B&B Electronics Vlinx MESP211 User manual

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Vlinx MESP211
Ultra Compact Modbus Gateway

1 www.bb-elec.com
www.bb-europe.com
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Introduction Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................5
About MESP211 Modbus Gateways ................................................................................................................................5
MESP211 Model Numbering............................................................................................................................................. 5
Model Number.................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Serial Protocol ....................................................................................................................................................................5
Serial port ...........................................................................................................................................................................5
Ethernet Port ......................................................................................................................................................................5
MESP211D ..........................................................................................................................................................................5
RS-232/422/485................................................................................................................................................................5
DB9M ...................................................................................................................................................................................5
RJ45 .....................................................................................................................................................................................5
MESP211T........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
RS-232/422/485................................................................................................................................................................5
Removable Terminal Block...............................................................................................................................................5
RJ45 .....................................................................................................................................................................................5
MESP211 Features.............................................................................................................................................................6
Configuration Software.....................................................................................................................................................6
2. MESP211 Hardware ..........................................................................................................................................7
Package Checklist ..............................................................................................................................................................7
MESP211 Enclosures and Mounting................................................................................................................................7
LED Indicators.................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Mode Switch .......................................................................................................................................................................8
Ethernet Connector ...........................................................................................................................................................9
Serial Port Connectors..........................................................................................................................................................9
Power Connector.............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Mounting Hardware ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

Introduction Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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3. Setup and Connections..................................................................................................................................11
Connecting the Power Supply........................................................................................................................................11
Connecting MESP211 Modbus Gateways to Modbus networks ................................................................................ 11
Connecting the MESP211 ...............................................................................................................................................12
Connecting MESP211 Modbus Gateways to a Network ............................................................................................. 13
MESP211 Configuration Connections ...........................................................................................................................14
Installing Modbus Gateway Manager Software .......................................................................................... 14
Configuring the MESP211 via the Network Connection........................................................................... 18
Configuring the Modbus Gateway Manager ................................................................................................. 18
General Settings ................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Configuring the MESP211 on Networks without a DHCP Server.......................................................... 38
Configuring the MESP211 via the Serial Port (Console Mode) ............................................................. 41
MESP211 Operational Connections............................................................................................................................... 43
Using MESP211 Modbus Gateways in Direct IP Mode.............................................................................. 43
Initiating a Hardware Reset on the Modbus Gateway ............................................................................................... 44
Reloading Factory Defaults ............................................................................................................................................44
4. Upgrading Firmware.......................................................................................................................................45
Downloading Firmware Files .......................................................................................................................................... 46
Uploading the Firmware to the Modbus Gateway ......................................................................................................46
5. Diagnostics.........................................................................................................................................................47
Testing a Modbus Gateway Connection .......................................................................................................................48
Monitor Function .............................................................................................................................................................. 49
6. Setup Examples................................................................................................................................................50
7. Modbus Help ......................................................................................................................................................55
Modbus ASCII/RTU Basics.............................................................................................................................................. 55
Hints and Tips ..................................................................................................................................................................56
8. Appendices.........................................................................................................................................................57
Appendix A: Default Gateway Settings........................................................................................................................58
Appendix B: Product Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 59

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General Specifications ......................................................................................................................................... 60
Controls, Indicators and Connector Specifications ................................................................................... 61
Approvals and Certifications.............................................................................................................................. 62
Serial Interface Specifications .......................................................................................................................... 63
Network Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 64
Appendix C: Dimensional Diagram............................................................................................................................... 65
Appendix D: Connector Pinouts .................................................................................................................................... 66
MESP211 Serial Port Pinouts............................................................................................................................. 66
MESP211 Terminal Block Pinouts .................................................................................................................... 67

Introduction Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing an MESP211 product. This product has been manufactured to the
highest standards of quality and performance to ensure your complete satisfaction.
ABOUT MESP211 MODBUS GATEWAYS
MESP211 Modbus Gateways connect 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. MESP211
Modbus Gateways feature 10BaseT or 100BaseTX copper network media options, depending
upon the model.
MESP211 Modbus Gateways are built for use in industrial environments, featuring an IP30
slim line panel mountable case with DIN rail mounting option. They accept 10 –30 VDC
power and feature barrel jack power connectors. An external power supply is included.
MESP211 MODEL NUMBERING
Model Number
Serial Protocol
Serial port
Ethernet Port
MESP211D
RS-232/422/485
DB9M
RJ45
MESP211T
RS-232/422/485
Removable
Terminal
Block
RJ45

Introduction Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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MESP211 FEATURES
DB9M and pluggable terminal block serial port connector options
Software selectable as RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 2- or 4-wire
Configuration of Ethernet and serial port settings using software
Configuration can be done via network, web page or direct serial connection
Slim line panel mountable case with DIN rail mount option
Accepts 10 –30 VDC power
10/100 Mbps Ethernet with Auto Selection, Auto MDI/MDIX
LAN and WAN Communications
Modbus TCP Client or Modbus TCP Server - configurable
Firmware Upload for future revisions/upgrades
Software Support - Windows XP (32/64 bit), 2003 Server (32/64 bit), Vista
(32/64 bit), 2008 Server (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit), Windows 8
(32/64 bit), Windows Server 2012
CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
The 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.

Hardware Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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2. MESP211 HARDWARE
MESP211 Modbus Gateways are enclosed in panel mountable cases with DIN rail mount
options and feature LED indicators, power, Ethernet and serial connectors and a recessed
Reset/Mode switch.
PACKAGE CHECKLIST
MESP211 Modbus Gateways are shipped with the following items included:
MESP211 Modbus Gateway Module
Quick Start Guide
CD with configuration software
Power supply
MESP211 ENCLOSURES AND MOUNTING
All MESP211 models are built into similar enclosures. Modules are panel mountable with
DIN rail options.
LED INDICATORS
MESP211 Modbus Gateways have a Power LED, a Ready LED and Data LEDs.
LEDsFigure 1.

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MODE SWITCH
A recessed momentary reset switch is located on the front left side of the enclosure. To
activate the switch, insert a small plastic tool through the hole in the enclosure and press
gently.
Mode/Reset SwitchFigure 2.
The Mode/Reset 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.

Hardware Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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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.
Ethernet Connector.Figure 3.
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connection pin-outs.
SERIAL PORT CONNECTO RS
The MESP211 has either a DB9M serial connector or a 5-position terminal block connector.
DB-9 Serial Port Connector (MESP211D)Figure 4.
Five-Position Pluggable Terminal Block (MESP211T)Figure 5.

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POWER CONNECTOR
Power ConnectionFigure 6.
MOUNTING HARDWARE
An optional DIN rail mount adapter is available from B&B Electronics.
DIN Clip for Modbus Gateway Module.Figure 7.

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3. SETUP AND 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 Modbus Gateway. Acceptable voltages are between 10 VDC
and 30 VDC. The power supply must be capable of supplying 4 watts.
MESP211 Power ConnectionFigure 8.
Figure 9.
CONNECTING MESP211 MODBUS GATEWAYS TO MODBUS NETWORKS
MESP211 Modbus Gateways can be configured to connect to Modbus networks using RS-
232, RS-422, RS-485 2-wire or RS-485 4-wire.
For the MESP211D
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. RS-
422/485 connections are also supported with the DB9 connector.
For the MESP211T
RS-422 4-wire 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-232
connections are also supported with the terminal block connector.
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

Setup and Connections Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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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: Data B(+)
and Data A(-) 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.
CONNECTING THE MESP211
The MESP211 has either a DB9M serial connector or a 5-position terminal block connector.
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. The MESP211 is a DTE. If
the Modbus network is a DTE, use a null modem (cross-over) cable. If the Modbus network
is a DCE, use a straight-through cable. DTE and DCE ports are complementary, the Output
signals on a DTE port are Inputs to a DCE port, and 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
MESP211 Serial ConnectionsFigure 10.

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MESP211 ConnectionsFigure 11.
CONNECTING MESP211 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.

Setup and Connections Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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MESP211 CONFIGURATION CONNECTIONS
MESP211 Modbus Gateways can be configured over the network or via a serial port.
INSTALLING MODBUS GATEWAY MANAGER SOFTWARE
1. The Modbus Gateway Manager Software is contained on the CD which 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.
a. The following screen will be displayed on your computer.
Modbus Gateway Manager Installation Welcome ScreenFigure 12.
b. Click “Next.” The License Agreement Screen will be displayed on your
computer.

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Modbus License Acceptance Screen
Figure 13.
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 ScreenFigure 14.
d. Click “Next.” The Destination Folder Screen will be displayed on your
computer. The default directory is:
C:\Program Files\B&B Electronics\Vlinx\Modbus Gateway Manager
If desired, you can select another location by pressing the “Browse” button.

Setup and Connections Vlinx MESP211 Modbus Gateway
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Destination Folder ScreenFigure 15.
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 ScreenFigure 16.

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f. Click “Next.” The software will begin installing.
Software Installing ScreenFigure 17.
g. Click “Next.” The Installation Complete screen will be displayed on your
computer. Click “Finish” to finish the installation.
Installation Complete ScreenFigure 18.

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CONFIGURING THE MESP211 VIA THE NETWORK CONNECTION
When configuring via the network, either Modbus Gateway Manager software or the web
interface can be used.
CONFIGURING THE MODBUS GATEWAY MANAGER
MESP211 Modbus Gateways can be configured over the network Modbus Gateway Manager
software running on a PC.
To open Modbus Gateway Manager:
1. From the Desktop, click Start Programs B&B Electronics Vlinx Vlinx
Modbus Gateway ManagerModbus Gateway Manager. An alternate method is to
double click the shortcut installed on the desktop.
Opening Vlinx Modbus Gateway ManagerFigure 19.

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Vlinx Modbus Gateway Manager Shortcut IconFigure 20.
The Vlinx Modbus Gateway Manager Device Discovery window appears.
Modbus Gateway Manager Discovery WindowFigure 21.
If you do not know the IP address, check the “Network” and “I don’t know the IP
address of this device” selections and press the “Connect Button.” The software
will discover any MESP211 Gateways on the network. The configuration manager
screen will be displayed on your computer. All available devices will be listed on
the top portion of this screen. If you know the IP address, you may select “The
Device is located at this IP address” and input the address in the box provided.