Accessing ControlPro Webpages

v3.2.2

 

Summary

ControlPro can generate several webpages to display information to users without direct access to the software. These webpages can be enabled in the appropriate screens inside ControlPro. The webpages are created in the file structure where the ControlPro data resides and can be accessed by any device on the same network via file sharing. If broadcasting these webpages as normal internet pages is desired, users can install and manage their own IIS or Apache server. However, Murray will not manage this server directly.

If using the file sharing option, mobile operating systems cannot access Windows file systems directly. So, an app that accesses files through Server Message Block (SMB) is required. Any file explorer that supports SMB is acceptable. This quick guide will walk through simple examples using selected applications below.

Currently supported webpages:

·         Scale Load List

·         System Batch Details

 

Setup File Sharing

ControlPro generates .html webpages inside the C:\Murray\ControlPro\WebPages folder. The “WebPages” root folder should be shared so that any device can access those webpages. On the ControlPro computer generating webpages, follow these steps:

·         Navigate to “C:\Murray\ControlPro”.

·         Right click on the “WebPages” folder and select “Properties”.

·         Click on the “Sharing” tab.

·         Click the “Share...” button.

·         In the text box, type “Everyone” and hit Enter.

·         The Everyone name will show up in the grid.

·         Select the “Read” permission.

·         Click the “Share” Button, and then the “Done” button.

·         Close the Properties window.

 

Google Android

Install “Cx File Explorer” from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cxinventor.file.explorer

After launching the app and giving it permissions, follow these steps:

·         Tap the “Network” tab.

·         Tap the “New location” icon.

·         Tap the “Remote” tab.

·         Tap the “SMB” option.

·         Fill in the SMB form using the local IP address and credentials for the ControlPro computer generating the desired webpage.

·         Tap the “OK” button to save.

·         If everything was correct, you’ll now see all shared folders on the selected computer.

·         Tap the “WebPages” folder to access the available ControlPro webpages.

·         Navigate to the desired webpage and tap on the <name>.html file.

·         Select the desired browser to open the webpage in. (Optionally, you can choose to always open files of this type in the desired browser.)

·         The webpage will open in the selected browser.

·         The Cx File Explorer app can now be closed. The SMB service will continue to run in the background, so the webpage remains accessible.

 

Apple iOS

TBD

 

References

https://nerdschalk.com/how-to-access-pc-files-on-your-android-phone/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/file-server/file-server-smb-overview