Online mode can be used to remotely operate a console from the mxGUI displays. In this mode, the software opens a connection to the remote system via the IP network. Once online, all changes take immediate effect and are made to the mc2 control system.

Please note:

  • mxGUI cannot connect to more than one system at a time. If there is an existing online connection, then this is cancelled automatically before a new connection is made.
  • It is possible to prepare several connections (to different consoles) as long as they use the same emulation.

Network Requirements

The mxGUI computer must be connected to the same management network as the mc2 control system. Connections are made via TCP/IP Ethernet.

You must use a network switch and NOT a hub, and keep the management network separate from other traffic within the installation. The switch should support 1GB for best performance.

Lawo delivers a suitable network switch with the system. This could be replaced by any other suitable switch fabric that provides comparable performance.

Depending on the number of network connections, one mc2 system can support up to 16 clients.

IP Settings

To establish a network connection to the mc2 system, you will need to configure the network settings for your PC's LAN port.

The IP Address must be unique and set within the same range as that of the mc2 control system (i.e. the first three fields must match). You can check the current settings for the system using the IP Address fields in the System Settings page.

The default IP addresses are:

  • mc2 36 = 192.168.102.36
  • mc2 56 = 192.168.102.56
  • mc2 96 = 192.168.102.96
  • mxGUI (local control system) = 192.168.56.101

The Subnet Mask should be identical to that of the mc2 control system.

The default subnet mask = 255.255.255.0

A Default Gateway setting is required if data packets are to be redirected. For example, if the computer is connected via a network switch with Layer 3 routing capability.

If redirection is not required, then the Default Gateway can be left blank.

To test the connection, open a web browser application and enter the system’s IP address into the URL field. e.g. 192.168.102.xxx - if the connection is successful, the mc2 landing page appears.

Opening a Connection to the System

The instructions below describe how to get online.

1.    Start mxGUI, making sure that you select the correct emulation.

2.    Select Settings → Connection from the main menus.

The 'Connection' window appears.

This is a floating window and so you can move its position as required.

3.    Click on New to create a new connection.

A new entry is added to the list of connections and given a default name: New Host #.

4.    Optionally, you can edit the name by clicking on the Name field, or continue on to the next step.

5.    Enter the IP address(es) of the mc2 control system(s) into the Primary IP and Secondary IP fields.

  • If there is a redundant control system, then you must complete both fields. The Secondary IP is always one digit higher than the Primary IP.
  • If there is no redundant control system, then you can leave the secondary IP field blank or enter the same IP address into both fields.

In each case, type in the address and press ENTER to confirm. 

Default IPs (for redundant control system)

The connection is now prepared and you are ready to go online. At this point, you can repeat steps 3 to 5 to prepare more connections (for consoles of the same type/emulation).

Note that the current state of the 'Connection' window is stored when you close mxGUI and recalled when you next open the same emulation.

6.    To connect to a system, right-click and select Connect.

7.    An on-screen message appears - select OK to confirm (or Cancel to abort).

mxGUI now attempts to connect to the selected system. If the connection is successful, then the Status updates to show the "plugged in" icon.

If the connection fails, then the Status remains as "unplugged". In this instance:

  • Check the network cabling and TCP/IP settings of your computer's network interface card. 
  • Check that mxGUI is compatible with the mc2 system: same software versions and correct emulation.

8.    Once you have a valid connection, you can close the 'Connection' window and use the main pages to operate the system.

Remember that mxGUI is now online and any changes are made immediately in real time!

Reconnecting to a System

If mxGUI loses its connection to the online system, then the Reconnect option determines what happens when the network returns.

  • Reconnect (off) - mxGUI stays offline until you right-click and select Connect (as described above).
  • Reconnect (on) - mxGUI automatically reconnects once a valid network connection is detected.

You can use Reconnect to deal with short interruptions to the network communication, or force mxGUI to connect automatically to a system after startup.

Disconnecting mxGUI

The instructions below describe how to disconnect mxGUI.

1.    Select Settings → Connection to re-open the 'Connection' window.

2.    Select the online system, right-click and choose Disconnect.

3.    An on-screen message appears - select OK to confirm (or Cancel to abort).

mxGUI disconnects from the system and the Status of the connection returns to its "unplugged" state.

In this mode, mxGUI is offline and any changes are made to the local control system (on the mxGUI computer).