Version 2.1 User Guide 08/2003

Transcription

1 Version 2.1 User Guide 08/2003 SimpleComTools, LLC 1

2 OVERVIEW Applications Hardware Details Software Details HARDWARE SETUP SOFTWARE SETUP SOFWTARE LICENSING This document contains information that is PATENT PENDING Copyright 2003 SimpleComTools, LLC All rights reserved SimpleComTools, LLC 2

3 OVERVIEW is a solution that provides for SMTP ( ) transfer of serial data streams. monitors the RS-232 port of a Windows PC, detects the beginning of a serial data stream, buffers the serial data until there is a user-specified delay in the stream, and then sends the stream data to a pre-defined message to any Internet address. is perfect for enabling information from dumb serial devices to be sent to a host computer or to support personnel via SMTP ( ). is very versatile, applicable in a wide number of applications, including remote Telemetry and data collection applications, vending, or other similar solutions. Manual collection of data from remote devices (such as data loggers) can be a costly process. Data loggers can often be located in remote areas that may take a great deal of time or resource to reach. can be easily installed on any Windows-based embedded computer or data loggers, enabling serial data streams from sensors or RTUs to be packaged and sent to any host as a common message. Wireless IP networks such as CDPD, CDMA, or GPRS are perfectly suited for , and are a perfect network choice for enabled devices. can provide transport of data for numerous types of applications: Agriculture Manufacturing Transportation Systems Vehicle Data Acquisition Systems Water Quality Control Weather & Climate Monitoring LAN/WAN and Intranet/Internet Applications works on any Ethernet, Wireless LAN (802.11x), or TCP/IP network. can be installed on any PC or server on the LAN, and data streams can be sent via to any respondent located inside or outside the network. Alerts arrive on the LAN desktop via regularly used clients, such as Microsoft Outlook, Lotus, Netscape, etc. or be sent to any person or device reachable via an address including personal services (AOL, MSN, Yahoo, etc), Wireless PDAs, WAP or text message enabled cell phones and pagers. can also be used for remote device monitoring. The solution can just as easily be installed on remote PC s that are be connected to wide-area networking services such as cable or DSL, or even wireless WAN networks like CDPD, CDMA, or GPRS. This is useful for remote site access control, gated area monitoring, stand-alone vending applications, etc. Here is how Serial Stream-SMTPTM might fit into your network scenario: SimpleComTools, LLC 3

4 Hardware Details can utilize any PC RS-232 com port. Any data stream that comes into the RS-232 port is capable of being transported via . Software Details is a Windows based software solution designed with a simple and intuitive user interface. Setup of the entire solution can be completed in a matter of minutes. Software setup involves two screens: the Serial and Server setup screen (below) and the Message setup and test screen (right). recipients, message formats, timing, content, and tests are all conducted via one easy to understand interface. Com port and server settings offer both standard and customizable options to allow for unique install requirements. SimpleComTools, LLC 4

5 HARDWARE SETUP Connect your RS-232 device to the RS-232 interface on your PC. Most devices will have a PC or modem cable available. Consult your device user manual for PC cabling options or specifications. Connect the RS-232 port of your serial device to the serial port on your Windows PC. Depending on the type of device, you will need either a straightthrough or null serial cable. SOFTWARE SETUP Install by launching the setup.exe file. By default, will be installed in the C:\Program Files\Serial Stream SMTP TM folder along with several other files. Do NOT delete any files from the folder, as they are all necessary. Begin setup by double-clicking the icon. If you see this screen, your version of software is unlicensed. An unlicensed version will only run for a period of 60 minutes before terminating. To obtain a permanent LICENSE KEY, visit us at SimpleComTools, LLC 5

6 The main screen is where most of the setup takes place. The hardware and mail server setup options are under the Options menu. Begin by setting up the Com Port and SMTP Server settings. These are located under Options/Configurations. SimpleComTools, LLC 6

7 Set the Serial Port, Baud Rate, Flow Control and Data Connection Parameters: - Serial Port to be monitored and serial settings of hardware attached to port SMTP Server: - Remote Host: Name or IP Address of SMTP Mail Server used for outgoing messages - Port: SMTP Server Port (Default for SMTP is Port 25. Change only if told to do so.) - Time Out: SMTP Server Connection Timeout (Default = milliseconds or 10 sec) Authentication: - Account name: Sender account name. This is the name to the left of sign. - Password: Sender account password. - Use Authentication: Specifies that you must log on to your outgoing mail server Main Form: - Hide on Start up (will force to run in taskbar). - Auto clear displays (clears mail progress display on prior to new message) Select OK when completed. Select File/Save to save your configuration. SimpleComTools, LLC 7

8 Setting up the Event/Messaging parameters: MAIL: To: This is the main recipient of the for the serial data Authentication: This is the address of the sender (SMTP sender account name) From: This is a free text field and can be anything you choose CC: of someone to receive a Carbon Copy message (Optional) Subject: This is a free text field and can be anything you choose Body: This is the current data stream being packaged for transport MAIL Que: The current messages held for transport. This is not an editable field. MAIL Messages: Send Mail every (n) seconds (Application has a 5 Second Minimum) Send all data streams (All serial data buffered since the last ) Send last message only (Only the last serial data event since the last ) SimpleComTools, LLC 8

9 SMTP Message Test/ Display Feature Ensuring SMTP Server connectivity and message transfer is essential to the system setup, so the software includes a SMTP message Test and Transaction Display. Once you have configured the SMTP server, user account, password, recipients and message text you are free to use the Test/Display to test message transport. You will see the complete SMTP session authentication and transfer. This can be very helpful when debugging mail problems. Status Bar At the bottom on the main configuration/display screen, you will notice a Serial Port status bar. This is designed to display the current state of each switch, as well as the PC Date and Time. When setup is completed, and SMTP tests verified, select File/Save to store the configuration. To hide the application from view, select Options/Hide. The application will now show as running in the Windows taskbar. Setup is now complete. For further assistance, you can contact your dealer or contact us at support@simplecomtools.com. SimpleComTools, LLC 9

10 SOFTWARE LICENSING To obtain a license, send the Serial Number shown on this screen to your SimpleComTools reseller and request a permanent LICENSE KEY. If purchasing direct from SimpleComTools, enter the Serial Number shown on this screen in the appropriate field when completing your online transaction. Questions about either process can be sent to Support@SimpleComTools.com. Thanks for using! - SimpleComTools, LLC SimpleComTools, LLC 10