Dataprobe 8PK-SCS User Manual

Port Selector & Relay Controller

Model 8PK-SCS

INTRODUCTION

The 8PK-SCS is a serial switching system, capable of providing several functions:

Port Selector

As a port selector, the 8PK-SCS allows one Master RS-232 asynchronous channel to be selectively
switched to any of up to 8 ports. As a Port Selector, the 8PK-SCS can be used to provide access from
one modem or terminal to multiple systems. A typical use for the Port Selector is to access out-of-band
management ports on multiple devices. By using simple escape strings or easy to use menu
commands, the operator can select which port to access. Ports can also access the Master by raising a
control lead. While accessing a port, the 8PK-SCS is passive, allowing all data to pass until it receives
a user programmable command.

Relay Controller

As a relay controller, the 8PK-SCS accepts code or menu commands from its Master Port to energize or
de-energize eight relays. These relays can be used, in turn, to control any device that responds to a
contact closure or open. When connected to Dataprobe supplied A/C or D/C power switches,
communications A/B switches or other devices, the 8PK-SCS allows remote control of many systems
through its Master RS-232 port.

Internal or
External
Modem

Ref: \CAS\8PKSCS_30_V980302F.DOC

RELAY
CONTROL

To 8 DTEs

1 8

A B

Master
Port

C D

To DCE

E F

G H

RELAY

Technical Support Hotline: [phone]

11 Park Place / Paramus, New Jersey 07652
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Website: www. dataprobe.com Email: [e-mail]

Model 8PK-SCS Page 2

OPERATION

The 8PK-SCS can be operated in four possible ways.

Menu Selection

By connecting to the Master Port, the user can switch to any of the eight ports (A-H) or
operate any of the eight relays. The menu system allows convenient naming of each
port and relay, as well as allowing setup of all 8PK-SCS parameters. A login
procedure protects the menu system.

Escape Code Sequences

(Page 6) The menu operation can be bypassed by transmitting escape codes to the
Master Port of the 8PK-SCS. These escape codes can be partially defined by the
user through the setup menus.

Lead Control

(Page 7) This option allows any of the eight ports to access the master port by raising

its Request To Send (RTS) or Data Terminal Ready (DTR) control lead. This
capability is in addition to the menu selection as described above.

Manual Control

(Page 7) A front panel push-button allows local control of port selection.

MENU CONTROL

The 8PK-SCS is controlled principally through an ASCII terminal interface. By connecting to the modem
using a terminal or PC running terminal emulation software. The factory default parameters for
communication are:

9600 Bits per Second , 8 Data Bits , No Parity, 1Stop Bit (9600,8,n,1)

The 8PK-SCS incorporates automatic rate detection, allowing connection at 300-115.2K bps. Using the
default speed will allow the quickest access to the unit. To invoke the auto rate detector, send the Enter
key one or more times as necessary. When the rate is detected 8PK-SCS will respond the Security
Login Prompt:

Login >

Model 8PK-SCS Page 3

Enter the Security Code. Three incorrect attempts to enter the security code will cause the 8PK-SCS to
terminate the call. When the correct code is entered, the Main Menu appears:

8PK-SCS Ver 3.0

1) Port Selection

2) Relay Control

3) Programming
X) Logout

Enter >

1) Port Selection

This selection connects the Master Port to any of the eight ports A through H. This brings up a Port
Selection Menu. Each port can be given a 24 character name. The default names are shown below:

A) PORT A
B) PORT B
C) PORT C
D) PORT D
E) PORT E
F) PORT F
G) PORT G
H) PORT H
X) Exit
Enter Port >

Once a port is selected, the 8PK-SCS will clear the screen and generate the following message:

x Selected (x=the programmed name of the port)
Enter ESC{PASSWORD}ESC to return to menu

At this point the Master Port is connected through to the port selected. The 8PK-SCS is passive to the
messages sent between the Master Port and the port selected. To terminate the session with the
current port and bring back the menu, enter the escape character plus the security code and another
escape character. i.e.

E

s

TEST

C

E

s

C

Model 8PK-SCS Page 4

2) Relay Control

This selection allows control of the relays in the 8PK-SCS.

1) Eng SWITCH1

2) Eng SWITCH2

3) Den SWITCH3

4) Eng SWITCH4

5) Eng SWITCH5

6) Eng SWITCH6

7) Den SWITCH7

8) Eng SWITCH8

# - Select relay to toggle
P# - Pulse relay
X - Exit
Enter >

Again, each relay can be named. Eng and Den display the current status of the relay, Energized or
De-energized. To toggle the relay, simply enter the relay number, followed by Enter.

The relay can also be cycled (pulsed) by entering P plus the number. (i.e. P1 to cycle relay number 1)
The length of time the relay pulses is preset through the programming menu. While the relay is cycling,
a message will be displayed.

3) Programming

1) Device labels

2) Password

3) Baud: 19200

4) Parity/Data: N,8

5) Lead: N

6) Resp: Y

7) Mode: Modem

8) Cycle time: 5

9) Time out: 0
X) Exit

Enter > 1