Black Box USB Director RS-232 User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

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INFORMATION
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NOVEMBER 1999
IC812A-R2
RS-232→Keyboard Converter
Keyboard
Receive
Transmit
Address Rate
Data Rate
9600
4800
2400
1200
7
O
O
C
C
8
O
C
O
C
RS-232→Keyboard Converter

1
FCC STATEMENT
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 la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

2
RS-232→KEYBOARD CONVERTER
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.
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.

3
NOM STATEMENT
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
RS-232→KEYBOARD CONVERTER
Trademarks Used in This Manual
AT is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners.
CE Notice
The CE symbol on your RS-232→Keyboard Converter 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 ............................................................................................................7
2.1 Description ......................................................................................................7
2.2 Features ............................................................................................................7
2.3 Applications......................................................................................................8
3. Configuration ........................................................................................................10
3.1 Configuration Switches..................................................................................10
3.1.1 Address Configuration (Switches S1 through S6)................................11
3.1.2 Bit-Rate Switches (S7 and S8) ................................................................13
3.2 Configuration Straps......................................................................................13
3.2.1 Opening the Case ..................................................................................13
3.2.2 Jumpers K1 and K2 ................................................................................14
4. Installation ..............................................................................................................16
4.1 Connecting RS-232/RS-485 Devices ............................................................17
4.1.1 Connecting RS-232 Terminal Equipment ............................................17
4.1.2 Connecting RS-485 Terminal Equipment ............................................18
4.2 Connecting the Computer and Keyboard Ports..........................................19
5. Operation................................................................................................................20
5.1 Command/Data Entry ..................................................................................20
5.2 Operating Modes ..........................................................................................21
5.3 Data Transfer Commands ............................................................................22
5.4 Keyboard Commands ....................................................................................22
5.5 Turnaround Commands................................................................................23
5.6 Keyboard Monitor Commands ....................................................................23
5.7 Other Commands ..........................................................................................23
5.8 Multidrop Operation ....................................................................................24
5.9 LED Indicators ..............................................................................................24
Appendix A. Scan Codes ............................................................................................26
Appendix B. ASCII Scan Codes..................................................................................29

6
RS-232→KEYBOARD CONVERTER
1.Specifications
Transmission Format: Asynchronous, half-duplex
Data Rates: 1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600 bps
Serial Interface: RS-232 or RS-485 2-wire (jumper-selectable)
Connectors: (1) DB25F for RS-232 and RS-485 device
connection; (2) 6-pin mini-DIN connectors
LEDs: Keyboard, Receive, Transmit
Codes Accepted: Character, HEX ASCII, Scan Code, Key Code
Multiple Drops: Supports 58 addressable units in an RS-485
multipoint environment
Data Turnaround Modes: Line-Oriented or Immediate
Temperature Range: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
Power Supply: Interface-powered, obtains operating power from
data and control signals
Size: 1.6"H x 4.2"W x 3.8"D (4.1 x 10.7 x 9.7 cm)

7
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The RS-232→Keyboard Converter lets you tap into a PC keyboard port with an
RS-232 or RS-485 serial interface, while retaining use of the keyboard. Supporting
data rates up to 9600 bps, the Converter has a myriad of applications: Simulate
keystrokes for software testing, use one RS-485 host to simultaneously control the
testing of up to 54 (RS-485) target systems, monitor keyboard activity (Monitor
Mode), “add” an RS-232 or RS-485 port to a PC, or connect a keyboard to an RS-
232 or RS-485 port.
The RS-232→Keyboard Converter is equipped with one DB25 (female) port for
RS-232 or RS-485 device connection, plus two 6-pin mini-DIN ports for
input/output connection of an AT®keyboard. No AC power or batteries are
required for operation.
2.2 Features
• Tap into a PC keyboard port—with RS-232 or RS-485—while retaining use of
the existing keyboard.
• Both RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces included in the same unit.
• Multidrop up to 54 addressable RS-232→Keyboard Converters in RS-485
environments.
• Supports data rates of 1200, 2400, 4800 and 9600 bps.
• Monitor Mode facilitates keyboard activity monitoring.
• Translates ASCII, Hex, Binary, Key Scan Codes, and DOS Scan Codes.
• No AC power required—draws all necessary operating power from interfaces.

8
RS-232→KEYBOARD CONVERTER
2.3 Applications
The RS-232→Keyboard Converter allows you to connect an RS-232 or RS-485
computer port to another computer’s keyboard port while still using the keyboard.
Typical applications are for:
•Software Testing. With the help of a RS-232→Keyboard Converter, you can
develop a sequence of keystrokes and send them to the keyboard port of a
computer running the software that you want to test. You can do this without
having to add any software or ports to the computer system you are testing.
•Multi-System Testing. Using the multi-drop capability of the RS-232→Keyboard
Converter keyboard port adapter allows centrally controlled testing of up to 58
systems simultaneously. Only the RS-232→Keyboard Converter port adapter
allows such flexibility.
•Remote Access. The RS-232→Keyboard Converter keyboard port adapter
allows remote access to a system where the software does not provide any other
method.
•Monitoring Keyboard Sessions. The RS-232→Keyboard Converter can be used
to monitor keyboard sessions. This can be helpful to develop regression test
data or to detect keystrokes that are causing problems with target software.
•Attach a Keyboard to Your Computer’s RS-232 Port. You can use the
RS-232→Keyboard Converter to send and receive from a keyboard attached to
an RS-232 port.
Figure 2-1. Software testing using a PC program to simulate keystrokes.
6-pin mini-DIN cable
RS-232/RS-485 Port
Serial cable
AT keyboard
RS-232→Keyboard
Converter
PC running target
application
PC running keystroke
simulation

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Figure 2-2. Creating an “extra” RS-232 or RS-485 port for a remote input
device.
6-pin mini-DIN cable
RS-232/RS-485 Port
Host PC
Serial cable
AT keyboard
Scale
Modem
RS-232→Keyboard
Converter

10
RS-232→KEYBOARD CONVERTER
3. Configuration
The instructions in this chapter will help you properly configure the
RS-232→Keyboard Converter.
3.1 Configuration Switches
The RS-232→Keyboard Converter has eight DIP switches that you can use to set the
port address and the bit rate. These externally accessible switches are located on
the front of the RS-232→Keyboard Converter, as shown in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Front-panel switches.
Figure 3-2 shows the open and closed positions of the DIP switches.
Figure 3-2. Close-up of DIP switches showing open and closed positions.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Keyboard Receive Transmit
Address Rate
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Data Rate
9600
4800
2400
1200
7
O
O
C
C
8
O
C
O
C
Open =
Closed =
Open
↑↓
Closed

11
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
3.1.1 A DDRESS C ONFIGURATION (S WITCHES S1 THROUGH S6)
Switches S1 through S6 allow you to set an address for the Converter. You must set
an address for each RS-232→Keyboard Converter configured in a multidrop
topology. (You don’t need to set an address when you’re using only one
Converter.) To set a Converter address, choose an address from the left-most
column of Table 3-1. Then configure Switches S1 through S6 according to the the
Open or Closed settings in the same row.
Table 3-1. RS-232→Keyboard Converter Address Settings
Switch Settings
Address 1 2 3 4 5 6
None Open Open Open Open Open Open
1 Closed Open Open Open Open Open
2 Open Closed Open Open Open Open
3 Closed Closed Open Open Open Open
4 Open Open Closed Open Open Open
5 Closed Open Closed Open Open Open
6 Open Closed Closed Open Open Open
7 Closed Closed Closed Open Open Open
8 Open Open Open Closed Open Open
9 Closed Open Open Closed Open Open
10 Open Closed Open Closed Open Open
11 Closed Closed Open Closed Open Open
12 Open Open Closed Closed Open Open
13 Closed Open Closed Closed Open Open
14 Open Closed Closed Closed Open Open
15 Closed Closed Closed Closed Open Open
16 Open Open Open Open Closed Open
17 Closed Open Open Open Closed Open
18 Open Closed Open Open Closed Open
19 Closed Closed Open Open Closed Open
20 Open Open Closed Open Closed Open
21 Closed Open Closed Open Closed Open
22 Open Closed Closed Open Closed Open
23 Closed Closed Closed Open Closed Open
24 Open Open Open Closed Closed Open
25 Closed Open Open Closed Closed Open
26 Open Closed Open Closed Closed Open
27 Closed Closed Open Closed Closed Open

12
RS-232→KEYBOARD CONVERTER
Table 3-1 (continued). RS-232→Keyboard Converter Address Settings
Switch Settings
Address 1 2 3 4 5 6
28 Open Open Closed Closed Closed Open
29 Closed Open Closed Closed Closed Open
30 Open Closed Closed Closed Closed Open
31 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Open
32 Open Open Open Open Open Closed
33 Closed Open Open Open Open Closed
34 Open Closed Open Open Open Closed
35 Closed Closed Open Open Open Closed
36 Open Open Closed Open Open Closed
37 Closed Open Closed Open Open Closed
38 Open Closed Closed Open Open Closed
39 Closed Closed Closed Open Open Closed
40 Open Open Open Closed Open Closed
41 Closed Open Open Closed Open Closed
42 Open Closed Open Closed Open Closed
43 Closed Closed Open Closed Open Closed
44 Open Open Closed Closed Open Closed
45 Closed Open Closed Closed Open Closed
46 Open Closed Closed Closed Open Closed
47 Closed Closed Closed Closed Open Closed
48 Open Open Open Open Closed Closed
49 Closed Open Open Open Closed Closed
50 Open Closed Open Open Closed Closed
51 Closed Closed Open Open Closed Closed
52 Open Open Closed Open Closed Closed
53 Closed Open Closed Open Closed Closed
54 Open Closed Closed Open Closed Closed
55 Closed Closed Closed Open Closed Closed
56 Open Open Open Closed Closed Closed
57 Closed Open Open Closed Closed Closed
58 Open Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
*59 Closed Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
*Special Setting 59: Puts Converter in immediate mode with address of zero (no
address).

13
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
3.1.2 B IT -R ATE S WITCHES (S7 AND S8)
Set Switches S7 and S8 together to determine the RS-232→Keyboard Converter’s
bit rate (in bits per second).
S7 S8 Bit Rate
Open Open 9600 bps
Closed Open 4800 bps
Open Closed 2400 bps
Closed Closed 1200 bps
3.2 Configuration Straps
In addition to the configuration switches described in Section 3.1, the
RS-232→Keyboard Converter also has two internal straps: one that sets the RS-232
or RS-485 operation, and one that determines whether the keyboard connection
passes through the RS-232→Keyboard Converter or connects between devices in
parallel. In order to configure these straps, you must open the RS-232→Keyboard
Converter’s case.
NOTE
Before opening the case, determine whether the default settings are
correct for your application (see Section 3.2.2).
3.2.1 O PENING THE C ASE
To open the RS-232→Keyboard Converter, insert a large flat-head screwdriver into
an open slot on either side of the case (see Figure 3-3).
Figure 3-3. Using a large flat-blade screwdriver, open the plastic case.

14
RS-232→KEYBOARD CONVERTER
Twist the screwdriver head slightly and the top half of the case will separate from
the lower half (see Figure 3-4).
Figure 3-4. Twisting the screwdriver.
To close the case, fit the two halves together snugly and snap them back in place.
3.2.2 J UMPERS K1 AND K2
The internal jumpers mounted on the RS-232→Keyboard Converter’s PC board
(labeled K1 and K2) are used to configure the RS-232/RS-485 operation and
keyboard operation. Figure 3-5 shows the location of the RS-232→Keyboard
Converter’s jumpers on the internal PC board.
Figure 3-5. Jumpers K1 and K2 on the top of the PC board.
Switch K2
Switch K1
Front
Rear
1 2
1
2
3

15
CHAPTER 3: Configuration
Figure 3-6. Possible strap positions for Jumper K1.
Jumper K1: RS-232 or RS-485 Interface
This setting determines whether the DB25 operates according to the RS-232
standard or the RS-485 standard.
K1 Setting
1 & 2 RS-232 Operation (default position)
2 & 3 RS-485 Operation
Jumper K2: Power via DB25 Pin 9
Normally, the RS-232’Keyboard Converter operates on +5V supplied by the
computer’s 6-pin mini-DIN keyboard interface. You may also supply operating
voltage to pin 9 on the DB25 connector if you don’t connect the computer’s mini-
DIN keyboard interface. However, most computers already supply voltage on pin 9.
Connect this jumper only if :
a. You aren’t connecting the Converter to the computer keyboard port, and
b. The computer does not supply power on pin 9 of its RS-232 port.
K2 Setting
Strap On Connects +5V from the RS-232 device to pin 9 of the DB25
connector.
Strap Off Disconnects pin 9 on the DB25 connector (default position).
WARNING
+5V is normally provided by the PC. DO NOT connect to another +5V
source if the PC provides power. This can damage the RS-232 device
and the connected equipment.
1
2
3
1
2
3
Default
RS-232 RS-485 Toward Rear

16
RS-232→KEYBOARD CONVERTER
4. Installation
The RS-232→Keyboard Converter is typically installed by connecting the
RS-232/RS-485 port to a computer or terminal, the Keyboard port to a keyboard,
and the Computer port to a computer’s keyboard port. This section describes
connection procedures.
There are three data ports on the rear panel of the RS-232→Keyboard Converter—
an RS-232/RS-485 female DB25 port, a Keyboard port, and a Computer port (see
Figure 4-1).
Figure 4-1. Connection ports on the rear panel.
RS - 232 / RS-485
Keyboard Computer

17
CHAPTER 4: Installation
4.1 Connecting RS-232/RS-485 Devices
When the Converter’s DB25 port is configured as an RS-232 port, it looks like DCE
(Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment). Therefore, the RS-232→Keyboard
Converter serial port will connect directly to a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment).
The following pinout diagram shows the signal directions of the pins on the
interface.
Pin# Description Direction
1 Protective Ground N/A
2 Transmit Data RS-232 Input to Converter
3 Receive Data RS-232 Output from Converter
4 Request to Send RS-232 Input to Converter
5 Clear to Send RS-232 Output to Converter
6 Data Set Ready RS-232 Output to Converter
7 Signal Ground (common return)
8 Carrier Detect RS-232 Output from Converter
9 +5VDC RS-232 Input
14 Transmit Data/Receive Data RS-485 Input+/Output+
16 Transmit Data/Receive Data RS-485 Input-/Output-
20 Data Terminal Ready RS-232 Input to Converter
4.1.1 C
ONNECTING RS-232 T ERMINAL E QUIPMENT
The diagrams in this section show pin connections between the RS-232→Keyboard
Converter’s serial port and standard RS-232 serial interfaces. You can use these
diagrams to construct your own cables, or you can purchase pre-made cables.
PC/XT to RS-232→Keyboard Converter Pin-Outs
Serial DB25 (DTE) Pin No. RS-232→Keyboard Converter DB25 (DCE) Pin No.
1 (FG) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
2 (TD)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
3 (RD) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
4 (RTS) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
5(CTS) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5
6 (DSR) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6
7 (SG) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
8 (CD) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8
20 (DTR) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20