Long Distance Connectivity
 

Under normal circumstances RAD7s and DRYSTIKs are directly connected to the computer running CAPTURE, using a null modem cable and a USB to serial adaptor, in the case of the RAD7, and a single USB cable in the case of the DRYSTIK. However when the device is in a dangerous or remote environment, it may be desirable to connect to it from a distance. This can be achieved via a Bluetooth adaptor or a local network. This section explains how to properly configure CAPTURE for long-distance communication. These instructions and the associated screenshots assume a RAD7 is being used, but the same approach applies to the DRYSTIK.

Once CAPTURE has established a connection with a remote device, CAPTURE operations such as downloading and chart recording will proceed as they would normally. While Bluetooth-enabled devices may be detected by CAPTURE automatically, other long distance connection methods require clicking the Add Device button and using the Connection Method pop-up menu located at the top of CAPTURE's Main Window to choose the desired connection protocol.

Bluetooth Communications 

The simplest way to connect to a RAD7 remotely is through a Serial to Bluetooth adaptor attached to the RAD7's serial port. Since such adaptors create virtual COM ports in much the same way as a serial to USB adaptor, connecting to a Bluetooth-enabled RAD7 is as simple as clicking the Scan for RAD7s button in the CAPTURE window.

DURRIDGE offers the SENA Parani SD1000 Serial to Bluetooth adaptor, preconfigured for use with the RAD7, making the connection process very straightforward. Other adaptor products may be used as well, however they must first be set to operate at the RAD7's specific baud rate. Third party adaptors must also be configured as "discoverable", and any command response behavior must be disabled to avoid corrupting the RAD7 with garbage data. The procedure for completing this configuration will vary by adaptor. DURRIDGE provides detailed instructions on using the SENA Parani SD1000 Serial to Bluetooth adaptor with the RAD7. Please see the RAD7 Bluetooth Connectivity guide for details.
Figure 1: A RAD7 connected using a Serial to Bluetooth adaptor will appear on one of the computer's serial ports.
Network Communications 

Communicating with a RAD7 or DRYSTIK that is not directly attached to the computer running CAPTURE may also be achieved by connecting the device to a local area network. This may involve connecting the device to a nearby laptop or other computer, but for the sake of increased mobility and security the device may also be connected to a Lantronix WiBox® or similar portable Internet-enabled device. In either case, the computer to which the device is connected receives commands sent from a computer running CAPTURE, and immediately relays them to the device. Once the device has received a command, the response is relayed back to the computer running CAPTURE.

It is necessary that all of the required equipment exists within a local area network, and that the connections do not involve routers or other security equipment impeding communication between devices. Launch CAPTURE on each computer. On the computer not connected to the RAD7 or DRYSTIK, click the Add Device button, and select either Add RAD7 or Add DRYSTIK from the menu that appears. The connection panel will appear as shown in Figure 3, below. In the IP Address field, enter the IP address of the computer to which the device is directly connected. The device's Serial Number should be set to the serial number of the remote RAD7 or DRYSTIK.

Figure 2: Connecting to a RAD7 using a local network.




On the computer that is attached directly to the RAD7 or DRYSTIK, enter the Relay RAD7 Commands or Relay DRYSTIK Commands panel, as shown in Figure 3. Click the Listen button to prepare to receive remote commands. This will allow any commands received by the computer to be passed on to the device, where they will be acted upon. Once CAPTURE is listening for incoming commands, the Listen button will change to Stop.
Figure 3: Relaying RAD7 commands.




With the relaying computer listening for incoming commands, click Connect on the other computer. (It is important to click Listen first, then Connect, to avoid errors.) After the connection has become active, operations may be performed in the same manner as if there was a direct serial connection between the remote computer and the computer to which the device is attached. To end a session, either click the Disconnect button in the copy of CAPTURE that is running on the remote computer, or click Stop on the copy of CAPTURE that has been relaying the commands.
Advanced Configurations 

Real world conditions are frequently more complex than those described in the above scenario. If a RAD7 or DRYSTIK is not able to be reached across a local network, additional software may be needed to facilitate communication between the user and the device. One solution is to configure a virtual private network (VPN), but this requires extensive networking knowledge. A simpler alternative is a remote desktop application such as TeamViewer, in which one computer can be controlled by another over the Internet. Using TeamViewer or a similar application, the user can assume control over a remote computer that is directly connected to a RAD7 or DRYSTIK.

Occasionally it may be impractical to place a laptop, or even a netbook, in the field alongside the device. This situation calls for the use of a WiBox® or similar portable Internet-enabled device which can be used to relay commands. Since such devices may lack input controls and screens they are normally configured via remote interfaces, the details of which are outside the scope of this manual. Once a device has been configured however, it will serve the same function as a computer that has been set up to relay commands, and the process of issuing those commands will be the same as when a full computer is performing the relaying role.