GridConnect BluePort XP User manual

BluePort XP
User Guide
Revision A September 5, 2007
Document Part Number GC-800-319a

Copyright and Trademark
Copyright ©2007, 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
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Connect, Inc. All other product names, company names, logos or other designations mentioned
herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
Grid Connect
1630 W. Diehl Road
Naperville, IL 60563, USA
Phone: [phone]
Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
On-line: www.gridconnect.com
BluePort XP User Guide i

Disclaimer and Revisions
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
09/05/07 A GR Preliminary Release
ii BluePort XP User Guide

Warranty
Grid Connect warrants each product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of ONE YEAR after the date of shipment. During this period, if a customer is unable to
resolve a product problem with Grid Connect Technical Support, a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) will be issued. Following receipt of a RMA number, the customer shall return the product to
Grid Connect, freight prepaid. Upon verification of warranty, Grid Connect will -- at its option --
repair or replace the product and return it to the customer freight prepaid. If the product is not under
warranty, the customer may have Grid Connect repair the unit on a fee basis or return it. No services
are handled at the customer's site under this warranty. This warranty is voided if the customer uses
the product in an unauthorized or improper way, or in an environment for which it was not designed.
Grid Connect warrants the media containing software and technical information to be free from
defects and warrants that the software will operate substantially for a period of 60 DAYS after the
date of shipment.
In no event will Grid Connect be responsible to the user in contract, in tort (including negligence),
strict liability or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damage or loss of
equipment, plant or power system, cost of capital, loss of profits or revenues, cost of replacement
power, additional expenses in the use of existing software, hardware, equipment or facilities, or
claims against the user by its employees or customers resulting from the use of the information,
recommendations, descriptions and safety notations supplied by Grid Connect. Grid Connect liability
is limited (at its election) to:
1) refund of buyer's purchase price for such affected products (without interest)
2) repair or replacement of such products, provided that the buyer follows the above procedures.
There are no understandings, agreements, representations or warranties, expressed or implied,
including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, other than those
specifically set out above or by any existing contract between the parties. The contents of this
document shall not become part of or modify any prior or existing agreement, commitment or
relationship.
BluePort XP User Guide iii

Table of Contents
1. Bluetooth Introduction.................................................................................................... 1-1
2. Preparation....................................................................................................................... 2-1
3. BluePort XP...................................................................................................................... 3-2
4. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 4-3
4.1 BluePort XP Features ..........................................................................................4-4
4.2 Overview .............................................................................................................4-4
4.2.1 RS232 Physical Port Description ........................................................4-5
4.2.2 Typical Application.............................................................................4-6
4.2.3 Power Requirements............................................................................4-7
4.2.4 Status LEDs.........................................................................................4-8
4.3 BluePort XP Configuration Switches..................................................................4-9
4.4 Cable Replacement Example.............................................................................4-10
4.4.1 Configuration Procedures..................................................................4-10
4.4.2 Link Test............................................................................................4-11
4.4.3 Hyperterminal Setup..........................................................................4-12
4.5 Making a Connection.........................................................................................4-12
4.6 Firmware Configuration....................................................................................4-13
4.6.1 From Local Serial Port ......................................................................4-13
4.6.2 Remote via Bluetooth........................................................................4-14
4.6.3 Security Issues, Pin Codes and Link Keys ........................................4-14
4.6.4 Modes of Operation...........................................................................4-15
4.6.5 Common Problems and Questions.....................................................4-16
5. BluePort XP Command Reference................................................................................. 5-1
5.1 Command Summary............................................................................................5-1
5.2 Command Reference ...........................................................................................5-1
5.3 Factory Default Power up Settings......................................................................5-4
BluePort XP User Guide 1-1

1. Bluetooth Introduction
Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range radio technology. Bluetooth wireless technology makes it
possible to transmit signals over short distances between computers and other devices and thereby simplify
communication and synchronization between devices.
The protocol operates in the license-free ISM band at 2.45 GHz. In order to avoid interfering with other
protocols which use the 2.45 GHz band, the Bluetooth protocol divides the band into 79 channels and
changes channels up to 1600 times per second. Implementations with version 1.2 reach speeds of 723.1
kbit/s.
2. Preparation
Before you use this product, you should be aware of certain industry specifications and standards for
Bluetooth and RS232 Interface Specifications. For help with RS232, see the RS232 User Guide.
The BluePort XP is NOT a Plug-and-Play device. When used in pairs, these devices consist of a radio link
that connects two different RS232 devices. Therefore, you should understand basic radio transmission
principals and more importantly, the methods and practices used to connect RS232 devices. Since each
BluePort XP has a Bluetooth radio and an RS232 interface, you must configure the Bluetooth radio so that it
properly links to another Bluetooth device, and you must configure the RS232 interface to match the device
attached to it.
Several examples are provided to aid in setup and configuration.
If you are connecting a pair of BluePort XP radios as a cable replacement, see the XP Quick Start Guide.
BluePort XP User Guide 2-1

3. BluePort XP
BluePort XP is a totally wireless and portable Class 1 Bluetooth serial adapter. With its integrated Power
Pack, you can create wireless connections anywhere, anytime, and stay connected for up to 32 hours on a
single charge! BluePort XP enables wireless connections to most legacy serial ports and supports bi-
directional RS-232 signaling at a rate of up to 232.4Kbps. The transmit range can be up to 330' (100m),
depending upon environmental considerations.
Features & Benefits
•Wireless cable replacement: use to replace cables or where cabling is not possible or practical
•Low power consumption (50ma connected, 10ma waiting)
•External antenna (SMA jack and ANT) to maximize range
•On board jumpers to switch from DTE/DCE and disable flow control so you don’t have to make cables!
•Integral LION Battery (1.1AH), built in charger, status LEDs.
BluePort XP can be charged from any 5VDC power source (including USB ports), and can run for
hundreds of hours in standby mode, and up to 32 hours continuously connected and transferring data.
BluePort XP uses the standard Bluetooth Serial Port profile and is compatible with all clients running under
Windows™, Windows™, Apple™, PocketPC™, and other platforms, including many cellphones.
There are three ways to utilize BluePort XP's capabilities:
1. Direct to a Bluetooth client: the client creates a SPP connection to the unit and uses a virtual COM style
interface. Data is sent and received on the client exactly as if a serial cable was connected to a real COM
port on the client.
2. Use a pair of BluePort XP's for true cable replacement.
3. Access point mode, BluePort XP connects via Bluetooth into a BlueLine access point, which can then be
accessed from any client over a LAN or the Internet. The Blueport XP serial port appears as a telnet port on
BlueLine and network applications can open up a socket interface to the port.
3-2 BluePort XP User Guide

4. Introduction
The BluePort XP is a Class1 Bluetooth radio modem operating on 2.4GHz RF. The modules are Bluetooth
version 1.2 compliant. Two BluePort XP devices can be configured to make a wireless RS232 cable
replacement or extender.
This section provides the setup and operation of the BluePort XP modules and describes the command mode
protocol used to control and configure BluePort XP Serial Modules. The protocol is similar to the industry
standard Hayes AT protocol used in telephone modems due to the fact that both types of devices are
connection oriented. Appropriate commands have been provided to make the module perform the two core
actions of a Bluetooth device, which is make/break connections and Inquiry. Additional commands are also
provided to perform ancillary functions. The serial devices can be configured, commanded, and controlled
through simple ASCII strings through the BluePort XP’s hardware serial UART or over a remote Bluetooth
RF connection.
NOTE: If you are new to Bluetooth devices or RS232 communications, see the RS232 User Guide, and the XP Quick
Start Guide. If you are having problems with the setup and configuration, read these sections for more details. Please
read these sections before calling for technical support.
The BluePort XP has an RS-232 DB-9 Male connector. BluePort XP is a Class1 Bluetooth device with high
power transceiver (100meters/330 feet). Actual range may vary due to environment or type of client device
used to connect to BluePort XP.
BluePort XP User Guide 4-3

4.1 BluePort XP Features
•Flexible RS-232, with available baud rates from 1200 to 232.4kbps, and non-standard values.
•Baud Rates other than 9600 or 115200 are selected in command mode.
•Switch selectable baud rates of 9600 and 115200bps.
•Parity Even, Odd, or None, 7/8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit.
•Hardware flow control via RTS, CTS. NO Modem control signals.
•Settings can be easily changed via local serial port connection.
•High Power (Class 1, 20dB TX, 330’, 100m) Bluetooth™ radio
•Serial Port Profile used for direct connect to Bluetooth clients.
•3 LEDs, Transmit/Received data, Power/Connection Status, and battery/charger.
•Low power operation, (1ma standby, 50ma connected)
•Optional USB power charging cable, right-angle and higher gain antennas
4.2 Overview
The following drawings show the top and bottom views of the BluePort XP. The bottom view shows the
jumpers near the DB9 RS232 connector.
RS232 DB9 Male POWER JACK
GREEN STATUS LED
YELLOW RX/TX LED
OPTION SWITCHS
ANTENNA
RED BATTERY LED
Figure 1 - BluePort XP Top View
CONFIGURATION JUMPER
S
BATTERY PACK
Figure 2 - BluePort XP Bottom View with case removed
4-4 BluePort XP User Guide

4.2.1 RS232 Physical Port Description
The pin names and descriptions are shown in the following table. Please note that many signal pins are tied
to other pins. For example, DTR is tied to DSR and DCD. When DTR goes high, it forces a high signal to
Carrier Detect (DCD) and Data Set Ready (DSR).
Pin Description Source
1 -DCD Carrier Detect
Tied to 4, 6, 9
2 - RX Receive Data Attached Device (In)
3 - TX Transmit Data Host Device (Out)
4 - DTR Data Terminal Ready
Tied to 1, 6, 9
5 - GND Ground
6 – DSR Data Set Ready
Tied to 1, 4, 9
7 – RTS Request to Send Host Device (Out)
8 - CTS Clear to Send Attached Device (In)
9 –RNG Ring
Tied to 1, 4, 6 Attached Device (In)
Table 1 - RS232 DB9 Male Pin Descriptions
The BluePort XP does not use all the 9-pin cable signals. However, it has some internal jumpers that take
care of the missing signals. This simplifies the connection to a BluePort XP. The drawing below shows the
input and output signals and the pins that are internally jumpered.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
BluePortX
P
RXD
TXD
GND
DTR
DSR
RTS
CTS
CD
RNG
BluePort XP User Guide 4-5

4.2.2 Typical Application
A typical connection between a Computer (DTE) and a Modem (DCE) is shown below. The cable between
them is a straight cable. A straight cable means that pin 2 on one side goes to pin 2 on the other side. The
pins are connected straight through from one side to the other. Generally, a straight cable uses all 9 wires
and connects all RS232 signals as shown in Table 1 - RS232 DB9 Male Pin Descriptions.
Note: the term Modem is for reference only. The BluePort XP does not support Modems.
P
C
DTE
Mode
m
DCE
Straight
Cable
A BluePort XP wireless radio set will allow you to remove the straight cable and replace it with a wireless
BluePort XP connection. The connection looks something like the drawing below. Please note that the
BluePort XP does NOT use all the signals from the PC or the Modem. The BluePort XP uses only RX, TX,
RTS and CTS.
P
C
DTE
Bluetooth
DCE
Bluetooth
DTE
Mode
m
DCE
Straight
Cable Straight Cable
4-6 BluePort XP User Guide

An important point to consider in the drawing is that the BluePort XP connected to the Modem (DCE) has
been configured as a DTE device. This is done so that the signals from the Modem to the BluePort XP will
match. You can also match the signals by using a Modem crossover or Null Modem cable as shown below.
P
C
DTE
Bluetoot
h
DCE
Bluetoot
h
DCE
Mode
m
DCE
Straight
Cable Crossover Cable
In the above diagram both BluePort XP devices are configured as DCE devices. The Crossover (Null
Modem) cable will match up the signals between the Modem and the BluePort XP.
Rule of Thumb: If your device plugs into the computer serial port with a straight cable and works normally,
the device is wired as DCE.
Check your cable wiring to determine if you are using a straight or crossover cable. A straight cable requires
one of the BluePort XP devices, the one connected to your device, to be configured as DTE. The other
option is to use a crossover cable and configure both BluePort XP devices as DCE.
The BluePort XP’s DB9 (Male) Serial Connector usually comes configured as a DTE device according to
the factory settings as shown in Table 1 - RS232 DB9 Male Pin Descriptions. Jumpers are available inside
the case to change the pin configuration of the BluePort XP (see section Error! Reference source not
found. for more information on how to access and modify the jumpers).
4.2.3 Power Requirements
The BluePort XP’s Power Jack accepts 4VDC – 9VDC. The center pin of the power jack is for the input
power (typically +5V), while the outer cylinder should be connected to ground. The requirements can be
met with the supplied 5VDC, 300ma wall plug adapters.
To charge the battery, insert the power adapter and set the slide switch ON. The RED LED comes on
SOLID while charging the battery, then turns off when charging is complete. A BLINKING RED LED
indicates low battery condition. Battery life between charges depends on use, but you should get at least 24
hours of continuous use between charges.
There is a USB charging cable available.
BluePort XP User Guide 4-7

4.2.4 Status LEDs
The BluePort XP comes equipped with three status LEDs. The Green LED provides Bluetooth Device
status, while the Yellow LED provides status of the transmit/receive lines. The Red LED provides battery
status.
The Bluetooth Device status is indicated by the Green LED as shown in Table 2 - Status LEDs.
Table 2 - Status LEDs
BluePort XP Device Status Green LED Blink Rate
Configuring Fast, 10 times per second
Boot up, Remote Configurable 2 times per second
Discoverable/Idle 1 time per second
Connected On Solid
The Yellow LED shows the physical state of the TX and RX data pins, pulse stretched for improved
visibility. The Yellow LED blinks when data is transmitted or received on pins 2 and 3 of the serial port.
The Yellow LED works using a physical hardware connection, and does not depend on software from the
BluePort XP to make it operational.
If the RED LED is blinking, the battery is low and needs charging. When a charger is connected, the RED
LED will glow solid and turn off when charge is complete.
4-8 BluePort XP User Guide

4.3 BluePort XP Configuration Switches
ONOFF
4 - OFF=115K ON=9600
3 - AUTO MASTER
2 - AUTO DISCOVER
1 - FACTORY DEFAULTS
Figure 3 - Configuration Switches
For RS232 cable extender mode of operation, set one unit to Slave and the other unit to Auto Master.
1- FACTORY DEFAULTS- Set this switch ON, power up the unit, and toggle the switch from ON to OFF
2 times to return the unit to factory settings.
2-AUTO DISCOVER MODE – In Slave mode, this will set a special class of device which is used by a
remote BluePort XP Master to auto connect. IF Switch 3 also ON, the device performs a search, store, and
connect to a remote slave which has switch 2 ON.
3- AUTO MASTER MODE- BluePort XP will act as master and auto-connect to a stored remote address.
You first set the BluePort XP address of the device to connect to using the SR command or have BluePort
XP auto discover and connect by setting this switch AND Switch 2 ON.
4- DEFAULT BAUD RATE – OFF = 115K (factory setting), ON = 9600. You can set a different baud rate
by software configuration.
*This is the Baud Rate of YOUR device. Other baud rates are available using the command mode.
BluePort XP User Guide 4-9

4.4 Cable Replacement Example
This section shows how to set up two units as a wireless cable replacement or cable extender. This example
assumes that one end of the cable is attached to a PC and the other to a compatible RS232 device, such as a
Modem, remote sensor, etc. Remember that the BluePort XP does not fully support modems. The term
Modem is just used for reference.
Since there is no way to determine what kind of compatible device you are using, you will have to verify the
cable and the pin connections are correct. In some cases, you will need a crossover cable or may have to
fabricate a custom cable in order to get the proper connections between your device and the BluePort XP
radios. See the Guide to RS232 at the end of the manual.
For this example, the PC side of the cable and radio connection will be referenced as the MASTER (PC).
The device connected to the PC will be referenced as the SLAVE (Modem). The PC is a DTE device, so the
BluePort XP radio attached to it must be a DCE device. The Modem is a DCE device, so the BluePort XP
radio attached to it must be a DTE device. Use the following drawing as a reference.
P
C
DTE
Bluetooth
DCE
Bluetooth
DTE
Mode
m
DCE
Straight
Cable Straight Cable
The cables used in these examples are straight cables, meaning that pin 2 goes straight through to pin 2 on
the other end.
4.4.1 Configuration Procedures
1. Assign one of the BluePort XP radios as the MASTER and set the switches as shown below. The
settings are for 115K. Put Switch 4 in the ON position for 9600. This is the baud rate of the com port on
your PC. The baud rate must be the same on BOTH BluePort XP devices.
2. The Master device will be setup as a DCE device and should be connected to the PC side of the
connection.
MASTER:
Switch 4 = OFF = 115K
Switch 3 = ON = Auto Master ON
Switch 2 = ON = Auto Discover ON
Switch 1 = OFF = Factory Defaults OFF
Set the internal jumpers as shown below. If your device does not use flow control signals RTS and CTS, set
the jumpers as shown on the right. If you are not sure, use the drawing on the right.
DCE RX=3, TX=2, RTS=8,CTS=7
12
34
56
78
910
BATTERY
DCE 3-Wire(CTS tied to RTS)
12
34
56
78
910
BATTERY
Connect the MASTER unit to the PC with a straight cable..
4-10 BluePort XP User Guide

3. Assign one of the BluePort XP radios as the SLAVE and set the switches as shown below. The settings
are for 115K. Put Switch 4 in the ON position for 9600.
SLAVE:
Switch 4 = OFF = 115K
Switch 3 = OFF = Auto Master Off
Switch 2 = ON = Auto Discover ON
Switch 1 = OFF = Factory Defaults OFF
Set the internal jumpers as shown below. Slave devices connected to a PC are generally configured as DCE
so the BluePort XP connected to your slave device should look like a PC or a DTE device. The drawings
below show DTE jumper settings.
If you are not using flow control signals RTS and CTS, set the jumpers as shown in the drawing on the right.
If you are not sure, use the drawing on the right.
DTE FactoryDefault, RX=2, TX=3, RTS=7, CTS=8
12
34
56
78
910
BATTERY
DTE 3-Wire (CTS tied to RTS)
12
34
56
78
910
BATTERY
Connect the SLAVE unit to the slave device with a straight cable..
4. Power up both devices.
5. The MASTER finds and stores the SLAVE address and auto connects. The GREEN LED on both units
will flash and within a short time should be on solid. The solid LED indicates the units are properly
linked.
6. Verify data flow by observing the YELLOW LED. Flashing indicates data flow, both transmit and
receive. The above configuration is for 115K Baud. Both units should flash the Yellow LED as data is
sent from one side to the other.
4.4.2 Link Test
Note: You can verify communications by connecting one BluePort XP to your PC and connecting a Loop-
back adapter to the other BluePort XP. The BluePort XP not connected to the PC can be configured as DCE
or DTE. The loop-back adapter will take any received characters and send them back. The loop-back
adapter connects transmit and receive lines together and the RTS/CTS lines together. You can make an
adapter by using a DB9 Female connector and adding a wire between pins 2 and 3. If you are using RTS and
CTS signals, also add a wire from pin 7 to 8.
DB9 FEMALE REA
R
12-3
67-8
LOOP BACK ADAPTE
R
Use a program like Hyperterminal to connect to the serial port of one of the BluePort XP radios, then you
will see a character displayed on the screen each time you send a character. See Hyperterminal Setup on
page 4-12 for instructions.
Note: make sure Local Echo is turned OFF, otherwise you will get two characters. Also, turn OFF any Auto functions like
Auto Baud.
BluePort XP User Guide 4-11

First make sure the units are linked by observing the steady GREEN LED on both units. When you type a
character on the PC side, the yellow LED on the BluePort XP attached to it will blink. If the other BluePort
XP is configured properly, the yellow LED on it should also blink, indicating data is being received and
transmitted. Typing a character in Hyperterminal will send the character out the PC serial port to the
attached BluePort XP, through the radio link to the other BluePort XP, loop around from the receive line to
the transmit line and come back to the PC.
P
C
DTE
Bluetooth
DCE
Bluetoot
h
DCE
Straight
Cable
Loop-Back
Adapter
4.4.3 Hyperterminal Setup
1. Start Hyperterminal and enter a name for the connection. When the Connect To dialog box appears,
select a COM port (example COM2) from the Connect Using list box and click OK.
2. Ignore the COMx Properties for now and click OK. The status bar at the bottom of the screen may
indicate Auto Detect. Click the Disconnect icon.
3. Click on the Properties icon, select the Connect To tab and click the Configure button below the
selected COM port. Set to 9600, 8, None (parity), 1 None (Flow Control). Verify the settings and click
OK.
4. Select the Settings tab. Change the Emulation from Auto detect to VT100. The status line at the bottom
of the Hyperterminal window should show VT100 and 9600 8-N-1.
5. Click the Call icon to complete the setup.
4.5 Making a Connection
Blueport XP shows up under Service discovery as “BluePort-zpdq” where the zpdq is the last 2 bytes of the
Bluetooth address. To connect to the BluePort XP, browse for services and you should see: “SPP on
BluePort-zpdq”. Default baudrate is 115200, no parity, 8 bits, 1 stop. Blueport XP uses Serial Port Profile
and can be connected to as a Virtual COM port on PCs, Palms, PocketPCs, or other clients.
NOTE: Only one client can connect to BluePort XP at a time, and there is a limit of 7 total devices in a
Bluetooth Piconet network.
If authentication is not required, generally you can simply connect to the Blueport XP by clicking on the
service shown by your client. If authentication is required, the default passkey of “1234”, or the passkey that
has been configured should be entered.
4-12 BluePort XP User Guide