LX-1 Dragsled
June 08, 2006
Occasionally we might ask for remote external access to your Dragsled in order to help diagnose a problem remotely or to update some code.
For those that are familair with the Internet, IP addresses, Firewalls etc.. this is a simple thing to do, but for most people it seems quite complex. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Ususally the IP address you see on the LCD of the Dragsled is *not* an Internet address, it's a local LAN address. This includes all addresses starting with 192.xxx.xxx.xxx, 10.xxx.xxx.xxx and a few others are is reserved for non-Internet use.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
On the LCD display, there is a menu item that lets you pick from several IP addresses to use.
One of the last ones says "DHCP Client"
DHCP (Dynamic host Configuration Protocol) client means that it will get it's IP address from a DHCP server.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
This is where you may need to get a knowledgeable person involved....
If this is a "HOME" high speed Internet service you are using then USUALLY it will act as a DHCP server and just give an address to the dragsled. If that works, then that's the simplest.
But there are a few possible problems that may pop-up depending on your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The most likely is that the ISP's modem is expecting the MAC address of the equipment it saw when it was first set-up. (your router or computer.)NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
If you are in an office environment, you will likely not be given and IP with direct Internet address. You're probably behind a firewall. You'll have to ask your LAN administrator to temporarily allow a PORT to be opened for TELNET on your firewall and have it point to the Dragsled IP address port: 23NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Better yet, just give him the Dragsled and let them get in touch with us.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Another alternative is to ask a local small computer store to set this up for you temporarily at their shop.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
There is a bit more background here:
http://engtech.ca/resources/2004/part_1_dragsled_communications_backgroundNIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
December 23, 2004
The DHCP server allows DART Dragsled to automatically hand out network IP address to a connected desktop or Laptop computer. This is in addition to the other options of a easily selectable DHCP Client or choosing a fixed IP addresses.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Starting with code version 1.0.0pre8, the LX-1 Dragsled can be used as a DHCP server. To utilize this function, select "DHCP Server" from the change ip menu. The unit should now display an IP address starting with 10.0.0 on the main menu.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
If your computer is configured to obtain it's IP address automatically (by default, most Windows machines are), you can now plug your computer into the network jack of the LX-1 Dragsled, and visit the web page by typing the unit's IP address (probably 10.0.0.1, but check to be sure) into the address bar of any browser.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
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December 03, 2004
New LX-1 Dragsleds now feature an enhanced charger indicator on the local LCD display with separate "power" and "charging" icons. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Anytime that a Drag Sled is powered externally (pluuged in to the wall outlet or vehicle adapter) it will show the power cord icon. (Top left). The charger icon comes on to indicate when the battery is charging, and will switch off after the battery is full.
As always you can leave the dragsled plugged in if you like. The battery will automatically stop charging, and restart again only if necessary.
(Please follow the trackback entries for more details.)NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
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August 26, 2004
When performing a coefficient of friction measurement, the LX-1 dragsled beeps and flashes the blue light next to our friendly little stickman in order to tell you when to pull. We've been asekd to confirm "When is the proper time to commence pulling the DART?" Here's what's going on... NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
After you press the "GO" button, there are some short "get ready beeps" followed by a long "pull beep". When the unit gets to this "pull beep" state, it actually sits and waits for the pull threshold to be reached, ONLY then does it start taking readings. The pull threshold is normally set to 2lbs, and is completely adjustable from the web interface.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
It then starts taking readings, BUT it doesn't record any values to the file until after the "time to ignore beginning" timer. It then records readings for the length of time specified in the "Test Duration" setting. There is also a "time to ignore ending" timer that is designed to discard a small portion of the end readings as well. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
All these settings have defaults, but are also completely configurable using the web interface as shown below.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
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July 27, 2004
The LX-1 Dragsled battery manangement explained... NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
You may have noticed the battery charge indicator in the lower right of the display. This indicates the battery and charging status.
Auto-shutoff
The Dragled will automatically shut off after 15 minutes in he absence of network access or any keypresses. If you wish the unit to stay on to allow network access at a later time, simply plug in the charger.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Technical Note: It is technically possible to keep the unit from automatically shutting down by using a script or program which repeatedly asks for one of the devices "cgi" web pages.
Low Battery Auto-shutoff
The Dragled will automatically shut off once the battery drops below a certain level to prevent complete drainage. In order to start the Dragsled again, you will need to attach the charger and allow it to regain some charge.
Automatic power-on when charging
When the charger is plugged in, the Dragsled begins charging immediately, and will turn itself on if it was previously off. You will not be able to turn off the Dragsled while it charges. This is so that it can manage the charging properly.
Charging indicator
The Dragsled's on-screen display will show a 
icon above the battery reading, indicating that the charger is plugged in.
Failsafe and Top-up.
Once the battery reaches a level that can be considered fully charged, the unit will continue charging for up to one hour, and then stop charging -- this prevents problems relating to over-charging the battery, and ensures it is completely charged. Should the charger operate for 12 consecutive hours without reaching this level, it will also stop charging for the same reason. These mechanisms mean that it is safe to leave the charger plugged in for an extended period of time without causing harm.
Maintenance Mode
Additionally, if the charger stopped itself because the battery became fully charged, it will begin charging again once the battery drains to approximately the 80% level. The above failsafe's still apply - charging will stop once the battery is full again. This is done to maintain the battery charge when the unit is left plugged in for long periods of time.
When to charge?
Anytime! you will get the most use out of the Dragsled if you keep it charged and ready to go. Because the LX-1 uses a rugged battery technology, it is safe to charge the unit at any time, and because of it's programming you can simply leave it plugged in. Hoewever, It is not required that you leave it plugged in, and unecessary if you use the device infrequently.
StorageFor extended periods of storage, to protect the battery chemistry, it is reccommended that the Dragsled be fully charged before putting it away. You may also want to consider recharging once every 6 months. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Note: While switched off, the unit will draw down on the battery to maintain it's real time clock - it is possible for the correct time to be lost if the unit is stored with a low charge for many months. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
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July 23, 2004
The LX-1 Dragsled is a very modern computer design and is configured as what is sometimes referred to as a Network Appliance. This means in order to communicate with the Dragsled no special software is required - all your computer needs to have is a Ethernet Jack or LAN connection - which almost all modern computers and laptops do.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
The device is therefore similar to a networked Laser printer or any website you may visit on the internet. Because the LX-1 uses a embedded linux processor full networking is supported, if the device is plugged into the corporate LAN it is possible for more than one person to access it securely at the one time. there are differing levels of usernae access controls to allow for this. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
In addition with the correct configuration, security permissions, and firewall rules, it is possible for you to allow remote diagnostics and upgrading remotely from our factory, no matter where you are in the world. (Don't worry if you don't follow or if these are unfamiliar terms.)NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
The dragled, just like all other networked devices (including your computer), has to have an "IP"(Internet Protocol) address. All the machines on your corporate LAN have an IP address, and all servers and devices on the internet have an IP address. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Normally you don't type in an IP address when you are accessing a webpage from your webbrowser, you simpy type inthe name of a a website. When you came to this website for example, www.engtech.ca, what actually happens is that this "name" is looked up in an address book system called DNS (Domain Name Server) and is translated that to the correct IP address. In the case of our website, www.engtech.ca => 69.57.184.170NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
For the LX-1 Dragsled, unless your "IT guy" wants to set it up to have a name on your LAN or computer, you **will** type in the IP address of the dragsled to access it.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
The only difficult part is that we have to get an IP address for the Dragsled that is compatible with either your Corporate LAN or your computer or laptop. The simplest scenario, however, is if your LAN has a machine providing something called "DHCP"(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) if so - then everything becomes automatic.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
But even if DHCP is not available, there's still no problem - the Dragsled is very adaptable. In addition to being able to work with DHCP, it can store ten additional network settings. This is useful if it needs to be used in different network environments. (Such as in different detachments, or when connected directly to your Laptop instead of the corporate LAN.) NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Note: Because we have carefully followed webstandards, it is also possible to connect the LX-1 Dragsled to other devices which have a browser and a network connection, this may include certain cell phones, handheld computers, or mobile in vehicle computers!NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
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Read Part 2NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
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To summarize what was said in part 1, The LX-1 Dragsled is a networked device. It requires an IP address that is compatible with your computer/network. At that point it is accessed like any other webpage.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Now how to determine what IP address to use?NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
If you recall IP address stands for internet address. But we're not connecting to the internet, we're either connecting directly to your computer or Laptop, or to the corporate LAN.
But that's OK - IP addresses include several standard ranges that are reserved for use for groups of devices that should not be internet routable and exist only on non-internet LANs. This is normally how we want the LX-1 to be configured as well.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Those non-internet-routeable ranges are:
192.168.xxx.xxx
10.xxx.xxx.xxx
172.16.xxx.xxx to 172.32.xxx.xxx (Note mask is /12)NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
(The x's can be replaced by any number between 1 and 254)NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Note: All LANS and computers should be using IP addresses in one of the above ranges. The exception to this is if your computer is directly assigned an IP from yor internet service provider. The other (unlikely) scenario is when you actually OWN a group of internet addresses.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
The link light: As soon as you plug the dragsled into a LAN or Computer with an active Ethernet port the Green LINK lite (shown below) will come on, and may start flashing. This will happen even if you don't have the proper IP address set yet, and it is the first thing to check whenever you need to ensure your connection is correct. It simply indicates that the Dragsled recognizes it was connected to an Ethernet LAN.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
The LX-1 Drag Sled has 10 pre-sets to hold IP address settings, as well as a DHCP mode setting. You choose which setting to use with the buttons on the front panel. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Press the yellow MODE button until "change IP address" is shown on the display. You can then use the up and down buttons to select what IP address the Dragsled should use, or to slect the last entry DHCP.
If you are connecting for the first time, it's probably best to try the DHCP setting to see if it works with your LAN.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
As shown in the image above the Dragsled always shows it's current IP address on he main screen. This is the number you should be typing into your webbrowser program. NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Note: Once you connect, you can add or change any of the preset settings. You can always get connected to the Dragsled even if your present LAN settings don't match. You could always disconnect your computer from the current LAN, temporarily change the settings to match one on the Dragsled, modify the dragsled settigns to match your LAN, and then return your computer's settings to what they were NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
More information on IP addresses can be found here: About IP addresses
And how to obtain your computers IP address in windows can be found here: Determining your IP address in WindowsNIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
Please ask questions or add comments below so we can help serve you better!
Thank you.NIKON-CAPTURE-4.2
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