About this Guide

This topic contains important information about the purpose, content, context, and intended audience for this document.

Product Documentation

This document is part of the Niagara technical documentation library. Released versions of Niagara software include a complete collection of technical information that is provided in both online help and PDF format. The information in this document is written primarily for Systems Integrators. To make the most of the information in this book, readers should have some training or previous experience with Niagara software, as well as experience working with JACE network controllers.

Document Content

This document describes the initial Niagara 4 software installation and configuration for the following QNX-based controllers: using Workbench (4.0.n): JACE-3E, JACE-6, JACE-6E, JACE-603, JACE-645, and JACE-7

The information in this document is intended for an engineer, technician, or service person who is performing control system installation. All information in this document is also online in Workbench help.

 
NOTE: A separate JACE-8000 Install and Startup Guide covers this topic for JACE-8000 controller. 
In addition, if you are migrating or converting an already-commissioned JACE controller from NiagaraAX to Niagara 4, see the document Niagara AX to N4 Migration Guide.
 

For physical mounting and wiring details for any JACE controller, please refer to its specific hardware installation document.

This document does not cover station configuration or Niagara 4 components. For more information on these topics, please refer to Niagara 4 online help and various other Niagara 4 software documents.

In summary, for a new controllers you want to install and start up as Niagara 4 controller, you have an extra initial step: conversion from AX to N4. Note if JACE-8000 controller, this step is unneccessary; such controllers ship with a bare minimum of Niagara 4 software already installed.

JACE commissioning notes for Niagara 4

If you already familiar with NiagaraAX commissioning of new JACE controllers, the basic process is the same when commissioning units with Niagara 4 using the platform Commissioning Wizard.

However, before using the Commissioning Wizard with Niagara 4, first you must convert the controller from an AX to N4. You use the platform Distribution File Installer for this, selecting the appropriate AxtoN4-qnx-jace-host-etfs2048.dist file. After the controller reboots from this dist installation, it is then ready for Niagara 4 commissioning.

Data and security

  • Conversion clears all data in the controller, including AX licenses and certificates, SSL certificates and key files, along with all station data and NiagaraAX software. Only the controller’s IP configuration is retained. Further, you must use the default platform credentials to regain access.

    In the case of a new unit, this makes no difference. However, if you are migrating or converting an already-commissioned unit from NiagaraAX, make note of this.

  • The “AxtoN4” conversion dist file is not the same as a regular “cleanDist” file. It is selectable only once, when converting a controller from AX to N4. Thereafter, at any point (if necessary), you can choose to install a regular N4 “clean dist” file, to wipe the unit back to a known “near factory state”. However, note in this case that any installed N4 licenses are retained, along with configured platform admin accounts, as well as TCP/IP configuration.