B&B Electronics 232SS21600 User Manual

Smart Switch

Model 232SS2

Document No. 232SS21600

This product Designed and Manufactured

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:

Technical Support e-mail:

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

-- Fax [phone]

-- Fax [phone]



1992 B&B Electronics -- Revised April 2000

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B&B Electronics RESERVED. No part of thi s publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by



any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval
system without written consent. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice, and does not
represent a commitment on the part o f B&B Electronics.

B&B Electroni cs shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing,
performance, or use of this manual.

All brand names used in this manual are the registered trademarks of their respective owners. The use of
trademarks or other designations in this publication is for reference purposes only and does not constitute an
endorsement by the trademark holder.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION...............................................1

Checklist.................................................................................2

Chapter 2: SETUP ...............................................................3

Port Configuration ..................................................................4

Serial Data Configuration.......................................................5

Smart Switch Operation .........................................................6

Programming the Second Character .....................................7

Binary File Transfer................................................................7

Smart Switch/Port Combiner Mode........................................8

Specifications.......................................................................11

Chapter 3: SOFTWARE....................................................12

Introduction ..........................................................................12

Windows SSwitch.................................................................12

DOS SSTSR ........................................................................13

Parameters...........................................................................15

Default Values......................................................................16

Help Screen .........................................................................16

Un-Install..............................................................................16

Selecting Ports.....................................................................16

Hot Key Method....................................................................17

Command Line Method........................................................17

APPENDIX A: ASCII Character Codes...........................A-1

APPENDIX B: Cable Charts............................................B-1

232SS21600 Manual Table of Contents i

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Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

The RS-232 Four Port Smart Switch/Port Combiner, Model
232SS2, allows one RS-232 host device to connect to as many as
four RS-232 devices. The switch can be controlled in two different
ways. The first way is referred to as smart switch mode. In this
mode, the switch is controlled by sending a programmable preamble
code to the "Master" port of the 232SS2. The other way the switch
can be controlled is referred to as port combiner mode. In port
combiner mode, a slave port can gain access to the master port by
asserting a handshake line. If none of the slave ports have their
handshake line asserted, the switch can be controlled using the
preamble code.

The master port can be configured as a DTE or DCE port by an
internal switch setting. If the master port is configured as a DTE port,
the four slave ports will become DCE ports. The 232SS2 supports
the following signals: TD, RD, RTS, CTS, DSR, DCD, and DTR.

The 232SS2 has an enhanced mode which offers special timer
features. The timer features can be used to prevent slave devices
from receiving preamble commands, inadvertently switching from
binary/graphic file transfers, and inactive slave devices from holding
control of the master port.

The 232SS2 will work with baud rates from 1200 to 115,200
bps; 7 or 8 data bits; even, odd or no parity; and 1 or 2 stop bits
(7,N,1 is not allowed).

: The data format and rates mentioned are used to switch

NOTE

the 232SS2. The communication between the devices can use any
format or data rate.

There are four LED's on the 232SS2 to indicate which port is
connected to the master port. The master port has a DB-25S female
connector and the slave ports have DB-25S female connectors. The
232SS2 requires 12Vdc at 100ma. which is provided through a

2.5mm power jack.

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Checklist

Examine the shipping carton and contents for physical damage.
If damage is found, file a claim with the shipper immediately.

The following equipment should be in the shipping carton:

1. RS-232 Smart Switch

2. Instruction Manual

3. (2) 3.5" floppy disks

If any of the items above are not in the shipping carton contact
the shipper immediately.

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232SS21600 Manual

Chapter 2: SETUP

The 232SS2 is set up using an eight-position dipswitch. This
dipswitch is used to set the communication format, port
configuration, smart switch/port combiner mode and to
enable/disable the enhanced features. To change the settings on
the switch, remove the power from the unit, and remove the screws
(2) from the bottom of the 232SS2. The dipswitch is located on the
top of the PC board (side with LEDs) and is labeled “SW1.” The
other dipswitch, labeled “SW2” is used to set the second character
of the preamble. After the switches have been set to match your
requirements, you can put the unit back together. Table 1 shows the
settings for dipswitch “SW1”.

Table 1. Communication & Port Setup

Dipswitch SW1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Setting

000XXXXX1200 Baud
100XXXXX2400 Baud
010XXXXX4800 Baud
110XXXXX9600 Baud *
001XXXXX19.2K Baud
101XXXXX38.4K Baud
011XXXXX57.6K Baud
111XXXXX115.2K Baud
XXX0XXXXEnhanced Disabled *
XXX1XXXXEnhanced Enable
XXXX0XXX8 Data Bits *
XXXX1XXX7 Data Bits
XXXXX0XXParity Disabled *
XXXXX1XXParity Enabled
XXXXXX0XSmart Switch Mode*
XXXXXX1XPort Combiner Mode
XXXXXXX0DCE master port *
XXXXXXX1DTE master port

0 = OFF 1 = ON X = DON'T CARE

* = FACTORY DEFAULT

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Port Configuration

In order to determine the proper port configuration of the
232SS2, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of the terms
DCE and DTE. RS-232 was designed, using DB-25 connectors, for
connecting a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) device to a DCE
(Data Communication Equipment) device. Each device will have
inputs on pins that correspond to outputs on the same pins of the
other device. For example, a DTE device will transmit data out on
pin 2 (on a DB-25) and a DCE device will receive data in on pin 2
(on a DB-25). IBM PCs and serial printers are DTE devices,
modems are DCE devices.
If an IBM PC (DTE device) is going to be connected to the
232SS2 master port, the master port should be configured as a DCE
port. If a modem (DCE device) is going to be connected to the
master port, it should be configured as a DTE port.
The master port can be configured as a DCE port (data received
on pin 2) or a DTE port (data received on pin 3) by setting dipswitch
“SW1”, position 8. To configure the master port as a DCE port, move
dipswitch “SW1”, position 8, to the "OFF" position. When the master
port is configured as a DCE port, ports A, B, C, & D will become
DTE ports (Refer to Table 2). To configure the master port as a DTE
port move dipswitch “SW1”, position 8, to the "ON" position. When
the master port is configured as a DTE port, ports A, B, C, & D will
become DCE ports (Refer to Table 3).

Always

smart switch when changing switch settings.

power down the

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232SS21600 Manual

Table 2. DCE MASTER PORT CHART

Master Port

(DCE) Signal

A,B,C & D Ports

(DTE)

Pin# Direction Description Pin# Direction

2 Input Transmit Data (TD) 2 Output
3 Output Receive Data (RD) 3 Input
4 Input Request to Send (RTS) 4 Output
5 Output Clear to Send (CTS) 5 Input
6 Input DCE Ready (DSR) 6 Output
7 GROUND Signal Ground (SG) 7 GROUND
8 Output Recv. Line Detect (DCD) 8 Input

20 Input DTE Ready (DTR) 20 Output

Table 3. DTE MASTER PORT CHART

Master Port

(DTE) Signal

A,B,C & D Ports

(DCE)

Pin# Direction Description Pin# Direction

2 Output Transmit Data (TD) 2 Input
3 Input Receive Data (RD) 3 Output
4 Output Request to Send (RTS) 4 Input
5 Input Clear to Send (CTS) 5 Output
6 Output DCE Ready (DSR) 6 Input
7 GROUND Signal Ground (SG) 7 GROUND
8 Input Recv. Line Detect (DCD) 8 Output

20 Output DTE Ready (DTR) 20 Input

The 232SS2 supports the following RS-232 signals: TD, RD, SG,
RTS, CTS, DSR, DCD, and DTR.

The Smart Switch selects port A as the default port at power up.

Serial Data Configuration

In order for the host device that is connected to the master port
to select any of the four ports, the Smart Switch must be set to
match the host's communication format. Dipswitch “SW1” is used to
select the communication format of the Smart Switch. Switch
positions 1 through 3 select the baud rate. Switch position 5 selects
7 or 8 data bits. Switch position 6 determines if parity is enabled or
disabled.

NOTE:

not allowed.

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A data format of 7 data bits, no parity and one stop is

Switch position 8 selects the port configuration, see section titled
"Port Configuration". Refer to Table 1.

Always

power down the smart

switch when changing switch settings.

Smart Switch Operation

Smart Switch mode is selected when dipswitch “SW1” position 7
is “Off.” In Smart Switch mode, the 232SS2 is constantly looking for
the three character preamble code by monitoring the data that is
being received on the master port from the host device. The 232SS2
requires a three character preamble code to turn on and off a port.
The first character must be the ASCII escape character (decimal

27). The second character is user programmable by setting
dipswitch “SW2”. “SW2” comes from the factory programmed to the
ASCII character STX (decimal 2). The third character should be the
ASCII upper case letters "A", "B", "C" or "D" (decimal 65, 66, 67, or
68 respectively) to select those ports. To turn off the selected port
the third character should be the ASCII EOT character (decimal 4).
For instance, to turn on port B you would send:

ESC STX B

If you were writing a program in BASIC to control the Smart
Switch you would form a string like this:

SWB$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + "B"

You could then send SWB$ to select port B. Similar strings
could be used for turning on the other ports. To turn off the ports the
string might look like this:

TOFF$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + CHR$(4)

When you are done with a port you can either select a new one
directly or turn off the selected port and then turn on the next one.
We recommend that you turn off the selected port before selecting
the next one. The turn off command consists of three characters that
are non-printing (ESC STX EOT). If port A is selected and you send
the command to select port B, all three characters (ESC STX B) will
pass through the A port since it is still selected and the letter B will
show up on your port A device. For information on preventing
command codes from being received by slave devices, refer to the
Enhance Mode section.

NOTE:

There is no delay through the Smart Switch and the

data is not buffered.

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232SS21600 Manual

Programming the Second Character

The second character comes programmed as the ASCII STX
character (decimal 2). You can change this to any 8-bit character
you wish by reprogramming dipswitch “SW2”. “SW2” is an eight­position switch with each position equal to a certain weight. Refer to
“Setup” for instructions on removing the cover to access “SW2”.
Table 4 shows the weight chart for “SW2”.

Table 4.

If you wish to use the letter "U" as the second character, which
has a decimal value of 85, you would turn on switches 1, 3, 5, and 7
(1 + 4 + 16 + 64 = 85). Caution should be used when selecting the
second character, so that by itself, or with the ESC character in front
of it, it is not a valid command to any of the devices on the port. For
instance, on some printers ESC @ is the reset command. If you
tried to use the @ symbol (decimal 64) for the second character you
could reset your printer every time the preamble code was sent.
Note also that if your communication configuration is set for 7 data
bits you cannot use the eighth bit of SW2. For a list of the ASCII
character codes and their decimal values refer to Appendix A.

Programmable Character Setting

Dipswitch SW2* WEIGHT

11
22
34
48
516
632
764
8 128

Factory Default -- ASCII “STX” character

*

(decimal 2), SW2 position 2 is only one ON.

Binary File Transfer

A simple method of using the Smart Switch to transfer binary
files without the concern of it accidentally disconnecting, is to set the
file transfer at a baud rate different from the baud rate of the Smart
Switch. When transferring files at a different baud rate, the Smart
Switch will stay connected from the last preamble code.

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Smart Switch/Port Combiner Mode

This mode allow Ports A-D to select the master port using a
handshake line. It also allows selection from the master port via the
preamble code described in the Smart Switch Only Mode section.
Position 7 of “SW1” must be ON to be in port combiner mode. When
a handshake line goes high on any of the four ports, it will establish
a connection from that port to the master port. This works on first­come-first-serve basis. If multiple ports have their handshake lines
high, the port that has been waiting the longest will be next to be
connected to the master port. For example, (Initial conditions -- no
slave ports with handshake lines asserted.) in chronological order,
Port C asserts its handshake line, Port A asserts its handshake line,
Port D asserts its handshake line and then Port C disasserts its
handshake line. When Port C asserts its handshake line, a
connection will be made between the master port and Port C. When
Port C disasserts its handshake line, Port C will be disconnected
and Port A will be connected to the master port. When Port A
disasserts its handshake, Port A will be disconnected and Port D will
be connected to the master port.

The handshake line that is used to connect to the master port
depends on the configuration of the master port (which in turn
determines the configuration of the slave ports). If the master port is
configured as a DTE port, then the slave ports are configured as
DCE, and RTS must be raised by the device (which is DTE) to
connect to the master port. If the master port is configured as a DCE
port, then the slave ports are configured as DTE and CTS must be
raised by the device (which is DCE) to connect to the master port.

For example, port A is configured as a DCE port (slave device is
DTE), in order to establish a connection to the master port, the
device must set RTS high (assert). The 232SS2 would recognize
this as a prompt for connection to the master port. The connection
would be dropped as soon as RTS from the device is lowered. The
devices on ports B-D may raise RTS at any time to request a
connection. However, if port A is connected to the master port, any
data sent from the devices on ports B-D to the 232SS2 will be lost.
The 232SS2 does not have any buffering.

NOTE:

When a port is selected via the Master Port, the
handshake lines will be ignored until the Master Port sends
the turn off code. When the Master Port is selected by a
handshake line, all preamble codes will be ignored.

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232SS21600 Manual

A typical application would be to have RTS and CTS tied together

on the master port. When RTS (assuming DTE slave device) on port
A (configured as DCE) is asserted, CTS on port A will be asserted
when a connection is established. If a port is not connected to the
master port, then CTS on that port will remain low. Therefore, a port
can monitor the handshake line to determine if a connection has
been established.

Enhanced Mode -- Timer Features

The 232SS2 has an enhanced mode, which offers special timer
features. The timer features can be used to prevent slave devices
from receiving preamble commands, inadvertent switching from
binary/graphic file transfers, and inactive slave devices from holding
control of the master port. The timer has two different modes: an
inactivity mode and an inadvertent switch mode. When in inactivity
mode, the 232SS2 will monitor the data lines. If there is no activity
for the specified time, the selected slave port will be disconnected
from the master port. When in inadvertent switch mode, the
232SS2 will ignore switching commands for the specified period of
time. After this time has expired, the selected slave port will be
disconnected from the master port.

The timer functions are enabled via a dipswitch setting and
through software commands.

ON for the 232SS2 to be in enhanced mode.

Dipswitch SW1 position 4 must be

The software
commands follow the same format as preamble codes used for
switching. There are two commands used to set the timer functions:
Set Timer Mode and Set Timer Value. These commands require an
additional byte for data. The Set Timer Value command requires the
third byte to be an ASCII “T” character. The data byte (fourth byte)
must be a value between ASCII “0” and ASCII “9”. A value of “0” is
used to disable the timer. Refer to Table 3 for timer values. For
example, sending the following string to the 232SS2 will set the
timer value to 5 seconds (assuming programmable character is the
factory default of 2).

SetTV$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”T” + “6”

The “T” tells the 232SS2 it is the set timer value command and the
“6” indicates which timer value to use.

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Table 3 - Timer Values

Data Byte Value

0 timer disabled
1 10ms
2 25ms
3 100ms
4 500ms
51 s
65 s
7 30 s
81 min.
95 min.

The Set Timer Mode command requires the third byte to be an
ASCII “M”. If the data byte (fourth byte) is an ASCII “0”, zero
(default), the timer will be setup as an inactivity timer. For example:
Sending the following string to the 232SS2 will set up the timer as an
inactivity timer (assuming programmable character is the factory
default of 2).

SetTM$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”M” + “0”

The “M” tells the 232SS2 it is the set timer mode command and the
“0” indicates to set up the timer as a inactivity timer. When the timer
is configured as an inactivity timer, the 232SS2 will monitor the data
lines (TD & RD) for data. If there is no activity for the specified timer
value, the slave port that is connected to the master port will be
disconnected. In smart switch mode, the inactivity timer can be used
to prevent the preamble codes from being received by the slave
devices. In port combiner mode, the inactivity timer can be used to
prevent devices from tying up the master port. For example (port
combiner mode), all the slave ports have their handshake lines
asserted. The device on Port C has its handshake line asserted and
is currently connected to the master port, but has not been
transmitting or receiving data. When the inactivity timer expires, Port
C will be disconnected and the next slave port will then be
connected to the master port (following the first-come-first-serve
rule). Port C will then be placed at the “end of the line”.

If the data byte of the Set Timer Mode command is an ASCII “1”,
the timer will be setup to ignore switching commands. Sending the
following string to the 232SS2 will set up the timer to ignore
switching commands. (Assuming programmable character is the
factory default of 2).

SetTM$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”M” + “1”

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232SS21600 Manual

The “M” tells the 232SS2 it is the set timer mode command and the
“1” indicates to set up the timer to ignore switching commands.
When the timer is configured in this mode, the 232SS2 will not
accept any switching commands (“A”, ”B”, ”C”, ”D”, or “EOT”) for the
specified timer value. After the timer has expired, the slave port that
is connected to the master port will be disconnected. This feature is
useful to prevent inadvertent switching during binary/graphic type file
transfers. For example (smart switch mode): The timer is
configured to ignore switching commands for 5 seconds. The select
Port D command is sent to the 232SS2. Once Port D is connected a
file of unknown data type (so file may or may not contain a switching
command sequence) is to be transferred through the 232SS2. For a
period of 5 seconds after Port D is connected, no switching
commands will be accepted. As long as the file transfer takes less
than 5 seconds, there is no chance the 232SS2 will inadvertently
switch port s.

Table 4 - 232SS2 Commands

Command Characters

Function 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Comments

Select Port A ESC X* “A” NU** Switching

Command

Select Port B ESC X* “B” NU** Switching

Command

Select Port C ESC X* “C” NU** Switching

Command

Select Port D ESC X* “D” NU** Switching

Command

Deselect Port ESC X* EOT NU** Switching

Command

Set Timer Value ESC X* “T”“0”-”9” Enhanced

Mode

Set Timer Mode ESC X* “M”“0”,”1” Enhanced

Mode

*X represents the programmable character set by dipswitch SW2
**NU = Not Used

Specifications

Model:
Size:
Power:

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232SS2

6.2 x 8.0 x 2.5hin

12Vdc to 16Vdc @ 100mA

Chapter 3: SOFTWARE

Introduction

The 232M`SS2 comes with two application programs that can
be used to switch between ports. Each comes on a separate floppy
disk. Either can be used independently as the final application or for
testing the functionality of the hardware.

The

SSwitch

switch ports with buttons on a Windows interface, or from the DOS
command line. It will run on Windows 95, 98, or Windows NT 4.0
with service pack 3 installed. When the software is installed, an
example file, SSWVb6.txt, is also placed in the same directory. This
is a text file with Visual Basic sample code. It gives examples on
how to open the port, assemble switching commands, and send
them out the port. It can be accessed by selecting
START/PROGRAMS/B&B Electronics/SSWITCH/Sample Code.

The Smart Switch, Terminate and Stay Resident (
Program (IBM PC or Compatible), is a DOS only application which
allows the user to change Smart Switch ports either through the
command line or by hitting a sequence of keys at the same time,
referred to as hot keys. SSTSR program requires 1K of memory.

program is a Windows program that allows you to

SSTSR

)

Windows SSwitch

Installation

To install the SSwitch Program (Windows 95/98 & NT)

•

From START/ SETTINGS/ CONTROL PANEL

•

Select

•

Insert the Smart Switch for Windows disk and select

•

Follow the Installation prompts to complete the installation

Running SSwitch

shortcut or from the Start/Programs/B&B Electronics/SSwitch
directory if the default directory was selected during installation.

the SSwitch program by selecting Ports/Configuration from the
menu. You change port selection by clicking on the option box or by
using the up/down arrow keys. The port selection can also be
changed at the command line by typing SSwitch and the letter
representing that port. For example, to change to port B you would
enter SSwitch B at the command line. The letter N (none) is used to
close all the ports.

12 232SS21600 Manual

Add/Remove Programs

Install

The SSwitch program can be launched from the desktop

The Smart Switch software configuration can be changed in

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Uninstall

To

•

From START/ SETTINGS/ CONTROL PANEL

•

Select Add/ Remove Programs

•

Select SSwitch from the list of programs

•

Click on the Add/Remove button

SSwitch.exe

DOS SSTSR

Installation

Install

To
If A drive is your floppy drive:

•

Place the Smart Switch for DOS disk in drive A

•

At the DOS prompt

•

Type a:\

The following files will be located on your hard drive:

1) SSTSR.EXE - The executable file for the Smart Switch.

2) SETUP.EXE - Configuration program for the SSTSR.
There are two methods to begin the SSTSR program. The first

and preferred way is to use the SETUP.EXE program and the
second is through the SSTSR.COM file.

the SSTSR Program (DOS)

INSTALL.exe

and press the

ENTER

key.

1) SETUP.EXE Method (preferred)

If the software was installed on your hard drive follow these

steps:

•

Type C: and press the

•

Type

CD\SS

and press the

ENTER

ENTER

key.

key.

To begin the SSTSR program follow these steps:

•

Type SETUP and press the

ENTER

key. You will be prompted
for parameters (for a description refer to the Parameters
section) that are necessary for the SSTSR to communicate
with the Smart Switch. The value in [ ] are the default values. If
this value is desired, just press the

ENTER

key.

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Enter Port Address [02F8]:
Enter Baud Rate ( 1 = 150 2 = 300 3 = 600

4 = 1200 5 = 24006 = 4800

7 = 9600 8 = 19200) [7]:
Enter Parity (0 = No 1 = Odd 2 = Even) [0]:
Enter Number of Data Bits ( 7 = Seven Data Bits

8 = Eight Data Bits) [8]:

Enter Smart Switch Second Char (Decimal Value) [2]:
Enter Hot Key Sequence (1 = <LftShift><Alt><A|B|C|D|N>

2 = <Rht Shift><Alt><A|B|C|D|N>
3 = <Lft Shift><Alt><1|2|3|4|N>
4 = <Rht Shift><Alt><1|2|3|4|N>
5 = <CTRL><ALT><A|B|C|D|N>
6 =<CTRL><ALT><1|2|3|4|N>)[1]:

At this point a file called GO.BAT will be created.

•

Type GO and press the

ENTER

key.

Once the GO.BAT file is created, every time you wish to begin

the SSTSR all that you need to do is type GO and press the

ENTER

key. If you need to change any of the settings of the SSTSR simply
run the SETUP.EXE program again to create a new GO.BAT file.

2) SSTSR.EXE Method

The SSTSR.EXE method requires the same parameters (for a

description refer to the Parameters section) as the SETUP.EXE
method, except that they are all specified through the command line.
Each of these parameters begins with a command symbol followed
by an option as defined in the following table.

Command Description Options

A or a
B or b

D or d

P or p
U or u
H or h

Port Address Hexadecimal Address (0 - FFFFh)
Baud Rate 1 = 150 2 = 300 3 = 600

Number of Data
Bits
Parity 0 = No 1 = Odd 2 = Even

User Defined Char. Decimal (0 - 255)
Hot Key 1 = <Left Shift><ALT><A |B|C|D|N>

4 = 1200 5 = 2400 6 = 4800
7 = 9600 8 = 19200
7 = 7 Data Bits 8 = 8 Data Bits

2 = <Right Shift><ALT><A|B|C|D|N>
3 = <Left Shift><ALT><1|2|3|4|N>
4 = <Right Shift><ALT><1|2|3|4|N>
5 = <CTRL><ALT><A|B|C|D|N>
6 = <CTRL><ALT><1|2|3|4|N>

14 232SS21600 Manual

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If the software was installed in the default directory:

•

At the DOS prompt Type C: and press the

•

CD\232MSS2

Type

and press the

ENTER

ENTER

key.

key.

To begin the SSTSR program (the following will be used as an

example):

Port Address = 03F8 Parity = Odd
Baud = 9600 User Defined Char. = 8
Data Bits = 8 Hot Key Sequence = 4

•

SSTSR A03F8 B7 D8 P1 U8 H6

Type

and press the

ENTER

key.

Using this method, every time you want to install the SSTSR

with different parameter settings than the default (refer to the Default
Values section), the missing parameter must be specified.

Parameters

The Port Address is the address where the serial

communications port is located.

Some of the typical port addresses are as follows:

Port Address

COM 1 03F8h
COM 2 02F8h
COM 3 03E8h
COM 4 02E8h

The Baud Rate is the speed at which communication takes

place between the SSTSR and the Smart Switch. It must be
specified so that it is equal to SW1 on the Smart Switch.

The Number of Data Bits is the length of each character that

gets sent from the SSTSR to the Smart Switch. This value must be
specified so that it is equal to SW2 on the Smart Switch.

The Parity is a method of error detection that takes place during

the transmission of data between the SSTSR and the Smart Switch.
This value must be specified so that it is equal to SW2 on the Smart
Switch.

The User Defined Character must be set so that it is equal to

SW3 on the Smart Switch.

232SS21600 Manual 15

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The Hot Key is a sequence of three keys that must be pressed

simultaneously to switch from one Smart Switch Port to another. For
example, the hot key sequence, <Left Shift> <ALT> <A|B|C|D|N>
states that the left shift, Alt, and either A, B, C, D, or N must be
pressed at the same time to select the corresponding Smart Switch
Port. N turns off all Smart Switch ports.

Default Values

If you type SSTSR on the command line with no parameters, or

omit any parameters, the default value of the missing parameter will
be used. The default values are:

Description Default Value
Port Address
Baud Rate
Parity
Data Bits
Second Character
Hot Key Sequence

02F8h (COM 2)
7 = 9600
0 = No Parity
8 = 8 Data Bits
2 = STX (CTRL B)
1 = <Left Shift><ALT><A|B|C|D|N>

Help Screen

If you are installing the SSTSR using the SSTSR.COM method,

you can type
the commands and their options.

SSTSR ?

and press the

ENTER

key to obtain a list of

Un-Install

The SSTSR may be un-installed easily by typing

pressing the
install. This may be caused by another terminate and stay resident
(TSR) being installed after it. To un-install the
occurs, the other TSR must first be un-installed, then the
can be un-installed normally.

ENTER

key. In some cases the SSTSR will not un-

SSTSR

SSTSR -

when this

and

SSTSR

Selecting Ports

There are two different ways in which a Smart Switch port is

selected, either through the command line or by pressing the
predefined hot key sequence after the SSTSR was installed. When
a request to change ports is made, using either method, first the
current port is turned off, then the port selected is turned on. The
two methods are described as follows:

16 232SS21600 Manual

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Hot Key Method

This method enables the user to select any Smart Switch port by

pressing a predefined sequence of keys at the same time after the
SSTSR is installed (refer to Program Installation).

Example:
If Hot Key sequence <Lft Shift><Alt><A|B|C|D|N> was selected,

to change ports you would press at the same time:

-

Left Shift
Left Shift
Left Shift
Left Shift - Alt - D
Left Shift

- A ..... to select port A

Alt

-

- B ..... to select port B

Alt

-

- C ..... to select port C

Alt

..... to select port D

-

- N ..... to turn off all ports

Alt

Command Line Method

This method enables the user to select any Smart Switch port

through the command line. To specify a Smart Switch port through
the command line, you would type
command symbol and the letter of the port.

Example:
To change to Smart Switch port '"C" you would type

at the Dos prompt and press the

Before a Smart Switch port is changed, a check is made to
determine if the port is busy transmitting. If the port is busy the
STSR will generate a tone to notify you that the port is busy and that
a port change cannot be made.

SSTSR

ENTER

followed by the

key.

X

SSTSR XC

CAUTION: If the software package you are using for

transmission is running at a fast baud rate (57600), the

SSTSR may not detect the Smart Switch port as busy and the

transmission could be interrupted.

The SSTSR does not detect when the Smart Switch port is
receiving data. Therefore, if data is being received, the Smart Switch
port may still be changed.

232SS21600 Manual 17

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APPENDIX A: ASCII Character Codes

DECIMAL to HEX to ASCII CONVERSION TABLE

DEC HEX ASCII KEY DEC HEX ASCII DEC HEX ASCII DEC HEX ASCII

0 0 NUL ctrl @ 32 20 SP 64 40 @ 96 60 `
1 1 SOH ctrl A 33 21 ! 65 41 A 97 61 a
2 2 STX ctrl B 34 22
3 3 ETX ctrl C 35 23 # 67 43 C 99 63 c
4 4 EOT ctrl D 36 24 $ 68 44 D 100 64 d
5 5 ENQ ctrl E 37 25 % 69 45 E 101 65 e
6 6 ACK ctrl F 38 26 & 70 46 F 102 66 f
7 7 BEL ctrl G 39 27 ' 71 47 G 103 67 g
8 8 BS ctrl H 40 28 ( 72 48 H 104 68 h

9 9 HT ctrl I 41 29 ) 73 49 I 105 69 i
10 A LF ctrl J 42 2A * 74 4A J 106 6A j
11 B VT ctrl K 43 2B + 75 4B K 107 6B k
12 C FF ctrl L 44 2C , 76 4C L 108 6C l
13 D CR ctrl M 45 2D - 77 4D M 109 6D m
14 E SO ctrl N 46 2E . 78 4E N 110 6E n
15 F SI ctrl O 47 2F / 79 4F O 111 6F o
16 10 DLE ctrl P 48 30 0 80 50 P 112 70 p
17 11 DC1 ctrl Q 49 31 1 81 51 Q 113 71 q
18 12 DC2 ctrl R 50 32 2 82 52 R 114 72 r
19 13 DC3 ctrl S 51 33 3 83 53 S 115 73 s
20 14 DC4 ctrl T 52 34 4 84 54 T 116 74 t
21 15 NAK ctrl U 53 35 5 85 55 U 117 75 u
22 16 SYN ctrl V 54 36 6 86 56 V 118 76 v
23 17 ETB ctrl W 55 37 7 87 57 W 119 77 w
24 18 CAN ctrl X 56 38 8 88 58 X 120 78 x
25 19 EM ctrl Y 57 39 9 89 59 Y 121 79 y
26 1A SUB ctrl Z 58 3A : 90 5A Z 122 7A z
27 1B ESC ctrl [ 59 3B ; 91 5B [ 123 7B {
28 1C FS ctrl \ 60 3C < 92 5C \ 124 7C |
29 1D GS ctrl ] 61 3D = 93 5D ] 125 7D }
30 1E RS ctrl ^ 62 3E > 94 5E ^ 126 7E ~
31 1F US ctrl _ 63 3F ? 95 5F _ 127 7F DEL

66 42 B 98 62 b

“

232SS21600 Manual Appendix A A-1

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax [phone]

APPENDIX B: Cable Charts

All charts will indicate if the Master Port of the 232SS2 should be
configured as a DCE port or a DTE port. Refer to the Port
Configuration section of the manual for information on Master Port
configurations.

Chart 1. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Master Port

Straight Through Connection

IBM PC

Serial Port

DB25 Connector

2 -----------> 2
3 <----------- 3
4 -----------> 4
5 <----------- 5
6 <----------- 6
7 GROUND 7
8 <----------- 8

20 -----------> 20

Chart 2. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Master Port

Signal

Direction

232SS2

Master Port (DCE)

DB25 Connector

Straight Through Connection

IBM PC

Serial Port

DB9 Connector

1 <----------- 8
2 <----------- 3
3 -----------> 2
4 -----------> 20
5 GROUND 7
6 <----------- 6
7 -----------> 4
8 <----------- 5

Signal

Direction

232SS2

Master Port (DCE)

DB25 Connector

232SS21600 Manual Appendix C C-1

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Chart 3. Modem DB25 Connector to Master Port

Straight Through Connection

Async Modem

Serial Port

DB25 Connector

2 <----------- 2
3 -----------> 3
4 <----------- 4
5 -----------> 5
7 GROUND 7
8 -----------> 8

20 <----------- 20

Chart 4. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - D (DTE)

Master port DCE, Slave port DTE.

Signal

Direction

232SS2

Master Port (DTE)

DB25 Connector

Null Modem Connection

IBM PC

Serial Port

DB25 Connector

2 -----------> 3
3 <----------- 2
4 -----------> 5
5 <---------- 4

6 & 8 <---------- 20

7 GROUND 7

20 -----------> 6 & 8

Signal

Direction

232SS2

Ports A - D (DTE)

DB25 Connector

C-2 Appendix C 232SS21600 Manual

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax [phone]

Chart 5. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - D (DCE)

Master port DTE, Slave ports DCE.

Straight Through Connection

IBM PC

Serial Port

DB25 Connector

2 -----------> 2
3 <----------- 3
4 -----------> 4
5 <----------- 5
6 <----------- 6
7 GROUND 7
8 <----------- 8

20 -----------> 20

.

Chart 6. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - D (DTE)

Master port DCE, Slave port DTE.

Signal

Direction

232SS2

Ports A - D (DCE)

DB25 Connector

Null Modem Connection

IBM PC

Serial Port

DB9 Connector

1 & 6 <----------- 20

2 <----------- 2
3 -----------> 3
4 -----------> 6 & 8
5 GROUND 7
7 -----------> 5
8 <----------- 4

Signal

Direction

232SS2

Ports A – D (DTE)

DB25 Connector

232SS21600 Manual Appendix C C-3

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax [phone]

Chart 7. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - D (DCE)

Master port DTE, Slave port DCE.

Straight Through Connection

IBM PC

Serial Port

DB9 Connector

1 <----------- 8
2 <----------- 3
3 -----------> 2
4 -----------> 20
5 GROUND 7
6 <----------- 6
7 -----------> 4
8 <----------- 5

Signal

Direction

232SS2

Ports A – D (DCE)

DB25 Connector

C-4 Appendix C 232SS21600 Manual

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax [phone]

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFACE STATEMENT

Class A Equipment

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at personal expense.

FCC Class A Equipment Statement