Basler Electric DECS-400 - Manual (Page 74)

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Connecting
BESTCOMS can connect to a networked DECS-400 by using one of two methods. If the static IP address
for the DECS-400 is known, it can be entered directly. Or, the Device Discovery feature of BESTCOMS
can be used to identify and connect to any DECS-400 networked through your PC’s Ethernet adaptors.
For either method, begin by clicking Communications on the menu bar, hovering the mouse pointer over
Connect, and then selecting Ethernet from the menu. This will display the Ethernet Connection window
shown in Figure 30. If the IP address of a networked DECS-400 is known, the four address fields can be
completed and the Connect button clicked. After the appropriate DECS-400 password is entered in the
Password window (Figure 4-3), communication is initiated. The BESTCOMS Device Discovery feature is
initiated by clicking the Ethernet button. The Device Discovery feature scans the connected networks,
identifies the found DECS-400 controllers, and lists each controller by its serial number, IP address, and
device ID (Figure 31). The desired DECS-400 is selected and the Connect button is clicked. After the
appropriate DECS-400 password is entered in the Password window (Figure 29), communication is
initiated.
Figure 30. Ethernet Connection Window
Figure 31. Device Discovery Results
After BESTCOMS reads all DECS-400 settings, “CONNECTED” is displayed on the right side of the
BESTCOMS tool bar.
Static IP Address Configuration
The Ethernet settings of a connected DECS-400 can be read and altered through the BESTCOMS
Configure Ethernet Port window. Access this window by clicking Communications on the menu bar and
then clicking Ethernet Configuration. To configure a static IP address, uncheck the Enable DHCP box
and set the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway settings to the desired values. Transmit the
desired settings to the DECS-400 by clicking the Send to Device button. Note that these DECS-400
settings will not become active until after the DECS-400 is rebooted (control power is cycled). Of course,
following a reboot, communication must be re-established since cycling control power terminates
communication between the DECS-400 and BESTCOMS.
Network Time Protocol
The Network Time Protocol (NTP) can be used to assure accurate timekeeping by DECS-400 controllers
connected to an Ethernet network. By synchronizing with a radio, atomic, or other clock located on the
internet/intranet, each DECS-400 maintains accurate timekeeping that is coordinated with the time
source.
NTP is enabled and configured in the NTP Settings window (Figure 32). This window is accessed by
clicking Communications on the menu bar and selecting NTP Settings. (Communication with a DECS-
400 must be established in order to make this menu selection.)
NTP coordination is enabled by checking the Enable NTP box.
The internet protocol address of the network time server is entered in the four, decimal-separated fields of
the NTP Address setting.
BESTCOMS™ Software DECS-400