Advantech Vlinx BB-MESR90 Series User manual

Vlinx™ Modbus Gateways
BB-MESR90x series
USER MANUAL

BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways:
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Advantech - Americas
707 Dayton Road
Ottawa, IL 61350 USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.advantech.com
[e-mail]
Documentation Number: BB-MESR90x ModbusGateways_0920m

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CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT..................................................................................................... 6
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 7
About BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways ................................................................................. 7
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways – Numbering Matrix............................................................ 8
List of BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway Models ...................................................................... 8
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway Features .............................................................................. 9
Vlinx™ Manager Configuration Software ................................................................................ 9
2. BB-MESR90x MODBUS GATEWAY HARDWARE ...............................................................10
Package Checklist .................................................................................................................10
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway Enclosure & Mounting.........................................................10
LED Indicators .......................................................................................................................10
E1 Ethernet Link LED .........................................................................................................10
Ready LED .........................................................................................................................10
Serial Port LEDs .................................................................................................................11
Mode Switch ..........................................................................................................................11
Ethernet Connector................................................................................................................11
Serial Port Connectors...........................................................................................................12
Power Connector ...................................................................................................................13
Mounting Hardware ...............................................................................................................13
3. MODBUS GATEWAY SETUP & CONNECTIONS ................................................................14
Connecting the Power Supply................................................................................................14
Connecting BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways to Modbus Networks ......................................14
Connecting the BB-MESR902T ..........................................................................................16
Connecting BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways to a Network...................................................16
Network Connection (10BaseT/100BaseTX) ......................................................................16

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BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway Configuration Connections..................................................16
Installing Modbus Configuration Manager Software............................................................17
Configuring the Gateway via the Network Connection ...........................................................21
Configuring with Modbus Configuration Manager ...............................................................21
Configuring the BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway on Networks without a DHCP Server ......36
Configuring the BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway via the Serial Port (Console Mode) .........39
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway Operational Connections ....................................................41
Using BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways in Direct IP Mode .................................................41
Initiating a Hardware Reset on the Modbus Gateway.............................................................42
Reloading Factory Defaults....................................................................................................42
4. UPGRADING THE MODBUS GATEWAY FIRMWARE.........................................................43
Downloading Firmware Files..................................................................................................44
Uploading the Firmware to the Modbus Gateway...................................................................44
5. DIAGNOSTICS.....................................................................................................................45
Testing a Modbus Gateway Connection.................................................................................45
Monitor Function ....................................................................................................................46
6. APPLICATION EXAMPLES..................................................................................................47
Ethernet Master and Serial Slaves.........................................................................................47
Serial & Ethernet Masters, Serial & Ethernet Slaves..............................................................53
Serial Masters, IP Slaves.......................................................................................................55
Identical Hard Coded Slaves..................................................................................................60
Identical Production Lines......................................................................................................61
7. MODBUS HELP ...................................................................................................................62
Modbus ASCII / RTU Basics ..................................................................................................62
Hints and Tips........................................................................................................................63
8. APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................64

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Appendix A: Default Gateway Settings ..................................................................................65
Appendix B: Product Specifications .......................................................................................66
General Specifications........................................................................................................67
Controls, Indicators and Connector Specifications..............................................................68
Serial Interface Specifications.............................................................................................69
Network Specifications .......................................................................................................69
Appendix C: Dimensional Diagrams.......................................................................................70
Appendix D: Connector Pinouts .............................................................................................72
BB-MESR901 Serial Port Pinouts.......................................................................................72
BB-MESR902T Serial Port Pinouts.....................................................................................73
Standard Ethernet Cable RJ45 Pin-out...............................................................................74
GLOSSARY ..............................................................................................................................75
APPROVALS, DIRECTIVES, STANDARDS .............................................................................76
ADVANTECH TECHNICAL SUPPORT.....................................................................................76

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ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
© 2020 Advantech
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without
written consent. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Advantech
Advantech shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing,
performance, or use of this manual.
All brand names used in this manual are the registered trademarks of their respective owners. The use of
trademarks or other designations in this publication is for reference purposes only and does not constitute
an endorsement by the trademark holder.

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1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway product. This product has been
manufactured to the highest standards of quality and performance to ensure your complete
satisfaction.
A BB-MESR901 Modbus Gateway
ABOUT BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAYS
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gatewaysconnect Modbus networks (RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485) to Ethernet
networks, allowing the Modbus network to become a node on the network. The serial ports can be
accessed over a LAN/WAN using Direct IP Mode connections.
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways feature 10BaseT or 100BaseTX copper network media options,
depending on the model. BB-MESR90x Modbus Gatewaysare built for use in industrial environments,
featuring an IP30 approved slim-line DIN rail mountable case. They operate from a range of DC power
supply voltages and feature pluggable terminal block power connectors. An external power supply, sold
separately, is required. BB-MESR90x units have one Ethernet port.

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BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAYS – NUMBERING MATRIX
LIST OF BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAY MODELS
The following table lists the BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway model configurations.
Model
Number
Serial
Port/s
Serial
Connector
Ethernet
Port/s
Ethernet
Media
Ethernet
Connector/s
BB-MESR901
1
DB9 or TB
1
Copper
(1) RJ-45
BB-MESR902T
2
TB
1
Copper
(1) RJ-45

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BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAY FEATURES
•Two models:
•BB-MESR901 (one serial port, one Ethernet Port)
•BB-MESR902T (two serial ports with pluggable terminal blocks, one Ethernet port)
•Multi-interface serial ports
•DB9M and/or pluggable terminal block serial port connector options
•All ports are software selectable as RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 2-wire and 4-wire
•Configuration via network or direct serial connection
•Slim-line, DIN rail mountable case
•Accepts DC power over a wide voltage range
•10/100 Mbps Ethernet with auto-selection, auto MDI/MDIX
•LAN and WAN communications
•TCP Client or Server operation - configurable
•Firmware upload for future revisions/upgrades
•Software Support: Windows 2000, XP (32/64 bit), 2003 Server (32/64 bit), Vista (32/64
bit), 2008 Server (32/64 bit), 7 (32/64 bit), 8, 10
•Configuration of Ethernet and serial port settings using Vlinx Manager software
VLINX™ MANAGER CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
The included Vlinx Manager configuration software enables you to find connected Modbus
gateways, configure them, upgrade Modbus gateway firmware, and save/load configuration files.
It features a Graphical User Interface (“GUI”) that is convenient and easy to use.

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2. BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAY HARDWARE
PACKAGE CHECKLIST
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways are shipped with the following items included:
•BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway Module
•Quick Start Guide
•CD with User Manual, Quick Start Guide, Firmware and Configuration Software
BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAY ENCLOSURE & MOUNTING
Each BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway is packaged into a DIN rail mountable enclosure. Each
gateway features LED indicators, power, Ethernet and serial connectors and a recessed mode
LED INDICATORS
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways have three types of LED indicators: Ethernet Link
LEDs, Ready LED and Serial Port LEDs.
Ready and Ethernet (E1) Port LEDs
E1 ETHERNET LINK LED
The Ethernet Link LED (E1) illuminates (green) if the Ethernet is connected. When the
LED is blinking, it indicates that there is data traffic on the Ethernet link.
E1 is used for all models to connect to the network.
READY LED
The Ready LED (green) blinks if the system is operating correctly, once per second in
normal operating conditions, or three times per second in reset, configuration mode, or
when loading factory defaults. If the LED is off or steady, it indicates the system is not
operating correctly.

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SERIAL PORT LEDS
Model BB-MESR901 Modbus Gateway features one serial port.
Model BB-MESR902T Modbus Gateway features two serial ports.
Each serial port has an associated LED. Serial Port LEDs blink (green) when data is
being transmitted or received on the serial port. When the LED is On, it indicates the
serial port is open.
Serial Port LEDs on 1 and 2 Serial Port Modbus Gateways
MODE SWITCH
A recessed momentary reset switch is located on the top of the enclosure. To activate the
switch, insert a small plastic tool through the hole in the enclosure and press lightly.
Mode Switch
The Mode switch can be used to:
•Initiate a hardware reset
•Enter Console Mode
•Reload factory defaults
NOTE: Refer to Section 3: Modbus Gateway Setup and Connections for more information on using
the Mode switch.
ETHERNET CONNECTOR
Modbus gateway models using 10BaseT/100BaseTX network connections use an RJ45
receptacle. The Modbus gateway is connected to a standard Ethernet network drop using
a straight-through RJ45 (male) Ethernet cable.

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Ethernet Connector.
NOTE:Refer to Appendix D for connection pin-outs.
SERIAL PORT CONNECTORS
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways use four serial port connector configurations, depending on the
model:
•BB-MESR901 Modbus Gateway features one serial port and uses a DB9M connector for
RS-232 and a 5-position removable terminal block for RS-422 and RS-485 connections.
•BB-MESR902T Modbus Gateway features two serial ports, both using 5-position
removable terminal blocks for RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 connections.
DB9 Female Serial Port Connector
Five-Position Pluggable Terminal Block
NOTE:Refer to Appendix D for connection pin-outs.

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POWER CONNECTOR
The power connector is a 2-position pluggable terminal block.
Power Connection
MOUNTING HARDWARE
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateway modules can be DIN rail mounted. The DIN mounting clip and
spring is included on each module.
DIN Clip Detail

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3. MODBUS GATEWAY SETUP & CONNECTIONS
NOTE: In this section, devices to be connected to the Modbus gateway’s serial connection are simply
referred to as the “Modbus network”.
CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY
Connect a DC power supply to the power terminals on the top of the Modbus gateway. Polarity
of the wires is indicated on the label on the side of the Modbus gateway. Acceptable voltages
are between 10 VDC and 48 VDC. The power supply must be capable of supplying 4 Watts.
BB-MESR90x Power Connection
CONNECTING BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAYS TO MODBUS NETWORKS
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways can be configured to connect to Modbus networks using RS-
232, RS-422, RS-485 2-wire and RS-485 4-wire.
RS-232 connections support eight signal lines plus Signal Ground. Signals are single ended and
referenced to Ground. Default communications parameters are 9600, 8, N, 1 and no flow control
implemented.
RS-422 connections support two signal pairs: RXA(-), RXB(+) and TXA(-), TXB(+), plus GND.
The data lines are differential pairs (A & B) in which the B line is positive relative to the A line in
the idle (mark) state. Ground provides a common mode reference.
RS-485 connections support 2-wire or 4-wire operation.
When configured for 4-wire operation,the connection supports two signal pairs: RXA(-), RXB(+)
and TXA(-), TXB(+), plus GND. This makes full-duplex operation possible. The data lines are
differential pairs (A & B) in which the B line is positive relative to the A line in the idle (mark)
state. Ground provides a common mode reference.
When configured for 2-wire operation the connection supports one signal pair: DataB(+) and
DataA(-) signal channels using half-duplex operation. The data lines are differential with the Data
B line positive relative to Data A in the idle (mark) state. Ground provides a common mode
reference.

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The BB-MESR901has one serial connection that supports RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 (2-
and 4-wire). The unit has two connectors: a DB9M connector and a 5-position terminal block.
If you select RS-232 mode when you configure the Modbus gateway, you must connect the
Modbus serial network to the Modbus gateway via a serial cable. Model BB-MESR901 is DTE.
If the Modbus network is DTE, use a null modem (cross-over) cable. If the Modbus network is
DCE, use a straight-through cable. DTE and DCT ports are complementary: the Output
signals on a DTE port are Inputs to a DCE port; Output signals on a DCE port are Inputs to
a DTE port. The signal names match each other and connect pin-for-pin. Signal flow is in the
direction of the arrows. See figure below.
If you select RS-422 mode, RS-485 2-wire mode, or RS-485 4-wire mode when you configure the
Modbus gateway, you must connect the Modbus network appropriately, via the 5-position terminal
block.
NOTE: Refer to Appendix D for connector pin out information.
BB-MESR901 Connections

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CONNECTING THE BB-MESR902T
The BB-MESR902T has two serial connections that support RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485
(2-wire and 4-wire). The unit has two connectors that are both 5-position terminal blocks.
Make the appropriate connections to the terminal blocks to match the serial connection
mode that you select when configuring the Modbus gateway.
NOTE: Refer to Appendix D for connector pinout information.
BB-MESR902T Connections
CONNECTING BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAYS TO A NETWORK
NETWORK CONNECTION (10BASET/100BASETX)
When connecting a Modbus gateway equipped with a 10BaseT/100BaseTX
network connection (RJ45 connector), a standard network cable is connected from the
Modbus gateway to a network drop. PCs configuring and/or communicating with the
Modbus gateway are also connected to the network.
BB-MESR90X MODBUS GATEWAY CONFIGURATION CONNECTIONS
BB-MESR90x Modbus Gateways can be configured over the network or via a serial port.

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INSTALLING MODBUS CONFIGURATION MANAGER SOFTWARE
1. The Modbus Configuration Manager Software is contained on the CD that is packaged
with the product. Insert the CD into your CD ROM drive. The software should
automatically begin the installation process. If AUTO RUN is disabled on your
computer, open the CD drive and double-click on the executable file. The file name is
Modbus Gateway Manager Vx.x.x.
a. The following screen will be displayed on your computer:
Modbus Gateway Manager Installation Welcome Screen
b. Click Next. The License Agreement Screen will be displayed on your computer.
Modbus License Acceptance Screen

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c. Click Next. The User Information Screen will be displayed on your computer. Enter
your name and organization (optional) and select if the software will be accessible
to your account or anyone who uses the computer.
User Information Screen
d. Click Next. The Destination Folder Screen will be displayed on your computer. The
default directory is:
C:\Program Files\BB Electronics\Vlinx\Modbus Gateway Manager\
If desired, you can select another location by clicking the Browse button.
Destination Folder Screen

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e. Click Next. The Ready to Install Application Screen will be displayed on your
computer. You can select the Back button to change destination folder.
Ready to Install Application Screen
f. Click Next. The software will begin installing.
Software Installing Screen

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g. After the installation is complete, an information screen will be displayed containing
contact information and release notes. Click Next.
Information Screen
h. Click Next. The Installation Complete screen will be displayed on your computer.
Click Finish to finish the installation.
Installation Complete Screen