Operation Manual - Cobalt
The Cobalt module features an embedded HTTP server through which all operational settings, network parameters, and system adjustments are configured, accessible from a web browser. This manual describes each screen of the configuration interface.
To access the configuration, you must put the module into Configuration mode, connect to the Wi-Fi network it generates (SSID cobalt followed by the serial number, e.g., cobalt012345), and point the browser to 192.168.4.1. The step-by-step procedure is in the Installation Manual.
Cobalt operates in a distributed architecture. The module configured for Wi-Fi or Ethernet communication takes on the role of Main board (Controller), responsible for communicating with the system and for managing the other modules. When set to communicate over RS485, the module operates as a Subordinate board, acting as an output expansion unit under the control of the Main board. All operational settings (network, readers, floors, and system adjustments) are made exclusively on the Main board.
Login
When you connect the browser to the module, you are prompted for a username and password. The default values are:
- Username:
admin - Password:
cobaltpwd
Main Menu
The initial configuration screen presents the following options:
- Comunic (Communication) — network communication parameter configuration functions.
- Hardware — hardware configuration functions.
- Arquivos (Files) — file functions (backup/restore).
- Upgrade — access to the module firmware update screen.
- Info — access to general information about the module.
- Reboot — restarts the device.
Communication
The Comunic menu gives access to the following screens:
- Conexão (Connection) — defines the type of media (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or RS485) used to connect the module to the communication network while in operation.
- WiFi — Wi-Fi network parameters, if the module is going to use a wireless connection.
- Ethernet — wired network parameters (RJ45 connector).
- MQTT — parameters for accessing the MQTT communication server (Broker).
Connection
This screen defines the type of media the module uses to connect to the communication network while in operation mode. The options are:
- WiFi (Wireless)
- Ethernet (RJ45)
- RS485
When communication is set to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the module is automatically defined as the Main board, responsible for communicating with the system and for managing the other modules. When set to communicate over RS485, the module operates as a Subordinate board, acting as an output expansion unit under the control of the Main board.
Make the changes you need and click Salvar (Save) to confirm.
WiFi
Use this screen to enter the data and access parameters for the Wi-Fi network that is used in operation mode.
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
Ethernet
Use this screen to enter the data and access parameters for the Ethernet network (RJ45) that is used in operation mode.
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
MQTT
This screen is where you enter the communication parameters used to establish the connection with the MQTT communication server (Broker), as well as information about the physical installation of the module.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Conexão (Connection) | Defines whether the board should connect to the Accelero Cloud MQTT broker, to a custom MQTT broker, or to no MQTT broker at all. When the Automático (Automatic) option is selected, only the Facility ID field needs to be filled in. |
| Facility ID | Unique identification of the installation. All modules in the same installation must have the same Facility ID. E.g., empresax, edificioz. |
| TLS | Check this option if the module must communicate with the MQTT broker in secure mode (Transport Layer Security). The server must allow this communication mode. |
| Broker | URL address of the communication server used in the installation. |
| Port | Communication port number for the MQTT broker. |
| Username | Username for accessing the MQTT broker. |
| Password | Password for accessing the MQTT broker. |
| Device ID | Unique and exclusive identification of each module in the installation. E.g., catraca1, porta2. |
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
When the connection is made through Accelero Cloud, only the Facility ID parameter must be configured, exactly as defined in the control system that manages the modules.
RS485
When the module is configured for operation over RS485, the communication screen shows only the RS485 icon, which you open to configure the device ID.
If the device is defined as a Subordinate board, this is the only configuration required: enable RS485 communication and set its ID. All other operational settings, network parameters, readers, floors, and system adjustments must be made exclusively on the Main board.
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
Hardware
The Hardware menu gives access to the following screens:
- Horário (Time) — configuration of the local clock parameters.
- Leitores (Readers) — configuration of the reader type.
- Inputs — configuration of the state of the signal inputs.
- Andares (Floors) — configuration of the relays in relation to the floors.
Select the setting you want to adjust or click Voltar (Back) to return to the previous page.
Time
On this screen you can set the module to keep its internal clock synchronized with an external date/time server (NTP Server):
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Usar servidor NTP (Use NTP server) | When checked, the module uses an NTP server to adjust its local clock automatically. |
| NTP Hostname | URL of the NTP server. |
| Fuso horário (Time zone) | Time zone of the location where the module is installed. |
| Horário de verão (Daylight saving time) | Automatically adjusts for daylight saving time. |
| Horário do dispositivo (Device time) | Current date and time of the module. |
| Enviar hora local (Send local time) | Sends the date/time of your computer to the module. |
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
Readers
The Cobalt module has interfaces for connecting ABATrack and Wiegand card readers. On this screen, enter the type of reader that is connected to each interface.
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
Inputs
This screen is where you configure the default state of the signal inputs.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Estado Padrão (Default state) | Enter the default state for each signal input. If the normal state is off, select OFF; if the normal state is on, select ON. |
Floors
This configuration is made exclusively on the Controller (Main) board. It defines the floor associated with each relay, in which situation the relay must be activated, and on which board (Controller or Subordinate) the respective output is located.
The Main board is responsible for identifying the authorized floor and, when needed, sending the corresponding command to the Subordinate boards over RS485 communication.
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
Controller
On this screen, in addition to the floor descriptions, you can define the relay activation time. The configured time applies globally to all relays in the system, including the relays of the Controller board and of the Subordinate boards connected over RS485.
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
Subordinate Boards
Each Subordinate board has its own configuration screen, with an identical layout across all of them. These screens define the floors that correspond to the outputs of the respective board, as well as enabling its use in the system.
Make the changes you need and click Salvar to confirm.
Files
The Arquivos (Files) menu gives access to the following screens:
- Backup — creates and downloads a file with all the module's configuration data.
- Restore — uploads a backup file to restore the settings.
- Upload — uploads a specific file to the module.
Backup
Use this screen to download a file with all the module's configuration data.
Click Iniciar (Start) to download the file. A window opens asking where to save it. This file can be used in the Restore function whenever you want to restore the configuration. Click Voltar to return to the previous menu.
Restore
Use this screen to upload a file with the module's configuration data. The file must be in the proper format, as created by the Backup function.
Click Escolher arquivo (Choose file) to select it and Enviar arquivo (Send file) to start the transfer. Click Voltar to return to the previous menu.
Upload
Use this screen to upload a specific file to the module. The files must be in the proper format. The screen shows the space currently available in the module's memory.
Click Escolher arquivo to select it and Enviar arquivo to start the transfer. Click Voltar to return to the previous menu.
Upgrade
This function lets you send a new firmware version to the device when needed. There are two types of update:
- FIRMWARE — update of the executable code.
- FSYS — update of the file system.
In some situations both updates are required. Choose the type by clicking the specific button, or click Voltar to return to the initial menu.
FIRMWARE Upgrade
This screen is where you select a file with a new firmware version to update the device.
Click Escolher arquivo to select the file and then Enviar novo firmware to start the upload.
At the end of the update, the device restarts automatically. Because it returns to normal operation mode, the Access Point is disabled. To return to configuration mode, repeat the procedure described in Accessing the Configuration.
FSYS Upgrade
This screen is where you select a file with a new version of the file system (FSYS) to update the device.
Click Escolher arquivo to select the file and then Enviar novo fsys to start the upload.
At the end of the update, the device restarts automatically. Because it returns to normal operation mode, the Access Point is disabled. To return to configuration mode, repeat the procedure described in Accessing the Configuration.
Info
This page presents technical information about the module:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Dispositivo (Device) | Device type. |
| Série (Series) | Device series. |
| Modelo (Model) | Device model. |
| Número de série (Serial number) | Manufacturing serial number. |
| Factory ID | Factory identification. |
| Firmware | Firmware version. |
Reboot
On this page you can restart Cobalt remotely.
Type REBOOT in uppercase letters in the confirmation field and click the Reiniciar (Restart) button.
Next Steps
- Accelero Integration — registering floors, gateway, and controller on the Accelero platform and releasing access by floor.
- Installation Manual — connections, power supply, RS485, and configuration mode.