Black Box EME161A User manual

24/7 TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT 1.877.877.2269 OR VISIT BLACKBOX.COM
ALERTWERKS
HUB
4-PORT
EME161A
USER MANUAL
ETH 12 3 4

2
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2. OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Features ....................................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.3 What’s Included........................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.4 Hardware Description..............................................................................................................................................................................6
2.4.1 Back Panel: Ports ...............................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.4.2 Top Panel: Status LEDs.....................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.4.3 Side Panel: Reset Button ..................................................................................................................................................................................8
3. CONFIGURATION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Setting Up the Unit’s IP Address .............................................................................................................................................................9
3.1.1 How to Add a Manual Route to the Computer’s Routing Table................................................................................................................. 9
3.1.2 How to Add a Secondary IP Address to the Computer’s LAN Card.......................................................................................................10
4. WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) ............................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Summary Page .......................................................................................................................................................................................11
4.1.1 Graph Feature ....................................................................................................................................................................................................13
4.2 System Page...........................................................................................................................................................................................15
4.2.1 General ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................15
4.2.2 Language Management .................................................................................................................................................................................17
4.2.3 Date/Time..........................................................................................................................................................................................................22
4.2.4 Network..............................................................................................................................................................................................................23
4.2.5 VPN .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
4.2.6 SMTP..................................................................................................................................................................................................................25
4.2.7 SNMP..................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
4.2.8 SNMPv3.............................................................................................................................................................................................................27
4.2.9 Server Integration.............................................................................................................................................................................................28
4.2.10 Password Checking.......................................................................................................................................................................................29
4.2.11 Maintenance....................................................................................................................................................................................................30
4.12.12 Heartbeat Messages ...................................................................................................................................................................................31
4.2.13 License Management....................................................................................................................................................................................32
4.2.14 About ................................................................................................................................................................................................................33
4.3 Sensors Page..........................................................................................................................................................................................34
4.4 General Options for All Sensors............................................................................................................................................................35
4.4.1 Disable Auto Sense ..........................................................................................................................................................................................35
4.4.2 Choose Sensor Type .......................................................................................................................................................................................36
4.4.3 Offline a Sensor................................................................................................................................................................................................36
4.4.4 Smart Sensor Recovery..................................................................................................................................................................................37
4.4.5 Change Continuous Time...............................................................................................................................................................................38
4.5 Virtual Sensors......................................................................................................................................................................................39

3
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4.6 Example Sensor Configuration .............................................................................................................................................................40
4.6.1 Temperature/Humidity Sensor......................................................................................................................................................................40
4.6.2 Relay Sensor .....................................................................................................................................................................................................44
4.7 Firmware Upgrade through the Web UI ................................................................................................................................................47
APPENDIX A. REGULATORY INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................ 49
A.1 FCC Statement .......................................................................................................................................................................................49
A.2 NOM Statement .....................................................................................................................................................................................50
APPENDIX B. DISCLAIMER/TRADEMARKS ................................................................................................................................. 51
B.1 Disclaimer ...............................................................................................................................................................................................51
B.2 Trademarks Used in this Manual ..........................................................................................................................................................51

41. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 1: SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE 1-1. HUB SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTION
Inputs (4) RJ-45 sensor ports for connecting AlertWerks sensors
(1) RJ-45 Ethernet 10/100 ports
Outputs (4) RJ-45 sensor ports (These ports can carry configurable output signals [0 VDC/5 VDC].)
Number of Users Maximum: 10,000 users
Default: 100 users
Components Uses low-power surface mount technology for long-term reliability
Memory 8 to 16 MB flash memory
Indicators (3) LEDs: (1) Power, (1) Network Connectivity, (1) Sensor Online and Threshold Status:
(1) Buzzer for audible alert on sensor status
Power 5- VDC, 3-A
Mounting Rackmounted or DIN-rail mounted
Operating Environment Temperature: -13 to +176° F (-25 to +80 ° C)
Humidity: 20 to 80% noncondensing
MTBF 1,400,000 hours
Dimensions :1.25”H x 4.5” W x 2.5” D (3.2 x 11.4 x 6.4 cm)

5
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This manual covers the main features and basic configuration of the AlertWerks Hub.
The AlertWerks Hub is a high-speed, accurate, intelligent environmental monitoring device, featuring a completely embedded host
and operating system.
The thermal map combines 4 sensors into one sensor port on the AlertWerks Hub, specially designed to monitor the air entering
and leaving a computer rack. The Thermal Rack Map is performed from the EMEMS using the Thermal Sensor connected to the
AlertWerks Hub. The Thermal Map Sensors monitor the temperature and humidity at different points of the rack.
2.2 FEATURES
IP based, including SNMPv3, HTTPS, VPN
Send encrypted SNMP Trap and Email Notifications
Supports 4 Intelligent Sensors
Notification Wizards
Front and rear thermal mapping for any server cabinet
Low cost daisychained temperature sensors
Optional expansion module connectivity
Virtual sensors
Patented fire suppression feature
Swing handle lock support
NOTE: Some of the pictures shown in this manual might not represent the actual Web UI of the unit; this is because we are
constantly working on improving the firmware. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 877-877-2269 or [e-mail]
if you have any issues configuring your unit.

61. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.3 WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your package should contain the following items. If anything is missing or damaged, contact lack Box Technical Support
at 877-877-2269 or [e-mail]
(1) Alertwerks Hub
(1) Power Supply (100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 5 V, 3 A, 15 W)
(1) RJ-45 to RJ-45 cable, 5-foot (1.5-m)
(1) CD (Manual)
2.4 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
2.4.1 BACK PANEL: PORTS
Port numbering starts from the power connector on the unit: the closest port to the power connector is Port 1 and closest to the
Ethernet interface is Port 4.
You may connect AlertWerks intelligent sensors to any available ports.
CAUTION: If you’re using analog pins on the sensor ports (with manually on-lined DCV sensors, and pin 7 of the RJ-45 connector),
make sure that the voltage doesn’t exceed 3 Volts. Otherwise, you might damage the unit!
1 2 3
FIGURE 2-1. BACK PANEL
TABLE 2-1. BACK PANEL COMPONENTS
NUMBER IN FIGURE 2-1 COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
1(1) RJ-45 connector #4 Links to intelligent sensor #4
2(3) RJ-45 connectors #1–3 Links to intelligent sensors #1-3
3(1) barrel connector Links to 12-VDC power supply

7
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.4.2 TOP PANEL: STATUS LEDS
Figure 2-2 shows the LEDs on the top panel of the AlertWerks Hub. Table 2-2 describes their functions.
1 2
FIGURE 2-2. TOP PANEL: STATUS LEDS
TABLE 2-2. TOP PANEL COMPONENTS
NUMBER IN FIGURE 2-2 COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
1(1) Power/Etthernet (ETH) LED
(red/green)
Turns red if there’s no network connection, and blinks green (according to LAN activi-
ty) when the connection is normal.
2(4) Sensor LEDs #1–4 (green)
Off = offline
On = online and normal
Slow blinking = Warning status
Fast blinking = Critical and Error status

81. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.4.3 SIDE PANEL: RESET BUTTON
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.
1 2
FIGURE 2-3. SIDE PANEL
TABLE 2-3. SIDE PANEL COMPONENTS
NUMBER IN FIGURE 2-3 COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
1Reset button Resets the hub, see Table 2-4 for functions
2RJ-45 connector Links to Ethernet
TABLE 2-4. RESET BUTTON FUNCTIONS
TIME TO HOLD ACTION
3 to 7 seconds Reboot
7 to 12 seconds Web UI password reset
12 to 17 seconds Serial flash erase (DB erase without factory reset, the system configuration is kept)
17 to 25 seconds Reset to factory defaults (serial flash erase + config erase)

9
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 3: CONFIGURATION
3.1 SETTING UP THE UNIT’S IP ADDRESS
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The units 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 for how to set up these.
Ensure the following items are available to you before starting:
RJ-45 CAT5 crossover cable with an RJ-45 male connection
A PC with Ethernet card or LAN socket, logged in with Administrator rights
Follow these steps:
1. Connect the unit via the Ethernet port of the unit to your computer’s LAN or Ethernet port with a CAT5 crossover cable.
2. Open a web browser and type the default IP address, then press enter.
3. You’ll be presented with the Summary page.
4. Go to the System/Network page to change the network settings (see Section X.X in this manual).
Once you have assigned the new IP address use the “ping” command to test the unit’s reply.
3.1.1 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.

10 1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 3: CONFIGURATION
3.1.2 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:
FIGURE 3-1. TCP/IP ADDRESSES SETTING SCREEN
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.

11
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
4.1 SUMMARY PAGE
Figure 4-1 shows the summary page.
FIGURE 4-1. SUMMARY PAGE
This is the Summary page with Sensor Status and the Event Log, with the Sensor Graph enabled.
The Event Log contains all entries from the “All Events” category.
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.

12 1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
FIGURE 4-2. SENSOR INFORMATION WINDOW
In the Summary page’s Sensors Information window you can do the following:
Directly acknowledge a sensor’s status, and put the sensor offline.
FIGURE 4-3. ACKNOWLEDGE SENSOR OR PUT IT OFFLINE
Control the relay-type sensors.
FIGURE 4-4. CONTROL THE RELAY TIME SENSORS

13
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
Enable/disable graph data collection per sensor, and display the graph display window for the Summary page.
FIGURE 4-5. GRAPH DISPLAY WINDOW
We’ll explain the Graph feature in more detail next.
4.1.1 G R A P H F E AT U R E
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.
FIGURE 4-6. GRAPH FEATURE EXAMPLE
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.

14 1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
FIGURE 4-7. GRAPH FORMATS DROPDOWN MENU
You can choose to export the graph data in selected formats by clicking on the icon on the right.
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.
FIGURE 4-8. LIVE GRAPH OPTION
By choosing the Live Graph option, you can get continuous updates of the graph data (by default every 60 seconds). If you don’t use
this option, the graph data needs to be refreshed manually.

15
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
FIGURE 4-9. SENSORS’ DROP-DOWN MENU
To change to a different sensor’s graph, choose it from the drop-down menu.
NOTE: You can only choose a sensor here that you’ve already enabled the graph data collection for.
4.2 SYSTEM PAGE
Figure 4-1 shows the summary page.
4.2.1 GENERAL
FIGURE 4-10. SYSTEM PAGE, GENERAL SETTINGS

16 1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
in the previous screen, you can change general settings for the device.
The unit’s firmware version is shown in the Description field, and the System Name/Location/Contact options are user configurable.
You can also specify the System URL option for quick access of a custom part of the Web UI for example, but you can specify any
URL.
By changing the Graph Data Collection Period, you can choose how frequently the data is sampled.
NOTE: If you had stored graph data previously, changing this setting will clear the data.
FIGURE 4-11. GRAPH DATA COLLECTION PERIOD SCREEN
NOTE: A Low Power Mode is selectable from EMEMS; on the Web UI this option is not shown.
With the Sensor Notification On System Boot Up option, you can choose to allow/disallow running the notifications with sensor
values read at system boot up. In some cases, invalid values are read while the unit is starting up, and you could get false alarm
notifications. You can disable the notification processing at startup with this option.
On each System subpage you can see a Get SNMP OID button (where applicable).
FIGURE 4-12. GET SNMP OID BUTTON
This will give you a popup window with all relevant OIDs for the actual page (the General page is shown next).

17
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
FIGURE 4-13. SNMP OID OF GENERAL PAGE
You can use OIDs for SNMP calls and in custom scripts, or for setting up the unit for monitoring by a third party NMS software such
as WhatsUpGold or Paessler.
This button is also accessible on the Sensors page.
4.2.2 LANGUAGE MANAGEMENT
FIGURE 4-14. LANGUAGE MANAGEMENT BUTTON
You can change the display language of the Web UI with this option. Only one additional language is supported, together with the
default (and fallback if there’s an error) English.

18 1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
FIGURE 4-15. LANGUAGE SCREEN
In Manage, you can choose to Download Language File if you’d like to edit the language file offline (you can also download the
custom language’s file if it’s already present). Then upload the completed file, and it will be selectable as the Custom Language. For
official translation files, the language code and version will show the correct values.
NOTE: Whenever you upload or install a custom language file, it will overwrite the old file. Only one additional language is supported.
For separately downloadable language files, contact Black Box Technical Support.
If you have an active internet connection, the unit supports installing the official language files directly from our server.
Select a language from the drop-down menu Install New Language.
FIGURE 4-16. INSTALL NEW LANGUAGE BUTTON
Then press the Install button. It will ask you to confirm the action in a popup window.

19
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
FIGURE 4-17. CONFIRMATION WINDOW
Wait until the language is downloaded and installed.
FIGURE 4-18. INSTALLING LANGUAGE MESSAGE
The unit will notify you about the successful language change, and will change the language of the Web UI.
You can switch back to English by selecting it from the drop-down list on the General page, then press Save.
FIGURE 4-19. DROP-DOWN LIST
After you’ve added the custom language, you can manage it from the same menu.

20 1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LEAVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1.877.877.2269
CHAPTER 4: WEB GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
FIGURE 4-20. LANGUAGE SCREEN, CUSTOM LANGUAGE
NOTE: The official language files are also included in the firmware update packages.
You can also edit the chosen language directly in the Web UI, if you choose Edit Language.