Operation manual DeviceControl NomadLink Network Control and Monitoring Software Rev. 2.0.0 Item no.
1 contents 1 CONTENTS..................................................................................................................................................2 2 DeviceControl InTroduCtion..........................................................................................................4 2.1 Overview..............................................................................................................................................4 2.2 New features in DeviceControl 2.0.0............
Contents 1 6.3 Offline and Online states....................................................................................................................22 6.3.1 Selecting offline and Online states..........................................................................................22 6.3.2 Functions allowed in Offline and Online states.......................................................................22 6.4 Device View..............................................................................
2 DeviceControl InTroduCtion 2.1 Overview DeviceControl is a powerful tool for monitoring and controlling Lab.gruppen amplifiers equipped for use with the NomadLink network, including all C Series and FP+ Series models. To fully realize the power and flexibility of this program, we suggest that you refer to this manual during setup, and also keep it handy for reference until you are fully familiar with system configuration and all operating modes.
INSTALLING THE DEVICECONTROL APPLICATION 3 3.1 Computer system requirements Operating system: Windows 2000 or Windows XP(SP2) Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or XP-compatible equivalent (Celeron M, Athlon etc.) RAM: 512 MB minimum Hard drive free space: 20 MB Monitor: 800 x 600 24-bit color Network: Ethernet 10/100 Mbit 3.4 Uninstalling DeviceControl Should you wish to uninstall the software for any reason, simply locate the DeviceControl program folder and select the Uninstall option.
4 CONNECTING YOUR PC TO NOMADLINK 4.1 Establishing a Nomadlink network The OUT port of the NLB 60E must be connected to the IN port of the first amplifier to allow the DeviceControl software to correctly identify devices on the network. You must establish the NomadLink Network before you connect the DeviceControl host computer. If you have done so already, proceed to Section 4.2.
CONNECTING YOUR PC TO NOMADLINK 4 4.2 Determining preferred connection type You may connect your DeviceControl host computer to the NomadLink Network using either a direct (peer-to-peer) connection, or via a LAN (Local Area Network). A LAN requires inserting a router or network switch, with or without wireless (WiFi) capability. Either a peer-to-peer or a LAN connection will work with a single NLB 60E (one subnet); a LAN is normally required for connection to more than one NLB 60E (multiple subnets). 4.2.
4 CONNECTING YOUR PC TO NOMADLINK 4.5 TCP/IP setup To establish direct (peer-to-peer) communication between the DeviceControl host PC and the NLB 60E, you first must set the TCP/IP address in your computer. 6. Click on OK. The address is now set. You can verify that your settings are correct by doubleclicking on “Local Area Connection” and selecting the Support tab. 7. The PC is now ready to connect to the NLB 60E. Refer to instructions in Section 5 . The NLB 60E has following default address: IP: 192.
CONNECTING YOUR PC TO NOMADLINK 4 4.6 Establishing a wired or wireless LAN connection It is recommended that you make your LAN connections using a network device (hub, switch or router) that includes a DHCP server function. This feature greatly simplifies network configuration. For use with non-DHCP devices, see Section 4.5. Connect the host computer and one or more NLB 60Es to the network device using standard Ethernet cables.
5 Quick Guide for Basic Functions The following section provides the basic information required to use DeviceControl in most common applications. Instructions are provided for uploading amplifier data from physical subnets, performing basic operations, monitoring faults and warnings, and creating groups of amplifiers (for power on/off) as well as grouping amplifier channels. The pop up window (Figure 5.
Quick Guide for Basic Functions 5 5.1.1 No Subnets found fault If DeviceControl does not locate any available NLB 60E on the network, a pop-up window appears (Figure 5.3). If you are certain that subnets have been connected, this could indicate a problem with a physical connection, the network configuration or the Windows Firewall, DeviceControl by accessing the Windows Security Center in the Control Panel (Figure 5.4).
5 Quick Guide for Basic Functions 5.2 Toolbars overview DeviceControl is organized around a set of views accessible by selecting buttons on the main toolbar. The different views access various configuration, operation, and monitoring functions. More detailed information is given in the Reference Section 6. The Toolbar is grouped into four segments; Toolbar, Select View, Mode and Edit bar. Each segment may be independently repositioned by clicking on and dragging to the respective end bars.
Quick Guide for Basic Functions 5 Online: When a configuration is created offline and subsequent connection to a physical subnet is required, selecting Online interrogates the network and uploads amplifier information. The type and position of available devices are compared to the configuration, and an indication of the “Match” status can be seen in the Device list view. DeviceControl must be in the Online state to perform operating functions (on/off, mute, solo) and to monitor amplifier status.
5 Quick Guide for Basic Functions 5.3 Start Here The logical navigation structure and user-friendly graphical interface of DeviceControl make all operations intuitive and easy to learn. Nevertheless, it is suggested that you configure a physical NomadLink “learning system” in a non-critical environment to become thoroughly familiar with common operating and editing features. Some operations outlined in this section can be performed in more than one view.
Quick Guide for Basic Functions 5 unlock Operations lock, you will be unable to access amplifier operating functions. 5.3.3 Creating Channel Groups DeviceControl offers a number of features for Online and Offline editing of amplifier configurations. For many users, the most powerful editing feature will be creating Channel Groups. You may assign any channel from any device to a specific group.
5 Quick Guide for Basic Functions Your saved file stores all data that was uploaded from the physical subnet as well as any changes you have made, including renaming of devices or groups. 5.3.7 Opening a saved system configuration file To open a saved configuration, choose the “Open saved configuration” option when first booting DeviceControl. When DeviceControl is running, choose Open from the File menu. To match your saved configuration to a physical network, click the Online button.
Quick Guide for Basic Functions 5 configuration. With either synchronization direction (uploading from the physical amplifiers or downloading from a configuration), both configured and physical DIP-switch settings are compared. Any mismatches are indicated as faults or warnings. See section 6.4.2. 5.3.
6 reference Section appears. Press OK. 6.1 Secure Connections The NLB 60E(s), connected to a NomadLink network, can be connected to only one PC running DeviceControl. If the preferred or authorized computer is not connected, any computer with DeviceControl installed may access the NomadLink network as long as secure connection functionality is inactive. A secure connection restricts network access to a DeviceControl installation with a password setting that matches the password in the NLB 60E.
reference Section 6 between DeviceControl and the NLB 60Es. c. Verify that all added subnets are visible. Press “Deselect All” and select the new (added) subnets only. d. Press “Set”. 8. Press “OK” in the Settings dialog. Secure connection is now enabled in the additional NLB 60Es. Figure 6.2 8. Fill in “New Password” and “Confirm Password” with the same password set in step 4. These passwords must be identical to establish connection between DeviceControl and NLB 60Es. 9.
6 reference Section must be entered in this DeviceControl installation when re-enabling a secure connection. 6.1.5 Resetting passwords Use the procedure below if you want to maintain a secure connection, but change the password. Resetting the password in the NLB 60E Repeat these steps for all NLB 60Es in the system: 1. Press the Select key on the NLB 60E front panel until “Configuration” appears on the display. Press “OK”. 2. Press Select until “Security” appears. Press “OK”. 3.
reference Section 6 6.2 Lock Mode 6.2.1 Overview DeviceControl functions may be locked to prevent unauthorized or inadvertent changes to either the currently loaded configuration or to the operating status of amplifiers on the network. Two different Lock Modes are provided: • Lock Configuration (blue icon) – No changes to the currently loaded configuration are allowed. Operate functions (power on/off, solo and mute) remain enabled when DeviceControl is Online.
6 reference Section settings will be lost, including DeviceControl’s Secure Connection password. 6.3 Offline and Online states DeviceControl functions in two basic states: Offline and Online. In the Online state, the application is actively connected to a physical network (one or more subnets) via Ethernet. In the Offline state, the application is not connected to the network. 6.3.1 Selecting Online and Offline states You may select Offline or Online states using the dedicated buttons on the toolbar.
reference Section 6 6.4 Device View 6.4.1 Overview Device View displays a list of all amplifiers (devices) included in the currently loaded configuration file. In the Offline state, only the Configuration is shown. In the Online state, all devices uploaded from the physical network are paired with corresponding devices in the Configuration.
6 reference Section Model and Serial Number The model number is entered automatically when uploading a subnet into the configuration, or when creating or editing a configuration. Serial numbers are uploaded from the network only, and are entered on the Configuration side when a match is established. Status This column indicates the status on devices in the Configuration and on the Physical network.
reference Section 6 If a subnet is full, the Add, Insert and Paste functions will be disabled for that subnet. Drag and Drop assignment and reassignment You also may assign and reassign channels to groups using drag and drop in the Tree View. See Section 6.9.3. 6.4.4 Matching to the physical subnet A transition from the Offline state to Online state automatically initiates the match function. DeviceControl checks the network for physical subnets (NLB 60Es) to match the subnet configuration.
6 reference Section 6.5 Channel View 6.5.1 Overview Channel View (Figure 6.9) displays all channels of all amplifiers included in the current DeviceControl configuration. Channels A-D are shown for four-channel models, and A-H for eight-channel models. Bridged channels will show as adjacent pairs, from A/B (two-channel amplifiers) up to A/B through G/H for eight-channel amplifiers. Channels may be re-named as described in Section 5.3.5. 6.5.
reference Section 6 6.6 Group View 6.6.1 Overview Group View (Figure 6.10) is the primary view used for real-time operation and monitoring when a system configuration is online. The intuitive graphical presentation of groups and channels allows quick recognition of warning and fault conditions, and allows immediate access to Mute and Solo commands for all channels on the network as well as for all subnets, groups and individual channels. Figure 6.
6 reference Section 6.6.
reference Section 6 Warnings Offline Offline warning (no network connection) DIP-switch not read Not verified (present when amplifier not turned on) On warning Amplifier on, configured power off Temp warning High but not muted High impedance Possible wiring disconnect . Current limit Current Peak Limiter (CPL) active Power Average Limiter Power Average Limiter (PAL) engaged Wrong DIP-switch settings Verification warning – DIP-switches (non-critical) 6.6.
6 reference Section 6.6.6 Level meters and clip LEDs Channel module level meters and clip LEDs indicate level for that channel. Level meters and clip LEDs on the Group and Subnet modules indicate highest meter value of any channel in the Group or Subnet. 6.7 Power Groups View 6.7.1 Overview The Power Groups View displays Power Groups in the upper pane and all included devices in each selected group in the lower pane.
reference Section 6 6.8 Device View 6.8.1 Overview The Details View displays detailed information on the selected Device, Channel or Subnet. Details View can be accessed as follows: • Press Details button on toolbar while in Device or Power View. Details of the selected device will be shown. • Press Details button on toolbar while in Channels View. Details of selected channel will be shown. • Press Details button on any Subnet or Channel module in the Group View.
6 reference Section 6.8.3 Device details The Device Info tab displays the status of the configured device and the physical device. Matched devices will have identical information in corresponding fields (Figure 6.14) Figure 6.
reference Section 6 The DIP-switches tab (Figure 6.14) displays DIP-switch positions of the configured device and the matched physical device, if any. Physical device status is shown only when power is on. Positions of DIP-switches may be changed on a configured “virtual” device by clicking on them. Any resulting mismatch is indicated by a red fault or yellow warning LED. The Power and sensitivity calculator shows output power and input sensitivity for the configured DIP-switch settings.
6 REFERENCE SECTION The Channel tab (Figure 6.15) shows the level meter, temperature, and fault or warning indication. Solo and Mute buttons are active when the device is on and DeviceControl is active. Figure 6.
REFERENCE SECTION 6 6.9 Tree View 6.9.1 Overview The Tree window (Figure 6.16) provides an expandable and collapsible Tree View of the current configuration file. The Tree window may be opened or closed using the Tree View icon in the toolbar. The Tree in collapsed view shows three divisions: Channel Groups, Power Groups and NomadLink Network. Channel Groups shows the default (non-removable) All and Subnet, as well as any other configured groups.
6 REFERENCE SECTION 6.10 Settings Dialog 6.10.1 Overview Click the General tab (Figure 6.17) to change the sorting method in Tree View, Group View and Power Group View. When new groups are created by users, they are listed in numeric order as created by default. Click in the checkbox if you wish to change to alphabetical sorting by name. User defined Power Groups retain alphabetical order, even if the Subnet Groups are renamed. 6.10.
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