Phone (815) 433-5100 -- General Fax (815) 433-5105
Website: www.bb-elec.com
European Headquarters
B&B Electronics Ltd.
Westlink Commercial Park
Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
Phone +353 91-792444 -- Fax +353 91-792445
Website: www.bb-europe.com
Revision Two – October 2013
2012 B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc. 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 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.
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.
About MESR424 Modbus Gateways ......................................................................................................................... 6
MESR424 Modbus Gateway Model Numbering ....................................................................................................... 6
MESR 424 Features ................................................................................................................................................... 7
MESR424 Modbus Gateway Enclosures and Mounting ............................................................................................ 8
LED Indicators ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
E1/E2 Ethernet Link LED ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Ready LED ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Serial Port LEDs .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Serial Port Connectors ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Power Connector ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
3. Modbus Gateway Setup and Connections .................................................................................................. 15
Connecting the Power Supply ................................................................................................................................. 15
Connecting MESR424 Modbus Gateways to Modbus networks ............................................................................. 15
Connecting the MESR424 ................................................................................................................................... 16
Connecting MESR424 Modbus Gateways to a Network ......................................................................................... 17
Testing a Modbus Gateway Connection ................................................................................................................. 46
Monitor Function .................................................................................................................................................... 48
Ethernet Master and Serial Slaves .......................................................................................................................... 49
Serial & Ethernet Masters, Serial & Ethernet Slaves ............................................................................................... 53
Serial Masters, IP Slaves ......................................................................................................................................... 55
Serial Masters, IP Slaves ......................................................................................................................................... 58
Serial Masters, IP Slaves ......................................................................................................................................... 59
7. Modbus Help .............................................................................................................................................. 60
Hints and Tips.......................................................................................................................................................... 61
General Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 65
Controls, Indicators and Connector Specifications ............................................................................................ 66
Serial Interface Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 67
DB9 Serial Port Pinouts ...................................................................................................................................... 70
Terminal Block Serial Port Pinouts ..................................................................................................................... 71
4
1._Introduction
11.. IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn
Thank you for purchasing an MESR424 Modbus Gateway. This product has been
manufactured to the highest standards of quality and performance to ensure your
complete satisfaction.
Figure 1. MESR424 Modbus Gateways
5
1._Introduction
Model Number
Ethernet Port 1
Ethernet Port 1
Serial Ports
MESR424D
10/100 RJ45
10/100 RJ45
RS-232/422/485 (DB9 male)
MESR424D-MT
10/100 RJ45
Multi-mode (ST)
RS-232/422/485 (DB9 male)
MESR424D-SC
10/100 RJ45
Single-mode (SC)
RS-232/422/485 (DB9 male)
MESR424T
10/100 RJ45
10/100 RJ45
RS-232/422/485 (Terminal Block)
MESR424T-MT
10/100 RJ45
Multi-mode (ST)
RS-232/422/485 (Terminal Block)
MESR424T-SC
10/100 RJ45
Single-mode (SC)
RS-232/422/485 (Terminal Block)
About MESR424 Modbus Gateways
MESR424 Modbus Gateways 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.
MESR424 Modbus Gateways feature 10BaseT or 100BaseTX copper network media and
fiber optic media options, depending on the model. MESR424 Modbus Gateways are
built for use in industrial environments, featuring an IP30 approved slim line DIN rail
mountable case. They operate from a range of DC power supply voltages and feature
pluggable terminal block power connectors. An external power supply, sold separately, is
required. MESR424 Modbus Gateways have an additional Ethernet port which functions
much like an Ethernet Switch.
MESR424 Modbus Gateway Model Numbering
MESR424 Modbus Gatewaysare a growing family of products. Models are available
with DB9 or Terminal Block connections. Network connection options include
10BaseT/100BaseTX copper or several different fiber optic options.
6
1._Introduction
MESR 424 Features
Fiber models available
Multi-interface serial ports
DB-9M and pluggable terminal block serial port connector options
All ports are software selectable as RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 2- and 4-wire
Configuration can be done via network 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 of Ethernet and serial port settings using Vlinx Manager software
Vlinx Manager Configuration Software
Vlinx Manager 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.
MESR424 Modbus Gateways are enclosed in DIN rail mountable enclosures and feature
LED indicators, power, Ethernet and serial connectors and a recessed Mode/Reset switch.
Package Checklist
MESR424 Modbus Gateways are shipped with the following items included:
MESR424 Modbus Gateway Module
Quick Start Guide
CD with User Manual, Quick Start Guide and configuration software.
MESR424 Modbus Gateway Enclosures and Mounting
All MESR424 Modbus Gateway models are built into similar enclosures. Modules are
DIN rail and panel mountable.
Figure 2. Front View of an MESR424D Modbus Gateway
8
2. Hardware
LED Indicators
MESR424 Modbus Gateways have three types of LED indicators: Ethernet Link LEDs,
a Ready LED and Serial Port LEDs.
E1/E2 Ethernet Link LED
The Ethernet Link LED (E1 or E2) illuminates (green) if the Ethernet is connected.
When the LED is blinking it indicates that there is data traffic on the Ethernet link.
The Ethernet Speed (E1 or E2) LED is OFF if the connection is 10BaseT and ON if the
Ethernet connections is 100BaseT.
E1 is used for all models to connect to the network. E2 is a pass-through Ethernet
connector.
Ready LED
The Ready LED (green) blinks if the system is operating correctly, once per second in
normal operating conditions, or three times per second in reset, configuration mode, or
when loading factory defaults. If the LED is off or steady, it indicates the system is not
operating correctly.
Figure 3. Port LEDs
9
2. Hardware
Serial Port LEDs
MESR424 Modbus Gateways feature multiple serial ports. Each serial port has an
associated LED. Serial Port LEDs blink (green) when data is being transmitted or
received on the serial port.
Figure 4. Serial Port LEDs
Mode/Reset Switch
A recessed momentary Mode/Reset switch is located next to the power ports. To activate
the switch, insert a small plastic tool through the hole in the enclosure and press lightly.
The Mode/Reset switch can be used to:
Initiate a Hardware Reset
Enter Console Mode
Reload factory defaults
Figure 5. Mode/Reset Switch
10
2. Hardware
Ethernet Connector
MESR424 Modbus Gateway models using 10BaseT/100BaseTX network connections
use RJ45 receptacles. The MESR424 Modbus Gateway is connected to a standard
Ethernet network drop using a straight-through RJ45 (male) Ethernet cable.
Figure 6. Ethernet Connectors. E2 is pass-through connection on model shown
Fiber Optic Connectors
MESR424 Modbus Gateway models using fiber optic network connections use either SC
or ST connectors, depending on the specific model.
Figure 7. SC and ST Fiber Optic Cable Connectors
11
2. Hardware
Model Number
Ethernet Port 1
Ethernet Port 2
Serial Ports
MESR424D
10/100 RJ45
10/100 RJ45
RS-232/422/485 (DB9 male)
MESR424D-MT
10/100 RJ45
Multi-mode (ST)
RS-232/422/485 (DB9 male)
MESR424D-SC
10/100 RJ45
Single-mode (SC)
RS-232/422/485 (DB9 male)
MESR424T
10/100 RJ45
10/100 RJ45
RS-232/422/485 (Terminal Block)
MESR424T-MT
10/100 RJ45
Multi-mode (ST)
RS-232/422/485 (Terminal Block)
MESR424T-SC
10/100 RJ45
Single-mode (SC)
RS-232/422/485 (Terminal Block)
Serial Port Connectors
MESR424 Modbus Gateways use a variety of serial port connector configurations,
depending on the model:
Figure 8. DB-9 Female Serial Port Connector
Figure 9. Five-Position Pluggable Terminal Block
12
2. Hardware
Power Connector
Power may be supplied by terminal block or a barrel jack.
Figure 10. Power Connection
NOTE: the terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; the barrel jack
cannot be used for these applications. See page 66 for further information.
13
2. Hardware
Mounting Hardware
MESR424 Modbus Gateway modules can be panel or DIN rail mounted. Mounting
Connect a DC power supply to the power terminals on the top of the MESR424 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 6 W.
Figure 14. MESR Power Connection
NOTE: the terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; the barrel
jack cannot be used for these applications. See page 66 for further information.
Connecting MESR424 Modbus Gateways to Modbus networks
MESR424 Modbus Gateways 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
and no flow control implemented.
RS-422 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 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
15
3. Setup and Connections
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 MESR424
Depending upon the model, MESR424 Modbus Gateway can be configured to support
RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 (2- and 4-wire) serial connectors. The unit may have DB-
9M connectors or 5-position terminal blocks.
If you select RS-232 mode when you configure the MESR424 Modbus Gateway, you
must connect the Modbus serial network to the MESR424 Modbus Gateway via a serial
cable. The MESR424 Modbus Gateway 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 DCT 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)
Figure 15. MESR RS-232 Connections
If you select RS-422 mode, RS-485 2-wire mode, or RS-485 4-wire mode when you
configure the MESR424 Modbus Gateway, you must connect the Modbus network
appropriately, via the 5-position terminal block or the DB9 connector.
16
3. Setup and Connections
Figure 16. MESR Connections
Connecting MESR424 Modbus Gateways to a Network
Network Connection (10BaseT/100BaseTX)
When connecting an MESR424 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 MESR424 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.
17
3. Setup and Connections
MESR424 Modbus Gateway Configuration Connections
MESR424 Modbus Gateways can be configured over the network or via a serial port.
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. Choose
i386\MESR32.exe for 32-bit Windows or amd64\MESR64.exe for 64-bit Windows.
a. The following screen will be displayed on your computer.
b. Click “Next.” The License Agreement Screen will be displayed on your computer.
Figure 18. Modbus License Acceptance Screen
18
3. Setup and Connections
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 19. User Information Screen
d. Click “Next.” The Destination Folder Screen will be displayed on your computer.
The default directory is:
C:\Program Files\B&B Electronics\Vlinx\Vlinx Modbus Gateway Manager\
If desired, you can select another location by pressing the “Browse” button.
Figure 20. 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.
19
3. Setup and Connections
Figure 21. Ready to Install Application Screen
f. Click “Next.” The software will begin installing.
Figure 22. Software Installing Screen
20
3. Setup and Connections
g. After the installation is complete, an information screen will be displayed
containing contact information and release notes. Click “Next.”
Figure 23. Information Screen
h. Click “Next.” The Installation Complete screen will be displayed on your
computer. Click “Finish” to finish the installation.
i.
Figure 24. Installation Complete Screen
21
3. Setup and Connections
Configuring the MESR424 Modbus Gateway 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
MESR424 Modbus Gateways can be configured over the network Modbus Configuration
manager software running on a PC.
To open Modbus Configuration Manager:
1. From the Desktop, click Start Programs B&B Electronics Vlinx Vlinx
Modbus Gateway Manager. An alternate method is to double click the shortcut
installed on the desktop.