DataSafe Basics

This section provides instructions for saving and recalling DataSafe files. DashBoard saves all card parameter values to the file which is stored locally on the DashBoard client host machine.

Some openGear cards have card-edge jumper settings that disable remote control. Ensure that your card is configured to enable control from DashBoard before saving and recalling DataSafe files.

Saving a DataSafe File

DashBoard enables you to save card parameters to a unique DataSafe file which you can name and store on your computer. If you are using the Advanced Tree View, an option also exists that enables you to save the configuration of all devices in the specified custom folder. Both methods are described in this section.

Saving a DataSafe File for a Specific Device

This section outlines how to save a DataSafe file containing all of the data of a specific card including the card parameters and settings, frame name, slot name and number, card type, and software revision. This option is always available regardless of which MFC-8300 series Network Controller card is used and which software options have been purchased.

To save a DataSafe file for a specific device:

1.From the Tree View, right-click the card you wish to save the configuration for.

2.Select SaveCfgToFileIcon00015.jpg to display the Export to file dialog box.

3.Navigate to the location you wish to save the file to.

4.Enter a filename in the File name: field.

5.Ensure the Save as type: field is set to openGear Device File (*.ogd).

6.Click Save.

Saving a DataSafe File for a Group of Devices

This section outlines how to save the configuration of devices in the Custom Folder View to a single DataSafe file. This file is in the format *.tvc (Tree View Configuration) and is stored on the DashBoard host machine.

To save a DataSafe file for a group of devices:

1.From the Advanced Tree View, select the Custom Folder to save the configuration for.

2.Select SaveCfgToFileIcon00018.jpg to display the Export to file dialog box.

3.Navigate to the location you wish to save the file to.

4.Enter a filename in the File name: field.

5.Ensure the Save as type: field is set to Tree View Configuration (*.tvc).

6.Click Save.

Restoring Configurations to Devices

DashBoard can send a DataSafe file to a specific MFC-8300 Network Controller Card and slot for use. Once received, the Network Controller Card updates the card if the installed card matches the data sent. You can also choose to copy parameters from a card to a single device or group of devices. Both methods are described in this section.

As part of the recall process, DashBoard opens a DataSafe file, examines the card type and software revision, and determines what devices on the network in the current Tree View that match. The user can then select which card(s) to update with the new values.

You must have an MFC-8310-N series or MFC-8320-N series installed in the frame to recall DataSafe data or files.

Restoring a DataSafe File

This section outlines how to recall a saved DataSafe file on your DashBoard host machine to a single type of device your network.

To recall a DataSafe file:

1.From the Tree View, right-click the device to update.

2.Select RecallCfgIcon00021.jpg to display the Restore Configuration Wizard dialog box.

3.From the Configuration Source list, select Load Parameters from a File.

4.Click Next > to display the Select Device File menu.

5.In the Configuration File field, enter the DataSafe file to download to your card or click Browse... to navigate to the file location on your DashBoard host machine.

Ensure that the select file is a valid *.ogd file.

Information, such as the card type, slot and frame names, is displayed in the Device Info: field. An error message will also display in this field if a card type or software version mismatch will occur.

6.Click Next > to display the Select Destination menu. The Select Destination menu provides a list of the compatible cards based on the card selected in step 1

7.Select the device(s) to recall the file to:

From the Select Destination list, select the check box(es) for the devices you wish to recall the file to.

Verify that the device(s) you wish to recall the file to. The Error/Warning fields indicate any errors, such as incompatible software or card type mismatch.

8.Click Finish.

Restoring Parameters for a Group of Devices

You can recall all configurations for all devices in the Advanced Tree View from a *.tvc file. Card parameters will only load from the DataSafe file if the card type matches and the software versions are compatible.

To recall parameters for a group of devices in the Advanced Tree View:

1.From the Advanced Tree View, select the Custom Folder to recall the configuration file for.

2.Select RecallCfgIcon00024.jpg from the Custom Folders toolbar to display the Restore Configuration Wizard.

3.From the Configuration Source field, select Load Parameters from a File to display the Select Device File menu.

4.To enter a filename in the Configuration File: field:

Click Browse... to navigate to the file location on your DashBoard host machine.

Ensure that the select file is a valid *.tvc file.

Information, such as the card type, slot and frame names, is displayed in the Device Info: field. An error message will also display in this field if a card type or software version mismatch will occur.

5.Click Next > to display the Select Destination menu. The Select Destination menu provides a list of the compatible cards based on the card selected in step 1

6.Select the devices to restore as follows:

From the Select Destination list, select the check box(es) for the devices you wish to recall the file to.

The Error/Warning fields indicate any errors such as incompatible software or a card type mismatch.

7.Click Finish.

Copying Parameters

To copy parameters from one device to another:

1.From the Tree View, right-click the device to update.

2.Select RecallCfgIcon00027.jpg to display the Restore Configuration Wizard dialog box.

3.From the Configuration Source, select Copy Parameters from another Card.

4.Click Next > to display the Select Source Device menu.

5.From the provided list, select the card whose settings will be copied.

6.Click Next > to display the Select Destination menu.

7.From the provided list, select the device(s) to copy the parameters to. The Error/Warning fields indicate errors such as software or card type mismatch.

8.Click Finish.

Notes on Saving and Restoring Parameters

This section provides brief operational notes when saving and restoring parameters:

The Restore Configuration Wizard dialog box includes the Hide invalid destinations check box. Selecting this check box hides cards in the Select Destination list that are not applicable based on the card type you selected to restore and the software of that card. Only those cards that are the same type and compatible software versions will be listed.

The Select Destination list displays the frame and cards in the same format as seen in the Tree View. For example, if the frame node is expanded in the Tree View, the same node is expanded in the Select Destination list.

You can select all devices in a single frame by selecting the checkbox beside the frame entry in the Select Destination list.

The RstrCrdFmInctr.jpg indicator beside the frame name in the Select Destination list indicates that at least one device in that frame is selected. A checkbox beside the frame name indicates that all the devices in that frame are selected.

Forcing DataSafe Updates

If any slots have a software version mismatch, the Force button allows the user to have the current DataSafe data loaded to any slots where a software mismatch is occurring. This button and text only displays if a software version mismatch occurs in the DataSafe tab.

A mismatch is reported in the Conflict field of a slot if a new card is installed into that slot is a different card type, or has a software incompatible version, than the current DataSafe file. If this new card remains installed into that slot for more than approximately 24 hours, then the parameters of the new card will automatically be saved as the new DataSafe file.

The following tasks are performed when the Force button is clicked:

Loads all of the data from the card

Stores the data as the new DataSafe data

Clears the information in the Conflict field

Updates the Slot field in the DataSafe tab