Introduction

This quick guide is intended to assist installers who want to make a connection to a Vector unit in order to configure it as required. As a minimum, Vector units must be configured to connect to the host network on site/in store and subsequently configured to count correctly and deposit their data somewhere. By configuring an Outbound Connection to an Estate Manager instance, the counting functionality can be completed remotely.

In some cases, Vectors may be pre-configured, before being shipped to site, and will require little, or no, onsite configuration. In these cases, it is beneficial to check that a remote connection to the device has been established once powered, and before leaving site.

 

Pre-Requisites

A certain amount of networking knowledge is expected and required. Configuration of specific networks is outside the scope of this guide, therefore if you are unsure of the network connection requirements, or any of the functions mentioned in this document, you should seek further guidance from your own IT department and/or the administrator of the network that the device will connect to.

Before running cables and fixing the Vector to the ceiling, make sure that it is being installed in a suitable location. This guide should be used in conjunction with the general installation guide: Irisys Vector 4D - Installation and the power and connections guide: Irisys Vector 4D - Power & Network Connections.

To configure a Vector device, either a web browser, or the dedicated RIFT setup software installed on your laptop, is required.

The RIFT software supports running on a Microsoft Windows operating system only.

The IP address of the Vector must also be known. In certain circumstances this may not be the case, for example if a devices IP address has already been changed to an unknown static address, or when the address has been assigned by a DHCP server. In most cases it is recommended that access to a DHCP server is restricted at first so that the known default address can be used to access the Vector and configure preliminary settings - an Estate Manager remote connection, for example.

It may be advisable to assemble your own isolated network consisting of a PoE switch and connection cables so that a connection can be made and the main settings changed before adding to the customers network, for example when the device is going to be left on a DHCP assigned address.
If a Vector has been previously configured with an unknown static IP address, it can be reset to the known factory defaults, if required. See Factory Defaults Button doc.
If you want to make use of the SafeCount functionality provided on Vector Analytic devices, Vectors must be on firmware 2.0.165 or above. Firmware updates available here.

Lastly, for any network connection to be successful, the configuring laptop must be on the same IP range as the Vector, with a physical network route available. Again, you should seek further guidance from your own IT department for details of this procedure.

 

Vector Default Network/Access Settings

A new, previously un-configured, Vector Analytic or Vector Count device come from the factory with a default IP address of 192.168.0.10.  Note: your PC must be on the same IP address range e.g. 192.168.0.xxx.

The Vector is also password protected to prevent malicious changes via a web browser connection. This can be changed during configuration if required.

The default username and password required for web access is:

Username: admin
Password : installer

 

Connection Options

Using a Browser

With a web browser connection, simply open a browser and enter the Vectors IP address in the browser address bar (where you normally enter a website address).

If a connection is successful you will be prompted to enter a username and password before you can access the setup options:

Any modern browser can be used. Google Chrome is the recommended web browser.

Note that Internet Explorer is NOT supported.
If you get 'Bad Gateway' error on an initial web browser connection, this means that the SD card has been corrupted. You can fix this with an SD card re-image. See here for details of how to do that.

Note once you are connected to the Vector - and before you enter a username and password you have the option of running the SafeCount setup wizard instead. Note the link in the top right corner of the screen.
For details of the SafeCount Setup see here.

At this point you can enter the username and password.

If the password has been changed to an unknown value, then connection via web browser will not be possible.

Using RIFT PC application

If setup via web browser is not possible, the installed ‘RIFT’ setup software can be used instead. This runs as a Windows application and does not require a password by default - although a password can be forced if required, see below.

Once installed, simply run the software, and enter the IP address - you must also specify the port number of the Vector device as well.

The default port number is 4505.

The port number value allows Vectors to be accessed through a Router/Firewall using a different port number if required.

If there is a requirement for a Vector to use a different port number; first connect to the device via the default value, and then change it in the network settings.

If the Vectors port number has been changed from the default 4505 value to an unknown value, connection via RIFT setup software will not be possible, and a web connection must be used instead.

In security conscious environments a Vector can be configured to demand a password regardless of the connection mechanism (web browser or RIFT exe) and in those cases the Authentication drop down must be expanded and the correct username and password entered in the same way as connecting via a web browser:

Note in certain situations local connection to a Vector will not be possible, and the only way to recover the situation would be a full factory reset.
If a Vector has already been configured, and the default port number has been changed to an unknown value, you will not be able to use the RIFT exe and will need to use a web browser connection.
If a Vector has already been configured, and the login password have been changed to unknown values, then you will not be able to access via web browser  and will need to use the RIFT exe instead. But if the Vector has been configured to require a username and password, then connecting using RIFT exe will not be possible either.
If both the port number, and password, have been changed to unknown values, connection via web browser or RIFT exe will not be possible.
In cases where local connection is not possible, only an already established Estate Manager connection will allow settings values to be changed. Without an Estate Manager connection, then either a full factory reset, or a temporary network reset, will be required.