Digital Loggers
Answers to frequently asked questions on DLI power controllers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated 09/06/2016

ETHERNET POWER CONTROLLER III


Download a users guide.  Check the specifications.

Learn about the NEW model here - or call (408) 330-5599 for a free trial

How do I set up network access from Windows?
How do I set up network access from an Apple Macintosh? - Thanks to John McClintock for these instructions
How do I set up Internet access? -Thanks to Mike G. for these detailed instructions.
How do I enable AutoPing?

How do I enable Battery Backup?  How long will the battery run?  What is the battery lifetime?
What's the new BASIC Scripting Language all about?
What's syslog?  How can I keep an event log?

What is the LCD for?
How can I control that neat LCD display?
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?
What are the CRITICAL and PROTECT functions?

Do you have a C++ programming example?

Do you have a .NET programming example?

Do you have a Java programming example?

Do you have a compiled Windows command line tool or a Perl example?
Do you have a Python programming example?
Do you have a Crestron control module?
Where can I find iPhone, iPad, or Android apps for Digital Loggers?
How can I use the serial port?


Question:  What is the current version of firmware?
Answer:  The current version is  on the update page  Find the revision history here, and firmware update instructions here.
Question:  I have on earlier Ethernet Power Controlller II or  PC-8000 model.  Where can I find information?
Answer:  For firmware information on PC-8000 units without power metering, (circa 2008-9), click here.  For information on the Ethernet Power Controller II or Ethernet Power Controller II LCD (circa 2010 to 2011), click here.

 

Question:  How do I enable battery backup?
Answer:  Open the battery hatch on the right side of the faceplate by gently pressing the tab behind the faceplate to the right and pulling the hatch cover forward.  Connect the polarized battery connector, positive-to-positive, negative-to-negative.  The battery will power the web server, internal logic, Ethernet, RS-232 port and LCD for several minutes during a power outage.  Recharge time to 90% capacity is 48 hours.  Batteries are Li-ION.  Typical battery life is 24 months at 100F.  Do not attempt to replace the battery with any other type of cell.  Inexpensive replacement batteries are available from digital Loggers (408) 330-5599.  Disconnect the battery if you leave the power controller shut off for more than a month.
Question:  How can I control and customize the LCD display?
Answer:  The LCD can be used to display current and voltage settings, outlet status, or any message of your choice.  You can operate the LCD in "billboard" style, displaying a series of user defined messages.  To customize the LCD, you'll want to write a script using our BASIC scripting language.   You can also use the display to send messages from remote systems (ie. service alert warnings).  To send messages remotely, write a script first, saving it in EEPROM then start the script from your remote system.  Learn more about scripting 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 or toothpick (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.
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.  You'll find a more extensive explanation in the user's manual.
  • 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.

 

FIND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AUTOPING HERE.
Question:  How can I control the switch from my own applications?
Answer:   Downloadthe latest User Utility which includes PowerMan support for Linux. Your application can use HTTP communications. Here are Java, .NET, Perl and C++ examples with source.

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.  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.  To amortize NRE, practical minimum order quantities are typically 100-1000 units.
Question:  Do you support PowerMan?
Answer:  Yes, absolutely.  The latest code is added to the tarball. Download the latest User Utility here.
Question:  What is the blue LCD for?
Answer:  The blue LCD shows outlet status during power up, the IP address, netmask, outlet names, and other useful information.  Time and date stamps for significant events (such as power outages or emergency shutdowns) are also displayed.  You can program this display to display your own messages using the scripting feature.

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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.
© Digital Loggers, Inc. 2005.