HAI Web-Link II User's Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• System Requirements
• Installation
• Using HAI Communications Service
• Running Web-Link II
• Using Web-Link II
• Tips & Tricks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Troubleshooting Web-Link II
• Troubleshooting Video
• Product Support

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing HAI Web-Link II.   Web-Link II is the newest and most comprehensive version of HAI’s multi-award winning Web-Link software.  This software extends the powerful features of HAI controllers to the Internet by providing a web-based interface to your controller, allowing you to view and control devices attached to it.  With Web-Link II, HAI has taken this technology one step further by adding features that allow you to view cameras in your home with video streaming technology,  record video, wireless access over Personal Digital Assistants, hand-held PCs, and Internet phones and can also send you an email based rules that you create within the program.  These rules can consist of events such as, "the kids have arrived home from school", or "the security alarm has been activated" and be sent in plain text or HTML format.  The ability to input RSS data feeds allows you to add syndicating news and the content to your Web-Link Home page.  Web-Link II also allows you to monitor and control a supported audio distribution system with streaming metadata feedback.

Web-Link II runs on a single PC connected to an HAI controller through an RS-232/RS-485 serial interface or to an HAI Omni IIe, OmniPro II, Lumina, or Lumina Pro over it's built-in Ethernet port.  The Web-Link II web pages can be viewed and accessed both locally on the connected PC as well as by any computer networked to the connected PC.  If you have access to a full-time Internet connection (DSL or Cable service), Web-Link II provides the gateway between your home and the Information Superhighway.

There are four main components that make up Web-Link II:

1. The server component (HAI Communications Service):
   
   The HAI Communications Service is responsible for the interaction between the controller and the PC.  It also makes the data available for web pages.  
   
   
2. The web pages component:
   
   The web pages are created by querying the HAI Communications Service for needed information.  The web pages are then formatted and displayed on the appropriate device.
   
   
3. The video component (HAI Video-Link):
   
   The HAI Video-Link captures and broadcasts and/or records the encoded audio and video from cameras and microphones connected to the PC running Web-Link II.
   
   
4. The event manager component (HAI Event Manager):
   
   The Event Manger keeps track of system events.  When a predefined event (rule) occurs at your home, the status of the rule is updated on the "Rules" page and an email can be sent to alert you that the event occurred. 

Please review this file which contains necessary and helpful information on the installation, configuration, and operation of this software. 

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System Requirements

1. HAI Controller Requirements
2. Computer Requirements
3. Requirements for Streaming Media
4. Internet Requirements
5. Back to Table of Contents

HAI Controller Requirements:

1. HAI OmniLT, Omni, Omni II, Omni IIe, OmniPro, OmniPro II, Lumina, and Lumina Pro controller with 1.8 firmware or later.
   
   

2. The PC running Web-Link II connects to the HAI controller in one of the following manners:

1. Through the HAI Model 10A17-1 Serial Interface connected to an OmniLT, Omni, Omni II, Omni IIe, OmniPro, OmniPro II, Lumina, and Lumina Pro controller.  This interface provides both an RS-232 interface and an RS-485 interface. 

The RS-232 interface is provided through a standard DB-9M connector.  The serial interface may be connected to a personal computer using a readily available "null modem" or data transfer cable.

The RS-485 interface is provided through a two-position terminal block.

2. Through a serial interface built onto the OmniLT, Omni II, Omni IIe, OmniPro II, Lumina, or Lumina Pro controller.  This serial interface supports both RS-232 and RS-485 connections.

The RS-232 interface is provided through a modular connector located in the upper left corner of the controller.  To access the RS-232 interface, use the HAI Model 21A05-2 Serial Cable Kit.  Plug one end of the cable into the modular connector on the controller.  Plug the other end into the Model 21A05-1 Communication Cable Adaptor (modular to DB-9 RS-232), which connects the controller serial port to the computer's DB-9 RS-232 port.

The RS-485 interface is provided through the same modular connector.  To select RS-485, move the interface jumper (below the modular connector) from the "232" to the "485" position.  Using a standard 4 position phone cable (with the tab on the modular cable facing up, make sure that the Yellow wire is at the top), use the Yellow and Green wires for communications.

3. Through the built-in Ethernet interface (J6) on an Omni IIe, OmniPro II, Lumina, or Lumina Pro controller.  Use a standard network cable to connect the controller to a hub, switch, or router.  Use a network crossover cable when connecting the controller directly to the NIC card on a computer.

The RS-232 interface is configured as DTE (data terminal equipment).  This is the same configuration as provided on a typical personal computer.  In this configuration, Pin 2 (RX) and Pin 3 (RX) between the serial interface and the PC must be crossed.

The RS-485 interface may be connected to the external device up to 1000 feet away when using standard twisted pair cabling.  If the PC isn't equipped with an RS-485 port (most computers aren't), a port powered RS-232 to RS-485 converter is required.

Back to System Requirements

Computer Requirements:

Minimum Computer Requirements without Streaming Media Capability

• 800 MHz processor, such as an Intel Pentium III or AMD Athlon 

• Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, or Windows Server 2003

• 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM

• 50 megabytes (MB) hard-disk space

• CD-ROM drive

*Windows ME and Windows XP Home Edition are not supported operating systems.

Minimum Computer Configuration  with Streaming Media Capability (single stream and multiple-bit-rate content for100 Kbps through 500 Kbps)

• 1 GHz processor or higher, such as an Intel Pentium III or Xeon or AMD Athlon MP

• Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, Windows Server 2003, Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Vista Business, or Vista Enterprise

• 1 GB of RAM

• USB port or Supported TV Tuner board

Recommended Computer Configuration  with Streaming Media Capability (single stream and multiple-bit-rate content for100 Kbps through 500 Kbps)

• Dual 2 GHz processor or higher, such as an Intel Xeon or AMD Athlon MP

• Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Vista Business, or Vista Enterprise

• 2 GB of RAM

• USB port or Supported TV Tuner board

* For single stream and multiple bit-rate content for 500 Kbps through 2 Mbps or more, the recommended system configuration must be used.

Back to System Requirements

Requirements for Streaming Media

Web-Link II Client Computer

Streaming media (video and sound) can be received on a Web-Link II Client Computer.  To accomplish this, the Web-Link II Client Computer must have Microsoft's Windows Media Player installed.  

To download the latest version of Microsoft's Window Media Player, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/en/download/default.asp.  Please consult the Windows Media Player installation documents for further information on installation and configuration of Windows Media Player.  

Web-Link II Server Computer

Streaming media (video and sound) can be broadcast via the Web-Link II Server Computer when it is configured for one of the following manners:

1.    USB (Web Cam) camera connected to a USB port on the Web-Link II Server Computer (this configuration supports only 1 camera):

• Connect the USB camera to the USB port on the Server Computer prior to starting the HAI Communications Service.

• Refer to Minimum and Recommended Computer Configuration  with Streaming Media Capability requirements in this document.

2.     One or multiple CCD cameras modulated onto a Supported TV Tuner board:

CCD camera(s) are connected to a modulator.  The output from the modulator is then connected to a Supported TV Tuner Board in the Web-Link II Server Computer (up to 40 cameras can be connected in this configuration).

Supported TV Tuner Boards

Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, or Windows Server 2003:

• Hauppage WinTV-GO PCI board

• Hauppauge USB board

• Hauppauge USB2 board

Note: Hauppauge PVR boards are not supported.

Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Vista Business, or Vista Enterprise:

• ATI TV Wonder 650 PCI board

• AVerMedia Ultra TV 1500 MCE PCI board

Supported TV Tuner Board on the Web-Link II Server Computer:

Required Components:

• Supported TV Tuner Board

• CCD camera(s) with power adaptor and cables

• Video modulator with power adaptor and cables (optional audio input for sound)

1. The Supported TV Tuner board must be installed in the Web-Link II Server Computer according to the manufacturer's instructions.  

2. CCD cameras require a power source.  Connect the power adaptor (required for your selected camera) to the camera according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Connect the camera's video output to the video input (usually RCA connector) on the modulator.  If applicable, connect the audio output to the audio input (usually 3.5mm stereo jack) on the modulator.

3. Configure the modulator according to the manufacturer's instructions.  The channel in which the video image is modulated onto must be programmed into the modulator.  The output from the modulator (usually "F" connector) is then connected to the "TV" connector on the Supported TV Tuner board.

4. Refer to Minimum and Recommended Computer Configuration  with Streaming Media Capability requirements in this document.

5. Refer to the "Web-Link II User's Guide" for a connections diagram when connecting cameras in this manner.  

Back to System Requirements

Internet Requirements

If you have access to a full-time Internet connection (i.e. DSL or Cable service), Web-Link II provides the gateway between your home and the Information Superhighway.  To accomplish an Internet connection from a Web-Link II Client Computer, the following configuration is required:

1. A full-time connection to the Internet (i.e. DSL or Cable service) and one of the following:

1. Static IP Address
   
   A Static IP address is a dedicated IP address assigned to your Internet account by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).  This address should not (or very rarely) change.  You will use this IP address to access Web-Link II (via the web server) over the Internet.

2. Dynamic DNS Service
   
   Dynamic DNS (Domain Name Service) is a service that allows you to alias your Dynamic IP address to a static (permanent) hostname, allowing your computer to be more easily accessed from various locations on the Internet.  Clients (which are written by third-party developers) can be used to automatically update your Dynamic DNS hostname with your current IP address, without the need to open a browser.  This allows you to access Web-Link II (via the web server) over the Internet by entering in your static hostname instead of your current IP address.

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Back to Table of Contents

Installation

To set up Web-Link II, follow each of the steps below:

1. Install a Web-Link II compatible Internet browser
2. Install a Web Server
3. Install Web-Link II Program Files
4. Configuring the HAI Communications Service
5. Security
6. Back to Table of Contents

Install a Web-Link II compatible Internet browser

Version 5 or later of Internet Explorer must be installed on the Web-Link II Server Computer.  Version 7 or later of Internet Explorer is recommended.

Please note that Web-Link II utilizes some advanced features of Internet Explorer and is therefore the preferred browser for the Web-Link II Client Computer.  For Streaming Media capability, Version 5 or later of Internet Explorer or must be used.

Other browsers, such as Netscape Navigator, can be used; however, the advanced features of Web-Link II are not active (i.e. video, email, etc.).  

To download and install Internet Explorer, visit www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/default.mspx.

Please consult the browser installation documents for further information on installation and configuration of the browser.

Back to Installation

Install a Web Server

When installing Web-Link II on Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Vista Business, or Vista Enterprise, you DO NOT have to install or enable the IIS web server.  The Web-Link installation will automatically enable the required IIS components needed for Web-Link II.

Web-Link II requires a Web Server to supply all HAI controller information to client computers.  The Web Server needed depends on the operating system of the Web-Link II Server Computer (the computer that is connected to the HAI controller).  Each section below describes the installation procedures for the various supported operating systems.

Note: Carefully read the instructions for the web server as they pertain to "Security" .  You will likely want to alter the security settings appropriately so that you grant access only to those you wish.  By default, most servers will grant "Anonymous" access which means that everybody will be able to access your server, although they won't be able to access Web-Link II without a user name and code.

Windows 2000 Professional

Internet Information Server (IIS) is included in Windows 2000 Professional.

To install Internet Information Server for Windows 2000 Professional:

1. From the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Add/Remove Programs.
2. Select Add/Remove Windows Components, select the Internet Information Services (IIS) component, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

NOTE: In Windows 2000 Professional, IIS 5.0 is not installed by default unless Windows 2000 is upgraded over a previous version of Windows that had PWS installed.

Windows XP Professional

Internet Information Server (IIS) is included in Windows XP Professional.

To install Internet Information Server for Windows XP Professional:

1. From the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Add/Remove Programs.
2. Select Add/Remove Windows Components, select the Internet Information Services (IIS) component, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows Server 2003

Internet Information Server (IIS) is included in Windows Server 2003.

To install Internet Information Server for Windows Serve 2003:

1. From the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Add/Remove Programs.
2. Select Add/Remove Windows Components, select the Internet Information Services (IIS) component, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Please consult the Internet Information Server installation documents for further information on setting up and configuring the web server.

Windows Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Vista Business, and Vista Enterprise:

Internet Information Server (IIS) is included in Windows Windows Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Vista Business, and Vista Enterprise.

No installation necessary.

Back to Installation

Install Web-Link II Program Files

Install Web-Link II as follows:

1. Insert the HAI Web-Link II compact disk into your CD-ROM drive. 
2. Select the "Install Web-Link" option.  
3. Follow the instructions provided on the screen.

Register Online

Next, you are prompted to "Register Online".  Select "Yes" to fill out the registration form.

Tip:    It is strongly recommended that you take advantage of this automated process.  You must register this software to have access to the Web-Link II Update page which allows you to download patches and feature enhancing updates and allows us to alert you of product updates and enhancements to this software are available.

Fill out the form.  "Name", "Address", and Registration user information" are the only required fields (all others are optional but will assist us in developing better products and services to meet your needs and interests)."

When complete, scroll down and choose the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page.  A confirmation page will be displayed.

Note:  You may register at any time after installation by selecting  Start-->Programs-->HAI-->Web-Link-->Online Product Registration.  Do not register this software twice.

If the registration is unsuccessful, call HAI for support.

Installing the Microsoft (tm) Components

As part of the Web-Link II installation, some Microsoft (tm) components have been included on the Web-Link II CD and should be installed.  

Note:    These components may prompt you to reboot.  You must choose "No" to these prompts or else all files may not be installed properly.  Web-Link II will prompt you to reboot at the end of the install.

1. You will be prompted to install Windows Media Encoder.  This is a required component for Streaming Media capability.

• Carefully read the "License Agreement". 

• If you accept all of the terms of the "License Agreement", select "Yes".

• If prompted to reboot, choose "No".

Reboot

After Setup has finished copying files to your computer, you may be prompted to restart your computer.  If prompted, select "Yes, I want to restart my computer now" to reboot your computer.

Note:  When Windows restarts, the HAI Communications Service will load automatically.  You will need to specify your "Serial Port", "Baud Rate", and "Access Code" or IP Address, Port, and Encryption Key to begin using Web-Link II (see "Configuring the HAI Communications Service").

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    Configuring the HAI Communications Service

The HAI Communications Service is the interface between the computer and the HAI Controller.  Before running Web-Link II, a few alterations need to be made to the HAI Communications Service: 

1. Start the Web-Link II Server by choosing Start-->Programs-->HAI-->Web-Link-->Server Configuration or by selecting "HAI Configuration" from the Windows Control Panel.

2. Select the "System" tab from the Properties Dialog.

3. Configure Communications Method: (From the drop-down, select the method of communications with the HAI controller)

   Serial:  Serial Port, Baud Rate, and Access Code -- The HAI Communications Service needs to know the Serial Port (COM1 - COM9), Baud Rate, and Access Code (Code 1 in HAI controller) to establish a serial connection to the controller.

   1. Choose the "System" tab.
   2. Select "Serial" from the "Method" drop-down under "Communications".
   3. Set the "Serial Port"  under the "Settings" section, to the proper port on the Web-Link II Server Computer. 
   4. Select the "Baud Rate" under the "Settings" section, as per the settings on the HAI controller.
   5. In the "Login" section, specify the proper "Access Code" (this code must be the same as "Code 1" in the controller).

   6. Choose "Apply" and a connection should be established with the controller.

   7. If a connection cannot be established, consult the Troubleshooting section in this document for additional information.

   Network:  IP Address, Port, and Encryption Key -- The HAI Communications Service needs to know the controller’s local network IP address, the controller’s local network port number, and the controller's 128-bit encryption key (all of this information can be obtained from the controller using the console or PC Access) to establish a serial connection to the controller.

   1. Choose the "System" tab.
   2. Select "Network" from the "Method" drop-down under "Communications".
   3. Set the "IP Address" under the "Settings" section, the the controller’s local network IP address. 
   4. Set the "Port" under the "Settings" section, to the controller’s local network port number.
   5. Specify Part 1 of the "Encryption Key" (this is 8 2-digit values from 0-9 and/or the letters A-F, each separated by a hyphen "-" ) that matches PT 1 (part 1) of the Encryption Key in the controller.
   6. Specify Part 2 of the "Encryption Key" (this is 8 2-digit values from 0-9 and/or the letters A-F, each separated by a hyphen "-" ) that matches PT 2 (part 2) of the Encryption Key in the controller.

   7. Choose "Apply" and a connection should be established with the controller.

   8. If a connection cannot be established, consult the Troubleshooting section in this document for additional information.

4. Configure Video Device, Audio Device, and Configuration -- The HAI Communications Service needs to know the Video Device and Audio Device connected to the Server Computer that will be used by HAI Video-Link.  You must also select the Configuration (profile) that will be used.

   1. Choose the "Video-Link" tab.

   2. Select the "Video Device" from the drop-down list.  This list contains all available video devices connected to the Web-Link II Server Computer.

   3. Select the "Audio Device" from the drop-down list.  This list contains all available audio devices connected to the Web-Link II Server Computer.

   4. Select the "Configuration" profile from the drop-down list.  This list contains all available audio/video profiles.  Choose a profile that best matches your source content and the bandwidth of your targeted Web-Link II Client Computer connections.  A description for each profile is listed in the "Descriptions" section.

   5. Select the "Tuner Mode": Cable or Antenna.  When placed in Antenna mode, you will only be able to tune to channels as high as 69.  Anything above that will produce an error message. Cable mode will allow you to go to tune channels as high as 125.

   6. You have the option to select a different "Broadcast Port" for Video-Link.  The default Port is "8080".

   7. You have the option to disable Video-Link.  To disable Video-Link, remove the check from the "Enable Video-Link" checkbox.

   8. You have the option to prevent the encoder from starting when Video-Link loads.  To prevent the encoder from automatically starting, remove the check from the "Start encoder automatically when Video-Link loads" checkbox.

   9. Close the dialog.
   10. After Web-link II is loaded, if you have problems with video, consult the Troubleshooting section in this document for additional information.

Back to Installation

Security

If your web server is running on the Internet, you should take appropriate security measures.  We recommend the use of a personal firewall or proxy server and the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) on an Internet Information Services (IIS) to ensure that information is encrypted.  To learn more about using and configuring SSL visit the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q299/5/25.ASP.

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Back to Table of Contents

Using HAI Communications Service

The HAI Communications Service is the interface between the computer and the HAI Controller. 

Start the Web-Link II Server by choosing Start-->Programs-->HAI-->Web-Link-->Server Configuration or by selecting "HAI Configuration" from the Windows Control Panel.

General - The General page displays the current version of Web-Link II and the Serial Number of the installed copy.  It also displays the Web-Link II Copyright information.

System - The System page displays the controller Model and Version, as well as Communications Method:

(a) Serial (settings for the Serial Port, Baud Rate, and Access Code)

The Serial port should correspond to the port on the computer connected to the controller.  The Baud Rate should correspond to the baud rate specified for communication within the controller.  If you are unsure of the correct settings, verify the settings at the console or use the specified settings in the HAI PC Access Software.  The Access Code must be  the same as "Code 1" in the controller. 

(b) Network (settings for the controller's IP Address, Port, and Encryption Key)

Specify the controller’s local network IP address, the controller’s local network port number, and the controller's 128-bit encryption key.  If you are unsure of the correct settings, verify the settings at the console or use the specified settings in the HAI PC Access Software.

Advanced - The Advanced page displays settings for whether or not the "Setup" and "Names" information is retrieved from the controller each time the HAI Communications Service software is loaded.  A checked box indicates that this information will be retrieved each time.  Retrieving this information can take several seconds/minutes depending on the amount of data to be transferred.  Choosing either of the buttons will retrieve the associated information.  You can also have the controller's time updated daily with the computer's time by checking the "Set controller time from PC" check box. This is particularly advantageous when your computer's time in updated by a National Time Server.

Video-Link - The Video-Link page is used to configure the Video Device and Audio Device connected to the Server Computer that will be used by HAI Video-Link.  You must also select a Configuration (profile) and the "Broadcast Port" that will be used.  Next, select Tuner Mode: Cable or Antenna.  To disable Video-Link, remove the check from the "Enable Video-Link" checkbox.  To prevent the encoder from automatically starting, remove the check from the "Start encoder automatically when Video-Link loads" checkbox. 

TIP:    For more details on configuring the HAI Communications Service, see "Configuring the HAI Communications Service".

Back to Table of Contents

Running Web-Link II

The following steps will guide you through running and configuring Web-Link II.

1. Starting Web-Link II

2. Starting the Web-Link Touchscreen Pages

3. Web-Link II Login

4. Configuring Options

5. Back to Table of Contents

Starting Web-Link II

1. The web server is usually started automatically when Windows loads.  If it isn't loaded, you will need to start it manually from the Windows Start Menu.

2. Open the web browser and specify the address of the Web Server followed by "/web-link".  
   
   For example:
   
   http://localhost/web-link (when accessing Web-Link II from the Server Computer)
   
   http:// [followed by the "computer name" or "IP address" of your network interface card]/web-link (when accessing Web-Link II over a Local Area Network)
   
   http:// [followed by your "Internet IP address" or "hostname"]/web-link (when accessing Web-Link II over the Internet)

Tip:    From the Server Computer, double-click the "Web-Link Web Client" desktop icon to start Web-Link II.

Starting the Web-Link Touchscreen Pages

Web-Link II has special pages that are used to run on a PC Touchscreen.  Each control on these pages simply requires you to touch the designated icons.  To access the Touchscreen Pages from the PC Touchscreen, open the Internet Explorer browser on the touchscreen, and specify the address of the Web Server followed by "/web-link/mce/main.htm".

Fro example:

http://localhost/web-link/mce/main.htm (when accessing Web-Link II from the Server Computer)

http:// [followed by the "computer name" or "IP address" of your network interface card]/web-link/mce/main.htm (when accessing Web-Link II over a Local Area Network)
 

Back to Running Web-Link II

Web-Link II Login

To access Web-Link II, you must login using a "Username" and "Password".  The first screen that is displayed contains the Login Dialog box.  Complete the following in the Login Dialog:

1. In the Login Dialog box, specify the NAME and the corresponding CODE of a user of the HAI system.   The NAME is the name of a "Code" in the HAI controller.  At least one code must be named (i.e. Code 1 "Ken").  The CODE is the code associated with the name (i.e. Ken 1111).  If you are unsure of the user name and code, check the controller for the codes that are defined there along with their corresponding name.

2. Next, specify the desired "Start Page" for Web-Link II.  The drop-down list allows you to select from the available Web-Link II web pages.  Select the page that is first displayed after logging into Web-Link II.  The "Home" page is the default Start Page.

3. To bypass the login screen from the current computer, click in the "Remember Password" checkbox.  When you click this checkbox, the following message is displayed:
   
   "Warning: Checking this option will store the user name and code in a cookie.  Cookies are transmitted in plain text and are not secure.  Only check this option if you are connected to a secure web server using SSL or you are located on a secure Intranet.  This option can be disabled by choosing Advanced from the Options menu within the main page."
   
   If you access Web-Link II from any other computer, you will still have to login with the user name and code unless you select "Remember Password" for that computer.  Then, you will bypass the login screen on that computer as well.
   
   To require that a computer access Web-Link II via the login screen on a computer where the login screen has been bypassed, click the "Disable the caching of the current user name and code for user" checkbox under "General" on the "Options" page.  Then select "Save Changes" to restore the login page from that computer.

4. Click the "Login" button to start Web-Link II.

5. When finished, click the "Logout" button on the top of the page.  If you don't "Logout" before you close your browser or if you leave Web-Link II to surf to a different site, you cannot "Login" to Web-Link II using the same user name for at least 3 minutes.
   
   Web-Link II prohibits the same user from being logged-in more than once at the same time.  Any subsequent attempts to login while the same user is already logged-in will result in a login failure message. 

Note:    Three invalid login attempts (using the wrong user name and/or code) will result in a one-hour lockout.  All users will be blocked from accessing Web-Link II for a period of one-hour from the last attempt.

Back to Running Web-Link II

    Configuring Options
Options

The Options page is used to change configurable options and view useful information about Web-Link II.  After logging into Web-Link II, click the "Options" icon to display the options page:

General

1. The Serial Number of your Web-link II Software is displayed.

2. The Web-Link II Update Version is the currently installed version of Web-Link II.

3. When logging into Web-Link II, if you selected the "Remember Password" checkbox, you have the option to restore the login page by checking the "Disable the caching of the current user name and code for user" checkbox.  You must select "Save Changes" to execute the change.

4. You can configure which page is initially displayed when you first log into Web-Link II.  To configure the start page, select the page from the "Startup Page" list box, and then click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the Options Page.

5. By default, after three invalid login attempts (using the wrong user name and/or code) will result in a one-hour lockout.  This lockout time may be changed or disabled by selecting a new time from the "Invalid Login Timeout Period" list box.  Once selected, click the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the Options Page to save your selection.

6. The "View the server log" link is used to display the Web-Link II Server history which includes errors and other useful information.  If the log is too large to be displayed, you have the option to delete the current log by pressing the "delete" link.

7. The "Product Updates and Special Offers" link is used to check the Web-Link II Update Page for product updates and special offers that may be available.  To have access to this site, you must be a registered user.  To find out more about registration click this Register Online link.  If you are registered, click the "Check for Product Updates" buttons to login to the Web-Link II update site to check for updates.

Skins

1. Skins allow you to customize the look and feel of the web pages by applying different graphic and color schemes.  Select from one of the skins in the drop-down list, then select "Save Changes" to execute the change.

2. You can have a different skin for each client computer or Windows account that is used to log into Web-link II.

3. New skins may be available from the Web-Link II web site.  Note that this information will be obtained from the HAI web site and therefore a security warning dialog may appear.  It is safe to ignore this warning.

Video-Link Settings

1. First is a listing of the Video-Link settings which include Video-Link Version, Video-Link Enabled Property Status, Video Input, Audio Input, Configuration Profile, Broadcast Port, Encoder Status, TV Tuner Enabled Status, Current TV Channel, and Broadcast URL.
   
   Next to the "Encoder Status" is a button to start or stop the Encoder.  If the Encoder is currently running, you can press the "Stop Encoder" button to stop the video broadcasting on the server.  If the Encoder is currently "Not Encoding", you can press the "Start Encoder" button to start the video broadcasting on the server.

2. If you are using a TV Tuner Board, you have the option to add and remove channels.  To add or remove a channel from the list, click the "Add/Remove" link.

• Channels
  
  If any channels have been previously added, the list of channels and their description is displayed.

• Add a new channel
  
  In the "Number" box, enter the channel that you want to view/record via Web-Link II.  In the "Description" box, enter a text description for the channel.  Then click "Add" to add the channel and description to the list of channels.

3. If you are using a handheld device to view video, use the "Pocket PC/Smartphone URL" edit box to enter the URL for the video source.

       Recommended URL:

       http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:8080/Web-Link

       Note:  In the examples above, “xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx” denotes an IP Address or valid Host/Domain name to the Web-Link server.

    

RSS Data Feeds

RSS is a format for syndicating news and the content of news-like web sites, including major news sites like MSNBC.COM, news-oriented community sites like Slashdot, weather reports and personal weblogs. But it's not just for news. Pretty much anything that can be broken down into discrete items can be syndicated via RSS. Once information about each item is in RSS format, an RSS-aware program such as this one can display it's information.

Once an RSS feed (URL) is specified, it's information will be displayed on the Home page. To add an RSS feed do the following:

1. Identify an RSS feed URL (see the section 'Finding RSS data feeds' below) and copy it into the clipboard.
2. Login to Web-Link II and navigate to the 'Options' page.
3. In the "RSS Data Feeds" section, paste the URL into the 'New RSS Address' field by right-clicking in the field and choosing 'Paste'.
4. Specify a personal description for this information in the 'Description' field.
5. Choose the "Add" button.

To delete an RSS feed do the following:

1. Login to Web-Link II and navigate to the 'Options' page.
2. In the "RSS Data Feeds" section, identify the feed to remove and choose the corresponding "Delete" link.

See RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Data Feeds for additional information.

Back to Running Web-Link II

Back to Table of Contents

Using Web-Link II

Now the fun begins!  The following steps will guide you through using Web-Link II.

1. General Operation
2. Status Area
3. Home Page
4. Control Page
5. Security Page
6. Temperature Page
7. Button Page
8. Events Page
9. Messages Page
10. Using Video (Camera)
11. Playing  Recorded Video (Videos)
12. Rules Page
13. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Data Feeds

General Operation

In general, there are two ways to command and control an item or device in a list on one of the pages.  First, place the mouse pointer over the item in the list, then:

• Left-Click - expands the item.  When an item is expanded, you can select from a series of commands in the drop-down lists.  Depending on which command is selected, additional lists may appear, requiring additional information.  After all information has been entered, press the "Update" button to execute the command.

• Right-Click - displays a context menu.  You may select from any of the commands in the context menu.  Highlight the desired command from the list and left-click to execute the command.

The items in each column can be sorted alphabetically, either ascending or descending, by clicking on the column heading (i.e. Name, Zone, Status. etc).  If you click in the empty box to the left of the first column heading, the first column is sorted numerically (as the items are listed in the controller) either ascending or descending.

When the appears next to the column heading, the column is sorted from A-Z or from first named item to the last named item.  When the appears next to the column heading, the column is sorted from Z-A or from the last named item to the first named item.  

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    Status Area

The Status Area displays the current time and date of the controller.  It also displays any current system trouble (i.e. phone line dead, battery low, etc.).  If no troubles are present, the Status Area will display "System OK".  Clicking in the Status Area will cause the information in this box to be updated.

Updating Status...

When the "Updating Status..." icon is displayed, Web-Link II is contacting the controller and updating the information displayed on the page.  Whenever you change pages or control an item on a page, this icon is displayed and the information on the page is updated.

Back to Using Web-Link II

    Home

The Home page displays an overall summary of the system.  This page displays information and allows you change security mode, control any temperature devices connected to your system, and command any currently displayed messages.  To control other devices (such as turn a light on) you must navigate to the page of that device.

Item	Description
Security Status	Current security mode of each Security Area as well as any bypassed zones, alarms, or troubles are displayed.
Sunrise	Calculated time of sunrise for the current day is displayed.
Sunset	Calculated time of sunset for the current day is displayed.
Temperatures	Current temperature of each Thermostat and Temperature Sensor is displayed.
Messages	Any message that is currently displayed on a console is listed (this feature is available on OmniLT, Omni II, Omni IIe, OmniPro, OmniPro II, Lumina, and Lumina Pro controllers with firmware version 1.8 or later).
Latest Events	A list of the 5 most recent System Events are listed.
Latest Recorded Videos	A list of the most recently recorded Videos are listed.
	System is operating normally
	System is NOT operating normally
	Sunrise
	Sunset
	Thermostat
	Temperature Sensor or PESM
	Message
	General Trouble
	Recorded Video

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    Control

The Control page displays the current status of all named Units in the system and allows for their control.  The status of each unit (on/off with any remaining time, dimmed/brightened with any remaining time, level, ramp rate and time, and state of each flag/counter) is displayed under the "Status" column header.

Item	Description
Units	Name and current status of each X-10 or ALC unit is displayed.
Outputs	Name and current status of each Voltage Output is displayed.
Flags/Counters	Name and current status of each Flag/Counter is displayed.
	Unit is On
	Unit is Off
	Output is On
	Output is Off
	Flag/Counter is On
	Flag/Counter is Off

To control a unit, output, or flag:

1. Select the item to control from the list by pointing to it using your mouse pointer.
2. Left-Click on the desired unit or right-click to display its context menu.
3. Select the desired command from the list.  
4. Some commands require additional input such as dimming or brightening a certain number of steps. In this case, an edit box will appear for additional input.
5. Choose a duration period from the "Duration" list.  Note that the duration period does not apply to some commands so this option may not always be available.
6. Click on the "Update" button to send the command to the controller.

To issue an All Units On/Off command:

1. Right-Click on any item under the "Units" column header (any item with a light bulb).
2. In the context menu, choose a command from the list.
3. The command will automatically execute when it is selected.

Back to Using Web-Link II

    Security

The Security page displays the current security status of each Security Area in the system and allows you to arm the security system to various security modes, disarm the security system, restore all zones in the area, and restore all areas .  It also displays the status of each Zone in the system and allows you to bypass and restore each zone.  

Item	Description
Areas	Name and current status of each Security Area is displayed.
Zones	Name and current status of each Zone is displayed.
	Area/Zone is Armed
	Area/Zone is Disarmed
	Zone is Bypassed
	Zone has Trouble

To control an Area or Zone:

1. Select the item to control from the list by pointing to it using your mouse pointer.
2. Left-Click on the desired Security Area or Zone or right-click to display its context menu.
3. Select the desired command from the list.
4. Some commands require additional input.  In this case, an edit box will appear for additional input.
5. Click on the "Update" button to send the command to the controller.

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    Temperature

The Temperature page displays the current status of all Thermostats and Temperature Sensors in the system and allows for their control. 

Item	Description
Thermostats	Name and current temperature, heat and cool settings, system mode, fan mode, and hold status of each HAI Thermostat is displayed.
Temp Sensors and PESMs	Name and current temperature, high and low settings, and status of each Temperature Sensor is displayed
	Thermostat
	Temperature Sensor or PESM

To control a Thermostat or Temperature Sensor

1. Select the item to control from the list by pointing to it using your mouse pointer.
2. Left-Click on the desired unit or right-click to display its context menu.
3. Select the desired command from the list.  
4. Some commands require additional input (for example: choosing "Heat Setpoint" from the command list will display an edit field for specifying the temperature).  In this case, an edit box will appear for additional input.
5. Click on the "Update" button to send the command to the controller.

Tip:    For Temperatures, the context menu is used to raise or lower the desired heat or cool settings in 2 degree increments.

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    Button

The Button page displays a list of all available Buttons. Selecting a Button from the list allows that button to be executed.

Item	Description
Button	Name of each button is displayed.
	Button

To control a Button:

1. Select the Button from the list by pointing to it using your mouse pointer.
2. Left-Click on the desired Button or right-click to display its context menu.
3. Select the desired command from the list.
4. Click on the "Execute" button to send the command to the controller.

Back to Using Web-Link II

    Events

The Events page displays a list of the 50 most recent System Events.

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    Messages

The Messages page displays a list of messages currently displayed on the system consoles (OmniLT, Omni II, Omni IIe, OmniPro, OmniPro II, Lumina, and Lumina Pro only), as well as a list of all available messages.  Selecting a Message from the list allows that message to be controlled.

Item	Description
Displayed Message Name	Name of each message currently displayed on a console is listed.
Available Message Name	Name of each message available in the controller is listed.
	Message

To control a Message:

1. Select a Message to control from the list by pointing to it using your mouse pointer.
2. Left-Click on the desired unit or right-click to display its context menu.
3. Select the desired command from the list.
4. Click on the "Update" button to send the command to the controller.

With Web-Link II, you can also send a Custom Message to the controller to be displayed on the console (this feature is available on OmniLT, Omni II, Omni IIe, OmniPro, OmniPro II, Lumina, and Lumina Pro controllers with firmware version 1.8 or later).

To show a Custom Message:

1. Left-Click on any Message in the list.  Choose the "Show Custom Message" command from the "Command" drop-down list.
2. In the "Custom Message" field, enter the text to be displayed (up to 15 characters).
3. Click on the "Update" button to send the command to the controller.

Note:    When you send a Custom Message to the controller, it is stored in the controller as "Message 16" in OmniLT systems, "Message 64" in Omni II, Omni IIe, and Lumina systems, and "Message 128" in OmniPro, OmniPro II, and Lumina Pro systems.  If this message has been previously named, in its respective controller,  when you send the "Custom Message" from Web-Link II, it will be overwritten.

Back to Using Web-Link II

    Camera

Click the "Camera" icon to start the HAI Video-Link Player.  When the player first starts, you will see the Windows Media (tm) animation in the viewer.  At the top of the viewer, you will see status as the video is encoded and buffered (there is a slight delay between the actual video and the video displayed in the viewer).

After the video is buffered, you will see the video in the viewer and hear audio if a microphone is connected.  At the bottom of the Video-Link Player are controls to start and stop playing the encoded video.  There is also a volume slide control at the bottom right.  This is used to control the volume of the audio.  Click on the speaker icon to mute the audio.

Note:    The size of the HAI Video-Link Player and the quality of the image will vary based on the selected profile.

USB Camera:

To close the HAI Video-Link Player, press the button.

To record video for the current channel, press the button.  To end a recording session, press the button.

Modulated Video:

After the video is buffered, if the video image doesn't appear in the viewer (blank or fuzzy screen) it may be necessary to select a channel from the drop-down, then left-click the button.  It may take several seconds for the new video image to appear.  The next time the player is started, HAI Video-Link will broadcast the last channel viewed.

To change the channel (view a different camera or video image), select a channel from the drop-down list, then left-click the button (it may take several seconds for the new video image to appear).  The channel or channel description is displayed at the top of the viewer.

To view a channel that doesn't appear in the drop-down list, enter the channel number in the box to the right of the button, then left-click the button.  A channel in the range of 1-125 must be specified for the 'Jump' command.

TIP:    To add a channel and description to the drop-down list, from the drop-down list, select "Edit Channels". 

To close the HAI Video-Link Player, press the button.

Back to Using Web-Link II

    Videos

Click the "Videos" icon to view a list of recorded videos along with the date and time of the recording.   Recoded videos are listed in two categories: 1) videos recorded by "User"; and 2) videos recorded by "Event".

Item	Description
	Videos that are manually recorded by the user pressing the "Record" button on the Video-Link Player.
	Videos that are created by a "Rule" when the specified event takes place.
	Play button: Used to play the selected video.
	Delete button: Used to delete the selected video.

To display details about the video and to play or delete a video:

1. Select the video from the list by pointing to it using your mouse pointer.
2. Left-Click on the desired video. 
3. The Size and Length of the selected video is displayed.
4. Select the desired remote control button.  
5. To play the video, press the Play button.  
6. To delete the video, press the Delete button.  You will be prompted to confirm your selection to delete the video.

To Play or Delete a video using the context menu:

1. Right-Click on the desired video to display its context menu.
2. In the context menu, choose to play or delete a video.  Warning: you will not be prompted to confirm your selection when deleting a video from the context menu.

When playing a video, at the bottom of the Video-Link Player are controls to start, pause, and stop the current video.  There is also a volume slide control at the bottom right.  This is used to control the volume of the audio.  Click on the speaker icon to mute the audio.

Back to Using Web-Link II

    Rules

Click the "Rules" icon to view a list of rules or to add a new rule.  A rule is a conditional statement that tells Web-link II what to do when the specified event occurs.  Currently, Web-Link II will send an email (plain text or HTML format) to the specified email address and/or record video from the desired camera (channel) for a specified duration when the event occurs.

The "Rules" list contains:

• Rule Name: The name given to the rule.

• Notification: The statement that tells Web-link II what to do when the specified event occurs.

• Last Event: When the specified event last occurred.  If the event hasn't taken place since the rule was created, "None" is displayed.

• Status: The status is the current state of the rule.  If the rule in enabled, "OK" is displayed.  If the rule is disabled, "Disabled" is displayed.

The "Rules" are listed and grouped by category.  The category name is displayed in the solid bar above the list of rules for that category.  There are 6 possible rule categories.  These categories include: Alarm Events, Security Arm/Disarm Events, Unit Events, Zone Events, System Events, and Miscellaneous Events.

    Rule is Enabled

    Rule is Disabled

Left-click a rule to display a detailed description of the rule.

Create a Rule

To create a new rule, select the "Add Rule" button or right-click an existing rule and select "Create New Rule" from the context menu.

1. Select the condition for your rule:
   
   This is where you specify the event condition.  Select a condition from the drop-down list.  
   
   Event conditions consist of:

• Alarm is activate [specify area and alarm type]
• All On/Off commands issued [specify area and state]
• Battery power changes state [specify the state]
• Button execution occurs [specify button]
• DCM changes state [specify state]
• Phone line changes state [specify state]
• AC Power changes state [specify state]
• Security is armed or disarmed [specify area, user, and mode]
• Unit changes state [specify unit and state]
• X-10 command issued (X-10 command received over the powerline - not generated by HAI controller) [specify state, X-10 house code and unit]
• Zone changes state [specify zone and state]

2. Select the method of notification:
   
   In this release of Web-Link II, the two methods of notification are 1)  "Send Email" in either plain text or HTML format, and 2) "Record Video" from the desired camera (channel) for a specified duration.  Select "Send Email" or "Record Video" from the drop-down list.
   
   Email Notification
   
   Email Name: enter the email address to where the message will be sent.  In most cases, this is the only information Web-Link II needs to communicate with the recipient's email server.  In the event that the email does not reach the recipient, click on the Advanced Settings link to specify an SMTP server.
   
       Advanced Settings
   
       Override the default settings with the specified SMTP server:

               Check this box to specify an SMTP server.  This option should only be used if email is failing when specifying only the email address.
               

   SMTP Server: 

    

    

   SMTP Server: enter the SMTP server from which the email is to be transmitted.  Note:   The SMTP Server is generally going to be the same as the domain name (i.e. mail.my_domain.com).  Check with your Internet Service Provider if you are unsure about this information.

    

    

   If the SMTP server that you are using requires authentication, enter the User ID and Password (this is the same information that you would have entered into your email client program):

   
   User ID:          (optional)

   Password:      (optional)

   Confirm Password:      (optional)
    

    

   Finally, if your Internet Service Provider is blocking SMTP Port 25, which is the port used to send e-mail, you may specify a different port:

    

   SMTP Port: 

    
       Send the email message in HTML format:

   Check this box to receive the email notification in HTML format.  When sent in HTML format, the email contains the event details, as well as, system information (security arming status and time of sunrise and sunset), temperatures (of all thermostats and temperature sensors), and latest events (a listing of the most recent events in the system event log).

   
   Record Video
   
   Record Duration: enter the duration (in minutes) for the record operation.  Video can be recorded up to 720 Minutes (12 hours).
   
   Channel to Record: select the channel to be recorded from the drop-down list.  Select "Use current channel" to record from the last channel selected.  
   
   If no channels are listed in the drop-down, add channels to you you list by clicking "Add/Delete Channels".  In the "Number" box, enter the channel that you want to view/record via Web-Link II.  In the "Description" box, enter a text description for the channel.  Then click "Add" to add the channel and description to the list of channels.
   
   Note: "Channel to Record" is only displayed if you have a TV Tuner installed and Channel Changing is Enabled.  Press the "Options" icon for more information.

   
   

3. Specify a name for this rule:
   
   Enter a name for the rule.  The rule name is displayed in the list of rules and is sent with email notifications.

 The "Rule Description" is listed as you create the rule.  After the rule has been created, click the "Create Rule" button to save the rule.

Enable/Disable/Delete a Rule

To enable a rule, left click the rule then select "Enable" from the drop-down list.  Press the "Execute" button.  The rule is now enabled.

To disable a rule, left click the rule then select "Disable" from the drop-down list.  Press the "Execute" button.  The rule is now disabled.

To delete a rule, left click the rule then select "Delete" from the drop-down list.  Press the "Execute" button.  The rule is now deleted.

Tip:    You can also right-click the rule and select "Enable", "Disable", or "Delete" from the context menu.

Edit SMTP Details

To edit the SMTP settings, left click the rule then select the "(Email Settings)" link next to the rule.  You may select if an SMTP server is used and edit the SMTP server address, User ID, Password, and SMTP port.

When a Rule Fires

When the event condition in the rule occurs (and if the rule is enabled), the "Last Event" column will contain the date and time when the event took place.  

1. When an email rule is specified, an email is also sent to the specified email address in one of the following formats.

Plain Text Format:

From:        Web-Link Notification Server
To:             Specified email recipient 
Subject:    Web-Link Notification: name of rule (i.e. Armed Away)

Message Body:

Event Details:

        Date: 3/21/02
        Time: 4:44 PM
        Event: Armed Away by MAID CODE
        Description: Armed Away

This message was automatically generated by the Web-Link Notification Server.

HTML Format:

From:        Web-Link Notification Server
To:             Specified email recipient 
Subject:    Web-Link Notification: name of rule (i.e. Armed Away)

Web-Link Event Notification

Event Details:

Date: 3/21/02
Time: 4:44 PM
Event: Armed Away by MAID CODE
Description: Armed Away

System Information:

Armed Away
Sunrise: 6:03:00 AM
Sunset: 6:11:00 PM

Temperature:

Downstairs: 75° F
Upstairs: 74° F
Outdoor Temp: 68° F

Latest Events:

3/21/02 4:44:00 PM Armed Away by MAID CODE
3/21/02 3:32:00 PM Disarmed by MAID CODE
3/21/02 11:16:00 AM Armed Away by MOM
3/21/02 7:00:00 AM Program Disarm
3/20/02 10:12:00 PM Armed Night by DAD

This message was automatically generated by the Web-Link Notification Server.

2. When a "Record Video" rule is specified, the video from the selected camera is recoded.  The video is stored on the "Videos" page for playback.  When a video is created based on a rule, the video will be listed under the "Videos Created by Event" heading on the "Videos" page.
   
   The video is listed with the "recorded event" icon followed by the rule name.
   
   For example:
   
           When Front Door Motion Tripped
   
           When Security Disarmed

    RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Data Feeds

RSS is a format for syndicating news and the content of news-like web sites, including major news sites like MSNBC.COM, news-oriented community sites like Slashdot, weather reports and personal weblogs. But it's not just for news. Pretty much anything that can be broken down into discrete items can be syndicated via RSS. Once information about each item is in RSS format, an RSS-aware program such as this one can display it's information.

Once an RSS feed (URL) is specified, it's information will be displayed on the Home page. To add an RSS feed do the following:

1. Identify an RSS feed URL (see the section 'Finding RSS data feeds' below) and copy it into the clipboard.
2. Login to Web-Link II and navigate to the 'Options' page.
3. In the "RSS Data Feeds" section, paste the URL into the 'New RSS Address' field by right-clicking in the field and choosing 'Paste'.
4. Specify a personal description for this information in the 'Description' field.
5. Choose the "Add" button.

To delete an RSS feed do the following:

1. Login to Web-Link II and navigate to the 'Options' page.
2. In the "RSS Data Feeds" section, identify the feed to remove and choose the corresponding "Delete" link.

• Internet Explorer by default restricts data acquisition to only the domain of the web server running Web-Link II. You may therefore get an error message that says
  
       "This page is accessing information that is not under its control. This poses a security risk. Do you want to continue."
  
  To stop Internet Explorer from displaying this message do the following:
  1. In Internet Explorer, choose 'Internet Options' from the "Tools" menu.
  2. Click on the 'Security' tab.
  3. Select the "Internet" or "Local Intranet" zone.
  4. Click on the "Custom Level" button.
  5. Locate the option in the "Miscellaneous" section that says 'Access data sources across domains'.
  6. Choose the option for "Enable".
  Note that enabling this option increases your exposure to rogue pop-up messages and possible malicious attacks.

• To look at the actual RSS XML data, goto the "Options" page and click on the link for the RSS feed. If your RSS feed is not being displayed on the Home page then the feed may be invalid. Clicking on the link is a good way to test it.

• Not all RSS feeds are created equal and therefore may not adhere to standard formatting conventions. If you receive an error or an RSS feed does not display properly then it may not be valid.

Finding RSS Data Feeds

Back to Using Web-Link II

Back to Table of Contents

Tips & Tricks

Back to Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

 

After arming an area, the zones in that area do not immediately show the correct armed status

Most areas have a delay (i.e. Exit Delay) when they are armed.  Although the Area displays its status as 'Armed', the zones within the area are not actually armed until after the delay expires.  To view the updated status of the zones, units, temperatures, messages, and rules, simply click the corresponding menu button on the left or top menu pane.  All information on the page is instantly updated.

Back to Table of Contents

Troubleshooting