Western Telematic MDS-16 User manual

WTI Part No. 12554
Rev. A
MDS Series
Multipurpose Data Switch
Models MDS-16 and MDS-8
Preliminary Draft
October 1995
User's Guide

5Sterling · Irvine · California 92718
[phone]
· Toll Free: 1-800-854-7226
Fax: [phone]
· http://www.wti.com

Table of Contents
1. Introduction .........................................1-1
2. Unit Description ......................................2-1
2.1. Front Panel.........................................2-1
2.2. Back Panel .........................................2-2
3. Getting Started .......................................3-1
3.1. Communication Parameters ..........................3-1
3.2. Connecting your PC to the MDS ......................3-2
3.3. Apply Power to the MDS ............................3-3
3.4. Communicating with the MDS Unit ...................3-3
4. Hardware Installation ................................4-1
4.1. Configure Setup Switches ............................4-1
4.1.1. Default Baud Rate (Sw1, Sw2, Sw3) ...........4-2
4.1.2. Default Handshake (Sw4) .....................4-2
4.1.3. Default Response Message Format (Sw5) .......4-3
4.1.4. Default Command Echo (Sw7).................4-3
4.2. Initialize the Unit to Default Settings ..................4-4
4.3. Connecting Devices to the MDS ......................4-4
5. Configuration ........................................5-1
5.1. Access to the MDS Command Mode...................5-1
5.2. Defining and Reading the Site I.D. ....................5-2
5.3. Port Configuration ..................................5-2
5.3.1. Configuration Conventions....................5-2
5.3.2. Port Modes..................................5-3
5.3.3. Command Availability........................5-3
5.3.4. Port Configuration Command..................5-4
6. Operation ............................................6-1
6.1. Any-to-Any Mode: ..................................6-1
6.1.1. Port Connection and Disconnection ............6-2
6.1.2. Defining Hunt Groups ........................6-6
6.1.3. Port Buffers and Any-to-Any Mode Ports .......6-8
6.2. Buffer Mode........................................6-9
6.2.1. Reading Data from Buffer Mode Ports ..........6-9
6.3. Mux Mode ........................................6-10
6.3.1. Bi-directional Communication in Mux Mode ...6-11
i

7. Saving Configuration Parameters ......................7-1
7.1. Sending Parameters to a File .........................7-1
7.2. Restoring Saved Parameters ..........................7-2
8. Command Reference Guide............................8-1
8.1. Command Conventions ..............................8-1
8.2. Command Response .................................8-2
8.3. Command Summary .................................8-3
8.4. Command Set.......................................8-4
Appendices
A. Description of System Interfaces ....................Apx-1
A.1. RS-232 Ports.....................................Apx-1
A.2. Snap Adapters ...................................Apx-2
A.3. Cables ..........................................Apx-3
B. Specifications......................................Apx-4
C. FCC Notice ........................................Apx-5
D. Customer Service ..................................Apx-6
List of Figures
2.1. Instrument Front Panel...................................2-1
2.2. Instrument Back Panel ...................................2-2
3.1. The MDS Help Screen ...................................3-4
3.2. The Status Screen .......................................3-4
5.1. Port Configuration Menu (Port 2 Shown) ...................5-4
6.1. The Any-to-Any Mode ...................................6-1
6.2. The Buffer Mode ........................................6-9
6.3. The Mux Mode ........................................6-10
8.1. The Status Screen .......................................8-5
A.1. RS-232 Port Connectors ...............................Apx-1
A.2. RS-232 Port Circuitry .................................Apx-1
A.3. Snap Adapter Interface ................................Apx-2
A.4. Snap Adapters........................................Apx-2
A.5. Straight Cables .......................................Apx-3
ii
MDS Series Users Guide

1. Introduction
WTI's MDS-16 and MDS-8 Multipurpose Data Switches provide
a convenient means for connecting devices running at dissimilar
baud rates, and collecting and multiplexing data from multiple
sources.
Versatile Connectivity
Up to 16 different devices can be connected to the MDS without
the need to select a common baud rate or parity. Each port can
be individually configured for specific baud rates, parity,
handshaking format, and various other parameters and options.
Collecting Data from Multiple Sources
The Buffer Mode allows the MDS to collect data from up to
fifteen different devices and store that data for later retrieval.
The MDS provides 256K or 512K (optional) of non-volatile
buffer memory. Buffer memory is dynamically allocated.
Multiplexing Data
The Mux Mode allows the MDS to receive data from up to
fourteen different devices and multiplex that data out a common
port. The Mux Mode also features a bi-directional
communication command, which allows data or commands to be
sent from an Output Port to an Input Port.
Easy Set-Up and Operation
Configuration of the MDS is simple. A menuing system is used
to select communications parameters, and enable or disable
options. The MDS can easily adapt to the requirements of almost
any data communications application.
Limited Command Access
The MDS is ideal for situations that require limited access to
important commands. Each port can be configured to allow
access to all commands (Administrator), or only allow access to
basic commands (User).
1-1

Modular Design
RJ-11 jacks and RS-232 Modular Adapters provide quick, easy
connection to computers, modems, and other LAN hardware.
The MDS is compact and takes only one rack unit (1.75 inches)
of vertical rack space.
Modem Communication
The MDS can be controlled by a local PC that communicates
with the unit via cable, or controlled remotely via external
modem. ProComm® (or another communications program) is
used to send commands to connect ports or display status.
Configuration Backup
Once you have configured the MDS to fit your application,
parameters and options can be sent to an ASCII text file and
saved for future retrieval. If configuration is altered or deleted,
parameters can be reloaded using your communications program.
MDS-16 and MDS-8
This User's Guide discusses both the MDS-16 and MDS-8
Multipurpose Data Switches. The MDS-16 includes 16 ports,
and the MDS-8 includes eight ports. All other features function
identically.
Typographic Conventions
Throughout this manual, typefaces and characters have been used
to denote the following:
^(e.g. ^E) Indicates a key combination used to invoke a
command. For example, the text "^A"
(Control A) indicates the [Ctrl] key and
the [A] key must be pressed simultaneously.
COURIER FONT Indicates characters typed on the keyboard.
For example, /^E or /P 02.
[Bold Font] Text set in bold face and enclosed in
square brackets, indicates a specific key.
For example, [Enter] or [Esc].
<> Indicates required keyboard entries:
For Example: /P <n>
[] Indicates optional keyboard entries.
For Example: /W [n]
1-2
MDS Series Users Guide

2. Unit Description
2.1. Front Panel
¬CLEAR: Restarts the MDS operating program without
changing user-selected parameter settings or breaking
port connections.
ON: Lights when AC Power is applied to the unit.
®SET: Used to initialize the MDS to the defaults specified
by Setup Switch configuration. To initialize the MDS,
press and hold both the SET button and the CLEAR button,
release only the CLEAR button, and then release the
SET button.
Note:
When the MDS is initialized, all command-selected
parameters will be cleared, and the MDS will revert
to the default parameters specified by the current Set-
Up Switch configuration.
¯RDY: Flashes to indicate the unit is operational.
°ACTIVITY: The Activity LEDs light to indicate that a
corresponding port is receiving data. Note that the model
shown here is the MDS-16 (16 ports), model MDS-8 has
eight Activity indicators.
2-1
Figure 2.1: Instrument Front Panel

2.2. Back Panel
¬RS-232 PORTS: For connection to switched devices.
Accepts six wire RJ-11 cable. Note that the model shown
here is the MDS-16 (16 Ports), model MDS-8 has eight RS-
232 Ports.
·Port 1 is used for communication with the MDS during
set-up and configuration. When the MDS is initialized to
the default state, Port 1 is the only port with access to
All (Administrator) MDS commands.
·Port 1 can either be connected to a PC or modem.
Connection to a modem allows the MDS to be controlled
by a remote PC.
SETUP Switches: A bank of eight dip switches, used to
set baud rate, handshake, message type, and duplex mode.
®FUSE: Use only 250 V 1/8 amp slow blow fuse
¯AC: 115/220 V AC Selector Switch
°Power Switch: Applies AC Power to unit.
±LINE: Receptacle for AC Power Cord (included).
2-2
MDS Series Users Guide
Figure 2.2: Instrument Back Panel

3. Getting Started
This section provides a brief overview of the MDS's basic
capabilities, and describes tests that can be performed to
determine if the unit is operating properly.
3.1. Communication Parameters
The Setup Switches, located on the MDS Back Panel, are used to
select default settings for all MDS RS-232 ports. A label located
adjacent to the Setup Switches summarizes switch functions.
When the MDS is shipped from the factory, the Setup Switches
are configured for 9600 baud, 8 Bits-No Parity, DTR
handshaking, verbose command response, and no echo (all
switches down).
For the purpose of this overview, use the default Setup Switch
configuration. Set your communications program (e.g.
ProComm) to use the following parameters:
·9600 Baud
·8 Bits, No Parity
·DTR Handshaking
·Full Duplex
Using Other Parameters (Optional): If desired, the MDS can
be set to match the parameters used by the communications
program. Refer to the label on the bottom of the MDS, and
configure Setup Switches accordingly. After changing the Set-
Up Switches, initialize the MDS; press and hold the SET and
CLEAR keys, release CLEAR, and then release SET.
Note:
·Section 4.1 describes procedures for setting the
MDS to match the parameters used by your
communications program.
·If Setup Switches are changed, the new
configuration will not take effect until the MDS
is initialized.
3-1

3.2. Connecting your PC to the MDS
In order to set-up the unit, a PC must be connected to Port 1.
Port 1 is always used for communication during set-up. This is
because Port 1 is the only MDS port that will allow access to All
(Administrator) commands when the unit has been initialized to
the default state.
Note that after the unit has been installed and configured, other
ports can also be granted access to All (Administrator) MDS
commands. This allows any MDS port to function as a "Control
Port" after configuration is complete.
The MDS can either be controlled by a local PC that
communicates via cable, or controlled by a remote PC that
communicates via external modem. For the purpose of this
overview, a local PC running ProComm (or a similar
communications program), will be cable connected to
MDS Port 1.
Note:
Communication via Modem (Optional): If desired,
this overview can also be performed via modem.
Section 4.3 describes the procedure for connecting a
modem to the MDS.
Perform the following procedure to connect a PC to Port 1.
1. Attach an appropriate Snap Adapter to your PC COM port.
Make certain to connect to the PC COM port used by your
communications program.
a) For 25 pin PC COM ports, use the SA-12F Snap
Adapter supplied with the MDS.
b) For nine pin PC COM ports, use the SA-9F Snap
Adapter supplied with the MDS.
c) For a description of the Snap Adapter interface, please
refer to Appendix A.2.
2. Use the RJ-11 cable included with the unit, to connect
MDS Port 1 to the Snap Adapter installed in your PC COM
port. Note that the cable used for connection must be a six
wire, straight wired RJ-11 cable. Standard crossover
(phone) cables cannot be used.
3-2
MDSSeriesUsersGuide

3.3. Apply Power to the MDS
Connect the power cable to the MDS and plug the cable into an
AC power source. Press the Power Switch to ON. The ON LED
should light, and the RDY LED should begin to flash.
Note:
If all Port Activity LEDs flash upon power-up, this
may indicate a problem with the MDS unit. Please
contact WTI Technical Support as described in
Appendix D.
3.4. Communicating with the MDS Unit
Perform the following procedure to enter the MDS Command
Mode, explore the unit's basic features, and check for proper
operation.
1. If you have not already done so, start your communications
program (e.g. ProComm).
2. Issue the "Wake Port" command to access the MDS
Command Mode and make certain the port is ready to
receive commands. Type /, then simultaneously press the
[Ctrl] key and the [E] key, and then press [Enter]
(/^E [Enter]). The "MDS>" prompt should appear.
a) If the "MDS>" prompt is displayed, you have
successfully accessed the Command Mode. This
indicates the PC has contacted the MDS, and the unit is
operating properly.
b) If the "MDS>" prompt is not displayed, this may
indicate a problem in communicating with the MDS
unit. Check the following:
·Cable Connection: Check the cable connection
between the MDS unit and the PC. Make certain the
Snap Adapter and RJ-11 cable connectors are
firmly seated.
·Communication Parameters: Make certain the
MDS and ProComm are using the same
communication parameters.
3-3
Getting Started

3. Type /H and press [Enter]. The MDS Help Screen will
appear as shown in Figure 3.1. The Help Screen lists all
available MDS commands, along with a brief description of
each command.
4. Type /S and press [Enter]. The MDS Status Screen will
appear (Figure 3.2). The Status Screen summarizes
conditions at all MDS Ports. The various fields of the
Status Screen are explained in Section 8.4.
3-4
MDS Series Users Guide
/^E Wake-Up Port
/X Sleep - Only Accepts Wake-Up Command
/H Help - Displays Command List ------------------
/S Status - Displays Status Screen n Port # or Name
/W [n] Who - Displays Port Parameters N Port #
/C <n> [n] Connect - Local [Remote] | "or"
/D <n> |...| * Disconnect * "all"
/R[/C] <n> Read Buffer and [Clear] <> Required Entry
/E <n> | * Erase Buffer [] Optional Entry
/I Initialize / Test Unit
/F Enter Site ID
/J Read Site ID
/P <n> Set Port Parameters
/U Read Port Parameters
/L-[n] Load Port Parameters
/G-00 Reset All Ports
/D, /E, /I Commands: Add /Y to bypass "SURE? (Y/N)"
Figure 3.1: The MDS Help Screen
SYSTEM STATUS VERSION 1.4 MEMORY 512KB
PORT | NAME | STATUS | BAUD | B/P | HS | MODE | TIMEOUT | BUFF | CTS
------+----------+--------+------+-----+------+--------+---------+------+----
01 | |*FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | H
02 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
03 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
04 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
05 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
06 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
07 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
08 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
| | |||| | ||
09 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
10 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
11 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
12 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
13 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
14 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
15 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
16 | | FREE | 9600 | 8N | DTR | ANY | OFF | ---- | L
Figure 3.2: The Status Screen

5. Port Connection: The MDS can perform two different
types of port connections; Resident Connections and Third
Party Connections.
a) Resident Connection: This type of connection occurs
when your resident port issues a /C command to
connect to a second port.
i. To connect Port 1 to Port 2, type /C 2 [Enter].
Note that while Port 1 is connected, the MDS will
not recognize commands received via Port 1.
However, the MDS will recognize a Resident
Disconnect Sequence issued at Port 1 or Port 2.
ii. Issue the Resident Disconnect Sequence; type
[Enter]+++[Enter].
b) Third Party Connection: This type of connection
occurs when your resident port issues a /C command to
create a connection between two other ports.
i. To connect Port 2 to Port 3, type /C23[Enter].
ii. While Ports 2 and 3 are connected, Port 1 will still
recognize MDS commands. Type /S [Enter], the
Status Screen will appear. Note that the "STATUS"
column now lists Ports 2 and 3 as connected, while
Port 1 is listed as "FREE".
iii. Issue a Third Party Disconnect command; type
/D 2 [Enter].
iv. Type /S [Enter] to display the Status Screen.
The "STATUS" column now lists Ports 2 and 3
as "FREE".
3-5
Getting Started

6. Define the Site I.D. message. The Site I.D. allows the user
to denote the location or name of the MDS unit. The Site
I.D. cannot include non-printable ASCII codes such as
NULS and Line Feeds.
a) Type /F [Enter]. The MDS will prompt the user to
enter the Site I.D.. Key in the desired Site I.D. and
press [Enter]. Up to 32 characters long.
b) To display the Site I.D., type /J [Enter].
c) The Site I.D. will be cleared when the MDS is
initialized.
This completes the introductory overview of the MDS unit.
After you have determined that the unit is operating properly,
configure the MDS as described in Sections 4 and 5.
3-6
MDS Series Users Guide

4. Hardware Installation
This section describes the procedures for installing the MDS and
connecting devices to the unit.
4.1. Configure Setup Switches
When the MDS is shipped from the factory, the Setup Switches
are configured for 9600 baud, 8 Bits-No Parity, DTR
handshaking, verbose command response, and no echo (all
switches down). These switch settings are compatible with most
applications. If the default settings are not compatible with your
application, change the switch settings as described in the
following subsections.
Setup Switches should be configured to match the
communication parameters used by the device attached to Port 1.
This allows access to the MDS if the unit is initialized to default
parameters.
Note:
Communication parameters (baud rate, parity, etc.)
can also be individually selected for each MDS port
by accessing the Command Mode and invoking the /P
command as described in Section 5.3.4. However, if
the MDS is initialized, parameters will return to the
settings specified by the current Set-Up Switch
configuration.
4-1

4.1.1. Default Baud Rate (Sw1, Sw2, Sw3)
Setup Switches one through three select the default baud rate for
all MDS Ports. The default baud rate must match the rate your
control device will use when communicating with the MDS. If
the control device will communicate via modem, select a default
baud rate that is compatible with the modem.
After the MDS has been installed, the /P command can be used to
select individual baud rates for each port.
SW
Baud Rate123
D D D 9600*
UDD300
D U D 1200
U U D 2400
D D U 4800
U D U 9600
D U U 19.2K
U U U 38.4K
* = Factory Default
4.1.2. Default Handshake (Sw4)
The default handshake format should be set to match the device
attached to Port 1. Setup Switch 4 can select either DTR
(hardware) or XON/XOFF handshaking.
After the MDS has been installed, the /P command can be used to
select both DTR and XON/XOFF handshaking, or no
handshaking. The /P command can select a different
handshaking format for each port.
Switch 4 Handshake
Down DTR *
Up XON/XOFF
* = Factory Default
4-2
MDS Series Users Guide

4.1.3. Default Response Message
Format (Sw5)
The MDS can respond with either verbose (English text) or terse
(numeric / abbreviated ) messages. Terse and verbose response
messages are summarized in Section 8.2.
After the unit has been installed, the /P command can also set the
response message format to "none" (Quiet Mode). When the
Quiet Mode is selected, the MDS will not send messages in
response to commands. The /P command can select a different
Response Message Format for each port.
Switch 5 Response Message Type
Down Verbose (English Text) *
Up Terse (abbreviated / numeric)
* = Factory Default
4.1.4. Default Command Echo (Sw7)
Switch Seven enables or disables the Command Echo. When
enabled, characters sent to the MDS will be echoed back to the
control device.
After the MDS is installed, the /P command can individually
select the Command Echo Mode for each port.
Switch 7 Command Echo
Down Disable*
Up Enable
* = Factory Default
Note:
·If the Setup Switch configuration is changed while
the unit is powered on, the new configuration will
not take effect until the MDS is initialized. The
MDS can be initialized by invoking the /I
command, or by pressing and holding the CLEAR
and SET keys, releasing the CLEAR key, and then
releasing the SET key.
·Setup Switches 6 and 8 are not used.
4-3
Hardware Installation

4.2. Initialize the Unit to Default
Settings
If Setup Switch configuration has been changed while the MDS
is powered on, the unit must be initialized in order for the new
switch configuration to take effect.
Caution:
When the MDS is initialized, the unit will revert to
the parameters specified by the current Set-Up
Switch configuration. Any command-selected
parameters will be lost.
1. Simultaneously press the SET and CLEAR buttons, located
on the face of the MDS unit.
2. Release the CLEAR button, wait one second, and then
release the SET button.
4.3. Connecting Devices to the MDS
Many different types of devices can be connected to the MDS.
To physically connect a device to the MDS, proceed as follows.
1. Access the Command Mode.
2. Determine which MDS port will be used for connection to
the new device (e.g. Port 3).
3. Attach an appropriate Snap Adapter to an RS-232 serial
port on the device you intend to connect. Refer to
Appendix A.2 for more information on WTI Snap Adapters.
a) Modem: An external modem can be connected to any
MDS port, providing the modem does not require
password protection, or an externally generated reset
message or hang-up message. Connect an SA-25M
Snap Adapter to the modem's serial port.
4-4
MDS Series Users Guide

Note:
·The SA-25 Snap Adapter allows correct
transfer of DCD and handshaking signals.
When using the SA-25, the DSR signal from
the modem must be high in order to pull up
the DTR signal.
·When a modem is connected to the MDS,
other connected devices can use the modem
for calling out. To call out from the modem,
invoke the /C command to connect to the
port, and access the modem as you normally
would.
b) PC: Any MDS RS-232 Port can be used for connection
to a PC. For 25 pin PC COM ports, use an SA-12F
Snap Adapter. For 9 pin PC COM ports, use an SA-9F
Snap Adapter.
c) Printer: Any MDS RS-232 Port can be used for
connection to a printer. Use an SA-12M Snap Adapter.
d) Other Devices: For a description of the MDS Port
interface, please refer to Appendix A.1.
4. Connect a 6 wire, straight wired RJ-11 cable from the Snap
Adapter to a vacant MDS RS-232 port.
5. Select communication parameters for each port as
described in Section 5.
4-5
Hardware Installation

4-6
MDS Series Users Guide