Aiphone IPW-1A Communi Center Operation Manual

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Software for IPW-1A Intercom-Over-IP Adaptor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL
DESCRIPTION 		1
FEATURES 2
SPECIFICATIONS 3
SOFTWARE
INSTALLATION 		4
WIRING
&
TERMINAL
DEFINITIONS 		5
SYSTEM
FUNCTION
TABLE 		6
SCREEN
LAYOUT 		7
Expanded
Mode
View 		7.1
Collapsed
Mode
View 		7.2
SOFTWARE
CONFIGURATION
WINDOW 		8
General
tab 		8.1
Paging
Groups 		8.2
Paging
Messages 		8.3
Ignore
List 		8.4
Passwords 8.5
Scheduling 8.6
Archival
Settings 		8.7
Audio
Settings 		8.8
Information 8.9
PRIOIRTY
LEVEL 		9
OPERATIONS 10
Sub
station
calling
in 		10.1
Answering
a
call
from
sub
station 		10.2
Monitoring
the
sub
station 		10.3
Talking
to
a
sub
station 		10.4
Activating
the
dry
contacts 		10.5
ALL
CALL
/
GROUP
PAGING 		10.6
All
Call 		10.6.1
Group
Paging 		10.6.2
Messages 10.7
ICON
DESCRIPTIONS 		11
HARDWARE
CONFIGURATION 		12
Accessing
from
CommuniCenter 		12.1
Adaptor
Configuration
via
software 		12.2
Adaptor
Configuration
via
browser 		12.3
BROADCAST
AND
DIRECT
MODE 		Appendix
A
Broadcast
Mode
Direct
Mode 		A.1
A.2
What
network
administrator
needs
to
know 		A.3
What
functions
are
available
in
each
mode 		A.4
TROUBLESHOOTING Appendix
B
Bandwidth
Settings 		B.1

1. General Description

The IPW-1A and CommuniCenter software combine to create a network door entry intercom system. The IPW-1A is compatible with any of the Aiphone IE/IF door stations. The system allows for call-in to the PC via the CommuniCenter software, general communication between the PC and the door station, as well as the ability to activate the electric door release.

2. Features

  • o The IPW-1A can be distributed over a data communication network.
  • o The IPW-1A can be connected to an existing local area network (LAN) or wide-area network (WAN). The system will operate over wired, wireless, and fiber-optic TCP/IP networks.
  • o The CommuniCenter software allows for standard operation and maintenance of the system.
  • o Digital audio recording and playback capability.
  • o The CommuniCenter software allows for control of electric locks via the "Form C" dry contact on the IPW-1A.

3. Specifications

Input Voltage: Use Aiphone PT-1211C (included); 15-24V AC/DC Network Interface: 10/100 Base-T Ethernet (Auto detection) RJ-45

IP Assignment: Static or Dynamic

Hardware Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, SNMP, AutoIP, SonicIP, Ipzator

Contact Aiphone for additional supported protocols

Transport Bandwidth: ≈128Kbps per active session (normal mode)

≈64Kbps per active session (low bandwidth mode)

Audio Encoding: PCM (raw), G.7II ( Law) Audio Sampling: 16bit at 8kHz (normal mode)

8bit at 8kHz (low bandwidth mode)

Output Level: Determined by sub station Relay Contact Rating: 30V AC/DC 1.0A (resistive) Operating temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) Dimensions: 1-1/2″H x 4-1/4″W x 4-15/16″D

Software System Requirements:

For optimum performance of the CommuniCenter program, we recommend the following minimum requirements:

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2), Windows Vista ® ®

Processor: 1 GHz or faster Memory: 256MB of RAM

Hard drive: 50MB of available disk space

Sound Card: Windows supported sound card (w/ speaker & microphone)

Note:

Windows is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United Sates and other countries.

4. Software Installation

  • 1. Load the software onto the PC to be used as a master station. Insert CD (included with IPW-1A) or download the latest version from the Aiphone website (www.aiphone.com).
  • 2. Install the CommuniCenter software by following the on-screen prompts, or by executing " setup.exe " to begin the installation process.
  • 3. Any IPW-1A adaptors within the broadcast domain should automatically appear on the sub station list on the right. Refer to Section 8 of this user guide for software functionality and configuration information. Refer to Section 12 of this user guide for hardware configuration.

5. Wiring & Terminal Definitions

Wiring to sub station should be 2-conductor shielded cable. Wire distance from IPW-1A to IE series sub station: 22AWG = 387 feet, 18AWG = 980 feet *

6. System Function Table

Feature/Function Description Reference
section
Talking
to
Sub
Monitoring
Sub 		Direct
audio
communication
between
the
IPW-1A
and
the
CommuniCenter
software 		10.2
&
10.4
Direct
audio
communication
between
the
IPW-1A
and
the
CommuniCenter
software,
one-way
only 		10.3
Communication Group
Call 		Broadcast
audio
transmission
from
the
CommuniCenter
software
to
selected
adaptors,
one-way
only 		10.6.2
All
Call 		Broadcast
audio
transmission
from
the
CommuniCenter
software
to
all
visible
adaptors,
one-way
only 		10.6.1
Message Direct
or
broadcast
transmission
of
a
pre-recorded
message
from
the
CommuniCenter
software
to
selected
station(s)
/
group(s) 		10.7
Contact
Input
and 		Sensor
Input 		Contact
input
is
equivalent
to
call
button
from
IE
series
sub
Sensor
input
will
create
a
sensor
input
event
in
the
software 		5,
7,
11
Device
Reset 		Device
reset
function
will
cause
the
IPW-1A
adaptor
to
cease
all
function
and
reboot,
as
if
power
had
been
cycled 		12.1
Screen
Layout 		Describes
what
each
button
and
window
in
the
CommuniCenter
software
is
used
for 		7.1
&
7.2
Software Configuration Allows
you
to
configure
passwords,
paging
groups,
messages,
etc 		8
Paging
Groups 		Create
paging
groups
and
select
the
stations
you
wish
to
be
part
of
the
group 		8.2
Paging
Messages 		Set
up
pre-recorded
paging
messages
that
you
can
send
to
groups
or
specific
subs 		8.3
Ignore
List 		Block
devices
from
being
recognized
from
your
PC 		8.4
Passwords Create
a
password
to
gain
access
to
the
software
configuration 		8.5
Scheduling Set
specific
times
during
the
day/week
to
put
the
program
in
and
out
of
unavailable
mode 		8.6
Archival
Settings 		Enable
audio
archiving
and/or
data-log
archiving 		8.7
Audio
Settings 		Allows
you
to
choose
input
and
output
device
for
the
speaker
and
mic
as
well
as
the
quality
level
of
the
audio 		8.8
Priority
Level 		Lists
priority
level
for
calls
(highest
to
lowest) 		9
Call
Placement 		Placing
a
call
to
the
PC
from
the
IE
series
sub
station 		10.1
Answering
a
call 		Procedure
used
to
answer
call
from
a
sub
station
or
to
select
a
sub
station
to
talk
to
Door
Release 		Activating
the
dry
contacts
on
the
IPW-1A 		10.5
All
Call 		Place
an
all
call
announcement
to
all
subs
in
your
software 		10.6.1
Group
Paging 		Page
to
pre-selected
groups
of
sub
stations 		10.6.2
Messages Sending
a
pre-recorded
message
to
a
sub
station
or
group
of
sub
stations 		10.7
Hardware Configuration Accessing
hardware
configuration
from
within
CommuniCenter 		12.1
Adaptor
Configuration 		Accessing
the
adaptor
settings
via
the
CommuniCenter
software
or
via
the
web
browser

7. Screen Layout:

7.1 Expanded Mode View

1- Call Waiting List

Displays calls placed, showing time placed and status

2- Off Button

Terminates communication with the connected sub

3- Selected Device Text Box

Displays the station or group that has been selected

4- Activity Log Text Box

Shows most recent system activity

5- Monitor Button

Allows the selected station to be monitored

6- All Call Button

Makes a broadcast announcement to all stations visible within CommuniCenter

7- Talk Button

Engages transmit communication when the button is activated (PTT)

8- Tool Button

Opens the software configuration window

9- Available/Unavailable Button

Allows the user to switch to and from away status

10- Help Button

Opens the help window

11- Door Release Button

Activates the dry contact on IPW-1A

12- Location Button

Turns on/off the sub station location list

13- Arrow Buttons

Allows user to move sub stations up and down the list

14- Groups Button

Turns on/off the paging group list

15- Messages Button

Allows a user to open the prerecorded message selection window

16- Group Call Button

Pages to selected stations or paging groups

17- Paging Group List

Displays the preconfigured paging groups

18- Sub Station Location List

Displays a sub station"s location, name, and status

19- Sensor Input Status

Displays an icon when the Sensor Input Pg. 6 (In 1) detects a closure

7.2 Collapsed Mode View

1- Minimize, and Terminate buttons Minimizes or terminates the program

2- Expand/Collapse Button

Toggles between the expanded and collapsed versions

3- Sensor Input Status

Displays an icon when the Sensor Input (In 1) detects a closure

4- Call Waiting List

Displays calls placed, showing time placed and status

5- Selected Device Text Box

Displays the station or group that has been selected

6- Monitor Button

Allows the selected station to be monitored

7- All Call Button

Makes a broadcast announcement to all stations visible within CommuniCenter

8- Talk Button

Engages transmit communication when the button is activated (PTT)

9- Tool Button

Opens the software configuration window

10- Activity Log Text Box

Shows most recent system activity

11- Off Button

Terminates communication with the connected sub

12- Door Release Button

Activates the dry contact on IPW-1A

13- Available/Unavailable Button

Allows the user to switch to and from away status

14- Help Button

Opens the help window

8. Software Configuration Window

o Open the Software Configuration Window by clicking on the Tool Button. If a password has been set you will be prompted by the Password Required dialog. By default the password is not set. When using a password, make sure it is something you will be able to recall or write it down in secure location.

8.1 General Tab

  • o Under the General Tab you will have the option of selecting how you receive call notifications. You can select the following from the drop down box:
    • " Visual (pop up) " will display the " Incoming Call " pop up
    • " Audible (.wav file) " will play a preselected .wav file
    • " Both " will enable both the Visual and Audible notifications
  • o If you are using the Audible (.wav file) option click on the Select Chime Tone button to select a suitable file from your PC. For "Normal" bandwidth mode your file must be 16-bit, 8kHz, PCM (uncompressed), for "Low" bandwidth mode your file must be 8-bit, 8kHz uLaw (compressed).
  • o When minimized, the program can be hidden from the task bar by clicking on the "Hide when Minimized" check box. The program will always be visible in the system tray.

8.2 Paging Groups

o Under the Paging Groups tab you will have the option to create different paging groups. Type in a group name in the box to the left of the Create Group button. Next click on the Create Group button. You will now see the name in the Groups list. To delete the group from the Groups list, select the group and then click the Delete button. The final step is to select which sub stations you want in your group. Select the group from the Groups list, then in the Connected Device list, use the check box under the Group column to add the desired sub stations to your group. Clicking on the Refresh button will update the list with the latest devices available.

8.3 Paging Messages

o Under the Paging Messages tab you can create messages from .wav files on your PC. To enable the user to browse for a file in the Paging Message pop-up window, the "Allow direct browse for files" box must be checked. Otherwise, only the pre-configured messages will be selectable. Use the Select .wav file… button to browse your PC for a .wav file. Files must match your Audio Settings. If you"re setup for "Normal" bandwidth then your file must be 16-bit, 8kHz, PCM (uncompressed), if you"re in "Low" bandwidth mode then your file must be 8-bit, 8kHz uLaw (compressed). Next, create a Nickname in the space provided, then click on the Add Nickname button. Your saved messages will be shown in the lower list view window. To remove a message from the list, select the message and then click on the Remove Nickname button.

Pg. 9

8.4 Ignore List

o Under the Ignore List tab you will have the option to block specific devices from being recognized at this PC. To view the list of devices available on the network, check the Enable Ignore Feature check box. This will display the Connected Devices list. From the list, check the devices you want to ignore. Devices that are ignored will display a green check mark. Clicking on the Refresh button will update the list with the latest devices available.

8.5 Passwords

o The Passwords tab allows you to create a password to gain access to the Software Configuration window. You are limited to 16 alpha-numeric characters. Be sure to write it down or use a password that can be recalled. When configured, you will be prompted with a Password Required pop up when accessing the software configuration window.

8.6 Scheduling

o The Scheduling tab allows the user to set specific times during the day/week to put the program in and out of unavailable mode. Select the day of the week and then set the starting time and ending time. To save, click on the Add current entry button. Use the drop downs to change the hour (24 hr.), minutes, and seconds for the start/stop time. Each day must be set independently.

8.7 Archival Settings

  • o The Archival Settings tab allows you to enable or disable the audio archiving and data-log archiving features. Click on the Audio Archive Enable check box to enable this feature. From the Select audio archive folder… button you can create your own folder or use the default folder. Windows Vista users are encouraged to create a specific folder for the archived audio. When audio archiving is enabled, the system will record both sides of any conversation. This also includes group paging and all call announcements.
  • o To enable the event log data, click on the Event Log Archive Enable check box. When event log archiving is enabled, all activity on the system will be recorded to the archive folder.

8.7 Archival Settings cont.

o To listen to the archived recordings, click on the Open Archive Manager… button. From there you will be able to open the individual recording and play it by first selecting the recording and then clicking on the play button in the Archive Manager window . Once you have listened to the recording, you have the option of deleting the file by clicking on the Delete selected button.

o To access the log data file, use Windows Explorer to navigate to the folder that you had selected in the set up process. If using the default settings, the Logs folder will be a sub folder within the Archive folder. The log is a text document and will list the date, time, and event that occurred in the program.

8.8 Audio Settings

  • o The Audio Settings tab will display and allow you to choose the Input Device and Output Device for the speaker and microphone.
  • o The Quality level drop down box allows you to choose between Normal bandwidth mode and Low bandwidth mode. By default, the system will be in Normal mode. This setting must match the bandwidth setting you have for the devices, otherwise an error status will occur.
  • o Any changes made to the Input Device , Output Device, or Quality Level will require a restart of the software.
  • o Both input and output volume levels can be adjusted. The Input Level adjusts the volume being transmitted to the sub station, while the Output Level adjusts the volume that is heard at the PC.

8.9 Information

o The information tab will show the version number of the CommuniCenter software.

9. Priority level (highest to lowest)

o All
Call 		(1
-
highest)
o Group
Call 		(1
-
highest)
o Broadcast
Messages 		(1
-
highest)
o Direct
Messages 		(2
-
middle)
o Direct
Communication 		(2
-
middle)
o Monitoring (3
-
lowest)

All call, group call, and broadcast messages have the highest priority level. If a PC is in direct communication with a sub or is monitoring a sub when a high priority call is placed, the communication will be interrupted and the sub will receive the call. The unit will revert back to its previous communication state once the priority call is completed.

10. Operations

10.1 Sub station calling in

o Pressing the call button on the substation will trigger a call tone to be heard at the substation. Pressing the call button additional times will cause the tone to repeat.

o When the call button on a substation is pressed the CommuniCenter will either display a pop up visual notification, emit a predetermined sound or both, depending on how it was configured.

o During call in, the Call Waiting List will display the unit calling in, showing status of unit and time that the call was received.

o During call in, the Sub Station Location List will change the device State from "Available" to "Calling".

10.2 Answering a call from a sub station

o To remove the pop up notification, simply click "OK" on the pop-up or press the space bar on your keyboard. If you receive multiple calls at the same time, you will receive only one pop-up. Any calls after the pop-up was removed will generate a new pop-up notification.

o Answer the calling station by selecting the station and double clicking in either the Sub Station Location List , or in the Call Waiting List . You can also select the station and then click on the "Talk" button or press the space bar on your keyboard. Click the OFF button or press Esc to end the conversation.

o A second method of answering the calling station is to simply press on your space bar or click on the "Talk" button. Pressing the space bar can always be used instead of clicking on the "Talk" button. Click the OFF button or press Esc to end the conversation.

10.3 Monitoring the sub station.

  • o Monitoring a sub station is the lowest priority of communication. Only one CommuniCenter can monitor a sub station at any given time. If more than one CommuniCenter selects the same station, it will be the CommuniCenter that has selected last that will be able to monitor. When monitoring a sub station, no pretone will be heard at that sub station, regardless of configuration. In addition, the sub station will not change state in the Sub Station List .
  • o To monitor a sub station select the station by either double-clicking on the unit in the Sub Station Location List or use the Arrow Buttons to select the station, then click the Monitor Button . The Monitor Button will turn green indicating that you are monitoring the selected substation. To stop monitoring, click on the Off Button or select another station.

10.4 Talking to a sub station when it has not called in.

  • o To talk with a sub station, first select the station. This can be done by using the Arrow Buttons , or by clicking on the sub station in the Sub Station Location List . Then click on the Talk Button or use the space bar on your keyboard.
  • o Another method is to monitor (double click on) the sub station in the Sub Station Location List then click on the Talk Button , or use the space bar on your keyboard.

o When talking to a sub station, you must either press the space bar on your keyboard or have the Talk Button engaged for as long as you are talking (PTT).

  • o Unlike monitor mode, when a sub station is selected for two way communication, the status shown in the Sub Station Location List will change from available to connected.
  • o To terminate communication, click on the Off Button or select another station. You can also terminate the call by pressing the Esc key on your keyboard.

10.5 Activating the dry contacts on the IPW-1A.

o To activate the door release on the IPW-1A that you have selected, click on the Door Release Button . This will allow you to activate the "Form C" dry contact on the IPW-1A associated with the sub station. Note: If the IPW-1A is not configured for Door Release, an error pop-up will occur.

10.6 All Call / Group Paging – Limited to 1 PC at a time on the network.

10.6.1 All Call – Calls to stations that are on the Sub Station Location List.

o To make an all call announcement to all sub stations in your list, click on the All Call Button and make your announcement after the pre-tone. Stations that are in communication with another CommuniCenter user will hear the announcement and when the announcement is over, will resume normal communication. During the announcement the Sub Station Location List will show that the sub stations are in use. Units on the ignore list will not receive all call announcements.

10.6.2 Group Paging

o To make a group paging announcement to preselected groups, open the Paging Group List . You can open the Paging Group List by clicking on the Groups Button . Group calling to an ignored station is possible if you set the sub as part of a group before you ignore it.

o From the Paging Group List, select the group or groups that you want to page by clicking the check box next to the desired group.

o Once a group is selected, click on the Group Call button or press the space bar and make your announcement following the pre-tone. The announcement will be heard at all sub stations within the selected group(s).

o To make a group paging announcement to manually selected groups, open the Sub Station Location List . You can open the Sub Station List by clicking on the Location Button .

o From the Sub Station Location List, select the sub stations that you want to page by clicking the check box next to the desired station.

o Once a group of stations is selected, click on the Group Call button or press the space bar to make your announcement following the pre-tone. The announcement will be heard at all the selected sub stations.

Note: Manual group selection can be cleared by pressing the Esc key.

10.7 Messages

o To send a message to one sub station, select the desired sub station and click on the Messages Button . You will have the option of selecting a predefined message from the Predefined Messages pop-up window or browsing your files for a message (if allowed). Select the message then click on the Send Button . Your message will be heard at the selected station.

o To send a message to a group of sub stations, select either a group of units from the Sub Station Location List or a predetermined group from the Paging Group List, then click on the Messages Button . You will have the option of selecting a predefined message from the Predefined Messages pop-up window or browsing your files for a message (if allowed). Select the message then click on the Send Button . Following the pre-tone, your message will be heard at the selected group(s) of stations.

11. Icon Descriptions

Under Type are icons that indicate what each item is:

  • Blue square is for a Broadcast Mode intercom
  • Red circle is for another PC running CommuniCenter
  • Blue circle with symbol is for Direct Mode intercoms Note: See page 23 A.2 for Direct Mode configuration.

Under S.I. are icons showing the status of each Sensor Input:

  • Sensor Input normal
  • Sensor Input closure detected

12. Hardware Configuration

12.1 Accessing the hardware configuration from within CommuniCenter

o Right click the desired sub station in the Sub Station Location List . This will give you the option to reset the IPW-1A, or access the settings via the program or through the browser.

  • o To reset the unit, click on Reset or press the R key. This will cause the sub station to temporarily disappear from the Sub Station Location List . At the sub station, you will hear the unit"s IP address. Note: if the device is "In Use", the reset command will be ignored. Once reset, the unit will once again appear in the Sub Station Location List .
  • o To access the settings via the program, click on Settings or press the S key. This will open the Hardware Configuration Window and allow you to configure the IPW-1A.
  • o To access the settings via the web browser, click on Launch in browser or type the L key. This will allow you to access the settings for the IPW-1A via the browser. You will also be able to assign a password for the adaptor in the browser setting mode.

12.2 Adaptor Configuration via the program

⊟ A ☐ Adapter Configuration
⊟ ⊟ General
MAC 00:08:e1:00:f7:23
ID# 6
Location Name Tim's Desk
Show Offline True

Expand the General section to see the MAC address for the IPW-1A adaptor. You will also be able to assign the ID number and Location Name for each adaptor here. Show offline determines whether the IPW-1A should remain in the CommuniCenter intercom list, even if it becomes disconnected or unreachable.

⊟ Network
Automatic IP Discovery True
Enable AutoIP True
Enable DHCP True
Enable BootP True
Enable IPZator True
IP Address (auto) 192.0.0.153
Subnet mask 0.0.0.0
Gateway 192.0.1.2
DNS 192.0.1.3
UDP Message Port 1724
Enable SonicIP True

Expand the Network section to set the network settings for each IPW-1A. You can enable or disable different IP address grabbing protocols, change the UDP port the system uses, and enable SonicIP which announces the IP address upon "power on".

| | ⊟ Audio
Quality Low Bandwidth (Slightly Reduced Quali
Speaker Level 17
Mic Sensitivity 7
Pretone False

Expand the Audio section to adjust the quality (bandwidth settings) of the audio as well as the speaker volume and microphone gain, and to enable or disable the pre-tone at the substation.

☐ Relay Control
Functionality Door Release (by Release Button)
Release Duration 1 seconds

Expand the Relay Control section to set the functionality of the relay and the release duration of the relay. The release duration will only be selectable if the relay functionality is set to "Door Release".

⊟ Relay Control
Functionality Door Release (by Release Bu 💌
Release Duration Door Release (by Release Button)
⊕ Fa actory Defaults Release on Talking
Release on Connected
Release on Calling

The relay function of the IPW-1A can also be configured to release on talking, release on connected, or release on calling. Configuring the relay for any of these functions will disable the "key" (door release) option from the software for that particular adaptor.

☐ Factory Defaults
Reset T o Factory Defaults False

Expand the Factory Defaults section if the need arises to reset the IPW-1A adaptor to factory default settings.

12.3 Adaptor Configuration via the browser

o The adaptor settings can also be configured using a web browser. Open the browser and enter the IP address of the adaptor, or right-click launch in browser from within CommuniCenter. Enter the password (if set) and leave the User Name blank. In addition to the settings accessible from the CommuniCenter program, the web browser has expanded options under Network and Security.

Note: If the ID# is left unconfigured, Group Call and All Call will not function properly.

General Settings

  • o ID#: Sets the unique ID for the identification of the IPW-1A for the purpose of Group Call and All Call (1 to 2048;
  • default = "0" ). o Location Name: Sets the descriptive name for the IPW-1A. A name should be chosen which is both unique and
  • applicable to the installed location / application. o Show Offline: Determines whether the IPW-1A should remain in the CommuniCenter intercom list, even if it becomes disconnected or unreachable.

Note: A gateway setting is only necessary when connecting directly to a PC master station outside of the LAN (utilizing direct-mode; see Appendix A)

Note: See Page 23 A.2 for configuration instructions for Direct Master Connection.

Network (Interface) Settings

o IP Address: Used to configure the IP address settings for the IPW-1A. For automatic IP assignment, the following settings are utilized:

IP Discovery Enabled: (0.0.0.0) -- Factory Default; all protocols enabled. Disable AutoIP: (0.0.1.0)

Disable BOOTP: ( 0.0.2.0) Disable DHCP: (0.0.4.0) Disable IPZator: (0.0.8.0)

Note: These settings can be used together as a binary bitmask to enable / disable any specific combination of

  • discovery protocols. o Subnet mask: Used to assign a Subnet mask when a Static IP is assigned (default = "0.0.0.0" , when automatic IP
  • discovery is used). o Gateway: Sets the default Gateway IP address when a Static IP is assigned (default = "0.0.0.0" , when automatic IP
  • discovery is used). o UDP Protocol Port: Assigns the UDP port to be utilized for communication with the PC master station
  • (default = "1724" ). o Enable SonicIP: If set to "Yes", the IPW-1A will verbally announce its IP address over the attached substation whenever initialized (default = Yes ).

12.3 Adaptor Configuration via the browser (continued)

Note: The Audio Quality setting must match the Audio Quality setting of every Master which will communicate with the IPW-1A, otherwise Audio will not work properly.

Note: The pretone setting has no effect on Group-Call or All-Call type communication (which are always preceded by an audible pretone).

Audio Settings

  • Audio Quality: Sets the audio quality level for the IPW-1A to either 'Normal' (default) or 'Low Bandwidth'.
  • O Speaker Level: Sets the IPW-1A's output level, on a scale of 0 to 20 (default = "10"). If the output level at the substation is too low (or high), increase (or decrease) this setting accordingly.
  • Mic Sensitivity: Determines the sensitivity of the IPW-1A's substation input, on a scale of 1 to 16 (default = "7"). If the microphone sensitivity is too low (or high), increase (or decrease) this setting accordingly..
  • o Pretone: Determines whether an audible pretone will precede two-way communication with the substation (default = "Off").

Note: The master station ' Key ' button will only be functional if 'Door Release' is selected.

Note: The Door Release Duration field is only visible if the Relay Function is configured for 'Door Release'

Relay Settings

  • o Relay Function: Determines the function of the IPW-1A relay output from the following setting options:
  • Door Release: Relay will be triggered for the programmed duration by the Master station pressing the 'Key' button (Factory Default).
  • Release on Incoming Audio: When audio is being directly transmitted to the IPW-1A, the relay output will be active (excludes Broadcast audio).
  • Release on Connection: Relay output will be active during any direct audio connection from a Master station (excludes Broadcast audio).
  • Release on Calling: Relay output will be active from the moment the call button is pressed until the Master station answers.
  • Release Duration: Sets the duration for the door release function (1 to 600 sec.; default = "1 sec.").

Note: If Factory Defaults is 'Disabled' and the IPW-1A becomes inoperable due to misconfiguration, the only way to revert the device to Factory Default settings will be <u>via a direct physical connection to the IPW-1A's RS-232 serial port.</u>

Note: The Set Password field is only visible if a password has not yet been assigned.

Security Settings

  • Reset Function: Enables or disables the functionality of the IPW-1A's Reset button (Default = 'Enabled').
  • Factory Defaults: Allows (or disallows) the IPW-1A to be reset to Factory Default settings (Default = 'Enabled').
  • Update Function: Controls the ability to enter the Bootloader mode of the IPW-1A, for the purpose of updating the firmware (Default = 'Enabled').
  • Set Password: Assigns a password to prevent unauthorized access to the IPW-1A web interface, as well as changing any settings of the IPW-1A from the Master interface (Default is NO PASSWORD).
  • Old Password/New Password: When a password is already assigned, these fields are used to change the IPW-1A password.

Note: The 'Old Password' field <u>must match the currently assigned password</u> for the 'New Password' to be applied. These fields are not visible if a password has not yet been assigned.

Appendix A. Understanding Broadcast Mode and Direct Mode Connection

A.1 Broadcast Mode (the default mode)

  • o Broadcast Mode allows multiple master PC"s running CommuniCenter and by default every master can communicate to any substation. Broadcast Mode is named for its method of communication, UDP broadcasts. An example single Local Area Network involving a switch and a DHCP server should not require any changes to the default configuration of the IPW-1A adaptor. When the adaptor powers on it seeks an IP address and when it gets one, it will begin broadcasting using UDP (default port 1724) to the entire broadcast domain.
  • o A broadcast domain is typically every device sharing a common hub or switch but nothing beyond a router or gateway. If the network involves a Wide Area Network (more than 1 router) one option is to use a bridged Virtual Private Network so that broadcasts are repeated between networks. IT professionals may be able to provide additional methods.

A.2 Direct Mode

  • o Configuring the IPW-1A in Direct Mode allows the system to function when traversing multiple networks. Direct Mode allows an intercom to communicate over a WAN or over networks not bridged without additional VPN equipment. When working in Direct Mode, the intercom will only be able to work with a single designated PC. Over a WAN, you must set each router to allow UDP traffic on (default) port 1724, and then forward traffic to the appropriate destination PC running CommuniCenter.
  • o Other CommuniCenter PC"s in the either LAN will not communicate with any intercoms set up in direct mode. If multiple PC"s are required to communicate with a intercom over a WAN, then you will need to set up a VPN or other bridged connection between the networks and use the default Broadcast Mode.

A.3 What does the network administrator need to know?

  • o For Broadcast Mode: The adaptors and the computers running CommuniCenter must be in the same broadcast domain. Use this mode for full functionality, including multiple master PC's.
  • o For Direct Mode: The gateways and firewalls connecting the adaptor(s) and the computer running CommuniCenter must have a port open (UDP 1724 by default) and if necessary, forwarding rules in place. Use this mode if extending the broadcast domain is not an option.
  • o Transport Bandwidth:
    • ≈128Kbps per active session (normal mode)
    • ≈64Kbps per active session (low bandwidth mode)

A.4 What functions are available in each mode?

Feature Description Broadcast Direct
o Multiple
PC"s 		Multiple
master
PC"s
communicating
to
each
substation 		Yes No,
single
master
only
o Call
in 		Call
in
from
the
substation
or
to
the
substation 		Yes Yes
o Monitor Listen
to
the
substation 		Yes Yes
o Talk Speak
(and
listen)
to
the
substation 		Yes Yes
o Relay Relay
functions,
door
release
or
release
on
calling,
connecting
or
incoming
audio 		Yes Yes
o All
Call 		Speak
one-way
to
all
substations
at
the
same
time 		Yes No
o Group
Call 		Speak
one-way
to
selected
substations 		Yes No
o Messages Play
.wav
file
to
selected
substations 		Yes One
station
at
a
time

B.1 Bandwidth settings

o The adaptor can report an Error state in the event that an intercom and the software have mismatched Bandwidth settings. Check the settings for the adaptor and the CommuniCenter program and make sure they match. See the picture below.

o Some routers and gateways are configured for what is commonly called "Broadcast storm protection" which has a limit for bandwidth of a broadcast from any source. The primary benefit of such a feature is to prevent a Denial of Service attack on the network. Once the limit is exceeded, the router will stop the broadcast. This might occur during an All Call or Group Call event. If you suspect a limit is shutting down the All Call or Group Call, set the bandwidth for the IPW-1A and the CommuniCenter software to the Low setting and verify that each IPW-1A has its own unique ID # and try All Call or Group Call again. If the broadcast is still getting blocked, find out what is blocking it using a packet analyzer tool.