On-Go UCH-300 Quick Start Manual

Universal Communication Hub UCH-300
Quick Start Guide

On-Go Inc.
P.O.Box 341726
Bethesda, MD 20817
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.on-go.com

Note: The information in this document applies to UCH-300 product. UCH-300 LITE does
not support all the features in the UCH-300. Those features that are not supported by
UCH-300 LITE are in GREEN.

**RJ45

Network Port

RJ11 Port (connect

Db 9 Serial

cable)

AC Adapter

Three position

POWER switch

Battery Door (located on

**Compact Flash Port (located on

Universal Communication Hub Interface
(** Indicates features enabled on the UCH-300 Only)

1. Front View

LED Indicators (1-4)

LCD Display

Speaker

back of interface)

bottom of interface)

2. Right Side View 3. Top View

**USB Port

Port (connect
to satellite
phone data

to fax machine or
data modem)

1 General

1.1 Concept

The Universal Communication Hub UCH-300 comes with multiple ports, Serial (DB9), Modem
(RJ11), Ethernet (RJ45), USB, Compact Flash and Infrared. Each of the port can be configured
as the “Upstream” or “Network” port, and the remaining ports are then used as “Local” ports.

The primary function of the Universal Communication Hub is to act as a network router, device
interface and protocol converter. It allows all the local ports to operate different protocols and
sharing the same network access.

1.2 Product Version

There are two product versions. One is UCH-300 and the other is UCH-300 LITE. UCH-300
enables all the ports, and provides:

• Data and Fax capability

• Mobile to Mobile (Point to Point) Fax capability

• Network Routing (Ethernet or Wireless LAN)

• Data aggregation

UCH-300 LITE has only Serial (DB9) port and Modem (RJ11) port enabled. It provides only data
and fax capability. In this document, the text marked GREEN means it only applies to UCH-

300 only.

To check the product version number, simply press “#” key and the bottom line will indicate
whether you have UCH-300 or UCH-300 LITE.

1.3 Keypad

There are 16 keys on the unit. The Yellow keys are used mainly for configuration, and the other
keys are “ACTION” keys, which are associated more with the operation of the unit.

The keypad can be LOCKED if the power-on slide switch is push all the way up to the KEYLOCK
position. This design is mainly for the purpose of allowing the unit to be carried around without
keys being accidentally pressed. Set the power on slide switch to the middle position for the
keypad to operate properly.

1.4 LED and LCD Display

There are four LEDs on the unit, marked 1,2,3,4. For most applications, the LEDs meaning are:

1. Flow Control (On=Unit is being flowed controlled on the network interface port)

2. Modem Ready (On=Modem port is ready to receive incoming call)

3. Network Status (On=Network connection established, Flashing=Trying to call the
network)

4. Incoming Fax failed to print (Need user intervention)

The Bottom row of the LCD display presents a quick status of the message count in the unit. The
first is the INBOX count (incoming from network). The second is the OUTBOX count (outgoing to
network). The third number behind letter R: is the number of messages that have been
transmitted but not yet acknowledged from the Gateway (ACKWAIT). The final number is the
count of messages that failed to be delivered (either failed to be delivered or failed to receive any
status indication after a long period of time).

1.5 Configuration

The configuration of the device is broken down into three main groups, the UPSTREAM (network )
port, the LOCAL port, and APPLICATION.

The configurations are stored in a Non-volatile RAM that the content is saved even when the
power is not available.

Each unit is preconfigured with a factory setting; the unit also comes with a few flavor of setting
that can be selected as the default setting.

1. Press Configuration

2. Scroll down to DEFAULT and SELECT

3. Pick one of the configuration and SELECT

4. Reboot the system

These are good templates to start with. In most cases, they should be sufficient. However, in the
case of some special occasion, one can always go into configuration (see detail users guide) to
change the values.

1.6 Updating Software with CompactFlash card

The software in the unit is field upgradeable. The most reliable way is to use a Compact Flash
Storage card (like Sandisk) to transfer the files to the unit.

a. Get the latest software from On-Go
b. Copy the attached two files on a sandisk memory/storage card (8MB would be

sufficient)... the file names have to be kernel.bin, romfs.bin and cfg.bin (normally on a
PC)

c. Plug the card in the compact flash slot of the unihub
d. Power off and power back up the system to ensure the memory/storage card is properly

recognized by the system

e. Press UPDATE (*) key
f. Select “Storage”
g. Scroll down to OS + APP + CFG (for operating system, application and configuration)
h. Enter 1357924680 as the PIN [This is the secret password for distributor only]
i. It should copy/burn the software to the unit and reboot it after completion… CHECK the

version number (press # after the system comes up) to ensure you have indeed
successfully burn and now run with the new software

NOTE: WARNING: Make sure you operate this with external DC power. Burning software in
FLASH takes a lot of electricity, and the system cannot RECOVER if the burning process aborts
in the middle (especially due to loss of power).

1.7 Updating Software from Serial Port

In some cases, where software needs to be updated, UCH-300 provides a field update capability.
This capability is only available from APPLICATION software version 1.6.x. This should only be
performed by qualified technical staff, otherwise it could cause irreversible damage to the
software and can only be repaired by the manufacturer.

In order to activate this, first valid software needs to be obtained. This filed needs to be stored on
a computer with XMODEM capability. Then the following instructions need to be followed
carefully:

a. Power up the UCH-100 and connect a phone/fax machine to RJ11 connector
b. Connect UCH-100 to the computer with the file via a CROSS-OVER (NULL

MODEM) cable

c. The computer needs to set the port to 115,200 baud rate, 8 bit, no parity and

hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control

d. Take the phone/fax machine offhook, enter ##9*PIN* then hangup (PIN is

provided only to qualified service provider technical staff)

e. The computer connected to UCH-100 over CROSS OVER serial cable should

display instruction:

f. Select appropriate file to download and then activate XMODEM process (for

example, from HYPERTERMINAL, select TRANSFER->SEND FILE and enter
appropriate file name and choose XMODEM protocol).

g. After successful downloading the file, answer Y or y to start programming the

software to FLASH memory chip
h. Repeat this process for various files
i. When completing all the files, power cycle UCH-100 to activate the new software.

Example of how to update OPERATING SYSTEM: (as viewed on HYPERTERMINAL connecting
to UCH-100 SERIAL PORT)

Select:
0:exit
1:bootloader (armboot.bin)
2:operating system (kernel.bin)
3:applcation (romfs.bin)
4:configuration (cfg.bin)
Download: 2
...Ready to receive...
 ß when seeing this character, should select TRANSFER/SEND

FILE/XMODEM protocol
(after file transfer completes)

Done: 988032 bytes received, write to flash (y/n)? y
OPERATING SYSTEM:
UNLOCKING flash: status 0
ERASING flash: status 0
PROGRAMMING flash: status 0
VERIFY flash at 180000: status 0
LOCKING flash: status 0
Select:
0:exit
1:bootloader (armboot.bin)
2:operating system (kernel.bin)
3:applcation (romfs.bin)
4:configuration (cfg.bin)
Download: 0
Bye...

At this time, it is necessary to restart the system for new software to take effect. It is very
important to make sure software is loaded properly… otherwise, the system will not come
back up again.

1.8 Diagnosis Capability

The system is capable of dumping out some internal information for diagnosis. This is only used
by authorized technical personnel.

1 Plug the card in the compact flash slot of the unihub
2 Press TEXT (3) key
3 Select “CFG” which is the current configuration or “LOG” for current system log

4 The system will dump out the configuration in unihub.cfg and log in unihub.log. They can

then be viewed on a PC for further diagnosis

2 Application

2.1 Fax

2.1.1 Store and Forward Fax

Store and forward fax means the fax is stored and relayed over data network. This mechanism is
typically preferred when

a. The network bandwidth does not support fax protocol/encoding
b. The network connectivity is not consistent/reliable. If a fax has to be sent

multiple times before it can be successfully delivered, then Store and forward is

the more economical method.

2.1.1.1 Notification

The first step of configuration of store-and-forward faxing is to determine what type of notification
is to be used.

Notification is used for two purposes:

c. Indicating the delivery status (Mobile Originated Fax)
d. Indicating the availability of incoming fax (Mobile Terminated Fax)

Several notification mechanisms are supports:

1. GSM style SMS: the SMS message length should be able to support 100+

characters. The Gateway will send the entire status message in the SMS.

2. Short SMS: for network with shorter SMS message length capability, this

mechanism is used to simply “wake up” the Universal Communication Hub and

the Universal Communication Hub will attempt to establish a data call to the

Gateway to pick up the status

3. Direct Call: For system that does not support SMS, this mechanism is used for

the Gateway to place a short data call to wake up the Universal Communication

Hub

The appropriate notification mechanism needs to be provisioned at the central Gateway Bus iness
Management System interface to allow proper operation.

2.1.1.2 Mobile Originated Fax

Mobile Originated fax allows an off-the-shelf G3 fax machine to be used to send documents over
the data network. After connecting the G3 fax machine to the RJ11 modem port, wait for the LED
#2 to be ON (indicating modem port is ready), then take the fax offhook, and dial the number in
the format: COUNTRY_CODE + NUMBER. Do not dial any prefix like 00 or 011, the system will
handle that automatically.

2.1.1.3 Mobile Terminated Fax

Mobile terminated fax is automatic. When the user subscribes to a service plan, a “MAILBOX”
number will be assigned to the unit. When a fax is sent to that MAILBOX number (this number is
not the same as the mobile data number), a notification is sent to the unit and the unit will connect
to the Gateway to pick up that message. When the message is completely downloaded to the
unit, it will simply RING the fax machine and print the message out.

If for some reason the fax is not powered on, out of paper or simply not connected, the user has
to use the Message Management to get the fax to be printed.

2.1.1.4 Point to Point Fax

For both Mobile Originated Fax and Mobile Terminated Fax, a service plan has to be in place for
the function to work. However, in the case where someone wants to only send faxes to a few
KNOWN parties, and both the senders and receivers are equipped with UCH-300, Point to point
fax can be advantageous. The benefits are:

a. No service plan required

b. (Perceived) privacy
However, each receiver also needs to have a Universal Communication Hub in order for this
mode to work.

To activate the Point -to-point feature, a few parameters are relevant:

1. [APPLICATION/SF-FAX] local address: this is the address that the remote will use to call
back for acknowledgement

2. [APPLICATION/SF-FAX] P2P type – Set to LOCAL if the call is to be sent to a UCH-300
that has a fax machine connected to RJ11 port. If this is set to OFF, P2P function will not
work.

3. [APPLICATION/SF-FAX] P2P pattern – This is used to determine whet her the call is P2P.
If P2P type is set and P2P pattern is 55, then any call starts with 55 will be considered a
P2P call.

4. [APPLICATION/SF-FAX] P2P pattern strip – If this is set to Yes, the pattern will be
striped off first before being used as address.

5. [APPLICATION/SF-FAX] P2P prefix – This prefix is attached in front of the dial number
AFTER the P2P pattern stripping is processed to form the final number.

Other parameters that are important:

1. [UPSTREAM/SERIAL/incoming wait] – This has to be non-zero, otherwise the unit will
not wait for incoming call

2. [UPSTREAM/INITIAL CALL BYPASS] – Set it to Yes, otherwise the unit will continue to
try to access the gateway, and if service plan is not available, the access will fail

2.1.2 Message Management

The messages in the Universal Communication Hub are organized in several groups. When the
message is ready to go out through the network, it is in the Outgoing Queue. When the message
is sent over the network and acknowledgement has not been received yet, it is in Ackwait Queue.
After the acknowledgement is received indicating delivery attempts failed (or when the timer
expired without receiving acknowledgment), it is put in the Failed Queue.

When incoming message is received from the network, it is put in the Incoming queue. If it
cannot be printed for some reason (fax is disconnected, fax is out of paper, fax is turned off), it
will be moved to FromNetworkFail Queue.

All of these messages in various queues can be managed by pressing the NETWORK action key
(6).

2.2 Data

To enable the data capability, the Modem port must be configured.

1. Press Configuration

2. Scroll down to LOCAL and SELECT

3. Scroll down to MODEM and SELECT

4. Set application to DATA

5. Set speed to the network speed

Once in data mode, a data modem can be connected to the modem port. The user must dial the
EXACT same number that the call is to be established, including the prefixes. The Universal
Communication Hub will establish a data call based on that number. In most cases, the dialing
program needs to issue “ATX3S7=255” first to handle longer connection time.

2.3 Serial Port Daisychain

Serial port Daisychain is used to provide a serial connectivity to the mobile terminal from another
computer/device through the Universal Communication Hub. Most of the mobile terminal comes
with ONE serial port, and once the Universal Communication Hub is connected to the terminal,
there is no option for the user to use another serial port based computer/device. Though
connectivity can be established via Ethernet/WiFi type local area network, some application may
require the serial port connectivity capability to be maintained.

The daisychain capability offers a way incoming and outgoing data call to be established via
serial port while adding the Universal Communication Hub capability. To enable the function, the
customer has to get a second serial port such as Socket Communication Communication serial
card SL2700-096 (http://www.socketcom.com/product/SL2700-096.asp), a null modem (db9) and
a DB9 female/female gender changer.

To enable the daisychain capability, the Upstream Serial port has to be configured with two
parameters:

a. Daisychain: CFCARD
b. Signature Wait: 5

Also, the Local CF Card application has to be set to V-MODEM (Virtual Modem).

2.4 GPS

With the popularity of GPS, GPS receivers can be bought on the market fairly inexpensively. The
Universal Communication Hub can interface to a NMEA based GPS receiver (for example:
http://www.rayming.com/products/tripnav_tn200.htm), either the USB based or Compactflash
based, process the information, and communicate that information to configured destination. This
allows maritime/trucking fleet companies to manage their assets and monitor the position of each
vessels/vehicles.

The main configuration related to this application is in the APPLICATION/GPS block. There are
six relevant parameters:

• Proxy: this is the destination that the GPS position information will be sent to (email
address)

• Type: SMS or Buffer (SMS needs to be capable of handling about 90 characters)

• Interval: This is the interval that the data is being sent (either SMS or buffer)

• Buffering: Type of data to store. The unihub can filter out bad data, invalid signal data,

etc.

• Expiration: If the data cannot be sent within this amount of time, it is discarded because it
is stale.

• Limit: In polling mode, this parameter dictates how much GPS data to store.

Another parameter that is important is the SMSC address in the UPSTREAM/SERIAL
configuration. For iridium, this is *2. This is used for SMS type of GPS data reporting.

Also, while the GPS receiver is plugged in to the Universal Communication Hub, you can view the
data by pressing USB (7) or CFCARD (4) action key, and select ShowGPS. There is another
command SendGPS which manually trigger the Universal Communication Hub to send latest
GPS data to the network.

The format of the GPS information includes:
Unihub rcv_time,

offset from last unihub gps data time,
unihub gps message counter,
current year based on GPS receiver message
current month based on GPS receiver message
current day based on GPS receiver message
current hours based on GPS receiver message
current minutes based on GPS receiver message
current seconds based on GPS receiver message
current latitude based on GPS receiver message
current longitude based on GPS receiver message
current altitude based on GPS receiver message
current speed based on GPS receiver message
current track based on GPS receiver message
current magnetic variation based on GPS receiver message
current course based on GPS receiver message
current GPS mode based on GPS receiver message
current GPS status based on GPS receiver message
current GPS satellite # based on GPS receiver message
current GPS satellite in view based on GPS receiver message

2.5 Webcam

TBD

2.6 Networking

2.6.1 Serial

The most typical setup use of this port as the network port. The serial port should be connected
to a wireless modem (or any wireless phone that has data capability).

The connection protocol being established over the serial port is PPP. In some cases, the
network has a Remote Access Server (RAS) that allow the Universal Communication Hub to get
on ramp to the Internet. In some cases, the wireless terminal (mobile phone) can handle that
function (for example, GPRS phone). In other cases, an ISP account is needed for the
connection to be established.

The configuration allows different type of connectivity handshaking (PAP, CHAP) to be
established.

2.6.2 Ethernet

Ethernet can be either the network port or the local port. If it is the network port, it is used to
interface to the external network. In this case, the Ethernet port can support DHCP and static IP
address configuration. DHCP mode means the unit will obtain the network address from DHCP
server somewhere else.

As the local port, the Ethernet port can also support DHCP and Static IP address configuration.
But in this case, the Universal Communication Hub acts as the DHCP server and pass out IP
address assignment.

2.6.3 Wireless LAN

Similar to the Ethernet, the Wireless LAN port can be either a network port or a local port.

As a local port, the Universal Communication Hub can behave like a Wireless LAN Access Point
if a PRISM based WIFI compact flash card is plugged in the compact flash slot. Most of the CF
based WIFI card are PRISM chipset based, like DLINK DCF-660W. In addition to the Ethernet
type of configuration, this port needs ESSID, WEP and Channel configuration. The default
ESSID is uniHub and WEB is off and Channel is 6.

As the network port, the Universal Communication Hub can communicate with an Access Point
and use the link as the network link.

2.6.4 ON DEMAND dialing

On demand dialing (AUTO CONNECT) is a feature that provides a SEAMLESS connectivity
without constantly connected on the network. This is a powerful feature in the environment where
connection charge is based on TIME instead of DATA PACKETS.

When this feature is activated (CONFIG->UPSTREAM->SERIAL->AUTO CONNECT), the
connection will be established automatically when an IP packet that cannot be reached. The
connection will be dropped automatically when there is no activities for certain amount of time.

With this feature, the user does not have to SPECIFICALLY connect to or disconnect from the
network manually.

2.6.5 Traffic Aggregation

From time to time, if one data link is not providing sufficient bandwidth, the Universal
Communication Hub can aggregate multiple data paths to provide higher aggregated bandwidth.
The aggregation is handled behind the scene so from the users point of view, it is no different
from single link, except it is faster.

The requirements for traffic aggregation are:

a. A multi-serial port USB device: There are several on the market, for example In-Out-

Network EDGEPORT is a popular source for providing USB based multi-serial port.
When using this mechanism, simply select the USB port as the UPSTREAM (network)
port and configure the ports to be multilink serial port.

b. The Remote Access Server (RAS) on the other end has to be multilink (MLPPP)

compatible. This is an industry standard protocol, so most ISPs RAS do support this.

In the data aggregation mode, one of the serial link has to be designated as the ANCHOR link.
That is the link that SMS notification will be used, and the data number associated with this
anchor link is the number for the entire link set.