Remote reboot and power control

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated November 11, 2008.

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What is the current version of firmware?
How do I update the firmware?
What is the default IP address? How do I reset to defaults? What is the default password?
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?
Do you have PowerMan support?
Can you explain the auto-ping settings?

Question: What is the current version of firmware What are you working on? What upgrades are available now and in the future?

Answer: The current version of firmware is 1.2.B. Firmware is field-upgradeable via Ethernet.

Future FREE! upgrades include:

Improved multi-user security with outlet masking
Programmable email alerts on auto-ping, voltage or current limits
Modem, telnet, high speed serial port support.

Future low-cost options include:

Scheduling - using the internal clock/calendar.
Windows and Linux based enterprise management for multiple power controllers.

Send your suggestions to engineering (at) digital-loggers.com Thanks.

For firmware information on PC-8000 units without power metering, click here.

Question: How do I upgrade my firmware?

Answer: Disconnect your power controller from the network.
Using a direct connection to a PC or laptop will eliminate the possibility of interruptions during the upgrade process.
Download the latest update binary here.

Use Intenet Explorer on Windows systems for firmware updates
Log into the unit.
Set your browser to http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/firmwareUpdate.htm (case sensitive), where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP address of your controller.
Select the file and start the update. Do not interrupt the process. Important words of caution: NEVER do this on a busy network, only with a direct connection. Be EXTREMELY CAREFUL not to interrupt the process, or the FLASH image may be corrupted. Units with corrupted flash must be returned to the factory for out-of-warranty service.
Note that updating the firmware will cause all outlets to reset except as listed below.

1.2.B (BIOS: ) (Firmware: ABF31820)
Removed debugging code from 1.2.A

1.2.A (BIOS: 1851CB73) (Firmware: ABF31820)
Improvement to help links.

1.2.9 (BIOS: 7964D312) (Firmware: 1283C3A0)

Critical option can be set requiring confirmation to power cycle or switch off a switch.
Minor bug fixes
Units shipping with this BIOS version and newer will not power cycle the outlets when updating firmware. The BIOS can only be updated at the factory. ($79 + shipping). Merely updating to this firmware will not provide this (no outlet reset) capability.

1.2.7 (BIOS: 16E37BE0) (Firmware: 06FA1007)

Insert a space before the controller name in the set up page and the controller name to show up on the login page title.
Improved sequence delay accuracy.
Blue LEDs are lit during firmware update.
Improved system clock accuracy.
HTTP redirect logic changed slightly.

1.2.4 - Improved stability and syslog. Added on-board system log and additional auto-ping options.
1.2.1 - Detection of memory errors. Improved syslog logging.
1.1.B - Additional auto-ping improvements.
1.1.A - Fixed web interface not responding. Improved auto-ping. Added a warning about using the default password.
1.1.9 - Minor improvements in auto-ping compatibility.
1.1.5 - Minor improvements in auto-ping compatibility.
1.1.3 - Minor improvements in auto-ping compatibility.
1.0.4 - Improved web interface stability. Added the ability to change the login name.
1.0.2 - Improved MAC addressing affecting users with multiple web switches.

Note: The unit will restart after the update and all connected devices will be reset unless the BIOS version is 1.2.9 or newer.
BIOS and Firmware signatures are identified on the web page

Version 1.2.9 (Jul 09 2008 / 01:05:52)
7964D312-1283C3A0

S/N:0000112922

Firmware for earlier PC-8000 units (without metering) is upgraded using a special tool. Information on legacy PC-8000 firmware is located here.

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

Answer: 192.168.0.100

To reset to defaults, use a non-conductive pen (NOT A PAPERCLIP) to click the "Reset to default" button located near the network connector. The master login "admin" and password "1234" are restored as well as the network settings.

For login defaults on earlier PC-8000 units without power metering, click here.

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.

Before adding an 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 192.168.0.5.
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 192.168.0.100 in the URL field. The index page should be displayed.
The default user name is "admin" (lower case) and password is “1234”
Set the IP address of the unit to your network, then restore your settings.

Question: Can you explain the auto-ping settings?

Answer:

Enabling auto-ping
To enable auto-ping, the check-box to the left of the IP address must be checked, then the change button pushed. You will get a message "Autoping will automatically be enabled after 10 successful pings". This prevents rebooting units before conditions are properly established.

Time Between Pings
The time between which each ping is set. The time between pings to a particular device is (Time_Between_Pings * Number_of_devices_enabled_in_the_ping_list).

Ping failures before reboot
Number of times the ping has to fail (in a row) on a given device before it is power cycled.

Times to attempt reboot

Number of times to attempt power cycling before giving up and disabling auto-ping.

Device reboot delay

Length of time after a power cycle before checking for a response from the device. This allows a device or computer time to completely boot up.

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. There is also 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 (ver 4.x) is compatible with all DLI 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: Do you support PowerMan?

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

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