WebMaster Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my WebMaster to the internet using DSL or Cable?
 You cannot connect the WebMaster directly to a DSL or cable modem directly. You can, however, connect using a router.  The ISP has to assign an IP address to the controller in order for you to view it over the internet. (Top)

What is DHCP? How does my WebMaster benefit from it?
 DHCP is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It's a protocol used by networked computers that automates the assignment of IP addresses, subnet masks, default routers, and other parameters. The WebMasterONE controllers now have this protocol. This allows you to plug the WebMaster directly into a LAN, and have the IP address assigned automatically, without having to refer to an IT administrator. (Top)

How safe is the WebMaster from hacking?
 In order to access your WebMaster, someone would need to have a valid user name and password to use our utility, know the phone number for the controller, and also know the access codes for the controller. Using our ShoulderTap feature, the WebMaster is only on the Internet when you tell it to go there and the IP address for the controller changes every time it gets on. In addition, the WebMaster is not a PC, so it is unlikely that someone could hack into it through a LAN, or conversely, use a WebMaster to get into the LAN. You can also connect the WebMaster outside of the firewall. There are many options available for a safe installation. We can provide a diagram that shows these options, which is useful to show your customer's IT administrator.  Unauthorized access is extremely unlikely!  (Top)

Can I network WebMasters together?
By utilizing the Ethernet feature and purchasing Master capability, you are able to connect to the master controller and then access up to 15 slave devices installed on the same Ethernet network.  (Top)

What are the minimum requirements for my PC to communicate with the WebMaster? 
 You need to have a computer with enough speed and RAM to comfortably surf the Internet. We recommend a processor speed of 100 MHz and 40 MB RAM. The operating system must be Microsoft Windows. The browser software needs to be Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 or above.   (Top)

Shoulder Tap:  You may connect to the WebMaster using our ShoulderTap feature.  This method enables the WebMaster to get on the Internet only when necessary.  Called the ICOD (Internet Connectivity on Demand),  the user can bring it on to the Internet when he wants to connect to the controller to view data, download data, or change settings.  It also enables the WebMaster to initiate a connection to the Internet when it needs to send an email alarm or datalog. 

To use this feature, you will need to complete the fields for:  Controller ISP User Name, Controller ISP Password, ISP Primary Phone Number, ISP Secondary Phone Number, Controller Phone Number, and SMTP IP Address.  If it is necessary for the WebMaster to dial a "9" or another number to access an outside line, be sure to enter that in the ISP Phone Number fields (9,,08 60 92 20 00).

To initiate a connection, you visit www.walchem.com and click on "ShoulderTap Your WebMaster" on the home page.  You will come to a page where you need to enter "webmaster" for user name, and "2001" for password.  That will bring you to a connection utility where you enter the phone number of the specific WebMaster you want to connect to.  After you enter the phone number and click on "Connect", our server will call the WebMaster, let it ring one time, and hang up.  That's the signal for the WebMaster to dial the ISP and connect to the Internet.  Once the WebMaster is connected to the Internet, our server will connect you.  (Top)

Will I need to put proprietary software on my computer in order to communicate with the WebMaster? 
 No.  All you need is your web browser, Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher.  Everything you need resides on the WebMaster itself.  As such, you can access a unit from literally anywhere in the world where you have Internet access.  (Top)

How will I be informed of software upgrades to the WebMaster?
 No problem, every time you access your WebMaster over the Internet it checks to see if a software upgrade is available.  If one is, a menu selection for software upgrade is highlighted.  You can immediately perform the upgrade, or read what the upgrade includes to see if you really need it.  The choice is yours.  If you do perform the upgrade, the WebMaster suspends it functions until the upgrade is complete.  All you need to do is reset the system and you are back in business because your settings are never lost.  (Top)
 

What happens if I forget my access code?
 If you are at the WebMaster® installation location, you can press certain keys to show you the access code.  Access is as secure as the controller"s location.  The enclosure can be pad locked for additional security.  (Top)

In the future, I will want to utilize more of the features available with a WebMaster.  Can I add features or options in the field?
 Yes.  The WebMaster was designed with modularity in mind.  Additional sensor boards can be easily added in the field.  The 4-20 mA inputs and outputs and the digital inputs are also plug-in circuit boards.  Even the modem and Ethernet options are plug-ins.  Once installed, your WebMaster will recognize that they are present and you will see them listed on the menu, all that"s left is for you to program.  (Top)

I have one or more WebMasters on a LAN. How can I make them accessible outside the LAN's firewall?
 You can connect multiple WebMasters to the Internet using NAT, or Network Address Translation. The basic purpose of NAT is to multiplex traffic from the internal network and present it to the Internet as if it was coming from a single computer having only one IP address. It also gives you greater flexibility, as you can assign private or 'fake' IP addresses to the controllers, accessible only to the LAN, then pass it to a 'real' IP address accessible from outside the LAN. (Top)
 

Can I program my controller from the keypad?
 Although there are some functions than can be controlled from the keypad, the majority of the setup and programming is done from the computer. What you can do from the keypad is calibrate the sensor and optional 4-20mA inputs, forces relays on or off, change access codes and enter necessary information for communicating with the WebMaster via Ethernet connection (if the Ethernet card is installed) or via modem over the Internet (if the modem card is installed). Some models allow you to change set points but not change the control mode. The initial setup requires a PC. (Top)

I can't see live data when I view my WebMaster web pages.

If it still fails to display, you need to download the latest version of Java (www.java.com). Go to the yellow 'Download Now' button on the top right and follow instructions!  (Top)

What types of flowmeters can I connect to the Webmaster?
 WebMaster comes standard with 3 digital inputs. In addition, you can purchase a digital input card to provide an additional 6 inputs, and an analog card to provide 8 analog (4-20 mA) inputs.  You can connect the following flow meters to the digital inputs:

Paddlewheel flow meter: High frequency (10-300 Hz) Hall effect style flow meter. The input is not compatible with flow sensors that generate their own sine wave. A sensor of this type must be connected to digital input A, B, C or 5-6. (Top)

Is there factory installed surge protection across the AC input?
 The WebMaster has 2 layers of protection from surges. It exceeds the most stringent requirements for this type of protection as required by standard EN 61326 for CE certification. However, it is recommended than an external surge protector is installed in areas prone to voltage surges or lightening strikes. (Top)

How do I control a relay to be "ON" when a DI is open/closed?

• Set up the relay to be On/Off Setpoint control mode.

• Assign any sensor input or analog input to the relay.

• Assign a set point value that can never be achieved so the relay will be constantly on.  For example, if you've assigned a conductivity sensor to the relay and you know the conductivity will never exceed 2000, make the set point 9000. Then make sure that the output time limit is set to 0.

• Set up the DI as an Interlock type.

• Select the relay to be interlocked when the switch connected to the DI is the in the state for the relay to be off. (Top)