TMon / IAM FAQ

The alarm must occur, and it must pass any qualification tests that have been programmed for it
The alarm must generate a call to the pager in question
The call must reach a paging facility
The paging facility must be able to interpret the call and send the page
The pager must be able to receive the page

Most paging problems are caused by relatively simple factors that interrupt this sequence.

Diagnosing TMon/IAM Paging Problems:
Verify that TMonXM can successfully deliver a page to the pager in question:

From the Alarm Summary screen, use Shift-F3 to access the Pager Status screen.
Select F4=Send
Select the appropriate pager
Enter a test message and hit through remaining entries
Observe results, including reception of an actual page
If a page is not received, try the following:

Call the paging facility yourself, from any convenient phone, using the phone number programmed into the device. A paging system should answer.

If you still have problems, unplug the phone line from your TMon/IAM, plug in an ordinary analog phone, and call the paging facility using exactly the same number TMon is set up to call. A paging system should answer. There is often a problem with forgotton factors such as having to dial 1 first to get an outside line, or being in a different area code than you thought you were, or having a long-distance call-blocker on the line, etc. Also verify that the line sounds clean, with no static, hum, or other noise.

If you still have problems, note exactly how the paging facility responds to calls:

If delivering a numeric page, there is generally a brief voice message after which the numeric message is entered. To step over this voice message, a delay before the actual message is sent is specified under Files-Pager-Pager Carriers. Verify that the delay is appropriate for your system.

If delivering an alpha page, the device expects to make an immediate modem connection when the facility answers – this comes across as a hissing sound.

Many paging facilities are enhancing their service by adding voice messaging capabilities and other features that deviate from these standard dialup sequences. In some cases, your device can be programmed to work around these exceptions; in other cases the paging facility may have a simplified dialup sequence available if you ask for it.

If you still have problems you may observe activity on the pager port itself by selecting the English Analyzer (Alt-F5) or the Protocol Analyzer (Alt-F8) from monitor mode, and use plus/minus to get to the pager port. You may use TRemote to send a manual page as above, or trigger an alarm to generate a page. This may give you a hint as to what the problem may be.

If TMonXM can page, but a particular alarm is not being received, you should check the chain of events that occurs when an alarm is triggered. Basically, the alarm calls a Pager Profile, the Profile calls one or more Operators, and the Operator pages the Carrier who is currently on call according to the weekly schedule.

Verify that the alarm is set up to be paged. Locate the alarm under Parameters-Remote Ports-F1 Devices-F1 Points-Edit, and scroll to the appropriate point. Hit F4 to scroll right – the Pager Profile is set up in the far right column and is not ordinarily visible. A pager profile number should be entered there.
Verify what that pager profile is set up to do. Escape to the main menu, then select Files-Pager-Profiles and scroll to the appropriate profile number. Hit F2 to view Pager Entries – these list Pager Operators, the types of notifications they are to receive, and any delays that may be involved. It is possible that your operator is not set up to receive the type of page you are expecting, or alarms are being acknowledged before delays expire.
Verify your pager information. Escape to the Pager Carrier item on the Pager menu and confirm the pager number, carrier's initials, phone, etc.
Verify that this carrier is assigned to one of the operators identified in step 2.2. Go to the Pager-Weekly Schedules menu item, enter the appropriate operator number, and confirm that this carrier is scheduled at the time you expected to receive a page. Also confirm that the normal schedule was not overridden by a Schedule Exception

Q. Why can't I see all my windows? activate controls? acknowledge alarms? etc ...

A. Privileges for all of these items, and many more, is controlled from the System Users item on the File Maintenance menu. The system identifies you through your logon initials and only lets you do what you are authorized to do on the System Users screen. The ability to change these privileges is itself a controllable privilege.

Q. XmEdit has missing screens/menu items/options

A. If your XmEdit seems to be missing features that are available in your TMon/IAM, there are probably optional software modules that have been installed in one but not the other. You can determine what has been installed by selecting Diagnostics-Installable Modules-Installation Status on the master menu. If XmEdit is missing anything, run TInstall from the original installation floppy for each missing module. Make sure it gets installed into the XmEdit directory, not the default TMonXm directory.

Q. I want to upgrade my T/MonXM or IAM from Version 2.4 to the most current 3.5. Are there any special hardware changes I must have before I can proceed with my upgrade?

A. Generally not. The only primary option is to have a minimum of 8MB of memory installed on your system. Ver 2.4 only requires 4MB maximum to run. Contact DPS for pricing on available upgrade features.

Q. Why should I do a backup of my current database before I do any upgrading or changing to my T/MonXM or IAM Master Station?

A. We encourage anyone to do a backup of his or her current database before any modification takes place. This will eliminate the possibility of losing your data files, incase of a system malfunction or crash during the upgrade or modification. Contact DPS Support Department for assistance.

Q. I get a Runtime Error 5 @ address 0065:0099 everytime I try to restore a backup of my database to my TMonXM or IAM master station.

A. This runtime error is usually caused by the two files from your backup disk, (ARCHIVE.DPS & CTRL.DPS) having "read only" attributes assigned to them. You can remove the "read only" option by taking your disk to a Windows computer and from the (A) drive you can right click on the file, go to properties, and uncheck the "read only" check box. You can also do this from a DOS computer by using the attribute and -r command. (i.e. A:\attrib -r archive.dps) (A:\attrib -r ctrl.dps)

Q. How do I delete reports from my TMonXM or IAM master station?

A. You can do this from the edit menu of your master by going to Files, Utilities, Report Maintenance, and then Delete Report File. You will then be prompted on which file you want to delete. Use caution upon deleting files. There is no reversible action to bring these files back.

Q. How can you temporarily suspend the automatic restart of TMonXM / IAM?

A. You can edit the autoexec.bat file as follows:

if not exist c:\resume.dat goto shell

copy c:\resume.dat c:\resume.off

del c:\resume.dat

:shell << existing line for reference only

With the file edited to include these lines, the TMonXM / IAM will not automatically restart after interrupted operation. This mode is helpful during diagnostic or maintenance type functions but the lines should be removed (or at least REM'd out) before returning the system to normal operation.

Q. XM Edit - How come I don't have access to some of the configuration screens that I have on my full master? (IE: ASCII, missing alarm windows, remote access use exceeded ...)

A. You need to install those various software modules on your XM edit machine. Be sure to set the installation path to the location where XM Edit has been installed. Only install the single disks sets that begin with XM???? (i.e. XMASC, XMPAG, XMRMT1).

Q. Why can my T/MonXM users Ack alarms from T/Remote for Windows, but not the Web Browser?

A. Alarms can only be acknowledged from the Web Browser if the "ACK INITIALS" has been included in the standard alarm formatting (Parameter/Alarm Format menu in T/Mon).

Q. How do I transfer a database from an older TMon / IAM system to a newer system running a newer version of software?

A. Here are the steps you should follow:

Exit WShell on the older system
Change the directory to C:\TMONXM
Copy all the *.DAT & *.IDX files to a diskette
Restart WShell on the older system
Move diskette to new system
Exit WShell on the newer system
Change the directory to C:\TMONXM
Delete all *.DAT & *.IDX files
Copy all the diskette files to the hard drive
Restart WShell on the newer system
Launch the T/Mon / IAM application
The application should automatically update the database

Q. Where does TMon get the tmonADispDesc that is sent in a SNMP Trap?

A. The tmonADispDesc is filled with the contents of the 'Display Desc' field on the Point Definition form (Parameters.Remote_Ports.Devices.Points or the equivalent from one of the Files menu options).

Q. How do I get AUX Descriptions to appear for each point on my Point Definition form?

A. Change Parameters.Miscellaneous.Edit_AUX_Desc to 'Y'.

Q. Why does my XMEdit not show all the database from T/MonXM?

A. Make sure that all of your software modules are loaded into your XMEdit directory.

Q. How can a device be halted so it is not polled on a specified port for the duration of that T/Mon session?

A. When logged into the T/Mon and viewing the Alarm Summary window press Shift - F6. Using the + and - keys find the port with the devices you wish to halt. Using the arrow keys select the device and press F5 to halt it or F4 to put a halted device back online.

Q. Why is my Tmon/IAM not reading correctly from the NetGuardian internal temperature sensor?

A. To scale the reading of the NetGuardian internal temperature sensor on the Tmon/IAM you need to enter the following scaling factors; Voltage Value 1: 1.0 Unit Value 1: 4.217 Voltage Value 2: 10.0 Unit value 1: 42.170.

Q. Can I remotely upgrade my T/Mon software?

A. Yes. Every T/Mon upgrade CD includes the T/Mon Remote Updater software. To install this software and upgrade your T/Mon remotely:

Place your T/Mon upgrade CD in your PC's CD drive and launch "setup.exe".

Launch T/Mon Remote Updater from the Start Menu (Programs > DPS Telecom > T/Mon Remote Updater)

In the "Source Drive" drop-down menu, select your CD drive containing the T/Mon upgrade CD.

In the "FTP Site IP" field, enter the IP address of your T/Mon.

Enter a valid T/Mon username and password.

Click "Start Update" to begin your update.

Q. What is the factory default T/Mon login?

Username: "dps"

Password: "dps"

NOTE: To protect your security, DPS recommends that you delete this factory default login after you have set up your own system users in T/Mon. To do so, select "System Users" from the "File" menu and delete the factory default user.

Q. How do I load and compile SNMP MIBs to T/Mon?

A. To load and compile and MIB from a new SNMP device to your T/Mon, follow these steps:

Confirm that T/Mon has latest software installed

Confirm T/Mon has trap processor module installed

Acquire the main MIB for your device

Acquire any referenced (RFC) MIBs

Ensure all MIBs are raw ASN.1 text format

Identify the types of traps the device will send

Transfer the MIBs to the T/Mon - This can be done via FTP, or by putting the MIB on a disc and transferring it via "Sneaker Net"

Compile the MIBs - Choose "Compile" from the MIB manager menu, if you receive the "No Errors!" message, you have successfully loaded and compiled the MIB

Correct any errors that occur - If you received an "Errors Found:" message when compiling, review the message details to identify and correct the source of the error(s)

Q. What happens if I lose my T/Access installer?

A. If you lose your T/Access installer, contact DPS Tech Support. They will issue you a new serial number. Contact DPS Tech Support at 1-559-454-1600.

Q. How can I check to see if NTP (Network Time Protocol) sync is working?

A.
1. Set T/Mon system time so it is not accurate

2. Set daily sync time to 5 minutes from now

3. Watch for your T/Mon clock to correct itself automatically within 5 minutes. If it does, your NTP sync is operating properly. If it is not, contact DPS Tech Support at 1-559-454-1600 for assistance.

View List of Public NTP Servers

Q. What does T/Mon "less than 10% remaining" alarm mean?

A. You are within 10% of the 67 maximum devices supported by T/Mon SLIM

Q. What is the best way to improve T/Mon performance when using a large number of derived control equations?

A. It is more efficient to send alarms that should trigger a control to a single alarm window. Then, use the "BSU" function to issue derived controls based on alarms in that window.

Q. Does T/Mon check for errors when importing an alarm database from a TXT file?

A. Yes. Errors found during a database import attempt are logged in the "implog.rEp" report.

Q. What does "T/Mon DB needs to be backed up" mean?

A. Reminder alarm to backup DB. To modify, Parameters->Misc->(right column) "DB Backup alarm" -> Set between 30-90 days

Q. Why isn't my T/Mon or RTU powering up?

A. If Power LED is red or off, you may have reversed polarity when wiring power. Also, check the device's fuse(s).

Q. How do I reseat cards within my T/Mon NOC if they have loosened?

A. NOTE: Never remove or insert a T/Mon card without first powering T/Mon down. Changing cards while T/Mon is powered can damage your system.

Card reseating procedure:

Shut down T/Mon (see user manual for details)

Power T/Mon down by removing both fuses

Open the top of the T/Mon chassis

Unscrew the screw holding the card in place

Lift up the card until it is clear of the slot, then reseat it (you should hear a click)

Reattach the card screw, reassemble the T/Mon chassis, replace the fuses, and power T/Mon back up

Reinitializing T/Mon is a good test to see that the card was reseated correctly. You may also perform a serial card loopback test for additional assurance (available in version 5.0B070910 and newer of T/MonXM):

Select 'Diagnostics' from the Master Menu

Select 'Tune Modems'

Select the Port Range you wish to test

Q. How do I install XMEDIT with the new KeyLok key?

A. 1) Install XMEDIT. This is done by running the install file that came with XMEDIT. This should create a folder called XMEDIT in the hard drive’s root directory.

2) Attach the KeyLok II hardware key into your parallel port.

3) Install the KeyLok II drivers called install.exe. The driver may detect the key after it finishes installing. If it doesn’t, reboot your PC.

WARNING: Make sure you are not running T/Access when you install this file.

4) When prompted, click on 'OK' to install all drivers.

5) Continue clicking OK when prompted until installation is complete. Reboot your PC.

6) Install the KeyLok II interface for XMEDIT. This will create a file called secure.exe in your XMEDIT directory.

7) Run XMEDIT to make sure that it can read the key.

Q. Why am I encountering problems running T/Mon GFX under Windows Vista?

A. T/Mon GFX is currently not compatible with Windows Vista. Although most of GFX works correctly, there is an error with the MapPoint interface. Some alert windows (which lock out other open GFX windows until they are closed) appear behind all other windows. This creates a situation where users cannot acknowledge an alert window and continue using the software.

Windows XP is currently the recommended operating system for T/Mon GFX.

Give Us a Call!

To find out more about this and other DPS applications, give us a call at our toll-free number and talk to one of our network specialists. They'll help you put together a perfect fit solution for your network!

Sales: 1-800-693-0351 · Fax: 559-454-1688


Related Pages
T/Mon NOC Remote Alarm Monitoring System: Multiprotocol, multifunction single-platform solution T/Mon Supported Protocols and Devices Products for Intelligent Network Alarm Management Critical Alarm Enunciator: Advanced Local Alarm Notification T/Mon XM


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