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Data Backup


Data backup for RF500 comes in three formats: Two methods of Automatic Backup and one Manual Backup. The Backup files created are compressed and encrypted for data security. The Restore facility will fail if any data tampering attempt is detected. RF500A and RF500AP also have “designed-in” redundancy by having two SD cards and a constant rolling backup process as part of its normal operation. Restoration of Gateway data from a backup set produced by any of the methods described below can only be performed by Comark Instruments technical staff. Comark technical support therefore may ask for the Manual Backup file or a zipped copy of the folders and files created by Automatic Backup.


Manual Backup



Figure 1 - Manual Backup

Manual backup provides the means to backup the Gateway periodically as a downloadable archive file which can be stored according to your site backup policy. This file is a total Gateway backup and can grow to a size of several gigabytes for a very large system that has been operating for many years. The archive file is made available for download on the Data Backup page with a CBK extension (standing for Comark Backup).

Click the Administration then Backup for Manual Backup Settings. After a Manual Backup has been requested, the Request Backup Button is replaced by a scroll bar indicating that the Backup is being created. On the main page of the Gateway an ICON  will be visible indicating that a Manual Backup has been requested. The Gateway is building a backup archive for later download. This stage could take up to 2 hours for a very large backup archive.

When the Manual Backup file is ready the ICON will change to . The ICON is now clickable, and clicking it will automatically start the manual backup file download.

Please keep the Manual Backup somewhere safe, even off-site, so that in the Event that your Gateway fails, it can be re-built. It is recommended to complete manual backups regularly, at least once per month, and that you should keep the last two backup files.

Send an email as a reminder to request a backup x days from last backup. Enter the interval between Manual Backups your backup policy requires. You will receive a reminder by email when the backup is due.

Last backup was on 14th June 2014 by - simply reports when the last manual backup was completed and by whom.

Automatic Backup


The advantage of Automatic Backup is that data is backed up continuously as data is received from Transmitters and therefore your Gateway will always have up-to date backups. This process is completely automated and once configured, no user involvement is required.

Backup to Microsoft Network Share

It is recommended that a Microsoft Network share is created specifically for the purpose of Gateway backup and that this share be protected from inadvertent modification by username & password. The share must of course have read, write and modify permissions. Comark recommend that the share be created on a file server which is subject to an off-site backup policy. A “top-level” folder is created and named according to the Gateway serial number of each Gateway accessing the network share for backup. This folder contains the backup files and folders associated with each Gateway.


Figure 2 - Automatic Backup

Enable automatic backup Enables Automatic Backup using one of the methods selected below

Via Shared Drive
Server The Server name or IP address for the Microsoft share host
Share Name The Microsoft Network share name User Name
User The username for logging onto the share Password
Password The password associated with the username above
Via PC Software
Software ID Unique Software ID (See Automatic Backup Help Guide (*.pdf) included with the software)

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Depending on your network configuration it may be necessary to provide a fully qualified domain name for the Server field.

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If the file server is part of a Microsoft Domain it may be necessary to use the DOMAIN\username format in the User Name field.

Data Export


The Data Export function allows for continuous export of RF500 data in CSV format to enable a means, independent of RF500, for viewing the information.

The purpose could be as simple as a human readable archive or to enable the creation of a reporting program with real-time update.

Click the Administration then the Backup then the CSV Export for Data Export Settings.


Figure 3 - Data Export

Enable CSV Export using shared drive as below.

Server The Server name or IP address for the Microsoft Share host
Share Name The Microsoft Network share name
User The username for logging onto the share
Password The password associated with the username above


Information Icon
Depending on your network configuration it may be necessary to provide a fully qualified domain name for the Server field.

Information Icon
If the file server is part of a Microsoft Domain it may be necessary to use the DOMAIN\username format in the User Name field.

Data Restore


Data Restore is where a backup file is loaded onto a clean Gateway to re-build it. Gateway Restore is not for general customer use.


Figure 3 - Data Restore


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Data Restore should only be used under the supervision of Comark or a Distributor.

E-mail Notification


Select an individual or number of persons to receive e-mails in the event that the Automatic Backup or CSV Export fails.

Notify if no Backup/CSV for x days or hours.


Figure 4 - E-mail Notification



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The list of email recipients for Backup and CSV Export notifications. See Email Recipients Setup for details.

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Note: Any changes made here also affect the Email list settings in Automatic Backup and CSV Export




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