Andrew's Advice Archive

The 1S1 Flag can be used along with the CORTEX Series’ Virtual Logic Gates to send an alert for each status change.

These flags can be found in the “System/System’s Flag View” menu.

Check the 1DST Flag to ensure that it is active if it is currently Daylight Savings Time in your region.

These flags can be found in the “System/System’s Flag View” menu.

The 1E1 Flag can be used along with the CORTEX Series’ Virtual Logic Gates to send an alert if the Alarm Calls have been disabled.

These flags can be found in the “System/System’s Flag View” menu.

E.g. 1L1 is used to monitor for, and alert you to, the absence of the phone line dial tone.

These flags can be found in the “System/System’s Flag View” menu.

The 1J1 Flag monitors the Cortex unit’s temperature. An alarm may be set if the unit installation location or condition causes temperature concerns.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/hardware-monitoring-menu-explained-cortex-360/

1P4, 1P5, 1P6, 1P7 Flags are used to monitor the Aux +5V, Aux +12V, 12V relay, and Main +3.3V respectively. An associated alarm can be used if desired.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/hardware-monitoring-menu-explained-cortex-360/

A 1P3 Flag is recorded in the system log to indicate that the unit has been rebooted. A 1P8 Flag appears in the log to indicate that a power cycle has occurred. 

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/ac-power-fail-menu-explained-cortex-360/

1P2 is the Flag for the main input voltage. It can be used to raise an alarm if the unit’s main power goes out of limits.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/hardware-monitoring-menu-explained-cortex-360/

1P1 is the Flag for monitoring the AC power on a desired circuit. It can be used to raise an alarm if that circuit’s power fails.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/ac-power-fail-menu-explained-cortex-360/

Depending on the OS, a missing Microsoft 2010 C++ Redistributable can result in this message. Often, simply installing the Redistributable now will solve this issue. 

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/documents-downloads/software-firmware/

The Microsoft 2010 C++ Redistributable must be installed before installing DavLink. If this is not done, a “bad license key” message will be displayed after entering a valid license key.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/documents-downloads/software-firmware/

If all the front panel LEDs are lit up and the Pause and Local are blinking, this could indicate a bricked unit. Verify with a manual Factory Reset.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Davicom_Version_556d_Upgrade.pdf

If unable to connect via the front port after a reboot or power cycle, try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable to reestablish the Comm Port ID.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Davicom_Version_556d_Upgrade.pdf

If you’re using G-Mail, there were security changes made by Google in May 2022, that could affect Davicom units with recent network or site changes.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/gmail-security-changes-on-may-30th-2022/

One way to correct this is with a manual factory reset: step 13 of the 5.56d firmware upgrade document. 

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Davicom_Version_556d_Upgrade.pdf

A configuration can be lost after a reboot or power cycle if the RAM battery voltage is too low. A low voltage flag can be used. 

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/how-your-davicom-unit-can-tell-you-if-its-ram-battery-is-getting-low/

When analog input 12 is used to monitor the RTC battery, it can then be configured to raise the alarm.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/how-to-set-the-internal-jumpers-and-dip-switches-cortex-320/

If you want to monitor the RTC battery, analog input 12 is used.

Click the links below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/how-to-set-the-internal-jumpers-and-dip-switches-cortex-320/

The B1 RTC flag is factory set in the Cortex 360 (all versions) to raise a major alarm if a low condition is identified.

Click below to see more.https://dex.davicom.com/kb/hardware-monitoring-menu-explained-cortex-360/

To observe the RTC battery voltage, go to Inputs / Hardware Monitoring and note the 1B1 flag value.

Click below to see more.https://dex.davicom.com/kb/hardware-monitoring-menu-explained-cortex-360/

The unit should be plugged into a 12Vdc power source with the “Activity” light blinking before the battery is installed.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/cortex-series-rtc-battery/

During site maintenance, this button will disable all alarms to prevent false alerts when replacing, installing, and testing equipment.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/what-is-a-workspace-cortex-360/

If using alarms by telephone, ensure that the modem is functional by calling the site by phone and verifying that the unit answers and allows login.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/cortex-dtmf-commands-and-controls/

If using alarms by telephone, ensure that all contacts are entered correctly and that the physical line is connected well.

Click below to see more (starting around step 12).

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/how-to-configure-an-alarm-call-list-cortex-360/

If using alarms by telephone, ensure that your unit is a Cortex 360-1 or a Cortex 320-1. This information is found in the unit’s Serial Number label on the side of the unit.

If using emailed alarms, ensure that you have an email server and DNS server configured in your unit.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/ip-configuration-menu-explained-cortex-360/

Ensure that your alarm call lists are set up correctly and updated.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/how-to-configure-an-alarm-call-list-cortex-360/

Ensure that the alarm call list is set to enabled.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/alarm-call-list-menu-explained-cortex-360/

Make sure that the “alarms disabled” button on the GUI is not blinking red. This frequent error can be caught quickly, saving time and frustration.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/what-is-a-workspace-cortex-360/

Units are not factory set to the destination time zone. Sometimes, a simple time and date update is all that’s required.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/date-time-and-location-menu-explained-cortex-360/

A missing RTC clock battery is one reason this could be true. Shipments by air cannot contain lithium batteries. This battery is widely available and easily installed. Return next week for another solution.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/cortex-series-rtc-battery/

Check with your email service provider. There could be numerous external problems such as port blocking and security restrictions or an SMTP host that is down. Return next week for another solution.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/ip-configuration-menu-explained-cortex-360/

This can be a DNS server problem. Check the DNS server listed in your IP parameters. You could try using the DNS server address 888, permanently or as a test. Return next week for another solution.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/ip-configuration-menu-explained-cortex-360/

Any major commercial web browser can be used to access the Cortex but it is optimized for Google Chrome and will perform best with Chrome.

Download the new Davicom DEX Wiki for Articles, Datasheets, and Guides on all of our current products. After downloading, all you’ll need is a browser to view them, even without internet access!

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/dex-wiki/

Download the new Davicom DEX Wiki, including a personal journal for managing your Davicom products and keeping track of the information that you find most helpful.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/dex-wiki/

Cortex 360s have a convenient hardware monitoring menu on the OLED display. Both Cortexes allow for hardware monitoring in the workspace, providing information on several internal parameters.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/hardware-monitoring-menu-explained-cortex-360/

Many members of the Davicom community enjoy having a non-interactive display of their remote sites on a monitor wall. You can easily do this too using the secure Web View feature.

Be sure to download and run the Microsoft Redistributable before installing the DavLink software upgrade. If you’re still having difficulty, give us a call or send an email. We’re always happy to help.

Click below to find the redistributable.

https://dex.davicom.com/documents-downloads/software-firmware/

This is normal operation. The DavLink software is optimized for low bandwidth IP communications and loads a default workspace.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/how-to-change-the-davlink-6-default-workspace/

You can easily download the desired workspace from a Cortex and set it as the default in DavLink.  

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/how-retrieve-workspaces-from-a-cortex/

It’s easy to chat about what you see in your Davicom Cortex with anyone else who’s connected (except “Web View” users). You’ll find the blue chat bubble at the top right, under the Logout command.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/using-the-built-in-chat-communications-feature/

Users logged in at Operator level or above can “ping-pong” control to provide collaborative remote training or solution generation. Simply use the “Take Control” command in the Administration window of the System menu.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/users-menu-explained-cortex-360/

Up to four users can be logged into a single Cortex at the same time. Only one user will have the message “In Control” in the top right corner of the screen and can thus provide examples for remote training.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/users-menu-explained-cortex-360/

We sometimes get calls from users unable to take control of a unit or respond to alarms. Often these users are logged on at a “Viewer” level. “Operator” level or higher is needed to control the unit.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/users-menu-explained-cortex-360/

If a command is functioning properly, you should see a record of its activation in the system log. If the log doesn’t show the command, there may be a simple error with the logic gates.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/how-to-control-relays-with-davicom-logic-cortex/

Input workspace icons (e.g. 1A01 or 1D01) will be red, yellow, or blue for active conditions. Red signifies major alarms, yellow indicates minor alarms, and blue represents a command condition.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/cortex-360-user-interface-and-menus/

Input workspace icons (e.g. 1A01 or 1D01) will be grey if “disabled” by a user; green if “enabled and normal”, and orange if locked by a qualifier (e.g. an inactive input). We’ll discuss Active conditions next.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/generic-inputs-menus-explained-cortex-360/

Relay workspace icons (e.g. 1R01) will be red if “forced on” by a user, or a programmed condition; yellow if “forced off”, and orange if set for pulse-only mode.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/what-do-the-physical-relay-colours-mean-cortex-360/

Relay workspace icons (e.g. 1R01) will be green when controlled by an input and in a Normal (not energized) state; blue when controlled and in an Active (energized) state, and white if set to manual mode.

Click below to see more.

https://dex.davicom.com/kb/what-do-the-physical-relay-colours-mean-cortex-360/

When both of these lights are blinking, your Davicom unit has been placed into local mode to protect technicians while performing activities like tower maintenance. Local mode can be canceled only by pushing and holding the local button on your unit or remotely by a Supervisor.

Click below to learn more about your unit’s front panel.

Cortex 360     https://dex.davicom.com/kb/cortex-360-front-and-rear-panel-descriptions/

Cortex 320 https://dex.davicom.com/kb/front-and-rear-panel-descriptions-cortex-320/

The blue activity LED is the heartbeat of your unit and a pulsing LED indicates a functioning processor. If you don’t see a heartbeat, try a power cycle. If needed, next try a rescue key with an image file. If neither works, we’re standing by to help.

Click below to learn more about your unit’s front panel.

Cortex 360     https://dex.davicom.com/kb/cortex-360-front-and-rear-panel-descriptions/                

Cortex 320 https://dex.davicom.com/kb/front-and-rear-panel-descriptions-cortex-320/

A steady LED indicates an alarm condition is present but a blinking LED specifically indicates lost communications with a Modbus client.

Click below to learn more about your unit’s front panel.

Cortex 360     https://dex.davicom.com/kb/cortex-360-front-and-rear-panel-descriptions/

Cortex 320 https://dex.davicom.com/kb/front-and-rear-panel-descriptions-cortex-320/

Most questions are quickly answered by our technical support team but for complex questions, we may request copies of the config, system log, workspace, and custom log, plus a screenshot of the “About” window.

The 1W1 Flag can be used along with the CORTEX Series’ Virtual Logic Gates to send an alert after 5 consecutive failed login attempts.

These flags can be found in the “System/System’s Flag View” menu.

This has happened before when a remote site’s phone number was placed on a suspected “Spam Caller” list. Please check with your provider.

Contact us for more information.

It’s best practice to copy and paste DavLink License Keys to avoid erroneous manual entry. An incorrectly entered key could be the reason for these messages.

Click below to see more.

Only a Supervisor or Director can take control of a unit to remotely cancel Local mode. This is a safety feature to ensure that local technicians can lock out the units during site maintenance.

Only an Administrator, Supervisor, or Director can take control of a unit to remotely cancel Pause mode. This is a safety feature to ensure that local technicians can inhibit automations during site maintenance.

The 1Y1 Flag can be used along with the CORTEX Series’ Virtual Logic Gates to send an alert after a failed synchronization with the NTP server.

These flags can be found in the “System/System’s Flag View” menu.

Both modes inhibit automations. Local mode also locks out control by remote users to ensure personnel safety during site maintenance but permits local connection and relay activation.

When receiving a Major alarm call from your Cortex, simply press 77# on your phone’s keypad. Then simply follow the instructions given by your unit.

When receiving a Major alarm call from your DV-200, simply press 77x# on your phone’s keypad then hang up. The “x” is replaced by the number of hours you want to set the snooze.

The MIOP300 IO terminal block requires that the A- input is tied to ground for proper measurements.

It’s as simple as powering up your unit after inserting a USB drive with the firmware image file. Please fully read the appropriate document linked before proceeding.

This is a simple procedure thanks to the Cortex 360’s OLED screen. Two methods are possible, detailed in the procedure found at the link below.

This is a simple procedure using the unit’s front panel. Two methods are possible, detailed in the procedure found at the link below.

Do you need to perform a firmware upgrade or rollback on a Cortex 320?

Two methods are possible; using the system menu or the unit’s front panel. Detailed procedures can be found at the link below.

There are two methods possible, using the system menu or the unit’s front panel. Detailed procedures can be found at the link below.

Two methods are possible; using the system menu or the unit’s front panel. Detailed procedures can be found at the link below.

Two methods are possible; using the .dav file or the .hex files. You can find both methods explained in detail at the links below.

https://dex.davicom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Davicom_Version_556d_Upgrade.pdf