The Metacentre Core includes configurable network and email settings that allow the system to communicate with your local network and send email notifications to users. This article explains how to access the IP and SMTP settings, configure network connectivity, and set up email notifications for your Metacentre Core.

Before You Begin

To modify any IP or SMTP settings, you must be logged in with a user account that has Administrator (ADMIN) privileges. Users without ADMIN access can view information but cannot make configuration changes.

To access the settings:

1. Log in to the Metacentre Core using an ADMIN account.
2. Select IP Settings from the menu on the left-hand side of the home screen.

The IP Settings window will then be displayed.

Understanding the IP Settings Menu

Within the IP Settings menu, you will find configuration options for:

• LAN network settings
• SMTP email settings

These settings determine how the Metacentre Core connects to your network and how it sends email notifications.

The default configuration is as follows:

• IP Configuration: DHCP Enabled

• Email Server: 201.1.1.2
• Port: 25
• Email From: tx@myaircompressorsystem.com
• Authentication: ---

Depending on your network environment, these values may need to be adjusted before the system can communicate successfully.

Configuring the Network Settings

The Metacentre Core can obtain its network configuration in two different ways.

The simplest option is to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). When DHCP is enabled, the network automatically assigns:

• IP address
• Subnet mask
• Default gateway
• DNS server settings

This is typically the preferred method when a DHCP server is available on the network.

Alternatively, the Metacentre Core can be configured with a fixed IP address. This option is often used in industrial environments where a permanent address is required for remote access, firewall rules, or network management.

When configuring a static IP address, you will typically need to enter:

• IP Address
• Subnet Mask
• Default Gateway
• DNS Server Address

Always consult your network administrator or service provider before assigning a static IP address to avoid address conflicts on the network.

Configuring the SMTP Settings

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) settings allow the Metacentre Core to send alarm notifications, warnings, and other system messages via email. To configure email functionality, enter the details of your email server in the SMTP configuration section.

The required information typically includes:

• SMTP Server Address
• SMTP Port
• Sender Email Address
• Authentication Details (if required)
  

The From field determines the sender address used for all outgoing emails generated by the Metacentre Core.

This address appears as the sender when users receive:

• Alarm notifications
• Warning messages
• System status updates
• Remote notifications

You may leave the default value in place or replace it with an email address that better matches your organization.

If the Email From field is configured as tx@myaircompressorsystem.com, then all outgoing notifications will appear to originate from that address. The recipient addresses are configured separately within the User Settings menu.

Some mail servers require authentication before they allow devices to send email.

If your email server requires authentication:

1. Set Authentication to SMTP AUTH.
2. Enter the required Name.
3. Enter the required Password.
4. Save the configuration.

The Metacentre Core will then use these credentials whenever it sends email notifications through the SMTP server.

Ensure that the username and password exactly match the credentials provided by your email administrator or service provider. Incorrect credentials may prevent emails from being delivered.

SMTP Port Information

By default, the Metacentre Core uses Port 25 for SMTP email communication.

Port 25 must be available on the network and permitted by any firewalls between the Metacentre Core and the email server. Some corporate networks and email providers restrict Port 25 traffic. If email notifications are not being delivered, verify that SMTP communication on Port 25 is allowed.

Applying Configuration Changes

Whenever changes are made within the IP Settings menu, the Metacentre Core automatically performs a reboot to apply the new configuration. This behavior applies to both network and SMTP configuration changes.

Any modification made within the IP Settings menu will trigger a system reboot.

During this reboot process:

• The Metacentre Core temporarily stops controlling the compressors.
• Compressors continue operating using their local control parameters.
• Centralized control is temporarily unavailable.

Once the reboot is complete, control automatically returns to the Metacentre Core. This process takes a few minutes.

Recap

Here's a quick summary of the IP and SMTP configuration process:

✅ Log in using an ADMIN account.

✅ Configure the network using either DHCP or a Static IP Address.

✅ Enter the SMTP server details.

✅ Configure the Email From address.

✅ Enable SMTP AUTH and enter credentials if required.

✅ Save the configuration.

⚠️ The Metacentre Core automatically reboots whenever changes are made in the IP Settings menu.

⚠️ During the reboot, compressors temporarily operate under their local controls until the Metacentre Core resumes operation.

ℹ️ The default SMTP communication port is Port 25 but this can be changed.

Once configured correctly, the Metacentre Core can communicate reliably on the network and send email notifications to users whenever important system events occur.