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Staying ahead of service woes
While your Micro-Comm SCADA system provides excellent reliability for months and years on end, there are some things you can do to thwart problems down the road. Observation can be the key- even as you make rounds in your distribution system, we have some suggestions that may that will save down time:

1. Coax hanging loose, swaying in the wind- coax must be securely attached to the structure as any movement causes wear that will most certainly result in a Loss of Signal situation eventually. If you see loose coax, contact our service department to schedule replacement. It is also good to note the direction the antenna is pointing, even if it is a general direction such as Northwest. Jot down the direction on a note inside the box, it can give you a quick reference in the event strong winds may have turned the antenna which also can result in a Loss of Signal.

2. Open the RTU enclosure and look inside- bugs have a tendency to move in with weather changes, as ants and ladybugs can short out electronics. If you find bugs, try sealing holes with plumbers putty and putting some type of insect repellent in and around the enclosure.

3. Listen and look- as you have the RTU enclosure open, take note of what looks 'normal' such as lights flashing, what the radio sounds like, etc. Making a short video with your mobile phone will make it easy to look back when problems arise.

These are suggestions based on simple observation. You can learn more in depth diagnosis and repair by visiting our Service Portal here https://www.scadaview.com/serviceweb/main.htm . Feel free call our service department any time with questions or concerns.
Want to learn basic troubleshooting? Click here!

Security continues to be a hot topic

Following the security breach at a Florida water plant on February 5th, Micro-Comm would like to provide remote access security measures we currently use, along with additional suggestions for remote access security and software user access. 

        Micro-Comm and TeamViewer concerns:  Currently, Micro-Comm uses all recommended tools to ensure safe use of TeamViewer to provide remote access to customers for trouble shooting and technical support.  These measures include:

1.     2-step authentication to gain access to TeamViewer.  This requires an additional code used by Micro-Comm owned employee cell phones to use TeamViewer.

2.     Micro-Comm regularly updates Micro-Comm employee access required by any personal change.

3.     Micro-Comm also only allows TeamViewer access to Micro-Comm employees eliminating use by any outside personnel.

  •  Turn off/disable any remote access software EXCEPT for that which is used for remote access from Micro-Comm, that being the latest version of TeamViewer which is installed per Micro-Comm specifications. Note that Micro-Comm may not be held liable for installation or misuse of remote access software by others.
  • We strongly urge you to develop a policy and procedure for employees that have been terminated. It has been our experience in most every case of misconduct, it was done by a past employee who still had open access. 
  • Regularly update/change any user passwords used for logging into Scadaview CSX. Do not use common passwords related to your industry. choose one that is unique to you, for example, something that only you know.
  • Most importantly, remove any users from SCADAview immediately when an operator leaves or is terminate
  • If you are not using unique user logins and password in your SCADAview CSX software, please contact Micro-Comm about getting this done.

Highly recommended additional measures:

1.      If you are using any operating system prior to Windows 10, please contact Micro-Comm to have it upgraded. For reference, Microsoft no longer provides any security updates for Windows 7. We recommend disconnecting any Windows 7 computers from the internet until an upgrade is performed. 

2.      If you are using Windows 10, make sure updates are enabled and done as recommended. 

3.      If you are using Micro-Comm Scadaview 32, please contact Micro-Comm to have it updated to Scadaview CSX on a Windows 10 computer. If using Scadaview 32, disconnect the computer from the internet until an upgrade can be done.  

 
Keeping up to date

With the above mentioned computer upgrades mentioned aside, how's the rest of your system? While Micro-Comm has always done a great job of maintaining even our oldest systems, over time, internal parts can be hard to find in order to make repairs. The answer? take a look at our latest line of equipment solutions that not only have been designed with reliability in mind, but have a wide range of features that can save you time and money, plus make reporting much easier. Call 913-390-4500 and ask for our technical sales department today- they can answer all your questions!
AFTER HOURS PHONE SUPPORT
 
In an effort to supply a high level of customer service and satisfaction, Micro-Comm, Inc. makes after-hours phone support available to all our customers at no additional charge.
 
Customers can call our office phone number (913) 390-4500 after hours to leave a voice message in the Service Emergency voice mailbox (press 2 when prompted to leave your message). Your voice message must include the phone number you want the technician to call. 
 
The Service Emergency voice mailbox alerts the “on-call” technician via cell phone to advise him that a customer needs to be called.
 
These calls will be returned between the hours 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week and holidays by our designated “on-call” technician. The “on-call” technician will assist customers with troubleshooting, attempting to resolve system failures or determine the best course of action. 
 
Shipping repair/replacement parts and/or onsite repairs are only scheduled during normal business hours 8 am to 5 pm   Monday thru Friday. 

Business Hours; 8 am-to 12 noon and  1 pm to 5 pm CST  Monday thru Friday 
Office Phone Number (913) 390-4500 Fax Number (913) 390-4550

Micro-Comm, Inc., 15895 S. Pflumm Rd., Olathe, KS 66062-8502 
We're on a first name basis

Sometimes the call volume gets high and to help you get connected quicker, here's a list of who to ask for when you have questions:

Vicki Stoneking for part returns/repair questions 

Mary Peavey for FCC renewals/license questions

Brenda Odell for accounting/payments

You can save time when calling with technical issues, simply mention what type of problem you have such as computer/software or hardware issue such as pump fails, loss of signal, etc. We'll get you to the right person  ASAP!

SPRING TECH TIP:
Bleed air from transducers as they will not read correctly even if there is a small  bubble trapped inside. Take the supply line loose and let it flow freely until there are no bubbles or debris. and reconnect making sure no air enters during the process. We recommend bleeding transducers twice a year to avoid future problems.
Copyright © 2021 Micro-Comm, Inc, All rights reserved.


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