AlphaSense Virtual Serial Port Module

The AlphaSense Virtual Serial Port Module (AFN_VP1) adds an additional serial port to AlphaSense - one that may be connected directly, or through a LAN, or located thousands of miles away via internet or private network. The Virtual Serial Port module provides an additional data input resource that has the same features as the AlphaSense built-in "Host" data port. The VP1 serial port may be connected to serial devices to receive and process data, or to the 14 Channel Digital I/O Module. Thus, data sources or I/O channels located nearby or very far away may be monitored and processed using the monitoring, filtering, and messaging features of AlphaSense. AFN_VP1 includes the module itself, either a direct-connect or network cable (selected per user application at time of order), power supply, serial data cable, and AFN firmware to support the Virtual Serial Port's features.

The Virtual Serial Port Module may be ordered as an add-on to existing AFN systems, or at a lower price if chosen as an option at time of original AFN purchase.

Below are complete instructions for configuring, and installing the Virtual Serial Port Module. Please read these instructions completely, and have all needed items and information available before proceeding.

1) Remove the VP1 module, the two connecting cables, and power supply from the packing material, and set the VP1 module on a clean work surface. Connect the power supply wire to the VP1 and plug the power supply in so that the VP1 obtains power.

The AlphaSense Virtual Serial Port may be interfaced with AlphaSense in one of two ways: direct-connect, or via network. Network connection allows VP1 (and therefore the data or I/O source connected to VP1) to be located anywhere on a local LAN, or even the Internet itself.

2) Assign VP1 Address This is needed when VP1 is used on a network or internet connection, If you will be "direct-connecting" VP1 to AFN, skip this section, and go directly to "Installation". If you will be using VP1 as a network device communicating with AFN via LAN, private network, or the Internet, VP1 needs to have IP address information assigned. To do this, connect the supplied VP1 serial cable between VP1 and a laptop or PC running communications software. Set the PC port to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. Set the VP1 Data/Console switch to "Console". Tap the Enter key, and VP1 will issue a login prompt. Use "admin" twice for access. Then, issue the following 2 commands, terminating each one with the Enter key:

The VP1 will respond with "OK" after each correctly entered command. Do not set or change any other commands. Next, make your entries permanent with the following command, terminated with the Enter key:

VP1 will respond "OK". Now you may remove the serial cable and power from VP1. Set the VP1 Data/Console switch to "Data". The AlphaSense Virtual Serial Port is now ready for installation at its final working location.

To install VP1 at its final operating location, follow these simple steps; choosing direct connection or network connection as appropriate for your application.

For direct connection: Insure that you have your AFN parameter file entries for both vp1ip and vp1po set to "H". Make sure the VP1 Data/Console switch is set to "Data". Apply power to VP1, then connect the supplied special cable marked "Crossover" between the VP1 "10BaseT" port and the AFN "LAN2" port. Connect your desired equipment data source, or the 14 Channel Digital I/O Module to the VP1 serial port. Stop and restart AFN so that it will discover the VP1 and initialize it for operations. That's it - your AFN virtual serial port is operational!

For network connection: Insure that you have your AFN parameter file entries for both vp1ip and vp1po set to the same IP address and port values that you entered into VP1. Make sure the VP1 Data/Console switch is set to "Data". Apply power to VP1, then connect the supplied ethernet cable between the VP1 "10BaseT" port and your chosen LAN, private network, or internet connection that will support the VP1 address. Next, connect your desired equipment data source, or a 14 Channel Digital I/O Module to the VP1 serial port. Stop and restart AFN so that it will discover the VP1 and initialize it for operations. That's it - your AFN virtual serial port is operational!

As a final check, once AlphaSense has been re-started for the first time with VP1 connected and defined in the parameter file, use the AFN utility page to check the main logfile. As part of the startup messages it will show the attempt and status of VP1 initialization. On VP1 itself, if it is operating and connected correctly, the power LED will glow red, and the Ready and Link LED's will glow solid green. When there is communications activity between AlphaSense and VP1, the Activity LED will blink. The same log messages will show for VP1 as they do for the AlphaSense Host port with regards to data coming in, rules that match, etc.