Black Box PI080A-R2 User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2001. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

MARCH 2001
PI080A-R2
Serial↔Parallel Converter
(38.4 kbps)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]

1
FCC INFORMATION
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
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 J 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.

2
SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER (38.4 kbps)
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más
allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio
deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama,
sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se
debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los
orificios de ventilación.

3
NOM STATEMENT
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no
sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del
aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en
su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

4
SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER (38.4 kbps)
Trademarks Used in This Manual
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics
Corporation.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are
acknowledged to be the property of the trademark
owners.
CE Notice
The symbol on your Serial↔Parallel Converter
(38.4 kbps) indicates that it is in compliance with the
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) directive and the
Low Voltage Directive (LVD) of the Union European
(EU).

5
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3. Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1 Configuration Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2 Detailed Switch Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4. Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Appendix A: Port Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A.1 36-Pin Centronics Parallel Port
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A.2 DB25 Serial Port Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix B: Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

6
SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER (38.4 kbps)
1. Specifications
Serial Interface: Asynchronous, RS-232C
compatible, DB25 female;
DCE/DTE auto-sensing
Serial Data Rates: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800,
9600, 19,200, or 38,400 bps
Data Format: 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop
bits (switch-selectable)
Parity: Enable/disable, even/odd
(switch-selectable)
Parallel Interface: Centronics compatible,
36-pin male connector
attached to the end of a
6-foot (1.8-m) cable
Temperature Tolerance: 32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)
Altitude Tolerance: Up to 10,100 feet (3078 m)
Maximum Humidity: 5 to 95%, noncondensing

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Power: Uses power from RS-232C
interface; no external
power required
Size: 2.6"H x 1.3"W x 0.8"D
(6.6 x 3.3 x 2 cm)
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g)

8
SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER (38.4 kbps)
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The Serial↔Parallel Converter (38.4 kbps) converts
RS-232C serial data to parallel data and vice versa.
Incorporating advanced microprocessor technology, the
Converter automatically senses and selects parallel and
serial modes, as well as DTE/DCE modes. The
Converter requires no AC power and supports serial
data rates from 300 to 38,400 bps.
Convenient configuration switches control data rate,
parity, word length, and flow control. An easy-to-read
LED indicator displays status and operating conditions.
The Serial↔Parallel Converter (38.4 kbps) includes a
DB25 female connector on the serial side and a 6-foot
(1.8-m) cable ending in a Centronics®36-pin male
connector on the parallel side.
2.2 Features
• Converts serial data to parallel data and vice versa.
• Automatic parallel and serial sensing and
selection.

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• Automatic DCE/DTE sensing and selection.
• Built-in 1-kbit buffer prevents data loss.
• Serial data rates up to 38,400 bps.
• No AC power required.
• Supports both software and hardware flow control.
• Ultra-miniature size.
• A five-state LED monitors status and diagnostics.
• Complete with 6 ft. (1.8 m) of cable and a
Centronics 36-pin connector.

10
SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER (38.4 kbps)
3. Configuration
3.1 Configuration Switches
The Serial↔Parallel Converter (38.4 kbps) uses a set of
eight external DIP switches (see Figure 3-1) that allow
configuration to a wide range of applications. Because
all eight switches are in one externally accessible DIP-
switch package, you don’t have to open the case for
configuration. The configuration switches allow you to
select data rates, parity, word length, and flow control.
This chapter describes all switch locations, positions,
and functions.
Figure 3-1. Locating the configuration switches.
Configuration Switches
LED

11
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
The Converter uses a miniature 8-position DIP switch
package (see Figure 3-2). To configure the unit, use a
small screwdriver and gently push each switch to its
proper setting. The ON and OFF positions are shown in
Figure 3-2. Default settings for the DIP switches are
shown in Table 3-1. Detailed settings follow the table in
Section 3.2.
Figure 3-2. The miniature 8-position DIP switch.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
OFF
DHS-8

12
SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER (38.4 kbps)
Table 3-1. DIP switch summary table.
Position Function Factory Default
SW1 Flow Control OFF Hardware
SW2 LED Indicator ON Enabled
SW3 Data, Parity, Stop Bits OFF
SW4 Data, Parity, Stop Bits OFF 8B*, NP**, 1S***
SW5 Data, Parity, Stop Bits OFF
SW6 Data Rate OFF
SW7 Data Rate OFF 9600 bps
SW8 Data Rate OFF
3.2 Detailed Switch Settings
S WITCH 1: H ARDWARE /S OFTWARE F LOW C ONTROL
The setting for Switch 1 determines whether the
Converter will have hardware or software flow control.
Table 3-2. SW1 settings.
Flow Control SW1
Hardware OFF
Software ON
*B = data bits
**NP = no parity
***S = stop bit

13
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
S WITCH 2: LED I NDICATOR
The setting for Switch 2 determines whether the LED
indicator is enabled or disabled.
Table 3-3. SW2 settings.
LED SW2
Enabled ON
Disabled OFF
S WITCHES 3 THROUGH 5: D ATA , P ARITY , AND S TOP B IT
Switches 3 through 5 are used to specify the data, parity,
and stop bits. Table 3-4 shows the settings that may be
used.
Table 3-4. SW3 through SW5 settings.
Data Parity Stop Bit SW3 SW4 SW5
7B* EP** 1S*** ON ON ON
7B OP 1S OFF ON ON
7B NP 2S ON OFF ON
7B EP 2S OFF OFF ON
7B OP 2S ON ON OFF
8B EP 1S OFF ON OFF
8B OP 1S ON OFF OFF
8B NP 1S OFF OFF OFF
*B = data bits
**NP = no parity **EP = even parity OP = odd parity
***S = stop bit

14
SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER (38.4 kbps)
S WITCHES 6 THROUGH 8: F REQUENCY AND D ATA R ATE
Switches 6 through 7 determine the frequency and data
rate. Table 3-5 shows the settings that may be used.
Table 3-5. SW6 through SW8 settings.
Data Rate SW6 SW7 SW8
300 OFF OFF ON
600 ON OFF ON
1200 ON ON OFF
2400 OFF ON ON
4800 ON ON ON
9600 OFF OFF OFF
19,200 ON OFF OFF
38,400 OFF ON OFF

15
CHAPTER 4: Installation
4. Installation
The Converter is simple to install. Once you have
configured the DIP switches, just plug it in and you’re
ready to go. Figure 4-1 illustrates the proper connections
for the standard cables. If you have a non-standard
connector on your printer or PC, call Black Box
Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
Figure 4-1. Installing the converter.
PC Printer
Serial ↔Parallel
Converter
(PI080A-R2)

16
SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTER (38.4 kbps)
5. Operation
Once your Converter is properly configured and
installed, it should operate transparently—as if it were a
standard cable connection. Operating power is derived
from the RS-232 data and control signals; there is no
ON/OFF switch.
The Converter features an easy-to-read status LED that
glows red to indicate the condition of the transmission
line. Figure 3-1 at the beginning of Chapter 3 shows the
location of the LED. Table 5-2 (on the next page)
describes the LED’s various functions.
Table 5-1. Key for LED codes.
Key:
• Blink
_ Short pause
___ Long pause

17
CHAPTER 5: Operation
Table 5-2. LED Codes.
• • - • ––– • • – • ––– Computer is sending data.
• ––– • ––– • –––– Serial device is connected;
computer is not sending data.
• • ––– • • ––– Both serial and parallel
devices are connected;
computer is not sending data.
•–•–––•–•––– Printer is not ready; data is
held in the buffer.
••••___•••• Computer is ignoring flow
control, data is lost.
The red LED indicator blinks to show activity. Since
there is only one indicator, it uses different LED codes
to demonstrate various messages. Table 5-1 describes
these codes.