Chapter 10. WebLink - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: Why Should I use WebLink for Scheduling?
Q: Is special software required to use the WebLink?
Q: Can a WebLink be used to allow Occupants Control of lighting?
Q: What's the difference between a WebLink and the HLANCC?
Q:

Why Should I use WebLink for Scheduling?

A:

The native scheduling in Lighting Integrator / CC is composed of a 7 day weekly repeating schedule. Holidays can also be setup for special types of scheduling requirements. This arrangement works very well for many applications. However, the Lighting Integrator / CC scheduler is not as easy to use when schedules need to be changed weeks in advance, or when schedules do not repeat on a weekly basis. This can often be the case in special events centers, auditoriums, civic centers, and other multi-purpose facilities. In addition, if special scheduling requirements continue for more than a few days, such as schools and other educational facilities, the WebLink Scheduler is often a much better fit. This is true because the WebLink scheduler works on a calendar view that allows any entries to easily repeat to a specific date or time, or on a specific pattern. Further, templates can be defined and inserted on a repeating basis. While it iis easy to make repeating weekly schedules on the WebLink scheduler, all events can be set to repeat forever, or only until some future date. Further, it is easy to click on a future event and quickly override that entry without affecting the repeating nature of the action on other dates.

Q:

Is special software required to use the WebLink?

A:

For most purposes, the WebLink requires simple browser access. Testing has been done primarily with Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. At least one computer should be configured with the WinControl software application, which is necessary to load the WebLink with the proper configuration file that specifies the hardware connected to the system. Although WinControl is used to populate the WebLink with data, the machine running WinControl does not need to remain connected for the WebLink to function. There is a link on the Setup page to download the appropriate version of WinControl to a client PC.

Q:

Can a WebLink be used to allow Occupants Control of lighting?

A:

Yes! The WebLink is offered with an option known as MyLights. MyLights is designed to allow occupant control of their lighting from a PC. There are actually two different methods for accomplishing this. For control from the PC using a Web Browser, the MyLights option is simply a shortcut on the users desktop to the WebLink URL The user logs in (they may choose to 'remember' their login with a 'cookie'). Once logged in, the WebLink may be configured to automatically turn ON the occupant's lights. Set the Setup options and Automatic ON option. Another method is the My Lights Desktop Override, which is a small Windows program that is installed on the users machine. This program automatically monitors computer usage, and sends periodic override commands to keep the occupant's lights on with out any special action on behalf of the user..

Q:

What's the difference between a WebLink and the HLANCC?

A:

The HLANCC provide a remote IP (network) connection between WinControl and the HLINK. Normally, the computer running WinControl needs to be plugged in to the HLINK via a serial port. With HLANCC, you plug it into the HLINK and your network, allowing WinControl to use the network for connectivity. The WebLink provides this feature as well in its basic configuration. So, both devices provide network connectivity for WinControl.

The WebLink provides the following additional features...

  • Multiple simultaneous connections to the HLINK from WinControl (the HLANCC only allows one connection).

  • The WebLink provides Web browser access for status and control information of the system.

  • The WebLink stores a copy of the WinControl site data file automatically.

  • The WebLink offers optional additional features including the 365 day scheduler, My Lights occupant override, and remote modem access

We hope this information is helpful. Please contact our Technical Support team at 800-879-8585 for more information.