B&B Electronics 232XS5 User manual

232XS53800 Manual Cover Page
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
Five Port Expandable Smart Switch
Model 232XS5
Document No. 232XS53800
This product designed and manufactured in Ottawa, Illinois USA
of domestic and imported parts by
International Headquarters
B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc.
707 Dayton Road -- P.O. Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350 USA
Phone [phone] -- General Fax [phone]
Home Page: www.bb-elec.com
Orders e-mail: [e-mail] -- Fax [phone]
Technical Support e-mail: [e-mail] -- Fax [phone]
European Headquarters
B&B Electronics Ltd.
Westlink Commercial Park, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
Phone: [phone] -- Fax: [phone]
Internet:
www.bb-europe.com
1997 B&B Electronics -- Revised October 2000

2000 B&B Electronics . No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval
system without written consent. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice, and does not
represent a commitment on the part of B&B Electronics.
B&B Electronics shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing,
performance, or use of this manual.
All brand names used in this manual are the registered trademarks of their respective owners. The use of
trademarks or other designations in this publication is for reference purposes only and does not constitute an
endorsement by the trademark holder.

232XS53800 Manual Table of Contents i
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION...................................................1
Checklist.....................................................................................2
Specifications..............................................................................2
Chapter 2: SETUP....................................................................3
Port Configuration.......................................................................4
Serial Data Configuration............................................................6
RS-485 Support..........................................................................6
Chapter 3: Smart Switch Operation........................................7
Programming the Second Character..........................................8
Binary File Transfer ....................................................................8
Smart Switch/Port Combiner Mode ............................................9
Enhanced Timer Mode -- Timer Features ................................10
Expansion Mode.......................................................................13
Chapter 4: SOFTWARE ..........................................................15
Introduction...............................................................................15
Installation.................................................................................15
Setup.........................................................................................15
Default Values ..........................................................................16
Selecting Ports..........................................................................16
Parameters...............................................................................16
Appendix A: ASCII Character Codes.................................. A-1
Appendix B: Cable Charts .................................................. B-1
Chart 1. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Master Port ..................B-1
Chart 2. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Master Port ....................B-1
Chart 3. Modem DB25 Connector to Master Port...................B-2
Chart 4. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DTE).........B-2
Chart 5. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE).........B-3
Chart 6. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DTE)...........B-3
Chart 7. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)...........B-4
Chart 8. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE).........B-4
Chart 9. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)...........B-5

232XS2497 Manual 1
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
The RS-232 Five Port Expandable Smart Switch, Model
232XS5, allows one RS-232 host device to connect to as many as
five RS-232 devices. The switch can be controlled in three different
ways. The first way is referred to as smart switch mode or code
activated switch mode. In this mode, the switch is controlled by
sending a programmable preamble code to the "Master" port of the
232XS5. The second way the switch can be controlled is referred to
as port combiner mode. In port combiner mode, a slave port can
gain access to the master port by asserting a handshake line. If
none of the slave ports have their handshake line asserted, the
switch can be controlled using the preamble code. The third way the
switch can be controlled is the expander mode in which up to four
switches can be cascaded together to form up to 17 slave ports.
The master port can be configured as a DTE or DCE port by an
internal switch setting. If the master port is configured as a DTE
port, the five slave ports will become DCE ports. The 232XS5
supports the following signals: TD, RD, RTS, CTS, DSR, DTR and
DCD.
The 232XS5 has an enhanced timer mode which offers special
timer features. The timer features can be used to prevent slave
devices from receiving preamble commands, inadvertently switching
from binary/graphic file transfers, and inactive slave devices from
holding control of the master port.
The 232XS5 will work with baud rates from 1200 to 115.2K bps;
7 or 8 data bits; even, odd or no parity; and 1 or 2 stop bits (7,N,1 is
not allowed).
NOTE: The data format and rates mentioned are used to switch
the 232XS5. The communication between the devices can use
any format or data rate.

232XS53800 Manual
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
2
There are five LED's on the 232XS5 to indicate which port is
connected to the master port. The master port has a DB-9S female
connector and the slave ports have DB-9P male connectors. The
232XS5 requires 12Vdc at 100ma. which is provided through a
2.5mm power jack.
Checklist
Examine the shipping carton and contents for physical damage.
If damage is found, file a claim with the shipper immediately.
The following equipment should be in the shipping carton:
1. RS-232 Smart Switch
2. Instruction Manual
3. (1) 3.5" floppy disk
If any of the items above are not in the shipping carton contact
the shipper immediately.
Specifications
Model: 232XS5
Size: 3.0"w x 5.5"l x 1.0"h
Power: 12Vdc to 16Vdc @ 100ma

232XS2497 Manual 3
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
Chapter 2: SETUP
The 232XS5 is set up using an eight-position dipswitch and a
three-position set of jumpers. This dipswitch is used to set the
communication format, port configuration and expansion switch
address. The jumpers are used to set the smart switch/port
combiner mode, to enable/disable the enhanced features and to
enable/disable Expander mode. To change the settings on the
switch, remove the power from the unit, and remove the screws (4)
from the bottom of the 232XS5. The dipswitch is located on the top
of the PC board (side with LED’s) and is labeled “SW1.” The other
dipswitch, labeled “SW2” is used to set the second character of the
preamble. After the switches and jumpers have been set to match
your requirements, you can put the unit back together. Table 1
shows the settings for dipswitch “SW1” and Table 2 shows the mode
settings for “JP6” jumpers.
* = FACTORY DEFAULT
Table 1. Communication & Port Setup
Dipswitch SW1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Setting
0 0 0 X X X X X 1200 Baud
1 0 0 X X X X X 2400 Baud
0 1 0 X X X X X 4800 Baud
1 1 0 X X X X X 9600 Baud *
0 0 1 X X X X X 19.2K Baud
1 0 1 X X X X X 38.4K Baud
0 1 1 X X X X X 57.6K Baud
1 1 1 X X X X X 115.2K Baud
X X X 0 X X X X 8 Data Bits *
X X X 1 X X X X 7 Data Bits
X X X X 0 X X X Parity Disabled *
X X X X 1 X X X Parity Enabled
X X X X X 0 0 X Expansion Address A *
X X X X X 1 0 X Expansion Address B
X X X X X 0 1 X Expansion Address C
X X X X X 1 1 X Expansion Address D
X X X X X X X 0 DCE master port *
X X X X X X X 1 DTE master port
0 = OFF 1 = ON X = DON'T CARE

232XS53800 Manual
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
4
Table 2. Mode Setup
On = Jumper Installed Off = Jumper Removed X = DON'T CARE
* = FACTORY DEFAULT
Port Configuration
In order to determine the proper port configuration of the 232XS5, it
is necessary to have a basic understanding of the terms DCE and DTE.
RS-232 was designed, using DB-25 connectors, for connecting a DTE
(Data Terminal Equipment) device to a DCE (Data Communication
Equipment) device. Each device will have inputs on pins that
correspond to outputs on the same pins of the other device. For
example, a DTE device will transmit data out on pin 2 (on a DB-25) and
a DCE device will receive data in on pin 2 (on a DB-25). IBM PCs and
serial printers are DTE devices, modems are DCE devices.
Originally the RS-232 standard specified only a 25 pin D-sub
connector. Since then, the use of a 9 pin D-Sub supporting only a
portion of the original RS-232 signals has been used extensively,
starting with the IBM PC and migrating into other peripherals. The
pinouts for this 9 pin connector have since become the EIA/TIA 574
standard. This standard specifies a DTE device that transmits on pin 3
and receives on pin 2, with the DCE having the opposite configuration.
If an IBM PC compatible (DTE device) is going to be connected to
the 232XS5 master port, the master port should be configured as a
DCE port. If a modem (DCE device) is going to be connected to the
master port, it should be configured as a DTE port.
The master port can be configured as a DCE port (data received on
pin 3) or a DTE port (data received on pin 2) by setting dipswitch
“SW1”, position 8. To configure the master port as a DCE port, move
dipswitch “SW1”, position 8, to the "OFF" position. When the master
port is configured as a DCE port, ports A, B, C, D & E will become DTE
ports (Refer to Table 3). To configure the master port as a DTE port
move dipswitch “SW1”, position 8, to the "ON" position. When the
master port is configured as a DTE port, ports A, B, C, D & E will
become DCE ports (Refer to Table 4). Always power down the smart
switch when changing switch settings.
Jumper JP6
A B C Setting
ON X X Enhanced Disabled *
OFF X X Enhanced Enabled
X ON X Smart Switch *
X OFF ON Expansion
X X ON Combiner Disabled *
X ON OFF Combiner Enabled

232XS2497 Manual 5
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
Table 4. DTE MASTER PORT CHART
The 232XS5 supports the following RS-232 signals: TD, RD,
SG, RTS, CTS, DCD, DSR and DTR.
NOTE: All other lines are not connected.
The Smart Switch selects port A as the default port at power up.
Table 3. DCE MASTER PORT CHART
Master Port
(DCE) Signal
A
,B,C,D & E Ports
(DTE)
Pin# Direction Description Pin# Direction
3 Input Transmit Data (TD) 3 Output
2 Output Receive Data (RD) 2 Input
7 Input Request to Send (RTS) 7 Output
8 Output Clear to Send (CTS) 8 Input
4 Input Data Terminal Ready (DTR) 4 Output
6 Output Data Set Ready (DSR) 6 Input
1 Output Data Carrier Detect (DCD) 1 Input
5 <-------> Signal Ground (SG) 5 <----->
Master Port
(DTE) Signal
A
,B,C,D & E Ports
(DCE)
Pin# Direction Description Pin# Direction
3 Output Transmit Data (TD) 3 Input
2 Input Receive Data (RD) 2 Output
7 Output Request to Send (RTS) 7 Input
8 Input Clear to Send (CTS) 8 Output
4 Output Data Terminal Ready (DTR) 4 Input
6 Input Data Set Ready (DSR) 6 Output
1 Input Data Carrier Detect (DCD) 1 Output
5 <-------> Signal Ground (SG) 5 <----->

232XS53800 Manual
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
6
Serial Data Configuration
In order for the host device that is connected to the master port
to select any of the five ports, the Smart Switch must be set to
match the host's communication format. Dipswitch “SW1” is used to
select the communication format of the Smart Switch. Switch
positions 1 through 3 select the baud rate. Switch position 4 selects
7 or 8 data bits. Switch position 5 determines if parity is enabled or
disabled.
NOTE: A data format of 7 data bits, no parity and one stop is
not allowed.
Switch position 8 selects the port configuration, see section titled
"Port Configuration". Refer to Table 1. Always power down the
smart switch when changing switch settings.
RS-485 Support
RS-485 support may be
provided by adding a Model
485SD9TB RS-232 to RS-485
converter or other recommended
device to the slave ports of the
232XS5.
Port power of about 30 mA may be applied through the DTR line
(Pin 4) of the slave ports with jumper JP1-JP5. Normally, the
jumpers are set to allow DTR to pass from the master port. To
enable port power on a slave port, move the jumper from the“OFF”
to “ON” position on the corresponding JP jumper. To allow DTR to
pass from the master port to the slave port, move jumper from “ON”
to “OFF” on the corresponding JP jumper. DTR can only pass
through when the port is selected and the jumper is set to the “OFF”
position on the corresponding slave port JP jumper.
Table 5. Port Power Jumpers
* = FACTORY DEFAULT
Jumper
JP1-5
Setting
“OFF” DTR passed *
“ON” Port Power

232XS2497 Manual 7
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
Chapter 3: Smart Switch Operation
Smart Switch mode is selected when jumper “JP6-B” is ON
(installed). In Smart Switch mode, the 232XS5 is constantly looking
for the three character preamble code by monitoring the data that is
being received on the master port from the host device. The
232XS5 requires a three character preamble code to turn on and off
a port. The first character must be the ASCII escape character
(decimal 27). The second character is user programmable by
setting dipswitch “SW2”. “SW2” comes from the factory
programmed to the ASCII character STX (decimal 2). The third
character should be the ASCII upper case letters "A", "B", "C", "D" or
“E” (decimal 65, 66, 67, 68 or 69 respectively) to select those ports.
To turn off the selected port the third character should be the ASCII
EOT character (decimal 4). The ASCII characters and their
equivalent decimal values are listed in Appendix A.
Example:
To turn on port B you would send the three ASCII characters:
ESC STX B
If you were writing a program in BASIC to control the Smart
Switch you would form a string like this:
SWB$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + "B"
You could then send SWB$ to select port B. Similar strings
could be used for turning on the other ports. To turn off the ports the
string might look like this:
TOFF$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + CHR$(4)
When you are done with a port you can either select a new one
directly or turn off the selected port and then turn on the next one.
We recommend that you turn off the selected port before selecting
the next one. The turn off command consists of three characters
that are nonprinting (ESC STX EOT). If port A is selected and you
send the command to select port B, all three characters (ESC STX
B) will pass through the A port since it is still selected and the letter
B will show up on your port A device. For information on preventing
command codes from being received by slave devices, refer to the
Enhance Mode section.
NOTE: There is no delay through the Smart Switch and the
data is not buffered.

232XS53800 Manual
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
8
Programming the Second Character
The second character comes programmed as the ASCII STX
character (decimal 2). You can change this to any 8-bit character
you wish by reprogramming dipswitch “SW2”. “SW2” is an eight-
position switch with each position equal to a certain weight. Refer to
“Setup” for instructions on removing the cover to access “SW2”.
Table 6 shows the weight chart for “SW2”.
*Factory Default -- ASCII “STX” character
(decimal 2), SW2 position 2 is only one ON.
If you wish to use the letter "U" as the second character, which
has a decimal value of 85, you would turn on switches 1, 3, 5, and 7
(1 + 4 + 16 + 64 = 85). Caution should be used when selecting the
second character, so that by itself, or with the ESC character in front
of it, it is not a valid command to any of the devices on the port. For
instance, on some printers ESC @ is the reset command. If you
tried to use the @ symbol (decimal 64) for the second character you
could reset your printer every time the preamble code was sent.
Note also that if your communication configuration is set for 7 data
bits you cannot use the eighth bit of SW2. For a list of the ASCII
character codes and their decimal values, refer to Appendix A.
Binary File Transfer
A simple method of using the Smart Switch to transfer binary
files without the concern of it accidentally disconnecting, is to set the
file transfer at a baud rate different from the baud rate of the Smart
Switch. When transferring files at a different baud rate, the Smart
Switch will stay connected from the last preamble code.
Table 6. Programmable Character Setting
Dipswitch SW2* WEIGHT
1 1
2 2
3 4
4 8
5 16
6 32
7 64
8 128

232XS2497 Manual 9
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
Smart Switch/Port Combiner Mode
With the 232XS5 set up with a DTE master port, this mode
allows Slave Ports A-E to select the master port using the RTS input
line. It also still allows selection from the master port via the
preamble code described in the Smart Switch Only Mode section.
Jumper “JP6-C” must be OFF (removed) to be in port combiner
mode. Port combiner mode is not accessible when the unit is set up
as a port expander, so JP6-B must be ON (installed). When RTS
goes high on any of the five slave ports, it will establish a connection
from that port to the master port. This works on first-come-first-
served basis. If multiple ports have their RTS lines high, the port
that has been waiting the longest will be next to be connected to the
master port. For example (initial conditions -- no slave ports with
RTS lines asserted.), in chronological order, Port C asserts its RTS
line, Port A asserts its RTS line, Port D asserts its RTS line and then
Port C disasserts its RTS line. When Port C asserts its RTS line, a
connection will be made between the master port and Port C. When
Port C disasserts its RTS line, Port C will be disconnected and Port
A will be connected to the master port. When Port A disasserts its
RTS, Port A will be disconnected and Port D will be connected to the
master port.
For example, port A is configured as a DTE port. In order to
establish a connection to the master port, port A must set RTS high
(assert). The 232XS5 would recognize this as a prompt for
connection to the master port. The connection would be dropped as
soon as RTS on port A is brought low. Ports B-E may raise RTS at
any time to request a connection. However, if port A is connected to
the master port, any data sent from the devices on ports B-E to the
232XS5 will be lost. The 232XS5 does not have any buffering.
Master
Port
Preamble code controls access to slave
ports if slave handshake line is not asserted
C
Slave
Port
Port Combiner Mode
Slave
Port
B
Slave
Port
A
Handshake line of any slave
port controls access to master po
r
Slave
Port
DE
Slave
Port

232XS53800 Manual
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
10
NOTE: When a port is selected via the Master Port, the RTS
lines will be ignored until the Master Port sends the turn off code.
When the Master Port is selected by RTS, all preamble codes
will be ignored. The port combiner function is not available with
the Master Port configured as a DCE or in expansion mode.
A typical application would be to have RTS and CTS tied together
on the master port. When RTS on port A is asserted, CTS on port A
will be asserted when a connection is established. If a port is not
connected to the master port, then CTS on that port will remain low.
Therefore, a port can monitor the handshake line to determine if a
connection has been established.
Enhanced Timer Mode -- Timer Features
The 232XS5 has an enhanced mode, which offers special timer
features. The timer features can be used to prevent slave devices
from receiving preamble commands, inadvertent switching from
binary/graphic file transfers, and inactive slave devices from holding
control of the master port. The timer has two different modes: an
inactivity mode and an inadvertent switch mode. When in inactivity
mode, the 232XS5 will monitor the data lines. If there is no activity
for the specified time, the selected slave port will be disconnected
from the master port. When in inadvertent switch mode, the
232XS5 will ignore switching commands for the specified period of
time. After this time has expired, the selected slave port will be
disconnected from the master port.
The timer functions are enabled via a jumper setting and
through software commands. Jumper JP6-A must be OFF
(removed) for the 232XS5 to be in enhanced mode. The
software commands follow the same format as preamble codes
used for switching. There are two commands that must be sent to
the 232XS5 to set the timer functions: Set Timer Value and Set
Timer Mode. These commands require an additional byte for data.
The Set Timer Value command requires the third byte to be an
ASCII “T” character. The data byte (fourth byte) must be a value
between ASCII “0” and ASCII “9”. A value of “0” is used to disable
the timer. The time set by the Set Timer Value command
determines the length of time the 232XS5 wll wait before
disconnecting an inactive port, or the length of time it will ignore
switching commands from the master. Refer to Table 7 for timer
values. For example, sending the following string to the 232XS5 will
set the timer value to 5 seconds (assuming programmable character
is the factory default of 2).

232XS2497 Manual 11
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
SetTV$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”T” + “6”
The “T” tells the 232XS5 it is the set timer value command and the
“6” indicates which timer value to use.
Table 7 - Timer Values
The Set Timer Mode command tells the 232XS5 whether the
time set by the Set Timer Value command will be used to determine
the time-out of an inactive port, or the length of time switching
commands are ignored. The third byte of the Set Timer Mode
command is an ASCII “M”. If the data byte (fourth byte) is an ASCII
“0”, zero (default), the timer will be setup as an inactivity timer. For
example, sending the following string to the 232XS5 will set up the
timer as an inactivity timer (assuming programmable character is the
factory default of 2).
SetTM$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”M” + “0”
The “M” tells the 232XS5 it is the set timer mode command and the
“0” indicates to set up the timer as an inactivity timer. When the
timer is configured as an inactivity timer, the 232XS5 will monitor the
data lines (TD & RD) for data. If there is no activity for the specified
timer value, the slave port that is connected to the master port will
be disconnected. In smart switch mode, the inactivity timer can be
used to prevent the preamble codes from being received by the
slave devices. In port combiner mode, the inactivity timer can be
used to prevent devices from tying up the master port. For example
(port combiner mode), all the slave ports have their handshake lines
asserted. The device on Port C has its handshake line asserted and
is currently connected to the master port, but has not been
transmitting or receiving data. When the inactivity timer expires,
Port C will be disconnected and the next slave port will then be
connected to the master port (following the first-come-first-served
rule). Port C will then be placed at the “end of the line”.
Data Byte Value
0 timer disabled
1 10ms
2 25ms
3 100ms
4 500ms
5 1 s
6 5 s
7 30 s
8 1 min.
9 5 min.

232XS53800 Manual
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
12
If the data byte of the Set Timer Mode command is an ASCII “1”,
the timer will be setup to ignore switching commands. Sending the
following string to the 232XS5 will set up the timer to ignore
switching commands. (Assuming programmable character is the
factory default of 2).
SetTM$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”M” + “1”
The “M” tells the 232XS5 it is the set timer mode command and the
“1” indicates to set up the timer to ignore switching commands.
When the timer is configured in this mode, the 232XS5 will not
accept any switching commands (“A”, ”B”, ”C”, ”D”, “E”, or “EOT”) for
the specified timer value. After the timer has expired, the slave port
that is connected to the master port will be disconnected. This
feature is useful to prevent inadvertent switching during
binary/graphic type file transfers. For example (smart switch mode),
the timer is configured to ignore switching commands for 5 seconds.
The select Port D command is sent to the 232XS5. Once Port D is
connected a file of unknown data type (so file may or may not
contain a switching command sequence) is to be transferred
through the 232XS5. For a period of 5 seconds after Port D is
connected, no switching commands will be accepted. As long as
the file transfer takes less than 5 seconds, there is no chance the
232XS5 will inadvertently switch ports.
Table 8 - 232XS5 Smart Switch Mode Commands
*X represents the programmable character set by dipswitch SW2
**NU = Not Used
Command Characters
Function 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Comments
Select Port A ESC X* “A” NU** Switching Command
Select Port B ESC X* “B” NU** Switching Command
Select Port C ESC X* “C” NU** Switching Command
Select Port D ESC X* “D” NU** Switching Command
Select Port E ESC X* “E” NU** Switching Command
Deselect Port ESC X* EOT NU** Switching Command
Set Timer Value ESC X* “T” “0”-”9” Enhanced Mode
Set Timer Mode ESC X* “M” “0”,”1” Enhanced Mode

232XS2497 Manual 13
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
Expansion Mode
The number of serial ports on the 232XS5 can easily be
expanded to a maximum of seventeen ports. Up to four 232XS5
units may be cascaded in expander mode. Each unit address adds
four additional serial ports to the five on unit address “A”. Port C is
used as the expansion port that connects to the follow-on master-
port for switch units addressed “B” thru “D”. Expansion Switch unit
address “A” is the last Switch in the chain.
Expander mode is selected when jumper “JP6-B” is OFF
(removed.) In Expander mode, the 232XS5 is constantly looking for
a four character preamble code by monitoring the data that is being
received on the master port from the host device. The 232XS5
requires a four character preamble code to turn on and off a port.
The first character must be the ASCII escape character (decimal
27). The second character is user programmable by setting
dipswitch “SW2”. “SW2” comes from the factory programmed to the
ASCII character STX (decimal 2). The third character is the
Expansion Switch Unit Address character “A” through “D”. The
fourth character should be the ASCII upper case letters "A", "B", "C",
"D" or “E” (decimal 65, 66, 67, 68 or 69 respectively) to select those
ports. To turn off the selected port the third character should be the
ASCII EOT character (decimal 4). For instance, to turn on port B of
Expansion Switch unit address C, you would send:
ESC STX C B
If you were writing a program in BASIC to control the Smart
Switch you would form a string like this:
SWB$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + "C" + ”B”
Master
Port
Expansion
Port
17-Port Cascaded Expansion Mode
Address D
CC
Address C
Slave
Port
B
Slave
Port
A
Slave
Port
A
Address B
Slave
Port
Slave
Port
A
B
Slave
Port
BC
Slave
Port
DE
Slave
Port
E
Slave
Port
Expansion
Port
E
Slave
Port
D
Slave
Port
Expansion
Port Slave
Port
DC
Slave
Port
Slave
Port Slave
Port
Address A
AB
ED
Slave
Port Slave
Port

232XS53800 Manual
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
14
You could then send SWB$ to select port B of Expansion switch
unit address “C”. Similar strings could be used for turning on the
other ports. To turn off the ports the string might look like this:
TOFF$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + CHR$(4)
When you are done with a port you can either select a new one
directly or turn off the selected port and then turn on the next one.
For information on preventing command codes from being received
by slave devices, refer to the Enhanced Mode section.
Table 9 - 232XS5 Expander Mode Commands
* X represents the programmable character set by dipswitch SW2
** NU = Not Used
***Port C is used as the expansion port for unit addresses B thru D.
Command Characters
Function 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Comments
Select Port A ESC X* “A” “A” Address A
Select Port B ESC X* “A” “B” Address A
Select Port C ESC X* “A” “C”*** Address A
Select Port D ESC X* “A” “D” Address A
Select Port E ESC X* “A” “E” Address A
Select Port A ESC X* “B” “A” Address B
Select Port B ESC X* “B” “B” Address B
Select Port D ESC X* “B” “D” Address B
Select Port E ESC X* “B” “E” Address B
Select Port A ESC X* “C” “A” Address C
Select Port B ESC X* “C” “B” Address C
Select Port D ESC X* “C” “D” Address C
Select Port E ESC X* “C” “E” Address C
Select Port A ESC X* “D” “A” Address D
Select Port B ESC X* “D” “B” Address D
Select Port D ESC X* “D” “D” Address D
Select Port E ESC X* “D” “E” Address D
Deselect Port ESC X* EOT NU** Switching Command
Set Timer Value ESC X* “T” “0”-”9” Enhanced Mode
Set Timer Mode ESC X* “M” “0”,”1” Enhanced Mode

232XS2497 Manual 15
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
Chapter 4: SOFTWARE
Introduction
The Smart Switch software allows the user to change Smart Switch
ports on three different modules (232XSS, 232XS5, PortMUX). The Smart
Switch software is designed as diagnostic software for the above modules.
It will allow you a Module by Module connection to the individual port.
Installation
The software for the Smart Switch is designed to be run in any
Windows environment. To install it on your hard drive follow these steps:
Method One
•Place the disk in drive A.
•Select Settings from the Start Button and click on Control Panel.
•In the Control Panel Window, double click on the Add/Remove
Programs.
•Click on the “Install” button.
•Follow the instructions of the setup program.
Method Two
•Place the disk in drive A.
•Select Programs from the Start Button and click on Windows Explorer.
•Click on the drive containing the SS Setup Disk.
•Double click on the file “Setup.exe”.
•Follow the instructions of the setup program.
The following file will be located on your hard drive:
•SS.EXE - The executable file for the Smart Switch.
•FILES.LST Contains a list and description of files installed on your
hard drive.
•READ.ME Contains corrections and additions to the printed users
manual.
•HISTORY.LST Contains a historic description of the product.
Setup
The Smart Switch program will prompt the user for the Module that is
in use the first time that the software is run. After the proper Module (i.e.
PortMUX, 232XS5,etc.) is selected then a window specific to that Module
will appear and the user may personalize communication parameters as
per their specific needs. Comport, Baud Rate, and Data Bits (Character
Mode, and User Defined Character may also be set for 232XSS and
232XS5 Modules).

232XS53800 Manual
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
16
Should the user wish to change the Module choice to another there is a
Module menu choice with the three support Module types (PortMUX,
232XSS, and 232XS5). After changing the Module the user will be
prompted to restart the Smart Switch software to reset the connection.
Default Values
When you start Smart Switch software, the default values will be used.
The default values are:
Selecting Ports
To select a port the user need only pick from the Menu-> Comport the
comport to which the device is attached. The Smart Switch program
supports comports 1 through 6. If the port exists but does not have a smart
switch device attached, SS will not detect it. The SS software will only
detect invalid/undefined comports.
Parameters
The Port Address is the address where the serial communications port
is located. If this is unknown you can use the program PORTFIND.EXE
which is located on the disk. To use PORTFIND.EXE:
If you installed the software on your hard drive see the Installation
section:
•Type C: and press the ENTER key.
•Type CD\SS\UTIL and press the ENTER key.
•Type PORTFIND and press the ENTER key.
The result will be similar to the following:
PortFind V1.03 - © 1991 B&B Electronics - All Rights Reserved.
Slave 8259 present can't use shared IRQ2
COM1 at address 03F8h is set for IRQ4 and is a 8250A or 16450 type UART
COM2 at address 02F8h is set for IRQ3 and is a 8250A or 16450 type UART
LPT1 at address 0378h found
Some of the typical port addresses are as follows:
Description Default Value
Port Address COM 1
Baud Rate 9600
Data Bits 8 Data Bits
Second Character 2 = STX (CTRL B)
Port Address
COM 1 03F8h
COM 2 02F8h
COM 3 03E8h
COM 4 02E8h

232XS2497 Manual 17
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350
PH [phone] -- FAX [phone]
The Baud Rate is the speed at which communication takes place
between the PC and the Smart Switch. It must be specified so that it is
equal to SW1 – positions 1 – 3 on the Smart Switch.
The Number of Data Bits is the length of each character that gets sent
from the PC to the Smart Switch. This value must be specified so that it is
equal to SW1 – position 4 on the Smart Switch.
The Module must be set so that it is equal to the Smart Switch Module
which you are using (i.e. PortMUX if you are using a PortMUX).
The User Defined Character must be set so that it is equal to SW2 on
the Smart Switch.