WTI RAB-14A User manual

WTI Part No. 12057
Rev. B
RAB-14A
A/B Switching System
Preliminary Draft
February 1997
User's Guide

5 Sterling ·Irvine ·California 92618-2517
[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. The Control Module......................................2-1
2.1.1. Control Module Front Panel ........................2-1
2.1.2. Control Module Back Panel.........................2-2
2.2. Switch Modules .........................................2-3
3. Installation ...............................................3-1
3.1. Control Module DIP Switches .............................3-1
3.1.1. Bank Number (Sw1 - Sw4).........................3-1
3.1.2. Baud Rate Selection (Sw5 and Sw6).................3-2
3.1.3. Parity Selection (Sw7).............................3-2
3.1.4. Duplex Selection (Sw8) ...........................3-2
3.1.5. Master / Satellite Bank Selection (Sw9) .............3-2
3.1.6. Remote Switch Selection (Sw10) ...................3-2
3.2. Switch Module Jumpers ..................................3-3
3.3. Control Module Jumper...................................3-4
3.4. Cable Connection ........................................3-4
3.5. Connecting Multiple RAB-14A Banks (Daisy Chaining) ......3-4
3.6. Quick Start / System Overview ............................3-6
4. Selecting Switching Methods ...............................4-1
4.1. Local Switch Control.....................................4-1
4.2. Gang Switch Control .....................................4-2
4.3. Local Signal Control .....................................4-3
4.4. ASCII Code Control......................................4-4
5. Operation; ASCII Code Control............................5-1
5.1. Command Syntax ........................................5-1
5.2. Switching A/B Channels ..................................5-2
5.3. Display Switch Status ....................................5-3
5.4. Test Switch Modules .....................................5-4
i

Appendices
A. Interface Descriptions ..................................Apx-1
A.1. Control Module .......................................Apx-1
A.1.1. Command Port .................................Apx-1
A.1.2. Remote Switch Port .............................Apx-1
A.2. Switch Module........................................Apx-2
A.2.1. Ports “A” and “B” (DTE) ........................Apx-3
A.2.2. Common Port (DTE or DCE) .....................Apx-3
B. Specifications ..........................................Apx-4
C. Customer Service.......................................Apx-4
List of Figures
2.1. Control Module Front Panel ...................................2-1
2.2. Control Module Back Panel ...................................2-2
2.3. Switch Module Front Panel ...................................2-3
3.1. Switch Module Jumpers ......................................3-3
5.1. The Status Screen (14 Banks Shown) ...........................5-3
5.2. The Test Screen (14 Banks Shown).............................5-4
A.1. Command Port ............................................Apx-1
A.2. The Remote Switch Port ...................................Apx-1
A.3. Switch Module Block Diagram..............................Apx-2
ii

1. Introduction
The RAB-14A is a versatile A/B switching system, designed for
applications that require routing of RS232 lines between a
common port and “A” and “B” ports. Modular A/B switches
toggle seven RS232 pins between “A” and “B” channels. Up to
fourteen RS232 lines and corresponding A/B channels can be
controlled by each RAB-14A rack unit.
A convenient modular design allows the RAB-14A to expand when
your application requires more than fourteen RS232 lines. Up to
fourteen RAB-14A frame units can be daisy-chained to provide a
maximum of 196 switches.
Several different switching methods are offered. A/B channel
selection can be controlled by manual switches, by ASCII Codes
sent from a PC or terminal, or can be switched automatically based
on a high or low signal level.
Applications
·Remote Routing of RS232 Lines
·Switch to “Out-of-Service” or “Off-Line” Condition
·Active or Fallback Gang Switching
·Disaster Recovery Switching
Features
·Mechanical Contacts for Analog and Digital Switching
·Independent RS232 Command Port
1-1

Typographic Conventions
Throughout this manual, typefaces and characters have been used
to denote the following:
^(e.g. ^A) Indicates a key combination used to invoke a
command. For example, the text “^A”
(Control A) indicates that the [Ctrl] key and
the [A] key must be pressed simultaneously.
COURIER FONT Indicates characters typed on the keyboard.
For example, ^AS or ^A00 00 B.
[Bold Font] Text set in bold face and enclosed in
square brackets, indicates a specific key.
For example, [Enter] or [Esc].
1-2
RAB-14A User’s Guide

2. Unit Description
The RAB-14A consists of a frame unit, one Control Module, and
up to fourteen Switch Modules.
2.1. The Control Module
2.1.1. Control Module Front Panel
ÀRemote Indicator: Lights when Master Select Switch is set
in middle position. Indicates module is set for control by
local signal, ASCII Code, or external remote.
Á“A” Indicator
ÂMaster Select Switch: Selects A/B channels at Switch
Modules configured for Gang Switch Control. When set in
middle position, allows ASCII Code Control, Local Signal
Control, or control by external remote switch.
ÓB” Indicator
ÄPower Indicator
2-1
Figure 2.1: Control Module Front Panel

2.1.2. Control Module Back Panel
ÀRemote Switch Connector: For connection to an optional
external remote. For interface description, see Appendix A.
ÁSwitch Module Labels: Three Labels which denote “A”,
“Common”, and “B” connectors on each Switch Module.
ÂSetUp Switches: A bank of ten DIP switches used to select
baud rate, parity, duplex mode, and other parameters.
ÃInput Connector: For connection to previous bank when
daisy chaining multiple RAB-14A units.
ÄOutput Connector: For connection to next bank when daisy
chaining multiple RAB-14A units.
ÅCommand Port: For optional connection to a PC. Allows
control by ASCII commands.
ÆFuse
ÇPower Switch
ÈAC Power Cable
ÉFrame Connector & Ribbon Cable
2-2
RAB-14A User’s Guide
Figure 2.2: Control Module Back Panel

2.2. Switch Modules
The RAB-14A can accept up to fourteen Switch Modules. Each
module includes a Common jack, jacks for “A” and “B” lines, a
Local A/B Switch, and a series of LED indicators.
ÀLocal A/B Switch: Selects channel “A” or “B”, or selects
“X” (Remote) function. “X” position allows control by
Master Select Switch, ASCII commands, or signal level.
Á“X” Indicator: Lights when Local A/B Switch is set in
middle position. Indicates module is set for Gang Switch
Control, Local Signal Control, or ASCII Code Control.
“A” Indicator: Lights when data path is established
between Common port and port “A”.
ÓB” Indicator: Lights when data path is established
between Common Port and port “B”.
ÄRXD Indicator: Lights when Common RXD line is high.
ÅTXD Indicator: Lights when Common TXD line is high.
ÆDTR Indicator: Lights when Common DTR line is high.
ÇCTS Indicator: Lights when Common CTS line is high.
2-3
Unit Description
Figure 2.3: Switch Module Front Panel

2-4
RAB-14A User’s Guide