Product Overview
422 Hardware
Installation Guide
The RocketPort® PCI 422 series multiport serial card fits into the PCI slot of a
personal computer, and uses a 36 MHz processor that is specifically designed to
process asynchronous serial communications. The RocketPort PCI 422 supports
RS-422 exclusively, in either DTE or DCE mode.
The RocketPort PCI 422 series uses Application Specific Integrated Circuits
(ASICs) technology to replace most hardware components, including:
• The processor
• A serial controller
• Bus interface logic and other miscellaneous logic
You can install up to four RocketPort PCI 422 cards in one PC, with up to 32
additional serial ports, and you can install any combination of PCI-bus and ISAbus RocketPort cards.
1
Product List and Pictures
Product List and
Pictures
This Hardware Installation document discusses the following serial controllers.
Type Ports Interface Type
DB9
Quadcable
This model has four DB9 male connectors for RS-422 serial
4
port connections. Includes a fanout cable with four standard
DB9 male connectors.
8 8 Requires one 8-port interface module.
DB9
Octacable
This model has eight DB9 male connectors for RS-422 serial
8
port connections. Includes an eight port fanout cable with
standard DB9 male connectors.
Note: The cables and interface modules shipped with this product are described
and illustrated in RocketPort Interfaces
on Page 5.
Quadcable with DB9
Interface Cables
Octacable with PB9
Interface Cables
Locating Drivers and Software Documentation
RocketPort Terminology
8 Port with Interface Module
You can download the latest drivers and software installation documents from the
web site at http://support.comtrol.com/Download.asp
.
For the purposes of the following discussions, “RocketPort ISA” cards means any
interface type including 4-port RJ45, 8-port RJ11, Quadcable, and Octacable, or 8/
16/32-port model.
These products are referred to as “RocketPort PCI” cards:
• RocketPort PCI-bus boards (any interface type including 4-port RJ45, 8-port
RJ11, Quadcable, Octacable, and 8/16/32-port models)
• RocketPort Plus models
• RocketPort PCI 422 models
• RocketPort Universal PCI-bus boards (any interface type including Quadcable,
Octacable, 8-port low profile, 16/32-port models)
2
Before Installing the Hardware
Read this subsection:
• If you already have one or more RocketPort ISA cards installed in your
system.
• If you plan to install a combination of RocketPort ISA and RocketPort PCI
cards at this time.
Before Installing the Hardware
Existing RocketPort ISA Cards Installed
You must deconfigure and remove any existing RocketPort ISA cards before
installing RocketPort PCI cards. After you have successfully installed the
RocketPort PCI cards, reinstall the RocketPort ISA cards.
Explanation The BIOS on your computer automatically handles I/O addressing for RocketPort
PCI cards when you first power up the computer after installing the cards.
I/O addresses for RocketPort ISA cards are set manually using DIP switches on
the card. If you install an ISA card before installing a RocketPort PCI card, the
ISA card addressing may interfere with the computer’s ability to recognize the
RocketPort PCI card which may prevent the PCI card from functioning properly.
Additional Considerations
If you are mixing RocketPort ISA and PCI cards, set the DIP switches on the ISA
cards so that the first ISA card that you install is the “first” card for I/O
addressing purposes, even if it is physically the second, third, or fourth card that
you install.
Installing the RocketPort Hardware
Hardware installation consists of optionally setting the DIP switch for a port to
DCE, installing the card in the system, and connecting the interface.
Card Installation Use the following procedure to install the card.
Note: If you are installing PCI and ISA RocketPort cards, install the PCI cards
1. For the 2 port SMPTE card only: to configure a specific port to DCE mode
and driver before installing and configuring the ISA cards.
in SMPTE, set the switch for that port to ON.
OFF
ON
Note: The default switch settings are set to OFF for DTE mode.
2. Turn off your computer.
3. Remove the system cover.
4. Select a PCI expansion slot.
5. Remove the slot cover.
Note: You may want to write down the model number and serial number of
the card before installation.
6. Insert the card into the slot and seat it securely.
7. Reinstall the expansion slot retaining screw.
Note: You may want to leave the system unit cover off until the driver is
installed and running, in case you need to change the DTE/DCE switch
setting.
3
Installing a Quad/Octacable Interface
8. Attach the interface that came with your card using the appropriate
procedure:
• Installing a Quad/Octacable Interface
on Page 4
• Installing a Standard or Surge Interface Module for an 8 Port Card
4
on Page
Installing a Quad/
Octacable Interface
Installing a Standard or Surge Interface Module for an 8 Port Card
Caution
Use this procedure to complete the Quadcable or Octacable hardware installation.
Note: Quad and Octacable models support RS-232 exclusively.
1. Attach the male end of the Quadcable or Octacable to the card.
2. Tighten the retaining screws.
See RocketPort Interfaces
on Page 5, if you need information about the
connectors.
3. Use the software installation and configuration document for your operating
system, with the driver to complete your installation.
For the latest software and documentation, go to http://support.comtrol.com/
download.asp.
Note: After installing the hardware, you must install the device driver for your
operating system.
4. Verify that the ports are functioning properly and connect your peripheral
devices.
Use this procedure to complete the installation with a standard interface module.
Do not connect the RocketPort cable to the card or the interface module
when the PC is powered on. This prevents possible damage to the interface
module electronics.
1. Attach the interface module cable to the connector on the RocketPort card
mounting bracket.
2. Tighten the retaining screws.
3. Use the software installation and configuration document for your operating
system, with the driver to complete your installation.
For the latest software and documentation, go to http://support.comtrol.com/
download.asp.
Note: After installing the hardware, you must install the device driver for your
operating system.
4. Verify that the ports are functioning properly and connect your peripheral
devices.
4
RocketPort Interfaces
A cable or interface module may be shipped with RocketPort PCI 422 series. The
type of cable or interface module shipped with RocketPort PCI 422 series depends
on the product part number. The cables and interface modules are described
below:
• Quadcable and Octacable fanout cables with the following configurations:
• Interface modules with the following
RocketPort Interfaces
- Quadcable DB9 male
- Octacable DB9 male
configurations:
- 8-port DB9 male
- 8-port SMPTE (Society of Motion
Picture and Television Engineers)
207M DB9 female
Octacable
DB9
8 Port
SMPTE Interface
Module
Note: RS-422 supports up to 10 multidrop devices.
Cabling Requirements
Use the appropriate pinout specification provided below for your hardware.
DB9 Interfaces The RocketPort PCI 422 supports Quadcable, Octacable, an 8-port box interface
equipped with male DB9 connectors, and the 8-port SMPTE 207M interface
module, which is equipped with female DB9 connectors.
DB9 Pinouts The following figures and table illustrate the signals present on DB9 connectors.
DB9 Male for Quad/Octa
Pin 1
Pin 6
Pin 5
Pin 9
DB9 Female for SMPTE
Pin 5
Pin 9
Pin 1
Pin 6
5
Building DB9 Loopback Plugs
Building DB9
Loopback Plugs
Specifications
Pin
1 Not Connected Not Connected
2TxD- RxD3 RxD+ TxD+
4 to 6 Not used Not used
7 TxD+ RxD+
8RxD- TxD9 Chassis Ground Chassis Ground
Loopback connectors are plugs, with pins wired together, that are used in
conjunction with the RocketPort diagnostic software to test serial ports. To build a
DB9 loopback plug, wire the following pins together:
•Pin 2 to 8
•Pin 3 to 7
The following tables illustrate RocketPort PCI 422 conditions and specifications.
DTE Mode DCE Mode
Environmental Condition Value
Air temperature:
System on
System off
Humidity (non-condensing):
System on
System off
Altitude:
Electromagnetic Compliance
Emission:
Canadian EMC requirements
CISPR-22/EN55022 Class B
FCC PART 15: Class B
Immunity:
EN50082: 801-2 ESD, 801-3 RF, 801-4 FT
Safety:
UL recognized.
0 to 40
-20 to 85°c
8% to 80%
20% to 80%
0 to 10,000 feet
(0 to 3048 meters)
°c
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Specifications
RocketPort PCI 422 Card Specification
Baud Rate:
RS-422 DTE/DCE 50 to 460.8K baud
Note: Baud rate is dependent upon hardware and operating system
configuration.
Bus interface PCI
Control by device driver:
Data bits
Parity
Stop bits
Current consumption
7 or 8
Odd, Even, None
1 or 2
+5V
850mA
Power consumption 4.25 W
Dimensions 4.9” by 4.2”
Heat output 14.49 BTU/Hr
I/O ports/expansion slot From 4 to 8
Interfaces RS-422
Mean time between failures (MTBF) 55.8 Years
Mode (hardware selectable) DTE or DCE
RocketPort cards/system 4
SMPTE standard 207M
Provides ESD surge protection
Surge protection
minimum of 10KV @ 200A for a
duration of 1 ns.
Interface Module Type
Mounting
Dimensions
Overall Dimensions
RS-422, 8-Port 3.37” x 2.69” 3.68” x 3.6” x 1.6”
7
FCC Notices
FCC Notices
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105)
Labeling
Requirements (FCC
15.19)
Modifications (FCC
15.21)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B
digital devices pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Comtrol
Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Serial Cables (FCC
15.27)
This equipment is certified for Class A operation when used with shielded cables.
8
Troubleshooting and Running Diagnostics
This section describes how to diagnose and troubleshoot problems. When a
problem occurs, first determine that your RocketPort is functioning properly. Start
by creating a bootable diagnostics diskette.
Troubleshooting and Running Diagnostics
Creating a Diagnostics Diskette
Diagnostics Overview
Running the Diagnostics
You need two files to create a bootable floppy diagnostic diskette:
•The Rawrite utility that creates a bootable diagnostics diskette.
• The diskette image file (*.i).
You can find both files on the Comtrol Software and Documentation CD or at ftp://
ftp.comtrol.com/RPort.
This discussion outlines how to create a bootable diagnostics diskette. You can use
our Web site http://support.comtrol.com/bootdiag.asp
to:
• Download the necessary files.
• Easily find specific procedures for your operating system to create the bootable
diskette.
After you create a bootable diagnostic diskette, you can use the diagnostic
program to:
• Confirm that the hardware is functioning.
• Determine resolutions to conflicts during installation.
• Perform stress test on the cards.
For example, you may want to run the diagnostics overnight to evaluate a possible
problem. You will need loopback plugs for each port that you want to stress test. If
you need additional loopback plugs, you can use the appropriate Building
Loopback Plugs discussion in this document to build additional loopback plugs.
Use the following procedure to run the diagnostics:
1. Insert the diagnostics diskette you created and restart your machine. The
diagnostic starts automatically.
2. Verify that the system locates the RocketPort card.
3. Follow the remainder of the online instructions.
If the diagnostics did not pass you may want to use the following discussion to
diagnose your problem.
Resolving Failures If the diagnostics could not find the card:
• Turn off the power and reseat the card into the slot.
• Check for proper cable connections.
• Check for proper installation of the loopback plug.
Try running the diagnostics again. If they fail again, you may have a bad port,
contact Technical Support.
9
Technical Support
Technical Support
Comtrol has a staff of support technicians available to help you. You should review
Troubleshooting and Running Diagnostics
Support. In addition, the Web site has Online Technical Support
on Page 9 before calling Technical
available. If you
call for Technical Support, please have the following information available:
Item Your System Information
Model number
Serial number
Interface type
Operating system type, release,
and service package
Device driver version
PC make, model, speed, and single
or dual processor
List other devices in the PC and
their addresses
Comtrol Headquarters Europe
Phone (763) 494-4100 +44 (0)1869 323220
FAX (763) 494-4199 +44 (0)1869 323211
E-mail support@comtrol.com
support@comtrol.co.uk
Web support http://support.comtrol.com/
Downloads http://.support.comtrol.com/download.asp
Web site www.comtrol.com www.comtrol.co.uk
FTP site ftp.comtrol.com
Trademark Notices
Comtrol and RocketPort are registered trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Fifth Edition, October 13, 2004
Copyright © 2002 - 2004. Comtrol Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the
contents of this document or to the suitability of the Comtrol product for any
particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without notice. Some software
or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller
for current product information.
Document Number: 2000129 Rev. E
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