DPS ASCII MUX User manual

Overview
DPS’s 8-Channel ASCII MUX allows you to connect up to
eight ASCII data sources to one ASCII port on an IAM or
T/MonXM master. The master controls the MUX to route data
to the appropriate port. Each channel has a 16K buffer that al-
lows data to be moved between ports at different data rates.
Variable Data Rates
In addition to switching between multiple ports, the 8 Chan-
nel ASCII MUX will select a preset data rate for each port.
Available data rates are 300, 1200, 2400 and 9600 Baud.
T/MUX Software
The MUX is programmed for various parameters with
T/ASCMUX software, running under T/Config software on a
personal computer. The craft port on the front panel is easily
accessed any time the configuration needs changing.
Downloadable Firmware
Future product upgrades will be easy to install with the
downloadable firmware. Simply connect a P.C to the craft port
and load the new firmware from a diskette.
The 8-Channel ASCII MUX is available with wire-wrap pins
for external connection or with DB9 connectors.
When the ASCII MUX is used the T/MonXM or IAM master
must be equipped with the ASCII MUX and ASCII Processing
software modules. The MUX consists of nine interface ports in-
terconnected and controlled by a processor. Associated with
each port is a “docking module” socket that allows the physical
interface to the outside world to be configured to match the as-
sociated communications channel or device. This model of the
ASCII MUX is equipped with RS 232 interfaces on each port.
The ASCII MUX is housed on a plug-in board that fits in a
1-3/4" rack-mount housing. The back of the housing provides
DB9 connectors for connecting the associated devices. The ac-
tual MUX board can be changed rapidly without removing any
of the connections.
The front panel of the ASCII MUX provides LEDs for moni-
toring unit activity and a craft port for configuration. There is a
fuse alarm indicator on the front panel and a fuse alarm output
relay that activates when the fuse blows.
the ASCII MUX operates on either -24 or -48 Volts DC, de-
pending on the option. (Options are described in the Options
and Model Numbers section on page 8.)
D-PC-180-10A-XV 1 OG109137
March 1997
Operation Guide
ASCII MUX
DPS INC
"Your Partners in Telemetr
y
Monitorin
g
S
y
stems"
Fig. 1 - ASCII MUX Expands T/MonXM ASCII Ports up to Eight Times
Table Of Contents
Overview ....................................1
Functional Schematic ..........................2
Typical MUX Applications .....................2
Shipping List .................................2
Installation...................................2
Configuration ................................2
Modem Tuning ...............................4
LED Display Status............................5
ACK Button..................................5
Hardware Connections.........................5
Connectorized Model Layouts...................6
T/MonXM Implementation .....................7
Specifications.................................8
Options & Model Numbers .....................8
T/kda
T/ASCMUX
Fig. 2 - ASCII MUX Configures at the Front Panel Craft
Port

Functional Schematic
The illustration in Fig. 3 shows a functional schematic of the
ASCII MUX.
Typical MUX Applications
The illustration in Fig. 4 shows the ASCII MUX interfacing
8 ASCII sources to a T/MonXM WorkStation equipped with an
ASCII interrogating port.
Shipping List
Verify the following items were included in the shipment:
¤ASCII MUX in a 1 rack unit case
¤2 Mounting Brackets
¤1 Real Fuse; 1 Dummy Fuse (for shipping)
¤T/ASCMUX Software
¤Configuration Cable
¤ASCII MUX Operation Guide
Installation
¤Unpack the MUX and all accessories.
¤Attach the mounting brackets for the required rack
width.
¤Mount the MUX case to the Rack.
¤Remove fuse.
¤Connect power wires to the wire wrap J2 or to the
connectors in back of the MUX. See Hardware
Connections elsewhere in this guide for wire wrap or
connector pin layouts.
¤Connect communications lines to other devices to
the MUX.
¤Verify that the power is correct for the option (-24 or
-48 VDC). See Options and Model Number section
at the end of this Operation Guide.
¤Insert the fuse in the fuse holder on the front panel.
¤Connect the MUX Craft Port to a a dumb terminal or
a P.C. with terminal emulation software. Refer to the
Configuration Section below for more information.
Configuration
The MUX is configured with a program called T/ASCMUX.
T/ASCMUX runs under a host program called T/Config, which
can host configuration software for a variety of DPS products.
T/Config is included on the disk supplied with the MUX
unit. If T/ASCMUX is being run on a computer that already has
T/Config installed, we recommend that you re-install the
T/Config on the T/ASCMUX disk to be sure the latest version
is running.
T/Config and T/ASC MUX Install
Place the T/ASCMUX disk in the A drive and type
a:<ENTER>.
Type TINSTALL <ENTER>. Follow the directions on the
screen.
2 D-PC-180-10A-XV
March 1997
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
CTS
GND
TX
RX
DSR
RTS
Port
1
Port
2
Port
3
Port
4
Port
5
Port
6
Port
7
Port
8
Common
Port
(MUX
Port)
ProcessorBuffer
Craft
Port
LED's
Power
Regulator
-BATT.
GND
Fuse
Alarm
RS232
RS232
Fig. 3 - ASCII MUX Routes Data by Microprocessor
Control
Common
Port
Port
1
Port
2
Port
3
Port
4
Port
5
Port
6
Port
7
Port
8
TL1 MUX-8
ASCII Data Sources
T/MonXM Workstation
or IAM
Source #1
Source #2
Source #3
Source #4
Source #5
Source #6
Source #7
Source #8
Fig. 4 - ASCII MUX Gathers Alarm Data from Distrib-
uted ASCII Sources into one Port

Start T/ASC MUX
Select the hard drive and the T/Config directory.
Type T/CONFIG <ENTER>.
Highlight T/ASCMUX <ENTER>.
The first screen will request initials. Enter your initials and
press <ENTER>.
Main Menu
The Main Menu (Fig. 5) lists the functions available in
T/ASCMUX. Each of these Main Menu items is explained in
the following paragraphs. Most fields will have an associated
“default box” that appears. To select from the default box press
Tab and use the Tab key or cursor arrows to highlight the de-
sired value, then press <ENTER>.
Open ASCMUX
This selection is used to open an existing configuration or to
name a new one. When this function is selected a box will ap-
pear with three fields. See Fig. 6 and Table A.
Table A - Field Descriptions in the Open ASCII MUX
Screen
Field Description
NAME Enter a new name or select an existing one from the de-
fault box. The name will appear in the Title Bar at the
top of the screen at all times. The name should be exclu-
sive to this configuration.
SITE NAME Enter a name that describes the location of the unit.
(Mandatory field)
COMMENT Optional field for additional identifying information,
such as date or initials of preparer.
Edit MUX Configuration
This selection presents the Edit MUX Configuration screen.
See Fig. 7. Set parameters for each of the eight ports and the
MUX (common) Port in this screen. Parameters and their val-
ues are explained in Table B.
Table B - Field Descriptions for the Edit Configuration
Screen
Field Description
Msg Timeout Time to delay before aborting incomplete message. En-
ter in tenths of seconds (10-255). Default is 100.
Baud Off, 300, 1200, 2400 and 9600. Select from default box.
Default 1200 Baud.
Parity EVEN, NONE, ODD. Select from default box. Default
NONE.
Word Length 7 BITS, 8 BITS. Select from default box. Default is 8.
Stop Bits 1 BIT, 2 BITS. Select from default box. Default is 1.
Interface TTL, RS232, RS422, RS485, 202. Select from default
box. Default is RS232.
Several “Hot Keys” are available in the Edit MUX Configu-
ration screen. The line at the bottom of the screen lists them.
Table C - Hot Keys in the Edit Configurations Screen
Key Description
Tab Select default box.
Up Arrow Go to previous field.
F1 Go to previous port.
F2 Go to next port.
F8 Save.
F9 Help.
F10/Esc Go to first field or exit.
Craft Connect
Use this menu item when connecting to the craft port on the
front of the MUX for downloading or other functions.
NOTE: When using this function, the MUX port is not active.
D-PC-180-10A-XV 3 OG109137
March 1997
Fig. 5 - Main Menu Lists the Functions Available in
T/ASCMUX
Fig. 7 - Set ASCII Port Parameters in the Edit
Configurations Screen
Fig. 8 - Select from Several Craft Port Functions in the
Craft Connect Menu
Fig. 6 - Enter a New Name in the Open ASCII window or
Select from Default Box

Table D - Craft Connect Functions
Function Description
INQUIRE Retrieve and display the unit*s configuration status.
DOWNLOAD Configure the unit using the selected configuration (re-
fer to the title bar). Press <ENTER> to start.
UPLOAD Retrieve configuration from the unit. Overwrites se-
lected configuration. Press <ENTER> to start.
MONITOR Monitor operational status. (Fig. 6) Screen shows local
alarm and control point status. (Shown in this screen
only.) It also displays four operational status points, for
use by DPS Technical Support. Press F7 for the Modem
Tuning window.
This function is not fully implemented at this time.
Terminal - PAD Observe data on any port. Select port with function key.
QUIT Exit this function and return to the Main Menu.
Modem Tuning
If the MUX is equipped with modems on any of the ports, set
the modem levels while in the monitor mode. Press F7 to access
the Modem Tuning Window (Fig. 10). Use the + (plus) and -
(minus) keys to select the port (selected port is displayed in the
first field of the window). With a level meter on the port to be
adjusted, use the keys listed in the window to control the trans-
mit and raise or lower the level, as needed. The receive portion
of the modem has an AGC input, so requires no adjustment.
NOTE: Do not tune above -4dbm or below -34dBm as the
waveforms become distorted at those levels.
Reports
Use this menu item to run configuration reports to the screen,
printer or file. Reports are useful in creating records and refer-
ence files. Such files allow future reference to see how a partic-
ular unit is configured. Several configurations can be reported.
A query box will ask for starting and ending configuration
names (press Tab to see a default box listing of existing config-
urations), report destination and file name (if outputting to file).
Software Parameters
Before a configuration can be downloaded, it is necessary to
set the configuration computer’s com port to match the MUX
craft port parameters. That is done in the Software Parameters
function. See Fig. 11 and Table E.
A sub-menu appears when this function is selected. Select
“Communications” from this sub-menu.Parameters and their
values are given in Table E. Select “Parameters” if you wish to
specify the report directory (Fig. 12).
Table E - Software Parameters Functions
Function Description
COM PC Com Port number (1-4).
BAUD Set only at 9600 Baud.
STOP BITS Select 1.
DATA BITS Select 8.
PARITY Select NONE.
MAX TIMEOUT Time to wait for a response (50-9999 Milliseconds). De-
fault is 3000.
MAX RESEND Number of requests before a timeout will be declared
(0-100). Default is 20.
SEND DELAY Amount of time before the next request is made. (1-100
seconds). Default is 1.
DIAL TYPE Not applicable.
QUIT Exit this function and return to the Main Menu.
Parameters Menu Item
Report Path Specify the Directory for report files. Normally this is
“Tconfig. See Fig. 12.
4 D-PC-180-10A-XV
March 1997
Fig. 10 - Press F7 while in the Monitor Mode to Access the
Tune Modem Window
Fig. 11 - Configuration Computer Com Port Parameters
must be set before Downloading the MUX
Fig. 9 - Monitor Screen Shows Status of Auxiliary Alarms
and Control Relay
Fig. 12 - Select “Parameters” from the Software Parame-
ters Menu to Define the Directory for Reports

Utilities
Use this menu item to copy or delete configurations and to
perform corrective functions at the direction of DPS technical
support.
A sub-menu appears when this function is selected. See Fig.
13 and Table F.Table F - Utilities Functions
Function Description
COPY ASCII
MUX Copies another configuration into the selected configuration.
REBUILD KEY
FILES Repairs damaged index files. Use only at the direction of DPS technical support.
DELETE ASCII
MUX Deletes the selected configuration from the database.
TERMINAL General purpose dumb terminal.
QUIT Exit this function and return to the Main Menu.
NOTE: The “Selected Configuration” is listed on the Title
Bar at the top of the screen.
Quit
Use this menu item to exit T/ASCMUX.
LED Display Status
Dual-color LED indicators on the front panel give mainte-
nance personnel quick diagnostics of the operational status of
the ASCII MUX. Table G explains the LED functions in detail.
Table G - ASCII MUX LED Display Functions
LED Condition Meaning
FA OFF Fuse Normal
RED Fuse Blown
ALM RED Craft port is active.
LOD RED Download in progress.
LOC RED Craft Port active
CM1 BLINKING
RED Receiving data on common port.
BLINKING
GREEN Transmitting Data on common port.
ER1 RED Error condition.
CFG RED Needs download.
GREEN Normal mode.
A1 - A4 RED Alarm point active.*
RLY RED Control relay operated.*
ASCII PORTS
1-8 BLINKING GREEN Transmitting data on respective port.
BLINKING
RED Receiving data on respective port.
*Alarm and Control functions are reserved for possible
future use.
ACK Button
The ACK Button performs an LED test. While the ACK but-
ton is held in LED’s will illuminate in their solid color, alternat-
ing from green to red and back.
Hardware Connections
The following illustrations show wiring pinouts for the
MUX.
Craft Port Connector
The Craft Port is a female RS232 DB9 connector used as a
direct link into the MUX. Normally used to configure the
MUX. See Fig. 15.
D-PC-180-10A-XV 5 OG109137
March 1997
Fig. 13 - Select Functions from Utilities Menu
FA
CRAFT
PORT
A1A2A3A4 12645678RLYACK ALM CM1LOD ER1 LOC CFG
DPS INC.
ASCII MuX
ALARMS ASCII PORTS
Fig. 14 - LED Indicators on the Front Panel Show Operational Status of the ASCII MUX
54321
9876
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
NC
TX
RX
NC
GND
NC
CTS
RTS
NC
Not Connected
Transmit Data
Receive Data
Not Connected
Ground
Not Connected
Clear To Send
Request To Send
Not Connected
PIN # SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
DSR
GND
RTS CTS
RX
TX
Fig. 15 - Craft Port Pin-Outs

Wire Wrap Pin Layouts
and Rear Panel Connectors
Figs. 16 through 17 show the pinouts for J1 and J2 wire wrap
pins a on the rear panel.
Connectorized Model Layouts
Figure 18 shows the back panel of a connectorized MUX.
Refer to Fig. 19 for the connector pin-outs.
6 D-PC-180-10A-XV
March 1997
J3 J1 J2
Fig. 16 - Wire-Wrap Connectors are Accessed from Rear
2
1
4
3
6
5
8
7
12
11
14
13
16
15
18 38
17 37
20 40
19 39
22 42
21 41
24 44
23 43
26 46
25 45
28 48
27 47
30 50
29 49
32 52
31 51
34 54
33 53
36 56
35 55
10
9
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
49
51
53
55
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
N/C
CTS PORT 1
TXD PORT 1
N/C
CTS PORT 2
TXD PORT 2
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
CTS PORT 3
TXD PORT 3
N/C
CTS PORT 4
TXD PORT 4
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
CTS PORT 5
TXD PORT 5
N/C
CTS PORT 6
TXD PORT 6
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
GND PORT 1
RXD PORT 1
RTS PORT 1
GND PORT 2
RXD PORT 2
RTS PORT 2
N/C
N/C
N/C
GND PORT 3
RXD PORT 3
RTS PORT 3
GND PORT 4
RXD PORT 4
RTS PORT 4
N/C
N/C
N/C
GND PORT 5
RXD PORT 5
RTS PORT 5
GND PORT 6
RXD PORT 6
RTS PORT 6
N/C
N/C
N/C
PIN # DESCRIPTION PIN # DESCRIPTION
J1 Pin Layout
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
49
51
53
55
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
CTS PORT 7
TXD PORT 7
N/C
CTS PORT 8
TXD PORT 8
N/C
N/C
N.C. CTRL 1*
COM. CTRL 1*
N/C
ALARM 1 -*
ALARM 2 -*
ALARM 3 -*
ALARM 4 -*
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
TXD COMMON (MUX) PORT
DCD COMMON (MUX) PORT
N/C
FUSE ALARM
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
- BATTERY
GND PORT 7
RXD PORT 7
RTS PORT 7
GND PORT 8
RXD PORT 8
RTS PORT 8
N/C
N.O. CTRL 1*
N/C
N/C
ALARM 1 +*
ALARM 2 +*
ALARM 3 +*
ALARM 4 +*
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
DTR COMMON (MUX) PORT
RCV COMMON (MUX) PORT
GND COMMON (MUX) PORT
N/C
FUSE ALARM
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
GROUND
PIN # DESCRIPTION PIN # DESCRIPTION
J2 Pin Layout
45
46
FUSE ALARM
(NORMALLY OPEN FORM 'A' RELAY)
*For Future Implementation
COMMON PORT PORTS 1 - 8
FUSE ALARM AND CONTROLS ALARM POINTS 1 - 4
J20-J22
Not Used
DB9 FEMALE CONNECTORS
POWER
TERMINAL
BLOCK
J9 J10 J11 J12 J13 J14 J15 J16 J17 J18 J19 J20 J21 J22
-BATT
GND
Frame
Ground
Fig. 18 - Rear Panel of Connectorized Model
J9 - J17
6 ( N/C)
7 ( DCD)
8 ( DTR)
9 ( N/C)
1 ( N/C)
2(TXD)
3 ( RCV)
4 ( N/C)
5 ( GND)
PINOUT FOR RS232 INTERFACE J18
6 (CTRL N.C.)
7 (CTRL N.O.)
8 (CTRL COM)
9 ( N/C)
1(F/ACOM)
2 (F/A N.O.)
3 ( N/C)
4 ( N/C)
5 ( N/C)
PINOUT FOR FUSE ALM & CTRLS J19
6 (ALM 3B)
7 (ALM 4A)
8 (ALM 4B)
9 ( N/C)
1 (ALM 1A)
2 (ALM 1B)
3 (ALM 2A)
4 (ALM 2B)
5 (ALM 3A)
PINOUT ALARM POINTS
Fig. 19 - Female DB9 Connector Pin-Outs on Rear of ASCII MUX
Fig. 17 - Non-Connectorized Models Connect Directly to Wire-Wrap Pins at Back of MUX

T/MonXM Implementation
To prepare the T/MonXM WorkStation or IAM to utilize the
ASCII MUX, a port number must be defined for the MUX and
a phantom port (called a “Job”) must be defined for each of the
eight MUX ports (or less, if not all ports are currently used).
Proceed as follows:
1. Prepare all ASCII rules according to the T/MonXM man-
ual Section M6 (for regular ASCII) or M17 (for Auto-ASCII).
2. Select Remote Ports from the Parameters Menu.
3. Select an RS232 port for the ASCII MUX. Select “DCP(F)
Interrogator” for the Port Usage field. Enter “1" in the address
field. Make appropriate entries in the other fields. (Fig. 20)
4. Press F1 to enter the Remote Device Definition screen.
Select “8 Port ASCII MUX”for the “Device Type” field. Enter
appropriate information in the rest of the fields. (See Fig. 21)
5. Do not define alarm points for this port and device.
6. Press F10 to exit the Remote Device Definition screen.
The Remote Port screen will appear. Use the “N” key to ad-
vance to “port” 30 (the screen will indicate “Job 30"). Job 30
represents one of the 8 MUX ports
7. Press F6 to define the “Data Connection.” (This defines
the MUX port to be used for this Job.) Refer to Fig. 22. From
the default box select one entry from N.1 to N.8, where N= the
defined T/MonXM port number and .1 to .8 = the MUX port
number. Only the available MUX ports will be listed. Mux
ports may be assigned in any order.
8. Press F10 to return to the Remote Parameters screen. Press
“E” to edit. Fill in the fields per Table H and Fig. 23.
Table H - Field Descriptions for the Remote Parame-
ters Screen, Job # 30 and Up
Field Description
Job (#) Phantom port number. Jobs 30 to 157 will be available
once a device has been defined as “8 Port ASCII
MUX.”
Port Usage Select from default box. Default is HALTED. ASCII
INTERFACE gives port full alarm and craft interface
ability. CRAFT INTERFACE gives port craft interface
ability only.
Handshaking Select None, Xon/Xoff or Rts/Cts. Default is None.
Port or Craft
Description Optional 30 Character description.
Full Duplex Y=Full Duplex. N=Half Duplex. Craft Interface only.
Alarm Alias Port Number of port whose already defined data base you
wish to use for this port. Leave blank for none. If used,
enter alias port number, then press F1 and set device
rules.
Template Port To use a pre-defined template, enter the template num-
ber here. (801 through 803, leave blank for none.)
Auto Databasing If Auto Data-basing is being used with the device con-
nected to this MUX port, enter “Y.” If regular ASCII is
used, enter “N.”
9. Press F1 to access the Devices screen. Enter information
as for regular ASCII (T/MonXM Manual, page M6-51) or Auto
ASCII (T/MonXM Manual page M18-22).
10. Press F1 to access the Point screen. Enter information as
for regular ASCII (T/MonXM Manual, page M6-53). Point in-
formation is not applicable to Auto ASCII.
When complete, use F10 to return to the Remote Parameters
screen. Press “N” to move to the next Job # or use F10 to exit.
D-PC-180-10A-XV 7 OG109137
March 1997
Fig. 20 - Select “DCP(F) Interrogator” for the
“Port Usage” Field
Fig. 21 - Select “8 Port ASCII MUX”for the “Device
Type” Field
Fig. 22 - Select a Data Connection to Designate the
MUX Port
Fig. 23 - Fill in Remote Parameters Fields per Table H

Specifications
Specifications for the MUX are shown below.
Dimensions 17.0"(W) X 12.0"(D) X 1.75"(H)
Mounting The MUX can be mounted in a 19" or 23" rack.
The MUX unit can also be wall mounted.
Power Input -24 DC unit: -18 to -36 VDC @ 200 mA
-48 DC unit: -36 to -72 VDC @ 180 mA (max)
30 mA (typical).
Fuse 1/2 Amp
Operating Temperature Range
0 degrees to +60 degrees Celsius.
Humidity 0% to 95% non-condensing
Interface 1-RS232 (DB9) Craft Port on the front,
9 DB9 connectors on the back.
Buffers 16k byte on each MUX channel.
Electrical Interface:
Common Port: RS232
Eight Channel (source) Ports: RS232
Data Rates: 300, 1200, 2400 and 9600 Baud.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Options & Model Numbers
The ASCII MUX part numbers and options are listed below.
These options are constantly expanded. As a result, more op-
tions may be available than are listed below. Contact your dis-
tributor for currently available options.
D-PC-180-10A-02
ASCII MUX: RS 232, Wire-Wrap Connecions,
-24VDC.
D-PC-180-10A-04
ASCII MUX: RS 232, Wire-Wrap Connections
-48VDC.
D-PC-180-10A-12
ASCII MUX: RS 232, Connectorized, -24VDC.
D-PC-180-10A-14
ASCII MUX: RS 232, Connectorized, -48VDC.
8 D-PC-180-10A-XV
March 1997
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e-mail: [email protected]
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DPS INC
"Your Partners in Telemetry Monitoring Systems
"