NetGuardian 3288 Test Fixture: Overview

The NetGuardian Test Box allows technicians to verify every discrete alarm input, control relay, and voltage-based analog alarm input on a NetGuardian 832A.

The NetGuardian 3288 Test Fixture has been a trusted tool of DPS test technicians for quite some time. This test box is used to verify every discrete alarm input, control relay, and voltage-based analog alarm input on a NetGuardian 832A. If an alarm point fails, it's important to know if the problem lies with your NetGuardian, your site equipment, or your analog sensor. With the NetGuardian Test Box, you minimize windshield time driving to sites by diagnosing the problem while you're on-site.

The DPS Telecom NetGuardian 3288 Test Fixture sends discrete alarms and analog voltages to every possible input and output on the NetGuardian 832A alarm collection remote. The box is used to simulate alarm conditions and test NetGuardian.

The user interface of the Test Box consists of 32 toggle switches that simulate discrete inputs, eight dials that simulate analog inputs, and 9 LEDs that light in response to control and fuse alarm outputs from the NetGuardian.

Testing your derived controls is important because many of them will rarely be triggered. For example, it's rare that your site power will fail at the same time your primary generator fails and your backup batteries run low. Although this scenarios are rare, these are clearly some of the most critical alarms you could possibly have. You need to test your monitoring setup to know that you're ready.

You know you need to verify your monitoring. You could short wires together to test, but that's a pain and can be time-consuming.

What you need is a tool that makes testing your network alarm system quick and easy. Something that is designed to interface directly with your RTUs and makes it simple for you to toggle alarms.

The NetGuardian Test Box by DPS Telecom can test the discrete and analog inputs of your NetGuardian before you attach your mission-critical devices to them. You can send test discrete alarms to each input simply by flipping one of the 32 toggles. You can also send voltages ( 0- NG input voltage) to each analog input by turning one of 8 knobs.

Know your RTU is Working Correctly

If you see what you expect in the NetGuardian's web interface, you know your RTU is wired correctly.By testing your alarm inputs during setup, you can check for connectivity issues and verify that your RTU was installed and provisioned correctly.

Know your Master is Working Correctly

If your master receives the appropriate alarm data from your NetGuardian, you will know that your transport, protocol, and master configuration are fully functional.

The Test box is easy to connect and use.

Diagnose Monitoring Problems

Avoid "No Problem Found" RMAs by conducting your own testing. If you don't perform adequate testing, you might believe the problem is in your NetGuardian when the real problem is really with your sensors or wiring. With a test box, you can uncover the true cause easily and avoid wasting time and shipping costs.

Conduct Better Lab Testing

When you're evaluating a NetGuardian, there's no better way to get alarms in at lab units and demo centers. The Test Box is also great for regression testing new firmware releases.

Test Labeled Alarm Points

The labeled toggles and knobs on the NetGuardian Test Box are easier than working with probes directly on the amphenol connectors. It's also a lot less hassle than counting down a 66 block. You only have two hands, so without a Test Box you can only set a point or two at a time. With a Test Box, you can easily set all of the alarms you want, and you won't have to hope that your hands won't move while looking at your results screen.

Test Derived Controls

The NetGuardian Test Box becomes even more valuable when you use it to test your derived control equations from the field. On site, you connect the Test Box to your NetGuardian. Using the alarm input toggles and knobs, you can create a condition that you expect to trigger a derived control (ex. Alarm point 5 AND Alarm point 16 AND Analog Input 3 at 4.2vdc). If the appropriate control relay LED lights on the test box, your derived control equation is functioning as you intended.

SiteMon IP Surveillance Camera. With this camera and RTU in one, you don't need to wonder what's going on at your sites. It connects directly to the NetGuardian's optional LAN switch. The new SiteMON IP enables you to make security decisions remotely. This allows you to dispatch on-call staff, security, or even police. Available with or without an outdoor enclosure.