Munters Comm-Box Series Instruction manual

Manual for use and maintenance
Comm-Box
Internet Access
Ag/MIS/UmGb-2595-05/18 Rev 1.0
P/N: 116597
Comm-Box

© Munters AB, 2017 2
Comm-Box
Manual for use and maintenance
Document Revision: 1.0, 03/2019
Ag/MIS/UmGb-2595-05/18 Rev 2.0 (MIS)
Sofware Ver: 3.3.0
This manual for use and maintenance is an integral part of the apparatus together with the attached
technical documentation.
This document is destined for the user of the apparatus: it may not be reproduced in whole or in part,
committed to computer memory as a file or delivered to third parties without the prior authorization of the
assembler of the system.
Munters reserves the right to effect modifications to the apparatus in accordance with technical and legal
developments.

© Munters AB, 2017 3
Index
chapter page
1INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
1.1 Disclaimer-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
1.2 Introduction----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
1.3 Notes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
2INTRODUCTION TO THE COMM-BOX ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
2.1 Ordering ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
2.2 What Comes in the Package--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
3HARDWARE INSTALLATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
3.1 Mounting the Comm-Box ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
3.2 Grounding------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
3.3 Connecting the Comm-Box to the Internet ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
3.4 Connecting the Comm-Box to a Peripheral Device ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
3.5 Connecting the Comm-Box to a Communicator----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
3.6 Connecting the Comm-Box to a Controller---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
4GROUP MANAGEMENT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11
4.1 Activating the Group ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
4.2 Log In -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
4.3 Attaching the Farm to a Group ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
4.3.1 No Existing Groups........................................................................................................................... 14
4.3.2 Groups Exist......................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4 Local Log In------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
5ROTEMNET WEB--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
5.1 RotemNet Web Functionality------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17
5.1.1 Farm Settings Tab............................................................................................................................... 17
5.1.1.1 Farm Settings ..........................................................................................................................17
5.1.1.2 Push Notifications ...................................................................................................................18
5.1.1.3 Local Users .............................................................................................................................19
5.1.1.4 Data Collect............................................................................................................................20
5.1.1.5 Activety Log ............................................................................................................................20
5.1.2 House Scan Tab ................................................................................................................................. 20
5.1.3 Diagnostics Tab................................................................................................................................... 21
5.1.4 About Tab ............................................................................................................................................. 22

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5.2 User Settings----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
5.3 Software Upgrade ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
6WARRANTY------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

© Munters AB, 2017 5
1Introduction
1.1 Disclaimer
Munters reserves the right to make alterations to specifications, quantities, dimensions etc. for production
or other reasons, subsequent to publication. The information contained herein has been prepared by
qualified experts within Munters. While we believe the information is accurate and complete, we make no
warranty or representation for any particular purposes. The information is offered in good faith and with
the understanding that any use of the units or accessories in breach of the directions and warnings in this
document is at the sole discretion and risk of the user.
1.2 Introduction
Congratulations on your excellent choice of purchasing a Comm-Box!
In order to realize the full benefit from this product it is important that it is installed, commissioned and
operated correctly. Before installation or using the fan, this manual should be studied carefully. It is also
recommended that it is kept safely for future reference. The manual is intended as a reference for
installation, commissioning and day-to-day operation of the Munters Controllers.
1.3 Notes
Date of release: July 2010
Munters cannot guarantee to inform users about the changes or to distribute new manuals to them.
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the
expressed written permission of Munters. The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.

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2Introduction to the Comm-box
Comm-Box provides complete access to your Munters controllers, including monitoring and control
capabilities, from any device, anywhere. From one computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can manage an
entire network.
•Cloud-based access to controllers
oMultiple, simultaneous users have network access
•Multiple communication pathways:
oBuilt-in internet and telephone connectivity
oCellular Connectivity
•Local communication via wired or wireless communication
•Status reports provide critical information on house functions and animal statistics
•Push notifications
In addition, Comm-Box can act as an add-on for users wanting to add web-access to legacy
Communicator units.
2.1 Ordering
Each Comm-Box has one of two software packages:
•Poultry (P/N: 904-07-00016 Comm-Box-POU-EN-ROT)
•Pigs (P/N: 904-07-00017 Comm-Box-PIG-EN-ROT)
These software packages are not interchangeable and cannot be converted. In addition, connecting a
Comm-Box directly to a controller requires a Junction Box. There are two options:
•RS-232 Network: 904-99-00036 COMMBOX -POU- JUNCTION BOX RS232
•RS-485 Network: 904-99-00037 COMMBOX -POU- JUNCTION BOX RS485
2.2 What Comes in the Package
•Comm-Box
•Power Supply Cables 115VAC and 230VAC
•EPROM for Communicator upgrade. When connecting Comm-box directly to Communicator,
upgrade the Communicator software using the EPROM supplied.

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3Hardware Installation
This document details how to install Munters' Comm-Box unit. Installation consists of:
•Mounting the Comm-Box
•Grounding
•Connecting the Comm-Box to the Internet
•Connecting the Comm-Box to a Peripheral Device
•Connecting the Comm-Box to a Communicator
•Connecting the Comm-Box to a Controller
NOTE No software installation is required.
3.1 Mounting the Comm-Box
•Using the screws provided, mount the unit.
3.2 Grounding
•Connect the ground cable to the dedicated ground terminal.
CAUTION The Comm-Box must be grounded at all times!

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3.3 Connecting the Comm-Box to the Internet
•Connect the Comm-Box to your Internet connection/modem.
3.4 Connecting the Comm-Box to a Peripheral Device
•If required, connect a screen or mouse to the Comm-Box (via the USB/HDMI ports).
3.5 Connecting the Comm-Box to a Communicator
•Connect the Comm-Box to a Munters Communicator a standard USB cable (supplied with the
Communicator unit).
NOTE Communicator requires the Communicator Serial Card (P/N: C-COMM-SERIAL) to support the
Comm-Box. Refer to Document #112189 for details on upgrading the Communicator.

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3.6 Connecting the Comm-Box to a Controller
The only step in installing a Comm-Box that requires wiring is if the Comm-Box is connected directly to a
controller (instead of a Communicator). In this situation the Comm-Box must be wired to the controller
communication card.
1. Disconnect the power to the controller!
WARNING! Power must be disconnected before beginning.
2. The Comm-Box's COM port connecter comes pre-wired. Insert the connector into COM 1.
3. In the controller, connect the Comm-Box to the controller's communication card. Refer to the
following illustrations.
1. Connect the wiring as follows:
•COM to COM
•The Comm-Box TX port is connected to
Controller's RX port.
•The Comm-Box RX port is connected to
Controller's TX port.
2. The cable between the Comm-Box and the
controller should be a 3 Wire Shielded Cable
(22 AWG minimum).
3. Connect the cable shield wire to the controller
ground strip.
4. Connect the wiring according to the following
table:
Port Color Wire
COM Brown
TX Green
RX White
+ Red
- Black
COM Shield wire
Figure 1: RS-232 Wiring

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1. The cable between the external connection
box and the controllers should be a 3 wire
twisted shielded cable (22 or 24 AWG).
2. Connect the wiring as follows:
•COM to COM
•The Comm-Box A port is connected to
Controller's A port.
•The Comm-Box B port is connected to
Controller's B port.
3. The final controller in any chain or branch
requires a 120 ohm terminator.
4. Connect the cable shield wire to the controller
ground strip.
5. Connect the wiring according to the following
table:
Port Color Wire
COM Brown
TX Green
RX White
+ Red
- Black
COM Shield wire
Figure 2: RS-485 Wiring

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4Group Management
When using the Comm-Box to connect to your farm(s), you must:
•create a group
•define user rights
NOTE An group is the virtural device used to manage your farms. Using the RotemNet Web
application, the group manager defines each user's permissions (which farms he can see and
what functions he can carry out).
As an example, an account manager has sent up two Groups and wants to add three different users to
his account.
1. User 1 is assigned access rights to Farm 1.
2. User 2 is assigned access rights to Farm 2.
3. User 3 is assigned access rights to Farm 1 and Farm 2.
4. In addition, User 1 is also assigned access rights to Farm 3, which is in an entirely different
group.
Any combination is possible.

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4.1 Activating the Group
The first time that you power up a Comm-Box, you need to activate an a group.
1. Connect the Comm-Box to a screen, keyboard, and mouse. Apply power. The Farm Activation
screen appears.
2. Fill in the fields:
oName: Type in the farm name.
oFarm Type: Choose the type from the drop down list.
oBaudrate/Com Port: Comm-Box has default settings of 9600 BPS/COM Port 1,
respectively. If you need to change these setting, click on the pencil and choose a setting
from the drop down list.
NOTE Verify that the Comm-Box and controller baud rates are the same.
oNumber of Houses: Select the number from the drop down list.
NOTE You can edit all of these settings in RotemNet Web.
3. Click Activate. A pop up appears asking if you want to scan your farm houses.
oClick Start Scan if the Comm-Box is connected to the controllers
oClick Cancel if the Comm-Box isn't connected
4. A second pop-up appears, asking if you want to connect to the Web.
oClick on the Connect to Web to connect your Comm-Box to the web. This enables remote
monitoring and control.
oIf you want, you can be reminded to scan at a later time. (Alternatively, click Don't
Remind Me Later).
NOTE If you decide not to connect now, you can always connect by clicking on the RotemNet Web Tab
Farm Setting.
As the Group administrator, you can invite other people to join the group as well as define their access
rights. This is done in RotemNet Web itself.

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4.2 Log In
•If you have a RotemNet Web user name, log in.
Figure 3: Login Screen
1. If you are a new user, click Sign up now. The following screen appears.
Figure 4: Create a New User Screen
2. Fill in all fields.
3. Click Create a User. The following screen appears.
Figure 5: Sign In Screen (Example)
NOTE To disconnect from the web, click the Disconnect button (refer to page 18).

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4.3 Attaching the Farm to a Group
After signing in one of the following screens appears:
4.3.1 NO EXISTING GROUPS
1. If there are no existing groups for this farm, the following screen appearsIf hrere:
Figure 6: No Existing Group Screen
2. Write the name of the farm group that you want to create and click Attach to Group.
4.3.2 GROUPS EXIST
If the farm is part of a group or if the owner has created groups do one of the following:
•Check the radio box next to the group to which you want to attach your farm and click Attach
to Group.
Figure 7: Attach Farm to Group Screen
•To add an additional group, type in the Group Name and click Add a Group.

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Figure 8: Add a Group Screen
4.4 Local Log In
In the event that:
•You restart your system
•Comm-Box logs off (this can happen automatically if you are not using system)
•Power goes off
you need to log on to the Comm-Box locally. The username and password of this login are different from
the ones used when logging on to the Web.
Figure 9: Farm Settings
•Enter the user name and password. The defaults are:
oUser name: "Farm Owner"
oPassword: "admin"
NOTE The user name can not be changed. You can change the password after logging in.
NOTE After logging in locally, you will need to log in to the Web (Log In, page 13).

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5RotemNet Web
The following sections describe how to use the RotemNet Web functions. All other functions are decribed
in the Platinum Touch manual.
•RotemNet Web Functionality
•User Settings
•Software Upgrade
After signing in, the following screen appears:
•Click on House to go to the Platinum Touch functions.
•Click on to configure RotemNet Web functionality.
•Click on to configure the user definitions.

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5.1 RotemNet Web Functionality
The following section describes the RotemNet Web functions.
•
Farm Settings Tab
•House Scan Tab
•Diagnostics Tab
•About Tab
NOTE Only the farm owner can view the Farm Settings and House Scan tabs.
5.1.1 FARM SETTINGS TAB
•
Farm Settings
•Push Notifications
•Local Users
•Data Collect
•Activety Log
NOTE The “Push Notifications” and “Local Users” tabs
appear only on the computer screen connected
directly to the Comm-Box
5.1.1.1 Farm Settings
Use this screen to define functions related to Comm-Box’s connection to your farm.

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•Farm Name: This is the name that appears on your screen.
•Connect/Disconnect: This function enables disconnect from the current farm from the internet
and reconnecting it via the Log-in screen (refer to Log In, page 13).
NOTE This function only appears on screens locally connected to the Comm-Box.
•Farm Type: Poultry or Pigs. Make sure that the definition matches the Comm-Box type!
•Baud rate: This rate must be the same throughout the network.
•Com Port
•Contact information (optional): This information will be used by Munters to contact users if
there is a need; for example to inform you of an update. The information will not be distributed
to any outside parties what so ever.
•Number of Houses to be Scanned: Scanning tests communication to the houses. If you wish
to scan all houses or individual houses, click the relevant house number. Click Rescan farm
houses to complete the scan.
oYou can name the houses.
oIn units having the Comm-Box Pig Software, you can name individual rooms.
•Click Save Changes.
•System Update: Refer to Software Upgrade.
5.1.1.2 Push Notifications
Comm-Box can send push notifications to multiple email addresses. These emails list any current alarms.
•Enter an address, click Check, Add, and then Save.
WARNING! The Comm-Box Push Notification system does not provide detailed alarm information.
The system is indicative only. To receive real-time alarms along with the ability to configure and
manage alarms, contact your dealer about an independent alarms system (for example the
Communicator).

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5.1.1.3 Local Users
NOTE This tab and screen only appear when connected directly to the Comm-Box (meaning not via the
web).
This screen lists pre-assigned user names and passwords.
•Each user name and password is the same. For example, User 1’s password is User 1. User 2’s
password is User 2.
•The Farm Owner can edit these names, passwards, and to whom they are assigned.

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5.1.1.4 Data Collect
Use this function to enable data colletion to your FTP/SFTP site.
•Fill out the form with the required data and click Save.
5.1.1.5 Activety Log
This screen displays the history of events connected to the Comm-Box. Under Event, Sub Event, User, and
Cmd ID you can select filters to narrow down the results.
5.1.2 HOUSE SCAN TAB
The House Scan screen:
•Shows the results of the house scan.
•Show the controller type and version used in each house.