SeaLevel SEAI/OUSBSERIAL User manual

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
SeaI/O USB Serial
User Manual | SEAI/OUSBSERIAL

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
Contents
CONTENTS........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
SEAI/O HARDWARE OVERVIEW..................................................................................................................................................................................................4
BEFORE YOU GET STARTED..........................................................................................................................................................................................................5
HARDWARE DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................................................................................................................7
POWER OPTIONS............................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION .........................................................................................................................................................................................................10
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION...........................................................................................................................................................................................................11
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................................................................................................................................12
SPECIFICATIONS...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
MOUNTING OPTIONS...................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
ACCESSORIES ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
APPENDIX A - TROUBLESHOOTING.........................................................................................................................................................................................22
APPENDIX B – HOW TO GET ASSISTANCE ............................................................................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX C – ELECTRICAL INTERFACE.................................................................................................................................................................................24
APPENDIX D - ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................25
APPENDIX E – PCB SILK SCREEN............................................................................................................................................................................................26
APPENDIX F – COMPLIANCE NOTICES ....................................................................................................................................................................................27
WARRANTY...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
Introduction
SeaI/O™ USB serial expansion modules provide an easy way to add RS-232 or RS485 serial ports to a Relio
industrial computer, SeaPAC touchscreen computer, stack of SeaI/O modules, or anywhere serial devices need
to be connected via an available USB port.
Available in four and eight port models, the serial ports appear as standard COM ports to the host system
enabling compatibility with legacy software. SeaI/O USB serial modules support data rates to 921.6K bps and
are designed with a statemachine architecture that greatly reduces the host CPU overhead when communicating
over multiple ports simultaneously. Status LEDs integrated into the RJ45 connectors display transmit and
receive data activity.
With the unique VersaCom multi-interface connector design, both RS-232 and two-wire RS-485 signals are
always present and active on the RJ45 serial connectors. Simply select the appropriate pin out for RS-232 or
two-wire RS-485 on each individual port. There are no internal jumpers or switches to set, so field installation
and service is easy.
The USB serial modules are powered from your 9-30VDC source or your choice from several Sealevel power
supply options. For conveniently powering serial peripherals, the supplied power is fused and connected to pin
5 on each of the RJ45 serial connectors. A high-retention USB type "B" connector helps to prevent accidental
disconnection of the USB cable.
An RS-485 pass-through connector on the side of the SeaI/O USB serial modules provides additional I/O
capabilities using SeaI/O "N" series expansion modules. Up to 246 additional SeaI/O expansion modules can be
added and are available with Reed and Form C relays, optically isolated inputs, TTL interfaces, A/D and D/A
functionality.
This manual covers the installation and operation of these SeaI/O products:
USB Serial Expansion Modules
SeaI/O-641U – 4-Port RS-232 RJ45 Serial Interface
SeaI/O-647U – 4-Port RS-232, RS-485 RJ45 VersaCom Serial Interface
SeaI/O-681U – 8-Port RS-232 RJ45 Serial Interface
SeaI/O-687U – 8-Port RS-232, RS-485 RJ45 VersaCom Serial Interface

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
SeaI/O Hardware Overview
SeaI/O Base and Expansion Modules
In general, SeaI/O data acquisition modules provide powerful digital, analog, and serial expansion to any host
computer. Multiple modules can be daisy chained using convenient pass-through connectors to create a
versatile distributed control and monitoring network. For ease of installation, multiple modules can be combined
in a local stack or separated up to 4000 feet using the RS-485 expansion interface.
The first SeaI/O module connected to the host computer is considered the Base module and connects to the
host via one of the following interfaces:
•E-Series – Ethernet Modbus TCP
•U-Series – USB Modbus RTU
•M-Series – RS-485 Modbus RTU
•S-Series – RS-232 Modbus RTU
SeaI/O USB serial expansion modules only connect to the host via USB and will operate as a Base module when
connected to digital and analog SeaI/O N-series Expansion Modules.
After the Base unit is installed, up to 246 additional SeaI/O N-Series expansion modules can be added to create
an I/O network. These expansion modules interface via RS-485 and can be located local to the Base SeaI/O
module or remotely located up to 4000 feet away. Local installations (<10’ of cabling) should use the 5” CAT5
RS-485 pass-through cable (Item# CA239) included with each N-series module to connect together two or more
modules. Remote expansion modules (>10’ of cabling) should use twisted pair wiring connected via the
removable screw terminal connectors.
For local installations, power to the expansion modules is supplied from the base module via the pass-through
connectors. For remote devices, separate power is required at each expansion module. Refer to the Power
Options chapter of this manual for more information on SeaI/O power requirements and power supply sizing.
Communicating Via Modbus Commands
Sealevel SeaI/O modules are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing Modbus networks. The supported
command set will vary depending on the SeaI/O model used. While SeaI/O USB serial expansion modules do
not require any Modbus commands to operate, they do pass through all Modbus RTU commands to other
connected SeaI/O modules and Modbus compliant devices.
The SeaI/O Modules manual covers digital and analog I/O modules and details the supported Modbus command
set. The official Modbus specification can be found at www.modbus.org.

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
Before You Get Started
What’s Included
All SeaI/O USB serial expansion modules are shipped with the following items. If any of these items is missing
or damaged please contact Sealevel for replacement.
•SeaI/O USB Serial Expansion Module – (one of the following models)
SeaI/O-641U – 4-Port RS-232 RJ45 Serial Interface
SeaI/O-647U – 4-Port RS-232, RS-485 RJ45 VersaCom Serial Interface
SeaI/O-681U – 8-Port RS-232 RJ45 Serial Interface
SeaI/O-687U – 8-Port RS-232, RS-485 RJ45 VersaCom Serial Interface
•Item# CA179 – 72” USB ‘A’ to ‘B’ Device Cable
•Item# LB116 – RS-232 RJ45 Serial Loopback
•Item# LB115 – RS-485 RJ45 Serial Loopback (only VersaCom models)
Each SeaI/O module is shipped with 4 adhesive rubber feet that can be attached to the bottom of the enclosure
to enhance the stability in table mount applications.
Advisory Conventions
Warning
The highest level of importance used to stress a condition where damage could result to the product,
or the user could suffer serious injury.
Important
The middle level of importance used to highlight information that might not seem obvious or a
situation that could cause the product to fail.
Note
The lowest level of importance used to provide background information, additional tips, or other non-
critical facts that will not affect the use of the product.

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
Power Supplies
SeaI/O USB serial expansion modules are powered from your 9-30VDC source or from a variety of Sealevel
power supply options. Refer to the Power Options chapter of this manual for power supply sizing considerations
when powering multiple SeaI/O modules.
Loopback Adapters
All SeaI/O USB serial expansion modules include an RJ45 RS-232 serial loopback adapter (Item# LB116) that is
useful for testing the data signals on RS-232 ports. SeaI/O USB serial models with RS-485 VersaCom ports also
include an RJ45 RS485 loopback cable (Item# LB115) that is useful for testing the data signals between a pair
of RS-485 ports.
WinSSD is a full featured asynchronous serial diagnostic utility for Windows that allows you to modify default
parameters, perform loopback tests, toggle modem control signals, and transmit test pattern messages.
WinSSD is available as a standalone utility and is included with Sealevel’s SeaCOM, SeaLINK and SeaMAC
software suites.

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
Hardware Description
SeaI/O RS-232 Serial Expansion Modules
Models
•SeaI/O-641U USB to 4-Port RS-232 RJ45 Serial Interface
•SeaI/O-681U USB to 8-Port RS-232 RJ45 Serial Interface
Features
•Utilizes high speed UARTs with 128-byte Tx FIFOs and 384-byte Rx FIFOs
•Provides four or eight RJ45 RS-232 serial ports with Tx/Rx status LEDs
•Integrates transmit and receive LED indicators on each port
•Input power via terminal block or barrel connector
•USB 1.1 compliant, USB 2.0 compatible
•High-retention USB type “B” connector prevents accidental disconnection of USB cable
Power Requirements
•9-30VDC @ 1.5W
SeaI/O RS-232/485 VersaCom Serial Expansion Modules
Models
•SeaI/O-647U USB to 4-Port RS-232/485 RJ45 VersaCom Serial Interface
•SeaI/O-687U USB to 8-Port RS-232/485 RJ45 VersaCom Serial Interface
Features
•Utilizes high speed UARTs with 128-byte Tx FIFOs and 384-byte Rx FIFOs
•Provides four or eight RJ45 RS-232 serial ports with Tx/Rx status LEDs
•Integrates transmit and receive LED indicators on each port
•VersaCom design allows RS-232 or two-wire RS-485 selection via cabling on each individual port
•Input power via terminal block or barrel connector
•USB 1.1 compliant, USB 2.0 compatible
•High-retention USB type “B” connector prevents accidental disconnection of USB cable
Power Requirements
•9-30VDC @ 2.5W

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
Power Options
All SeaI/O modules are powered from a 9-30VDC source using either the DC jack or screw terminals on the side
of the unit. Sealevel offers several power supply choices to make connection easy (see Accessories chapter at
the end of this manual).
If the SeaI/O USB serial expansion module will be used alone, the recommended “single-unit” power supply
(Item# TR112) rated at 24VDC @ 250mA is a perfect fit. Skip ahead to the Software Installation chapter of this
manual.
One of the primary features of SeaI/O modules is their ability to be powered from a single input source, which is
then shared with other SeaI/O expansion modules via pass-through connectors or screw terminals located on
the left side of the modules. If you are connecting multiple SeaI/O modules together, refer to the rest of this
chapter for power supply sizing considerations.
SeaI/O Expansion Power Connection
Each SeaI/O product, including the expansion modules, contains an onboard switching regulator power supply
rated for 9-30VDC. For local installations (less than 10’ apart), expansion module power is usually supplied from
the Base module via the pass-through connectors. The number of expansion modules that can be driven from
the Base module depends on the power source and number/type of expansion modules. Refer to the chart below
for power requirements. For expansion modules mounted remotely (greater than 10’ apart), separate power is
required at each expansion module.
SeaI/O Expansion Power Requirements
The following table shows the maximum power requirements for each SeaI/O digital and analog expansion
module.
Model Number Max Power
SeaI/O-410N 1.4W
SeaI/O-420N 2.0W
SeaI/O-430N 0.4W
SeaI/O-440N 2.5W
SeaI/O-450N 3.8W
SeaI/O-470N 1.5W
SeaI/O-520N 3.5W

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
TTL Expansion Power Requirements
The SeaI/O-462N and SeaI/O-463N use 74ABT245 octal bi-directional transceivers to provide TTL input/output
capabilities and can sink 64mA and source 32mA. Each bit is pulled to +5V through a 10K ohm pull-up resistor
to insure each bit is at a known state when not driven. The supply current and maximum output power for the
TTL expansion modules is shown in the table below.
Model Number Max Power
SeaI/O-462N 0.5W
SeaI/O-463N 0.5W
Output Power +5VDC @ 1A (5W) Maximum
Sample Power Calculation
A typical application for SeaI/O products would use one Base module and several Nseries expansion modules
in a local “stack” configuration. In this arrangement, with power applied to the Base module through either the
DC jack or screw terminal connector and passed-through to the expansion modules, attention should be given
to ensure the input power to all connected modules is adequate.
Example:
Power (W)
Base Module: SeaI/O-641U 1.5
Expansion 1: SeaI/O-410N 1.4
Expansion 2: SeaI/O-440N 2.5
5.4W Power Required
In this application, the Sealevel Item# TR112 “wall wart” power supply is a good choice since it is low-cost and
supplies 24VDC @ 250mA (6W).
A complete listing of recommended power supplies is provided in the Accessories chapter at the end
of this manual.

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© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaI/OUSBSERIAL | SL9177 04/2022
Software Installation
SeaMAX Software Installation
Windows Installation
Do not connect the SeaI/O module to the host until the software has been fully installed.
Only users running Windows 7 or newer should utilize these instructions for accessing and installing
the appropriate driver via Sealevel’s website. If you are utilizing an operating system prior to Windows
7, please contact Sealevel by calling 864.843.4343 or emailing [e-mail] to receive
access to the proper driver download and installation instructions.
1. Begin by locating, selecting, and installing the correct software from the Sealevel software driver
database.
2. Type in or select the part number (#641U, 647U, 681U or 687U)) for the adapter from the listing.
3. Select “Download Now” for SeaMAX for Windows.
4. The setup files will automatically detect the operating environment and install the proper
components. Follow the information presented on the screens that follow.
5. A screen may appear with text similar to: “The publisher cannot be determined due to the
problems below: Authenticode signature not found.” Please click the ‘Yes’ button and proceed
with the installation. This declaration simply means that the operating system is not aware of
the driver being loaded. It will not cause any harm to your system.
6. During setup, the user may specify installation directories and other preferred configurations.
This program also adds entries to the system registry that are necessary for specifying the
operating parameters for each driver. An uninstall option is also included to remove all
registry/INI file entries from the system.
7. The software is now installed, and you can proceed with the physical installation of your SeaI/O
USB serial expansion module.
Windows NT is not USB aware and thus cannot support this device.