Category: Syncbox

We have made a video in which we show you how to add the newly received IDentifiers to your new tour and how to install the setup with loose, new Dockingstations and a Syncbox.

The Syncbox is a compact computer, designed by Guide ID to charge and synchronize Podcatcher audio guides. You can connect up to 10 dockingstations (100 Podcatchers) to one Syncbox.

Specsheets:

• Technical info and measurements: Syncbox Specsheet
• LED status quick reference: Syncbox LED Status sheet

1. Wireless LAN (WiFi)

We recommend using a wired network connection whenever available. In cases where it isn’t, but you have a WiFi network available, you can connect the Syncbox to it using a USB WiFi dongle.

Only specific types of dongles are supported, so please contact our helpdesk if you are in need of one. Configuration must be repeated for each USB dongle. If you have more than one Syncbox, you may be provided with a WiFi access point instead, to simplify the configuration and provide the best reception.

1.1. USB WiFi dongle

Connecting the Syncbox to WiFi using a USB dongle is an easy one-time process. Follow the steps below.

1. Insert the USB dongle into the front USB port that is below the Ethernet port, and startup you Syncbox.
Note: Do not use any of the 10 USB ports on the rear of the Syncbox for the WiFi dongle. The device will not be found.

2. Wait for about 2 minutes, until the connection LED starts flashing red. This indicates that the Syncbox has started a WiFi hotspot.

3. Search for WiFi networks on you phone (or another WiFi capable device). Select the network named after the label on you Syncbox, and connect to it. The WiFi password is “podcatcher”.

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4. When you are connected to the hotspot, a popup should be shown: “Sign in to network”. Click on it to open the WiFi configuration page.

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5. Select your WiFi network from the drop down list. Enter the passphrase, and click “Connect”. The WiFi hotspot will be disabled, and the Syncbox will connect to your WiFi network.

To check if the connection is succesfull, observe the connection LED. The LED should be blinking orange, and become green after about one minute. If there is an error connecting to the WiFi network, the LED will return to blinking red and the hotspot will be restarted. You can then go back to step 3.

1.2. WiFi access point

Instead of using a WiFi dongle for each Syncbox, it is possible to use an access point in client mode to connect many Syncboxes to your wireless network at once. The Syncboxes connect to the access point by means of Ethernet cables, and the access point is configured to connect to your wireless network. To help plan your setup, please contact our helpdesk.

Configuration using a WiFi access point is similar to the procedure for connecting a single USB dongle. But, you will only have to configure the access point.

2. Proxy server

On some locations it is required to access the internet through a proxy server. The Syncbox supports proxy servers through automatic and manual configuration. There are however some requirements on the type of proxy server used.

2.1. Proxy server requirements

Your proxy server must meet the following requirements:

1. Support HTTPS connections to websites. Or in technical terms: support the HTTP CONNECT method, where the proxy server sets up a direct connection between the client and the website.
   As most websites today use HTTPS, most proxy servers support this feature. Some proxy servers however require clients to install a special certificate, instead of using HTTP CONNECT. This is currently not supported by the Syncbox.
   
2. If your proxy server requires entering a username and password to access the internet, this is supported by the Syncbox, but currently only through the HTTP basic authentication scheme. Other existing types (e.g. HTTP Digest, HTTP NTLM and HTTP Negotiate) are currently not supported.
   

2.2. Automatic configuration (WPAD)

The Syncbox supports automatic configuration of a proxy server by means of the Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD). If your network is configured to support this, proxy server configuration of the Syncbox is done automatically and will work out of the box.

For more information on WPAD follow this link.

If your proxy server requires entering a username and password to access the internet, automatic configuration will normally not provide the Syncbox with these credentials. To enter them you would need to resort to manual configuration. As an alternative you can include the credentials in the the proxy URL in the PAC file. An example PAC file in this format is shown below.

function FindProxyForURL(url, host)
{
return "PROXY username:password@192.168.1.1:8080; DIRECT";
}

Note: Including the username and password for the proxy server in the PAC file will make it available to all users on the network, unless access to the PAC file is regulated by for instance IP address. The MAC address of the Syncbox is printed on its label to allow to assigning it a specific IP address.

3. Manual configuration

Manual configuration of Syncbox network settings is possible using a USB mass storage device. Please follow the steps below.

3.1. Prepare the USB stick

1. Format a USB stick in FAT format.
2. Create a new text file on it named “config”. The file must not be placed within a directory.
3. Add configuration entries to the file as specified below.

3.2. Network configuration entries

The configuration file “config” can contain a combination of the following configuration entries, each on a separate line.

3.2.1. General

Clear all network profiles
config_net_reset=1

Note: The reset can be combined with other entries and will be handled first.

3.2.2. Wireless LAN

WiFi ssid to apply settings to (if omitted, configure Ethernet)
config_net_wifi_ssid=My WiFi Network

WiFi password to install
config_net_wifi_pass=password

WiFi auth-alg:
– open: Open System
– shared: Shared Key
config_net_wifi_auth=open

WiFi key management:
– none: WEP
– ieee8021x: Dynamic WEP
– wpa-psk: infrastructure WPA-PSK
– sae: SAE
– wpa-eap: WPA-Enterprise
config_net_wifi_mgmt=wpa-psk

3.2.3. Proxy server

Note: Proxy configuration applies to wired Ethernet, unless it is combined with wireless LAN configuration entries. To manually configure a proxy server for WiFi, you must also manually configure the WiFi settings. If you have already used the hotspot method to configure WiFi, you must clear the existing profile using the reset option listed above.

Proxy server host
config_net_proxy_host=192.168.1.1

Proxy server port
config_net_proxy_port=8080

Proxy server username
config_net_proxy_user=username

Proxy server password
config_net_proxy_pass=password

3.3. Apply settings on a Syncbox

Using the following steps you can apply the configuration to a Syncbox. You can repeat these steps on multiple Syncboxes, using the same USB stick.

1. Power off the Syncbox, by holding the “Shutdown” button 10 seconds until the system LED starts blinking orange and finally switches off.
   
2. Insert the USB stick into the front USB port below the Ethernet connector.
   Note: Do not use any of the 10 USB ports on the rear of the Syncbox for the USB stick. The device will not be found.
   
3. Press and hold the “Shutdown” button for 10 seconds to start it in recovery mode. The Syncbox should apply the settings, and automatically reboot to normal mode.
   Note 1: Release the button when the system LED becomes orange. If you hold it too long it becomes red and will start in a different mode.
   Note 2: If applying the settings failed or no settings were applied, the Syncbox will stay in recovery mode and the system LED will stay red. In this case check the USB device, and restart at step 1 to retry.

1. General

1.1. Overview

The Syncbox is a compact computer, designed by Guide ID to charge and synchronize Podcatcher audio guides. You can connect up to 10 dockingstations (100 Podcatchers) to one Syncbox. If you have more Podcatchers on location you will need multiple Syncboxes.

1.2. Connections

The following connections are available:

• Power: 85 – 250 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz, 275 W, 1.2 A @ 230V (EU C14 connector)
• Ethernet: 100 MBit (RJ-45)
• USB front: 2.0 (type A)
• 10 x USB rear: 2.0 (type A)

1.3. Package contents

In the Syncbox packaging you should find:

• Syncbox
• AC Power cord, country specific

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1.4. Safety instructions

The Syncbox is IEC 62368 certified. However the following safety requirements apply:

• Use the Syncbox only within the specified operating temperature range (0-50 C).
• Do not cover the ventilation openings. Risk of overheating.
• Use the provided AC power cable only.
• Connect AC cable to an earthed mains socket outlet or extension cord.
• Mains socket outlet must be easily accessible to allow disconnecting the cable.
• Ethernet port is intended for LAN connection installed wholly within the same building structure.

The Syncbox contains a Lithium-Ion battery (750 mAh, 3.7V, AA format). The battery is IEC 62133 certified.

Caution:

• Do not replace the battery. Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
• Disposal of the battery into fire or a hot oven, or mechanically crushing or cutting of a battery, can result in an explosion.
• Leaving the battery in an extremely high temperature environment can result in an explosion or the leakage of flammable liquid or gas.
• Subjecting the battery to extremely low air pressure may result in an explosion or leakage of flammable liquid or gas.

1.5. Requirements

Important: The Syncbox must be connected to power and internet 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

To connect the Syncbox you will need:

• Available power outlet (country specific AC Power cord is provided)
• Internet connection, by means of either:
  • Ethernet cable or free socket (CAT5 or CAT6 standard)
  • WiFi network (IEEE802.11n / g / b, 2.4 GHz bands)

1.5.1. Power

If power is removed, the Syncbox will continue on battery power for about half an hour. It will indicate this by beeping periodically. See Running on battery power.

1.5.2. Internet

If internet is disconnected, the Syncbox will remain functional for a maximum of 2 days. However contact with the Portal is not possible.

The internet connection has the following requirements:

• Fully functional internet access to websites (HTTPS).
• If you have multiple devices, a Router with DHCP is required. For multiple Syncboxes built into cabinets, a network switch is provided to make them share a single connection.
• If you have a firewall, outgoing access to HTTPS (TCP port 443) is required. The Syncbox uses only outgoing connections on that port. No port forwarding is required for incoming connections. Whitelisted domains should include:
  • syncboxapi.guideid.com
  • syncboxlogs.guideid.com
  • syncboxdebug.guideid.com
• Using an Ethernet cable is recommended above using a WiFi network. Connecting the Syncbox to your WiFi network requires manual configuration. Please refer to advanced network configuration.
• Internet access through proxy servers is supported, but may require manual configuration. Please refer to advanced network configuration.

2. Installation

2.1. In a cabinet

1. On the rear of the cabinet, remove the cabinet holder (2 screws)
2. Place the Syncbox in the cabinet holder
3. Guide the 10 dockingstation USB cables out of the cabinet, and connect them to the rear of the Syncbox (see Notes on USB cabling)
4. Mount the cabinet holder (2 screws)
5. Connect the Ethernet cable (or USB WiFi dongle, to the USB port combined with the Ethernet connector)
6. Connect the Power cable

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Note that when a cabinet is placed on top of another, cables may be guided internally as visible in the image below. In this case:

• Power cables are combined using a (European) extension cord. The extension cord is provided by Guide ID and has a country-specific power cord
• Ethernet cables are combined using a network switch, which is provided by Guide ID

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2.2. Tabletop

1. Place the Syncbox on a flat surface, not obstructing any of the ventilation holes
2. Connect one or more Dockingstations to the rear of the Syncbox (see Notes on USB cabling)
3. Connect the Ethernet cable (or USB WiFi dongle, to the USB port combined with the Ethernet connector)
4. Connect the Power cable

2.3. Notes on USB cabling

In both installation cases, note that the following is required for USB cabling between the Syncbox and Dockingstation:

• USB Hubs are not supported. You cannot use them when connecting the Dockingstations to the Syncbox(es).
• Use the USB cables supplied with the Dockingstations. When using the Syncbox to charge the Podcatchers, these cables should be less than 1m in length.
• Do not use the front USB port. The Syncbox supports one Dockingstation on each of the 10 rear ports only.

To verify the cabling, after powering on the Syncbox please inspect the LED indicators on the Dockingstations. Lights should be white or green. See section Charging (5.3) for possible other LED colors.

3. Activation

The Syncbox must be activated before it becomes operational.

Notice:

• Important: you cannot use a Syncconsole and a Syncbox at the same time. If you are replacing your syncconsole(s) by a Syncbox make sure to delete the syncconsole(s) first.
• Beware that when switching from a Syncconsole to a Syncbox, all the published content will be re-synced on to the Podcatchers. This may take a while when you have a lot of content / multiple languages.

Activation steps:

1. Power on the Syncbox by briefly pressing the ‘shutdown’ button
   1. A pen may be required to reach the button
   2. This is only required if the Syncbox was previously shut down using the button
2. Open the Podcatcher Portal and login to your account
3. Select the Sync module on the left
4. Click the button “Add Sync Console”
5. Select Syncbox as device type
6. Fill in the details in the dialog. Both the Serial number and the Link key can be found on the label on your Syncbox
7. Your Syncbox is now ready for use!

After activation, it may take a few minutes before the Sync now button becomes available.

4. Usage

4.1 Power on

Briefly press the push button (labelled shutdown) to start the Syncbox, if it does not automatically switch on when power is connected. On power on the Syncbox will beep and switch on the system LED.

To verify that the Syncbox can connect to the Portal, please verify that the connection LED becomes green after connecting the Ethernet cable (or USB WiFi dongle). This can take a few minutes.

Note that when using WiFi, connecting the Syncbox to your WiFi network requires manual configuration. Please refer to advanced network configuration. Also please check this page if your network forces the use of a proxy server and does not support automatic configuration.

4.2. Service Podcatchers

Once connected and linked to your site, the Syncbox will automatically charge, synchronize and service your Podcatchers.

4.3. Shutdown for transport

When disconnected from power, the Syncbox will continue on battery power for a while. Before returning your Syncbox to Guide ID, please shut it down. In order to do so:

1. Press the ‘shutdown’ button for 10 seconds, until the system LED starts flashing
2. Wait until the system LED stops blinking
3. If the Syncbox is placed in a cabinet block, make sure to disconnect the USB cables and to take the Syncbox out of the cabinet holder before sending the equipment back.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1. Lights

The Syncbox has 4 dual-color LED indicators. Each of the LEDs has a separate function. If all is well, all of them should be green or green blinking. Specific information can be found in the sections below.

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5.1.1. Power

Color	Blinking	Indication	Action required
off	–	No power, battery is empty or Syncbox switched off	Connect power, press push button
green	no	Power connected, battery full	–
orange	no	Power connected, battery charging	–
orange	yes	No power, battery discharging	Connect power
red	yes	Power connected, battery unable to charge	Contact support

5.1.2. System

Color	Blinking	Indication	Action required
off	–	System off	Connect power, press push button
green	no	System on	–
green	yes	System starting	Wait for startup
orange	no	System about to start	Wait for startup, or press button to cancel startup
orange	yes	System shutting down	If unexpected, contact support
red	no	System recovery mode	Contact support
red	yes	System overtemperature or boot error	Check temperature, if persistent contact support

5.1.3. Connection

Color	Blinking	Indication	Action required
off	–	No connection (no IP address)	Check Ethernet connection and DHCP server
green	no	Connected (inactive)	–
green	yes	Connected (active)	–
orange	no	Internet (not connected to Guide ID)	Check firewall
orange	yes	Connecting	Please wait for connection. This could take a minute.
red	no	Error authenticating	Contact support
red	yes	No internet	Check internet connection or firewall, or complete WiFi configuration when dongle connected

5.1.4. Sync

Color	Blinking	Indication	Action required
off	–	Sync disabled	Activate the Syncbox in the Portal
green	no	Sync finished successfully	–
green	yes	Sync running	–
orange	no	Sync scheduled	Wait for scheduled sync, or press button “Sync Now” in the Podcatcher Portal
orange	yes	Sync updating	Wait for update to complete
red	no	Sync finished with errors	Check dockingstation connections, replace faulty USB cables

5.2. Sounds

5.2.1. System state change

When the Syncbox is started or restarted, a short beep sounds once.

5.2.1. System software updates

An automated restart can happen during a system software update. This will only occur if the Syncbox is idle. In the unlikely event of a failed software update and the Syncbox being unable to continue, a long beep will sound once and the System LED will turn red. It has then entered recovery mode, requiring service from Guide ID.

5.2.2. Running on battery power

If the Syncbox becomes unpowered due to a power dip or disconnection of the main cable, it switches to battery power and will remain running for about 30 minutes. A long beep will sound every 10 seconds during this time.

If the battery is completely depleted, the Syncbox will shut down.

Note that the Dockingstations will be disconnected from the power if the Syncbox becomes unpowered (also while it still runs on battery power). The light on the top of the dockingstations will be switched off and the Podcatchers will start blinking their orange light. Once power is restored, the Syncbox and the dockingstations will automatically resume operation.

5.2.3. Temperature range exceeded

If the Syncbox exceeds its operating temperature range, it will automatically shut down. A long beep will sound every 3 seconds during this time.

Once temperature is restored to within operational range, the Syncbox automatically resumes operation.

5.3. Charging

The Syncbox can supply power to Dockingstations through the USB cable. If Dockingstations are supplied with power, their LED on top should be green or white. If it is red, there is a problem with the connection between Syncbox and Dockingstation. Please refer to the notes on USB cabling.

Note that only newer Dockingstations support USB charging:

• Labelled Dockingstation 1.3. The Dockingstation version can be found on the bottom of the Dockingstation
• Serialnumber of DS.005.000 and higher. The Dockingstation serial number is shown in the Sync view in the Portal.

If the Dockingstation does not support USB charging, the DC adapter must be connected.

The table below lists possible dock LED indications.

Color	Indication
off	Dockingstation is off
green	Dockingstation charging and operational
white	Dockingstation charging, not communicated yet
red	Dockingstation not charging
blue	Dockingstation locator function on (user request from Portal)

5.4. Finding a Dockingstation

If there is a problem with a specific Dockingstation, it may be required to find out where in a cabinet it has been installed. Using the portal, the LED of a Dockingstation can be temporarily set to the color blue. To accomplish this:

1. Check if the Dockingstation is hardware version 1.3 (supports USB charging). Please refer to section 5.3 to identify it. Dockingstation indication is not available on older hardware versions.
2. Open the Sync overview in the portal.
3. In section “Details from most recent synchronization”, beneath the Dockingstation serial, click the button labelled “ON”.
4. Wait until the button stops blinking. It can take up to 3 minutes for the Dockingstation LED to become blue.
5. The LED will remain blue for 15 minutes. You can optionally switch it off earlier using the same button on the portal. Note that again it can take up to 3 minutes for the Dockingstation LED to respond.

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5.5. Helpdesk

If you have any questions, or require assistance with your Syncbox you can always contact our helpdesk.

See http://www.guideid.com/site/Contact on how to do so.

6. Frequently asked questions

6.1 Generic

• Is the Syncbox protected against theft of customer data?

The Syncbox utilizes encrypted SSL transfers only. Periodic security patches are installed. User data is encrypted in an secondary way.

• Will the Syncbox automatically power on after power loss?

The Syncbox will automatically power off when the battery is empty, and power on as soon as power is restored, unless it was switched off by the user using the push button.

6.2 ICT related

• Will we ever need console access to this machine?

No. The Syncbox is a standalone device without a keyboard or monitor (headless).

• Will GuideID or any 3^rd parties have remote access to this machine?

No 3^rd parties have access to the Syncbox. From our helpdesk, we have an option to enable remote access to the device. This will only be enabled if we need to service the device.

• Can the Syncbox be put in a guest VLAN to restrict access to my Intranet?

Yes. The Syncbox only requires access to the servers listed in the Further requirements section.

• Do we only need outbound internet access, no inbound NAT?

Correct. Please refer to the Further requirements section.

• My network forces the use of a proxy server. Does the Syncbox support this?

Yes, but manual configuration is required if the network does not support automatic configuration, for instance because credentials must be entered. Please refer to advanced network configuration.

• I have no Ethernet connection and have inserted a USB WiFi dongle. How to connect to my WiFi network?

Please refer to advanced network configuration, but note that not all WiFi dongles are supported, and can only be inserted in the USB slot combined with the Ethernet connector. Please only use the WiFi dongle supplied with the Syncbox.