Digital Loggers

Legacy Product-  PC-8000 Power Controller
Last Updated November 6, 2007.
 

Download the users guide.   Jump to FAQs on our new model with Power Metering. 

New model is just $295!  Order now - call (408) 330-5599.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current version of firmware for the PC-8000?
What is the default IP address for the PC-8000?  How do I reset to defaults?  What is the default password?
What are the serial port pinouts?
On initial setup, I can't establish a Ethernet communications from a Windows PC.  Help!
How can I control the switch from my own applications?
Can you develop custom firmware for my application?
Can you develop custom hardware for my application?
How do I configure a Hayes compatible modem?
Do you have PowerMan support?

Question:        What is the current version of PC-8000 firmware?

Answer:    
The current version of firmware is 2.2.6.  Firmware is FLASH upgradable.   A reprogramming tool, cable, and software are required to upgrade the flash.  The upgrade tool kit is available for $295 from DLI.  Mail-in factory firmware upgrades are $59.+ S&H

Changes from 2.2.4 include:

  • Entering commas at the beginning of the modem command string will be interpreted as a 2.5 second delay.

Changes from 2.2.3 include:

  • Fixed a situation with some older browsers getting an error when presented with the security lockout page.

Changes from 2.2.0 include:

  • A security lockout page now appears if five invalid login attemts are made.
  • Security lockout is configurable from 0 to 60 minutes.
  • Pressing and holding the reset button for 20 seconds will reset the password, IP address and security lockout. No need to power off.

Changes from 2.0.2 include:

  • System log is saved between sessions if power is lost.
  • User-changeable HTTP port
  • PC-8000 can now be identified by the DHCP manager DHCP is used
  • Logout hyperlink added
  • Second modem string sent if a device is rebooted

Question:     What is the PC-8000 default IP address?  How do I reset to defaults?  What is the default password?

Answer:       

If you have lost the IP address or admin password or selected DHCP when it is not available, follow this procedure to reset to the default IP address of 192.168.1.250:

 Version 2.2.0 and above:
  • Press and hold the red reset button for 20 seconds.

Below Version 2.2.0:

  • Switch the unit off (both power switches).
  • Press and hold the red reset button for 20 seconds while...
  • Switching power back on.

The default master login is "admin" and default password is "admin".  This procedure resets the admin login and IP address and lockout, but doesn't affect outlet names and links.

If you were looking for defaults for the new redundant power controller with metering, click here.

Question:   What are the serial port pinouts?

Answer:   Three serial ports are provided. One can be used for external control from a modem or other serial device.  The other ports can connect to managed serial devices (such as routers, PCs, servers, or other RS-232 devices).   Port 3 is the default control port.  Ports 1 & 2 use the PC standard DTE pinout, with RXD on pin 2, and TXD on pin 3 of the male DB-9.  Port 3 has TXD on pin 2, and RXD on pin 3 of the female DB-9.  Port 3 offers hardware handshaking; ports 1 & 2 do not.

Question:     On initial setup, I can't establish a Ethernet communications from a Windows PC.  Help!

Answer:       If your default Windows settings won’t access the controller, use a crossover cable and follow these steps to reach the controller’s IP. 

  • Close network programs and browsers.
  • Go to the Network Settings – Local Area Network or use the keyboard shortcut <Windows-R> - type “ncpa.cpl” and click OK.
  • Right click on your LAN connection and choose “Properties”
  • Highlight “Internet Protocol” and click the “Properties” button.
  • Make note of the current settings.
  • Select "Use the following IP address".
  • Enter an IP address such as 192.168.1.5.
  • Enter a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
  • Delete any gateway entry.
  • Close all windows for the configuration to take effect.
  • Start your Browser and type 192.168.1.250 in the URL field. The index page should be displayed.
  • The default user name is "admin" (lower case) and password is “admin”
  • Set the IP address of the unit to your network and save the changes
  • Restore your network settings.
     

Question:        How can I control the switch from my own applications? 

Answer:            Download the latest User Utility. Your application can use HTTP or serial port communications. We have two examples. One is a C++ example with source (4/11/06 - 483k). This program displays the controller name, switch names and switch status via HTTP. You can also toggle the switches on and off.  Also included is PowerMan support for Linux.

Windows users can download a Perl interpreter to run the script version.   This script runs on all our power controllers.

Question:        Can you develop custom firmware for my application?

Answer:           Gladly.  We've done this for many customers.  Our programming rate is $75/hour.  After we agree on a -very specific- project description, we can send you an estimate of the time involved to code, debug and test.

Question:        Can you develop custom hardware for my application?

Answer:           Gladly.  We've done this for many customers.   Please call with your requirements

Question:     How do I configure a Hayes compatible modem?

Answer:       Connect your modem to the EPC. A straight through cable is used for port 3 and a modem cable is used for port 1 or port 2.

Some of these settings may be required. The most important is AT&R1 to eliminate the handshake if DTR and CTS lines are not strapped.  You will usually want to eliminate command echo with ATE0.

Reset to defaults AT&F0
No echo of commands ATE0
Auto Answer incoming calls     ATS0=1
No RTS/CTS handshaking AT&R1
No result codes ATQ1
Ignore DTR line AT&D0

A sample initialization string is: AT&F0E0S0=1&R1Q1&D0

An initialization string with a 12.5 second delay for power-on modem initialization: ,,,,,AT&F0E0S0=1&R1Q1&D0

The above commands are common to some Hayes compatible modems. If the modem does not operate as expected after setting these parameters, check the manufacturers documentation for alternate commands. The sample string above assumes some default factory settings (e.g. XON/XOFF handshaking disabled).

The modem connected directly to the power controller must run at the same baud rate.  If a different baud rate is used to communicate with remote modem calling in, handshaking must be enabled for the modem on the other end. 

For example, if the power controller is set to 9600 baud, its local modem must be set to 9600 baud.  The remote modem may be set to any baud rate, but if it uses a baud rate other than 9600, handshaking must be enabled.  Learn more about modem initialization strings here.

Question:        Do you support PowerMan?

Answer:           Yes, absolutely.  The latest code is added to the tarball.  Download the latest User Utility here.

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If we haven't answered your questions here, please call (408) 330-5599 or send us an email.  We'll be glad to help.

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