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AGI SSRemoteMonitoringSystem Manual

This instruction manual is intended for use with the SuperSting Remote Monitoring System and it’s accessories, manufactured by Advanced Geosciences, Inc. This manual is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published without the prior written consent of Advanced Geosciences, Inc. Registered users of the SuperSting Remote Monitoring System are entitled to one copy of this instruction manual. No copies may be made without express

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
321 views

AGI SSRemoteMonitoringSystem Manual

This instruction manual is intended for use with the SuperSting Remote Monitoring System and it’s accessories, manufactured by Advanced Geosciences, Inc. This manual is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published without the prior written consent of Advanced Geosciences, Inc. Registered users of the SuperSting Remote Monitoring System are entitled to one copy of this instruction manual. No copies may be made without express

Uploaded by

Vvg Valencia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SuperSting

Remote Monitoring System


Instruction Manual

Copyright (2012) by
Advanced Geosciences, Inc.
Austin, Texas
Instruction Manual
for

The SuperSting Remote Monitoring System

Release 1.1.2

Advanced Geosciences, Inc.

November 2012

© 2012 by Advanced Geosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Advanced Geosciences, Inc.


2121 Geoscience Dr.
Austin, Texas 78726-1009
Phone (512) 335-3338 Fax (512) 258-9958
e-mail: [email protected]
web site http:///www.agiusa.com
Copyright notice

This instruction manual is intended for use with the SuperSting Remote Monitoring System and it’s accessories,
manufactured by Advanced Geosciences, Inc. This manual is protected by United States copyright law and may
not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published without the prior written consent of Advanced
Geosciences, Inc. Registered users of the SuperSting Remote Monitoring System are entitled to one copy of this
instruction manual. No copies may be made without express written permission from Advanced Geosciences, Inc.
SuperSting Remote Monitoring System – Release 1.1.2

AGI SuperSting Remote Monitoring System


Contents:
1 System Summary.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 System components....................................................................................................................................3
1.1.1 SuperSting Remote Deliverables............................................................................................................4
1.1.2 Instrument hardware requirements.........................................................................................................4
1.1.3 Instrument firmware requirements ..........................................................................................................4
1.1.4 SSRemote Server PC requirements.......................................................................................................4
1.2 Monitoring tasks ..........................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Power handling............................................................................................................................................5
1.4 Internet connection......................................................................................................................................5
1.5 Networking requirements for the SSRemote server PC .............................................................................5
1.6 Data analysis option ....................................................................................................................................5
2 Hardware..............................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Supersting RMS components .....................................................................................................................5
2.2 Remote Server PC (customer supplied or supplied by AGI).......................................................................6
2.2.1 PC is supplied by AGI .............................................................................................................................6
2.2.2 PC supplied by customer ........................................................................................................................6
2.3 Power supply (customer supplied) ..............................................................................................................6
2.4 Networking (customer supplied)..................................................................................................................6
2.5 Housing (customer supplied) ......................................................................................................................6
3 Installation ............................................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Hardware.....................................................................................................................................................7
3.1.1 Connecting the battery chargers.............................................................................................................8
3.1.2 SuperSting and the Remote Interface Box .............................................................................................8
3.1.3 SuperSting survey cables .......................................................................................................................8
3.1.4 Power supply ..........................................................................................................................................8
3.1.5 Battery chargers......................................................................................................................................8
3.1.6 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) ......................................................................................................8
3.1.7 Server PC................................................................................................................................................8
3.1.8 Networking ..............................................................................................................................................8
3.1.8.1 TCP/IP network protocol without LAN cable, install Loopback Adapter ........................................9
3.1.8.2 DSL connection ............................................................................................................................11
3.1.8.3 Dial-in using modem.....................................................................................................................11
3.2 SuperSting firmware and hardware...........................................................................................................11
3.2.1 Firmware ...............................................................................................................................................11
3.2.2 Hardware...............................................................................................................................................12
3.3 PC Software ..............................................................................................................................................12
3.3.1 Installation .............................................................................................................................................12
3.3.2 Dongles .................................................................................................................................................12
3.3.2.1 Installation of the sentinel driver on the monitoring site PC .........................................................13
3.3.3 Installation of the SuperSting Remote software on the monitoring site PC..........................................13
3.3.4 Server configuration..............................................................................................................................13
3.3.5 Client configuration ...............................................................................................................................16
3.4 Communications........................................................................................................................................16
3.4.1 DSL Firewall functions ..........................................................................................................................17
3.4.2 DSL IP address.....................................................................................................................................17
3.4.3 Mail server.............................................................................................................................................17
4 Server side operation.........................................................................................................................................17
5 Client side connection........................................................................................................................................18
5.1 Connect and Login ....................................................................................................................................18
5.2 Tasks .........................................................................................................................................................19
5.2.1 Viewing task states ...............................................................................................................................20
5.2.2 Creating a task......................................................................................................................................20
5.2.3 Viewing task properties.........................................................................................................................21
5.2.4 Editing a task ........................................................................................................................................21
5.2.5 Deleting a task ......................................................................................................................................21
5.3 Result files.................................................................................................................................................22
5.3.1 Saving result files..................................................................................................................................22

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5.3.2 Deleting result files................................................................................................................................22


5.4 Command files ..........................................................................................................................................22
5.4.1 Uploading command files......................................................................................................................23
5.4.2 Saving command files...........................................................................................................................23
5.4.3 Deleting command files on the server ..................................................................................................23
5.5 Server remote configuration......................................................................................................................23
5.5.1 Modification ...........................................................................................................................................24
5.5.2 Add........................................................................................................................................................24
5.5.3 Delete....................................................................................................................................................24
5.6 Server State ..............................................................................................................................................25
5.6.1 Reading log files ...................................................................................................................................25
5.6.2 Saving log files......................................................................................................................................25
5.6.3 Server Status ........................................................................................................................................25
5.6.4 Send mail ..............................................................................................................................................25
6 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................26
6.1 The SSRemote Server will not start ..........................................................................................................26
6.2 The server dongle is not recognized .........................................................................................................26
6.3 The SuperSting is repeatedly started and shut down in short intervals....................................................26
6.4 The server cannot start a task because it cannot connect to SuperSting.................................................26
6.5 Cannot use SuperSting Administrator to connect to instrument ...............................................................27
6.6 Error during firmware update ....................................................................................................................27
6.7 SuperSting does not power up..................................................................................................................27
6.8 Impossible to connect to the server from a client......................................................................................27

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1 System Summary
The AGI SuperSting Remote Monitoring System (SSRMS) is designed for unattended monitoring applications on
landfills, well sites, dams and other locations where changes of resistivity conditions over time need to be recorded
and analyzed.

1.1 System components


The SSRMS consists of a number of discrete components that together make up the system:
• The SuperSting instrument itself
• The cable system and switch box attached to the SuperSting
• A bank of two (four if boost batteries are needed) high capacity marine quality batteries
• Two battery chargers, one for each battery or one for each pair of batteries if boost battery is needed.
• A Windows XP Pro PC that runs the remote monitoring server software, for hardware requirements see below.
• A remote operations control unit (Remote Interface Box) that connects the batteries, chargers, SuperSting and
PC together to form the monitoring system base.
• A USB → Parallel I/O box (replaces the parallel port cable used with older computers).
• An Internet connection for the server PC, preferably in the form of a DSL broadband connection. If such a
connection cannot be furnished then the minimum level of connectivity that can be used is an analog
telephone line and a modem configured such that the server PC can accept incoming calls from the main
office. In this case some of the SSRMS features will be disabled such as automatic result reporting and error
alarms unless a Dial-Up modem connection to the Internet is set up for the server.
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to power the server PC and the control box.

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1.1.1 SuperSting Remote Deliverables


The following items should be included in a standard SuperSting Remote shipment.

Item Qty Code Description


1 1 800100 SuperSting Remote Interface Box
2 2 951216 Battery charger, 112 V, 30 A, lead acid
3 4 951071 Cable for Remote Interface Box - battery connection
4 2 951070 Cable for Remote Interface Box – battery charger connection
5 1 920058 Serial connection cable, male/female DB9 connector
6 1 1000204 RS-232 opto isolation module
7 2 1000257 Adapters for the opto isolation module
8 1 951072 RS-232 serial communication cable
9 1 1000661 USB → Parallel I/O box
10 1 1000663 Cable with 10 pin connector to 26 pin D-sub connector
11 1 1000658 Cable with 6 pin connector to USB
12 1 1000255 SSRemoteServer and SSRemoteClient software on a CD
13 1 1000258 Client PC hardware key (dongle) for USB port
14 1 1000259 Server PC hardware key (dongle) for USB port
15 1 1000256 SuperSting Remote instruction manual

1.1.2 Instrument hardware requirements


SuperSting instruments delivered before November 2004, need to have a slight hardware modification in order to
work with the SuperSting Remote Monitoring system.
1.1.3 Instrument firmware requirements
You may need to update the SuperSting firmware, since needed functions for the remote system are only available
in these firmware versions and later:

SuperSting-R8: 01.03.41
SuperSting-R1: 01.01.36

To check what version of the firmware is installed in your SuperSting, on the SuperSting, go to menu 7. The latest
firmware can be downloaded free of charge from the SuperSting User Group web site.
Address to the SSRemote user group page is:
http://www.agiusa.com/files/cust/ssremoteusers.shtml
Note that only members of the SuperSting user group can access this page.
1.1.4 SSRemote Server PC requirements
In order to be able to control the SuperSting Remote system the PC that runs the system software must conform to
at least these requirements:
• At least 800 MHz Intel Pentium III CPU or equivalent AMD CPU
• At least 256 Mb RAM
• At least 1 Gb free disk space
• Ethernet network adapter port
• Analog modem
• One free RS232 COM: port on motherboard or on PCI expansion board
• Two free USB ports for software protection dongle connection and USB → Parallel I/O box connection
• Windows 2000 Pro, Windows XP Pro, Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system with the latest hotfixes
• Windows Firewall configured to accept connection on the SSRemote TCP/IP port 23500 (for XP Pro)
• Microsoft Loopback Network Adapter installed, see section 3.1.8.1
• Dial-In connection set up and working on the modem

Any modern office type PC (no laptop!) available today will have enough data for CPU, RAM and hard disk. But one
must be aware that the operating system cannot be Windows XP Home Edition due to the way Microsoft has
limited the networking capabilities of that system
Also make sure that the PC does come with the hardware ports needed (one RS232 com port and two USB).
See also section 2.2.2.

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1.2 Monitoring tasks


The user specifies a number of monitoring tasks to execute through the SSRMS client software running on an
office computer with network access to the server. A task is defined using a standard SuperSting command file, the
instrument settings for this task and some scheduling information. Any number of tasks may be defined, but the
system will only execute one single task at any given time.
When a task is started the server will upload the correct command file to the SuperSting, then create a measure file
on the instrument using this command file and set the instrument settings according to specifications. Then the
SuperSting is remotely started and will perform its measurements exactly as if the job was done manually on site.
When a measurement run is done then the server will download the result into standard formatted STG files and
package all files into a result zip file ready for transmission. If email is enabled then the server will email the result
file off to the recipient that has been configured to receive the data.
Then the files will be erased from SuperSting memory to maximize data space for the next task.

1.3 Power handling


Between the task executions the SuperSting will be switched off and the batteries are charged. At start of a task the
battery with the highest voltage will be selected for use as the active battery and the other will remain connected to
its charger. Then the SuperSting is automatically switched on.

1.4 Internet connection


The SSRMS system is a network-aware system and can use network features such as:
• Remote control and supervision through TCP/IP communication between a remote client program and the
SSRMS server.
• Results can be automatically emailed from the server to any email address at finish of a task.
• Notification email messages can be sent at start of a task.
• Error alarms can be sent by email.
These functions rely on the availability of a 24/7 Internet connection, preferably using DSL.
Remote control is also possible if the DSL is missing but an analog telephone line and a modem is instead used to
provide a dial-in connection to the server. In this case automatic notifications and reports are not possible.
1.5 Networking requirements for the SSRemote server PC
The SSRemote system uses communication between the client and server based on TCP/IP networking. This is
also used when the system is stand-alone and is required to be present at all times.
Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP has a network detection system that will unload the TCP/IP protocol from the
computer if the network cable is disconnected and this will render the SSRemote system unusable. If the server PC
is not connected to a local network then you must install the Microsoft Loopback Adapter and configure it properly
in order to get the SSRemote possibilities functional. See the Installation section for further details.
1.6 Data analysis option
With the release 1.1.1.xx of SSRemote Server it is now possible to send the data set recorded during a task
execution to a post-measure analysis program. The analysis program may check for time varying features in the
surveyed line to warn against possible threats. These could be imminent flooding or start of pollutant leakage or
similar. When the analysis software has detected that the danger level has been passed it can set a code such that
SSRemote Server will send a separate analysis result warning email containing the analysis result files.
The analysis software is a plug-in to SSRemote Server and will be available separately.
2 Hardware
The hardware used in an SSRMS installation can be divided into the following groups.

2.1 Supersting RMS components


These are the items that are delivered from Advanced Geosciences. A typical system consists of the following
items:
• SuperSting R8 or SuperSting R1 with the remote control firmware level
• A cable system suitable for the selected instrument type
• The Remote Interface Box with cables to connect batteries, instrument and PC together.
• Two battery chargers
• An Optical fiber RS232 link for connection between SuperSting and the server PC
• USB → Parallel I/O box

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2.2 Remote Server PC (customer supplied or supplied by AGI)


2.2.1 PC is supplied by AGI
If the PC is supplied by AGI as part of the SSRMS package then all of the needed software will have been already
installed and configured.
The PC will be equipped with Windows XP-Professional and there will be one administrative and one normal user
configured on the PC. From 2012 only Windows7 Professional will be available due to Microsoft stopping deliveries
of XP.
The Ethernet LAN connection will have been installed with automatic IP addressing via DHCP.
There will be a modem dial-in service enabled and configured for use when the SSRMS is located in a place where
there is no network connection and only telephone lines are available.
The PC supplied from AGI does not come with a display monitor.
2.2.2 PC supplied by customer
The user must supply a standard office type PC running the Microsoft Windows 7 or lower operating system. The
PC must have these peripheral connections:
• At least one standard RS232 serial communications port for connection to the SuperSting using the optical
fiber link.
• An extra RS232 connection if the user wants to also communicate to the SuperSting using the SuperSting
Administrator software. The first RS232 port will be exclusively locked by the SSRemote server.
• Ethernet network card for connection to the DSL line
• A free USB 2.0 port for use by the AGI Digital I/O box.

The capacity of any standard office PC that can be bought today is enough for the SSRMS system. The customer
may want to secure a high quality brand for this component in order to make the system reliability higher since it is
installed in remote locations.

2.3 Power supply (customer supplied)


The user is required to supply the following power components:
• Mains power supply at normal office voltage level and reliability
• UPS for the server PC if the reliability of the power feed cannot be guaranteed
• Two or four (four if boost battery is required) high capacity deep-cycle 12V batteries. We recommend the 12 V,
AGM type (Absorbed Glass Mat), 105 AmpHour battery manufactured by MK (Part number MK8A31).

2.4 Networking (customer supplied)


The user is also required to supply the following communications components:
• A DSL Internet connection with a hardware router/firewall
or
• An analog telephone line and a modem to make up a dial-in connection

2.5 Housing (customer supplied)


The SSRMS components (excluding the cable system of course) must be installed in a housing that conforms to
indoor office conditions. Preferably in a house of some kind with climate control that keeps temperature and
humidity within normal office limits.
Even though the SuperSting itself is capable of operation in harsh environments this does not hold true for the PC
and network components, so a normal office climate is recommended.

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3 Installation
The installation of the SSRMS system consists in locating and interconnecting the hardware components and
installing the SSRMS system software on the server PC and client PC.
After installation of the Server software it must be configured by the Configuration software.

3.1 Hardware

1 Server, supplied by the customer.


2 SuperSting R1/IP or R8/IP.
3 One or several switch boxes.
4 SuperSting Remote Interface Box.
5 Main battery 1.
6 Boost battery 1 (optional).
7 Main battery 2.
8 Boost battery 2 (optional).
9 Battery charger 1, charges Main and Boost battery 1.
10 Battery charger 2, charges Main and Boost battery 2.
11 Mains DC power supply (delivered with the SuperSting) to power the Remote Interface Box. Connect to the
UPS power supply.
12 The optical insulator supplied with the remote system is used to connect the serial port of the server to the
connector marked “To PC Serial Com.” on the Remote Interface Box. Make sure to connect this on the PC
end to the RS232 COM 1 port, don’t confuse the printer port connection (15 below) with this!
13 Uninterruptible power supply (UPS), supplied by the customer.
14 Connect the SuperSting “PC Serial COM 1” to the Remote Interface Box, connector marked “To
SuperSting Serial Com” using the cable supplied with the remote system.
15 Connect the SuperSting Remote Interface Box (4) to the USB → Parallel I/O box (not on the picture) using
the cable with 10 pin connector to 26 pin D-sub connector. Then connect the USB → Parallel I/O box to
the Server (1) using the cable with 6 pin connector to USB.
16 Connect the server to the UPS power supply. Mains voltage connection.
17 Jumper cable to Switch box. The cable is delivered with the SuperSting.
18 Power cable SuperSting/Remote Interface Box, delivered with the remote system.
19-22 Cables connecting batteries to the Remote Interface Box, delivered with the remote system.
23 Cable connecting charger 2 to the Remote Interface Box, supplied with the remote system.
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24 Cable connecting charger 1 to the Remote Interface Box, supplied with the remote system.

3.1.1 Connecting the battery chargers


Included in the Remote System shipment are two cables for
attaching the battery chargers to the Remote Interface Box.
The end to be connected to the battery charger has three
stripped wires marked with red (2) and black (1) heat shrink.
Attach the wires to the “screw connector” on the side of the
charger so that black is attached to the terminal marked –
(minus) and the two red are attached to the two terminals
marked + (plus).

3.1.2 SuperSting and the Remote Interface Box


The SuperSting and the Remote Interface Box are connected
using the supplied cables as shown on the connection diagram
above.

Note that SuperSting shall be set for 19200 baud rate


communication. To manually set the SuperSting baud rate go
to Menu 6/4/8.

3.1.3 SuperSting survey cables


SuperSting Dual Mode electrodes or one or several Switch Boxes with passive cables are connected to the
SuperSting with the Jumper cable supplied with the SuperSting or Switch Box (17 in the connection diagram).

3.1.4 Power supply


The mains power supply (11) is connected to the UPS (13) and the DC power in connector on the Remote
Interface Box (4).

3.1.5 Battery chargers


Two battery chargers are used to charge two set of batteries. The battery chargers are attached to the mains power
supply (do not connect the battery chargers to the UPS). On the Remote Interface Box connect the connectors
marked “Mains battery 1” and “Boost battery 1” (if Boost battery is used) to Battery charger #1 and connect the
connectors marked “Mains battery 2” and “Boost battery 2” (if Boost battery is used) to Battery charger #2.

3.1.6 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)


The UPS (13 in connection diagram) is used to power the Remote Interface Box, server and the DSL/modem
components so that in case of a power failure the system will still be able to operate on batteries. The SuperSting
runs off the 12V batteries during measurements so if the PC and other low-power components are on an UPS, then
the system may be used also during a power outage.

3.1.7 Server PC
The server PC has the following connections:
• Optical fiber link from the RS232 com port to the Remote Interface Box.
• Control connection from a USB port of the Server to the Remote Interface Box via the Parallel I/O Box.
• Network connection by DSL with router/firewall or Modem connection with firewall to the analog telephone line.
Note that the DSL and/or Modem components must be powered by the UPS.
• The server must be powered by the UPS, using the power cable supplied with the PC.
• The software protection dongle shall be connected to a free USB port, but only AFTER software has been
installed.

3.1.8 Networking
The SSRMS system requires some form of networking in order to be operational. The recommended type is a DSL
or ADSL connection to the Internet or a regular LAN connection to a plant-wide network. Such connection could in
principle be implemented using WiFi wireless network systems on a site, where the SSRMS system is located in a
work trailer where no networking has been installed.
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If neither DSL nor regular network is available the lowest level usable is a regular analog telephone line with a
modem for dial-in connection to the SSRMS server PC.
3.1.8.1 TCP/IP network protocol without LAN cable, install Loopback Adapter
Since Windows 2000 and XP have a network detection system that disables TCP/IP if a network cable is not
attached to the PC SSRemote will not work unless a local area network cable is plugged in and active. The
SSRemote server uses TCP/IP even though a network cable is not attached and so it will fail if it is not available.
If your installation does not have a network to connect to then you must install a Microsoft Loopback Adapter on
your PC in order to tell Windows not to release the TCP/IP networking.

The installation is done as follows (XP screens shown):


Go to the Control Panel function “Add Hardware”

Click Next
The Wizard will search for additional hardware

The Wizard will ask if the hardware is already installed.


Click the Yes radio button
Then Next

Now a list of already installed hardware will be shown.


Scroll to the bottom of the list and select the item
“Add a new hardware device”
Click Next

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The wizard now asks if it shall auto detect or if you want to


manually select. Click the radio button
“… manually select …”
Then click Next

Now there is a list of hardware types shown. Find and select the
“Network adapters” row.
Then click Next

Now there is a list showing manufacturers to the left and adapters


to the right.
Select Microsoft in the left list and then the
“Microsoft Loopback Adapter” in the right list
Then click Next

Now you have reached the final screen and you are ready to install
the adapter by clicking Next.

After the adapter installation is done you have to also configure the loopback adapter.
This is done as follows:
• Go to Start/Connections/Show all connections
• In the list locate the “LAN or High-Speed Internet” section

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• Then find the adapter with device name “Microsoft Loopback Adapter” (look at the column to the far right for
the device name)
• Select this adapter and right click it and choose “Rename”
• Now enter “Loopback Adapter” as the new name. This makes it easy to find it in the future.
• Now right click again and select “Properties”
• Select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
• Click Properties
• Click the “Use the following IP address” radio button
• Enter an IP address that will NOT appear on your real network. Use an address in the 192.168.x.x range.
Check that the settings look like this image:

• Click OK all the way out

3.1.8.2 DSL connection


When a DSL connection is used then there must be a hardware router/firewall between the DSL connection point
and the PC. This is needed in order to protect the PC from attacks from the Internet.
3.1.8.3 Dial-in using modem
If no DSL access is possible then the only option left is to connect a modem to the PC and use an analog phone
line to the modem.
The PC must in this case be set up to accept incoming dial-in connections.
Notice that the setup in a PC supplied by AGI will use DHCP for the dial-in connection, which means that the dialin
will reach the wired network the server is connected to. If this is undesirable then a fixed address assignment must
be configured on the PC for the dialin connection.
When the system is set up like this the automatic reporting and notification functions will not work when a client is
connected, unless two modems and two phone lines are provided.
3.2 SuperSting firmware and hardware
3.2.1 Firmware
The SSRemote system needs the connected instrument to have a minimum firmware level in order to operate. The
version of the actual instrument can be checked on Menu 7.
Minimum firmware level is:
SuperSting-R8: 01.03.41 or 01.03.41E
SuperSting-R1: 01.01.36 or 01.01.36E
(the E firmware is used with instruments manufactured using the E-type CPU)

Make sure to use version 1.3.3.180 or later of the Administrator software if you install firmware of “E” type. Earlier
versions of the Administrator can not install firmware of “E” type.

If your instrument does not fill this requirement then you must run the firmware update utility in the AGISSAdmin
software. You must also make sure that you use the latest version of this software.
Both of these can be downloaded from our website at:
http://www.agiusa.com/files/cust/superstinguser.shtml
(You will need a user group account to log in to this page)

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IMPORTANT NOTICE!
If you select the wrong update file for updating the firmware you may render the instrument totally unusable and in
need of return to AGI for repair! Please double-check the firmware files before running the update.
3.2.2 Hardware
Your instrument needs to be updated with a hardware modification to handle remote power on and off if it is
delivered before Nov 2004. Please contact the AGI office for details on this if you are in doubt.
3.3 PC Software
The SSRMS system consists of two software parts, the SSRemoteServer software installed on the server PC at the
remote site and the SSRemoteClient software, installed in a PC for example at the main office. Typically, the server
and client software are both installed on the server PC so that it is possible to easily check out the system from the
server PC itself.
One additional client installation is then done on an office PC from where the remote monitoring is administered.

From time to time the software is updated. Make sure to register as a SuperSting owner in the SuperSting User
Group at our web site http://www.agiusa.com/index.shtml at User Group registration. New versions will be available
at no cost at the SuperSting User Group.
3.3.1 Installation
The installation of both client and server is straightforward and consists mainly of running the setup files and
clicking Next-Next-Next…. Normally default selections are OK.

The server PC must conform to the minimum requirements listed above, whereas the client can be installed on
almost any Windows system.

Please note that the server component is a Windows Service application and therefore only a person logged in to
an administrative account on the server PC can do the installation. As a service, the program will start with
Windows and there is no requirement that anyone is logged on to the server PC for the system to work.

The order of installation is as follows (note that the dongle must NOT be inserted until its driver is installed!):

Server PC:
• Installation of the sentinel driver on the monitoring site PC.
• Insert server dongle (hardware key) in the USB port of the monitoring site PC.
• Make changes in the sentinel driver setup (see below).
• Installation of the SuperSting Remote software on the monitoring site PC.
• Configuration of the SuperSting Remote server.
• Installation of the SuperSting Remote Client software on the monitoring site PC.
• Installation of the USB driver for the Remote I/O Box (can be found in a subdir “DriverUSB” to the main server
install directory).

Client PC:
• Installation of the sentinel driver on the client PC.
• Insert client dongle (hardware key) in the USB port of the client PC.
• Installation of the SuperSting Remote Client software on the client computer/computer’s.

3.3.2 Dongles
The Server and the Client software are protected by a dongle (hardware key), which has to be installed on each
machine. Note that the dongles are different, the dongle marked “server” has to go in the server PC (the
monitoring site PC) and the dongle marked “client” has to go on the client PC.
You will be able to install and run the client software on the server using the server dongle for both so there is no
need to attach the client dongle to the server while doing checkout of the system.
The dongles used with SSRemote are of the USB type and need to be connected to a free USB port on the PC.
The use of a USB dongle also makes it impossible to use Windows NT4 PC:s for the SSRemote server or client
since USB support is missing in Windows NT4.

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3.3.2.1 Installation of the sentinel driver on the monitoring site PC


• Place the SuperSting Remote Monitoring Software CD in the monitoring site PC (server).
• Double click on the “Sentinel System Driver Installer 7.5.7.exe” file to install the driver.
• Follow the instructions to install the driver.

NOTE:
The Sentinel driver is regularly updated by SafeNet so their website should be checked for a new version of the
driver. Notice that the file to look for is the System Driver and NOT the Protection Installer!
This is the location of the downloads (in 2012):
http://www.safenet-inc.com/support_and_downloads/Download_Drivers/Sentinel_Drivers/

3.3.3 Installation of the SuperSting Remote software on the monitoring site PC


• Place the SuperSting Remote Monitoring Software CD in the monitoring site PC (server).
• Double click on the SSRemoteServer-x.x.x.x.exe file to install the SuperSting Remote Server software. (x.x.x.x
is the actual software version and will vary over time.)
• Follow the instructions on the screen. After the installation is completed the Server software configuration
window will be displayed.

3.3.4 Server configuration


The SSRMS system must be configured on the server (monitoring site PC). This configuration is stored in the
registry on the server PC and consists of three parts, the server engine configuration, the general SSRMS service
configuration and the email configuration.
Provided that the client user logs on using an administrative account, the two latter configuration items are
available in the client PC when connected. This way the server can be remotely managed from the client PC.

In order to simplify the server configuration there is a configuration utility installed with the server software. With
this, all aspects of the server can be configured in a graphical environment. Note that the server software runs in
the background together with Windows and is not visible to the user. Main screens of the configuration program:

The General tab controls hardware settings for the server:

TCP port: The default number is 23500, the client will need this
number in order to connect.
SuperSting comm port: The number of the com port the optical
serial cable, #12 in the connection diagram, is connected to.
Baud rate: Should be 19200. Note that SuperSting shall be set
for 19200 baud rate communication. To manually set the
SuperSting baud rate go to Menu 6/4/8.
Schedule interval (s): This is how often the server will check if
there is a “task” to start. A suitable setting is 60 sec. Times set
shorter than 30 seconds will result in higher risk of task start
problems. Since the internal timing is displayed in minutes there
is really no sense in setting a shorter interval.
Single reading timeout (s): This is the time the server allows for
a single contact resistance measurement. This prevents the
SuperSting from locking up the Server in case the SuperSting
would stop by some reason. A suitable setting is 30 sec.
Power switching comm port: The serial port, which the Remote
I/O Box is using. Note that the I/O Box connects to USB but is
really a serial port so you have to find which port number it has
registered as (can be done in Device Manager).
Scheduling active: Needs to be checked. If this is un-checked
the timer will not look for tasks. If the dongle is not detected then
scheduling will be automatically disabled even if this checkbox is
checked.

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The Folders and files tab controls the location of the files managed by SSRemote. Click the ellipsis (…) button if
you want to browse to an alternate location:

Result files dir: The measured files will end up in this directory.
Command files dir: The command files are stored in this
directory.
Deleted files dir: Deleted measurement files will be stored in this
directory.
Log files dir: This directory is used for troubleshooting. It stores
information on client communication activities.
SS log files dir: This directory is used for troubleshooting. It
stores information on SuperSting activities.
Debug Logging: When checking this box there will be more
detailed logging in the log files. Used for extensive
troubleshooting.

The Users tab is where the login and password for the administrative user is set:

Note that this user has full access to the SSRemote server
via the client application.
Normal user with limited permissions can be added in the window
named “Normal Users” (not available in the first release).

Administrator login: Use any name. This name is used by the


client to log on to the server.
Administrator password: Enter the password to be used by the
client.
The default password for AGIAdmin is SSRemote

Normal users:
Use the Add User or Edit User to set properties for the normal
user.
Use Remove User to remove a normal user login.

Notice that when working with users you have to type the
password twice in the same way in order to register a new user or
change the password of an existing user.

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The Email settings tab is where the data concerning the emailing of results of measure tasks are entered:

This page needs careful setup in order to get the mail messaging
working properly.
The email server must accept requests to send mail from this
application. If the server needs authentication in order to accept
outgoing email, this shall be entered on this page.
Use Email: Check this box if email message about measurement
start and/or finish is required. If this box is not checked the result
files can be acquired through the Client software “Result files”
tab.
Email server: The name or IP address of the computer where
the mail server is installed.
Sender name: Any name, it could for example be the name of
the place where the monitoring equipment is installed, a job
number etc.
Sender address: The email address of the sender. This could be
the site administrator or similar. Replies to messages will go to
this mailbox.
Authenticate sender: Some mail servers require user login. If
you have such a server then you need to check this box and
enter the login data below. Only simple SMTP authentication is
supported.
Auth account: The mailing account at the server. This is typically
a connection account name, not an email address.
Auth pwd: Password for this account.
Email on task start: Check this box if an email notification is
required upon measurement start.
Email on task end: Check this box if an email notification is
required upon measurement finish. If an email upon
measurement finish is requested, the email will have the
measurement result as an attachment.
Start subject: Enter message to be displayed on the subject line
of the start message.
Finish subject: Enter message to be displayed on the subject
line of the finish message. This subject will be followed by the
name of the result file.

The email recipients tab is where you define which addresses the notification emails will be sent to:
To: The email being sent by SSRemote will go out to a main
recipient. This person’s name and email is added in the top part
of this page.

Cc: Additional copy recipients can also be managed on this page.


Use the Add, Edit and Delete buttons to tailor the list of recipients.

The “Dialup settings” tab is used to set up a modem connection.


If the SSRemote server PC is not permanently connected to the Internet by, for example using a DSL line, then it is
possible to set up a modem connection to the Internet for the purpose of supplying a connection through which the

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report emails can be sent out. Note that you must first create at least one dialup entry using the Windows Dialup
Wizard.

Here you select from a list of existing dialing entries the one to
use for email transmission.
By clicking the “Check Dialup Entry” button a test of the
connection is initiated and a message will tell you if it was
successful.
The button “Use selected entry” will select this entry for use.
If the dialup entry selected does not have a generally available
password then the connection password can be entered in the
supplied password box. This is the Internet dialup password.
When you are ready with the settings you can check if the mailing
system works by clicking “Test Email”. This will dial the selected
entry and then send an email out using the settings on the
previous tabs to the listed addresses.

The Analyzer Setup tab is used to configure the post-measure analysis program:
Browse to the analysis program using the ellipsis button.
Then set the name of the program in the next box.
If you want to enable email sending on end of analysis you can
check the checkbox. Then you also need to define the mail
subject to use when sending the analysis email.

The mail at threat level is used to define at which advisory (or


threat) level value returned from the analyzer the email should be
sent. All analyses resulting in this value or higher will result in
mail sending.

Finally, you can test the analysis mail settings by clicking the test
button. An email should now be sent to the configured recipients.

The Apply button: This button will save the settings and restart the SSRemote server so it reads the new settings.
The OK button will do the same, but if you click on OK the Configuration window will also close. Cancel will discard
all configuration changes and exit the configurator.

3.3.5 Client configuration


The only configuration item that needs to be handled for the client is the connection data. So the IP address or
name of the server PC plus the service port number must be entered into the client in order for it to be able to
connect. The simplest way to do this is to edit the ini file (found in the default folder
C:\Programs\AGI\SSRemoteClient) and change the data there.

3.4 Communications
The SSRMS system communicates via the network using TCP/IP. The following connections use TCP/IP:
• Client connection from the monitoring office to the SSRMS server PC for configuration and supervision.
• Email notification from the SSRMS server on certain events (measurement ready, measurement start, system
error etc).

These functions require a secure network connection between the server and the client PC and with an Internet
provider mail gateway respectively.
You can also set up a Dial-In service on the SSRemote Server PC so that you can use the phone line to connect to
the server. If this is done then of course dialup sending of notification emails will not be possible while a client has
dialed in and connected.

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3.4.1 DSL Firewall functions


In the DSL router/firewall a port-forwarding rule must be configured to forward accesses on the specified SSRMS
TCP port to the internal server PC. This way it will be possible to access the SSRMS server service for
configuration and supervision purposes via the Internet. The default port used is 23500, but it may be changed (not
recommended) in the configuration as shown in the previous section.

3.4.2 DSL IP address


After the DSL connection has been established the IP address of the DSL router must be noted down, because this
is the address on which the SSRMS server can be accessed. In many cases it is not possible to obtain a static IP
address from the ISP; instead automatic IP addressing is used via the DHCP protocol. If your ISP uses the
automatic system then the router will get an IP address the first time it is connected and then this address is
renewed regularly. If the router stays powered up all the time, as it should, then the actual IP address will not
change over time.
So it works like a static IP address for all practical purposes.
The address is usually available in the router configuration screen; please consult the user’s manual for the router
you have purchased.
Notice:
Some routers support use of “dynamic dns” which means that the router connects to a public DNS service and
reports its registered name and IP address to this DNS server. If this can be set up then the SSRMS client can be
configured with the registered name of the router instead of a (varying) IP address.

3.4.3 Mail server


In order for email notifications to be available there must be a mail server for outgoing email defined to the server.
This email server must be reachable from the SSRMS PC when operating on the remote location. This can be
obtained either through 24/7 DSL connection or via dialup networking (see configuration screen above).
If the SMTP mail server requires user authentication in order to accept sending email then the SSRMS system can
handle this too, just enter the account information in the email setup. Note that SSRMS only supports simple SMTP
authentication and not encrypted connections.

4 Server side operation


The SSRMS system operates autonomously by regularly checking the state of a list of tasks that have been set up
for execution. The interval used between checks is set in the server configuration and is typically 30 seconds or
more.
The task description contains a property that sets the time of the next execution and the server will check this for all
tasks when it is idling. As soon as the start time of a task is passed then this task will be loaded to the SuperSting
and then started.
During measurements the SuperSting will report each reading taken with the command file command number, so
that the server can follow what is going on. As soon as SuperSting finishes the task, the server will immediately
download the data and save it to the PC hard disk in a zip file that will contain every individual file connected to the
task. After this has been done the files on the SuperSting will be erased to make room for the next task execution.

The zip file will then also be emailed to defined email recipients if the email service has been configured. All of this
happens automatically if scheduling is enabled on the server, there is no user interaction needed.

If the analysis option is also active then every task configured for analysis will have its analysis result data files
zipped into an analysis result file that will be stored with the task result files in the SSRemote Results folder.
If so configured an analysis result email will be sent with the analysis result zip file attached.

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5 Client side connection


The SSRemote Client application is used on any PC with a network connection to the server in order to manage
the server side tasks. But to do so requires connection and login to the server.
After a login has been done then the functions will become accessible to the user.
5.1 Connect and Login
This is the initial screen shown when the Client is first started:

In order to connect you have to give the name of the remote server and also the TCP port number on which the
service is running. Once this is done you can click the Connect button.
If it is possible to reach the server and connect to the SSRemote service then a login dialogue is shown:

Here you enter the username and password and click OK. The username and password are the name and
password assigned during server configuration as described in section 3.3.4

After successful authentication with the server the Client now downloads server side information to fill in the various
tabs in the client window. The user/password combination is also stored in the registry (user section) for later
connections when the login dialogue will be filled in with the last used successful login data.

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The screen now looks somewhat like this:

Note that the “Server Time” now shows a clock that displays the actual time on the server. This is very useful if
working across time zones because the task scheduling data must always be entered in local time on the server.
This display helps to keep you informed of the server time.
Important note:
On most pages there is a “Refresh” button. This button is used to refresh the state of the list from the server.
Unless you do so your display will show the state of the server at the time you connected or last clicked the Refresh
button.
5.2 Tasks
The first tab is the Tasks tab where a list of defined tasks is shown. The task is identified with a Task ID (the letter T
followed by a sequential number).

From the client PC a SuperSting task is defined with the following data:

• The command file that controls the reading sequence


• Measurement data that control how the SuperSting will be set up for this task
• Scheduling data such as start time, number of executions, interval between starts etc.

When connected, the client application shows the existing command files and tasks on the server in lists. It is
possible to manage the command files through the client (upload, download, delete) but it is not possible to modify
or erase command files that are used by a task. Such command files are displayed with a padlock symbol.

Working through the SSRemote client application it is possible to upload command files to the server, to create and
delete tasks and to edit task properties.

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5.2.1 Viewing task states


The current state of the tasks on the server is shown in the list on the tasks page. But this list is static and in order
to check current status the “Refresh” button should be used to update the display. In the display, the state of the
tasks is shown using symbols for tasks that have been activated and the task that is currently running.
A scheduled task is shown in the first column, as a yellow icon with an exclamation mark inside and the task that is
running right now is shown in the Active column, as a green icon with a checkmark inside.
The icons are described in the lower left corner of the Tasks list.
5.2.2 Creating a task
The sequence to create a task is the following:
• First create a proper command file for the task using some command file editor such as the SuperSting
Administrator or EarthImager command creator functions. The command file must use proper electrode
addresses since all address translation will be unavailable when SuperSting is running remote.
• Next, connect to the server and use the “New Cmd” button on the command files page to upload the command
file to the server. Give a name for the file that is not already used.
• Finally, go to the tasks page and use the “New Task” button.

Now a property page is shown that contains all the data needed for the task such as the command file to use,
scheduling data and measurements settings.
Fill in the data and then click OK. Now the task will be sent to the server and created there.

Task property page:

Here is where you enter all the task details:


• Command File
A selection box where all available command files on the server are listed.
• Result file
Enter a base name for the result file, if missing the task number will be used.
• Start date and time
These are date and time selection dialogues where you specify the date and time the task shall start. Notice
that the time is in the time frame of the server and that the start time will be uncertain within the scheduling
interval time on the server.
• Repeat cycles
If you want the task to repeat several times, then enter the number of extra cycles needed here.

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• Cycle interval
Enter the interval between multiple executions of the task here in days-hours-minutes-seconds
• Max run time
This sets a maximum execution time for a task
• Contact resistance
This checkbox controls if the task will be run as a contact resistance test only when the connection state of the
used electrodes will be checked or if a normal measure cycle is requested. If contact resistance test is checked
then the Instrument settings are hidden.
• Enabled
This checkbox tells the server that the task shall be started at the given time. If unchecked then the task is
defined but not scheduled.
• Run post-measure analysis
This checkbox specifies if each task execution shall be automatically analyzed using the separately installed
analysis program and using the settings entered in the Analysis Settings list. Only used if the analysis option is
installed on the server.

Instrument settings
Here is where the SuperSting settings to be used for the task are defined. These are normal SuperSting settings.
• Measure mode
This is a drop-down box where the type of measurement is selected.
Available modes are:
Res, IP/Res and SP. Default is Res
• Use separate potential electrodes
This tells the SuperSting to use the commands for separate potential electrodes at the automatic switches.
• Use Swift R1 cable switches
This checkbox is important to check if the cable type is not the SuperSting R8 type. For example with SSR1 the
checkbox should be checked.

Task Mail settings


This is where you can modify the content and recipient of task specific emails. Notice that these emails are sent
only for this task and not any task in general.
• Msg
Here you can type any message text you want in the body of the email that is sent when the task completes.
• To:
This list of recipients is managed using the Add and Remove buttons.
• Enable Task Email
Check this box to enable the emailing on task execution end.

Use the OK button to create the task with the given data.
If the server is enabled and if the task is checked to be enabled, then this task will now execute when the start time
matches the current time.
5.2.3 Viewing task properties
If you want to view the task properties you can do so using the Properties button.
This brings up the same dialog as described above but in read-only mode.
5.2.4 Editing a task
Any task except one that is actually running can be edited. Just use the “Edit Task” button on the tasks page to
start an edit session. The same property page will be shown and the data can be easily modified. When you click
OK, the task updates are sent to the server.
5.2.5 Deleting a task
If you want to delete a task from the server then you simply select it from the list and click “Delete Task”. After
confirmation the task is deleted. This can of course not be done if the task is running.

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5.3 Result files


The result files page, lists all zip files located in the Results folder on the server.

Notice that you can sort this file list on the three columns by clicking the corresponding column title. The illustration
shows sorting by date.
Also note that all result files have a date and time stamp attached to the names. This is because the same task can
run repeatedly and if the same result file was used then there would be confusion in locating the correct one. With
the date-time stamping there will be no duplication of result files.
5.3.1 Saving result files
Any result file listed can be downloaded and saved to the client PC by simply selecting the file and clicking the
“Save File” button. You will then be asked for the location of the download, with the suggested folder being the last
used download folder and the name the same name as the server file.
5.3.2 Deleting result files
The user may delete a result file by clicking the “Erase File” button. After a confirmation dialogue the command is
sent to the server. But because of the nature of the system, where data may be very valuable, the file is not actually
deleted, it is instead moved on the server from the Results folder to a “Recycle” folder, where it can only be deleted
by someone physically on location at the remote site using Windows tools. This way data may be resurrected even
if a client user inadvertently erases them.
5.4 Command files
The command files used for SSRemote are exactly the same type of command files used for normal SuperSting
operations. But in order for a command file to be used with the SSRemote system it has to be transferred to the
server using the client.
On the Command Files tab in the client is a list of the currently available command files on the server. Files that are
used by a task are not possible to remove and so are shown with a padlock symbol:

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5.4.1 Uploading command files


You can send a command file to the server by using the “New Cmd” button. This will pop up a dialogue where you
select a command file on your local hard disk for transfer to the server.
Once you have selected the command file and click OK the file will be sent to the server and is now ready to be
used with a task.
5.4.2 Saving command files
If you want to do so you can download a selected command file to your own PC. Just select the command file in
the list and click the “Save File” button. A dialogue is shown where you can select where to store the file.
5.4.3 Deleting command files on the server
Because the command files are used to define task operations on the server a command file can only be erased if
is not used by a defined task. If the command file is in fact used by a task then it will be shown with a padlock
symbol and will not be possible to erase.
Simply selecting it and clicking the “Delete File” button will erase a command file that is not locked. Erasure will
happen instantaneously.
5.5 Server remote configuration
On the “Server Configuration” tab there are some of the server settings available for remote modifications. Please
note that modifying these values without knowing what you are doing will likely stop the operation of the remote
server. This dialogue will only be available if the logged in user is the administrator:

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5.5.1 Modification
To modify an entry just select the line in the list and click the Modify button.
Then edit the value in the dialogue box shown and click OK.
If the value differs from the previous value then it will be sent to the server
and it will be updated.

5.5.2 Add
If you need to add a missing configuration item you can do so by clicking
the Add button. A dialogue where you can enter both the name and value
of the new item will be shown.

5.5.3 Delete
To delete a configuration item just select it and click Delete. After a confirmation dialogue has been shown and
accepted the item will be deleted on the server.
Please execute this command with caution; if you erase an essential value you may render the server inoperable!

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5.6 Server State


This tab shows a few ways to check the state of the server. This dialogue will also only be available to the
administrator.

5.6.1 Reading log files


There are three buttons available for reading log files from the server, these buttons read different types of log files:
• Normal log file for the server
• SuperSting communications log file
• Client/Server communications log file
When you click the button the client will ask for the corresponding log file from a date set by the current time (on
server) with a modification set by the “Days ago” box.
The log file contents will be displayed in the memo to the right in the corresponding tab, which is automatically
selected.
5.6.2 Saving log files
The downloaded log file currently displayed can be saved to your local hard disk by clicking the “Save to file”
button. A dialogue is shown where the file name and location can be set.
5.6.3 Server Status
This button will update the display of the control lines state at the server.
It shows the connections to the control box.
5.6.4 Send mail
By clicking the Send mail button you initiate the sending of a test email from the server to the listed recipients. This
can be useful to check that the mailing system works OK.
Warning:
Using this function while a task is running may result in unexpected consequences!

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6 Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing problems this guide may come in handy…
In general if there are problems and you want to report them to AGI we will need to have a description of the
problem you experience together with the pertinent log files from the applications.
The log files are located in a folder directly below the application installation directory and they are named with a
letter code followed by the date in format yyymmdd.
Example log files are:
RS20120120.log The Remote Server log file from Jan 20, 2012
RC20120120.log The Remote Client log file from Jan 20, 2012
SS20120120.log The SuperSting communications log file from Jan 20, 2012
These files contain the detailed log of the operation of the two programs and the contents is invaluable for us in
troubleshooting problems that may occur in using the system.

There are also files named without a date:


SSRemoteClient.log
SSRemoteServer.log
These two log files contain the start and stop info on the programs and are of less value for troubleshooting except
they give the possibility to see at a glance which software versions have been used at various times.

If you send log files by email to AGI we request that you collect all log files into a single zip archive file because
then the timestamp information is retained and the attachment size will shrink considerably.

Some error conditions you may encounter are listed here:


6.1 The SSRemote Server will not start
This is not easily visible for the casual user because the server is an NT service without an user display. You will
probably notice this when the SSRemote client is unable to connect to the server even though you give the correct
server PC name and TCP port number.
However, the log file comes in real handy in a situation like this to see what is going on.
One possibility is that the TCP/IP networking is not running in the PC. This is shown by a line like this in the
RS<date>.log file (all on one single line of course):

20050107 18:30:17 ERROR: Exception on starting Remote server: Access violation at address 00000000. Read
of address 00000000

In this case the solution can be found in this section of the manual: 3.1.8.1.
6.2 The server dongle is not recognized
This may be caused by two independent problems:
• You have inserted the Client dongle into the Server PC
The client dongle is not coded to allow server usage.
Resolution: switch the dongles.
• The dongle is not inserted or not coded for SuperSting Remote at all (an EarthImager dongle for example)
6.3 The SuperSting is repeatedly started and shut down in short intervals
This is caused by the dongle driver constantly accessing the printer port, through which the control box for
SSRemote is also governed by the SSRemote Server software. This software clash must be resolved by the
configuration of the dongle driver.
This problem is resolved in newer SSRM systems from 2012 since the PC printer port is no longer used. Instead a
USB connected digital I/O box is used.
6.4 The server cannot start a task because it cannot connect to SuperSting
If you get this problem and you look in the server log file and find this sequence of log lines:
2005-01-18 14:24:57 - Opening SS comm port
2005-01-18 14:24:57 - RemoteMode called, current state = 0, wanted state = 1
2005-01-18 14:24:57 - SendSSKey: 10
2005-01-18 14:25:01 - New mode = 1
2005-01-18 14:25:01 - Closing SS comm port

then this is an indication that the server cannot connect to the SuperSting. The proper action in the log file is that
after the New mode=1 line there will be more communications details.
The problem might be caused by the SuperSting having a firmware revision that does not support remote
operations. Please refer to the following sections for a resolution: 1.1.3 and 3.2.1.
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SuperSting Remote Monitoring System – Release 1.1.2

6.5 Cannot use SuperSting Administrator to connect to instrument


When you use the SuperSting Administrator in order to manage the instrument, for example to update firmware,
you may receive an error message telling you about an “Invalid handle”. This happens when you try to connect to
the instrument.
The reason is that the SSAdmin program tries to use a COM port that is already in use by the SSRemote server.
Since the SSRemote server runs as a Windows service you cannot solve this by closing the program. You have
only two options in this case:
• Use another PC to communicate with the instrument using SSAdmin.
• Find another COM port on the PC running SSRemote and use that instead.
In both cases you need to reconnect the cable to the SuperSting of course. Don’t forget to restore the original
connection after you are finished, because otherwise the SSRM system will no longer work!
6.6 Error during firmware update
If you need to update the firmware of the SuperSting in order to use it with the SSRMS, then you must use caution
not to load the wrong type of software into the instrument. Currently there are 4 different firmware files that can be
downloaded from the AGI website (http://www.agiusa.com/files/cust/superstinguser.shtml).

They are grouped as follows:


Instrument type 8-channel instruments 1-channel instruments
CPU type SuperSting R8 SuperSting R1
Original model SuperStingR8 firmware SuperStingR1 firmware
ssreceiver_a_version.a07.agi spreceiver_a_version.a07.agi
Model E SuperStingR8 model E firmware SuperStingR1 model E firmware
ssreceiver_e_version.a07.agi spreceiver_e_version.a07.agi

Please check the download links carefully against your instrument before you select the file to use.
NOTE:
If you load the incorrect firmware file you may render the instrument totally unusable and in need of sending it to
AGI for fixing. One indication of this is that after the firmware update the instrument will not start up with a blank
LCD screen.
6.7 SuperSting does not power up
This will be visible to you since when the SuperSting is started the LCD display will light up and show messages.
There will be clicking sounds from the relays in the control box when a task is about to be started and then after a
second or so the SuperSting powers up, the LCD display lights up and shows messages and there is a beeping
sound from SuperSting.
If none of this happens then you must find the cause of the problem, it may be caused by a misconnection of the
cables or by a circuit failure.
This problem must be checked on location when setting up the system because it is virtually impossible to handle
from a remote connection.
6.8 Impossible to connect to the server from a client
If the correct data have been entered on the client screen (server name and TCP port) and the connection cannot
be established, then one possible cause of this is that the networks on the client and server sides are not
connected. This will happen for a dial-in setup if the modem line is dropped or when you use DSL and a VPN
connection if the VPN channel drops down.

But if there really is a connection between the networks or client and server are on the same network and still the
server cannot be connected to, then there are a few items to checks:
• Windows firewall on the server PC must allow connections via TCP port 23500.This can be configured in
ControlPanel/WindowsFirewall/Exceptions/AddPort
• The server PC must not be powered down by a power-saving settings. All of these must be set to off in
ControlPanel/PowerOptions.
• The SSRemote service might not be running on the server. Check this via the AdministrativeTools/Services
applet in Control Panel on the server.

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