Ordering the Configuration SKU

Standard Configurations

Standard configurations are normally stocked and typically ship within 1 week of receiving a Purchase Order. Please contact inside sales at orders@powerhousedynamics.com with purchase orders.

Build to Order Configurations

Custom configurations are built to order and typically ship within 4-8 weeks lead time. Contact your outside sales representative or send an email to connectware@powerhousedynamics.com to inquire on lead time.

Window or Windowless

ConnectWare2 Slim is designed to be factory installed by the OEM. There are two standard configuration decisions that must be selected when ordering ConnectWare2 Slim. The first decision is Window or Windowless option. The second is internal antenna (built into the PCB) or external antenna (wired from the PCB).

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Example of HLUI Network Screen

Question 1: Does the equipment include a smart user interface?

If the OEM equipment includes a smart menu driven user interface with network menus, then a windowless option may be preferable. The network menu provides the same status indicators as the ConnectWare LEDs at greater convenience to the operator.

Question 2: Will the window be located in a place where the Wi-Fi signal will succeed?

For situations where space is not available for the window, or any location for the window would result in poor Wi-Fi signal, a remote, external antenna option is available. See Locating the window for optimal wireless signal for more details about this.

Window Option

The window is a polycarbonate plastic window to be mounted to the inside of an external equipment surface. The window provides both access for the Wi-Fi signal to reach from the equipment and a simple LED user interface where one can see the connectivity status of ConnectWare.

This option should be selected for equipment lacking a smart user interface screen with network setup and status menus. This is also an option where the equipment has a suitable unobstructed location for the window to support a Wi-Fi signal.

The window opening is 2.25” x 1.75”. The clear polycarbonate plastic has a white lettering with black background decal on the inside. The 4 status symbols shown below with white background are clear, allowing LEDs to shine through. There is a 2mm Ø hole centered near the bottom for access to a reset button. The built-in Wi-Fi antenna is in the center of the window.

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ConnectWare2 Slim Window

Windowless Option

ConnectWare2 Slim can be purchased without a window. In this configuration, the Wi-Fi signal requires an external antenna.

This option should be selected for equipment that includes a smart user interface screen with network setup and status menus. The window’s UI function would be redundant. This is also an option where the equipment does not have a suitable unobstructed location for the window to support a Wi-Fi signal.

External Antenna Option

For situations where space is not available for the window, or any location for the window would result in poor Wi-Fi signal, a remote, external antenna option is available. This option is required for windowless configurations and is optional for window configurations. The antenna kit is supplied with a screw on antenna and a 1 meter coaxial cable. The antenna side of the cable is a bulkhead rear mounted (front nut) type and requires a 0.25” hole.

Locating the window for optimal wireless signal

The window provides access for the internal Wi-Fi antenna signal to reach an access point. Obstructions such as walls and other metal equipment will degrade the signal strength. Locating the window close to the ground is also bad for signal strength. Many locations do not offer good Wi-Fi coverage as a starting point. They typically will have a small access point located in a different room or in a room filled with large metal objects.

The first example below shows the effects of locating the window with an immediate obstruction; close to the wall or another metal appliance or near the floor. As the signal reflects of of the adjacent surface, the strength decreases exponentially. There will be signal, but at a significant loss. Coupled with unideal access point location may cause spotty communications.

The second example below shows a window without adjacent obstructions. This access allows for maximum signal strength. This setup has a much better chance of solid communications even if the access point if in an unideal location

The third example shows a Wi-Fi Antenna mounted to the outside of the equipment. The antenna is omni-directional and does not suffer from the unidirectional nature of the window design. This makes placement of the antenna less critical. Locating the antenna as high as possible is most ideal, but less critical than with a window.