Use/Function
Can the Remak application be used with any VCS?
The Remak application can only be used to control VCS units equipped with hardware with a LAN connection and software ready for this application (required OS 10.32 or higher delivered from the factory and software support of JSON communication – only controllers with a LAN port).
How can I get information about the readiness of my device?
Information about hardware: Production (project) specifications (controller type 6xx, remote HMI@WEB interface control or Remak application) or physical verification of the controller.
Information about software: OS version in HMI-DM, TM and HMI@WEB in the menu: Settings/Configuration/Device Information/OS version.
When on a construction site, how can I find out if the unit is (should be) controlled by a mobile application?
There are two places where such information can be found:
1) In the accompanying documentation (AeroCAD printout); in the text device configuration recapitulation and in the wiring diagram.
2) Directly on the control unit, on which a three-language information label (yellow) is attached.
The signal icon (a black triangle in the heading) shows an error exclamation mark and at the same time the operating mode icon (a coloured tile) is displayed.
This status means that communication between the application and the VCS controller has not been established. Apart from a connection failure, this problem can also be caused by an incorrect password (In exceptional situations, it can be caused by significant changes in the application configuration).
First of all, verify the mobile phone connection to the Wi-Fi LAN (using the phone's internet browser or PC/NTB) or the GSM (data) network, availability of the HMI@WEB interface and whether the connection of the VCS unit to the LAN network is working.
Further, it is necessary to verify the validity of the PLC password in the HMI@WEB interface (from the administrator) and reset the password in the Remak application, if necessary.
The password setting for displaying the "protected elements" was not required in the description. Is there any way to set it?
This setting option is not available for standard use, only for diagnostic purposes in cooperation with the Remak service department. Therefore, this item is not available for normal use.
There are setting options of three different communication speeds in the Main Menu. What is their purpose?
These settings serve to make adjustments according to the speed of your connection.
The default option is "Normal", which will be suitable for most standard situations. For slow connections, we recommend selecting the "Slow" option, which will reduce the amount of communicated data as well as the system response. And vice versa, for very fast Wi-Fi/LAN networks, we recommend selecting the "Fast" option to get a faster response and better data communication.
What is the purpose of the button (a picture of a button with a cross) by the Configuration ID in the "Settings" menu?
This button allows you to remove an entered Configuration ID. Before this procedure is performed, the verification message "Forget this configuration?" will be displayed.
Once confirmed, this option will start the complete procedure of default settings, including a new ID and configuration, if needed (e.g., for security purposes when changing operator, etc.). In such case, you will have to ask REMAK for a new ID.
Can I use the Remak application to control more than one device?
The Remak application is primarily intended for non-professional end users who usually need to control one device. However, the Remak application also provides the option to control multiple devices by switching the configurations directly in the menu.
Each configuration is always associated with one controller (VCS control unit) and a licence is needed for each configuration (ideally with pre-configured software in AeroCAD from production).
When the "New Pre-set" option is selected, a selection of many items which cannot be set is offered. So what can I pre-set and how?
The pre-sets enable the current settings, respectively a narrower selection of items being set (even only one), to be saved – i.e., with setting values as displayed by each selection option. By checking them and touching the pre-set, they can be activated at any time, i.e., the device settings are changed according to the saved pre-set (Save/Load principle). This can basically be used for different operating modes and required values in these modes.
What are Favorites?
Favorites are duplicate controls created on the main page for quick access to the items. They provide faster access (or a monitoring preview) to the items located on the control tab in the lower level of the application. They work the same way as when used on the control tab in the lower level of the application. The user can freely change the Favorites as required.
When setting up a new device for the first time, I wanted to change the factory default settings of required values (substantially change the required temperature for summer and winter). However, after changing the cooling temperature, the maximum possible heating temperature seemed to be limited to the original cooling temperature level (which logically cannot be exceeded).
In some cases when performing more significant or multiple changes (e.g., heating and cooling temperatures – which are related to each other), especially at low communication speeds, a temporary inactive status can occur when the first setting step (previous parameter) does not seem to be reflected, which leads to the inability to perform the second setting step as needed (i.e., the min./max. limit is not updated) due to the delay in the new parameter loading. If this is the case, it is necessary either to wait for the system to refresh (several seconds) or to return to the upper level in the application and again enter the required parameter settings to force uploading of the new parameter and limits.
Some buttons are greyed out. Why?
The greyed-out elements (buttons) are passive, i.e., these elements (respectively, the device components assigned to them) and also the elements set to their minimum (physical) values are currently inactive. Therefore, all the buttons are greyed out, except the drop-down groups (folders) with fixed colour, if connection with the controller is not established (an unknown element status is shown the same way as a passive element).
The current date and time are displayed in the time schedule tab while in the control unit controller (PLC), and are indicated by the position of the bar indicator (bar icon). What should I do when its position does not match the current date and time?
The calendar date may not match reality even if the date and time are OK – the PLC date and actual time can be recalled by pressing the "Signal" icon and read within the information which is then listed below this icon. However, if the time and date settings in the controller are wrong, it is necessary to adjust them via the HMI@WEB interface.
How can I find out the actually set operating mode in the Time Schedule tab?
Due to the high total number of adjustable modes (up to 11), the coloured visualisation in the schedule is limited to distinguishing three modes – Comfort (green), Economy (light blue) and Stop (black).
The ventilation levels – i.e., the fan operation stages – are not distinguished in the schedule preview. These can be displayed by holding the given breakpoint ("wheel") in the time schedule (if the "TRN correction" is used for the outlet fan, the basic values of the mode, i.e., for the inlet fan, are indicated in the time schedule data points).
A new data point in the time schedule can only be entered and re-adjusted in whole hours (time steps when dragging with the finger). These time schedule settings may not always be accurate enough. Is it possible to make finer settings than whole hours?
The setting can be done in ¼ hour steps, respectively minutes. These finer settings are available when moving the finger on the display (without lifting it) to the left or right (according to the space available) from the day being adjusted. First the ¼ hour settings and then the settings in minutes are displayed as the finger is moved further (at the same time, the range of the adjustable interval is narrowed as the setting resolution changes).
What is the purpose of the "Inaccessible Elements" row indicated as "Hidden" and the button with a "circulation arrow" in the "Menu/Settings" window?
The application is intended to be used for many different VCS configurations. Therefore, all inactive (inaccessible) elements in the given configuration are hidden and indicated in this row to keep the application environment user-friendly. The adjacent button (with a circulation arrow) is used to reload inaccessible/active application elements (if the installation has not been carried out correctly – e.g., incorrect connection to the controller). These elements may not be uploaded when the service has been performed, the air-handling unit configuration in VCS has been changed or more significant updates and configuration changes of the application have been made.
How can I change the device identification settings?
When commissioning the device (and anytime afterwards), these setting must only made through the HMI@WEB (or HMI-DM/TM) in the Settings/Device Identification menu.
What are the relations between the Remak application and the remote control HMI_web and web_DEM interfaces or local HMI controllers?
The Remak mobile application is a simple control tool intended for basic control of air-handling unit operation – starting the required mode (+ switching off), settings (only user useful parameters) and simple operation overview (feedback). This mobile application is a direct alternative to HMI-SG controller (with HMI@WEB interface) providing a Wi-Fi or GMS mobile data connection is available.
The HMI@WEB interface is a comprehensive service/operating control tool newly representing (simulating) the HMI-DM controller (with the same menu and principles of operation) which in addition provides the option to display selected parameter trends (analogue values) without visualisation of the air-handling unit operation. The HMI@WEB interface is an integral part of the VCS control unit when configured with the mobile application control – as a part (equipment) of the controller for connection to LAN.
The Web Device Manager (WDEM) is a tool intended only for swimming-pool units – it is mainly used for monitoring and basic operation control/handling. Its main advantages, visualisation and larger range of trends (graphs), provide a better "user" overview of the device. However, it does not provide configuration/setting options – which are available in HMI@WEB (WDEM is always available in HMI@WEB). WDEM also enables remote supervision (and analytic support of the users to minimise operating/energy demands of the swimming-pool air-handling unit) by the manufacturer (REMAK Customer Service), a paid service.
In relation to the HMI-DM and HMI-TM local controllers with VCS configured for mobile application, the HMI@WEB interface provides (directly via the link in the mobile application menu) all their functions (full user and service functionality of the HMI-DM and TM controllers) and the mobile application is a simple "additional" tool for basic control and monitoring – anywhere the mobile device can be connected to a Wi-Fi or GMS mobile data connection, PC network or internet.
There are differences related to this resulting from different purpose and use – i.e., mainly the availability of local or remote control/monitoring and also the IT and M&C structure in the building (LAN). The mobile application offers the option of simple control/monitoring from anywhere. The price of the VCS configuration with a mobile application (+ HMI@WEB) is comparable to the price of the VCS with HMI-DM or TM (with a corresponding PLC controller of higher range, 63x).
Safety
Is use of the REMAK application conditioned by registration, i.e., an account with REMAK? If so, how does REMAK ensure protection of personal data?
No, use of the REMAK application is not conditioned by registration, so there is no user account and no personal data are shared with REMAK, thus no account management system which could be targeted by hackers.
Are data encrypted when controlling air-handling devices via the REMAK application?
No data encryption is used for the connection to the controller (not supported by the controller). Data security must be ensured by standard IT means for LAN networks (such as WPA2-AES for Wi-Fi) and especially for internet (VPN). Do not disclose your IP address and port for routing to the controller. We also recommend using a higher class port, such as 17925, which is much better than the usually used 80 or 8080 ports (other ports must be disabled from an external network). On principle, control of the VCS control unit via a mobile phone is just an addition to the HMI@WEB interface and the security policy is the same (please see the Connection to the LAN network in the VCS Control Unit Operating Instructions).
This application is related to the paid licence – how is this licence related to the user and protection of his device? In other words, how is it ensured in the REMAK/Inthouse application, freely distributed via Google Play Store, that no unauthorised person can control my air-handling device?
The REMAK application downloaded from Google Play Store is inoperative without entering the configuration ID (application) when started for the first time. Note: Additionally, the IP address (+port) of the VCS control unit controller (PLC) must be entered.
The configuration ID is a key to the application functionality and protection against unauthorised access. It is generated in relation to a specific licence which is always unique and pared to a specific Climatix controller (i.e., to a specific VCS unit and thus to a specific air-handling device). Connection of the application to the controller is not possible without entering the correct configuration ID.
Of course, the configuration ID must be protected as confidential information – available only for authorised persons.
However, this means that the configuration ID is permanently valid. So what do I do if the mobile phone containing the configuration ID is lost or if changes are made in the company or in the security system? Are there any other "measures" to ensure device operation is protected against unauthorised access?
The configuration ID is one of two basic measures ensuring protection of device operation against unauthorised interference. If any problem occurs (theft and use of the configuration ID by an unauthorised user or lost mobile device containing access information), it is possible at any time to ask REMAK to cancel the functionality of the respective configuration ID (related to one specific licence enabling it to be used only with one specific Climatix controller) and have it replaced with a new configuration ID, thus ensuring the security again.
The second security measure is using a user communication password to control the controller via the mobile application (so-called JSON communication). Note: This is similar to the password used for the HMI@WEB control interface. However, to simplify mobile control, this password is entered only once in the application settings so it is not necessary to enter it each time the application is started.
This communication password can be changed by the administrator/end user at any time – this enables the administrator to ensure control security if the mobile device is lost or when some personal changes are made within the company, etc.
Of course, it is necessary to change the default (general) factory password (using HMI@WEB).
What is the role of the installer (distributor) in relation to ensuring/violation of security?
When the device is delivered, i.e., commissioned, the installer must hand over/communicate the configuration ID (it is indicated in the VCS documentation delivered from the factory) to the customer (user/operator) and the customer must confidentially (using HMI@WEB) enter a new password for the mobile application (JSON) and not communicate it with the installer.
If the relationship between the customer and installer is seriously impaired, it is possible ask REMAK to cancel the original configuration ID and replace it with a new one (see above).
