Davicom Cortex Series User manual

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Cortex Series
Remote Site Management System
MAN1028
Version 1.0
September 2019
Davicom, a division of Comlab Inc.
2272, Leon - Harmel, Quebec, QC, Canada G1N 4L2
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
w w w . d a v i c o m . c o m
Reference Guide

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Warranty
Comlab Telecommunications Inc. (Comlab) warrants all its products to be free from any defect in manufacture for a period
of two years after delivery to the original purchaser. All warranty returns must be authorized by a Comlab representative.
The limitation of liability under this warranty shall be to repair or replace any part of the product which proves to be
defective after inspection by Comlab. This warranty shall not apply to any Comlab product that has been disassembled,
modified, physically or electrically damaged, inappropriately installed, or any product that has been subjected to the
conditions exceeding the applicable specifications or ratings.
This warranty is the full extent of obligation and liability assumed by Comlab with respect to its products. Comlab neither
makes nor authorizes any person or company to make any other guarantee or warranty concerning its products.
Disclaimer
Comlab assumes no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential injury, loss, economic loss, damage, fines or
penalties incurred through the use, or inability to use Comlab products.
Comlab products are not intended for use in medical, life-saving, life-sustaining or critical applications. Comlab customers
using or selling Comlab products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and agree to fully indemnify Comlab
for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.
Comlab reserves the right to make design changes to its products without incurring any obligation to make the same
changes to previously sold units.
Safety information
The Davicom unit should be installed by qualified technical personnel only. Installation of this device by an unqualified
person could result in hazardous conditions to the installer or other personnel, and/or damage to the unit or other
equipment. Ensure that proper safety precautions have been taken before installing this unit and any associated
equipment.
The Davicom unit is designed to meet standard safety requirements, and it is extremely important that it not be modified in
any way. Modification of this equipment will void the warranty and could pose a hazard to the user of this equipment or to
maintenance personnel.
Service of the Davicom should be performed by qualified technical personnel who are familiar with the unit. Note that the
Davicom unit is designed for indoor use in a dry location. Installation and operation in other locations could be hazardous.
Depending on your installation, the Davicom unit may contain HIGH VOLTAGES. Exercise caution
when working in and around the unit if it is connected to your site wiring. To ensure proper lightning
and power surge protection, make sure that the grounding terminal on the rear of the Davicom units
is securely connected to the ground wiring at the equipment site.

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Regulatory Compliance
FCC (USA)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Comlab may void the user’s authority, as granted by the FCC, to
operate this device and should not be made.
ISED (Canada)
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................8
1.1. OVERVIEW................................................................................................... 8
1.2. WHAT’S A REMOTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM?................................................. 8
1.3. SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................... 9
1.3.1. Front panel (CORTEX 360) .....................................................................10
1.3.2. Rear panel (CORTEX 360) ......................................................................11
1.3.3. Front panel (CORTEX 320) .....................................................................12
1.3.4. Rear panel (CORTEX 320) ......................................................................13
2. SETTING-UP AND CONNECTING TO THE UNIT ..........................15
2.1. RACK MOUNTING THE UNIT ......................................................................... 15
2.2. POWER REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................. 15
2.3. CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT ..................................................... 15
2.4. SETTING INTERNAL JUMPERS AND DIP SWITCHES ....................................... 16
2.4.1 JUMPERS FOR THE CORTEX-360.................................................................... 16
2.4.2 JUMPERS FOR THE CORTEX-320.................................................................... 18
2.5. BOOT-UP ................................................................................................... 21
2.6. CONNECTING YOUR COMPUTER TO THE CORTEX360.................................... 21
2.6.1. Connecting by IP with your web browser................................................. 21
2.6.2. Connecting using Google Chrome........................................................... 21
2.6.3. Connecting using DavLink 6 via the USB port .........................................24
2.7.1 CONNECTING PHYSICAL I/O TO THE CORTEX-360........................................ 25
2.7.2 CONNECTING PHYSICAL I/O TO THE CORTEX-320........................................ 26
3. USER INTERFACE & MENUS ........................................................28
3.1. USER INTERFACE ....................................................................................... 28
3.2. MENUS ...................................................................................................... 29
4. UNIT CONFIGURATION AND PROGRAMMING ............................ 31
4.1. MENUS AND OPTION ACCESSIBILITY ............................................................ 31
4.2. SYSTEM MENU ........................................................................................... 31
4.2.1. Administration .......................................................................................... 32
4.2.2. Alarm-Call Lists ........................................................................................ 33
4.2.3. Date, Time, and Location.........................................................................37
4.2.4. IP Configuration ....................................................................................... 39
4.2.5. System Status View ................................................................................. 44
4.2.6. User access ............................................................................................. 45
4.2.7. HDMI (Cortex 360 only) ...........................................................................47
4.2.8. Web Views ............................................................................................... 47
4.2.9. Workspaces ............................................................................................. 48
4.3. INPUTS MENU............................................................................................. 50
4.3.1. Generic Input Menus................................................................................ 50
4.3.2. AC Power Fail and boot flags ..................................................................54
4.3.3. Hardware Monitoring (CORTEX 360 ONLY) ...........................................56
4.3.4. Metering (Analog) Inputs.......................................................................... 59
4.3.5. Ping Commands ...................................................................................... 62
4.3.7. Status (Digital) Inputs............................................................................... 64
4.3.8. Activity Monitoring ....................................................................................66
4.3.9. Status inputs activity monitoring .............................................................. 68
4.3.10. Virtual Logic Gates................................................................................... 71
4.4. OUTPUTS MENU......................................................................................... 74
4.4.1. Physical Relays........................................................................................ 74

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4.4.2. Virtual Relays ........................................................................................... 77
5. SNMP............................................................................................... 78
5.1.1. SNMP GET .............................................................................................. 78
5.1.2. SNMP SET............................................................................................... 82
6. WORKSPACE MANAGEMENT ......................................................86
6.1. WORKSPACE FILES VERSUS CONFIGURATION FILES ..................................... 86
6.2. PRE-LOADED WORKSPACE ......................................................................... 86
6.3. EDITING AND CREATING WORKSPACES ........................................................ 86
6.4. WORKSPACE TRANSFERS .......................................................................... 88
6.5. SAVING WORKSPACES ............................................................................... 89
6.6. LOADING A WORKSPACE............................................................................ 90
6.7. UPLOADING AND DOWNLOADING WORKSPACES TO AND FROM A CORTEX..... 90
APPENDIX A FACTORY RESET ..............................................................92
APPENDIX B CONTACT INFORMATION.................................................92

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1. Introduction
1.1. Overview
The Cortex Series is the 3rd generation of Davicom Remote Site Management Systems. It is the core of the Davicom remote
control systems upon which different modules can be attached in order to easily expand monitoring and control capabilities.
An HTML5-based engine is at the center of the Cortex providing a sleek and modern way to visualize and access screens
and menus. Current users of previous generation of Davicom units will easily find their way, while new users will find the
presentation attractive and intuitive.
This Reference Guide is an introductory manual intended to get users started with the Davicom Cortex unit. More information
will be added to the manual as it becomes available.
1.2. What’s a Remote Management System?
Remote management refers to monitoring, control and operation of electronic or mechanical equipment located at a remote
location from a central station called a NOC (Network Operation Center). Remote management applications are almost
limitless. At the core of the remote management process is the Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU), a device with communication,
measurement and control capabilities. From managing a remote mountain-top telecommunication or broadcast transmitter,
an HVAC system in a building or water pumps in the middle of a city, an RTU finds application almost everywhere.
The RTU is usually installed at each site where monitoring, reporting and control is required. It collects all relevant data from
other equipment, analyzes it, sends alarm to the NOC or to the user and performs actions based on specific rules defined
by the user.

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1.3. Specifications

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Front & rear panel descriptions
1.3.1.Front panel (CORTEX 360)
The Cortex front panel provides easily accessible site and equipment-status information without requiring the use of a
computer.
CORTEX-360 front panel
OLED Display - Under normal operation, the display is blank to conserve power. To turn it on, push any of the four menu
buttons.
Menu buttons - Four push buttons allow navigation through the different OLED menus.
POWER LED- Indicates status of the unit’s power. It is on when the unit is under rated power.
ALARM LED- Shows the Alarm status. If there is one or many alarms, the LED will be on.
COMMUNICATIONS - Shows the unit’s call-out status. It will turn on every time the unit makes an outside call (telephone,
email, SNMP Trap, etc.)
USER ONLINE - Indicates if one or more users are connected to the unit.
ACTIVITY - Indicates the health status of the CPU. This “heartbeat” flashes at a rate of one (1) pulse per second when the
unit is operating correctly.
PAUSE and LOCAL buttons- The PAUSE button stops transmission of Alarms to the outside, while the LOCAL b utton
blocks outside actions and control when staff is on-site for maintenance or repair work.
Headphone jack- Provides audio for monitoring purposes. It is active when audio is applied on the unit’s rear connector
audio input pins. A powered speaker can also be connected to this port.
USB port - Provides a means of connecting to the unit using a computer with the DavLink 6 software.

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1.3.2.Rear panel (CORTEX 360)
CORTEX 360 Rear Panel
Ethernet Port (CORTEX 320) or Switch (CORTEX 360) – The CORTEX 360 has an embedded 4-port network switch
gives networking flexibility and versatility while the CORTEX 320 has single Ethernet port. Along with providing IP access
to the unit, these ports can also be used to connect Davicom expansion modules, networked equipment, or networked
accessories. Of particular interest is the connection of on-site SNMP-enabled equipment. This switch is powered by the
Cortex’s 12 VDC power which should remain active during a site power-failure.
USB ports – An embedded 4-port USB hub (CORTEX 360) or 2-port USB (CORTEX 320) allows connection of USB
accessories like memory sticks, a mouse, a keyboard, Davicom Expansion devices or Modbus-compatible equipment and
accessories.
Video Out (CORTEX 360 only) – Digital video output to view the unit’s GUI on an external monitor.
INPUT / OUTPUT connectors - Two 50-pin connectors (CORTEX 360) or 25-pin connectors (CORTEX 320) provide
interconnection from the unit to the outside world. They allow access to the unit’s physical inputs and outputs (Metering,
Status, Relays). They also provide auxiliary supply outputs (+5 Volts and +12 Volts) for sensors and accessories.
Audio jacks - The first audio jack outputs whatever audio has been selected for audio monitoring, or the audio that will be
fed to the PTT type of alarm. The second audio jack is an input and is for audio streaming over IP or via dial-up. The third
audio jack is a microphone input that can be used to remotely listen to site noises such as equipment fans. Note that the
CORTEX 320 offers a single line-in audio jack.
Clock input – This future option will allow connection of GPS clock-type signals for ultra-precise RTC control.
IOIOI - The IOIOI 9-pin male connector is a serial port that can be used for an external modem, for equipment reach-through,
for Modbus interfacing as well as for serial backhaul communications. It can be configured for RS-232 or RS-485 operation.

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Ground screw terminal – This terminal is used to connect the unit to the site’s electrical ground. It is of utmost importance
to provide an excellent ground to the unit in order to avoid or limit damage caused by lightning strikes or electrical problems.
Telephone line (requires a Davicom modem installed inside the unit) - Connects the unit to a phone line for remote access
by computer or by using DTMF tones. It also allows the unit to send alarm calls by modem or voice.
Power Fail (P.F.) - Monitors the presence of the main AC utility power through the use a small external AC adapter. When
the voltage derived from the main AC utility power falls below a specific level, this input will change level from normal to
active. It can be set to trigger alarms and advise users that a power outage occurs at the site. THIS IS NOT THE UNIT’S
POWER SUPPLY INPUT.
Protection fuse - 3-amp fuse protection on power supply inputs.
DC input power jacks – Redundant 4-pin XLR connectors provide power to the unit. Any one of the two inputs can be used
at any time to power the unit, or both at the same time. These two power inputs allow for power redundancy. The power
rating is either 12 VDC @ 3 Amps, OR 24 VDC @ 1.5 Amps, but any voltage between 10 and 30 VDC can be used. VERY
IMPORTANT: Do not mix different power supplies on these inputs (for example, do not use 12 volt and 24 volt power
supplies at the same time). Only use power supplies having the same output voltage.
1.3.3.Front panel (CORTEX 320)
CORTEX-320 front panel
POWER LED- Indicates status of the unit’s power. It is on when the unit is under rated power.
ALARM LED- Shows the Alarm status. If there is one or many alarms, the LED will be on.
COMMUNICATIONS - Shows the unit’s call-out status. It will turn on every time the unit makes an outside call (telephone,
email, SNMP Trap, etc.)
USER ONLINE - Indicates if one or more users are connected to the unit.

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ACTIVITY - Indicates the health status of the CPU. This “heartbeat” flashes at a rate of one (1) pulse per second when the
unit is operating correctly.
PAUSE and LOCAL buttons- The PAUSE button stops transmission of Alarms to the outside, while the LOCAL button
blocks outside actions and control when staff is on-site for maintenance or repair work.
Headphone jack- Provides audio for monitoring purposes. It is active when audio is applied on the unit’s rear connector
audio input pins. A powered speaker can also be connected to this port.
USB port - Provides a means of connecting to the unit using a computer with the DavLink 6 software.
1.3.4.Rear panel (CORTEX 320)
CORTEX 320 Rear Panel
Ethernet Port – Provides IP access to the unit. Expansion modules can also be added to the CORTEX 320 by connecting
this port to an external Ethernet switch (sold separately).
USB ports – An embedded 2-port USB hub allows connection of USB accessories like memory sticks, Davicom Expansion
devices or Modbus-compatible equipment and accessories.
INPUT / OUTPUT connectors - Two 25-pin connectors provide interconnection from the unit to the outside world. They
allow access to the unit’s physical inputs and outputs (Metering, Status, Relays). One of the connectors also provides
auxiliary supply outputs (+5 Volts and +12 Volts) for sensors and accessories.
Audio jack - The audio jack can be configured as an input (line-in) or output (line-out) using on-board jumpers inside the
unit.

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Ground screw terminal – This terminal is used to connect the unit to the site’s electrical ground. It is of utmost importance
to provide an excellent ground to the unit in order to avoid or limit damage caused by lightning strikes or electrical problems.
Telephone line (requires a Davicom modem installed inside the unit) - Connects the unit to a phone line for remote access
by computer or by using DTMF tones. It also allows the unit to send alarm calls by modem or voice.
Power Fail (P.F.) - Monitors the presence of the main AC utility power through the use a small external AC adapter. When
the voltage derived from the main AC utility power falls below a specific level, this input will change level from normal to
active. It can be set to trigger alarms and advise users that a power outage occurs at the site. THIS IS NOT THE UNIT’S
POWER SUPPLY INPUT.
Protection fuse - 3-amp fuse protection on power supply input.
DC input power jack – An XLR connector provides power to the unit. The power rating is either 12 VDC @ 3 Amps, but
any voltage between 10 and 15 VDC can be used.

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2. Setting-up and connecting to the unit
2.1. Rack mounting the unit
The Cortex-360 unit can easily be rack-mounted with the supplied rack-mount brackets and screws. Just install the brackets
on the side of the unit by selecting the mounting holes that match with your rack-rail position.
The Cortex-320 can be installed in the equipment rack by using the Davicom Rackmount Tray (P/N DRMT-01), sold
separately.
2.2. Power Requirements
Specifications
Cortex-320
Cortex-360*
Operating Voltage
12 Vdc
10 to 30 Vdc
Current consumption
Typically 200 mA
(275 mA with all relays energized)
Typically 300 mA @ 12 Vdc
*The Cortex 360 features a dual-input system that allows for power supply redundancy: two power supplies can be
connected at the same time in order to provide automatic fail-over switching in case one of the power supplies fails.
The Cortex uses a 4-pin XLR connector for the power supply: male on the Cortex and female on the power supply side.
2.3. Connecting the Power Supply Unit
If you did not purchase your PSU from Davicom, you will want to make your own supply cable with the XLR pigtail supplied
with your Cortex unit. The pinout is indicated directly on the back panel (Pin 1: GND, Pin 4: +V).

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2.4. Setting Internal Jumpers and DIP Switches
2.4.1 Jumpers for the Cortex-360
Jumpers and switches location on the Cortex-360 main board

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1–Relay/open-collector outputs
The Cortex-360 can control its physical relays, or the transistors acting as relay drivers (open-collector mode).
By default, the eight relay jumpers are set for direct relay operation (RLY position). If you need open-collectors,
change the jumpers of the desired relays to OC Mode.
2 – Status input
The status inputs can all be individually set for separate grounds or for internal grounds with pull-up resistors. DIP
Switches S11 and S12 select isolated grounds mode (Default is NO on all 16 inputs). DIP switches S9 and S10
select pull-up resistor mode (it is IN by default on all 16 inputs).
3–Metering input
The Cortex-360 metering inputs can be configured for 4-20 mA operation. To select this mode, place the jumper for
the desired metering input in the ON position. By default, the metering input jumpers are set for voltage
measurement (OFF position).
4–IOIOI
This serial port can be configured for RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 operation. By default, the jumpers are set for RS-
232 operation.
PULL-UP

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2.4.2 Jumpers for the Cortex-320
Jumpers and switches location on the Cortex-320 main board

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1 – Status input
The status inputs can all be individually set for separate grounds or for internal grounds with pull-up resistors. The
factory default DIP switches position is in the both pull-up mode (IN position on all 4 inputs) and the internal ground
mode (NO position all 4 inputs).
2–Battery monitoring
The Metering Input 12 has a jumper (JP1) that allows measurement of the RTC battery voltage when in position
YES. To display the correct battery voltage, the voltage range of the metering input 12 must be in the 5V position.
Furthermore, the metering input ABC parameters must be set to: A=0, B=1, C=0, D=0 in the input’s configuration
screen.
3–Metering input
To configure the metering input in 0-5V or 0-60V voltage range, place the VOLTAGE RANGE jumper in the desired
voltage range position (5V or 60V) and the AUDIO DETECT jumper in the NO position. By default, the metering
input jumpers are set 0-5V.
If you want to use a metering input as an audio rectifier, place the AUDIO DETECT jumper in the YES position and
the VOLTAGE RANGE jumper in the 5V position.

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4–Digital mode for metering input
The DIP switches S3 and S1 set an internal pull-up resistor on the metering input. When the METERING DIP
Switches are in the IN position, the selected metering inputs are now usable as status input. To work properly, it’s
necessary to place the VOLTAGE RANGE jumper of the selected metering inputs in the 5V position. When the
selected inputs are open circuit, the metering inputs show approximately 2V (High).
5–Relays
Relays 4, 5 and 6 can be SPST Form A or B. Place the jumper in NO position to have an SPST Form A relay or in
NC position to have an SPST Form B relay. By default, the three relay jumpers are in NO position.
6 – Audio IN/OUT
These two jumpers configure the back-panel audio connector as either an input or an output. By default, the two
jumpers are set for input operation.