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Smartcom® Remote Diagnostics Manual
Smartcom® Remote Diagnostics Manual
1. Table of Contents
2. Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
3. Software .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Installation ............................................................................................................................................. 7
4. smartcom 150/150IS Hardware ........................................................................................................... 8
Overview ................................................................................................................................................. 8
DRX (Pre-Rev G) Hardware ............................................................................................................. 9
4.2.1 Features ....................................................................................................................................... 10
DRX (Rev G) Hardware ................................................................................................................... 13
4.3.1 Features ....................................................................................................................................... 14
BSC-HE Diagnostic Transceiver .................................................................................................. 15
Server .................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.5.1 Server Specifications .............................................................................................................. 16
4.5.2 Shelf Specifications.................................................................................................................. 17
Hardware Installation ..................................................................................................................... 17
4.6.1 BSC-HE Mounting and Power.............................................................................................. 17
4.6.2 DRX Mounting and Power .................................................................................................... 17
4.6.3 Downstream Pilot Tuning..................................................................................................... 21
4.6.4 DRX (Pre-Rev G) Configuration .......................................................................................... 21
4.6.5 DRX (Rev G) Configuration................................................................................................... 27
Server Installation ............................................................................................................................ 28
4.7.1 Server Mounting and Power ................................................................................................ 28
4.7.2 Server Configuration .............................................................................................................. 28
5. smartcom 450 Hardware ...................................................................................................................... 29
Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 29
Installation .......................................................................................................................................... 29
6. Running the RD Web Server ................................................................................................................. 30
7. Getting Started ........................................................................................................................................... 32
User Access ......................................................................................................................................... 32
2. Overview
Varis' smartcom Remote Diagnostics (RD) allows you to remotely troubleshoot your
smartcom communication system via the mine’s own local area network (LAN). This
version of the software supports remote diagnostics for smartcom 150/150IS including the
smartcom 150 BSC amplifier, smartcom 450 (including Becker hardware) and smartcom
Ethernet systems as well as smartsense SSFM-100 gas monitors. Regardless of the size of
the system, Remote Diagnostics can improve uptime and provide confidence in the system.
• Immediate notification of system faults (emailed alarms).
• The ability to pinpoint faults so that technicians can be dispatched directly to the
problem area.
• System status can be viewed from any computer on the mine’s LAN.
• Reduced need for expensive equipment to troubleshoot leaky feeder and smartcom
Ethernet systems.
Remote Diagnostics Network Diagram.
The following diagram depicts the typical network layout for a smartcom Remote
Diagnostics system.
The smartcom OPC Server is responsible for communicating with amplifiers through the
Head End. Depending on the amplifier model, diagnostics data is gathered in different
ways:
smartcom 150 RNG-AMP and 150IS RIS-AMP:
All smartcom RNG-AMP and RIS-AMP amplifiers periodically send RD data back to the DRX
located in the Base Station. The DRX then sends this data to the PC or Server on the mine’s
LAN that runs the smartcom OPC server and smartcom RD web server software.
smartcom 150 BSC-AMP, smartcom 450 450-AMP and URDM:
smartcom 450-AMP, BSC-AMP, and URDM amplifiers are polled using the smartcom OPC
server software through a serial connection between the server and Head End. Currently,
amplifiers must be added to the system via the web interface in order to be polled. Future
versions will automatically detect amplifiers installed along the leaky feeder network.
smartcom Ethernet:
smartcom Remote Diagnostics is capable of showing CMTS (Cable Modem Termination
System) and cable modem diagnostics for smartcom Ethernet systems. The RD web server
will periodically poll Ethernet devices using SNMP to retrieve diagnostic information.
smartsense SSFM-100
smartcom Remote Diagnostics can also show data from smartsense SSFM-100 gas
monitors. Monitors are polled by the smartcom OPC server software using either Modbus
RTU over an RS485 network or using Modbus TCP/IP over Ethernet.
3. Software
Requirements
It is recommended that the Remote Diagnostic software be installed and run on Varis
server hardware. Please contact us for more information.
If alternate hardware must be used, the recommended system specifications are:
• Dual core or better processor.
• 8 GB of RAM.
• Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows 10.
• Ethernet adapter.
• Serial port (required for systems using DRX (rev. G only), smartcom 150 BSC-AMP,
smartcom 450 450-AMP, smartcom 450 URDM amplifiers or smartsense SSFM-100
gas monitors).
Installation
The RD web server must be installed on a computer connected to the mine’s LAN and must
have a static IP address. Ask your IT Administrator for help in setting this up.
To install, run the "rdweb-setup-X.X.X.exe" file located on the distribution CD and follow
the installation wizard. It is recommended that you use the default file locations.
The RD web server requires that the smartcom OPC server already be
installed on the server. If the installer does not detect an appropriate version
of the OPC server, it will automatically prompt the user to install it first.
1. The HTTP Port selection screen allows you to select which port the web server will
run on. The default is port 80, but if you already have a web server running on port 80
(such as IIS), then you can chose an alternate port such as 3000. Please note: if you
chose a port other than the default of 80, then you will have to specify the port number
in the web address URL. For example, to access the main Remote Diagnostics web
page, you would use the following URL: http://ipaddress:3000/amplifier/list, where
ipaddress is the IP address of the web server PC.
2. The Site Name input screen allows you to enter the name of the site where the system
is installed (i.e., mine name).
3. The System Type screen is used to select the type of Remote Diagnostics system;
smartcom 150 and/or smartcom 450. This can be changed through the Administration
interface later if incorrectly specified here. See Viewing Amplifier and Ethernet Data
for more information.
It is important that the web server PC remain running at all times. This will ensure
that all diagnostic data is displayed by the Remote Diagnostic web server.
1. "Alarm" Relay Contacts: Contacts close when an alarm condition is detected ("No
Alarm" contacts open).
2. "No Alarm" Relay Contacts: Contacts close when there is no alarm condition present
("Alarm" contacts open).
3. Carrier Detect (CD) LED: Led will energize when an incoming Varis diagnostic packet
is detected at the Rx Connector (P3).
5. Power LED: LED energizes when power (+12 Vdc) is applied to the board.
7. Fuse: 500 mA, 250V, Fast Acting, 2AG (P/N 225.500 HXP).
9. RJ-45 Connector: Connects the DRX to the mine’s LAN (Cat 5 cable).
11. Tx Level Adjust: Varying the potentiometer will vary the output signal strength of the
on-board downstream pilot (154.5 MHz Channel List 2.0, 148.275 MHz Channel List
3.0, 146.4 MHz Channel List 3.1) between +3 and +14 dBm (max). The R48
potentiometer replaces R29 on Revision C DRX boards.
12. Tx On LED: LED will energize when the downstream pilot is on.
13. Downstream Pilot Jumper: The downstream pilot can be controlled locally or
remotely using this three position jumper. See Downstream Pilot for more
information.
14. IP Default Jumper: Used to restore default network settings. See DRX Network Reset
for more information.
4.2.1 Features
Status Relays
The diagnostic receiver provides two relay contacts to monitor the health of your
smartcom 150/150IS and smartcom Ethernet system (See Hardware Overview). These
contacts can be connected to external devices to provide visual and/or audible indications
of the systems state.
Downstream Pilot
The diagnostic receiver has an on-board downstream pilot (154.5 MHz Channel List 2.0 -
148.275 MHz Channel List 3.0 - 146.4 MHz Channel List 3.1, 3.2, 4.0 - 151.975 MHz Channel
List 4.1) that can operate in local or remote mode depending on the position of the
Downstream Pilot jumper (JU3). The downstream pilot’s signal strength can be adjusted
between 3 and 14 dBm by varying R48 (R29 on Rev C boards). See Downstream Pilot
Tuning for more information. A 50 ohm BNC-BNC coaxial cable must be connected between
the Tx connector (P2) and transmit port 16 of RNG-RF16. Please note that some units may
be fitted with an external Low Pass filter. This filter must remain in place for proper
operation.
Local Mode:
In order to operate the downstream pilot locally, the Downstream Pilot jumper (JU3) must
be set to the On or Off positions.
Remote Mode:
1. Set the Downstream Pilot jumper (JU3) to the Auto position.
2. Connect to the RD web server by typing the IP address of the device on which the web
server is running (i.e. http://127.0.0.1/).
4. Open the administration interface by clicking on the Admin link in the upper right-
hand corner of the page.
6. The current state of the downstream pilot will be shown under the UDP DRX drop
down box. Changes must be saved.
The Downstream Pilot interface will be disabled if the Downstream Pilot jumper
(JU3) is not in the Auto position. The downstream pilot state will be maintained
through a DRX power cycle.
3. Ensure the jumper is in place over both pins and cycle power to the DRX. This will
reset the DRX to the following default values.
IP Address: 192.168.0.100
Netmask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.0.1
Warning
Unless the jumper is removed from JU1, network settings will be reset each time
power to the diagnostic receiver is cycled.
5. Power LED: LED energizes when power (+12 Vdc) is applied to the board.
6. Rx Connector: 50 ohm BNC connector. Connects to receive port 16 of RNG-RF16.
7. Carrier Detect (CD) LED: LED will energize when an incoming diagnostic packet is detected at
the Rx Connector (P3).
8. Tx On LED: LED will energize when the downstream pilot is on.
9. Tx Connector: 50 ohm BNC connector. Connects to transmit port 16 of RNG-RF16. Please note
that some units may be fitted with an external Low Pass filter. This filter must remain in place for
proper operation.
10. Tx Level Adjust: Varying the position of the switch will vary the output signal strength of the
on-board downstream pilot (154.5 MHz Channel List 2.0, 148.275 MHz Channel List 3.0, 146.4
MHz Channel List 3.1) between +3 and +14 dBm (max). Each click adjusts the output level by 1
dB
11. Attenuation Offset Jumper: Sets the attenuation offset. Either 0 dB or 0.5 dB.
12. Downstream Pilot Jumper: The downstream pilot can be controlled locally or remotely using this
three-position jumper. See Downstream Pilot for more information.
4.3.1 Features
Downstream Pilot
The diagnostic receiver has an on-board downstream pilot (154.5 MHz Channel List 2.0 -
148.275 MHz Channel List 3.0 - 146.4 MHz Channel List 3.1, 3.2, 4.0 - 151.975 MHz Channel
List 4.1) that can operate in local or remote mode depending on the position of the
Downstream Pilot jumper (JU4). The downstream pilot’s signal strength can be adjusted
between 3 and 14 dBm by varying switch SW3. See Downstream Pilot Tuning for more
information. A 50 ohm BNC-BNC coaxial cable must be connected between the Tx
connector (P2) and transmit port 16 of RNG-RF16. Please note that some units may be
fitted with an external Low Pass filter. This filter must remain in place for proper
operation.
Local Mode:
To operate the downstream pilot locally, the Downstream Pilot jumper (JU4) must be set to
the On or Off positions.
Remote Mode:
1. Set the Downstream Pilot jumper (JU4) to the Auto position.
2. Connect to the RD web server by typing the IP address of the device on which the web
server is running (i.e. http://127.0.0.1/).
4. Open the administration interface by clicking on the Admin link in the upper right-
hand corner of the page.
6. The current state of the downstream pilot will be shown in the drop-down box under
Serial DRX. Changes must be saved.
The Downstream Pilot interface will be disabled if the Downstream Pilot jumper
(JU4) is not in the Auto position. The downstream pilot state will be maintained
through a DRX power cycle.
Downstream Pilot.
The BSC-HE has an integrated diagnostic transceiver that supports bidirectional
communications between the head end and BSC-AMP line amplifiers. The downstream
pilot/diagnostic signal (151.625 MHz Channel List 4.0/4.1) and the upstream diagnostic
signal (176.650 MHz Channel List 4.0/4.1) are used to poll the BSC-AMP line amplifiers in
the system. The poll interval is determined by the number of amplifiers in the system. More
amplifiers will mean a longer poll interval and less will mean a shorter interval. The
downstream pilot leaves the head end at -20 dBm fixed and requires no adjustment.
Serial Communications.
The BSC-HE connects to the server at the base station using a null modem serial cable.
Server
Some Varis headends include a rack-mount server that comes preinstalled with Varis'
Remote Diagnostics Web Server, a DHCP server (5 client license) and TFTP server. The
DHCP/TFTP servers are intended to support smartcom Ethernet installations without a
TFTP/DHCP server integrated into the CMTS.
The server has two network interfaces, one of which is preconfigured to communicate
directly with the RNG-DRX diagnostic receiver through cross-over cable. The other
network interface is used to connect the server to the mine’s LAN. See Server Installation
for more information.
Weight Net: 8.45 lbs (3.83). Gross: 12.55 lbs (5.69 kg)
Dimensions (D x W x (20.25 to 33.25") x 19" x 1.25" [(51.4 to 84.5 cm) x 48.3 cm x 3.2
H) cm]
Hardware Installation
4.6.1 BSC-HE Mounting and Power
1. Install rack mount enclosure in base station cabinet.
2. Connect the power leads marked +12 Vdc (red) and GND (black) to the Base Stations
12 Vdc terminal block or power supply.
3. Connect the BSC-HE to the base station server using a null modem serial cable.
3. Remove the nuts and washers from the bulkhead BNC connectors. Place the DRX in the
enclosure as shown. Replace BNC fasteners.
4. Connect the power leads marked +12 Vdc (red) and GND (black) to the Base Stations
12 Vdc terminal block or power supply.
5. Connect a coaxial cable (1 m/3.3 ft, 50 ohm, BNC-BNC) between the DRX "Rx"
connector (P3) and receive port 16 of the RNG-RF16.
6. Connect a coaxial cable (1 m/3.3 ft, 50 ohm, BNC-BNC) between the DRX "Tx"
connector (P2) and transmit port 16 of the RNG-RF16. Please note that some units
may be fitted with an external Low Pass filter. This filter must remain in place for
proper operation.
3. Connect the Tx port on the DRX to the DRX Tx port on the BSC-HE using a 1’ 50 ohm
BNCM-BNCM cable.
4. Connect the Rx port on the DRX to the DRX Rx port on the BSC-HE using a 1’ 50 ohm
BNCM-BNCM cable.
5. Connect the power leads marked +12 Vdc (red) and GND (black) to the Base Stations
12 Vdc terminal block or power supply.
6. Connect an Ethernet cable between the DRX Ethernet port and the BSC-HE inside
Ethernet port as shown below (pre-rev G only).
7. Next, connect the outside Ethernet port on the BSC-HE to the mines LAN (pre-rev G
only).
5. The downstream pilot can now be used in either local or remote mode. See
Downstream Pilot for more information.
2. Move the Downstream Pilot jumper (JU3 on Pre-Rev G, JU4 on Rev G), (see Hardware
Overview) to the ON position.
6. Adjust R48 (R29 on Rev C, SW3 on Rev G) on the DRX to get 0 dBm at the output of the
head end. Ensure unused ports are terminated.
7. The downstream pilot can now be used in either local or remote mode. See
Downstream Pilot for more information.
IP Address: 192.168.0.100
Netmask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.0.1
Server IP: 192.168.0.112
Windows 7
4. Double-click on Local Area Connection to access the following dialog box.
Windows 7
5. Click on the Properties button. The following screen should be displayed.
Windows 7
6. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) from the list box and click the Properties button.
7. Assign the PC an IP address, Netmask and Gateway IP that correspond to the network
for which the DRX is currently configured. The values shown correspond to the default
network settings of the diagnostic receiver (IP Address =192.168.0.101, Netmask =
255.255.255.0, Gateway = 192.168.0.1). Please note that the PC’s IP address cannot be
the same as the DRX’s IP address.
Windows 7
8. Once the network settings have been modified, verify the PC’s current IP address.
Open a command prompt (or click Start -> Run and type cmd).
9. At the prompt type ipconfig to view the PC’s current network settings.
DRX Web Server Settings. The web server IP address must be configured to match the
IP address of the PC on which the RD Web server and smartcom OPC servers are
running. The Port Number is the port on the server PC used to receive data from the
DRX unit and should be left to the default value of 4322 unless there is a conflict. Click
the Submit button to save changes.
The DRX (rev G) is shipped from Becker Varis with the following default serial connection
settings and no configuration is required:
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
Server Installation
4.7.1 Server Mounting and Power
The server should be mounted in the same standard 19" EIA 4-post cabinet as the Head
End unit using the adjustable rack shelf provided. The rack shelf will adjust to cabinet
depths of 20.25 to 33.25" (51.4 to 84.5 cm).
1. Adjust shelf to proper depth and install in cabinet using the 4 mounting screws
provided.
2. Place server computer on shelf and secure to rack by tightening the front mounted
screws on the server.
3. Once the server’s network settings are configured (see Server Configuration), connect
the server to the mine’s LAN through Network Adapter 1 (labeled LAN) on the back of
the server.
4. Pre-Rev G: Connect the DRX to Network Adapter 2 (labeled DRX) on the server using
a cross-over cable. The server and DRX are pre-configured to communicate on this
network interface.
Rev G: Connect the Head End and server using the serial cross-over (null modem)
cable provided.
2. Change your IP settings to be on the same subnet as the server. The default IP settings
of the server are as follows:
IP Address: 192.168.1.50
Subnet: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
1. Login to server.
Username: Administrator
Password: Varis123
2. From the Start menu, click Run to open the Run command box. Type ncpa.cpl into the
textbox and click OK. This should open the Network Connections page
5. Enter the appropriate IP settings for the mine’s LAN. Click OK to save and then Click
OK again to exit the Connection Properties window and apply the changes
6. You should now be able to access the server from the mine’s LAN.
Installation
smartcom 450 hardware requires no configuration upon installation to provide Remote
Diagnostics. The only action required to receive RD data from an amplifier is to add the
amplifier ID to the RD web interface as shown below and to connect the hardware required
for remote diagnostics (Server, Head end, Line amplifier).
1. Install server in the base station cabinet. See Server Installation for more information.
3. Connect the Head End and server using the serial cross-over (null modem) cable
provided.
Use port 1 (top) on the Head End for UHF-Hxx Head ends.
4. Connect the Head End to the LF network through Branches 1 to 4. See smartcom 450
manual for more information.
2. Under Startup type, you can set the web server to start automatically when Windows
starts (default). Or you can set it to start manually, using the control buttons. The
control buttons at the bottom of the page allow you to Start, Stop, Pause and Restart
the web server.
Accessing the RD webpage:.
To verify that the web server is running properly, type in the IP address of the computer on
which the RD web server is installed (i.e., http://127.0.0.1/).
The Internet Protocol defines the special network address, 127.0.0.1, as a local loop
back address. Hosts use local loop back addresses to send messages to themselves.
This will only point to the RD web server when working from the computer on which
the RD web server is installed.
To access the Remote Diagnostic web page from a different computer, you must substitute
the local loop back address (127.0.0.1) with the IP address of the machine running the RD
Web Server.
smartcom Remote Diagnostics Manual Page 31 of 89
Rev. 12.0
22 Brady Street, Unit 4
Sudbury, Canada P3E 6E1
Tel: 705-674-8111
Toll free: 877-658-2747
www.varismine.com
You should be redirected to the login page as shown below (See User Access).
7. Getting Started
User Access
There are two user types defined in the system: Administrator and Viewer. Administrators
can change settings that are not available to Viewers. Only administrators have access to
the following features.
• Adding/Editing/Deleting/Un-assigning amplifiers
• Database backup/restore
Important
It is highly recommended that you log in as an Administrator and change the
passwords from their default value.
1. Connect to the web server by typing the IP address of the device on which the web
server is running (i.e., http://127.0.0.1/).
3. Click on the Admin link in the upper right-hand corner of the main page. This will take
you to the system Administration page.
4. Next, click on the Users link on the administration menu. You should see the following
screen.
5. To change the Administration password, click on the Change password link next to
admin. Enter the new password on the form provided and click Save. Repeat the same
procedure for the Viewer account.
node ). Clicking the Server node will display the DRX status details, including the
amount of time that has elapsed since the last successful communication, the number of
packets received and the number of valid packets.
If the DRX has not communicated in over 1 minute, the status will show a warning icon
(server node ). This indicates that the DRX is not working or that the DRX has not been
configured correctly or that there may be a firewall blocking communication. See
Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
If the DRX is communicating successfully (server node ), and you would like to make
changes to the settings on the DRX, you can connect to the DRX web interface by clicking on
the DRX link in the Administration menu. This will open the DRX web interface in a
separate window. See DRX Configuration for more information about the various settings.
If the Head End has not communicated in over 1 minute, the status will show a warning
icon (Server node ). This indicates that the Head End or OPC server is not configured
correctly. See the smartcom OPC server manual for more information.
smartcom Remote Diagnostics Manual Page 34 of 89
Rev. 12.0
22 Brady Street, Unit 4
Sudbury, Canada P3E 6E1
Tel: 705-674-8111
Toll free: 877-658-2747
www.varismine.com
Mail Settings
The RD Web Server can be configured to output e-mail notification of alarm conditions.
1. Connect to the web server by typing the IP address of the device on which the web
server is running (i.e., http://127.0.0.1/).
3. Open the Administration interface by clicking on the Admin link on the upper right-
hand corner of the page. Next, click on Mail Settings from the administration menu.
• Connection security: The connection security type. The options are SSL, TLS
and None. Some providers, such as Gmail and Hotmail, require an encrypted
connection using either SSL or TLS.
• From Address: The email address from which the email will be sent. This
address will appear in the From field of the email that is sent. Any email
4. When you have finished editing the fields, click the Save button to activate the new
settings. The mail settings can be verified by selecting the Test button. This will send
an email to each of the recipients specified.
2. Another way of changing which systems are available from the main interface is
through the administration interface.
Clicking on the Admin link at the top of the page will bring you to the Administration
menu. From here, click on the System tab to see the following screen.
From this tab you can select which system type(s) you want available from the main
interface. If you only select 150 or 450 then only one system is available from the main
interface. If you select 150, 450 then both are available and you can toggle between
them using the link at the top of the page.
Initially, each branch will be empty and you will not see any amplifiers.
smartcom Remote Diagnostics Manual Page 37 of 89
Rev. 12.0
22 Brady Street, Unit 4
Sudbury, Canada P3E 6E1
Tel: 705-674-8111
Toll free: 877-658-2747
www.varismine.com
For RNG-AMP and RIS-AMP amplifiers, if the DRX is configured properly, the amplifiers will
be automatically added to the UNASSIGNED branch when they call in. Head end amplifiers
with the latest firmware will be automatically added to the Head End position (Head end
node ).
To view BSC-AMP amplifier data, the amplifier ID must be added to the main interface (See
Adding Amplifiers). Once the amplifier ID has been added, the smartcom OPC server will
poll the amplifier at an interval related to the size of the system and the poll settings
configured in the OPC server. In general, if the system has fewer amplifiers, then each
amplifier will be polled more often. However, this can be customized using the OPC server
settings. See the smartcom OPC server manual for more information. Once the OPC server
has successfully polled an amplifier, it relays the information to the RD web server which
then displays the updated data.
The following screen shot is of a fully configured system with multiple amplifiers.
The following icons are used to represent the various system components:
• Branch
• Amplifier
• Head end
• Antenna (AN1)
• Splice (SPL)
• CMTS
• Cable modem
Clicking an amplifier node will display the current diagnostic data for that amplifier.
You can also view the amplifier data in a tabular format by clicking on the Table view link
from the View selector, as shown below.
This will display a table containing the latest amplifier data for each amplifier in the
selected system.
Initially, each branch will be empty and you will not see any amplifiers.
To view smartcom 450 amplifier data, the amplifier ID must be added to the main interface
(See Adding Amplifiers). Once added, the smartcom OPC server will poll the amplifier at an
interval related to the size of the system and the poll settings configured in the OPC server.
In general, if the system has fewer amplifiers, then each amplifier will be polled more often.
However, this can be customized using the OPC server settings. See the smartcom OPC
server manual for more information. Once the OPC server has successfully polled an
amplifier, it relays the information to the RD web server which then displays the updated
data.
The following screen shot is of a fully configured system with multiple amplifiers.
The following icons are used to represent the various system components:
• Branch
• Amplifier
• Head end
• Antenna (AN1)
• Splice (SPL)
• CMTS
• Cable modem
Clicking an amplifier node will display the current diagnostic data for that amplifier.
You can also view the amplifier data in a tabular format by clicking on the Table view link
from the View selector, as shown below.
This will display a table containing the latest amplifier data for each amplifier in the
selected system.
Clicking on the Refresh option will force the system to poll the selected amplifier for new
diagnostics data.
Clicking the CMTS node or a cable modem node will display the current data for that device.
Clicking the gas monitor node will display the current data for that device.
Historical Data
Clicking on an amplifier node, cable modem node, CMTS node or gas monitor node on the
main page will open the History page for the selected device. You can also access the
History page by right-clicking on the device node and selecting the View history option
shown below.
This screen shows a tabular display of device data. Use the navigation buttons along the
bottom to display older data. You can also choose which columns to show or hide using the
buttons in the top right corner.
Clicking the Chart tab will display the device data in chart form as shown below.
The Resolution is adjusted using the drop down box shown below.
The resolution sets the interval for data retrieval. There are 6 options: 10 minutes, 1 hour,
4 hours, 10 hours, 24 hours and 1 week. If you set the resolution too large, you may get too
much data to be displayed on the graph. If this happens, you must reduce the resolution
until the data fits.
Clicking the Live check box will provide a live view, retrieving the current amplifier data.
The start time will be automatically offset based on the current resolution setting such that
Start Time + Resolution = Current Time. This screen will automatically update every 10
seconds.
You can also use the navigation arrows to move the time range forward
or backward by currently selected resolution. The current time range is shown at the
bottom.
smartcom Remote Diagnostics Manual Page 48 of 89
Rev. 12.0
22 Brady Street, Unit 4
Sudbury, Canada P3E 6E1
Tel: 705-674-8111
Toll free: 877-658-2747
www.varismine.com
In order to make changes to the system tree structure, edit mode must be turned ON from
the Edit mode selector.
If edit mode is turned OFF, some options will be disabled and you will not be able to move
devices.
Warning: When edit mode is ON, device data will not refresh.
2. Right-click on the tree node you would like to add the device to. This can either be one
of the 4 main branch nodes or any other node below the main branch nodes. You
should see a menu similar to the one below:
Select the Add… menu option to open the Add Device dialog box as show below:
- 2-Way Splitter
- 3-Way Splitter
- Antenna
- Termination
- Other
• ID – For amplifiers, this is the unique ID number or address of the amplifier you
are adding to the system. The Amplifier ID must be in the form of "255.nnn.xxx"
for smartcom 150 RNG-AMP amplifiers, "200.xxx.xxx" for smartcom 150 BSC-
AMP amplifiers, "254.nnn.xxx" for smartcom 150IS RIS-AMP amplifiers,
"100.nnn.xxx" for smartcom 450 amplifiers, "30hhhhhh" for URDM amplifiers
and 60hhhhhh for remote tone generators. Each number "nnn" must be in the
range of 0 to 255, each number "xxx" must be in the range of 1 to 255 and each
number "h" must be a valid hexadecimal value in the range of 0 to F.
• Protocol Address – * Only displayed for SSFM gas monitors. For Modbus RTU,
it is the COM port (i.e. COM1). For Modbus TCP, it is the IP Address:Port (i.e.
192.168.0.254:502)
To delete all items in a Branch, select the Delete all menu option from the right-click
menu of a branch node.
Warning!
The delete action cannot be undone.
Branches can be deleted by right-clicking on the branch you want to delete and selecting
the Delete button. If the Branch contains any devices, they will be deleted as well.
Move left will move the branch to the left one position. Move right will move the branch to
the right one position.
While an expanded branch with children is shown with a “-“ symbol and a regular border,
as shown below:
Once the device node is dragged into the target circle, a red line will be drawn between the
amplifier and the target node, indicating that a link will be created when the mouse button
is released.
If the node you are dragging has children, they will not be shown while the drag is being
performed. However, the children will remain with the dragged node and will be re-
inserted into their new location along with the dragged node once the drag action is
complete UNLESS the dragged node originated from the unassigned branch. In that case,
only the dragged node is moved.
If the dragged node is not placed on a valid target when the mouse button is released, it will
return to its previous location.
If the target node already has child nodes, then the dragged node will be added to the right
of the existing children. You can change the order of the children by right-clicking on a child
node and selecting the either the Move left or Move right menu options as shown below:
Move left will move the node to the left one position. Move right will move the node to the
right one position.
3. Right-click on the Branch 1 node and select Add…. Enter "255.0.1" as the ID and then
enter the amplifier description as shown.
4. Next, right-click on the new amplifier node "255.0.2" just created and select Add….
Enter "255.0.2" for the ID and the amplifier description as shown.
5. Right-click on the new amplifier node "255.0.3" just created and select Add…. Enter
"255.0.3" for the ID and the amplifier description as shown.
6. Right-click on the new amplifier node "255.0.4" just created and select Add…. Enter
"SP2" for the ID. This will add an SP2 splitter to the layout.
7. Right-click on the SP2 node just created and select Add…. Enter "255.0.4" for the ID
and the amplifier description as shown.
8. Now we will add another amplifier to the splitter to create a secondary line. Right-click
on the SP2 node again and select Add…. Enter "255.0.5" for the ID and the amplifier
description as shown.
7.9.9 Defining the Head End Amplifier (RNG-Hxx Head Ends Only)
Newer versions of the amplifier firmware allow the RD web server to differentiate between
line and RNG-Hxx head end amplifiers. Based on the amplifier type, the RD web server will
either automatically populate the Head End node or add the new amplifier to the
Unassigned Amplifiers branch. If the Head End amplifier is added to the Unassigned
Amplifiers branch (older firmware), it must be configured according to the following
procedure.
1. Connect to the web server by typing the IP address of the device on which the web
server is running (i.e., http://127.0.0.1/).
Warning
If the node you are un-assigning has any children, they will also be moved to the
unassigned branch. If you do not want the children moved to the UNASSIGNED
branch, you must remove them from the parent before it is unassigned.
Click on the Adjust atten… option to display the Attenuation Settings dialog shown below.
The dialog displays the current Upstream and Downstream CMTS attenuation settings.
Clicking on the help button displays a table showing the complete list of recommended
values. The recommended value is calculated from the voice channel attenuation.
To change the attenuation settings, edit the value in the corresponding text box and click
the Save button.
The dialog displays the current configuration for the selected remote tone generator and
has the following fields:
• Frequency - The frequency in kHz at which the tone will be generated.
• Duration – The length of time in minutes the tone will stay on before
automatically switching off.
• Transmitter - The state of the transmitter. Possible values are: 0=OFF, 1=ON
To change the remote tone generator settings, edit the value in the corresponding field and
click the Save button.
If the Transmitter is turned ON, it will remain on for the duration specified in the Duration
field, or until it is turned OFF.
• IP Address - The IP address of the CMTS you are adding to the system.
2. Click the Save button to commit the changes. The main page should now contain your
newly added CMTS.
To edit a cable modem, right-click on the corresponding cable modem node and select the
Edit… option. The edit cable modem form allows you to change the description of the cable
modem only.
Warning
If you delete the CMTS, you will also delete all of its attached cable modems. You will
need to re-add a CMTS in order to get Ethernet diagnostics information (See Adding
a CMTS). If you delete a cable modem, and it is still physically connected to the
system, it will reappear after a couple of minutes
• Down: This value shows the RF downstream signal strength (dBm) measured at the
amplifier’s output. This value indicates signal presence and strength. In a properly
functioning Varis system, RF Down can vary from -16 dBm (no signal present) to +6
dBm (signal present) for line amplifiers in a non-piloted system. The output signal
strength during signal transmission can vary between +2 and +6 dBm (RNG-AMP, RIS-
AMP, BSC-AMP line amplifier). Please note that Varis RNG-Hxx head end amplifiers
have an output signal strength 5 dBm higher than line amplifiers.
• DwnAtten: This shows the attenuation (dB) being applied by an amplifier to a signal’s
downstream/upstream gain. While the amplifier is in Automatic mode, the attenuation
applied by the CPU is displayed. While the amplifier is in manual mode, the DwnAtten
field shows the position of the manual attenuation switch (IC14 on RNG-AMP and RIS-
AMP amplifiers, SW1 on BSC-AMP amplifiers) located on the amplifier board. An
attenuation value of 0 dB indicates that the amplifiers gain is at 100%. Alternately, an
attenuation of 15 dB indicates that maximum attenuation is being applied by the
amplifier.
The values in brackets next to the CMTS attenuation values show the currently stored
CMTS attenuation set points in the database.
Important
When an amplifier calls in with CMTS attenuation values that are different than
the set point values stored in the database, the system will automatically try and
set the correct values on the amplifier.
In order to change the CMTS attenuation settings, click the Adjust attenuation settings
link and follow the instructions in the Adjusting Attenuation Settings section.
• Mode: This data field indicates whether the amplifier is running in Automatic or
Manual mode. The amplifiers mode setting is determined by the position of the mode
jumper on the front of the amplifier board. While the amplifier is in Automatic mode,
the amplifier’s CPU will automatically adjust the gain to maintain a downstream
signal-strength of +4 dBm (+9 dBm for head end amplifiers). In Manual mode, the
amplifier’s gain is controlled by the position of the attenuation switch.
• VDC: This value indicates the DC Line voltage detected at the amplifier.
• Last Report: The amount of time that has elapsed since the amplifier last reported.
If there is an alarm state associated with the power supply, the amplifier node and battery
will appear as follows:
In addition to the regular data fields, Power Supply Remote Diagnostics amplifiers include
the following:
• PwrSupply: The current state of the power supply. Possible value are:
Testing… - A test is being performed on the power supply. Tests are run every 12
hours. Once a test has been completed, the battery capacity will be displayed.
AC ON(%) - AC power is on. If a battery test has been performed, the battery capacity
remaining is shown in brackets (i.e., AC ON (100%)).
• Last Test: The amount of time that has elapsed since the last battery test was
performed.
• Amplifier ID: This is a unique 24 bit identifier which has been programmed into each
amplifier (i.e., 100.0.100). The Amplifier ID must be a valid ID number in the form of
100.nnn.xxx. Each number "nnn" must be in the range of 0 to 255 and each number
"xxx" must be in the range of 1 to 255.
• Desc: A short description of the amplifier’s physical location on the smartcom 450
radio system.
• Down: This value shows the RF downstream signal strength (dBm) measured at the
amplifier’s output. This value indicates signal presence and strength. The target RF
Downstream power level for smartcom 450 amplifiers is -5 dBm.
• DwnAtten: This shows the attenuation (dB) being applied by an amplifier to a signal’s
downstream gain. While an amplifier is in Automatic mode, the attenuation applied by
the CPU is displayed. While the amplifier is in manual mode, the Atten field shows the
position of the manual attenuation switch (SW1) located on the amplifier board.
• UpAtten: This shows the attenuation (dB) being applied by an amplifier to a signal’s
upstream gain.
• RSSI: This value shows the RF upstream signal strength (dBm) as measured at the
head end input. Upstream signals leave each amplifier at -20 dBm and should reach
the head end between -30 dBm and -42 dBm.
• Mode: This data field indicates whether the amplifier is running in Automatic or
Manual mode. The amplifiers mode setting is determined by the position of the mode
jumper (JU16) on the front of the amplifier board. While the amplifier is in Automatic
mode, the amplifier’s CPU will automatically adjust the gain to maintain a downstream
• VDC: This value indicates the DC Line voltage detected at the amplifier.
• Last Report: The amount of time that has elapsed since the amplifier last reported.
The values in brackets next to the CMTS attenuation values show the currently stored
CMTS attenuation set points in the database. If the values returned by the amplifier do not
match the set points, the CMTS values will appear red.
Important
When an amplifier calls in with CMTS attenuation values that are different than
the set point values stored in the database, the system will automatically try and
set the correct values on the amplifier.
To change the CMTS attenuation settings, click the Adjust attenuation settings link and
follow the instructions in the Adjusting Attenuation Settings section.
• Amplifier ID: This is a unique 32 bit address which has been programmed into each
amplifier (i.e., 30001001). The Amplifier ID must be a valid address in the form of
30XXXXXX. Each number "X" is a hexadecimal value between 0 and F.
• Desc: A short description of the amplifier’s physical location on the smartcom radio
system.
• Down Pwr In: The downlink RF power (dBm) before being amplified.
• Downlink: The downlink power status. Possible values are Low-Low, Low, Gain Open,
Perfect, Gain Closed, High, High-High.
smartcom Remote Diagnostics Manual Page 66 of 89
Rev. 12.0
22 Brady Street, Unit 4
Sudbury, Canada P3E 6E1
Tel: 705-674-8111
Toll free: 877-658-2747
www.varismine.com
• CLC mode: The Cable Length Compensation mode. Can be either Manual or Remote.
• CLC status: The Cable Length Compensation status. Possible values are: OK and Error.
• CLC val: The Cable Length Compensation value is the amount of compensation (dB)
applied to the main line (from the Base Station side of the Amplifier).
• Last Report: The amount of time that has elapsed since the amplifier last reported.
• ID: This is a unique 32 bit address which has been programmed into each remote tone
generator (i.e.,60000001). The ID must be a valid address in the form of 60XXXXXX.
Each number "X" is a hexadecimal value between 0 and F.
• Desc: A short description of the device’s physical location on the smartcom radio
system.
• Duration: The length of time in minutes the tone will stay on before automatically
switching off.
• Transmitter: The state of the transmitter. Possible values are: 0=OFF, 1=ON
• Last Report: The amount of time that has elapsed since the amplifier last reported.
• Model: Model name of the CMTS. For example, "C3" refers to the Arris Cadant C3
CMTS.
• MAC: The MAC (Media Access Control) address of the CMTS. A MAC is a hardware
address that uniquely identifies each node of a network.
• Dwn pwr: The downstream channel’s transmit power-level from the CMTS.
• Up width: The bandwidth of the upstream channel (3.2 MHz or 6.4 MHz).
• Up time: The amount of time since the CMTS was last reinitialized.
• Last Report: The amount of time that has elapsed since the CMTS last reported.
• Dwn Pwr: The downstream power level detected at the cable modem.
• Dwn mod: The modulation type associated with the downstream channel. Should be
either QAM 64 or QAM 256.
• Up pwr: The power level of the upstream channel (transmitted from the cable
modem).
• Up time: The amount of time since the cable modem was last reinitialized.
• Last Report: The amount of time that has elapsed since the cable modem last
reported.
• ID: A unique identifier which includes the devices Modbus slave address and protocol.
For Modbus RTU, it includes the COM port and slave address (i.e. SSFM:COM1:1). For
Modbus TCP devices, it includes the IP address, port and slave address (i.e.
SSFM:192.168.0.254:502:1).
• UpAtten: This shows the attenuation (dB) being applied by an amplifier to a signal’s
upstream gain.
• Sensor: The type of sensor (i.e. CO, CO2, NH3, etc.) along with it’s units (i.e. %, ppm,
etc.)
• Latched: The latched sensor status. Indicates if the sensor latched due to an alarm
state.
• Calibration: The calibration status of the sensor. Indicates if a sensor is due for
calibration.
• Last Report: The amount of time that has elapsed since the monitor last reported.
14. Alarms
The web interface will show alarms and warnings for amplifiers, Ethernet devices and gas
monitors. These are shown by highlighting the device node in red (alarm) or orange
(warning) and includes a brief description in the Alarm listing. The value with an
alarm/warning condition is also highlighted in red/orange. Email notification of alarms can
be configured (See Mail Settings)
To view the most recent alarms, click the alarm bell icon on the toolbar at the bottom
of the amplifier layout interface. This will expand the alarm panel as shown below.
The alarm panel displays the 5 most recent alarms in the system that have not yet been
acknowledged. To acknowledge an alarm, see Acknowledging Alarms.
Acknowledging Alarms
To acknowledge an alarm from the alarm panel, open the alarm panel from the main
interface (See Viewing the Most Recent Alarms). Next, place the mouse cursor over the
alarm you wish to acknowledge and the acknowledge alarm button ( ) will be displayed
next to the alarm. Click the button to acknowledge the alarm and it will no longer be
displayed on the alarm panel.
To acknowledge an alarm from the main Alarm list page, first open the Alarm list page (See
Viewing All Alarms). Then click the Acknowledge checkbox next to the alarm you want to
acknowledge. To acknowledge multiple alarms at once, select the alarms you want to
acknowledge by clicking on them and then click the Acknowledge Selected button, as shown
below.
Deleting Alarms
To delete an alarm, first open the Alarm list page (See Viewing All Alarms). Select the
alarms you want to delete by clicking on them and then click the Delete Selected button, as
shown below.
Warning
Deleting alarms will remove them from the system completely and cannot be
undone.
3. Open the Administration interface by clicking on the Admin link on the upper right-
hand corner of the page. Next, click on Alarms from the administration menu.
4. Enter the desired Low and High alarm/warning threshold values and save the
changes. Click on the help icon to view typical settings for a field.
5. To reset a particular set of fields back to their defaults, click the Reset button next to
the row of fields. To reset ALL of the alarm thresholds, click the Reset All button and
save changes.
Default Thresholds
Although the alarm thresholds can all be customized, the default settings should work for
most installations. For reference, the default thresholds are listed below. After making any
changes, you can easily revert back to the default settings by using the Reset buttons.
15. Database
The Remote Diagnostics web server stores its data in a Microsoft SQL Server Express
Edition database. The Database administration screen allows you to back-up the database,
or restore the database from a previous backup. It also allows you to delete old data that
may no longer be needed.
It is highly recommended that you make occasional backups of your database file,
especially after making structural changes to the amplifier layout. That way, if there is ever
a problem, you can restore the database to a known working state without having to
rebuild your amplifier layout manually.
It is also recommended that you delete old data periodically. This will help conserve disk
space and improve performance of the Remote Diagnostics system.
To access the Database administration screen, you must first be logged in as an
Administrator (See User Access). Next, open the Administration interface by clicking on the
Admin link in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Then, click on the Database link from
the administration menu and you should see a screen similar to the one shown below:
For most installations, the default values should be used. Next, click the Backup button to
begin the backup. Once completed, the backup will be saved in the Database Backups folder
which can be accessed from the Start menu (Start -→ Becker Varis -→ smartcom Remote
Diagnostics -→ Database backups folder). The browser will also prompt the user to save the
file locally, in the location of their choice. By default the file will be named using the pattern
"diagnostics-n.n.n_date_time.bak", where "n.n.n" is the RD version number and "date_time"
is the current date and time.
2. Click the Browse… button to open the Windows file chooser dialog and select the
backup file you would like to restore. For most installations the default database
credentials should be used.
3. Click the Restore button. You will be asked to confirm that you want to overwrite your
current database with the file you selected in the previous step. Click OK to proceed.
4. Once the restore has completed, close the Restore database dialog by clicking the "X"
button in the upper right corner of the dialog.
16. Searching
You can search for amplifiers and other devices by typing the item’s ID number or
description into the search for devices… search box and pressing the Enter key.
Wildcard searches can be performed by using the “*” character which matches zero or
more characters.
If the amplifier exists in the system it will be centered and highlighted in the system layout
as shown in the screen shot below:
Setting markers
Peak markers can be set by right-clicking the graph and selecting the type of marker you
want to set. Currently, there are 3 options:
• Ride: this marker will “ride” along the highest peak.
• Hold: this marker indicates the highest reading recorded.
• Add marker: this allows the user to select a specific frequency to mark.
To remove markers, right-click the graph and select the Clear markers option.
To stop the waterfall, right-click the graph and select Stop waterfall.
On this screen, you can change various system settings. Each of the fields are described
below:
• Site name: The Site Name is usually set to the name of the mine or tunnel where the
system is installed. This is displayed along the top of every screen.
• System type: The System Type box is used to select the type of smartcom Leaky
Feeder system that is installed. 150, 450 or 150 and 450 if both types of systems are
installed.
• Automatically delete database data older than 2 weeks: This option, when
checked, will automatically delete data older than 2 weeks in order to conserve disk
space and improve performance. Enabled by default.
• DRX alarming: If checked, this option will set the DRX alarm state on/off depending
on the alarm state of the diagnostics system. Disabled by default.
• OPC scan rate: The rate in milliseconds at which to scan the OPC server for
changes.
• Hostname: The fully qualified domain name that uniquely identifies the OPC
server on the network.
• Domain: The domain name that the OPC server is a part of.
• Password: The password for the user with permission to access the OPC server.
• Verify that you entered the correct Web Server IP address on the DRX.
• If you have a firewall running on the web server or somewhere between the web
server and the DRX, you must configure it to allow UDP packets through on port 4322.
My amplifier data is not updating and there is "Cannot connect to smartcom OPC
Server" in the alarm list.
The smartcom Remote Diagnostics web server retrieves its data from the smartcom OPC
server. This error message indicates that a valid connection cannot be established between
the web server and the OPC server. As a result, amplifier data will not be updated.
In order to troubleshoot this issue, first check the following:
• Is the smartcom OPC server installed?
If the Remote Diagnostics web server is still not able to connect to the OPC server, you may
have to manually configure the smartcom OPC settings, as follows:
1. Open the System settings page (See System Settings)
2. In most cases the OPC server is installed on the same computer as the web server, so
the Hostname should be set to localhost. If the OPC server is installed on a different
computer, you must enter either the name or IP address of the computer in the
Hostname field.
3. If the computer is part of a network domain, enter the domain name in the Domain
field and a valid username and password for an account on the domain. Otherwise, set
the Domain to localhost and enter a valid username and password for a local user
account on the server computer.