Syncbox User Manual

This page explains how to install, activate and troubleshoot a Syncbox.

The Syncbox is a compact computer designed by Guide-ID to charge and synchronize Podcatcher Classic devices. You connect up to 10 Dockingstations (100 devices) to one Syncbox. With more devices on site, you need more Syncboxes.

Downloads: Syncbox specsheet (PDF) · Syncbox LED status (PDF) · Syncbox safety instructions (PDF)

Connections

Connection	Specification
Power	85–250 V AC, 47–63 Hz, 275 W, 1.2 A at 230 V (EU C14 connector)
Ethernet	100 Mbit (RJ-45)
USB front	USB 2.0 (type A) — only for the WiFi dongle or a configuration USB stick
USB rear	10 × USB 2.0 (type A) — one Dockingstation per port

In the box: the Syncbox and a country-specific AC power cord.

Safety

The Syncbox is IEC 62368 certified. Keep to the following:

• Use the Syncbox only between 0 and 50 °C.
• Do not cover the ventilation openings — risk of overheating.
• Use only the supplied AC power cable, connected to an earthed socket or extension cord. The socket must be easy to reach so you can disconnect the cable.
• The Ethernet port is meant for a LAN inside the same building.

Caution

The Syncbox contains a lithium-ion battery (750 mAh, 3.7 V, AA format, IEC 62133 certified). Do not replace it yourself: a battery of the wrong type can explode. Never put the Syncbox in a fire or hot oven, crush or cut the battery, or expose it to extremely high temperatures or very low air pressure — this can cause an explosion or leaking flammable liquid or gas.

Requirements

The Syncbox must be connected to power and internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Power: a free power outlet. If power drops out, the Syncbox runs on its battery for about 30 minutes and beeps periodically.
• Internet: an Ethernet cable or free socket (CAT5 or CAT6), or a 2.4 GHz WiFi network (IEEE 802.11 n/g/b). Ethernet is recommended. WiFi and some proxy servers need manual setup, see Syncbox Network Configuration.

Without internet the Syncbox keeps working for up to 2 days, but it cannot reach the Platform.

Network and firewall

• The Syncbox needs normal HTTPS access to websites.
• With more than one device, you need a router with DHCP. Syncboxes built into cabinets share one connection through the network switch supplied by Guide-ID.
• The Syncbox only makes outgoing connections on TCP port 443 (HTTPS). No port forwarding or incoming connections are needed.
• Allow these domains in your firewall:
  • syncboxapi.guideid.com
  • syncboxlogs.guideid.com
  • syncboxdebug.guideid.com

The Syncbox can be placed in a guest VLAN, as long as it can reach the domains above.

Installation

In a cabinet

1. At the rear of the cabinet, remove the cabinet holder (2 screws).
2. Place the Syncbox in the cabinet holder.
3. Lead the 10 Dockingstation USB cables out of the cabinet and connect them to the rear of the Syncbox (see USB cabling).
4. Mount the cabinet holder again (2 screws).
5. Connect the Ethernet cable — or the USB WiFi dongle, in the USB port next to the Ethernet connector.
6. Connect the power cable.

When cabinets are stacked, the cables can run inside them. Power cables are then combined with an extension cord and Ethernet cables with a network switch, both supplied by Guide-ID.

On a table

1. Place the Syncbox on a flat surface without blocking any ventilation holes.
2. Connect one or more Dockingstations to the rear of the Syncbox (see USB cabling).
3. Connect the Ethernet cable — or the USB WiFi dongle, in the USB port next to the Ethernet connector.
4. Connect the power cable.

USB cabling

• No USB hubs. Connect each Dockingstation directly to the Syncbox.
• Use the USB cables supplied with the Dockingstations. To charge the devices through the Syncbox, the cables must be shorter than 1 m.
• Use only the 10 rear ports, one Dockingstation per port. Do not use the front USB port for a Dockingstation.

After switching on the Syncbox, check the light on top of each Dockingstation: it should be white or green. See Dockingstation lights for other colors.

Activate the Syncbox

The Syncbox must be linked to your site before it works.

Caution

A site cannot use a Syncconsole and a Syncbox at the same time. If the Syncbox replaces a Syncconsole, remove the Syncconsole in the Platform first. All published content is then synced to the devices again, which can take a long time.

1. If the Syncbox was shut down with its button, switch it on by briefly pressing the shutdown button (you may need a pen to reach it).
2. Log in to the Platform and go to Hardware → Sync.
3. Click Add new Sync Device and choose Syncbox.
4. Enter the serial number and the Link Key from the label on the Syncbox.
5. Enter a Description, such as the location, to tell your Syncboxes apart.
6. Click Finish.

It can take a few minutes before you can start a sync on the new Syncbox. Set its daily sync time under Settings, see Sync Devices.

Daily use

Switch on

If the Syncbox does not start when power is connected, briefly press the shutdown button. It beeps and the System LED lights up.

Check that the Connection LED turns green after you connect the Ethernet cable or WiFi dongle. This can take a few minutes.

Servicing the devices

Once it is connected and linked to your site, the Syncbox charges, synchronizes and services your devices automatically. See Synchronization.

Shut down for transport

When unplugged, the Syncbox keeps running on its battery for a while. Before sending it back to Guide-ID:

1. Hold the shutdown button for 10 seconds, until the System LED starts flashing.
2. Wait until the System LED stops flashing.
3. If the Syncbox is in a cabinet, disconnect the USB cables and take the Syncbox out of the cabinet holder.

LED indicators

The Syncbox has 4 LEDs that can each light green, orange or red. When everything is fine, all four are green or flashing green.

Power

Color	Flashing	Meaning	What to do
Off	—	No power, battery empty or Syncbox switched off	Connect power, press the button
Green	No	Power connected, battery full	—
Orange	No	Power connected, battery charging	—
Orange	Yes	No power, running on battery	Connect power
Red	Yes	Power connected, battery cannot charge	Contact support

System

Color	Flashing	Meaning	What to do
Off	—	System off	Connect power, press the button
Green	No	System on	—
Green	Yes	System starting	Wait
Orange	No	System about to start	Wait, or press the button to cancel
Orange	Yes	System shutting down	If unexpected, contact support
Red	No	Recovery mode	Contact support
Red	Yes	Overtemperature or boot error	Check the temperature; if it persists, contact support

Connection

Color	Flashing	Meaning	What to do
Off	—	No connection (no IP address)	Check the Ethernet cable and DHCP server
Green	No	Connected, idle	—
Green	Yes	Connected, active	—
Orange	No	Internet, but no connection to Guide-ID	Check the firewall
Orange	Yes	Connecting	Wait; this can take a minute
Red	No	Authentication error	Contact support
Red	Yes	No internet	Check the internet connection or firewall, or finish the WiFi setup if a dongle is connected

Sync

Color	Flashing	Meaning	What to do
Off	—	Sync disabled	Activate the Syncbox in the Platform
Green	No	Sync finished successfully	—
Green	Yes	Sync running	—
Orange	No	Sync scheduled	Wait for the scheduled sync, or click Start Sync on the Syncbox in Hardware → Sync
Orange	Yes	Sync updating	Wait until the update is finished
Red	No	Sync finished with errors	Check the Dockingstation connections and replace faulty USB cables

Sounds

Sound	Meaning
One short beep	The Syncbox has started or restarted.
One long beep, System LED red	A software update failed and the Syncbox is in recovery mode. Contact support.
A long beep every 10 seconds	No mains power; running on battery for about 30 minutes.
A long beep every 3 seconds	Temperature out of range; the Syncbox shuts down.

Software updates install automatically and can restart the Syncbox, but only when it is idle.

On battery power the Dockingstations lose power too: their top light goes off and the devices start flashing orange. When the battery is empty, the Syncbox shuts down. When power returns, the Syncbox and Dockingstations resume automatically — unless the Syncbox was switched off with its button.

When it gets too hot or cold, the Syncbox shuts down and resumes automatically once the temperature is back in range.

Dockingstation lights

The Syncbox can power the Dockingstations through the USB cable. Only newer Dockingstations support this: labeled Dockingstation 1.3 on the bottom, serial number DS.005.000 or higher. Older Dockingstations need their own DC adapter.

Dockingstation light	Meaning
Off	Dockingstation off
Green	Charging and working
White	Charging, no contact with the Syncbox yet
Red	Not charging — check the USB cabling
Blue	Locator function on

Frequently asked questions

Is customer data protected? The Syncbox only uses encrypted (SSL) transfers and receives periodic security patches. Data is also encrypted a second time.

Do we ever need a keyboard or screen on it? No. The Syncbox has no keyboard or monitor.

Does Guide-ID or a third party have remote access? No third party has access. Our helpdesk can enable remote access, but only when the Syncbox needs servicing.

Does it need incoming connections (inbound NAT)? No, only outgoing HTTPS. See Network and firewall.

Our network uses a proxy server, or we only have WiFi. Both are supported. See Syncbox Network Configuration. Use only the WiFi dongle supplied with the Syncbox, in the USB port next to the Ethernet connector.

Need help?

Email helpdesk@guide-id.com or see Contact Support.

Related articles

• Sync Devices for Podcatcher Classic — the Sync page in the Platform
• Synchronizing Podcatcher Classic — when content reaches the devices and how long a sync takes
• Syncbox Network Configuration — WiFi, proxy server and USB-stick settings
• Dockingstations and furniture — where the devices charge and sync
• Troubleshooting Podcatcher Classic — fix an offline Sync Device or a failed sync