Set up a new network

Set up a New Network

This series of dialogs collects information to construct a new network. This wizard option is useful for new users of the iNetGrow system. The setup steps and the related dialogs are explained below.

Step 1. Security Settings

This step configures the security setting of the controller. Connect the controller to the serial port of the PC. Power the controller. When you click the ""Next"" button, the “Setup Security” dialog will open and allow you to set the security parameters and the IP address of the controller. Refer to the help files for more information about the various parameters.

Step 2. Add the Controller

Connect the controller to the LAN using a Ethernet cable. Refer to the help files if you are using wireless access points, hubs or switches. Power the controller and observe that the LINK light is on. This is also a good time to connect the input/output modules to the controller. Note that the modules may be connected while the controller remains powered. This is referred to as ""hot plugging.”

When you click the ""Next"" button, a dialog will ask you to identify the controller. The remaining steps configure the selected controller and its input/output modules.

Step 3. Select a Controller from the List

This step allows you to select a single controller from the current list of controllers. The subsequent steps deal with this controller and its input/output modules. Click the ""Next"" button to continue."

Step 4. Register (Synchronize) Modules

This step works with the controller selected in the previous step. The controller scans its network to identify the connected modules. If you have not done so, connect the modules to the controller. You may connect the sensors to the modules.

Once the modules are recognized, click the “Synchronize” button. This registers the identified modules with the controller. The controller stores this list of modules and expects to see them on its network.

Once a list of modules is registered with the controller, you may configure the modules. Simply select the module to be configured and click the “Configure” button. Module configuration depends on the specific type of module. In general, you select the inputs and outputs that are used and assign names to the inputs and outputs. Additional information, for instance, units to be by a temperature sensor (Celsius or Fahrenheit) may need to be changed.

Controllers access the inputs and outputs by their names (see “Named Variables” in the section titled “Concepts.”) All inputs and outputs have default names. However, if you have more than one module, it is a good idea to rename the inputs and outputs. For example, instead of the default temperature input names t1 and t2, you may use the names “t_middle” and “t_corner.”

This step invokes the Configure I/O dialog.

Step 5. Data Logging

This step configures the data logging tasks on the selected controller. Data logging is an advanced topic. You may skip this step if you do not plan to log data on the controller. You may configure data logging later by using the configuration utility. In order to log data, you must enable the corresponding inputs and outputs. The variables are logged by their assigned names. If you have multiple modules, make sure you change the names from the given defaults so that they can be distinguished during data logging. Names are assigned in the ""Configure IO"" dialog (see “Named Variables” in the section titled “Concepts”).

This step invokes the Configure Log dialog.

Step 6. Automated Tasks

This step configures the automated tasks to be performed by the selected controller. The program script is a more advanced topic. You may skip this step if you do not plan to run a program on the controller. You may install a program alter by using the configuration utility. The program refers to the inputs and output variables by their names. If you have multiple modules, make sure you change the names from the given defaults so that they can be distinguished during data logging. Names are assigned in the ""Configure IO"" dialog (see “Named Variables” in the section titled “Concepts”).

This step invokes the Configure Code dialog.

Step 7. PC Tasks

This step configures the tasks to be performed by the PC. These tasks include sending periodic e-mail messages, periodically publishing a web page, and data logging on the PC. You may skip this step if you do not plan to keep a running PC connected to the LAN at all times. You may configure these options at a later date.

This step invokes the PC Tasks dialog.

Step 8. Finish

This concludes the setup steps. Click the ""Finish"" button to return to iNetGrow."