InterChangeVS™ 1000 Series VS1000 and VS1100 Hardware Installation and Configuration Guide
Copyright © 1998. Comtrol Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Third Edition, April 8, 1998 Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the contents of this guide or to the suitability of the Comtrol products for any particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without notice. Some software or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller for current product information. Trademarks Comtrol is a trademark of Comtrol Corporation.
Table of Contents List of Tables ........................................................................................ 5 Introduction ......................................................................................... 7 Product Overview ................................................................................... 7 Operating System Requirements .................................................... 7 Connectivity Requirements .............................................................
Table of Contents Ethernet 10Base-T Connector Pinout ........................................... 23 Ethernet AUI Connector Pinout (VS1000 Only)........................... 24 Ethernet Crossover Cable .............................................................. 24 Remote Connector................................................................................. 25 Building Loopback Plugs ...................................................................... 25 InterChangeVS Specifications ..................
List of Tables Table 1. Table 2. Table 3. Table 4. Table 5. Table 6. Table 7. Table 8. Table 9. Table 10. Table 11. Table 12. Table 13. Support Call Information..................................................... 12 VS1000 Model and Serial Numbers .................................... 13 VS1100 Model and Serial Numbers .................................... 15 10Base-T LED Descriptions................................................. 17 Ports 1 Through 16 LED Descriptions ................................
List of Tables 6
Introduction Product Overview The Comtrol InterChangeVS 1000 is a rack-mountable or stackable “network appliance” that connects via Ethernet to a host server and supports from 16 to 64* RS-232 asynchronous serial ports per network address (MAC). All ports are supported at rates up to 230.4K bps. * The base VS1000 has 16 ports. Additional ports can be added by plugging in VS1100 expansion units, to a maximum of three VS1100 expansion units per each VS1000 base unit.
Introduction Installation Overview The following outlines summarize the various VS1000/VS1100 installation scenarios. For more information about hardware issues, see the Installing the Hardware section. For more information about software issues, see the section for your network operating system. Initial Installation A. Hardware Installation 1. Install the VS1000. 2. Install one or more VS1100 units (optional). 3. Install RS-232 serial devices. 4. Connect the VS1000 to the network hub or server. 5.
Introduction Adding a VS1000 to an Existing Installation A. Hardware Installation 1. Install the VS1000. 2. Install any associated VS1100 expansion units. 3. Install RS-232 serial devices. 4. Connect the VS1000 to the network hub or server. 5. Power-up the new VS1000 and verify that it passes the poweron diagnostics. B. Software Installation 1. Configure VS-Link to support the new VS1000/VS1100. 2. Configure serial ports to support the RS-232 devices. 3. Shut down and restart the server.
Introduction “Hot-Swapping” a VS1000 Replacing a VS1000 with an identical VS1000 A. Hardware Installation 1. Power-down the VS1000 to be removed from service. 2. Install the new VS1000. 3. Transfer all cabling from the old VS1000 to the new VS1000. This includes the VS1100 cable, if used. 4. Do not add or remove VS1100 expansion units. The new VS1000 must be connected to the same number of VS1100 units as the VS1000 that is being removed from service. 5. Connect the new VS1000 to the network hub or server.
Introduction Obtaining Software or Document Updates For information that is not in this Guide, see the README and/or Help files on the installation media. In particular, the Windows NT version of VS-Link includes significant online help. Comtrol manuals and other documents are available in electronic form on the Comtrol web site. Driver software updates can be downloaded at no charge from the Comtrol ftp site.
Introduction Technical Support Comtrol has a staff of support technicians available to help you. U.S. telephone support is available from 8 AM to 6 PM Central time, Monday through Friday (holidays excluded), at the phone number(s) listed on the previous page. Before you call Comtrol technical support, please have the following information available. Table 1.
Installing the Hardware Hardware Installation Overview Perform the following steps to install your virtual server: • Install the VS1000/VS1100 hardware and the devices that you are connecting to the serial ports. • Install the VS-Link software (as described in the section for your operating system). • Configure your operating system to work with the serial devices connected to the VS1000/VS1100 ports.
Installing the Hardware a. Attach the L brackets to the VS1000 using the screws supplied with the unit. b. Attach the L brackets into your rack. OR • Attach the adhesive feet to the depressions in the bottom of the VS1000 and place the unit on a stable surface. Note: You can mount the VS1000 facing either forward or to the rear. Make sure the cooling fan is unobstructed. 3. Connect an Ethernet cable from the appropriate Ethernet connection (10Base-T or AUI) on the VS1000 to your server or Ethernet hub.
Installing the Hardware 5. Make sure the power switch is set to Off (0). 6. Connect the power cord to the unit and plug it into an outlet. Note: All VS1000 units include autoswitching power supplies. You may need to select the appropriate power cable for your location, but the VS1000 automatically senses and switches to the correct line voltage and cycle frequency. 7. If you are installing VS1100 expansion units, continue with the Installing VS1100 Hardware discussion, below.
Installing the Hardware OR • Attach the adhesive feet to the depressions in the bottom of the VS1100 and place the unit on a stable surface. Note: You can mount the VS1100 facing in either direction. The VS1100 does not contain a power supply or cooling fan. 3.
Installing the Hardware Power-On Diagnostics When you switch a VS1000 base unit on, it performs a self-diagnostic. The results are displayed via the LED lights on the back panel. If the unit is working correctly, the following events should take place: 1. All LEDs should light up briefly, to show that they are working. 2. Both 10Base-T lights should remain lit after the port LEDs go out, while the unit establishes the Ethernet connection and polarity. 3.
Installing the Hardware Note: If using an AUI connection to the server, you can determine proper polarity by using an AUI to 10Base-T converter box. Table 5. Ports 1 Through 16 LED Descriptions Indicator Description Flash Briefly All LEDs light briefly during the poweron sequence and then turn off. RAM self-test failure or other 1 LED Lit* A mainboard error. 2 LEDs Lit* Ethernet hardware initialization failure. 3 LEDs Lit* A hardware self-test failure. 4 LEDs Lit* A flash memory configuration error.
Installing the Hardware Connecting Devices Use the following procedure to connect RS-232 asynchronous devices to the VS1000/1100 ports. The following figure illustrates a modem bank environment. 1. Connect your RS-232 devices to Ports 1 through 16, for each VS1000/1100. RJ45 to DB25 cables are available from Comtrol.
Installing the Hardware Replacing Units in Service (“Hot-Swapping”) In the event that a VS1000 needs to be removed from service, it is possible to replace it with another VS1000 without taking down the network server. The procedure for doing so varies depending on your network operating system. Under Windows NT, this is done through the Setup program. See the Windows NT section of this guide for more information. Under Novell NetWare, this is done through the vs1man program.
Building Cables This section contains information on how to build your own cables. Serial Cable Specifications If building your own serial cables, use shielded cable. Serial (RJ45) Connector Pinouts Use the following tables and figures for pinout information for the RJ45 connectors on the VS1000 and VS1100. Pin 1 Pin 8 Receptacle Pin 1 Table 6.
Building Cables Building an RJ45 to DB25 Cable Use the following figures if you need information about building a general-purpose DTE-to-DTE null modem cable or a DTE-to-DCE modem cable. Modem Cable DTE-to-DCE Modem Cable* RJ45 DB25 Signal Pin RTS 1 DTR 2 GND 3 TxD 4 RxD 5 DCD 6 DSR 7 CTS 8 Pin Signal 4 RTS 20 DTR 7 GND 2 TxD 3 RxD 8 DCD 6 DSR 5 CTS * Can be ordered from Comtrol.
Building Cables Ethernet Cable Specifications For Ethernet, use an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable with a maximum length of 100 meters or approximately 328 feet. The following table illustrates UTP cable specifications. Table 7. Ethernet Cabling Specifications Cable Specification Type 100¾ UTP with two pairs Maximum length 100 meters or 328 feet Minimum length 0.6 meters or 23 feet Ethernet 10Base-T Connector Pinout Table 8.
Building Cables Ethernet AUI Connector Pinout (VS1000 Only) This section shows an illustration of the female, high-density DB15 connector and a listing of its different signals. Table 9.
Building Cables Remote Connector The DB9 port labeled “Remote” is reserved for Comtrol Corporation repair and maintenance use. No user-accessible signals are present on this port. Building Loopback Plugs Loopback connectors are RJ45 serial port plugs, with pins wired together as shown, that are used in conjunction with the diagnostic software to test serial ports. The VS1000 and VS1100 are shipped with a loopback plug. This information can help you build additional plugs or replace a missing loopback.
Building Cables 26 Building Loopback Plugs
InterChangeVS Specifications Hardware Conditions The following table lists the InterChangeVS unit conditions. Table 11. Operating Conditions Condition Heat output: InterChangeVS 1000 InterChangeVS 1100 Air temperature: System on System off Altitude Mean Time between Failures: InterChangeVS 1000 InterChangeVS 1100 Humidity (non-condensing): System on System off Value 51.2 BTU/Hr 34.1 BTU/Hr 0 to 40oC -20 to 85oC 0 to 10,000 feet 7.8 years 20.
InterChangeVS Specifications Table 12. Specifications Topic Device Driver Control: Data bits Parity Stop bits VS1000 Current Consumption VS1100 Current Consumption Specification 7 or 8 Odd, Even, None 1 or 2 125 mA (at 120 VAC) +12V -12V +5V 1,250 mA 300 mA 300 mA Power Consumption: VS1000 VS1100 Line Voltage Ethernet Host Interface Weight VS1000 VS1100 Dimensions (without feet) 15.0 W 10.0 W 100 - 240 VAC AUI or 10Base-T (10 mbs) 8.0 lbs 6.75 lbs 16.75” x 11” x 1.
InterChangeVS Specifications Power Supply Requirements All VS1000 units include an auto-switching power supply that automatically senses the line voltage and cycle rate and sets itself accordingly. No manual switching is required. However, depending on the model you purchase you may receive one or more AC power cords, and it may be necessary to determine and select the appropriate power cord for use in your area.
InterChangeVS Specifications 30 Power Supply Requirements
Notices Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105) The InterChangeVS1000 virtual server has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital devices pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Notices Serial Cables (FCC 15.27) This equipment is certified for Class A operation when used with unshielded cables. Underwriters Laboratory This equipment is Underwriters Laboratory “UL” listed. Important Safety Information To avoid contact with electrical current: • Never install electrical wiring during an electrical storm. • • Never install the power plug in wet locations. Use a screwdriver and other tools with insulated handles.
Index Numerics 10Base-T cable connection 14 connector pinout 23 diagnostic LEDs 17 polarity 17 RJ45 serial RS-232 21 customer support before you call 12 Ethernet error codes 17 port error codes 18 D A address determining the VS1000 network address 13 AUI 14, 24 DB25 to RJ45 cables 22 diagnostics 17 Ethernet LEDs 17 port LEDs 18 DTE-to-DCE modem 22 DTE-to-DTE null modem 22 B base unit (VS1000) installing hardware 13 overview of 7 building cables 21 loopback plugs 25 C cables building your own 21 Etherne
Index I installing VS1000 13 VS1000 rack 13 VS1100 15 VS1100 rack 15 IntranetWare 7 L LEDs 10Base-T 17 port 18 power up sequence 17 limitations Multilink PPP 7 loopback plugs 25 M MAC address location of 13 modem cable 22 connecting hardware 19 Multilink PPP limitations 7 N Network address (MAC) location of 13 Novell IntranetWare 7 maximum number of ports 7 prerequisites 7 null modem cable 22 O overview 7 P phone numbers 12 34 pinouts DB15 Ethernet 24 Remote 25 RJ45 Ethernet 23 RJ45 serial 21 port e
Index prerequisites 7 T technical support contacting 11 information required 13 terminator plug VS1000 14 VS1100 16 troubleshooting downloaded driver files 11 extracting installation files 11 obtaining software updates 11 W Web support 12 Windows NT maximum number of ports 7 prerequisites 7 U U.K. technical support 11 U.S.A.
Index 36
Part Number: 6610D April 8, 1998