Observer Manual de usuario

Observer for Windows

USER MANUAL

Revision Level 2.2

BTI Computer Systems Observer for Windows User Manual

Document number 9100-0220

No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, photo-copied or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, orotherwise without the prior written permission of BTI Computer Systems.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does notrepresent a commitment to BTI Computer Systems. While every effort has beenmade to ensure the correctness of information contained within this publication, BTIwelcomes your comments on errors or omissions that become apparent duringusage. Please contact the Quality Department on 01527 598 500.

BTI Computer Systems (UK) Ltd. All rights reserved.

Manual PC Observer Sections UpdatedRevision Shell Microcode 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

2.0 3.02 0103.01 X X X X X X X X X2.1 3.23 0721.01 X2.2 3.49 1201.01 X X X X X X X X X2.2 3.61 1201.012.2 3.67 3906.01

The above table may be used to determine the latest revision of software andObserver hardware Microcode to which this manual applies.

These levels may be determined by selecting the SITE SUMMARY menu item orIcon and examining the Version section of the display. The software version(WinObs) is displayed and the Microcode level is shown on the display as Observer.

Contents Observer for Windows User Manual

Document Revision 2.2 Page i

Table of Contents

1 THE OBSERVER SYSTEM 1

1.1 Description 1

1.2 Communication 1

2 OVERVIEW 3

2.1 Environmental Inputs 3

2.2 System Inputs 4

2.3 Status Indicators 4

2.4 Battery Backup 4

2.5 Warning Methods 5

2.6 User Access 5

2.7 Operating Modes 5

2.8 Status Lights 7

2.9 Tamper Alarm 8

3 PHONE NUMBERS 9

3.1 Lookup Tables 9

4 GETTING STARTED 11

4.1 Hardware Preparation 11

4.2 Software Installation 11

4.3 Running the Software 12

4.4 Password Security 13

4.5 Screen Layout 14

4.6 Observer Access 15

4.7 Observer Logon 15

4.8 Status Bar 16


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5 TOOL BAR ICONS & MENUS 18

6 MAIN MENU ITEMS 21

6.1 File Menu 216.1.1 Print Setup 216.1.2 Print Observer Parameters 226.1.3 Print File 226.1.4 Exit 22

6.2 Parameters Menu 236.2.1 Site Setup 236.2.2 Alerts 23

6.2.2.1 Type definitions 246.2.2.2 Destinations 266.2.2.3 Escalation 266.2.2.4 Text Messages 28

6.2.3 Ports 296.2.3.1 Port Parameters 296.2.3.2 Watchdogs 30

6.2.4 Security 336.2.4.1 Auto Mode 336.2.4.2 System Integrity 346.2.4.3 Observer Passwords 36

6.2.5 Environmental 366.2.5.1 Analogue Sensors 376.2.5.2 Digital Sensors 39

6.3 View Menu 416.3.1 Alarm Messages 41

6.3.1.1 Adding Alarm Messages 426.3.1.2 Deleting Alarm Messages 42

6.3.2 Output Messages 436.3.2.1 Adding Output Messages 456.3.2.2 Deleting Output Messages 46

6.3.3 Site Summary 466.3.4 Ports 486.3.5 Logons 506.3.6 Watchdogs 506.3.7 Datalog Plot File 50

6.4 Connect-to Menu 516.4.1 Monitor 51

6.4.1.1 Monitor Display 526.4.1.2 Monitor Program 546.4.1.3 Monitor Datalog 566.4.1.3 Datalog Plot 58

6.4.2 Direct 606.4.3 Log-On 616.4.4 Log-Off 616.4.5 Change Authority 616.4.6 Restore Authority 61

6.5 Options Menu 62


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6.5.1 Add Site 626.5.3 Edit Site 656.5.4 Customise 666.5.5 Application Passwords 68

6.6 Help Menu 686.6.1 Contents 696.6.2 Search for Help on ... 696.6.2 About Observer for Windows 70

7 CENTRAL MANAGEMENT CONSOLE (CMC) 71

7.1 CMC Overview 71

7.2 Com port usage 727.2.1 Com Port Setup 73

7.3 CMC Setup 747.3.1 Site Settings 757.3.2 Alert Action 757.3.3 Log File 76

7.3.3.1 Default Log File 777.3.4 Message Retransmit 77

7.3.4.1 Serial Port 787.3.4.2 Printer 787.3.4.3 Run Program 787.3.4.4 TAP Protocol 79

7.3.5 Message Retransmit List 80

7.4 CMC Diagnostic 80

7.5 CMC Operation 817.5.1 Alarm Display 817.5.2 Pop-up Banner 827.5.3 Site History 83

7.6 CMC Heartbeat Function 84

8 TECHNICAL REFERENCE 85

8.1 Datalog Capacity 85

8.2 Datalog File Format 86

8.3 Default Site Icon 87

8.4 Monitor Failure Wave File 87

Observer for Windows User Manual Section 1Error! Main Document Only.

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1 The Observer System

BTI Computer Systems have been at the forefront of remotemaintenance techniques for more than 30 years. As a direct result ofexperience gained during that time, it was evident that the mostimportant factor in reducing Customer downtime is in the rapidcommunication of the problem to the correct personnel.

The Observer, with its range of sensor inputs and monitor functions isdesigned to alert both local and remote staff of a problem within minutesof its detection.

1.1 Description

The system consists of :-

The Observer unit PC or host computer Observer for Windows software to run on the PC Various sensors - configured to Customer requirements.

Sensors can be digital (switch contacts, smoke, movement etc.),analogue (temperature, humidity etc.) or serial (RS232 Watchdog ports).Standard BTI sensors for temperature, humidity, sound and smoke areavailable in any combination as ceiling mounted modules.

Critical equipment, such as the Customers computer systems, UPSequipment and other monitoring systems themselves, may be checkedby Watchdogs to ensure that they are operational.

1.2 Communication

In the event of an Alert condition being detected by Observer, both localand remote warnings are given. These consist of a sounding horn anddescriptive message displayed locally and transmitted through one ofthe nation-wide paging networks or direct to a digital mobile phone.Paging sequences are selectable to give flexibility to the personnelcalled.

Section 1 Observer for Windows User Manual

Page 2 Document Revision 2.2

Information stored within the Observer may be viewed by means of thePC. This contains the necessary software to interpret the various datatypes held within the system.

All local functions may be accessed remotely, giving the ability tointerrogate the environment or system under threat and plan a course ofaction accordingly, avoiding the delays incurred in travelling to the site.

Observer for Windows User Manual Section 2


2 Overview

The Observer is contained within a single enclosure. It requires a mainsAC supply and access to the public telephone network through astandard socket. It is preferable to provide a dedicated line to the unit sothat Observer has permanent access to a line. A switchboard extensioncan be used, providing a line can be automatically accessed whenrequired, however it should be noted that Observer may not be able todial if the local telephone switch fails. Note: Observer may be required tobe accessed remotely, so any extension must have direct dial accessfrom an off-site location.

Power is provided through a fused mains socket. A Battery provides abackup for temporary mains supply failures maintaining full operation forapproximately 3 hours depending on battery type, state of charge andsystem configuration.

The Observer is accessed by means of a PC containing customisedsoftware. Password based security systems protects the data within theObserver and the PC software itself.

2.1 Environmental Inputs

These inputs can monitor a wide range of conditions or processesthrough digital and analogue connections.

Digital inputs are used to monitor on/off signals via switch contacts(e.g.: Air Con, Building Alarm, UPS alarm, etc.). These sensors can beconfigured to be always active (24 hours a day), or only active betweenspecific times (e.g.: a Movement sensor may only be required out ofoffice hours).

Analogue inputs are used to measure variable sensors.(e.g.: Temperature, Mains Voltage, Current etc.). Analogue Inputs areactive 24 hours a day but have minimum & maximum values attached sothat an alarm only occurs when a reading falls outside the specifiedrange.

All the sensors are defined through menu options and their parametersmay be changed at any time to reflect changes within the environmentbeing monitored.



2.2 System Inputs

These inputs use a series of Watchdog ports that can be programmedto monitor the Status of external equipment. Set to its Active state, theWatchdog interrogates the equipment and checks for a valid response.An Alert will occur if the system or process does not respond, or returnsa bad response. Set to its Passive state, it can pass on text messages(after filtering) that originate from the customer's own system and sendthem directly to the paging network.

2.3 Status Indicators

Coloured lights provide a constant Status check on the unit.

The MCS system has a 64 character LCD which displays any alertmessages. These will cycle at 2 second intervals.

The MCS has a Mode Window to display current operating mode.

2.4 Battery Backup

Observer contains a battery backup supply that will power the unitfor up to 3 hours. In the event of a power failure, Observer willilluminate the Battery light. On the MCS unit a ‘Running On Battery’ message will display on the LCD and the unit will dim theLCD back-light. When power returns, the unit will display a ‘Mains Supply Restored’ message and clear the battery light.

‘Running on Battery’ and ‘Mains Supply Restored’ messages will also be transmitted to the user by the normal ‘Internal’ escalation route.



2.5 Warning Methods

A modem/auto dialler provides a link to a Paging/Mobile Phonenetwork to alert relevant personnel in remote locations.

The MCS system has a warning horn which accompaniesselected Alarm conditions to alert local personnel. This may besilenced with the MUTE button on the operator panel. (The alarmhorn is inhibited if Observer is set to Mode 0).

2.6 User Access

The PC contains password protected software enabling access toboth real time and archive data.

A telephone link allows full remote access to all local features.

2.7 Operating Modes

The Observer can be operated in one of three modes. These areselected by the Operator to allow different warning sequences to beinitiated should an Alert condition occur.

These modes are selected via the operator software. The MCS hasadditional up/down arrow buttons on the operator panel and a sevensegment display which shows the current mode of Operation. Thesebuttons are active when the key is in the ON position. Should you wishto lock the panel in a specific mode, turn the key to LOCKED.

The master key may be removed from the Observer unit in any position.

A change of Mode may also be automated through the Shift KeyChange option. This allows the unit to change its own Mode at pre-settimes to allow a simple shift system to be operated.

OFF With the Key in the OFF position, Observer is poweredOFF (not active). The internal battery remains oncharge from the mains supply.



ON With the Key in the ON position, the unit is poweredand fully active. All alert conditions will be actioned asrequired and the unit will operate under the SelectedMode

LOCKED MCS Only. With the Key in the LOCKED position, theunit will operate as in the ON condition but the Modecannot be changed with the operator Up/Downbuttons.

MODE 1 This is the usual Mode of operation.

With an out of limits condition, the unit will;-

Illuminate the ALARM light; Contact the Telephone number/network

listed under Mode 1 in the Escalation Table; Transmit a text message of the Alert condition to

the pager/printer/mobile phone.

Display the Alert condition on the LCD; (MCS) Sound the Horn; (MCS)

MODE 2 Performs in the same functional manner as Mode 1 bututilises Mode 2 in the Escalation Table. This is to allowa shift/weekend system to be operated or where theprimary contact becomes unavailable.

MODE 0 Performs in the same functional manner as Mode 1 butuses Mode 0 in the Escalation Table. The local Horn isnot activated.

If the user leaves the Mode 0 Escalation table entryblank, the LCD will still show the Alert message but nomessage will be sent to the pager/phone network.This can be a useful mode if maintenance work willcause alarmsto be raised ‘out of hours’

NOTE: The automated Shift Key change can be used to ensure thatthe unit is never left in Mode 0 during critical times of the day.



2.8 Status Lights

ALARM / STATUS (Red)

A Sensor or Watchdog has moved outside of Customer set limits.The cause of the alert will display in the Display Queue and on theLCD where fitted.

Deleting any message from this Queue will reset the LED.

BATTERY (Red)

The unit is running on the internal battery backup supply. Oncemain AC power returns this indicator will go out.

‘Running on Battery’ and ‘Mains Power Restored’ alerts will be generated and actioned as per the ‘Internal’ Escalation settings.

FAULT / ATTENTION (Red)

The unit may have an internal fault. The cause of the alert willappear in the Display Queue and be actioned as per the ‘Internal’ Escalation settings. Call your Support Company

POWER (Green)

The unit has power ON. (Mains or Battery)

MODE (MCS Only - Numeric Display)

This shows the current Mode of Operation. If the mode has beenchanged by Software intervention, the new Mode will also bedisplayed in the LCD window as a warning.

NOTE: If the key switch is in the LOCKED position, the Mode canstill be changed by Software.



2.9 Tamper Alarm

The Observer unit is protected from unauthorised access by means ofa Tamper alarm sensor located within the main enclosure.

Should the access front panel be opened, an alert will be generatedthat will be passed directly to the pager/phone network using the‘Internal Escalation’ settings.

No LCD message displays to warn the intruder of action being taken.

This function cannot be user disabled.



3 Phone Numbers

This option is selected from the main menu bar

This table is used to hold telephone numbers against usefuldescriptions. The information is stored on the users own PC and is notstored within the Observer unit itself. This means that it is not availableto other users who must set up their own index table as required.

3.1 Lookup Tables

If a user requires only one connect number, this will normally be storedin the ‘Option - Edit Site’ screen with the Auto Connect check box enabled.

If the user needs to have more than one number, for example a shortinternal number and a longer outside connect number, they can bestored in the ‘Phone Numbers’ option. You should list the required



numbers in the Telephone Section of the following table and leave theAuto connect box unchecked. When the user tries to ‘Log-On’, a drop-down menu will appear containing this list of telephone numbers and thecorrect one can be selected.

The Pager section may be used to store peoples names against theirpager or mobile phone numbers. This can provide a handy lookup tablefor the user, but its main purpose is to add detail to the ‘Alarm Destinations’ screen. It can be accessed through this option or directlyfrom a drop down field within the destinations screen.

The Networks section is used in the same manner as the Pager sectionbut it may be used to add detail to the network ‘Type Definitions’ screen which defines the method that the Observer uses to transmit alarmmessages.



4 Getting Started

4.1 Hardware Preparation

- You will require a PC with a version of Microsoft Windows loaded,(Windows 3.1, 3.11, 95 or NT version 4.0 and above) and a methodof connection to Observer - either a direct link between a PC Comport and the Observer PC port, or a Windows configured Modemconnected to a phone line.

- Observer contains operating software that needs to be configured tothe Customers own requirements. A PC is used to access Observerand set up these options.

- Turn the Observer Key switch to ON.

- The Green power light will illuminate.

- The system will then run a self test on each internal hardwaremodule (Monitor, Controller, Modem & Memory).

- The display will show POWER ON. The three RED warning lightswill illuminate and the horn will sound briefly. The Display will show,CONTROL TEST, MODEM TEST and finally MONITOR TEST.Any problems during this phase will be reported to the display. Atthe end of this initialisation phase, the RED Status lights will go offand the display will clear. Any error will remain on the display andshould be reported to BTI.

- Power up the PC & load MS Windows software.

4.2 Software Installation

1) Insert Disk1 ‘Observer for Windows Installation Disk’.

2) From File Manager/Windows Explorer select the drive with theObserver for Windows Installation disk and run Setup.Exe

3) The installation process will request confirmation of thedirectory to use for the installation process (default is ObswinX)and ask for confirmation of installation.



4) When the software install (Disk 1) is complete the option isprovided to install ‘Customer’ specific files. If this option is selected then Disk 2 (containing the site specific information,such as monitor display & configuration files) will be requestedand the install will proceed.

5) The software will install & configure in the directory specifiedand create a program manager group for Observer.

6) The software supplied will be configured by BTI for use with thespecific Observer systems requested. Upon completion of theinstallation process the software can be customised by theuser in the usual way (See Section 6).

4.3 Running the Software

- Double click on the Observer for Windows Icon. The Observer titlescreen will display.

- Press any key or click the left mouse button within the activewindow and move to the Program Login entry point (this can beautomated later by un-checking Options/Hold Splash Screen).

- Enter a valid <User ID>,<Password> (see below) to gain access tothe program. The default User ID 1 password is OBS - thispassword should be changed as soon as is practically possible toone chosen by the system manager. Note: only 2 attempts areallowed to gain access - if a valid password is not given or theCancel button is clicked then the program will terminate.



4.4 Password Security

The Observer uses a Security structure based upon a user ID numbercombined with a password (separated with a ‘comma’). To gain accessto the Observer for Windows software a valid <User-ID> and<Password> (known as the Application Password) must be entered.

The user has a range of ID numbers from 1 to 15. The system managerwill be allocated ID 1 during installation. Once ID 1 has been set up, theManager can then allocate the remaining ID numbers as required.

The Application Password determines the level of access to the programand therefore the range of menu items available to the user. ApplicationPasswords are set up from Options/Application Passwords menuitem.

User ID 1, the System Manager, has full access to all Observer menufunctions. User ID’s 2 to 15 have more limited, read only, access to functions



4.5 Screen Layout

Following valid access to the program, the user is presented with thefollowing default interface. Elements of the screen are described below.

Title Bar: Contains the Software Name and Program Version,followed by the status - currently not logged in to anyObserver System.

Menu Bar: Allows access to individual Observer functions and isdescribed in more detail in the following section.

Tool Bar: Shortcuts to the most commonly used Observer Menufunctions. The items appearing in the Tool Bar can becustomised with the Options/Customise menu.

Site Icons: A series of user defined items that specify which Observersystem will be accessed when requested. Each Icon hasits own unique set of parameters that define the specifiedObserver system, its configuration and the method ofconnection. Icons can only be created and edited (from theOptions menu) by the System Manager and requireManager access to the program (Application Password).



4.6 Observer Access

Each Site Icon has an associated Site file and Password file whichcontain, amongst other things, a complete set of unique passwords forthe site and a default User ID to use for logon - both set by the SystemManager. Note: that these passwords are not, in any way, related to theProgram access password - other than in format.

Before attempting a logon to any site, it is necessary to configure thesite (icon) to use the appropriate (Com1,2,3,4 etc.) connection to theremote Observer. This is achieved by using the Options/Add Site (toadd a new site) or Options/Edit Site (to edit an existing, selected site)and the Comms button.

When a logon is requested, the Logon screen will be displayed with thedefault password displayed in a masked format. The default logon caneither be selected, or a new user ID & password can be entered ifrequired.

Once logged-on to an Observer system, the menu screens andfunctions available will be further limited to those applicable to the IDlevel used for this specific session. All references in this manual willassume System Manager access (ID = 1).

4.7 Observer Logon

There are two ways to connect to an Individual Observer system:

1) Double-click on the Icon for the site required - this will connectto the specified Observer and display a site summary screen.

2) Single-click the Icon for the site required (the Icon will outline toindicate that it is selected) and then Single click the specificfunction required from the Toolbar (or the appropriate menuitem). Tooltips are available for all the Toolbar Icons and thetoolbar contents may be customised.



4.8 Status Bar

Once successfully logged-on to an Observer system, the Title Bar willindicate the connection status and the Status Bar (selectable viaOptions/Customise) will be displayed. When displayed, the Status Barwill update with information from the remote Observer at a frequencydetermined by the Options/Customise/Refresh Time setting (default =60 seconds).

Logon ID: The User ID used to connect to Observer in thissession and determines access level to menu items.

Alarm Led: If Displayed, this indicates that the Alarm LED ON.

On Battery: If Displayed, this indicates that the system is runningon its internal battery.

Fault: If Displayed, this indicates that the Fault LED ON.

Alarm Horn: If Displayed, this indicates that system horn issounding. (where fitted)



Mode Setting: The active setting of the Remote Observer Mode. Thiscan be set either by setting the unit mode with frontpanel buttons, via software from the Parameters/SiteSetup menu or internally from an Automatic ShiftChange.

Note: If the method used was NOT via a front panelmode change, the LCD will contain a messagespecifying the source of the change (while it differsfrom the physical key setting).

SIC Status: Each Observer can be configured to periodically senda SIC (System Integrity Check) message to test thephone/network connection. If this feature is utilised itshows what period remains before the next messagewill be transmitted.See Parameters/Security/System Integrity.

Alarm Queue: Specifies how many Alarm Messages are currently onthe Alarm Queue (and displayed on the Observerfront panel LCD, where fitted).

Output Queue: Specifies how many messages are currently on theObserver Output Queue awaiting transmission to theselected output network (pager, phone, managementconsole etc.).

Observer Clock: A direct readout of the Date & Time held within theObserver unit.



5 Tool Bar Icons & Menu’s

This section contains a brief description of each of the menu functionsthat may be selected by a Tool Bar shortcut. Further details can befound in the relevant menu manual section.

Observer LCD AlarmMessages

Observer AlarmOutput QueueMessages

Observer Site SetupDate/Time/Key Switch

Observer SiteSummary

Environmental Display



Log On to Observer

Log Off Observer

Alert Type Definitions

Alert Destinations

Alert Escalation Table

Alert Text Parameters



System Monitors(Watchdogs)

Analogue Sensors

Digital Sensors

Print Parameters



6 Main Menu Items

Note: Many Menu items (other than local customisation) require that thePC is connected to an Observer system. If the PC is not logged-on tothe target Observer, and a menu item is selected which requiresconnection, an automatic logon sequence will be executed to connect tothe selected Observer.

6.1 File Menu

Enables the default printer to be setup.

This printer will beused for all requeststo Print Observerparameters, eitherdirectly from theObserver or from afile.

Note: this function isduplicated as abutton on the PrintObserver Parametersand Print Filescreens.

Use the Setup Button to select which printer will be used, set any otheroptions required and use OK to confirm the Setup.

6.1.1 Print Setup



This Menu item allows the user to selectwhich particular Observer Parameterswill be retrieved for printing.

Each retrievable category of Observerparameters has a check box attached.Select whichever categories requiredwith a checked box (x).

The meaning of each category is givenin the description of each individualmenu item to which it relates.

6.1.3 Print File

Allows selection of an external (.Obs) file for printing. Selection of thisMenu item will present a ‘Print Parameters’ window as above to allow selection of which parameters to print. When selection is confirmed withthe OK button, a file selection window will allow a choice of file toretrieve information from.

6.1.4 Exit

As the name suggests, this menu item allows exit from the Observer forWindows software. If you are currently logged-on to an Observer alogoff will be forced prior to program exit.

6.1.2 Print Observer Parameters



6.2 Parameters Menu

The Parameters menu allows setup of the remote Observer unit.

NOTE: For any changes made to these parameters to take effect theymust be explicitly transferred to the Observer with the SEND button.

6.2.1 Site Setup

Allows the display and setting ofseveral, site specific parameters heldwithin the Observer Unit:

Site Name: A 16 character unique SiteIdentifier which forms theprefix to all messages sentto the output queue.

Note: exercise care in theuse of any ‘special’ characters within this field -certain pager or mobilephone networks may rejectthe message.

Mode: The Mode setting displayed on the Observer unit front panel.The mode can be changed from the front panel, remotely viathis screen or automatically if the auto shift change option isenabled.

The current mode within the Observer unit will determinewhich escalation path will be used when a new alarm isgenerated.

Date & Time: Allows the Observer Internal clock to be set.6.2.2 Alerts



Up to 6 device types, or output mechanisms are available to define whattype of ‘network’ the messages will be sent to.

Device Type: Choose from a drop down menu of:

Dial Only: Will dial the specified phone number, wait 60 secsand hang-up. Commonly used for tone-pagers.

Vodapage: Will dial the specified phone number and use theVodapage (paging network) protocol to send themessage. The specific pager number is obtainedfrom the appropriate Alert Destination Table entry.

TAP: Tele-Alphanumeric Protocol. The most commonmessage protocol. This type will dial the phonenumber specified and send the message using theblock-mode TAP protocol to a message pager ordigital mobile phone Short Message Service.

Vodafone: Will dial the specified phone number and use theVodafone (Digital mobile phone network) protocol(Telenet) to send the message. The specific phone

6.2.2.1 Type definitions



number in full international format (44xxxxyyyyyy) isobtained from the appropriate Alert Destination Tableentry.

Watchdog: Sends the message, suffixed with the Prefix/SuffixField to a specific Observer serial port (watchdog).Commonly used to send messages to a serial printeror another computer system.

Baud Rate: from the menu, select the baud rate to use for thisdevice type. Pager networks commonly use 2400baud with Even Parity to communicate.

Parity: from the menu, select the type of parity used incommunication. Choose from None (8 bits) and Oddor Even (7 bits).

Prefix/Suffix: Serves two different functions. When used tocommunicate with a modem, the field is used as aprefix to the phone number and will normally contain‘ATDT’ or ‘ATDP’ if the telephone line does not support ‘tone’ (M/F) dialling. Where the output device is a Serial port (Observer Watchdog) then the fieldcan be used to add a suffix to the text of themessage. This will usually be a ‘̂M’ to provide a carriage return.

Phone Number: This is the number that will be sent to the internalmodem for this dial-out connection. This numberneeds to be the Direct Access number for theappropriate pager or mobile phone company - NOTthe bureau number that many pager companies have.

If you use the Phone Number option (Section 3) youcan make use of the drop down menu to input thisinformation.

User ID: This field is reserved for the optional access code or‘password’ that certain pager networks require forcomputer access (in addition to a pager number).



NOTE: This field should be left blank if not required as it will be sent tothe pager network and may cause a message to be rejected if itis not needed.

This table allows the user todefine the list of destinationsto which a message may besent.

Each entry links an individualpager or mobile phone numberto the Output device it needsto use.

The Destination Tablecontains a maximum of 31entries.

Output Device: Is a drop down menu that allows selection of the typeof protocol to use, already defined under ‘Type Definitions’.

Pager Number: Is the physical pager number or mobile phone number(as opposed to a computer bureau phone number). Adrop down menu function is available to add apersonalised description

Description: This optional field is entered from the above dropdown, or via the Phone Number screen. (Section 3).It is held in a file on the PC itself and will not displayon any PC’s that do not contain this information.

The Escalation Table is the heart of the Observer Messaging System. Itdefines what action will be taken when a message is placed on theObserver Output Queue.

6.2.2.2 Destinations

6.2.2.3 Escalation



When a message is created, Observer will look at the current operatingMode and select the row in the Escalation table to use. It then looks atthe source of the message (Direct connect PC port, Modem connect,Environmental Monitor, Internal alarm, Watchdog.) and selects from thatgroup the ‘line’ of 5 levels to use for escalation of the message.

Once a particular message Source (tab) has been selected, theEscalation Table shows the individual lists of 5 entries for eachObserver Mode.

Each row has an individual wait time between output steps and a finaloption of continuous loop upon completion of the 5 levels.

For a new alert, the method is to immediately generate a message tothe Destination specified at level 1, upon completion, wait for thenumber of minutes specified by the first wait time, then step to level 2 torepeat the process. Escalation ends when either the message is deletedfrom the Output Queue by an operator, we reach an entry in the tablewith a destination of zero or we reach the table end. At this time, the‘loop’ flag is checked to see if the process should restart at level 1.

Dest: Refers to the entry in the Destination Table (6.2.2.2) touse for this message. For convenience, a lookup facilityis available to select the appropriate entry - if the cursoris positioned within the Dest field and a lookup button isused then the destination selected from the table will bepasted into the field.



Wait: Is the time (in minutes) to wait before proceeding to thenext level. Zero will cause an immediate progression.

6.2.2.4 Text Messages

Any alert message generated within Observer is built from a series oftext elements. Messages are always prefixed by the Site Name and acolon (:). The body of the message is then built from entries in the TextMessage Table:

Each alert sourcewithin Observer hasentries within theText Message Tableassociated with it.

In the exampleshown we haveselected the ‘Others’ category.

The column ‘pfx’ represents the prefixnumber (21 - 29)which may be addedto the message textto give further detail.

This field is availableon all sensor text.

Assembled alarmmessages are built up as follows:

<site name>:<prefix><message> <alarm text> <suffix>

In this example, Watchdog 1 is called ‘Alpha 1’. If an alarm is received from this watchdog e.g.: ‘Backup Job Failed’ then the message would be

BTI HQ: Alpha 1: Backup Job Failed



Analogue sensors are handled slightly differently. The Observer internalsoftware will add additional information such as High/Low and a value.

We see that the A3 sensor has a prefix 21 added (Data Centre Zone)and a suffix ax3. (deg C) If the sensor were to exceed a High point tripof 30 it would generate a complete message in the format:

BTI HQ:Data Centre Zone 2 Temperature High = 31 deg C

If ‘A12’ generated an alarm then the message would read:

BTI HQ:Water Cooling Alarm.

6.2.3 Ports

6.2.3.1 Port Parameters



This window provides theability to configure theObserver unit internalserial ports (the numberof watchdogs isconfiguration dependant).

Baud Rates & Parity areselected from drop downmenu’s and the port echo mode is set by checkingthe appropriate box.

Please note with theinternal Modem port the baud rate and Parity specified is a defaultstarting point. When the Modem answers an incoming call it will use thisrate to determine its highest starting rate for the connect. When themodem is used to dial out for an Alarm, it will use the baud rate andparity specified in the appropriate ‘Alert Type Definitions regardless of the setting shown here.

6.2.3.2 Watchdogs

Observer can receive messages from any ‘system’ which has an RS232 serial output port. The ‘system’ can be a computer system, PC, telephone system, a building alarm system or anything that cancommunicate via RS232. The software, configured appropriately in‘Passive’ mode will eavesdrop on a serial communication line, intercept any string of data, terminated with a carriage return or line feed anddecide whether it meets the criteria specified in the Masks to generatean alarm.

Observer also has the ability to send a message to these systems andexpect a response containing a specified message. This ‘Active’ watchdog facility can be used as a simple ‘ping’ to a system (send a carriage return and receive a ‘please login’ message), to request a status from a remote device or even to run a ‘health check’ job on a computer and interpret a single line response such as ‘Diagnostic Check had Errors’.



The number ofObserver Watchdogports displayed(three shown here)depends on how thespecific Observer isconfigured. Eachinstalled watchdoghas its own setupwindow.

Mask Comparison Rules

String masking may take two forms. Negative and Positive. The replymask priority rules are described under each watchdog mode, howeverthe masking mechanism is best described here.

Two individual mask strings (Reply 1 & Reply 2) can contain a series ofwords or phrases separated by a vertical bar (‘|’) character. The vertical bar indicates a logical ‘OR’ function.

When a message is received from the watchdog port the message isscanned for each phrase in the mask in turn. If any phrase (case andspace included) matches with any part of the message then a truecompare is made and an alarm will result.

For a Negative mask, set the first character of the mask to a ‘tilde’ character (‘~’). The ‘tilde’ character indicates that this is an ‘ignore’ mask - i.e.: any message containing one of the phrases in this mask will notbe processed. (Regardless of any Positive Mask compares)

The final alarm is then handled by the individual Mode setting.

Disabled: Not in use - ignores all data sent to it.

Active: Send the string specified in the ‘Prompt’ field every period specified in the ‘Interval’ field to the port and expect a reply (within 60 seconds) that contains the ‘Reply’ mask. If the correct reply is not received within the time period, a ‘Not Responding’ alarm will be generated.

The ‘Prompt’ string format allows for certain special characters or functions to be sent as follows:



^ Indicates that the following character is a controlcharacter (e.g.: ^M is a carriage return).

! requests that a line break is sent\ indicates that the following ‘special’ character should

be used as a literal character(e.g.: ‘\!’ will send an exclamation mark rather than a break)

Interrogate: This mode is an extended version of the Active modedescribed above. In addition to the features of the Activemode, the port will remain open to receive further textinformation. This allows the watchdog to prompt for aStatus report every Interval time and search for a keywordor string within the response. (e.g. LOW BATTERY). Thefollowing combined Prompt & Reply command line set up inthe PROMPT Field will free the REPLY field be used as thekeyword mask. (Positive Match Only)

<Prompt> ^= <Reply>

Passive: This mode puts the watchdog port in receive only mode.

When a message is received it is checked against theReply 1 string. If there is no match then the process isrepeated with the Reply 2 mask. This allows for 2 masks tobe used which can be both normal, one normal & onenegative or both negative.

In addition to the masks above, the Interval value can beset to provide a ‘Deadman’ timer for the system. This will provide a ‘Not Responding’ alarm if no activity is seen withinthe Interval period. On systems with low messagethroughput, the user may need to generate a regularHeartbeat message to satisfy this timer and then mask outthe message to avoid onward transmission

Remote: This mode is an extended version of the Passive modedescribed above. In addition to the features of the Passivemode, Remote mode will send the alert to a specificdestination, regardless of the normal Escalation route. Thisrequires the preamble to the message to be in a format:<Network Number (0-5)>,<Pager No>,<Message>.



If the Network as defined in the Alert Type DefinitionScreen or Pager number are invalid, the message will besent to the default destination specified for this watchdog.

This mode of operation is most commonly used by systembased message management software such as Gomas/400software used on the IBM AS/400 mid-range system.

Parameters:

Interval: (Active) The time (in minutes) between sending ‘Prompts’

(Passive/Remote) The timeout period in which we mustreceive a message when used with a Deadman Timer.

Dflt Dest: Remote mode only - the Alert Message Destination to use ifno valid embedded values are present in the message.

Retry: Number of times at the specified interval, before a failure.

Display: This flag controls the Display function for this watchdog’s messages by controlling the Alarm Light/Horn and the LCDdisplay. If you wish to keep the Display clear for ‘urgent’ alarms (Environmental) do not check this flag.

NOTE: All alarms appear on the Alarm Message queue

Reply 1: The send/prompt string (Active) or the first mask string.

Reply 2: the mask string (Active) or the second mask string.6.2.4 Security

6.2.4.1 Auto Mode



Auto Mode provides the facility to change the Observer Mode setting onan automatic basis.

For Monday - Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are 4 time settingsavailable that will operate as a once-only Observer Mode change. Ateach Time specified Observer will change to the mode specified in theadjacent Mode field.

Time: The time of day (24 hr format) at which to change.Mode: The Mode to change to at the time specified.

In the example above, on weekdays, the unit will switch to Mode 0 at09:00, to Mode 1 at 12:30, back to 0 at 13:30 and to Mode 2 at 17:30. AtWeekends, the Mode will remain at the final weekday setting (mode 2)until 09:00 on Monday.

This could, for example, allow Observer alarms to be routed to OfficeStaff during the day, a supervisors pager at lunch time and On-callsupport staff outside working hours.

6.2.4.2 System Integrity



The Observer System IntegrityCheck (SIC) is a mechanism bywhich the user can arrange for aroutine ‘Observer OK’ message to be sent periodically.

The message can be sent to anydestination currently configuredwithin Observer and also takesaccount of the current Mode ofoperation.

This feature can be a useful confidence check that Observer is fullyoperational and can access its current alert destination. It can also beused in conjunction with the BTI Central Management Console (CMC),described later in this manual, to establish a ‘Deadman’ timer for each Observer system.

Message: The message (a maximum of 31 characters) that will besent every Interval.

Interval: The frequency (0 to 255 minutes) at which to send themessage. Note: zero minutes turns the check OFF.

Destination: For each Mode, an Alert Destination to send the messageto. A lookup facility is available to simplify the selection ofdestinations.

In addition to the user configurable SIC facility, BTI can also offer aCentral Integrity Check. This is achieved with a custom configuredoption, within the Observer hardware, which regardless of the Key Modesetting will relay a regular message to BTI’s own Central Management Console (CMC).

The CIC facility is available as an optional addition to BTI’s Gold level maintenance contracts. Please contact your sales representative forfurther details.



6.2.4.3 Observer Passwords

Each individual Observer system has its own independent encryptedpassword file containing all the passwords currently setup.

This example shows System Manager access (User ID 1) and allows theactual passwords for all subordinate ID’s to be displayed. Note that the system manager’s password is not displayed.

The password rules allow free access to subordinate passwords with noverification - i.e.: the Manager can change any subordinate password bysimply setting a new password. However, to change the managerpassword requires that the old password is known.

With the password window it is essential to Send any changes to theObserver otherwise the password file and Observer unit will conflict.

ID: The specified User ID to which the password appliesOld Password: The Original password for this IDNew Password: The new password to be used AFTER being sent.

6.2.5 Environmental



6.2.5.1 Analogue Sensors

The format of this window is specific to the site by BTI.

Each defined sensor has a set of parameters to define what willgenerate an alarm and how often the alarm will be repeated

Analogue sensors are active 24 hours of every day.

Min:



The minimum value specified for this sensor. If the sensorvalue drops below this value then a <Sensor Name> Lowalarm message will be generated if the Time valuespecified is non-zero.

Max:The maximum value specified for this sensor. If the sensorvalue goes above this value then a <Sensor Name> Highalarm message will be generated if the Time valuespecified is non-zero.

Time:This is the repeat time in minutes. If an ‘out of range’ alarm occurs a message will be sent according to the currentescalation method/mode selected. No further alarms willbe generated by this sensor UNTIL the time specified haselapsed - when the sensor will become active again (andgenerate another alarm if applicable).

If this time is set to Zero then the sensor is turned OFF - Noalarms will be generated regardless of the values in Min/Max.

Centigrade/Fahrenheit

These buttons determine how the Min/Max values oftemperature sensors will be displayed. This setting is alsoused to determine the value displayed in the monitorprogram and on the monitor screens themselves.

Note: Depending on the configuration, some Analogue Sensors may beset to be used as Digital sensors (referred to as 24 hour digitals). Anexample can be seen above where a UPS alarm is configured.



6.2.5.2 Digital Sensors

Each sensor has a set of parameters to define when the sensor is activeand how often the alarm will be repeated

Each sensor has three pairs of Start/Stop times for Weekday (Mondayto Friday), Saturday & Sunday.

Start: The time of day, using the 24 hour clock, that the sensorwill start to be active.

Stop: The time of day, using the 24 hour clock, that the sensorwill stop being active

Time: This is the repeat time in minutes. After the initial alarm, thesensor is only activated each repeat time, when a newalarm will be generated if the condition still exists or hasreturned to Normal.

If this time is set to Zero then the sensor is turned OFF - Noalarms will be generated.



Start/Stop time overlap.

In the first example (Constant 24hr) all the Start Time and Stop Timesare equal. With no time gap between them, the sensor will always beactive; as in a Fire System.

Daytime Only. If a Start time is specified which is less than the Stoptime then alarms will be allowed only between these times. e.g.:09:00/17:00 will allow alarms during office hours only.

Overnight Only. If the Start time specified is greater than the Stop timethen alarms will be allowed between the Start time (today) and the Stoptime (tomorrow). e.g.: 17:00/09:00 will allow alarms through the night.

You can mix the above styles to produce the fourth example(Mon/Friday nights + All weekend).

If an Overlap occurs from Weekday to Saturday, or from Sunday toMonday (Weekday settings) then ‘Yesterdays’ stop time will be used UNTIL the actual time it’s shift has completed, when it will look to see if it needs to remain active. ‘Today’s’ start/stop times will be then be used

For example, Weekday 17:00/09:00 and Saturday 07:00/07:00 will resultin alarms active from 17:00 Friday to 09:00 on Saturday - the sensor willthen remain active until 07:00 on Sunday.

The above is also true for Sunday/Monday overlaps. Make sure thatyour Sunday stop time does not hold the sensor active for too long onthe Monday morning. (e.g. Weekday 2200/0700 and Sunday 0900/0900will leave the sensor active until 0900 Monday not 0700 as expected.)

NOTE: 00.00 is a legal entry and will be treated as Midnight.

NOTE: If you wish to disable a sensor, set the repeat time to zero.



6.3 View Menu

All Alarmmessagesgenerated byObserver areposted to aninternalmessage queue.

Up to 100 messages can be held on this queue on a first in, first outbasis. When the queue is full, new messages will be added and theoldest alarm message will be discarded. Certain internal systemmessages, such as Key Switch changes and internal system messagesare designated as ‘protected’ andcannot be removed.

Where the unit has an LCD, the messages will by displayed by cyclingthrough the queue and displaying each one for 2 seconds.

Each message displayed isshown in a truncated form - thefull text can be displayed doubleleft-clicking the appropriatemessage with the mouse. Theresulting window shows the fullmessage text, the date and timethe message was generated andthe internal Observer source ofthe message - in this case it hasbeen added by a user via themodem.

6.3.1 Alarm Messages



ID: The message identifier (position on the queue) to allowidentification of messages (mainly for deletion).

Source: The internal Observer source of the message. Observerhas several internal message sources:

Monitor The Environmental Monitor (all the Analogueand Digital sensors).

Modem The dial-in Modem port (messages sent withAdd Message when logged-on remotely)

PC The direct access PC port (messages sent withAdd Message when logged-on directly).

Watchdog An alarm associated with one of the Observerserial Watchdog ports.

Key A software Key mode change status.

System An internal fault alarm.

In addition, the Source can be prefixed with a status character

! means that the message is protected - cannotbe deleted.

Date & Time The date & time that the message was put onto themessage queue.

A message can be added to the Alarmqueue by selecting the Add button on theAlarm messages window. A dialogue boxappears to allow the message text to beentered. The message will then appear inthe main Alarm message Queue anddisplay on the LCD if fitted.

6.3.1.1 Adding Alarm Messages

6.3.1.2 Deleting Alarm Messages



Deletion of messages on the Alarm Message queue is a Managerfunction. While any user can add messages to the message queue, itrequires manager access (User ID 1) to delete them.

To delete all Alarm Messages select the Delete All button. All messages(with the exception of internal fault and status messages marked with an(!) exclamation mark) will be deleted.

Individual messages can be deleted by selecting a message, or group ofmessages with the mouse and clicking the Delete Selection Button. Thisbutton will only be displayed once a selection has been made. Allmessages included in the selection will be deleted. The normal windowsselection methods are used - single left-click selects a single entry,control left-click allows additional single entries to be added to theselection and shift left-click will add all entries between the first selectedand the entry pointed to by the mouse pointer.

In addition to the Alarm Queue, Observer has a separate OutputMessage queue that holds all messages that are to be sent externally toa pager, mobile phone etc.

When an alarm is generated, Observer examines its escalation table tosee where the message has to be sent to. At this stage, a message willbe posted to the Output queue. When this message has been sent(successfully) the message will be deleted from the queue and, if thenext stage of escalation is specified, a new message will be added tothe queue with an appropriate wait time.

Up to 100 messages can be held on this queue on a first in, first outbasis. When the queue is full, new messages will be added and theoldest message will be discarded.

6.3.2 Output Messages



The Output Message queue can be modified from this window -messages can be deleted, or new messages added. The displayedfields are:

ID: The message identifier (position on the queue) to allowidentification of messages (mainly for deletion).

Device: The Output device (Alert Type) selected for this message.

Dial Only: Will dial the specified phone number, wait 60 secs andhang-up. Commonly used for tone-pagers.

Vodapage: Will dial the specified phone number and use theVodapage (paging network) protocol to send the message.The specific pager number is obtained from theappropriate Alert Destination Table entry.

TAP: Tele-Alphanumeric Protocol. The most common Messagepager protocol. This device type will dial the phone numberspecified and send the message using the block-modeTAP protocol to a message pager or digital mobile phoneShort Message Service. TAP is currently used by thefollowing networks: Hutchison, BT, Mercury (Cable &Wireless), Aircall, Page One, London Paging & Pactel(USA).

Vodafone: Will dial the specified phone number and use theVodafone (Digital mobile phone network) protocol(Telenet) to send the message. The phone number shouldbe in full international format (44xxxxyyyyyy).

Watchdogs: Sends the full message, to a specific Observer serial portCommonly used to send messages to a serial printer oranother computer system.

Status: The current status of this message:

Prc In process - is (or will be when the outputdevice is available) the next message to besent.



Esc means that this message is subject toescalation when successfully completed.

Snt Indicates that this message has been sentsuccessfully at least once and that theescalation process is proceeding.

Date & Time The date & time that the message was (originally) put ontothe output queue.

Message The text of the message - truncated if required.

Each message displayed is shown in a truncated form - the full text canbe displayed by double left clicking the appropriate message with themouse. The resulting window shows the full message text, the date andtime the message was generated and the destination to which thismessage will be sent.

A message can be added to theOutput queue by selecting the Addbutton on the Output messageswindow. A dialogue box appears toallow the message text to beentered. Selecting the Add buttonwithin this dialogue will send themessage to the Observer Outputqueue.

The message will appear in themain Output messages windowusing the escalation list defined forthe current logged-on port (PC or Modem). This facility is commonlyused as a convenient way of sending pager/mobile phone messages tocolleagues.

Note: If the escalation entry for the logged-in port (Modem or PC) has noentries (all destinations zero) then the message will be discarded.

6.3.2.1 Adding Output Messages



Deletion of messages on the Output Message queue is a Managerfunction. While any user can add messages to the output queue, itrequires manager access (User ID 1) to delete them.

To delete all Output Messages select the Delete All button. Allmessages will be deleted from the queue.

Individual messages can be deleted by selecting a message, or group ofmessages with the mouse and clicking the Delete Selection Button. Thisbutton will only display after a selection has been made. All messagesincluded in the selection will be deleted. The normal windows selectionmethods are used. (See Deleting Alarm messages)

NOTE: To stop an alarm being Escalated it MUST BE REMOVED bythis method.

NOTE: Deletion of a message that is marked as ‘Prc’ - in process, willnot take effect until the completion of this attempt to send the message.

This window provides a summary of the current status of the Observerunit and is composed of several boxed sections:

6.3.2.2 Deleting Output Messages

6.3.3 Site Summary



Version Information:

Observer: The internal micro-code version in the controller.

Monitor: The internal micro-code version in the monitor.

WinObs: The software revision of this program.

Time & Date:

PC: The time & date on the PC running this software

Observer: The time & date within the remote Observer unit.

Note: If these two time/dates differ by more than 10minutes then a warning icon will flash (red dot) withinthe boxed section.

Site Information:

Name: The Site Name of this Observer unit. This nameforms the prefix to all messages from this unit toallow identification of the originating site.

Mode: The current Mode setting on this Observer

Alarm Messages: The number of messages on the Alarm Queue

Output Messages: The number of messages on the Output Queue.

SIC Check: The status (a time period or <disabled>) ofObservers’ System Integrity Check. The time specified is the time remaining before a SICmessage will be sent.

Monitor:

Program: The name & status of the current Monitorprogram running. This program is responsiblefor generating all Monitor Environmental alarms



and should normally be enabled. If it is NOTthen a warning icon (red disc) will flash.

Datalog: The status of the Monitor Datalog (if used). Seethe Monitor section for a full description.

Monitor Power: The status of internal DC power to the MonitorHardware - should normally be ON.

Monitor Battery: The status of internal backup battery power (notthe main Observer battery) to the MonitorHardware. Should normally be ON.

Latest Alarm Messages:

This section provides the latest 2 messages on the Alarm MessageQueue (if any). Full information is accessed with the View/AlarmMessages menu.

This menu entry provides diagnostic and statistical information aboutObservers’ internal serial ports. The information described here will rarely be required by the User and is provided mainly for BTI diagnosticuse. Each port has an entry giving:

Monitor: The serial connection to the Environmental monitor.PC: The serial connection to a local PCModem: The serial connection to the Modem

(Note: The maximum dial-in baud rate for the modem)

Wdog: The serial connection(s) to the Watchdog ports.

6.3.4 Ports



Rate: The Baud rate set for this port.Parity: The Parity set for this port (Odd, Even, None)Echo: The local echo mode for this port (On/Off)Read: The status of internal Read-Enable (Yes/No)Term: The current terminating character for this port.

(‘>‘, none, CR, TermGT)

Overrun: Count of Buffer Overrun errors since last resetFrame: Count of last Framing Errors since last resetParity: Count of Parity Errors since last reset.Status: The current port status (Busy or blank).



When a user logs on to Observer, a log entryis made within the unit. This entry records theUser ID and the Date/Time of the Log-on.

Other entries may be generated in the log bythe Observer itself. The date and time of aunit reset (power on) is recorded as an ID of‘Rt’, while an internal Monitor software resetis recorded as ‘Sol’.

The log will record the last 32 events on ascrolling (first in, first out) basis.

This menu entry providesstatus information for eachsystem monitor (watchdog)port installed within theObserver unit.

Wdog: The Watchdog port number and status (Dead or Alive).Mode: Disabled, Active, Passive & Remote - as described in the

Parameters/Watchdog menu.Left: How many minutes are left before this attempt times outFailed: Number of times no response has been received (active).Good: The number of valid response messages received.Bad: The number of bad responses (active watchdog) received.

This menu item allows the user to display existing Datalog files storedon the PC without being logged-on to Observer. For a full descriptionrefer to Data Log Plot (6.4.1.3).

6.3.5 Logons

6.3.6 Watchdogs

6.3.7 Datalog Plot File



6.4 Connect-to Menu

This menu caters for direct access to the Observer internal ports - theEnvironmental monitor, Watchdog ports and also has individual log-onand log-off facilities.

The monitor function is the heart of the Environmental display portion ofObserver and enables the display of pre-defined graphic screens thatare unique to the system being monitored.

The monitor display screens have their own menu structure to allowaccess to the Observer Monitoring program and the internal datalog.

A typical screen is shown below as an example - individual systems willhave their own customised screens, however functionally they will utilisesome or all of the same features.

Each screen set is defined, by BTI, and stored in a file with a MONextension e.g.: ‘Demo.Mon’. Each set can have multiple windows, each with their own Bitmap (‘bmp’) backdrop and pre-defined gauges, icons,text and buttons. Gauges are configured to display the actual values oftheir respective sensors, text fields are for descriptive or cosmeticpurposes and buttons enable switching between individual screens,enable exit from the Monitor display or enable the password protectedcontrol of Observer Output signals.

6.4.1 Monitor



Page Title: The Title of the Page set defined in the ‘Mon’ file.

Menu Bar: Gives access to the Monitor Program and Datalogfunctions described below.

Status Bar: The status bar at the bottom of the window gives theMonitor Program status and Datalog Status.

Program Status: In the example, the program called 2OB70920 wasEnabled at 17:31 on 15th September 1997. TheMonitor Program is described in more detail below.

Datalog Status: The Observer internal datalog shown is Full, with 870samples from 4 different sensors. Datalog capabilitiesand functions are described below.

Text: These text fields (with or without borders) areprovided for cosmetic and descriptive purposes. Theyhave no function other than display.

6.4.1.1 Monitor Display



Analogue Gauge: This pre-defined gauge is attached to a realtemperature sensor. When displayed, the sensor willreflect the actual value of the sensor and theminimum/maximum pointers are linked directly to theMin/Max values described under ‘Analogue Sensors’ (6.2.5.1). Dragging the pointers will send the changedvalue to the Observer. For convenience during thepointer drag operation the actual value of the pointerwill be displayed on the gauge.

In addition (Manager only),right clicking on the gaugewill present a window whichgives text versions of theminimum, maximum values.

The greyed out values areprovided for diagnosticpurposes and represent theraw sensor reading, thecalculated value of thesensor (24.02 degrees C) and the sensor gain ( x 10).The Minimum, Maximum and time values areduplicates of the values set-up inParameters/Environmental/Analogue - they set thevalues for Observer generated alarms and can alsobe sent directly to Observer from this window usingthe Send button.

Different standard gauges exist - Vertical thermometeras shown, Circular gauges (e.g.: Voltage & Soundlevels), Horizontal bar gauge (e.g.: Humidity) and asimple value text box (not shown).

Digital Gauge: This pre-defined gauge displays the state of a digitalsensor e.g.: Smoke and Intruder Alarm as shown. Thedigital gauge has a pair of text fields associated with itand a pair of icons (either one or both can be used).

The Text displayed and the icon displayed will reflectthe actual state of the sensor. In the example shown(Intruder Alarm) the ‘normal’ text/icon combination is



‘Normal’ text with a green circle icon displayed - ifmovement is detected the text changes to ‘Detected’ on a red background and the icon changes to apicture of a ‘dubious’ character!

Buttons: In the example two buttons are displayed. One (Exit)is configured to exit the monitor display (same asclicking the window close box) and the other (CommsRoom) is configured to change display to a secondwindow (not shown).

Bitmap: Each screen within the screen set has the ability tohave a background bitmap attached (not shown). Thisis typically used to provide a meaningful backdrop tothe display (e.g.: the room layout drawing) or a picturethat has relevance to the installation.

Navigation between screens is simply a matter of clicking a button.Sensors displayed on the current page are updated approximately everysecond (depending on the number of sensors displayed on the screen.

Each Environmental Monitor has a piece of Software (the MonitorProgram) which needs to be loaded into the Monitor hardware.

This program is responsible for reading the sensor values and, utilisingthe parameters supplied by the user, determining if an alarm should begenerated for a particular sensor.

Each Observer system is supplied with a ‘Hex’ file which is the code required to achieve this function. Menu items are provided to allowcontrol of the Monitor Program by the System Manager (User ID 1):

Status: Displays the status of the monitor program in the lowerstatus bar. Normal status is indicated with ‘Enabled’, a

6.4.1.2 Monitor Program



program name (e.g.: 2OB70920) and the date and time thatthe program was last enabled or reset.

Clear: Flushes any program within the Observer monitor. It isessential that this is followed with a ‘Send’ to ensure that the monitor program is running.

Reset: Will reset the monitor program back to the start of itsprogram - all alarms and internal timers will be reset and theprogram will initiate a sensor value validation check to see ifthe user parameters (sent from the Analogue & Digitalsensor screens) are valid. If any sensor value is invalid thenObserver will generate an internal message ‘Please load Sensor Values’.

Enable: Enables the program (begins to run). Will start processingfrom the point that it was disabled. All internal parametersare left unchanged.

Disable: Will temporarily disable the internal monitor program. Pleasenote that the Observer controller will detect that the programis not running and will initiate a program reset afterapproximately 4 minutes.

Send: This is the mechanism for sending the monitor program toObserver. The user is prompted for a program file (.Hex file)to send to Observer. A Status bar will indicate the progressof the upload. Note: this service is usually provided by BTI,however the description is included for completeness.



Each Observer system has the facility to ‘Datalog’ a group of sensors.Once initiated, the datalog will run automatically, recording the value ofthe specified sensors in internal memory (with battery backup). Thespecific sensors, and the time interval between samples is userselectable. See Initiate for a full description.

Once a datalog has been initiated, the System Manager (User ID 0) canat any time Retrieve the datalog from Observer and store the results in afile (see Retrieve). Analysis of the results are available from the GraphPlot menu where a graphical representation of value and time of day, foreach sensor logged, is available.

The amount of internal memory available for the datalog facility is limitedto 12k, enabling around 1500 individual samples to be stored (See 7.1Datalog Capacity). When the datalog becomes full, logging issuspended awaiting retrieval of the data. At any time, the datalog can bereset to restart the logging process from the start - in this event thedatalog will be cleared and restarted from the beginning.

Status: Refreshes the Datalog displayed in the lower status bar.The status provides the current state (Disabled, Enabled, Clearor Full) and, if active the number of samples and sensorscurrently stored.

6.4.1.3 Monitor Datalog



Initiate: Provides the mechanismto begin a datalog. If thedatalog already containsdata then a dialogue willbe displayed to warn that‘Existing Data will be Lost’.

A dialogue box ispresented to enable thesensors required to beselected. Check theappropriate box to enablethis sensor, set theInterval to the periodbetween samples, checkthe Enable Now box tostart logging now andfinally, click the OKbutton.

The initiate sequence will be sent to Observer and logging willcommence.

Clear: Will flush the existing datalog and reset all logging to off. If datais present then a warning will be issued.

Reset: Will reset the datalog to the start (clearing existing data) andreinitiate the current settings for the datalog. Note: that a resetcan only be issued if a previous Initiate has taken place and awarning will be issued prior to any action.

Enable: Restarts data logging from where it previously halted. Note:that Enable is only effective on a Disabled datalog.

Disable: Temporarily suspends data-logging. Logging can be restartedwith ‘Enable’ described above. Note: that Disable is onlyeffective on an ‘Enabled’ datalog.



Retrieve: Will retrieve the data in the monitor datalog memory andstore it on the PC as a comma delimited text file for use by theGraph Plot menu function, or for import into an externalpackage, such as Microsoft Excel, for trend analysis.

The user will firstly be presented with a file save dialogue, tospecify the file name to save. The default format for the file ismmddyynn.Dat where mmddyy is the date and nn is thesequence number for that date (starts at 00).

Once a Datalog has been Retrieved from Observer, it can be examinedwith this menu function.

A file name to plot from is requested - select the file required. By default,files are stored as mmddyynn.Dat where mmddyy is the date and nn isthe sequence number for that date (starts at 00). The individual datalogfiles are stored in a comma delimited format which is suitable for importinto various software packages (MS Excel etc.) for customised graphdisplay. See 7.1 Datalog File Format.

The data from the file will be plotted as a graph by individual sensor inthe group.

6.4.1.3 Datalog Plot



The example shown is line voltage plot. If more detail is required, thendragging the scroll bar to an area of interest and checking the Zoom boxwill present a zoomed display:

In either plot mode the y axis will be optimised to ensure that all valueswithin the datalog file will fit on the display. The default values can bechanged by entering values in the Min & Max boxes (and pressing theenter key) on the lower part of the window.

On either display the lower buttons allow:

Exit: from datalog PlotPrint: Print the displayed chart on the default printer defined

on the Print/Print Setup main menu item.

To select another sensor within the set use the drop down menu(Sensor). Select the required sensor from the list and the new sensorwill be displayed



As previously described, Observer has internal serial (Com) ports whichperform various functions. There is a PC port (for direct connection to alocal PC), a Modem port (for remote dial-in and out) and (if installed) anumber of System (Watchdog) ports.

Using this menu function enables the user to connect to Observer androute directly to any of the remaining, non-busy, internal ports. As anexample, assuming Watchdog 1 is connected to aserial port on a host computer system, the user candial-in (or connect direct) to Observer and make adirect connection to the host system.

Selecting the Direct menu item results in a dialoguebox shown here. Clicking one of the port buttonswill connect directly to the specified port and open asimple conversational terminal window to allowmessages to be sent and received from the remoteport.

NOTE: Observerdoes not supportflow control - datareceived will bebuffered and sent tothe remote port.Similarly, datareceived will betransferred back tothe originating port.

Also note that in thismode a line breakcannot be sent.

Clicking the Close button, will send a break to terminate the connectionand close the window. Data can be displayed in ASCII or itsHexadecimal representation by choosing the appropriate ASCII/Hexbutton.

6.4.2 Direct



This menu entry (or shortcut toolbaricon) provides a way of performing asimple logon to an Observer unit.

No other menu functions areperformed.

The primary function of this menu isto allow the User ID to be changed (for example by a Manager) to allowaccess to functions not normally available to User ID 2 and upwards.

Either accept the default User ID and password or enter a new one.Clicking OK will result in a new logon (with a log entry) taking place.

Logoff provides the ability to end a connection to an Observer. Whenlogoff is selected a ‘logoff’ command is sent to the Observer and theconnection is terminated (including hanging the modem up ifnecessary).

When you first access the Observerfor Windows program you arepresented with an ‘application login’ screen (see 4.4 Password Security).

This ‘application login’ determines the menu facilities available to the currentuser level within the program.

This menu item allows a manager to change the program authority froma subordinate level to manager level on a temporary basis. This enablesaccess to manager only functions such as Add & Edit site.

To restore the original login authority see 6.4.6 (Restore Authority).

6.4.3 Log-On

6.4.4 Log-Off

6.4.5 Change Authority

6.4.6 Restore Authority



This menu item provides the facility to restore the original programaccess authority and is only available when the System Manager (ID 1)has previously upgraded the program access authority using ChangeAuthority (see 6.4.5).

6.5 Options Menu

The Options menu is only available to the System Manager (User ID 1).

This menu item provides the mechanism for adding a site icon to themain Observer screen. Once an icon has been added, and configured,the site can be accessed by selecting the icon and the appropriate menufunction.

Adding a site consistsof specifying an iconand name to representthe site, file names forsite information, loginrequirements and theComms informationrequired for connection.

Site Icon: The location of the graphic icon that will be displayedon the screen. Note: the icon file must be a single .icofile (not multiple resolution ico files).

Site Descriptor: The name that will be displayed under the Site Icon.Free form text will be wrapped and centred on multiplelines if required.

6.5.1 Add Site



Site File Name: Specifies the file in which all the site parameters willbe stored for this specific session. The default nameis Sitenn.Sit where nn is the order in which the siteswere added. This name can be any valid file nameand is usually made relevant to the site i.e.: Test.sit,BTI-HQ. Site etc.

Phone Number: The telephone number, including access codes,required to connect to the site - this field is only usedif the connection is via modem. (see Comms).

Monitor Screen: Specifies the name of the .mon file that is used toprovide the Monitor (environmental) display. This fileis created by BTI prior to installation and cannot bemodified by the user.

Auto Connect: Indicates that an automatic logon should be attemptedwhen the icon is double-clicked. If this option is NOTspecified then a manual logon will be required. In bothtypes of logon the User ID specified in Default Login(and its associated password) will be used as thedefault for the login.

Automatic logon: If the connection type is remote(Modem) then the phone number specified above willbe used to make the connection.

Manual logon: If the connection type is remote(Modem) then the phone number specified here willbe used as a default entry in a drop down list of pre-defined telephone numbers to use to make theconnection.

Default Login: Allows the System Manager tospecify the User ID and therefore the level of accessavailable.



Comms:

Selecting the Commsbutton during an Add-Sitewill display the Commsselection dialogue.

Port: Which PC serial (Com) port will be used for connection.Any non-existent or busy port will be excluded from theselection.

Type: Select from Local or Remote to indicate a directconnection or a Modem connection.

Break: The type of line break character to use. h/w (hardware)break will use the RS232 specified 500ms line break - s/wwill use a pseudo break consisting of 8 null (chr 00)characters followed by a carriage return (chr 13).

The software uses a ‘break’ to connect and disconnect from Observer. Some modems and communicationshardware (line drivers etc.) cannot handle a hardwarebreak so a software break is preferred.

Baud Rate: The baud rate to communicate with Observer (usually9600 baud). Note: that if communication cannot beestablished at this rate then the software will hunt throughall the rates indicated to attempt a connection.

Modem Type: This drop down field allows the Modem type and itsinitialisation string to be specified.

To add a new type of modem, select ‘New Modem’ from the list and edit the name to the name of the modem.Enter the required initialisation string and this new entrywill be stored for future use.



Modem String: This is the Modem initialisation string required to be sentprior to attempting a connection. Most modems willwork with the simple setting shown, however certainmodems or telephone systems may require othersettings (e.g. F8 to limit the connect speed to 9600 -The Observers maximum). This setting will normally bedetermined by BTI prior to installation - if you requireassistance with this field then please contact BTITechnical Support).

6.5.3 Edit Site

Edit Site is functionally identical to the Add site dialogue describedabove - with one exception, the addition of a button (Remove) to allow asite to be removed.

Please Note: When a site is removed, all reference to the site,including the site file (Sitenn.Sit) will be deleted. Ifmultiple icons are using the same site file then the filewill be deleted!



6.5.4 Customise

This menu item allows the System Manager to customise Main Observerdisplay - Toolbars, Status bars etc.

Miscellaneous:

Show Tooltips: When selected, small ‘help’ bubbles will appear if the mouse pointer pauses over an icon or thestatus bar.

Show Statusbar: When selected, the standard Observer status barwill be displayed at the bottom of the Observerscreen. The status bar is only active whenlogged-in to an Observer system and displays thecurrent status (see Refresh Time) of the unit.

Startup Full Screen: The default window size is half of the availablescreen area. When this box is checked, theObserver program will start in window maximisedmode - occupying the full screen.

Hold Splash Screen: This option determines if the application on start-up holds the initial splash screen displayed ormoves on to the Logon Screen.



Auto arrange: Determines how the icons on the main screen willbe displayed and their spacing. If this box isselected, icons will be displayed starting at thetop left of the screen with a spacing determinedby the associated ‘Spacing’ field (1100 is a usualvalue). If this box is left unchecked, the spacingvalue determines the size of the label box.

Refresh Time: The time (in seconds) between updates of thedata displayed. This time does not effect thegraphics screens which update in real-time.

Background: Allows the selection of a single picture (.bmp) tobe displayed as a background to the icons.

Toolbar

This dialogue box allows the user to select which toolbar icons will bedisplayed and can be accessed on the upper toolbar.

Select, or deselect the items required from the list by checking the box.

For a summary of all available toolbar icons and their menu equivalentssee Section 5 - Toolbar Icons & Menus.



6.5.5 Application Passwords

Access to the Observer forWindows program is limited bythe entry of a valid User ID andpassword. These passwords areidentical in format to theindividual password lists held foreach site - however, they onlyapply to Program Access.

This menu allows the SystemManager to define a series ofpasswords for use by different IDlevels. These passwords arestored in an encrypted pwl file(WinObs.pwl).

A full description of the User ID and password structure is given insection 4.4 (Password Security) - however, in summary, User ID 1 is theSystem Manager and can access & change anything; User ID 2 andabove have full read-only access but are limited to items that they canchange.

6.6 Help Menu

The help menu provides access to the standard, context sensitivewindows help file. Individual help buttons are available on all screens tolink directly into this help file.



6.6.1 Contents

This help screen provides access to the help file in contents order.

Selecting any highlighted item will take you directly to the appropriatehelp screen.

6.6.2 Search for Help on ...

This facility is not currently implemented.



6.6.2 About Observer for Windows

Provides information about this particular installation of the program -including the version number, credits, licensing and copyrightinformation.



7 Central Management Console (CMC)

7.1 CMC Overview

The Central Management Console (CMC) acts as an alarm centre for allthe sites specified as icons on the main CMC screen. IndividualObservers can be configured to send some or all of their alerts to theCMC as part of their escalation system. The CMC’s primary function is to act as a central alarm collection and management point for ObserverAlarms where the user has a support or security point that is staffed 24hours a day.

The CMC combines the functions of the standard Observer for Windowsshell (WinObs) with a facility to receive alarms from external sources -including Observer units. From a visual perspective, the CMC softwarelooks and performs exactly as the WinObs software with several,significant additions.

Each Site Icon defined has the ability to be linked to messages receivedby the Com ports on the PC. These Com ports can be direct links ormodems and are configured to receive either plain text messages(direct) or standard TAP protocol messages via the modem.



When a message is received, the site name is used to identify which siteicon the message belongs to (see CMC Setup - Site Name). If a matchis found the icon flashes red and a log entry is made for that site. If nomatch is made then an entry is made in the ‘Default CMC’ file.

The user then has the facility to clear the alarm, view the full text of themessage and to connect to the site to take corrective action.

Various options are available including:

Alarm actions: pop-up banner, simple beeps or even the playing of asound (wav) file if a sound card is installed on the PC.

Heartbeat Timer: Each site can have a timer attached to look for aspecific message from the site on a regular basis. Ifno matching message is received during the time-outperiod then a ‘No Heartbeat Received’ will be generated. This facility is typically used in conjunctionwith the Observer unit SIC check logic to ensure thatthe remote unit and its phone line is fully operational.

Alarm relay: The CMC can retransmit alarms though its Com portsor by running a local PC application. Message can berelayed to a printer or management system.

7.2 Com port usage

To enable the CMC to receive and retransmit alarms, the Com ports tobe used must be setup using this option.



CMC Input Ports: This defines the ports that the CMC will use.Each is defined using the setup button and maybe dial-up or serial (direct connect.)

More than 1 port may be setup, to allow multiple modems and phonelines to be used. Use the Add Port button to create additional ports.

NOTE: All defined ports are bi-directional and therefore the same portmay be used for input and output duties. If a port/modem is used morethan once, a new definition (New Modem) should be created within thesetup screen (in the above example Pace Rockwell - Out) so that extrainitialisation characters can be added to one definition and not conflictwith other CMC connect functions using that same Com port (e.g. F8 tolimit the baud rate)

If additional CMCs are used to mirror the actions of the first, (i.e. Alarmsraised by an Observer are sent to each CMC) it will be necessary for alloperator actions to acknowledge/clear alarms on one, must also occuron the others. This is achieved by using CMC Clear Ports.

CMC Clear Port: Definitions contain the method of transmission toother CMCs and their locations (Phone No)Use the Add function to create multiple ports.

CMC Name: This is name of the local CMC and will be used tolog any actions taken by it on another CMC

7.2.1 Com Port Setup



7.3 CMC Setup

To enable the CMC to receive alarm messages, each site icon mustfirstly be configured. This is achieved with the System Manager menuitem ‘CMC Site Setup’.

Each defined site Icon will have an entry (tab) associated with it in theCMC Setup window shown below:

In addition there is a ‘Default CMC’ tab to allow logging when a message is received with a Site Name that does not match any of thedefined site names. A title of ‘Unknown Site’ will be used on any pop-upbanner if the option is selected.



Site Name: Specifies the site name of the Observer systemthat will be linked to this particular icon. It is VERYimportant that this name is an exact match for theSite Name used in the Observer - it is used todecide which icon the message should beassociated with.

Heartbeat: This is the message that is expected to bereceived within the Time-out period below. It iscase sensitive and must be an exact match withthe message sent by the remote Observer. Anymessage received by the CMC that matches thisstring will be ignored, other than to reset the‘Deadman’ timer.

Save: If set, any heartbeat messages received will besaved in the site log.

Timeout: The period, in minutes, in which the messageabove should be received. If the exact messagespecified above is NOT received within this periodthen a CMC alarm will be generated.

Archive: The CMC keeps a log of all alarm messagesreceived for each site icon in a file with a .CMCextension. If this box is checked, each time theCMC application is started the existing log file willbe archived (with a 001,002 etc. extension) and anew log file will be opened.

Pop-up: If checked, when an alarm message is received alarge red banner will appear on the screen with theSite Name, date & time and message contents.Pressing the ‘Close’ button will acknowledge this alert box.

7.3.1 Site Settings

7.3.2 Alert Action



Sound: If checked, this enables a sound to bemade/played when an alarm message is received.This sound can be a speaker ‘beep’ or, if the PC has a sound card installed, a wav file can beplayed. (see below).

Wav File: A wav file can be played upon the receipt of analarm message. This field contains the name ofthe file to be played. If this selection is greyed-outthen no sound card driver was detected.

NOTE: If the CMC receives a MONITOR FAILURE message from anyObserver (denoting a system failure within the Observer itself)the CMC will alert the operator with a multiple tone sound. Ifyou wish to use a more urgent wav. file for this function seesection Monitor Failure Wave File.

Local logs store incoming messages for each site. (CMC site history)

In addition, if the user wishes to store the incoming messages for allsites (including heartbeats) in a single Master Archive, enter a file namein this option box and one will be created and used accordingly.

7.3.3 Log File



The system maintains a Default log file for internal system messages. Itwill also contain the alerts from Observers that do not have a site iconassigned to them.

Any alert received for this site will be passed on as specified below.

Everything: This option switch will cause Heartbeat messagesas well as Alerts to be passed on.

Protocol: This drop-down menu allows the protocol to bespecified as follows: Serial (Com ports), Printer(parallel port), Program Run and TAP (Modem).

Config: (Button) A screen customised for the selected protocolmethod will display.

7.3.3.1 Default Log File

7.3.4 Message Retransmit



The above screen is used to configure a port for Serial Transmission.

Comm Port: This is set up as per CMC Comm Ports. Ensurethat the port has a unique ‘device type’.

Contents: The text retransmitted can consist of from 1 to 4elements followed by a user specified terminator:

[Date][Time][Sitename][Message][Terminator]

Date: The short format date followed by a space.Time: The short format time followed by a space.Sitename: The received Sitename followed by a colon (‘:’).

Message: The text of the received message.

Terminator: This can be a return (013), return & line feed (013& 010), none or user defined e.g. <end>

The basic screen layout is as above but includes:

Messages per Page: Messages sent to the printer will be buffereduntil there is sufficient data to send. Commonlyused values are 1 or 66.

7.3.4.1 Serial Port

7.3.4.2 Printer

7.3.4.3 Run Program



This option is used to run an application program/file handler on the PCthat will transfer the message to another destination (e.g. NT Log)

The basic screen layout is as above but includes:

Program Name: The name of the application to be launched when anew message is received.

This option is used to pass messages via a Paging/Mobile Phone. Themessage text will be as received by the CMC.

TAP Parameters: For advice on setting these parameters, see theType Definitions and Destinations section of thismanual.

Comm Port: This is set up as per CMC Comm Ports. Ensurethat the port has a unique ‘device type’.

7.3.4.4 TAP Protocol



The message queues for Direct and TAP onward retransmission can beviewed with this option. It will normally be empty but may be used toensure that all outbound messages have been processed correctly.

7.4 CMC Diagnostic

This option produces additional Status bars at the bottom of the screen.Each stage of the message handling process will place statusinformation in these bars.

Further explanation is beyond the scope of this document - consult BTITechnical support for further details.

7.3.5 Message Retransmit List



7.5 CMC Operation

Alarms received will always FLASH the appropriate site icon RED(as above in BTI Demo) and take what ever actions are specified in theSetup options. (e.g. raise the banner)

The icon will continue to flash until an operator reviews the site history.This is done with a single right mouse click on the icon. (see latersection for options)

Reset Alarms. This CMC toolbar icon will clear and reset ALLalerting icons. An entry is made in the log.

As with the standard WinObs software, Left double-clicking the site iconwill initiate a connect to the Observer (or single click to select the siteand then use the usual toolbar and menu selections).

7.5.1 Alarm Display



If selected in the CMC setup window (pop-up) for the site concerned, theabove banner will display when a new alert from that site is received.Alarms from Observer sites always displayed in RED.

A full history of all sites and alarms that have used this function isavailable by using the small ‘drop down’ button at the lower right corner of the display.

The main title is taken from the icon label for the site. (BTI Demo) If thisdiffers from the site name received from the Observer (BTI CMC), thesite name will be included as part of the message text displayed

NOTE: The received site name is compared to the site name in theCMC setup for a match, otherwise a title of UNKNOWN SITEwill result

Different banners will display for Heartbeat functions (see later section)

7.5.2 Pop-up Banner



The log for a specific site (icon) is opened by right clicking the site icon.

The log file is displayed in chronological order with the date, time andmessage text. It also displays information about the Heartbeat functionand the status of the log and archive files.

Reset Alarm: Clears the RED background from the icon and makesa log entry to this effect. Exits this window.

Close: Stops the icon from Flashing but leaves it RED. Exitsfrom this window

Connect: Connect directly to the site in the usual manner.

Print: Print the contents of the current log file to the defaultprinter.

Archive The current size of the site’s log file is displayed at the top right of the screen. You will be prompted to Archivethis to a separate file when it becomes too large, oryou may wish to do regular achives manually.

You can review a previous log by selecting it in thewindow provided.

7.5.3 Site History



7.6 CMC Heartbeat Function

The CMC has a timer function that will check for heartbeats provided byremote Observers. (SIC Function)

It is configured in the CMC site setup screen for each site.

When a heartbeat fails to meet its time-out period, the CMC itself willgenerate an alarm. <No heartbeat received> and action it as per anormal alarm. If the site icon was not already showing a red alarmcondition it will flash BLUE.

If the banner option is set for that site the result will be as seen below.

The CMC will generate fresh alarms for each timeout period.

When a valid Heartbeat is again received a <Received heartbeat> alarmis generated and if the icon was in a blue state, it will now flash GREEN.

The current status of the timer can be seen in the Site History window.(Previous section)

NOTE: If the icon is in a RED state at any time, (denoting a primaryalarm) it will not display the heartbeat colour changes.



8 Technical Reference

8.1 Datalog Capacity

The datalog within the Observer unit has a capacity of 12,190 bytes.The number of samples that this represents is dependent upon thenumber of sensors logged and the type of sensor (analogue/digital).

Each sample set (the sensors being logged) has an overhead of 6 bytesto store the date & time. In addition, each analogue sensor requires 2bytes and a digital sensor 1 byte.

For example, a datalog of 2 analogue & 3 digital sensors will require :(6 + (2x2)+(3x1)) bytes (13 bytes per sample). This means that a fulldatalog will occur after 12190/13 = 937 samples.

The time interval between samples (1 to 9999 seconds) and the numberof sensors in the set will determine how quickly the datalog will fill. In theabove example, 937 samples at 1 sample per second will fill the datalogin just over 15 minutes (937x1/60). Similarly, a sample time of 11minutes (660 secs) will last for 10,307 minutes (937x660/60 = 171 hours- just over a week).

As a further example, a single analogue sensor log every 60 secondswill take 8 bytes per sample (12190/8 = 1523 samples) and run for justover 25 hours.



8.2 Datalog File Format

The Observer Datalog files are stored on the PC as .DAT files, in plaintext with values stored in comma separated format.

The first (5 + number of sensors) lines of the file are header information:

Header:DATALOGPLOT152 { file validation header}870 { number of samples}300 { sample interval (seconds) }4 { number of sensors }

Temp 1 { name of 1st sensor }Humid 1 { name of 2nd sensor }Temp 2 { name of 3rd sensor }Volts { name of 4th sensor }22:05:32,09/10/97, { start date & time }

Followed by data:

22:05:32,09/10/97, 24 , 52 , 25 , 238 { 24ºC, 52%, 25ºC, 238 volts }22:10:33,09/10/97, 24 , 55 , 25 , 23822:15:33,09/10/97, 24 , 44 , 25 , 239....... etc.

Where the format is <date>,<time>,<1st sensor value>,...... etc.Values are calculated from the type of sensor and take account of thesetting of the Centigrade/Fahrenheit setting if applicable.

Note: The date is presented in the format specified by the ‘Short Date’ windows setting of the PC that saved the file (e.g.: DD/MM/YY,MM/DD/YY, D/M/YYYY etc.).



8.3 Default Site Icon

When the CMC receives a message from an Observer that is not recognisedas a defined site (no site name match is found in any of the CMC setupscreens) it will use the CMC Default site file. This can be seen by using theView Default Log File option. The pop-up banner (CMC Default) should beturned on as, with no icon to flash, messages will be received and stored butmay never be seen by a user.

Where screen space is a problem to assign an icon for every site, a user maywish to create a Default Site Icon that will capture all alerts not trapped by anyother site icon

This will have all the normal log and archive functions and also flash as anindication that a ‘default’ message has been received.

To create a Default site, use the normal Add site function and use the nameDEFAULT! as the site name.. It will also leave the CMC Default site file clearfor CMC system messages only.

8.4 Monitor Failure Wave File

When the CMC receives a MONITOR FAILURE from an Observer it showsthat the Observer has an internal program fault and may not pass on Alarmconditions. For this reason, the CMC will make a Multi Tone sound to alert theoperator as to the serious nature of this failure.

If the user has a sound card and wishes the CMC to send a more urgent wavefile for this condition, we need to provide a location in which to define thisoption.

The user must first define a Default Site Icon. This will allow the default WavFile to be defined wiithin that screen.

The MF Wav File is then defined in the CMC Default site setup screen which isnow available for this function.





Documents

Observer Manual de usuario