# Selecting an RTU and Using Alarmware to Configure It

Alarmware™ can be used to configure the Catalyst RTU online or offline. First, a database configuration file must been created within Alarmware™. To create a Catalyst database, use the ADD or EDIT buttons on the initial Select RTU dialog box. You now have three choices:

1) By connecting with the RTU to be configured, via Phone or via Serial port, and working online. When you make configuration changes as required from the Configuration Settings menu, both the connected RTU and the corresponding Alarmware™ configuration file for that RTU will be updated immediately as each change is made.

2) By delaying connection and working offline. Selecting the RTU and making configuration settings or changes within Alarmware™ as required. After ending the offline session you would again select the same RTU to be configured or updated, and then make online connection as described above. In this case, a Database Mismatch dialog will appear (because the two databases no longer match). Choose Export to RTU. Alarmware™ will write (export) the data back to the RTU. When the process is completed, your RTU will now be configured as its corresponding file within Alarmware™ was configured.

3) By using one RTU configuration file as the starting point for the configuration of another RTU. Using the Copy feature, available from the top menu after a configuration session is underway. This can save substantial time in systems with multiple RTUs requiring similar configurations.

Note: When an RTU is added, the model number must be correctly selected from the list presented before proceeding.

When working with an RTU configuration offline, an Offline Status Window shows a representation of the front panel LEDs. When offline, clicking on channel LEDs, or on Net LEDs, brings up a corresponding configuration dialog box for the item selected.

When working with an RTU configuration online, an Online Status Window shows a similar representation of the front panel LEDs, but in this case the window provides a "live" display of how they actually appear currently on the RTU Front Panel.

From this Online Status window, you can click on the PLC LED, to view the status and error history for the PLC Net. Click on the Printer, Aware, or LogFile LED to view or change the device settings.

Also from this Online Status window, you can click on a channel LED to view the current Direct Channel Reading for that channel, along with its Raw Value reading and "Alarm/Normal" state.

The Online window also contains 4 button controls, to Arm/Disarm, Acknowledge Alarms, Disconnect RTU and check an External Net Address.

In either case, clicking Configuration on the menu allows you to proceed with RTU configuration.

Note: At the end of any Alarmware™ online session, if there are any unacknowledged alarms, they will be cleared out (corresponding to what otherwise happens when the respective Alarm Reset Timers time out). Then, if there are any alarm criteria violations existing, after the respective Alarm Trip Delays elapse, new unacknowledged alarms will be created.