FieldServer ProtoAir Quick start guide

Document Revision: 2.M

T18622

ProtoAir

FPA-C4X & FPA-W44

Start-up Guide

APPLICABILITY & EFFECTIVITY

Effective for all systems manufactured after August 2020.

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Contact Information

Technical Support

Please call us for any technical support needs related to the FieldServer product.

MSA Safety

1991 Tarob Court

Milpitas, CA 95035

Website: www.sierramonitor.com

U.S. Support Information:

+1 408 964-4443

+1 800 727-4377

Email: [email protected]

EMEA Support Information:

+31 33 808 0590

Email: smc-support.emea@msasafety.com

   ProtoAir Start-Up Guide 
Table of Contents 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 7 
Equipment Setup ................................................................................................................................. 7 
1  Mounting ......................................................................................................................................... 7 
2  Attaching the Antenna(s) ................................................................................................................ 7 
3  Physical Dimensions....................................................................................................................... 8 
3.1  FPA-W44 Drawing ................................................................................................................... 8 
3.1  FPA-C4X Drawing ................................................................................................................... 9 
4  DIP Switch Settings ...................................................................................................................... 10 
4.1  FPA-C4X ............................................................................................................................... 10 
4.1.1  Bias Resistors ................................................................................................................ 10 
4.1.2  Termination Resistor ...................................................................................................... 11 
4.2  FPA-W44 ............................................................................................................................... 12 
4.2.1  Bias Resistors ................................................................................................................ 12 
4.2.2  Termination Resistor ...................................................................................................... 13 
5  FPA-C4X: Inserting the SIM Card ................................................................................................ 14 
Installing the ProtoAir ....................................................................................................................... 16 
1  FPA-C4X ....................................................................................................................................... 16 
1.1  Connecting the P1 Port ......................................................................................................... 16 
1.1.1  Wiring ............................................................................................................................. 16 
2  FPA-W44 ...................................................................................................................................... 17 
2.1  Connecting the R1 & R2 Port ................................................................................................ 17 
2.1.1  Wiring ............................................................................................................................. 17 
Operation ............................................................................................................................................ 18 
1  Power up the Device .................................................................................................................... 18 
2  Connect the PC to the ProtoAir Over the Ethernet Port ............................................................... 19 
3  Connecting to the ProtoAir ........................................................................................................... 20 
3.1  Using the FieldServer Toolbox to Discover and Connect to the ProtoAir ............................. 20 
Setup Web Server Security ............................................................................................................... 21 
1  Login to the FieldServer ............................................................................................................... 21 
2  Select the Security Mode .............................................................................................................. 23 
2.1  HTTPS with Own Trusted TLS Certificate ............................................................................. 24 
2.2  HTTPS with Default Untrusted Self-Signed TLS Certificate or HTTP with Built-in Payload 
Encryption .............................................................................................................................. 24 
Network Settings................................................................................................................................ 25 
1  Using FS-GUI to Input Network Settings ...................................................................................... 25 
1.1  IP Settings ............................................................................................................................. 26 
1.2  Wi-Fi Client ............................................................................................................................ 27 
1.3  Wi-Fi AP ................................................................................................................................ 28 
1.4  Common ................................................................................................................................ 29 
1.5  FPA-C4X: Cellular ................................................................................................................. 30 
Configuring the ProtoAir ................................................................................................................... 31 
1  Retrieve the Sample Configuration File ........................................................................................ 31 
2  Change the Configuration File to Meet the Application ................................................................ 31 
3  Load the Updated Configuration File ............................................................................................ 32 
3.1  Using the FS-GUI to Load a Configuration File ..................................................................... 32 
3.2  Retrieve the Configuration File for Modification or Backup ................................................... 33 
4  Test and Commission the ProtoAir ............................................................................................... 34 
Applications ....................................................................................................................................... 35 
1  Connecting to the Network Through Wi-Fi ................................................................................... 35 
2  Connecting to Devices via Access Point ...................................................................................... 36 
3  Device Communications via Wi-Fi ................................................................................................ 37 
4  Connecting Devices to the Network ............................................................................................. 38 

   ProtoAir Start-Up Guide 
Table of Contents 
Appendix A Troubleshooting Tips .......................................................................................................... 39 
Appendix A.1. Communicating with the ProtoAir Over the Network ....................................................... 39 
Appendix A.2. Lost or Incorrect IP Address ............................................................................................ 40 
Appendix A.3. Viewing Diagnostic Information ....................................................................................... 41 
Appendix A.4. Checking Wiring and Settings .......................................................................................... 41 
Appendix A.5. LED Diagnostics for Communications Between ProtoAir and Devices ........................... 42 
Appendix A.6. Taking a FieldServer Diagnostic Capture ........................................................................ 43 
Appendix A.6.1. Taking a Capture with Older Firmware ..................................................................... 44 
Appendix A.7. Wi-Fi and Cellular Signal Strength ................................................................................... 46 
Appendix A.8. Factory Reset Instructions ............................................................................................... 46 
Appendix A.9. Internet Browser Software Support .................................................................................. 46 
Appendix A.10. Change Web Server Security Settings After Initial Setup .............................................. 47 
Appendix A.10.1. Change Security Mode ............................................................................................ 48 
Appendix A.10.2. Edit the Certificate Loaded onto the FieldServer .................................................... 49 
Appendix A.11. Change User Management Settings .............................................................................. 50 
Appendix A.11.1. User Management ................................................................................................... 50 
Appendix A.11.1.1. Create Users.................................................................................................... 51 
Appendix A.11.1.2. Edit Users ........................................................................................................ 52 
Appendix A.11.1.3. Delete Users .................................................................................................... 53 
8.4.1  Change FieldServer Password .............................................................................................. 54 
Appendix B Useful Features .................................................................................................................... 55 
Appendix B.1. SSL/TLS for Secure Connection ...................................................................................... 55 
Appendix B.1.1. Configuring FieldServer as a SSL/TLS Server ......................................................... 55 
Appendix A.1.1.1. Simple Secure Server Configuration ................................................................. 55 
Appendix A.1.1.2. Limiting Client Access ....................................................................................... 56 
Appendix A.1.1.3. Upload the Authority File to the FieldServer ...................................................... 56 
Appendix A.1.1.4. Certificate Validation Options ............................................................................ 57 
Appendix A.1.1.5. Set up Server Certificate ................................................................................... 57 
Appendix B.1.2. Configuring FieldServer as SSL/TLS Client .............................................................. 58 
Appendix B.1.2.1. Simple Secure Client Configuration .................................................................. 58 
Appendix B.1.2.2. Limit Server Access ........................................................................................... 58 
Appendix B.1.2.3. Certificate Validation Options ............................................................................ 58 
Appendix B.1.2.4. Set up Client Certificate ..................................................................................... 58 
Appendix B.2. Updating Firmware ........................................................................................................... 59 
Appendix B.3. Kaspersky Endpoint Security 10 ...................................................................................... 60 
Appendix B.4. APN Table ........................................................................................................................ 61 
Appendix B.5. ProtoAir Part Number by Carrier ...................................................................................... 61 
Appendix C Reference .............................................................................................................................. 62 
Appendix C.1. Specifications ................................................................................................................... 62 
Appendix C.1.1. Compliance with UL Regulations .............................................................................. 62 
Appendix C.2. Warnings for FCC and IC ................................................................................................ 63 
Appendix D Limited 2 Year Warranty ...................................................................................................... 65 
 

   ProtoAir Start-Up Guide 
List of Figures 
LIST OF FIGURES 
Figure 1: DIN Rail .......................................................................................................................................... 7 
Figure 2: ProtoAir FPA-W44 Dimensions ..................................................................................................... 8 
Figure 3: ProtoAir FPA-C4X Dimensions ...................................................................................................... 9 
Figure 4: FPA-C4X Bias Resistor DIP Switches ......................................................................................... 10 
Figure 5: FPA-C4X Termination Resistor DIP Switch ................................................................................. 11 
Figure 6: FPA-W44 Bias Resistor DIP Switches......................................................................................... 12 
Figure 7: FPA-W44 Termination Resistor DIP Switch ................................................................................ 13 
Figure 8: Insert SIM Card into the Micro SIM Card Slot – Label Side View (Left) and Top Down View 
(Right) .................................................................................................................................................. 14 
Figure 9: Cellular Data Usage Examples .................................................................................................... 14 
Figure 10: P1 Connection Port .................................................................................................................... 16 
Figure 11: R1 & R2 Connection Ports ......................................................................................................... 17 
Figure 12: Required Current Draw for the ProtoAir .................................................................................... 18 
Figure 13: Connecting Power for FPA-W44 ................................................................................................ 18 
Figure 14: Connecting Power for FPA-C4X ................................................................................................ 18 
Figure 15: Ethernet Port .............................................................................................................................. 19 
Figure 16: Web Server Security Unconfigured Window ............................................................................. 21 
Figure 17: Connection Not Private Warning ............................................................................................... 21 
Figure 18: Warning Expanded Text ............................................................................................................ 22 
Figure 19: FieldServer Login ....................................................................................................................... 22 
Figure 20: Security Mode Selection Screen ................................................................................................ 23 
Figure 21: Security Mode Selection Screen – Certificate & Private Key .................................................... 24 
Figure 22: FS-GUI Page ............................................................................................................................. 25 
Figure 23: FS-GUI Navigation Panel – Network Settings ........................................................................... 25 
Figure 24: FS-GUI Ethernet Port Network Settings .................................................................................... 26 
Figure 25: FS-GUI Wi-Fi Client Network Settings ....................................................................................... 27 
Figure 26: FS-GUI Wi-Fi AP Network Settings ........................................................................................... 28 
Figure 27: FS-GUI Common Network Settings ........................................................................................... 29 
Figure 28: FS-GUI Cellular Network Settings ............................................................................................. 30 
Figure 29: FS-GUI File Transfer ................................................................................................................. 31 
Figure 30: FS-GUI Loading Files ................................................................................................................ 32 
Figure 31: Retrieve Configuration File ........................................................................................................ 33 
Figure 32: FS-GUI Connections .................................................................................................................. 34 
Figure 33: Connection Diagram – Wi-Fi to the Ethernet Network & Cellular to the Cloud ......................... 35 
Figure 34: Connection Diagram – Access Point ......................................................................................... 36 
Figure 35: Connection Diagram – Device Communications via Wi-Fi ........................................................ 37 
Figure 36: Connection Diagram – Devices to Local Network ..................................................................... 38 
Figure 37: Ethernet Port Location ............................................................................................................... 40 
Figure 38: Error Messages Screen ............................................................................................................. 41 
Figure 39: Diagnostic LEDs ........................................................................................................................ 42 
Figure 40: Ethernet Port Location ............................................................................................................... 44 
Figure 41: Wi-Fi & Cellular Signal Strength Listing ..................................................................................... 46 
Figure 42: FS-GUI Page ............................................................................................................................. 47 
Figure 43: FS-GUI Security Setup .............................................................................................................. 48 
Figure 44: FS-GUI Security Setup – Certificate Loaded ............................................................................. 49 
Figure 45: FS-GUI User Management ........................................................................................................ 50 
Figure 46: Create User Window .................................................................................................................. 51 
Figure 47: Setup Users ............................................................................................................................... 52 
Figure 48: Edit User Window ...................................................................................................................... 52 

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

List of Figures

Figure 49: Setup Users ............................................................................................................................... 53

Figure 50: User Delete Warning ................................................................................................................. 53

Figure 51: FieldServer Password Update via FS-GUI ................................................................................ 54

Figure 52: Kaspersky ES10 Settings .......................................................................................................... 60

Figure 53: Web Anti-Virus Trusted URLs .................................................................................................... 60

Figure 54: Cellular Provider APN ................................................................................................................ 61

Figure 55: Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 62

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

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1 INTRODUCTION

The ProtoAir wireless gateway is a high-performance, multi-protocol IIoT gateway providing

manufacturers Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity into the cloud and instant multi-protocol deployment of field

protocols, enabling new or legacy devices to easily interface with other protocols.

It is not necessary to download any configuration files to support the required applications. The ProtoAir is

pre-loaded with tested profiles/configurations for the supported devices.

The ProtoAir is cloud ready and connects with the SMC Cloud.

NOTE: For SMC Cloud information, refer to the SMC Cloud Start-up Guide online through the

Sierra Monitor website.

NOTE: The latest versions of instruction manuals, driver manuals, configuration manuals and

support utilities are available online through the Sierra Monitor website.

2 EQUIPMENT SETUP

2.1 Mounting

The ProtoAir can be mounted using the DIN rail mounting bracket on the back of the unit.

2.2 Attaching the Antenna(s)

Wi-Fi Antenna:

If using the FPA-W44 model, screw in the Wi-Fi antenna to the front of the unit as shown in Figure 2.

Cellular Antenna:

If using the FPA-C4X model, screw in the two cellular antennas. One antenna is screwed into the socket

on the top of the unit and one is screwed into the socket on the side as shown in Figure 3.

Din Rail

Bracket

Figure 1: DIN Rail

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

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2.3 Physical Dimensions

2.3.1 FPA-W44 Drawing

Figure 2: ProtoAir FPA-W44 Dimensions

R1 Serial Port

Power Port

Wi-Fi Antenna

Socket

R2 Serial Port

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

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2.3.1 FPA-C4X Drawing

Figure 3: ProtoAir FPA-C4X Dimensions

P1 Serial Port

Power Port

Cellular Antennas

Cellular Antenna

Sockets

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 10 of 65

2.4 DIP Switch Settings

2.4.1 FPA-C4X

2.4.1.1 Bias Resistors

To enable Bias Resistors, move both the BIAS- and BIAS+ dip switches to the “ON” position (to

the right).

The ProtoAir bias resistors are used to keep the RS-485 bus to a known state, when there is no

transmission on the line (bus is idling), to help prevent false bits of data from being detected. The bias

resistors typically pull one line high and the other low - far away from the decision point of the logic.

The bias resistor is 510 ohms which is in line with the BACnet spec. It should only be enabled at one

point on the bus (for example, on the field port were there are very weak bias resistors of 100k). Since

there are no jumpers, many gateways can be put on the network without running into the bias resistor

limit which is < 500 ohms.

NOTE: See www.ni.com/support/serial/resinfo.htm for additional pictures and notes.

NOTE: If the gateway is already powered on, DIP switch settings will not take effect unless the

unit is power cycled.

Bias Resistor DIP

Switches (2 and 3)

Figure 4: FPA-C4X Bias Resistor DIP Switches

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 11 of 65

2.4.1.2 Termination Resistor

If the ProtoAir is the last device on the serial trunk, then the End-Of-Line Termination Switch needs to be

enabled. To enable the Termination Resistor, move the TERM dip switch to the “ON” position (to

the right).

Termination resistor is also used to reduce noise. It pulls the two lines of an idle bus together. However,

the resistor would override the effect of any bias resistors if connected.

NOTE: If the gateway is already powered on, DIP switch settings will not take effect unless the

unit is power cycled.

Termination Resistor

DIP Switch (1)

Figure 5: FPA-C4X Termination Resistor DIP Switch

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 12 of 65

2.4.2 FPA-W44

2.4.2.1 Bias Resistors

To enable Bias Resistors, move both the BIAS- and BIAS+ dip switches to the “ON” position (to

the right).

The ProtoAir bias resistors are used to keep the RS-485 bus to a known state, when there is no

transmission on the line (bus is idling), to help prevent false bits of data from being detected. The bias

resistors typically pull one line high and the other low - far away from the decision point of the logic.

The bias resistor is 510 ohms which is in line with the BACnet spec. It should only be enabled at one

point on the bus (for example, on the field port were there are very weak bias resistors of 100k). Since

there are no jumpers, many gateways can be put on the network without running into the bias resistor

limit which is < 500 ohms.

NOTE: See www.ni.com/support/serial/resinfo.htm for additional pictures and notes.

NOTE: The R1 and R2 DIP Switches apply settings to the respective serial port.

NOTE: If the gateway is already powered on, DIP switch settings will not take effect unless the

unit is power cycled.

R1 Bias Resistor DIP

Switches (2 and 3)

Figure 6: FPA-W44 Bias Resistor DIP Switches

R2 Bias Resistor DIP

Switches (2 and 3)

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 13 of 65

2.4.2.2 Termination Resistor

If the ProtoAir is the last device on the serial trunk, then the End-Of-Line Termination Switch needs to be

enabled. To enable the Termination Resistor, move the TERM dip switch to the “ON” position (to

the right).

Termination resistor is also used to reduce noise. It pulls the two lines of an idle bus together. However,

the resistor would override the effect of any bias resistors if connected.

NOTE: The R1 and R2 DIP Switches apply settings to the respective serial port.

NOTE: If the gateway is already powered on, DIP switch settings will not take effect unless the

unit is power cycled.

R1 Termination

Resistor DIP Switch (1)

Figure 7: FPA-W44 Termination Resistor DIP Switch

R2 Termination

Resistor DIP Switch (1)

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 14 of 65

2.5 FPA-C4X: Inserting the SIM Card

NOTE: A micro 4G SIM card must be purchased from an AT&T, Verizon or Vodafone cellular

provider to set up cellular functionality and create a data plan for the ProtoAir. SIM card

vendor contact information is available at the end of the section.

Insert the SIM card into the Micro SIM card slot with the chip on the SIM card facing away from the

cellular antenna as shown below.

See Section 6.1.5 to complete cellular setting configuration.

The table below shows cellular usage examples to forecast data usage on the chosen cellular plan.

Number of

Data Points

Logging

Frequency

Data Usage

per Hour

Data Usage

per Month

10

40 sec

0.75 Mb

547 Mb

10

900 sec

0.55 Mb

400 Mb

50

40 sec

1.24 Mb

900 Mb

50

900 sec

0.90 Mb

657 Mb

100

40 sec

3.00 Mb

2.2 Gb

100

900 sec

1.26 Mb

900 Mb

500

40 sec

10.86 Mb

7.8 Gb

500

900 sec

0.55 Mb

1.5 Gb

Figure 9: Cellular Data Usage Examples

Figure 8: Insert SIM Card into the Micro SIM Card Slot –

Label Side View (Left) and Top Down View (Right)

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 15 of 65

SIM Card Vendor Contact Information:

Verizon

A business contract is required to purchase a Verizon SIM card. The IMEI of the ProtoAir is required to

purchase the Verizon SIM card.

AT&T

Please call AT&T Customer Service at 800.331.0500 or find the nearest AT&T store.

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 16 of 65

3 INSTALLING THE PROTOAIR

3.1 FPA-C4X

3.1.1 Connecting the P1 Port

Switch between RS-485 and RS-232 by moving the number 4 DIP Switch left for RS-485 and right for

RS-232.

Connect to the 3-pin connector as shown below.

The following baud rates are supported on the P1 Port:

9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115000

NOTE: Not all baud rates listed are supported by all protocols. Check the specific protocol driver

manual for a list of the supported baud rates.

3.1.1.1 Wiring

RS-485

RS-232

OEM Device

or BMS

RS-485 Wiring

ProtoAir Pin

Assignment

OEM Device

or BMS

RS-232 Wiring

ProtoAir

Assignment

RS-485 +

TX +

RS-232 -

TX +

RS-485 -

RX -

RS-232 +

RX -

GND

NOTE: Use standard grounding principles for GND.

Figure 10: P1 Connection Port

TX+ RX- GND

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 17 of 65

3.2 FPA-W44

3.2.1 Connecting the R1 & R2 Port

For the R1 Port only: Switch between RS-485 and RS-232 by moving the number 4 DIP Switch left for

RS-485 and right for RS-232 (Figure 7).

The R2 Port is RS-485.

Connect to the 3-pin connector(s) as shown below.

The following baud rates are supported on the R1 and R2 Ports:

9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115000

NOTE: Not all baud rates listed are supported by all protocols. Check the specific protocol driver

manual for a list of the supported baud rates.

3.2.1.1 Wiring

RS-485

RS-232

OEM Device

or BMS

RS-485 Wiring

ProtoAir Pin

Assignment

OEM Device

or BMS

RS-232 Wiring

ProtoAir

Assignment

RS-485 +

TX +

RS-232 -

TX +

RS-485 -

RX -

RS-232 +

RX -

GND

NOTE: Use standard grounding principles for GND.

Figure 11: R1 & R2 Connection Ports

TX+ RX- GND

+ - GND

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 18 of 65

4 OPERATION

4.1 Power up the Device

Check power requirements in the table below:

Power Requirement for ProtoAir External Gateway

Current Draw Type

ProtoAir Family

12VDC

24VDC/AC

FPA – W44 (Typical)

250mA

125mA

ProtoAir Family

12VDC

24VDC

FPA – C4X (Typical)

320mA

185mA

FPA – C4X (Maximum)

670mA

390mA

NOTE: These values are ‘nominal’ and a safety margin should be added to the power supply of

the host system. A safety margin of 25% is recommended.

Figure 12: Required Current Draw for the ProtoAir

Apply power to the gateway as shown below. Ensure that the power supply used complies with the

specifications provided. Ensure that the cable is grounded using the FG or “Frame GND” terminal.

• The ProtoAir FPA-W44 is powered by 12-24VDC or 24VAC.

• The ProtoAir FPA-C4X is powered by 12-24VDC.

Figure 13: Connecting Power for FPA-W44

Figure 14: Connecting Power for FPA-C4X

FG

– +

FG

– +

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 19 of 65

4.2 Connect the PC to the ProtoAir Over the Ethernet Port

• Connect an Ethernet cable between the PC and ProtoAir or connect the ProtoAir and the PC to

the switch using a straight Cat-5 cable.

• The Default IP Address of the ProtoAir is 192.168.1.24, Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0.

Ethernet Port

Figure 15: Ethernet Port

ProtoAir Start-Up Guide

Page 20 of 65

4.3 Connecting to the ProtoAir

4.3.1 Using the FieldServer Toolbox to Discover and Connect to the ProtoAir

• Install the FS Toolbox application from the USB drive or get it from the Sierra Monitor website.

• Use the FS Toolbox to find the ProtoAir and launch the FieldServer GUI (FS-GUI).

NOTE: If the connect button is greyed out, the ProtoAir’s IP Address must be set to be on the

same network as the PC. (Section 5)

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FieldServer ProtoAir Quick start guide

FieldServer ProtoAir Quick start guide

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