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MAC36NL - First Commissioning

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Author: Paul Martin
Applies To: iSMA-B-MAC36NL
Estimated Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Overview

This article describes the initial commissioning procedure for an iSMA-B-MAC36NL controller. These steps should be completed before installing or commissioning a Niagara station.

Important: During first-time startup, ensure the controller remains powered from a stable, uninterrupted power source. Loss of power during the initial setup process could result in configuration issues.

Prerequisites

Before beginning, ensure you have:

  • A licensed SD card supplied for the controller

  • Platform credentials (if provided)

  • Niagara Workplace installed on your commissioning laptop

  • An Ethernet connection to the controller

  • A stable power supply

First Commissioning Procedure

1. Install the Licensed SD Card

Verify that the licensed SD card is installed in the controller.

  • The SD card slot is located on the left-hand side of the enclosure.

  • Insert the card with the contacts (pins) facing upward.

  • Push the card fully into the slot until it clicks into place using the push-push mechanism.

Note: The SD card contains the controller licence linked to the device Host ID and must be installed before commissioning.

2. Apply Power

Apply power to the MAC36NL controller.

Important: Use an uninterrupted power source during the initial commissioning process.

3. Connect to the Network

Connect an Ethernet cable to the RJ45 ETH1 port (the left-hand Ethernet interface).

4. Wait for Controller Startup

Allow the controller to complete its startup sequence.

When the RUN LED begins blinking steadily (approximately once every two seconds), the controller is ready to accept platform connections.

5. Connect Using Niagara Workplace

Open Niagara Workplace and connect to the controller's platform.

On the first connection attempt:

  1. Accept the presented SSL certificate.

  2. Proceed to the platform login screen.

  3. Enter the platform credentials.

6. Configure the Platform Passphrase

The Initial Platform Setup Wizard will launch automatically.

  1. Select Next.

  2. Create a secure platform passphrase.

  3. Record the passphrase securely for future maintenance and support.

7. Create an Administrator User

The wizard will prompt you to create a new platform user.

  1. Create a new administrator account.

  2. Assign a strong password.

  3. Complete the user creation process.

Note: The default platform user will be removed as part of the setup process. Ensure the newly created credentials are stored securely before proceeding.

8. Complete the Setup Wizard

Select Finish to close the Initial Platform Setup Wizard.

The controller is now ready for normal commissioning activities.

9. Continue with Controller Commissioning

Proceed to the next stage of deployment by following:

MAC36NL - Commissioning

This article covers network configuration, software updates, station installation, and final system commissioning tasks.

Troubleshooting

Unable to Connect via Workplace

  • Verify the Ethernet cable is connected to ETH1.

  • Confirm the controller has completed its startup sequence.

  • Check that the controller and commissioning PC are on the same network.

  • Verify local firewall settings are not blocking the connection.

Setup Wizard Does Not Appear

  • Refresh the platform connection.

  • Verify the controller is a newly commissioned device.

  • Restart the platform connection and reconnect.

SD Card Not Detected

  • Verify the SD card is fully inserted and latched.

  • Confirm the card is installed with the contacts facing upward.

  • Power-cycle the controller and recheck detection.

  • MAC36NL - Commissioning

  • MAC36NL - Network Configuration

  • MAC36NL - Station Installation

  • MAC36NL - Installed Station Does Not Start

Revision History

Version

Date

Author

Changes

1.0

August 2026

Paul Martin

Initial release
Sep 2026 Team-20260901-090309.png

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