B&B Electronics MES1B, MES1A User Manual

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Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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

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Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone] – www.bb-europe.com

International Headquarters

B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc.

707 Dayton Road

Ottawa, IL 61350 USA

Phone [phone] -- General Fax [phone]

Website: www.bb-elec.com

Sales e-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support e-mail: [e-mail]

European Headquarters

B&B Electronics Ltd.

Westlink Commercial Park

Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland

Phone [phone] -- Fax [phone]

Website: www.bb-europe.com

Sales e-mail: [e-mail]

Technical Support e-mail: [e-mail]

© B&B Electronics – May 2006

-- Fax [phone]

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Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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©

2006 B&B Electronics. No part of this 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 of B&B Electronics.

B&B Electronics 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.

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone] – www.bb-europe.com

TTaabbllee ooff CCoonntteennttss

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

ABOUT THIS MANUAL ............................................................................................... 1

SUPPORT.................................................................................................................... 1

ABOUT YOUR MES1A/B CONVERTER ...................................................................... 1

FEATURES.................................................................................................................. 2

CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE OVERVIEW............................................................. 3

PACKAGE CHECKLIST ................................................................................................ 3

INDICATORS, SWITCHES AND CONNECTORS............................................................... 3

Power LED ........................................................................................................... 3

Link LED............................................................................................................... 4

Activity LED.......................................................................................................... 4

RS-422/485 Switch (MES1B only) ........................................................................4

Ethernet Port Connector.......................................................................................5

DB-9M Serial Port Connector (MES1A only).......................................................5

RS-422/485 Connector (MES1B only).................................................................. 5

Power Connector.................................................................................................. 7

CONNECTING THE HARDWARE .................................................................................. 7

CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED.................................................................... 11

QUICKSTART ........................................................................................................... 11

1. Check the contents of your MES1A/B package. It should contain…........... 11

2. Set up the Hardware ................................................................................... 11

3. Software Installation................................................................................... 11

4. Discover the MES1A/B on the Network...................................................... 12

5. Configure the MES1A/B.............................................................................. 12

6. Modbus Device Installation........................................................................ 12

USING THE DEVICE INSTALLER SOFTWARE ............................................................. 13

System Requirements .......................................................................................... 13

Installing the Device Installer............................................................................. 13

Starting the Device Installer............................................................................... 14

Discovering Devices ........................................................................................... 14

Getting Device Details........................................................................................ 15

Connecting to the MES1A/B ............................................................................... 16

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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i

CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE MES1A/B.................................................. 19

NAVIGATING THE CONFIGURATION MENU .............................................................. 20

1) NETWORK/IP SETTINGS....................................................................................... 22

IP Address........................................................................................................... 22

Default Gateway ................................................................................................. 23

Netmask............................................................................................................... 24

Telnet Configuration Password.......................................................................... 24

2) SERIAL AND MODE SETTINGS.............................................................................. 24

Protocol .............................................................................................................. 25

Serial Interface.................................................................................................... 26

3) MODEM/CONFIGURABLE PIN SETTINGS............................................................... 27

4) ADVANCED MODBUS PROTOCOL SETTINGS ........................................................ 28

Slave Address / Unit ID Source........................................................................... 29

Allow Modbus Broadcasts .................................................................................. 30

Use MB/TCP 00BH/00AH Exception Responses................................................ 30

Disable Modbus/TCP Pipeline............................................................................ 31

Character Timeout.............................................................................................. 31

Message Timeout ................................................................................................ 31

Serial TX Delay after RX .................................................................................... 32

Swap 4x/0H to Get 3x/1x..................................................................................... 32

5) UNIT ID TO IP ADDRESS LOOKUP TABLE SETTINGS............................................ 32

Close Idle TCP Sockets After.............................................................................. 32

Redundant Entry Retries After............................................................................ 33

Add, Delete, Exit - Select Function.................................................................... 33

Modbus Address From/To................................................................................... 33

Slave IP Address................................................................................................. 34

CHAPTER 5: USING OTHER DEVICE INSTALLER FEATURES................ 35

MANAGING DEVICE LISTS ....................................................................................... 35

Creating a New Device List................................................................................ 35

Saving Device Lists............................................................................................. 36

Opening Device Lists.......................................................................................... 36

Device List Display Options ............................................................................... 36

Adding a Device Manually.................................................................................. 37

ASSIGNING AN IP ADDRESS (USING DEVICE INSTALLER).........................................38

Using Device Installer to Assign an IP Address................................................. 38

USING THE DEVICES DETAILS TAB.......................................................................... 39

UPGRADING FIRMWARE........................................................................................... 40

INSTALLING PRE-SAVED CONFIGURATION FILES.....................................................41

Saving Setup Records.......................................................................................... 41

Installing Setup Records..................................................................................... 42

LOGGING SEARCH AND UPGRADE DATA ................................................................. 43

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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ii

USING PING ............................................................................................................. 45

USING HELP............................................................................................................. 45

CHAPTER 6: MODBUS BASICS.......................................................................... 47

MODBUS ASCII/RTU.............................................................................................. 47

MODBUS/TCP.......................................................................................................... 48

HINTS AND TIPS....................................................................................................... 49

APPENDIX A: DEFAULT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS.............................. 51

APPENDIX B: PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .................................................. 53

APPENDIX C: DIMENSIONAL DIAGRAMS.....................................................55

APPENDIX D: SERIAL CONNECTIONS........................................................... 57

APPENDIX E: NETWORK CONNECTIONS.....................................................59

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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iii

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone] – www.bb-europe.com

iv

Introduction

CChhaapptteerr 11:: IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

Thank you for purchasing an MES1A or MES1B Modbus TCP to
Modbus ASCII/RTU Converter! Like all B&B Electronics products, this

product has been manufactured to the highest standards of quality and
performance to ensure your complete satisfaction.

About this Manual

This manual has been created to assist you in installing, configuring and

using the MES1A/B. Please read it carefully and follow the instructions to
achieve best results.

Support

For additional information on this and other B&B products, and for technical
support, call 815.433.5100 option 3, or access B&B Electronics’ website at:

www.bb-elec.com

About Your MES1A/B Converter

MES1A and MES1B Modbus TCP to Modbus ASCII/RTU Converters

are easy-to-use, cost-effective solutions for connecting new and existing
Modbus ASCII/RTU serial devices to TCP/IP networks. The MES1A
provides this connection for Modbus devices with RS-232 interfaces; the
MES1B facilitates Modbus devices with RS-422 four-wire point-to-point
interfaces, or RS-485 four or two-wire multi-drop bus connections.

Figure 1. MES1A and MES1B Converters

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone] – www.bb-europe.com

1

Introduction

MES1A Converters allow new and legacy Modbus ASCII/RTU slave
devices with RS-232 serial ports to operate on a TCP/IP network as full
Modbus TCP slaves. All Modbus TCP devices on the network can share
access to the Modbus ASCII/RTU device.

MES1B Converters allow Modbus/RTU slave devices with RS-422/485
interfaces to operate on a TCP/IP network as full Modbus TCP slaves. All
Modbus devices on an RS-485 bus can be connected to the TCP/IP network
via the MES1B, allowing them all to be accessed by Modbus TCP/IP devices
on the network.

Traditional Modbus ASCII/RTU master devices also can be connected to
TCP/IP networks using the MES1A/B, making the device appear to be a full
Modbus TCP master on the network. It can directly access Modbus TCP
slave devices. It also can access other Modbus ASCII/RTU slaves that are
connected to the network via other MES1A/B Converters, as if it is talking
directly to a Modbus ASCII/RTU slave.

Features

• Converts Modus ASCII/RTU to Modbus/TCP

• Small, economical and configurable

• MES1A supports TD, RD and GND RS-232 lines

• MES1B supports TDA(-), TDB(+), RDA(-), RDB(+) RS-422/485 lines

• LEDs on network connection indicate link integrity and data transfer

• 10/100 Mbps auto-detecting operation

• Removable screw terminal strips for power supply

• Removable screw terminal strips for RS-422/485 connection (MES1B)

• Device Installer user interface software included

• DIN rail mountable

activity

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B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone] – www.bb-europe.com

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

2

Hardware Overview

CChhaapptteerr 22:: HHaarrddwwaarree OOvveerrvviieeww

Package Checklist

MES1A/B Modbus ASCII/RTU to Modbus TCP Converters are

shipped with the following items included:

9 the MES1A or MES1B module
9 a printed version of this user manual
9 a printed version of the MES1A/B Quick Start Guide
9 a CD-ROM disc with

o Device Installer software
o this manual in pdf format
o a Quick Start guide in pdf format

Indicators, Switches and Connectors

Power LED

The Power LED illuminates (red) immediately on power up
indicating that 10 VDC to 30 VDC power is present on the Power
Supply terminals. (Typically 12 VDC is used.)

Figure 2. LED Indicators on the MES1A

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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

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europe.com

Hardware Overview

Link LED

When the Link LED located on the Ethernet jack is illuminated it
indicates that a connection (link integrity) has been established
between the converter and the network. Its color is green if
connected to a 100BaseT network; orange if connected to a
10BaseT network. It turns orange briefly during the power up
process.

Activity LED

When the Activity LED located on the Ethernet jack is flashing
(green) it indicates data is being sent across the network. This LED
turns orange briefly during the power up pr o cess.

LED

Power

Link

Activity

Color/Status Function

Red Power applied

Orange

Green

Green (Blinking)

Orange

Figure 3. LED Status Table

Bootup, 10BaseT

100BaseT

Data on the network

Bootup

Reset Switch

The Reset switch is accessible on the top edge of the MES1A/B
(same edge as the power supply connector) through a small hole in
the MES1A/B enclosure. It allows you to reset the MES1A/B by
inserting a small tool through the hole and pressing the momentary
switch for about 1 second. The MES1A/B restarts with its last saved
configuration settings.

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Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

4

Hardware Overview

RS-422/485 Switch (MES1B only)

The RS-422/485 switch allows you to set the MES1B Converter for
RS-422/485 four-wire or RS-485 two-wire operation.

• When the switch is in the left position, the ME S1B oper ates in

RS-422/485 four-wire mode.

• When the switch is in the right position, the MES1B operates

in the RS-485 two-wire mode.

Ethernet Port Connector

The Ethernet Port connector is a standard RJ-45 receptacle that
allows the converter to be connected to an Ethernet network. Two
indicator LEDs (described above) are built into the RJ-45
connector.

DB-9M Serial Port Connector (MES1A only)

The Serial Port Connector on the MES1A is a DB-9 male
connector (configured as a DTE) supporting RS-232 serial
communications including TD (Pin 3), RD (Pin 2) and GND (Pin 5)
signal lines. If the Modbus device you are connecting to the
MES1A is configured as a DCE you will use a straight-through
serial cable. If the Modbus device is configured as a DTE, use a null
modem cable.

Refer to Appendix D for connection pin-outs.

RS-422/485 Connector (MES1B only)

The RS-422/485 connector on the MES1B is a five position
removable terminal block with screw downs. The connector
provides screw connections for:

• Terminal 1 - RDB(+)

• Terminal 2 - RDA(-)

• Terminal 3 - TDB(+)

• Terminal 4 - TDA(-)

• Terminal 5 – Ground

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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

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Hardware Overview

Figure 4. MES1B Serial Connector

RS-422/485 Four-Wire Mode

When the MES1B is configured to operate in RS-422/485 four-wire
mode (RS-422/485 switch in the left position) its receive terminals
are connected to the transmit terminals of the Modbus device it is
communicating with. Its transmit terminals are connected to the
receive terminals of the Modbus device it is communicating with.

Figure 5. RS-422/485 Four-Wire Connection

RS-485 Two-Wire Mode

When the MES1B is configured to operate in RS-485 two-wire
mode (RS-422/485 switch in the right position) the two-wire RS­485 two-wire communications cable pair is connected to Terminals
TDB and TDA. The communications cable ground/shield is
connected to GND.

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Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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Hardware Overview

Figure 6. RS-485 Two-Wire Connection

No jumpers are required to bridge the transmit and receive lines in
two-wire mode.

Power Connector

The Power Connector is a removable two-position screw terminal
block with screw down. The MES1A/B requires between 10 VDC
and 30 VDC (3.6 Watts). Typically a 12 VDC power adapter is
connected to the terminal block via bare wires. The terminal block
can be unplugged to remove the converter from service.

Figure 7. MES1A/B Power Connector

Connecting the Hardware

The MES1A is connected to its Modbus device via a DB-9M
connector and an RS-232 cable. The MES1A is configured as a
DTE. If the connected Modbus device is configured as a DCE, use a

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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europe.com

Hardware Overview

straight-through cable. If the connected Modbus device is
configured as a DTE, use a null modem cable.

The MES1B is connected to its Modbus device via the RS-422/485
terminal block. In RS-422/485 four-wire mode a cable containing
two pairs and a ground/shield is used. In RS-485 two-wire mode a
cable containing one pair and a ground/shield is used.

Power is supplied to the converter via the power supply terminal
block.

Typically, the MES1A/B is connected to the network via a hub
switch or router using standard straight-through CAT-5 cable. (If
you are connecting the MES1A/B directly to a PC’s network
interface a crossover Ethernet cable is required.)

Always check the interface specifications of the Modbus device to
determine whether it is a DTE or DCE before connecting.

Figure 8. MES1A Connections

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B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone] – www.bb-europe.com

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

8

Hardware Overview

Figure 9. MES1B Connections

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone] – www.bb-

europe.com

9

Hardware Overview

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

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph [phone] – Fax [phone] – www.bb-europe.com

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

10

Getting Started

CChhaapptteerr 33:: GGeettttiinngg SSttaarrtteedd

QuickStart

The following section is a quick, step-by-step procedure that will
assist you to get started configuring the MES1A/B. Additional
details on how to use the Device Installer software to discover and
connect to devices is included in the section following this one.
MES1A/B configuration details are included in Chapter 4.

1. Check the contents of your MES1A/B package. It should
contain…

 The MES1A or MES1B unit
 A printed version of this user manual
 A printed version of the MES1A/B Quick Start Guide
 Software CD with Device Installer software, this manual, Quick

Start guide

2. Set up the Hardware

 Connect the MES1A/B to the network using an Ethernet cable.
 Connect your PC to the network
 Connect a 12 VDC power supply (not included) to the MES1A/B

and apply power. (10 to 30 VDC, 3.6 Watts.)

3. Software Installation

 Insert the software CD and it should auto-start into the

installation wizard.

 Follow the on-screen installation wizard to install the Device

Installer software.

Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

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11

Getting Started

4. Discover the MES1A/B on the Network

 Open the Device Installer software. It should detect the

MES1A/B and display XPort in the third level of the Devices
Tree.

 Expand the Devices Tree and click the device IP Address.
 Select the Telnet Configuration tab, then click Connect.
 When the Modbus/TCP to RTU Bridge, MAC address and

Software version information appears, Press Enter to go into
Setup Mode.

5. Configure the MES1A/B

 To change the IP Address, Default Gateway or Netmask, type 1.
 To configure Master/Slave and serial Interface settings, type 2.
 Do not change any configuration settings in section 3.
 To configure Modbus/TCP settings, type 4.
 To configure Modbus Master settings, type 5.
 To save your settings to the MES1A/B, type S.

6. Modbus Device Installation

 Connect the Modbus device to the serial interface on the

MES1A/B using the correct cabling:

 MES1A is a DTE: Use a straight through serial cable if the

Modbus device is a DCE; null modem if device is DTE.

 MES1B: Four-wire for RS-422, Two-wire for RS-485, Set

RS-422/485 switch.

 Your Modbus device should now be operational o n the net wo rk .

Note: The MES1A/B can be reset (rebooted) by pressing the
Reset switch for one second. Reset switch is accessed through a
small hole in the top of the enclosure.

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Manual Documentation Number: MES1A/MES1B-2106m PN7138-rev001

12