ComAp offers a wide range of options to connect to your controller:

• RS232 / RS485
• USB - USB A<->B (usually a printer cable)
• Internet connection - LAN, GPRS, 3G, 4G

Note that some connection types require you to use a communication module (plug-in eg a RS232 card) or communication bridge (external device eg Internet Bridge NT).

Each ComAp device usually allows for multiple ways of connection. The simplest one supported by the majority of our devices is the RS232 (serial) connection. For this, you need an RS232 cable (null modem) and if your PC is not equipped with an RS232 port you need a USB<->RS232 converter.
USB connections are very common. Almost all ComAp devices support connection using simple USB A<->B cable (printer cable) for easy configuration. Some devices can be powered from the USB port for programming to allow easy configuration right on your desk.
Other connection types: Internet connection (LAN, GPRS, 3G, 4G), Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, SNMP, AirGate, Modem.
Note that some connection types require you to use a communication module (plug-in eg a RS232 card) or communication bridge (external device eg Internet Bridge NT). Not all types of connection are possible on each device. You can find all the details related to this topic in your device's Comprehensive guide or Communication guide.
 
Detailed information about connection to:
InteliLite NT, InteliATS NT, InteliCompact NT is available IL-NT, IA-NT, IC-NT Communication Guide (page 21)
InteliGen-NT, InteliSys-NT, InteliMains-NT is available in IGS-NT Communication Guide (page 19)
InteliLite is available in Global Guide InteliLite AMF25 Global Guide (page 126)

 

Usually connecting to the controller over the internet is straightforward and works out of the box. However, there are a few parameters that need to be set correctly.
 

• Make sure you have the latest firmware in the controller itself but also in all the communication modules (plug-in, built-in or external).
  • Communication modules that supports connection via the internet
    • CM-4G-GPS
    • CM-Ethernet
    • CM-GPRS
    • InternetBridge-NT 4G
    • InternetBridge-NT
    • IB-Lite
    • IB-COM (Built-in communication module for NTC controllers)
    • IL-NT GPRS

 

• Ensure the communication interface is configured correctly.
  • CM-4G-GPS, CM-Ethernet, CM-GPRS - Can be set in the controllers setpoints on the unit itself or using InteliConfig configuration software.
  • IB-COM, IB-Lite - Use web interface -  just connect to http://<controller-ip-address>/sp_index.htm using your favourite web browser.
  • InternetBridge-NT 4G, InternetBridge-NT - Requires a software tool called IBNTConfig(https://www.comap-control.com/products/detail/ib-nt-config) and an USB A<->B cable for configuration. This way you can also enable MODBUS, SNMP etc. 

 

• Make sure there is no firewall blocking your connection. Consult your IT specialist or ISP if not sure. If you use a firewall, make sure the following ports are open for communication:
  • The device must be able to send data to the AirGate server at UDP port 6127 and TCP port 23. The TCP port can be changed in the module setup to 21 if needed.
  • TCP port 44445 is required for WebSupervisor connection.
  • Port 80 is used for accessing the communication module web interface.
  • Port 502 is used for Modbus TCP communication (enabled by default).
  • Port 161 is used for SNMP (needs to be enabled).

You can download the latest firmware package on the webpage of the device. You can easily navigate there through the ‘Products’ section or just use the Search function. If you cannot find the firmware on the website or if you require different than the offered version do not hesitate to contact our support team.

The firmware upgrade itself is easy to perform. You need the appropriate configuration software and a connection to the controller (preferably a direct connection). Prior to initiating the update process, we strongly recommend you to save a complete backup of your device.

It usually consists of several steps:

• Create a controller back up.
• Update the device firmware. It will contain default Configuration Archive and default Application.
• Change the Application (SPtM, MiNT, MCB, MGCB, BTB, etc) to the required type (by programming appropriate default archive to the controller).
• Use the Import Configuration Wizard to restore your previous configuration. In some cases manual interventions might be needed during this step.
• Optional: Update the connected display firmware or device communication module firmware.

Should you be unsuccessful in programming the new version, the rollback procedure is to install previous firmware version and use your back up to restore the controller to its original state before the firmware upgrade was attempted.

Each ComAp controller needs firmware and configuration for its operation.

• Firmware (FW) = operation system of the unit.
• Configuration (also called Archive) = application settings/parameters and functions, IOs definition, PLC, ECU, etc. It also contains history log saved from monitoring software (InteliMonitor, LiteEdit, InteliConfig).

New FW (together with default Archives) can be obtained from product page on our website or using the InteliBot’s Download section. After download, you can double click on the file (typically *.psi or *ixc) to import all needed files into your library (in your computer - see below where you can find it). By using configuration tools (such as GenConfig, DriveConfig, InteliConfig, LiteEdit) you can also upgrade the FW of your controller (you need to be connected to that controller, it is recommended over cable).

Default application files are available:

• directly in InteliConfig „New configuration“ window
• (typically) C:\Users\Public\Documents\ComAp PC Suite\GenConfig\Archives\Default (or DriveConfig) folder for InteliGen and InteliSys NT units.

If you want to change your IGS-NT unit from SPtM to MINT application, you can simply choose this default file in the configuration SW and write it into the unit.
FW and configuration file version has to match,  (e.g. 4.1.x FW version, you need 4.1.x archive version – 3.9.x would not be allowed to be written into the unit). Configuration/Archive files are usually upgradeable using our SW Tools (GenConfig, DriveConfig, InteliConfig).

We do recommend to use for every new project the newest FW that is available.  In case that you miss or you are not satisfied with some features, you can also upgrade the FW and the archive the newest version.