iChart Server / Client mode allows a single copy of iChart software to retrieve data from devices and then transfer the data over Ethernet to other computers running in Client mode. The server mode software handles all the device communication. It also stores the data and information on the data logging network. Client computers can then access data from the Server computer over Ethernet, such as a LAN, WAN or the internet.
This functionality is ideal where multiple computers need real time access to the same data, without burdening the devices with simultaneous communication demands.
By default, all iChart databases run in Standalone mode. Easily change between modes by selecting the desired mode from File | Operating Mode.
Getting Started:
Running iChart Server/Client mode is a simple three-step process:
1. Install iChart and setup and iChart configuration.
2. Set the iChart configuration to run in Server mode.
3. Go to the other computers, install iChart and copy the iChart configuration (Using File | BackupFile |Restore) from the server computer and set it to run in Client mode. Note: Each installation will need to be registered at: http://www.nexsens.com/register.php
Setting up the Server Mode computer:
To begin running iChart in Server mode, simply select Server from the Operating Mode list. This computer must be connected to a local network or internet. Once one computer is running in Server mode, other computers can properly run in Client mode. On another computer that is connected to the same network select Client from the Operating Mode list. A dialog box will appear asking for the server address. Enter the host name or IP address of the computer running in Server mode.
By default, iChart uses Port 22703 for Client/Server mode. If the server is running a firewall, port 22703 must be allowed to be accessed.
For example, if your computer is using the Windows Firewall, you can add the iChart Server port by going to Start | Control Panel | Windows Firewall in Windows.
Then click on the Exceptions tab and click the Add Port button. Then add TCP port 22703 to the list. For added security, click the Change Scope button and add only the IP addresses of the computers that will be running in Client mode.
Setting the sampling interval:
After the database has been created and setup to run in Server mode, click on the clock icon at the bottom left corner of the Navigation Panel. In the Sample Interval field, enter the interval in seconds to get a reading from the sensors.
In the Log Interval field, enter the interval in seconds to log a reading into the iChart database. Note: When using the Global Sample/Log Interval, make sure to turn off auto-interrogation.
Click the Setup button on the main instrument control screen and then uncheck the Enable check box.
Setting up the Client Mode computers:
Make sure that the client computers are using the same iChart project file that the server computer is using. Ensure this by using the iChart Backup/Restore feature. Simply create an iChart database on the computer that will be running in Server mode. Then click File | Backup in iChart, and backup the database to a network location, or thumb drive, CD, etc. Next go to the computer that will be running in Client mode and click File | Restore and specify the backup database.
Next click File | Operating Mode and select client from list. Enter the IP address of the computer running the iChart Server. Click OK and the computer will now run in client mode.
Set a sample and log interval. Click on the clock icon again at the left corner of the Navigation Panel. In the Sample Interval field, enter the interval in seconds to get a reading from the server.
In the Log Interval field, enter the interval in seconds to log a reading from the server. This reading will be saved into an iChart database as if the sensors were connected to the client computer.
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