Comtrol RPSH-ia User Manual

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia)
Hardware Installation

The RocketPort Serial Hub ia is a DIN-rail mountable (24V) serial
communications device that easily connects to a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet hub,
switch, or network interface card (NIC).

The RocketPort Serial Hub ia uses a RISC processor to process asynchronous
serial communications, thereby maximizing performance and eliminating
throughput bottlenecks.

RocketPort Serial Hub ia features include:

• Two DB9 software selectable RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 asynchronous serial
ports.

• Configurable netw ork protocol, allowing the RocketPort Serial Hub ia to use
IP or MAC (media access control) addressing.

Note: See the Software Installation

information.

• An optional 24VDC power supply that supports input voltages between 100­240VAC and 50 or 60 Hz operation.

• Auto polarity selection for network connection.

•Diagnostic LEDs.

Some drivers feature:

• Multi-server port assignment, permitting the sharing of this device with
multiple servers. Each individual server can be configured for MAC or IP
addressing.

• Port sharing among servers. The same port can be used for multiple servers.

documentation for MAC or IP addressing

What This Document Contains

Use this document to:

• Install

• Verify
during the power up phase.

• Add

• Build cables or loopback plugs

- An ethernet crossover cable, if you are connecting the RocketPort Serial

- Null-modem cable for the peripheral devices that you are connecting to the

- RS-232/422 loopback plug (one included).

• Troubleshoot

• Review the RocketPort Serial Hub ia specifications

• Contact

See the appropriate Software Insta
information.

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 1

the RocketPort Serial Hub ia.

that the RocketPort Serial Hub ia passes the hardware diagnostics

additional units to an existing RocketPort Serial Hub ia environment.

, including:

Hub ia directly to a NIC card (not included).
RocketPort Serial Hub ia (not included).

installation or configuration problems.

and agency notices.

Comtrol™ or download updated software or documentation.

llation documentation for software installation

The latest driver releases are available at:

•

http://support.comtrol.com

• ftp://ftp.comtrol.com

Note: To use the red hyperlinks, you must be connected to the internet.

Connecting to the Network

Use the following procedure to connect the RocketPort Serial Hub ia to your
ethernet hub, ethernet switch, or a server’s NIC card.

1. Record the MAC address, model number, and serial number of the RocketPort
Serial Hub ia unit on the customer service labe l provided.

Note: You may need the MAC address during driver configuration.

Connecting to the Network

Serial Number* MAC*

00 C0 4E 11 __ __

__ __

* The serial number and MAC address are located on a label

on the side of the unit.

2. If you are not planning on mounting this unit to a standard DIN rail, mount
the DIN rail section provided with the unit to a wall with suitable screws (not
provided).

Allow a minimum of 4.75” of clearance from the
center of the rail to any device or wire trough

4.75”

above the unit and a minimum of 2.0” below.

2.0”

3. Attach the RocketPort Serial Hub ia to a standard DIN rail or the DIN rail
section mounted in Step 2.

4.75”

0.5”

Tx Rx

1
2

0.5”

1

2

PWR

ACTLNK

NETWORK

2.0”

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 2

Connecting to the Network

Note: For optimal operation, make sure that the device is mounted in a

vertical orientation with a minimum of 0.5” space on either side and a
minimum of 4.75” clearance from the center of the rail to any device or
wire trough above the unit and a minimum of 2.0” below.

4. Connect an Ethernet ca ble from the port labeled Network on the RocketPort
Serial Hub ia to your server NIC card (10/100Base-T) or Ethernet hub.

Note: If connecting the RocketPort Serial Hub ia directly to a NIC, an

Ethernet crossover

cable is required. This is not supplied by Comtrol.

5. Wire the screw terminal so that you can connect the screw terminal to the
optional 24VDC power adapter or directly to a 24VDC local power source.

Wiring the Screw Terminal
with Optional Power Supply

Black (Earth Ground)

White (24VDC R eturn)

Red (24VDC Positive)

Wiring the Screw Terminal
for a Local Power Supply

Wire gauge:
AWG 12-22

24VDC

Note: When connecting and disconnecting the unit, make sure that you

observe proper ESD techniques.

6. Plug the screw terminal into the RPSH-ia.

Note: Make sure you align the plug properly. The the scalloped edge of the

screw terminal is the bottom and is closest to the text on the device.

Caution

The RocketPort Serial Hub ia driver’s default port setting is RS-232. Make
sure that you do not connect devices until the appropriate port interface type
has been configured in the device driver.

7. If necessary, connect the power cord to the power adapter and plug the power
cord into a power source.

Note: You may need to select the appropriate AC po wer cable for you r locati on.

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 3

Ve rifying the Hardware Installation

Use the following information to verify that the hardware is working properly:

• The yellow PWR LED is flashing, indicating you have power and that the
device driver has not been downloaded to the device.

• The green LNK LED is lit, indicating that you have a
working Ethernet connection.

• The yellow ACT LED flashes, indicating Ethernet
activity on the network.

After the driver is installed and configured and the devices
are connected, the yellow Rx LED shows that the data receiver is
connected to another RS-232 device and the green Tx LED shows
that the RS-232 data transmitter is on.

Note: These LEDs are not valid for RS-422 or RS-485 mode.

After verifying that the RocketPort Serial Hub ia is working
correctly, you are ready to install the driver using the appropriate Software
Installation documentation.

•

Linux

• Windows 95/98

• Windows NT

• Windows 2000

Note: Do not use the Windows 95/98 or Window s NT dri ver in Windows 2000

After you install the driver and configure the serial ports, you can use the

Connecting Devices

You may want to download the most recent driver and software installation
document from the Comtrol web/ftp sites:

•

http://support.comtrol.com

• ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/readme.htm

systems.

discussion to connect your serial devices.

Verifying the Hardware Installation

PWR

ACTLNK

NETWORK

Tx Rx

1
2

Adding a Unit to an Existing Installation

Use this procedure to add another R ocketPort Serial Hub ia to an existing
configuration.

1. Install the RocketPort Serial Hub ia to an Ethernet hub or NIC card using the

Connecting to the Network

2. Power-up the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia and verify th at the Power LED lights.

3. Configure the driver to support the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia, using the

Software Installation

4. Configure serial ports to support the serial devices.

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 4

discussion.

documentation or driver readme file.

Replacing Hardware

Replacing Hardware

Use this procedure t o repla ce a Ro cket Port Serial Hub ia with another RocketPort
Serial Hub ia in an existing configuration.

1. Disconnect the power from the RocketPo rt Serial Hub ia that is to be remove d from service.

2. Remove the old unit and attach a new or spare RocketPort Serial Hub ia.

3. Connect the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia to the network hub or server NIC card.

4. Connect the power source to the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia and verify that
it passes the power on self-test.

5. Change the driver to reflect the MAC or IP address of the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia.

6. Configure any RS-422 or RS-485 ports to match the previous unit.

7. Transfer all cabling from the old RocketPort Serial Hub ia to the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia.

No port reconfiguration is needed, providing you reconnect the serial devices
as previously cabled.

8. It is not necessary to shut down and restart the server.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble with a RocketPort Serial Hub ia, try the following :

Note: Most customer problems reported to Comtrol Technical Support are

• Verify that the unit is powered on and that the PWR LED is lit.

• Verify that you are using the correct types of cables

• Verify that the Ethernet hub and any other network devices between the

• To isolate the unit from the network, use a “crossover” ethernet cabl e

• Verify that you are using the correct device driver. Device drivers for the

• Reboot the server.

• See the Software Installation

• Verify that the MAC address in the driver matches the address on the

• If you are using IP addressing:

eventually traced to cabling or network problems.

Note: If the PWR LED is flashing, this indicates that the driver has not

downloaded to the unit.

in the correct places and

that all cables are connected securely.

server and RocketPort Serial Hub ia are powered up and operating.

to

connect the unit directly to the NIC card in the server.

RocketP ort Serial Hub and the RocketPort Serial Hub ia are different.

Note: The drivers used for the RPSH-ia device are the same drivers used for

the RPSH-Si series. For drivers with a GUI, you will select the RP SH-Si
2-port configuration.

documentation for information on operating

system specific troubleshooting procedures.

RocketPort Serial Hub ia.

- Verify that the IP address in the driver matches the unique reserved IP

configured address assigned by the system administrator.

- Verify that the server can ping the RocketPort Serial Hub ia. If the ping

fails, there is an addressing or network problem.

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 5

Connecting Devices

Connecting Devices

• Remove and reinstall the driver.

• If you have a spare RocketPort Serial Hub ia, try replacing RocketPort Serial
Hub ia units. See the Replacing Hardware

Note: If this corrects the problem, the RocketPort Serial Hub ia you have

• If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact Technical Support

Use the following discussion to connect asynchronous serial devices to the
RocketPort Serial Hub ia ports.

Caution

1. Install or reconfigure the driver using the Software Installation
documentation or the driver readme file.

2. Connect your devices to Ports 1 or 2 for each RocketPort Serial Hub ia using
the appropriate cable. You can build your own cables using the Building Null-

Modem Cables or Building Straight-Through Cables discussions.

Note: Use the hardware manufacturer’s installation documentation if you need

removed from service may be defective or in need of repair.

Make sure that you have configured the ports using the driver for the
correct communications mode before connecting any devices . T he def ault
mode in the drivers is RS-232. There is a remote possibility that
connecting a peripheral for the wrong mode could damage the
peripheral.

help with connector pinouts or cabling for the peripheral device.

discussion.

.

Building an Ethernet Crossover Cable

If you are connecting from the 10/100Base-T connector on
the RocketPort Se rial Hub ia directly t o the NIC card in the
server, you need a crossover cable. Use the following
information to build a cable or purchase a cable.

Pin Connects to Pin

13
26
31
62

Receptacle

Pin 1

Pin 1 Pin 6

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 6

DB9 Connector Pinouts

DB9 Connector Pinouts

Use the following pinout information for the DB9 serial port
connectors on the RocketPort Serial Hub ia.

Building Null-Modem Cables

Use the following figure if you need to build a null-modem cable. A null-m odem
cable is required for connecting DTE devices.

Pin RS-232 RS-422 RS-485

1 CD Not used Not used
2RxD RxD-Not used
3TxD TxD- TRX­4 DTR Not used Not used
5 GND Not used Not used
6 DSR Not used Not used
7 RTS TxD+ TRX+
8CTSRxD+Not used
9 RI Not used Not used

Signal

TxD
RxD
RTS
CTS

Female

DSR
DCD

DTR

RPSH-ia Connector

GND
RI 9922

DB9

Pins

3
2
7
8
6
1
4
5

DB9

Pins

2
3
8
7
4
1
6
5

DB25

Pins

3
2
5
4
20
8
6
7

Signal

RxD
TxD
CTS
RTS
DTR
DCD

DSR

GND
RI

Pin 1

Pin 6

Remote and RPSH-ia

Connectors

Pin 5

Pin 9

DB9 Male

Note: You may want to purchase or build a straight-thro ugh cable and purchase a

null-modem adapter.

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 7

Building Straight-Through Cables

Use the following figure if you need to build a straight-through cable. Straight­through cables are used to connect DCE devices.

Signal

DCD
RxD
TxD or TRX­DTR
GND

Female

DSR
RTS or TRX+
CTS

RPSH-ia Connector

RI 9

Building Additional Loopback Plugs

Loopback connectors are DB9 fema le serial port plugs , with pins wired to gether as
shown, that are used in conjunction with application software to test serial ports.

Note: Drivers for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT are bundled with the Test

The RocketPort Serial Hub ia is shipped with a a single loopback plug (RS-232/

422).

This information can help you build additional plugs or replace a missing
loopback.

Wire the following pins together for an RS-232 loopback
plug:

• Pins 1 to 4 to 6

•Pins 2 to 3

• Pins 7 to 8 to 9

Note: The RS-232 loopback plug also works for RS-422.

Wire the following pins together for an RS-422 loopback
plug:

•Pins 2 to 3

•Pins 7 to 8

Terminal (WCOM32) program. Linux users can use MiniCom. See the

driver documentation

applications.

Building Straight-Throu gh Cables

DB9
Pins

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

DB9
Pins

Signal

1

DCD

2

RxD

3

TxD or TRX-

4

DTR

5

GND

6

DSR

7

RTS or TRX+

8

CTS

9RI

RPSH-ia Connector

Female

for your driver for information about using these

Pin 1

Pin 6

RS-232 Only
(Back View)

Pin 1

Pin 6

RS-422 Only
(Back View)

Pin 9

Pin 5

Pin 9

Pin 5

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 8

Building an RS-485 Test Cable

You can use a straight-through cable as illustrated previously, or build your own
cable.

Hardware Specifications

This table illustrates environmental conditions.

Building an RS-485 Test Cable

RS-485 Loopback Cable for WCOM or MiniCom

Signal

TxD or TRX-

RTS or TRX+

DB9
Pins

3
7

DB9
Pins

3
7

Signal

TxD or TRX­RTS or TRX+

Note: The RS-485 loopback cable only requires

Pins 3 and 7 to be connected.

Environmental Conditions Value

Air temperature:

System on (operational)
System off (storage)

0 to 60

-20 to 85

o

C

o

C
Altitude 0 to 10,000 feet
Heat output 9.6

BTU/Hr

Humidit y (n o n -c o n d en s i n g ):

System on (operational)
System off (storage)

Mean Time between Failures
(MTBF)

8% to 80%

20% to 80%

39.1 years

IEC Test Status

IEC 68-2-1 Temperature Soak
Test

IEC 68-2-6 Sinusoidal
Vibration Test

IEC 68-2-34 Random
Vibration Test

Yes

Yes

Yes

The following table lists electromagneti c compliance certifications.

Electromagnetic Compliances Status

Emission:

Canadian EMC requirements

CISPR-22/EN55022 Class A

Yes

FCC Part 15 Class A

Immunity:

EN50082

and 801-4

(801-2 ESD, 801-3 RF,

FT)

Yes

Safety:

EN60950

Yes

UL Listed

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 9

The follow ing table illustrates hardware specifications.

Notices

Topic

Hardware

Specifications

Current consumption 180 mA (24VDC)
Input voltage 20 - 28VDC
Power consumption 2.8 W
Optional power supply:

Line frequency
Line voltage

Ethernet host interface

Hubs/server

software documentation

50 - 60 Hz

100 - 240VAC

10/100Base-T (10/100

Mbps - RJ45)

OS dependent, see the

Number of por ts /h ub 2
Baud rate/port (maximum) 115.2 Kbps
Driver control:

Data bits
Parity
Stop bits

7 or 8

Odd, Even, None

1 or 2
Dimensions 4.1” x 3.3” x 1.0”
Weight (hub, only) 10 oz

Notices

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105)

Labeling
Requirements (FCC

15.19)

This equipment has been tes ted and found to comply with the limits for Class A
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 ins tructi on manual, may cause ha rmful
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 turni ng the equipmen t off and o n, th e user is enco uraged to t ry and
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipme n t into 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.

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 10

Modifications (FCC 15.21)

Modifications (FCC

15.21)

Serial Cables (FCC

15.27)

Underwriters Laboratory

Important Safety Information

Technical Support

Changes or modificati ons to this equipment not expressly approved by Comtrol
Corporation may void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

This equipment is certified for Class A operation when used with unshielded
cables.

This equipment is Underwriters Laboratory “UL” listed.

To avoid contact with electrical current:

• Never install electrical wiring during an electrical storm.

• Never install the power plug in wet locations.

• Use a screwdriver and other tools with insulated handles.

If you need technical sup p ort, contact Comtrol using one of the following methods.
Corporate Headquarters:

• email: s

• FTP Site: ftp://ftp.comtrol.com

•Web Site: http://www.comtrol.com

• FAX: [phone]

• Phone: [phone]

Comtrol Europe:

• email: [e-mail]

•Web Site: http://www.comtrol.co.uk

• FAX: [phone]

• Phone: [phone]

Comtrol has a staff of technical support representatives to help you.

[e-mail]

Warning

Trademark Notices Comtrol and RocketPort are trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.

Windows, MS-DOS, and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.

Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.

Second Edition, October 23, 2002
Copyright © 2000 - 2002. 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 pur pose . Speci ficat ions su bject to c ha nge wi thout noti ce . So me s oftw are
or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller
for current product information.

2000169 Revision B

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 11