Black Box PI125A-R2 User manual

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

JUNE 2001
PI125A-R2
PI126A
Serial↔Parallel Converter IV
Serial↔Parallel Converter for
HP®DeskJet®Printers
CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
SERIAL↔PARALLEL
CONVERTER IV

Trademarks Used In This Manual
Black Box and the logo are registered trademarks
of Black Box Corporation.
Centronics is a registered trademark of GENICOM
Corporation.
DeskJet and HP are registered trademarks of Hewlett-
Packard.
IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are
acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.
European Union Declaration of Conformity
The CE symbol on the equipment indicates that it is in
compliance with the Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) directive and the Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
of the Union European (EU).
1
TRADEMARKS/CE NOTICE

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SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTERS
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.

3
NOM STATEMENT
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.

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SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTERS
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.

5
Contents
1. Specifications ..............................................................6
2. Introduction ................................................................8
2.1 Description ..........................................................8
2.2 Features................................................................8
3. Configuration and Installation ................................10
3.1 Configuration Switches ....................................10
3.2 Installation ........................................................14
4. Reading the LED ......................................................15
5. Troubleshooting........................................................16
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTERS
1. Specifications
Data Rates — 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800,
9600, 19,200, 38,400 bps
Indicators — LED displays status and
operating condition
Interface — EIA RS-232 async serial
(autosensing DTE/DCE)
and IBM PC parallel
Connectors — (1) DB25M, (1) DB25F
Data Format — 7 or 8 bits; 1 or 2 stop bits;
even, odd, or no parity
Temperature Range — 32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)
Altitude — Up to 10,100 feet (3078 m)
Humidity — 5 to 95%, noncondensing
Power — No external power required;
uses power from the RS-232
interface

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Size — 3.4"H x 1.3"W x 0.8"D
(8.7 x 3.3 x 2 cm)
Weight — 2 oz. (57 g)

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SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTERS
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The Serial↔Parallel Converters automatically convert
RS-232 serial data to parallel data format and vice versa,
in one direction at a time. Incorporating advanced
microprocessor technology, they are able to automati-
cally sense and select parallel and serial modes, as well
as DCE/DTE modes. Requiring no AC power, these
Converters support serial data rates to 38.4 kbps.
For easy configuration, the Converters feature a
convenient set of external configuration switches. These
accessible configuration switches allow you to control
baud rate, parity, word length, and flow control. An
easy-to-read LED indicator displays status and operating
condition.
Housed in an ultra-miniature ABS plastic case, each
Converter comes equipped with a DB25 female
connector on the serial side and a DB25 male
connector on the parallel side.

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.2 Features
• Converts parallel data to serial data and vice versa.
• Automatically selects parallel-to-serial
and serial-to-parallel operation.
• Automatically selects DCE/DTE modes.
• Serial data rates to 38,400 bps.
• No AC power required.
• Supports both software and hardware flow control.
• A five-state LED monitors status and diagnostics.
• External configuration switches.
• Ultra-miniature size.

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SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTERS
3. Configuration and Installation
The Converter is simple to install and extremely reliable.
The following instructions will help you set up and
install your converter properly. If you have any
questions, please call Black Box Technical Support
at 724-746-5500.
3.1 Configuration Switches
The Converters each use 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 need to open the case for configuration.
The configuration switches allow you to select data
rates, parity, word length, and flow control. This section
describes all switch locations, positions, and functions.

11
CHAPTER 3: Configuration and Installation
Figure 3-1. The location of the configuration switches.
Figure 3-2. The miniature configuration switch package.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
OFF
DHS-8

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SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTERS
The Converters use a miniature configuration switch
package. To configure your 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 (noted with an asterisk) for the DIP switches
are shown in the table on the following page.
Set up the Converter by selecting the appropriate
DIP-switch settings for your application.

13
CHAPTER 3: Configuration and Installation
Position
123 45 6 78
Flow Control
Hardware OFF*
Software ON
LED
Enabled ON*
Disabled OFF
Parity/D. Bits/
S. Bit
None/8/1 OFF OFF OFF*
Odd/8/1 ON OFF OFF
Even/8/1 OFF ON OFF
None/7/2 ON OFF ON
Odd/7/2 ON ON OFF
Even/7/2 OFF OFF ON
Odd/7/1 OFF ON ON
Even/7/1 ON ON ON
D. Rate (bps)
300 OFF OFF ON
600 ON OFF ON
1200 ON ON OFF
2400 OFF ON ON
4800 ON ON ON
9600 OFF OFF OFF*
19200 ON OFF OFF
38400 OFF ON OFF
*Default setting.

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SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTERS
3.2 Installation
The Converter is very simple to install. Once you have
configured the DIP switches, just plug your Converter
into a standard cable and you’re ready to go. Figure 3-3
shows the proper connections.
Figure 3-3. Typical installation.

15
CHAPTER 4: Reading the LED
4. Reading the LED
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 indicates data activity by blinking. When
the Converter has another message to report, the LED
blinks according to the codes in Table 4-1 below.
Table 4-1. 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 not ready, data held in buffer
••••—•••• Computer ignoring flow control, data lost
Key:
• Blink
- Short pause
— Long pause

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SERIAL↔PARALLEL CONVERTERS
5. Troubleshooting
If your Serial↔Parallel Converter seems to be malfunc-
tioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit. Contact
Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
Before you do so, 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.
If you need to transport or ship your Converter:
• Carefully package it. We recommend that
you use the original container.
• If you’re shipping the Converter back to Black
Box, call Technical Support to get a Return
Materials Authorization (RMA) number.

NOTES