Comtrol RocketPort Serial Hub ia Manual

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 1
RocketPort®Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia)
Hardware Installation
The RocketPort Serial Hub ia is a DIN-rail mountable (24V) serial
communications device that easily connects to a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet hub,
switch, or network interface card (NIC).
The RocketPort Serial Hub ia uses a RISC processor to process asynchronous
serial communications, thereby maximizing performance and eliminating
throughput bottlenecks.
RocketPort Serial Hub ia features include:
• Two DB9 software selectable RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 asynchronous serial
ports.
• Configurable network protocol, allowing the RocketPort Serial Hub ia to use
IP or MAC (media access control) addressing.
Note: See the Software Installation documentation for MAC or IP addressing
information.
• An optional 24VDC power supply that supports input voltages between 100-
240VAC and 50 or 60 Hz operation.
• Auto polarity selection for network connection.
•DiagnosticLEDs.
Some drivers feature:
• Multi-server port assignment, permitting the sharing of this device with
multiple servers. Each individual server can be configured for MAC or IP
addressing.
• Port sharing among servers. The same port can be used for multiple servers.
What This Document Contains
Use this document to:
•Install the RocketPort Serial Hub ia.
•Verify that the RocketPort Serial Hub ia passes the hardware diagnostics
during the power up phase.
•Add additional units to an existing RocketPort Serial Hub ia environment.
•Build cables or loopback plugs, including:
- An ethernet crossover cable, if you are connecting the RocketPort Serial
Hub ia directly to a NIC card (not included).
- Null-modem cable for the peripheral devices that you areconnecting to the
RocketPort Serial Hub ia (not included).
- RS-232/422 loopback plug (one included).
•Troubleshoot installation or configuration problems.
• Review the RocketPort Serial Hub ia specifications and agency notices.
•Contact Comtrol™ or download updated software or documentation.
See the appropriate Software Installation documentation for software installation
information.

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 2
Connecting to the Network
The latest driver releases are available at:
•http://support.comtrol.com
•ftp://ftp.comtrol.com
Note: To use the red hyperlinks, you must be connected to the internet.
Connecting to the Network
Use the following procedure to connect the RocketPort Serial Hub ia to your
ethernet hub, ethernet switch, or a server’s NIC card.
1. Record the MAC address, model number, and serial number of the RocketPort
Serial Hub ia unit on the customer service label provided.
Note: You may need the MAC address during driver configuration.
2. If you are not planning on mounting this unit to a standard DIN rail, mount
the DIN rail section provided with the unit to a wall with suitable screws (not
provided).
3. Attach the RocketPort Serial Hub ia to a standard DIN rail or the DIN rail
section mounted in Step 2.
Serial Number* MAC*
00 C0 4E 11 __ __ __ __
* The serial number and MAC address are located on a label
on the side of the unit.
Allow a minimum of 4.75” of clearance from the
center of the rail to any device or wire trough
above the unit and a minimum of 2.0” below.
4.75”
2.0”
4.75”
PWR
ACTLNK
NETWORK
1
2
Tx Rx
1
2
0.5” 0.5”
2.0”

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 3
Connecting to the Network
Note: For optimal operation, make sure that the device is mounted in a
vertical orientation with a minimum of 0.5” space on either side and a
minimum of 4.75” clearance from the center of the rail to any device or
wire trough above the unit and a minimum of 2.0” below.
4. Connect an Ethernet cable from the port labeled Network on the RocketPort
Serial Hub ia to your server NIC card (10/100Base-T) or Ethernet hub.
Note: If connecting the RocketPort Serial Hub ia directly to a NIC, an
Ethernet crossover cable is required. This is not supplied by Comtrol.
5. Wire the screw terminal so that you can connect the screw terminal to the
optional 24VDC power adapter or directly to a 24VDC local power source.
Note: When connecting and disconnecting the unit, make sure that you
observe proper ESD techniques.
6. Plug the screw terminal into the RPSH-ia.
Note: Make sure you align the plug properly. The the scalloped edge of the
screw terminal is the bottom and is closest to the text on the device.
The RocketPort Serial Hub ia driver’s default port setting is RS-232. Make
sure that you do not connect devices until the appropriate port interface type
has been configured in the device driver.
7. If necessary, connect the power cord to the power adapter and plug the power
cord into a power source.
Note: You may need to select the appropriate AC power cable for your location.
Black (Earth Ground)
White (24VDC Return)
Red (24VDC Positive)
Wiring the Screw Terminal
with Optional Power Supply
Wiring the Screw Terminal
for a Local Power Supply
24VDC
Wire gauge:
AWG 12-22
Caution

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 4
Verifying the Hardware Installation
Verifying the Hardware Installation
Use the following information to verify that the hardware is working properly:
• The yellow PWR LED is flashing, indicating you have power and that the
device driver has not been downloaded to the device.
• The green LNK LED is lit, indicating that you have a
working Ethernet connection.
• The yellow ACT LED flashes, indicating Ethernet
activity on the network.
After the driver is installed and configured and the devices
are connected, the yellow Rx LED shows that the data receiver is
connected to another RS-232 device and the green Tx LED shows
that the RS-232 data transmitter is on.
Note: These LEDs are not valid for RS-422 or RS-485 mode.
After verifying that the RocketPort Serial Hub ia is working
correctly, you are ready to install the driver using the appropriate Software
Installation documentation.
•Linux
•Windows 95/98
•Windows NT
•Windows 2000
Note: Do not use the Windows 95/98 or Windows NT driver in Windows 2000
systems.
After you install the driver and configure the serial ports, you can use the
Connecting Devices discussion to connect your serial devices.
You may want to download the most recent driver and software installation
document from the Comtrol web/ftp sites:
•http://support.comtrol.com
•ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/readme.htm
Adding a Unit to an Existing Installation
Use this procedure to add another RocketPort Serial Hub ia to an existing
configuration.
1. Install the RocketPort Serial Hub ia to an Ethernet hub or NIC card using the
Connecting to the Network discussion.
2. Power-up the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia and verify that the Power LED
lights.
3. Configure the driver to support the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia, using the
Software Installation documentation or driver readme file.
4. Configure serial ports to support the serial devices.
PWR
ACTLNKNETWORK
1
2
Tx Rx

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 5
Replacing Hardware
Replacing Hardware
Use this procedure to replace a RocketPort Serial Hub ia with another RocketPort
Serial Hub ia in an existing configuration.
1. Disconnect the power from the RocketPort Serial Hub ia that is to be removed
from service.
2. Remove the old unit and attach a new or spare RocketPort Serial Hub ia.
3. Connect the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia to the network hub or server NIC
card.
4. Connect the power source to the new RocketPort Serial Hub ia and verify that
it passes the power on self-test.
5. Change the driver to reflect the MAC or IP address of the new RocketPort
Serial Hub ia.
6. Configure any RS-422 or RS-485 ports to match the previous unit.
7. Transfer all cabling from the old RocketPort Serial Hub ia to the new
RocketPort Serial Hub ia.
No port reconfiguration is needed, providing you reconnect the serial devices
as previously cabled.
8. It is not necessary to shut down and restart the server.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble with a RocketPort Serial Hub ia, try the following:
Note: Most customer problems reported to Comtrol Technical Support are
eventually traced to cabling or network problems.
• Verify that the unit is powered on and that the PWR LED is lit.
Note: If the PWR LED is flashing, this indicates that the driver has not
downloaded to the unit.
• Verify that you are using the correct types of cables in the correct places and
that all cables are connected securely.
• Verify that the Ethernet hub and any other network devices between the
server and RocketPort Serial Hub ia are powered up and operating.
• To isolate the unit from the network, use a “crossover” ethernet cable to
connect the unit directly to the NIC card in the server.
• Verify that you are using the correct device driver. Device drivers for the
RocketPort Serial Hub and the RocketPort Serial Hub ia are different.
Note: The drivers used for the RPSH-ia device are the same drivers used for
the RPSH-Si series. For drivers with a GUI, you will select the RPSH-Si
2-port configuration.
• Reboot the server.
• See the Software Installation documentation for information on operating
system specific troubleshooting procedures.
• Verify that the MAC address in the driver matches the address on the
RocketPort Serial Hub ia.
• If you are using IP addressing:
- Verify that the IP address in the driver matches the unique reserved IP
configured address assigned by the system administrator.
- Verify that the server can ping the RocketPort Serial Hub ia. If the ping
fails, there is an addressing or network problem.

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 6
Connecting Devices
• Remove and reinstall the driver.
• If you have a spare RocketPort Serial Hub ia, try replacing RocketPort Serial
Hub ia units. See the Replacing Hardware discussion.
Note: If this corrects the problem, the RocketPort Serial Hub ia you have
removed from service may be defective or in need of repair.
• If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact Technical Support.
Connecting Devices
Use the following discussion to connect asynchronous serial devices to the
RocketPort Serial Hub ia ports.
Make sure that you have configured the ports using the driver for the
correct communications mode before connecting any devices. The default
mode in the drivers is RS-232. There is a remote possibility that
connecting a peripheral for the wrong mode could damage the
peripheral.
1. Install or reconfigure the driver using the Software Installation
documentation or the driver readme file.
2. Connect your devices to Ports 1 or 2 for each RocketPort Serial Hub ia using
the appropriate cable. You can build your own cables using the Building Null-
Modem Cables or Building Straight-Through Cables discussions.
Note: Use the hardware manufacturer’s installation documentation if you need
help with connector pinouts or cabling for the peripheral device.
Building an Ethernet Crossover Cable
If you are connecting from the 10/100Base-T connector on
the RocketPort Serial Hub ia directly to the NIC card in the
server, you need a crossover cable. Use the following
information to build a cable or purchase a cable.
Caution
Pin Connects to Pin
13
26
31
62
Pin 1 Pin 6
Receptacle
Pin 1

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 7
DB9 Connector Pinouts
DB9 Connector Pinouts
Use the following pinout information for the DB9 serial port
connectors on the RocketPort Serial Hub ia.
Building Null-Modem Cables
Use the following figure if you need to build a null-modem cable. A null-modem
cable is required for connecting DTE devices.
Note: You may want to purchase or build a straight-through cable and purchase a
null-modem adapter.
Pin RS-232 RS-422 RS-485
1 CD Not used Not used
2RxD RxD-Notused
3TxD TxD-TRX-
4 DTR Not used Not used
5 GND Not used Not used
6 DSR Not used Not used
7 RTS TxD+ TRX+
8CTSRxD+Notused
9 RI Not used Not used
Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
DB9 Male
RPSH-ia Connector
TxD
RxD
RTS
CTS
DSR
GND
DCD
DTR
Signal RxD
TxD
CTS
RTS
DTR
GND
DCD
DSR
Signal
DB9
2
3
8
7
4
5
1
6
Pins DB25
3
2
4
7
8
6
Pins
Remote and RPSH-ia
DB9
3
2
7
8
6
5
1
4
Pins
20
5
Female
Connectors
RI 9922 RI

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 8
Building Straight-Through Cables
Building Straight-Through Cables
Use the following figure if you need to build a straight-through cable. Straight-
through cables are used to connect DCE devices.
Building Additional Loopback Plugs
Loopback connectors are DB9 female serial port plugs, with pins wired together as
shown, that are used in conjunction with application software to test serial ports.
Note: Drivers for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT are bundled with the Test
Terminal (WCOM32) program. Linux users can use MiniCom. See the
driver documentation for your driver for information about using these
applications.
The RocketPort Serial Hub ia is shipped with a a single loopback plug (RS-232/
422).
This information can help you build additional plugs or replace a missing
loopback.
Wire the following pins together for an RS-232 loopback
plug:
• Pins 1 to 4 to 6
•Pins2to3
• Pins 7 to 8 to 9
Note: The RS-232 loopback plug also works for RS-422.
Wire the following pins together for an RS-422 loopback
plug:
•Pins2to3
•Pins7to8
RPSH-ia Connector
DB9
1
2
3
4
5
8
6
7
Pins DCD
RxD
TxD or TRX-
DTR
GND
CTS
DSR
RTS or TRX+
Signal
DB9
1
2
3
4
5
8
6
7
Pins
DCD
RxD
TxD or TRX-
DTR
GND
CTS
DSR
RTS or TRX+
Signal
RPSH-ia Connector
Female
Female
RI 9 9RI
Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
RS-232 Only
(Back View)
Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
RS-422 Only
(Back View)

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 9
Building an RS-485 Test Cable
Building an RS-485 Test Cable
You can use a straight-through cable as illustrated previously, or build your own
cable.
Hardware Specifications
This table illustrates environmental conditions.
The following table lists electromagnetic compliance certifications.
DB9
3
7
Pins TxD or TRX-
RTS or TRX+
Signal
DB9
3
7
Pins
TxD or TRX-
RTS or TRX+
Signal
RS-485 Loopback Cable for WCOM or MiniCom
Note: The RS-485 loopback cable only requires
Pins 3 and 7 to be connected.
Environmental Conditions Value
Air temperature:
System on (operational)
System off (storage) 0 to 60oC
-20 to 85oC
Altitude 0 to 10,000 feet
Heat output 9.6 BTU/Hr
Humidity (non-condensing):
System on (operational)
System off (storage) 8% to 80% 20% to 80%
Mean Time between Failures
(MTBF) 39.1 years
IEC Test Status
IEC 68-2-1 Temperature Soak
Test Yes
IEC 68-2-6 Sinusoidal
Vibration Test Yes
IEC 68-2-34 Random
Vibration Test Yes
Electromagnetic Compliances Status
Emission:
Canadian EMC requirements
CISPR-22/EN55022 Class A
FCC Part 15 Class A Yes
Immunity:
EN50082 (801-2 ESD, 801-3 RF,
and 801-4 FT) Yes
Safety:
EN60950
UL Listed Yes

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 10
Notices
The following table illustrates hardware specifications.
Notices
Radio Frequency
Interference (RFI)
(FCC 15.105)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A
digital devices pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Labeling
Requirements (FCC
15.19)
This equipment complies with part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Topic Hardware
Specifications
Current consumption 180 mA (24VDC)
Input voltage 20 - 28VDC
Power consumption 2.8 W
Optional power supply:
Line frequency
Line voltage 50 - 60 Hz 100 - 240VAC
Ethernet host interface 10/100Base-T (10/100
Mbps - RJ45)
Hubs/server OS dependent, see the
software documentation
Number of ports/hub 2
Baud rate/port (maximum) 115.2 Kbps
Driver control:
Data bits
Parity
Stop bits
7 or 8
Odd, Even, None
1 or 2
Dimensions 4.1” x 3.3” x 1.0”
Weight (hub, only) 10 oz

RocketPort® Serial Hub ia (RPSH-ia) Hardware Installation 11
Modifications (FCC 15.21)
Modifications (FCC
15.21) Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Comtrol Corporation may void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
Serial Cables (FCC
15.27) This equipment is certified for Class A operation when used with unshielded cables.
Underwriters
Laboratory This equipment is Underwriters Laboratory “UL” listed.
Important Safety
Information To avoid contact with electrical current:
• Never install electrical wiring during an electrical storm.
• Never install the power plug in wet locations.
• Use a screwdriver and other tools with insulated handles.
Technical Support
If you need technical support, contact Comtrol using one of the following methods.
Corporate Headquarters:
• email: [e-mail]
• FTP Site: ftp://ftp.comtrol.com
•WebSite:http://www.comtrol.com
• FAX: [phone]
• Phone: [phone]
Comtrol Europe:
• email: [e-mail]
•WebSite:http://www.comtrol.co.uk
•FAX: [phone]
• Phone: [phone]
Comtrol has a staff of technical support representatives to help you.
Trademark Notices Comtrol and RocketPort are trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.
Windows, MS-DOS, and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Second Edition, October 23, 2002
Copyright © 2000 - 2002. Comtrol Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the
contents of this document or to the suitability of the Comtrol product for any
particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without notice. Some software
or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller
for current product information.
2000169 Revision B
Warning