Specifications

Copyright © AMETEK
23
23. FOCUS Communications Agent (FCA)
23.1 Description
FOCUS can be connected to an Ethernet LAN via
the FCA module and rear interface. FCS version
3.7 or higher and either Maintenance Module
Versions 3 (MV3), 4 (MV4), or 5 (MV5).
The optional FCA module enables your FOCUS
equipment to communicate with different types of
hardware and software using SNMP version 1
communications. Communications can be within
a network loop or between one network loop and
another. SNMP management application tools are
available from several vendors for administering
the configuration of events notification (traps) and
recipients of traps. The FCS can be configured for
specific event notifications (traps). See the online
help facility for more information.
Although the MV5 supports two serial ports, the
rear port is primarily reserved for the FCA channel
module to send traps and FCS communications
simultaneously. Direct connection/communica-
tion through the front port is not permitted while
an active logon is present through the rear port via
Ethernet. If you attempt this, you will receive a
Local Log On Attempt message box warning that
the other serial port has an active log on and that
only one access is permitted.
The MV4 will not permit simultaneous connec-
tions to the front and rear ports.
The MV3 does not support the rear port. A special
cable and front cover are supplied for use with the
front RS-232 port and the FCA. The special cable
connects from the front RS-232 port around to the
back of the chassis and into the rear port.
The FCA module and rear interface allow events
notification from FOCUS to be sent over the
ethernet network to other devices that are NOT
logged into the FOCUS chassis. This is an
important feature because it allows a pre-defined
user in a network to access the events logged by
FOCUS without needing to log into the FOCUS
chassis to retrieve the events. The events are sent
to any user defined recipient (up to 4 recipients are
supported).
The event notifications are selectable to configure
the traps to your specific environment. Each FCA
module stores the settings on-board in Flash
memory in a “Trap Configuration File” (.tcf). This
.tcf file can be saved and restored for future use.
You can save and load your .tcf file the same way
you would a FOCUS configuration file.
23.2 Application
The FCA module is used when you need your
FOCUS chassis to communicate with other
hardware either in or out of the network loop.
FOCUS with an FCA module installed can send
notifications of events (traps) to someone who is
not logged onto the terminal. The traps are config-
ured with the specific events that the user chooses.
This is especially important when the user is not
able to log into the FOCUS chassis through the
conventional method and needs to be notified of
specific events.
Order No. Maint. Module Accessories
FCANN MV3 Rear interface,
FCA3N MV3 Rear interface, Cable for front of MV3 connection
FCA3C MV3 Rear interface, Cable for front of MV3 connection and supply
special cover with connector.
FCA4N MV4 Rear interface, Cable for rear of chassis connection
FCA5N MV5 Rear interface, Cable for rear of chassis connection
Table 23–1.
FCA Ordering Options