Comtrol RocketPort User manual

User Guide

Trademark Notices
Comtrol and RocketPort are trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.
Windows and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
Seventh Edition (Rev G), October 13, 2011
Copyright © 2011. 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.
Document Number: 2000284 Rev. G

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Table of Contents - iii
Table of Contents
Overview...................................................................................................................................5
Product Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Supported Models.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Before Installing the RocketPort Universal PCI ................................................................................... 6
Locating the Latest Drivers and Documentation .................................................................................. 6
Card and Interface Installation ..........................................................................................7
Installing the Card ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Attaching a Quadcable or Octacable Interface ...................................................................................... 7
Attaching a Panel Interface Box ................................................................................................................ 8
Installing a Rackmount Interface Box ..................................................................................................... 9
Connecting Serial Devices .................................................................................................11
DTE Versus DCE .......................................................................................................................................... 11
DB9 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs ................................................................................................. 11
DB9 Signals............................................................................................................................................... 12
DB9 Null-Modem Cables.......................................................................................................................... 12
RS-232 Null-Modem Cable ............................................................................................................... 12
RS-422 Null-Modem Cable ................................................................................................................ 13
DB9 Straight-Through Cables ................................................................................................................. 13
DB9 Loopback Plugs................................................................................................................................. 13
RS-232 Female Loopback Plug .......................................................................................................... 13
RS-422 Loopback Plug ....................................................................................................................... 13
DB25 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs ............................................................................................... 14
DB25 Signals............................................................................................................................................. 14
DB25 Null-Modem Cables........................................................................................................................ 15
DB25 Null-Modem Cables (RS-232) ........................................................................................................ 15
DB25 Null-Modem Cables (RS-422).................................................................................................. 15
DB25 Straight-Through Cables (RS-232)................................................................................................ 15
DB25 Loopback Plugs............................................................................................................................... 16
RS-232 Female Loopback Plug .......................................................................................................... 16
RS-422 Female Loopback Plug .......................................................................................................... 16
RS-232 Male Loopback Plug .............................................................................................................. 16
RS-422 Male Loopback Plug .............................................................................................................. 16
RJ45 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs (4J)........................................................................................ 17
RJ45 Pinouts ............................................................................................................................................. 17
RJ45 Null-Modem Cables ........................................................................................................................ 17
RJ45 Straight-Through Cables ............................................................................................................... 18
RJ45 Loopback Plugs................................................................................................................................ 18
RJ11 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs (8J)........................................................................................ 19
RJ11 Pinouts ............................................................................................................................................. 19
RJ11 Null-Modem Cables......................................................................................................................... 19
RJ11 Null-Modem Cable (RS-232) .................................................................................................... 19
RJ11 Null-Modem Cable (RS-422) .................................................................................................... 19
RJ11 Straight-Through Cable (RS-232) .................................................................................................. 20
RJ11 Loopback Plugs................................................................................................................................ 20

iv - Table of Contents RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................21
Before Calling Technical Support ........................................................................................................... 21
RocketPort Universal PCI Diagnostics .................................................................................................. 21
Bootable CD .............................................................................................................................................. 22
Running the Bootable Diagnostic CD...................................................................................................... 22
Testing a Port or Ports ....................................................................................................................... 22
Stress Testing the RocketPort Universal PCI .................................................................................. 23
Exiting the Diagnostic ....................................................................................................................... 23
If the Diagnostic Fails ........................................................................................................................ 23
Troubleshooting Windows Systems......................................................................................................... 23
Comtrol Utility.......................................................................................................................................... 24
Using PortMon to Test the Driver Installation ................................................................................ 26
Using Test Terminal to Test a Port ................................................................................................... 29
Troubleshooting Linux Systems .............................................................................................................. 31
lcom(1) ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
File Transfer ............................................................................................................................................. 31
Changing Serial Port Settings (stty) ....................................................................................................... 31
Setting Up Terminals and Modems (mgetty, getty) ............................................................................... 31
Testing with minicom ............................................................................................................................... 31
Technical Support ....................................................................................................................................... 32

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Overview - 5
Overview
Product Overview
The RocketPort Universal PCI series multiport serial card fits into the PCI slot of
a personal computer, and uses a 36 MHz processor that is specifically designed to
process asynchronous serial communications.
It supports 3.3 and 5.0 volt PCI bus architecture and is compatible with 32- and
64-bit PCI slots.
The RocketPort Universal PCI series uses Comtrol Application Specific Integrated
Circuit (ASIC) technology to replace most hardware functionality to minimize
components, including:
• The processor
• A serial controller
• Bus interface logic and other miscellaneous logic
You can install up to four RocketPort Universal PCI cards in one computer,
providing a maximum of 128 additional serial ports. The PC must comply with the
PCI 2.2 specification or greater.
Supported Models
The RocketPort Universal PCI family consists of the following models:
• 4-Port adapters with the following interface options:
- Quadcable (fanout cable) with DB9 or DB25 connectors
- RJ45 connectors built into the edge of the card
• 8-Port adapters with the following interface options:
- Octacable (fanout cable) with DB9, DB25, or RJ45 connectors
- RJ11 connectors built into the edge of the card
- Panel mount RS-232 interface box with DB25F connectors
- Panel mount RS-232/422 interface box with DB25F connectors
- Panel mount RS-232/422 Surge interface box with DB25M connectors
• 16-Port adapter with the following interface options:
- Panel mount RS-232 interface box with sixteen DB25F connectors
- Panel mount RS-232/422 interface box with sixteen DB25F connectors
- Panel mount RS-232/422 Surge interface box with sixteen DB25M
connectors
- Rack mount RS-232 interface box with sixteen RJ45 connectors
- Rack mount RS-422 interface box with sixteen RJ45 connectors
• 32-Port adapter with the following interface options:
- Panel mount RS-232 interface box with sixteen DB25F connectors
- Panel mount RS-232/422 interface box with sixteen DB25F connectors
- Panel mount RS-232/422 Surge interface box with sixteen DB25M
connectors
- Rack mount RS-232 interface box with sixteen RJ45 connectors

6 - Overview RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Overview
- Rack mount RS-232 interface box with thirty-two RJ45 connectors
- Rack mount RS-422 interface box with sixteen RJ45 connectors
Before Installing the RocketPort Universal PCI
If you are planning on installing the RocketPort Universal PCI in a Windows
system make sure that you have placed the device driver assembly to a location
that is available to the host system before installing the card in the host.
You can use the Software and Documentation CD to locate the latest device drivers
and documentation. Optionally, you can use the links in the following subsection.
You may want to record the model and serial number of the RocketPort Universal
PCI before installing the card in the event you need to call technical support.
Locating the Latest Drivers and Documentation
This table contains links the software and installation documentation.
Software or
Document Location
Device drivers ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/RPuPCI_drivers.htm
Diagnostic and
Utilities ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/RPuPCI_diag.htm
User Guides ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/RPuPCI_docs.htm

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Card and Interface Installation - 7
Card and Interface Installation
Installing the Card
Use the following procedure to install a RocketPort Universal PCI card.
1. If this is a Windows installation, copy the latest driver to your system before
installing the RocketPort Universal PCI. See Locating the Latest Drivers and
Documentation on Page 6 to locate the latest driver and installation
documentation.
2. Turn off the host computer.
Note: You may want to write down the model number and serial number of
the card before installation.
3. Remove the system cover from your computer.
4. Select a PCI expansion slot.
5. Remove the slot cover or release the clamp.
6. Insert the card into the slot and seat it securely.
7. Reinstall the expansion slot retaining screw or clamp.
Do not connect an interface to the card when the host system is
powered on, this can cause card failure.
8. Attach the interface or cable to the RocketPort Universal PCI:
• If this is a 4J or 8J installation, see Connecting Serial Devices on Page 11
for cabling information after driver installation.
•Attaching a Quadcable or Octacable Interface on Page 7 (below)
•Attaching a Panel Interface Box on Page 8
•Installing a Rackmount Interface Box on Page 9
Attaching a Quadcable or Octacable Interface
Use this procedure to complete the Quadcable or Octacable installation.
1. Make sure that the host system is powered off before connecting the cable.
2. Attach the DB78 end of the Quadcable or Octacable to the card.
Make sure that the connectors are properly
aligned and forcefully push the connector of
the Quadcable or Octacable with a rocking
motion into the card connector. Make sure
that the connector is seated tightly before
tightening the retaining screws on the
connector.
3. Tighten the retaining screws on the connector.
4. Power on the host system.
5. Click Cancel if a Found New Hardware message appears on a Windows
operating system.
Execute the device driver file to start the driver installation.
Caution
Caution
Octacable
DB9

8 - Card and Interface Installation RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Card and Interface Installation
For other operating system device drivers, see Locating the Latest Drivers and
Documentation on Page 6.
6. After installing the driver, you should verify that the ports are functioning
properly and then connect your serial devices.
You can use the Troubleshooting section on Page 21 for port testing procedures
for your operating system.
Refer to Connecting Serial Devices on Page 11 for information about
connecting serial devices.
Attaching a Panel Interface Box
Use the following to attach a panel interface box.
Do not connect the cable to the RocketPort Universal PCI card or
interface box when the computer is powered on.
Connecting the cable to the RocketPort Universal PCI card or interface
box while the computer is powered on may damage the electronics on
the card or interface box.
1. Make sure that the host system is powered off before connecting the cable
2. Attach the male end of the RocketPort Universal PCI cable to the card and the
female end to the connector labeled Host on the interface box.
Note: The male DB25 port labeled Host is
reserved for Comtrol use and no user
accessible signals are present at this port.
3. Tighten the retaining screws.
Note: If you have a 32-port adapter, the connector
labeled J1 corresponds to Ports 0 through
15 and the connector labeled J2 (closest to
the bus) corresponds to Ports 16 through
31.
4. If this is an RS-232/422 switchable interface,
make sure that you set the ports to the
appropriate interface mode.
5. Power on the host system.
6. Click Cancel if a Found New Hardware message
appears on a Windows operating system.
Execute the device driver file to start the driver installation.
For other operating system device drivers, see Locating the Latest Drivers and
Documentation on Page 6.
7. After installing the driver, you should verify that the ports are functioning
properly and then connect your serial devices.
You can use the Troubleshooting section on Page 21 for port testing procedures
for your operating system.
Refer to Connecting Serial Devices on Page 11 for information about
connecting serial devices.
Caution

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Card and Interface Installation - 9
Card and Interface Installation
Installing a Rackmount Interface Box
Rackmount interface boxes are sturdy enough to allow you to stack several units
on a shelf, or you can mount it directly into a rack.
Do not connect the cable to the RocketPort Universal PCI card or
interface box when the computer is powered on.
Connecting the cable to the RocketPort Universal PCI card or interface
box while the computer is powered on may damage the electronics on
the card or interface box.
1. Make sure that the host system is powered off before connecting the cable.
2. Place the Rackmount interface box on a stable surface or attach the brackets
to the interface box using the screws supplied with the unit and attach the
bracket into your rack.
Note: You can mount the Rackmount interface box facing in either direction.
3. Attach the 3-foot cable or the 3-foot and the 10-foot cables together between
the interface and the board.
Make sure that the connectors are properly aligned. Do NOT use force
when connecting the cables to the host adapter card.
Note: The cables are interchangeable. You may connect either or both cables
depending upon the distance between the card and the rack. The
maximum distance permitted between the interface box and card is 15
feet.
4. Optionally, for the RM32-RJ45, attach the two cables to the card and the
interface. The connector labeled J1 corresponds to Host A (Ports 0 through
15), and the connector labeled J2 (closest to the bus) corresponds to Host B
(Ports 16 through 32).
Do not connect 16-port cards located in different machines to the
RM32-RJ45. It is possible to damage the interface and card if the
interface is connected to two PCs using separate line power sources.
5. Power on the host system.
6. Click Cancel if a Found New Hardware message appears on a Windows
operating system. Execute the device driver file to start the driver installation.
For other operating system device drivers, see Locating the Latest Drivers and
Documentation on Page 6.
7. After installing the driver, you should verify that the ports are functioning
properly and then connect your serial devices.
The rackmount interface boxes provide LEDs that display the following:
• 16-Port RS-422 (with red LEDs that display port activity)
• 16-Port RS-232 with integrated status LEDs. The yellow LEDs show
receiving activity. The green LEDs show transmitting activity.
Caution
Caution
Caution

10 - Card and Interface Installation RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Card and Interface Installation
• 32-Port RS-232 with integrated status LEDs. The yellow LEDs show
receiving activity. The green LEDs show transmitting activity.
You can use the Troubleshooting section on Page 21 for port testing procedures
for your operating system.
Refer to Connecting Serial Devices on Page 11 for information about
connecting serial devices.

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Connecting Serial Devices - 11
Connecting Serial Devices
This section provides information about the RocketPort Universal PCI connectors,
in the event that you need to build cables or loopback plugs.
•DB9 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs on Page 11
•DB25 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs on Page 14
•RJ45 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs (4J) on Page 17
•RJ11 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs (8J) on Page 19
A loopback plug is a serial port plug with pins wired together that you can use
with application (for example, the diagnostic, Test Terminal, or minicom) to test
serial ports. See Before Calling Technical Support on Page 21 for information
about using the test application shipped with the RocketPort Universal PCI.
DTE Versus DCE
Most serial devices, except modems, are Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) devices.
Modems are Data Communication Equipment (DCE) devices.
How you build a cable depends on which device your are connecting to (DTE or
DCE). For example, you need a null-modem cable to connect the COM ports
(COM1 or COM2) on the computer or the RocketPort Universal PCI ports to
printers, terminals, bar code readers or DNC equipment. If you are connecting a
DTE device to a DCE device you need a straight-through modem cable.
• Straight-through cable (DTE to DCE) - connects TxD to TxD and RxD to RxD.
• Null-modem cable (DTE to DTE) - connects TxD to RxD and RxD to TxD.
DB9 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs
The following figures and table illustrate the signals present on DB9 connectors if
you need to build your own null-modem or straight-through DB9 serial cables.
•DB9 Signals on Page 12
•DB9 Null-Modem Cables on Page 12
•DB9 Straight-Through Cables on Page 13
•DB9 Loopback Plugs on Page 13

12 - Connecting Serial Devices RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Connecting Serial Devices
DB9 Signals This subsection provides DB9 signal information. Refer to the manufacturer’s
installation documentation if you need help with the connector pinouts or cabling
for the serial device.
DB9 Null-Modem
Cables
You need a null-modem cable to connect to DTE devices. For example, you can
connect one end of a a null-modem cable to COM2 on one computer and the other
end of the null-modem cable to COM2 on another computer.
RS-232 Null-Modem
Cable
The following image displays the pinouts for an RS-232 null-modem cable.
Note: You can also attach a null-modem adapter to one end of a straight-through
cable to create a null-modem cable.
Pins RS-232 Signals RS-422 Signals*
1CD Not Used
2 RxD TxD-
3TxD RxD+
4DTR Not Used
5Signal GND Not Used
6DSR Not Used
7RTS TxD+
8CTS RxD-
9RI** Not Used
* RS-422 is only available if you are using an RS-422
interface box or RS-232/422 switchable interface
box.
** RI is only supported on Quad/Octacable cards.
Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
DB9 Male (Quad/Octacable)
Pin 1
Pin 5
Pin 6
Pin 9
DB9 Female (Interface Boxes)
RocketPort
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
20
5
DB9
3
2
7
8
6
5
1
4
Pins
Customer DTE

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Connecting Serial Devices - 13
Connecting Serial Devices
RS-422 Null-Modem
Cable
The following image displays the pinouts for an RS-422 null-modem cable.
Note: RS-422 pinouts are not standardized. Each serial device manufacturer uses
different pinouts. Refer to the serial device User Manual to determine the
signals.
DB9 Straight-
Through Cables
Straight-through cables connect modems to other DCE devices. For example, you
can connect one end of a straight-through cable to COM2 on one computer and the
other end of a straight-through cable to a modem.
The following image displays the pinouts for an RS-232 straight-through cable.
Note: Ring Indicator (RI) is only supported on Quad/Octacable cards.
DB9 Loopback Plugs RocketPort Universal PCI are shipped with a a single loopback plug. You can use
loopback plugs with application software (for example, Test Terminal) to test
serial ports.
Wire the following pins together to build additional plugs or replace a missing
loopback plug.
RS-232 Female
Loopback Plug
The Quadcable and Octacable use the RS-232 female
loopback plug. To build a loopback plug for the Quadcable
and Octacable, wire the following pins together:
• Pins 1 to 4 to 6
•Pins2to3
• Pins 7 to 8 to 9
Note: Ring Indicator (RI) is only supported on Quad/Octacable cards.
RS-422 Loopback
Plug
To build a DB9 loopback plug for RS-422, wire the following pins together:
•Pin2to8
•Pin3to7
RocketPort
TxD+
TxD-
RxD+
Signal
DB9
7
2
3
Pins
RxD+
RxD-
Signal
TxD+
TxD-
RxD- 8
Customer DTE
RocketPort
DB9
1
2
3
4
5
8
6
7
Pins
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
CTS
DSR
RTS
Signal
DB9
1
2
3
4
5
8
6
7
Pins
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
CTS
DSR
RTS
Signal
RI 9 9RI
DB25
8
3
2
20
7
5
6
4
Pins
22
Customer DCE
Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
RS-232 (Back View)

14 - Connecting Serial Devices RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Connecting Serial Devices
DB25 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs
The following figures and table illustrate the signals present on DB25
connectors if you need to build your own null-modem or straight-through
serial cables. Refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide if you need help
with connector pinouts or cables for the peripheral device.
•DB25 Signals
•DB25 Null-Modem Cables
•DB25 Straight-Through Cables (RS-232)
•DB25 Loopback Plugs on Page 16
DB25 Signals This subsection provides DB25 signal information. Refer to the manufacturer’s
installation documentation if you need help with the connector pinouts or cabling
for the serial device.
Standard interface modules use female DB25 connectors, while the Surge
interface boxes, Quadcable, and Octacable fanouts use male connectors.
This table shows connector information for DB25 connectors.
Interface Boxes Quad/Octacable
Pin RS-232 Signal RS-422 Signal* RS-232 Signal
1 Not used Not used Not used
2 TxD Not used TxD
3 RxD Not used RxD
4 RTS Not used RTS
5 CTS Not used CTS
6 DSR Not used DSR
7 Signal ground Signal ground Signal ground
8 DCD Not used DCD
9 to 14 Not used Not used Not used
15 Not used RxD+ Not used
16 Not used Not used Not used
17 Not used RxD- Not used
18 Not used Not used Not used
19 Not used TxD+ Not used
20 DTR Not used DTR
21 Not used Not used Not used
22 Not used Not used RI**
23-24 Not used Not used Not used
25 Not used TxD- Not used
* Quad/Octacables do not support RS-422 mode. RS-422 is only available
if you purchased an RS-422 interface box or RS-232/422 interface box.
** RI is only supported on Quad/Octacable adapters.
Pin 13 Pin 1
Pin 25 Pin 14
DB25 Female
Pin 14 Pin 25
Pin 1 Pin 13
DB25 Male
Standard Interface Boxes
Surge Interface Boxes
Quad/Octacable

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Connecting Serial Devices - 15
Connecting Serial Devices
DB25 Null-Modem
Cables
You need a null-modem cable to connect to DTE devices. For example, you can
connect one end of a a null-modem cable to COM2 on one computer and the other
end of the null-modem cable to COM2 on another computer.
DB25 Null-Modem
Cables (RS-232)
The following image displays the
pinouts for an RS-232 null-
modem cable.
Note: You can also attach a null-
modem adapter to one end
of a straight-through cable
to create a null-modem
cable.
DB25 Null-Modem
Cables (RS-422)
The following image displays the pinouts for
an RS-422 null-modem cable.
RS-422 pinouts are not standardized. Each
serial device manufacturer uses different
pinouts. Refer to the serial device User
Manual to determine the signals.
Note: You can also attach a null-modem
adapter to one end of a straight-through
cable to create a null-modem cable.
DB25 Straight-
Through Cables (RS-
232)
Use the following figure if you need to build an RS-232 straight-through cable.
Straight-through cables are used to connect modems and other DTE devices. For
example, a straight-through cable can be used to connect COM2 of one PC to a
modem.
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
20
5
DB25
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20
Pins
RI* RI92222
RocketPort DTE Serial Device
* Ring Indicator (RI) is only available on Quad/
Octacables.
TxD+
TxD-
RxD+
Signal DB25
19
25
15
Pins
RxD+
RxD-
Signal
TxD+
TxD-
RocketPort DTE Serial
Device
RxD- 17
DB9
1
2
3
4
5
8
6
7
Pins
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
CTS
DSR
RTS
Signal
DB25
8
3
2
20
7
5
6
4
Pins
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
CTS
DSR
RTS
Signal
RI* 22 9RI
DB25
8
3
2
20
7
5
6
4
Pins
22
RocketPort DCE Serial Device
* Ring Indicator (RI) is only available on
Quad/Octacables.

16 - Connecting Serial Devices RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Connecting Serial Devices
DB25 Loopback
Plugs
Aloopback plug is a DB25 serial port plug with pins wired together. You can use a
loopback plug with application software (for example, Test Terminal) to test serial
ports.
RS-232 Female
Loopback Plug
The Surge RS-232/422 switchable interface box,
Quadcable, and Octacable use the RS-232 female
loopback plug. To build a DB25 loopback plug for a
Surge interface box, Quadcable, or Octacable, wire
the following pins together:
•Pins2to3
• Pins 4 to 5 to 22
• Pins 6 to 8 to 20
RS-422 Female
Loopback Plug
To build a DB25 loopback plug (Surge RS-232/422
switchable interface box) for an RS-422 serial
connection, wire the following pins together:
• Pins 15 to 19
• Pins 17 to 25
RS-232 Male
Loopback Plug
The RS-232 and RS-232/422 interface boxes (8-port
and 16-port models) use the RS-232 male loopback
plug. To build a DB25 loopback plug for an RS-232
serial connection, wire the following pins together:
•Pins2to3
• Pins 4 to 5 to 22
• Pins 6 to 8 to 20
RS-422 Male
Loopback Plug
To build a DB25 loopback plug for an RS-422 serial
connection, wire the following pins together.
• Pins 15 to 19
• Pins 17 to 25
Pin 13Pin 1
RS-232 Only (Back View)
Pin 14 Pin 25
Pin 25Pin 14
Pin 13Pin 1
RS-422 Only (Back View)
Pin 13 Pin 1
Pin 14Pin 25
RS-232 Only (Back View)
Pin 25 Pin 14
Pin 1Pin 13
RS-422 Only (Back View)

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Connecting Serial Devices - 17
Connecting Serial Devices
RJ45 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs (4J)
This section describe how to build your own null-modem or straight-through RJ45
serial cables.
•RJ45 Pinouts
•RJ45 Null-Modem Cables on Page 17
•RJ45 Straight-Through Cables on Page 18
•RJ45 Loopback Plugs on Page 18
There are no standards for the RJ45. Before you build the custom RJ45 serial
cable for your terminal equipment or device you should:
• Refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide if you need help with connector
pinouts or cables for the peripheral device.
• Supported RS-modes are described in the electronic document shipped with
your Comtrol device.
RJ45 Pinouts The following figures provide pinout information for the RJ45
connectors used on the Octacable interface module.
Note: Ring indicator is not supported on the RJ45 connector.
RJ45 Null-Modem
Cables
You need a null-modem cable to connect to DTE devices. For example, you can
connect one end of a null-modem cable to COM2 on one computer and the other
end of the null-modem cable to COM2 on another computer.
You can also attach a null-modem adapter to one end of a straight-through cable to
create a null-modem cable.
The following image displays the pinouts for an RS-232 null-modem cable.
Note: RJ45 pinouts are not standardized. Each peripheral manufacturer uses
different pinouts. Refer to the document for the peripheral device to
determine the pinouts for the signals above.
RocketPort
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
RJ45
4
5
1
8
7
3
6
2
Pins
20
5
DTE Device

18 - Connecting Serial Devices RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Connecting Serial Devices
RJ45 Straight-
Through Cables
Straight-through cables connect modems to other DCE devices. For example, you
can connect one end of a straight-through cable to COM2 on one computer and the
other end of the straight-through cable to a modem.
The following image displays the pinouts for an RS-232 straight-through cable.
Note: If your RJ45 wiring differs from the one shown above, adjust the RJ45
pinouts accordingly.
RJ45 Loopback
Plugs
Aloopback plug is an RJ45 serial port plug with pins wired
together. You can use loopback plugs with application
software (for example, Test Terminal) to test serial ports.
To build an RJ45 loopback plug, wire the following pins
together:
•Pins4to5
•Pins1to8
•Pins2to6to7
RocketPort
DB9
1
2
3
4
5
8
6
7
Pins
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
CTS
DSR
RTS
Signal
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
CTS
DSR
RTS
Signal
RI 9
RJ45
6
5
4
2
3
8
7
1
Pins
N/A
DB25
8
3
2
20
7
5
6
4
Pins
Customer DCE
22 RI

RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G Connecting Serial Devices - 19
Connecting Serial Devices
RJ11 Serial Cables and Loopback Plugs (8J)
This subsection describes RJ11 cables and looback plugs.
•RJ11 Pinouts
•RJ11 Null-Modem Cables on Page 19
•RJ11 Loopback Plugs on Page 20
The RocketPort Universal PCI has eight standard RJ11 modular connectors,
located on the controller board mounting bracket. The ports are numbered 0
through 7, with Port 7 being the connector closest to the bus.
There are no standards for the RJ11. Before you build the custom RJ11 serial
cable for your terminal equipment or device you should:
• Refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide if you need help with connector
pinouts or cables for the peripheral device.
• Supported RS-modes are described in the electronic document shipped with
your Comtrol device.
RJ11 Pinouts This topic describes pinouts for the RJ11 interface
connector for an RS-232 port. The following figures
provide pinout information for the RJ11 jack plug
and receptacle.
RJ11 Null-Modem
Cables
You need a null-modem cable to connect to DTE devices. For example, you can
connect one end of a a null-modem cable to COM2 on one computer and the other
end of the null-modem cable to COM2 on another computer.
RJ11 Null-Modem
Cable (RS-232)
Use the following figure if you need
to build an RS-232 null-modem
cable. A null-modem cable is
required for connecting DTE devices.
RJ11 Null-Modem
Cable (RS-422)
Use the following figure if you need to build
an RS-422 null-modem cable. A null-modem
cable is required for connecting DTE devices.
Note: RS-422 pinouts are not standardized.
Each serial manufacturer uses
various pinouts. Please refer to the
documentation for the serial to
determine the pinouts for the signals
in the previous picture.
TxD
RxD
Signal
RxD
TxD
RTS
Signal
DB25
3
2
Pins
RJ11
3
4
Pins
4
RocketPort DTE Serial Device
DB9
2
3
7
Pins
CTS 6
DCD
DTR DCD
DTR
20
5
18
1
14
GND GND
7
25
RS-232
TxD+
TxD-
RxD+
Signal RJ11
1
3
6
Pins
RxD+
RxD-
Signal
RxD- 4
TxD+
TxD-
DTE Serial
Device
RocketPort
RS-422

20 - Connecting Serial Devices RocketPort Universal PCI User Guide: 2000284 Rev. G
Connecting Serial Devices
RJ11 Straight-
Through Cable (RS-
232)
Use straight-through cables to connect modems and other DTE devices. For
example, you can connect one end of a straight-through cable to COM2 on one
computer and the other end of the straight-through cable to a modem.
RJ11 Loopback
Plugs
Aloopback plug is an RJ11 serial port plug with pins wired together. You can use
it with application software (for example, Test Terminal) to test serial ports.
To build an RJ11 loopback plug, wire these pins together:
•Pins3to4
•Pins1to5to6
DTR 1
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
Signal
DCD
RxD
TxD
GND
Signal RJ11
5
4
3
2
Pins
DB25
8
3
2
20
7
Pins
RocketPort DCE Serial Device
DB9
1
2
3
4
5
Pins
CTS
CTS 65
8