Watchbox - antrax.de

antrax Datentechnik GmbH 

info@antrax.de - www.antrax.de 

WatchBox 

• Watchdog in an external 230V switchbox 

• Seriell Interface (COM) 

• USB Interface 

Product Description 

12.03.2009 

- 1 - 

Hasenbrink 4, 32052 Herford, Germany Tel. +49 (0) 5221 929660 Fax +49 (0) 5221 9296628



Inhaltsverzeichnis 

• Overview 

• Application of the WatchBox 

• Safety Recommendations 

• Scope of Delivery 

• Hardware 

• Software 

• System Requirement 

• Technical Features 

• General 

• Load Circle 

• Control Circle 

• Mode of Operations 

• General 

• WatchBox 

• Highlights 

• Installation 

• Hardware 

• USB Installation 

• Software 

• Functions Reference 

• Modi 

• Trigger the WatchBox 

• Switching + Sequences 

• Miscellaneous 

• General Command Processing 

• Stati 

• Programming 

• General 

• Controlling the WatchBox 

• Recognition of Software Errors 

• Examples 

• Handling 

• LED 

• Button 

• COM interface, USB interface 

• Differences between Mode 1 und Mode 3 

• Differences between Mode 1 und Mode 4 

• WatchBox as Plain Text Printer 

• Expressions Used 

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Overview 

The WatchBox allows the direct or time-steered turning on and off switching of a 

230V electrical appliance above the serial interface of a PC. Timer-steered switch 

processes about the serial interface or the USB interface are possible with the service 

program free of charge available on the "antrax" homepage "ASS" (Antrax-Service- 

Software). 

Please, read this description or the help file (about the homepage) before the first 

introduction completely and carefully. It describes the designated use and contains 

important tips for the installation / introduction of the WatchBox. For the results of 

not designated use the manufacturer does not take over no liability. All guarantee 

claims are cancelled in this case. 

Application of the WatchBox 

The WatchBox is developed for the switching of 

• ohmschen loads like electric light bulbs or heating fans to max. 2000 W (230 

V / 8.7A) or 

• inductive loads like engines, transformers to max. 2000 VA (230 V / 8.7A) 

in dry, closed residential rooms and office rooms certainly. The rules of the connected 

electrical appliances and their security regulations are to be followed. 

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Safety Recommendations 

� Do not open the WatchBox. It contains no parts to be waited by you. 

� Pursue the WatchBox only in interiors and avoid the influence of humidity. 

� Pursue the WatchBox only in properly installed 230V AC outlets. 

� Clean the WatchBox with a dry cloth only after removing from the outlet and 

separation of the interface cable. 

� Load the WatchBox only up to given achievement border. A strain can lead to the 

destruction of the WatchBox. 

� The WatchBox may not be pursued in the access sphere by children. 

� The WatchBox may not be connected to an already switched on computer. 

Connecting to a switched on computer can lead to the destruction of computer 

components. 

� Do not start running the WatchBox if one or several parts (case, cable, plug) are 

damaged or damages are to be supposed (e.g., on falling down). 

� Repair in the WatchBox may be carried out only by authorized professionals. 

� Connect only electrical appliances which have no limited durations (i.e. all 

connected electrical appliances must take in the case of mistake a long-term 

intercalation without arranging damages). 

Attention: 

� The load circle is switched about a 1-pole electric relay, i.e. also with a switched 

off device the WatchBox the mains voltage can lie with one of both outlet 

sockets! 

� According to working condition the WatchBox can switch on the connected load 

after a current failure. 

� Used COM or USB interface must remain for the WatchBox and may not be 

demanded by other programs. 

� The WatchBox is able to switch a load very fast on and off. The duration of the 

switching cycles is to be adapted to the electrical appliance to be switched. Not all 

electrical appliances stood quick switch results. 

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Scope of Delivery 

Hardware 

Everything completely? The single delivery of a WatchBox contain: 

• the WatchBox (incl. connecting cable for the serial interface or USB interface of 

a PC) 

• a description / operating instructions 

Software 

• only with the WatchBox-USB: the necessary USB drivers on our homepage 

http://www.antrax.de 

• free software for the control of the WatchBox (service program "ASS" (Antrax 

service software) you can find on our homepage http://www.antrax.de 

System Requirements 

General 

• serial interface (9600-8-N-1) 

• USB interface (USB 1.1) 

Technical Features 

General 

• Protective class: IP20, only for dry rooms 

• Plug system: SCHUKO 

• the momentary switch state is signaled by a green LED 

• Load circle and control circle own a sure galvanic separation about optotriac and 

transformer 

• working temperature: -10 ... +60°C 

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Load circle 

• Power supply: 230 / 240 V~ 50 / 60 Hz 

• one pole relay 

• maximum switch achievement: 

• loads like electric light bulbs or heating fans up to 2000 W (230 V / 8.7A) 

• inductive loads like engines, transformers up to 2000 VA (230 V / 8.7A) 

Control circle 

• serial interface (9600, 8, N, 1) or above USB interface 

• max. cable length: 1,5 m 

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Mode of Operations 

General 

With the help of a Watchdogs can be recognized whether a program on a computer 

runs correctly or whether it was interrupted by internal (e.g., by a program error) 

or external (e.g., by sturgeon impulses from the electricity supply) source of error 

or was disturbed. However, condition for it is that the program to be supervised 

contacts cyclically to his Watchdog (trigger). If this trigger is missing (because the 

program "crashes", e.g.), the Watchdog initiates a problem solution. Normally this 

is a hardware reset of the computer or a power on reset. 

WatchBox 

The WatchBox is connected over a serial interface or USB interface with the PC 

which should be equipped with the Watchdog functionality. 

ATTENTION: In both cases (connection above serial or USB interface) the 

WatchBox is controlled by a "COM interface" software! The used USB drivers 

generated a virtual COM port and the WatchBox can be simply controlled like a 

serial device. 

The computer software sends to the WatchBox 

• the parameter TR (within which duration must become triggered), 

• the parameter TA (how long the WatchBox should remain switched off in the 

case of a Watchdog event) and 

• the parameter TF (in which duration after a Watchdog event the trigger must 

start again) 

and send a trigger to the WatchBox afterwards regularly within the pre-set 

duration. 

The WatchBox is activated if the computer to be supervised within the given 

duration (TR) triggers no more. In such a case the WatchBox interrupts the 

electricity supply of the computer, waits the pre-set duration (TA) and switches on 

the computer again. The computer starts again and the Watchdog software is 

running once more (should be in the auto-start folder). 

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Alternatively for a computer restart after a Watchdog event an external device can 

switched directly (e.g., modem, lamps, printer, measuring equipment and so on). 

All WatchBox parameters are variable in wide ranges. 

The WatchBox differs the following initial states: 

• Watchdog event restart - the WatchBox has released a restart and waits for 

the initialization by the software (which is, e.g., in the auto-start-folder) 

• restart - the computer has been switched on. The WatchBox has stored no 

error restart, because the computer has "logged" out (deactiveted the 

WatchBox) before it switching off properly (about the command " {+} Deaktiv 

") 

The WatchBox can recognize even whether a trigger occurs in a (unintentional) 

endless loop: A status variable can be given to the trigger command! If this status 

variable does not change within two trigger commands following on each other, the 

second trigger command is ignored. In this case the last status variable can be read 

back from the computer and be done the base of the mistake search. 

In addition, the WatchBox also recognizes the problem „hardware or OS does not 

boot up “: After a Watchdog restart or a Power-ON the trigger must occur through 

the WatchBox in a before pre-set duration (TF). If this does not happen, the 

WatchBox initiated a further restart and so on. 

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Highlights 

• Connection about COM interface or USB interface, hence, the easiest 

installation and control: 

• easy plain text controlling by the software 

• with every terminal program like "hyperterminal", "TELIX" or similar 

(command transmission as with a modem about AT commands). 

• controlling can occur even as a text output on a "printer" (besides, the 

WatchBox is a plain text connected above a serial interface – printer) 

• The WatchBox works independently of operating systems. 

• The WatchBox has it's own microprocessor. 

• The WatchBox also recognizes endless loop trigger commands: 

• multiple, identical triggers are ignored 

• the last trigger variable of the main program before a watchdog restart is 

stored in the WatchBox and can read back from the computer software 

• The WatchBox does recognize "not booting up computers" by time supervision 

after a Watchdog restart or power-on restart 

• Re-trigger- and switch times / durations are adjustable in wide ranges (up to 

214748364 seconds = approx. 2485 days). 

• Application as a 230V switch box without watchdog functionality for external 

devices possibly 

• time-steered switching on and off 

• Delayed turning on after Power-ON 

• WatchBox control software is available on http://www.antrax.de/ 

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Installation 

Hardware 

• switch off the computer 

• connect the serial or USB cable between WatchBox and computer 

• put the 230V connector of the computer in the outlet of the WatchBox 

• put the WatchBox in a 230V wall outlet 

• switch on the computer 

• only with the WatchBox-USB: after the boat the PC recognizes the new USB 

hardware and would like to get the path to the suitable USB driver. You can find 

the USB drivers on our homepage (USB-Drivers.FTDI_antrax UniBox.zip, approx. 

360 KB). Please, unpack the file in a new directory (see below). 

• The state of the WatchBox can be manual altered by pressing the button 

(beside the connecting lead) for at least 3 seconds. 

USB Installation 

If the WatchBox is connected by USB to the computer, now the hardware 

Installations assistant who installs the suitable drivers (USB as a virtual COM port) 

starts. 

The following example shows the driver's installation under Windows XP: 

After connecting the USB port the hardware installations assistant starts: 

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Choose the point: " No, this time not " and click on "next". 

The following window appears: 

Choose the point: " Install software of a list or certain source " and click on "next". 

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Select the point "Searching" and type in the directory on the hard disk in which you 

have unzip the ZIP file with the driver's files. 

Click on "next". 

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Choose "installation continue". 


Click on "next". 

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Click here on "finish". 

Now the software for the control of the WatchBox about a virtual COM port is 

furnished. Whether the new COM port functions correctly, you can see in the system 

control in the device manager: 

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Now the WatchBox is ready for use. 

Software 

• Now the WatchBox with the service program "ASS" (= Antrax service software) 

or another software (how hyperterminal, Telix or any other terminal software) 

can put into operation. 

• The control by the main program to be supervised occurs about its outputs on 

the serial interface. 

The service program "ASS" (= Antrax service software) can be downloaded free of 

charge from http://www.antrax.de. 

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Functions Reference 

Modi 

Syntax Description 

{+} Modus = 1 Device as a watchdog (switches it's 'own' connected computer). The 

active main function in this mode is the controlled OFF/ON switching 

of the computer: 

- after Power ON (and WatchBox without function) → Outlet 

ON! 

- onapon = 1, triapon = 0 

{+} Modus = 2 Device as a SwitchBox (switches any other consumer). The active 

main function in this mode is the ON switching of consumers: 

- all WatchBox function are deactivated 

- after Power ON (and WatchBox without function) � Outlet 

OFF! 

- default setting 


{+} Modus = 3 Device as a watchdog in a failsave mode (switches it's 'own' 

connected computer). The active main function in this mode is the 

controlled OFF/ON switching of the computer: 

- after Power ON (and WatchBox without function) � Outlet 

ON! 

- the pre-set time Tf already runs from Power-ON and switches 

the WatchBox OFF/ON if not within the duration Tf becomes 

triggered 


{+} Modus = 4 Device as a watchdog in the "Neutral-Power-On" mode (switches any 

other consumer). Like modus 1 with the difference that the 

WatchBox remains switched off after power on 


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Modi 

{+} onapon = 1 ONAfterPowerON 

Describes the behaviour of the WatchBox after a Power-ON. 

If with {+}Modus = n a mode is pre-set, onapon puts automatically 

on the right value. Nevertheless, onapon can be changed afterwards 

(e.g. in such a way that the WatchBox works in the mode 2 

[SwitchBox] and is switched on after a Power-ON [{+} onapon=1]). 

The following values are possible: 

0 Outlet remains OFF after Power-ON (e.g., in the mode 2) 

1 Outlet is switched ON after Power-ON (e.g., in the mode 1) 

2 Outlet is switched ON if before discontinuation of power supply 

the outlet was switched ON 

- Range: 0 … 2 

- Default setting: 0 

{+} triapon = 1 TRIgAfterPowerON 

Describes the behaviour of the WatchBox after a Power-ON. 

If with {+}Modus = n a mode is pre-set, triapon puts automatically 

on the right value. Nevertheless, triapon can be changed afterwards. 

The following values are possible: 

0 after Power-ON and switch ON there is no need to be triggered 

(e. g. in mode 1) 

1 WatchBox must be triggered after Power-ON and switch ON 

(e. g. in mode 3) 

- Range: 0 … 1 


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Trigger the WatchBox 


{+} Tr = 20 Can be explained only in mode 1, 3 or 4 (WatchBox). 

Pre-set of the re-trigger time in seconds 

- within this time must become regularly triggering, otherwise a 

Watchdog event is released 

- Range: 1 … 214748364 

- Default setting: 60 s 

{+} Ta = 10 Can be explained only in mode 1, 3 or 4 (WatchBox). 

Pre-set of the power off time in seconds 

- with the entry of the Watchdog event the outlet is switched OFF 

for this time 

- Range: 1 … 214748364 


{+} Tf = 500 Can be explained only in mode 1, 3 or 4 (WatchBox). 

Pre-set of the error time in seconds 

Time up to the next Watchdog event if after a Watchdog event initiated 

by the WatchBox or by a general Power-ON no [renewed] trigger 

occurs (e.g., ' Windows hangs while boat up') 

- Range: 0 … 214748364 


{+} Trig 

{+} Trig = 10 

With a value of 0 the boat error feature is switched off, then i.e. after a 

Watchdog event the outlet is switched permanently ON (see also ( {+} 

maxrst) 

Can be explained only in mode 1, 3 or 4 (WatchBox). 

Trigger release 

- after the first trigger the WatchBox is armed (if not yet, the 

outlet switch ON) and it must become regularly trigger within 

the re-trigger time 

- the LED flashes (duty cycle 50:50, 0.5Hz) 


Trigger release with the optional parameter "status": 

Feature like above, with the exception that a trigger only then detected 

if the parameter value differs from the previous one. The last handed 

parameter value after a Watchdog event stored in the non-volatile 

memory. This "last sent value" can be read back with the command 

"{+}get" and become a basic of a error searching. With the command 

"{+}del status" the stored value and the last sent value can deleted. 

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Trigger the WatchBox 

{+} maxrst = 3 Can be explained only in mode 1, 3 or 4 (WatchBox). 

Number of the restarts of the PC limit 

This command becomes only effective if the parameter "Tf" is greater 

than 0: 

It should be prevented that a PC is restarted after a Reset by missing 

trigger over and over again. The maximum number of new starts can 

be pre-set with {+} maxrst = n. The internal counter ACT-RST 

incremented with every renewed Reset. If the counter ACT-RST 

reaches the pre-set value of "maxrst", the outlet remains permanently 

switched OFF. 

- Range: 0 … 65535 

- If 0 → no limit 


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Switching + Sequences 


{+} Tv = 12 Can be explained in every mode 

Switch ON delay after Power-ON (in seconds) 

This time after a Power-ON is upstream to all other processes and 

permits the delayed switching ON of the outlet (e.g., for the 

"synchronization" of several "quicker" devices) 

{+} Off 

{+} Off = 100 

{+} On 

{+} On = 

100000 

{+} On = 20 

{+} Off = 40 

{+} Off = 20 

{+} On = 40 

- Range: 0 … 214748364 


Without parameter it is switched OFF immediately 

switched OFF after the given time in seconds 

- Range: 0 … 214748364 

- if a "{+} On = n" command sent direct afterwards, an On/Off 

sequence starts 

Without parameter it is switched ON immediately 

switched ON after the given time in seconds 

- Range: 0 … 214748364 

- if a "{+} Off = n" command sent direct afterwards, an Off/On 

sequence starts 

Start of a On/Off sequence 

The WatchBox outlet is switched ON after 20 seconds and is switched 

OFF after further 40 seconds again. 

Start of a Off/On sequence 

The WatchBox outlet is switched OFF after 20 seconds and is switched 

ON after further 40 seconds again. 

Conditions on the work with sequences: 

- the commands must be sent directly one after the other 

- the second command must be sent, before the time given in the 

first command has run off 

- a sequence is interrupted by every command which causes the 

switching of the outlet (directly or on time) 

- a sequence is interrupted by the commands "{+} Deaktiv" and 

"{+} Trig" 

ATTENTION: The pre-set times in the effect are added! 

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Miscellaneous 


{+} Echo ON Set echo of the serial line ON 

- Default setting: ON 

{+} Echo OFF Set echo of the serial line OFF 

- Default setting: ON 

"Testseite" 

{+} Testseite 

if this string is recognized, the LED three times flashes 

(Help to the operator if the WatchBox is used as a COM printer) 

{+} Deaktiv Can be explained only in mode 1, 3 or 4 (WatchBox). 

WatchBox deactivated 

- must become no more triggered 

- all times are preserved 

- according to momentary state: LED statically on or off 

{+} Del 

EEPROM 


Delete the non-volatile memory and pre-set all default settings. 

{+} Del Status Can be explained only in mode 1, 3 or 4 (WatchBox). 

Deletes the stored status value and the status value which was send 

with the last "{+}Trig = n" command. 

Deletes the counter for the WatchDog events. 

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General Command Processing 

Stati 

- WatchBox commands are initiated always with {+} or {1}. 

- Blanks are ignored. 

- WatchBox commands are NOT case sensitivity. 

- Every single command must be finished at least with CR (character 13). 

- All WatchBox times/durations are preserved as long as, until they are put explicitly 

anew. 

- All preferences are held in a non-volatile memory and also "survive" a Power-OFF of 

the WatchBox. 

- Importantly by manual inputs with a terminal program: Time-out during a manual 

command input are 5 seconds (therefore, please type in quickly ...). 

- With "{+}echo on" the command acknowledgement is CRLF + 'OK' +CRLF. 

- Not recognized commands will be answered with CRLF + '?' + CRLF. 

- Before sending a command the preceding command must have been recognized by 

the WatchBox (receipt or waiting period). 

With "{+}Modus = n" the parameters "onapon" and "triapon" are automatically pre-set. 

If afterwards with manually settings of "{+}onapon = n" and/or "{+}triapon = n" the 

resulting combination fits to none of the four modes (see modes, page 10), after a 

"{+}Get" command the actual mode is "USERDEFINED". 


{+} Remain Query of the still remaining time up to the next switch process. 

Display: COUNT=214748364... 0 (line 4 of the status query) 

{+} Get Query of all parameter values and states. 

(Description of the Stati see below) 

{+} F Query the actual firmware version (= date of release). 

{+} H Query the hardware ID. 

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"{+}get" parameter values: 

WatchBox Switchbox 

WATCHBOX= 

WATCHBOX_FS= 

WATCHBOX_NP= 

00...15 CRLF SWITCHBOX= 00...14 CRLF 

RELAIS= 0...1 CRLF RELAIS= 0...1 CRLF 

TIME= 0...21474836 

4 

CRLF TIME= 0...214748364 CRLF 

COUNT= 214748364... 

0 

CRLF COUNT= 214748364...0 CRLF 

TR= 1...21474836 

4 

CRLF ONAPON= 0...2 CRLF 

TA= 1...21474836 

4 

CRLF TV= 0...214748364 CRLF 

TF= 0...21474836 

4 

CRLF OK CRLF 

TV= 0...21474836 

4 

CRLF 

TRIG-STATE= 0...21474836 

4 

CRLF *) 

ERROR-STATE= 0...21474836 

4 

CRLF *) 

ONAPON= 0...2 CRLF 

TRIAPON= 0...1 CRLF 

RST-COUNTER= 0...65535 CRLF 

MAX-RST= 0...65535 CRLF **) 

ACT-RST= 0...65535 CRLF **) 

OK CRLF 

*) These lines are only given if a status value exists. 

**) These lines are only given if MAX-RST is greater then 0. 

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Values in detail: 

Output Description 

WATCHBOX=00...05 

WATCHBOX_FS=00...05 

WATCHBOX_NP=00...05 

SWITCHBOX=00,01,03,04 

USERDEFINED=00...05 

00 = WB / SB is switched OFF 

01 = WB / SB is switched ON 

02 = WB is waiting of the next trigger 

03 = WB / SB is waiting of switching OFF 

04 = WB / SB is waiting of switching ON 

05 = WB Reboot time runs off 

+ 10 = sequence follows 

+ 14 = sequence started + waiting of switching ON 

RELAIS=0...1 0 = outlet of the WatchBox is OFF 

1 = outlet of the WatchBox is ON 

TIME=0...214748364 Counter (in seconds) for time after Power ON 

COUNT=214748364...0 Duration in seconds till start of the next process, 

e. g. after "{+} On=20" 

follows 

"{+} Get" � COUNT=20...0, decremented, at 0 the 

outlet switched OFF 

TR=1...214748364 Preset retrigger time 

TA=1...214748364 Preset power off time 

TF=0...214748364 Preset error time 

TRIG-STATE=0...214748364 The last via "{+} Trig = n" passed parameter value 

ERROR-STATE=0...214748364 The last via "{+} Trig = n" passed parameter value 

before the Watchdog event. 

Note: 

TRIG-STATE and ERROR-STATE are only given if a status value exists. 

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Programming 

General 

Basically two different kinds of control of the WatchBox are possible. The certainly 

best and most sure method of the control is realized by the main program to be 

supervised itself, i.e. however also that the source code of the main program is 

available and can be modified (Chapter 1). If the source code of the main program 

is not available, however, the WatchBox must be served with a background 

program (2-nd method). Unfortunately, this is only the second-best method of the 

control, because there could be program errors which cannot be recognized with 

this procedure in principle. A problem with which, by the way, all Watchdogs have 

to fight. 

The most frequent software error (software in endless loop with Watchdog- 

Triggerung) can be recognized by the WatchBox, however, certainly ...! 

Controlling the WatchBox 

Settings and triggers of the WatchBox can be carried out only over the serial 

interface or the USB interface. 

In the easiest case of controlling it is enough, to trigger the WatchBox periodical 

after the presetting of the desired Watchdog mode. The WatchBox uses the 

default settings. An initialization of the WatchBox is not necessary. 

The WatchBox parameters can be varied in a wide range, so that the computer 

remains, e.g., also a longer time switched OFF (power OFF time TA) or with very 

long re-trigger durations (TR) can be pursued. All parameters can be changed any 

time. 

The WatchBox can be also used as a plain 'switch box' without Watchdog 

functionality. In this case external devices (like modems, printers, lamps or 

measuring instruments) can be switched ON or OFF with the commands "{+}ON" 

and "{+}OFF" directly by the computer. 

In addition, the WatchBox also recognizes the problem "computer (or Windows) 

does not boot up“: After an error restart (initiated by the WatchBox) a trigger 

must occur through the WatchBox in a before pre-set error time (TF). If this does 

not happen, the WatchBox solves a further error restart and so on … 

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Recognition of Software Errors 

With customary Watchdogs a trigger is already realized by the writing process (or 

function call) itself, i.e. it cannot be recognized whether between two successive 

triggers in the main program generally something has changed. This leads to the 

fact that an endless loop in the main program cannot be recognized if in this loop 

performs a watchdog trigger. 

The WatchBox works in another way and also evaluates also the (optional) trigger 

status variable! With two triggers following on each other with the same contents 

the second trigger is ignored by the activated WatchBox. The program error 

described on top can be also recognized only by this behaviour certainly. 

Examples 

Example 1 

In this example the WatchBox should switch OFF the connected computer after 

the correct shut down and switch ON 24 hours later again. 

Settings: 

1. A waiting duration of 60 seconds for controlled shut down of the PC is set. 

2. A Power OFF time of 86400 seconds (= 24 hours) is set 

3. Then the program can be finished (software shut down and switch OFF the PC) 

... 

... 

Send('{+} off = 60'); 

Send('{+} on = 86400'); 

... 

... 

... 

... 

software finished and PC shut down ... 

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Example 2 

In this (Delphi-) example the WatchBox-trigger (with endless loops recognition) 

occurs through the main program. It is supposed, on this occasion, that the 

procedure "Send" sends the given string to the serial interface. 

Settings: 

o re-trigger time 30 seconds 

o power OFF time 20 seconds 

o error time 180 seconds 

o following by regular periodical trigger 

var nStatus : integer; 

cStatus : string; 

Send('{+} tr = 30'); 

Send('{+} ta = 20'); 

Send('{+} tf = 180'); 

Send('{+} Modus = 1'); 

nStatus := 0; 

// main loop 

repeat 

nStatus := nStatus + 1; // status variable increment 

cString := IntToStr(nStatus); // status variable to string 

Send('{+} trig = ' + cString); // WatchBox trigger 

... 

... 

... 

until ... 

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Handling 

LED 

permanent OFF WatchBox not in Watchdog mode, outlet OFF 

permanent ON WatchBox not in Watchdog mode, outlet ON 

blinking (duty cycle 50:50, 0.5Hz) WatchBox in Watchdog mode 

(Tr runs off, waiting of the trigger) 

blinking (duty cycle 50:50, 5Hz) WatchBox in Watchdog mode 

(Ta runs off, waiting of switch ON after a 

Watchdog event) 

flashes (duty cycle 10:90, 0.5Hz) WatchBox in Watchdog mode 

(Tf runs off, waiting of new trigger after power 

ON) 

blinking 3 times a test page was recognized (during installation 

the WatchBox as plain text COM printer) 

flashes two times (cycle 1 sec.) WatchBox not in Watchdog mode, outlet is 

switched ON at the expiration 

"inverted" Flashes two times (cycle 

1 sec.) 

Button 

WatchBox not in Watchdog mode, outlet is 

switched OFF at the expiration 

With the pressure of the button (for more than 3 seconds) all watchdog features are 

always deactivated and the state of the outlet can be toggled. After this operation 

the WatchBox always works in a static mode. The LED indicates the topical state of 

the outlet. 

COM interface, USB interface 

• Connection via COM- or USB-interface (= virtual COM), 9600-N-8-1 

• No Hard- or software-handshake (3-wire-connection, RxD-TxD-GND) 

- 28 - 




Differences between mode 1 (WatchBox) and mode 3 (WatchBox_FS) 

- In mode 1 the WatchBox starts after Power-ON (outlet) without waiting of 

trigger, i.e. the connected PC is switched on permanently. Then it lies in the 

responsibility of the PC to control the WatchBox. 

- In mode 3 the WatchBox starts after Power-ON (outlet) and waits immediately 

for a trigger. If the connected PC within the time Tf does not trigger, the 

WatchBox carries out a Watchdog reset and is afterwards in the Reset loop, i.e. 

resets are carried out so long, until the PC triggers. 

Differences between mode 1 (WatchBox) and mode 4 (WatchBox_NP) 

- In mode 1 the WatchBox starts after Power-ON (outlet) without waiting of 

trigger, i.e. the connected PC is switched on permanently. Then it lies in the 

responsibility of the PC to control the WatchBox. 

- In mode 4 the WatchBox behaves like in the mode 1 with the difference that 

the outlet remains switched OFF after Power-ON. 

WatchBox as Plain Text Printer 

If the WatchBox becomes appealed as a plain text printer, multiple commands 

cannot be "printed" directly one after the other (not within a print job). The 

software must be waited by every command for the acknowledge by the WatchBox 

(the WatchBox does not "know" that it is controlled as a plain text printer). 

- 29 - 




Expressions Used 

COM Abbreviation for the serial interface 

Restart The computer start after Power-ON. Includes also 

the cold-start 

Error-Restart Computer restart, triggered by the WatchBox 

Cold Start Computer restart after a hardware reset via the 

reset button 

Hardware-Reset A hardware reset is usually triggered via the so 

called reset button on the front panel of the 

computer. Unlike the software reset (e.g. via Ctrl- 

Alt-Del), the hardware reset in addition to the 

Power OFF/Power ON is the only truly safe method 

of computer-cold start 

Re-trigger-Time The Re-trigger time is the time that lies between 

the last trigger and the error-restart 

Switch OFF Time The switch OFF time is the time that the 

WatchBox outlet remains shut off after an error 

restart 

Error Time The error time is the time within which after an 

error restart triggering must be started. If this does 

not happen a new error restart is triggered. 

Triggering The WatchBox expects within the re-trigger time a 

cyclic triggering. The status variables of two 

consecutive triggering must (when used) not have 

the same value (these triggering are ignored). 

Main program or monitored 

program 

Describes the program on the PC, that executes the 

triggering of the WatchBox 

- 30 - 




WatchBox-Service 

Programm 

WatchBox- 

Button 

WatchBox-LED 

WatchBox-Outlet 

The WatchBox can of course also be used when 

the source code of the main program is not 

available and thus can not be modified for usage of 

a WatchBox. For general setting and control 

(=triggering) please use the WatchBox Service 

Program. 

Describes the only button of the WatchBox 

Describes the only LED on the WatchBox 

Describes the 230V outlet located on the 

WatchBox. Here you will plug the computer or 

any other external device. 

- 31 -

Watchbox - antrax.de

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