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sensorProbes (sensorProbe2/8 – sensorProbe8-X20)

	A) FAQ
	B) How do I?
	C) Troubleshooting

A. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)


1	What is the default IP address of the device when it is shipped from the factory?

The default IP assigned at the factory is: 192.168.0.100 The device is not hooked up
For more tips on IP addresses also see “Trouble Shooting”


2	Can I use the default IP of the device to access the web interface and later assign the desired IP?

Yes, you can access the web interface by entering the IP 192.168.0.100 in your browser For more tips on IP addresses also see “Trouble Shooting”


3	Where can I find the MAC address of the device?

The MAC address of the device can be found on the bottom cover of the device
On the web interface under Network page
When using IPSet in Automatically Get MAC mode


4	Where can I find the mib file for the device?

The mib file for the device can be found in the help CD, under the directory: \akcp_utilities\mib\

You can also download the mib files from our web site after logging in with your units MAC ID from the Support >> Customer Login link


5	Are there different mib files for each device, or are they the same for all products?

Yes, there are two different mib files, one for the sensorProbe line of products and one for the securityProbe line of products


6	I cannot login to the device. What could be my problem?

The password entered is wrong.
The password has been changed by another user
Try logging is as Administrator and using public as the password


7	If I cannot remember my password, what can I do?

You need to contact the AKCP Support Team at support@akcp.com providing your devices MAC ID. See Question #3 above
The AKCP Support Team will provide you with an Administrator password, so you can login to the device
Try logging is as Administrator and using public as the password


8	I am not able to change any settings in the device. What could be my problem?

You have logged into the device as a user. Only an administrator can make changes to the settings


9	Is there a temperature sensor inbuilt within the sensorProbe? What is the grill on the top for?

No. We tried to do that when we first designed the sensorProbe. It is much cheaper to have an integrated temperature sensor. That is the purpose of the grill on the top of the box. What we found is that there is no way to stop the heat from the sensorProbe from affecting the temperature sensor; this affect is from 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. What would have been necessary had we proceeded with that design would have been to "tune" out the offset by applying a fudge factor. The problem is that this fudge factor would have had to change depending on the temperature and the operating conditions. So if we add in fudge factor for normal room temperatures it would have to change when there was a problem with the air conditioning and the ambient temperature was higher. Because of all these reasons, we came up with the external sensors, so that the measurements done by the sensors are accurate and there is no need for calibration.


10	My sensorProbe8-X20 has the 20 extra dry contacts, can I configure these as inputs and outputs?

You can generate an output (0VDC/5VDC) using a dry contact sensor on the both the sensorProbe2 and sensorProbe8 on an alarm state, however this is done using one of the 2 or 8 RJ-45 Intelligent sensor ports on these units and not the 20 extra dry contacts. The extra dry contacts on these devices are for input only


11	What is the maximum voltage I can input to the extra dry contacts on the sensorProbe8-X20?

You can input up to 30 Volts DC to the extra dry contacts, as long as you have them configured as opto isolated. See Question #1 in the “How Do I” section of this knowledge base for instructions on how to set the dry contacts to opto isolated mode


12	How do I know if my sensorProbe2, or sensorProbe8 is still working and has a network connection?

You can set the “Keep Alive” feature on the sensorProbe2/8 to send SNMP traps and adjust the interval in which to resend these. This feature is found in the web interface in the Traps tab


13	Can I configure any of my extra dry contacts on my sensorProbe8-X20 to be both inputs and Outputs?

No, the 20 extra dry contacts on the sensorProbe8-X20 can only be configured as “inputs”. The single dry contact Intelligent RJ-45 sensor and the IO-digital8 dry contact sensor can be configured as both inputs AND outputs within the unit’s web interface.


14	How much voltage and current can be applied to my sensorProbe8-X20’s dry contact inputs?

You can input up to 5VDC to the 20 extra dry contact inputs or up to 30VDC if these are configured in the opto isolated mode. Please see the “How do I” section on how to configure these.


15	How many times does the unit read the values of the device connected to the 20 extra dry contact inputs on my sensorProbe8-X20 in one second?

We guarantee this read time is 2 times per second, but actuality, it will vary more than that) depending on the environment (number of sensors online, request http, send mail etc.).


16	What is the maximum run length of the wire when connecting a device up to the extra dry contact inputs on my sensorProbe8-X20?

This really depends on what is connected to the extra dry contact inputs on the unit, so please check with the AKCP support team for more information on this.


17	Is it possible to send SMS alerts using my sensorProbe?

The sensor probe units only send SNMP traps, or email alerts. However, you can use a third party SMS gateway running on a PC to send these alerts.

You can also use our securityProbe 5E, or our securityServer software to send the SMS alerts using a third party GSM modem connected to the USB port.


18	I have both the sensorProbe2 and sensorProbe8 units and I recently noticed there is only one firmware update file now. Can I use this compressed file for updating both types of sensorProbes?

Yes, what we did was update the firmware code so that all sensorProbe devices (SP2/8/8-X20) will use the same main firmware update file. Now you will just download a single main file for all of the units.

The latest firmware can be downloaded from our web site by logging in with our units MAC ID at the “Customer Login” link located in the Support section.


19	Can I use the same version of probeManager and IPSet as I used to use with the previous versions of firmware on my sensorProbe?

No, we have we updated both of these utilities (probeManager and IPSet), so that when you run the new firmware update it will load the correct code for that particular type of unit from the main update file. You can download these updated utilities from our web site by logging in with your units MAC ID at the same link mentioned above.


20	Do I need to extract, or open the compressed firmware file after I have downloaded this from your website? Why do I get prompted for a password when trying to open this file?

No, you do not need to open, or decompress this file. Simply download the firmware file, then using either IPSet, the utility called “configure”, or probeManager to update the firmware by browsing to this compressed file.

You will need to enter the admin password of unit into the password field of each utilities GUI.


21	I have many sensorProbes connected to my network and I don’t want to have to manually update the firmware on each unit. Is there a way to update the firmware on many units at the same time? If so how do I do that?

Yes, you can use our free utility called “probeManager” to update multiple AKCP units that are connected to your network simultaneously. If you not sure how to use the probeManager utility, contact technical support.

The probeManager utility has also been added to our securityServer software, so this can be launched and used right from the securityServers GUI.
You can also use probeManager to get multiple backup files from the units and also load these backup files back to the units. This can be used for mass deployment of multiple AKCP units (as long as they are the same model of unit).

B. How do I?


1	How do I configure my sensorProbe8-X20 extra dry contacts as opto isolated?

“Fig. 2 shows the JUMPERS (on the dry contact board) set up to provide opto-isolators support. Opto-isolators provide complete electrical separation between the unit and the dry contact”


2	How do I rest my unit back to the factory default settings?

Yes, you can. You can reset the unit using our utility called “configure”, which you can download from our website by logging in with your units MAC ID here: http://www.akcp.com/company/firmwareupdate.htm

Please keep in mind this does not reset the master password for the unit. See FAQ above for the steps on recovering your master password for the unit.

C. Trouble Shooting

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you take the following steps before contacting
AKCP support for further assistance.

          1. Reboot the device.
          2. Upgrade the device to the latest firmware version.
          3. Search the knowledge base.


1	I have a problem with my unit, is there a way I can reset my sensorProbe back to the factor default settings?

Yes, you can use our free utility called “configure” to reset the unit back to the factory default settings. If you do not have the Product CD any longer, you can download this from our web site at the Support >> Customer Login page.


2	If I suspect I have a bad sensorProbe, how long is the warranty and what should I do?

Unless you purchased and extended warranty, this period is one year after the purchase date.

The RMA process begins with you contacting AKCPs Support Team, who will determine if the sensorProbe is faulty.

When contacting AKCP, please provide the MAC address of the unit

If the sensorProbe is determined to be faulty and is confirmed to still be covered under your warranty plan, then AKCP will provide you the RMA instructions for getting you a replacement unit at no cost

Please contact the AKCP Support Team at support@akcp.com for instructions on the RMA process


3	What if my sensorProbe is not covered under my warranty plan any longer? Will AKCP offer me a discount if I want to purchase a replacement sensorProbe?

Yes, AKCP offers a lifetime 50% discount off the current list price of the sensorProbe, if you wish to purchase a replacement. Please contact the AKCP Sales Team at sales@akcp.com and please include your units MAC ID


4	Why am I unable to set the Ip to the device using the IPSet utility provided in the help CD?

Yes, the following step will help setting up the IP address:

The power to the sensorProbe may be lost. Check the red LED. It should be steadily lit.
The device is not hooked up properly with the LAN/network/Patch cable. Check the green LED. It should be steadily lit. If it is not try another cable
The PC used to configure the sensorProbe is on a different subnet than the device. Note: IPSet.exe will not work across routers. It will work across switches and hubs.
Try to connect a crossover cable from a computer directly to the sensorProbe. This is the recommended method to set up the sensorProbe.
After connecting the cable, run the utility then cycle the power to the unit. The IPSet should obtain the IP address.


5	If the IPSet fails, is there any other method of assigning the IP Address?

Find out the IP address of your network adapter by entering the command "ipconfig" at the command prompt. In Windows 2000 and XP the command prompt can be accessed by clicking on Start -> Run -> and then typing in 'cmd' into the dialog box.

Add the IP address of the sensorProbe to the routing table by entering route add 192.168.0.100 x.x.x.x where x.x.x.x is the IP address of the network adapter

Add ARP table by entering arp -s 192.168.0.100 xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx where xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx is the MAC address of your sensorProbe

Ping 192.168.0.100 with a buffer size as 89 bytes. ping -l 89 192.168.0.100 If the browser and access the ping works then open up your web interface of the device by typing the IP 192.168.0.100.


6	I am able to ping the device IP, but I am not getting the web interface when I enter the IP in the browser. What is my problem?

The proxy settings of the browser may be preventing the access to the device. Please disable the proxy settings to access the web interface.

You have updated the micro code of the firmware, but you have not updated the html code update. Html code updates has to be done, after the micro code update is done


7	The device will not send email alerts successfully. What could be my problem?

The SMTP server is entered is wrong.
The send mail option is not enabled in the Mail settings page.
The timeout period entered is too low.
The gateway IP is not entered in the network page
The mail from address is not set
The mail server is not responding
The mail from address is not validated in the mail server
The mail server settings prohibit it from accepting connections form the device IP
The firewall in the network is preventing the SMTP traffic


8	I am using Microsoft Exchange Server and I can’t seem to send email alerts, what could be my problem?

The sensorProbes only supports basic authentication. Exchange by default when a connecter is set up uses TLS, then basic. You have to uncheck this option.


9	The device is not able to send SNMP Traps. What is my problem?

The destination SNMP TRAP IP is not set the TRAP settings.
The community entered is wrong.
The firewall is blocking the SNMP TRAP traffic.
The send SNMP Trap option is Off.


10	I have HP OpenView, but I’m not able to receive the Traps.. What is my problem?

For changing the Traps to HP OpenView style, you need to send an SNMP command to the device given below:

snmpset <IP> <community> .1.3.6.1.4.1.3854.1.2.2.1.60.0 i X

Where IP is the IP address of the sensorProbe. Community default is "public". and X can take 3 values: 1 (WhatsUP gold style), 2 (HP OpenView Style), 3(both Style). By default, the X value set is 1.


11	My sensor readings show that the it should be in a warning state, but I am not getting any alerts. I also noticed another thing that is very strange. I have a temperature sensor connected and it seems to be reading the correct temperature, but why is the temperature in warning status when the temperature reading is within my normal threshold range that I have setup in the web interface?

This most likely due to either your "Rearm" settings, or your "Continuous Time for Sensor to be in new Status before accepting new Status" settings. You can check these settings in the Sensors page of the units web interface.

securityProbes (securityProbe – securityProbe8-X20 – PDTC - NEW securityProbe 5E FAQ)

	A) FAQ
	B) How do I?
	C) Troubleshooting
	D) NEW securityProbe 5E FAQ

A. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)


1	What is the default IP address of the device when it is shipped from the factory?

The default IP assigned at the factory is: 192.168.0.100 The device is not hooked up
For more tips on IP addresses also see “Trouble Shooting”


2	Can I use the default IP of the device to access the web interface and later assign the desired IP?

Yes, you can access the web interface by entering the IP 192.168.0.100 in your browser.
For more tips on IP addresses also see “Trouble Shooting”


3	Is there some way I can find out the IP address of my unit?

Yes, you can simply press the red reset button on the back of the unit once and the unit will announce the IP address through the speaker.


4	Where can I find the MAC address of the device?

The MAC address of the device can be found on the bottom cover of the device
On the web interface under Network page
When using IPSet in Automatically Get MAC mode


5	Where can I find the mib file for the device?

The mib file for the device can be found in the help CD, under the directory: \akcp_utilities\mib\
You can also download the mib files from our web site after logging in with your units MAC ID from the Support >> Customer Login link


6	Are there different mib files for each device, or are they the same for all products?

Yes, there are two different mib files, one for the sensorProbe line of products and one for the securityProbe line of products


7	I cannot login to the device. What could be my problem?

The password entered is wrong.
The password has been changed by another user
Try logging is as Administrator and using public as the password


8	If I cannot remember my password, what can I do?

You need to contact the AKCP Support Team at support@akcp.com providing your devices MAC ID. See Question #3 above

The AKCP Support Team will provide you with an Administrator password, so you can login to the device

Try logging is as Administrator and using public as the password


9	I am not able to change any settings in the device. What could be my problem?

You have logged into the device as a user. Only an administrator can make changes to the settings


10	When I try to assign the gateway IP address in the network settings, the device will not save it and it always reverts back to the default?

This happens when the device is not able to find the IP address that is entered. When the IP is entered, the device searches for the IP, if it locates it on the network, then it will accept the IP entered, or else, it will revert back to the default IP
Make sure you are entering the correct IP address and try to ping it


11	My securityProbe8-X20 has the 20 extra dry contacts, can I configure these as inputs and outputs?

You can generate an output (0VDC/5VDC) using a dry contact sensor on the both the securityProbes on an alarm state, however this is done using one of the 8 RJ-45 Intelligent sensor ports on these units and not the 20 extra dry contacts. The extra dry contacts on these devices are for input only


12	What is the maximum voltage I can input to the extra dry contacts on the securityProbe8-X20?

You can input up to 30 Volts DC to the extra dry contacts, as long as you have them configured as opto isolated. See Question #1 in the “How Do I” section of this knowledge base for instructions on how to set the dry contacts to opto isolated mode


13	How do I know if my securityProbe is still working and has a network connection?

You can set the “Heartbeat Messages” feature on the securityProbe to send email, SNMP traps, or SMS messages that insures you your unit is still functioning and your network connection is not lost This feature is found on the Settings tab >> Feature >> Heartbeat Messages.

B. How do I?


1	How do I configure my securityProbe8-X20 extra dry contacts as opto isolated?

This diagram below is showing you the jumper setting for setting up your dry contact inputs to the opto-isolated setting.


2	How do I connect and monitor my UPS, or Uninterrupted Power Supply, so that I know when it is running on battery backup mode?


	You can use our 80 virtual sensors feature included in the securityProbe device that allows you to perform an SNMP get command on any SNMp enabled network device. If your UPS is network enabled and is SNMP compliant, you just need the OID for polling the battery data and you can monitor the battery status on the UPS from the securityprobe. You can also tie into the SEC notifications as well

C. Trouble Shooting

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you take the following steps before contacting
AKCP support for further assistance.

          1. Reboot the device.
          2. Upgrade the device to the latest firmware version.
          3. Search the knowledge base.


1	What is the best way I can trouble shoot a securityProbe if I think it is faulty?

The simplest way to determine if you have a faulty securityProbe is to follow these trouble shooting steps below in answer number two below:


2	What if the securityProbe hangs when I try to update the firmware?

If the securityProbe hangs during a firmware update, follow these trouble shooting steps below:
- Unplug all sensors and the Ethernet network cable
- Boot the system, it will boot into safe mode
- Once in safe mode (green lights flashing from left to right in cyclical motion), leave the unit without touching anything for 30 minutes
- The unit should then reboot out of safe mode back into normal mode


3	If I suspect I have a bad securityProbe, how long is the warranty and what should I do?

Unless you purchased and extended warranty, this period is one year after the purchase date.

The RMA process begins with you contacting AKCPs Support Team, who will determine if the securityProbe is faulty.

When contacting AKCP, please provide the MAC address of the unit

If the securityProbe is determined to be faulty and is confirmed to still be covered under your warranty plan, then AKCP will provide you the RMA instructions to return the unit for repair at no cost

Please contact the AKCP Support Team at support@akcp.com for instructions on the RMA process


4	What if my securityProbe is not covered under my warranty plan any longer? Will AKCP offer me a discount if I want to purchase a replacement securityProbe?

Yes, AKCP offers a lifetime 50% discount off the current list price of the securityProbe, if you wish to purchase a replacement. Please contact the AKCP Sales Team at sales@akcp.com and please include your units MAC ID


5	Why am I unable to set the IP to the device using the IPSet utility provided in the help CD?

The power to the sensorProbe may be lost. Check the red LED. It should be steadily lit.

The device is not hooked up properly with the LAN/network/Patch cable. Check the green LED. It should be steadily lit. If it is not try another cable

The PC used to configure the sensorProbe is on a different subnet than the device. Note: IPSet.exe will not work across routers. It will work across switches and hubs.

Try to connect a crossover cable from a computer directly to the sensorProbe. This is the recommended method to set up the sensorProbe.

After connecting the cable, run the utility then cycle the power to the unit. The IPSet should obtain the IP address.


6	I am able to ping the device IP, but I am not getting the web interface when I enter the IP in the browser. What is my problem?

The proxy settings of the browser may be preventing the access to the device. Please disable the proxy settings to access the web interface.

You have updated the micro code of the firmware, but you have not updated the html code update. Html code updates has to be done, after the micro code update is done


7	The device will not send email alerts successfully. What could be my problem?

The SMTP server is entered is wrong.
The send mail option is not enabled in the Mail settings page.
The timeout period entered is too low.
The gateway IP is not entered in the network page
The mail from address is not set
The mail server is not responding
The mail from address is not validated in the mail server
The mail server settings prohibit it from accepting connections form the device IP
The firewall in the network is preventing the SMTP traffic


8	The device is not able to send SNMP Traps. What is my problem?

The destination SNMP TRAP IP is not set the TRAP settings.
The community entered is wrong.
The firewall is blocking the SNMP TRAP traffic.
The send SNMP Trap option is Off.


9	I have HP OpenView, but I’m not able to receive the Traps.. What is my problem?

For changing the Traps to HP OpenView style, you need to send an SNMP command to the device given below:

snmpset <IP> <community> .1.3.6.1.4.1.3854.1.2.2.1.60.0 i X

Where IP is the IP address of the sensorProbe. Community default is "public". and X can take 3 values: 1 (WhatsUP gold style), 2 (HP OpenView Style), 3(both Style). By default, the X value set is 1.


10	My sensor readings show that the it should be in a warning state, but I am not getting any alerts. I also noticed another thing that is very strange. I have a temperature sensor connected and it seems to be reading the correct temperature, but why is the temperature in warning status when the temperature reading is within my normal threshold range that I have setup in the web interface?

This most likely due to either your "Rearm" settings, or your "Continuous Time for Sensor to be in new Status before accepting new Status" settings. You can check these settings in the Sensors page of the units web interface.

securityProbe 5E
(5th generation securityProbe that’s now expandable)

D. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)


1	Can I use version 400(x) firmware on the securityProbe box (previous generation hardware that does not have the 4 expansion ports?

Yes, all new firmware that supports the new hardware and expansion modules is backwards compatible and has been tested on the previous generation of the securityProbes.


2	My new securityProbe 5E is running version 385i firmware that does not support the new expansion modules, so I want to migrate to the new firmware that does. Will I lose all my sensor settings if I migrate to the new firmware version 400(x) on the securityProbe?

No, as long as you leave the sensors connected to the 8 RJ-45 Intelligent sensor ports when migrating to the newer firmware, you will retain all your settings.


3	What are the differences between the previous generation securityProbe and the new 5th generation securityProbe 5E?

The new securityProbe 5E has all the functionality of the previous generation secuurityProbe, but is faster and expandable. This is what the 4 RJ-45 expansion ports on the front of the unit are for.
The new SEC 5E is now faster with a 520 MHz CPU and has more memory at 128MB. It also has an on board SD card slot that comes with standard with a 2GB SD card.
The new unit now has two USB ports in place of the serial port. You can use a serial to USB converter and will still be able to use the same USB and serial modems. You can use any modem that worked on the previous generation securityProbe.


4	You mention this serial to USB adapter in the last FAQ, what type of adapter should I buy? In other words, what chipset should this adapter have so I can be sure it will work with the new securityProbe 5E and my older serial modems?

Many types of these adapters should work. However, we specifically tested two types of these and found that the models that have these two chipsets "pl-2303" and "FT232BM" worked, so we would recommend these two types.


5	I noticed the new securityProbe 5E has a jumper in the back, what is this used for?

That jumper is a 120 ohm switch, as in some cases of Modbus integration 120 ohms is needed on the RS485 input, so that has been added.


6	I see that my new securityProbe 5E is expandable using these four expansion ports on the front of the unit and these new expansion modules? What types of modules are available?

We offer two types of expansion modules. The first is the E-sensor8 expansion module and it has 8 RJ-45 Intelligent sensor ports just like the ports on the back of the main securityProbe 5E unit.
The second is the E-opto16 expansion module and it has 16 dry contact inputs just like the extra dry contacts on the securityProbe8-X20 units.


7	Can the E-opto16 dry contact expansion modules be configured for inputs and outputs and how much voltage can I apply to these? Does the “opto” mean opto isolated?

The E-opto16 dry contact expansion modules can only be used as inputs, just like the extra dry contact inputs on the secuirtyProbe8-X20.
Yes, the “opto” in the product name means these inputs come pre configured as opto isolated, meaning this provides protection to the module for over voltages and allows up to 50VDC to be applied to these inputs.


8	Can the expansion modules be daisy changed together, if so how many expansion modules can be connected to a single securityProbe 5E?

Yes, the expansion modules can be daisy chained together using the RJ-45 input and output ports with normal CAT5 Ethernet cable.

There really is no limitation to the amount of expansion modules that can be connected, however the securityProbe 5E supports up to 600 sensors, so it depends on how many sensors are connected in total.


9	How far can I extend the expansion modules using the CAT5 cable? Is the total run length from the base units or is it between the expansion modules and what is the data transfer rate?

The maximum run length of the expansion modules is 1000 feet. This is not the total run length. This is between the base unit and the expansion modules, or from each expansion module.

The data transfer rate is 115.2K BPS (bits per second).


10	Can I reset my securityProbe 5E back to the factory default settings? If so, how is this done?

Yes, you can reset the securityProbe 5E back to the factory defaults by clicking on the "Clear All User Data and Restore Original Settings" button from the Settings tab >> System Administrator >> System Maintenance
If you do not check the option "Keep present network setting" it will restore the network settings to the default too (IP address will change to the default 192.168.0.100).
If you do not know the admin password for logging into the web interface, you can push down and hold the reset button on the back of the unit for 12 seconds unit the unit announces on the speaker that the password checking has been disabled.

Intelligent sensors

	A) FAQ
	B) How do I?
	C) Troubleshooting

A. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)


1	Is it possible to extend the run length of my sensors?

Yes, you can extend the run length of your sensors, but each sensor has its own maximum, so please contact the AKCP Support Team about your specific sensor

Also remember that the length you can extend up to can be affected by electromagnetic interference from other appliances. If for example the extended UTP cable is running through a false ceiling next to fluorescent tube lights it can have an adverse effect on the range you can extend up to.


2	Do I have to use a special type of cable to extend the run length of my sensors?

You can use any type, or brand of standard CAT5/6 UTP LAN cable to extend your sensors.


3	If I do extend the run length of my sensors, for example my temperature/humidity sensor, does this affect the reading and accuracy of the sensor?

All temperature and humidity communications are 100% digital with no loss of accuracy regardless of the length.
There is an A/d converter, CPU and communications subsystems all located within the sensor itself.


4	Can AKCP provide me with the wiring diagrams for each sensor I have?

Yes, we have all the wiring diagrams for all of our Intelligent sensors. Please contact the AKCP Support Team at support@akcp.com for these.


5	Can AKCP provide me with CE certifications for your sensors?

Yes, we have CE certificates for most of our products. You can request them from the AKCP Sales Team at sales@akcp.com, or you can download them from our web site. These are located on each product page.


6	Can I connect third party sensors to my sensorProbe, or securityProbe?

Yes, actually, one of our greatest strengths is AKCP can provide a data collection center for many different third party sensors. Using our 4-20mA intelligent sensor, we can interface to a wide variety of other types of sensors that output either an analog voltage or a 4-20mA current.

For integration with custom sensors, the unit text can be customized to whatever you would like; this text is reflected on the summary page of the web interface. All numbers are displayed in decimal format.

On the DC and 4-20mA sensor configuration pages, you can display readings either as absolute values or as a percentage of full scale; you can customize a unit for measured entity. The external sensor used should have an output as a linearized Digital Voltmeter or 4-20mA signal

We suggest you find sensors that will best suit your requirements, and then we will make sure they can integrate with our sensorProbes, or securityProbes. For example we have customers that use our Digital Voltmeter sensor to integrate pressure sensors and water salinity sensors. We even have customers measuring radiation using our sensorProbes. The user can easily input their own labels and output value scales. If you label the sensor output as MPa, sensor values will appear on the summary page and in emails as MPa. You can configure the scale to be absolute such as 0-100 VAC or a percentage such as 0-100%. The data stored and graphs plotted on the sensorProbe will also have the correct labels and scaled units.
Note: Emails and SMS will also be displayed in the configured units at the correct scale.

4-20mA signals are very popular in industrial sensors, and are particularly resistant to interference from electromagnetic noise.

Note that some sensors and transducers may require an extra power supply, and in some cases may need other electrical components.


7	Can I connect a third party sensor using the 4-20mA sensor if it outputs more than 5 VDC?

You can apply more than the 5VDC, but you need to be careful not to exceed the 20mA current. The 4-20mA sensor has an internal impedance of 20 Ohms, so if you need to apply, for example 12VDC instead of the 5V, you should then install a resister of 580 Ohms (current will be 20mA). If you were to apply 48VDC, then the resistor should be 2.38K Ohms. You don’t need to install any resister if your third party sensor output is 4-20mA


8	What is the accuracy of a 4-20mA converter?

The accuracy of our 4-20mA converters is 2%.
The resolution of our 4-20mA converters is 0.1mA.
You can use these figures in conjunction with your sensor's accuracy to find the overall precision of your readings.
You can also calibrate the 4-20mA converter


9	I am sure that all settings for the Digital Voltmeter sensor are correct, but it seems to have error in the reading. How can I correct this error?

The Digital Voltmeter and 4-20mA sensors have an input as analog signal which will be converted to digital using an A/D converter. Normally, the A/D converter is calibrated in production process. But, you also can do it by following the steps below.

1. On the web interface, turn off an Autosense for port#1. To do this,
2. Connect 1.25VDC to RJ45 port# 1. The 1.25V is the voltage
     across pin 7 and 8 of the cable plugged into the RJ45 port.

3. Set a Digital Voltmeter sensor online on this port. We only focus
     on a Raw Analog, so you do not need to change any settings.
     a. Go to the setting page of the DC sensor at port# 1. Select
     "Online" for Go Online/Offline field. Then, click "Save".

4. Run snmpset command as

     snmpset <IP><community> .1.3.6.1.4.1.3854.1.2.2.1.80.0 i 0

     Replace <IP> with the IP address of your sensorProbe, and
     <community> with the administrator password.

5. The raw analog reading from the web interface should read
     500 (+/-5).
Please note that all RJ45 ports use the same A/D converter. Therefore, the calibration on any port will also have an effect for other ports. And, an error for each sensor is different due to components (e.g. resistors, capacitors) on the sensor. So, it is possible that the same input value will not be read the same for different sensors on the same sensorProbe.


10	I just finished a calibration process, but the reading is still a little bit off. Is there any way to fine tune the reading?

In the calibration process, we set the offset of the reference voltage so that the raw analog read 500 when the input to the RJ45 port is 1.25 volts. However, the sensor that you are using may still have error due to some components (e.g. resistors and capacitors). Run snmpset command as:

snmpset <IP> <community> .1.3.6.1.4.1.3854.1.2.2.1.96.
<port-1> i <offset>

where

* <IP> is the IP address of your sensorProbe.
* <community> is the administrator password.
* <port-1> is the port number where the sensor for which you want to adjust the offset is plugged in.
* <offset> is the offset value. It should be in a range from 485 to 515.


11	Do you have any sensor that is capable of reading the fluctuation of electricity, and send me reports?

Yes, we have a sensor that is capable of monitoring Voltage, Wattage and Amperage. This is our Power Meter Sensor. You can set alerts as with our other sensors so that you can receive a notification when electricity fluctuates beyond a preset threshold.

Please see the product section of our web site for more specific information about this sensor


12	In your datasheet for the temperature sensors you state “The temperature sensor can be read using included SNMP utilities to allow graphing and data logging at 0.5°C resolution.” And in specifications “Measurement resolution Celsius: 1°C increments.” What is the correct resolution?

Yes, we have a sensor that is capable of monitoring Voltage, Wattage and Amperage. This is our Power Meter Sensor. You can set alerts as with our other sensors so that you


13	I noticed you have an airflow sensor, can you tell me how can I utilize this sensor in my environment to help prevent problems?

The AKCP airflow sensor is designed for systems that generate heat in the course of their operation and a steady flow of air is necessary to dissipate this heat generated. System reliability and safety could be jeopardized if this cooling airflow stops.


14	Can you please explain how your airflow sensor works?

The way the air flow sensor works is there are two thermisters, one internal and one external. A thermister changes resistance based on air temperature. The internal thermister is the reference point and the external thermister changes when the airflow is blown across the top of the sensor, the difference is this raw output reading. Then the raw output reading is calculated into the percentage of airflow.


15	How accurate is your airflow sensor?

The airflow sensor is not a precision measuring instrument. This device is meant to measure the presence or the absence of air flow. The placement of the sensor is very important as well as this should be placed so that the airflow flows over the top of the sensor.


16	I have one of you DC Voltmeter sensors and my question was can this sensor handle DC signals from 0 to 10 mV?

The lowest signal will be 0.1V (100mV). We display only the one decimal place in the web interface of the unit. If the input signal is less than 0.1V it will display 0.0V.


17	What is the internal impedance of your DC Voltmeter sensors?

Our Digital Volt meter has an input impedance of 2M ohms (2,000,000 ohms).


18	I noticed you have a 5 dry contact sensor for the sensorProbe2, what is the OID for this sensor?

You would use the same OID for the 5 dry contact sensor as you would for the switch sensor type or single dry contact sensor. You can download our OID manual for your reference from our web site at the customer login page.


19	I noticed you have a 5 dry contact sensor for the sensorProbe2, do you have a wiring diagram of this and which color of wires represents which RJ-45 connection?

Yes, this is the wiring diagram for the 5DCS below.


20	Can your 5 dry contact sensor for the sensorProbe2 be configured as inputs and outputs?

No, the 5 Dry Contact Sensor can only be configured as inputs. The regular single RJ-45 Intelligent Dry Contact Sensor can be configured as both an input and output.


21	Can your single dry contact RJ-45 sensor measure voltage, or how does it work? Why does it show in my web interface as a security sensor?

Our RJ-45 single Dry Contact Sensor is a switch type sensor, so it does not measure voltage, it is either on or off. You can configure this as either an input (normal state is closed GND, or Open/+5V), or an output (set level to either a Low/GND, or a High/+5V).

You have to turn off the auto sense feature and configure the sensor (manually)so that this is a relay on the port and not a “security” sensor, which the units web interface will show after it is plugged in.


22	Regarding your single dry contact RJ-45 sensor, when this is used as an output, the documentation says that Pin 2 (I/O) can source up to 20mA, so how much current can be taken from Pin 1 – the 5V supply and how much current will Pin 2 sink?

We recommend 200mA of current can be taken from Pin 1 with the 5V supply.
A: Pin 2 will sink 20mA of current.


23	Regarding your single dry contact RJ-45 sensor, can you please confirm the pin-out information for a dry contact that connects to one of the dry contact ports, also which pin supplies power (pin1, 5v,)?

We The RJ-45 the combination is: White/orange, orange, white/green, blue, white/blue, green, white/brown, brown. On the sensor on the black wire: white/green , green and brown. On the red wire: only orange, the rest are cut off.

Please see these diagrams below. it is the same sequence for the security sensor the difference is the screwing with the blue lugs.

B. How do I?


1	Is it possible to connect my Security Sensor up in series, if I wanted to monitor a number of doors in the same building for example? If so, how do I do that?

Yes, the security sensor can actually be wired in sequence. You can take the contact from one security sensor and wire it to the next. The only limit to the number of sensors you can have in series is the maximum run length of the Security Sensor, which is 300 meters, or about 1,000 feet.
You have a couple options. You can connect the security sensor, from each door to each extra dry contact input (X20). The advantage of this solution is that if you have 20 doors you can label each one individually and see which one has triggered. With them wired in sequence you will know a door has opened but not which door.


2	Is it possible to setup my RJ-45 dry contact sensor as a relay, If so, how do I do that?

Yes, You can use one of our RJ-45 dry contact sensors in the any of the 8 ports to drive a relay and a temperature sensor to trigger the output to the relay. The dry contact sensor can be configured to output +5 VDC. You have to turn off the auto sense feature and tell the unit (manually) that this is a relay on the port and not a "security" sensor, which the units web interface will show after it is plugged in. At this point, you would configure the temperature thresholds and create the relay action and link the sensor to the relay. When the unit turns the "relay" on, you will get 5VDC output to the dry contact. This can also be used to drive a mini solenoid switch or something like that to turn on a larger circuit.


3	If I have a rely setup on my RJ-45 dry contact sensor is there a way to cycle this and If so, how do I do that?

You have two options for cycling the relay on the dry contact sensor. The first one is from the web interface as shown in the screen shot below. This shows the example on the securityProbe’s web interface:

The second is using the following SNMP commands: snmpset -m all -v1 -c <> <> .1.3.6.1.4.1.3854.1.2.2.1.18.1.25.<> i <>
When <> is admin password <> is IP address of unit <> is Port of power relay (default start with 0) is mode to control allow-sensor-control(1), cycle-On-Off-On(8), cycle-Off-On-Off(7), turn-on(3), turn-off(4)


4	I have a burglar alarm system that needs 12Volt and I want to control this with my sensorProbe8 and my dry RJ-45 dry contact sensor, how do I do that?

You can integrate the dry contact output from the unit to his burglar alarm system by using a 12V power supply and a relay. The relay can then drive the +5V from dry contact sensor to the 12V bugler alarm system. See this diagram for more details:

C. Trouble Shooting

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you take the following steps before contacting
AKCP support for further assistance.

          1. Reboot the device.
          2. Upgrade the device to the latest firmware version.
          3. Search the knowledge base.


1	What is the best way I can trouble shoot a sensor if I think it is faulty?

The simplest way to determine if you have a faulty sensor is to try connecting it to another RJ45 port on your unit.

If you have the sensor extended with additional CAT5 cable then try connecting the sensor directly to the unit (without the extension cable)

Make sure the autosense feature is enabled on this port

You can also try rebooting the unit

Ensure that unit is running the latest version of firmware


2	If I suspect I have a bad sensor, how long is the warranty and what should I do?

Unless you purchased and extended warranty, this period is one year after the purchase date.

The RMA process begins with you contacting AKCPs Support Team at support@akcp.com who will determine if the sensor is faulty.

Please include the sensors serial number when contact the AKCP Support Team

If the sensor is determined to be faulty and is confirmed to still be covered under your warranty plan, then AKCP will provide you a replacement at no cost

Please contact the AKCP Support Team for instructions on the RMA process


3	Do I have to send my faulty sensor back to AKCP?

No, you do not have to ship the sensor back to us, however because of this, we do require that you send us proof that you have destroyed the faulty sensor. A digital picture is sufficient for this


4	What if my sensor is not covered under my warranty plan any longer? Will AKCP offer me a discount if I want to purchase a replacement sensor?

Yes, AKCP offers a lifetime 50% discount off the current list price of the sensor, if you wish to purchase a replacement. We again require that you provide us with proof that you have destroyed the faulty sensor


5	I am having trouble connecting my pressure gage to the 4-20mA sensor, what could be the problem?

Check to see if the both the RED and GREEN LED’s are lit. The RED LED is lit when power is connected and the GREEN LED is lit when the pressure gages output exceeds more than 4 mA.

Check the connections of the input wires and polar of each wire, it should be connected as shown in the image below


6	I seem to be getting graphing data from my thermocouple readings that are not accurate with what my temperature thermometer readings are. What could be the problem?

Check to see if the both the RED and GREEN LED’s are lit. The RED LED is lit when

Utilities – Software

	A) FAQ
	B) How do I?
	C) Troubleshooting

A. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)


1	What is the default IP address of the device when it is shipped from the factory?

The default IP assigned at the factory is: 192.168.0.100 The device is not hooked up

For more tips on IP addresses also see “Trouble Shooting”

B. How do I?

C. Trouble Shooting

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you take the following steps before contacting
AKCP support for further assistance.

          1. Reboot the device.
          2. Upgrade the device to the latest firmware version.
          3. Search the knowledge base.

sensorProbe Series

securityProbe Series

Intelligent sensors

Utilities – Software

Search the Knowledgebase: