Orion Stack Setup - Loytec NIC852 LNS Communications

[Product_Support]

Issue

Step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring a Loytec NIC852 dongle (Orion Stack) for enhanced LNS communications.

Product Line

TAC Vista

Environment

Vista Server

Cause

A single Vista server typically supports up to four average-sized LNS networks. Larger networks or multiple LNS ports on one server can degrade communication reliability. The Orion Stack modifies how Vista communicates with the LNS Server, allowing support for up to 28 LNS Ports.

Resolution

Pre-Installation Notes

• If LonWorks Interfaces were previously configured as your Network Interface, delete the computer’s IP address from the IP-852 tab before proceeding.

Installation Steps

1. Insert the NIC852 Dongle into a USB slot on the Front-End computer.

   • Ensure the dongle remains plugged in at all times for Orion Stack functionality.

     

2. Install Required Software using the Loytec CD:

   • Hardware drivers

   • LConfig interface

     

3. Update Drivers

   • Download the latest NIC interface drivers from:
     Loytec Driver Downloads

4. Verify Installation

• The Loytec symbol should appear in the Windows system tray.

• Right-click the icon and launch LConfig.
  

NIC852 Configuration via LConfig

5. In LConfig, go to the NIC852 tab:

   • Enable the device

   • Set Transceiver to IP-10L

   • Select the number of LNS Applications (LNS databases)

     

6. Click CNIP Configuration:

   • Enter IP addresses for:

     • Device (Front-End Computer)

     • Configuration Server

   • Enter the Device Name (Computer Name)

   • Click OK twice to apply settings

   • Test the configuration before closing

     

Vista & LonMaker Setup

7. Open LonMaker:

   • Open the first drawing directory with “Show all network options dialogs” checked

   • Configure the Network Interface:
     • Check “Network Attached”
     • Select the first NIC_852 entry
     • Proceed through dialogs by clicking “Next”
     • Save and exit
       

8. To configure each LNS network interface:

   • Go to LonMaker > Network Properties in Visio

   • Use the Network Interface tab to select the correct NIC
     

TAC Network Communication Port Setup

9. Open TAC Vista System Plug-In:

   • Navigate to LonMaker > System Plug-In > TAC Vista System Plug-In

   • Right-click the Network (top of controller tree)

   • Click Settings

     

   • Under the Network tab, select Communication Port – Loytec
   • Click OK
   • Update the TAC Network
     

10. Repeat Steps 6–10 for each LNS database:

    • Use a different Network Interface for each

Final Notes

• Once all NICs are configured, the Orion Stack setup is complete.
• Tip: Add a note on the site’s main graphics page indicating that an Orion Stack is installed. This helps inform remote support engineers and other users.