Hi,

I am looking for a way to control a normally opened contact via email.

Let me explain:

On board my yacht, I have several racks with IT equipment and each rack has a temperature monitoring device Room Alert 3E installed in it.

Each Room Alert 3E is connected via Ethernet to one of the network switches and I have a nice little interface where I can monitor the status and temperature of each Room Alert device.

Now, if the temperature set point is reached, an alarm in the Alarm systm must occur.

We have an Alarm system onboard and we must connect all the Room Alert devices to the Alarm system somehow.

We don't need to have specific alarm for each Room Alert device, we can have common alarm when any of the device is triggered and then I can check where exactly is the problem.

Pls note that wiring each device to our Alarm system is not an option.


My idea is following:

1. Room Alert devices can send a mail to a certain mail address when the temperature set point is reached.

2. With the help of some magic hardware, this mail triggers the normally opened contact on this hardware.

3. When normally opened contact is closed, the Alarm system will be activated.

Sounds complicated but if you look at the attached file, I am sure you will understand it.


I think I will be able to figure out how to get Room Alert devices to send mails to a certain address.

And getting Alarm system to get activated is easy, it's only a matter of closing a NO contact.

What I don't know is - is there a device that can receive a mail and, upon mail receival, trigger a NO contact.

So, this magic device would have Ethernet (or even wireless connection) on the input and NO contact on the output.


Pls let me know if I need to explain something better. Thank you!

 

Here are some ideas.

I know you said you can't wire each device to your alarm system, but are you aware that AVTECH makes a Light Tower Adapter (LTA) accessory for the Room Alert 3E thatt provides 1 relay? Perhaps this could be used in some way?
https://avtech.com/PDFs/Sensors/Digital/Install_Note_LTA.pdf

Another idea is to use a SNMP relay, since the Room Alert 3E supports the SNMP protocol and can send SNMP Traps in response to a change in alarm states. This may be an easier option than trying to do this via email. However, most SNMP relay devices are SNMP servers (like the Room Alert 3E) and would require an SNMP manager running on computer (or single board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi) that can receive the SNMP traps from the Room Alert 3E and send an SNMP command to turn on the relay. Here are some examples:
https://buy.advantech.com/I-O-Devic...ules-Digital-IO-Modules/model-ADAM-6066-D.htm
https://controlbyweb.com/webrelay/
https://www.audon.co.uk/ethernetrelay/webrelay4.html

I was able to find one device that can directly receive SNMP traps (without requiring a separate SNMP manager), but it seems the smallest version available has 32 relays, so it may be a bit much for your needs.
https://www.dpstele.com/snmp/convert-snmp-contact-closures-relay.php

 

Here are some ideas.

I know you said you can't wire each device to your alarm system, but are you aware that AVTECH makes a Light Tower Adapter (LTA) accessory for the Room Alert 3E thatt provides 1 relay? Perhaps this could be used in some way?
https://avtech.com/PDFs/Sensors/Digital/Install_Note_LTA.pdf

Another idea is to use a SNMP relay, since the Room Alert 3E supports the SNMP protocol and can send SNMP Traps in response to a change in alarm states. This may be an easier option than trying to do this via email. However, most SNMP relay devices are SNMP servers (like the Room Alert 3E) and would require an SNMP manager running on computer (or single board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi) that can receive the SNMP traps from the Room Alert 3E and send an SNMP command to turn on the relay. Here are some examples:
https://buy.advantech.com/I-O-Devic...ules-Digital-IO-Modules/model-ADAM-6066-D.htm
https://controlbyweb.com/webrelay/
https://www.audon.co.uk/ethernetrelay/webrelay4.html

I was able to find one device that can directly receive SNMP traps (without requiring a separate SNMP manager), but it seems the smallest version available has 32 relays, so it may be a bit much for your needs.
https://www.dpstele.com/snmp/convert-snmp-contact-closures-relay.php

Thank you so much for you reply and ideas, I will study it to see if I can use it.

 

For what it's worth, it appears the Room Alert 4E in conjunction with the Relay Switch Sensor would work for this application, as the Room Alert 4E can also receive SNMP traps in addition to sending SNMP traps. The received SNMP traps generate an alarm and the relay output can be configured to toggle on and off when alarms are detected.

Refer to the Room Alert User Manual for details:
https://avtech.com/PDFs/Products/RA/Room_Alert_User_Manual.pdf

One caveat, however, is the Room Alert 4E is End of Life:
https://avtech.com/articles/21517/room-alert-4e-4er-end-of-life/

But you can still buy them on eBay...

 

For what it's worth, it appears the Room Alert 4E in conjunction with the Relay Switch Sensor would work for this application, as the Room Alert 4E can also receive SNMP traps in addition to sending SNMP traps. The received SNMP traps generate an alarm and the relay output can be configured to toggle on and off when alarms are detected.

Refer to the Room Alert User Manual for details:
https://avtech.com/PDFs/Products/RA/Room_Alert_User_Manual.pdf

One caveat, however, is the Room Alert 4E is End of Life:
https://avtech.com/articles/21517/room-alert-4e-4er-end-of-life/

But you can still buy them on eBay...

Hi,

Changing hardware is out of question, we must use 3E. Thank you.

 

No, I meant add a Room Alert 4E with the Relay Switch sensor. This is the magic hardware you're looking for.

You would configure the existing Room Alert 3E's to send SNMP traps to the 4E. You would then configure the Room Alert 4E's relay to toggle on the alarm generated by receiving the SNMP traps. The 4E's relay would be connected to the alarm system.

 

Not an email controllable device as far as I know, but a remote controlled relay connected via its web page has a function to control the output of the remote control "Web relay".

https://controlbyweb.com/webrelay/

 

No, I meant add a Room Alert 4E with the Relay Switch sensor. This is the magic hardware you're looking for.

You would configure the existing Room Alert 3E's to send SNMP traps to the 4E. You would then configure the Room Alert 4E's relay to toggle on the alarm generated by receiving the SNMP traps. The 4E's relay would be connected to the alarm system.

I have jsut realized it costs 900USD per year to use SNMP feature... I will have to find another way...

 

Are you sure you're not confusing the SNMP functionality (which should not require any cloud services, internet servers, etc.) with AVTECH's cloud services, called Room Alert Account?
https://avtech.com/Products/Room_Al...MI26efm-ySiAMVAxGtBh3cThhTEAAYAiAAEgIhFvD_BwE
https://account.roomalert.com/pricing

The SNMP functionality should be built-in to the Room Alert products with no subscription required, just like the SMTP email functionality. I was unable to find any mention online from AVTECH stating that SNMP is a subscription service.

 

Are you sure you're not confusing the SNMP functionality (which should not require any cloud services, internet servers, etc.) with AVTECH's cloud services, called Room Alert Account?
https://avtech.com/Products/Room_Al...MI26efm-ySiAMVAxGtBh3cThhTEAAYAiAAEgIhFvD_BwE
https://account.roomalert.com/pricing

The SNMP functionality should be built-in to the Room Alert products with no subscription required, just like the SMTP email functionality. I was unable to find any mention online from AVTECH stating that SNMP is a subscription service.

Actually, now that you brought it up, I am not sure.

What is happening is this: When I want to use SNMP functionality, I am required to enter the MAC address of the RoomAlert 3E device I want to use. Then a message pops up that mentions the message has been sent to the 3rd party company that installed all the RoomAlert 3E in the first place - they have the admin access that is apparently needed to get the SNMP functionality.

When I contacted 3rd party comapny, they came back to me and said that if I want SNMP functionality, I have to pay 900USD/year to RoomAlert (AVTECH) or they can do custom programming through Crestron (AV interface solution) for a one-time fee.

I need to find out what is true...

 

Just to confirm that my understanding is correct, where are you entering the MAC address of the Room Alert 3E?

In order to configure the SNMP settings on the Room Alert 3E, you would enter the IP address of the specific 3E device into a web browser. This will open the device's web interface. By default, the Room Alert products do not require log in credentials, but the 3rd-party company may have configured a password to access the settings in the web interface (details on this can be found on page 33 of the Room Alert User's Manual). If the 3rd party did create a password, then you will need them to provide this password to you so that you can configure the SNMP settings via the web interface.

Alternatively, if you feel comfortable taking full responsibility for reconfiguring the Room Alert 3E yourself, you can reset the Room Alert to the factory defaults to remove the password protection. It is important to note, though, you will lose all of your previously configured settings (i.e. all settings configured by the 3rd party). Details on this can be found on page 43 of the Room Alert User's Manual.

 

Just to confirm that my understanding is correct, where are you entering the MAC address of the Room Alert 3E?

In order to configure the SNMP settings on the Room Alert 3E, you would enter the IP address of the specific 3E device into a web browser. This will open the device's web interface. By default, the Room Alert products do not require log in credentials, but the 3rd-party company may have configured a password to access the settings in the web interface (details on this can be found on page 33 of the Room Alert User's Manual). If the 3rd party did create a password, then you will need them to provide this password to you so that you can configure the SNMP settings via the web interface.

Alternatively, if you feel comfortable taking full responsibility for reconfiguring the Room Alert 3E yourself, you can reset the Room Alert to the factory defaults to remove the password protection. It is important to note, though, you will lose all of your previously configured settings (i.e. all settings configured by the 3rd party). Details on this can be found on page 43 of the Room Alert User's Manual.

I was using a different manual for setting up SNMP on RoomAlert 3E: https://avtech.com/PDFs/Products/RA3E/Room_Alert_3E_Manual.pdf

See page 17: Obtain the Room Alert 3E MIB files through your customer account at AVTECH.com/Downloads and load them into your SNMP monitoring application. Otherwise, your application cannot properly translate the data it receives in the SNMP Trap.

Then when I want to obtain MIB files, it tells me my RoomAlert 3E is already registered with another mail (which is the original integrator's mail).

Anyhow, the integrator said they can do it through Crestron and I think this is the best way. Crestron CP4 can be programmed so that it closes NO contact when RoomAlert3E changes state (goes in overtemperature).

I am just going to find the CP4 closest to the Main Alarm distribution box and run the cable and after that get the guys to add this specific alarm to the Alarm list.


Many thanks for your help, sir!

 

Thank you for the update.

If you already have a Crestron CP4 and it can be configured to detect when the Room Alert 3E's change state and trigger a NO contact for your alarm system, then this does seem to be the best way to go for your specific situation. I am curious though, how would the CP4 detect state changes in the Room Alert 3E's? Would you hardwire I/O between the devices? Or does your integrator believe they can use SNMP? If the latter, the Crestron devices may only support SNMP agent capabilities (like the 3E) and may not support SNMP manager/monitor capabilities (at least according to this page: https://help.crestron.com/toolbox/Content/System_Info/SNMP/SNMP_Configuration_4Series.htm), which is what it would need to communicate with the 3E.

For completeness, regarding the Room Alert 4E solution, I don't think you would need the MIB files. According to the documentation, when the 4E receives a trap message, it generates an alarm. I don't think the 4E uses or cares about the data contained in the the trap message (which is the only reason MIB files would be needed). Simply the reception of the trap message (regardless of the data it contains) causes the 4E to generate an alarm.

 

Thank you for the update.

If you already have a Crestron CP4 and it can be configured to detect when the Room Alert 3E's change state and trigger a NO contact for your alarm system, then this does seem to be the best way to go for your specific situation. I am curious though, how would the CP4 detect state changes in the Room Alert 3E's? Would you hardwire I/O between the devices? Or does your integrator believe they can use SNMP? If the latter, the Crestron devices may only support SNMP agent capabilities (like the 3E) and may not support SNMP manager/monitor capabilities (at least according to this page: https://help.crestron.com/toolbox/Content/System_Info/SNMP/SNMP_Configuration_4Series.htm), which is what it would need to communicate with the 3E.

For completeness, regarding the Room Alert 4E solution, I don't think you would need the MIB files. According to the documentation, when the 4E receives a trap message, it generates an alarm. I don't think the 4E uses or cares about the data contained in the the trap message (which is the only reason MIB files would be needed). Simply the reception of the trap message (regardless of the data it contains) causes the 4E to generate an alarm.

How would the CP4 detect state changes in the Room Alert 3Es - I don't know, the integrator will remote in today to test if they can make it work. Thank you for being so supportive and full of great info!