This manual provides installation and operation information for the Comtech EF Data
KP-10 External Keypad. This is a technical document intended for earth station
engineers, technicians, and operators responsible for the operation and maintenance of
the KP-10 External Keypad.
CONVENTIONS AND REFERENCES
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
Indicates information critical for proper equipment function.
IMPORTANT
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury. CAUTION may also be used to indicate other unsafe practices or risks of
CAUTION
WARNING
property damage.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
METRIC CONVERSION
Metric conversion information is located on the inside back cover of this manual. This
information is provided to assist the operator in cross-referencing English to Metric
conversions.
RECOMMENDED STANDARD DESIGNATIONS
Recommended Standard (RS) Designations have been superseded by the new designation
of the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). References to the old designations are
shown only when depicting actual text displayed on the screen of the unit (RS-232, RS485, etc.). All other references in the manual will be shown with the EIA designations
(EIA-232, EIA-485, etc.) only.
All product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.
REPORTING COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING THIS MANUAL
Comments and suggestions regarding the content and design of this manual will be
appreciated. To submit comments, please contact the Comtech EF Data Customer
Support Department.
EMC COMPLIANCE
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference that
requires the user to take adequate protection measures.
EN55022 COMPLIANCE
This equipment meets the radio disturbance characteristic specifications for information
technology equipment as defined in EN55022.
EN50082-1 COMPLIANCE
This equipment meets the electromagnetic compatibility/g eneric immunity standard as
defined in EN50082-1.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a 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. If not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference; in which case, users are required to correct the interference at their
own expense.
Note: To ensure compliance, properly shielded cables for DATA I/O shall be used. More
specifically, these cables shall be shielded from end to end, ensuring a continuous shield.
Applicable testing is routinely performed as a condition of manufacturing on all units to
ensure compliance with safety requirements of EN60950.
This equipment meets the Safety of Information Technology Equipment specification as
defined in EN60950.
LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE (LVD)
The following information is applicable for the European Low Voltage Directive
(EN60950):
<HAR> Type of power cord required for use in the European Community.
!
International Symbols:
Symbol Definition Symbol Definition
Alternating Current.
Note: For additional symbols, refer to “Cautions” listed earlier in this preface.
WARRANTY POLICY
CAUTION: Double-pole/Neutral Fusing.
ACHTUNG: Zweipolige bzw. Neutralleiter-Sicherung.
Protective Earth.
Fuse.
Chassis Ground.
This Comtech EF Data product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship
for a period of two years from the date of shipment. During the warranty period, Comtech
EF Data will, at its option, repair or replace products that prove to be defective.
For equipment under warranty, the customer is responsible for freight to Comtech EF
Data and all related custom, taxes, tariffs, insurance, etc. Comtech EF Data is responsible
for the freight charges only for return of the equipment from the factory to the customer.
Comtech EF Data will return the equipment by the same method (i.e., Air, Express,
Surface) as the equipment was sent to Comtech EF Data.
LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper installation or
maintenance, abuse, unauthorized modification, or operation outside of environmental
specifications for the product, or, for damages that occur due to improper repackaging of
equipment for return to Comtech EF Data.
No other warranty is expressed or implied. Comtech EF Data specifically disclaims the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
The remedies provided herein are the buyer's sole and exclusive remedies. Comtech EF
Data shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages, whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.
DISCLAIMER
Comtech EF Data has reviewed this manual thoroughly in order that it will be an easy-touse guide to your equipment. All statements, technical information, and
recommendations in this manual and in any guides or related documents are believed
reliable, but the accuracy and completeness thereof are not guaranteed or warranted, and
they are not intended to be, nor should they be understood to be, representations or
warranties concerning the products described. Further, Comtech EF Data reserves the
right to make changes in the specifications of the products described in this manual at any
time without notice and without obligation to notify any person of such changes.
If you have any questions regarding the equipment or the information in this manual,
please contact the Comtech EF Data Customer Support Department.
vi
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
KP-10 External Keypad
This chapter describes the Comtech EF Data KP-10, including :
! Purpose and function
! Compatible equipment
! Physical characteristics
The KP-10 is a handheld keypad that provides portable, external access for controlling
Comtech EF Data Transceivers and Redundancy Switch Units.
The KP-10 is typically used for the initial set up, occasional changes to the configurations
and routine maintenance status of RFT and KST satellite terminal systems. When the
KP-10 is used with a redundant system, it is typically connected to a Comtech EF Data
Redundancy Switch Unit, RJU, or a Redundancy Junction Unit, RJU.
Note: Permanent monitoring of RFTs is accomplished with a PC and the M&C System Monitor
Software . Information about the M&C System Monitor Software is found in the
installation and operation manuals for Comtech EF Data CST and KST terminals.
1.1.1 COMPATIBLE EQUIPMENT
The KP-10 works with the following Comtech EF Data products:
Display Screen The display screen is a monochrome, four-line
display screen featuring a user-controlled contrast
level.
Key Labels Blank, white key labels are located across the top
of the keypad, just under the display screen.
Indicator LEDs Indicator LED s above the function keys are used
to signal that the key is in use, or that there are
additional lines of a response message yet to be
displayed.
Keypad The keypad is a sealed-membrane type containing
alpha-numeric keys, cursor movement keys, and
specialized function keys.
Connector Port and Serial
Cable
The KP-10 connects to RFTs and RSUs using
either an RS-232C or an RS-485 serial
communications port and cable. The serial
connection type is an option selected when the
KP-10 is ordered.
KP-10 Configurations 5
Connecting and Supplying Power 7
Using the Keypad 11
Configuring the KP-10 13
Entering Commands and Receiving Responses14
2.1 KP-10 CONFIGURATIONS
The KP-10 is designed to operate with various RFT and KST Transceiver products. Additionally,
the KP-10 can communicate using various serial data communication interfaces, such as RS-232,
RS-485 and RS-422. Operation of the KP-10 with these products and data interfaces requires the
selection of the proper KP-10 terminal and interface cable. Refer to Table 1 for the proper KP-10
configurations. Please note that not all combinations of products and interfaces are possible.
1 -RX INPUT
2 +RX INPUT
3 +TX OUTPUT
6 -TX OUTPUT
5 GND POWER RETURN
9 +V POWER
Cable diagrams for the various interface cables can be found in Appendix C.
2.2 CONNECTING AND SUPPLYING POWER
Note: The KP-10 is not weather resistant. Please treat the terminal with the same care afforded
a laptop computer.
Connecting the KP-10 is a matter of plugging the interface cable into both the KP-10 and
the unit being controlled.
Power for the KP-10 is supplied from the RF terminal or redundant unit
The connection is a 9-pin female D connector located on the top of the KP-10.
To connect the KP-10 and supply power:
Plug the 9-pin connector into the receptacle on the top of the KP-10 (Figure 2).
1
Plug the 26-pin connector into the remote receptacle on the RFT (Figure 3), or into the J16
2
Monitor and Control receptacle on the RSU (Figure 4).
During initial setup of a redundant system, connect the KP-10 to each component
directly. After initial setup, it is possible to connect the KP-10 to the RSU, and access
each component by selecting the individual component address.
Note: Connections for other RFTs and RSUs are similar. In case of a communication failure
with the KP-10, disconnect the cable and then reconnect it, to perform a reset.
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2.3 USING THE KEYPAD
2.3.1 FUNCTION KEYS
White function keys are the first row of keys on the top of the keypad (Figure 5). [OS],
[FS], [MS], and [AS] are programmed to send specific, pre-set commands when pressed.
[RESET], [SHIFT], and [ENTER] perform other operational functions. The function keys
are described in Table 6.
Table 6. KP-10 Function Keys
Function Key Function Performed
[RESET] Press [RESET] to clear all messages and settings in the KP-10. Pressing
[RESET] is equivalent to turning the unit off, and then on.
[OS]
(Operating
Status)
[FS]
(Fault Status)
[MS]
(Maintenance
Status)
[AS]
(Switch Address)
[SHIFT] Press and hold [SHIFT] in combination with any two-part key to enter the
[ENTER] Press [ENTER] to send a command to the terminal.
Press [OS] to access and display the operating status of the selected RFT.
Press [FS] to access and display the fault status of the selected RFT.
Press [MS] to access and display the maintenance status of the selected
RFT.
Press [AS] to access and display the address of the selected RFT.
Note: [AS] was formerly [KP ON]. [KP ON] is now obsolete.
character depicted on top of the key.
Mode
Press
Scroll
Down
Scroll
U
Figure 5. Alternate Key Functions During Configuration
Certain function keys perform alternate functions during the configuration process:
! [FS] serves as the [MODE] key
! [MS] serves as the [SCROLL UP] key
! [AS] serves as the [SCROLL DOWN] key
Table 7 shows keys used on permanent terminals that have been changed on the KP-10.
Table 7. Keys Changed on the KP-10
These keys on the permanent terminals: A re changed to these keys on the KP-10:
+
(Plus key)
-
(Minus key)
( and )
(Parentheses keys)
,
(Comma key)
(Spacebar key)
?
(Question mark key)
(Underscore key)
(Underscore key)
(Less than and greater than keys, respectively)
_
_
< and >
.
(Period key)
↵
(Enter key)
/
(Backslash key)
2.3.2 CHARACTER KEYS
Character keys, containing the letters of the alphabet, are located just under the command
keys. The character keys are two-part keys, containing two characters each. Simply press
the key to enter the character shown on the lower half of the key.
To enter a character on the upper half of a two-part key:
Press and hold [SHIFT]. The [SHIFT] indicator LED glows when [SHIFT] is engaged.
1
Press the character key.
2
2.3.3 NUMERIC KEYS
Numeric keys, containing the numerals 0 through 9, are located below and to the right of
the character keys. The numeric keys contain only one numeral each; therefore, entering
numerals does not require use of the [SHIFT] key. Press the key to enter the numeral
shown on the key.
Cursor keys, containing directional arrows, are located below and to the left of the
character keys. The cursor keys do not require use of the [SHIFT] key. Press the key to
move the display screen cursor in the direction indicated by the arrow on the key.
2.4 CONFIGURING THE KP-10
Access the default configuration settings using either of these two methods:
! While pressing any key, supply power to the external keypad.
or
! If power is already supplied, press [RESET] for a second.
The default configuration consists of several items:
! Version
! Contrast setting
! Baud rate
! Data format
! Serial mode
These items appear in a series of displays, each one accessed by pressing and releasing a
key.
After the default configuration has been completed, the KP-10 is ready for input.
2.4.1 VERSION
After power-on, the Version (v1.1) appears on the display screen.
2.4.2 CONTRAST CONTROL
Release the key pressed during power-on to display “CONTRAST” on the screen.
! DARKER — Press [SCROLL UP] to darken the display screen contrast.
! LIGHTER — Press [SCROLL DOWN] to lighten the display screen contrast.
Press [MODE] and the default Baud rate of 9600 appears. Change the Baud rate by pressing
[SCROLL UP] or [SCROLL DOWN] to raise or lower the Baud rate.
Press [MODE] again, and the data format appears. Do not change the setting of “7e2”.
Press [MODE] a third time, and the serial mode “BLOCK” will appear. Do not change the
setting of “BLOCK”.
Press [MODE] again, and the cursor moves to the upper left corner of the screen, indicating
the terminal is ready to receive input.
Note: See Figure 5 for mode and scroll key locations.
2.5 ENTERING COMMANDS AND RECEIVING RESPONSES
Enter a command on the KP-10 keypad, then send it to the terminal by pressing
[ENTER]. The command sent and the corresponding response returned from the terminal
are both visible on the display screen.
To type a command:
Press firmly on each character key in sequence.
1
Verify the characters on the display screen. The message format must be valid (see Chapters
2
3 and 4 for information on valid message formats for single and redundant systems,
respectively).
Press [ENTER] to send the completed command to the terminal.
3
On occasion, the response received from the accessed device is too large to fit on the
display. When this happens, the indicator LED above [FS] or [RFS] flashes. The entire
response can be viewed by scrolling through it. After scrolling through the message,
press [ENTER], [RESET], [OS], [MS], or [AS] to turn off the flashing LED.
To scroll through a response:
Press the function key under the flashing LED.
1
Read the displayed section of the response.
2
If the LED is still on, press the function key again to see more of the message.
Message Structure 15
Single RFT Communications19
RSU Communications 21
This chapter describes:
! How to operate the KP-10 with a single RFT
! How to operate the KP-10 with an RSU
! How to enter commands and read responses
! Message structure and device addresses
3.1 MESSAGE STRUCTURE
When typing commands or reading responses, it is important to understand the valid
message structure. An overview of valid message structure is presented here.
Messages on the KP-10 fall into the categories of commands and responses. Commands
are messages which the KP-10 transmits to the RFT, while responses are messages
returned by the RFT in response to a command.
To enter and send a command:
Type the command strings using the character and numeric keys.
1
Press [ENTER].
2
For details on specific commands and parameters, refer to the “Remote Control
Operation” section in the installation and operation manual for the appropriate Comtech
EF Data CST or KST system.
The ASCII character format used requires 11 bits/character:
! 1 start bit
! 7 information bits
! 1 parity bit
! 2 stop bits
3.1.2 START CHARACTER
Each message on the remote link begins with a start character and ends with an end
character
. The start and end characters are different for commands and responses.
The start characters are as follows:
! Commands: <
! Responses: >
3.1.3 DEVICE ADDRESSES
The device address is the address of the specific device that is designated to receive or
respond to a transmitted command.
(Note: Default is “7e2”.)
Table 8. Device Addresses
Valid Device Addresses
Length 1 to 3 characters
Range 1 to 255
When using the KP-10 external keypad, the global address “*” is used to create a string
output response displayed on the external keypad. This KP-10 global address causes the
accessed device to respond, regardless of its specific address.
Do not confuse the KP-10 global address (*) with the global address of zero referred to
in the M&C System Monitor Software User’s Guide. The zero global address causes
CAUTION
the accessed device to accept commands without responding.
The valid message structure varies according to whether the message is a command or a
response. The command message structure is as follows:
Example: <add/DCF_nnnn.n'cr']
Start
Character
< add/ DCF_nnnn.n 'cr']
Replace 'add' with the valid device address, or
Device
Address
use the KP-10 global address of '*' (for a
single-system RFT only).
Command and
Parameter
Command =
DCF_
Parameter =
nnnn.n
End
Character
carriage return
and end bracket
3.1.5 RESPONSE MESSAGE STRUCTURE
The response message structure is as follows:
Example: >add/DCF_nnnn.n'cr''lf']
Start
Character
> add/ DCF_nnnn.n'cr''lf' ]
'add' is replaced by the valid device
Device
Address
address, or the KP-10 global address of '*'
(for a single-system RFT only)
Command, Parameter and
Response
Command = DCF_
Parameter = nnnn.n
Response = 'lf'
End
Character
End bracket
Replace parameter markers (such as “add”) with appropriate values. For more
information about specific parameter values, refer to the “Remote Control Operation”
section in the installation and operation manual for the appropriate Comtech EF Data
CST or KST terminal system.
Note: “add” is a parameter marker that must be replaced with a valid 1 to 3 character device
address in the range of 1 through 255, or the KP-10 global address of “*”.
Do not use any global address when accessing the RSU unit with the KP-10.
CAUTION
3.1.6 END CHARACTER
As stated previously, each message on the remote link begins with a start character and
ends with an end character. The start and end characters are different for commands and
responses.
The end characters are as follows:
! Commands “cr”] (carriage return and end bracket)
! Responses ] (end bracket)
3.1.7 NEGATIVE RESPONSES
If the terminal receives a message which does not match the established protocol or
cannot be implemented, a negative acknowledgment is sent in response.
Examples of negative responses include:
! >add/?ER1_PARITY ERROR'cr''lf']
(Error message for received parity errors.)
! >add/?ER2_INVALID PARAMETER'cr''lf']
(Error message for a recognized command which cannot be implemented or has
parameters which are out of range.)
! >add/?ER3_UNRECOGNIZABLE COMMAND'cr''lf']
(Error message for unrecognizable command or bad command syntax.)
! >add/?ER4_CONVERTER IN LOCK MODE'cr''lf']
(Controller in Lock mode, must go to Enable mode first.)
! >add/?ER5_NOT SUPPORTED BY HARDWARE'cr''lf']
(The command is a legal command, but is not supported by the current hardware
configuration.)
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3.2 SINGLE RFT COMMUNICATIONS
3.2.1 KEYPAD VARIATIONS FOR AN RFT
When the KP-10 is being used with a single-system RFT, the valid function keys are:
Scroll
RESET
OS
FSMS
S
Figure 6. Function Keys for use with an RFT
Table 9. Descriptions of Function Keys used with an RFT
Function Key Description
[RESET] Reset External Keypad
[OS] Switch Operation Status
[FS] Switch Fault Status
[MS] Switch Maintenance Status
[AS] Switch Address (see Note)
Note: The key labeled [KP ON] performs the
[AS] function.
Make sure the [SHIFT] indicator LED is OFF before using these keys.
If the KP-10 is connected to a single RFT, the KP-10 global address of “*” is sufficient
for communicating with the terminal. There is no need to ascertain the actual address of
the RFT, in this case. A list of typical commands used with an RFT includes the
following:
Note: Replace "add" with the address of the device being accessed.
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3.3 RSU COMMUNICATIONS
If the KP-10 is connected to a single RFT, the KP-10 global address of “*” is sufficient
for communicating with the terminal. There is no need to ascertain the actual address of
the RFT, in this case.
3.3.1 KP-10 KEYPAD VARIATIONS FOR AN RSU
When the KP-10 is being used with an RSU, the valid function keys are as follows:
Scroll
RESET
ROS
RFSRMS
SR
Figure 7. Function Keys for use with an RSU
Table 10. Descriptions of Function Keys used with an RSU
Function Key Description
[RESET] Reset External Keypad
[ROS] Redundancy Switch Operation Status
[RFS] Redundancy Switch Fault Status
[RMS] Redundancy Switch Maintenance Status
[ASR] Switch Address (See Note)
Note: The key labeled [KP ON] performs the
[ASR] function.
Make sure the [SHIFT] indicator LED is ON before using these keys.
To communicate with each terminal via the RSU, the following format is used:
! <*/ASR_ (Meaning: RSU command - address 1)
In the previous example, the KP-10 is connected to an RSU. The global address
command was sent first, then AS was pressed to access the address for a specific terminal
before sending other commands.
In the following example, the address (2) of Terminal A follows “*”:
! <*2/FS_ (Meaning: Terminal A command - address 2)
Note: Always make sure the correct address of any terminal (other than address 1) follows “*”
in the command string.
A list of typical commands used with an RSU includes the following: