B&B Electronics 232SPS2 User Manual

Parallel to Serial and

Serial to Parallel Converter CE

Model 232SPS2

Documentation Number 232SPS2-0812

This product designed and manufactured in Ottawa, Illinois USA

of domestic and imported parts by

International Headquarters

B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc.

707 Dayton Road -- P.O. Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350 USA

Phone [phone] -- General Fax [phone]

Home Page: www.bb-elec.com

Sales e-mail: [e-mail] -- Fax [phone]

Technical Support e-mail: [e-mail] -- Fax [phone]

European Headquarters

B&B Electronics Ltd.

Westlink Commercial Park, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland

Phone [phone] -- Fax [phone]

Home Page: www.bb-europe.com

Sales e-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support e-mail: [e-mail]

B&B Electronics -- Revised October 2003

232SPS2-0812 Manual Cover Page

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................ 1

PACKING LIST ................................................................................. 1

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................ 2

CHAPTER 2: PARALLEL TO SERIAL INSTALLATION ............... 3

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR PARALLEL PORT ........ 3

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR SERIAL PRINTER ........ 3

CHAPTER 3: SERIAL TO PARALLEL INSTALLATION ............... 5

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR PARALLEL PRINTER .. 5

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR SERIAL PORT .............. 5

CHAPTER 4: POWER CONNECTIONS ........................................... 7

CHAPTER 5: SELECTING DIPSWITCH SETTINGS ..................... 9

APPENDIX A: PARALLEL PORT CONNECTIONS .................. A-1

APPENDIX B: SERIAL PORT CONNECTIONS .......................... B-1

SERIAL TO PARALLEL MODE, HARDWARE HANDSHAKING 1
SERIAL TO PARALLEL MODE, SOFTWARE HANDSHAKING . 2
PARALLEL TO SERIAL MODE, HARDWARE HANDSHAKING 4
PARALLEL TO SERIAL MODE, SOFTWARE HANDSHAKING . 4

APPENDIX C: SOFTWARE HINTS ............................................ C-1

PARALLEL TO SERIAL MODE .................................................. C-1

SERIAL TO PARALLEL MODE .................................................. C-1

APPENDIX D: TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................ D-1

APPENDIX E: DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................. E-1

232SPS2-0812 Manual Table of Contents I

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ii Table of Contents 232SPS2-0812 Manual

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The 232SPS2 is a bi-directional parallel to serial converter. The
232SPS2 allows you to convert data from your parallel port to a serial
communication format or to convert data from your serial port to a
parallel communication format. Standard baud rates from 1200 to

115.2k with a variety of data formats can be used to match the user's
serial port requirements. Both kinds of flow control, XON/XOFF and
hardware handshaking, are supported by this unit.

The unit may be port-powered using DTR and RTS on the serial
port. If the 232SPS2 cannot be powered using the handshake lines,
it may be powered using a 2.5mm jack. The 232SPS2 requires
12VDC @ 2 milliamps.

NOTE: When using an external supply, the supply should be
connected only to specifically labeled power inputs (power jack,
terminal block, etc.). Connecting an external power supply to
the handshake lines may damage the unit. Contact technical
support for more information on connecting an external power
supply to the handshake lines.

PACKING LIST

Examine the shipping carton and contents for physical damage.
If damage is found, file a claim with B&B Electronics immediately.
The following items should be in the shipping carton:

1. 232SPS2 unit

2. This manual

If any of these items are missing contact B&B Electronics.

232SPS2-0812 Manual Chapter 1: Introduction 1

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SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 3.8L x 2.4W x 0.9H in
Buffer Size: 96 bytes
Data Formats:
Baud Rates: 1200 to 115.2k baud
Data Bits: 7 or 8
Parity: Even, Odd, and None
Stop Bits: 1
NOTE: 7 data bits, no parity is not supported.
Handshaking: XON/XOFF, DTR
Power Requirement: 7-18 Volts DC @ 2 ma. (This value does
not include the power that is provided by
the serial port and the power that is
consumed by external devices.)

2 Chapter 1: Introduction 232SPS2-0812 Manual

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CHAPTER 2: PARALLEL TO SERIAL

232SPS2

232PS

Data Flow

Serial Printer

Parallel Port

INSTALLATION

When converting data from your parallel port to a serial
communication format, position #8 of the dipswitch must be "ON".
The other seven positions should be set to match the data format of
your serial printer. Refer to Table 5.1 for dipswitch setting
specifications.

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR PARALLEL PORT

The 232SPS2 uses most of the available pins on the parallel
port. To insure proper operation, you should use a cable that
connects all 25 pins from connector to connector. B&B's Model
232AMM5 is recommended. For detailed information on which pins
are connected on the parallel port, refer to Appendix A.

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR SERIAL PRINTER

The connections required between your 232SPS2 and your
serial printer depend on the type of flow control used. There are two
kinds of flow control, XON/XOFF control and hardware handshaking
control. Dipswitch position #4 must be "OFF" for XON/XOFF control.
Dipswitch position #4 must be "ON" for DTR handshaking. For more
detailed information on serial port connections, refer to Appendix B.

232SPS2-0812 Manual Chapter 2: Parallel to Serial Installation 3

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4 Chapter 2: Parallel to Serial Installation 232SPS2-0812Manual

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CHAPTER 3: SERIAL TO PARALLEL
INSTALLATION

When converting data from your serial port to a parallel
communication format, position #8 of the dipswitch must be "OFF".
The other seven positions should be set to match the data format of
your computer's serial port. Refer to Table 5.1 for dipswitch setting
specifications.

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR PARALLEL PRINTER

The 232SPS2 has a DB-25 female connector on its parallel port.
Most parallel printers use a Centronics 36-pin connector. To insure
proper operation, you should use a cable that connects all 25 pins
from the DB-25 connector to the appropriate pins on a Centronics
36-pin connector. B&B's Model CPC is recommended. For detailed
information on which pins are connected on the parallel port, refer to
Appendix A.

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR SERIAL PORT

The connections required between your 232SPS2 and your
serial port depend on the type of flow control used. The type of flow
control used depends on the software you are using. If you are
unsure which type of flow control your software uses or if you plan to
run different kinds of software, you should use a cable that connects
all 9 pins from connector to connector and set the handshaking
mode to be XON/XOFF control. In this mode both DTR handshaking
and XON/XOFF control are used for flow control. Dipswitch position
#4 should be "OFF" for XON/XOFF control. For more detailed
information on serial port connections, refer to Appendix B.

232SPS2-0812 Manual Chapter 3: Serial to Parallel Installation 5

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