Moxa Technologies NPort Server Lite DE-302 Manual

NPort
NPortNPort
NPort
Server Lite Server LiteServer Lite
Server Lite
Hardware Installation Guide
for DE-301/331 & DE-302/304/332/334
Second Edition, Dec 2002
Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.moxa.com
[e-mail]

NPort
NPortNPort
NPort Server Lite
Server LiteServer Lite
Server Lite
Hardware Installation Guide for
DE-301/331&DE-302/304/332/334
The software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement and
may be used only in accordance with the terms of that agreement.
Copyright Notice
Copyright 2002 Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
Trademarks
MOXA is a registered trademark of Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
All other trademarks or registered marks in this manual belong to their respective
manufacturers.
Disclaimer
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Moxa.
Moxa provides this document “as is,” without warranty of any kind, either
expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the particular purpose. Moxa
reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes to this manual or the
product(s) and/or program(s) described herein at any time.
Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable.
However, Moxa Technologies assumes no responsibility for its use, or for any
infringements on the rights of fourth parties which may result from its use.
This product could include technical or typographical errors. Changes are
periodically made to the information herein, and these changes may be
incorporated in new editions of the publication.

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Table of Contents
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................1-1
Features...................................................................................... 1-2
Product Specifications ................................................................ 1-2
Package Checklist ...................................................................... 1-3
Front/Top/Rear/Bottom/Right Panel Views................................. 1-4
2. Connecting the Hardware ................................................2-1
Choosing a Location................................................................... 2-1
Desktop ................................................................................. 2-1
Wall or Cabinet...................................................................... 2-2
DIN Rail ................................................................................. 2-3
Network Connection ................................................................... 2-5
Power Connection ...................................................................... 2-6
Serial Connection ....................................................................... 2-6
3. Using the Built-In LCD Panel to Configure
NPort Server Lite ..............................................................3-1
4. Troubleshooting ...............................................................4-1
Installation and Configuration Troubleshooting .......................... 4-1
Programming Problems.............................................................. 4-5
A. Cable Pinouts .................................................................. A-1
B. Declaration of Conformity .............................................. B-1

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1 Introduction
Welcome to Moxa NPort Server Lite, an Industrial Serial Device Server that
greatly enhances the ability of a Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP host to control
multiple serial devices over a TCP/IP based Ethernet network.
This chapter is an introduction to NPort Server Lite and includes the following:
❑ Features
❑ Product Specifications
❑ Package Checklist
❑ Front/Top/Rear/Bottom/Right Panel Views
NPort Server Lite provides a data communications solution for connecting
Windows hosts to multiple asynchronous RS-232 (models DE-301/302/304) or
RS-422/485 (models DE-331/332/334) serial ports through a TCP/IP network.
Each model has one (DE-301/331), two (DE-302/332), or four (DE-304/334)
asynchronous serial port connections on one side, and one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
connection on the other, allowing any device that supports the asynchronous
communications protocol to attach to a network. NPort Server Lite works like an
add-on multiport serial board to the Windows host, but with one major
advantage—the TCP/IP network. Since the Windows host communicates with
the COM ports on NPort Server Lite over a TCP/IP network, you are able to
control asynchronous serial devices from virtually anywhere in the world.
Although it connects through the virtual link of the Ethernet, the ports on NPort
Server Lite are recognized as Real COM ports by the Windows operating system.
NPort Server Lite provides both the basic transmit/receive data functions, as well
as RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, and DCD control signals.
NPort Server Lite can be used with your existing applications that support serial
communication. It also comes with a utility program providing a simple
step-by-step installation procedure, and a maintenance wizard that gives you
easy access to your asynchronous devices.

1-2
Features
❑ Auto-detecting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
❑ 1/2/4 port RS-232/422/485 serial interface
❑ LCD IP address display and configuration
❑ Built-in Ethernet and TCP/IP protocol
❑ Supports Driver, TCP Server, TCP Client, UDP Server/Client, and Pair
Connection (only for DE-301/331) operation modes
❑ Ports on multiport units can be individually configured with different
operation modes
❑ Supports Windows Real COM drivers and Linux real tty drivers
❑ Automatic network connection recovery
❑ Suitable for both desktop and DIN-Rail installation
Product Specifications
Hardware
Processor 16 bit CPU
I/O controller:
DE-301/331
DE-302/332
DE-304/334
16C550C or compatible × 1
16C550C or compatible × 2
16C550C or compatible × 4
Memory 512 KB
Connector type Male DB9
Interface
LAN Auto-detecting 100Base-TX (10/100 Mbps)
Serial RS-232 or RS-422/485
No. of ports 1/2/4
Signals:
RS-232
RS-422
RS-485
TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, GND
TxD+/-, RxD+/-, RTS+/-, CTS+/-, GND
Data+/-, GND
Performance
Speed 50 bps – 230.4 Kbps
Max. No. of ports 256 (per Windows NT/2000/XP host)
128 (per Windows 95/98 host)

1-3
Configuration
Parity None, even, odd, space, mark
Data bits 5, 6, 7, 8
Stop bits 1, 1.5, 2
OS Support
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 95/98/Me, UnixWare
SVR4.2, UnixWare7 SVR5, SCO Open Server, SCO UNIX, Linux real tty for
2.0.36 and above, 2.2.x, 2.4.x (Intel x86 running TCP/IP)
Power and Environment
Power Requirements 9 – 30 VDC, 1.05A/9V
Operating Temp. 0 – 55℃
Operating Humidity 5 – 95% RH
Storage Temp. -20 – 85℃
Dimensions 155 × 105 × 33 mm (W × D × H)
Surge Protection 15 KV ESD for serial ports
Magnetic Isolation 1.5 KV for Ethernet
Regulatory Approvals FCC, CE, UL, CUL, TÜV
Note: If you need a product with optical isolation, MOXA Transio A53, a smart
RS-232 to RS-422/485 bi-directional converter, can be used with NPort
Server Lite to provide up to 2 KV of optical isolation.
Package Checklist
❑ One NPort Server Lite
❑ NPort Server Lite Hardware Installation Guide
❑ NPort Family Software Installation Guide
❑ Cross-over 10/100 Mbps Ethernet cable
❑ Power Adaptor (110V or 230V)
❑ Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP drivers (on CD)
Optional Accessories
❑ A52: Smart RS-232 to RS-422/485 Bi-Directional Converter
❑ A53: Smart RS-232 to RS-422/485 Bi-Directional Converter;
supports optical isolation protection (2 KV)
❑ Metal attachment plates and screws

1-4
Front/Top/Rear/Bottom/Right Panel Views
1. Male DB9 serial ports
Note: Models DE-301/331 have
only one port, and models
DE-302/332 have only two ports.
2. PWR LED
3. LINK LED
4. TRAFFIC LED
5. LCD display panel
Note: Before retrieving an IP
address from the
DHCP/BOOTP server, NPort
will display “DHCP/BOOTP fail”
every 1 second.
6. Input buttons for LCD display
panel configuration
7. Reset button—press
continuously for
a. 3 sec to erase password
After 3 sec, release the
reset button at this time to
erase password.
8. 100BaseTx Ethernet port
9. Power input
10. Rubber base pads
11. Attachment plate screw holes
12. Heat dissipation orifices

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2 Connecting the Hardware
Now that you have been introduced to NPort Server Lite's features and
specifications, it’s time to set up the hardware. We cover the following topics in
this chapter:
❑ Choosing a Location
•Desktop
•Wall or Cabinet
•DIN Rail
❑ Network Connection
❑ Power Connection
❑ Serial Connection
Choosing a Location
There are three placement options available. NPort Server Lite can be:
•placed on a desktop,
•fixed to a wall or inside a cabinet, or
•fixed to a 35-mm DIN Rail.
Desktop
One option is to place NPort Server Lite on a clean, flat, well-ventilated desktop.
There are four rubber pads attached to the bottom of the server, and we
recommend leaving sufficient room between NPort Server Lite and neighboring
equipment to create enough clearance for air to circulate.
You should also remember not to put anything on top of NPort Server Lite, since
this could damage the internal components and obscure the server’s LCD panel.

2-2
Wall or Cabinet
The two metal brackets included with NPort Server Lite can be used to attach the
server to a wall, or the inside of a cabinet. Using three screws per bracket, first
attach the brackets to the bottom of the server (Fig. 2-1a). Next, use two screws
per bracket to attach the server to a wall or cabinet (Fig. 2-1b).
Figure 2-1a. NPort Server Lite—Wall Mounting Brackets (bottom
view)
Figure 2-1b. NPort Server Lite—Wall Mounting Brackets (top view)

2-3
DIN Rail
NPort Server Lite can also be mounted on a standard 35-mm DIN Rail. First, use
two screws to attach each of the two DIN Rail brackets to the metal attachment
plates (Figs. 2-2a, b).
Figure 2-2a. DIN Rail Mounting Brackets—Inner Placement
Figure 2-2b. DIN Rail Mounting Brackets—Outer Placement
Since the screw heads are beveled, and the holes in the plate are countersunk, the
tops of the screws will be flush with the metal plates. This allows the metal
plates (now with the DIN Rail brackets attached) to be screwed to the bottom of
the server. Use three screws to attach the metal plate to the bottom of NPort
Server Lite, with the orientation as shown in Fig. 2-3a or Fig. 2-3b.

2-4
Figure 2-3a. Din Rail Mounting Brackets—Inner Placement
Figure 2-3b. Din Rail Mounting Brackets—Outer Placement

2-5
The next step is to attach NPort Server Lite to the Din Rail.
STEP 1: Insert the top of the DIN Rail
into slot A of the DIN Rail
mount.
STEP 2: Push the bottom of NPort
Server Lite so that the bottom
of the DIN Rail snaps into
slot B of the DIN Rail mount.
To remove NPort Server Lite from the DIN Rail, simply reverse Steps 2 and 3
above by grasping the bottom of the NPort Express device server with both
hands, and then using your fingers to pull down slightly on the DIN Rail mounts
at slot B. This releases the bottom of the DIN Rail from the DIN Rail mount.
Network Connection
There are two ways to use the 10/100BaseT Ethernet jack located on NPort
Server Lite’s rear panel.
1. For many of the applications using NPort Server Lite, you will simply plug
one end of your Ethernet cable into the 10/100BaseT jack, and the other end
into the hub connected to your network. In this case, use a standard
straight-through Ethernet cable.
2. In some cases, such as when configuring drivers and software, you will find
it convenient to hook NPort Server Lite directly to your computer’s Ethernet
card. To do this you will need to use a cross-over Ethernet cable, such as the
one supplied with your server.

2-6
Power Connection
Take the following steps to connect NPort Server Lite’s power adaptor.
1. Connect the power adaptor’s DC plug into NPort Server Lite’s “DC-IN”
jack.
2. Connect the power adaptor to an electrical outlet.
Note that there is no on/off switch. The device server automatically turns on
when plugged into the outlet.
If the device server is working properly, the LCD panel back light will glow
for a few seconds before shutting off, and the green PWR LED will also
light up, indicating that the device server is receiving power. The LCD panel
should look similar to the figure shown in Chapter 1.
Serial Connection
The model of NPort Server Lite that you purchased has either one (models
DE-301/331), two (models DE-302/332), or four (models DE-304/334) male
DB9 serial ports on the front panel. Depending on your serial device and serial
interfaces, there are two connection options:
1. For an RS-232 port, you may use a DB9 to DB9 cable to connect your serial
device to NPort Server Lite. Simply plug one end of the cable into one of the
ports on the front panel of the server, and plug the other end into your serial
device’s serial port.
2. Refer to Appendix A for details of NPort Server Lite’s DB9 pinouts, and
then make your own cable.

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3 Using the Built-In LCD Panel
to Configure NPort Server Lite
In this chapter, we explain how to use the four buttons on NPort Server Lite’s top
panel to operate the LCD display.
Basic Operation
If the server is working properly, the LCD panel will display a yellow color for a
few seconds, after which it turns green. The green PWR LED will also light up,
indicating that the server is receiving power. You will see a display similar to:
NP61405 SN:61405
192.168.127.254
This is where
•NP61405 is the server’s name
•61405 is the server’s serial number
•192.168.127.254 is the server’s IP address
There are four buttons on NPort Server Lite’s top panel of. Going from left to
right, the buttons are:
Button Name Action
MENU menu activates the main menu, or returns to a lower level
up cursor scrolls up through a list of items shown on the LCD
panel’s second line
down cursor scrolls down through a list of items shown on the LCD
panel’s second line
SEL select selects the option listed on the LCD panel’s second line

3-2
The buttons are manipulated in a manner similar to the way a modern cellular
phone operates. As you move through the various functions and setting options,
note that the top line shows the current menu or submenu name, and the bottom
line shows the submenu name or menu item which is activated by pressing the
SEL button.
Detailed Menu Options
The best way to explain all of NPort Server Lite’s LCD functions is to refer to
the tree graph shown in Fig. 3-1. There are three main levels—1, 2, and 3—with
each level represented by a separate column.
The first thing to remember is that the MENU button is used to move back and
forth between the LCD panel’s default screen, and main menu screen:
NP61405 SN:61405
192.168.127.254H
MAIN MENU
SERVER SETTING ↓
In addition, you only need to remember to:
•Use the SEL button to move up one level (i.e., left to right on the tree graph)
•Use the MENU button to move down one level (i.e., right to left on the tree
graph)
•Use the cursor keys, and , to scroll between the various options within
a level (i.e., up and down on the tree graph).
As you use the buttons to operate the LCD display, you will notice that with
very few exceptions, moving up one level causes the bottom line of the
display to move to the top line of the display. You will also notice that the
bottom three options in level 2, and all of the options in level 3 have either a
Cor Dattached.
The meaning is as follows:
•C= configurable
I.e., you are allowed to change the setting of this option
•D= display only
I.e., the setting for this option is displayed, but it cannot be changed
(this does NOT necessarily mean that the number doesn’t change; only

3-3
that you can’t change it)
Figure 3-1: Tree Graph Displaying LCD Menu Options

3-4
The part of the LCD operation that still requires some explanation is how to edit
the configurable options. In fact, you will only encounter two types of
configurable options.
The first type involves entering numbers, such as IP addresses, Netmasks, etc. In
this case, you change the number one digit at a time. The up cursor () is used
to decrease the highlighted digit, the down cursor () is used to increase the
highlighted digit, and the SEL button is used to move to the next digit. When the
last digit has been changed, pressing SEL simply enters the number into NPort
Server Lite’s memory.
The second type of configurable option is when there are only a small number of
options from which to choose (although only one option will be visible at a time).
Consider the PARITY attribute under PORT SETTING as an example. Follow
the tree graph to arrive at the following PARITY screen. The first option, NONE,
is displayed, with a down arrow all the way to the right. This is an indication that
there are other options from which to choose.
PARITY
NONE ↓
Press the down cursor button once to see EVEN as the second option.
PARITY ↑
EVEN ↓
Press the down cursor button again to see ODD as the third option.
PARITY ↑
ODD ↓
Press the down cursor button again to see Mark as the fourth option.
PARITY ↑
Mark ↓
Press the down cursor button yet again to see the last option, Space.
PARITY ↑
Space
To choose the desired option, press the select button when the option is showing
on the screen.

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4 Troubleshooting
This chapter explains how to solve some problems you could encounter while
using NPort Server Lite. If you still have problems after reading this chapter,
contact your dealer, or e-mail Moxa for help. You may also use the "Problem
Report Form" at the end of this manual to notify your dealer that you require
prompt technical support.
We cover the following topics.
❑ Installation and Configuration Troubleshooting
❑ Programming Problems
Installation and Configuration
Troubleshooting
A particular host PC is used to install an NPort Server Lite device server in
Single Host mode, but after working successfully for an extended period of
time, the same host PC is unable to access the NPort Server Lite device
server.
When a host PC is used to install an NPort Server Lite device server in
Single Host mode, two things happen: (1) NPort Server Lite’s Single Host
Mode driver is installed on the host PC, and (2) the host PC’s IP address is
automatically entered into NPort Sever Lite’s access control table. For
security reasons, and to simplify operation, Single-Host Mode allows only
one host IP to be entered into its access control table. Furthermore, the only
way to change the access control IP address is to reinstall the driver. The
important point is that this reinstallation can be done by either the original
host, or a different host. If a different host installs the same NPort Server
Lite device server in Single Host mode, then the original host will no longer
be able to access the device server’s serial port.

4-2
To prevent this problem, be sure to set a password while installing NPort
Server Lite in Single Host mode. If a password is set, then only someone
who knows the password will be able to reinstall the NPort Server Lite
driver (either from the original or a different host).
If you would like your NPort Server Lite to allow access to more than one
host, first uninstall the Single Host Mode driver, and then reinstall the driver
in Custom Mode.
Why am I unable to change NPort Server Lite’s IP address and other
properties?
Two situations could give rise to this problem.
1. Incorrect Password—If you type the wrong password while running
NPort Server Lite Manager, the Manager program will not allow you to
change NPort Server Lite’s IP address and other properties. Only the
administrator, which by definition is anyone who knows the password,
has the right to modify the server’s configuration.
Keep in mind that even when two or more hosts are given access to a
server’s serial ports, it is still possible to protect access to the server’s
administrative functions by setting up a password. Consequently, if you
need to change some configuration settings, but you do not know the
password, you will have to ask the administrator for help. If you are the
administrator, but forget the password, you can erase the current
password by pressing the RESET button on NPort Server Lite’s back
panel for three seconds.
2. Incorrect Operation Mode—You will not be able to change the device
server’s IP address if you are installing NPort Server Lite under Single
Host Mode. Setting up the installation procedure in this way makes the
Single-Host Mode configuration procedure very similar to installing a
traditional multiport serial board. Under Single Host Mode, users are
only allowed to modify the device server's name and password. This is
because Single Host users are not sharing their NPort Server Lite with
other hosts. If you need to modify other properties, access NPort Server
Lite via Telnet, or run the setup program and change to another
operation mode.
I would like to allow one or more hosts to access an NPort Server Lite
device server, but I am unable to open the Access Control page.
Check the NPort Manager operation mode. If the currently installed
operation mode is Single-Host Mode, reinstall it as Custom Mode.