Devices can be connected to Laboperator via a Connector Box or a Virtual Connector Box.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Connecting Devices with Laboperator
  • Connect to a Device through a Physical Connector Box with a Cable
  • Connect a Device to a Virtual Port
  • Connect a Device with the Virtual Connector
• Detaching Devices
  • Reconnect a Previously-Added Device
• View Sent Device Commands
• Console
• Simulating Devices
• Recommended Cables & Adapters

Connecting Devices with Laboperator

When you connect a device to a Connector Box, it's represented in the Laboperator application as a "Device" resource. This is called "Connecting a Device".

Before a device can be connected in Laboperator, it must have access to the same network & server in which the application is hosted. There are a number of ways to achieve this: either by connecting the device via USB cable to a physical Connector Box, already enrolled in Laboperator, or by connecting the device directly to your network and then adding the device to a Connector Box as a "virtual" device.

Note: Only Driver that are compatible with your Devices should be selected to ensure full functionality.

Connect to a Device through a Physical Connector Box with a Cable

You can connect a device to Laboperator via a cable with a USB end which is plugged into a physical Connector Box, already enrolled in Laboperator. The Connector Box in this case acts as a bridge between the device and the network.

To do so, please follow the steps below: 

1. Connect your device to one of the four ports of the Connector Box via a USB-A cable. Depending on the connectivity of your device, a serial RS-232 to USB-A or Ethernet cable plus Ethernet <-> USB adapter may be necessary.
2. Once attached, access the enrolled Connector Box within Laboperator. The corresponding digital representation of the USB port now states Attached and the CONNECT button for that port should also be activated.
3. Click on the CONNECT button to open a list of available Drivers. Choose the Driver corresponding to your Device. You can narrow the search by entering the name of your device model in the field.
4. Click on CONFIRM to create the Device object in Laboperator.
5. To conclude the setup of this device, ensure the communication settings on your device are configured properly in the driver settings page. This can be accessed from the Connector Box page via MANAGE DEVICE or via SETTINGS from the Device Dashboard.
6. Once connected, you can access the device's default Dashboard.

Note: Configuring the device driver requires expert knowledge. Changing Settings of a device driver might crash the driver. Please contact your account manager if you need any help.

Connect a Device to a Virtual Port

Laboperator can also be connected to devices that are already connected to your network. In this case, the device can be added to either a virtual port on either an enrolled Connector Box or a Virtual Connector.

To do so, please follow the steps below:

1. Open the Connector Box screen in Laboperator.
2. Find the virtual port “Pending”. This is always the last port visible. Click on the CONNECT button to open a list of available Drivers.
3. 
4. Choose the driver corresponding to your device. You can narrow the search by entering the name of your Device in the field.
5. Click on CONFIRM to create the Device. 
6. Click on MANAGE DEVICE and configure the necessary parameter, so that the Connector Box can communicate with the correct Device.  

Connect a Device with the Virtual Connector

Instead of having a physical Connector Box, Laboperator also offers also the possibility of a Virtual Connector. Virtual Connectors work essentially the same as physical ones, but are used to communicate with the computer on which the Virtual Connector is installed directly, e.g., the Laboperator File Uploader or a SiLA server.

Detaching Devices

You can unlink a Device by clicking on the "UNLINK DEVICE" button in the USB-port representation of the Device, in the Connector Box screen.

Note: Unlinking a Device does not mean deleting it. The Device will still be accessible from your Collection, and remain connected to previously set-up Connector Boxes.

Reconnect a Previously-Added Device

If you’re connecting a device that has already been registered before but is not currently connected to any Connector in Laboperator, click the box that states “Select a previously connected device?”. A list of available devices matching the device type selected will appear. Select your Device in the list to add it to your Connector Box.

View Sent Device Commands

To view the commands a Device has sent, please follow the steps below:

1. Open the respective Dashboard via the Connector or the Resource. 
2. Once the Dashboard screen is opened, navigate to the tab sent commands (clock symbol). You will find a list of the latest commands sent.

Console

To view the port console of a USB port (to observe the live log), open the Connector and click on the three dots button of the port you'd like to view. Choose Console from the dropdown menu.

Simulating Devices

Laboperator also allows simulating Devices, which enables you to test a driver without the device online and available. To create a simulated device, please follow the steps below:

1. Create a Device as described under "Connecting Devices with Laboperator".
2. Click on the three dots in the top right of the port representation and choose Simulation.
3. Select the correct driver by typing in the device type and then CONFIRM.

Note: Not all Drivers currently allow for simulation. Please contact your account manager to get more information about the availability of simulations.

Recommended Cables & Adapters

Through experience, a list of cables and adapters have been identified and are recommending for connecting devices to Laboperator.

Disclaimer: We would like to clarify that the products/services linked on our platform are provided for informational purposes only. The inclusion of these links does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by us. Additionally, we do not receive any financial compensation or benefits for purchases made through these links. We encourage our users to conduct their own research and exercise discretion before making any purchasing decisions. Any transactions conducted are solely between the buyer and the seller, and we bear no responsibility or liability for such transactions.