Advantech B+B SmartWorx Vlinx VESR424D User manual

Vlinx™ Serial Server
Model VESR424D
USER MANUAL

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Advantech B+B SmartWorx - Americas
707 Dayton Road
Ottawa, IL 61350 USA
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Advantech B+B SmartWorx - European Headquarters
Westlink Commercial Park
Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.advantech-bb.com
[e-mail]
Documentation Number: VESR424D_4818m

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CONTENTS
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................6
About VESR424D Serial Server........................................................................................6
VESR424D .......................................................................................................................6
VESR424D Features ........................................................................................................7
Vlinx ManagerConfiguration Software ............................................................................7
Chapter 2. VESR424D HARDWARE ...................................................................................8
Package Checklist ............................................................................................................8
LED Indicators ..................................................................................................................8
Power LED ....................................................................................................................8
Ready LED ....................................................................................................................9
Ethernet Speed LEDs (1 & 2) ........................................................................................9
Ethernet Link LEDs (1 & 2) ............................................................................................9
Serial Port LEDs (P1, P2, P3 & P4) ...............................................................................9
Reset Switch.....................................................................................................................9
Using the Reset Switch to Initiate a Hardware Reset...................................................10
Using the Reset Switch to Enter Console Mode...........................................................10
Using the Reset Switch to Exit Console Mode .............................................................10
Using the Reset Switch to Reload Factory Default Settings.........................................10
Ethernet Connector.........................................................................................................10
Serial Port Connectors....................................................................................................11
Power Connector ............................................................................................................11
Mounting Hardware ........................................................................................................11
Chapter 3. INSTALLATION & INITIAL SETUP...................................................................13
Connecting the Power Supply.........................................................................................13
Connecting VESR424D Serial Server to Serial Devices..................................................13
RS-232 ........................................................................................................................13
RS-422 ........................................................................................................................14
RS-485 ........................................................................................................................14
Connecting VESR424D Serial Server to a Network ........................................................14
Ethernet Connection (10BaseT/100BaseTX) ...............................................................14
Ethernet Pass-through Port.............................................................................................15
VESR424D Serial Server Configuration..........................................................................15
Configuring via the Network Using Vlinx Manager .......................................................15
Configuring via the network Using a Browser ..............................................................16
Configuring via a Serial Port Using Vlinx Manager (Console Mode).............................16
VESR424D Serial Server Operational Connections ........................................................17
Installing and Starting Vlinx Manager..............................................................................18
Discovering Serial Servers..............................................................................................19
Chapter 4. CONFIGURING THE SERIAL SERVER...........................................................20
Overview of the Vlinx Manager .......................................................................................20
Icons............................................................................................................................21

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Serial Server Information Table ...................................................................................21
Configuration Pane......................................................................................................22
Logging In.......................................................................................................................22
Navigating the Configuration Pages................................................................................23
Setting Up the Serial Server Name and Password..........................................................24
Changing the Serial Server’s Name.............................................................................24
Changing the Password:..............................................................................................24
Setting Up IP Addressing................................................................................................25
Setting Up Dynamic IP Addressing ..............................................................................25
Setting Up Static IP Addressing...................................................................................25
Setting Up Serial Ports....................................................................................................26
Setting Up Port Network Parameters ..............................................................................27
TCP Configuration .......................................................................................................27
UDP Configuration.......................................................................................................28
Setting up Virtual COM (VCOM) Operation..................................................................31
Setting up Paired Mode Operation...............................................................................31
Setting up Advanced Network Settings ...........................................................................34
Configuring when network connections will be forced closed.......................................34
Configuring when data packets are sent......................................................................35
Saving/Restoring the Configuration Settings...................................................................38
Adding Virtual COM Ports...............................................................................................38
Removing Virtual COM Ports ..........................................................................................39
CHAPTER 5. UPGRADING THE SERIAL SERVER FIRMWARE ......................................40
Downloading Firmware Files...........................................................................................41
To download the latest firmware files from an FTP site on the Internet........................41
To download the latest firmware files from a file ..........................................................41
Uploading the Firmware to the Serial Server...................................................................41
CHAPTER 6. DIAGNOSTICS ............................................................................................42
Testing a Serial Server Connection.................................................................................42
Testing a Virtual COM Port .............................................................................................43
CHAPTER 7. LISTING / DESCRIPTIONS OF SERIAL SERVER SETTINGS ....................44
CHAPTER 8. APPENDICES ..............................................................................................50
Appendix A: Default Server Settings ...............................................................................50
Appendix B: Product Specifications ................................................................................52
General Specifications.................................................................................................52
Controls, Indicators and Connector Specifications.......................................................53
Serial Interface Specifications......................................................................................53
Network Specifications ................................................................................................54
TCP/UDP Ports Table..................................................................................................54
Appendix C: Dimensional Diagram .................................................................................56
Appendix D: Connector Pinouts ......................................................................................57
DB9M Connnector .......................................................................................................57
Standard Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Pinout........................................................................58

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Advantech B+B SmartWorx Technical Support ..................................................................58
Statements, Precautions ....................................................................................................59
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement ............................................................59
Electrostatic Discharge Precautions................................................................................60
Disclaimer & Brand ......................................................................................................60

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CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the VESR424D Serial Server product. This product has been
manufactured to the highest standards of quality and performance to ensure your complete
satisfaction.
Figure 1. VESR424D Serial Server
ABOUT VESR424D SERIAL SERVER
Model VESR424D Serial Server connects serial devices (RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485) to
Ethernet networks, allowing the serial device to become a node on the network. The serial ports
can be accessed over a LAN/WAN using Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM Port, or Paired Mode
connections. Model VESR424D features 10BaseT or 100BaseTX copper network media and an
additional copper Ethernet pass-through port. Model VESR424D is built for use in industrial and
transportation environments and features a heavy-duty metal enclosure that is panel and DIN
rail mountable. The product operates from a range of DC power supply voltages and features
pluggable terminal block power connectors as well as a locking barrel connector that facilitates
redundant power sources.
NOTE: The terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; the barrel jack cannot be used for these
applications. See the specification tables for further information.
VESR424D
VESR424D Serial Server incorporates four serial connections and two Ethernet connections.
Model Number Ethernet
Ports
Ethernet
Connector 1
Ethernet
Connector 2
Serial Connector
(x4)
VESR424D 2 RJ-45 RJ-45 DB9 Male

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VESR424D FEATURES
•Two Ethernet connectors
•Ethernet pass through ports
•Multi-interface serial ports (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485)
•DB9 male serial port connector options
•All serial ports are software selectable for RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 2-wire and
4-wire communication
•Configuration can be done via network or direct serial connection
•Rugged metal case, DIN rail or panel mountable
•Accepts DC power over a wide voltage range (power supply required, not included)
•Two power connections (pluggable terminal strip and locking barrel connector) can
be used for redundant power supply
NOTE: terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; barrel jack cannot be used for these
applications. See specification tables for more information.
•10/100 Mbps Ethernet with auto-selection
•TCP Client or Server, or UDP operation - configurable
•Virtual COM port and paired-mode capabilities
•Firmware upload over the Ethernet port 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), 2012 Server-r2 (32/64 bit), 7 (32/64 bit), 8
(32/64 bit), 10 (32/64 bit)
•Configuration of Ethernet and serial port settings using Vlinx Manager software or
built-in web server
VLINX MANAGER CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
Vlinx Manager configuration software enables you to find connected serial servers, configure
them, upgrade serial server firmware and save/load configuration files. It features a Graphical
User Interface (“GUI”) that is convenient and easy to use. The software also makes it easy to
add and remove virtual COM ports on your computer.

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CHAPTER 2. VESR424D HARDWARE
VESR424D Serial Server includes:
•LED indicators
•Power, Ethernet and Serial connectors
•A recessed Reset (mode) switch
PACKAGE CHECKLIST
VESR424D Serial Server is shipped with the following items included:
•VESR424x Serial Server Module
•Quick Start Guide, printed
•CD with User Manual and Software
•Panel Mount and DIN Rail Mount Adapters (brackets included)
LED INDICATORS
VESR424D serial server has LED indicators for Power, Serial Server Ready indication,
Ethernet Speed, Link status, and Serial Port status.
POWER LED
The Power LED illuminates when 10 to 58 VDC power is applied to either power connector.

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READY LED
The Ready LED (green) illuminates continuously while the unit is initializing. It flashes once per
second when the system is operating correctly. If the LED is not flashing, it indicates that
something is wrong (e.g. another device on the network at the same IP address).
ETHERNET SPEED LEDS (1 & 2)
The Ethernet Speed LED illuminates (green) if the Ethernet connection is operating at
100Mbit/sec. The LED is off if the connection is operating at 10Mbit/sec.
ETHERNET LINK LEDS (1 & 2)
The Ethernet Link LED illuminates when a connection has been made. It flashes when there is
data traffic on the Ethernet link.
SERIAL PORT LEDS (P1, P2, P3 & P4)
Each serial port has an associated LED. Serial Port LEDs flash (green) when data is being
transmitted or received on the serial ports. When the LED is illuminated, it indicates the serial
port is open.
NOTE: LEDs on the serial server are also used to indicate various Reset Modes, as described in the following section.
RESET SWITCH
A recessed momentary Reset switch is located on the side of the enclosure. To activate the
switch, insert a small plastic tool through the hole in the enclosure and press lightly.
Figure 3. Side View of Serial Server
The Reset Switch is used to:
•Initiate a Hardware Reset
•Enter Console Mode
•Reload Factory Defaults

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USING THE RESET SWITCH TO INITIATE A HARDWARE RESET
Hold the Reset switch in for 0 to 2 seconds. The P1 LED illuminates while the switch is being
held in. Release the switch in less than 2 seconds or else the serial server will enter Console
Mode.
USING THE RESET SWITCH TO ENTER CONSOLE MODE
Hold the Reset switch for between 2 and 10 seconds. The P1 LED illuminates for the first 2
seconds then the P1 LED goes out; next, the P2 LED illuminates until the Reset switch is
released. Release the switch in less than 10 seconds or else the serial server will reset to
factory default settings. The serial server will re-boot and enter Console Mode. LED P1 will be
on while the unit is in Console Mode.
USING THE RESET SWITCH TO EXIT CONSOLE MODE
Press the Reset switch for less than 2 seconds, or remove power from the serial server, wait a
few seconds, and turn the power on again. The LEDs go back to their normal states when the
device resumes normal operation.
USING THE RESET SWITCH TO RELOAD FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS
Hold the Reset switch for more than 10 seconds. The P1 LED illuminates for the first 2 seconds;
then the P2 LED illuminates. After 10 seconds the P1 and P2 LEDs will illuminate. When the
switch is released, both the P1 and P2 LEDs will go out. The Ready LED will flash quickly while
the serial server re-initializes to factory default settings, and then the server will re-boot.
ETHERNET CONNECTOR
Model VESR424D is equipped with 10BaseT/100BaseTX network connections using an RJ45
receptacle. The serial server is connected to a standard Ethernet network drop using a straight-
through RJ45 (male) Ethernet cable. A second RJ45 receptacle acts as an Ethernet switch
enabling the connection of other devices to the network.
Figure 4. Ethernet Connectors
NOTE:Refer to Appendix D for connector pinouts.

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SERIAL PORT CONNECTORS
Model VESR424D Serial Server features four serial ports and uses DB9M connectors for RS-
232, RS-422 and RS-485 connections.
DB9M Serial Port Connector with Pinout (# VESR424D)
NOTE:Refer to Appendix D for connector pinouts.
POWER CONNECTOR
The VESR424D serial server provides two power connectors. One is a 3-position removable
terminal block with +, - and chassis ground connections. The second is a locking barrel jack
connector.
Figure 5. Power Connectors
NOTE: The terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; the barrel jack cannot be used for these
applications. See the specification tables for further information.
MOUNTING HARDWARE
Model VESR424D Serial Server can be DIN rail or panel mounted. The necessary hardware is
included in the accessory kit, which also includes the screws for attaching the mounting
hardware. Two brackets are provided for mounting the serial server flush to a panel or behind a
rack-mount instrument panel.
Figure 6. Panel Mount Brackets

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Each bracket is mounted using two 4-40 flat-head screws (included). The additional threaded
holes on the side of the serial server allow the unit to be mounted in six different configurations.
Figure 7. VESR424D Showing Panel Mount Bracket Options
If extra mounting brackets are needed, they can be ordered from B+B SmartWorx (Kit PN#
9030).
The DIN rail mounting bracket attaches to the back with three 4-40 flat head screws.
Figure 8. VESR424D with DIN Rail Clip Attached

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CHAPTER 3. INSTALLATION & INITIAL SETUP
This section describes how to install the VESR424D Serial Server and configure the device.
NOTE: In this section, devices to be connected to the serial server’s serial connections are referred to as the “serial
device”.
CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY
Connect a DC power supply to the power terminals on the side of the serial server. Polarity of
the wires is indicated underneath each connector. Acceptable voltages are between 10 VDC
and 58 VDC. The power supply must be capable of supplying 6 Watts.
Figure 9. Power Supply Connections
NOTE: the terminal block must be used for Class 1 Division 2 applications; the barrel jack cannot be used for these
applications. See the specification tables for further information.
CONNECTING VESR424D SERIAL SERVER TO SERIAL DEVICES
The VESR424D Serial Server can be connected to serial devices using RS-232, RS-422, RS-
485 2-wire, or RS-485 4-wire communication via the uses DB9M connectors.
RS-232
VESR424D uses DB9M connectors that support seven RS-232 signal lines (TD, RD, DTR,
DSR, RTS, CTS, DCD) plus Signal Ground.
Signals are single-ended and referenced to Signal Ground. Default communications parameters
are 9600, 8, N, 1 (9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit), and no flow control.
NOTE: VESR424D is configured as DTE. If it is connected to a computer or other DTE device, use a null modem (cross-
over) cable. If the serial device is configured as a DCE, use a straight-through cable.

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RS-422
RS-422 connections support two signal pairs: TDA (-), TDB (+), RDA (-), RDB (+) and 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. In RS-422, the transmitter is always enabled. Signal Ground provides a
common mode reference for the signal lines.
RS-485
RS-485 connections support 2-wire or 4-wire operation. In RS-485 mode, the transmitter is only
enabled when the serial server is transmitting data on the line. This allows other devices to
share the bus.
When configured for 4-wire operation,the connection supports two signal pairs: TDA (-), TDB
(+), RDA (-), RDB (+) and 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. Signal Ground provides a common mode reference for the signal lines.
When configured for 2-wire operation,the connection supports one signal pair: Data A (-) and
Data B (+). These lines transmit and receive signals using half-duplex operation. The data lines
are differential with the Data B line positive relative to Data A in the idle (mark) state. Signal
Ground provides a common mode reference for the signal lines.
NOTE: Refer to Appendix D for connector pinout information.
Figure 10. VESR424D Connections
CONNECTING VESR424D SERIAL SERVER TO A NETWORK
ETHERNET CONNECTION (10BASET/100BASETX)
When connecting the serial server equipped with a 10BaseT/100BaseTX network
connection (RJ45 connector) to an Ethernet network, a standard unshielded twisted-pair cable
can be used. When installing this equipment in industrial or other electrically noisy
environments, STP (shielded twisted pair) cable is strongly recommended. The serial
server has an automatic MDIX interface that will sense the pin-out of the network interface and
provide a cross-over connection, if required.

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ETHERNET PASS-THROUGH PORT
Model VESR424D serial server is equipped with an additional RJ45 network port, also known as
a “pass-through” port. This port can be used to connect additional Ethernet devices, such as a
local workstation or second serial server to the network.
Figure 11. Ethernet Pass-through Port
VESR424D SERIAL SERVER CONFIGURATION
VESR424D Serial Server can be configured using several methods:
•Via the network using Vlinx Manager software
•Via the network using a web browser
•Via a serial port using Vlinx Manager software (“Console Mode”)
CONFIGURING VIA THE NETWORK USING VLINX MANAGER
Model VESR424D Serial Server can be configured over the network using Vlinx Manager
software running on a networked PC. Vlinx Manager includes a discovery function that makes it
possible to detect the serial server on the network if you do not know its IP address. Once the
serial server has been detected, the Vlinx Manager software can be used to change its settings.
NOTE: For more information on how to use Vlinx Manager to configure your serial server, refer to Section 4:
“Configuring the Serial Server.”

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Figure 12. Network Setup
CONFIGURING VIA THE NETWORK USING A BROWSER
The VESR424D Serial Server can also be configured over the network using a standard internet
browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox running on a networked PC. To do so you must
know the IP address of the serial server. Your serial server comes from the factory pre-
configured to receive an IP address from a DHCP Server. If a DHCP server is not available, it
will default to 169.254.102.39.
NOTE: For more information on how to use Vlinx Manager to configure your serial server, refer to Section 4:
Configuring the Serial Server
CONFIGURING VIA A SERIAL PORT USING VLINX MANAGER (CONSOLE MODE)
The serial server can be configured via any serial port, using Vlinx Manager. To use this feature
a serial port on the serial server must be connected to the serial port of a PC (using a null
modem cable).
Figure 13. Console Mode Setup
To configure the serial server, it must be put into Console Mode, using the Reset switch.
NOTE: Refer to Section 2 for information on how to use the Reset switch to enter Console Mode.

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VESR424D SERIAL SERVER OPERATIONAL CONNECTIONS
The VESR424x Serial ServerD can operate in Direct IP, Virtual COM Port and Paired Modes.
In Direct IP Mode, applications can use TCP/IP socket connections or UDP/IP datagrams to
communicate with the COM ports on the serial server. In this type of application, the serial
server is configured as a TCP or UDP server. The socket program running on the PC
establishes a communication connection with the serial server. The data is sent directly to and
from the serial port on the server.
Figure 14. Direct IP and Virtual COM Port Connection
In Virtual COM Port Mode,the serial ports on the serial server appear to applications running
on the host PC as if the serial ports were physically located on the host PC. When a virtual
COM port is configured on the PC (using Vlinx Manager), a new COM port appears in the
Device Manager. Windows programs are able to interface to the virtual COM port using
standard Windows API calls. When a program on the PC opens the new COM port, it
communicates directly with the remote serial device connected to the serial server.
In Paired Mode, two serial servers are used to provide a virtual cable connection between two
remote serial devices using the Ethernet network. The end serial devices communicate data
and handshake information directly, as if they were physically connected in a point-to-point
serial connection. Paired Mode devices are set up as shown in the following diagram and
configured using Vlinx Manager Software or web interface.

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Figure 15. Paired Mode Setup
INSTALLING AND STARTING VLINX MANAGER
Vlinx Manager is a Windows-based application used to configure serial servers. Install it on your
PC from the included CD. Installation should launch automatically when the CD is placed in the
CD-ROM drive.
Follow the prompts to install the software.
Once the program is installed, go to the Start > Programs menu and run the program.
The Vlinx Manager Discovery window appears.
Figure 16. Discovery Window
Progress Box
Progress Bar

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DISCOVERING SERIAL SERVERS
If you are configuring the serial server via the network, select Network; if you are configuring it
via the serial port, select Serial Port.
If you already know the IP address of the serial server, click The device is at this IP address; if
not, leave I don’t know the IP address of the device selected.
Click Connect. The Progress text box and bar graph provide information to indicate whether
serial server is detected and how far along the process is.
The text in the Progress box appears in various colors, depending on the message type.
Color Description
Black
A step in the discovery process.
Dark Blue
A device was not found.
Dark Green
A device was found.
Dark Red
An error occurred.
If one or more devices are found, the discovery window closes automatically and the
Configuration window appears.

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CHAPTER 4. CONFIGURING THE SERIAL SERVER
OVERVIEW OF THE VLINX MANAGER
The Vlinx Manager Configuration window includes three areas:
•Icons
•Serial Server Information Table
•Configuration Pane
Figure 17. Vlinx Manager Configuration Window
MANUAL NOTE:
The screen shots shown in this manual refer to the VESR901 (a similar B+B SmartWorx serial server model). Your
screen will display the model name/number and serial number of your VESR424D device. All menus, functions and
options shown on the screen shots in this manual apply to your VESR424D device.