Connect Multiple Computers or Devices over a Local Network

By connecting multiple computers or devices over a local network, your crew can continue working together even when the asset is disconnected from shore-side internet. For example, drills can be recorded and sent to the captain for approval, and tasks can be created, assigned to different departments, and completed onboard. When the connection to shore is re-established, all activities from the asset will transfer seamlessly to the shore-side server.

To connect multiple computers or devices over a local network

1. Install Helm CONNECT on the computer you’ve selected to be the main computer.

   NoteWe recommend that you configure the Helm CONNECT installation on the main computer for multi-user sign-on so that each user has their own username and password. With single-user sign-on, all users share the same username and password and may accidentally log each other off if they try to use two networked computers or devices at the same time.

2. In the main computer’s firewall, ask your IT team to open the port Helm CONNECT is using and ensure it can be accessed over the asset’s local network. You can identify the port by clicking the shortcut on the main computer’s desktop to open the Helm CONNECT installation. The URL for Helm CONNECT will be “localhost:” followed by the port number. For example, if the URL is “localhost: 8047” then the port number is “8047.”

   NoteYou can force Helm CONNECT to use a specific port by adding a settings.json configuration file to C:\ProgramData\Edoc. Our Support team can help you if this is something you want to do.

3. To use Helm CONNECT on one of the networked computers or devices, open a browser window and navigate to the main computer's IP address followed by the port you opened. For example, https://192.168.1.23:8047.

   NoteWe recommend that your IT team set up a static IP address for the main computer so you can bookmark it on the networked computers or devices without worrying that it could change.