GridConnect WI232 Plus User manual

WI232 Plus
Serial to WiFi
Adapter
Revision A October 20, 2015

WI232 Plus User Guide i
Copyright and Trademark
Copyright 2015, 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.
WI232 Plus is a trademark of Grid Connect, Inc.
Grid Connect
1630 W. Diehl Rd.
Naperville, IL 60563, USA
Phone: [phone]
Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
On-line: www.gridconnect.com

ii WI232 Plus 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
10-20-2015
A
GR
Preliminary Release

WI232 Plus User Guide iii
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.

Contents
iv WI232 Plus User Guide
Table of Contents
1. WI232 Plus........................................................................................................................1-1
2. Additional Documentation ..............................................................................................2-1
3. Introduction......................................................................................................................3-2
3.1 Procedures for setup............................................................................................3-2
3.2 Serial Interface....................................................................................................3-2
3.3 OEM Module ......................................................................................................3-2
3.4 Power LED, Link LED, and Reset Button.........................................................3-3
3.5 Power Supply......................................................................................................3-3
3.6 Product CD..........................................................................................................3-3
3.7 Technical Specifications .....................................................................................3-3
3.8 Technical Support ...............................................................................................3-4
4. Compliance Information .................................................................................................4-1
4.1 RoHS2.................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)...........................................................................4-1
4.3 REACH...............................................................................................................4-2
4.4 Conflict Minerals ................................................................................................4-3
4.5 ISO 9000 .............................................................................................................4-4
4.6 Compliance Statements for vendor supplied products........................................4-5
4.6.1 Compliance Statement for the xPico WiFi..........................................4-5
4.7 UL Certificate......................................................................................................4-6
List of Tables
Table 1 –Data and Control Signals .......................................................................................3-2
Table 2 - Technical Specs......................................................................................................3-3

WI232 Plus User Guide 2-1
1. WI232 Plus
The WI232 Plus is a Serial to WiFi Adapter that utilizes simultaneous Soft-AP and Client modes. This allows
for easy points of access while maintaining a secure network connection. SmartRoam™ Technology*
continually tracks Wi-Fi signal strength within range, along with preauthentication and caching resulting in
smooth and automatic transition to access points without delay.
A Web Manager provides a browser-based configuration tool. The unit’s configuration is stored in
nonvolatile memory and is retained without power.
2. Additional Documentation
The following guides are available on the product CD. You can browse the folders on the CD for various
technical publications and application notes.
Title
Description
File Name
WI232 Plus User
Guide
This manual in PDF format.
WI232+_UG.pdf
Quick Start Guide
Quick steps to get the unit up and
running.
WI232+_QS.pdf
xPico WiFi User
Guide
xPico WiFi User Guide in PDF format.
xPico-Wi-Fi_UG.pdf
xPico WiFi Product
Bulletin
xPico WiFi Product Description
xPico-Wi-Fi_PB.pdf

3-2 WI232 Plus User Guide
3. Introduction
3.1 Procedures for setup
See the Quick Start Guide.
3.2 Serial Interface
The table below lists the data and control signals for the WI232 Plus. The RS232 interface is a 9-pin D-style
connector. Male connectors are wired as DTE and female connectors are wired as DCE.
Table 1 –Data and Control Signals
WI232 Plus Signal
Direction
(J3)
DTE DB-9 Male
Pin #
DCE DB-9
Female Pin #
Data Out (TXD)
Out (3)
3
2
Data In (RXD)
In (4)
2
3
Ground
(1)
5
5
CTS
In (6)
8
7
RTS
Out (5)
7
8
DSR
In (8)
6
4
DTR
Out (9)
4
6
+5-24Vdc
In (10)
9
9
No Connection
(7)
1
1
Frame Ground
(2)
Shield
Shield
The DB9 RS232 connector can be used to power the WI232 Plus through Pin 9.
3.3 OEM Module
The WI232 Plus module can be supplied as an OEM module. The module has an 8-pin header to connect
the module to a motherboard.
Note: OEM Modules must be ordered in quantities of 25 or more.

WI232 Plus User Guide 3-3
3.4 Power LED, Link LED, and Reset Button
The Reset button is located behind a small hole in the case, next to the two LEDs. The Reset Button should
be pressed for 6 seconds with power on and then released to reset the unit to factory default settings.
The yellow LED is an indicator for the WLAN Link. A lit WLAN LED indicates
the WLAN interface is associated with an access point. It does not indicate if the SoftAP is active or not.
The power supply LED is located on the end of the module, next to the Antenna. When power is normal, the
GREEN LED will be ON.
3.5 Power Supply
The WI232 Plus can use any DC power source from 5VDC to 24VDC, marked LPS or Class 2. A typical
power cube sent with the unit can supply 9VDC at 500 mA. However, there are other units that can be used
as long as they are in the range of 5-24VDC and supply the proper wattage. At 9VDC, the WI232 Plus will
draw approximately 110mA (.99W) so a 2 Watt power source ( 9V at 200mA) should be adequate.
NOTE: The WI232 Plus is designed to be used with any properly rated power adapter from 5VDC to
24VDC, 2W maximum, marked Class 2 or LPS.
NOTE: The WI232 Plus power adapter is a 2.1mm positive center power jack. The jack is equivalent to a
CUI Inc. PJ-002A power jack.
You can also order the WI232 Plus with a Phoenix right angle power connector and mating Phoenix terminal
block plug.
3.6 Product CD
The product CD sent with the WI232 Plus contains user guides and other technical documents.
3.7 Technical Specifications
Table 2 - Technical Specs
Category
Description
CPU
ARM Cortex M3 class processor with on-chip Flash and SRAM
Firmware
Upgradeable OTA
Reset Circuit
Reset Button
Serial Interface
RS232. Baudrate software selectable from 300 to 921600 bps
Serial Line Formats
7 or 8 data bits, 1-2 Stop bits, Parity: odd, even, none
Wireless LAN
IEEE 802.11 b/g and IEEE 802.11n (single stream)
WLAN interface (2.4 GHz only)
Flow Control
XON/XOFF (software), CTS/RTS (hardware), None
Network Capabilities
Soft Access Point with DHCP Server
Compatibility
Ethernet: Version 2.0/IEEE 802.3
Network Protocols
TCP/IP, UDP/IP, DHCP, ARP, ICMP, DHCP, Auto-IP, DNS, SNMPv1
Management
Web Server - Landing Page, Field upgradable firmware (OTA)
Security
IEEE 802.11i Support –WPA-Personal, WPA2-Personal, optional 256-bit AES

3-4 WI232 Plus User Guide
Category
Description
Encryption
Weight
2.2oz
Material
Case: Flame Retardant
Power
2 W. See Power Supply section. +5 to +24VDC.
Temperature
Operating range: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
Relative Humidity
Operating: 0% to 90% non-condensing
Warranty
1-year limited warranty
3.8 Technical Support
If you are experiencing a problem, please read the user manual and other technical document supplied on
the product CD. If you are unable to solve the problem, please contact technical support.
Grid Connect technical support: [phone].
Our phone lines are open from 8:00AM - 4:30 PM Central Time Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

WI232 Plus User Guide 4-1
4. Compliance Information
Grid Connect is committed to protecting people and the environment and we are working on
identifying any materials used in our processes that could pose a potential hazard to our employees,
customers or the environment.
In 2005, Grid Connect began the process of converting all of its products to be built without any of
the banned materials. The qualification of RoHS-compliant components supplied by our vendors
and the implementation of new manufacturing processes related to this Directive are fully
implemented.
Grid Connect will attempt to distribute only those products that comply with the RoHS2 Directive,
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE), The Registration, Evaluation,
Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) directive, and the Conflict Minerals
directive.
4.1 RoHS2
The RoHS Directive, officially known as Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of
certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (recast), was published in the
Official Journal of the European Union on July 1, 2011 and entered into force on July 21, 2011.
The restricted substances are:
1. Lead (0.1%)
2. Mercury (0.1%)
3. Cadmium (0.01%)
4. Hexavalent chromium (0.1%)
5. Polybrominated biphenyls (0.1%)
6. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) (0.1%)
The new RoHS Directive, also known as RoHS 2, introduces new CE marking and declaration of
conformity requirements. Before placing a product on the market, a manufacturer / importer /
distributor must ensure that the appropriate conformity assessment procedure is in line with module
A of Annex II to Decision No 768/2008/EC has been carried out and affix the CE marking on the
finished product. After January 2013, electronic products bearing the CE Mark must meet the
requirements of this new directive.
4.2 WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) applies to companies that
manufacture, sell, distribute, recycle or treat electrical and electronic equipment and to consumers
in the E.U. It covers all large and small household appliances, IT equipment, radio and audio

4-2 WI232 Plus User Guide
equipment, electrical tools and telecommunications equipment, providing the means to collect and
recycle electronics products from consumers at end-of-life.
The Directive aims to reduce the waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment and to
improve the environmental performance of all those involved in the life cycle of these products.
The requirement to mark equipment with the WEEE symbol (the crossed-out wheeled bin) went
into effect as of August 13, 2005.
All equipment shipped to the EU member states since the date of the directive is marked with the
Wheeled Bin mark.
Grid Connect has a no-charge “take-back” service that gives customers the option to return used
hardware products to be recycled. Products covered by the WEEE directive shipped to EU member
states may be returned at no charge. Grid Connect ensures that the products are properly recycled.
This service helps reduce the impact on landfills and other disposal sites and provides an
environmentally safe end-of-life solution.
To send hardware products to be recycled, customers can contact Grid Connect to obtain an RMA
number and we will reply with information on how to ship the product. There is no charge for the
disposal but the customer must pay for shipping. After the product is returned, Grid Connect also
can provide a Certificate of Custody change upon customer request.
Product “take-back” regulations are constantly evolving. Current regulations do not require Grid
Connect to take back its products. However, by launching a WEEE take-back program, Grid
Connect demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its customers by helping them dispose
of products responsibly.
4.3 REACH
The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is a European
Community Regulation related to the safe use and identification of chemicals (Regulation (EC)
Number 1907/2006). REACH entered into force on June 1, 2007 with the aim of improving the
protection of human health and the environment through better and earlier identification of the
intrinsic properties of chemical substances. The new legislative framework under REACH shifts
responsibility for the control and safety of chemicals from government authorities to industry and
created the European Chemicals Agency to act as a central coordinator.

WI232 Plus User Guide 4-3
Grid Connect is an importer of articles as defined in the Regulation. However, registration
requirements under Article 7 of REACH do not currently apply to articles imported by Grid
Connect into the European Union because:
1. Substances are not present in the articles in quantities totaling over one ton per year
2. Substances are not intended to be released under normal or reasonably foreseeable
conditions of use.
Grid Connect is not categorized as a downstream user under REACH because it does not use the
substances in the course of its professional activities and therefore has no applicable requirements
under Article 37 of REACH. Grid Connect will continue to monitor REACH developments and
will comply with any applicable requirements.
As Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are added to Annex XIV of the Regulation
(Authorization List), Grid Connect will assess whether both of the following conditions are met:
1. The substance is present in the articles in quantities over one (1) ton per year
2. The substances are present in Grid Connect devices above a concentration level of 0.1%
w/w
Grid Connect shall comply with the requirements of Article 7(2) and Article 33 of the Regulation,
as necessary. For informational purposes, Grid Connect has contacted its material and
manufacturing vendors to verify that Grid Connect devices do not contain SVHCs.
4.4 Conflict Minerals
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued their long awaited conflict minerals
rule as required per Section 1502 of the Dodd Frank Financial Dodd-Frank Wall-Street (Financial)
Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The aim of the rule is to stop companies from sourcing
minerals from regions in the world where armed conflict and human rights abuses are occurring,
and armed rebel groups perpetuating the conflict/abuses are profiting from it. The region
specifically targeted in the rule is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding
region.
The new rule requires SEC registered companies to annually determine if any tin, tantalum,
tungsten, or gold (and their derivatives) was added to/used in their products. If so, they must
conduct a reasonable country of origin inquiry (RCOI) to determine whether the mineral(s) used
came from a conflict-free source (i.e. from outside the DRC region or from a conflict free smelter
located in the DRC region). Affected companies must annually report the results of their RCOI to
the SEC. Grid Connect is not an SEC registered company and is not required to file a report.
Grid Connect supports the conflict minerals rules and requires all suppliers of any fabricated
materials such as Printed Circuit Boards to be monitored.
Grid Connect is committed to sourcing responsibly and considers mining activities that fuel
conflict as unacceptable. Grid Connect’s efforts related to conflict minerals are aligned to the work

4-4 WI232 Plus User Guide
of the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition® (EICC®) and Global e-Sustainability Initiative
(GeSI). The EICC’s and GeSI’s work includes the Conflict-Free Smelter Program and the Conflict
Minerals Reporting Template. The Template provides a common industry approach for the
collection of sourcing information related to conflict minerals. The template is available by
contacting Grid Connect.
4.5 ISO 9000
ISO 9000 registration (or EN 29000 certification) is used widely in Europe on a voluntary basis as
a condition of acceptance of a manufacturer's product or as a way of recognizing the manufacturer's
credibility. While a quality system such as ISO 9000 indicates that a company has an efficient
organization structure and has low failure costs, it does not always certify conformity with the CE
marking directives. However, some directives require use of a quality management system as part
of the conformity assessment.
Grid Connect Inc. is committed to providing excellent products and services and creating a
pleasant and stimulating working environment for its employees and those with whom it does
business.
The company recognizes that the disciplines of quality, health, safety and environmental
management are an integral part of its management function. The company views these as a
primary responsibility and believes that a key to good business is maintaining the appropriate
quality standard, ISO 9001:2008.
In pursuit of our policy we will:
•Comply with all applicable statutory laws, statutory regulations and with the requirements of
ISO 9001:2008.
•Follow a concept of continual improvement and make best use of our management resources in
all quality matters.
•Communicate our quality objectives and our performance against these objectives throughout
the company and to interested parties.
•Take due care to ensure that activities are safe for employees, associates, subcontractors and
others who come into contact with our workplace.
•Work closely with our customers and suppliers to establish the highest quality standards and to
ensure customer satisfaction.
•Adopt a forward-looking view on future business decisions, which may have quality impacts.
•Train our staff in the needs and responsibilities of quality management.
•Recycle electronics, paper, plastics, metal, and glass through recycling facilities and donation
centers.

WI232 Plus User Guide 4-5
4.6 Compliance Statements for vendor supplied products.
4.6.1 Compliance Statement for the xPico WiFi

4-6 WI232 Plus User Guide
4.7 UL Certificate