To successfully connect an ARW-VESP211 to an FX-2000 Fire Alarm Control Panel using OpenGN, follow these steps, referencing the Mircom FX-2000 Series Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panels Instruction Manual for detailed guidance. First you need the correct equipment. This includes an ARW-VESP211 Advantech Serial to Ethernet Converter, an Advantech software CD, an Ethernet cable (maximum 300’), a 9-pin male to female serial cable, OpenGN version 3.3 or later, an OpenGN Gateway version 3.3 or later, an OpenGN license key, the FX-2000 Config Utility version 2.3.30 or later, and the FX-2000 Fire Alarm Control Panel with firmware version 2.14 or later. Connection involves a few physical steps: connect the 9-pin serial cable from the COM port on the ARW-VESP211 to the RS-232 port on the FX-2000. Next, use an Ethernet cable to connect the LAN port on the ARW-VESP211 to the computer running the OpenGN Gateway. Finally, connect the ARW-VESP211 to a power source. Configuration involves several steps. First, configure the OpenGN Gateway computer with a specific IP address (e.g., 169.254.102.40) and subnet mask (255.255.0.0). Install the Vlinx Serial Server Manager from the Advantech CD on the OpenGN Gateway computer. Configure the ARW-VESP211 by setting the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and network settings to match the OpenGN Gateway computer. Configure the ARW-VESP211 for TCP protocol, set the port number, serial settings, and save the configuration. After configuration is complete, you need to export and import configuration settings. Use the FX-2000 Config Utility to open the job for the FX-2000 panel, enable settings, and send the job to the panel. Export the job file as an XML file and transfer it to the computer running OpenGN. Import the XML configuration file into OpenGN and update the stored version if prompted. For final configuration steps, configure the OpenGN Gateway by setting up the adapter configuration with the destination IP address and port, command connection details, and auto-start settings. Finally, verify the connection by checking the adapter status in the OpenGN Gateway interface. Following these steps and consulting the detailed instructions in the Mircom FX-2000 Series manual will ensure a successful integration of the ARW-VESP211 with your FX-2000 Fire Alarm Control Panel via OpenGN.
