Hardware Reference Manual MEGAPORT Serial I/O Boards including MEGAPORT: MEGAPORT 12CS MEGAPORT 24CS MEGAPORT 12FM MEGAPORT 12LD MEGAPORT 24LD MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS MEGAPORT/2: MEGAPORT/2 12CS MEGAPORT/2 24CS MEGAPORT/2 12FM MEGAPORT/2 12LD MEGAPORT/2 24LD MEGAPORT/2 12LD+12CS MEGAPORT/RS: MEGAPORT/RS 12CS MEGAPORT/RS 24CS MEGAPORT/RS 12LD MEGAPORT/RS 24LD MEGAPORT/RS 12LD+12CS e
Copyright Notice © 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Equinox Systems Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission prohibited. Trademarks Equinox is a registered trademark of Equinox Systems, Inc. MEGAPORT is a trademark of Equinox Systems, Inc. XENIX is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T.
Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION Applicability About This Manual Equipment Checklist Software Support References 2 INSTALLING MEGAPORT BOARDS The MEGAPORT Board EISA Installations Intermixing MEGAPLEX & MEGAPORT Installing a Single MEGAPORT Board Installing Multiple MEGAPORT Boards PS/2-Type Hardware Configuration RS/6000 Hardware Configuration Installing the Round Cable 9 9 10 10 11 13 15 17 18 3 CONNECTING DEVICES TO CS & FM PORTS CS Port Signals Signal Names Conversion to RS-232 Signal Names Telco
iv CONNECTING DEVICES TO LD PORTS LD Port Signals Signal Names Conversion to RS-232 Signal Names Telco Connector Pinouts Wiring to Terminal Devices LD Cabling Issues LD Cabling Schemes DB-25 Wiring Modular Wiring 39 41 41 41 42 45 45 46 48 49 APPENDIX A DOCUMENT CHANGE REQUEST 55 APPENDIX B TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROCEDURES 57 Index 59 MEGAPORT Hardware Reference Manual
Hardware Reference Manual MEGAPORT MEGAPORT/2 MEGAPORT/RS Serial I/O Boards e PN 560047/B Table of Contents v
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The Equinox MEGAPORT, MEGAPORT/2 and MEGAPORT/RS family of multi-user boards provides the highest performance serial I/O solution for UNIX, XENIX and AIX applications in ISA, EISA and Micro Channel bus systems. Except for the computer bus interface and an additional step in the hardware configuration process, MEGAPORT/2 and MEGAPORT/RS products are identical to their MEGAPORT counterparts.
Micro Channel Products for IBM PS/2 and NCR 3000 Systems: ● MEGAPORT/2 12CS: a 12-port board with standard RS232 interface and modem control signals on all ports. ● MEGAPORT/2 24CS: a 24-port board with standard RS232 interface and modem control signals on all ports. ● MEGAPORT/2 12FM: a 12-port board with standard RS232 interface and full modem control signals on all ports.
All of these boards differ only in the bus interface, the number of ports provided on each and in the methods used to connect the boards to terminals, printers and modems. CS MEGAPORT models with CS in their name provide the traditional RS-232 interface, including two modem control signals, which may be used for either DTR/DCD modem supervision or RTS/CTS hardware flow control.
Applicability This manual is applicable to the following Equinox products: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● MEGAPORT 12CS MEGAPORT 24CS MEGAPORT 12FM MEGAPORT 12LD MEGAPORT 24LD MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS MEGAPORT/2 MEGAPORT/2 24CS MEGAPORT/2 12FM MEGAPORT/2 12LD MEGAPORT/2 24LD MEGAPORT/2 12LD+12CS MEGAPORT/RS 12CS MEGAPORT/RS 24CS MEGAPORT/RS 12LD MEGAPORT/RS 24LD MEGAPORT/RS 12LD+12CS About This Manual This manual is a complete technical reference to the hardware installation and operation of all members of t
Chapter 3 - Connecting Devices to CS and FM Ports Chapter 3 describes the procedures used to connect devices to MEGAPORT CS boards (12CS, 24CS and the second 12 ports on the 12LD+12CS) and MEGAPORT 12FM boards. Included are wiring diagrams for assistance in building adaptors and cables. Chapter 4 - Connecting Devices to LD Ports This chapter describes the procedures used to connect devices to MEGAPORT LD boards (12LD, 24LD and the first 12 ports on the 12LD+12CS).
Different device driver kits with different part numbers are provided with MEGAPORT, MEGAPORT/2 and MEGAPORT/RS (slight differences in the installation process necessitate this for ease of installation). With MEGAPORT/2 boards a PS/2 Option Diskette is also included. *MEGAPORT 12FM and MEGAPORT/2 12FM products include a 12-port RJ-45 Splitter and a 100-conductor interconnecting cable.
References In addition to this manual and the appropriate Software Reference Manual as provided in a device driver kit, readers may be interested in these publications: For combined installation of MEGAPORT and MEGAPLEX: MEGAPLEX Hardware Reference Manual, part number 560050. For LD board installation: Technical Note #1, MEGAPORT LD: Exploring Long Distance Connections to Terminals & Printers. Part number 302024. A copy is shipped with all LD boards.
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Chapter 2 Installing MEGAPORT Boards This chapter describes how to install MEGAPORT, MEGAPORT/2 and MEGAPORT/RS boards into a computer system.
EISA Installations When installing a MEGAPORT board in an EISA system, a jumper must be installed to permit the configuration scheme to work properly. This jumper causes the MEGAPORT board to occupy I/O addresses 0x340 and 0x341. These addresses should not be used by another device. Install the jumper across the left top-most two pins denoted by "PA0" on the printed circuit board (see Figure 2-2). This figure shows only PA0 installed to select addresses 0x340 and 0x341.
Installing a Single MEGAPORT Board The first MEGAPORT board installed should be placed in the first available computer slot. On a desktop chassis IBM AT, this is the first empty slot closest to the power supply. In a tower chassis, it is the topmost slot. By installing the MEGAPORT board in the first empty slot (closest to the power supply), the next MEGAPORT board installed is close enough to connect up with the 1" interconnect cable.
● After making sure that the top of the board’s bracket is aligned with the hole on the top of the expansion slot, replace the screw which previously held the expansion slot cover. Tighten the screw so it holds the board firmly in place. ● If more than one MEGAPORT board is to be installed, refer to paragraph heading Installing Multiple MEGAPORT Boards. ● Leave the cover of the computer off (or open) until it is verified that the board is working.
Installing Multiple MEGAPORT Boards MEGAPORT boards may be installed and intermixed with other Equinox products (such as, MEGAPORT 8CS and MEGAPLEX boards) in a computer system. Likewise, MEGAPORT/2 boards may be intermixed with MEGAPLEX/2 and MEGAPORT/RS boards may be intermixed with MEGAPLEX/RS in their respective computer system chassis. For multiple MEGAPORT/2 and MEGAPORT/RS, simply install the additional boards in empty slots in the computer.
4. After making sure that the top of the board’s bracket is aligned with the hole on the top of the expansion slot, replace the screw which previously held the expansion slot cover. Tighten the screw firmly. 5. Connect the interconnect cable on the newly installed board to the J3 connector on the previously installed board located to right of the new board. 6. If more than one additional MEGAPORT board is being installed, repeat steps 1 through 5 for each board.
PS/2-Type Hardware Configuration MEGAPORT/2 only. This section applies to the IBM PS/2, the NCR 3000 Series and other similar Micro Channel Architecture computers. The process described is essentially the same for each, although some terminology may vary. After installing the MEGAPORT/2 board, the computer must be configured. The first time the machine is turned on with the MEGAPORT/2 installed, an error code of 165 appears on the screen and 2 beeps are sounded after the RAM is counted.
1. After the 165 error message, the machine appears to hang. Place the Reference Diskette in drive A: and press F1. The screen clears and the banner screen appears. Press Enter to continue. The following message displays: Use Automatic Configuration (Y/N)? N 2. Answer no to the automatic configuration question. The main menu displays: Main 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Menu Learn about the computer. Backup the Reference Diskette. Set Configuration. Set features. Copy an option diskette. Test the computer.
5. After running the automatic configuration, the system CMOS now contains the configuration of all the adapters including the MEGAPORT/2. At this point, backup the new configuration by selecting option 3, Backup configuration, from the set configuration menu. 6. The new configuration is copied onto the Backup Reference diskette. After the backup is complete, remove the Backup Reference diskette and store it and the original Reference Disk in a safe place.
Installing the Round Cable Each MEGAPORT package includes a round cable which plugs into the 100-pin female connector on the MEGAPORT board. MEGAPORT 12-port boards use a single round cable providing one standard telco 50-pin telco connector. MEGAPORT 24-port boards use a double round cable providing two telco connectors. Equinox wiring accessories convert the telco connectors to DB-25 or RJ-11 modular jacks for distribution of ports to external devices such as terminals, modems and printers.
Chapter 3 Connecting Devices To CS & FM Ports This chapter applies equally to MEGAPORT, MEGAPORT/2 and MEGAPORT/RS and explains the cabling options which may be used to connect devices to: ● the MEGAPORT 12CS board; ● the MEGAPORT 24CS board; ● the MEGAPORT 12FM board; and ● the second group of twelve ports (i.e. ports numbered 13 through 24) on the MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS board. (The second group of twelve ports on the MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS board are identical to the corresponding ports on the 24CS board.
CS Port Signals Signal Names The names of signals on the telco connectors of the MEGAPORT ports indicate the direction of the signals. They are either inbound (received by MEGAPORT) or outbound (transmitted from MEGAPORT). Data Signals The following names are used for data signals: DATA IN indicates data received by the MEGAPORT board from the attached device (inbound). DATA OUT indicates data transmitted from the MEGAPORT board to the attached device (outbound).
Telco Connector Pinouts This part of Chapter 3 lists the cable pinouts of the CS ports. The physical ports are mapped by the device driver into UNIX/XENIX tty device names. MEGAPORT 12CS Board Telco Connector Pinouts Figure 3-1 shows the wiring of the telco connector on the MEGAPORT 12CS board. A single cable provides all the signals required for supporting 12 ports. Figure 3-1.
MEGAPORT 24CS Board Telco Connector Pinouts The wiring of the telco connectors on the MEGAPORT 24CS board is shown in Figure 3-2. Connector A provides CS ports 1-12 and is identical to the MEGAPORT 12CS connector. Connector B provides CS ports 13-24. Figure 3-2.
MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS Board Telco Connector Pinouts The wiring of the telco connectors of the MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS board is shown on Figure 3-3. Connector A provides LD ports 1-12 and is identical to the MEGAPORT 12LD connector (see Chapter 4). Connector B provides CS ports 13-24 and is identical to Connector B on the MEGAPORT 24CS. Figure 3-3.
FM Port Signals Signal Names The FM port signals (RS-232 compatible) between the 12 FM Splitter and the connected devices are identified in Figure 3-4. Pin Reserved 2 Request To Send 3 Data Terminal Ready 4 Receive Data Ground 5 RJ-45 Signal 1 6 Transmit Data 7 Ground 8 Carrier Detect Clear To Send 9 10 Data Set Ready Figure 3-4. 12 FM Splitter RJ-45 jack pinouts. All twelve RJ-45 jacks on the 12 FM Splitter are identical in pinout.
Wiring to Terminal Devices Various accessories may be used to connect devices to MEGAPORT CS or FM ports, using the two primary wiring methods: DB-25 or modular wiring. They include: For DB-25 Wiring: ● DB-25 distribution panels are used to convert 50-pin connectors to DB-25 RS-232 connectors. DB-25 Distribution Panel DB-25 (RS-232) Cables For Modular Wiring: ● Modular splitters are used with modular adaptors and modular cables to connect devices to the board.
● 26 Punch blocks may also be used with modular wall outlets and other modular accessories.
DB-25 Wiring DB-25 Distribution Panels Distribution panels convert 50-pin connectors to twelve DB-25 RS232 connectors. One distribution panel or fan-out cable is required for 12 devices. Two are required for 24 ports. The following distribution panels are available from Equinox: Part No. DB-25 Connector Connect To 990117 990121 990122 12 DCE female 12 DTE male 12 DTE female terminals and DTE devices modems male DCE devices Figure 3-5. Internal wiring for DCE distribution panels Figure 3-6.
Modular Wiring CS Modular Splitter Modular splitters are used with modular adaptors and modular cable. Modular splitters convert the 50-pin connector to a set of 12 modular jacks. Figure 3-7 illustrates devices connected to the MEGAPORT using the modular splitter. Figure 3-7. CS Modular splitter ● The CS modular splitter (Equinox part number 210016) converts the signals on the 50-pin connector to 12 RJ-11 modular jacks. (Two modular splitters are required to connect 24 devices.
Figure 3-8.
FM Modular Splitter FM modular splitters are used with modular adaptors and modular cables. This splitter converts the 100-pin MEGAPORT 12FM board connector to a set of 12 RJ-45 modular jacks. Figure 3-9 illustrates devices connected to the MEGAPORT using the FM modular splitter. ● The FM modular splitter (Equinox part number 990173) converts the signals on the 100-pin connector to 12 RJ-45 modular jacks. This modular splitter is used to connect the MEGAPORT board to ports requiring full modem control.
CS Modular Adaptors CS modular adaptors (see Figures 3-11) convert modular jacks to DB25 or DB-9 (RS-232) connectors. The following list describes the modular adaptors available from Equinox. This list may be used to determine the correct modular wiring accessories required for system installation. Part No.
Note: When making modular adaptors, the 3K resistor shown in Figure 3-10 may be eliminated for use with most terminals. The resistor is used to loop control signals back to the attached device when 4-wire cable is used and pin 6 is not connected. When using 6-wire cable and there is a voltage on pin 6, the resistor has no effect and the voltage on pin 6 is passed through to the attached device.
FOR MODEMS & MULTIPLEXERS: 210068 [DB-25 DTE Male] 210069 [DB-25 DTE Female] RJ-45 RS-232 10-Pin 10 1 FOR TERMINALS & PRINTERS: 210070 [DB-25 DCE Male] 210071 [DB-25 DCE Female] DSR CTS DCD GND TD GND RD DTR RTS RI 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 RJ-45 RS-232 10-Pin 10 1 FOR PERSONAL COMPUTERS: 210063 [DB-9 Female] DSR CTS DCD GND TD GND RD DTR RTS RI 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 RS-232 RJ-45 8 1 TD RD GND GND DTR CTS RTS DCD 4 6 5 3 7 1 8 2 DB-25 RS-232 6 5 8 DSR CTS DCD 2 7 3 20 4 22 TD GND RD DTR RTS RI
Punch Blocks Punch blocks provide a quick and inexpensive solution to wiring around buildings. They may be concealed in wiring closets and individual wires run to each location where a terminal or port is to be connected. Punch blocks may be used with modular wall outlets and wiring accessories. Figure 3-13 illustrates connecting the MEGAPORT board to punch blocks using modular adaptors and modular wall outlets. Wall outlets should be wired as shown in Figure 3-14.
Figure 3-15.
CS Port Full Modem Control Wiring As discussed above, MEGAPORT CS ports regularly provide two modem control signals per port (i.e. CNTL OUT and CNTL IN), which may be used for either modem supervision (DTR/DCD) or hardware flow control (RTS/CTS), under software control. The combination of various software flags and some special signal rerouting (the “borrowing” of two control signals from a neighboring “donor” port) provides the additional two signals.
Modular Full Modem Control Adaptor To implement full modem control in a modular environment, Equinox provides modular full modem control adaptors. These devices consist of two short cables which are plugged into the appropriate adjacent port jacks on an Equinox modular splitter. At the end of the cables is a small housing with two jacks, one providing full modem control and the other data only (see Figure 3-17). Refer to the Equinox Ordering Guide for available adaptors and their part numbers.
Special Considerations When connecting devices to the MEGAPORT board ports, it is important to understand the difference between DCE and DTE devices. This is to ensure that data flows in the right direction. If DCE and DTE are not wired correctly, communications between the two devices may be blocked. DCE - Data Communications Equipment such as modems. DTE - Data Terminal Equipment such as terminals and printers.
CHAPTER 4 CONNECTING DEVICES TO LD PORTS This chapter applies equally to MEGAPORT, MEGAPORT/2 and MEGAPORT/RS and explains the cabling options which may be used to connect devices to: ● the MEGAPORT 12LD board, ● the MEGAPORT 24LD board, ● the first group of twelve ports (i.e. ports numbered 1 through 12) on the MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS board. (The first group of twelve ports on the MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS board are identical to the corresponding ports on the 12LD and 24LD boards.
To assist in the wiring of the MEGAPORT board, Equinox sells a complete set of cabling accessories. See an Equinox Ordering Guide for more information. As shown in Figure 4-1, standard RS-232 devices may be connected to LD ports and operate reliably at 38.4 Kbps over standard two-twistedpair cable at distances up to 1000 feet without requiring a line driver on the terminal end. 1000 feet at 38.4 Kbps without line driver 3000 feet at 38.4 Kbps with LDA-232 at terminal end Figure 4-1. LD Port application.
LD Port Signals Signal Names The names of signals on the telco connectors of the MEGAPORT ports indicate the direction of the signals. They are either inbound (received by MEGAPORT) or outbound (transmitted from MEGAPORT). Data Signals Each LD port uses two twisted-pairs. Data is transmitted from the port on one pair and received on the other. DATA IN(+) and DATA IN(-) indicates data received by the MEGAPORT board from the attached device (inbound).
Telco Connector Pinouts The following paragraphs list the cable pinouts of the LD ports. The physical ports are mapped by the device driver into the appropriate device names. MEGAPORT 12LD Board Telco Connector Pinouts Figure 4-2 shows the wiring of the telco connector on the MEGAPORT 12LD board. A single cable provides all the signals required for supporting 12 ports. Figure 4-2. MEGAPORT 12LD telco connector pinouts.
MEGAPORT 24LD Board Telco Connector Pinouts The wiring of the telco connectors on MEGAPORT 24LD board is shown in Figure 4-3. Connector A provides LD ports 1-12 and is identical to the MEGAPORT 12LD connector. Connector B provides LD ports 13-24. Figure 4-3. MEGAPORT 24LD telco connector pinouts.
MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS Board Telco Connector Pinouts The wiring of the telco connectors on the MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS board is shown in Figure 4-4. Connector A provides LD ports 1-12 and is identical to the MEGAPORT 12LD connector. Connector B provides CS ports 13-24 and is identical to the Connector B of the MEGAPORT 24CS connector (see Chapter 3). Figure 4-4. MEGAPORT 12LD+12CS telco connector pinouts.
Wiring to Terminal Devices Complete details about LD ports may be found in Equinox Technical Note #1, MEGAPORT LD: Exploring Long Distance Connections to Terminals and Printers, Equinox part number 302024, a copy of which is enclosed with all MEGAPORT LD boards. This publication also addresses various other features of the LD products line.
LD Cabling Schemes There are two recommended cabling schemes for connecting devices to MEGAPORT LD ports. Both methods are illustrated in Figure 4-5. The first scheme uses 25 pair telco extension cables for the long distance portion of the cable run and then uses the Equinox 210117 LD modular splitter to connect a group of ports in close proximity to each other to the MEGAPORT.
LD Modular Splitter (PN 210117) Two-twisted-pair cable OR Modular cable for up to 50 feet 50-pair PBX extension cables for long distance Punch block (PN 210044) Modular adaptor or LDA-232 Wall outlet 50-pair PBX extension cables for long distance DB-25 distribution panel (PN 990117) Specially wired RS-232 Cable Figure 4-5. MEGAPORT LD cabling methods.
DB-25 Wiring Although not highly recommended by Equinox, it is possible to use DB-25 type connectors with LD ports. This is especially useful where existing wiring is to be used. Figure 4-6 shows the cable connections for the distribution panel between a MEGAPORT board and a terminal or printer. The cable(s), provided with the LD board, must be used between the DB-25 distribution panel (part number 990117) and the MEGAPORT board.
Modular Wiring LD Modular Splitter Modular splitters are used with modular adaptors and modular cable. Modular splitters convert the 50-pin telco connector to a set of 12 modular jacks. Figure 4-7 illustrates devices connected to the MEGAPORT board using the modular splitter. LD Modular Splitter (PN 210117) 50-pair PBX extension cables for long distance Modular adaptor or LDA-232 Two-twisted-pair cable OR Modular cable for up to 50 feet Figure 4-7. LD modular splitter.
Figure 4-8. LD modular splitter wiring.
Modular Cables RJ-11 modular cable is the flat cable used for wiring telephones inside of buildings. The cable is terminated at each end with an RJ-11 modular plug (connector) which is inserted into the modular jack of an appropriate wiring module. Standard modular cables available from Equinox or wiring distributors are reversing; that is the pins are reversed on each end (so that pin 1 on one end is connected to pin 6 on the opposite end, etc.).
Modular adaptor wiring is shown in Figure 4-10. When making modular adaptors, the 3K resistor shown may be eliminated for use with most terminals. The resistor is used to loop control signals back to the attached device when 4-wire cable is used and pin 6 is not connected. When using 6-wire cable and there is voltage on pin 6 the resistor has no effect and the voltage on pin 6 is passed through to the attached device. Figure 4-10.
Punch Blocks Punch blocks provide a quick and inexpensive solution to wiring around buildings. They may be concealed in wiring closets and individual wires run to each location where a terminal or port is to be connected. Punch blocks may be used with modular wall outlets and wiring accessories. Figure 4-11 illustrates connecting the MEGAPORT board to punch blocks using modular adaptors and modular wall outlets. Wall outlets should be wired as shown in Figure 4-12 below.
Figure 4-13. Punch block (PN 210044) wiring: LD ports.
APPENDIX A DOCUMENT CHANGE REQUEST At Equinox we are always striving to make our product manuals accurate and easy to use. If you have an improvement to suggest or find an error in this manual please let us know.
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APPENDIX B TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROCEDURES Equinox makes every effort to ensure that your MEGAPORT board is of top quality in all respects. If you have a problem with your MEGAPORT board we ask you to follow these steps before you call: ● Read the appropriate hardware and software reference manuals and any release notes which describe the procedure you are trying to perform. ● Check the Equinox MEGAPORT Bulletin Board System.
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Index Symbols B 10-pin RJ-45 ...................................... 32 10-wire ............................................... 30 12 FM Splitter ................................... 24 12CS pinouts ..................................... 21 12LD pinouts ..................................... 42 12LD+12CS pinouts ................... 23, 44 210026 ......................................... 31, 32 210027 .................................. 31, 32, 51 210036 .................................. 31, 32, 51 210037 ....
DB-25 wiring CS ports .................................. 25 LD ports .................................. 48 DB-9 ................................................... 32 DCE .................................................... 38 Devices connecting to CS ports ...... 19–31 connecting to LD ports ...... 39–52 Distribution panel wiring ................. 27 Distribution panels ........................... 25 DB-25 ..................................... 27 Donor port ..........................................
P PC AT serial port .............................. 51 Pinouts 12CS ....................................... 21 12LD ....................................... 42 12LD+12CS ...................... 23, 44 24CS ....................................... 22 24LD ....................................... 43 CS modular splitter ................. 29 distribution panel .................... 27 LD modular splitter ................. 50 modular adaptor ..................... 52 punch block ............................ 35 LD .....
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