MAC36NL - Commissioning

Author: Paul Martin
Applies To: iSMA-B-MAC36NL Series Controllers
Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes

Overview

This article describes the commissioning process for an iSMA-B-MAC36NL controller using Niagara WorkPlace.

Before following this procedure, ensure the controller has been prepared according to:

• MAC36NL - Distribution Files - Downloading and Installation

• MAC36NL - First Commissioning

The Commissioning Wizard simplifies deployment by allowing licences, runtime profiles, stations, modules, and network settings to be installed and configured in a single workflow.

Prerequisites

Before commencing commissioning, ensure:

• The controller has completed the First Commissioning procedure.

• The required Niagara distribution files have been downloaded and installed on the engineering workstation.

• The MAC36NL is powered and accessible over the network.

• You can successfully connect to the platform using Niagara WorkPlace.

• Any station files required for deployment are available locally.

Launching the Commissioning Wizard

1. Open Niagara WorkPlace.

2. Connect to the MAC36NL platform.

3. In the Nav Tree, right-click Platform.

4. Select Commissioning Wizard.

The wizard will guide you through the remaining commissioning steps.

Step 1 - Select Commissioning Tasks

The first screen allows you to choose which commissioning actions will be performed.

For a typical installation, all options can remain enabled.

To speed up the process, deselect:

• Configure Additional Platform Users

This step can be completed later if required.

Recommendation: Leave all remaining options enabled for a complete commissioning process.

Figure 1: Available Commissioning Wizard options

Step 2 - Install the Licence

The wizard will prompt for licence installation.

Recommended Method

Select:

Install License from License Server

This method automatically retrieves the appropriate licence from the Niagara licence server.

Alternative licence installation methods can be used if working in an offline environment.

Best Practice: Verify Internet connectivity before starting the wizard if using licence server installation.

Step 3 - Enable Runtime Profiles

The next screen allows selection of Niagara runtime profiles.

Recommended Profiles

Enable:

• UX

• WB (Workbench)

These profiles support modern user interfaces and engineering functionality commonly required during installation and maintenance.

Note: Additional profiles should only be enabled where specifically required by the application.

Step 4 - Install a Station

The wizard can install a station directly onto the controller.

Options available include:

• Skip station installation

• Install an existing station from the engineering workstation

If installing a station:

1. Select the desired station from the drop-down list.

2. Specify the target station name if different.

3. Configure startup behaviour.

4. Enable auto-start if required.

Recommendation: Enable automatic station startup for production systems.

Figure 2: Station Installation Configuration

Step 5 - Select Station Files

If a station installation was chosen, the wizard will request the file transfer method.

Recommended Option

Select:

Copy every file in the station directory and its subdirectories

This ensures that all supporting files, graphics, histories, PX files, templates, and resources required by the station are transferred correctly.

Best Practice: Always use this option unless there is a specific reason to limit transferred files.

Step 6 - Update Modules

The wizard will display the list of Niagara modules (.jar files) required for the controller.

After reviewing the modules:

1. Click Update All Out of Date.

2. Allow the wizard to identify and update any outdated modules.

This ensures the controller software matches the engineering workstation distribution.

Important: Module mismatches can cause station startup failures and unexpected behaviour.

Step 7 - Review Module Updates

The next screens provide:

Module Change Summary

Displays:

• New modules

• Updated modules

• Removed modules

Distribution Update Summary

Displays:

• Distribution files that will be transferred

• Version changes

Review both screens before continuing.

Step 8 - Configure TCP/IP Settings

The wizard now presents TCP/IP configuration options.

Interface 1

• Enabled by default

• Typically used as the primary network connection

Interface 2

• Disabled by default

• Can be enabled if a secondary network connection is required

Configure:

• IP Address

• Subnet Mask

• Default Gateway

• DNS Settings (if required)

Figure 3: Ethernet Interface Configuration

Important: Verify all network settings before proceeding, as incorrect values may prevent future access to the controller.

Step 9 - Review and Execute

The final screen displays a summary of all selected commissioning actions.

Review:

• Licence installation

• Runtime profiles

• Station deployment

• Module updates

• Network configuration

When satisfied:

1. Click Finish.

2. The commissioning process will begin.

3. All selected files and configuration settings will be transferred to the controller.

Controller Reboot and Distribution Installation

Once file transfer is complete:

1. Click Close.

2. The controller will automatically reboot.

3. The new Niagara distribution will be installed.

During this process:

This behaviour indicates the controller is installing the updated software distribution.

Do Not remove power or disconnect the SD card during this stage.

Passphrase Behaviour (Niagara 4.8+)

Important

From Niagara 4.8.0.110 onward, the station passphrase is stored on the SD card rather than within the controller itself.

As a result:

• The passphrase entered during commissioning may need to be entered again after the distribution installation.

• Stations protected by a passphrase may not automatically start following commissioning.

• The station may need to be started manually using Application Director.

This behaviour is normal.

Benefits

Storing the passphrase on the SD card allows:

• Easier SD card replacement

• Faster hardware replacement

• Improved portability between compatible devices

Confirm Successful Startup

Monitor the controller LEDs after reboot.

Platform Available

When the RUN LED flashes quickly (approximately two flashes per second), the platform is available and platform connections can be established.

Station Available

When the RUN LED settles into a slower flash rate (approximately once per second), the installed station has completed startup and station connections can be established.

Troubleshooting

Commissioning Wizard Fails to Start

• Verify platform connectivity.

• Confirm you are logged in with sufficient permissions.

• Restart WorkPlace and reconnect.

Station Does Not Start

• Check module compatibility.

• Verify the station passphrase.

• Open Application Director and attempt a manual start.

• Review station and application logs.

Unable to Connect After Network Changes

• Verify the configured IP address.

• Check subnet and gateway settings.

• Use a direct connection if necessary.

• Confirm the controller has completed rebooting.

Licence Installation Fails

• Verify Internet connectivity.

• Confirm the Host ID matches the issued licence.

• Retry using an offline licence file if required.

Related Articles

• MAC36NL - Distribution Files - Downloading and Installation

• MAC36NL - First Commissioning

• MAC36NL - Installed Station Does Not Start

• MAC36NL - Platform Recovery Procedures

Revision History

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