B&B Electronics Vlinx MESP211 User manual

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www.bb-europe.com
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

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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.

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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.

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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.