Black Box ME570A-MST User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 1999. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

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INFORMATION
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Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
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NOVEMBER 1999
ME570A-MST
ME570A-FST
ME570A-MSM
ME570A-FSM
ME570C-ST
ME570C-SM
Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem
Async/Sync FO Modem Card
Async/Sync Fiber
Optic Modem

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
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.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
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.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
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.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
FCC REQUIREMENTS FOR
TELEPHONE-LINE EQUIPMENT
1. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established rules
which permit this device to be directly connected to the telephone network
with standardized jacks. This equipment should not be used on party lines
or coin lines.
2. If this device is malfunctioning, it may also be causing harm to the
telephone network; this device should be disconnected until the source of
the problem can be determined and until the repair has been made. If this
is not done, the telephone company may temporarily disconnect service.
3. If you have problems with your telephone equipment after installing this
device, disconnect this device from the line to see if it is causing the
problem. If it is, contact your supplier or an authorized agent.
4. The telephone company may make changes in its technical operations and
procedures. If any such changes affect the compatibility or use of this
device, the telephone company is required to give adequate notice of the
changes.
5. If the telephone company requests information on what equipment is
connected to their lines, inform them of:
a. The telephone number that this unit is connected to.
b. The ringer equivalence number.
c. The USOC jack required: RJ-11C.
d. The FCC registration number.
Items (b) and (d) can be found on the unit’s FCC label. The ringer
equivalence number (REN) is used to determine how many devices can be
connected to your telephone line. In most areas, the sum of the RENs of all
devices on any one line should not exceed five (5.0). If too many devices
are attached, they may not ring properly.
6. In the event of an equipment malfunction, all repairs should be performed
by your supplier or an authorized agent. It is the responsibility of users
requiring service to report the need for service to the supplier or to an
authorized agent.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
CERTIFICATION NOTICE FOR
EQUIPMENT USED IN CANADA
The Canadian Department of Communications label identifies certified
equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets certain
telecommunications-network protective, operation, and safety requirements.
The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s
satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible
to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company.
The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of
connection. In some cases, the company’s inside wiring associated with a
single-line individual service may be extended by means of a certified
connector assembly (extension cord). The customer should be aware that
compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service
in some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian
maintenance facility—in this case, your supplier. Any repairs or alterations
made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the
telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the
equipment.
Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground
connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water
pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be
particularly important in rural areas.
CAUTION:
Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but
should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or
electrician, as appropriate.
The LOAD NUMBER (LN) assigned to each terminal device denotes the
percentage of the total load to be connected to a telephone loop which is
used by the device, to prevent overloading. The termination on a loop may
consist of any combination of devices, subject only to the requirement that
the total of the load numbers of all the devices does not exceed 100.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
TRADEMARKS
ST®is a registered trademark of AT&T.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1 Configuration Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2 Configuration Switch Set S1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.1 S1-1 through S1-4: Data Rate Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.2 S1-5 and S1-6: Clock Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.3 S1-7: Asynchronous/Synchronous Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2.4 S1-8: Carrier-Control Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3 Configuration Switch Set S2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3.1 S2-1 and S2-2: Word Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.2 S2-3: Extended Signaling Rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.3 S2-4 and S2-5: RTS/CTS Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.4 S2-6 and S2-7: Not Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.5 S2-8: V.54 Loopback Test Enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.1 Fiber Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.2 RS-232 Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.1 Test Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.1.1 Local Analog Loopback (LAL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1.2 Remote Digital Loopback (RDL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1.3 Using the V.52 BER Test Independently . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2 Power-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Appendix: Pin Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
1. Specifications
Transmission Line — Dual optical cable
Transmission Mode — Async or sync, half- or full-duplex
Interface — EIA RS-232, CCITT V.24
Data Rates — Up to 38.4 kbps
Distance — 2 miles (3.2 km) over continuous fiber
RTS/CTS Delay — No delay, 7 ms, 53 ms
Receiver Sensitivity —- 45 dBm
Coupled Power Output — -30 to -36 dBm
Optic Wavelength — 850 nm
Indicators — (2) LEDs: Carrier Detect, Fiber Optic Output
Connectors — Standalone: DB25 male or female on RS-232 side, ST or SMA on
fiber side; Card: HD DB26 female on RS-232 side, ST or SMA on fiber side
Power — No external power required; uses power from RS-232 data and control
signals
Temperature — 32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)
Maximum Altitude Tolerance — Up to 15,000 feet (4572 m)
Humidity Tolerance — Up to 95%, noncondensing
Size — 23.4"H x 2.1"W x 0.7"D (59.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 cm)
Weight — 0.1 lb. (0.05 kg)

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem is a miniature modem that combines the
noise immunity of fiber with the troubleshooting capabilities of V.52 and V.54
diagnostics. The modem operates in asynchronous or synchronous mode and
supports data rates to 38.4 kbps. The standalone version plugs directly into a
workstation’s RS-232 port via a DB25 connector. The modem is also available
in a card version. The card has a HD DB26 connector, so you’ll need an
HD-DB26-to-DB25 cable to connect it to the RS-232 port on a workstation.
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
LEDs 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.
This miniature modem fits into tight installation spaces. On the RS-232 side, the
standalone modem comes equipped with either a male or female DB25 connector,
while the card version has a female HD DB26 connector. On the fiber side, the
modem comes with either SMA or ST®connectors.
2.2 Features
• Supports async or sync communication over dual optical fibers.
• V.52 and V.54 diagnostics.
• Data rates to 38.4 kbps.
• Range of up to 2 miles (3.2 km).
• Immune to RFI/EMI noise, ground loops, and transient surges.
• Easily accessible diagnostic and configuration switches.
• Jumper-selectable carrier control.
• Requires no AC power or batteries.
• Two easy-to-read status indicators.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
3. Configuration
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem is fairly simple to install and easy to operate:
just set it and forget it. The instructions in this chapter will help you set up 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 two 8-position external
mini DIP switches that allow configuration to an extremely wide range of
applications. These 16 DIP switches are externally accessible from the underside
of the modem (see Figure 3-1), so there is no need to open the modem case for
configuration.
The configuration switches 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.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
Figure 3-1. DIP Switches on the Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem.
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem has two 8-position DIP switches (S1 and
S2) for configuration. As Figure 3-2 shows, the orientation of all DIP switches is
the same with respect to “ON” and “OFF” positions.
OFF
12 3 4 5 6 7 8
OFF
12345678
S1 S2

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
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 below.
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

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
3.2.1 S1-1 T HROUGH S1-4: D ATA R ATE
Switches S1-1 through S1-4 are set in combination to determine the data rate
for the Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem.
Table 3-2. Data Rate Settings.
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
*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. Clock-Source Settings.
S1-5 S1-6 Setting
On On Internal transmit clock*
Off On Receive recover clock
On Off External transmit clock
*Default

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
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. Async/Sync Settings.
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. Carrier-Control Settings.
S1-8 Setting
Off Constantly On*
On Switched Carrier
*Default
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 tests.
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)

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
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. Word-Length Switch Settings.
S2-1 S2-2 Setting
Off On 8 bits
On On 9 bits
Off Off 10 bits*
On Off 11 bits
*Default
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 (that is, the actual variance
from a given frequency level the modem will tolerate).
Table 3-8. Extended Signaling-Rate Settings.
S2-3 Setting
On -2.5% to +1% Basic
Off -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. RTS/CTS-Delay Settings.
S2-4 S2-5 Setting
On On 7 ms*
Off On 53 ms
On Off No delay
Off Off No delay
*Default
3.3.4 S2-6 AND S2-7: N OT U SED
S2-6 and S2-7 are reserved for future use.

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
3.3.5 S2-8: V.54 L OOPBACK T EST E NABLE
To reset the V.54 circuit, set switch S2-8 to the “On” position, then back to the
“Off” position.
Table 3-10. V.54 Settings.
S2-8 Setting
Off V.54 Enable*
On V.54 Disable
*Default

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ASYNC/SYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM AND FO MODEM CARD
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 these
connector types.
Figure 4-2. SMA and ST Connectors.
4.2 RS-232 Connection
The Async/Sync Fiber Optic Modem is designed to act as a DCE device.
Always use a straight-through RS-232 cable when connecting to a DTE device.
SMA
ST
Fiber Fiber
RX TX