TC Communications TC3212 User manual

Notice!
Although every effort has been made to insure that this manual is current
and accurate as of date of publication, no guarantee is given or implied
that this document is error free or accurate with regard to any specifica-
tion. TC Communications, Inc. reserves the right to change or modify
the contents of this manual at any time without prior notification.
TC3212
POCKET ROCKET
10/100BASE-T to 100BASE-FX
ETHERNET MEDIA CONVERTER
User's Manual
MODEL:
S/N:
DATE:
© COPYRIGHT 2010 - 2014. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TC Communications, Inc. 17881 Cartwright Road - Irvine, CA 92614
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web Site: www.tccomm.com Email: [e-mail]
MNL-3212P-01-16

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TC3212
User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Table Of Contents
Chapter 1 - Overview ............................................................................................................... 3
Features .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Standards ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Description .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Optical Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 4
Transmission Distances (typical) .............................................................................................. 4
Launch Power & Sensitivity ....................................................................................................... 4
Typical Point to Point Application Diagrams ...................................................................................... 5
Top Panel LEDs, DIP Switches and Connectors ............................................................................... 6
Side Panel LEDs and Connectors ...................................................................................................... 7
Side Panel View of "One Fiber" Option ......................................................................................... 7
Chapter 2 - Installation ........................................................................................................... 8
Unpacking the Unit ............................................................................................................................. 8
Equipment Location ............................................................................................................................ 8
Dry Contact Alarm Relay ..................................................................................................................... 8
Power Supply ...................................................................................................................................... 8
RJ-45 Ethernet Connection ................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 3 - Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 9
General ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Power Problem .................................................................................................................................... 9
Electrical Problem ................................................................................................................................ 9
Optical Problem ................................................................................................................................... 9
Optic Cable Types ............................................................................................................................... 9
Calculating the Fiber Optic Loss Budget ........................................................................................... 9
Chapter 4 - Specifications .................................................................................................... 10
Appendix A............................................................................................................................. 11
Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................................ 11
Appendix B - Pocket Rocket Mount Base Chassis ............................................................ 12
Appendix C ............................................................................................................................ 13
Return Policy ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Limitation of Liability .......................................................................................................................... 13

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TC3212
User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Chapter 1 - Overview
Features
Standards
Description
The TC3212 is a single channel 10/100Base-T (copper media) to 100Base-FX Fiber Optical (fiber media)
Ethernet media converter that converts or connects 10/100Base-TX twisted-pair devices to single or
multimode fiber optics (100Base-FX).
Designated for flexibility and interoperability, the TC3212 includes a built-in switch that enables it to extend
LAN segments up to distances of 80km* without additional hardware (e.g. Switch or Router).
A one-fiber, bi directional communication option is also available to maximize fiber optic cable usage. Eight
diagnostic status LEDs are provided for system monitoring.
The TC3212 combines Ethernet switching with the benefits of fiber optic technology to boost network
bandwidth, increase security and maximize immunity from electro-magnetic Interference (EMI) and ground
loops.
The TC3212 works with all popular sizes of single mode and multimode fiber optic cable. Standard fiber optic
connectors are SC (ST and FC, optional). The TC3212 is the standard pocket rocket unit. The electrical
connector is an RJ-45 Female connector. Standard input power is 12VDC@400mA, (24VDC, -48VDC, and
115/240VAC with an external power cube are optional). The standard operating temperature is -10°C to
50°C.
*Contact actory for higher requirements/availability.

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Rev. 1.6
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Optical Specifications
Multimode 1310nm, 2km Option
Transmitter: LED; typical Launch Power: -20.0 dBm @1310nm
Receiver: PIN Diode; typical Sensitivity: -31.0 dBm @1310nm
Optic saturation level: 0 dBm @1310nm
Loss Budget: Multimode (62.5/125µm)@1310nm: 11 dB
Distance: Multimode (62.5/125µm)@1310nm: up to 2km distance*
Wavelength: Multimode 1310nm:
Connector*:SC
Single Mode 1310nm, 60km Option
Transmitter: FP Laser; typical Launch Power: -5.0 dBm @1310nm
Receiver: PIN Diode; typical Sensitivity: -34.0 dBm @1310nm
Optic saturation level: 0 dBm @1310nm
Loss Budget: Single Mode (9/125µm)@1310nm: 29 dB
Distance: Single Mode (9/125µm)@1310nm: up to 60 km distance*
Wavelength: Single Mode 1310nm (LASER):
Connector*:SC
Single Mode 1550nm, 80km Option
Transmitter: DFB Laser; typical Launch Power: -5.0 dBm @1310nm
Receiver: PIN Diode; typical Sensitivity: -36.0 dBm @1310nm
Optic saturation level: 0 dBm @1310nm
Loss Budget: Single Mode (9/125µm)@1550nm: 31 dB
Distance: Single Mode (9/125µm)@1550nm: up to 80km distance*
Wavelength: Single Mode 1550nm :
Connector*: SC
Single Mode (One Fiber), 60km Option
Transmitter: FP Laser; typical Launch Power -5.0 dBm* (1310nm/1550nm, @9/125µm)
Receiver: PIN Diode; typical Sensitivity -34.0 dBm* (1310nm/1550nm, @9/125µm)
Optic saturation level: 0 dBm*
Loss Budget: 1310nm/1550nm Single Mode, @9/125µm 29 dB
Distance: 1310nm/1550nm Single Mode, @9/125µm up to 60km distance*
Wavelength: 1310nm/1550nm Single Mode
Connector: SC Only*
*Launch power, sensitivity and distance are listed for reference only. These numbers may vary. Contact factory for
higher loss budgets and ST & FC fiber connector types (SC fiber connectors are standard).

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User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Typical Point to Point Application Diagrams
Figure 1. Application Diagram using two TC3212 units
The TC3212 has multiple status monitoring features. The fiber optic and electrical signals are monitored
continually so that, should a cable breakage or other fault condition occur, an alarm will be triggered and the
corresponding LEDs will indicate the type and location of the problem. Understanding the function of each
LED and DIP switch will help the users simplify installation and troubleshooting.
Figure 2. Application Diagram using one TC3212 and a TC3240 unit
The TC3212 has the ability to work as a single standalone unit and connect to other devices that are 100Base-
FX on the fiber optic side. For example, the diagram shown above on Figure 2, shows one TC3212 being
connected to a TC3240 unit. The TC3240 is a 3-port 10/100Base-T copper and 1-port of 100Base-FX fiber
media converter.
LAN
Switch TC3212
IP Camera
TC3212
10/100 10/100
Up to 80km Single mode
Multimode or Single Mode
Fiber Optic Calbles
LAN
Switch
TC3240
IP Camera
TC3212
10/100
10/100
Up to 80km Single mode
Multimode or Single Mode
Fiber Optic Calbles
TC
3
2
4
0
User can connect one TC3212 to other devices that are
100Base-Fx compatible such as the TC3240, TC3842-
2, TC3842-3, or other third party compatible device.
Note: TC3240 and other models are sold separately.

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TC3212
User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
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Top Panel LEDs, DIP Switches and Connectors
Figure 3. TC3212 Top Panel View
L E D I n d i c a t o r s
1 ( C o p p e r P o rt ) , 1 0 / 1 0 0 B as e -T E t h e r n e t p o r t
2 ( F i b e r P o r t ) , 1 0 0 B a s e - F X p o r t
POWER: Unit has adequate power supply
Vcc: Indicates 5 VDC operating voltage is available
L N K : I n d i c a t e s C o p p e r p o r t l i n k o r a c t i v i t y
Solidgreen:Ethernetlinkisestablished
Flash:Ethernetactivityisdetected
Off:NoEthernetlinkoractivitydetected
S P D : I n d i c a t e s C o p p e r p o r t s p e e d
Solidgreen:Thespeedis100Mbps
O f f : T h e s p e e d i s 1 0 M b p s
L N K : I n d i c a t e s F i b e r p o r t l i n k o r a c t i v i t y
Solidgreen:Ethernetlinkisestablished
Flash:Ethernetactivityisdetected
Off:NoEthernetlinkoractivitydetected
S P D : I n d i c a t e s F i b e r p o r t s p e e d
Solidgreen:Thespeedis100Mbps*
*
S D E T : I n d i c a t e s f i b e r c a b l e c o n n e c t i o n s
Solidgreen:Fibercableconnectionisestablished
Off:Fibercableconnectionisnotestablished
A L A R M : I n d i c a t e t h e r e a r e c a r d a l a r m s
SolidRed:Indicatestherearealarmconditions
O f f : N o r m a l o p e r a t i n g m o d e ( n o a l a r m c o n d i t i o n s )
AlarmConditionsinclude;
*Lossoffibersignal(eitherfiberisnotconnectedorisbroken)
*Thereisnolinkforcopperport(NoEthernetcableisconnected
orisbroken)
N o t e : F i b e r p o r t i s f i x e d a t 1 0 0 M b p s
Front Panel Dip Switches
S W 3 :
A U T O N E G : A u t o n e g a t i a t i o n
“On”:Autonegotiationisenabled
“Off”:Autonegotiationisdisabled
S W 4 :
1 0 0 M : 1 0 M b p s o r 1 0 0 M b p s s e t t i n g
“On”:RJ-45portis setto100Base-T
“Off”:RJ-45portissetto10Base-T
S W 8 :
DISALM: Disable Alarm
“ O n ” : D i s a b l e s t h e A L A R M L E D a n d
t h e A L M R LY
“ O f f ” : A L A R M L E D a n d A L M R L Y a r e
e n a b l e d
N O T E S :
1.IfAutoNegisenabled,itwillalways
a u t o n e g o t i a t e w i t h i t s c o n n e c t e d
p e e r . T h e s p e e d s e t t i n g f o r “ 1 0 0 M ”
w i l l h a v e n o e f f e c t n o m a t t e r h o w
i t i s s e t .
2 . I f t h e d e s i r e d s p e e d i s f i x e d a t
100M/Full(setSW4tothe“on”position),
Then the“AutoNeg”dipswitch(SW3)
mustbedisabled.
3 . I f t h e d e s i r e d s p e e d i s f i x e d a t
10M/Full(setSW4tothe“Off”position),
Then the“AutoNeg”dipswitch(SW3)
mustbedisabled.
4 . D i p s w i t c h e s S W 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 a n d 7
a r e n o t u s e d .
A l a r m R e l a y
C o n n e c t o r
P o w e r
C o n n e c t o r
R J - 4 5 C o p p e r
P o r t C o n n e c t o r
O p t i c T r a n s m i t t e r
&
R e c e i v e r
DIP Switch Settings

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User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Side Panel LEDs and Connectors
Figure 4. TC3212 Side Panel View
A l a r m R e l a y C o n n e c t o r s
Pin4(4thfromleft):ALMrelay
Pin5(5thfromleft):ALMrelay
R a t i n g s :
( N o r m a l O p e n )
Max switching voltage: 60VDC
M a x s w i t c h i n g c u r r e n t : 2 . 5 A
PowerTerminalBlockConnectors
Pin1 (1st from left): Input +
Pin2(2ndfromleft):Input-
Pin3(3rdfromleft):FrameGround
Standardvoltageis12VDC@300mA
Note:Inputvoltagecanbeconnected
asfloatinginputvoltage,positive
inputvoltageornegativeinput
voltagewithreferencetoFrame
Ground
OpticTransmitter
&
Receiver
R J - 4 5 C o p p e r
PortConnector
Reset Button
(Forfactoryuseonly)
Figure 5. TC3212 "One Fiber" Option Side Panel View

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TC3212
User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Chapter 2 - Installation
Unpacking the Unit
Before unpacking any equipment, inspect all shipping containers for evidence of external damage caused
during transportation. The equipment should also be inspected for damage after it is removed from the
container(s). Claims concerning shipping damage should be made directly to the pertinent shipping agencies.
Any discrepancies should be reported immediately to the Customer Service Department at TC Communica-
tions, Inc.
Equipment Location
The TC3212 should be located in an area that provides adequate light, work space, and ventilation. Avoid
locating it next to any equipment that may produce electrical interference or strong magnetic fields, such as
elevator shafts or heavy duty power supplies. As with any electronic equipment, keep the unit from excessive
moisture, heat, vibration, and freezing temperatures.
Dry Contact Alarm Relay
A terminal block connector at the rear panel on the standalone unit or on the side panel of the pocket rocket
unit is provided for the dry contact alarm relay. The relay is normally set in the OPEN position and any loss
of optical or copper link signals will trigger an alarm condition and force the switch to the CLOSED position.
This relay can be used in conjunction with an external device to monitor the condition of the fiber optic and
copper links.
Power Supply
Standard input power is 12VDC@400mA for TC3212 pocket rocket unit. There is a power terminal block
connector with positive & negative polarities and chassis ground indicated on the side panel of the unit (please
refer to Figure 4).
The "POWER" & "Vcc" LEDs on the front panel will light up when power is applied to the power jack
connector. Should an external power adapter need to be replaced, use one with the following specifications:
12VDC@400mA. You may order it directly from TC Communications.
RJ-45 Ethernet Connection
One RJ-45 Female copper connector is provided for the 10/100Base-T signal connection.

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TC3212
User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Chapter 3 - Troubleshooting
General
Alarm conditions occur when there is any loss of optical signal or loss of copper link detected by the TC3212.
It is highly recommended to conduct bench tests before actual installation. Bench testing allows the user to
become familiar with all the functions and features of the TC3212 in a controlled environment. Knowledge
of the TC3212 functions and features will simplify installation and troubleshooting efforts later on.
Power Problem
The "POWER" and "Vcc" LEDs should be solid “On” when power is connected to power connector. If these
LEDs are “Off”, then no DC power is reaching the unit. Check the power supply, source, and polarity.
If the "POWER" LED is solid "On" but the "Vcc" LED is "Off", then no 5VDC operating voltage is supplied.
Check whether the input voltage is correct or the power module may not be working. If the problem persists,
contact the Technical Support Department at TC Communications, Inc. at [phone].
Electrical Problem
If the copper port (Port 1) LEDs "LNK" and "SPD" are "Off", it means that there is no Ethernet electrical
signal being detected by the TC3212. The alarm will be triggered and the "ALARM" LED will be solidly lit
(red). Check the copper port connection and/or Cat5 cables for integrity.
If the copper port speed needs to be set at 100M full or 10M full, but the traffic can not go through, check
whether the Auto Negotiation dip switch is disabled.
Optical Problem
If the fiber port (Port 2) LEDs "LNK", "SPD", and "SDET" are "Off", then the "ALARM" LED will be solidly
lit, indicating an alarm condition. Possible causes could be wrong or improper connections, broken cables,
incorrect or mis-matched optic cable types.
Optic Cable Types
Conventionally, fiber optic cable with yellow-colored insulation is used for Single Mode applications; gray
or orange-colored insulated cable is for Multimode use. If Multimode cable is used in a Single Mode
application, the test results could be erroneous and confusing or the unit will not function properly.
Calculating the Fiber Optic Loss Budget
The fiber optic link and/or connectors are frequently the source of various problems. Check out the
connectors and the integrity of the link first. Ideally, the link should be calibrated for total loss after the
installation has been completed. This will accomplish two things: (1) it will verify that the total loss of the
link is within the loss budget of the device and (2) it will provide a benchmark for future testing. For example,
a system that has been tested as having 6dB total loss when installed and suddenly tests out as having a loss
of 10dB probably has a connector or link problem.
*These numbers are listed for reference only. We recommend an OTDR reading be used to determine actual link loss.
To calculate the loss budget:
Multimode1310nm : 2 dB loss per km on 62.5/125µm cable*
Single Mode 1310nm : 0.5 dB loss per km on 9/125µm cable*
Single Mode 1550nm : 0.4 dB loss per km on 9/125µm cable*

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TC3212
User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Chapter 4 - Specifications
Data Rates
Ethernet ..........................................10/100Mbps Auto Negation, 100Mbps Full, 10Mbps Full
Optical
Transmitter .................................................................................... LED/FP LASER/DFB LASER
Receiver ..................................................................................................................... PIN Diode
Wavelength ................................................................................................. 1310nm Multimode
................................................................................................... 1310nm/1550nm Single Mode
Fiber Optic Connectors ................................................................... SC** (ST or FC optional)
Loss Budget ............................................................ 15dB* Multimode 1310nm @62.5/125µm
................................................................................... 20dB* Single Mode 1310nm @9/125µm
Electrical
Ethernet Connector ............................................................................................. RJ-45 Female
Visual Indicators
LEDs ....................................................... POWER, Vcc, LNK, SPD, LNK, SPD, SDET, ALARM
Power Source
Standard............................................................................................12VDC @400mA (typical)
.............................. (Optional) 24VDC, -48VDC, or 115/240VAC with an external power cube
Temperature
Operating ........................................................................................................... -10oC to 50oC*
.............................................................................................. Hi-Temp (optional) -20oC to 70oC
.................................................................................... Extreme-Temp (optional) -40oC to 80oC
Storage................................................................................................................. -40oC to 90oC
Humidity ................................................................................................... 95% non-condensing
Physical (Pocket Rocket unit)
Height ................................................................................................................ (2.86 cm) 1.13"
Width ................................................................................................................. (12.70 cm) 5.0"
Depth ................................................................................................................. (6.60 cm) 2.60"
Weight ............................................................................................................. (173 gm) 6.1 oz.
*Contact factory for higher loss budgets or higher temperature options.
**SC fiber connectors are standard (ST or FC connectors are optional, check with factory for availability).

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TC3212
User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Appendix A
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can I test the TC3212 by just connecting a pair of TC3212 units with optical fiber cables?
Ans: Yes, you can connect a PC on each end and ping each other.
2) What kind of cable should I use?
Ans: Use RJ-45 standard Cat. 5 or 5E Ethernet cable, straight through(patch cable).
3) Do I need to reboot the unit if I unplug or replug either the fiber or copper connections?
Ans: No, you don't have to reboot the unit.

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User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
MNL-3212P-01-16
Appendix B - Pocket Rocket Chassis
Features
The following is the pocket rocket mount base chassis. Dimensions are measured in inches(centimeters).
Standard input power is 12VDC@400mA, (24VDC, -48VDC and 115/240VAC with an external power cube
are optional).
Figure 6. Pocket Rocket Mount Base Chassis

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MNL-3212P-01-16
Appendix C
Return Policy
To return a product, you must first obtain a Return Material Authorization number from the Customer
Service Department. If the product’s warranty has expired, you will need to provide a purchase order to
authorize the repair. When returning a product for a suspected failure, please provide a description of the
problem and any results of diagnostic tests that have been conducted.
Warranty
Damages by lightning or power surges are not covered under this warranty.
All products manufactured by TC Communications, Inc. come with a five year (beginning 1-1-02)
warranty. TC Communications, Inc. warrants to the Buyer that all goods sold will perform in accordance
with the applicable data sheets, drawings or written specifications. It also warrants that, at the time of sale,
the goods will be free from defects in material or workmanship. This warranty shall apply for a period of
five years from the date of shipment, unless goods have been subject to misuse, neglect, altered or destroyed
serial number labels, accidents (damages caused in whole or in part to accident, lightning, power surge, floods,
fires, earthquakes, natural disasters, or Acts of God.), improper installation or maintenance, or alteration or
repair by anyone other than Seller or its authorized representative.
Buyer should notify TC Communications, Inc. promptly in writing of any claim based upon warranty, and
TC Communications, Inc., at its option, may first inspect such goods at the premises of the Buyer, or may
give written authorization to Buyer to return the goods to TC Communications, Inc., transportation charges
prepaid, for examination by TC Communications, Inc. Buyer shall bear the risk of loss until all goods
authorized to be returned are delivered to TC Communications, Inc. TC Communications, Inc. shall not be
liable for any inspection, packing or labor costs in connection with the return of goods.
In the event that TC Communications, Inc. breaches its obligation of warranty, the sole and exclusive
remedy of the Buyer is limited to replacement, repair or credit of the purchase price, at TC Communications,
Inc.’s option.
To return a product, you must first obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number and RMA form
from the Customer Service Department. If the product’s warranty has expired, you will need to provide a
purchase order to authorize the repair. When returning a product for a suspected failure, please fill out RMA
form provided with a description of the problem(s) and any results of diagnostic tests that have been
conducted. The shipping expense to TC Communications should be prepaid. The product should be properly
packaged and insured. After the product is repaired, TC Communications will ship the product back to the
shipper at TC's cost to U.S. domestic destinations. (Foreign customers are responsible for all shipping costs,
duties and taxes [both ways]. We will reject any packages with airway bill indicating TC communications
is responsible for Duties and Taxes. To avoid Customs Duties and Taxes, please include proper documents
indicating the product(s) are returned for repair/retest).
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the total liablility of TC Communications, Inc. to purchaser and/or end user for all damages
including but not limited to compensatory, consequential and punitive damages, exceed the total amount paid
to TC Communications, Inc. by purchaser for the goods from which the claim arose, in no event shall TC
Communications, Inc. be responsible for indirect and consequential damages.
Continue on next page.

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User's Manual
Rev. 1.6
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Limitation of Liability (Cont.)
In no event shall liability attached to TC Communications, Inc. unless notice in writing is given to TC
Communications, Inc. within ten days of the occurrence of the event giving rise to such claim.
TC Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible for delays or non-deliveries directly or indirectly resulting
from or contributed to by foreign or domestic embargoes, seizure, fire, flood, explosion, strike, act of God,
vandalism, insurrection, riot, war, or the adoption or enactment of any law, ordinances, regulation, or ruling
or order or any other cause beyond the control of TC Communications, Inc.
TC Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible for loss or damage in transit and any claims for such loss
or damage shall be filed by the purchaser with the carrier.