Applied Systems Engineering BCOM-USB User manual

BCOM-USB Device
User Manual
www.kalkitech.com
Version 2.1, Oct 2017

BCOM-USB Device User Manual
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Copyright Notice
© 2017 Applied Systems Engineering, Inc. All Rights reserved.
This user manual is a publication of Applied Systems Engineering, Inc. and it is intended for its
customers use only. Content of this manual is copyrighted and reproduction in whole or in part, for use
other than in support of ASE products, is prohibited without the specic written permission of
Applied Systems Engineering, Inc.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is subject to change without any notice.
Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable. However,
Applied Systems Engineering, Inc. assumes no responsibility for its use. Applied Systems Engineering,
Inc. makes no commitment to update or keep the current information in this manual.
Contact Information
Applied Systems Engineering, Inc.
1671 Dell Avenue, Suite 200,
Campbell, California, 95008, USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Technical Support Contact Information
Online Technical Enquiry Support: www.ase-systems.com/support
E-mail Support: [email protected]

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction 6
1.1. Overview 6
1.2. Technical Support 6
2. BCOM-USB Device 7
3. ASE License/Firmware Updater 15
3.1. Overview 15
3.2. License/Firmware Update Program Installation 15
3.3. Viewing License Information 16
3.4. New License File Installation 17
3.5. New Firmware Installation 18
Appendix A – Windows Server 2003, XP, Vista I/O Driver Installation 19
Appendix B – BCOM-USB Upgrade Kit Components 20
Appendix C – Removing The BCOM-USB Drivers 21
Appendix D – Microsoft COM Ports 22
Appendix E – Verifying BCOM-USB Operation 23
Troubleshooting 25
Document Revision History 27

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List of Figures
Figure 1: BCOM-USB device and USB cable 7
Figure 2: Serial cables and connectors 8
Figure 3: Front view 8
Figure 4: Rear view 9
Figure 5: Bottom view 9
Figure 6: Locating the driver les 11
Figure 7: Driver Installation Wizard 12
Figure 8: Control Panel 12
Figure 9: Device Manager 13
Figure 10: Launch Menu Installation Assistant 14
Figure 11: Launch Menu Drivers Group 14
Figure 12: Installing ASE License/Firmware Updater Program 15
Figure 13: License and Device Information 16
Figure 14: No ASE Hardware License Found 17
Figure 15: Select License File 17
Figure 16: Successful License Update 17
Figure 17: Firmware Update Completion 18
Figure 18: Upgrade Kit Contents 20
Figure 19: Remove BCOM-USB Drivers 21
Figure 20: Windows 10 Device Manager 2.1.7.4 I/O Drivers 23
Figure 21: Windows 7 Device Manager 2.1.7.2 I/O Drivers 23
Figure 22: Loopback Cabling 24
Figure 23: USB 3.0 Ports 25

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List of Tables
Table 1: Pin-out of the BCOM-USB 9-pin connectors 10
Table 2: Document Revision History 27

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1. Introduction
1.1. Overview
This manual is intended for users of the BCOM-USB dual-port serial communication device
and the ASE2000 Communications Test Set. It provides instructions for installing the BCOM-
USB Windows drivers, update its internally stored ASE product license or upgrade BCOM-USB
rmware.
This manual contains a description of:
• BCOM-USB Device
• BCOM-USB I/O Driver installation
– Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 I/O Driver Installation
– Windows XP, and other earlier versions of Windows
• ASE License-Firmware Updater installation and use
The ASE License-Firmware Updater program is used to install new license information in the
BCOM-USB ash memory and/or install new rmware releases onto the BCOM-USB device.
1.2. Technical Support
The BCOM-USB device is intended for use only in conjunction with the ASE2000 Communications
Test Set (Version 1 & V2) and certain other applications developed by ASE. Support will only be
provided on applications approved by ASE. The BCOM-USB device should be properly registered
with ASE so information regarding the BCOM-USB device will be sent to the correct person.
Contact [email protected] for additional support.
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2. BCOM-USB Device
2.1. Overview
The BCOM-USB is a 2-channel, serial RS-232 device that connects to a Windows machine
through a USB port. This device is intended to be used with the ASE2000 Communication Test
Set. In addition to handling traditional byte-oriented protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, IEC 870-
5-101, etc., the BCOM-USB also handles bit-oriented protocols such as Conitel 2020, CDC Type
I and II, as well as SDLC/HDLC protocols.
For a complete list of supported protocols, visit the ASE website at http://www.ase-systems.com.
2.2. Package Contents
The BCOM-USB device kit consists of the following items:
New Purchases Kit
• 2-channel BCOM-USB serial device
• Two DB-9 Female / DB-25 Male Cables
• 6 USB Cable with standard A / B connectors
• Monitor Cable (two DB-9 F, one DB-25 M, one DB-25 F connectors)
• ASE Null modem adapter
• DB-25 gender changer (two assorted DB-9/DB-25 adapters)
• ASE Installation & Documentation USB Drive
Figure 1: BCOM-USB device and USB cable
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Figure 2: Serial cables and connectors
2.3. Device Description
The front of the BCOM-USB device has a USB connector for connection to a Windows machine
and LED indicators for serial communication activity indications. Each channel has:
TX – Transmit Data CTS – Clear To Send
RX – Receive Data CD – Data Carrier Detect
RTS – Request To Send ERR – Error Indication
Figure 3: Front view

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The back of the BCOM-USB device has two DB-9 Male connectors and a Modem Power
connector. The +5VDC Modem Power connector (MDM PWR OUT) is only for powering the
ASE 2-channel Bell-202 Test Set Modem from the BCOM-USB device.
Figure 4: Rear view
It is recommended that the Modem Power be connected to the BCOM-USB device prior to
connecting the BCOM-USB device to your machine.
The bottom of each BCOM-USB device contains a serial number which is used for device
registration and BCOM-USB license management. For certain support and upgrade situations,
you may be asked to provide this serial number.
Figure 5: Bottom view

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2.4. RS-232 PIN-OUT
The following table illustrates the pin-out of the BCOM-USB 9-pin connectors.
Serial No. Parameter
1DCD – Data Carrier Detect
2 RXD – Receive Data
3 TXD – Transmit Data
4 DTR – Data Terminal Ready
5 Com – Common
6 RXCLKIN – Receive Clock In
7 RTS – Request To Send
8 CTS – Clear To Send
9TXCLKOUT – Transmit Clock Out
Table 1: Pin-out of the BCOM-USB 9-pin connectors
2.5. I/O Driver Installation
This section describes the steps necessary to install the I/O drivers for the BCOM-USB Device.
Driver les are provided for different versions of Windows. The correct driver les must be
installed. For Windows 7, 8, and 10 systems, a set of digitally signed driver les are provided for
both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the driver.
The BCOM-USB I/O Driver les are provided on the ASE Installation & Documentation USB
Drive delivered with the product. These les may also be downloaded from the ASE website:
http://www.ase-systems.com/
This manual describes the updated drivers and installation procedures released by ASE. This
includes signed driver les for newer versions of Windows (Windows 7 & later) and a more
automated installation mechanism. The instructions provided here may be used on older versions
of Windows (before Windows 7). It is important to follow these instructions carefully for a correct
installation.
The prior driver les and manual installation instructions are available on the ASE Installation &
Documentation USB drive or the ASE website.

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The Drivers folder on the ASE Installation & Documentation USB Drive is shown in Figure 6 -
Locating the driver les.
Figure 6: Locating the driver les
2.6. Windows I/O Driver Installation
Follow these instructions carefully.
• If connected, disconnect the USB cable to the BCOM-USB device. The drivers will rst be
installed on the machine for Windows to nd and match to the device when later connected.
• Choose the correct driver
– For 64-bit Windows 10 navigate to BCOM-USB-Driver-V2-1-7-4/Windows-10/x64
– For 32-bit Windows 10 navigate to BCOM-USB-Driver-V2-1-7-4/Windows-10/x86
– For 64-bit Windows 7 and 8, navigate to BCOM-USB-Driver-V2-1-7-4/ Windows-
7and8/x64
– For 32-bit Windows 7 and 8, navigate to BCOM-USB-Driver-V2-1-7-4/ Windows-
7and8/x86
– For 32-bit Windows XP SP3, navigate to BCOM-USB-Driver-V2-1-7-4/x86
– For 32-bit Windows XP SP2 and Vista, navigate to BCOM-USB-Driver-V2-1-7-2/x86
– Older 32-bit Windows Server releases (like 2003), use the Windows XP SP2 drivers
– Newer 64-bit Windows Server releases (like 2012), use the 64-bit Windows 7 drivers
• Locate the correct driver directory and driver installer application (DPInst.exe)
– If using the ASE Installation media, refer to Figure 6 - Locating the driver les
– If using the downloaded ZIP le, rst extract the les. The directory structure is similar
• Launch the Microsoft Driver Package Installer (DPInst.exe)
– Double-click on the DPInst.exe application
– If required, right-click on the DPInst.exe application and choose ‘Run as administrator’
• Follow the instructions displayed by the driver installation wizard

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Figure 7: Driver Installation Wizard
• Connect the BCOM-USB device using the USB cable. Windows will now match the installed
drivers to the BCOM-USB device. Notication messages may appear during this process. It
will take a few moments to complete.
2.7. Driver Installation Verication
To verify successful driver installation, open the Windows Device Manager and check for the two
ASE BCOM-USB serial ports in the Ports group.
From the Windows Start menu type “Device Manager” into the Search Box next to the Start
Menu or launch the “Control Panel” and click on “Device Manager” as shown below.
Figure 8: Control Panel

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The Device Manager screen should show two ASE BCOM-USB Ports with their COM numbers
in the Ports (COM & LPT) group. In this example, COM3 & COM4 have been assigned by
Windows. The BCOM-USB device also appears in the Universal Serial Bus controllers group as
two ASE BCOM-USB-Enum (enumerators) devices, one for each port. For more information on
Microsoft’s assigned port numbers, refer to Appendix D.
Figure 9: Device Manager
Note: Refer to Troubleshooting section if your installation does not appear as above.
2.8. Launch Menu Installation Assistant
This section describes using the Launch Menu utility from the ASE Installation & Documentation
USB drive shipped with the BCOM-USB device. If installing ASE drivers from the unzipped driver
le downloaded from the ASE website, this section does not apply.
1. The screenshot below, Figure 10, shows the “LaunchMenu” application in the top directory of
the ASE Installation & Documentation USB Drive. Double-click to run this application.
Always disconnect the BCOM-USB device rst before installing the I/O drivers.

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Figure 10: Launch Menu Installation Assistant
2. Refer below to Error! Reference source not found. Click on “BCOM-USB Device Driver.”
This will run the installer. The Launch Menu will automatically identify the Windows version
and display it at the bottom. Clicking on the link navigates to the corresponding driver directory
and launches the driver installer.
Figure 11: Launch Menu Drivers Group
The driver installation continues as described above in
3. Windows I/O Driver Installation.

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3. ASE License/Firmware Updater
3.1. Overview
This ASE License/Firmware Updater program is used to update the BCOM-USB device with
a new BCOM-USB product license or device rmware. It may also be used to view license
information stored on the BCOM-USB device.
The license information stored on the BCOM-USB device is read by theASE2000 Communications
Test Set to determine protocols, entitlement date, and other purchased features.
3.2. License/Firmware Update Program Installation
Install the ASE License/Firmware Updater program. The installer is distributed on the ASE2000
Installation & Documentation USB Drive as shown in Figure 12 below. You may also download the
ZIP le containing installation les from the ASE website at www.ase-systems.com. Double-click
on “ASELicenseUpdater.exe” application (or “setup.exe”) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Following installation, the application will be added to the Program menu in the ASE folder.
Figure 12: Installing ASE License/Firmware Updater Program
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3.3. Viewing License Information
Connect the BCOM-USB device and launch the ASE License/Firmware Update program.
Information about the BCOM-USB device will be displayed. The values shown will include
Windows COM port assignments, serial number of the BCOM-USB device, current rmware
version number, entitlement date, licensed products and features.
Figure 13: License and Device Information
• Ports – Two serial ports should be displayed. Windows assigns the COM port numbers.
• Serial Number – Serial number of the ASE BCOM-USB device. This number will match the
serial number afxed to the bottom of the device.
• Firmware Version – Currently installed version of BCOM-USB device rmware
• Entitlement Date – Software maintenance expiration date. The ASE2000V2 Test Set release
must have a build date earlier than this date.
• Products Licensed – This displays “ASE2000 Version 1 Only” if not licensed for ASE2000V2
Test Set operation. Otherwise, “ASE2000 Versions 1 and 2” will be shown.
• Valid Until – This will show “December 31, 9998” for a permanent license. If the license is
temporary the license expiration date will be shown. A temporary license is issued when the
BCOM-USB device is part of an exchange or upgrade and ASE has not yet received the unit
being swapped. Once ASE receives the old unit, a permanent license will be issued. See
below for installation instructions of the new license.
• Times Run (Limit) – Displays the number of times a non-permanent or non-version 2 license
has launched the ASE2000V2 Test Set
• Testing Capabilities – Any extra features enabled by this license
• 61850 Support – Displays information regarding any of the ASE-61850 Suite products (not
currently used with the BCOM-USB device)
If the BCOM-USB device is not connected, a warning will appear. Connect the BCOM-USB
device and click “Detect Device”. Check driver installation and USB cable connection if this
condition persists.

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Figure 14: No ASE Hardware License Found
3.4. New License File Installation
New license les are sent via e-mail. Save the license le attachment in a convenient directory
(for example, your Desktop or Documents folder) and start the ASE License/Firmware Updater
program
Select the “New License File” button. Browse to the folder containing the new license and select
the appropriate le. The le name will contain the device serial number and have an extension
of .dat.
Note: the Device Serial Number is part of the license le name and must match the
BCOM-USB serial number.
Figure 15: Select License File
Select the license le and click “Open”. The program will write the new license le to the BCOM-
USB device. If the update is successful, the following message will appear:
Figure 16: Successful License Update

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3.5. New Firmware Installation
The ASE License/Firmware Updater program is also used to install new rmware in the BCOM-
USB device. The BCOM-USB device was released in April 2009 and a small number of rmware
updates since then have been released. Registered users are notied by e-mail of new rmware
releases with a description of the issue and solution. Release notices will also be available on
the ASE web site at www.ase-systems.com.
Download and save the new Firmware le in a convenient in a convenient directory (for example,
your Desktop or Downloads folder). If contained in a ZIP le, open the le and extract the rmware
le – it will have .hex as the le extension. Start the ASE License/Firmware Updater program.
Click the “New Firmware” button and browse to the folder containing the new rmware le. Select
the appropriate le. The rmware release number is part of the le name and the extension is
.hex.
Select the rmware le name and click “Open”. The program will write the new rmware to the
BCOM-USB device while displaying a progress bar. If the update is successful, the message
below will be displayed. Both “ERR” LEDs on the BCOM-USB device will blink on and off (ping-
pong) to indicate successful transfer. Cycle power to the BCOM-USB device by removing and
re-connecting the USB cable. After the rmware update and re-start of the BCOM-USB device,
the current rmware version will be displayed on the ASE License/Firmware Updater window
“Firmware Version” section.
Figure 17: Firmware Update Completion
After the rmware update and re-start of the BCOM-USB device, the current rmware version
will be displayed on the ASE License/Firmware Updater window “Firmware Version:” section.

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Appendix A – Windows Server 2003, XP, Vista I/O
Driver Installation
Refer to BCOM-USB User Guide 1.5 for a step-by-step installation of the legacy drivers. This can
be obtained from the ASE web site at www.ase-systems.com. The driver installation procedure
described in this document will work for these older Windows versions by selecting the appropriate
driver or using the Launch Menu Installation Assistant.
A

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Appendix B – BCOM-USB Upgrade Kit Components
When provided as an “Upgrade Kit” to an existing ASE2000 Test Set kit with a PCMCIA card,
parallel port dongle, or USB dongle, the components list below plus documentation and software
installation media will be provided. The RS-232 Monitor Cable, DB-9 to DB-25 adaptors, NULL
modem adaptor, and gender changer from the original test set kit should be retained and used
with the BCOM-USB device. The test set enabling device, BCOM-PCMCIA card or dongle, must
be returned within 60 days as part of the Upgrade procedure.
Upgrade Kit Contents
• 2-channel BCOM-USB device
• Two DB-9 Female / DB-25 Male Cables
• 6 USB Cable with standard A / B connectors
• 6 Power cable to power the ASE 2-channel Bell-202 test set modem
Figure 18: Upgrade Kit Contents
B