This topic describes how to install the software license(s).

Overview

Power Core requires a main license and, optionally, one or more add-on licenses to "unlock" the system resources.

All licenses must be installed onto a USB memory stick that is connected to the front panel DONGLE port. A specially-configured USB memory stick is supplied for this purpose.

The licenses are activated using the CodeMeter Runtime licensing system from WIBU systems. The license codes can be found on the delivery note shipped with the system. Once the activation process is complete, the USB dongle can be fitted to the device and all licensed features become available.

It is possible to upgrade or downgrade the DSP resources available to your system by installing a new main license or add-on(s). For more information about the license options, please see Power Core - Licensed Feature Sets. 


Important: When preparing the system configuration, it is important that the configured options match the licensed feature set. Otherwise, if the license limits are exceeded, the Power Core alarm will sound. 

About the Dongles

All dongles are specially-configured USB memory sticks that must be purchased from either Lawo or WIBU systems.

The dongles supplied for software and hardware products ship with different file systems, so it is important not to mix up the dongle types.

If you have purchased a dongle for a Lawo software application, then this will have a metal "LAWO logo" tag attached as shown below. Multiple software products can be licensed from a single dongle. 

USB dongle for Lawo software

The dongle supplied for hardware products are stand-alone (with no metal tag).

Preparing for Activation

The licensing system offers two ways to activate a license: either online or offline.

To use the online activation method, you will need:

  • A computer with an internet connection (and USB port if using a dongle).
  • The WIBU systems USB memory stick (if using a dongle).
  • The license code. This can be found on the delivery note shipped with the system or in the order confirmation email (for software-based products).

If your computer does not have an internet connection, then the offline activation method can be used.

The computer must be installed with CodeMeter Runtime (from WIBU systems). 

Installing the Licensing Software

The correct version of CodeMeter Runtime is included with the software installation package for your product. This means that it should already be installed, providing you followed the recommended installation procedure.

On a Windows PC, you can check the installation by looking in the taskbar where you should see the following icon. This shows that a Cm container (for local license storage) has been installed.

If you skipped the CodeMeter Runtime installation earlier, then there are two options:

  • either go back to your Lawo software package and run the Cm Runtime installer,
  • or download the installer from WIBU systems at: https://www.wibu.com/support/user/user-software.html. In this instance, take care to download the correct version for your operating system.

Activating a License Online

To use this method, your computer must have an internet connection. If this is not possible, then the offline activation method can be used. 

When installing onto a dongle, the dongle must be connected to the computer's USB port.

1.    Open the Lawo licensing web page at https://licenseportal.lawo.com

TIP: You can change the language using the drop-down menu at the top right of the page.

2.    Copy your license ticket number into the 'Ticket' field and select Next.

The license code can be found on the delivery note shipped with the system or in the order confirmation email (for software-based products). It takes the form of a 25-digit ticket number such as the one shown below.

3.    The WebDepot searches for and displays your licenses. Select Activate Licenses to continue.

4.    At the next page, select the storage method for your license.

There are two possibilities:

  • CmDongle - to create a USB dongle.
  • CmActLicense - to bind the license to the local computer.

5.   At the next page, select the licenses you wish to activate and the CmContainer to be used for the license storage.

You can store multiple licenses in the same container. If no Cm containers are available, then you will see an option to "Get CmContainer automatically".

6.    Click on Activate Selected Licenses Now and wait for a few seconds.

A confirmation message appears once the activation is successful.

7.    After selecting OK, a summary appears.

8.    You can now close the browser and return to your Lawo software application or install the USB dongle.


Once activated, it is strongly recommended that you backup your licenses (using the CodeMeter Web Admin portal). This will allow you to restore a license if the original is lost or damaged.

Installing the License Dongle

Once the license(s) are activated, it is time to connect the USB memory stick to the DONGLE port. This is located on the front panel (next to the STATUS LED).

If the optional safety cap is fitted, you will need a T10 star tool to remove and replace the cap.

Next Steps

All licensed features become available once the dongle is fitted and a valid license is detected.

Usually, you will need to edit the system configuration to enable the licensed features. This is explained in more detail later in Power Core - Configuration Examples. For now, it is recommended to upload a basic configuration to get the system operational (as described in the next topic).

Further Information

The licensing system supports a number of other features including re-hosting a license, offline activation, backup/restore and using a license server. These are described in the "Licensing" documentation, see License Activation.