The CEN-COM is an Ethernet device with two independent bidirectional serial ports
that can support either asynchronous RS-232 or RS-422-based communication. The
unit enables a system to overcome the distance limitations of RS-232/RS-422
communication. All signals are monitored/controlled via 10BASE-T Ethernet using
standard Internet protocols.
Both ports of the CEN-COM may be used to control a wide variety of RS-232 or
asynchronous RS-422 controlled equipment. A variety of communications
parameters are supported. Valid parameters are as follows.
• Baud rates may be one of the following possible rates: 300, 1200,
1800, 2400, 3600, 4800, 6100, 7200, 9600, 14400, 19200, 28800,
38400, 57600, and 115200.
• Parity may be even, odd, none, or zero stick (parity bit always 0). When
specifying the parity use E, O, N, or Z, respectively.
• Data bits may be 7 or 8.
• Stop bits may be 1 or 2.
• Both XON/XOFF handshaking and RTS/CTS handshaking are
supported. XON/XOFF handshaking may be supported by specifying
XON (for both transmit and receive), XONR (for receive only), or
XONT (for transmit only). XON/XOFF and RTS/CTS handshaking are
mutually exclusive in the CEN-COM. If both are enabled, RTS/CTS is
used. If CTS handshaking is enabled, the CTS line is monitored by the
CEN-COM. The CTS line can also be enabled as a digital input to the
control system; the RTS line can be enabled as a digital output.
• Specify RS422 for standard if RS-422 compatible levels must be
supported.
• Provides character pacing in units of milliseconds for all of the data
specified. The range of the pacing is from 1 to 31 milliseconds. Pacing
greater than 31 milliseconds defaults to the maximum (31 ms).
• Supports RS-485. However, a specific protocol for defining the
mechanism as to when a device is permitted to transmit on the RS-485
bus must be followed. To use this feature, use RS-422 communications
settings. Set hardware handshaking to none. The RTS output can now
be used to enable the transmitter. Notice that the receiver is always
active. Therefore, transmissions are also received.
Physical Description
The CEN-COM is housed in a black enclosure with silk-screened labels on the front
and rear panels. On the front of the unit there are 13 LEDs for indicating the unit’s
current status. All connections, except for the Ethernet connection, are made on the
back of the unit. Refer to the physical views shown below. There are four rubber feet
on the base of the unit for stability and to prevent slippage.
A number of ports are provided on the back of the CEN-COM. Each has a silkscreened label. Refer to illustration and descriptions below. The Ethernet port is
located on the front panel.
CEN-COM Ports
12 VDC .5 A
This DC power socket connector is used to supply power via an external AC power
pack. Crestron recommends specific power packs for its devices. The recommended
power pack for the CEN-COM is Crestron part number PW-1205 (PWI-1210 for
international use of the CENI-COM). If an external power pack other than this
Crestron model is obtained, verify that it meets the required specifications and
polarity as shown after this paragraph.
AC Power Pack Specifications
CRESTRON POWER PACKINPUT SPECSOUTPUT SPECS
PW-1205120V~60Hz12VDC .5 A
PWI-1210230V~50Hz12VDC 1A
AC Power Pack Polarity
PC
This 6-pin, 6-position RJ11 modular jack is used to load the IP address and run
diagnostics. Use Crestron’s RJ11 Cable Assembly (Part Number CA15717-2, not
supplied) to make the connection to the PC. Refer to the pinout table after this
paragraph.
These two 9-pin connectors (DB9) connect to serial equipment. These bidirectional
serial ports are used for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 communication.
NOTE: The pinout of each 9-pin port is non-standard (refer to table after this note);
it contains RS-422 pins in addition to RS-232. This may result in a conflict with
some equipment and therefore do not use all nine pins. Only the required pins for
each communication type should be connected.
NOTE: To support RS-485, tie pin 1 (RXD-) to pin 9 (TXD-) and pin 4 (TXD+) to
pin 6 (RXD+) in the cable, as shown below.
* RS-422/RS-485 are balanced signals requiring two lines plus a ground in each direction. RXD+ and
TXD+ should idle high (going low at start of data transmission). RXD- and TXD- should idle low(going
high at start of data transmission). If necessary, RXD+/RXD- and TXD+/TXD- may be swapped to
maintain correct signal levels.
(RXD-) RS-422 Receive Data (Idles low)
(RXD) RS-232 Receive Data
(TXD) RS-232 Transmit Data
(TXD+) RS-422 Transmit Data (Idles high)
RS-232 and RS-422 Signal Common
(RXD+) RS-422 Receive Data (Idles high)
(RTS) RS-232 Request to Send
(CTS) RS-232 Clear to Send
(TXD-) RS-422 Transmit Data (Idles low)
Ethernet (on front panel)
This unmarked RJ45 modular connector provides Ethernet connection, thereby
making the unit IP addressable and compatible with 10BASE-T Ethernet systems.
The Ethernet port is the standard 10BASE-T pinout. Refer to the pinout table after
this paragraph.