B&B Electronics 232SPS2 User Manual 2

Parallel to Serial and

Serial to Parallel Converter

Model 232SPS2

Document No. 232SPS24595

B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc.

P.O. Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350

PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]

Internet:

http://www.bb-elec.com

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

 B&B Electronics -- June 1995

232SPS24595 Manual Cover Page

B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350

PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]

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.............. 4

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR PARALLEL PRINTER4

CONNECTING THE 232SPS2 TO YOUR SERIAL PORT............ 4

CHAPTER 4: POWER CONNECTIONS..........................................5

CHAPTER 5: SELECTING DIPSWITCH SETTINGS....................7

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

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

SERIAL TO PARALLEL MODE, HARDWARE HANDSHAKING1
SERIAL TO PARALLEL MODE, SOFTWARE HANDSHAKING2
PARALLEL TO SERIAL MODE, HARDWARE HANDSHAKING4
PARALLEL TO SERIAL MODE, SOFTWARE HANDSHAKING4

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

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

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

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

232SPS24595 Manual Table of Contents i

B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350

PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]

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.

232SPS24595 Manual 1

B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350

PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 3.8"L x 2.4"W x 0.9"H
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 232SPS24595 Manual

B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350

PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]

CHAPTER 2: PARALLEL TO SERIAL

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.

Data Flow

232PS

232SPS2

Parallel Port

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.

Serial Printer

232SPS24595 Manual 3

B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350

PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]

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.

4 232SPS24595 Manual

B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350

PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]

CHAPTER 4: POWER CONNECTIONS

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 externally using +7 to +18 volts DC at 2
milliamps. If you are using an external supply, simply plug a 2.5 mm
plug from an appropriate DC source into the power jack on the side
of the 232SPS2 module. Power supplies are available through B&B.
(Model 232PS is recommended.)

232SPS24595 Manual 5

B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350

PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]