FAQ
We have compiled some questions from our customers for you here. Perhaps your question is among them?
What are the advantages of the sR Bridge?
The sR Bridge decouples the remote service from the individual machine and therefore offers several advantages:
- easier and faster software updates
- a permanently up‑to‑date remote connection
- enhanced security through modern security features, including:
- complete logging
- optional two‑factor authentication
- clear indication of an active remote connection
What is the “sR Starter Troubleshoot” function?
The Troubleshoot function tests various functionalities and indicates where a problem exists. Notes are displayed in the Help window.
sR Bridge does not have an IP address. How can I access it?
If your DHCP server is disabled (and you do not want to temporarily enable it for initial commissioning), you can access the sR Bridge via LAN2. LAN2 has the IP address 192.2.2.179. This cannot be changed. If you connect LAN2 to the network and temporarily assign a machine an IP address in the 192.2.2.xxx range, you can use it to access the interface and configure the necessary network settings. Once the sR Bridge has been configured, reconnect the sR Bridge to LAN1 and remove the IP setting on the machine.
Why do I need an NTP (Network Time Protocol) time server?
The availability of an NTP server is necessary for establishing encrypted network connections, as precise time synchronization between the devices and servers involved is crucial for the encryption to function correctly and for the security of the connection.
Encrypted network connections such as SSL/TLS or VPN connections use certificates and keys to protect communication. These certificates and keys contain validity periods that specify how long the encryption is valid. To ensure that the certificates and keys function correctly and are valid, the devices involved must know the exact time.
An NTP (Network Time Protocol) server provides the exact time for the devices involved and synchronizes them with each other. This ensures that all devices and servers use the same time, which is essential for the encryption to function correctly and for the security of the connection.
Without accurate time synchronization, certificates and keys could expire, leading to security risks and connection problems. Therefore, the availability of an NTP server is crucial for establishing encrypted network connections.
Do machines with Windows that cannot use the Premium Starter still require software updates?
Yes. Regardless of the Windows version used, all machines must be supplied with the latest software updates. This is essential to ensure a secure and stable remote service operation.
For Linux machines, is it always necessary to use an external button or the internal button to start the remote service?
Yes. On Linux machines, the remote service must always be started and stopped via a button, either external or internal.
Is the remote service start button the same on machines from the powerTouch era after the update?
Yes. The start button remains in the same position within the menu. Only the name has been changed to reflect the new functionality more clearly.
Where should the sR Bridge be physically installed?
We recommend installing the sR Bridge at a central point within the network, for example in a server room. It is important that the sR Bridge has LAN access to the network in which the HOMAG machines are installed. Installation inside a machine control cabinet is not recommended.
Why does the sR Bridge use only one LAN port?
The sR Bridge is a network participant, not a router. Therefore, only a single LAN connection is required.
How many sR Bridges are required?
One sR Bridge is required for each network in which HOMAG machines are installed.
Can the sR Bridge also be used for machines from third‑party manufacturers?
No. The sR Bridge has been developed exclusively for HOMAG machines and can only be used with them.
Is two‑factor authentication mandatory?
No. Two‑factor authentication is optional and can be activated if required.
Who updates the software on the sR Bridge?
The sR Bridge updates itself automatically as long as it is powered on and has an active internet connection.
Does the sR Bridge require a permanent power supply and internet connection?
It is recommended that the sR Bridge has a permanent power supply and internet connection so that updates can always be installed promptly. If the sR Bridge is only connected when a remote service session is required, it may first need to download and install updates before a remote service session can begin.
How is an active remote diagnosis indicated?
On machines equipped with a Premium Starter, a green frame is displayed around the screen of machines that are currently online.
Are all machines online when remote diagnosis is started?
Yes. When remote diagnosis is started, all machines within a machine group are online and can be serviced by HOMAG Service.
Is the remote connection automatically terminated once remote diagnosis is completed?
Remote diagnosis can be ended manually at any time by either HOMAG Service or the customer. If it is not actively terminated, the connection will close automatically after a defined period of time. By default, this time is set to 6 hours, but it can be adjusted individually.
Will the connection also be terminated if work is still being carried out remotely?
Yes. Once the configured time limit is reached, the remote connection is automatically terminated, even if remote work is still in progress.
Can alternative remote service connections be used?
No. Remote service may only be carried out via an sR Bridge.
Is every new machine automatically delivered with an sR Bridge?
No. Because not every machine requires its own sR Bridge, it is not supplied as standard with every new machine.
Can the sR Bridge be purchased together with a new machine?
Yes. The sR Bridge can be ordered directly when purchasing a new machine.
Where can I obtain the OSU token for downloading software updates?
When processing an order with a service contract, the OSU token is included in the hardware quotation for the sR Bridge. Or the package in which the sR Bridge was shipped contains a token.
When starting the sR Bridge via the button, are all machines (machine groups) online?
No. In this case, only machine group 1 is online. Machines that must be started via a button should therefore always be assigned to machine group 1.
Can the existing router structure within a plant be retained?
Yes. Existing router structures with internet routers and NAT routers can continue to be used.
I cannot access the sR Bridge via the host name. What is the reason?
If the sR Bridge is located in a different network segment, depending on the network architecture, it may no longer be accessible via the host name and can only be reached via its IP address. In this case, host name resolution no longer works.
Example: If the sR Bridge is connected within the NAT1 network, it can only be accessed from the NAT2 network via its IP address.
I have to re‑pair the sR Bridge regularly. What could be the reason?
If the sR Bridge does not have a fixed IP address, it may receive a different IP address after a restart. In this case, the machines must be paired again.
Recommendation:
The IT administrator should either assign a fixed IP address to the sR Bridge, or reserve a preferred IP address from a free address range.
This reliably prevents the need for repeated pairing
Is it allowed to remove the external button?
Yes. The external button may be removed if it is no longer required. If all machines are connected and paired via the new sR Starter and the external button is no longer needed, it can be disconnected.
Important notice: These activities may only be carried out by electrically instructed personnel.
Procedure for disconnecting the button:
1. Disconnect the power supply of the sR Bridge
2. Unplug connectors X13 and X1 from the device
3. Remove the brown wire from the + terminal of connector X1
4. Reinsert connector X1 into the sR Bridge
5. Reconnect the power supply
How do I configure the network interface of the sR Bridge when connecting it to a HOMAG router network?
If the sR Bridge is integrated into a HOMAG router network, the following network settings must be used for LAN1. The sR Bridge must be connected to a free LAN port on the internet router or a NAT router.
Network settings
IP address: 172.30.30.171 or 172.30.30.172
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 172.30.30.100
DNS: 172.30.30.100
I have paired a machine, but the pairing process starts again. Why?
When the first machine is paired, the sR Bridge registers with the HOMAG server and receives its initial configuration. During this process, it may be necessary to pair the machine once again. In rare cases, a restart of the sR Bridge is also required. This behavior is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.