note: In addition to supplying power to the device
connected to Circuit 1, the Circuit 1 power input
also provides power for the RPC control section.

Figure 4.1: RPC-4840N Block Diagram

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