Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

We recommend to start with the Troubleshooting guide (PDF).

How do I connect to my ComAp controller? What types of connections are supported?
ComAp offers a wide range of options to connect to your controller:
- RS232 / RS485
- USB - USB A<->B (usually a printer cable)
- Internet connection - LAN, GPRS, 3G, 4G
Note that some connection types require you to use a communication module (plug-in eg a RS232 card) or communication bridge (external device eg Internet Bridge NT).
More details are available here
Each ComAp device usually allows for multiple ways of connection. The simplest one supported by the majority of our devices is the RS232 (serial) connection. For this, you need an RS232 cable (null modem) and if your PC is not equipped with an RS232 port you need a USB<->RS232 converter.
USB connections are very common. Almost all ComAp devices support connection using simple USB A<->B cable (printer cable) for easy configuration. Some devices can be powered from the USB port for programming to allow easy configuration right on your desk.
Other connection types: Internet connection (LAN, GPRS, 3G, 4G), Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, SNMP, AirGate, Modem.
Note that some connection types require you to use a communication module (plug-in eg a RS232 card) or communication bridge (external device eg Internet Bridge NT). Not all types of connection are possible on each device. You can find all the details related to this topic in your device's Comprehensive guide or Communication guide.

Detailed information about connection to:
InteliLite NT, InteliATS NT, InteliCompact NT is available IL-NT, IA-NT, IC-NT Communication Guide (page 21)
InteliGen-NT, InteliSys-NT, InteliMains-NT is available in IGS-NT Communication Guide (page 19)
InteliLite is available in Global Guide InteliLite AMF25 Global Guide (page 126)
How do I change the controller firmware? Where can I get the latest firmware?
You can download the latest firmware package on the webpage of the device. You can easily navigate there through the ‘Products’ section or just use the Search function. If you cannot find the firmware on the website or if you require different than the offered version do not hesitate to contact our support team.
More details are available here
The firmware upgrade itself is easy to perform. You need the appropriate configuration software and a connection to the controller (preferably a direct connection). Prior to initiating the update process, we strongly recommend you to save a complete backup of your device.

It usually consists of several steps:
- Create a controller back up.
- Update the device firmware. It will contain default Configuration Archive and default Application.
- Change the Application (SPtM, MiNT, MCB, MGCB, BTB, etc) to the required type (by programming appropriate default archive to the controller).
- Use the Import Configuration Wizard to restore your previous configuration. In some cases manual interventions might be needed during this step.
- Optional: Update the connected display firmware or device communication module firmware.
Should you be unsuccessful in programming the new version, the rollback procedure is to install previous firmware version and use your back up to restore the controller to its original state before the firmware upgrade was attempted.
What do SPtM, MINT, MGCB stand for?

SPtM = Single Parallel to Mains
MINT = Multiple gen-sets with INTernal sync and load sharing
MGCB = Master Generator Circuit Breaker

ComAp’s world is full of abbreviations but once you get a basic understanding of their meanings, you will find them useful when reading the documentation or communicating with us.
The full list of abbreviations is located here: https://www.comap-control.com/support/tools/list-of-abbreviations .
Can I unlock my controller?
If you have forgotten your controller password, it can be found using the password decode function.
More details are available here
You will need the following information about your device:
- serial number
- "password decode" number
Both numbers can be obtained through the monitoring software relevant to the device.
- Serial number is available in Controller info
- Password decode number is available in Values / Info
You can also show these numbers on your device's display. Typically, this requires a sequence or combination of buttons to be pressed. Details can be found typically in the device Operator guide.

Once you have these numbers, please contact your ComAp distributor and they will help you get your password back.
Do you support communication to [IVECO, Cummins, MAN, VOLVO, etc] ECUs?

Yes, ComAp devices are capable of communication with electronic engine control units (ECUs) from the majority of engine manufacturers.
More details are available here
Typically, you connect the ECU directly to the controller using CAN bus. If the ECU does not support the J1939 communication protocol you need to use a communication interface either on the ECU side (such as SAM CCB2 or SmartConnect modules) or on the ComAp side using the I-CB communication bridge.

The communication is typically bi-directional so we support reading of values from the ECU as well as sending commands to the ECU (Start, Stop, etc) and controlling the engine RPM.

For details including physical connection, configuration steps and troubleshooting help please consult the Electronic Engines Support Guide available on this website.
I cannot connect to my controller using the Internet or AirGate connection, why?
Usually connecting to the controller over the internet is straightforward and works out of the box. However, there are a few parameters that need to be set correctly.
More details are available here
- Make sure you have the latest firmware in the controller itself but also in all the communication modules (plug-in, built-in or external).
  
  Communication modules that supports connection via the internet
  
  CM-4G-GPS
  
  CM-Ethernet
  
  CM-GPRS
  
  InternetBridge-NT 4G
  
  InternetBridge-NT
  
  IB-Lite
  
  IB-COM (Built-in communication module for NTC controllers)
  
  IL-NT GPRS
- Ensure the communication interface is configured correctly.
  
  CM-4G-GPS, CM-Ethernet, CM-GPRS - Can be set in the controllers setpoints on the unit itself or using InteliConfig configuration software.
  
  IB-COM, IB-Lite - Use web interface - just connect to http://<controller-ip-address>/sp_index.htm using your favourite web browser.
  
  InternetBridge-NT 4G, InternetBridge-NT - Requires a software tool called IBNTConfig(https://www.comap-control.com/products/detail/ib-nt-config) and an USB A<->B cable for configuration. This way you can also enable MODBUS, SNMP etc.
- Make sure there is no firewall blocking your connection. Consult your IT specialist or ISP if not sure. If you use a firewall, make sure the following ports are open for communication:
  
  The device must be able to send data to the AirGate server at UDP port 6127 and TCP port 23. The TCP port can be changed in the module setup to 21 if needed.
  
  TCP port 44445 is required for WebSupervisor connection.
  
  Port 80 is used for accessing the communication module web interface.
  
  Port 502 is used for Modbus TCP communication (enabled by default).
  
  Port 161 is used for SNMP (needs to be enabled).
How do I synchronize a gen-set to the mains? What AVRs do you support? What Speed Governors do you support?
The ComAp product portfolio includes controllers that can control voltage and speed and with those products our controllers are able to synchronise to the mains.
More details are available here
Synchronizing a gen-set to mains (or multiple gensets to each other) is a procedure which requires the following conditions to be met before you connect the two electrical systems together:
- Matching voltage in all phases of both systems.
- Matching frequency of both systems.
- 0° phase angle between both systems. (Or as close to 0° as possible.)
- Matching sense of rotation of both systems.
The last condition is predetermined by wiring and needs to be checked prior to commissioning, the rest can be controlled by a ComAp device. In order to do so you need to interface the generator AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) and the engine Speed Governor. ComAp controllers designed for paralleling operations typically have outputs designed for this connection. Thanks to this we are able to control the generator voltage and the engine speed (and subsequently phase angle).

The procedure of configuring the speed and voltage regulation is described in the relevant documentation.
The same document also contains the list of supported AVRs and Speed Governors including the wiring and configuration setpoints.
What is the difference between InteliGen NT and InteliGen NTC?

The C stands for Communications. The NTC version contains extra USB, Ethernet and RS485(2) ports.
Can I use InteliGen NT for a single gen-set in island operation?

Yes, the controller application (single gen-set, multiple gen-sets, island operation, parallel to mains operation) can be changed using the controller configuration software.
What is AirGate?

AirGate allows our controllers to connect to the internet using existing network infrastructure, negotiating firewalls and VPN systems and removing the requirement for static and public IP addresses.
More details are available here
ComAp controls incorporate the AirGate connection technology to make access to the internet as simple as possible. AirGate was designed to overcome the issues commonly faced when trying to connect remote equipment using internet based communications.

AirGate allows our controllers to connect to the internet using the existing network infrastructure, negotiating firewalls and VPN systems and removing the requirement for static and public IP addresses.

Once AirGate in the controller is activated even if the IP address is changed, our configuration and monitoring tools will keep track of the remote equipment.
I cannot program my controller, it looks dead. How do I restore a controller with broken firmware?
The controller firmware does not usually break by itself however it can be damaged during controller programming, typically if power is lost during the process. If there does not seem to be a hardware issue with the controller there is an option to restore the controller using a process called ‘Boot Jumper’ programming.
More details are available here
This can be described as a sequence of steps you need to perform to allow the configuration tool to write new firmware into the device.
The steps typically are:
- Physically connect the controller to your PC.
- Power the controller on and initiate connection and firmware programming from the software tool menu.
- The software will ask you to switch the device off, close the Boot Jumper and switch the device back on.
- The programming will then proceed and you will receive further instructions during the process.
The boot jumper can be found either on the communication module (where plug-in modules are used) or on the device itself, typically under a rubber grommet, next to the dongle slot.

The description above is not enough? Try our Booot jumper training video.
Where can I get the list of Modbus registers, SNMP MIB table?

You can export the list of MODBUS communication objects directly from the controller.
More details are available here
In order to do this, you need to connect to the controller using the appropriate software (or use an offline archive).

LiteEdit: When you are connected to the controller or have its archive open in LiteEdit please click on: Controller -> Generate Cfg Image -> Generate Cfg Image (Modbus registers - used)...

GenConfig: When you are connected to the controller or have its archive open in GenConfig please click on: File -> Generate Cfg Image -> Generate Cfg Image (Modbus registers - used)…

InteliConfig: When you are connected to the controller or have its archive open in InteliConfig please click on: Tools -> Generate Cfg image (MODBUS)

In order to get SNMP MIB table just replace the last part with "Generate SNMP MIB table…"

This way you will get an exact list of registers which is based on the actual controller configuration.

For further reference please look into the Communication Guide which describes all MODBUS related details.
Why does my extension module not work? Why can’t I communicate with an ECU on a CAN bus?
The vast majority of all issues related to CAN bus come from incorrect wiring.
More details are available here
Please ensure the following requirements are met:
- Use of the correct cable – we recommend a shielded CAN bus cable.
  
  Recommended data cables: BELDEN - for shorter distances: 3105A Paired - EIA Industrial RS-485 PLTC/CM (1x2 conductors); for longer distances: 3106A Paired - EIA Industrial RS-485 PLTC/CM (1x2+1 conductors)
  
  The bus topology needs to be strictly linear, no branching, no ‘star’ topology.
  
  The CAN bus needs to be correctly terminated. A 120 Ohm resistor needs to be present on each end of the line. To verify correct termination, you can switch off the power to all connected modules and measure the resistance across the L and H terminals. The result should be 60 Ohm. Please note this only tells you if the correct amount of resistors is used, it will not give you information about their location.
  
  Ensure the L and H terminals are not swapped anywhere along the length of the bus.
If you still cannot identify the problem, you can use a CAN to USB converter to analyse the traffic on the CAN bus to find the root cause of the issue.
Is there a remote display option for the new InteliLite?

Yes, there is a remote display firmware option for the new InteliLite family and InteliGen 200 available. You can find details on its product page: www.comap-control.com/products/remote-displays/intelilite-remote-display

You can find it as an option in the InteliConfig to have it installed into InteliLite controller and connect over RS232 or RS485 plug-in module with the master controller. The master controller and the controller that is used for as a remote display do not have to be the same HW. (e.g. InteliLite 9 can be used as remote display for InteliGen 200).
Firmware and archive/configuration upgrade in ComAp controllers
Each ComAp controller needs firmware and configuration for its operation.
- Firmware (FW) = operation system of the unit.
- Configuration (also called Archive) = application settings/parameters and functions, IOs definition, PLC, ECU, etc. It also contains history log saved from monitoring software (InteliMonitor, LiteEdit, InteliConfig).
New FW (together with default Archives) can be obtained from product page on our website or using the InteliBot’s Download section. After download, you can double click on the file (typically *.psi or *ixc) to import all needed files into your library (in your computer - see below where you can find it). By using configuration tools (such as GenConfig, DriveConfig, InteliConfig, LiteEdit) you can also upgrade the FW of your controller (you need to be connected to that controller, it is recommended over cable).

Default application files are available:
- directly in InteliConfig „New configuration“ window
- (typically) C:\Users\Public\Documents\ComAp PC Suite\GenConfig\Archives\Default (or DriveConfig) folder for InteliGen and InteliSys NT units.
If you want to change your IGS-NT unit from SPtM to MINT application, you can simply choose this default file in the configuration SW and write it into the unit.
FW and configuration file version has to match, (e.g. 4.1.x FW version, you need 4.1.x archive version – 3.9.x would not be allowed to be written into the unit). Configuration/Archive files are usually upgradeable using our SW Tools (GenConfig, DriveConfig, InteliConfig).

We do recommend to use for every new project the newest FW that is available. In case that you miss or you are not satisfied with some features, you can also upgrade the FW and the archive the newest version.
What does Default Credentials alarm mean?

Controller issues Wrn Default Credentials or Sd Default Credentials alarm if the factory default password and/or access code are used. It is necessary to change the factory default settings of both password and access code to be able to operate a genset without this alarm.

Note: It is also important to setup a backup email in the controller, which is essential for possibility to reset your nondefault controller password. The backup email is used in a password reset procedure even though the controller itself is not connected to the Internet.