Dataprobe 8P-MAS User Manual

A B C D E F G H

8 Position Menu Activated Switch

Model : 8P-MAS

Operation Manual

INTRODUCTION

The 8 Position Code Activated Switch, Model 8P-MAS allows one master RS-232 port to be selectively
switched to any of eight RS-232 devices, designated A through H. Typically the 8P-MAS is used to
allow one modem to access the configuration or out-of-band management ports of eight remote devices
(see Figure 1A). Three modes of operation allow the selection of the port to be connected.

Menu Selection

The 8P-MAS selects the port to connect to the master port based on menu selections.
The menu system allows convenient naming of each port, and setup of all 8P-MAS
parameters.

Lead Control

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

A front panel push-button allows local control of port selection.

There are eight LED's on the front of the 8P-MAS to indicate which port is connected to the master.
There are eight DB25S female connectors on the rear panel for the switched ports, (designated A-H)
and one DB25P male connector for the Master Port. Figure 1 illustrates a typical system using the 8P­MAS.

To 8 DTEs

MANUAL

External
Modem

POWER

A B

Master
Port

Master DCE

C

E

D

F

HG

REF: M\MANUALS\CAS\8PMAS_V980327R.DOC

Technical Support Hotline: [phone]

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

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

Model 8P-MAS Page 2

OPERATION

The 8P-MAS is controlled principally through an ASCII terminal interface. Access to this configuration
menu can be achieved either by: connecting via modem connected to the Master Port, or directly via
terminal (using a null cable) into the Master Port of the 8P-MAS. See page 6 for installation details.

The default parameters are: 9600 bps 8 data 1 stop no parity.
All of these parameters can be changed through the programming menu.
Auto Rate Detect: The 8P-MAS automatically determines the speed of the connection. If the Login

Prompt does not appear, press the Enter Key several times to enable the Auto Rate Detect.
Once connected to the 8P-MAS, the system sends a login prompt.

LOGIN >

Enter the Security Code. The Factory Default Security Code is: TEST. Please change this code as
soon as possible. Remember your code. When connecting through a modem, three incorrect attempts
to enter the security code will cause the 8P-MAS to terminate the call. When the correct code is
entered, the Main Menu appears:

A) PORT A
B) PORT B
C) PORT C
D) PORT D
E) PORT E
F) PORT F
G) PORT G
H) PORT H

1) LOCAL CONFIGURATION
X) EXIT

ENTER PORT >

This allows selection of any port, Local Configuration to access the programming menu or terminate the
current session. When Exit is selected, the 8P-MAS logs the user out and a new Login is required.

To select a port, enter the letter desired, followed by the Enter Key. Once a port is selected, the
8P-MAS will clear the screen and generate the following message:

PORT A SELECTED
ENTER ESC{PASSWORD}ESC TO RETURN TO MENU

Model 8P-MAS Page 3

At this point the Master Port is connected through to the port selected. The 8P-MAS 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. EsCTESTEs

C

Local Configuration

A configuration menu is used to set most operational features of the 8P-MAS.

1) DEVICE LABELS

2) PASSWORD

3) BAUD: 9600

4) PARITY/DATA: N,8

5) LEAD CTL: N

6) MODE: MODEM

7) TIMEOUT: 0
X) EXIT

ENTER >

Device Labels

This allows changing of the screen labels for the ports and power control outlets.

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 LABEL # (A-D) >

Enter the label to be changed. The current label is displayed along with a prompt for the new name.
Type in a new label and then confirm the selection as shown below. Labels can be up to 20 characters.

Model 8P-MAS Page 4

CURRENT LABEL PORT A PORT A
NEW LABEL PORT A > Your New Name

PORT LABEL CHANGED FROM: PORT A
TO: Your New Name
SAVE CHANGES? (Y/N) >

Password

To change the password, it must be reentered. Then a prompt for a new password, then a confirmation
of the new password. The password may be up to eight characters and is case sensitive.

LOGIN > TEST
ENTER NEW PASSWORD > TEST
RE-ENTER NEW PASSWORD > TEST
PASSWORD CHANGED

Please remember you password. If you forget your password, the unit needs to be returned to
Dataprobe for re-initialization. There is a charge for this.

Set Baud Rate

ENTER BAUD >

Valid selections are 300 600 1200 2400 4800 9600 19200 38400 57600 and 115200
This changes only the default speed. The Auto Rate Detector can always be invoked by sending the
Enter Key several times.

Set Character Format

ENTER N,E,O >

Enter only the Parity, N, E or O for None, Even, Odd respectively. The 8P-MAS will automatically
adjust for the number of data bits and 1 stop bit.

Set for Lead Control Yes or No

ENTER Y/N >

Enter Y to add RTS/DTR Lead control to the 8P-MAS. This mode allows the RTS or DTR of Ports A
through H to select the Master Port. Change this setting to Yes if you require one or more of the
devices connected to ports A through H to be able to dial out through the modem on the Master Port.
below for a detailed description of Lead control.

Model 8P-MAS Page 5

Mode

Sets the 8P-MAS for either Terminal or Modem use. Each time selection 6 Mode is chosen, this setting
toggles.

Terminal Mode

The 8P-MAS does not monitor the connection status of the Master Port. This mode allows an unlimited
number of login attempts. Use this mode for direct cable connections from a PC or Terminal to the
8P-MAS.

Modem Mode

The 8P-MAS monitors the DCD lead from the Master Port. Each time DCD goes high (indicating that a
call has come in) the 8P-MAS generates the Login prompt. Three unsuccessful login attempts causes
the 8P-MAS to hang up the modem. Use this setting when the 8P-MAS is connected to a dial modem.

Timeout

ENTER TIMEOUT =>

The 8P-MAS can automatically de-select a port if no data activity is detected received by the Master
Port. This setting selects the length of time 0-99 minutes for this timeout. The Factory Default setting
of 0 selects No Timeout.

Exit

Exit the programming menu and activate all current settings. If the baud rate and/or character format
have been changed, Exit will enable those changes.

Lead Control

The 8P-MAS allows local ports to access the Master port by raising RTS or DTR. When the selected
lead goes high on any of the eight ports, it will establish a connection from that port to the Master Port.
This works on a queued basis; as subsequent ports each raise their lead they will be serviced in order
of appearance. The Timeout feature, if enabled continues to operate when Lead control selects a port.
Lead control will only be enabled only when the 8P-MAS is idle. If a caller has logged into the unit or
Manual control is selected, the RTS and DTR leads are ignored. Once a port is selected due to Lead
control, Menu control and Manual control are locked out. The use of RTS (default) or DTR is selected
on a port by port basis using jumper selections on the printed circuit board. See page 6 for
configuration details.

Manual Port Control

The manual push-button switch on the front panel can be used for local control of the 8P-MAS. Each
time the button is depressed, the port will cycle to the next port. To return the 8P-MAS to automatic
operation, depress the push-button switch for over two seconds; all Port LEDs will turn off. The Timeout
feature, if enabled continues to operate when Manual control is established. To override this feature,
select Timeout = 0 from the Local Configuration menu.

When manual control is selected, menu control and lead control are locked out.

Model 8P-MAS Page 6

INSTALLATION

Master and Switched Ports

Connection to the Switched A-H ports is made using 25 pin D Subminiature connectors on the rear of
the unit. The following leads are supported for Asynchronous communications:

Pin # Designation

2 Transmit Data
3 Receive Data
4 Request to Send
5 Clear to Send
6 Data Set Ready
7 Signal Ground
8 Data Carrier Detect

Typical
Port A-H

2 TD
3 RD
4 RTS
5 CTS

6 DSR
8 DCD

DTR20

7 SG

RTS
Mon.

Electronic
4 Way
Switch

Switch
Control

Code
Mon.

Master
Port

2 TD
3 RD
4 RTS
5 CTS

6 DSR
8 DCD

7 SG

DTR20

20 Data Terminal Ready
The eight switched ports A-H are wired DCE (output

data on pin 3,RD). The Master port is wired for as DTE.
To directly connect a terminal device to the Master

Figure 2

System Diagram

Port, a Null cable is required. Refer to Figure 4 below.

RTS / DTR Selection

Jumpers JP1 through JP8 allows selection of RTS or DTR as the control lead used in the Lead Control
mode. To access these jumpers, disconnect the power source and remove the top cover of the 8P­CAS by loosening the two screws on the underside of the unit. The jumpers are located as shown
below on Figure 3.

DTR
RTS

Figure 3

Component Location

Model 8P-MAS Page 7

Null Connection to

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20

Control Leads Required vary from
device to device. Consult your
operations manual for details on
your specific needs.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model 8P-MAS
Physical

19” Wide x 6.5” Deep x 1.75” High.

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20

Figure 4
Null Modem Connection
to terminal

Power Supply

Input : 120VAC via Wall Mounted Power Supply. UL/CAS approved.
Output:+9VDC @ 1 Amp

Communications

Speed: 300 to 115,200 bps.
Character Format: 8 data, no parity, 1 stop bit / 7 data even or odd parity, 1 stop bit.
Interface: RS-232 Asynchronous .
Connectors: Ports A through H; 25 pin D Subminiature. Female.
Master Port: 25 pin D Subminiature, Male.
Pins Supported: 2-8, 20.

Model 8P-MAS Page 8

TECHNICAL SUPPORT, RETURNS & WARRANTY

Dataprobe Technical Support is available 8:30AM to 5:30PM ET to assist you in the installation and
operation of this product. To obtain Technical Support call our Tech Support Hotline at 201-967-8788,
or Email us at [e-mail]. Please have the following information available when you call:

• Model of Product

• Serial Number

• Data of Purchase

• Name of Seller (if other than Dataprobe)

If you purchased this product through an Authorized Dataprobe Reseller, you should contact them
first, as they may have information about the application that can more quickly answer your questions.

WARRANTY

Seller warrants this product, if used in accordance with all applicable instructions, to be free from
original defects in material and workmanship for a period of One Year from the date of initial purchase.
If the product should prove defective within that period, Seller will repair or replace the product, at its
sole discretion.

Service under this Warranty is obtained by shipping the product (with all charges prepaid) to the
address below. Seller will pay return shipping charges. Call Dataprobe Technical Service at (201) 967­8788 to receive a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) Number prior to sending any equipment back
for repair. Include all cables, power supplies and proof of purchase with shipment.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO NORMAL WEAR OR TO DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ACCIDENT,
MISUSE, ABUSE OR NEGLECT. SELLER MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THE
WARRANTY EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW, ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PURPOSE ARE LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE; AND THIS WARRANTY
EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES ALL INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, and some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other
rights which vary from jurisdictions to jurisdiction.

WARNING: The individual user should take care to determine prior to use whether this device is
suitable, adequate or safe for the use intended. Since individual applications are subject to great
variation, the manufacturer makes no representation or warranty as to the suitability of fitness for any
specific application.

Dataprobe Inc.
11 Park Place
Paramus, NJ 07652