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Tips and Tricks for iPort Software
December, 2016
Volume III, Edition 12
When connecting remotely with your analyzer(s), we recommend using Thermo Scientific™ iPort. iPort is a program designed to communicate with the iSeries product line. The instruments in these product lines feature electronic sensors, internal data storage and an extensive command set. The iSeries has TCP/IP ethernet connectivity as well as RS-232. These features enable full control of instruments by a Windows-based PC, such as a computer. iPort takes advantage of the instrument's rich command set to provide a robust remote interface. Consider these 5 tips and tricks when using iPort:
Use the latest version of iPort
It’s important to always have the latest version of iPort. If you are trying to update the instrument firmware, iPort will query the instrument and select the appropriate file for firmware updates automatically.
Software in .zip format: latest iPort version (1.4.2)
Software in .zip format: Gas analyzer instrument firmware
Technical bulletin: Windows compatibility to iPort
Port Forwarding
The port forwarding feature was added to iport version (1.4.2). Port forwarding is a part of the process of configuring a router to make a computer or other network device that is connected to it accessible to other computers and network devices from outside of the local network. Port forwarding uses an IP address plus port number to route network requests to specific devices. Port forwarding is useful when you have multiple analyzers connected to a single router or switch. For more details on Port Forwarding and iPort software in general, check out the Thermo Scientific iPort instruction manual.
Static or Dynamic TCP/IP
Use dynamic tcp/ip when your analyzer and computer are connected through your network. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a client/server protocol that automatically provides an Internet Protocol (IP) host with its IP address and other related configuration information such as the subnet mask and default gateway.
Use static when you are only looking for a direct connection. A static IP address is an IP address that is manually configured for a device, versus one that was assigned via a DHCP server. A static IP address is called static because it doesn't change.
Serial vs. Ethernet direct connection
iPort can control remote instruments with a direct connection in 3 different ways.
1. You should use the USB Adapter (Part # 07-010239) when your PC doesn’t have RS-232 ports.
2. If you have RS-232 ports, we recommend you use the RS-232 Null Modem Cable (Part # 6279)
3. When connecting via Ethernet cable, you must use a special crossover cable (Part # 104745-00)
To order any of these cables call Customer Service at (866) 282-0430, option 1 or email orders.aqi@thermofisher.com
For more information on setting up your analyzer, see iSeries TCP/IP Set Up Technical Bulletin.
Using Windows Server
Following the release of Windows Server 2012 R2 operating system software by Microsoft Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific has conducted tests to determine compatibility of our Environmental Monitoring product’s software with Windows Server 2012 R2. If your computer is running the Windows Server OS, reference our Windows Server 2012 Technical Bulletin.
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