August 2008 Cellwatch Newsletter
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) provides a standard way to share information about devices connected to a network.
What’s New?
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) provides a standard way to share information about devices connected to a network. An SNMP enabled device can be both queried for specific information, but can also (perhaps more importantly) broadcast alerts when events occur.
SNMP is presently supported by a range of hardware, including network switches, routers, UPS systems and even server editions of the Windows™ operating system.
Cellwatch presently supports a variety of communications protocols, including MODBUS, HTTP (web pages), e-mail, and pcAnywhere and the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for remote access. Shortly we will be adding SNMP support to this list with our SNMP Agent, designed specifically to run on the Cellwatch iBMU. The SNMP Agent will support SNMP v1 queries and traps to provide customers with notification of events and information occurring on the Cellwatch iBMU.
The Cellwatch SNMP Agent will report the status of the Cellwatch system and provide detailed information and readings on both a battery and string level. In addition it will broadcast SNMP v1 traps for all major alarm functions and system behaviors.
The software runs as an optional standalone component on the Cellwatch iBMU and complements the Cellwatch monitoring software.
We welcome beta testers who use SNMP and would like to evaluate the Cellwatch SNMP Agent. Space on our beta test panel is limited so please contact us soon if you would like to participate.
Cellwatch battery monitoring systems have gained regulatory (UL-1778) approval for use in battery cabinets manufactured by C&C Power, Inc., a leading manufacturer of DC power equipment and UPS battery cabinet solutions.
Based in Elmhurst, Illinois, C&C Power produces battery cabinets for Eaton Powerware, Toshiba, Mitsubishi and APC/MGE. “As part of our quality assurance and safety certification, we have obtained regulatory approval for all of our cabinets,” said Will Conrardy, C&C Power CEO. “Our product goals are quality, performance and reliability. The Cellwatch battery monitoring system has not only proved to be highly reliable, it’s the only one that passed the regulatory certification process.”
Conrardy said C&C battery cabinets are used primarily in UPS and telecom applications, and each cabinet is thoroughly tested before shipment. “We pre-install each component and do complete Cellwatch startup and benchmarks for each battery,” he said. “This process saves 90 to 95% of the install time on site. Not only does it ensure quality and performance, it’s a tremendous cost saving for our customers.”
Support Update
Have you checked your iBMU lately? The iBMU is a very important part of your Cellwatch system. Like any computer, it should be checked on a regular basis. Some things to check for are:
Is there dust in the filters or fans? Clean the filters regularly to prevent dust from entering the iBMU. Dust is the worst enemy of any computer since it collects on all components and can cause poor airflow, short circuits, and improper heat dissipation. To clean filters, simply remove the filters and blow them with compressed air. To clean fans and other components, use the “air straw” with each can to blow the components clear of dust. Follow instructions on the can carefully to prevent shooting liquid into your system, and always have your system powered off and unplugged when cleaning it.
Is your hard drive or a fan making noise? Listen to your system to see if there is excessive noise coming from the hard drive or a fan. These components are the only moving parts in your system. Ball bearings are used in each component to keep them moving. Noisy bearings are a sign that you will need to replace that component soon.
Is your Cellwatch data backed up? In today’s age, we are surrounded with unknowns. We do not know if a virus will infect our computer. We do not know if and when our hard drive may fail. So, protect yourself from losing your Cellwatch data in the unforeseeable event that you have a hard drive crash and/or Virus/Trojan/Worm infection. Backup your Cellwatch program directory. To backup your data open the C:\Program Files directory using Windows Explorer. Right click on the Cellwatch folder and select copy. Copy this data to a USB memory stick or another location on your network.
Taking preventative measures will ensure that your Cellwatch system will continue to operate in peak condition. And, if for any reason, you do experience a hard drive crash, or devastating virus attack, your battery data is backed up and can be restored.
For an extra level of safety, sign-up for Cellwatch's online web portal and data recovery service, Cellwatch.net, which is presently offering a free one year trial period for existing Email Alert customers. Contact: trial@cellwatch.com.
Have questions about your battery data? Visit our support website, http://www.cellwatch.com/support/, to find out how you can help us, help you.
