Dow-Key Microwave MS-1U18S-4 User manual

“There Is No Substitute for Experience”
DOW-KEY MICROWAVE
1U MS, MP, CB Matrix Series
MS-1U18S-4/6-ENET
CAN BUS RF SWITCH MATRIX
Operator’s Manual
Rev 1
THE RF/MICROWAVE SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION COMPANY

Copyright ©Dow-Key Microwave Corporation 2012, all rights
reserved.
Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously
published material. Specifications and price change privileges
reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Dow-Key is a registered trademark of Dow-Key Microwave Corp.
Document Number: 49101-237 Revision 1
4822 McGrath Street, Ventura, CA 93003
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Visit at www.dowkey.com

iii
WARRANTY
Dow-Key Microwave Corporation warrants this product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of shipment. This warranty
does not apply to defects resulting from product tampering or modification without Dow-
Key’s express written consent. This warranty also does not apply to software, non-
rechargeable batteries, power supplies, or problems arising from normal wear or failure
to follow instructions.
To exercise this warranty, contact Dow-Key Microwave headquarters in Ventura,
California. You will be given prompt assistance and return instructions. Send the
product, transportation prepaid, to the Dow-Key headquarters. Repairs will be made
and the product returned within the quoted period of time, transportation prepaid.
Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the balance of the original warranty
period, or at least 90 days.
NEITHER DOW-KEY MICROWAVE CORPORATION NOR ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES
SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF ITS INSTRUMENTS
AND SOFTWARE EVEN IF DOW-KEY MICROWAVE CORPORATION HAS BEEN
ADVISED IN ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SUCH
EXCLUDED DAMAGES SHALL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: COSTS OF
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION, LOSSES SUSTAINED AS THE RESULT OF INJURY
TO ANY PERSON, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

iv
Manual Revision History
The revision history shown below lists all revisions and addendums created for this manual. The
revision level increases numerically as the manual undergoes subsequent updates. Addendums
are released between revisions and contain important change information that the user should
incorporate immediately into the manual. When a new revision is created, all addendum
associated with the previous revision of the manual are incorporated into the new revision of the
manual. Each new revision includes a revised copy of this history page.
Revision 1 (Document Number 49101-237) …………………………. November 2012
Original Release

v
Table of Contents
1 General Information...................................................................................................... 1
1.1Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1
1.2MS Matrices ....................................................................................................... 2
1.3MP Matrices ....................................................................................................... 3
1.4CB Matrices........................................................................................................ 4
1.5Technical Specifications..................................................................................... 5
1.6Safety Precaution............................................................................................... 6
1.7Inspection........................................................................................................... 6
1.8Maintenance....................................................................................................... 6
1.9Repacking for shipment ..................................................................................... 6
2 System Layout ............................................................................................................. 7
2.1Front Panel Layout............................................................................................. 7
2.2Rear Panel Layout ............................................................................................. 8
2.3Top View Layout ................................................................................................ 9
2.4RF configuration............................................................................................... 10
3 Connections ............................................................................................................... 11
3.1Power Connection............................................................................................ 11
3.1.1Line Voltage............................................................................................... 11
3.1.2Line Power Connection.............................................................................. 11
3.1.3Line Fuse Replacement............................................................................. 11
3.2Ground Connection .......................................................................................... 12
3.3RS232 Connection ........................................................................................... 12
3.4CAN Bus Connection ....................................................................................... 13
3.5Ethernet Connection ........................................................................................ 14
3.6USB Port .......................................................................................................... 14
4 Configuring the Matrix for Operation .......................................................................... 15
4.1Matrix Configuration ......................................................................................... 15
4.2Add switches ………. ....................................................................................... 15
4.3Configuring the Ethernet Connection ............................................................... 17
4.4Connection to an Ethernet ............................................................................... 18
4.5Testing Ethernet Communication ..................................................................... 19
5 Manual (LOCAL) Operation........................................................................................ 21
5.1The Keypad / LCD Interface............................................................................. 21
5.2Main Menu ....................................................................................................... 23
5.2.1Switching Operations................................................................................. 23
5.2.2Error Operations ........................................................................................ 25
5.2.3System Settings......................................................................................... 26
5.2.4Ethernet Options........................................................................................ 28
5.2.5LCD Options .............................................................................................. 29
5.2.6Set RS232 Baud Rate ............................................................................... 29
5.2.7Set GPIB Address ..................................................................................... 29
6Remote Operation.................................................................................................. 30
6.1Introduction to SCPI ......................................................................................... 30
6.2Command Syntax Structure ............................................................................. 30
6.3Command Separators and conventions ........................................................... 31
6.4Common Commands ....................................................................................... 32
6.4.1*IDN?......................................................................................................... 32
6.4.2*OPC? ....................................................................................................... 33

vi
6.4.3*RST.......................................................................................................... 34
6.5System Commands.......................................................................................... 34
6.5.1SYST:ERR?............................................................................................... 34
6.5.2SYST:IPADDRESS? ................................................................................. 38
6.5.3SYST:IPADDRESS xxx.yyy.zzz.aaa ......................................................... 38
6.5.4SYST:TCPPORT? ..................................................................................... 39
6.5.5SYST:TCPPORT x .................................................................................... 39
6.5.6SYST:GATEWAY? .................................................................................... 40
6.5.7SYST:GATEWAY xxx.yyy.zzz.aaa ............................................................ 41
6.5.8SYST:MASK? ............................................................................................ 41
6.5.9SYST:MASK xxx.yyy.zzz.aaa .................................................................... 42
6.5.10SYST:MACADDRESS?.......................................................................... 42
6.5.11SYST:SERIALNUMBER?....................................................................... 43
6.5.12SYST:TIMEOUT?................................................................................... 43
6.5.13SYST:TIMEOUT x .................................................................................. 44
6.5.14SYST:STATUS?..................................................................................... 45
6.5.15SYST:SCREENSAVER?........................................................................ 46
6.5.16SYST:SCREENSAVER x ....................................................................... 46
6.6Switch [Module] Command Set ........................................................................ 47
6.6.1:SWITch<id>[:VALue] <number>............................................................... 47
6.6.2Setting switch x to position n ..................................................................... 48
6.6.3Requesting Switch x current position......................................................... 49
6.7DHCP Command Set ....................................................................................... 50
6.7.1SET:DHCP ON or SET:DHCP OFF........................................................... 50
6.7.2GET:DHCP ................................................................................................ 50
7 Web Page Server (HTTP) .......................................................................................... 54
7.1Web Page Server Control ................................................................................ 54
7.2Matrix Control................................................................................................... 55
7.3Matrix Configuration ......................................................................................... 56
7.4Matrix Status .................................................................................................... 57
Appendix A.................................................................................................................... 58
Technical Specifications ............................................................................................ 58
Appendix B.................................................................................................................... 59
RF Configuration........................................................................................................ 59

1
1General Information
1.1 Introduction
The Dow-Key Microwave 1U MS, MP, CB Switch Matrix series are
electromechanical RF matrices. They come equipped with an Ethernet port
which allows the user to easily access the matrix from anywhere in the world via
TCP/IP on 100BaseT networks. Other interfaces included are an RS-232 port,
an USB (used as virtual serial port) and a CAN Bus port. The 1U models are 1
Rack Unit high (1.75”) and come equipped with a keypad and LCD front panel
display for manual (Local) operation. These models are not intended to be
used to power or control anything other than Dow-Key supplied switches.
Connection of other CAN Bus products or other devices not described herein
will void quality certifications and the warranty.
This user manual covers all three matrix series since most features are the
same among the various models. The user shall focus on the matrix series of
interest and skip any section that does not pertain to his matrix.
Information specific to your model (like technical specifications and RF
configuration) can be found in appendices at the end of this manual.

2
General Information
1.2 MS Matrices
MS-Series stands for Multiple Switches. It is a matrix where a number of
independent switches are populated on the rear panel or inside the matrix
enclosure. From an RF point of view the switches are not interconnected and
all switch’s RF ports are available to the user on the rear panel of the matrix.
Depending on the size of the switch and the quantities needed, the matrix size
can grow from 1RU to 4RU (or even larger).
SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4
Out 1
Out 2
Out 3
Out 4
Out 1
Out 2
Out 3
Out 4
Out 1
Out 2
Out 3
Out 4
Out 1
Out 2
Out 3
Out 4
Input
Input
Input
Input
Example of an MS series matrix with four independent SP4T switches.
Part Numbering Examples:
MS-1U18S-4/X-ENET Is a Multi Switch matrix with following characteristics:
1U, 18 GHz, SMA, 4 transfer switches, ENET
MS-2U26S-4/6T-ENET Is a Multi Switch matrix with following characteristics:
2U, 26 GHz, SMA, 4 Terminated SP6T, ENET
MS-4U18N-12/10-ENET Is a Multi Switch matrix with following characteristics:
4U, 18 GHz, N connectors,12 SP10T, ENET
The part numbering is interpreted as follows:
MS-[chassis size][frequency][connector]-[number of switches]/[type of switch]-[remote control
type]
[chassis size]: 1U | 2U | 3U | 4U etc.
[frequency]: 12 (for 12.4 GHz) | 18 (for 18 GHz | 26 (for 26.5 GHz) | 40 (for 40 GHz)
[connector]: B (for BNC) | N (for N) | S (for SMA) | K (for 2.9 mm)
[number of switches]: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |… |16 (or more if chassis size allows)
[type of switch] : 2T (terminating one port DPDT Æterminated SPDT) | X (for DPDT)
| 4 (for SP4T) | 6 (for SP6T) | 8 (for SP8T) | 10 (for SP10T) |12 (for
SP12T).
If switch type is terminated, add ‘T’ to the number.
Example: 6T (terminated SP6T)
[number of switches]/[type of switch]: If different switch types are combined, repeat this section
as needed. Example: MS-1U18S-2/X-2/6T-ENET
[remote control type]: ENET (for Ethernet, RS-232, USB) | GPIB ( for IEEE-488, USB)

3
General Information
1.3 MP Matrices
MP-Series stands for Multiplexer. It is a matrix with one input connecting to
many outputs (only one at the time) or, since the RF switches are bi-directional,
many inputs connected to one output (only one at the time).
The switches are populated either on the rear panel or inside the matrix
chassis. From an RF point of view the switches are interconnected and all
input/output RF ports are available to the user on the rear panel of the matrix.
Depending on the size of the switch and the quantities needed, the matrix size
can grow from 1RU to 4RU (or even larger).
Input
SW2
SW1
SW3
SW4
SW5
Out 1
Out 2
Out 3
Out 4
Out 5
Out 6
Out 7
Out 8
Out 9
Out 10
Out 11
Out 12
Out 13
Out 14
Out 15
Out 16
Example of an MP series matrix with 1 input/output and 16 outputs/inputs.
Part Numbering Examples:
MP-4U18S-100-GPIB Is a Multi Plex matrix with following characteristics:
4U, 18 GHz, SMA, 100 outputs, GPIB
MP-4U18S-20-ENET Is a Multi Plex matrix with following characteristics:
4U, 18 GHz, SMA, 20 outputs, ENET
MP-[chassis size][frequency][connector]-[number of ports]-[remote control type]
[chassis size]: 1U | 2U | 3U | 4U etc.
[frequency]: 12 (for 12.4 GHz) | 18 (for 18 GHz) | 26 (for 26.5 GHz) | 40 (for 40 GHz)
[connector]: B (for BNC) | N (for N-type) | S (for SMA) | K (for 2.9 mm)
[number of ports]: 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 | 100 (and more ports if chassis size
allows)
If ports are internally terminated, add ‘T’ to the number.
Example: 20T, .. , 100T
[remote control type]: ENET (for Ethernet, RS-232, USB) | GPIB (for IEEE-488, USB)
Note: There is always one only input and a certain number of outputs. So no need to indicate
the ‘1’ (for the input).

4
General Information
1.4 CB Matrices
CB-Series stands for Crossbar. It is a matrix with several inputs connecting to
several outputs. Only one input can be connected to one output at any given
time.
The switches are populated inside the matrix chassis and are interconnected so
that any input can connect to any output and vice versa. All input/output RF
ports are available to the user on the rear panel of the matrix. Depending on the
size of the switch and the quantities needed, the matrix size can grow from
1RU to 4RU (or even larger).
SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4
Output 1
Output 2
Output 3
Output 4
Input 1
Input 2
Input 3
Input 4 SW8
SW7
SW6
SW5
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Example of a CB series matrix with 4 input and 4outputs.
Part Numbering Examples:
CB-4U18S-10X10-ENET Is a CrossBar matrix with following characteristics:
4U, 18 GHz, SMA, 10 inputs 10 outputs, ENET
CB-4U18N-8X8-ENET Is a CrossBar matrix with following characteristics:
4U, 18 GHz, N connectors, 8 inputs 8 outputs, ENET
CB-2U18S-4X4-ENET Is a CrossBar matrix with following characteristics:
2U, 18 GHz, SMA, 4 inputs 4 outputs, ENET
CB-[chassis size][frequency][connector]-[number of inputs]X[number of outputs]-[remote control type]
[chassis size]: 1U | 2U | 3U | 4U etc.
[frequency]: 12 (for 12.4 GHz) | 18 (for 18 GHz) | 26 (for 26.5 GHz) | 40 (for 40 GHz)
[connector]: B (for BNC) | N (for N) | S (for SMA) | K (for 2.9 mm)
[number of inputs]: 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 … 10 | 12 | 16| 20(or more if chassis size allows)
[number of outputs]: 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 … 10 | 12 | 16| 20(or more if chassis size allows)
[remote control type]: ENET (for Ethernet, RS-232, USB) | GPIB (for IEEE-488, USB)

5
General Information
1.5 Technical Specifications
Refer to appendix A

6
1.6 Safety Precaution
Safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any
associated instrumentation. This product is intended for use by qualified
personnel who recognize the safety precautions required to avoid possible
injury.
1.7 Inspection
The Matrices were carefully inspected, both electrically and mechanically before
shipment. After unpacking all items from the shipping carton, check for any
obvious signs of physical damage that may have occurred during transit.
Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save the original
packing carton for possible future reshipment. The following items are included
with every Model matrix order.
•Switch matrix
•Switch matrix Operation Manual
•Power Cord, Part Number 40203-005
1.8 Maintenance
The matrix requires no periodic maintenance. Should any problems arise,
contact Dow-Key Microwave immediately for necessary repairs. These
systems are not field repairable.
1.9 Repacking for shipment
Should it become necessary to return the matrices for repair, carefully pack the
unit in its original packing carton or the equivalent, and follow these instructions:
•Call the Repair Department at 1-805-650-2327 for a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number.
•Advise as to the warranty status of the matrix.
•Write ATTENTION REPAIR DEPARTMENT and the RMA number on
the shipping label.

7
2 System Layout
2.1 Front Panel Layout
Figure 2-1 shows the 1U Model general layout, which includes:
•2 handles
•Three LED, LCD and keypad
Figure 2-1, 1U Front Panel Layout

8
System Layout
2.2 Rear Panel Layout
Figure 2-2 shows an example of a 1U model rear panel general layout. All
models have common parts which include:
•Power Entry Module with built in Fuse
•Chassis Ground Post
•9-Pin D-Sub Female RS232 Connector
•4-Pin XLR Female CAN Bus / 12V power (output) Connector
•RJ-45 Ethernet Connector
•USB type A Connector
Other parts that are not common to all models are Coaxial RF switches and/or
RF connectors.
GND stud
Figure 2-2, 1U MS series (with external switches) Rear Panel Layout

9
System Layout
System Layout
2.3 Top View Layout
Figure 2-3 shows the top view layout of all models.
Figure 2-3, Top View of 1U Models

10
System Layout
2.4 RF configuration
Refer to appendix B.

11
3 Connections
3.1 Power Connection
3.1.1 Line Voltage
The matrix operates from a line voltage in the range of 110V to 240V at a
frequency of 50 or 60Hz. Line voltage selection is automatic.
CAUTION: Operating the unit on an incorrect line voltage may cause
damage, possibly voiding the warranty.
3.1.2 Line Power Connection
Perform the following steps to connect the matrix to line power:
1. Connect the female end of the supplied power cord to a
grounded AC receptacle on the rear panel.
2. Connect the other end of the supplied power cord to a grounded
AC outlet.
WARNING: The power cord supplied with the matrix contains a
separate ground for use with grounded outlets. Failure to use a
grounded outlet may result in personal injury or death due to electric
shock.
3.1.3 Line Fuse Replacement
A rear panel fuse protects the power line input of the matrix. If the line fuse
needs replacement, perform the steps below:
WARNING: Disconnect the line cord from the unit before changing
the line fuse.
1. The fuse is located in a holder in the power module unit above
the AC receptacle (figure 3-1). At top is a small tab, use a small
bladed screwdriver to release the fuse holder.
2. Slide the fuse holder out to gain access to the fuse carrier and
fuse.
3. Remove the carrier with the blown fuse, and replace with the
correct type listed in Table 3-1.
CAUTION: For continued protection against fire or unit damage,
replace the fuse only with the type and rating listed.
4. Install the fuse carrier in the fuse holder, then insert the fuse
holder back in the power entry module.

12
Connections
Insert small bladed screwdriver
to release the fuse.
Figure 3-1, Power Entry Module
Line
Voltage Fuse Rating Manufacturer Manufacturer Part No.
110-240V 1A, slow blow, 250Vac, ¼” x 1-1/4” Bel Fuse Inc. 3SB 1-R
Table 3-1, AC Line Fuse Information
3.2 Ground Connection
The rear panel GND ground screw (refer figure 2-2) should be connected to
safety earth ground using #18 AWG or larger wire.
3.3 RS232 Connection
The switch matrix may be operated over this connection (See Section 6 for a
description of the commands). The RS232 connection is configured with these
default settings: 9600 Baud, 8 bit data, no parity, 1 stop bit.
The baud rate can be changed thru the keypad / LCD to:
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600,115200 bits/sec
Figure 3-2 and Table 3-2 show the pin numbers and functions for the RS232
female connector.
15
69
Figure 3-2, RS232 Female Connector Pin Numbers

13
Connections
Pin 1 NC
Pin 2 Transmit
Pin 3 Receive
Pin 4 NC
Pin 5 Ground
Pin 6 NC
Pin 7 NC
Pin 8 NC
Pin 9 NC
Table 3-2, RS232 Female Connector Pin Functions
3.4 CAN Bus Connection
This connection allows the matrix controller to be easily interfaced to another
Dow-Key Microwave Switch Extension Matrix, using a one-to-one (straight
through) cable. However, the Matrix being interfaced must not have any
internal, intelligent controller; it must be a simple RF Switch Extension Matrix.
Furthermore, the switches in the extension matrix being interfaced must have
CAN ID’s unique to any others connected to the matrix. See Section 4 for more
information.
Care must also be taken to limit the internal power supply’s current draw on the
+12 VDC to a maximum of 7 Amps. Note that this includes all switches of the
master matrix and the extension matrix combined.
Figure 3-3 and Table 3-3 show the pin numbers and functions for the CAN Bus
connector.
1
2
3
4
Figure 3-3, CAN Bus Connector Pin Numbers
The mating connector is Deltron 701-0400. The pin outs (embossed on connector faces)
are:
1. +12 VDC, 7A max (this current is for master and extension matrices combined. See
Individual switch data sheets for current draw).
2. CAN LO
3. CAN HI
4. 12 VDC Return (GND)
Table 3-3, CAN Bus Connector Pin Functions

14
Connections
3.5 Ethernet Connection
The matrix comes equipped with an Ethernet port (RJ45 connector) which
allows the user to easily access the matrix from anywhere in the world via
TCP/IP on 100BaseT networks. See Section 4 and Section 6 for descriptions
regarding how to connect to, configure, and operate the matrix over this
100BaseT Ethernet connection.
3.6 USB Port
Connecting the matrix to a PC’s USB port should result in a “Found New
Hardware” event. Follow the instructions until prompted for the new hardware
device’s driver, which may be located on the CD shipped with the matrix.
After installation, the matrix’s USB port will appear as a virtual serial port.
Communicate to this port as you would on any RS 232 serial port. The baud
rate is 9600 b/s. See sections 3.3 and 6 for more details.