Black Box Switch 1 , 2 , and 4 Port Industrial Ethernet Serial Servers User Manual

LES401A  
LES402A  
LES404A  
1-, 2-, and 4-Port Industrial Ethernet Serial Servers  
Connect RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 devices  
to an Ethernet network.  
Access the serial ports over a LAN/WAN using Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM  
Port, or Paired Mode connections.  
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)  
Customer  
Support  
Information  
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746  
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018  
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FCC and NOM Statement  
Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada Radio Frequency Interference  
Statements  
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict  
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found  
to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC  
rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a  
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user  
at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.  
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to  
operate the equipment.  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio  
Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.  
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques  
de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.  
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NOM Statement  
Instrucciones de Seguridad  
(Normas Oficiales Mexicanas Electrical Safety Statement)  
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.  
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura.  
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas.  
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.  
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca  
de una alberca, etc.  
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que sean recomendados por el fabricante.  
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea recomendado por el fabricante.  
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación.  
Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.  
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico  
sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes  
que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de ventilación.  
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros  
aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.  
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como  
se indique en el aparato.  
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.  
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados  
sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.  
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del fabricante.  
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de energia.  
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.  
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.  
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:  
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u  
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o  
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o  
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su desempeño; o  
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.  
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Table of Contents  
Table of Contents  
Serial Server Quick Start Guide ............................................................................................................................................. 7  
1.  
Specifications .......................................................................................................................................................... 10  
1.1  
1.2  
General.......................................................................................................................................................... 10  
Default Settings ..............................................................................................................................................11  
2.  
Overview  
.......................................................................................................................................................... 13  
2.1  
Introduction................................................................................................................................................... 13  
2.1.1 Applications ....................................................................................................................................... 13  
2.1.2 Manager Software............................................................................................................................. 13  
2.1.3 Monitor Port...................................................................................................................................... 13  
2.1.4 Web Server........................................................................................................................................ 13  
2.1.5 Heartbeat Connection Protection...................................................................................................... 13  
Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 14  
Communication Modes ................................................................................................................................. 15  
2.3.1 Direct IP Mode................................................................................................................................... 15  
2.3.2 Virtual COM Mode............................................................................................................................ 15  
2.3.3 Paired Mode...................................................................................................................................... 16  
2.3.4 Heartbeat .......................................................................................................................................... 16  
What’s Included............................................................................................................................................. 16  
Hardware Description .................................................................................................................................... 16  
2.2  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
3.  
Hardware Configuration............................................................................................................................................ 19  
3.1  
Serial Server Indicators, Switches, and Connectors ........................................................................................ 19  
3.1.1 Indicators ........................................................................................................................................... 19  
3.1.2 Switches ............................................................................................................................................ 19  
3.1.3 Connectors........................................................................................................................................ 19  
Serial Server/Port Operational Modes............................................................................................................ 20  
3.2.1 Default Mode .................................................................................................................................... 20  
3.2.2 Console Mode................................................................................................................................... 20  
3.2.3 Upgrade Mode.................................................................................................................................. 20  
3.2.4 RS-232 Mode .................................................................................................................................... 21  
3.2.5 RS-422 Mode.................................................................................................................................... 21  
3.2.6 RS-485H Mode ................................................................................................................................. 21  
3.2.7 RS-485F Mode .................................................................................................................................. 21  
3.2.8 RS-485 Receiver Biasing .................................................................................................................... 21  
3.2  
4.  
5.  
Installing the Software............................................................................................................................................... 24  
4.1  
4.2  
4.3  
4.4  
Automatic Installation.................................................................................................................................... 24  
Manual Installation ........................................................................................................................................ 24  
Updating an Existing Installation.................................................................................................................... 26  
Opening the Serial Server Manager Software................................................................................................ 26  
Using Serial Server Manager...................................................................................................................................... 27  
5.1  
5.2  
5.3  
Hardware Setup............................................................................................................................................. 27  
Software Setup.............................................................................................................................................. 28  
Software Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 29  
5.3.1 Menus ............................................................................................................................................... 29  
5.3.2 Server Icons Pane............................................................................................................................... 30  
5.3.3 Serial Server/Virtual COM Lists .......................................................................................................... 30  
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Table of Contents  
5.4  
5.5  
Search for Servers.......................................................................................................................................... 30  
Configure Server Properties ........................................................................................................................... 31  
6.  
7.  
Configuring the Serial Server Properties .................................................................................................................... 32  
Installing Virtual COM Ports....................................................................................................................................... 38  
7.1  
7.2  
Virtual COM Port Installation......................................................................................................................... 38  
Matching the Serial Server and Virtual COM Port Settings............................................................................40  
8.  
9.  
Removing Virtual COM Ports..................................................................................................................................... 42  
8.1  
8.2  
Using Serial Server Manager.......................................................................................................................... 42  
Using Device Manager................................................................................................................................... 42  
Upgrading the Serial Server Firmware........................................................................................................................ 45  
9.1  
9.2  
Downloading the Firmware ........................................................................................................................... 45  
Upgrading via Serial Server Manager............................................................................................................. 45  
9.2.1 Preparing the Software...................................................................................................................... 45  
9.2.2 Upgrading the Firmware.................................................................................................................... 45  
10. Using Console Mode................................................................................................................................................. 47  
11. Using the Web Server................................................................................................................................................ 50  
12. Using Telnet .......................................................................................................................................................... 53  
Appendix A. RS-232 Connections....................................................................................................................................... 55  
A.1  
A.2  
2- and 4-Port Serial Server DB9 Pinout in RS-232 Mode ............................................................................... 55  
1-Port Serial Server Terminal Block Pinout in RS-232 Mode........................................................................... 55  
Appendix B. RS-422/485 Connections................................................................................................................................ 56  
B.1  
B.2  
2-Port and 4-Port Serial Server DB9 Pinout in RS-422 Mode......................................................................... 56  
1-Port Serial Server Terminal Block Pinout in RS-422 Mode........................................................................... 57  
Appendix C. RS-485 Connections....................................................................................................................................... 58  
C.1  
C.2  
C.3  
1-, 2-, or 4-Port Serial Server DB9 Pinout in RS-485H (Two-Wire, Half-Duplex) Mode.................................. 58  
1-, 2-, or 4-Port Serial Server DB9 Pinout in RS-485F (Four-Wire, Full-Duplex) Mode.................................... 58  
1-Port Serial Server Terminal Block Pinout in RS-485F (Four-Wire, Full-Duplex) Mode................................... 59  
Appendix D. Network Connections.....................................................................................................................................60  
D.1  
D.2  
Standard Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pinout...........................................................................................................60  
Crossover Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pinout.......................................................................................................... 61  
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Quick Start Guide  
Quick Start Guide  
For descriptive purposes, this Quick Start Guide considers a typical configuration consisting of a PC connected via an Ethernet LAN  
to a 2-Port Industrial Serial Server connected to the RS-232 port of a serial device.  
Hardware Setup  
Figure QS-1. Typical hardware setup.  
Step 1: Connect the Serial Server to the network using a standard network cable.  
Step 2: Connect the Serial Server to the RS-232 port on the serial device.  
NOTE: If the serial device is configured as a DCE, use a straight-through serial cable. If the serial device is configured as a DTE, use  
a crossover (null-modem) cable.  
Step 3: Set the Run/Console DIP switch to the Run position.  
Step 4: Apply power to the Serial Server.  
Software Installation  
Using the CD included with the serial server, install the Serial Server Manager software on the configuring computer.  
Serial Server Configuration  
Step 1: Open the Serial Server Manager software. It will automatically search for any reachable Serial Servers. A list of all Serial  
Servers connected to the LAN will appear in the Serial Server List window.  
Step 2: Double-click the desired Serial Server port on the list to bring up the Server Properties configuration screen.  
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Quick Start Guide  
Figure QS-2. The Server Properties window.  
Step 3: Change the Server Properties as required.  
• Enable DHCP to allow the Serial Server to generate its own IP address  
OR  
• Obtain appropriate static IP, netmask, and gateway addresses from your Network Administrator (recommended).  
• Set the Serial Port Mode property to RS-232 to match the serial device connected to the Serial Server.  
• Set Baud Rate, Data/Parity/Stop, and Flow Control to match the configuration of the serial device connected to the Serial Server  
port.  
Step 4: When the parameters have been set, click “Update.” Following the prompts in the dialog boxes, Restart the Serial Server  
and Search all reachable servers again.  
Step 5: Re-enter Server Properties to verify the changes have taken effect, or to view/change the configuration of other ports.  
Each port must be configured separately.  
Install Virtual COM Ports on PC  
Step 1: From the Windows Start menu, run the Install Virtual COM Ports utility included with the Serial Server Manager software,  
Step 2: Search for all servers on the network  
Step 3: Select a port and map it to an unused COM port (for example, Port 15). Configure it for TCP protocol and the  
appropriate IP address (determined in the last section).  
Figure QS-3. Configuring the Virtual COM Port.  
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Quick Start Guide  
Check Communications  
Step 1: From the Windows Start menu, run HyperTerminal.  
Step 2: Configure HyperTerminal to connect using the COM port configured in the last section (for example, Port 15).  
Step 3: Set Baud Rate, Data/Parity/Stop, and Flow Control to match the configuration of the serial device connected to the Serial  
Server serial port.  
Step 4: Communications with the serial device should now be operational.  
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Chapter 1: Specifications  
1. Specifications  
1.1 General  
Approvals — FCC, IP30 case  
Configuration Options — Console mode: Using RS-232 with VT100emulation;  
Telnet mode: Using HyperTerminal with VT100 emulation;  
Serial Server Manager: Windows® 98/ME/2000/2003 Server/XP, Windows NT, Windows Vista®;  
Web server: Using Internet Explorer® Web browser  
Data Rate — 110 bps to 230.4 kbps  
I/P Port Addresses — 5300: Heartbeat and Configuration setting in TCP mode (that is, Pair mode);  
8888: Serial server update;  
8890: Serial server monitor;  
8889: Set configuration in UDP mode  
Management — Manager, Web Server, Serial Console, Telnet  
Memory — Serial: 8 KB per port;  
Network: 48 KB  
Network Communications — LAN: 10-/100-Mbps Autodetecting 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX;  
RS-232: TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND;  
RS-422: TX+, TX-, RX+, RX-, RTS+, RTS-, CTS+, CTS-, GND;  
RS-485H: Data+, Data-, GND;  
RS-485F: TX+, TX-, RX+, RX-, GND  
Operating System — Windows 2000, 2003 Server/XP, 2008, Windows Vista, Windows 7  
Optional Accessories — (1) null-modem crossover cable for DTE-to-DTE connection;  
(1) 3.2-ft. [1-m] 35-mm steel DIN rail  
Protocols — TCP, IP, ARP, DHCP, Telnet, HTTP, UDP, ICMP  
Serial Interfaces — RS-232 (DTE): TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND;  
Terminal block (LES401A only): TXD, RXD, RTS, CTS, GND;  
RS-422: TXDB(+), TXDA(-), RXDB(+), RXDA(-), RTS(+), RTS(-), CTS(+), CTS(-), GND;  
RS-485H: Data B(+), Data A(-) and GND;  
RS-485F: TXDB(+), TXDA(-), RXDB(+), RXDA(-), GD;  
Baud Rate: 110 bps to 230.4 bps  
Parity: None, Even, Odd, Mark, Space  
Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8  
Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, or 2  
User Controls — LES401A: (1) DB9/terminal block switch  
Connectors — LES401A: (1) 4-pin terminal block (removable) for DC power, (1) DB9 male, (1) RJ-45 for Ethernet;  
LES402A: (2) DB9 male, (1) RJ-45 for Ethernet;  
LES404A: (4) DB9 male, (1) RJ-45 for Ethernet  
Indicators — Power: Red LED, Link: Yellow or green LED (10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX),  
Ready: Flashing green LED  
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: +14 to +176° F (-10 to +80° C);  
Storage: -4 to +185° F (-20 to +85° C)  
Relative Humidity — 5 to 98%  
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Chapter 1: Specifications  
Power Requirements — 8 VAC to 24 VAC or 9 VDC to 48 VDC  
Power consumption: LES401A: 320 mA @ 12 VDC,  
LES402A: 340 mA @ 12VDC,  
LES404A: 360 mA @ 12 VDC;  
Power supply start-up time: 24 ms  
Power connector: Terminal block  
Size — 1.75"H x 6.1"W x 4.1"D (4.46 x 15.52 x 10.46 cm)  
1.2 Default Settings  
Baud Rate — 9600  
Data/Stop — 81  
Delimiter HEX 1 — 00  
Delimiter HEX 2 — 00  
DHCP — Disable  
DIP Switch Settings — 1-Port Serial Server: 1=Run, 2=DB9;  
2- or 4-Port Serial Server: Run  
Flow Control — None  
Force Transmit — 0 ms  
Gateway — 192.168.0.254  
IP Address — 192.168.0.1  
MAC Address — Fixed (see bottom label on unit)  
Maximum Connection — 1  
Net Mask — 255.255.255.0  
Password — Blank  
Parity — None  
Server Name — 1_Port, 2_Port, or 4_Port  
Serial Number — xxxxxxxxx (printed on bottom of unit)  
Serial Port Mode — RS-232  
Serial Server Port — 1  
Serial Timeout — 0 seconds  
TCP alive timeout — 0 minutes  
TCP/UDP Port — Port 1: 4000;  
Port 2: 4001;  
Port 3: 4002;  
Port 4: 4003  
Remote IP Address — 255.255.255.255  
RS-232 Connection Mode — Server  
TCP/UDP Protocol — 1-Port Serial Server Port 1: TCP;  
2-Port Serial Server Ports 1 and 2: TCP;  
4-Port Serial Server Ports 1–4: TCP  
Version and Date — Current firmware version number and date  
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Chapter 1: Specifications  
Figure 1-1. 1-Port Serial Server dimensions.  
Figure 1-2. 2-Port Serial Server dimensions.  
Figure 1-3. 4-Port Serial Server dimensions.  
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Chapter 2: Overview  
2. Overview  
2.1 Introduction  
1-, 2-, and 4-Port Port Industrial Ethernet Serial Servers enable connection of RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 devices to an Ethernet  
network. You can access the serial ports over a LAN/WAN using Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM Port, or Paired Mode connections.  
The 10-/100-Mbps Ethernet connection auto-selects 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX and indicates the type of connection with a  
bi-color link light. These serial servers are built for use in industrial environments, featuring an IP30-approved, slim-line,  
DIN-rail-mountable case. They operate from a range of AC or DC power supply voltages, support redundant DC power, and  
feature terminal block power connectors.  
Industrial and commercial measurement and control systems often have standalone devices with unused serial ports. Black Box®  
Serial Servers allow you to connect those ports into your existing LAN or WAN, giving you access to more information and the  
ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot those devices from a control room, office, or even a distant location via a WAN.  
Save the cost, time and trouble of carrying a laptop out to devices located in distant, cold, dirty, or uncomfortable environments.  
Connect your serial device to the serial port and connect the server to your LAN. Your networked computer “sees” the device  
over the network as a virtual serial connection. Black Box serial servers support TCP or UDP protocols and allow transmitting to  
and receiving from multiple IP addresses. There are four methods of configuring serial servers: via Management Software, Web  
Server, Telnet, or via a direct RS-232 console connection using a terminal program.  
2.1.1 Applications  
• Access remote devices with serial ports via your network.  
• Manage, configure, and program devices remotely via a Web server.  
• Use for industrial devices such as PLCs, drives, motor controls, process analyzers.  
• Building/commercial/security—parking control, security, cameras.  
• Traffic management—lights, systems, cameras.  
• Retail/point of sale—cash registers, scanners, scales.  
2.1.2 Manager Software  
The Manager software allows easy access to the serial server to configure the server and its ports, upgrade server firmware, and  
monitor port status and activity. When the Manager opens, it will search for and display all serial servers on the network.  
2.1.3 Monitor Port  
The Monitor Port feature allows you to use any PC on the LAN/WAN to actively view and troubleshoot the communications sta-  
tus. It shows when there is a client connection to the server and the client IP address. It displays the number of bytes transmitted  
and received as well as the status of the hardware handshaking lines.  
2.1.4 Web Server  
Black Box serial servers can be accessed and configured from any Web browser (such as Internet Explorer) on the LAN/WAN. This  
allows you to remotely manage the software and your serial device. It also allows off-site troubleshooting.  
2.1.5 Heartbeat Connection Protection  
LES400A series Serial Servers provide automatic resumption of the TCP data connection in case of a power failure or loss of an  
Ethernet connection on either the client or server. Once the Heartbeat connection is established, the server sends a signal to the  
client every five seconds until communication is re-established. Without this feature, a device that loses a connection and stops  
communicating would not be able to reconnect without a person attending to the problem. The Heartbeat feature works with  
virtual COM and TCP direct IP connections.  
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Chapter 2: Overview  
Figure 2-1. 1-, 2-, and 4-Port Industrial Serial Servers.  
2.2 Features  
• Multi-interface serial ports: The 1-Port Industrial Serial Server features one multi-interface serial port and the choice of standard  
DB9 M or removable terminal block connections (switch selectable).  
The 2-Port Industrial Serial Server features two multi-interface serial ports.  
The 4-Port Industrial Serial Server features four multi-interface serial ports.  
All ports are software selectable as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 half-duplex, or RS-485 full-duplex interfaces.  
For all models Port 1 is software, or DIP switch selectable for Console Mode operation (configuration via direct serial  
connection).  
• Slim-line, DIN-rail-mountable case.  
• Accepts AC or DC power over a wide voltage range.  
• Redundant DC power supply input.  
• 10-/100-Mbps Ethernet with Auto Selection.  
• LAN and WAN communications.  
• TCP or UDP client or server operation—configurable.  
• Software support—2000/2003 Server/XP/Vista/2008/Windows 7.  
• Firmware upload for future revisions/upgrades.  
• Can be accessed and configured via a Web browser using Web Server.  
• Supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 half- and full-duplex serial interfaces.  
• Terminal block power connectors for industrial installations.  
• LES401A has a terminal block and a DB9 serial connector.  
• In Server mode, supports eight individual client sessions.  
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Chapter 2: Overview  
• UDP mode allows broadcast to and from multiple IP addresses.  
• Management access password protected.  
• Configure the Ethernet and serial port settings using any of four methods:  
1. Serial Server Manager Software for Windows enables configuration via a network connection or directly from the Ethernet  
port of a computer (using an Ethernet crossover cable).  
2. Web Server enables configuration via the network using a Web browser.  
3. Telnet enables configuration via the network by accessing the setup configuration menu.  
4. Console Mode enables configuration through an RS-232 serial port in using a VT100 Terminal Emulation program and an  
RS-232 crossover cable.  
• Virtual COM Driver Software for Windows for 2000/2003 Server/XP/Windows Vista/2008/Windows 7—installs virtual COM  
ports, viewable in the Windows Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT). A Virtual COM port provides access to any of the  
ports on the Serial Server, like any other serial port (legacy, PCI, USB or PCMCIA) on the computer. Any program running on the  
computer and using Windows based COM ports can access the serial devices attached to the serial server. The LAN becomes  
transparent to the serial device and the software running on the PC.  
• Heartbeat Connection—selectable protocol ensures reliable communications in Virtual COM Port or Paired Connection modes.  
This feature restores the connections if communications are temporarily lost at either end because of loss of power or loss of  
the Ethernet connection.  
2.3 Communication Modes  
The Serial Servers enable communication with serial devices over a LAN or WAN. Serial devices no longer are limited to a physical  
connection to the PC COM port. They can be installed anywhere on the LAN using TCP/IP or UDP/IP communications. This  
enables traditional Windows PC software access to serial devices anywhere on the LAN/WAN network.  
2.3.1 Direct IP Mode  
Direct IP connections allow applications using TCP/IP or UDP/IP socket programs to communicate with the asynchronous serial  
ports on the serial server. In this type of application, the serial server is configured as a TCP or UDP server. The socket program  
running on the PC establishes a communication connection with the Serial Server. The data is sent directly to and from the serial  
port on the server. When using UDP protocol, the server can be configured to broadcast data to and receive data from multiple IP  
addresses.  
2.3.2 Virtual COM Mode  
Install Virtual COM Mode enables the user to add a driver to provide a virtual COM port on the computer. The new COM port  
shows up in the Device Manager. Windows programs using standard Windows API calls are able to interface to virtual COM  
ports. When a program on the PC opens the new COM port, it communicates with the remote serial device connected to one of  
the ports on the Serial Server.  
After connection, the LAN is transparent to the program and serial device. Applications are able to work just as if the serial device  
is connected directly to a physical COM port on the computer. The virtual COM port software converts the application’s data into  
IP packets, sends it across the network to the Serial Server, which converts the IP packet back to serial data and sends the data  
out a serial port located on the Serial Server.  
To use this mode, the Serial Server must be set to either TCP/server or UDP/server with a designated communication port number.  
The virtual COM driver is the TCP or UDP client.  
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Chapter 2: Overview  
2.3.3 Paired Mode  
Paired Mode is also called serial tunneling. In this mode, any two serial devices that can communicate with a serial link will be able  
to communicate using two Serial Servers and the LAN.  
Two Serial Servers are connected to a network, one configured as a TCP or UDP client and the other as a TCP/UDP server. When  
setting up the server the remote IP address section must contain the address of the client. This will allow the client’s IP address to  
pass the IP address-filtering feature of the server. Conversely, the Remote IP address of the client must contain the server’s IP  
address. Both communication port numbers must be the same.  
2.3.4 Heartbeat  
The Heartbeat protocol connection provides a reliable communications connection in Virtual COM Port Mode or with Paired  
Connection Mode. This feature restores the connection if communications are temporarily lost at either end because of loss of  
power or Ethernet connection.  
Without this feature, a device that loses a connection and stops communicating would not be able to reconnect without human  
intervention. A TCP data connection can be lost when there is a power failure or temporary loss of an Ethernet connection on  
either the client or server. If a loss occurs, the Heartbeat feature will try to reconnect the TCP data connection every five seconds  
until communications are established again. The Heartbeat feature is available for use in Virtual COM Port Mode and Paired  
Connection Mode. This is not available when using a UDP application.  
2.4 What’s Included  
Your package should contain the following items. If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support  
at 724-746-5500 or [email protected].  
• 1-, 2-, or 4-Port Industrial Serial Server module.  
• (1) CD-ROM containing Serial Server Manager and Virtual COM Driver software for Windows 2000/2003 Server/XP/  
Vista/2008/Win 7 and this user manual in PDF format.  
2.5 Hardware Description  
Figure 2-2 shows the 1-Port Serial Server. Table 2-1 describes its components.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
Figure 2-2. 1-Port Serial Server.  
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Chapter 2: Overview  
Table 2-1. 1-Port Serial Server components.  
Number Component  
Description  
1
(1) terminal block connector  
Used for DC power.  
2
(1) Link LED  
Lights yellow for 10BASE-T or green for 100BASE-TX.  
3
(1) Ready LED  
Flashes green when the unit is ready to transmit/receive data.  
Lights when power to the unit is on.  
Press to reset the unit.  
4
(1) Power LED  
5
(1) Reset button  
(1) 2-position DIP switch  
(1) RJ-45 Ethernet connector  
(1) RX LED  
6
Selects run or console mode.  
7
Connects to Ethernet.  
8
Lights when data is being received.  
Lights when data is being transmitted.  
Connects to serial device.  
9
(1) TX LED  
10  
11  
(1) DB9 connector  
(1) terminal block connector  
Links to serial device.  
Figure 2-3 shows the 2-Port Serial Server. Table 2-2 describes its components.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
8
9
10  
10  
Figure 2-3. 2-Port Serial Server.  
Table 2-2. 2-Port Serial Server components.  
Number Component  
Description  
1
(1) terminal block connector  
Used for DC power.  
2
3
4
5
(1) Link LED  
Lights yellow for 10BASE-T or green for 100BASE-TX.  
Flashes green when the unit is ready to transmit/receive data.  
Lights when power to the unit is on.  
Press to reset the unit.  
(1) Ready LED  
(1) Power LED  
(1) Reset button  
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Chapter 2: Overview  
Table 2-2 (Continued). 2-Port Serial Server components.  
Number Component  
Description  
6
(1) 2-position DIP switch  
(1) RJ-45 Ethernet connector  
(2) RX LEDs  
Selects run or console mode.  
7
Connects to Ethernet.  
8
Light when data is being received at the serial ports.  
Light when data is being transmitted from the serial ports.  
Connect to serial devices.  
9
(2) TX LEDs  
10  
(2) DB9 connectors  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
8
9
10  
9
8
8
9
10  
10  
Figure 2-4. 4-Port Serial Server.  
Table 2-3. 4-Port Serial Server components.  
Number Component  
Description  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
(1) terminal block connector  
Used for DC power.  
(1) Link LED  
Lights yellow for 10BASE-T or green for 100BASE-TX.  
Flashes green when the unit is ready to transmit/receive data.  
Lights when power to the unit is on.  
Press to reset the unit.  
(1) Ready LED  
(1) Power LED  
(1) Reset button  
(1) 2-position DIP switch  
(1) RJ-45 Ethernet connector  
(4) RX LEDs  
Selects run or console mode.  
Connects to Ethernet.  
Light when data is being received at the serial ports.  
Light when data is being transmitted from the serial ports.  
Connect to serial devices.  
(4) TX LEDs  
(4) DB9 connectors  
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Chapter 3: Hardware Configuration  
3. Hardware Configuration  
3.1 Serial Server Indicators, Switches, and Connectors  
3.1.1 Indicators  
• One bi-color Link LED (Yellow = 10BASE-T, Green = 100BASE-T)  
• One green Ready LED (flashing = system ready)  
• One red Power LED  
• One red RX LED and one green TX LED for each serial port  
3.1.2 Switches  
Reset  
A recessed reset switch that enables the unit to be reset. Insert a small plastic tool, press lightly and hold for three seconds. The  
Link and Ready lights will go out and then come back on.  
Run/Console Switch  
A recessed single DIP (dual inline package) switch that allows the Serial Server to be switched between Run Mode and Console  
Mode. When switched to the Console position, the Serial Server enters Console Mode. This allows you to configure the Serial  
Server from a PC running a terminal program, such as HyperTerminal®, without connecting the server to the network. To  
communicate with the connected serial device, the switch must be returned to the “Run” position.  
DB9/Terminal Switch (1-Port Industrial Serial Server only)  
Allows connection to the serial port (RS-232, 422 or 485) via the DB9 M connector or the five-terminal removable terminal block.  
3.1.3 Connectors  
Ethernet Connector  
One standard RJ-45 receptacle that allows the Serial Server to be connected to an Ethernet hub, switch, or wallplate using  
a standard straight-through RJ-45 (male) Ethernet cable. To connect directly to an RJ-45 Ethernet port on a PC or laptop,  
a crossover Ethernet cable must be used.  
Serial Port(s)  
• 1-Port Industrial Serial Server: (1) serial port with (2) connector options: (1) (DB9 M) or (1) five-terminal removable terminal block  
(DIP switch selectable)  
• 2-Port Industrial Serial Server: (2) serial port connectors (DB9 M)  
• 4-Port Industrial Serial Server: (4) serial port connector (DB9 M)  
NOTE: Refer to Appendixes A, B, and C for connection pinouts.  
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Chapter 3: Hardware Configuration  
Power Connector  
The power connector is a removable terminal block with four terminals. From top to bottom the terminals are:  
Table 3-1. Power connector.  
Terminal  
Connect to  
Description  
Negative side of DC power supply (if DC  
power used).  
GND  
Internally, the chassis ground of the serial server is connected to this terminal.  
Also connect negative side of backup DC  
power supply (if used).  
One side of AC power supply (if AC power  
used)  
AC in  
Either AC or DC power can be used to power serial servers. The power supply  
voltages can range from 9 VDC to 48 VDC or 8 VAC to 24 VAC.  
The other side of AC power supply (if AC  
power used)  
AC/DC+ in  
Backup DC+ in  
OR  
Positive side of DC power supply (if DC  
power used)  
Backup power must be DC voltage and can be any voltage between 9 VDC and  
48 VDC.  
Positive side of backup DC power supply  
3.2 Serial Server/Port Operational Modes  
Using the Serial Server Manager, Web Server, or Telnet, the Serial Server can be put into Console Mode, Default Mode, or  
Upgrade Mode. The serial ports can be configured for RS-232, RS-422, RS-485H (half-duplex), or RS-485F (full-duplex) operation.  
The server also can be put into Console Mode by placing the Run/Console switch in the Console position.  
3.2.1 Default Mode  
When Default Mode is selected and the server properties are Updated (Saved), all the configuration settings return to their default  
values.  
NOTE: Refer to Chapter 6 for details on Serial Server Configuration settings. See Chapter 1 for Serial Server default parameters.  
3.2.2 Console Mode  
In Console Mode, the Configuration Menu can be accessed from a PC by connecting its RS-232 serial port to the 1-Port Industrial  
Serial Server serial port or 2- or 4-Port Industrial Serial Server Serial Port 1. Since the computer is a DTE device and the serial ports  
are configured as DTEs (with DB9 M connectors), a null-modem crossover cable must be used.  
In Console Mode, the default serial port settings are: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. From Windows,  
HyperTerminal with VT100 terminal emulation can be used for Console Mode configuration.  
NOTE: Refer to Chapter 10 for details on Console Mode.  
3.2.3 Upgrade Mode  
In Upgrade Mode, firmware can be uploaded from a PC via its serial port to the 1-Port Industrial Serial Server serial port or the  
2-port or 4-Port Industrial Serial Server Serial Port 1. Upgrading also can be done via the network connection, using the Serial  
Server Manager software and a virtual COM port.  
NOTE: Refer to Chapter 9 for details on Upgrade Mode.  
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Chapter 3: Hardware Configuration  
3.2.4 RS-232 Mode  
In RS-232 Mode, the currently selected serial port is configured as an RS-232 interface supporting eight RS-232 signal lines plus  
Signal Ground and is configured as a DTE, like a computer. Signals are single-ended and referenced to Ground. To use  
handshaking, Flow Control must be set to RTS/CTS during configuration.  
3.2.5 RS-422 Mode  
In RS-422 Mode, the currently selected serial port is configured as an RS-422 interface supporting four RS-422 signal channels  
with full-duplex operation for Receive, Transmit, RTS (Request To Send), and CTS (Clear To Send). The data lines are differential  
pairs (A and B) in which the B line is positive relative to the A line in the idle (mark) state. Ground provides a common mode  
reference. To use handshaking, Flow Control must be set to RTS/CTS during configuration.  
3.2.6 RS-485H Mode  
In RS-485H Mode, the currently selected port is configured as a two-wire RS-485 interface supporting DataB(+) and DataA(-)  
signal channels using half-duplex operation. The data lines are differential with the Data B line positive relative to Data A in the  
idle (mark) state. Ground provides a common mode reference.  
3.2.7 RS-485F Mode  
In RS-485F Mode, the currently selected port is configured as a four-wire RS-485 interface supporting transmit lines TXDB(+) and  
TXDA(-) and receive lines RXDB(+) and RXDA(-) for full-duplex operation. The lines are differential with the B line positive relative  
to A in the idle (mark) state. Ground provides a common mode reference.  
3.2.8 RS-485 Receiver Biasing  
RS-485 Receiver Biasing can be implemented from the Serial Server if the network does not supply it. Remove the four screws  
from the cover of the Serial Server, slide the cover off, and re-position the bias jumpers as indicated in the following diagrams and  
tables.  
NOTE: The Serial Servers provide separate jumpers for RS-485 half-duplex and RS-422/485 full-duplex operation. Also, the 1-Port  
Industrial Serial Server provides separate jumpers for the terminal block and DB9 connectors. Biasing jumpers are also  
provided for CTS inputs.  
Figure 3-1. 1-Port Industrial Serial Server bias jumper locations.  
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Chapter 3: Hardware Configuration  
Table 3-2. 1-Port Industrial Serial Server bias jumpers.  
Connector  
Interface Type  
Jumper Number Pull Up/Pull Down  
J12  
J6  
Pull up  
485 half-duplex  
Pull down  
Pull up  
Terminal block  
J7  
422/485 full-duplex  
485 half-duplex  
422/485 full-duplex  
CTS  
J13  
J3  
Pull down  
Pull up  
J9  
Pull down  
Pull up  
J5  
DB9  
J11  
J4  
Pull down  
Pull up  
J10  
Pull down  
Figure 3-2. 2-Port Industrial Serial Server bias jumper locations.  
Table 3-3. 2-Port Industrial Serial Server bias jumpers.  
Port  
Interface Type  
Jumper Number Pull Up/Pull Down  
J2  
Pull up  
485 half-duplex  
J10  
J4  
Pull down  
Pull up  
422/485 full-duplex  
CTS  
1
J14  
J7  
Pull down  
Pull up  
J6  
Pull down  
J9  
Pull up  
485 half-duplex  
422/485 full-duplex  
CTS  
J15  
J3  
Pull down  
Pull up  
2
J13  
J11  
J16  
Pull down  
Pull up  
Pull down  
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Chapter 3: Hardware Configuration  
Figure 3-3. 4-Port Industrual Serial Server.  
Table 3-4. 4-Port Industrial Serial Server bias jumpers.  
Port  
Interface Type  
Jumper Number Pull Up/Pull Down  
J22  
J17  
J7  
Pull up  
485 half-duplex  
Pull down  
Pull up  
422/485 full-duplex  
1
J21  
J13  
J9  
Pull down  
Pull up  
CTS  
Pull down  
Pull up  
J3  
485 half-duplex  
422/485 full-duplex  
CTS  
J2  
Pull down  
Pull up  
J8  
2
3
4
J20  
J14  
J28  
J12  
J27  
J6  
Pull down  
Pull up  
Pull down  
Pull up  
485 half-duplex  
422/485 full-duplex  
Pull down  
Pull up  
J19  
J11  
Pull down  
Pull up  
CTS  
J26  
Pull down  
J16  
J24  
J5  
Pull up  
485 half-duplex  
422/485 full-duplex  
CTS  
Pull down  
Pull up  
J18  
J10  
J25  
Pull down  
Pull up  
Pull down  
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Chapter 4: Installing the Software  
4. Installing the Software  
The Windows based Serial Server Manager and Virtual COM Port software makes configuration fast and easy. If using Windows,  
we recommend installing the Serial Server Manager software and setting up virtual COM ports to configure the Serial Server.  
The Serial Server software includes:  
• Serial Server Manager software  
• Install Virtual COM Ports  
• Uninstall Virtual COM Ports  
4.1 Automatic Installation  
Step 1a: Insert the Serial Server CD in the CD-ROM drive to automatically launch the Install Shield Wizard.  
4.2 Manual Installation  
Step 1b: To manually start the software installation, from the Windows Desktop, click on the “Start” button. At the Run  
command line, type D:start.exe then click “OK.” (D: is the drive letter for the CD-ROM.)  
Figure 4-1. The Run Dialog box.  
The Install Shield Wizard window will be displayed.  
Figure 4-2. The Install Shield Wizard window.  
Step 2: When the Serial Server Setup window appears, click “Next.”  
Figure 4-3. Serial Server Setup window.  
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Chapter 4: Installing the Software  
Figure 4-4. The Choose Destination window.  
Step 3: When Choose Destination Location appears, click “Next.”  
The installation progress will be shown until complete.  
Figure 4-5. The Install Shield Wizard Complete window.  
Step 4: Click “Finish” when the Install Shield Wizard Complete dialog appears. When finished, the dialog box will close.  
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Chapter 4: Installing the Software  
4.3 Updating an Existing Installation  
If an older version of the Serial Server Manager software is already installed, the “Modify, Repair, or Remove the Program”  
window will appear when the installation process is initiated:  
Figure 4-6. The InstallShield Wizard Modify, Repair, or Remove the Program window.  
We recommend removing all installed components first. Once the software has been removed, Install the new software.  
4.4 Opening the Serial Server Manager software  
Step 5: If the Serial Server is not already connected to the network or to the Ethernet port on the computer, connect it. Set the  
Run/Console switch to the Run position. Apply power.  
The Power indicator should light red, the Link light should indicate which type of Ethernet connection has been made,  
and the Ready LED will flash indicating that configuration can begin.  
Step 6: Start the Serial Server Manager software. In Windows Desktop, click:  
Start —> Programs —> Serial Server  
As soon as the Serial Server Manager opens, it will initiate Searching Server and after a few seconds the Serial Server List will  
display all Serial Servers on the network.  
Figure 4-7. Serial Server Manager displaying all Serial Servers.  
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Chapter 5: Using Serial Server Manager  
5. Using Serial Server Manager  
The Serial Server Manager software enables:  
• Searching for servers connected to the network.  
• Displaying and changing the configuration of those servers.  
• Installing virtual COM ports on a computer.  
• Displaying and configuring virtual COM ports.  
• Uninstalling virtual COM ports on a computer.  
• Upgrading the serial server firmware.  
• Monitoring port status.  
• Saving and loading configuration files.  
5.1 Hardware Setup  
Step 1: Connect the Serial Server to the LAN or to a computer Ethernet port. Set the Run/Console DIP switch on the Serial Server  
to the Run position.  
Figure 5-1. Ethernet connection via a LAN.  
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Chapter 5: Using Serial Server Manager  
NOTE: If connecting directly to a computer LAN card, use an Ethernet Crossover Cable (as in Figure 5-2).  
Figure 5-2. Direct Ethernet connection using a crossover cable.  
Step 2: Apply power. The red Power indicator will light. The Link indicator lights when an Ethernet connection is made, and the  
Ready indicator will flash.  
5.2 Software Setup  
Step 3. To run the Serial Server Manager from the Windows Desktop, click:  
“Start —> Programs —> Serial Server”  
As soon as the Serial Server Manager opens, it will initiate Searching Server and after a few seconds, the Serial Server List will  
display all Serial Servers on the network.  
Figure 5-3. The Serial Server Manager window.  
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Chapter 5: Using Serial Server Manager  
5.3 Software Overview  
The Serial Server Manager window provides the following information:  
• Menus (Server, View, Exit, Help)  
• Server Icons (Firmware Upgrade, Virtual COM Configuration, Searching Server, Uninstall Virtual COM, Monitor Port Status)  
• Serial Server/Virtual COM Lists  
• Software Status (Ready, Updating, Searching, etc.)  
5.3.1 Menus  
Server  
• Firmware Upgrade—Used when downloading new firmware to the Serial Server.  
NOTE: See Chapter 9 for more information on upgrading firmware.  
• Virtual COM Configuration—Selects the Virtual COM List. Double clicking on any COM port in the Virtual COM List brings up a  
window that enables changing the virtual COM settings such as Flow Control, Protocol, IP address, and Port Number. Virtual  
COM settings must match Serial Server port settings.  
• Searching Server—Searches for Serial Servers on the network and brings back configuration information that will be displayed in  
the Server Properties window.  
• Uninstall Virtual COM—Enables virtual COM ports to be uninstalled from the Serial Server Manager window.  
• Monitor Port Status—Brings up a screen that displays the following information associated with the selected serial port:  
Serial TX: Displays the number of bytes of data sent to the serial device since the IP connection was established.  
Serial RX: Displays the number of bytes of data received from the connected serial device since the IP connection was  
established.  
DTR/RTS: The DTR/RTS Port Status indicator displays the current logic state of the DTR and RTS hardware handshake (output)  
lines for the selected Serial Server port (1 = asserted, 0 = not asserted).  
DCD/DSR/CTS: The DCD/DSR/CTS Port Status indicator displays the current logic state being received on the DCD, DSR, and  
CTS hardware handshake (input) lines for the selected Serial Server port (1 = asserted, 0 = not asserted).  
Status: Indicates whether the client software has made a connection with the Serial Server.  
IP Address: Displays the IP address of the connected client when there is a client connection.  
• Save Configuration File—Enables the user to save the current configuration information to a file with a .vcom extension.  
• Load Configuration File—Enables the user to load a configuration file.  
View  
Provides three viewing options for the Serial Server Manager screen:  
• Toolbar—enables the toolbar (directly under the menu bar) to be viewable or hidden.  
• Status Bar—enables the Status Bar (at the bottom of the screen) to be viewable or hidden.  
• Split—enables the position of the split between the Icons pane and the Virtual COM List/Serial Server List panes to be dragged  
horizontally using the mouse.  
Exit  
• Allows you to Exit the Serial Server Manager program.  
Help  
• Accesses the About vcomui” dialog box, which indicates the software version number.  
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Chapter 5: Using Serial Server Manager  
5.3.2 Server Icons Pane  
Firmware Upgrade, Virtual COM Configuration, Searching Server, Uninstall Virtual COM, and Monitor Port Status can also be  
selected using icons located in the left window.  
5.3.3 Serial Server/Virtual COM Lists  
To make managing lists of serial servers easier, lists can be sorted by clicking on any tab heading. Scrolling bars help when  
scrolling through long lists.  
Serial Server List  
• Server Name—Displays the name of the Serial Server. The name is listed once for each port.  
• IP Address—Displays the IP Address for the Serial Server. All ports in a Serial Server have the same the same IP address.  
• Protocol—Displays the currently selected TCP or UDP mode for the Serial Server.  
• Port—Displays the port number for each Serial Server port.  
• COM Name—Displays the name of the computer COM port mapped to each Serial Server port. If no computer port has been  
mapped, it displays “Not mapped.”  
• Status—The Status indicates the mapped virtual COM port condition.  
Not Connected is shown when a program does not have the port Open.  
Connected is shown when that mapped port is Open for use.  
Virtual COM List  
• COM Name—Displays the number of the COM port mapped to each Serial Server port.  
• IP Address—Displays the IP Address for the Serial Server. All ports in a Serial Server have the same IP address.  
• Protocol—Displays the currently selected TCP or UDP mode for the Serial Server.  
• Port—Displays the port number for each Serial Server port.  
• Flow Control—Indicates what type of flow control is configured for each port.  
• Status—Indicates whether each port is currently In Use or Not Used.  
Status Bar  
Displays the current status of the software in the bottom, left corner of the screen.  
• Ready  
• Updating  
• Searching reachable servers…  
5.4 Search for Servers  
Upon opening the Serial Server Manager software, it will automatically execute Searching Server and search for all reachable Serial  
Servers.  
Step 4: To manually initiate a search for servers, click ”Searching Servers” (under the Servers menu or the icon on the left side of  
the screen). The Search Setup box will appear.  
It provides two options for searching for servers on the network:  
Specify the IP Address of the Serial Server  
Search all reachable servers  
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Chapter 5: Using Serial Server Manager  
Step 5: Enter the IP Address assigned to the desired Serial Server or click “Search all reachable servers,” then click “OK.” IP  
Address is used to find Serial Server units that are not on the same subnet. (Routers on the network will block the stan-  
dard broadcast used to find servers if Search all reachable servers is selected.) The user must set an IP address that con-  
forms to the LAN addressing scheme.  
The Searching window is shown until all active Serial Servers on the LAN are listed in the Serial Server List window.  
5.5 Configure Server Properties  
The Server Properties window displays the current configuration properties for the currently selected server.  
Step 6: To open the Server Properties window, highlight the Serial Server in the Serial Server List window, double-click to open.  
The Server Properties window is used to configure and store the Server configuration settings. Details for setting Properties are  
described in the next chapter.  
Figure 5-4. The Server Properties window.  
NOTE: Serial Server Manager Navigation:  
• Use the mouse to select the property and parameters or  
• Tab to move to the next property  
• Tab+Shift to move back to previous property  
• Arrows to move between properties or change values or contents of the current property  
• Enter to select update or cancel  
Step 7: After configuring as needed, click “Update” to store the configuration in the server.  
Step 8: Click “Yes” to restart. A dialog box will appear indicating that the server is restarting, then a dialog box will ask whether  
you want to search for all reachable servers again.  
Step 9: Click “Yes.”  
After the port has been updated, you may want to re-enter Server Properties to verify the changes have taken effect, or to view/  
change the configuration of other ports. Each port must be configured separately.  
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Chapter 6: Configuring the Serial Server Properties  
6. Configuring the Serial Server Properties  
The Serial Server can be configured using any of four different user interfaces: the Serial Server Manager software, Console Mode,  
Telnet, or the Web Server. The Server Properties described in this chapter can be changed from any of these user interfaces.  
Figure 6-1. The four methods of configuring server properties.  
Figure 6-2. Serial Server Manager Server Properties window.  
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Chapter 6: Configuring the Serial Server Properties  
Server Name  
This field displays the name that has been assigned to the Serial Server. You can enter a new Server Name of up to 16 characters.  
If more than one Serial Server is connected on the LAN, we recommend that you assign a new name to each. When the Serial  
Server Manager finds a Serial Server on the LAN, it displays the server name and IP Address, enabling the user to distinguish  
between Serial Servers.  
Serial Number  
Each Serial Server has a unique serial number. It is fixed and cannot be changed.  
Password  
Entering a password activates a security feature on the Serial Server. Once a password is entered, it will be required to access the  
menu and make changes.  
DHCP  
DHCP servers are a part of numerous LAN management systems. The DHCP field provides two choices: Disable and Enable.  
Disable is the normal, or default, setting. When enabled, the Serial Server will send a DHCP request to the DHCP server, which will  
assign a dynamic IP address, net mask, and gateway to the Serial Server. If a DHCP server is not available on the network, the  
Serial Server will time out after 10 seconds and the default values will remain. When DHCP is enabled, the IP Address, Netmask,  
and Gateway fields become inaccessible and cannot be changed by the user.  
NOTE: A dynamic address assigned by the DHCP server may change if the server loses the Ethernet connection or power is  
removed. The host (client) communication software requests a connection to the specific IP address of the serial server. If  
the DHCP reassigns a different IP address, the software will not be able to communicate with the hardware. Therefore, we  
recommend using a static IP address.  
IP Address  
Software or hardware attempting to access the Serial Server via the network must know the IP address of the server. A static IP  
address is retained and remains the same each time the server is powered up or starts/restarts. The default IP address of the Serial  
Server is printed on a label on its bottom cover. Entering an appropriate address in the IP Address field and updating the server  
will change the server’s IP address. The network administrator can assign/establish the static address or group of addresses to be  
used.  
The IP address of the Serial Server can be confirmed using the DOS Ping command.  
NOTE: To use Ping to check for communications:  
• Access a DOS window (in XP click “Start,” then “Run”).  
• At run prompt enter: CMD.  
• In the DOS window enter: Ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (IP address for the server to be confirmed).  
• The command will return the Ping results indicating four replies.  
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Chapter 6: Configuring the Serial Server Properties  
Figure 6-3. Pinging using the DOS command window.  
Netmask  
The default LAN netmask is configured for a Class C address. The user may change this. The default is 255.255.255.0.  
Gateway  
The gateway IP address allows users to access the Serial Server from outside the LAN.  
MAC Address  
The MAC address is fixed and cannot be changed. It is assigned in the factory. Every Ethernet device manufactured has it own  
unique MAC address.  
Version and Date  
The currently loaded version of the firmware, and when it was released, is shown here.  
Link Status  
Link status automatically displays the type of Ethernet connection. It will either display 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX in full-duplex or  
half-duplex. This will depend on the LAN, switches, and hubs used in the LAN topology.  
Server Serial Port  
This field indicates the number of the port for which Serial Server properties are currently being displayed. Changing the number  
in this field will cause all the other fields to display the properties for the specified port.  
NOTE: Before changing ports, any changes to properties must be Updated (Saved) or the unit will not retain them.  
Baud Rate  
The serial port baud rate on the Serial Server must match the serial baud rate of the connected device unless using Virtual COM  
Mode. In Virtual COM Mode, the software program will establish serial settings.  
Data/Parity/Stop  
Set this to match the data format used by the serial device connected when Virtual COM Mode is not being used.  
Flow Control  
The Flow Control setting must match the requirements of the serial device connected.  
NOTE: Select “None” when setting the port as RS-485 or 4-wire RS-422.  
TCP/UDP Protocol  
Select TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol) protocol. If the application does not require a UDP  
connection, select TCP. TCP guarantees reliable communication with error checking, whereas UDP provides faster transmission.  
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Chapter 6: Configuring the Serial Server Properties  
UDP Mode  
When UDP mode is chosen, the Serial timeout, TCP alive timeout, Connection mode, Connection at, Max connection, and  
Remote IP address fields are replaced with the following fields: Destination IP address range, Port number, and Source IP address  
range. In this mode, you can configure the server to broadcast data to and receive data from multiple IP addresses. Four IP  
address range fields are provided.  
Figure 6-4. The Server UDP Configuration screen.  
Serial Timeout  
Default for the Timeout property is 0, or no timeout. Setting Timeout to any value between 1 and 65535 seconds activates it. If  
Timeout is set to 5 seconds and the Serial Server is configured as a Server, the Client makes a connection and communications  
starts. If communications are ideal for 5 seconds, the Serial Server will reset and make itself available for another client  
connection.  
TCP Alive Timeout  
The Serial Server monitors TCP activity. If TCP activity stops for the length of time specified in this field, the connection will be  
closed. This field can be set to any value between 0 and 255 minutes. If zero, or no value, is entered into this field, the server will  
not disconnect.  
Connection Mode  
The Connection Mode field has three options: Server, Client, and Client (no heartbeat). When Client or Client (no heartbeat) is  
selected, the Connection at field automatically becomes active (allowing the user to select Power up or Data Arrival).  
• When using the Virtual COM Port feature, select Server.  
• When using a TCP or UDP Socket program, select Server.  
• When using Paired Mode communication between two serial servers, set up one as a Client and the other as a Server.  
• When connecting to a server that does not support Heartbeat, select Client (no Heartbeat).  
Delimiter HEX 1 and Delimiter HEX 2  
These fields allow the user to enter two ASCII characters (in hex format) that delimit the beginning and end of a message. When  
a message with both these delimiters is received at the serial port, the data contained in the serial buffer is placed in an Ethernet  
packet and sent out the Ethernet port. If only Delimiter 1 is set (Delimiter 2 is zero or blank), upon receiving Delimiter 1 the Serial  
Server will put all the data in the serial buffer in an Ethernet packet and send it out the Ethernet port. If serial data greater than 1  
kilobyte is received, it will automatically be placed in an Ethernet packet and sent out the Ethernet port.  
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Chapter 6: Configuring the Serial Server Properties  
Force Transmit  
This field allows the user to set a maximum time limit between transmissions of data. The value set in this field multiplied by 100  
ms determines the Force Transmit time. When the elapsed time reaches the time configured in this field, the TCP/IP protocol will  
pack the data currently in the serial buffer into a packet and send it out the Ethernet port.  
Port Status  
This field indicates whether a serial port is connected via the Serial Server to a virtual COM port of a device on the network.  
TCP/UDP Port  
This sets the port number for connection. The default port number for the 1-Port Industrial Serial Server serial port is 4000. The  
default port numbers for serial ports 1 and 2 are 4000 and 4001.  
In all modes of operation, Direct IP or Virtual COM, the port number set in the Server Properties menu must match the Virtual  
COM or socket software port settings.  
NOTE: Example: The Virtual COM default setting is TCP/UDP Port 4000. If the port # property is changed to 4001, the virtual  
COM port will have to be changed to 4001. The hardware settings can be changed from the Serial Server Manager or  
Console Configuration Menu. The Virtual COM port setting can also be changed within the Device Manager of the  
computer on which it is installed.  
Serial Port Mode  
Serial Port Mode allows configuration of the serial server for the following modes of operation:  
• Console—When this mode is selected and the server is updated, a PC running a communications program such as  
HyperTerminal can communicate with the Serial Server via the Console Mode serial port (Port 1 of each Serial Server), displaying  
the Server Properties screen and enabling configuration of the server and its ports.  
• Upgrade—When this mode is selected and the server is updated, firmware can be uploaded into the Serial Server via the  
Console Mode serial port or a virtual COM port mapped to the number of the Console Mode serial port.  
• Default—When this mode is selected and the server is updated, it will revert the server to its default configuration.  
• RS-232—When this mode is selected and the server updated, the selected serial port will become an RS-232 serial port on the  
server.  
• RS-422—When this mode is selected and the server updated, the selected serial port will become an RS-422 serial port on the  
server.  
• RS-485H—When this mode is selected and the server updated, the selected serial port will become a two-wire, half-duplex  
RS-485 serial port on the server.  
• RS-485F—When this mode is selected and the server updated, the selected serial port will become a four-wire, full-duplex  
RS-485 serial port on the server.  
Connection At  
When the Connection Mode field is set to Client or Client (no heartbeat), this field becomes active, allowing the Serial Server  
(acting as a client) to connect to the server either on Power up or on Data Arrival (first character arriving).  
Max Connection  
This field allows the user to configure the Serial Server to have up to eight TCP connections.  
Remote IP Address  
This is a security feature activated by entering the IP address of the desired client. The Serial Server will only communicate with the  
listed IP address and all other requests for connection will be filtered out. The Serial Server must be set up as a TCP or UDP Server  
to use this feature. The default setting is 255.255.255.255.  
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Chapter 6: Configuring the Serial Server Properties  
If Paired Mode is not being used, do not change this setting until the application has been tested and is communicating properly.  
Then activate the address filtering feature.  
NOTE: Refer to Section 2.3.3, Paired Mode.  
Update/Save  
Server properties must be updated separately for each serial port. Updating varies slightly, depending on which of the four  
configuration user interfaces are used.  
Updating the Server Properties in Serial Server Manager  
From the Server Properties screen, click the “Update” button to store the configuration settings for the currently selected port.  
The vcomui dialog box will appear, indicating you must restart the device before the new settings will take effect. Click “Yes.”  
After several seconds, a dialog box will ask whether you want to search for all reachable servers again. Click “Yes.”  
After that port has been updated, you may want to re-enter Server Properties to verify the changes have taken effect, or to view/  
change the configuration of other ports. Each port must be configured separately.  
Saving Configuration Data in Console Mode or Telnet  
Saving (updating) server properties is done from the Configuration screen. Access the Configuration screen by tabbing through  
the list of screens on the left side of the window and highlighting Configuration.  
There are four options shown on the right side of the Configuration screen: Save, Default, Running, and Reset. Use Tab,  
Backspace, or arrow keys to move the cursor to the option position, and then press “Enter.”  
• Save stores the configuration data to the Serial Server flash memory and resets it.  
• Default restores the configuration data to factory default settings.  
• Running restores the configuration data to the last values stored in the flash memory.  
• Reset re-boots the Serial Server, making it available for a client connection.  
Web Server Interface  
• The Web Server interface provides the same updating options as Console Mode and Telnet. These are located at the bottom of  
all three Web Server pages. If a field is changed, you must click “Save” before leaving that page, or the changes will be ignored.  
NOTE: If you leave any Web Server page without saving, any changes you have made will be ignored.  
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Chapter 7: Installing Virtual COM Ports  
7. Installiing Virtual COM Ports  
The Virtual COM Port feature allows Windows platform software, using standard API calls, to be used in an Ethernet application.  
The Install Virtual COM Port software adds a Serial Server (COM#) port to the computer. This shows up in the Device Manager.  
The COM number can be selected from a list of available numbers. For example, in a computer already having a COM 1 and  
COM 2, COM 3 to COM 254 are available for the Serial Server. We recommend that you select COM Port 5 or higher. The virtual  
COM port looks like a standard COM port to most Windows based applications. This enables the software to open a connection  
with the serial port located anywhere on the LAN/WAN. When using the virtual COM port, the Serial Server is configured as a  
TCP or UDP Server.  
7.1 Virtual COM Port Installation  
Step 1: From the Windows Desktop, click:  
“Start —> Programs —> Serial Server”  
The Search Setup window will appear.  
Step 2: Select the “Search all reachable servers” checkbox, then click “OK.”  
Figure 7-1. The Search Setup window.  
The program searches the LAN for all available Serial Servers. When complete, the Found Server window appears and displays a  
list of the servers that were found.  
Figure 7-2. The Found Server window.  
Step 3: Select the Serial Server at the IP Address to be mapped to a virtual COM port, then click “OK.”  
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Chapter 7: Installing Virtual COM Ports  
Figure 7-3. The COMInst window.  
Step 4: In the Map To: field, select the number of the virtual COM port to be assigned. The default Flow Control setting is None.  
RTS/CTS can be selected if used by the application program and serial hardware. The Serial Server must be set to match.  
The protocol TCP/UDP, IP address, and port number will mirror the settings of the selected serial server. Click “OK.”  
NOTE: PCs may have hardware COM ports and devices such as modems, IR ports, or USB-based COM ports that are not currently  
connected. Try selecting a COM number above COM s4 if problems occur.  
Windows XP provides a notice concerning Windows Logo testing for XP.  
Figure 7-4. The Windows Logo Testing window.  
This XP feature simply indicates that these drivers have not yet undergone the Microsoft® testing procedures required to use the  
Windows XP Logo on the packaging. Driver compatibility is not affected.  
Step 5: Click “Continue Anyway” to proceed with the installation.  
Step 6: After setting all Serial Server serial ports as virtual COM ports, click “Cancel” on the Found Server form.  
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Chapter 7: Installing Virtual COM Ports  
7.2 Matching the Serial Server and Virtual COM Port Settings  
The settings of the virtual COM ports in the Device Manager and the Serial Server Configuration Menu must match. If the settings  
do not match, the virtual COM ports will not work. If these settings are changed in the Device Manager, it will only affect the  
operation of the virtual COM port. It will not change the settings stored in the Serial Server. Use the Serial Server Manager to  
change the Serial Server settings.  
Step 1: Use Device Manager to View New Ports.  
Confirm the virtual COM ports in the Device Manager.  
Step 2: Double-click “Ports” to view the list of COM port numbers.  
The installed Virtual COM port will be displayed as Serial Server (COM #).  
Figure 7-5. The Device Manager Window.  
Step 3: In the Device Manager, select a Serial Server COM#. Double-click it to bring up the Properties window.  
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Chapter 7: Installing Virtual COM Ports  
Figure 7-6. The Serial Server (COM3) Properties window.  
Step 4: Click the “Configuration” or “Port Settings” tab. This screen allows the settings to be changed if necessary. Click “Cancel”  
to keep the existing settings.  
Step 5: Click “OK” to change the settings. Use Refresh in the Device Manager if Windows does not auto refresh.  
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Chapter 8: Removing Virtual COM Ports  
8. Removing Virtual COM Ports  
8.1 Using Serial Server Manager  
Step 1: From the Windows Desktop, click:  
“Start —> Programs —> Serial Server”  
Step 2: In the Serial Server Manager window, click the Virtual COM List tab. Highlight the mapped COM port number to be  
removed.  
Figure 8-1. The Serial Server Manager window.  
Step 3: Click the “Uninstall Virtual COM” icon. The Manager will ask for conformation. Click “OK” to complete the uninstall  
procedure.  
8.2 Using Device Manager  
NOTE: The screen shots were taken from a Windows XP operating system.  
Step 1: From the Windows Desktop click:  
“Start —> Settings —> Control Panel”  
Step 2: Click the System icon when the manager window opens.  
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Chapter 8: Removing Virtual COM Ports  
Figure 8-2. The Control Panel window.  
Step 3: Click “Device Manager” in the Systems Properties window. In the Device Manager dialog box, click the “+” next to Ports  
(COM LPT) to expand.  
Figure 8-3. The Device Manager window.  
Step 4: Highlight Serial Server (COM#) to be removed and click the Action” tab at the top of window, then click “Uninstall.” A  
Confirm Device Removal window will appear.  
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Chapter 8: Removing Virtual COM Ports  
Figure 8-4. Confirm Device Removal.  
Step 5: Click “OK” to proceed.  
The Serial Server (COM#) will be removed and the Device Manager window will refresh and display the remaining COM ports.  
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Chapter 9: Upgrading the Serial Server Firmware  
9. Upgrading the Serial Server Firmware  
into the server. The firmware can be uploaded using either a virtual COM port connection or hardware COM port connection.  
9.1 Downloading the Firmware  
the file into the (.hex) format so it will be ready to upload to the Serial Server.  
9.2 Upgrading Via Serial Server Manager  
The Serial Server Manager software can upload new firmware to the server using a direct PC connection via the 1-Port Industrial  
Serial Server serial port, 2- or 4-Port Industrial Serial Server Port 1, or using a virtual COM port.  
NOTE: If connecting directly to a computer serial port, use a null-modem cable between the computer RS-232 port and Port 1 of  
any of the Industrial Serial Server serial ports.  
9.2.1 Preparing the Software  
Step 1: In the Serial Server Manager Serial Server List window, double click the server to be upgraded. The Server Properties  
window will appear.  
Step 2: If using a direct connection to upload the firmware to the Serial Server, set the baud rate to 115200 for the fastest  
possible upload.  
Step 3: Set the Serial Port field to upgrade and click the “Update” button. (Make sure that the Run/Console switch is in the Run  
position.)  
Step 4: Click “Yes” on the vcomui dialog to restart the Serial Server.  
9.2.2 Upgrading the Firmware  
Step 5: Double-click the Firmware Upgrade icon (or click the Server menu and Firmware Upgrade).  
Step 6: In the Upgrade window, click “Browse.” The Open dialog box will appear. Locate the folder on your PC that contains the  
firmware .hex file. Select the file and click “Open.” The Open dialog box will disappear.  
Step 7: In the Upgrade window, select the serial port to be used in transferring the firmware.  
If connected directly from the PC to a Serial Server port, it will typically be COM1 or COM2.  
If using a virtual COM port to upgrade via the network, identify the virtual COM number and address mapped to Port 1 on the  
Serial Server.  
Step 8: Click “Upgrade.”  
Step 9: In the Port Settings window, set the bits per second, data bits, parity, and stop bits to the same values as set up in the  
Server Properties window. Click “OK.”  
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Chapter 9: Upgrading the Serial Server Firmware  
Figure 9-1. The Port Settings window.  
Step 10: Upgrade progress will be shown until the Upgrade finished! message is shown. Click “OK.”  
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Chapter 10: Using Console Mode  
10. Using Console Mode  
Before the Serial Server is installed on a LAN, the Console Mode can be used to change the settings from the defaults. The Serial  
Server is shipped in the RS-232 Mode. Connect a crossover (null-modem) cable between the COM port on the computer and the  
appropriate serial port on the Serial Server.  
NOTE: See Chapter 6 for details of each server property settings.  
Console Mode Setup  
Step 1: Apply power to the Serial Server. The Power LED will light and the Ready LED will flash.  
Step 2: Using a VT100 Terminal emulation program (typically HyperTerminal in Windows), open the computer COM port  
connected to the Serial Server (via an RS-232 crossover cable).  
Step 3: In the HyperTerminal Port Settings window set:  
Baud rate: 9600  
Data bits: 8  
Parity: None  
Stop bits: 1  
Flow control: None  
Click “OK.”  
Step 4: Make sure that the Run/Console switch is in the Console position.  
Step 5: To view the Configuration Menu, press the space bar. The menu will appear within a few seconds.  
Navigating the Configuration Menus  
There are six Console Mode screens: Server, Network, Serial Mode, Operation, Monitor, and Configuration. Use Tab, Backspace,  
and arrow keys to highlight the desired function on the screen list. Pressing “Enter” moves the cursor to the first field with the  
current screen. The configuration fields can be changed by pressing Enter and selecting from the list that appears. The Escape key  
moves the cursor back to the screen list. Pressing the Space Bar refreshes the page.  
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Chapter 10: Using Console Mode  
Figure 10-1. Console Mode Configuration screens.  
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Chapter 10: Using Console Mode  
Step 6: Once all the changes have been made, move to the Configuration screen, select “Save” and press “Enter.”  
Figure 10-2. Saving and restarting the configuration.  
The restart message will appear.  
Step 7: Select “Yes” to save changes. This is necessary to write the settings to the server.  
Using a Password  
If a password is used, you must enter it before the Configuration screen will appear. If the server is accessed with a password but  
no changes are made, Reset to end before disconnecting.  
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Chapter 11: Using the Web Server  
11. Using the Web Server  
The Web Server can be used to configure the Serial Server from any Web browser software (such as Internet Explorer). Server  
properties can be set up using three browser pages.  
NOTE: See Chapter 6 for details on server properties.  
Setting Server Properties  
In Internet Explorer, type the IP address of the Serial Server into the address field near the top of the window and press the Enter  
key. The following window will appear:  
Figure 11-1. The Web Server page.  
Navigate and change properties as required using the mouse and keyboard.  
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Chapter 11: Using the Web Server  
To change serial port properties, click “Serial Port” on the left side of the browser window. The following page will appear:  
Figure 11-2. The Web Server Serial Port Properties page.  
To change other operational properties, click “Operation” on the left side of the browser window. The following page will  
appear:  
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Chapter 11: Using the Web Server  
Figure 11-3. The Web Server Operation page.  
Click “Save” to store changes to the Serial Server. Settings for each port must be saved separately.  
NOTE: If new property settings are not saved before leaving this page, they will not take effect.  
Return to the main Server page by clicking on “Server” on the left side of the browser window.  
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Chapter 12: Using Telnet  
12. Using Telnet  
You can use Telnet to configure the Serial Server from any PC on the LAN. The Telnet window displays the same configuration  
information shown in Console Mode and allows server properties to be configured.  
NOTE: See Chapter 6 for details on Server Properties.  
Configuration Using Telnet  
Step 1: Make sure that the PC and Serial Server are connected to the LAN.  
Step 2: Apply power to the Serial Server. The power and ready LED will light.  
Step 3: Make sure Serial Server is in Run Mode. If the Run/Console switch is in the Console position, switch it to the Run position.  
The Serial Server will revert to the operational mode it was in before the switch was set to Console.  
Step 4: From the Desktop, click “Start,” then “Run.” The Run dialog box will open.  
Step 5: Type in Telnet and the IP address of the Serial Server to be configured, then click “OK.”  
Figure 12-1. The Run Dialog box.  
NOTE: The Serial Server must be in RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 mode before you can Telnet to it and access the configuration  
screens. If it was last configured in Console mode, you may not be able to access it using Telnet. In this case, use Serial  
Server Manager, Console Mode, or Web Server for configuration.  
Step 6. The Telnet window will open (unless the server is still in Console mode) and the Server screen will appear.  
Navigating the Configuration Menu  
There are six Telnet screens: Server, Network, Serial Mode, Operation, Monitor, and Configuration. Use Tab, Back Space and arrow  
keys to highlight the desired function on the screen list. Pressing Enter moves the cursor to the first field with the current screen.  
The configuration fields can be changed by pressing Enter and selecting from the list that appears. The Escape key moves the  
cursor back to the screen list. Pressing the Space Bar refreshes the page.  
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Chapter 12: Using Telnet  
Figure 12-2. Telnet Configuration screens.  
Step 7: Once all the changes have been made, move to the Save field and select “Enter.” The restart message will appear.  
Figure 12-3. Saving and Restarting the Configuration  
Step 8: Select “Yes” to save changes. This is necessary to write the settings to the server. The Telnet window will disappear.  
Step 9: To view the changes, re-enter Telnet and re-establish communications. The configuration menu will appear and display  
the current settings.  
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Appendix A: RS-232 Connections  
Appendix A. RS-232 Connections  
A.1 2- and 4-Port Serial Server DB9 Pinouts in RS-232 Mode  
Figure A-1. DB9 connector.  
Table A-1. DB9 connector pinout.  
RS-232 Signal Name  
DTE  
RS-232 DB9 M Pin  
Carrier Detect  
In  
DCD  
RXD  
TXD  
DTR  
GND  
DSR  
RTS  
CTS  
RI  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Receive Data  
In  
Transmit Data  
Data Terminal Ready  
Signal Ground  
Data Set Ready  
Request To Send  
Clear To Send  
Ring Indicator  
Out  
Out  
In  
Out  
In  
In  
A.2 1-Port Serial Server Terminal Block Pinout in RS-232 Mode  
Figure A-2. Terminal block connector.  
Table A-2. 1-Port Serial Server Terminal Block  
Pinout in RS-232 Mode.  
RS-232 Signal Name  
DTE  
RS-232 Terminal  
Signal Ground  
GND  
CTS  
TXD  
RXD  
RTS  
1
2
3
4
5
Clear To Send  
Transmit Data  
Receive Data  
In  
Out  
In  
Request To Send  
Out  
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Appendix B: RS-422/485 Connections  
Appendix B. RS-422/485 Connections  
B.1 2- and 4-Port Serial Server DB9 Pinout in RS-422 Mode  
Figure B-1. DB9 connector.  
Table B-1. RS-422 connections in a DB9  
connector.  
RS-232 Signal Name Direction RS-422  
DB9 M Pin  
Receive Data A (-)  
Receive Data B (+)  
Transmit Data B (+)  
Transmit Data A (-)  
Signal Ground  
In  
RXDA (-)  
RXDB (+)  
TXDB (+)  
TXDA (-)  
GND  
1
In  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Out  
Out  
In  
Clear To Send A (-)  
Clear To Send B (+)  
CTSA (-)  
CTSB (+)  
RTSB (+)  
RTSA (-)  
In  
Request To Send B (+) Out  
Request To Send A (-) Out  
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Appendix B: RS-422/485 Connections  
B.2 1-Port Serial Server Terminal Block Pinout in RS-422 Mode  
Figure B-2. Terminal block connector.  
Table B-2. 1-Port serial terminal block pinout  
in RS-422 mode.  
Signal Name  
RS-422  
RS-232 Terminal  
Signal Ground  
GND  
Out  
Out  
In  
1
2
3
4
5
Transmit Data (-)  
Transmit Data (+)  
Receive Data (+)  
Receive Data (-)  
TXD(-)  
TXD(+)  
RXD(+)  
RXD(-)  
In  
In the RS-422 mode, TXD lines are outputs and RXD lines are inputs. Connect the Serial Server TXDB(+) line to the RXDB(+) line  
of the serial device, and the Serial Server TXDA(-) to the RXDA(-) of the serial device.  
If flow control is set for RTS/CTS, connect the Serial Server RTSB(+) to CTSB(+) of the serial device and the Serial Server RTSA(-)  
line to the CTSA(-) of the serial device. Connect from the Serial Server CTSB(+) line to the RTSB(+) of the serial device and from  
the Serial Server CTSA(-) line to the RTSB(+) line of the serial device.  
If connecting to receive-only RS-422 devices, connect from the Serial Server TXDB(+) and TXDA(-) lines to the receive pairs on all  
serial devices.  
Ground is signal ground and provides a common mode reference for the RS-422 receiver and transmitters.  
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Appendix C: RS-485 Connections  
Appendix C. RS-485 Connections  
C.1 1-, 2-, or 4-Port Serial Server DB9 Pinout in RS-485H (Two-Wire, Half-Duplex) Mode  
Figure C-1. DB9 male connector.  
Table C-1. DB9 pinout in RS-485H mode.  
RS-485 Signal Name Direction RS-485  
DB9 M Pin  
Data B (+)  
In/Out  
In/Out  
DATA B (+)  
DATA A (-)  
GND  
3
Data A (-)  
4
5
Signal Ground  
C.2 1-, 2-, or 4-Port Serial Server DB9 Pinout in RS-485F (Four-Wire, Full-Duplex) Mode  
Figure C-2. DB9 male connector.  
Table C-2. DB9 pinout in RS-485F mode.  
RS-232 Signal Name Direction RS-422  
DB9 M Pin  
Receive Data A (-)  
Receive Data B (+)  
Transmit Data B (+)  
Transmit Data A (-)  
Signal Ground  
In  
RXDA (-)  
RXDB (+)  
TXDB (+)  
TXDA (-)  
GND  
1
In  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Out  
Out  
In  
Clear To Send A (-)  
Clear To Send B (+)  
CTSA (-)  
CTSB (+)  
RTSB (+)  
RTSA (-)  
In  
Request To Send B (+) Out  
Request To Send A (-) Out  
NOTE: Some RS-485 devices are marked opposite the RS-485 standard, which defines the Data B line as positive relative to Data  
A during a Mark state before enabling the transmitter, and after transmitting before tri-stating. If an RS-485 device does  
not respond, try swapping the Data B and Data A lines.  
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Appendix C: RS-485 Connections  
C.3 1-Port Serial Server Terminal Block Pin-out in RS-485F (Four-Wire, Full-Duplex) Mode  
Figure C-3. Terminal block connector.  
Table C-3. Terminal block connector pinning in RS-485F  
mode.  
Signal Name  
RS-422  
Direction  
Terminal  
Signal Ground  
GND  
1
Transmit Data (-)  
Transmit Data (+)  
Receive Data (+)  
Receive Data (-)  
TXD(-)  
TXD(+)  
RXD(+)  
RXD(-)  
Out  
Out  
In  
2
3
4
5
In  
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Appendix D: Network Connections  
Appendix D. Network Connections  
D.1 Standard Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pinout  
Figure D-1. RJ-45 connector.  
Table D-1. T-568A straight-through  
Ethernet cable connector pinout.  
RJ-45  
Pin  
Signal  
Wire Color  
RJ-45 Pin  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TX+  
White-Green  
1
TX-  
Green  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
RX+  
White-Orange  
Blue  
Not used  
Not used  
RX-  
White-Blue  
Orange  
Not used  
Not used  
White-Brown  
Brown  
Table D-2. T-568B straight-through  
Ethernet cable connector pinout.  
RJ-45  
Pin  
Signal  
Wire Color  
RJ-45 Pin  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TX+  
White-Orange  
1
TX-  
Orange  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
RX+  
White-Green  
Blue  
Not used  
Not used  
RX-  
White-Blue  
Green  
Not used  
Not used  
White-Brown  
Brown  
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Appendix D: Network Connections  
D.2 Crossover Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pinout  
Figure D-2. RJ-45 connector.  
Table D-3. RJ-45 Ethernet crossover cable  
connector pinout.  
RJ-45  
Pin  
Signal  
Wire Color  
RJ-45 Pin  
1
TX+  
White-Green  
3
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TX-  
Green  
6
1
4
5
2
7
8
RX+  
White-Orange  
Blue  
Not used  
Not used  
RX-  
White-Blue  
Orange  
Not used  
Not used  
White-Brown  
Brown  
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NOTES  
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NOTES  
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Black Box Tech Support: FREE! Live. 24/7.  
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way it should be.  
Great tech support is just 30 seconds away at 724-746-5500 or blackbox.com.  
About Black Box  
Black Box provides an extensive range of networking and infrastructure products. You’ll find everything from cabinets and racks  
and power and surge protection products to media converters and Ethernet switches all supported by free, live 24/7 Tech support  
available in 30 seconds or less.  
© Copyright 2012. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.  
LES401A, version 2  
pn# 7006-rev002 LES40xA 2608m  
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