Configuring extenders in Nebula Beta

Overview

An extender is a device like a repeater or a node which allows the distance between a gateway and an electronic lock to be increased. These devices forward communication signals between electronic locks and gateways. The following extender devices are available for use with Nebula:

• BLUEnet Node

Configuring extenders

To configure extenders in Salto Nebula, you need to use the Salto Nebula app.

When setting up extenders for the first time you can either:

1. Create the extenders in Nebula web first, then configure them via the app. Or…

2. Use the app to create and configure them.

Whether you create extenders via the web or app, you need to create parent devices such as gateways before you create the extenders that lie beneath them.

The way you set up and configure extenders depends on your specific use case. In the majority of cases, and specifically in larger installations, you will set up extenders using Nebula web first. In smaller installations you may find you will use the app to create and configure the extenders.

In both cases, an installer, who is aware of the names and locations of the devices, will go through the installation setting up the devices, phone in hand.

You can also configure extenders before installing them. However, note that models like the BLUEnet Node need to be wired to a gateway using a RS485 bus.

For a situation where you're updating firmware or resetting already-configured extenders, see resetting devices or updating firmware.

Select installation

Before configuring an extender, you need to ensure you're operating within the correct installation. This could be your office building, for example. You can view which installations you have access to, or select one if you have access to multiple installations, using the top left menu selector of the app.

If you don't have access to manage installations, this screen is not available. See user roles and permissions for more details.

Start configuring

• Navigate to the Devices section of the app.
• Press the Configure button. The app begins to look for devices.
• Hold your phone close to the extender you're configuring and keep it close until the light comes on.
• Once the extender has established a connection with your phone, the light blinks then turns solid.
• The app asks you if the light came on. If it did, select Yes to continue and go to the "Select existing extender" section.

Select existing extender

On the Which device are you configuring? screen you'll see a list of extenders which are pending configuration. This option will only display if there are previously created extenders.

The drop-down menu shows a list of names of extenders which have been created already. You can then assign the physical device you're configuring to its corresponding extender in the list of names. If you can't see your extender in the list you can use the search function.

Create new extender

Give your extender a name making sure you use a coherent naming system. Add the name of the parent device you want the extender to connect to.

Remember you must previously create the parent device.

You cannot have more than one extender with the same name in your installation.

Firmware update

New firmware versions are not automatically downloaded to extenders via the configuration process as is the case for other device. To update an extender's firmware you need to make sure the device is connected to a gateway.

For more information about firmware, see updating firmware.

Finish configuring

Once the configuration process has completed, you'll see a notification like "Your extender is ready". This means that the extender is now correctly configured and ready for use!

Once your extender is ready, you can exit the device configuration process by selecting Finish.