AMG AMG9CLE-1F-1W-SER User manual

AMG Serial Server
AMG9CLE-1F-1W-SER
User Manual
V1.0
2011.02.09

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Copyright
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No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language
without express prior written consent of the originator. The software described in this manual is
furnished under a license agreement and may be used only in accordance with the terms of that
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Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable. However, we assume no
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its use.
This product might include unintentional technical or typographical errors. Changes are periodically
made to the information herein to correct such errors, and these changes are incorporated into new
editions of the publication.

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C o n t e n t s
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................... 8
1.1 Main Features ................................................................................................................... 8
1.2 Communication Modes..................................................................................................... 9
1.2.1 Straight IP Mode ..................................................................................................... 9
1.2.2 Virtual COM Mode................................................................................................. 9
1.2.3 Paired Mode.......................................................................................................... 10
1.2.4 TCP Probe............................................................................................................. 10
1.3 Installation and Startup....................................................................................................11
1.3.1 Package Checklist..................................................................................................11
1.3.2 Hardware Setup......................................................................................................11
1.3.3 Software Installation..............................................................................................11
1.3.4 AMG Serial Server Configuration.........................................................................11
1.3.5 Install Virtual COM Ports ..................................................................................... 14
1.3.6 Check Data Communications................................................................................ 14
2. Hardware............................................................................................................................. 15
2.1 Connectors, Indicators, and Reset Switch ...................................................................... 16
2.1.1 Indicator Lights..................................................................................................... 16
2.1.2 Power Connector................................................................................................... 16
2.1.3 Reset Button.......................................................................................................... 16
2.1.4 Ethernet Connector ............................................................................................... 16
2.1.5 Serial Connector.................................................................................................... 16
3. Installing the IPS Administrator Software....................................................................... 17
3.1 Software Installation....................................................................................................... 17
3.1.1 Automatic Installation........................................................................................... 17
3.1.2 Manual Installation ............................................................................................... 17
3.1.3 Updating an Existing Installation.......................................................................... 19
3.1.4 Opening the IPS Administrator............................................................................. 20
4. Using the IPS Administrator.............................................................................................. 21
4.1 Hardware Setup .............................................................................................................. 21
4.2 Software Setup................................................................................................................ 22
4.3 Software Overview......................................................................................................... 22
4.3.1 Menus (Icons) ....................................................................................................... 22
4.3.2 Serial Server List / Virtual COM List................................................................... 23
4.3.3 Status Bar.............................................................................................................. 24
4.4 Search for Servers........................................................................................................... 24
4.5 Setting the Configurations.............................................................................................. 25
5. Configuring the AMG Serial Server ................................................................................. 28

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5.1 Description of Configuration - System........................................................................... 28
5.1.1 Model Name.......................................................................................................... 28
5.1.2 Server Name.......................................................................................................... 28
5.1.3 Serial Number....................................................................................................... 29
5.1.4 Password ............................................................................................................... 29
5.1.5 FW Version............................................................................................................ 29
5.1.6 MAC Address........................................................................................................ 29
5.1.7 DHCP.................................................................................................................... 29
5.1.8 IPAddress ............................................................................................................. 29
5.1.9 Netmask ................................................................................................................ 30
5.1.10 Gateway ................................................................................................................ 30
5.1.11 Link Status ............................................................................................................ 30
5.1.12 Default................................................................................................................... 30
5.2 Description of Configuration – Serial Port..................................................................... 31
5.2.1 Serial Type ............................................................................................................ 31
5.2.1.1 Console........................................................................................................ 31
5.2.1.2 RS-232......................................................................................................... 32
5.2.1.3 Upgrade Mode............................................................................................. 32
5.2.2 Baud Rate.............................................................................................................. 32
5.2.3 Data/Stop bits........................................................................................................ 32
5.2.4 Parity..................................................................................................................... 32
5.2.5 Flow Control......................................................................................................... 32
5.2.6 TCP/UDP Protocol................................................................................................ 32
5.2.7 TCP/UDP Port....................................................................................................... 33
5.2.8 Delimiter Hex 1 and Delimiter Hex 2................................................................... 34
5.2.9 Force Transmit ...................................................................................................... 34
5.2.10 Inter-character Gap................................................................................................ 34
5.2.11 Connection Status ................................................................................................. 34
5.2.12 Serial Timeout....................................................................................................... 34
5.2.13 TCPAlive Timeout ............................................................................................... 34
5.2.14 TCP Mode............................................................................................................. 35
5.2.15 Max Connection.................................................................................................... 35
5.2.16 Connection At ....................................................................................................... 35
5.2.17 Remote IPAddress................................................................................................ 35
5.2.18 Apply..................................................................................................................... 35
5.2.18.1 Saving Configuration Data in IPS Administrator...................................... 35
5.2.18.2 Saving Configuration Data in Console Mode or Telnet............................ 36
5.2.18.3 Saving Configuration Data in Web Server Interface................................. 37
6. Installing Virtual COM Ports............................................................................................ 38
6.1 Installing Virtual COM Port ........................................................................................... 38

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6.2 Matching the ASS and Virtual COM Port Settings......................................................... 39
7. Removing Virtual COM Ports........................................................................................... 42
7.1 Removing the Virtual COM port using ASS Administrator........................................... 42
7.2 Removing the Virtual COM Port using Device Manager............................................... 42
8. Upgrading the ASS Firmware ........................................................................................... 44
8.1.1 Change to Upgrade Mode ..................................................................................... 44
8.1.2 Upgrading the Firmware....................................................................................... 44
9. Using the Console Mode..................................................................................................... 46
9.1 Entering Console Mode.................................................................................................. 46
9.2 Console Mode Setup....................................................................................................... 46
9.2.1 Navigating the Configuration Menus.................................................................... 48
10. Using the Web Server......................................................................................................... 49
10.1 Setting Server Configurations......................................................................................... 49
11. Using the Telnet................................................................................................................... 51
11.1 Telnet Login.................................................................................................................... 51
11.2 Navigating the Configuration Menu............................................................................... 52
12. Technical Data..................................................................................................................... 53
12.1 Feature List..................................................................................................................... 53
12.2 Default Settings .............................................................................................................. 54
Appendix A: TCP/UDP Port Numbers and Firewall................................................................... 56
Appendix B: Serial Port Pin-outs.................................................................................................. 59
Appendix C: Ethernet Cable Pin-outs .......................................................................................... 60
Appendix D: Regulation Information........................................................................................... 61

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F i g u r e s
Figure 1 Straight IP Mode / Virtual COM Mode ............................................................................. 9
Figure 2 Paired Mode..................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3 Typical Hardware Setup ...................................................................................................11
Figure 4 The IPS Administrator Server List Window.................................................................... 12
Figure 5 The Configurations Window ........................................................................................... 13
Figure 6 Configuring the Virtual COM Port.................................................................................. 14
Figure 7 The Front/Rear Views...................................................................................................... 15
Figure 8 The Panel Layouts........................................................................................................... 15
Figure 9 The Install Shield Wizard Window.................................................................................. 17
Figure 10 The Setup Window of IPS Administrator...................................................................... 18
Figure 11 The Choose Destination Window.................................................................................. 18
Figure 12 The Install Shield Wizard Complete Window............................................................... 19
Figure 13 The InstallShield Wizard Modify, Repair or Remove Screen ....................................... 19
Figure 14 Ethernet Connection via LAN....................................................................................... 21
Figure 15 Direct Ethernet Connection using a Crossover Cable................................................... 21
Figure 16 The IPS Administrator Window .................................................................................... 22
Figure 17 The Search Setup Window ............................................................................................ 25
Figure 18 The Configurations Window ......................................................................................... 26
Figure 19 The Restart Dialogue Box ............................................................................................. 26
Figure 20 The Restarting Dialogue Box ........................................................................................ 27
Figure 21 The Search Server Dialogue Box .................................................................................. 27
Figure 22 The Searching Dialogue Box......................................................................................... 27
Figure 23 The Server Configurations Window of IPS Administrator............................................ 28
Figure 24 Pinging using the DOS command window.................................................................... 30
Figure 25 The Server UDP Configuration Screen ......................................................................... 33
Figure 26 The Restart Dialogue Box ............................................................................................. 36
Figure 27 The Console Configuration ........................................................................................... 36
Figure 28 The Web Server Configuration...................................................................................... 37
Figure 29 The System Properties Window .................................................................................... 39
Figure 30 The Device Manager Window....................................................................................... 40
Figure 31 Virtual COM Port Configuration Window .................................................................... 41
Figure 32 Confirm Device Removal.............................................................................................. 43
Figure 33 Te Port Settings Window............................................................................................... 45
Figure 34 The Console Mode Screen in the HyperTerminal Window........................................... 47
Figure 35 Saving and Restarting the Configuration in Console mode .......................................... 48
Figure 36 The Web Page - System................................................................................................. 49
Figure 37 The Web Page – Serial port ........................................................................................... 50

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Figure 38 The Web Page - Operation mode................................................................................... 50
Figure 39 Saving and Restarting the Configuration....................................................................... 52
Figure 40 2-wire RS-485 Connection............................................................................................ 59
Figure 41 Ethernet Cable Pin-outs................................................................................................. 60

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1. Introduction
The ASS (AMG Serial Server) provides the serial device server for Windows hosts to control
serial devices located virtually anywhere through a TCP/IP or UDP/IP Ethernet connection. The
ASS has the asynchronous serial port connection on one side, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
connection on the other side. It connects devices, such as CNC, weight scales, and scanners.
Applications include industrial/factory automation, automatic warehouse control, and
hospital/laboratory automation.
The ASS Windows driver provides Virtual Serial port (or say Virtual COM port) to control theASS.
Virtual Serial port (or say Virtual COM port) provides access to the serial port on theASS, as if a
real serial port on the computer.
ASS can function as a server or client for both TCP and UDP connection. The application scenarios
are Direct IP mode, Virtual COM mode, and Paired mode. In Direct IP mode and Virtual COM
mode, ASS should only work as a server. When in the Paired mode one ASS must set as a client
and the other must set as a server in both TCP and UDP connection.
1.1 Main Features
ASS Serial (or RS-232) port interface complaints with EIA
TCP or UDP / Client or Server operation
Configuration of the ASS settings can be accomplished using any of the following methods:
Web Server allows configuration via the network using any web browser
IPS Administrator for searching and listing the ASS/WIPS servers attached to the LAN
Telnet for remote configuration via the network
Serial Console for local configuration through the serial console port
Virtual COM Driver Software for Windows 2000/2300/XP/Vista - installs virtual COM
ports, viewable in the Windows Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT). The driver installs
a virtual COM on windows which maps the virtual COM port to the IP address and TCP/UDP
port of the ASS, enabling the Windows applications to access remote serial devices over an
IP-based Ethernet LAN. Any program running on the computer and using Windows-based
COM ports can access the serial devices attached to the ASS. The LAN becomes transparent to
the serial device and the software running on the PC.
Real TTY driver for Linux operating system
TCP Probe - selectable protocol ensures reliable communications in Virtual COM mode or
Paired mode. This feature restores the connections if communications are temporarily lost at
either end due to loss of power or the Ethernet connection.
Firmware Upgrade for future revisions/upgrades
Built-in Ethernet switch ports for easy cascaded wiring

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1.2 Communication Modes
The ASS enables communication with serial devices over a LAN or WAN. Serial devices no longer
are limited to a physical connection to the PC COM port. They can be installed anywhere reachable
by the LAN/WAN using TCP/IP or UDP/IP communications. This allows traditional Windows PC
software access to serial devices anywhere on the LAN/WAN network.
The combinations of communication modes:
Item Communication modes TCP UDP
1 Server/Socket mode ✓ ✓
2 Server/VCOM mode ✓ ✓
1 Client/Socket mode ✓n/a
2 Client/VCOM mode ✓n/a
3 Pair mode ✓ ✓
1.2.1 Straight IPMode
Straight IP mode allows applications using TCP/IP or UDP/IP socket programs to communicate
with the asynchronous serial ports on theASS. In this type of application theASS is configured as a
TCP or UDP server. The socket program running on the PC establishes a communication
connection with theASS. The data is sent directly to and from the serial port on the server. When
using UDP protocol the server can be configured to broadcast data to and receive data from
multiple IP addresses.
Figure 1 Straight IPMode / Virtual COM Mode
1.2.2 Virtual COM Mode
Virtual COM mode allows the user to provide a virtual COM port on the computer. Windows
programs using standard Windows API calls are able to interface to virtual COM ports. When a

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program on the PC opens the new COM port, it communicates with the remote serial device
connected to one of the ports on the ASS.
After connection, the LAN is transparent to the program and serial device. Applications are able to
work just as if the serial device is connected directly to a physical COM port on the computer. The
virtual COM software converts the application’s data into IP packets, sends it across the network to
the ASS, which converts the IP packet back to serial data and sends the data out a serial port located
on the ASS.
To use this mode, the ASS must be set to either TCP/server or UDP/server with a designated
communication port number. The virtual COM driver is the TCP or UDP client.
1.2.3 Paired Mode
Paired Mode is also called Serial Tunneling mode. In this mode any two serial devices that can
communicate with a serial link will be able to communicate using two ASS and the LAN.
Two ASS are connected to a network, one configured as a TCP/UDP client and the other as a
TCP/UDP server. In the setup the Remote IP address field of the server must contain the address
of the client. This will allow the client’s IP address to pass the IP address-filtering feature of the
server. Conversely, the Remote IPaddress of the client must contain the server’s IP address. Both
communication port numbers must be the same.
Figure 2 Paired Mode
1.2.4 TCPProbe
The TCP Probe protocol connection provides a reliable communications connection in Virtual
COM mode and Paired mode. This feature can restore the connection if communications are
temporarily lost at either end due to loss of power or Ethernet connection.
Without this feature a device that loses a connection and stops communicating would not be able to
reconnect without human intervention.A TCP data connection can be lost when there is a power
failure or temporary loss of an Ethernet connection on either the client or server. If a loss occurs the
Probe feature will try to reconnect the TCP data connection every five seconds until
communications is established again. The Probe feature is not applicable when using an UDP
application.

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1.3 Installation and Startup
For descriptive purposes this section considers a typical configuration consisting of a computer
connected via an Ethernet LAN to the ASS connected to the RS-232 port of a serial device.
1.3.1 Package Checklist
The AMG Serial Server is shipped with the following items included:
The AMG Serial Server unit
Power Adapter
Quick Start Guide
CD-ROM Disk (Documentation and software)
1.3.2 Hardware Setup
Figure 3 Typical Hardware Setup
Step 1: Connect the ASS to the network using a standard Ethernet cable.
Step 2: Connect the ASS to the RS-232 port on the serial device.
Note: If the serial device is configured as a DCE use a straight-through serial cable.
If the serial device is configured as a DTE use a crossover (null modem) cable.
Step 3: Apply power to the ASS.
1.3.3 Software Installation
Using the CD included with the AMG Serial Server, install the IPS Administrator software on the
host computer.
1.3.4 AMG Serial Server Configuration
Step 1: Open the IPS Administrator software. It will automatically search for any
reachable ASS devices. A list of all ASS connected to the LAN will appear in the
ASS List window.

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Figure 4 The IPS Administrator Server List Window
Notice !!!
Please reserve the following port numbers for the ASS operation – 6400, 6660, 6666, and 6669.
Your attached firewall device shall not block the reserved port numbers mentioned above and
<the port numbers specified in TCP/UDPport in Configurations window>.
Please refer to Appendix A for details.
Step 2: Double click the desired ASS port on the list to bring up the Server Configurations
screen.

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Figure 5 The Configurations Window
Step 3: Change the Server Configurations as required.
(a) Disable DHCP, set appropriate static IP, Netmask and Gateway addresses from
your Network Administrator (recommended), or enable DHCP to allow the ASS to
obtain an IP address from DHCP server.
(b) Set the Serial type to RS-232 to match the serial device connected to the ASS.
Note: the default is at Console mode, so you have to change to RS-232 mode for
data transmission.
(c) Set Baud Rate, Data/Parity/Stop, and Flow Control to match the
configuration of the serial device connected to the ASS serial port.
Step 4: When the parameters have been set, click Apply. Following the prompts in the
dialogue boxes, Restart the ASS and Search all reachable servers again.
Step 5: Re-enter Server Configurations to verify the changes have taken effect, or to
view/change the configuration of other ports. Each port must be configured
separately.

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1.3.5 Install Virtual COM Ports
Step 1: Highlight the server in the server list of the IPS Administrator, double click on the
Install Virtual COM icon.
Step 2: Select a port and map it to an unused COM port (e.g. Port 3). Configure it for TCP
protocol and the appropriate IP address (determined in the last section).
Figure 6 Configuring the Virtual COM Port
1.3.6 Check Data Communications
Step 1: Run the terminal emulation program (such as HyperTerminal or PuTTY). Select
the COM port (e.g. Port 3).
Step 2: Set Baud Rate,Data/Parity/Stop, and Flow Control to match the configuration
of the serial device connected to the ASS serial port.
Step 3: Communications with the serial device should now be operational.

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2. Hardware
Figure 7 The Front/Rear Views
Figure 8 The Panel Layouts
DIN
-Rail kit
hole
Wall & Panel mount
crew hole
Green LED
100BaseT
Orange LED
10BaseT Link
IPS-301E IPS-311E IPS-331E

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2.1 Connectors, Indicators, and Reset Switch
2.1.1 Indicator Lights
LED Indication
Ready Green -- blinking per second when system is ready
LEDs on RJ45
connectors
Ethernet Link/Act/10/100Mbps:
Orange -- 10BaseT Ethernet connection established
Green -- 100BaseT Ethernet connection established
Blinking: when data in activity
ON: when no data in activity and link connected
2.1.2 Power Connector
Plug the plug from the included power supply into the power jack and then plug the supply in.
When power is applied the Red power light will illuminate. The tip of the power plug is positive;
the sleeve is negative.
2.1.3 Reset Button
This button resets the unit, similar to the effect of removing/applying power. The Reset button is
recessed to avoid accidental operation. To reset the unit, insert a small plastic tool, press the rest
button lightly. The Link and Ready lights will go out and then come back on.
Press & hold the Reset button for 5sec will have the unit goes to factory default settings.
2.1.4 Ethernet Connector
The ASS has a standard RJ-45 receptacle mounted in the top edge of the chassis. The ASS can be
connected to an Ethernet hub, switch, or wall plate using a standard straight-through RJ-45 (male)
Ethernet cable. To connect directly to an RJ45 Ethernet port on a PC or laptop a crossover Ethernet
cable must be used.
2.1.5 Serial Connector
The serial connector is DB9M or Terminal Block type.

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3. Installing the IPS Administrator Software
The Windows-based IPS Administrator and Virtual COM Port software makes configuration
fast and easy. If using Windows, installing the IPS Administrator software and setting up virtual
COM ports to configure the ASS is recommended.
3.1 Software Installation
The IPS Administrator software includes:
IPS Administrator
Install/Uninstall Virtual COM
3.1.1 Automatic Installation
Step 1: Inserting the CD in the CD-ROM should automatically launch the Install Shield Wizard.
3.1.2 Manual Installation
Step 1: To manually start the software installation, from the Windows Desktop, click Start button
and click Run item. At the Run command line type E:\Install_IPS\setup.exe and click OK
(E: is the drive letter for the CD ROM.), or open the File manager and double click
E:\Install_IPS\setup.exe.
The Install Shield Wizard window will be displayed.
Figure 9 The Install Shield Wizard Window
Step 2: When the IPS Administrator Setup window appears, click Next.

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Figure 10 The Setup Window of IPSAdministrator
Step 3: When Choose Destination Location appears, click Next. The installation progress will be
shown until complete.
Figure 11 The Choose Destination Window
Step 4: Click Finish when the Install Shield Wizard Complete dialogue appears. When finished,
dialogue box will close.

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Figure 12 The Install Shield Wizard Complete Window
3.1.3 Updating an Existing Installation
If an IPS Administrator software is already installed, the setup window will prompt for removing
it. Please remove all installed components first. Once the software has been removed, Install (run
setup.exe) the new software.
Figure 13 The InstallShield Wizard Modify, Repair or Remove Screen

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3.1.4 Opening the IPS Administrator
Step 5: If the ASS is not already connected to the network or to the Ethernet port on the computer,
connect it. Apply power. The Link LEDs on the Ethernet connector should indicate which
type of Ethernet connection has been made and the Ready LED will flash indicating
configuration can begin.
Step 6: Start the IPS Administrator software. In Windows Desktop, click:
Start > All Programs > IPS > IPS Administrator
As soon as the IPS Administrator opens it will initiate Searching Server and after a few
seconds the AMG Serial Server List will display all AMG Serial Server devices (wire or
wireless models) on the network.