Making The Connections

Spikemark Vantis is not a stand alone device. It operates as an extension of the Spikemark system and requires connection to the same network as a Windows PC running Spikemark.

This PC may be part of a rack-mounted system (e.g., alongside Showstopper equipment), integrated within a Spikemark Console, or a separate laptop connected to the network.

Once you have that in hand, setting up Spikemark Vantis is easy. With only a few cable connections and a few IP Addresses you’ll be up and running in no time.

Hardware Oveview

Before getting started, familiarize yourself with the hardware and controls of Spikemark Vantis. The sections below describe the key components and their functions.

1. Input Wheel Used to adjust on-screen values during setup. A Bluetooth keyboard (included with Spikemark Vantis) may also be used for data entry.

2. Jog Paddle Allows for jogging of single or multiple machines in conjunction with the Enable Button. Additional details are provided in Jog Workspace.

3. Touch Screen Allows for selection and navigation. Tap items directly with your finger.

4. E-stop Button Ties Spikemark Vantis back into the Showstopper network, allowing for quick access to Emergency Stops during operation.

5. Enable Button Used to initiate and allow machine movement. Additional details are provided in Jog Workspace

6. Power Indicator Light Illuminates Green when the system is powered on.

7. Pendant Cable Connection Connection point for the Spikemark Vantis cable. This cable supplies both control signals and power to the unit. a) Spikemark Vantis includes a Pendant Adapter Box for certain configurations. See below for guidance on when it is required.

8. Power Switch Used to turn the device on and off. a) “I” indicates the system is ON b) “O” indicates the system is OFF

CONNECT SPIKEMARK VANTIS

Now it's time to plug in! There are several different ways to connect Spikemark Vantis to your system. The most common are listed with images below:

Control Point

Control Point

1. Remove the pendant terminator from the Pendant Output Receptacle on the Control Point, then connect the Spikemark Vantis cable from the Pendant Cable Connection on Spikemark Vantis to the Pendant Output Receptacle.

Control Connection

Control Connection

1. Connect the Spikemark Vantis cable from the Pendant Adapter Box, to the Pendant Cable Connection on Spikemark Vantis.

2. Connect an Ethernet cable from the Pendant Adapter Box to a Control Connection

3. Connect the Showstopper Accessory Cable from the Pendant Adapter Box to the Control Connection

Temporary Set Ups

Temporary Set Ups

1. Connect the Spikemark Vantis cable from the Pendant Adapter Box, to the Pendant Cable Connection on Spikemark Vantis.

2. Ensure both the computer running Spikemark and the Showstopper Base are connected to a network switch.

3. Connect an Ethernet cable from the Pendant Adapter Box to the network switch.

4. Connect the Showstopper Accessory Cable from the Pendant Adapter Box to an accessory port on the Showstopper Base.

Network Connection Required prior to Spikemark Vantis Startup

All network cables must be connected before powering on Spikemark Vantis.

If network connectivity is not detected during startup, Spikemark Vantis will not initialize the configuration screen. See our troubleshooting FAQ for more information.

Accessing Network Settings in Spikemark

Once all connections are complete and power has been applied to the Showstopper Base and Spikemark PC, power on the PC and Spikemark Vantis.

Open Spikemark and confirm the Spikemark PC IP address under: File -> Spikemark Options.

Spikemark Options

Open Spikemark Pendant Settings by either

Spikemark Pendant Configuration

1. Selecting Configure from the Pendant dropdown menu, or

2. Selecting Spikemark Pendant under Control Devices on the right side of the screen.

Spikemark Pendant Settings

Confirm your IP Addresses match.

Accessing Network Settings in Spikemark Vantis

After boot-up, the network configuration screen will appear.

Confirm that the IP addresses match between Spikemark Vantis and the Spikemark PC.

To modify values on Spikemark Vantis:

1. Select the field you want to edit using the touchscreen

2. Then adjust the value using the Input Wheel, or use the bluetooth keyboard to enter the value directly.

Ensure all network settings are correct to maintain proper system communication.

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If you need help setting your computer’s IP address, refer to the network setup guide:

Setting Computer IP Address

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Connect to Spikemark Vantis

Once the IP addresses match:

1. Select Enable in the Spikemark Pendant Settings window on the PC

2. Press Connect on the Spikemark Vantis screen

When connected, the display will transition from the network configuration screen to the operational interface, starting with the Jog Workspace.