This article lists what you need before you add a peripheral device to your Azumuta workspace, and what to ask your IT department.
Note: Devices that work as a keyboard (HID mode) need none of this. Pair them with the computer and they type into the selected field. See How a peripheral device connects.
What you need
- A Windows computer or tablet. Peripherals that use the Hub only work on Windows at the moment. They don't work on iOS or Android.
- The Hub. This is a small application that runs on the same computer as the browser where your operators use Azumuta. Admins download it from Management → Peripherals → Hubs. Use the latest version, and keep it running while the peripheral is in use.
- Permission to install software. Your IT department decides this, not Azumuta.
- A browser permission. The first time the browser connects to the Hub, Chrome or Edge asks to connect to any device on your local network. Click Allow. The operator can't use the peripheral until this is allowed.
- The device, powered on and connected. If the device is controlled by a separate controller, such as a torque tool controller, that controller must be on and connected too.
- The Manage peripherals right. Only admins with this right under Management can add peripherals. See user rights for the Management tab.
How the pieces connect
The browser talks to the Hub on the same computer, over a local connection on port 12621. The Hub talks to the device. Because the Hub and the browser run on the same computer:
- You don't need to open any ports or firewall rules on Azumuta's side.
- The Hub itself doesn't connect to Azumuta. Only the browser does.
What happens between the Hub and the device depends on the device.
| Device connects with | What you need |
|---|---|
| Keyboard emulation (HID) | Nothing besides pairing the device with the computer. No Hub. |
| A network cable or Wi-Fi (for example torque tool controllers) | The device's IP address and port, entered in the peripheral's configuration. The plugin suggests the port. The computer must be able to reach that IP address. |
| USB or a serial cable (for example scales) | The COM port the computer assigns to the device, for example COM3. Enter it in the peripheral's configuration. |
| Bluetooth with a vendor module | The vendor's own software and module, installed and running on the same computer next to the Hub. The module gives the device a virtual COM port, which you enter in the configuration. |
| Bluetooth directly (for example a temperature gun) | Bluetooth on the computer, and the device's serial number in the configuration. |
If you're not sure how your device connects, check its manual or contact us at support@azumuta.com.
What to ask your IT department
- Allow the Hub installer, or install it for you.
- For network devices, give the device a fixed IP address so it doesn't change, and make sure no other device uses it. Many controllers have a factory default IP address, so two controllers can end up with the same one.
- Allow the computer to reach the device's IP address and port, if a firewall sits in between. Open Protocol torque controllers usually use port 4545.