Black Box ME890AE-R2 User manual

24/7 TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT 1.877.877.2269 OR VISIT BLACKBOX.COM
USER MANUAL
CAT X DB9
LINE DRIVER
ME890AE-R2
DB9-RS232
DB9-RS232
RJ45
RJ45
5 VDC
5 VDC
CATX DB9 LINE DRIVER
CATX DB9 LINE DRIVER

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
1. SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Features ....................................................................................................................................................................................................4
2.3 What’s Included........................................................................................................................................................................................4
2.4 Hardware Description..............................................................................................................................................................................5
2.4.1 Local Unit .............................................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.4.2 Remote Unit.........................................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.5 Application Diagram ................................................................................................................................................................................6
3. INSTALL ATION .............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.1 Installation Steps......................................................................................................................................................................................7
3.2 DB9 Pinout................................................................................................................................................................................................7
3.3 RJ-45 Pinout .............................................................................................................................................................................................8
4. TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Problems/Solutions .................................................................................................................................................................................9
4.2 Contacting Black Box...............................................................................................................................................................................9
4.3 Shipping and Packaging..........................................................................................................................................................................9
APPENDIX. REGULATORY INFORMATION.................................................................................................................................... 10
A.1 FCC Statement .......................................................................................................................................................................................10
A.2 NOM Statement ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL........................................................................................................................................ 12

3
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
CHAPTER 1: SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE 1-1. SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTION
Power
Power Supply
Input: 100–240 VAC, 47–63 Hz;
Output: 5 VDC with universal plug kit;
PSE approved
Interface
Interface DB9: EIA RS-232-F, ITU v.28;
RJ-45: RS-485
Flow Control RTS/CTS
Mechanical
Dimensions 0.8"H x 1.7"W x 3.2"D (2.1 x 4.3 x 8.1 cm)
Weight 2.0 lb. (0.9 kg), including local unit, remote unit, and (2) power supplies
Data Transmission
Data Format Asynchronous, Full-Duplex
Maximum Distances/Data Rates
4000 ft. (1250 m) for data rates < or = 100 kbps;
2000 ft. (625 m) for data rates < or = 200 kbps;
1500 ft. (468 m) for data rates < or = 250 kbps
NOTE: The combined RS-232 cable and device load should be < or = 1000 pf and > or = 3 kohm in order to
operate at 250 kbps
Isolation 1000 VDC isolation between RS-232 interface and RS-485 interface
Cables and Connectors
Interconnect Cable Four-pair twisted-pair cable, low-capacitance CAT5 or CAT6 recommended for best performance
Connectors
(1) DB9 female (local),
(1) DB9 male (remote),
(1) RJ-45,
(1) DC power jack
Environmental
Temperature Operating: 32 to 140° F (0 to 60° C);
Storage: -14 to +158° F (-10 to +70° C)
Humidity (non-condensing) Operating: 20 to 80%;
Storage: 10 to 90%

41. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The CATx DB9 Line Drivers enable you to position your receiving device up to 4000 feet (1250 m) from the sending device. The local
unit has a DB9 female connector and is configured as a DCE device. The remote unit has a DB9 male connector and is configured
as a DTE device. This allows the local/remote pair to function as a long extension cable between two RS-232 devices. There are
no user-configurable settings.
The local and remote units are connected with a CAT5 or CAT6 twisted-pair cable. The local and remote units swap the RJ-45 pins
so a straight-pinned cable is required. The units are isolated to provide protection from differences in ground potential between
the units. The units pass TXD, RXD, RTS, and CTS signals to allow the application to use hardware handshake signals if required.
The local unit provides an active high output on DSR and DCD, while the remote unit provides an active high output on DTR.
2.2 FEATURES
Signals include RD, TD, RTS, CTS, GND, plus DTR (or DSR) asserted
Local and remote units can be up to 4000 feet (1250 m) apart
No configuration needed
Fixed DCE local and DTE remote
Operates point-to-point in full-duplex mode
Provides 1000-VDC isolation between RS-232 interface and RS-485 interface
Requires one external power supply (included) at each end
Operates at 32 to 140° F (0 to 60° C)
Supports data pair plus one control pair, and asserts one additional control line
Can provide jumpers to select different control leads
2.3 WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your package should include the following items. If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box Technical Support
at 877-877-2269 or [e-mail]
(1) Local Unit
(1) Remote Unit
(2) 5-VDC external power supplies
To download this user manual from the Black Box web site:
1. Go to www.blackbox.com
2. Enter the part number ME890AE-R2 in the search box.
3. Click on the product in the “Product Results” page.
4. Click on the “Support” tab on the product page, and select the document you wish to download.

5
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.4 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
2.4.1 LOCAL UNIT
Figure 2-1 shows the local unit’s left-side panel. Figure 2-2 shows its right-side panel. Table 2-1 describes the local unit’s
components pictured in Figures 2-1 and 2-2.
12
FIGURE 2-1. LOCAL UNIT’S LEFT-SIDE PANEL
3
FIGURE 2-2. LOCAL UNIT’S RIGHT-SIDE PANEL
TABLE 2-1. LOCAL UNIT’S LEFT- AND RIGHT-SIDE COMPONENTS
NUMBER IN FIGURES 2-1 AND 2-2 CONNECTION DESCRIPTION
1RJ-45 connector Connects to remote unit via CATx cable
2Barrel connector Connects to power supply
3DB9 female connector Connects to DCE device

61. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW
2.4.2 REMOTE UNIT
Figure 2-3 shows the remote unit’s left-side panel. Figure 2-4 shows its right-side panel. Table 2-2 describes the remote unit’s
components pictured in Figures 2-3 and 2-4.
12
FIGURE 2-3. REMOTE UNIT’S LEFT-SIDE PANEL
3
FIGURE 2-4. REMOTE UNIT’S RIGHT-SIDE PANEL
TABLE 2-2. REMOTE UNIT’S LEFT- AND RIGHT-SIDE COMPONENTS
NUMBER IN FIGURES 2-3 AND 2-4 CONNECTION DESCRIPTION
1RJ-45 connector Connects to local unit via CATx cable
2Barrel connector Connects to power supply
3DB9 male connector Connects to DTE device
2.5 APPLICATION DIAGRAM
Local Unit
(ME890AE-R2)
Remote Unit
(ME890AE-R2)
PC
(DCE device) Terminal
(DTE device)
5-VDC power
supplies
FIGURE 2-5. TYPICAL APPLICATION

7
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
CH APTER 3: INSTALLATION
Before you begin, make sure all equipment is powered off and the CATx DB9 Line Drivers are not powered on.
3.1 INSTALLATION STEPS
Step 1: Connect the local (DB9 female) device to a PC or Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) device.
Step 2: Connect the remote (DB9 male) device to a Data Communication Equipment (DCE) device.
Step 3: Connect the local and remote units with a straight-through CAT5 or CAT6 twisted-pair cable.
Step 4: Once all connections are made, use the supplied 5-VDC power supplies to power up the Line Drivers. Then apply power
to your equipment.
3.2 DB9 PINOUT
TABLE 3-1. DB9 PINOUT
DB9 SIGNAL NUMBER DB9 SIGNAL NAME LOCAL DCE REMOTE DTE
1Carrier Detect Asserted high No connection
2Received Data Output Input
3Transmitted Data Input Output
4Data Terminal Ready No connection Asserted high
5Signal Ground RS-232 Ground RS-232 Ground
6 Data Set Ready Asserted high No connection
7 Request To Send Input Output
8 Clear To Send Output Input
9Ring Indication No connection No connection
NOTES:
DCE = Data Carrier Equipment (can connect to a PC)
DTE = Data Terminal Equipment (configured the same as a PC)

81. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
CH APTER 3: INSTALLATION
3.3 RJ-45 PINOUT
TABLE 3-2. RJ-45 PINOUT
RJ-45 PIN NUMBER RJ-45 SIGNAL NAME LOCAL REMOTE
1 Pair 3+ TXD+ (output) TXD+ (input)
2 Pair 3- TXD- (output) TXD- (input)
3Pair 2+ RXD+ (input) RXD+ (output)
4Pair 1+ RTS+ (output) RTS+ (input)
5Pair 1- RTS- (output) RTS- (input)
6 Pair 2- RXD- (input) RXD- (output)
7 Pair 4+ CTS+ (input) CTS+ (output)
8 Pair 4- CTS- (input) CTS- (output)
9Shield RS-485 Ground RS-485 Ground
You can use a shielded RJ-45 cable to connect the RS-485 ground between the local and remote units. A shielded cable can reduce
noise, which can improve the RS-485 signals, but can also add capacitance, which can reduce the RS-485 data rate.
FIGURE 3-1. BLOCK DIAGRAM

9
1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING
4.1 PROBLEMS/SOLUTIONS
If the units fail to operate, check the following before calling for technical support.
1. Are units powered on? Check to see if the power supplies are plugged into a working AC outlet.
2. Check to see if the interconnect wire is connected properly. Use a straight-through CAT5 or CAT6 twisted-pair cable, because the
local and remote units swap transmit and receive pins.
3. Try a lower baud rate if possible to make sure the baud rate is not too fast for the length of cable.
4. Check the DB9 cable connections. The local unit has a DB9 female connector, and is intended for connection to a PC or
data terminal equipment. The remote unit has a DB9 male connector, and is intended for connection to a modem or data
communication equipment.
4.2 CONTACTING BLACK BOX
If you determine that your CATx DB9 Line Driver is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-
serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or [e-mail].
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you
have a complete description, including:
the nature and duration of the problem
when the problem occurs
the components involved in the problem
any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem or make it worse
4.3 SHIPPING AND PACKAGING
If you need to transport or ship your CATx DB9 Line Driver:
Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
If you are returning the unit, make sure you include everything you received with it. Before you ship for return or repair,
contact Black Box to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.

10 1. 8 7 7. 8 7 7. 2 2 6 9 BLACKBOX.COM
NEED HELP?
LE AVE THE TECH TO US
LIVE 24/7
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1. 8 7 7. 87 7. 2 2 6 9
APPENDIX: REGULATORY INFORMATION
A.1 FCC STATEMENT
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques
de classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.