installation manual SALES AND ADMINISTRATION (toll free)

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1 installation manual SALES AND ADMINISTRATION (toll free) TECHNICAL SUPPORT (toll free)

2 Quick Start-Up Guide The Grouplink option includes the NET232 module and the ComPort Redirector software. This manual contains detailed setup instructions for the system. For more detailed instructions, refer to the page number of the step-by-step section of this manual noted at the end of each step. NET232: Configure the Net232. Attach the GroupLink Net232 device to the Time-O-Matic communications interface (radio or FiberComm) using the built-in serial cable. See Appendix A, p. 5. Ignite: Install Ignite software on the desktop computer from the supplied CD-ROM, unless a computer was supplied by Time-O-Matic. See p. 7. Security Brick: Install the Security Brick on the USB port of the computer. See Appendix A, p. 8 for the Sign Setup options for the handshake method and the file transfer method. ComPort Redirector: Install the ComPort Redirector from the Ignite CD and configure the NET232. Note: The baud rate on the sign controller is 19,200 by default. Please see Appendix C, p. 13. Page 1

3 Watchfire Ignite Installation & Service Manual for GroupLink Time-O-Matic, Inc Maple Danville, IL Phone Phone Part No: S Fax Rev: 9 12 February 2007 Page 2

4 Table of Contents: Chapter 1: Setting up the GroupLink Option 4 Introduction to the GroupLink Option 4 Connect the NET232 to the Sign Controller 5 Ignite Software Setup 7 Test Communications 9 Appendix A: Configuring the NET Appendix B: Indoor Slave Computer 12 Appendix C: Setting up the Comport Redirector 13 Appendix D: Frequently Asked Questions 14 Page 3

5 Chapter 1: Setting up the GroupLink Option 1.1 Introduction to the GroupLink Option The GroupLink Option permits any user with the proper setup on an Ethernet-based network to monitor sign messages, make changes and create new messages. Once the GroupLink NET232 has been connected and configured with an IP address its status may be viewed using a Web Browser. (NOTE: the method detailed in the NET232 Device Server manual doesn t work with some firewalls. Setup with the Serial port is recommended; see Appendix A, p. 11.) Type the address assigned to the NET232 device in the address bar and press enter. Once connected, click on Port Properties to check the Serial Protocol, speed, and other port settings. It is extremely important that the Speed setting of the NET232, the Ignite software, and the Time-O-Matic Sign Controller be set to the same Speed (baud rate). Communications between the Ignite software and the Sign Controller is not possible unless all the baud rates match. The baud rate of the Sign Controller is factory configured and cannot be changed without factory assistance. The baud rate of the Ignite software is set as described below. The speed (baud rate) of the GroupLink NET232 is set by selecting Port Properties from the Web Manager and editing the speed to match that of the Time-O-Matic Sign Controller. The Serial Protocol should be selected to RS232 as shown below. Note: The baud rate on the Sign Controller is set to 19,200 Bps. Page 4

6 1.2 Connect the NET232 to the Sign Controller Time-O-Matic offers three options for connecting the NET232 to the sign controller, radio, fiber optic, or direct cable connection to a slave computer. Radio Communications: Connect the sign radio as mentioned in the radio install guide. The host radio will be attached using the serial cable provided with the radio to the NET232 serial cable. The Null modem mini adapter should NOT be used in this connection. Make sure the cables are securely fastened together with the provided threaded couplers. The connections should look similar to the following picture. Page 5

7 Fiber Optic Communications: Connect the NET232 device to the included DB-9 pigtail through the null modem mini adapter and then connect the white rectangular plug to the Grouplink FiberComm box. Use the provided threaded couplers to ensure a secure cable connection. The connections should look similar to the following picture. Note: If this is an upgrade from a slave computer, please see Appendix B, p. 12. Page 6

8 1.3 Check Ignite Software Setup Check the Ignite software setup by selecting Configuration from the Tools pull-down menu. Page 7

9 Then select Sign Configuration on the left side of the screen. This screen will show the Sign Configuration data. This setup is specific for your sign and should not be changed. The only exception is that the baud rate can be changed if necessary. You can find the baud rate by looking at the information listed in the Communications section. Use the drop down menu to change the baud rate. The Handshake Method should be NONE/NO CARRIER DETECT if using the GroupLink with fiber optic cable, or RTS/CTS No Carrier Detect if using the GroupLink with wireless radio option. Remember: The Ignite software baud rate must match the Time-O-Matic Sign Controller s baud rate. Call Time-O-Matic technical assistance at if there are questions about the baud rate of the Sign Controller. Click on save once the necessary changes have been made. Page 8

10 1.4 Test the Communications Link After the GroupLink connections have been made to the network and sign controller, the communications link can be tested. The Sign Controller test switch should be in the operate position before powering up. Once the Sign Controller has started, test communications using Ignite software. Select Configuration Summary, and then Get Sign Controller Status. Enter a password (if required). Page 9

11 Ignite will try to communicate with the Sign Controller, opening a separate window to show the connection status. If it is successful, the following screen should appear: If there is an error connecting to the sign, please contact Time-O-Matic technical assistance at Click Disconnect on the left side of the screen. The software is now configured to begin programming the sign. Page 10

12 Appendix A: Configuring the GroupLink NET232 Obtain an IP address: The IP address and Gateway IP Address must come from the Network Administrator. It is needed before continuing with the setup. Connect the NET232 to a Serial Port using HyperTerminal: Time-O-Matic ships the NET232 with a null modem mini adapter. It is required for programming the NET232 using the serial port. Connect it to the cable attached to the NET232 and the other side of the adapter to the female DB-9 serial port on the computer it is being programmed from. This does not have to be the same computer the sign will be programmed from. Launch the windows HyperTerminal program. If it is not installed on the PC, use a different PC or install the program from the Windows CD. Once in HyperTerminal, cancel the request for a new connection. Under FILE select the PROPERTIES dialog box. Set the CONNECT USING setting to the appropriate Com Port (ex. COM1), then choose CONFIGURE. The baud rate should be 9600 with 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and NONE for flow control. Click OK to save the settings and OK at the last window to return to the main screen. Disconnect and reconnect power to the NET232. Immediately begin tapping the x key on the keyboard. After a few seconds this should startup configuration mode. Press Enter to enter the setup mode. If difficulty is experienced with this hold down the x key before reconnecting power and continue until the configuration mode text appears. Set Parameters on the NET232: Pick option 0 (Server configuration). Enter the IP address and Gateway IP if necessary. If the subnet mask is the default of 8 is correct. If the subnet mask is different please use the following table for help. Next choose option 1 (Channel 1 configuration). Enter for the baud rate, I/F mode should be 4C, Flow should be 00 (02 for radio), Port Number should be 14001, and Connect Mode should be C5. Use factory defaults for all other settings by just hitting enter for each option. Now choose Option 9 (Save and Exit). Page 11

13 Appendix B: Indoor Slave Computer If an existing indoor slave computer is connected to the network with the GroupLink option, there are no other boxes or cables needed. The NET232 device should connect directly to the COM1 serial port of the slave computer through the null modem mini adapter. Please contact Time-O-Matic technical support for instructions on setting the correct serial port settings on the slave computer. The connections should look similar to the following picture. Page 12

14 Appendix C: Setting up Comport Redirector Install ComPort Redirector on the Host Computer: Any PC running Windows 2000 or XP on the network may be used to program the sign. The Host computer will require the following: Time-O-Matic Ignite Software, Lantronix ComPort Redirector and a USB Security Brick provided by Time-O-Matic. The Lantronix ComPort Redirector software can be installed from the Ignite CD-ROM. CD-ROM:\Utility\GroupLink\red32bit.exe Adding the NET232 to ComPort Redirector: Run the Lantronix Comport Redirector Configuration program. (Start->All Programs->Lantronix Redirector->Configuration) Click on the COM Setup and check Com Port 10. (Com Port 6 for radio communications) Click OK to close out of the Port Setup window. Click Save to save the changes. Reboot the Computer. After the reboot load the configuration program again and select COM10 in the drop down box and click the Add IP button. Type in the IP address of the NET232 device. The TCPPort should be Click Save to save your changes. Finally, click Close to close out the window. Page 13

15 Appendix D: Frequently Asked Questions What is a way to test the network connection to the NET232 Device without using the Ignite software? Use the PING utility to check the network connection to the NET232 device. At a command prompt, type ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP address of the NET232 device server. Several test packets will be sent. Diagnostic messages will be reported to the screen. Will the NET232 device work through my companies firewall? Yes, if the correct port is allowed to pass through. Allow connections to TCP port on the firewall serving the NET232 to pass through to it. How do I control more than one GroupLink enabled sign from the same computer? Multiple signs can be added to the Ignite software, but a separate COM port must be assigned to each sign. In the COM port redirector software add sequential ports after COM10 to allow for a COM port for each sign running through GroupLink. Each COM port that was added will also need to correspond to a unique IP address for each NET232 device, however the port number can stay the same unless multiple NET232 devices will be connected behind the same firewall. How can I control a single or multiple signs from multiple computers? Any PC that will program the sign needs a copy of the Ignite software, a USB security brick, and a network connection. The same CD can be used to install the software on the multiple computers, but an additional security brick will have to be purchased for each computer. Set each computer up in the manner outlined in this manual. If each computer would like to view the current schedule for the sign then a shared directory must be setup on the network that each computer would have access to. In Ignite, go to Tools->Configuration and select Ignite Setup on the left side. Change the Messages Folder to the same shared location on the network for each computer. This will allow the messages and schedule to be shared between all computers programming the sign. Page 14

16 WATCHFIRE SIGNS BY TIME-O-MATIC 1015 Maple Street Danville, IL toll free: TECHNICAL SUPPORT phone: fax: