How to Install pWidgets SafeLinkPro

How to Install pWidgets SafeLinkPro

Overview

SafeLinkPro is a component of pWidgets that allows Windows based equipment to transfer files back to a server without using the SMB protocol. It is heavily used in conjunction with Predator DNC to facilitate remote request on Windows based CNC machines. This article focuses on the CNC machine aspect to allow remote request and remote autoname via Predator DNC. 

Requirements

  1. Latest Version of pWidgets Installed on Server
  2. 1 x pWidgets DNC license per CNC machine
  3. CNC machine already connected to the network set with a static IP address
  4. Access to Windows side of CNC machine
  5. USB Flash Drive

Install SafeLinkPro


  1. From the Server, go to "C:\Nexas America"
  2. Copy "SafeLinkPro" folder onto a USB Flash Drive
  3. Plug the USB Flash Drive into the CNC machine
  4. Navigate to the Windows side of the control
  5. Copy the SafeLinkPro folder onto the C drive of the CNC machine
  6. On the CNC machine inside the SafeLinkPro folder, open "SafeLinkConfig.txt"
  7. Edit the following fields
    1. ServiceConnectionIP is the IP address where pWidgets is installed on the server
      1. e.g. 192.168.100.1
    2. ServiceConnectionPort is the pWidgets Service Port
      1. e,g. 11001
    3. DNCOutFolder is the folder that will be watched on the CNC machine
      1. e.g. D:\MD1\Send to Server

  8. Save and close SafeLinkConfig.txt
  9. While still in the SafeLinkPro folder, make a shortcut of "SafeLinkPro.exe"
  10. Cut the shortcut and navigate to "shell:common startup"
    1. "shell:common startup" is a shortcut to "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup"
  11. Paste the shortcut in the startup folder
  12. Double click the shortcut to start SafeLinkPro
  13. Acknowledge any firewall prompts that may appear

Configure pWidgets DNC

  1. Open and sign into pWidgets Home View on the server
  2. Add the CNC machine and apply 1 x DNC license
  3. Under Sources, go to "Safe Link"
  4. Check Enable Safe Link
  5. For Device Host Name/IP, enter the CNC machines IP address
  6. Choose and configure a Target, then click Save Settings

Configure Predator DNC

  1. Predator DNC will be setup as a server terminator and configured as needed

Troubleshooting

  1. SafeLinkPro log can be found on the CNC machine in "C:\SafeLinkPro\Working\Events".
  2. Ensure the pWidgets Service Port, i.e. 11001, is open on the firewall on the server.
  3. If SafeLinkPro cannot start on the CNC machine, check if it has any anti-virus/anti-malware software and ensure it is whitelisted.
  4. Occasionally, the firewall may need to be configured on the CNC machine.