MSA fieldserver ProtoNode FPC-N64 User guide

ProtoNode Start-up Guide 0
Start-up Guide
ProtoNode FPC-N64
MSAsafety.com
Document Revision: 2.C
T18630
APPLICABILITY & EFFECTIVITY
Effective for all systems manufactured after July 2021.

ProtoNode Start-up Guide 2
MSA Safety
1991 Tarob Court
Milpitas, CA 95035
Website: www.MSAsafety.com
U.S. Support Information:
[phone]
[phone]
Email: [email protected]
EMEA Support Information:
[phone]
Email: [email protected]

ProtoNode Start-up Guide 3
Table of Contents
1About the ProtoNode.......................................................................................................................6
2Equipment Setup..............................................................................................................................7
2.1 Mounting...................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Physical Dimensions ................................................................................................................8
3Installing the ProtoNode..................................................................................................................9
3.1 DIP Switch Settings..................................................................................................................9
3.1.1 Bias Resistors ..........................................................................................................................9
3.1.2 Termination Resistor..............................................................................................................10
3.2 Connecting the R1 & R2 Ports...............................................................................................11
3.2.1 Wiring.....................................................................................................................................11
4Power up the ProtoNode ...............................................................................................................12
5Connect the PC to the ProtoNode ................................................................................................13
5.1 Connecting to the Gateway via Ethernet................................................................................13
5.1.1 Changing the Subnet of the Connected PC...........................................................................13
6Setup Web Server Security ...........................................................................................................14
6.1 Login to the FieldServer .........................................................................................................14
6.2 Select the Security Mode........................................................................................................16
6.2.1 HTTPS with Own Trusted TLS Certificate .............................................................................17
6.2.2 HTTPS with Default Untrusted Self-Signed TLS Certificate or HTTP with Built-in Payload
Encryption ..............................................................................................................................17
7Network Settings............................................................................................................................18
7.1 Using FS-GUI to Input Network Settings................................................................................18
7.2 Update Network Settings........................................................................................................19
7.2.1 Routing Settings.....................................................................................................................19
7.2.2 Ethernet 1 and Ethernet 2 Network Settings..........................................................................20
7.2.3 WAN Mode Settings for ETH2 ...............................................................................................21
8Configuring the ProtoNode...........................................................................................................22
8.1 Retrieve the Sample Configuration File..................................................................................22
8.2 Change the Configuration File to Meet the Application..........................................................22
8.3 Load the Updated Configuration File......................................................................................23
8.3.1 Using the FS-GUI to Load a Configuration File .....................................................................23
8.3.2 Retrieve the Configuration File for Modification or Backup....................................................24
8.4 Test and Commission the ProtoNode ....................................................................................25
8.4.1 Accessing the Grid.................................................................................................................25
9Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................26
9.1 Lost or Incorrect IP Address...................................................................................................26
9.2 Viewing Diagnostic Information..............................................................................................27
9.3 Checking Wiring and Settings ................................................................................................28
9.4 Taking a FieldServer Diagnostic Capture...............................................................................29
9.5 LED Functions........................................................................................................................30
9.6 Factory Reset Instructions......................................................................................................31
9.7 Internet Browser Software Support ........................................................................................31
10 Additional Information...................................................................................................................32
10.1 Update Firmware....................................................................................................................32
10.2 SSL/TLS for Secure Connection............................................................................................33
10.2.1 Configuring FieldServer as a SSL/TLS Server ......................................................................33
10.2.2 Configuring FieldServer as SSL/TLS Client...........................................................................36
10.3 Change Web Server Security Settings After Initial Setup......................................................37

ProtoNode Start-up Guide 4
10.3.1 Change Security Mode...........................................................................................................38
10.3.2 Edit the Certificate Loaded onto the FieldServer...................................................................39
10.4 Change User Management Settings......................................................................................40
10.4.1 Create Users..........................................................................................................................41
10.4.2 Edit Users...............................................................................................................................42
10.4.3 Delete Users...........................................................................................................................43
10.4.4 Change FieldServer Password ..............................................................................................44
10.5 Specifications..........................................................................................................................45
10.6 Compliance with UL Regulations............................................................................................46
11 Limited 2 Year Warranty................................................................................................................47

ProtoNode Start-up Guide 5
List of Figures
Figure 1: DIN Rail Bracket ............................................................................................................................7
Figure 2: ProtoNode FPC-N64 Dimensions..................................................................................................8
Figure 3: Bias Resistor DIP Switches...........................................................................................................9
Figure 4: Termination Resistor DIP Switch.................................................................................................10
Figure 5: R1 & R2 Connection Ports...........................................................................................................11
Figure 6: Required Current Draw for the Gateway.....................................................................................12
Figure 7: Power Connections......................................................................................................................12
Figure 8: Ethernet Port Location.................................................................................................................13
Figure 9: Web Server Security Window......................................................................................................14
Figure 10: Connection Not Private Warning ...............................................................................................14
Figure 11: Warning Expanded Text............................................................................................................15
Figure 12: FieldServer Login.......................................................................................................................15
Figure 13: Security Mode Selection Screen................................................................................................16
Figure 14: Security Mode Selection Screen –Certificate & Private Key....................................................17
Figure 15: FS-GUI Page .............................................................................................................................18
Figure 16: FS-GUI Navigation Panel ..........................................................................................................18
Figure 17: Routing Settings.........................................................................................................................19
Figure 18: Ethernet Port Network Settings .................................................................................................20
Figure 19: FS-GUI File Transfer .................................................................................................................22
Figure 20: FS-GUI Loading Files................................................................................................................23
Figure 21: Retrieve Configuration File........................................................................................................24
Figure 22: FS-GUI Connections Screen.....................................................................................................25
Figure 23: Ethernet Port Location...............................................................................................................26
Figure 24: Error Messages Screen.............................................................................................................27
Figure 25: Diagnostic LEDs ........................................................................................................................30
Figure 26: FS-GUI Page .............................................................................................................................37
Figure 27: FS-GUI Security Setup..............................................................................................................38
Figure 28: FS-GUI Security Setup –Certificate Loaded.............................................................................39
Figure 29: FS-GUI User Management........................................................................................................40
Figure 30: Create User Window..................................................................................................................41
Figure 31: Setup Users...............................................................................................................................42
Figure 32: Edit User Window ......................................................................................................................42
Figure 33: Setup Users...............................................................................................................................43
Figure 34: User Delete Warning .................................................................................................................43
Figure 35: FieldServer Password Update via FS-GUI................................................................................44
Figure 36: Specifications.............................................................................................................................45

Description
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 6
1 About the ProtoNode
ProtoNode is a high performance, cost effective Building and Industrial Automation multi-protocol gateway
providing protocol translation between serial/Ethernet devices and networks.
NOTE: For troubleshooting assistance refer to Section 9, or any of the troubleshooting
appendices in the related driver supplements. Check the MSA Safety website for technical
support resources and documentation that may be of assistance.
The ProtoNode is cloud ready and connects with MSA Safety’s Grid. See Section 8.4.1 for further
information.

Equipment Setup
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 7
2 Equipment Setup
2.1 Mounting
The ProtoNode can be mounted using the DIN rail mounting bracket on the back of the unit.
Figure 1: DIN Rail Bracket
Din Rail
Bracket

Equipment Setup
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 8
2.2 Physical Dimensions
Figure 2: ProtoNode FPC-N64 Dimensions
R1 Serial Port
Power Port
R2 Serial Port

Installing the Gateway
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 9
3 Installing the ProtoNode
3.1 DIP Switch Settings
3.1.1 Bias Resistors
To enable Bias Resistors, move both the BIAS- and BIAS+ dip switches to the right in the orientation
shown in Figure 3.
The ProtoNode bias resistors are used to keep the RS-485 bus to a known state, when there is no
transmission on the line (bus is idling), to help prevent false bits of data from being detected. The bias
resistors typically pull one line high and the other low - far away from the decision point of the logic.
The bias resistor is 510 ohms which is in line with the BACnet spec. It should only be enabled at one point
on the bus (for example, on the field port were there are very weak bias resistors of 100k). Since there are
no jumpers, many ProtoNodes can be put on the network without running into the bias resistor limit which
is < 500 ohms.
NOTE: See www.ni.com/support/serial/resinfo.htm for additional pictures and notes.
NOTE: The R1 and R2 DIP Switches apply settings to the respective serial port.
NOTE: If the gateway is already powered on, DIP switch settings will not take effect unless the
unit is power cycled.
R1 Bias Resistor DIP
Switches (2 and 3)
Figure 3: Bias Resistor DIP Switches
R2 Bias Resistor DIP
Switches (2 and 3)

Installing the Gateway
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 10
3.1.2 Termination Resistor
If the ProtoNode is the last device on the serial trunk, then the End-Of-Line Termination Switch needs to
be enabled. To enable the Termination Resistor, move the TERM dip switch to the right in the
orientation shown in Figure 4.
Termination resistor is also used to reduce noise. It pulls the two lines of an idle bus together. However,
the resistor would override the effect of any bias resistors if connected.
NOTE: The R1 and R2 DIP Switches apply settings to the respective serial port.
NOTE: If the gateway is already powered on, DIP switch settings will not take effect unless the
unit is power cycled.
Figure 4: Termination Resistor DIP Switch
R1 Termination
Resistor DIP Switch (1)
R2 Termination
Resistor DIP Switch (1)

Installing the Gateway
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 11
3.2 Connecting the R1 & R2 Ports
For the R1 Port only: Switch between RS-485 and RS-232 by moving the number 4 DIP Switch left for
RS-485 and right for RS-232 (Figure 5).
The R2 Port is RS-485.
Connect to the 3-pin connector(s) as shown below.
The following baud rates are supported on the R1 and R2 Ports:
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115000
NOTE: Not all baud rates listed are supported by all protocols. Check the specific protocol driver
manual for a list of the supported baud rates.
3.2.1 Wiring
RS-485
RS-232
BMS RS-485
Wiring
Gateway Pin
Assignment
BMS RS-232
Wiring
Gateway Pin
Assignment
RS-485 +
TX +
RS-232 -
TX +
RS-485 -
RX -
RS-232 +
RX -
GND
GND
GND
GND
NOTE: Use standard grounding principles for GND.
Figure 5: R1 & R2 Connection Ports
TX+ RX- GND
+ - GND

Power up
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 12
4 Power up the ProtoNode
Check power requirements in the table below:
Power Requirement for ProtoNode External Gateway
Current Draw Type
ProtoNode Family
12VDC
24VDC/AC
FPC –N64 (Typical)
250mA
125mA
NOTE: These values are ‘nominal’ and a safety margin should be added to the power supply
of the host system. A safety margin of 25% is recommended.
Figure 6: Required Current Draw for the Gateway
Apply power to the ProtoNode as shown below in Figure 7. Ensure that the power supply used complies
with the specifications provided in Section 10.5.
•The gateway accepts 9-30VDC or 24VAC on pins L+ and N-.
•Frame GND should be connected.
Power to
Gateway
Gateway
Pin Label
Pin
Assignment
Power In (+)
L+
V +
Power In (-)
N-
V -
Frame Ground
FG
FRAME GND
Figure 7: Power Connections

Setup Web Server Security
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 13
5 Connect the PC to the ProtoNode
5.1 Connecting to the Gateway via Ethernet
Connect a Cat-5 Ethernet cable (straight through or cross-over) between the local PC and ProtoNode ETH1
(LAN Port).
5.1.1 Changing the Subnet of the Connected PC
The default IP Address for the ProtoNode is 192.168.1.24, Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0. If the PC and
ProtoNode are on different IP networks, assign a static IP Address to the PC on the 192.168.2.xxx network.
For Windows 10:
•Find the search field in the local computer’s taskbar (usually to the right of the windows icon )
and type in “Control Panel”.
•Click “Control Panel”, click “Network and Internet” and then click “Network and Sharing Center”.
•Click “Change adapter settings” on the left side of the window.
•Right-click on “Local Area Connection” and select “Properties” from the dropdown menu.
•Highlight and then click the Properties button.
•Select and enter a static IP Address on the same subnet. For example:
•Click the Okay button to close the Internet Protocol window and the Close button to close the
Ethernet Properties window.
Ethernet Port
Figure 8: Ethernet Port Location

Setup Web Server Security
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 14
6 Setup Web Server Security
Navigate to the IP Address of the ProtoNode on the local PC by opening a web browser and entering the
IP Address of the ProtoNode; the default Ethernet address is 192.168.1.24.
NOTE: If the IP Address of the ProtoNode has been changed, the IP Address can be discovered
using the FS Toolbox utility. See Section 9.1 for instructions.
6.1 Login to the FieldServer
The first time the FieldServer GUI is opened in a browser, the IP Address for the gateway will appear as
untrusted. This will cause the following pop-up windows to appear.
•When the Web Server Security Unconfigured window appears, read the text and choose whether
to move forward with HTTPS or HTTP.
•When the warning that “Your connection is not private” appears, click the advanced button on the
bottom left corner of the screen.
Figure 10: Connection Not Private Warning
Figure 9: Web Server Security Window

Setup Web Server Security
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 15
•Additional text will expand below the warning, click the underlined text to go to the IP Address. In
the Figure 11 example this text is “Proceed to 10.40.50.94 (unsafe)”.
•When the login screen appears, put in the Username (default is “admin”) and the Password (found
on the label of the FieldServer).
NOTE: There is also a QR code in the top right corner of the FieldServer label that shows the
default unique password when scanned.
NOTE: A user has 5 attempts to login then there will be a 10-minute lockout. There is no timeout
on the FieldServer to enter a password.
NOTE: To create individual user logins, go to 10.4.
Figure 12: FieldServer Login
Figure 11: Warning Expanded Text

Setup Web Server Security
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 16
6.2 Select the Security Mode
On the first login to the FieldServer, the following screen will appear that allows the user to select which
mode the FieldServer should use.
NOTE: Cookies are used for authentication.
NOTE: To change the web server security mode after initial setup, go to Section 10.3.
The sections that follow include instructions for assigning the different security modes.
Figure 13: Security Mode Selection Screen

Setup Web Server Security
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 17
6.2.1 HTTPS with Own Trusted TLS Certificate
This is the recommended selection and the most secure. Please contact your IT department to find out
if you can obtain a TLS certificate from your company before proceeding with the Own Trusted TLS
Certificate option.
•Once this option is selected, the Certificate, Private Key and Private Key Passphrase fields will
appear under the mode selection.
•Copy and paste the Certificate and Private Key text into their respective fields. If the Private Key is
encrypted type in the associated Passphrase.
•Click Save.
•A “Redirecting” message will appear. After a short time, the FieldServer GUI will open.
6.2.2 HTTPS with Default Untrusted Self-Signed TLS Certificate or HTTP with Built-in
Payload Encryption
•Select one of these options and click the Save button.
•A “Redirecting” message will appear. After a short time, the FieldServer GUI will open.
Figure 14: Security Mode Selection Screen –Certificate & Private Key

Configuring the Gateway
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 18
7 Network Settings
7.1 Using FS-GUI to Input Network Settings
To navigate from the FS-GUI page to the Network Settings page follow the below instructions:
•Find the Navigation tree across the left side of the screen.
•Click the orange arrow next to the ProtoNode CN number and title to expand the tree.
•Click on the orange arrow next to Setup to expand the tree.
•Click on Network Settings.
Figure 16: FS-GUI Navigation Panel
Figure 15: FS-GUI Page

Configuring the Gateway
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 19
7.2 Update Network Settings
7.2.1 Routing Settings
The Routing settings make itpossible to set up the IP routing rules for the FieldServer’s internet and network
connections.
NOTE: The default connection is ETH1.
•Select the default connection in the first row as either ETH 1 or ETH 2.
•Click the Add Rule button to add a new row and set a new Destination Network, Netmask and
Gateway IP Address as needed.
•Set the Priority for each connection (1-255 with 1 as the highest priority and 255 as the lowest).
•Click the Save button to activate the new settings.
Figure 17: Routing Settings

Configuring the Gateway
ProtoNode Start-up Guide 20
7.2.2 Ethernet 1 and Ethernet 2 Network Settings
•Enable DHCP to automatically assign IP Settings or modify the IP Settings manually as needed,
via these fields: IP Address, Netmask, Gateway, and Domain Name Server1/2.
NOTE: If connected to a router, set the Gateway to the same IP Address as the router.
•Click Save to record and activate the new IP Address.
•Connect the FieldServer to the local network or router.
NOTE: If the webpage was open in a browser, the browser will need to be pointed to the new IP
Address of the FieldServer before the webpage will be accessible again.
Figure 18: Ethernet Port Network Settings