AKCP SPX+ Reference manual

www.AKCP.com
SPX+ Introduction Manual
Copyright © 2019, AKCP

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Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Specifications...................................................................................................................................7
SPX+ Modules ..................................................................................................................................8
Expansion architecture ................................................................................................................................11
Port assignment information for SPX+ units ............................................................................................. 12
LED information for SPX+ units ..................................................................................................................13
Reset button functions for SPX+ units .......................................................................................................14
Setting up the unit’s IP address ..................................................................................................................15
SPX+ Web UI Walkthrough...........................................................................................................................17
Menu navigation...............................................................................................................................18
Monitoring Summary page..............................................................................................................18
Graph feature....................................................................................................................... 20
Expansion units .................................................................................................................. 22
Managing Desktops and Maps .......................................................................................................23
Important Notes on custom desktops ..............................................................................24
Managing Desktops............................................................................................................25
Navigation...............................................................................................................25
Folders ....................................................................................................................27
Desktops.................................................................................................................28
Adding items to your custom desktop ................................................................31
Desktop Auto Scroll feature.................................................................................. 32
Managing Rack Maps..........................................................................................................33
Access Control Users and Groups ................................................................................................35
Notifications and Events, Sensors menu, Settings menu ...........................................................36
System page.....................................................................................................................................37
General.................................................................................................................................37
Language management......................................................................................................39
Date/Time............................................................................................................................. 43
Network................................................................................................................................ 44
Modem..................................................................................................................................45

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VPN....................................................................................................................................... 47
Set up VPN connection to APS............................................................................. 48
SMTP ....................................................................................................................................52
SNMP....................................................................................................................................54
Server Integration ............................................................................................................... 56
Services ...............................................................................................................................57
SSL Certificate........................................................................................................58
Modbus ................................................................................................................................ 61
Password Checking and security...................................................................................... 62
Password Security options...................................................................................63
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................66
Heartbeat Messages ...........................................................................................................68
License Management.......................................................................................................... 69
About....................................................................................................................................71
Sensors page....................................................................................................................................72
General options for all sensors......................................................................................................74
Virtual sensors ................................................................................................................................. 77
Dry Contact sensors........................................................................................................................79
Connecting to the Dry Contacts........................................................................................80
Configuring the Dry Contact Sensor.................................................................................80
Isolated Dry Contact details...............................................................................................82
Dry Contact module types ................................................................................................. 83
Example sensor configuration .......................................................................................................84
Temperature/Humidity Sensor...........................................................................................84
Relay Sensor .......................................................................................................................88
Pulse Counter Sensor......................................................................................................................92
Firmware upgrade through the Web UI..........................................................................................95
Network ports used by SP+ units................................................................................................................97

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Introduction
In this manual, we’ll cover the main features and basic configuration of the SPX+ and the setup of
notifications and the explanation of events will be in another manual.
What is the SPX+?
sensorProbeX+ is the latest generation of sensorProbe devices. In a completely new form factor that
allows for 1U, 0U and DIN rail mounting with a low profile design it takes up much less cabinet space.
SPX+ comes in several standard configurations, but with the AKCP configuration tool you are able to
custom design a unit to your own specifications. Choose from various modules to specify the number
of dry contacts, sensor ports or an internal modem.
Please check our SPX+ unit configurator tool on our website, where you can build your own custom
configuration:
http://www.akcp.com/configuratorTool/
You can also view our SPX+ video on our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/8ACjfn7PswA
SPX+ Features:
●Modular design, 1U, 0U and DIN rail mounting
●IP based, including SNMPv3, HTTPS, VPN
●Send encrypted SNMP Trap and Email Notifications
●Supports at least 4 Intelligent Sensors, expansion units and up to 120 Dry Contacts
●Optional cellular modem with external antenna
●Notification Wizards
●Front and Rear Thermal Mapping for any server cabinet
●Low Cost Daisy Chained Temperature sensors
●Optional Expansion Module connectivity
●Virtual Sensors
●Patented Fire Suppression feature
●AKCP Swing Handle Lock support
●Optional Dry Contact Sensors in I/O and Opto-Isolated modes
Important notes:
A) Some of the pictures shown in this manual might not represent the actual Web UI of the unit and
may refer to the SP2+ unit; this is because the SPX+ is a new family of units and its Web UI is
basically all the same as SP2+. We are constantly working on improving the firmware; please provide
us with feedback if you have any issues configuring your unit.

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B) All units are shipped with the default web interface fixed IP address of 192.168.0.100. We
strongly recommend you change this to avoid problems with duplicate IP addresses on your network.
Please see the section in this manual on how to setup a new IP address on the unit.
C) AKCP also always highly recommends using a dedicated 3rd party UPS on the units. Any
damage caused by unstable power or power outages will void the warranty on our units.
Hardware installation remark: It is recommended to connect the power supply's cable prior to
mounting the unit in the rack; otherwise it might be hard for you to connect it while it’s mounted.
What’s the difference between the SP2+ and SPX+?
The SP2+ has 4 sensor ports for connecting any compatible AKCP sensor. With the Expansion option
it has 3 sensor ports and 1 expansion port.
The SPX+ also supports expansion modules and has modular design allowing you to choose your
own configuration.
We have several standard configurations, but with the AKCP Configuration Tool you are able to
custom design a unit to your own specifications. See below for available modules to choose from.
What’s the difference between F4 (older) and F7 (newer) processor versions?
The F4 SP+ & the F7 SP+ processors - or as we will refer to them as platforms are different.
The new F7 processor or platform supports more memory on the SP+ (SP2+ and SPX+) units, thus
more features. Future firmware development will concentrate on the F7 units and F4 units won’t get
new features.
The most notable difference between the platforms is the supported number of sensors when the
VPN feature is enabled: the total sensor count is reduced to 36 on F4 units, but it is still 150 on F7
units.
When upgrading the firmware, there are two separate .bin files included in the firmware update
package. One for the F4 units and one for the F7 units.
If you try to upgrade your unit with the wrong .bin file, the firmware upgrade will fail. So please make
sure you use the correct file for your unit type following the firmware upgrade instructions in the text
file that is included in the compressed firmware package.
Also very important to note that any backup configuration created on the F4 platform cannot be
uploaded to the F7 platform unit and vice versa.

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In the SP+ units web UI you will be able to view which platform the unit is using.
This can be checked in the Settings >> General page >> System Description:
And in the Settings >> About page >> System Description:

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Specifications
Dimension: 44 (W) x 46 (H) low profile design
Supports connection of: Modbus RTU, E-Sensor8, E-Opto16 and CCU Expansion modules through
optional EXP port and BEB port
Mounting: 0U Toolless rack mount, optional wall mount brackets, horizontal 1U mounting or DIN rail
brackets
Power: External 5V 2A Power Adapter, Input Voltage and Current ratings: 100V~240V - 0.22A,
Optional internal power supply
Status Indication: LED indication for power, network connectivity sensor online and threshold
Components: Manufactured using highly integrated, low power surface mount technology. All units
undergo a minimum 48 hour burn in cycle to detect in fact mortality.
Operating Environment: Temperature: Min. -35° C –Max. 70° C, Humidity: Min. 20% –Max. 80%
(Non-Condensing)
MTBF: 1,400,000 Hours based on field experience with sensorProbe units.
Base Unit: 4x Sensor Ports for connecting AKCP sensors or swing handle cabinet locks, 1x
Expansion Out Port (Optionally used for Modbus), 1x BEB port, 1x 10/100 Ethernet Port
Max Sensors: Maximum of 150 onlined sensors, including Expansion Units and virtual sensors (if
VPN is enabled - reduced to 36 on F4 units, 150 on F7 units)

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SPX+ Modules
The below modules can be added to the standard configurations to build up the device with what you
need. For example, if you wish to have 12 sensor ports, you can order an SPX8 and an additional
sensor4 module. You can also build your unit using our online Configuration Tool
(https://www.akcp.com/configuratorTool/index.html) to check that it fits in 1U or 0U rack mounting. If you
exceed 1U then there is the option to continue the configuration on an additional U connected via
BEB to the base unit.
sensor4 (S)
Additional sensor ports can be added to the base SPX+ module in blocks of 4. The sensor4 modules
are compatible with all AKCP intelligent sensors. Build a cost effective monitoring platform, able to
monitor multiple cabinets from a single IP address.
dry10/20
Use Dry Contacts for monitoring a variety of third party devices, door contact sensors, digital outputs
from UPS, control panels and alarm panels. Use IO Dry Contacts to actuate responses to inputs.
The 10x or 20x Dry Contacts module is available in 3 configurations:
Configurable I/O dry Contact (0VDC/5VDC)
Input only 5V Dry Contact, opto-coupled input
Isolated input Dry Contact, from 5V to 20V voltage input signal
Cellular Modem and Optional GPS
The cellular data modem module gives the SPX+ ability to communicate over a cellular data network.
An external antenna ensures a good signal can be received even if the SPX+ is inside a cabinet.
Send SMS alerts directly from the SPX+ device, or connect it to our central monitoring platform,
AKCPro Server, via a VPN connection. Cellular modems are available in European and US bands,
and in 3G or 4G versions. Optional GPS antenna can be added for geolocation of the device.

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4x Analog to Digital inputs (4x 0-5VDC Input)
This module is ideal for connecting third party analogue sensors with a 0-5VDC scale output. Many
industrial sensors are available with this scale output, opening up the possibilities of monitoring many
different sensors not provided by AKCP.
4x Mini Relays
This module includes 4x mini DC relays. Use them to switch on/off low current devices directly, or use
them to drive larger relays. Ideal for systems and control, building and industrial automation. Contact
ratings : 1A 24VDC/120VAC resistive load
2x Mini Relay and 2x 0-5VDC Input
This module is a combination of the above modules: 2x relays and 2x 0-5VDC Analog sensor inputs.
Internal UPS (4x AA rechargeable batteries)
This module is an internal mini UPS backup battery. Using 4x AA rechargeable batteries (not
supplied) you can power the SPX+ for up to 30 minutes with the modem, or up to 1.5 hours without.
Maintain your monitoring and alerting capabilities even during power outages. Make sure that your
SPX+ can continue alerting even if your network and power is down by combining the mini internal
UPS with cellular data modem.
A short video of this module is available here: https://youtu.be/uis1OShODC8
Important Note: This backup internal power supply DOES NOT protect against unstable power or
power surges, so we still highly recommend using a dedicated third party UPS between the AC power
and the SPX+ 5VDC power adapter. As a reminder damage due to unstable or power surges will void
the warranty on the units.

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Ball Valve Control Module If you have DC motors or electronically controlled
ball valves which require polarity reversal to turn in
the opposite direction, this module is applicable.
Ideal for water irrigation or industrial applications
which require valve and motor controls.
Important: this module is only supported on F7 units
Turning the relay On / Off will set the opened /
closed state on the Valve Status.
Timeout for opening and closing are configurable in
the Web UI (value range: 1-600, 10 s by default).
If this module is used with a valve that cannot
provide open and closed status, the Valve Status
sensor can be set to offline.
Statuses of Valve Status sensor:
Unknown: status when the valve is not in opened or closed state when it is not operating
(opening/closing).
Opening: operating status when the relay is set to ON.
Closing: operating status when the relay is set to OFF.
Error: status when the valve is considered to have an error:
oNot opened or closed after operating for a period of time.
oValve opened and closed are detected at the same time.
Opened: status when open valve is detected.
Closed: status when closed valve is detected.

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Expansion Architecture
Every SPX+ comes with both EXP (Expansion) and BEB (Basic Expansion Bus) ports. These
expansion ports give you the ability to add functionality to your base device, so your system can grow
with your needs.
Basic Expansion Bus (BEB)
BEB is suitable for short distance expansion within your cabinet. Build up your system adding
additional SPX+ BEB Remote units. Daisy chain the expansion units up to a maximum of 18 meters
for the total chain. SPX+ BEB Remote units are cost effective expansion when you place the unit
within the same or neighboring cabinet. Please refer to our separate BEB manual for more
information.
Expansion (EXP)
EXP is used where you need to extend the distance up to 300 meters. SPX+ EXP Remote devices
can be daisy chained, with a maximum of 300 meters between each unit.

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Port assignment information for SPX+ units
4x intelligent sensor ports
Every SPX+ comes with 4 intelligent sensor ports. Connect a wide range of AKCP’s intelligent
sensors to monitor environmental and security conditions in your cabinet. Thermal map sensors help
identify hotspots, smoke alarms detect fire hazards or swing handle RFID cabinet locks protect
against unauthorized access. You may connect AKCP intelligent sensors to any available ports.
Expansion & BEB port
Connect additional remote BEB units, or E-Sensor8 / E-Opto16 expansion units to increase the
capabilities and number of sensors your SPX+ can monitor.
Important: On the expansion port you cannot connect AKCP sensors; it’s only for the expansion units.
Cellular modem
For remote site locations, or those places without a WAN network connection an internal 3G/4G GSM
modem can be installed to give 24/7 connectivity. Make sure you are always up to date and know
your site status, or send SMS alerts directly from the SPX+.
Additional sensors with sensor4 Module
With the optional 4x intelligent sensor ports you can connect more of AKCP’s range of environmental
and security monitoring sensors, such as thermal maps, RFID electronic swing handle locks, airflow
sensors and more. Maximum sensors 150. If the VPN feature is enabled: 36 total sensors for F4
units, 150 on F7 units.
Dry contacts
Monitor a variety of devices and alarm panels with dry contact inputs. Available in 5VDC input,
I/O and isolated configurations. LED indicators show the status of each individual dry contact.
Important note: If you're using analog pins on the sensor ports (with manually on-lined DCV sensors,
and pin 7 of the RJ45 connector) make sure that the voltage doesn't exceed 3 Volts. Otherwise you
can damage the unit!

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LED information for SPX+ units
Reset Eth/Exp Buzzer
Sensor LEDs Power LED Dry Contact LEDs
The Ethernet/Expansion LEDs have standard indication LEDs for network activity and connection
state (green and orange).
The Power LED is red, simply on or off.
Sensor LEDs (red) and Dry Contact LEDs (green) can have different states:
Off = offline
On = online and normal
Slow blinking = Warning status
Fast blinking = Critical and Error status
The Buzzer can provide audible notifications for sensor statuses. Please check our separate SP+
Buzzer manual for using this feature.
The Reset button functions are described below.

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Reset button functions for SPX+ units
There are specific commands you can send to the unit by holding the Reset button for a specified
amount of time.
You’ll have to use something sharp, such as a straightened paperclip to be able to press Reset.
Commands:
Time to hold
Action
< 3 sec
Speak/show IP and broadcast its info (display on LCD sensor too, if connected)
3..7 sec
Reboot (reset CPU)
7..12 sec
Web UI password reset
12..17 sec
Clear the sensor, notification and access DBs, logs
Serial flash erase (DB erase without factory reset, the system configuration is kept)
17..25 sec
Reset to factory defaults (serial flash erase + config erase)
> 25 sec
No action (useful when the button was pressed by mistake)
Notes:
- When the Reset button is held for longer than 12 seconds (DB erase) and then released, the Sensor
Port 1 and 2 LEDs will give a visual indication of the state of database erase (the reboot and
password reset doesn’t have visual indication).
- When the button is held longer than 17 seconds (factory reset) and then released, these sensor port
LEDs will be blinking fast and alternate during the factory reset mode.

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Setting up the unit’s IP address
Very Important Note: The unit’s ship with the passwords enabled. The default log in for the web
interface is Username: admin Password: public
Every unit is shipped with the default IP address of 192.168.0.100
First we will go through the process of changing this IP address to fit your own network configuration.
Note: In some cases your computer might not be able to connect to this default IP address. In this
situation you either need to:
a) add this IP your computers routing table or
b) add a secondary IP address to the LAN card to allow access to the unit.
See below how to setup these.
Ensure the following items are available to you before starting:
- RJ45 CAT5 crossover cable with RJ45 male connection
- A PC with Ethernet card or LAN socket, logged in with Administrator rights
1) Connect the unit via the Ethernet port of the unit to your computers LAN or Ethernet port with a
CAT5 crossover cable.
2) Open a web browser and type the default IP address, hit enter.
You’ll be presented by the Summary page.
Go to the System/Network page to change the network settings (see below in this manual).
Once you have assigned the new IP address use the “ping” command to test the unit’s reply.

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How to add a manual route to the computer’s routing table?
Open an Administrator Command Prompt (CMD) window and type:
route add 192.168.0.100 10.1.1.20
Where 10.1.1.20 is the IP address of the Ethernet interface on the PC that the unit is plugged into
with the crossover cable.
Note: If you do not receive an 'OK!' message then a parameter was wrong or missing.
The route is not persistent (removed upon rebooting), but you can also delete it with the
route delete 192.168.0.100 command.
How to add a secondary IP address to the computer’s LAN card?
You can do this via the GUI by opening the LAN connection’s properties:
Or open an Administrator Command Prompt (CMD) window and type:
netsh interface ipv4 add address “Local Area Connection”192.168.0.2
255.255.255.0
The above command adds the IP Address 192.168.0.2 (with Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0) to the
connection titled “Local Area Connection”.
You will then be able to connect to the unit with its default IP.
Note: The secondary IP address is permanent for the LAN connection; don’t use it if you only need it
once. Instead use the routing table method above.

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SPX+ Web UI Walkthrough
Menu navigation
With newer firmware (after 1.0.3074), the Web UI and the menu structure has been changed on all
SP+ family devices.
To open the menu, click on the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner:
This will bring up the full menu for navigation.
Depending on the device, you might see additional menu items, such as Power.
Important Note:- As Microsoft no longer supports the Internet Explorer web browser, we also do not
support any version of IE when viewing our web interface on all AKCP base units. Please use the
Chrome or Firefox browsers when viewing the base units web UI.

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Monitoring Summary page
This is the Summary page with Sensor Status and the Event Log, with the Temperature Sensor
Graph enabled.
Host Log
The Host Log contains all entries from the “All Events” category. We’ll explain the different categories
in the Notifications manual.
The last 30 entries are shown, but if you’re scrolling down the list, more events (30 more) will be
loaded automatically. You can view the full log if you keep scrolling down.

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In the Summary page’s Sensors Information window you can do the following:
Click on the configuration menu button directly next to the right of a sensor to access its popup
menu.
Directly acknowledge a sensor’s status, and put the sensor offline
Control the relay-type sensors
Enable/disable graph data collection per sensor (if they support it), and display the
graph display window for the Summary page
We’ll explain the Graph feature in more detail below.

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Graph feature
After you’ve enabled the data collection for a sensor, you can choose to display specific time intervals
of the stored data: hourly/daily/weekly/monthly and custom display interval.
You can also export the recorded data in multiple formats.
Important: The maximum number of enabled graphs per unit is 14.
In this example picture, we’ve chosen to display the temperature sensor’s daily maximum.
You could also resize the graph window (including full screen) and move the scale to display more or
less data.
You can choose to export the graph data in selected
formats by clicking on the graph’s menu on the right,
then by choosing the desired format from the popup
menu.
The file will be downloaded automatically and assigned
a file name that will contain the sensor’s name, IP
address of the unit, and the date and time.