configuration center

Configuration Center Online help v1.3 – PDF export

Updated 2021-07-13

Configuration Center – Online help v1.3 (PDF export) 2

© ads-tec Industrial IT GmbH • Heinrich-Hertz-Str. 1 • 72622 Nürtingen • Germany

Contents Intended use ................................................................................................................................. 3 Support & Manufacturer .............................................................................................................. 4 Starting the software .................................................................................................................... 5 Overview page .............................................................................................................................. 7 System information ...................................................................................................................... 8 Settings .......................................................................................................................................... 9 ON/OFF button ........................................................................................................................... 10 USB port block ............................................................................................................................ 12 Internal watchdog ....................................................................................................................... 14 Soft keyboard .............................................................................................................................. 17 Ignition function .......................................................................................................................... 19 COM port / Data forwarding / RFID ......................................................................................... 21 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) ....................................................................................... 22 Unified Write Filter ...................................................................................................................... 23 Front keys .................................................................................................................................... 28 Touch-screen and gesture control ........................................................................................... 31 Wireless devices......................................................................................................................... 32 Adaptive brightness adaptation ................................................................................................ 34 Proximity and acceleration sensor .......................................................................................... 35 Digital Input & Output ................................................................................................................ 37



Intended use • The Configuration Center is a collection of software tools that are intended exclusively for

use on the computers of ADS-TEC. • The Configuration Center may only be used in accordance with this instruction manual and

in accordance with the original instruction manual of the computer on which the software runs.



Support & Manufacturer ADS-TEC and its partner companies offer you comprehensive maintenance and support services, ensuring quick and competent support should you have any questions or concerns with regard to ADS-TEC products and equipment. Because ADS-TEC products are also used by partner companies, these devices may have customised configurations. Should any questions arise with regard to these specific configurations and software installations, please contact them as ADS-TEC will not be able to answer such questions. ADS-TEC does not provide support services for any device that was not purchased directly from ADS-TEC. In this case, maintenance and support is provided by the partner company. ADS-TEC Support The ADS-TEC support team is available for inquiries from direct customers between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. The support team can be reached via phone or e-mail: Phone: +49 7022 2522-202 Email: [email protected] Alternatively, you can contact us by completing a support form on our website www.ads-tec.de. Our Support team will then get in touch with you as soon as possible. Company address ads-tec Industrial IT GmbH Heinrich-Hertz-Str.1 72622 Nürtingen Germany

http://www.ads-tec.de/



Starting the software Administrator rights In order to make changes, the Configuration Center must be started with advanced administrator rights. You are otherwise made aware of the lacking write permissions by the changed title "Information Center (read only)":

You can change the title of the Configuration Center if necessary via a registry entry: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ads-tec\ConfigCenter] • Title for access with write permissions: Title key (already present) • Title for access without write permissions: add ReadOnlyTitle key

Starting via the icon on the desktop Start the Configuration Center using the "Run as administrator" item in the context menu (right mouse-key or, in the case of a touch-screen, with a long press on the icon).



Tip: In the context menu of the icon you can specify that the shortcut is executed with administrator rights every time.

Starting via the item in the Start menu Start the Configuration Center using the "Run as administrator" item in the context menu (right mouse-key or, in the case of a touch-screen, with a long press on the icon).



Overview page

Overview Use this data as well as the detailed breakdowns in the System information module in the event of service requests. The AX serial number of the device is especially important.

Version

Version of the Configuration Center

Settings

Opens the page with the settings, see page Settings.



System information This page provides an overview of the most important system components and configurations on several tab pages:



Settings In Settings, you can define a colour scheme. On the "Module visibility" tab, you can define which modules are displayed for each user group. Modules that are not displayed for administrators are automatically not displayed for normal users either. On the "Import & Export" tab, you can export the settings made in the individual modules, e.g. as a backup copy or to transfer them to other computers.



ON/OFF button In this module, you can configure the startup/shutdown behaviour of the device. Power On If activated: The actuation time indicates how long the button must be pressed in order for the computer to start up. Power Off If activated: Indicates how long the button must be pressed in order for the configured action to be initiated.

"Default action" may contain the following options, among others, depending on the OS version and on BIOS settings*) : • "Sleep" – The computer interrupts all activities. The data remains in main storage

(RAM). The reawakening procedure takes only a short time. The data is lost in the event of a power failure.

• "Hibernate" – The data is stored on the hard disk and then the computer ends all activities. The reawakening procedure takes a longer time. The data is retained in the event of a power failure.

To reawaken the device, the power-on button must be pressed. *) If necessary, call up the advanced BIOS settings on computer startup with key combination [Alt] + [Delete]: Advanced > ACPI Settings > Enable Hibernation: Enabled or ACPI Sleep State: Enabled

ATTENTION Data loss If the (activated) power-off button is pressed for four seconds longer than the time required to trigger the power-off procedure, the device switches off abruptly. Unsaved data is lost! • Press the power-off button only as long as necessary.

Comment: The described power-off function was introduced so that a device that no longer responds to user input can be restarted. The time until the device is abruptly powered off begins from the end of the configured actuation duration of the power-off button.



Note: The settings made in this module act in part on the energy saving settings of the operating system, see: Control Panel > Power Options.



USB port block In this module, you can block all or individual USB ports. If necessary, you can also block the connections for only certain device types. "External USB port power supply" (display only)

Meant here are USB connections on the front or side of the device, not USB connections in the service slot. The data connection is also deactivated automatically by shutting off the power supply. The power supply for the external USB port(s) can only be (de)activated in BIOS. To do this, press the [Delete] key when switching on and make the indicated setting.

"USB ports"

"Configuration" – Devices with the same firmware may sometimes have a different hardware configuration (e.g., a different number of USB connections). Select the appropriate configuration here.

By blocking a USB connection, the data connection is deactivated on the operating system level. The power supply is, however, retained. Thus, the affected connection can still be used to, e.g., charge a smartphone.



"USB device classes"

Here, you can define whether individual device classes can still use a certain USB connection in spite of a blocked data connection. Example of a device class: Human Interface Device (HID) = input devices such as keyboard, mouse, graphics tablet or joystick.



Internal watchdog In this module, you can make settings for the case that the operating system no longer responds (e.g., freezing up or blue screen). By default, the operating system itself attempts to restart the computer in such a case. In Windows 10, for example, you can find the appropriate settings in the Advanced System Properties ([Windows] button + [r], then start "SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe").

You can find the corresponding entries in the Registry under the "CrashControl" key:



In the event that the operating system is no longer able to restart the computer, the "internal" hardware watchdog can be used. This runs separately from the operating system on a separate embedded controller (EC).

"Watchdog service" If the "internal" hardware watchdog is to be used, it must first be activated in BIOS:

"Start automatically at startup" If the internal hardware watchdog was activated in BIOS, it can be switched on and off as needed in the Internal watchdog module. Activate the Start automatically at startup function if the hardware watchdog is to be triggered by the operating system at regular time intervals. Each trigger event restarts the time entered under "Interval". Deactivate this function if you would like to trigger the watchdog using your own system. In this case, you can also use variable trigger intervals (for further information, contact ADS-TEC support).



"Interval(s)" Specifies the time intervals in which the watchdog is triggered. If the time entered here has elapsed without a new trigger signal being received, the action selected under "Action" is executed. Thus, an action is triggered no later than after the configured time has elapsed. This time is dependent on the state of the time counter at the time of the blue screen.



Soft keyboard In this module, you can select soft keyboards and configure their appearance and behaviour.

The "soft" keyboard is intended for general use while the "sap" keyboards provide special function keys for more comfortably operating the programs from SAP. The "sap" keyboards are located at the bottom and right edges of the screen. The "sap-wide" variant can only be used with wide monitors.

The "Desktop icon" menu item can be used to display an icon on the desktop that you can use at any time to call up the selected soft keyboard. This icon is transparent and is located in the foreground on top of all other windows. Note: This setting is enabled or disabled only after restarting the computer.



Individually designed keyboard layouts adapted to your requirements are available on request. Contact ADS-TEC support for further information.



Ignition function In this module, you can configure whether and how the device responds to an ignition key signal. Typical example: • With the ignition function activated, the device starts as soon as the ignition is switched on. • When the ignition is switched off, the device is disabled or shuts down.

You can find the technical data of the IGN input and its location in the instruction manual of the respective device.

Overview of the actions:

Note: The available actions depend on the version of the OS and the BIOS settings.*)

Examples: • "Sleep"

The computer interrupts all activities. The data remains in main storage (RAM). The reawakening procedure takes only a short time. The data is lost in the event of a power failure.

• "Hibernate" The data is stored on the hard disk and then the computer ends all activities. The reawakening procedure takes a longer time. The data is retained in the event of a power failure.

*) If necessary, call up the advanced BIOS settings on computer startup with key combination [Alt] + [Delete]: Advanced > ACPI Settings > Enable Hibernation: Enabled or ACPI Sleep State: Enabled

To reawaken the device, the power-on button must be pressed.



Recommendation for use: Generally, the autostart and ignition functions should not be used together because these functions partly overlap. • Before using the ignition function, check whether the autostart switch in the

service slot is set to OFF (see instruction manual of the respective device).



COM port / Data forwarding / RFID Serial scanners If necessary, you can activate a 5 V power supply for serial hand-held scanners on COM1. To do this, the corresponding switch in the service slot must also be set to ON (cf. the instruction manual of the respective device).

Data forwarding on COM ports You can set up forwarding individually for each COM port so that data that is received via the respective port is passed on to the operating system as keyboard input. RFID An optionally installed RFID reader is also integrated in the operating system in this way. You can perform a simple function check as follows:

1. Activate data forwarding from the RFID reader to the internal COM3 port.

2. Open a program that supports text entries, e.g., a text editor. 3. Hold any RFID transponder (e.g., an appropriate key fob chip) in front of the RFID

reader (regarding the location of the reader: see the instruction manual of the respective device). The code stored in the chip is displayed:



Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) In this module you can make settings for the case that the device is supplied redundantly by a UPS battery in addition to the normal power supply. The concept is as follows: • In case of a failure of the normal power supply the UPS battery takes over the supply of the

device. • If the energy content of the UPS battery falls below a preset value, the UPS battery sends a

UPS warning signal to the device. • After the UPS signal arrives, the device executes a parameterizable action. "Set alarm by low input signal" Inverts the signal evaluation logic: • Off = reaction to rising physical edge • On = reaction to falling physical edge Alarm action Typically, when a UPS signal is received, the device shuts down in a controlled manner to prevent data loss. The user can be informed about this event by means of a screen text.

Please note The UPS functionality is available when a user is logged in. However, an active screen saver (with security function) interrupts the user's "session" and prevents the UPS functionality from running. • Make sure that no screen saver (with security function) has been configured.



Unified Write Filter In this module, you can write-protect data drives, directories, files and registry entries. This can be useful on computers that are used in turn by many different users. If an exactly defined initial state is to be restored following a restart, i.e., so that all changes made in the interim are lost, it can be helpful to protect the mass storage from changes.

You can find a complete description of the Unified Write Filter on the Microsoft website: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/enterprise/unified-write-filter

Example for setting up this write protection: 1. Initial state

2. Activate "Protection status after restart":

3. Select the drive(s) to be protected and click/press "Activate":

Note: If you do not specify a drive, write protection will be active following a restart but it will not apply to any drive.



Example:

ATTENTION In spite of write protection being activated, drive C: is still not protected here!

4. If necessary, specify which files or directories are to be excluded from write protection here:

5. If necessary, specify which registry keys are to remain writeable:



6. Exit the module and save the changes.

7. Then restart the computer. 8. The following screen is displayed after restarting:

The following applies in this state: 1. All changes on the protected data drive – aside from the configured exceptions – are lost following a restart. For example, deleted files are present again after restarting. 2. The settings of the write protection cannot be changed. To do this, the write protection must first be deactivated and the computer then restarted.



Proceed as follows to modify an existing write protection: 1. Deactivate "Protection status after restart"

2. Exit the module, save the changes and restart the computer. 3. Write protection is deactivated after restarting:



4. Activate "Protection status after restart":

The previously made configurations are displayed and can now be modified if necessary. After saving and restarting, the new configurations are active.



Front keys In this module, you can switch the front keys on or off. Furthermore, you can assign functions to the front keys. Changed settings will only take effect after a restart.

The ON/OFF button is not affected by these settings.

Examples The "shell actions" in the following examples correspond to typical context menu items and are also known as "Windows verbs". • Open a file with a specific program, e.g.

• Start a file for the purpose of editing with the default application specified on the operating

system level



• Start a search in the specified directory, e.g.:

• Open a specific directory with the help of the default file manager:

• Print a file. Note: A default application must be specified for the given file type. Furthermore,

a default printer must be available on the computer.



• Execute a key sequence, e.g.



Touch-screen and gesture control In this module, you can switch the touch functionality on and off. Furthermore, you can configure how the operating system responds to certain swipe gestures. Note: To be reliably detected by the operating system, the swipe gestures should be executed over a relatively wide distance, i.e. approx. 10 cm wide. Examples: • Open the ConfigBar at the top edge of the screen with a one-finger swipe from top to

bottom, e.g.:

• Open a program with a two-finger swipe from right to left, e.g.:



Wireless devices Wireless LAN In this module, you can switch between internal and external WLAN antennas (if present). For information on the location and technical specification of the antenna connection: see the instruction manual of the respective device.

"Roaming Aggressiveness": If required, you can specify here how willingly the device attempts to connect to other WLAN access points (e.g. repeaters) when the signal of the currently connected access point deteriorates. However, switching to a new access point always involves a brief interruption in the data connection, so too much willingness to switch can also result in a lower transmission rate overall. The default setting "Medium" is usually a good compromise. "Wireless LAN Mode": If required, you can specify here which protocols according to IEEE 802.11 are to be used by the card.

Bluetooth The Bluetooth module uses one of the WLAN antennas (see manual of the device).

This data transmission uses the resources provided by the operating system.



Mobile communications To insert the SIM card: see manual of the respective device. Changing the mobile phone card in devices of type VMT9000 series:

ATTENTION Data loss If you pull out the tray with an inserted SIM card while the computer is running, the device switches off immediately. Unsaved data is lost! • Shut down the computer before you pull out the tray with an inserted SIM card.

Note: The devices of type IPC9000 and OPC9000 are basically hot-plugin capable. Nevertheless, we recommend to switch off the device before changing the SIM card.



Adaptive brightness adaptation In this module, you can • set the background lighting of the monitor and of the front keys to a fixed brightness value

– or – • specify appropriate brightness values depending on the ambient brightness.

Tip: The measurement values of the brightness sensor in [lux] are displayed as numerical values. In addition, the currently applicable brightness range is highlighted in colour (depending on the selected colour scheme). It is thereby possible to easily determine suitable settings through experimentation.



Proximity and acceleration sensor In this module, you can configure, among other things, operator detection. As soon as the proximity sensor that is integrated in the front panel detects a person in front of the computer, an action is triggered. The value range of the sensor spans from 100 to 500. The current measurement value is displayed both as a number and as a thin line on the slide control for setting the sensor sensitivity ("Operator detection threshold").

The sensitivity of the sensor should be determined through experimentation in the actual environment in which the computer is used. Examples: • If the sensor triggers when persons pass by in the background, the sensitivity must be

reduced. • If the sensor does not reliably detect persons standing in front of the monitor (e.g., due to

special protective clothing), the sensitivity must be increased. "Action": In the example shown here, the monitor is darkened to conserve energy as long as no user is located in front of the monitor.



In addition, you can configure shock or vibration detection. In the example shown here, an impact equivalent to one times the acceleration of gravity (i.e., 1 g, where 1 g = 9.81 m/s2) causes the device to be locked and a warning to be output. In this example, the largest acceleration to have occurred since the module was started was only 0.227 m/s2.



Digital Input & Output "Turn on the computer automatically" Similar to the Wake-on-LAN functionality, this function can be used to start up computers that have been switched off as required. The digital input operates edge-controlled, i.e. the device does not restart immediately after shutdown if the signal is still present, but waits for the signal to disappear and a subsequent rising edge. Switching logic The tables show the relationship between the physical and the logical signal levels. Standard ("active high")

Physical Logical Example "0" signal = 0 V "0" signal No one is at the door. "1" signal = 24 V "1" signal Someone stands in front of the door and rings

the bell. Simple example: When a doorbell button is pressed, a contact is closed. As a result, voltage reaches the doorbell (a physical "1" signal) and the bell sounds (a logical "1" signal). Inverted ("active low") Typically inverted are inputs and outputs that signal an error or a warning. The presence of the physical voltage signal here stands for the absence of an error condition: as long as the voltage is present, there is no error.

Physical Logical Example "0" signal = 0 V "1" signal An error has occurred. "1" signal = 24 V "0" signal No error reported.

Simple example: A photoelectric sensor permanently supplies voltage (a physical "1" signal) to a machine, which can thus operate. There is no error condition (a logical "0" signal). If a person reaches into the photoelectric sensor or if the photoelectric sensor is disabled in any way, the voltage supply drops (a physical "0" signal) and an error condition occurs (a logical "1" signal). The machine stops.

You can find the technical data of the digital inputs and outputs in the instruction manual of the respective device.

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