MSA ProtoAir FPA-C4X User guide

ProtoAir Start-up Guide 0
Start-up Guide
ProtoAir
FPA-C4X & FPA-W44
MSAsafety.com
Document Revision: 3.D
T18622
APPLICABILITY & EFFECTIVITY
Effective for all systems manufactured after September 2021.

ProtoAir 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]

ProtoAir Start-up Guide 3
Table of Contents
1About the ProtoAir...........................................................................................................................7
2Equipment Setup..............................................................................................................................8
2.1 Mounting...................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Attaching the Antenna(s)..........................................................................................................8
2.3 Physical Dimensions ................................................................................................................9
2.3.1 FPA-W44 Drawing....................................................................................................................9
2.3.2 FPA-C4X Drawing..................................................................................................................10
3Installing the ProtoAir....................................................................................................................11
3.1 DIP Switch Settings for FPA-C4X...........................................................................................11
3.1.1 Bias Resistors ........................................................................................................................11
3.1.2 Termination Resistor..............................................................................................................12
3.2 DIP Switch Settings for FPA-W44..........................................................................................13
3.2.1 Bias Resistors ........................................................................................................................13
3.2.2 Termination Resistor..............................................................................................................14
3.3 FPA-C4X: Inserting the SIM Card..........................................................................................15
3.4 FPA-C4X: Connecting the P1 Port.........................................................................................17
3.4.1 Wiring.....................................................................................................................................17
3.5 FPA-W44: Connecting the R1 & R2 Ports..............................................................................18
3.5.1 Wiring.....................................................................................................................................18
4Power up the ProtoAir ...................................................................................................................19
5Connect the PC to the ProtoAir ....................................................................................................20
5.1 Connect the PC to the ProtoAir Over the Ethernet Port.........................................................20
5.2 Connecting to the ProtoAir .....................................................................................................21
5.2.1 Using the FieldServer Toolbox to Discover and Connect to the ProtoAir..............................21
5.3 Using a Web Browser.............................................................................................................21
6Setup Web Server Security ...........................................................................................................22
6.1 Login to the FieldServer .........................................................................................................22
6.2 Select the Security Mode........................................................................................................24
6.2.1 HTTPS with Own Trusted TLS Certificate .............................................................................25
6.2.2 HTTPS with Default Untrusted Self-Signed TLS Certificate or HTTP with Built-in Payload
Encryption ..............................................................................................................................25
7Network Settings............................................................................................................................26
7.1 Using FS-GUI to Input Network Settings................................................................................26
7.1.1 IP Settings..............................................................................................................................27
7.1.2 Wi-Fi Client.............................................................................................................................28
7.1.3 Wi-Fi Access Point.................................................................................................................29
7.1.4 Routing...................................................................................................................................30
7.1.5 FPA-C4X: Cellular LTE..........................................................................................................31
8Configuring the ProtoAir...............................................................................................................32
8.1 Retrieve the Sample Configuration File..................................................................................32
8.2 Change the Configuration File to Meet the Application..........................................................32
8.3 Load the Updated Configuration File......................................................................................33
8.3.1 Using the FS-GUI to Load a Configuration File .....................................................................33
8.3.2 Retrieve the Configuration File for Modification or Backup....................................................34
8.4 Test and Commission the ProtoAir.........................................................................................35
8.4.1 Accessing the Grid.................................................................................................................35

ProtoAir Start-up Guide 4
9Applications....................................................................................................................................36
9.1 Connecting to the Network Through Wi-Fi.............................................................................36
9.2 Connecting to Devices via Access Point................................................................................37
9.3 Device Communications via Wi-Fi..........................................................................................38
9.4 Connecting Devices to the Network.......................................................................................39
10 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................40
10.1 Communicating with the ProtoAir Over the Network..............................................................40
10.2 Lost or Incorrect IP Address...................................................................................................41
10.3 Viewing Diagnostic Information..............................................................................................42
10.4 Checking Wiring and Settings ................................................................................................43
10.5 Taking a FieldServer Diagnostic Capture...............................................................................44
10.6 LED Functions........................................................................................................................45
10.7 Factory Reset Instructions......................................................................................................46
10.8 Internet Browser Software Support ........................................................................................46
10.9 Wi-Fi and Cellular Signal Strength.........................................................................................46
11 Additional Information...................................................................................................................47
11.1 SSL/TLS for Secure Connection............................................................................................47
11.1.1 Configuring FieldServer as a SSL/TLS Server ......................................................................47
11.1.2 Configuring FieldServer as SSL/TLS Client...........................................................................50
11.2 Change Web Server Security Settings After Initial Setup......................................................51
11.2.1 Change Security Mode...........................................................................................................52
11.2.2 Edit the Certificate Loaded onto the FieldServer...................................................................53
11.3 Change User Management Settings......................................................................................54
11.3.1 Create Users..........................................................................................................................55
11.3.2 Edit Users...............................................................................................................................56
11.3.3 Delete Users...........................................................................................................................57
11.3.4 Change FieldServer Password ..............................................................................................58
11.4 Updating Firmware.................................................................................................................59
11.5 Kaspersky Endpoint Security 10 ............................................................................................60
11.6 APN Table ..............................................................................................................................61
11.7 ProtoAir Part Number by Carrier ............................................................................................61
11.8 Specifications..........................................................................................................................62
11.9 Compliance with UL Regulations............................................................................................62
11.10Warnings for FCC and IC.......................................................................................................63
12 Limited 2 Year Warranty................................................................................................................65

ProtoAir Start-up Guide 5
List of Figures
Figure 1: DIN Rail Bracket ............................................................................................................................8
Figure 2: ProtoAir FPA-W44 Dimensions .....................................................................................................9
Figure 3: ProtoAir FPA-C4X Dimensions....................................................................................................10
Figure 4: FPA-C4X Bias Resistor DIP Switches.........................................................................................11
Figure 5: FPA-C4X Termination Resistor DIP Switch.................................................................................12
Figure 6: FPA-W44 Bias Resistor DIP Switches.........................................................................................13
Figure 7: FPA-W44 Termination Resistor DIP Switch................................................................................14
Figure 8: Insert SIM Card into the Micro SIM Card Slot –Label Side View (Left) and Top Down View
(Right)..........................................................................................................................................................15
Figure 9: Cellular Data Usage Examples....................................................................................................15
Figure 10: P1 Connection Port....................................................................................................................17
Figure 11: R1 & R2 Connection Ports.........................................................................................................18
Figure 12: Required Current Draw for the Gateway...................................................................................19
Figure 13: Connecting Power for FPA-W44................................................................................................19
Figure 14: Connecting Power for FPA-C4X................................................................................................19
Figure 15: Ethernet Port..............................................................................................................................20
Figure 16: Web Server Security Unconfigured Window .............................................................................22
Figure 17: Connection Not Private Warning ...............................................................................................22
Figure 18: Warning Expanded Text............................................................................................................23
Figure 19: FieldServer Login.......................................................................................................................23
Figure 20: Security Mode Selection Screen................................................................................................24
Figure 21: Security Mode Selection Screen –Certificate & Private Key....................................................25
Figure 22: FS-GUI Page .............................................................................................................................26
Figure 23: FS-GUI Navigation Panel ..........................................................................................................26
Figure 24: FS-GUI Ethernet Port Network Settings....................................................................................27
Figure 25: FS-GUI Wi-Fi Client Network Settings.......................................................................................28
Figure 26: FS-GUI Wi-Fi AP Network Settings...........................................................................................29
Figure 27: FS-GUI Routing Network Settings.............................................................................................30
Figure 28: FS-GUI Cellular Network Settings.............................................................................................31
Figure 29: FS-GUI File Transfer .................................................................................................................32
Figure 30: FS-GUI Loading Files................................................................................................................33
Figure 31: Retrieve Configuration File........................................................................................................34
Figure 32: FS-GUI Connections Screen.....................................................................................................35
Figure 33: Connection Diagram –Wi-Fi to the Ethernet Network & Cellular to the Cloud.........................36
Figure 34: Connection Diagram –Access Point.........................................................................................37
Figure 35: Connection Diagram –Device Communications via Wi-Fi........................................................38
Figure 36: Connection Diagram –Devices to Local Network.....................................................................39
Figure 37: Ethernet Port Location...............................................................................................................41
Figure 38: Error Messages Screen.............................................................................................................42
Figure 39: Diagnostic LEDs ........................................................................................................................45
Figure 40: Wi-Fi & Cellular Signal Strength Listing.....................................................................................46
Figure 41: ProtoAir Landing Page...............................................................................................................51
Figure 42: FS-GUI Page .............................................................................................................................51
Figure 43: FS-GUI Security Setup..............................................................................................................52
Figure 44: FS-GUI Security Setup –Certificate Loaded.............................................................................53
Figure 45: FS-GUI User Management........................................................................................................54
Figure 46: Create User Window..................................................................................................................55
Figure 47: Setup Users...............................................................................................................................56
Figure 48: Edit User Window ......................................................................................................................56
Figure 49: Setup Users...............................................................................................................................57
Figure 50: User Delete Warning .................................................................................................................57
Figure 51: FieldServer Password Update via FS-GUI................................................................................58
Figure 52: Kaspersky ES10 Settings..........................................................................................................60

ProtoAir Start-up Guide 6
Figure 53: Web Anti-Virus Trusted URLs....................................................................................................60
Figure 54: Cellular Provider APN................................................................................................................61
Figure 55: Specifications.............................................................................................................................62

Description
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 7
1 About the ProtoAir
The ProtoAir wireless gateway is a high-performance, multi-protocol IIoT gateway providing manufacturers
Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity into the cloud and instant multi-protocol deployment of field protocols,
enabling new or legacy devices to easily interface with other protocols.
It is not necessary to download any configuration files to support the required applications. The ProtoAir is
pre-loaded with tested profiles/configurations for the supported devices.
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 ProtoAir is cloud ready and connects with MSA Safety’s Grid. See Section 8.4.1 for further information.

Equipment Setup
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 8
2 Equipment Setup
2.1 Mounting
The ProtoAir can be mounted using the DIN rail mounting bracket on the back of the unit.
2.2 Attaching the Antenna(s)
Wi-Fi Antenna:
If using the FPA-W44 model, screw in the Wi-Fi antenna to the front of the unit as shown in Figure 2.
Cellular Antenna:
If using the FPA-C4X model, screw in the two cellular antennas. One antenna is screwed into the socket
on the top of the unit and one is screwed into the socket on the side as shown in Section 2.3.2.
Figure 1: DIN Rail Bracket
Din Rail
Bracket

Equipment Setup
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 9
2.3 Physical Dimensions
2.3.1 FPA-W44 Drawing
R2 Serial Port
R1 Serial Port
Power Port
Wi-Fi Antenna
Socket
Figure 2: ProtoAir FPA-W44 Dimensions

Equipment Setup
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 10
2.3.2 FPA-C4X Drawing
Figure 3: ProtoAir FPA-C4X Dimensions
P1 Serial Port
Power Port
Cellular Antennas
Cellular Antenna
Sockets

Installing the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 11
3 Installing the ProtoAir
3.1 DIP Switch Settings for FPA-C4X
3.1.1 Bias Resistors
To enable Bias Resistors, move both the BIAS- and BIAS+ dip switches to the “ON” position (to
the right).
The ProtoAir 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 gateways 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: If the gateway is already powered on, DIP switch settings will not take effect unless the
unit is power cycled.
Bias Resistor DIP
Switches (2 and 3)
Figure 4: FPA-C4X Bias Resistor DIP Switches

Installing the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 12
3.1.2 Termination Resistor
If the ProtoAir 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 “ON” position (to the
right).
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: If the gateway is already powered on, DIP switch settings will not take effect unless the
unit is power cycled.
Termination Resistor
DIP Switch (1)
Figure 5: FPA-C4X Termination Resistor DIP Switch

Installing the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 13
3.2 DIP Switch Settings for FPA-W44
3.2.1 Bias Resistors
To enable Bias Resistors, move both the BIAS- and BIAS+ dip switches to the “ON” position (to
the right).
The ProtoAir 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 gateways 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.
R2 Bias Resistor DIP
Switches (2 and 3)
Figure 6: FPA-W44 Bias Resistor DIP Switches
R1 Bias Resistor DIP
Switches (2 and 3)

Installing the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 14
3.2.2 Termination Resistor
If the ProtoAir 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 “ON” position (to the
right).
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.
R2 Termination
Resistor DIP Switch (1)
R1 Termination
Resistor DIP Switch (1)
Figure 7: FPA-W44 Termination Resistor DIP Switch

Installing the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 15
3.3 FPA-C4X: Inserting the SIM Card
NOTE: A micro 4G SIM card must be purchased from an AT&T, Verizon or Vodafone cellular
provider to set up cellular functionality and create a data plan for the ProtoAir. SIM card
vendor contact information is available at the end of the section.
Insert the SIM card into the Micro SIM card slot with the chip on the SIM card facing away from the
cellular antenna as shown below.
See Section 7.1.5 to complete cellular setting configuration.
The table below shows cellular usage examples to forecast data usage on the chosen cellular plan.
Number of Data
Points
Logging
Frequency
Data Usage per
Hour
Data Usage per
Month
10
40 sec
0.75 Mb
547 Mb
10
900 sec
0.55 Mb
400 Mb
50
40 sec
1.24 Mb
900 Mb
50
900 sec
0.90 Mb
657 Mb
100
40 sec
3.00 Mb
2.2 Gb
100
900 sec
1.26 Mb
900 Mb
500
40 sec
10.86 Mb
7.8 Gb
500
900 sec
0.55 Mb
1.5 Gb
Figure 9: Cellular Data Usage Examples
Figure 8: Insert SIM Card into the Micro SIM Card Slot –
Label Side View (Left) and Top Down View (Right)

Installing the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 16
SIM Card Vendor Contact Information:
Verizon
A business contract is required to purchase a Verizon SIM card. The IMEI of the ProtoAir is required to
purchase the Verizon SIM card.
AT&T
Please call AT&T Customer Service at 800.331.0500 or find the nearest AT&T store.

Installing the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 17
3.4 FPA-C4X: Connecting the P1 Port
Switch between RS-485 and RS-232 by moving the number 4 DIP Switch left for RS-485 and right for
RS-232.
Connect to the 3-pin connector as shown below.
The following baud rates are supported on the P1 Port:
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.
3.4.1 Wiring
RS-485
RS-232
OEM Device
or BMS
RS-485 Wiring
ProtoAir Pin
Assignment
OEM Device
or BMS
RS-232 Wiring
ProtoAir
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.
TX+ RX- GND
Figure 10: P1 Connection Port

Installing the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 18
3.5 FPA-W44: 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 11).
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.
3.5.1 Wiring
RS-485
RS-232
OEM Device
or BMS
RS-485 Wiring
ProtoAir Pin
Assignment
OEM Device
or BMS
RS-232 Wiring
ProtoAir
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.
TX+ RX- GND
+ - GND
Figure 11: R1 & R2 Connection Ports

Power up
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 19
4 Power up the ProtoAir
Check power requirements in the table below:
Power Requirement for ProtoAir External Gateway
Current Draw Type
ProtoAir Family
12VDC
24VDC/AC
FPA –W44 (Typical)
250mA
125mA
ProtoAir Family
12VDC
24VDC
FPA –C4X (Typical)
320mA
185mA
FPA –C4X (Maximum)
670mA
390mA
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 12: Required Current Draw for the Gateway
Apply power to the gateway as shown below. Ensure that the power supply used complies with the
specifications provided. Ensure that the cable is grounded using the FG or “Frame GND” terminal.
•The ProtoAir FPA-W44 is powered by 12-24VDC or 24VAC.
•The ProtoAir FPA-C4X is powered by 12-24VDC.
FG –+
FG –+
Figure 13: Connecting Power for FPA-W44
Figure 14: Connecting Power for FPA-C4X

Connecting to the Gateway
ProtoAir Start-up Guide 20
5 Connect the PC to the ProtoAir
5.1 Connect the PC to the ProtoAir Over the Ethernet Port
•Connect an Ethernet cable between the PC and ProtoAir or connect the ProtoAir and the PC to
the switch using a straight Cat-5 cable.
•The Default IP Address of the ProtoAir is 192.168.1.24, Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0.
Ethernet Port
Figure 15: Ethernet Port