GridConnect NET485 User manual

NET485
RS422/485 Serial to
Ethernet Adapter
Revision E October 14, 2013

NET485 User Guide i
Copyright and Trademark
Copyright 2010-2013, Grid Connect, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form for any purpose other than the
purchaser's personal use, without the express written permission of Grid Connect, Inc. Grid
Connect, Inc. has made every effort to provide complete details about the product in this manual, but
makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Grid Connect, Inc.
be liable for any incidental, special, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever included but not
limited to lost profits arising out of errors or omissions in this manual or the information contained
herein.
Grid Connect, Inc. products are not designed, intended, authorized or warranted for use as
components in systems intended for surgical implant into the body, or in other applications intended
to support or sustain life, or in any other application in which the failure of a Grid Connect, Inc.
product could create a situation where personal injury, death, or severe property or environmental
damage may occur. Grid Connect, Inc. reserves the right to discontinue or make changes to its
products at any time without notice.
Grid Connect and the Grid Connect logo, and combinations thereof are registered trademarks of Grid
Connect, Inc. All other product names, company names, logos or other designations mentioned
herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
NET485 is a trademark of Grid Connect, Inc.
Warranty
For details on the Grid Connect warranty policy, please go to our web site at
http://gridconnect.com/customer-service/policies.
Contacts
Grid Connect, Inc.
1630 W. Diehl Rd
Naperville, Illinois 60563 USA
Toll Free: 800-975-4743
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
Online: http://gridconnect.com/customer-service/support
Sales Offices
For a current list of our domestic and international sales offices, go to the Grid Connect web site at
http://gridconnect.com/customer-service/dealers-distributors.

ii NET485 User Guide
Disclaimer and Revisions
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the
user, at his or her own expense, will be required to take whatever measures may be required to
correct the interference.
Attention: This product has been designed to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with this guide, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by Grid Connect will void the user's
authority to operate this device.
The information in this guide may change without notice. The manufacturer assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this guide.
Date
Rev.
Author
Comments
05/17/05
A
GR
Preliminary Release
06/23/05
B
GR
Add notes about Product Info Base, Java RE, .NET
03/24/06
C
GR
Firmware to 6.1.0.2 and Web Manager update
07/06/10
D
GR
Remove Dev. Inst., add drawings.
10/14/13
E
GR
UL and CE agency approvals. Support for xPort-05.

Contents
NET485 User Guide iii
Table of Contents
1. NET485 Overview............................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Overview of RS422 / RS485...............................................................................1-1
1.2.1 The RS485 Enable Signal....................................................................1-2
1.2.2 RS422 Operation .................................................................................1-4
1.2.3 RS485 Operation .................................................................................1-5
1.3 RS422 / RS485 Network connections.................................................................1-6
1.3.1 RS422 Networks..................................................................................1-6
1.3.2 RS485 Networks..................................................................................1-7
2. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Typical Connections............................................................................................2-1
2.2 Protocol Support..................................................................................................2-2
2.3 Serial RS422/485 Interface..................................................................................2-2
2.4 Full Duplex-Half Duplex Jumper........................................................................2-3
2.5 Power Supply.......................................................................................................2-3
2.6 Ethernet Interface ................................................................................................2-4
2.7 Product CD..........................................................................................................2-4
2.8 Additional Documentation ..................................................................................2-5
2.9 Technical Specifications......................................................................................2-6
3. Getting Started................................................................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Quick Rundown...................................................................................................3-1
3.2 Physically Connecting the Unit...........................................................................3-1
3.3 Methods of Assigning the IP Address.................................................................3-2
3.3.1 Hardware Address ...............................................................................3-2
3.3.2 IP Address ...........................................................................................3-2
3.3.3 DHCP ..................................................................................................3-2
3.3.4 AutoIP..................................................................................................3-3
3.4 Device Installer....................................................................................................3-3
3.4.1 Channel 1 Configuration .....................................................................3-3
3.4.2 Configurable Pin Settings....................................................................3-4
3.5 Configuration Using Telnet.................................................................................3-5
3.5.1 Telnet Connection................................................................................3-5
3.5.2 Telnet Messages ..................................................................................3-6
3.6 Server Configuration (Option 0 Network Configuration) ...................................3-8
3.6.1 IP Address ...........................................................................................3-8
3.6.2 Set Gateway IP Address......................................................................3-8
3.6.3 Netmask: Number of Bits for Host Part ..............................................3-8
3.6.4 Set DNS Server IP Address.................................................................3-9
3.6.5 Change Telnet configuration password...............................................3-9
3.6.6 DHCP Naming...................................................................................3-10
3.6.7 Enable DHCP FQDN option .............................................................3-11
3.7 Channel 1 Configuration (Serial Port Parameters)............................................3-11

Contents
iv NET485 User Guide
3.7.1 Baudrate............................................................................................3-11
3.7.2 I/F (Interface) Mode..........................................................................3-12
3.7.3 Flow ..................................................................................................3-12
3.7.4 Port Number......................................................................................3-13
3.7.5 Connect Mode...................................................................................3-14
3.7.6 Send the Escape Sequence (+++) in Modem Mode..........................3-19
3.7.7 Show IP Address after ‘RING’ .........................................................3-19
3.7.8 Auto Increment Source Port..............................................................3-20
3.7.9 Remote IP Address............................................................................3-20
3.7.10 Remote Port.....................................................................................3-20
3.7.11 DisConnMode.................................................................................3-20
3.7.12 Flush Mode (Buffer Flushing) ........................................................3-21
3.7.13 Pack Control....................................................................................3-22
3.7.14 DisConnTime (Inactivity Timeout).................................................3-22
3.7.15 Send Characters...............................................................................3-23
3.7.16 Telnet Terminal Type......................................................................3-23
3.7.17 Channel (Port) Password.................................................................3-23
3.8 E-mail Settings..................................................................................................3-23
3.8.1 E-mail Setup......................................................................................3-24
3.8.2 Trigger Setup.....................................................................................3-24
3.9 Expert Settings..................................................................................................3-24
3.9.1 TCP Keepalive time in seconds ........................................................3-25
3.9.2 ARP Cache timeout in seconds.........................................................3-25
3.9.3 Enable High Performance.................................................................3-25
3.9.4 Disable Monitor Mode at Bootup .....................................................3-25
3.9.5 RS-485 TX Enable Active Level ......................................................3-25
3.9.6 HTTP Port Number...........................................................................3-25
3.9.7 SMTP Port Number ..........................................................................3-26
3.9.8 MTU Size..........................................................................................3-26
3.9.9 TCP Re-transmission Timeout (500 –4000) (ms): (500) ?.............3-26
3.9.10 Enable Alternate MAC....................................................................3-26
3.9.11 Ethernet Connection Type...............................................................3-26
3.10 Security Settings..............................................................................................3-27
3.10.1 Disable SNMP.................................................................................3-27
3.10.2 SNMP Community Name...............................................................3-27
3.10.3 Disable Telnet Setup.......................................................................3-27
3.10.4 Disable TFTP Firmware Upgrade...................................................3-27
3.10.5 Disable Port 77FE (Hex).................................................................3-27
3.10.6 Disable Web Server.........................................................................3-28
3.10.7 Disable Web Setup..........................................................................3-28
3.10.8 Disable ECHO Ports .......................................................................3-28
3.10.9 Enable Encryption...........................................................................3-28
3.10.10 Enable Enhanced Password...........................................................3-29
3.10.11 Disable Port 77F0 (Hex)...............................................................3-29
3.11 Defaults...........................................................................................................3-29
Exit Configuration Mode ........................................................................................3-30
4. Monitoring the Network..................................................................................................4-1
4.1.1 Entering Monitor Mode via the Network Port....................................4-1
4.1.2 Monitor Mode Commands..................................................................4-1
5. Updating Firmware..........................................................................................................5-1

Contents
NET485 User Guide v
5.1 Obtaining Firmware.............................................................................................5-1
5.1.1 Reloading Firmware............................................................................5-1
5.1.2 Via Device Installer.............................................................................5-1
6. Troubleshooting............................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.1 Problems and Error Messages .............................................................6-1
7. Binary to Hex Conversion............................................................................................... 7-1
7.1.1 Conversion Table.................................................................................7-1
7.1.2 Scientific Calculator............................................................................7-1
8. Agency Approvals............................................................................................................ 8-1
8.1 Certificate of Compliance....................................................................................8-2
8.2 Electromagnetic Compatibility Tests ..................................................................8-3
List of Figures
Figure 1 –RS422 Wiring........................................................................................................1-4
Figure 2 - RS485 Wiring........................................................................................................1-5
Figure 3 - RS422 Four Wire Interface....................................................................................1-6
Figure 4 - RS485 Network......................................................................................................1-7
Figure 5 - Main Features.........................................................................................................2-1
Figure 6 - Phoenix Connector.................................................................................................2-2
Figure 7 - J2 Setting for Half Duplex.....................................................................................2-3
Figure 8 - J2 Setting for Full Duplex......................................................................................2-3
Figure 9 - Ethernet Jack..........................................................................................................2-4
Figure 10 - Setup Mode Window ...........................................................................................3-7
Figure 11 - Hostlist Option...................................................................................................3-16

Contents
vi NET485 User Guide
List of Tables
Table 1 - RS422/485 Signals..................................................................................................2-2
Table 2 - NET485 LED Functions.........................................................................................2-4
Table 3 - Technical Specs......................................................................................................2-6
Table 4 - Standard IP Network Netmasks..............................................................................3-8
Table 5 - Netmask Examples .................................................................................................3-9
Table 6 - Interface Mode Options........................................................................................3-12
Table 7 - Common Interface Mode Settings........................................................................3-12
Table 8 - Flow Control Options...........................................................................................3-12
Table 9 - Reserved Ports......................................................................................................3-13
Table 10 - Connect Mode Options.......................................................................................3-14
Table 11 - Manual Connection Address Example................................................................3-16
Table 12 - Modem Mode Commands ..................................................................................3-19
Table 13 - Disconnect Mode Options ..................................................................................3-20
Table 14 - Flush Mode Options ...........................................................................................3-21
Table 15 - Pack Control Options..........................................................................................3-22

Overview
NET485 User Guide 1-1
1. NET485 Overview
1.1 Overview
The NET485 is an RS422/485 serial to Ethernet converter Module. The RS422/485 side can connect to
serial devices over long distances (up to 4,000 ft.). The Ethernet side converts the serial data from
RS422/485 to Ethernet packets. You can now read RS422/485 data over Ethernet from anywhere in the
world.
Using RS485 two-wire mode, you can also connect the NET485’s serial interface to multiple devices in a
multi-drop network.
1.2 Overview of RS422 / RS485
RS232 is an EIA standard transmission system and has been around since 1962. RS232 provides single-
ended data communications between a transmitter and a receiver. In that era, it allowed for data
transmission from one transmitter to one receiver at relatively slow data rates (20k bits / second) and short
distances (up to 50 ft. at the maximum data rate).
While RS232 is well-known for connecting PC's to external devices, RS422 and RS485 are not as well
known. When communicating at high data rates, or over long distances in real world environments, single-
ended methods are often inadequate. RS422 and RS485 were designed to provide data communications over
longer distances, higher Baud rates and provide better immunity to external electro-magnetic noise.
RS422 and RS485 use differential data transmission (balanced differential signal). This offers superior
performance by canceling the effects of ground shifts and induced noise signals that can appear as common
mode voltages on a network. This also allows for data transmission at much higher data rates (up to 460K
bits / second) and longer distances (up to 4000 ft).
What is the difference between RS422 and RS485? Like RS232, RS422 is intended for point-to-point
communications. In a typical application, RS422 uses four wires (two separate Twisted Pairs of wires) to
transfer data in both directions simultaneously (Full Duplex) or independently (Half Duplex). EIA/TIA-422
specifies the use of one, unidirectional driver (transmitter) with a maximum of 10 receivers. RS422 is often
used in noisy industrial environments or to extend a RS232 line.
RS485 is used in applications where multiple devices want to share data communications on a single serial
network. RS485 can support up to 32 drivers and 32 receivers on a single two wire (one twisted pair) bus.
Most RS485 systems use a Master/Slave architecture, where each slave unit has its unique address and
responds only to packets addressed to it. However, peer to peer networks are also possible.
Specification
RS-422
RS-485
Transmission Type
Differential
Differential
Maximum Data Rate
10 MB/s
10 MB/s
Maximum Cable Length
4000 ft.
4000 ft.
Driver Load Impedance
100 Ohm
54 Ohm
Receiver Input Resistance
4 KOhm min
12 KOhm min
Receiver Input Voltage Range
-7V to +7V
-7V to +12V
No of Drivers Per Line
1
32
No of Receivers Per Line
10
32

Overview
1-2 NET485 User Guide
1.2.1 The RS485 Enable Signal
In a balanced differential system the data signals are produced by a line driver. (See the drawing below) The
line driver generates a voltage across a pair of signal wires that transmits the data signals. A balanced line
driver can have an optional input signal called an “Enable” signal. The purpose of the enable signal is to
connect the driver to its output terminals. If the enable signal is off, the driver is disconnected from the
transmission line. When a driver is disconnected from the network it is referred to as being in the “tri-state”
condition. Because there are multiple drivers (transmitters) on a RS485 network and only one transmitter
can be enabled at a time, the use of this enable control signal is required on all RS485 networks.
The following drawing shows a typical RS485 driver. Pin 3 is the transmit enable pin. Pin 2, the receive
enable pin, is tied to 3.3V which forces the receiver to always be enabled. When Pin 3 is high the transmitter
is enabled and data passes out the transmit pins. The design of the circuit allows the receiver section to read
the data that is being transmitted. When Pin 3 is low the transmitter is disabled and the output goes to a “tri-
state” condition. In this condition, the receiver section is still listening to the network.
D
R
Vcc
3.3V
DE
DI
RO
RE GND
8
3
4
1
2
5
7
6
3.3V
TXDA
TXDB
U2
DATA
LINES
TRANSMIT
ENABLE
The NET485 provides the Transmit enable signal for RS485 two-wire applications. When configured for
RS485 two-wire applications, the NET485 automatically asserts the transmit enable when it is ready to
transmit data from its serial port. Once the data has been transmitted, the NET485 automatically de-asserts
the enable signal to allow other nodes to transmit their data.
The Transmit enable pin is called a Configurable Pin, meaning it can be selected to do several functions.
One of those options is the transmit enable, which is labeled “RS485 TX Enable”. The Quick Start Guide
explains how to configure the NET485 for proper RS485 operation.
WARNING: The NET485 comes from the factory already configured for RS485 operation. If you reset it to
factory defaults, you will have to reconfigure the unit for RS422/485.
NOTE: The RS485 transmit enable pin is configured in the Configurable Pins section of the Web Manager.
Note: There are different versions of the configurable pins window, depending on the version of firmware installed. Make
sure you select CP0 for older versions that label the pins CP0 to CP2. Select CP1 for versions labeled CP1-3.
This version of the configurable pins window shows CP 0-2. Web Manager 1.6.0.2.