Comtrol RocketPort Plus Manual

RocketPort® Plus Hardware Installation 1of6
Introduction
This Hardware Installation document discusses the
following information:
• Product overview
•RocketPort terminology
•Before installing the hardware
•Installing the hardware
•Interface overview
• Interface connectors and building loopback plugs
-DB9
-DB25
-RJ45
•Hardware specifications
•FCC notices
•Troubleshooting and creating diagnostics
•Contacting Technical Support
Product Overview
The RocketPort Plus series multiport serial card fits into
the PCI slot of a personal computer, and uses a 44 MHz
processor specifically designed to process asynchronous
serial communications.
The RocketPort Plus series uses Application Specific
Integrated Circuits (ASICs) technology to replace most
hardware components, including:
•Theprocessor
• Serial controller
• Bus interface logic and other miscellaneous logic
To eliminate memory mapping conflicts, the RocketPort
Plus series is I/O mapped.
This Hardware Installation document discusses the
following RocketPort Plus serial controllers:
*Quadcables have the capability to be 8-port cards with
an 8-port interface. Some drivers view the
4-port as an 8-port card.
All RocketPort Plus series interfaces support RS-232. You
can install up to four RocketPort Plus cards in one PC, for a
total of 32 additional serial ports, and you can install a
combination of PCI-bus and ISA-bus RocketPort cards.
Fordriverinstallation,seethesoftware installation and
configuration documentation or the driver readme file for
your operating system.
Note: Red underlined text denotes URL jumps.
RocketPort Terminology
For the purposes of the following discussions, these
products are referred to as “RocketPort ISA” cards:
• RocketPort ISA-bus boards (any interface type
including 4J, 8J, Quadcable, and Octacable)
• RocketPort 485
These products are referred to as “RocketPort PCI” cards:
• RocketPort PCI-bus boards (any interface type
including 4J, Quadcable, and Octacable)
• RocketPort Plus
• RocketPort PCI 422
Name Ports Interface Type
Quadcable* 4 Includes a fanout cable with
standard DB25 or DB9 connectors.
Octacable 8 Includes a fanout cable with standard DB25, DB9, or RJ45
connectors.
2Port 2 This model has 2 DB9 connectors on
the mounting bracket. Cables are
not included. Models are either RS-
232 or SMPTE.
RocketPort®Plus
Hardware Installation

RocketPort® Plus Hardware Installation 2of6
Before Installing the Hardware
Read this subsection:
•If you already have one or more RocketPort ISA cards
installed in your system.
•If you plan to install a combination of RocketPort ISA
and RocketPort PCI cards at this time.
Existing RocketPort ISA Cards Installed:
You must deconfigure and remove any existing RocketPort
ISA cards before installing RocketPort PCI cards. After
you have successfully installed the RocketPort PCI cards,
reinstall the RocketPort ISA cards.
Explanation:
I/O addressing for RocketPort PCI cards is handled
automaticallybythecomputer’sBIOSwhenyoufirst
power up the computer after installing the cards.
I/O addresses for RocketPort ISA cards are set manually
using DIP switches on the card. If you install an ISA card
before installing a RocketPort PCI card, the ISA card
addressing may interfere with the computer’s ability to
recognize the RocketPort PCI card which may prevent the
PCI card from functioning properly.
Additional Considerations:
If you are mixing RocketPort ISA and PCI cards, set the
DIP switches on the ISA cards so that the first ISA card
that you install is the “first” card for I/O addressing
purposes, even if it is physically the second, third, or fourth
card that you install.
Installing the RocketPort Hardware
Hardware installation consists of:
• Installing the card in the system. (Optionally setting
the DIP switch for a port to DCE on the 2-port SMPTE
card only).
• Connecting the peripherals.
Note: After installing the hardware, you must install the
device driver for your operating system.
Note: If you are installing PCI and ISA RocketPort cards,
install the PCI cards and driver before installing
and configuring the ISA cards. See the software
installation and configuration documentation or the
driver readme file for information.
Use the following procedure to install the card.
1. For the 2 port SMPTE card only: to configure a specific
port to DCE mode in SMPTE, set the switch for that
port to ON.
Note: The default switch settings are set to OFF for
DTE mode.
2. Turn off your computer.
3. Remove the system cover.
4. Select a PCI expansion slot.
5. Remove the slot cover.
Note: You may want to write down the model number and
serial number of the card before installation.
6. Insert the card into the slot, seating it securely.
7. Reinstall the expansion slot retaining screw.
Note: You may want to leave the system unit cover off until
the driver is installed and running, in case you need
to change the DTE/DCE switch setting.
8. Attach the male end of the Quadcable or Octacable to
the card.
9. Tighten the retaining screws.
Note: Quad and Octacable models support RS-232
exclusively.
10. Connect your peripheral devices.
11. Use the software installation and configuration
documentation or device driver readme file to install
thedrivertocompleteyourinstallation.
RocketPort Interface Overview
The RocketPort series provides several interface options:
• Quadcable and Octacable fanout cables, which are
available with the following configurations:
- Quadcable DB25 and DB9.
- Octacable DB25, DB9, and RJ45.
• DB9 connectors on the mounting bracket
OFF
ON
Octacable
Quadcable
DB9
DB25
Note: The RJ45 cable is not displayed.

RocketPort® Plus Hardware Installation 3of6
DB9 Interface Connectors
There are Quadcable, Octacable, and two port models
available with DB9 connectors on a fanout cable.
DB9 Pinouts
Use this table and figure for information about the DB9
connectors used on the Quadcable, Octacable, and two port.
Building DB9 Female Loopback Plugs
Loopback plugs are used with the
diagnostics to test serial ports.
Use this loopback plug with the
Quadcable, Octacable, and two port
models. Wire the following pins
together:
•Pins1to4to6
•Pins2to3
•Pins7to8to9
DB25 Interfaces
Use the following subsections for DB25 connectors.
Quadcable, and Octacable fanouts use male connectors.
DB25 Pinouts
The following figures and table illustrate connector
information for DB25 connectors.
Building DB25 Female Loopback Plugs
Loopback plugs are used with
the diagnostics to test serial
ports.
This loopback is used with
Quadcable, Octacable, and the
Surge interface boxes. Wire the
following pins together for an RS-232 plug.
•Pins2to3
•Pins4to5to22
•Pins6to8to20
Wire the following pins
together for an RS-422
loopbackplug(Surgeinterface
box).
•Pins15to19
•Pins17to25
Pin DB9 Male
RS-232 Signal DB9 Female
SMPTE DTE DB9 Female SMPTE DCE
1 CD Chassis GND Chassis GND
2 RxD TxD- RxD-
3 TxD RxD+ TxD+
4DTRSignalGNDSignalGND
5 Signal GND Not Used Not Used
6 DSR Signal GND Signal GND
7 RTS TxD+ RxD+
8 CTS RxD- TxD-
9 RI Chassis GND Chassis GND
Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
DB9 Male
Pin 5 Pin 1
Pin 9 Pin 6
DB9 Female
Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
RS-232 (Back View)
Pin RS-232 Signal
1Notused
2TxD
3RxD
4RTS
5CTS
6DSR
7 Signal ground
8DCD
9to19 Notused
20 DTR
21 Not used
22 RI
23 to 25 Not used
Pin 14 Pin 25
Pin 1 Pin 13
DB25 Male
Pin 13in 1
RS-232 Only (Back View)
Pin 14 Pin 25
Pin 25Pin 14
Pin 13Pin 1
RS-422 Only (Back View)

RocketPort® Plus Hardware Installation 4of6
RJ45 Interfaces
The Octacable model is available with RJ45 connectors.
RJ45 Pinouts
Use the following table and figures for pinout information
on the RJ connectors used on the Octacable.
Note: Ring indicator is not supported on the RJ45
connector.
Building RJ45 Loopback Plugs
Loopback plugs are used with the
diagnostics to test serial ports.
This RJ45 loopback is used with the
Octacable.
•Pins4to5
•Pins1to8
•Pins2to6to7
Specifications
The following tables illustrate RocketPort conditions and
specifications.
Pin RJ45
1RTS
2DTR
3GND
4TxD
5RxD
6DCD
7DSR
8CTS
Pin 1 Pin 8
RJ45
Receptacle
Pin 1
18
Plug
Top View
Cable
Environmental Condition Value
Air temperature:
System on
System off 0to40
oC
-20 to 85oC
Humidity (non-condensing):
System on
System off 8% to 80% 20% to 80%
Altitude 0 to 10,000 feet
Electromagnetic Compliance Status
Emission (Octa/Quad only):
Canadian EMC requirements
CISPR-22/EN55022 Class A
FCC PART 15: Class A Yes
Emission (2 Port only):
Canadian EMC requirements
CISPR-22/EN55022 Class B
FCC PART 15: Class B Yes
Immunity (Octa/Quad and 2 Port):
EN50082-2: 1995
IEC 1000-4-2: 1995
IEC 1000-4-4: 1995
IEC 1000-4-3: 1993
Yes
UL Recognized Yes
RocketPort Plus Card Specification
Baud Rate (DTE) 200 to 921.6K bps
Note: Baud rate is dependent upon hardware and
operating system configuration.
Bus interface PCI
Control by device driver:
Data bits
Parity
Stop bits
7or8
Odd, Even, None
1or2
Current Consumption
Octa/Quad
2Port
+5V +12V -12V
510 mA 100 mA 160 mA
180mA 40mA 50mA
Dimensions
Octa/Quad
2Port 6.5” by 4.2” 5.25” by 4.2”
Heat output
Octa/Quad
2Port 19.74 BTU/Hr 6.75 BTU/Hr
Interfaces
Octa/Quad
2Port RS-232 RS-232 & SMPTE
Interrupt (software
selectable)None,3,4,5,9,10,11,12,15

RocketPort® Plus Hardware Installation 5of6
FCC 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 distance between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to 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 equipmentcomplies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
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
shielded cables.
Troubleshooting and Running Diagnostics
The first step to troubleshooting a problem is to determine
that your RocketPort is functioning properly. To do so, you
can create a bootable diskette.
You need two files to create a bootable floppy diagnostic
diskette:
•TheRawrite utility that creates a bootable diagnostics
diskette
• The diskette image file (*.i).
YoucanfindbothfilesontheComtrol Software and
Documentation CD or download them from the ftp site.
Note: If you have the Comtrol Software and
Documentation CD, you can use the Quick Start
Card for procedures for your operating system.
Creating a Bootable Diagnostics Diskette
This discussion outlines how to create a bootable
diagnostics diskette. You can use our Web site ftp://
ftp.comtrol.com/bootdiag.htmto:
• Download the necessary files.
• Easily find specific procedures for your operating
system to create the bootable diskette.
Diagnostics Overview
After you create a bootable diagnostic diskette, you can use
the diagnostic program to:
• Confirm that the hardware is functioning.
• Determine resolutions to conflicts during installation.
• Provide you with the ability to stress test the cards.
For example, you may want to run the diagnostics
overnight to evaluate a possible problem. You will need
loopback plugs for each port that you want to stress test. If
you need additional loopback plugs, you can use the
appropriate Building Loopback Plugs discussion in this
document to build additional loopback plugs.
Running the Diagnostics
You can run the diagnostics using one of the following
methods:
• Execute the rocket.exe file on the diskette in a native
DOS environment.
Note: The diagnostic occasionally fails when running in
Windows MS-DOS®windows.
• Boot the system from diagnostics diskette you created.
Use the following procedure to run the diagnostics:
1. Restart your machine in DOS mode or insert the
diagnostics diskette.
2. Execute rocket.exe or start the machine.
The diagnostic starts automatically,
3. Verify that the system locates the RocketPort card.
4. Follow the remainder of the on-line instructions.
If the diagnostics did not pass you may want to use the
following discussion to diagnose your problem.
Mean time between
failures (MTBF)
Qcta/Quad
2Port 17.9 Years 101 Years
Power consumption
Qcta/Quad
2Port 5.79 W 1.89 W
RocketPort cards/system 4
Surge protection
Octa/Quad
2Port
Provides ESD surge
protection exceeding:
25 KV
15 KV
Weight
Octa/Quad
2Port 1lb10oz.(withcable) 12 oz.
RocketPort Plus Card Specification

RocketPort® Plus Hardware Installation 6of6
Resolving Failures
If the diagnostics could not find the card:
• Turn off the power and reseat the card into the slot.
• Check for proper cable connections.
• Check for proper installation of the loopback plug.
Try running the diagnostics again. If they fail again, you
may have a bad port. Contact Technical Support.
Technical Support
Comtrol has a staff of support technicians available to help
you. Before you call, please have the following information
available:
Fourth Edition, June 22, 2001
Copyright © 1999 - 2001 Comtrol Corporation
All Rights Reserved.
RocketPort is a registered trademark of the Comtrol
Corporation. Other product and company names
mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their
respective owners.
Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or
warranties with regard to the contents of this reference
card or to the suitability of any 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.
2000046 Rev. D
Item Your System Information
Model number
Serial number
Interface type
Operating system
type and release
Device driver version
PCmake,model,and
speed
List other devices in
the PC and their
addresses
Comtrol Headquarters Europe
Phone [phone] [phone]
FAX [phone] [phone]
E-mail [e-mail] [e-mail]
Web
support Searchable Solution Database and FAQs
Web site www.comtrol.com www.comtrol.co.uk
FTP site ftp.comtrol.com