Internal Modem Support

The V.90 internal modem (Alpha P/N #707-329-20) module requires the CXC to be supplied with List Option 101

(modem module supporting global usage); which includes the List Option 95 Communications Board assembly.

External Modem Support

The CXC also supports the use of a standard external AT-class V.34 or V.90 modem (e.g. US Robotics Sportster

33.6 or similar). The external modem must be connected by a standard DB-9 straight through serial cable to the

rear RS-232 serial port (requires the CXC to be supplied with the List Option 95 Communications Board

assembly).

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8.3.3

8.3.4

Null Modem Direct Cable Connection Support

The CXC supports the use of a direct DB-9 null modem cable connection to a computer running Windows 2000.

The null modem cable is connected to either the front panel RS-232 serial craft port interface or rear RS-232

serial port interface (requires the CXC to be supplied with the List Option 95 Communications Board assembly).

A null modem cable connection to the front port typically requires just a simple three-wire null modem cable (TxD,

RxD and GND) for terminal emulation access (Alpha diagnostics usage). However, for a fully functional

Windows PPP web connection for the TCP/IP, the Windows serial driver on the computer connecting to the

CXC requires a standard null modem cable. See Figure 102 that follows:

Figure 102–RS-232 null modem cable pinouts

Configuring Rear Modem Port Settings (CXCP or CXCR only)

The “Rear Port Device” section of the Modem menu (or the corresponding section of the “Configure

Communications Parameters” page of the web interface) enables the user to configure which type of serial device

is enabled for the rear port, see 6.8.4.

8.3.4.1

8.3.4.2

8.3.4.3

Internal Modem

Use this list box selection if the system includes List Option 101.

External Modem

Use this list box selection if there is an external modem connected with a straight through DB-9

cable to the DB-9 port on the communications daughterboard (requires List Option 95).

NULL Modem

Use this list box selection if there is a standard crossover null modem cable connecting a

computer running Windows 2000 to the DB-9 port on the communications daughterboard

(requires List Option 95).

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9

Remote Communications

The instructions provided in this chapter should enable the user to establish remote communications with the

CXC. The communications protocol supports a web interface. All CXC models may be set up, monitored and

tested with an Ethernet 10/100 Base-T either locally or remotely. Local connection is also possible with a PPP

serial data connection. The installation manual describes some standard scenarios. See also 2.2.

NOTE: A step by step connection wizard – provided to establish remote communications with the CXC – is available via

the Alpha website (www.alpha.ca).

9.1

Establishing a Network Connection via a Crossover Cable

1. Connect the network crossover cable between the host computer (e.g. laptop) and the Cordex controller.

2. In Windows 2000, select START MENU, SETTINGS, and then select NETWORK AND DIAL-UP

CONNECTIONS.

3. Right-click on the icon for the LOCAL AREA CONNECTION (to be used by the laptop computer) and then

select PROPERTIES.

4. Make sure INTERNET PROTOCOL (TCP/IP) is checked; highlight it and then select PROPERTIES.

5. Check the radio button beside USE THE FOLLOWING IP ADDRESS and enter or verify the following

information:

IP address:

10.10.10.202

Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

6. Click OK to close each window opened thus far.

7. Login to the CXC: First, tap on the Home icon button at the bottom left corner of the LCD touch screen and

select LOGIN. Next, enter the password 1234 and tap on ACCEPT. Last, close the message window (access

granted to the controller).

8. On the main menu, scroll down and tap on COMMUNICATIONS and then tap on IP ADDRESS (Figure 84).

9. Ensure the checkbox beside OBTAIN AUTOMATICALLY is clear, and enter or verify the following information:

IP address:

10.10.10.201 (factory default)

Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

NOTE: To change a number, tap on the numeric field to edit via the CXC’s virtual numeric keypad, see Figure 24.

10. Select the√ icon to accept the new setting and return to the previous menu.

11. Return to MAIN MENU navigation screen and press the OPTION button to evoke the SAVE/LOGOUT pop-up

window.

12. Select SAVE to save the new settings. A pop-up window appears to confirm the selection (select the X icon).

13. Select the OPTION button again and choose LOGOUT.

14. Tap on the home icon at the bottom left corner of the LCD touch screen and select RESET, see Section 4.7.3.

To confirm the reset, tap ACCEPT and then REBOOT NOW.

15. In Windows 2000, once the CXC has rebooted, launch Internet Explorer 6 or greater and enter the IP

address of the CXC (10.10.10.201) in the address bar. Under Tools\Internet Options\Security, add the logon

address of the CXC to the “Trusted Sites.”

16. If the connection was successful, the password prompt will appear. Enter the USER NAME and the default

PASSWORD (1234). Select OK to proceed to the language selection window.

17. See Section 4.10 for a sample window when using a desktop browser to set-up or monitor the CXC controller.

9.1.1

Support for CXCI

The CXCI has only a 4-digit display for monitoring system voltage and current (IP address display may be

included in future revisions). Without a touch screen display, system setup and management is performed

exclusively with the web interface. To establish remote communications, begin setup as follows:

Perform steps 1 through 6 above.

Reboot the CXCI (see 6.8.3.1): press and hold the front panel reset button for three seconds. The unit will beep

three times, IP will be reset (to 10.10.10.201) and DHCP will be disabled. The settings will be saved and the unit

will then reboot/reset.

Perform steps 15 through 17 above.

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9.2

9.2.1

PPP Serial Data Connection

The user must set up a “direct cable connection” for the workstation to be connected (with a null modem cable) to

the CXC Craft port (address 10.10.10.203). Follow the example (e.g., in Windows 2000) below:

Starting Networking Wizard

Select START MENU, SETTINGS, and then select NETWORK AND DIAL-UP CONNECTIONS as shown below:

Figure 103–Starting networking wizard

A new window will open, similar to below:

Figure 104–Make New Connection icon

Double-click the MAKE NEW CONNECTION icon to start the Network Connection Wizard.

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9.2.2

Network Connection Wizard

This wizard is used to create several different types of connection, so it is important to follow the steps carefully.

The first page is merely a welcome screen. Select NEXT to continue.

On the page shown below, select CONNECT DIRECTLY TO ANOTHER COMPUTER and then select NEXT to

continue.

Figure 105–Network Connection Type

Host or Guest? Page

Select GUEST, and then select NEXT to continue.

Select a Device Page

Select COMMUNICATIONS PORT COM1 or COM2, and then select NEXT to continue.

Connection Availability Page

Select FOR ALL USERS, and then select NEXT to continue.

Connection Name Page

Type a name for the connection in the COMPUTER NAME box.

Complete this section of the installation by selecting FINISH.

See next image (DIRECT CONNECTION icon is highlighted):

Figure 106–Direct Connection icon

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9.2.3

Direct Connection Properties

Right-click on the DIRECT CONNECTION icon to verify the properties of the new connection as follows:

Figure 107–Direct Connection Properties

General Tab

Select a device COMMUNICATIONS CABLE BETWEEN TWO COMPUTERS…

as shown above.

Options Tab

Uncheck PROMPT FOR NAME…

Security Tab

Check TYPICAL (RECOMMENDED SETTINGS) and select ALLOW UNSECURED

PASSWORD.

Networking Tab

Select PPP type. Ensure component TCP/IP is checked and uncheck all others.

Sharing Tab

No changes are required.