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Difference between revisions of "Exchange & System (AlphaPro)"

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* '''Database Version''': The FoxPro database version used by the AlphaPro program. The information is automatically entered.
 
* '''Database Version''': The FoxPro database version used by the AlphaPro program. The information is automatically entered.
  
* '''Node Type''': Reflects the choice you made when you created the exchange. It is possible to change node type in the System window.
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* '''Node Type''': Reflects the choice you made when you created the exchange. It is possible to change node type in the "System" window.
  
* '''Language''': Reflects the language choosen when the exchange database was created. This choice influences the display texts in the stations.
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* '''Language''': Reflects the language choosen when the exchange database was created. This choice influences the ''display texts'' in the stations.
  
 
* '''DMP File Id''': The name of the dmp file is DMP_x.DMP, where x is the DMP File Id.
 
* '''DMP File Id''': The name of the dmp file is DMP_x.DMP, where x is the DMP File Id.

Revision as of 16:17, 7 May 2018

AlphaCom icon 300px.png

From the Exchange & System window you can inspect and modify a large number of system parameters.

Exchange and System - Main window

The Exchange & System window
  • Exchange name: The name was choosen when the database was created. Can be edited from the "System" window.
  • Description: Additional description may be entered. Note that this text is not transferred to the AlphaCom server. It is stored locally on the PC only. Can be edited from the "System" window.
  • Node: 1 - 254. Default node number is 1. The node number is used for communication between AlphaCom servers in AlphaNet. The node number was choosen when the database was created. Can be modified from the "System" window.
  • Exchange Database (In earlier AlphaPro versions: "AlphaNet - Adm. here"):
    • Enabled: The exchange was created with full database.
    • Disabled: The exchange was created without database. Used if there is a need to create routing to a remote AlphaCom server without having full database in this AlphaPro.
  • Cluster Node: Cluster programming is an option to simplify programming and updating of numbers in AlphaNet when operating with integrated number series. Nodes with the same Cluster Node Number (1-255) are members of the same cluster.
  • Database Version: The FoxPro database version used by the AlphaPro program. The information is automatically entered.
  • Node Type: Reflects the choice you made when you created the exchange. It is possible to change node type in the "System" window.
  • Language: Reflects the language choosen when the exchange database was created. This choice influences the display texts in the stations.
  • DMP File Id: The name of the dmp file is DMP_x.DMP, where x is the DMP File Id.
  • PC Settings: Shows information on how the PC connects to the exchange
  • 1st/2nd/3rd Slave IP: Shows the IP address of the slave module(s) when MultiModule is used. If the Node Type is set to AlphaCom (and not AlphaCom E) it will change slightly, and instead show which modules are enabled.
  • Comments field: Any additional information is shown here. Note that this information is not sent to the exchange, but is only stored in the PC. Can be edited from the System window.



System

General

The Exchange & System > System > General window
Exchange name: The name was choosen when the database was created. The name will be sent and stored in the AlphaCom exchange. The name can be edited from this window.
Description: Here you can enter a more detailed exchange name (the text is stored in this PC only, it is not sent to the exchange).
Node: Default node number is 1. The node number is for communication between exchanges in AlphaNet. The node number was choosen when the exchange was created. Can be edited from this window.
Cluster Node: Cluster programming is an option to simplify programming and updating of numbers in AlphaNet when operating with integrated number series. Nodes with the same Cluster Node Number (1-255) are members of the same cluster.
Node Type: Reflects the choice you made when you created the exchange. It is only possible to change the node type from AlphaCom to AlphaCom E or vice versa after the database has been created.
AlphaNet - Adm. here: Enabled: The exchange was created with full database. Disabled: The exchange was created without database. The flag can be edited from the System window (as from version 10.40).
Language: Reflects the language choosen when the exchange database was created. This choice influences the display texts in the stations. Cannot be changed after database creation.
DMP File Id: The name of the dmp file is DMP_x.DMP, where x is the DMP File Id. The information is automatically entered.
Database Version: Shows the database version for the FoxPro database used by the AlphaPro program. The information is automatically entered.
PC Settings/TCP-IP Configuration: Use TCP/IP to connect: Select if communication between PC and AlphaCom should be on ethernet or via Com-port. Com-port is no longer supported from version 11.5.x.x

Connect to port: Specifies which of the two ethernet ports of the AlphaCom the PC is connected to
Eth0: Specify the IP address of ethernet port 0 of the AlphaCom (Default 169.254.1.5)
Eth1: Specify the IP address of ethernet port 1 of the AlphaCom (Default 0.0.0.0)
AlphaNet: Enable this flag if the ethernet port is used for AlphaNet communication. When enabled the ethernet port will show up as a choice in the NetRouting window.

1st/2nd/3rd Slave IP: IP address of the slave module(s) when MultiModule is used. If the Node Type is set to AlphaCom (and not AlphaCom E) this information will change slightly, and you can enable which modules are in use.
Login Credentials: Since AlphaPro is communicating with the AlphaCom via IP, it is necessary to login with username and password in order to maintain a level of security. If no username and password is written here, the AlphaPro will ask for it each time it tries to communicate with the Node.
Username: The username needed to log in to the AlphaCom (Default admin)
Password: The password needed to login to the AlphaCom (Default alphaadmin
Show Password: Check this box to view and confirm that the correct password is entered.
Comments field: Any additional information might be entered here. Note that this information is not sent to the exchange, but will be stored in the PC only.

Calls and Options

The Exchange & System > System > Calls and Options window
System Options
Duplex: Ignore High Frequency The high frequency evaluation in the duplex algorithm can be switched off by setting this flag. This may be useful in surroundings with high frequeny noise from fans or aircondition, as the high frequecies might influence on the duplex voice switching.
Autonom Mode: Copy NVRAM This option must be enabled if you want to run the slave modules in autonomy mode in case of communication break with the master in a MultiModule system. The configuration of the Master AMC board will be copied in the background to the slave AMC boards.
User SWAP Mode The options are:
  • Swap phys.nos: After the swap Dir.no A calls Station B, Dir.no B calls Station A
  • Copy users, names, dir.nos: After the swap Dir.no A calls Station B, Dir.no B calls Station A
  • Copy users, names, NOT dir.nos: After the swap Dir.no A calls Station A, Dir.no B calls Station B
Flags
Group Hunt Rotate The Group hunt can be programmed either to:
  • rotating - start on the next physical number in the group in relation to the previous connection (default)
  • fixed start - always start at the lowest free physical number in the group
Simultaneous Group Calls Checked: Several group calls might be active at the same time if there are no overlapping members. When several group calls are active simultanously, a group call can only be answered from a station belonging to the group.

Note that the "gong" is a common resource for all groups and can only be used by one group at the time.

Unchecked: It is not possible to have more than one active group call at a time.

No Group Calls In Conversation When enabled no group call audio will be received when a station is active in a conversation.
Mute Program During Group Call By default Audio Program and group call audio is mixed. When enabled the Audio Program will be muted when a group call is received.
Ignore Station Down In Conversation If a station is reported faulty while in conversation the conversation will not cancel. Might resolve a problem experienced with some older substations which cancels the call immediately after connection.
Ringing Group in Global mode See Ringing Group Feature in AlphaNet
Wake Up Call
Duration Duration of private ringing for Wake-up Calls
Repetition Number of times the Wake-up Call is repeated if not answered
Interval Time between repetitions
Hotline
Hotline Call Delay The time from the handset is lifted till the hotline number is dialed. During this time it is possible to use the keypad for ordinary dialing. If all telephones/stations with the hotline option are going to be used for hotline dialing only, set the delay to 0. Autoload = 5 sec. The Hot-Line feature must be enabled per station in the Users & Stations > Station Type window.
"Priority Mail" Queue Indication
Minimum Priority Level This value is linked to the events Priority Mail Present and Priority Mail in Idle, and sets the minimum priority level required to trigger these events.
Private ring mail priority When receiving Mail or Call Request with this priority or higher, the receiving station will be alerted by a private ringing tone. Default priority level is 150. Also ATLB subscribers (telephones) can receive this type of Call Requests, as the telephone will start to ring when a call is received.
Call Forwarding
Ringing Count Number of private ringing signals on the station before the call is transferred. When set to 0 the call will be transferred immediately, without any ringing signal heard in the station.
Urgent Feature Reminder
Pulse Count The number of "dut-dut-dut-dut" tones when receiving Call Request (or any other mail) with priority 120 or more. Usually triggered by the call request code 622. See also Urgent feature reminder
Pause Between The interval between the Urgent feature reminder tones
Conversation Timeout
Enable By default all converations are cancelled after 1 hour 49 minutes. Uncheck this flag if conversation timeout is not wanted
Timeout The conversation timeout can be modified. Max. time is 6540,0 seconds (1 hour 49 minutes)
Call Requests
Delete Mail Filter If Delete Mail Filter is set, all mails with priority ending with this value (e.g. 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, etc.) can not be deleted from the station mail navigation (i.e. dialing 7630 or 70+0), or by the $DELM data protocol command. If Delete Mail Filter = 10 then filter on priority ending with 0. Mails will be deleted when calling back to the sender, or when using the data command $CANM. Delete Mail Filter = 0 means all mails can be deleted.
Cancel Mail on Call Back Threshold Mails with priority higher than the set value will not be deleted when calling back. The mail/call request will remain in the queue. Can be used in combination with the Delete Mail Filter to prevent cancellation of call requests on the receiving station. Mails can be deleted by the data command $CANM.



Logs and Errors

The Exchange & System > System > Logs and Errors window
System Logging to Printer/PC

Select what to report to the System log

Line Error Analog station: Short-circuit or break on audio wires

IP Station: Communication error between AlphaCom E and IP station

Board Error Any board error detected by the AMC-IP
Device/CardCage Error Includes the following devices:
Software Reports Various messages during start-up and normal operation, see System log for more details
RCI ON/OFF Report when RCI inputs goes ON or OFF
Line Monitoring
Extended Wire Check Check for break in c- or d-wire even if ab-wires are OK. When a station is tested the LED will flash for a short period. A break in c/d-wire will be detected within approx. 1.5 to 6 minutes, depending on the number of stations connected to the system. Stations are tested one by one in a rotating fashing. The test uses 0.5 sec per station connected and 0.1 sec per station not connected. After having tested the last station in the loop there is a 23 second delay before the test starts again from the beginning.
Enable Tone Test Activate the periodic Tone Test. The manual tone test can be activated independent of periodic tone test.
Start time, Tone Test Enter the time (24-hour notation) when the tone test should start
End Time, Tone Test Enter the time (24-hour notation) when the tone test should stop. If start and stop time are set to 0, the tone test runs continuously.
OffHook Too Long For stations without display, off-hook is not possible to separate from break in ab-wire. A station error is reported if there is a break in the a- or b-wire, or the handset is off for more than the time specified here, and no dialling takes place. Default = 1 hour.
AlphaNet Audio Test Period Interval between tone test of each AlphaNet audio line (Relevant for AGA or AE1 lines only). Value 65535 will disable the test. This may be necessary in installations with multiplexes with echo cancellation or heavy voice compression, where the tone test may fail and cause an AlphaNet line error.
System Log and Error Reports to
Node 1 + Device 1 When an exchange generates an error message, it can be sent to one or two destinations. Enter the node and device number to which System log events should be sent. Default value is 0 + 0, which means report to own log port. Example: 4 + 65 means forward system log events to node 4.

Messages forwarded by this programming are STATUS_REPORT and LOG STRING.

Node 2 + Device 2 Forward System Log reports to remote node and device. Default value is 0 + 0, which means report to own log port. Example: 4 + 65 means forward system log events to node 4.
Broadcast event messages to remote node ACDP broadcast messages will be forwarded to the specified node. Useful for Call Handler applications like AlphaVision used in AlphaNet, which relies on status information received from each individual AlphaCom exchange.

Timers

The Exchange & System > System > Timers window
Voice paging answer wait time: Answer time after a Group Call or All Call. The group call originator can choose not to cancel after the announcement, but wait for somebody to dial the answer code (default 99).
Voice Paging Message Wait Time Time from a Group Call or All Call is made till the M-key must be pressed.
Call Request/Busy Notify Display Time The time a Call Request Message or a Busy Notify Message is displayed at the receiving station.
Call Request Reminder Time The ringing time for a (sub)station which has made a Call Request, or initiated a call to a Ringing Group
Camp On Busy Time If a station or a feature is busy you will hear a "busy" tone and the display will show "Busy". If the station or feature becomes free within this preset time limit (default 30 seconds), you are automatically connected (Camp on Busy).
Private Call Time Sets the timeout for calls in Private Ringing mode.
Auto Search Time A call in private ringing mode will be transfered to the search list of the called station after this time (default 11 seconds) if the auto-search feature is enabled.
RCO (door open) Pulse Time The time the RCO signal is active for the event types Door Opening during connection and Automatic lock.
Call Request search string Timeout Forward unattended Call Requests to the search list after this time (default 20 seconds) if the auto-search feature is enabled.


Fire Alarm

The Exchange & System > System > Fire Alarm window
AlphaCom ESPA 4.4.4 Address Link address in the ESPA 4.4.4 protocol for communication for AlphaCom. Is used for communication between AlphaCom exchange and the Fire Alarm Control Panel. The value is by default set to 50.
Fire Panel 4.4.4 Address Link address in the ESPA 4.4.4 protocol for the fire alarm panel. Is used for communication between AlphaCom exchange and the Fire Alarm Control Panel. The value is by default set to 49.
Supervisor Station The station receiving the pre-alarm message.
Nearest Station When a prewarning message is displayed at the supervisor station, pressing 8 at the supervisor station sets up a connection to the station closest to the Fire Alarm Control Panel.
Pager Driver The following options are available:
  • Tateco T940SI (Driver 1)
  • Ericsson PSP800 (Driver 2)
  • Stentofon/Multitone RPE 351/651/Mk7 (Driver 3)
Fire Team (Group Number) The group of intercom stations receiving the Fire Pre-Alarm and the Fire Alarm messages.


VoIP

The Exchange & System > System > VoIP window
Flags
Use VolP Audio for Multi Module Disable this flag to only use AGA or AE1 for audio distribution in MultiModule, disabling VoIP for intermodule.

The flag is enabled by default. Then AlphaCom will use AGA/AE1 rings for intermodule call as long one is available. If no (free) AGA/AE1 found, VoIP channel is used for intermodule.

(Before AMCD 10.53: intermodule calls used both VoIP and AGA/AE1 channels in strict rotation).

Optimized voice duplex control when conversation with SIP trunk/station When calling SIP there can be problems with the standard duplex algorithm due to DSP echo cancelling in the SIP station. A new duplex algorithm is available for duplex towards SIP stations that is speech controlled only from volume of the microphone signal from the SIP link. When this flag is set, the initial voice direction is forced to be from the intercom towards the telephone. When the phone operator starts to speak, the voice direction will switch towards the intercom station, regardless of the level of the audio signal from the intercom station. As soon as the phone operator stops speaking, the voice direction will switch back to the initial direction.
Incoming calls from SIP in Private Ringing mode When enabled incoming calls from SIP trunk line will be forced in private ringing mode, regardless of the private/open switch of the intercom station.
Use UK style Ringing Tone on Ringing Group Calls from SIP On: When a Ringing Group is called from SIP Trunk a special ringing tone is used. This is to distinguish external phone calls from internal calls. One can choose between different tone types:
  • 500 Hz
  • 400 Hz (Default)
  • Private Ring
  • Attention Tone (muted)
  • Attention Tone
  • Busy Tone (muted)
  • Busy Tone
  • Dial Tone

Off: Regular Private Ringing tone also from SIP calls.

Timers
Max VolP round Trip Delay allowed for open duplex during handset conversation in AlphaNet

AlphaNet calls: The roundtrip delay on a VoIP AlphaNet conversation is measured by the AlphaCom. If the delay is more than the value specified in this parameter, a handset to handset conversation will be forced in voice switched duplex. This is to prevent echo in the handset due to crosstalk in AlphaCom handset (and no echo cancelling).
SIP calls: When talking with handset conversation between Intergard station and SIP station the SIP station will get echo in the handset due to crosstalk in AlphaCom handset (and no echo cancelling). Due to this handset to handset communication will be forced in duplex. (Default delay setting for SIP = 30ms. Full duplex can be obtained if this parameter is adjusted to 40 ms or more)

SIP digit collection timeout: Specifies how long the AlphaCom should wait for more digits before setting up the connection to a SIP device. The timeout is used by feature 81 and feature 83 when the field "Collect N more digits (SIP)" is used.
SIP Dial Delay After having made a connection to a SIP gateway, further dialing is delayed by the time specified by this timer.
Group Calls, Audio Program to IP stations
Multicast Base Address First multicast address used by this node. Default is empty. If empty the address 239.192.nnn.0 is used, where nnn is node number. Usually this default can be used. Only need to be changed if conflicts with other multicasting applications on the same net. Alphacom may use up to 31 adresses following the base-address. These adresses are used for group call, program conference and audio program to IP stations.
Default rule Determine how Group Audio is transmitted to IP stations. The default rule is a two-way choice:
  • Multiplied unicast (0)
  • Multicast (1)

This rule applies to all IP stations which do not match any of the subnet rules 1 - 5. See also Multicast in AlphaCom

Subnet rule 1 - 5 Up to 5 Subnet Rules can be defined to make exceptions from the Default Rule.

A Subnet Rule applies to IP stations with IP addresses within a given range. The IP address range for the rule is defined using the IP-address + subnet-mask scheme familiar from IP routing tables, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subnetwork .

A dropdown list with three alternatives tell how each of the 5 subnets are handled :

  • Relayed multicast (0) - the subnet forms a Relay Group
  • Multiplied unicast (1)
  • Multicast (2)

After changing the Subnet Rules, AlphaCom has to be reset.

When a station registers with the AlphaCom, AlphaCom checks the 5 rules in turn to find a address match. The search stops when the first match is found. This means that it is possible to specify a rule with a narrow address range, followed by a different rule for a address range which is superset of the first rule. Stations which do not match rule 1, but rule 2 will use rule 2.


Recording

The Exchange & System > System > Recording window
Username Primary Recorder: If only one recorder is used, enter its registration name in the Username field for the Primary Recorder
Secondary Recorder: If there is a redundant recorder as well, enter its registration name in the Username field for the Secondary Recorder
IP Address Primary Recorder: Only used when required by 3rd party recording software
Secondary Recorder: Only used when required by 3rd party recording software
Force Mono Recording Only used when required by 3rd party recording software. Ensures single RTP stream from AlphaCom to recorder.
Codecs
All Checked:When all codecs are supported by the recording software (default for STENTOFON recording software
Unchecked:Only when required by 3rd party recording software to specify certain codecs.


UDP Text

The Exchange & System > UDP Text window

By entering a descriptive text (names) for the UDP groups it will be easier to remember what the UDP groups are used for.
The UDP groups are defined in two steps:

Note: that if the exchange is part of an AlphaNet installation, the UDPs should have identical programming in all exchanges.

RCI

Inputs

The Exchange & System > RCI > Inputs window
Description Any text describing the RCI input
RCI Type
  • Device: The input is physically connected to an AlphaCom module or a RIO unit
  • Station: The input is physically connected to an IP-Station
Device: Available only for RCI Type Device
  • 1 - 64 = External RIO unit. The device number must match the address set by switch settings on the RIO board
  • 65 = Exchange (Master module)
  • 66 - 68 = Slave modules in a MultiModule system (available from AMC software 10.50)
Station: Available only for RCI Type Station
  • Physical number of the IP-Station that the input is connected to
Pin number
  • AlphaCom_E26/AlphaCom_E20: The internal RCI's are pin number 1-6
  • AlphaCom_E7: The internal RCI's are pin number 1-2
  • External RIO units: The pin numbers are 1-8
  • Internal pin number 8 is the temperature alarm, which by default will send a "Temperature Alarm" message to the station on physical number 1, and write to the System log
  • Station: Ordinary IP-Stations (not IP Desktop) are pin number 1-3 on screw connectors, Turbine stations are pin number 1-6
On Action Enter the action command to take place when the RCI input is turned on. It is possible to have several commands separated by semicolons <;>. Maximum 40 characters. If this is not sufficient the data command $ER can be used to trigger an event in the event handler, and the actual commands can be executed there.
Off Action Enter the action command to take place when the RCI input is turned off. It is possible to have several commands separated by semicolons <;>.
On When Closed Generate alarm on closed or open contact
  • Checked (default): Normal Open (NO) contact. The ON Action is activated when the contact closes, and OFF action when it opens
  • Unchecked: Normal Closed (NC) contact. The ON Action is activated when the contact opens, and OFF action when it closes
Delay ON Action The time from the RCI is activated to the action is carried out. If the RCI in the waiting time is deactivated, the action is not carried out. Value is shown in 100 msec units. Maximum value 65 000 = 1 hour 48 minutes. This can be used for two purposes:
  • Stabilizing of the line, to debounce any unwanted signals.
  • Delayed call/alarm. For example, used with an alarm button in a lift. The button will have to be pressed down for a certain time to activate the alarm signal. Thus an unintended short press will be ignored.
Activate Faulty Module LED When enabled the Status LED will turn red when the RCI is activated (ON), and will go green when the RCI goes to OFF


Faults

The Exchange & System > RCI > Faults window
Description Any text describing the specified fault.
On Action Enter the action command to take place when the specified fault occurs. It is possible to have several commands separated by semicolons <;>. Maximum 40 characters. If this is not sufficient the data command $ER can be used to trigger an event in the event handler, and the actual commands can be executed there.
Off Action Enter the action command to take place when the specified fault is corrected. It is possible to have several commands separated by semicolons <;>.


Serial Ports

The Exchange & System > Serial Ports window
Enabled The serial port must be enabled if you want to use it. After enabling of a serial port, the exchange must be reset before the programming takes effect.
Port Type
  • Serial 0
  • Serial 1

When a serial port is selected other relevant parameters can be set, such as the baud rate, the number of data and stop bits and the type of parity.

  • TCP/IP Server
  • TCP/IP Client

On a TCP/IP link there is always 1 server and a number of clients. A client connects to the server. The AlphaCom can act as client or as server on any of the TCP/IP links it is connected to. A server listens on a TCP port for a 'connection request'. If 'TCP/IP server' is selected the port number on which the AlphaCom shall listen on must be entered in the field 'Port'.

A TCP/IP client sends a connection request to a server on a specific IP address and port number. These 2 items must be entered in the fields 'IP address' and 'Port'.

Note that the port number must be assigned to either physical Ethernet port 0 or 1 and that the port must be enabled. This is done via the 'Filter' tab in AlphaWeb.

If there is no activity on a TCP/IP link, the link times out and is closed by the server. It is possible to keep the link alive by enabling this option in 'Keep Alive'.

From AMC 10.55: When TCP client is selected, there is a choice between three options:

  • Connect at AlphaCom startup. If client disconnects, AlphaCom will try to reconnect immediatly.
  • Connect at AlphaCom write
  • Connect at AlphaCom write, disconnect after each write.
Drivers Available Options are:
  • MPC Data Protocol - connection of MLH/CRM stations and PNCI units
  • Tateco - pocket pager - used for communication with pocket paging system
  • Ercisson - pocket pager - used for communication with pocket paging system
  • Multitone - pocket pager - used for communication with pocket paging system
  • System Logging - used for connection of printer/PC for logging of error reports
  • ACDP Link - AlphaCom Data Protocol used for communication between the exchanges in an AlphaNet installation and between the exchange and an external device such as RIO
  • Fire Alarm - Used for connection to Fire Alarm Control Panels
  • Inter Module - used to link the different Main Frames together in a multi-module system
  • EDIO - External Data Input/Output - A simple ASCII "fire and forget" driver for RS232. It is intended for interfacing to external equipment like CCTV (viedo matrix). This functionality has many possible applications:
-Video Control
-Special messages in TouchLine protocol, and/or station filtering
-Simple Call Logger port reporting a few events, possible for a limited number of stations

Note that the AlphaPro or the AlphaCom can not verify the correctness of such data commands, so they must be tested after commissioning. The mechanism is very powerful, though, and enables user-defined functionality previously requiring external microprocessor systems


NetAudio

The Exchange & System > NetAudio window
Source
Source The name of the source node
Description Reflects information entered when the exchange was created
Physical No: The physical number for the selected AGA or VoIP channel in the source exchange
Mod/Pos/Line This is automatically entered, as a result of the chosen physical number
Destination
Destination The name of the destination node
Description Reflects information entered when the exchange was created
Mod/Pos/Line This is automatically entered, as a result of the chosen physical number. If destination node use dynamic license, no physical number is needed. Can still be used to "reserve" lines between two points.
Channel No. The audio channel number for the connection between the two exchanges. The channel number is an index number for the channels between two exchanges. The same channel number can be used for a channel to a different exchange.


Ping

The Ping button gives the opportunity to test the network before trying to send data. It is also a quick and useful tool to check the network if AlphaPro is unable to communicate with the exchange.

If communication with the server cannot be obtained by pressing Get All, Send All or Send Change, then pressing the Ping button can give valuable information:

If the Ping test returns Successful: The network is ok. Check the AlphaPro port in [[AlphaWeb -> Filter Settings|AlphaWeb#Filters]].

If the Ping test returns Failed: check these factors:

  • The network is no ok (check with local IT administrator)
  • Cable error
  • The server is connected to the correct ethernetport
  • Your PC is not configured with an IP address in the same range
  • AlphaPro is set to communicate with the wrong ethernet port
  • AlphaPro is configured with the wrong IP address
  • Ping is blocked in a network component (switch/router)

Board

The Exchange & System > Board window
Module, Board, Port Is entered automatically by AlphaPro according to the highlighted port
Physical Number The physical position where the relevant AGA board is installed - see Appendix page 229 for board positions.
Port use The following options are available:

Default - uses the default setup for AGA board; see Appendix page 229 for functions of AGA board in different positions
Open Duplex Conference Mixer - uses the port for open duplex conference. One AGA port can handle 2 simultaneous participants in an open duplex conference.

Station - this option is intended for connection of audio equipment not using the audio interface on the ASLT board. Typically this option can be used to connect a mobile radio system without using the FBSAR board. The equipment is treated like a station in the AlphaCom system

Multiconference Monitor - is used with the multiconference feature.
Audio Program Feed - this option is intended for use with an ASLT board used for program distribution

Reserved 5 - for special purposes.
Reserved 6 - for special purposes.



Events

The Exchange & System > Events window
Owner
Owner Type The options are:
  • Station

reflects the station’s physical number. If you come from the station screen to the event screen, the field is set to the current station and cannot be changed. If you come from the system window to the event screen, you can fill in the owner field for any station or User Defined Properties UDP. Note that when the entry has been saved, the owner field cannot be changed. The event owner is always within your local exchange.

is used when a group of stations with identical properties should react to an event.

Event
Event Type What exchange event should cause the action. The drop-down list gives all possible events types
Sub event Some events have a subtype.

Audio events: the number here is entered when you activate the different flags.

Details Click Flags to get access to the flag help. Sets the event subtype. Also see details in the Event List on page 94.
When change to The action is executed at a specific event transition, i.e. when the defined event goes on and/or off. The options are:

Always Default value. Both ON and OFF transitions match.
OFF when the event goes OFF only
ON when the event goes ON only

When Related to *All

The event is carried out with no check on the related number, i.e. works for all stations. Many events have no related number available, and in that case the field is not available.

  • Directory Number

The action is executed when the event owner is connected to the defined station/feature. The id field is two-part:

  • the first is an AlphaNet node number (0 meaning own exchange)
  • the second is a directory number: a station or feature, local or remote.
  • Station with UDP

The action is executed when the event owner is connected to any station with this User Defined Properties UDP. The id is a property flag 1 - 8.

Action Command or RCO
Action Command or RCO *Upper radio button = Command.

You use a defined set of command strings; see the table below. Press the button “Action ?” at the top to display help for the command strings on the screen. It is possible to do a copy/paste from the help window to the command field in this window.

  • Lower radio button = RCO

Here you define the RCO output you want to activate for the defined event.
Press the RCO button to go the RCO window.


RCO

The Exchange & System > RCO window
RCO number The "logical" number of the RCO. Use this number in the RCO command.
Description This information is stored in the AlphaPro database only, and is not sent to the exchange.
RCO Type Device: The AlphaCom (i.e. ASLT or ATLB board) or RIO unit

Station: IP Station or IPARIO

Device 1 - 64 (RIO) or 65 (AlphaCom). When 'RCO Type' is set to Station enter the physical number of the IP Station
Pin number AlphaCom (65): pin 1 - 138. Pin 1 - 552 from AMC 10.50

RIO (1 - 64): Pin 1 - 8
Station: Pin 1


Devices

The Exchange & System > Devices window
Device Number The device number is a unique address identifying the device (e.g. RIO, AlphaVision). The device number is a number between 1 - 64.
Description Here you enter the device name, max. 22 - 36 characters. The name is used in the listbox to the left. The information is not transferred to the exchange, but stored in the PC file.
Device Type There are five options:
  • Invalid device (default), no valid device connected.
  • Unknown device (can be used for any type of device using the AlphaCom Data Protocol ACDP)
  • RIO
  • Control Handler
  • Operator (passive)
Data [ACDP Link]: The ACDP (AlphaCom Data Protocol) link used for communication with the device. The actual ACDP link is configured in the Serial Ports setup.


NetRouting

The Exchange & System > NetRouting window
Source
Source The source node for the AlphaNet route
Description The description given to the node in Exchange&System → System
Destination
Destination The final destination node for the AlphaNet route
Description The description given to the AlphaNet route
Primary Route
Data - ACDP Link Select the link type used for the connection
Data - Node Number Enter the node number the source node data must go to in order to reach the final destination
Audio - Node Number Enter the node number the source node audio must go to in order to reach the final destination
Alternative Route
Data - ACDP Link Select the link type used for the connection when the alternative routing is used
Data - Node Number Enter the alternative node number the source node data must go to in order to reach the final destination
Audio - Node Number Enter the alternative node number the source node audio must go to in order to reach the final destination