AlphaSense For Networks

by Compuquest, Inc.

Installation & Getting Started With AlphaSense

Here is a list of steps to take that will have your AlphaSense product operational in a very short time. Please read all the steps below before proceeding. You may wish to print sections of this page as a handy check-off reference as you proceed through the steps.

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AlphaSense AFN Hardware Setup

Remove all AFN components from their packaging.

Connect the RJ45 network cable between LAN1 on AFN and your network LAN receptacle.


If a modem is NOT included with your AFN, skip the next three steps.

Connect the modem serial cable to the modem; the other cable end will be used later.
Plug modem power supply into AC power source, and plug power cable into modem.
Connect the RJ11 telco cable between modem RJ11 socket and your telco receptacle.


If your shipment includes the 14-channel I/O module, connect it to AFN, and connect its power supply as described in the 4-step "Installation" section of this page.

Connect AFN power module to an AC power source, and plug the power cable into its socket on the rear of AFN.

AFN hardware setup is complete!

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Locating AFN On The Network

A Windows software application named Initial Setup Utility (ISU) is used to locate AFN on the network, and for certain tasks that require security rights. A single-installation license for ISU is included for original purchasers of AFN product. Additional licenses may be purchased for AFN units that have current firmware. The complete ISU installer may be downloaded from the Compuquest, Inc. website at this link. Download and install ISU onto a computer that is connected to the same network LAN as the AFN hardware setup above.

Start the ISU application. After the title screen, you will see the main screen.

When power is first applied, AlphaSense needs 2 minutes to completely activate. It is set for DHCP, so it will get its IP address automatically -- but you don't know what it is!!! (and finding it is the purpose of this little procedure..) On the ISU main page top menu bar is the choice "Network AFN Search". Select this, and a screen will come up and show you any and all AlphaSense units accessible to that LAN subnet - you can recognize the one you want by its serial number.

Once you have the IP address of the AFN, just enter that into a browser window ( for example, "http://192.168.0.124" with no quotes) - that will bring you to the AlphaSense Main Menu page (after login) and from there you can proceed with "Configuration of AFN" instructions below. Write this IP address down, or bookmark in your browser, so you don't forget it! Whenever you want to re-configure, modify rules, look at log files, etc., you will access AFN via browser in the same way. If you do lose or forget AFN's IP address, simply use ISU to scan the network and find it.

AFN is configured via a web browser interface. Access is password protected. There are two configuration files: one for overall AFN operating parameters, and one for the rulesets used to control and manage AFN's monitoring and messaging functions.

During the time when you are making configuration changes, if AFN is already operational and in service, it may still be responding to any external events, alarms, message data, or signals. When you are finished with your changes, you will click a button, which will update your changes to the AFN system. AFN will wait till any pending messaging is completed before updating, so it may take a few moments until the confirmation appears. Whenever possible, make your changes when AFN is _not_ processing outside data. AFN should be considered "out of service" any time that configuration or setup changes are being made, and the Host data connection stopped if it cannot be removed.

In general, when making changes to an established and working AFN installation, make only one or two changes, then test for results. This makes locating potential problems much easier than when a large number of settings are changed at once.

The two AFN configuration files may be changed interactively using a browser, or they may be completed in a text editor offline, and the entire finished file simply pasted into the AFN browser window.

Configuring AFN operating parameters and rulesets can be accessed off the AFN Main Menu. For side-by-side assistance while preparing or editing your configuration files, here are links to the current default parameter, ruleset, and ruleset detail files from the Compuquest, Inc. website. They include details and examples. If your AFN firmware is older than shown in the default files, remember that the file within your AFN applies for your unit. And, and its easy to upgrade your AFN to get the latest firmware and its additional features at any time.

IMPORTANT: AFN should not be powered down without first stopping the AFN subsystems and realtime modules that are running. Use the tool on the Utilities Page to stop AFN. To re-start AFN after it has been stopped, unplug the power cable at the AFN rear panel, wait 5 seconds, then re-apply power. AFN will then go through its usual power-up sequences. For a cold-boot like this, wait 60 seconds before attempting to access AFN via the browser interface. Recent versions of firmware include a "stop and Reboot AFN" feature on the Utilities Page, so that stopping and restarting AFN may be done remotely over the network.

AlphaSense has 4 primary sources for the data it monitors:

1) An RS232 serial "host" data port (or, it connects to USB, RS485, RS422, current loop, parallel port or printer, etc. using common adapters). This facilitates data connections to virtually any equipment where data is available. If you will be using data from equipment as the external data source, use the serial data cable marked "host" to connect between the AFN host serial port (Port2) and your chosen equipment or adapter. (This is the cable used when ISU performed the initial AFN activation). Configure the host so that the last character byte in every data block sent to AFN is the same character as the AFN parameter "eob" is set to. In AFN, eob is defaulted to ASCII 13 ("carriage return") and is the best choice for most all applications.

2) An additional "virtual serial port" using the optional AFN_VP1 Virtual Serial Port Module . Provides seamless connection to devices nearby or anywhere in the world - with the same feature support as the AFN "host" connection. If you will be using the Virtual Serial Port Module as an external data source, the Installation Instructions explain how to install and connect it.

3) Incoming SNMP traps from any device capable of reaching AFN via LAN or internet. Adds rule-based immediate anytime - anywhere notification to existing SNMP management systems. AFN will also create and send SNMP PDU messages in the form of traps, notifications, and informs from any source of data which AFN is monitoring. The inform PDU sent by AFN is monitored for the required response from the SNMP manager, and if not received within a timeout, additional backup messaging is processed. In models where SNMP features are supported, they will automatically activate whenever AFN is connected to a network, and relevant configuration parameters have been defined.

4) Dry contact digital inputs using the optional AFN_I14 Digital I/O Module which connects to the AFN host (or virtual) serial port. Provides the interface to relays, sensors, alarm panels, factory automation, environmental recorders, lab instruments, generators, and more. If you will be using the Digital I/O Module as an external data source, the Installation Instructions explain how to install and connect it.

At any time when AFN is running, before or after installation, you can simulate and test data being input into AFN by using the Simulator utility found under the Tools Menu of ISU. This will effectively simulate data from the host equipment that will be connected to AFN, data from the AFN_I14 Digital I/O module, or data from the AFN_VP1 Virtual Serial Port. The Simulator window is shown here:

Simply follow the directions shown on the Simulator window, and enter the data that you wish to test with or that simulates the data source you choose. AFN will receive and process the data in accordance with whatever ruleset(s) are present. Any rule-specified message delivery action will be performed, and the received data as well as relevant action information will be displayed in the log. The main and dialout logfiles may be viewed using any browser, on the AFN Utility page. Processing of incoming SNMP trap data may be easily tested by using any one of the numerous free utilities to send a generic or other trap from a PC to the IP address of the AFN.

If your AFN model includes the dialout modem, insure that it is to connected to AFN Port1, using the supplied Modem serial cable. It is important that only the supplied RJ11 phone cable be connected directly into the AFN modem. Extensions, if more length is needed, may use any RJ11 cabling.

Once AFN is initially activated, its parameter and ruleset configuration files edited for the desired application, and the external data source chosen and connected, AFN is operational. AFN will store all its configuration settings when AFN is stopped, and then power removed. This means that AFN can be configured in one location, and then shipped to another, where it will be immediately operational when power is applied. Changes in both configuration and rulesets can be accomplished from anywhere - just access AFN via browser at its network address. Or, with the PBXaminer Feature Package, use the Secure Access Mode via modem dial-in as an additional way to manage rulesets. Dont forget to change the AFN browser access credentials to something stronger to prevent unauthorized access to AFN, and set a strong password for Secure Access Mode.

AFN Secure Access Mode provides two features via strong password-protected modem dial-in. First, it permits direct access between the remote user and the host equipment that is connected to the AFN host port. The remote caller, using communications software and a modem, dials the phone number of the AFN modem. After providing correct password credentials, the direct access is immediately available. This provides capabilities for remote interaction and tele-maintenance with factory automation systems, PBX equipment, security and access control systems, healthcare equipment, HVAC and building management platforms -- whatever is connected to AFN. Second, the ruleset configuration of AFN may be modified using remote ruleset management, accessed using a sub-menu of Secure Access Mode. This supports existing ruleset activation or de-activation, adding a new ruleset, and deleting an existing one.

The AFN Utilities Menu provides additional ancillary tools to help you manage AFN. Accessible from the AFN Main Browser Menu, the following tools are available:

The AFN System Status page, available from the AFN Main Browser Menu, indicates your AFN model and serial number, firmware version, the identity of any installed Feature Packages, AFN date, time, and timezone. Also shown is whether AFN is running or not, and the elapsed up-time that AFN has been operating since its most recent power-up.

Use the AFN log files!! Available from the Utilities Menu, the Main logfile shows details of both parameter and ruleset config files and any entry errors, and realtime logging of incoming data, ruleset processing as it happens, and status progress of network messaging. The Dialout logfile tracks activity that relates to modem connections and dialout message delivery.

The logfiles are very detailed, and contain timestamps of all events logged. After reviewing the logfiles, if you still need to contact Compuquest, Inc. Customer Support for problem assistance, please email relevant portions of the logfile(s) that pertain to the problem you are having - it will make resolution much, much easier for all involved.

This section only applies to and is used for the rare cases where AFN needs its security protections re-authorized, and/or when its ethernet management is to be changed to/from DHCP from/to fixed-IP. Note: it is sometimes incorrectly believed that fixed-IP provides greater network security for a given device - this is NOT true. DHCP is superior and preferred for AlphaSense AFN, and interested parties are welcome to contact Compuquest, Inc. support for complete technical details on this issue, and how to obtain optimal network security while retaining the many benefits of DHCP.

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION COMPLETELY BEFORE PROCEEDING

For re-authorization of AFN or for changing AFN ethernet management, begin by locating the supplied AFN serial cable labeled "Host" (remove it from Port2 if AFN is already in service) and connect it between AFN Port1 and an available COM port on a PC or laptop that has the ISU software installed. Both AFN and the PC running ISU should be connected to the same network LAN. If AFN is already in service, use a browser to navigate to the AFN Utilities page, and "Stop AFN". Then, remove power from AFN at its rear panel. Start the ISU application.

On the main screen, ISU action choices default to "Enter AFN Authorization Data". Have your authorization code information available, and click Continue.

You will be presented with choices for ethernet management - DHCP is the default, and is preferred (see above). AFN can obtain its network address automatically, using DHCP, or you can assign the AFN network parameters manually. Make your selection. If you select manual entry, you will be prompted for IP address, netmask, and a default route. If you are not sure of what to enter for these values, contact the network administrator.

ISU will then prompt you for your AFN activation code. Enter the code supplied with your AFN documentation materials. This code is also emailed to AFN customers, and it is best to "paste" the code into ISU to avoid errors.

Once the activation code is entered, you will be at the port selection and status screen of ISU, shown below. Follow the instructions shown on-screen, first selecting the correct COM port where you attached the AFN Host cable, and then plug the power cable into AFN, and click "Start". AFN and ISU will communicate for 20-30 seconds in total, and progress status will be indicated. When finished successfully, ISU will display a countdown timer while it is re-initializing. During this period, you should remove the AFN Port1 cable connector, and set it aside for now. If the AFN was previously in service, re-connect the Host cable between AFN Port2 and the data source feeding AFN. If your AFN includes a modem, re-connect the remaining end of its serial cable to AFN Port1.

When the countdown is done, ISU will display a "GO" button, and show the IP address that AFN is using. Write this IP address down, or bookmark in your browser, so you don't forget it! Then, press the GO button to automatically start your browser with the AFN address loaded. The browser will display the AFN login page. You may then proceed to login and configure or manage AFN if needed. No user settings have been changed.

Important: if fixed-IP was chosen, and that IP address is not reachable by the PC running ISU, the GO button will (quite obviously) not be displayed - simply close ISU, de-power AFN, and bring it to the correct network location.