Pre-Installation

by | Aug 11, 2024 | Installation IPm-Group

Applies to all 113/135 IPm & E2 series GRIDlinks

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Preparation

Necessary Materials:

1. GRIDlink ADR device
2 .GRIDlink  in an enclosure with 24VDC Power Supply

Temporary power cord (See wiring diagram)

3. GRIDlink without 12/24VDC Power Supply

Temporary 12 or 24VDC power supply (See wiring diagram)

4. Ethernet cable
5. Contact information for GRIDlink Technologies support

Verify Network Readiness:

Confirm that the office network is operational and allows devices to connect to the Internet freely.
Ensure there are no firewalls or security settings that could block the GRIDlink ADR’s outbound connections.
If possible, reserve a static IP address for the GRIDlink ADR in the router’s DHCP settings to ensure stable connectivity.

Static IP Pre-Installation

If you cannot create a network with the same IP addressing system during the pre-installation staging phase, we highly recommend changing the Static IP as the final step before installation in the field after all testing is completed.

Staging

Power the GRIDlink ADR

Connect the GRIDlink ADR to a power source using the provided power supply.
Wait for the device to power up completely (indicated by the status LEDs).

 Network Connection

Use an Ethernet cable to connect the GRIDlink ADR to the network.

Caution, there are 2 RJ45 ports on top of the controller. The one one the right is the Ethernet port.

Immediately see the Ethernet 100 and ACT LEDs illuminate. This is an indication that the cable is good,it is seated properly in the port and it is connected to a network.

GRIDlink supports DHCP so it will obtain it’s IP address automatically from the network. After about 2 minutes, the PWR LED is solid and not flashing. If  blinking then the GRIDlink was not able to obtain an IP address.

If the GRIDlink has been left on for several hours without an Ethernet cable connection it probably has not been able to acquire an IP address, it may need to be power cycled.

Internet Connectivity

If the local network permits, the GRIDlink will seamlessly connect to the VTN within just 2 to 3 minutes after obtaining an IP address from the local DHCP server.

Upon successful connection, the DO4 LED will illuminate, signaling that everything is functioning perfectly. The GRIDlink should also be online in GRIDview Geo.

You’re finished!

If an IP address is obtained and the DO4 LED remains off, there is a firewall issue.

Contact GRIDlink Technologies Support

VTN Authentication File Installation
Contact GRIDlink Technologies support once the GRIDlink ADR is connected to the Internet.

Verify VTN Connection
After the VTN authentication file is installed, confirm that the GRIDlink ADR is successfully connected to the VTN when DO4 LED is on.

Monitoring and Testing

Initial Monitoring Period

Allow the GRIDlink ADR to communicate with the VTN for at least one week.
During this period, GRIDlink Technologies support will monitor the communication logs through GRIDview Geo cloud for any irregularities or connection issues.

Communication Logging

Ensure that the GRIDlink ADR is logging important communication parameters to GRIDview Geo.
Use these logs to troubleshoot any potential connectivity or interoperability issues.

Utility Event Signals

If possible, coordinate with the utility to send Event signals to the GRIDlink ADR.
Monitor the response and communication to verify the device’s interoperability and reliability.

Final Confirmation

Review Data

After the monitoring period, review the data collected through GRIDview Geo to confirm that the GRIDlink ADR maintained a stable and reliable connection with the VTN.

Report Findings

Document any findings or issues during the monitoring period.
Share this information with GRIDlink Technologies support for further analysis or adjustments.

Field Installation

Only after GRIDlink Technologies support is satisfied with all finding should the GRIDlink be installed at the customer site.