Access Expert Panel Utility Instructions to recover a controller with old firmware

[Alan_Wood]

Issue

Older controllers and takeover installations may not provide access to the Connection Type field in the controller web page. This field contains the communication settings required to connect the controller to the Access Expert host server. When the Connection Type field is unavailable, the controller cannot be commissioned or brought online. 

Product Line

EcoStruxure Access Expert

Environment

• Access Expert Client
• Panel Utility (PanelUtil.exe)
• OEM Conversion Tool

Cause

When using older versions of firmware, the controller web interface does not provide access to the Connection Type setting required for host communication configuration. In some cases, the controller is configured as IP Server when IP Client is required. Older firmware versions may also prevent the Panel Utility from accessing or displaying all communication settings.

Resolution

Acre recommends using the Panel Utility to modify the controller communication settings and configure the controller for IP Client operation. The PC running PanelUtil.exe must be connected to the same local network as the controller.

1. Obtain and Launch the Panel Utility

Request a copy of the Panel Utility from Product Support.

1. Extract the utility files.
2. Launch PanelUtil.exe.

2. Discover the Controller

1. Click Discover.
2. If no controllers appear, disable TLS through the controller web page (Data Security Field)
   Note: SSC controllers do not appear in the discovery list.

3. Attach to the Controller

1. Select the desired controller.
2. Click Attach.
3. Verify the communication details.
4. Click OK.

Note: The example shown displays the Communication Type as 103 IP Server, which must be changed to IP Client.

4. Change Communication Settings

1. Select Comm Settings.
2. Open the Host Comm tab.
3. Select IP Client as the Connection Type.
   
4. Configure the required host communication settings.
5. Click Apply Settings.
6. Reboot the controller.
   
   

5. Browser Access from Panel Utility

Selecting Browse while a controller is highlighted launches the controller web page.

The utility is known to work with Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox. Google Chrome may not function correctly. Multiple attempts may be required before establishing a successful connection. 

6. OEM Conversion and OEM Credits

Once the controller communication type is configured as IP Client, OEM Credits can be applied directly from within Access Expert. The OEM Conversion Tool displays available OEM codes and automatically assigns a code when available from within Access Expert. 

7. Blank Communication Settings

For very old controllers, the Panel Utility may not provide access to the required settings. In these cases, use the OEM Conversion Tool. (Request via PSS). If all communication settings appear blank after attaching to the controller, upgrade the controller firmware using the OEM Conversion Tool. After the firmware upgrade, the communication settings should become visible and editable.

1. Open the Access Expert Client.
2. Open the controller.
3. Click Update OEMCode.
4. Allow the system to assign an available OEM code.
5. Proceed with normal commissioning.

8. Additional Troubleshooting if having issues connecting to the Panel Utility

• The controller is not on the same subnet as the PC running the Panel Utility.
• The controller firmware is too old for the Panel Utility to access all settings.
• TLS remains enabled during configuration.
• A firmware upgrade is required before communication settings can be modified.

9. Validation

After the Connection Type is changed to IP Client, the host settings are configured, and an OEM code is applied if required, the controller can be commissioned through the standard Access Expert workflow.