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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 Mfg. Co. Inc.
B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc. shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from
the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.
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publication is for reference purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the trademark holder.
Models MESR321
Documentation Number: MESR321-xx_R001_2113m
International Headquarters
B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc.
707 Dayton Road
Ottawa, IL 61350 USA
Phone (815) 433-5100 -- General Fax (815) 433-5105
About MESR321s .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
MESR321 Model Numbering ................................................................................................................................................. 3
MESR321 Features ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
MESR321 Enclosures and Mounting ..................................................................................................................................... 5
LED Indicators....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Serial Port Connectors .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Power Connector .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
3. Setup and Connections .................................................................................................................................. 11
Connecting the Power Supply ................................................................................................................................ ............. 11
Connecting MESR321s to Modbus networks ....................................................................................................................... 11
Connecting the MESR321 ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Connecting MESR321s to a Network .................................................................................................................................. 13
Using MESR321s in Direct IP Mode............................................................................................................................ 41
Initiating a Hardware Reset on the Modbus Gateway .......................................................................................................... 42
Uploading the Firmware to the Modbus Gateway ................................................................................................................ 44
Testing a Modbus Gateway Connection .............................................................................................................................. 45
Monitor Function ................................................................................................................................................................. 47
7. Modbus Help ................................................................................................................................................... 52
Hints and Tips ..................................................................................................................................................................... 53
General Specifications ................................................................................................................................................. 57
Controls, Indicators and Connector Specifications ...................................................................................................... 58
Approvals and certifications ........................................................................................................................................ 59
Serial Interface Specifications...................................................................................................................................... 60
MESR321 Serial Port Pinouts ...................................................................................................................................... 65
MESR321 Serial Port Pinouts ...................................................................................................................................... 66
The models listed above are standard build options.
The following build options are possible for large projects:
-- Models with 2 fiber optic ports.
-- Models with long range fiber optic ports such as 40km and 80km single-mode.
Please contact B&B Electronics for more information
Thank you for purchasing a MESR321 product! This product has been manufactured to the highest standards of
quality and performance to ensure your complete satisfaction.
About MESR321s
MESR321s connect Modbus networks (RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485) to Ethernet
networks, allowing the Modbus network to become a node on the network. The
serial ports can be accessed over a LAN/WAN using Direct IP Mode
connections. MESR321s feature 10BaseT or 100BaseTX copper network media
and fiber optic media options, depending upon the model.
MESR321s are built for use in industrial environments, featuring an IP30 slim line
DIN rail mountable case. They operate over a range of DC power supply
voltages and feature pluggable terminal block power connectors. An external
power supply, sold separately, is required.
MESR321 Model Numbering
MESR321sare a growing family of products. Network connection options include
10BaseT/100BaseTX copper or LC fiber optic options.
List of MESR321 Models
.
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Introduction Vlinx MESR321 Modbus Gateway
MESR321 Features
DB9M and pluggable terminal block serial port connector options
The DB9 port is for RS-232.
The terminal block serial port is software selectable as RS-422 or RS-485
2- and 4-wire
Configuration of Ethernet and serial port settings using software
Configuration can be done via network, web page or direct serial
connection
Slim line DIN rail mountable case
Accepts DC power over a wide voltage range
10/100 Mbps Ethernet with Auto Selection, Auto MDI/MDIX
LAN and WAN Communications
TCP Client or Server operation - configurable
Firmware Upload for future revisions/upgrades
Software Support - Windows XP (32/64 bit), 2003 Server (32/64 bit), Vista
(32/64 bit), 2008 Server (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit)
Configuration Software
The configuration software enables you to find connected Modbus gateways,
configure them, upgrade Modbus gateway firmware, and save/load configuration
files. It features a graphical user interface (GUI) that is convenient and easy to
use.
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22.. MMEESSRR332211 HHaarrddwwaarree
MESR321s are enclosed in DIN rail mountable enclosures and feature LED
indicators, power, Ethernet and serial connectors and a recessed Mode switch.
Package Checklist
MESR321 Modbus Gateways are shipped with the following items included:
MESR321 Modbus Gateway Module
DIN rail and panel mounting hardware
Quick Start Guide
CD with User Manual, Quick Start Guide and firmware, and configuration
software.
MESR321 Enclosures and Mounting
All MESR321 models are built into similar enclosures. Modules are DIN rail and
panel mountable.
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LED Indicators
MESR321s have a Power LED, a Ready LED and Data LEDs.
Figure 1. LEDs
Mode Switch
A recessed momentary reset switch is located on the front left side of the
enclosure. To activate the switch, insert a small plastic tool through the hole in
the enclosure and press gently.
The Mode switch can be used to:
Initiate a Hardware Reset
Enter Console Mode
Figure 2. Mode Switch
Reload factory defaults
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Note: Refer to Section 3: Modbus Gateway Setup and Connections for more
information on using the Mode switch.
Ethernet Connector
Modbus gateway models using 10BaseT/100BaseTX network connections use
an RJ45 receptacle. The Modbus gateway is connected to a standard Ethernet
network drop using a straight-through RJ45 (male) Ethernet cable.
Figure 3. Ethernet Connectors. E2 is pass-through.
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connection pin-outs.
Fiber Optic Connectors
MESR321 family serial servers use LC fiber connectors.
Serial Port Connectors
MESR321 family serial servers feature one DB9M connector for RS-232 and a
five-position removable terminal block for RS-422 and RS-485 connections.
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Figure 4. DB-9 Serial Port Connector
Figure 5. Five-Position Pluggable Terminal Block
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connection pin-outs.
Power Connector
Power options include a 5.08 mm 3-position pluggable terminal block and 2.5
mm barrel connector.
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Figure 6. Power Connection
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Mounting Hardware
MESR321 modules can be DIN rail mounted. The DIN mounting clip is included
with each module.
Figure 7. DIN Clip on Modbus Gateway Module.
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Setup and Connections Vlinx MESR321 Modbus Gateway
33.. SSeettuupp aanndd CCoonnnneeccttiioonnss
Note: In this section devices to be connected to the Modbus gateway’s serial
connection are simply referred to as the “Modbus network”.
Connecting the Power Supply
Connect a DC power supply to the power terminals on the top of the Modbus
gateway. Polarity of the wires is indicated on the label on the side of the Modbus
gateway. Acceptable voltages are between 10 VDC and 48 VDC. The power
supply must be capable of supplying 4 watts.
Figure 8. MESR Power Connection
Connecting MESR321s to Modbus networks
MESR321s can be configured to connect to Modbus networks using RS-232,
RS-422, RS-485 2-wire and RS-485 4-wire.
RS-232 connections support eight signal lines plus Signal Ground. Signals are
single ended and referenced to Ground. Default communications parameters are
9600, 8, N, 1..
RS-422 4-wire connections support two signal pairs: RXA(-), RXB(+) and TXA(-),
TXB(+), plus GND. The data lines are differential pairs (A & B) in which the B line
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is positive relative to the A line in the idle (mark) state. Ground provides a
common mode reference.
RS-485 connections support 2-wire or 4-wire operation.
When configured for 4-wire operation the connection supports two signal pairs:
RXA(-), RXB(+) and TXA(-), TXB(+), plus GND. This makes full-duplex operation
possible. The data lines are differential pairs (A & B) in which the B line is
positive relative to the A line in the idle (mark) state. Ground provides a common
mode reference.
When configured for 2-wire operation the connection supports one signal pair:
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.
Connecting the MESR321
The MESR321 has one DB9M serial connector that supports RS-232; it also has
a 5-position terminal block connector that supports RS-422 and RS-485 (2- and
4-wire).
If you select RS-232 mode when you configure the Modbus gateway, you must
connect the Modbus serial network to the Modbus gateway via a serial cable.
The MESR321 is a DTE. If the Modbus network is a DTE, use a null modem
(cross-over) cable. If the Modbus network is a DCE, use a straight-through cable.
DTE and DCE ports are complementary, the Output signals on a DTE port are
Inputs to a DCE port, and Output signals on a DCE port are Inputs to a DTE
port. The signal names match each other and connect pin for pin. Signal flow is
in the direction of the arrows. (See figure below)
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If you select RS-422 mode, RS-485 2-wire mode, or RS-485 4-wire mode when
you configure the Modbus gateway, you must connect the Modbus network
appropriately, via the 5-position terminal block.
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connector pin out information.
Figure 9. MESR321 Connections
Connecting MESR321s to a Network
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Network Connection (10BaseT/100BaseTX)
When connecting a Modbus gateway equipped with a 10BaseT/100BaseTX
network connection (RJ45 connector) a standard network cable is connected
from the Modbus gateway to a network drop. PCs configuring and/or
communicating with the Modbus gateway are also connected to the network.
Fiber Optic Connection
When connecting a Modbus gateway equipped with a fiber optic interface
to a fiber optic link the appropriate fiber optic cable must be connected between
the Modbus gateway and the network interface.
MESR321 Configuration Connections
MESR321s can be configured over the network or via a serial port.
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Installing Modbus Configuration Manager Software
1. The Modbus Configuration Manager Software is contained on the CD which is
packaged with the product. Insert the CD into your CD ROM drive. The
software should automatically begin the installation process. If AUTO RUN is
disabled on your computer, open the CD drive and double click on the
executable file. The file name is Modbus Gateway Manager Vx.x.x.
a. The following screen will be displayed on your computer.
b. Click “Next.” The License Agreement Screen will be displayed on your
computer.
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Figure 11. Modbus License Acceptance Screen
c. Click “Next.” The User Information Screen will be displayed on your
computer. Enter your name and organization (optional) and select if the
software will be accessible to your account or anyone who uses the
computer.
Figure 12. User Information Screen
d. Click “Next.” The Destination Folder Screen will be displayed on your
computer. The default directory is:
C:\Program Files\BB Electronics\Vlinx\Modbus Gateway Manager\
If desired, you can select another location by pressing the “Browse” button.
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Figure 13. Destination Folder Screen
e. Click “Next.” The Ready to Install Application Screen will be displayed on
your computer. You can select the “Back” button to change destination
folder.
Figure 14. Ready to Install Application Screen
f. Click “Next.” The software will begin installing.
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Figure 15. Software Installing Screen
g. Click “Next.” The Installation Complete screen will be displayed on your
computer. Click “Finish” to finish the installation.
Figure 16. Installation Complete Screen
Configuring the MESR321 via the Network Connection
When configuring via the network, either Modbus Configuration software or the
web interface can be used.
Configuring with Modbus Configuration Manager
MESR321s can be configured over the network Modbus Configuration manager
software running on a PC.
To open Modbus Configuration Manager:
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1. From the Desktop, click Start Programs B&B Electronics Vlinx
Vlinx Modbus Gateway ManagerModbus Gateway Manager. An alternate
method is to double click the shortcut installed on the desktop.