B&B Electronics VESR4X4 User Manual
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User Manual
MMooddeell VVEESSRR44xx44
Vlinx Serial Servers
Documentation Number: VESR4x4_R003_4313m
This product designed and manufactured in Ottawa, Illinois USA
using domestic and imported parts by
International Headquarters:
707 Dayton Road - P.O. Box 1040 - Ottawa, IL 61350 USA
Phone (815) 433-5100 - General Fax (815) 433-5105
Website: www.bb-elec.com
European Headquarters:
B&B Electronics
Westlink Commercial Park - Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
Phone +353 91-792444 - Fax +353 91-792445
Website: www.bb-europe.com
B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc – October 2013
©2013 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 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.
Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 7
About VESR4x4 Serial Servers ............................................................................ 7
VESR4x4 Serial Server Model Numbering .............................................................. 8
List of VESR4x4 Serial Server Models ................................................................... 8
VESR4x4 Features ............................................................................................. 9
Vlinx Manager Configuration Software .................................................................. 9
VESR4x4 Hardware............................................................................................... 11
Package Checklist ............................................................................................. 11
VESR4x4 Serial Server Enclosures and Mounting .................................................. 11
LED Indicators ................................................................................................. 11
Power LED ........................................................................................... 12
Ready LED ........................................................................................... 12
Ethernet Speed LEDs (1 & 2) .................................................................. 12
Ethernet Link LEDs (1 & 2) ..................................................................... 12
Serial Port LEDs (P1, P2, P3 & P4) .......................................................... 12
Reset Switch .................................................................................................... 13
Using the Reset Switch to Initiate a Hardware Reset ................................. 13
Using the Reset Switch to Enter Console Mode ......................................... 13
Using the Reset Switch to exit Console Mode ............................................ 13
Using the Reset Switch to Reload Factory Default Settings ......................... 14
Ethernet Connector ........................................................................................... 14
Fiber Optic Connectors ...................................................................................... 14
Serial Port Connectors ....................................................................................... 15
Power Connector .............................................................................................. 15
Mounting Hardware........................................................................................... 16
Installation and Initial Setup................................................................................ 19
Connecting the Power Supply ............................................................................. 19
Connecting VESR4x4 Serial Servers to Serial Devices ............................................ 19
RS-232 ................................................................................................ 20
RS-422 ................................................................................................ 20
RS-485 ................................................................................................ 20
Connecting VESR4x4 Serial Servers to a Network ................................................. 21
Ethernet Connection (10BaseT/100BaseTX) ............................................. 21
Fiber Optic Connection .......................................................................... 21
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Ethernet Pass-through Port ................................................................................ 21
VESR4x4 Serial Server Configuration .................................................................. 23
Configuring via the Network using Vlinx Manager ...................................... 23
Configuring via the network using a Browser ............................................ 23
Configuring via a Serial Port using Vlinx Manager (Console Mode) ............... 24
VESR4x4 Serial Server Operational Connections ................................................... 24
Installing and Starting Vlinx Manager .................................................................. 26
Discovering Serial Servers ................................................................................. 27
Configuring the Serial Server ............................................................................... 28
Overview of the Vlinx Manager ........................................................................... 28
Icons ................................................................................................... 29
Serial Server Information Table .............................................................. 29
Configuration Pane ................................................................................ 30
Logging In ....................................................................................................... 31
Navigating the Configuration Pages ..................................................................... 31
Setting up the Serial Server Name and Password ................................................. 32
Changing the serial server’s name: ......................................................... 32
Changing the password: ........................................................................ 32
Setting up IP Addressing ................................................................................... 33
Setting up Dynamic IP Addressing .......................................................... 33
Setting up Static IP Addressing .............................................................. 33
Setting up Serial Ports ...................................................................................... 34
Setting up Port Network Parameters ................................................................... 34
TCP Configuration ................................................................................. 35
UDP Configuration ................................................................................ 36
Setting up Virtual COM (VCOM) Operation ............................................... 38
Setting up Paired Mode Operation ........................................................... 39
Setting up Advanced Network Settings ................................................................ 41
Configuring when network connections will be forced closed ....................... 42
Configuring when data packets are sent .................................................. 43
Saving/Restoring the Configuration Settings ........................................................ 46
Adding Virtual COM Ports ................................................................................... 47
Removing Virtual COM Ports ............................................................................. 48
Upgrading the Serial Server Firmware .................................................................. 49
Downloading Firmware Files ............................................................................... 49
To download the latest firmware files from an FTP site on the Internet ........ 50
To download the latest firmware files from a file ....................................... 50
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Uploading the Firmware to the Serial Server ........................................................ 50
Diagnostics ........................................................................................................... 51
Testing a Serial Server Connection ..................................................................... 51
Testing a Virtual COM Port ................................................................................. 52
Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings ...................................................... 54
Appendix .............................................................................................................. 63
Appendix A: Default Server Settings ................................................................... 63
Appendix B: Product Specifications ..................................................................... 64
General Specifications ........................................................................... 64
Controls, Indicators and Connector Specifications ..................................... 65
Serial Interface Specifications ................................................................ 65
Network Specifications .......................................................................... 66
TCP/UDP Ports Table ............................................................................. 66
Appendix C: Dimensional Diagrams .................................................................... 68
Appendix D: Connector Pinouts .......................................................................... 69
DB-9M Connnector ................................................................................ 69
Terminal Block ..................................................................................... 69
Standard Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pinout ..................................................... 70
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Section 1 - Introduction Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
SECTION 1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a VESR4x4 Serial Server product! This product
has been manufactured to the highest standards of quality and performance to
ensure your complete satisfaction.
About VESR4x4 Serial Servers
VESR4x4 Serial Servers connect serial devices (RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485)
to Ethernet networks, allowing the serial device to become a node on the
network. The serial ports can be accessed over a LAN/WAN using Direct IP
Mode, Virtual COM Port, or Paired Mode connections. VESR4x4 Serial Servers
feature 10BaseT or 100BaseTX copper network media and several fiber optic
media options, depending on the model. Many models also feature an
additional copper Ethernet pass-through port. VESR4x4 Serial Servers are built
for use in industrial environments and feature heavy duty metal enclosures
that are panel and DIN rail mountable. The product operates from a range of
DC power supply voltages and features pluggable terminal block power
connectors as well as a locking barrel connector that facilitates redundant
power sources.
NOTE: the terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; the
barrel jack cannot be used for these applications. See the specification tables
for further information.
Figure 1. A VESR4x4 Serial Server
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Section 1 - Introduction Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
Model Number
Ethernet Ports
Ethernet
Connector 1
Ethernet
Connector 2
Serial Connector (x4)
VESR424D
2
RJ-45
RJ-45
DB9 Male
VESR424D-MC
2
Multi-mode SC
RJ-45
DB9 Male
VESR424D-MT
2
Multi-mode ST
RJ-45
DB9 Male
VESR424D-SC
2
Single-mode SC
RJ-45
DB9 Male
VESR424D-ST
2
Single-mode ST
RJ-45
DB9 Male
VESR424T
2
RJ-45
RJ-45
Terminal Block
VESR424T-MC
2
Multi-mode SC
RJ-45
Terminal Block
VESR424T-MT
2
Multi-mode ST
RJ-45
Terminal Block
VESR424T-SC
2
Single-mode SC
RJ-45
Terminal Block
VESR424T-ST
2
Single-mode ST
RJ-45
Terminal Block
VESR4x4 Serial Server Model Numbering
VESR4x4 Serial Servers are a growing family of products. All models
incorporate four serial connections and, depending on the model, may have
one or two Ethernet connections with an optional fiberoptic connection.
The following diagram shows the model numbering scheme:
List of VESR4x4 Serial Server Models
The following table lists the various VESR4x4 models available.
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Section 1 - Introduction Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
VESR4x4 Features
VESR424x-xx series models – two Ethernet connectors
Ethernet Fiber port models available
Ethernet pass through ports (on two Ethernet port models)
Multi-interface serial ports (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485)
DB-9M and pluggable terminal block serial port connector options
All serial ports are software selectable for RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 2-
and 4-wire communication
Configuration can be done via network or direct serial connection
Rugged metal case, DIN rail or panel mountable
Accepts DC power over a wide voltage range
Two power connections (pluggable terminal strip and locking barrel
connector) can be used for redundant power supply
NOTE: the terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2
applications; the barrel jack cannot be used for these applications. See
the specification tables for further information.
10/100 Mbps Ethernet with Auto Selection
TCP Client or Server, or UDP operation - configurable
Virtual COM port and Paired Mode capabilities
Firmware Upload over the Ethernet port for future revisions/upgrades
Software Support - Windows 2000, 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 or built-in web server
Vlinx Manager Configuration Software
Vlinx Manager configuration software enables you to find connected serial
servers, configure them, upgrade serial server firmware, and save/load
configuration files. It features a graphical user interface (GUI) that is
convenient and easy to use. The software also makes it easy to add and
remove virtual COM ports on your computer.
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Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
SECTION 2
VESR4x4 Hardware
VESR4x4 Serial Servers are enclosed in rugged DIN rail or panel mountable
enclosures and feature:
LED indicators
Power, Ethernet and serial connectors
A recessed Reset (mode) switch.
Package Checklist
VESR4x4 Serial Servers are shipped with the following items included:
VESR4x4 Serial Server Module
Quick Start Guide
CD with User Manual, Quick Start Guide
Panel mount and DIN rail mount adapters
VESR4x4 Serial Server Enclosures and Mounting
All VESR4x4 models are built into similar enclosures. Modules are DIN rail or
panel mountable.
Figure 2. Front View of the VESR4x4 Serial Server
LED Indicators
VESR4x4s have LED indicators for Power, Serial Server Ready indication,
Ethernet Speed and Link status, and Serial Port status.
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Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
Figure 3. Front Panel of the VESR424D
Power LED
The Power LED illuminates when 10 to 58 VDC power is applied to either
power connector.
Ready LED
The Ready LED (green) illuminates continuously while the unit is initializing. It
flashes once per second when the system is operating correctly. If the LED is
not flashing, it indicates that something is wrong (e.g. another device on the
network at the same IP address).
Ethernet Speed LEDs (1 & 2)
The Ethernet Speed LED illuminates (green) if the Ethernet connection is
operating at 100Mbit/sec. The LED is off if the connection is operating at
10Mbit/sec.
Ethernet Link LEDs (1 & 2)
The Ethernet Link LED illuminates when a connection has been made. It
flashes when there is data traffic on the Ethernet link.
Serial Port LEDs (P1, P2, P3 & P4)
Each serial port has an associated LED. Serial Port LEDs flash (green) when
data is being transmitted or received on the serial ports. When the LED is
illuminated it indicates the serial port is open.
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Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
Note: LEDs on the serial server are also used to indicate various Reset modes, as described in the
following section.
Reset Switch
A recessed momentary Reset switch is located on the side of the enclosure.
To activate the switch, insert a small plastic tool through the hole in the
enclosure and press lightly.
Figure 4. Side View of the Serial Server
The Reset switch is used to:
Initiate a Hardware Reset
Enter Console Mode
Reload factory defaults
Using the Reset Switch to Initiate a Hardware Reset
Hold the Reset switch in for 0 to 2 seconds. The P1 LED illuminates while the
switch is being held in. Release the switch in less than two seconds or the
serial server will enter Console Mode.
Using the Reset Switch to Enter Console Mode
Hold the Reset switch for between two and ten seconds. The P1 LED
illuminates for the first two seconds and the P1 LED goes out; then the P2 LED
illuminates until the Reset switch is released. Release the switch in less than
10 seconds or the serial server will reset to factory default settings. The serial
server will re-boot and enter Console Mode. LED P1 will be on while the unit is
in Console Mode.
Using the Reset Switch to exit Console Mode
Press the Reset switch for less than two seconds, or remove power from the
serial server, wait a few seconds, and turn the power on again. The LEDs go
back to their normal states when the device resumes normal operation.
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Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
Using the Reset Switch to Reload Factory Default Settings
Hold the Reset switch for more than ten seconds. The P1 LED illuminates for
the first two seconds; then the P2 LED illuminates. After 10 seconds the P1
and P2 LEDs will illuminate. When the switch is released, both the P1 and P2
LEDs will go out. The Ready LED will flash quickly while the serial server reinitializes to factory default settings, and then the server will re-boot.
Ethernet Connector
Serial server models equipped with 10BaseT/100BaseTX network connections
use an RJ45 receptacle. The serial server is connected to a standard Ethernet
network drop using a straight-through RJ45 (male) Ethernet cable. Models
with a second RJ45 receptacle act as an Ethernet switch enabling the
connection of other devices to the network.
Figure 5. Ethernet Connectors
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connector pinouts.
Fiber Optic Connectors
Serial server models equipped with fiber-optic network connections use either
SC or ST connectors, depending on the specific model.
Figure 6. SC and ST Fiber Optic Cable Connectors
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Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
Serial Port Connectors
VESR4x4 Serial Servers feature two serial port connector configurations,
depending on the model:
VESR4x4D-x serial servers feature four serial ports, all of which use DB-
9M connectors for RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 connections.
VESR4x4T-x serial servers feature four serial ports, all of which use five-
position removable terminal blocks for RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485
connections.
Figure 7. DB-9M Serial Port Connector with Pinout
Figure 8. Five-Position Pluggable Terminal Blocks
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connector pinouts.
Power Connector
VESR4x4 serial servers provide two power connectors. One is a three position
removable terminal block with +, - and chassis ground connections. The other
is a locking barrel jack connector.
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Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
Figure 9. Power Connectors
NOTE: the terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; the barrel jack
cannot be used for these applications. See the specification tables for further information.
Mounting Hardware
VESR4x4 Serial Servers can be DIN rail or panel mounted. The necessary
hardware is included in the accessory kit, which also includes the screws for
attaching the mounting hardware. Two brackets are provided for mounting the
serial server flush to a panel or behind a rack-mount instrument panel.
Figure 10. Panel Mount Brackets
Each bracket is mounted using two 4-40 flat-head screws (included). The
additional threaded holes on the side of the serial server allow the unit to be
mounted in six different configurations.
Figure 11. VESR4x4 showing Panel Mount Bracket options
If extra mounting brackets are needed, they can be ordered from B&B
Electronics as Kit Number #9030.
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Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
The DIN rail mounting bracket attaches to the back of the serial server using
three 4-40 flat head screws.
Figure 12. VESR424 with DIN Rail Clip Mounted
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Section 3 - Installation and Initial Setup Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
SECTION 3
Installation and Initial Setup
This section describes how to install the VESR4x4 Serial Server and configure
the device.
Note: In this section devices to be connected to the serial server’s serial connections are simply referred
to as the “serial device”.
Connecting the Power Supply
Connect a DC power supply to the power terminals on the side of the serial
server. Polarity of the wires is indicated underneath each connector.
Acceptable voltages are between 10 VDC and 58 VDC. The power supply must
be capable of supplying 6 watts.
Figure 13. Power Supply Connections
NOTE: the terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; the
barrel jack cannot be used for these applications. See the specification tables
for further information.
Connecting VESR4x4 Serial Servers to Serial Devices
VESR4x4 Serial Servers can be connected to serial devices using RS-232, RS422, RS-485 2-wire, or RS-485 4-wire communication. VESR4x4D models use
DB-9M connectors and VESR4x4T models use 5-position terminal strips.
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Section 3 - Installation and Initial Setup Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
RS-232
Models using DB9M connectors support seven RS-232 signal lines (TD, RD,
DTR, DSR, RTS, CTS, DCD) plus Signal Ground.
Models using five position pluggable terminal blocks support four signal
lines (TD, RD, RTS, CTS) plus Signal Ground.
Signals are single-ended and referenced to Signal Ground. Default
communications parameters are 9600, 8, N, 1 (9600 baud, 8 data bits, no
parity, 1 stop bit), and no flow control.
Note: The VESR4x4 is configured as a DTE. If it is connected to a computer or other DTE device, use a
null modem (cross-over) cable. If the serial device is configured as a DCE, use a straight-through
cable.
RS-422
RS-485
RS-422 connections support two signal pairs: TDA (-), TDB (+), RDA (-), RDB
(+) and 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. In RS-422, the
transmitter is always enabled. Signal Ground provides a common mode
reference for the signal lines.
RS-485 connections support 2-wire or 4-wire operation. In RS-485 mode, the
transmitter is only enabled when the serial server is transmitting data on the
line. This allows other devices to share the bus.
When configured for 4-wire operation the connection supports two signal
pairs: TDA (-), TDB (+), RDA (-), RDB (+) and 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. Signal Ground
provides a common mode reference for the signal lines.
When configured for 2-wire operation the connection supports one signal
pair: Data A (-) and Data B (+). These lines transmit and receive signals using
half-duplex operation. The data lines are differential with the Data B line
positive relative to Data A in the idle (mark) state. Signal Ground provides a
common mode reference for the signal lines.
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Section 3 - Installation and Initial Setup Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connector pinout information.
Figure 14. VESR4x4 Connections
Connecting VESR4x4 Serial Servers to a Network
Ethernet Connection (10BaseT/100BaseTX)
When connecting a serial server equipped with a 10BaseT/100BaseTX
network connection (RJ45 connector) to an Ethernet network, a standard
unshielded twisted-pair cable can be used. When installing this equipment
in industrial or other electrically noisy environments, STP (shielded
twisted pair) cable is strongly recommended. The serial server has an
automatic MDIX interface which will sense the pinout of the network interface
and provide a cross-over connection if required.
Fiber Optic Connection
When connecting a serial server equipped with a fiber optic interface
to an Ethernet network, the appropriate fiber optic cable must be connected
between the serial server and the network interface. The TX output of the
serial server port must be connected to the RX input of the network interface
and vice-versa. Refer to the list of VESR4x4 Serial Server Models (on page 8)
for the supported fiber types, distances, and connectors.
Ethernet Pass-through Port
VESR424 serial servers are equipped with an additional RJ45 network port,
also known as a pass-through port. This port can be used to connect additional
Ethernet devices, such as a local workstation or second serial server, to the
network.
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