Tools

This Article contains the following:

Reboot

Tracer

Network-Scan

Data evaluation

Delete log files

Change the logo

The GENEREX system tools are a collection of useful utilities to help in case of diagnostic problems. To ensure authorized access only, this menu acquire administrative credentials:

To open the Toolbox, navigate to the following menu:

Reboot

Since the CS141 accepts configuration changes and starts or restarts the corresponding system services in real time, a complete restart is rarely required. In the event of a restart, the UPS continues operating in normal mode; a reboot of the CS141 does not affect the UPS. To prevent accidentally triggered reboots, this feature is deliberately placed in the Tools menu.

Tracer

For this function, starting from firmware version 2.06, the following slider under System > Setup must be set to On:
The Tracer is a comprehensive diagnostic tool used to verify communication both between the CS141 and the connected end devices, as well as to identify network problems between the CS141 and a server.

Under Device Communication, information about external devices connected to the CS141 can be queried.
To monitor a device, open the context menu and select the desired device.
As shown in the screenshot, the CS141 provides the following ports: COM 1 / UPS, COM 2 / GSM Modem, and COM 3 / AUX Port.

COM 1/ UPS

The Tracer monitors the current communication running on the serial RS232 port.
Errors or faulty communication are displayed in real time and can be saved for later evaluation.

COM 2 / GSM-Modem

The Tracer monitors the communication between the CS141 and the GSM modem and displays the telemetry in real time.
Errors and communication problems can be captured easily and saved for later analysis.

COM 3 / AUX

A CON_AUX4 or CON_R_AUX4 can be connected via the AUX port.
The Tracer is able to monitor and interrogate the communication with the device in real time.

Note:

The Tracer adapts itself to the choice met under Devices in the configured in general port settings. If sensors or a Sensor manager 2 is configured instead of a GSM modem, the tracer will show these devices.

The button labeled with Trace starts the process. Depending on your browser's configuration an open a new tab will be opened to show the data stream of the communication between the device and the CS141:

The trace ends automatically by closing this tab. Please note that the data will be discarded. To save the data, mark it with the left mouse button and copy the content with CTRL + C, and insert the information with CTRL + V to a text file.

Available Tracing tool control options

Clear trace log

Clear trace log deletes the current display - the information cannot be recovered afterwards.

Save trace log

This function will transfer the current browser content into a standardized text file.

Note

This log file contains the complete time-stamped communication between the CS141 and UPS connected to it: The CS141 asks and the UPS responds accordingly. Since these entries are time stamped, this communication may be compared to external events - this valuable information may help finding the cause of an incident.

The telemetry data file is placed in real time inside the memory of the web browser. By closing this window, the trace data file is automatically terminated and lost. Ensure saving data before closing the window of the web browser.

Trace file evaluation

Open the saved text file in a text editor that supports extended text formatting. Examples include Sublime Text, Notepad++, or the standard Windows Notepad. 

For a detailed analysis, the official protocol description of the UPS is required. 

For further information, please refer to the manufacturer of your UPS.

Network-Scan

As special feature the CS141 provides an integrated network scanner to examine the LAN for issues and errors. The network scan provides extensive information for evaluation about the network the CS141 is connected to. All data packets are collected in a log file. After network scan, the network log can be downloaded for evaluation.

Privacy Policy:
Since the network scan records all traffic in the network segment to which the CS141 is connected, the data can be evaluated with a corresponding network tool to identify errors. Furthermore, detailed insights into network traffic are available, such as logging user behavior. Technicians should inform the responsible person before using this function.

To perform a network scan, click on the Trace button in the Network line. The tracer will confirm tracing activity with a short fade in.

The Tracer logs packet data within the LAN segment in real-time and stores it locally on the CS141. The tracer will quit if there are two conditions:

• A reboot (expected / unexpected)
• By pressing the Stop button

After finishing, the data will be downloaded in the form of a packed archive for later evaluation.

Note:

The network tracer is usually very rarely needed. In seldom cases GENEREX technical support needs specific additional information to locate a problem.

In this case, it is recommended to start the tracer without using filtering options. Furthermore, it turns your CS141 into a powerful network diagnostic tool that lets you examine your local LAN:

Refer www.tcpdump.org to find extensive tutorials how to define filters in order to use the full potential of the CS141 as a network diagnostic system.

Data evaluation

The data analyzed via diagnostic tools such as Wireshark *:

Downloaded data can be read and analyzed by special diagnostic tools such as Wireshark *:

*Wireshark is not a GENEREX product. It is available at www.wireshark.org

Delete log files

The CS141 collects and logs many data and uses non-volatile memory to store it permanently:

These data can then be retrieved via a web browser or evaluated by diagnostic tools. Since the log files may contain very sensitive information about a network state, it is recommended to delete all data before re-using the CS141 Webmanager.

Networklog

Deletes any network trace data

Eventlog

Deletes all logged data according to events

Datalog

Deletes additional data of UPS measurements.

Note

Once deleted, the log files are permanently removed. Normally, the CS141 provides sufficient storage space for a complete lifetime cycle of data. If in doubt, make sure a backup of the data files is available. Note: There is no option to recover deleted data on the device itself.

Change the logo

Some companies do not want foreign logos inside their IT Infrastructure. Therefore, it is possible to change the logo shown on the upper left side.

How to change the logo

1. Open the graphic program of your choice
2. Create a new picture, maximum size is 200 X 54 PX

3. Edit the logo as your whish
4. When finished, save the logo with filename logo.gif – otherwise it will not work.
5. Open CS141 Toolbox:

Under Tools, you will find the configuration screen:

Use drag and drop to insert the new logo or click to select from a list.

6. Press Upload to insert the new logo.