Black Box ME570A-MST-R2 User manual

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]
JUNE 2001
ME570A-MST-R2
ME570A-FST-R2
ME570A-MSM-R2
ME570A-FSM-R2
Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem
Async/Sync Fiber
Optic Modem

1
FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS
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
ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
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
ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
ST®is a registered trademark of American Telegraph and Telephone Company.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

5
CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. Configuration Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 Configuration Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Configuration Switch Set S1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2.1 S1-1 through S1-4: Data Rate Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2.2 S1-5 and S1-6: Clock Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2.3 S1-7: Asynchronous/Synchronous Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.4 S1-8: Carrier-Control Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3 Configuration Switch Set S2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3.1 S2-1 and S2-2: Word Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3.2 S2-3: Extended Signaling Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3.3 S2-4 and S2-5: RTS/CTS Delay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3.4 S2-8: V.54 Loopback Test Enable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.1 Fiber Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2 RS-232 Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.1 Test Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.1.1 Local Analog Loopback (LAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.1.2 Remote Digital Loopback (RDL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1.3 Using the V.52 BER Test Independently. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 Power-On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Appendix: Pin Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

6
ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
1. Specifications
Transmission Line: Dual optical cable
Transmission Mode: Async or sync, full or half-duplex
Interfaces: EIA RS-232, CCITT V.24
Data Rates: Up to 57.6 kbps
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) over continuous fiber;
RTS/CTS Delay: Switch-selectable: No delay, 9 ms, 79.5 ms
Receiver Sensitivity: -38 dBm
Coupled Power Output: > -25 dBm
Optic Wavelength: 850 nm
Indicators: (2) LEDs: Error (Loop), Test (BERT)
Connectors: DB25 male or female on RS-232 side, ST or SMA on fiber side
Temperature: 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)
Altitude: Up to 15,000 feet (4572 m)
Humidity: Up to 95% noncondensing
Power: No external power required; uses power from RS-232 data and control
signals
Size: 2.3"H x 2.1"W x 0.7"D (5.8 x 5.3 x 1.8 cm)
Weight: Standalone models: 0.1 lb. (>0.1 kg)

7
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem is a miniature modem that combines the
inviolability of fiber with the troubleshooting capabilities of V.52 and V.54
diagnostics. The modem operates in asynchronous or synchronous mode, supports
data rates to 57.6 kbps, and plugs directly into a workstation’s RS-232 port. The
modem is also available in a card version (ME570C-R2).
Like all fiberoptic modems, the Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem is inherently
immune to RFI/EMI noise, ground loops, and transient surges. The carrier may be
switch-selected as either “Continuously On” or “Controlled by RTS.” Two easy-to-
read LED indicators monitor the Error and Test modes. Drawing all necessary
power from the RS-232 interface, the modem requires no AC power or batteries to
operate.
The miniature modem fits into tight installation spaces. On the RS-232 side, the
modem is equipped with either a male or female DB25 connector. On the fiber
side, the modem has either SMA or ST®connectors. It supports distances of up to
3.5 miles (5.6 km).
2.2 Features
• Supports async or sync communication over dual optical fibers
• V.52 and V.54 diagnostics
• Data rates to 57.6 kbps
• Distance to 3.5 miles (5.6 km) over continuous fiber
• Immune to RFI/EMI noise, ground loops, and transient surges
• Easily accessible diagnostic and configuration switches on standalone model
• Jumper-selectable carrier control
• Requires no AC power or batteries
• Two easy-to-read status indicators
• Male or female DB25 and SMA or ST connectors available

8
ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
3. Configuration Overview
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem is fairly simple to install. The following
instructions will help you set up and install the modem properly. If you have
questions, call Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.
3.1 Configuration Switches
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem uses a unique set of 16 external mini DIP
switches that allow configuration to an extremely wide range of applications. These
16 DIP switches are grouped in two eight-switch sets, and are externally accessible
from the underside of the modem (see Figure 3-1).
The configuration switches allow you to select data rates, clocking methods, V.52
and V.54 tests, word lengths, extended signaling rates, and async or sync mode.
The following pages describe all switch locations, positions, and functions.

9
CHAPTER 3: Configuration Overview
Figure 3-1. DIP switches on the Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem.
OFF
12 3 4 5 6 7 8
OFF
12 3 4 5 6 7 8
S1 S2

10
ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem has two sets of eight switches, referred to as
S1 and S2. As Figure 3-2 shows, the orientation of all DIP switches is the same with
respect to “ON” and “OFF” positions.
Figure 3-2. Close-up of DIP switches showing “ON” and “OFF” positions.
3.2 Configuration Switch Set S1
The DIP switches on S1 set data rate, clock source, async/sync mode, and carrier-
control method. The default settings are summarized in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1. S1 summary table.
Position Function Factory Default
S1-1 Data Rate On (9600 bps)
S1-2 Data Rate Off (9600 bps)
S1-3 Data Rate Off (9600 bps)
S1-4 Data Rate On (9600 bps)
S1-5 Clock Source On (Internal)
S1-6 Clock Source On (Internal)
S1-7 Async/Sync On (Async)
S1-8 Carrier Control Off (Constantly On)
OFF
12 3 4 5 6 7 8
OFF
ON

11
CHAPTER 3: Configuration Overview
3.2.1 S1-1 THROUGH S1-4: D ATA R ATE S ETTING
Switches S1-1 through S1-4 are set in combination to determine the asynchronous
and synchronous data rate for the Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem.
Table 3-2. Data rate setting.
S1-1 S1-2 S1-3 S1-4 Setting
On On On On 1.2 kbps
Off On On On 1.8 kbps
On Off On On 2.4 kbps
Off Off On On 3.6 kbps
On On Off On 4.8 kbps
Off On Off On 7.2 kbps
On Off Off On 9.6 kbps*
Off Off Off On 14.4 kbps
On On On Off 19.2 kbps
Off On On Off 28.8 kbps
On On Off Off 38.4 kbps
Off On Off Off 57.6 kbps
*Default
3.2.2 S1-5 AND S1-6: C LOCK S OURCE
Switches S1-5 and S1-6 are set in combination to determine the transmit clock
source for the Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem.
Table 3-3. S1-5 and S1-6 switch settings.
S1-5 S1-6 Setting
On On Internal transmit clock*
Off On Receive recover clock
On Off External transmit clock
*Default

12
ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
3.2.3 S1-7: A SYNCHRONOUS /S YNCHRONOUS M ODE
The setting for switch S1-7 determines whether the Async/Sync Fiber Optic
Modem is in asynchronous or synchronous operating mode.
Table 3-4. S1-7 switch setting.
S1-7 Setting
On Asynchronous*
Off Synchronous
*Default
3.2.4 S1-8: C ARRIER -C ONTROL M ETHOD
The setting for switch S1-8 determines whether the carrier is constantly on or
controlled by RTS. This setting allows for operation in switched-carrier, multipoint,
and hardware-handshaking applications.
Table 3-5. S1-8 switch setting.
S1-8 Setting
Off Constantly On*
On Switched Carrier
*Default

13
CHAPTER 3: Configuration Overview
3.3 Configuration Switch Set S2
The DIP switches on S2 set word length, extended signaling rate, RTS/CTS delay,
and V.52 and V.54 diagnostic test.
Table 3-6. S2 summary table.
Position Function Factory Default
S2-1 Word Length Off (10 bits)
S2-2 Word Length Off (10 bits)
S2-3 Extended Signaling Rate Off (-2.5% to +2.3%)
S2-4 RTS/CTS Delay On (7 ms)
S2-5 RTS/CTS Delay On (7 ms)
S2-6 Future Use —
S2-7 Future Use —
S2-8 V.52/V.54 Tests Off (Enable)
3.3.1 S2-1 AND S2-2: W ORD L ENGTH
Switches S2-1 and S2-2 are set in combination to determine the word length for
asynchronous data.
Table 3-7. S2-1 and S2-2 switch settings.
S2-1 S2-2 Setting
Off On 8 bits
On On 9 bits
Off Off 10 bits*
On Off 11 bits
*Default

14
ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
3.3.2 S2-3: E XTENDED S IGNALING R ATE
The setting for switch S2-3 determines the range of variability the Async/Sync Fiber
Optic Modem looks for in asynchronous data rates (i.e., the actual variance from a
given frequency level the modem will tolerate).
Table 3-8. S2-3 switch setting.
S2-3 Setting
Off -2.5% to +1% Basic
On -2.5% to +2.3% Extended*
*Default
3.3.3 S2-4 AND S2-5: RTS/CTS D ELAY
The combined settings for switches S2-4 and S2-5 determine the amount of delay
between the time the modem sees RTS and when it sends CTS. Options are no
delay, 7 ms, and 53 ms.
Table 3-9. S2-4 and S2-5 switch settings.
S2-4 S2-5 Setting
On On 7 ms*
Off On 53 ms
On Off No delay
Off Off No delay
*Default

15
CHAPTER 3: Configuration Overview
3.3.4 S2-8: V.54 L OOPBACK T EST E NABLE
To reset the V.54 circuit, set switch S2-6 to the “On” position, then back to the
“Off” position.
Table 3-10. S2-8 switch setting.
S2-8 Setting
Off V.54 Enable*
On V.54 Disable
*Default

16
ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
4. Installation
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem is easy to install. After configuring the DIP
switches, simply connect the two fiber cables and then connect the RS-232
interface. Figure 4-1 shows the location of the fiber connections on the rear panel.
Figure 4-1. Rear panel.
4.1 Fiber Connections
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modems are designed to work in pairs. You will need
one at each end of a dual-fiber cable. This cable connects to each modem using
either an ST or an SMA connector. Figure 4-2 shows a close-up of each of the
connectors.
Figure 4-2. SMA and ST connectors.
4.2 RS-232 Connection
Because the Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem is designed to act as either a DCE or a
DTE device, it does not need special cables to operate. Always use a straight-
through RS-232 cable.
SMA
ST
Fiber Fiber

17
CHAPTER 5: Operation
5. Operation
Once you have configured each Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem and connected
the fiber and RS-232 cables, you are ready to operate the units. This section
describes the LED status monitors, the V.52 and V.54 diagnostics, and the power-
on process.
Figure 5-1. LEDs.
Test (Loop)
LED
Error (BERT)
LED

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM
5.1 Test Modes
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem offers two V.54 test modes to evaluate the
condition of the modems and the communication link. These tests can be
activated physically from the front panel or via the interface.
NOTE
V.54 test modes on the Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem are available for
point-to-point applications only.
5.1.1 L OCAL A NALOG L OOPBACK (LAL)
The Local Analog Loopback (LAL) test checks the operation of the local modem
and is performed separately on each unit. Any data sent to the local modem in this
test mode will be echoed back (returned) to the user device. For example,
characters typed on the keyboard or terminal will appear on the terminal screen.
To perform an LAL test, follow these steps:
1. Activate LAL. This may be done in one of two ways: First, by moving the front-
panel toggle switch down to LAL. Second, by raising pin 18 on the interface.
NOTE
Make sure DIP-switch SW1-8 is OFF.
Once LAL is activated, the modem transmit output is connected to its own
receiver. The Test LED should be lit.
2. Verify that the data terminal equipment is operating properly and can be
used for a test. If a fault is indicated, call a technician to replace the unit.
3. Perform a BER (bit error rate) test on each unit. If the BER test equipment
indicates no faults, but the data terminal indicates a fault, follow the
manufacturer’s checkout procedures for the data terminal. Also, check the
interface cable between the terminal and the modem.

19
CHAPTER 5: Operation
5.1.2 R EMOTE D IGITAL L OOPBACK (RDL)
The Remote Digital Loopback (RDL) test checks the performance of both the
local and remote modems, and the communication link between them. Any
characters sent to the remote modem in this test mode will be returned to the
originating device. For example, characters typed on the keyboard of the local
terminal will appear on the local terminal screen after having been passed to the
remote modem and looped back. To perform an RDL test, follow these steps:
1. Activate RDL. This may be done in two ways: First, by moving the front-panel
toggle switch up to RDL. Second, by raising pin 21 on the interface.
NOTE
Make sure SW1-8 is OFF.
2. Perform a BER (bit error rate) test on the system.
3. If the BER test equipment indicates a fault, and the Local Analog Loopback
test was successful for both modems, you may have a problem with the twisted-
pair line between the modems. You should then check the fiber line for
proper connections and continuity.
5.1.3 U SING THE V.52 BER T EST I NDEPENDENTLY
The V.52 BER test can be used independently of the V.54 loopback tests. This
requires two operators: one to initiate and monitor the test at the local modem,
and one at the remote modem. To use the V.52 BER test by itself, both operators
should simultaneously follow these steps:
1. Locate the 511/511E toggle switch on the front panel of the modem and
move it DOWN. This activates the V.52 BER test mode and transmits a 511
test pattern to the other unit. If any errors are present, the receiving modem’s
red Error LED will blink sporadically.
NOTE
For this test to function, the 511 switch on both modems must be on.
2. If the test indicates no errors are present, move the V.52 toggle switch UP,
activating the 511E test with errors present. If the test is working properly, the
receiving modem’s red Error LED will glow. A successful 511E test will
confirm that the link is in place, and that the modem’s built-in 511 generator
and detector are working properly.