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How do I replace my multi-port DeviceMaster with a new one from Fleetwatch?

installing a replacement DeviceMaster

Fleetwatch FMS · Hardware
How Do I Replace a Multi-Port DeviceMaster?
The DeviceMaster (DM) connects your RIH units to the Fleetwatch network. Each RIH’s serial cable plugs into its own numbered port. The swap takes just a few minutes. The key is putting every serial cable back into the same port number on the new DM.
No setup needed. A replacement DM from Fleetwatch arrives already programmed with your site’s IP address, subnet mask and gateway, with its ports enabled. Just swap the cables over.
Sure it’s the DM? DeviceMasters are very long-lived and rarely fail. Before replacing one, check its power and network connections, and see Multi-Port DeviceMaster: Quick Troubleshooting, or contact Fleetwatch Support.
Before you start: take a photo of the DM with all its cables plugged in. If a label falls off later, the photo shows which cable went where. While the DM is unplugged, the RIHs it connects can’t talk to the Fleetwatch server.

Part 1: Remove the Old DeviceMaster

The yellow numbers on the photos match the steps.

1 Unplug the power cord from the DM.
2 Unplug the Ethernet (network) cable.
3 Important: label each serial cable with the number of the port it’s plugged into. The cable in port 1 gets a “1,” the cable in port 2 gets a “2,” and so on. Port numbers are printed on the DM next to each port.
4 Once every cable is labeled, unscrew and remove the serial cables, and set them aside.
DeviceMaster mounted in a cabinet: 1 power cord, 2 Ethernet cable, 3 serial cables

Part 2: Install the New DeviceMaster

5 Mount or set the new DM in place.
6 Connect the serial cables first, each to the port that matches its label. Tighten the thumbscrews.
7 Connect the Ethernet cable.
8 Last, plug in the power cord.
Why this order? Plugging in power last means the new DM starts up with everything already connected.

Part 3: Check That It’s Working

9 Look at the lights. You should see normal network activity lights, and each serial port in use should have a solid amber light.
10 Type the DM’s IP address (the same one the old DM used) into a web browser. The DM’s web page should open.
11 Contact Fleetwatch Support to confirm all the RIHs show online.
Close-up of DeviceMaster serial ports: 3 a serial cable labeled 2, 9 the RX and TX lights for ports 5 and 1

A labeled serial cable (3) and the port lights (9). The amber light is RX; the green light is TX.

Web page won’t open, or RIHs still offline? Check that the Ethernet cable is firmly seated, and that each serial cable is in the port matching its label. See DeviceMaster Offline: Ping Test for IP Conflicts, or contact Fleetwatch Support.
Need a replacement DeviceMaster or help with the swap? Contact Fleetwatch Support.