Reduce Setup and Maintenance Time with the New NetGuardian 216 TestBox...

If you've ever set up any piece of network equipment, you know how difficult it is to verify that everything's set up correctly. Maybe you haven't noticed any problems in the first few minutes, but how can you be sure that your gear will function reliably when it counts?

The stakes are even higher when it comes to your monitoring system. If you don't test your RTU's in the field, you'll never know if "no alarms" means "no problems with my network" or "I didn't database my alarms correctly."

What you need is a simple testing device that allows you to simulate incoming alarms from your equipment. You'd be able to verify that each alarm point and analog input is received correctly.

Fortunately, that exactly what the NetGuardian 216 TestBox was designed to do. With this new diagnostic tool, you can verify every discrete alarm input, control relay, and voltage-based analog alarm input on a NetGuardian 216 remote (including NetGuardian 216T, NetGuardian 216F, and other NetGuardians with a single amphenol connector). For larger remotes, use the NetGuardian 3288 Test Fixture.

With 16 discrete alarm toggles, 4 analog knobs, and 2 control relay LEDs, you can verify every alarm input and control output on your NetGuardians in a controlled way.

Diagnose Problems Right From the Field
If an alarm point fails, it's important to know if the problem lies with your NetGuardian, your site equipment, or your analog sensor. With the NetGuardian 216 TestBox, you minimize windshield time driving to sites by diagnosing the problem while you're on-site.

Get Exact Control with Labeled Alarm Points
The labeled toggles and knobs on the NetGuardian 216 TestBox are way easier than working with probes directly on the amphenol connectors. It's also a lot less hassle than counting down a 66 block. You only have two hands, so without a TestBox you can only set a point or two at one time. With a TestBox, you can easily set all of the alarms you want, and you won't have to hope that your hands don't move while you look at your results screen.

Avoid "No Problem Found" RMAs by Conducting Your Own Testing
If you don't perform adequate testing, you might return a NetGuardian to DPS when the problem is really with your sensors or wiring. With a TestBox, you can uncover the true cause easily and avoid wasting time and shipping costs.

Standard Application: Perform an Easy Alarm Audit
A standard use of the NetGuardian 216 TestBox is to test the discrete and analog inputs of a NetGuardian before attaching your mission-critical devices to it. You can send test discrete alarms to each input simply by flipping one of the 16 toggles. You can also send voltages (0-5vdc) to each general-purpose analog input by turning one of 4 knobs. If your master (or the NetGuardian web interface) receives the appropriate alarm data from your NetGuardian, you will know that your network, serial, or dial-up connection is fully functional.

By testing your alarm inputs during setup, you can check for connectivity issues and verify that your RTU was installed and provisioned correctly.

Auditing Tip: The best alarm audits involve testing as close to the alarm source (or analog sensor) as possible. If you test while you're physically at the site and your monitoring is fully setup, you're testing your complete system. If a failure is going to happen at any point, you can identify and correct it.

Conduct Better Lab Testing & Training
When you're evaluating a NetGuardian, there's no better way to get alarms in at lab units/demo centers. The TestBox is also great for regression testing new firmware releases.

Contact Your DPS Sales Representative Today to Discuss the New NetGuardian 216 TestBox
If you use NetGuardian 216-series remotes, you know that you need the right tool to efficiently test your provisioning and physical connections. Call DPS at 1-800-622-3314. Alternatively, you can send a quick message to Mac Smith using the form below: