NET485 RS422/485 Serial to Ethernet Adapter Revision C March 24, 2006 Part Number GC-800-240
Copyright and Trademark Copyright © 2005, Grid Connect, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the express written permission of Grid Connect, Inc. Grid Connect, Inc.
Disclaimer and Revisions Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user, at his or her own expense, will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference. Attention: This product has been designed to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Warranty Grid Connect warrants each product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ONE YEAR after the date of shipment. During this period, if a customer is unable to resolve a product problem with Grid Connect Technical Support, a Return Material Authorization (RMA) will be issued. Following receipt of a RMA number, the customer shall return the product to Grid Connect, freight prepaid.
Contents Table of Contents 1. NET485 Overview ............................................................................................................1-1 1.1 Overview............................................................................................................. 1-1 1.2 Overview of RS422 / RS485............................................................................... 1-1 1.2.1 The RS485 Enable Signal ................................................................... 1-2 1.2.
Contents 3.12.1 Telnet Connection............................................................................3-21 3.12.2 Telnet Messages ..............................................................................3-22 3.13 Server Configuration (Option 0 Network Configuration) ...............................3-24 3.13.1 IP Address .......................................................................................3-24 3.13.2 Set Gateway IP Address ........................................................
Contents 3.18 Defaults ........................................................................................................... 3-44 3.19 Exit Configuration Mode ................................................................................ 3-44 4. Monitoring the Network ..................................................................................................4-1 4.1.1 Entering Monitor Mode via the Network Port .................................... 4-1 4.1.2 Monitor Mode Commands ..............
Contents List of Tables Table 1 - RS422/485 Signals ..................................................................................................2-2 Table 2 - NET485 LED Functions..........................................................................................2-3 Table 3 - Technical Specs.......................................................................................................2-6 Table 4 - Standard IP Network Netmasks ..............................................................
Overview 1. NET485 Overview 1.1 Overview The NET485 product allows you to connect to an RS422 / RS485 transceiver to enable remote serial communications over long distances (up to 4,000 ft.). Using RS485 two-wire mode, you can also connect the NET485’s serial interface to multiple devices in a multi-drop network. The NET485 is designed around the XPort-03 Serial to Ethernet device server. 1.2 Overview of RS422 / RS485 RS232 is an EIA standard transmission system and has been around since 1962.
Overview 1.2.1 The RS485 Enable Signal In a balanced differential system the data signals are produced by a line driver. The line driver generates a voltage across a pair of signal wires that transmits the data signals. A balanced line driver can have an optional input signal called an “Enable” signal. The purpose of the enable signal is to connect the driver to its output terminals. If the enable signal is off, the driver is disconnected from the transmission line.
Overview The NET485 can handle both RS485 and RS422 communications. This is done by connecting the XPort to a pair of RS485 transceivers. The following schematic demonstrates how the circuit is wired for RS422 and RS485. 3.3V 3.3V 8 2 3 Vcc U2 Vcc DE 4 4 TX DI D RS422 Half-Duplex Mode 6 1 3.3V 2 R RO 7 RS485 Mode TXDA (Pin 7) TXDA (Pin 7) TXDB (Pin 6) TXDB (Pin 6) RXDA (Pin 5) RXDA (Pin 5) RXDB (Pin 4) RXDB (Pin 4) SGND (Pin 3) SGND (Pin 3) RE XPort 485 G ND 5 R13 6 CP1 3.
Overview 1.3 RS422 / RS485 Network connections 1.3.1 RS422 Networks A typical RS422 application uses a four-wire interface (two twisted pairs) and a shield. RS422 networks are often used in a half-duplex mode, where a single master in a system sends a command to a slave device and the slave responds with data. Typically one device (node) is addressed by the host computer and a response is received from that device.
Overview 1.3.2 RS485 Networks RS485 permits a balanced transmission line to be shared in a party line or multi-drop configuration. As many as 32 driver / receiver pairs can share a multi-drop network on a single two wire bus. The length of the network is limited to 4,000 ft. between the first node and the last node. RS485 can be used in two-wire or four-wire multi-drop network applications. Figure 3 shows a typical RS485 two-wire multi-drop network.
Introduction 2. Introduction The NET485 product allows you to connect an RS422 / RS485 transceiver to the Ethernet. Using RS485 two-wire mode, you can connect the NET485’s serial interface to multiple devices in a multi-drop network. To quickly setup the NET485, please refer to the Quick Start Guide. This section discusses the general details of the NET485. Terminator Jumpers RS422/485 Terminals Ethernet Connection Power LED Power Terminals Figure 4 - Main Features 2.
Introduction 2.2 Serial RS422/485 Interface The table below lists the RS422/485 signals for the NET485. The RS422/485 and power interface is a 7-pin removable Phoenix connector, with two of the pins used for power.
Introduction 2.
Introduction 2.5 Product CD The CD sent with the NET485 contains Device Installer software and technical manuals to support the NET485. Device Installer allows for fast and easy configuration of the NET485. 1. Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD will automatically start and display the main window. If the CD does not launch automatically: a) Click the Start button on the Task Bar and select Run. b) Enter your CD drive letter, colon, backslash, Launch.exe (e.g., D:\Launch.exe).
Introduction 2.6 Additional Documentation The following guides are available on the product CD. There are several other manuals on the CD, however, they do not apply to the NET485 product. Title Description File Name NET485 User Guide This manual in PDF format. NET485_UM_800240_a.pdf Device Installer User Guide Information about installing and using Device Installer Utility. Dev_Inst_UG_800233_a.
Introduction 2.7 Technical Specifications Table 3 - Technical Specs The transceiver used in the NET485 is intended for balanced data transmission and complies with both EIA Standards RS-485 and RS-422. It contains a differential line driver and a differential line receiver, and is suitable for half-duplex transfer. The input impedance is 19KOhm allowing up to 50 transceivers to be connected on the bus.
Device Installer 3. Device Installer 3.1.1 Microsoft NET Framework Microsoft .NET is the Microsoft strategy for connecting systems, information, and devices through Web services so people can collaborate and communicate more effectively. .NET technology is integrated throughout Microsoft products, providing the capability to quickly build, deploy, manage, and use connected, security-enhanced solutions through the use of Web services.
Device Installer 2. Click the NET485 Software button. 3. Device Installer requires Microsoft .NET Framework be installed on your system. If your system does not have this installed, click the NET Framework button to install it. 4. Click the Device Installer button. The installation wizard window displays. 5. Respond to the installation wizard prompts. Note: For more information about Device Installer, see the Device Installer User Guide on the product CD and the online help. 6. Restart your system. 3.1.
Device Installer 3.1.5 Assign IP Click the Assign IP icon , select Assign IP Address from the Device menu or press the F7 key. You are then asked to select an assignment method. To assign a specific IP address, select the Assign a specific IP address button in the dialog box. Click Next to continue. If you choose to obtain an IP address automatically, select Obtain an IP address automatically button. The IP Discovery Settings dialog appears.
Device Installer 3.1.6 Assignment Click the Assign button and wait until the progress bar shows the task is complete. Click the Finish button to return to the main Device Installer dialog. Select the device from the main window list and select Ping from the Tools menu. The Ping Device dialog box shows the IP address of the selected unit. Click the Ping button. The results display in the Status window. Click the Clear Status button to clear the window so you can ping the device again.
Device Installer 3.2 Using Device Installer Device Installer is used to locate all devices that use a Lantronix device server. The NET485 uses the XPort03 device server. To configure the unit via a Web browser, double-click on one of the devices listed in the Device Installer window. This will display the Device Details window. Expand the list of XPorts by clicking the + symbol next to the XPort folder. Select an XPort unit by clicking on it. Click the + sign to expand the details.
Device Installer Online Status Telnet Enabled Telnet Port Web Enabled Web Port Maximum Baud Rate Supported Firmware Upgradeable IP Address Number of COB partitions supported Supports Dynamic IP DHCP BOOTP RARP Auto IP Subnet Mask Gateway Number of Ports TC P Keepalive Supports Configurable Pins Supports Email Triggers Supports AES Data Stream Supports 485 Supports 920K Baudrate Supports HTTP Server Supports HTTP Setup Supports 230K Baud Rate Supports GPIO 3-6 Non-configurable field.
Device Installer 3.3 Configuration Using Web Manager You must configure the unit so that it can communicate on a network with your serial device. For example, you must set the way the unit will respond to serial and network traffic, how it will handle serial packets, and when to start or close a connection. The unit’s configuration is stored in nonvolatile memory and is retained without power. You can change the configuration at any time.
Device Installer 3.4 Network Configuration The unit’s network values display when you select Network from the main menu. The following sections describe the configurable parameters on the Network Settings page. 3.4.1 Automatic IP Address Configuration An IP address can be assigned automatically. You then enter related network settings. To assign an IP address automatically: 1. On the main menu, click Network. 2. Select Obtain IP address automatically. 3.
Device Installer Note: Disabling BOOTP, DHCP, and AutoIP (all three checkboxes) is not advised as the only available IP assignment method will then be ARP or serial port. 4. When you are finished, click the OK button. 5. On the main menu, click Apply Settings. 3.4.2 Static IP Address Configuration You manually assign an IP address to the unit and enter related network settings. To assign an IP address manually: 1. On the main menu, click Network. 2. Select Use the following IP configuration. 3.
Device Installer 3.5 Server Configuration The unit’s server values display when you select Server from the main menu. The following sections describe the configurable parameters on the Server Settings page. To configure the XPort’s device server settings: 1. On the main menu, click Server. 2. Configure or modify the following fields: Server Configuration Telnet Password Retype Password Enter the password required for Telnet access Re-enter the password required for Telnet access.
Device Installer 3.6 Host List Configuration The XPort scrolls through the host list until it connects to a device listed in the host list table. After a successful connection, the unit stops trying to connect to any others. If this connection fails, the unit continues to scroll through the table until the next successful connection. The host list supports a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 12 entries. Each entry contains an IP address and a port number.
Device Installer 3.7 Channel 1 Configuration The Channel 1 configuration defines how the serial port responds to network and serial communication. Serial Settings To configure the channel’s serial settings: 1. On the main menu, click Serial Settings (under Channel 1) to display the Serial Settings window. 2. In the available fields, enter the following information: Channel 1 Disable Serial Port 3-12 When selected, disables communication through the serial port. The serial port is enabled by default.
Device Installer Port Settings Protocol Flow Control Baud Rate Data Bits Parity Stop Bits From the drop-down menu, select the protocol type for the selected channel. For the NET485, this MUST be RS485 2-wire or RS422/RS485 4-wire. Flow control manages data flow between devices in a network to ensure it is processed efficiently. Too much data arriving before a device is prepared to manage it causes lost or retransmitted data. None is the default.
Device Installer Flush Output Buffer (Network to Serial) With Active Connect With Passive Connec At Time of Disconnect Select Yes to clear the output buffer with a connection that is initiated from the device to the network. The default is No. Select Yes to clear the output buffer with a connection initiated from the network to the device. The default is No. Select Yes to clear the output buffer when the network connection to or from the device is disconnected. The default is No. 3.
Device Installer 2. In the available fields, enter or modify the following information: Connect Protocol Protocol From the drop-down menu, select TCP. Connect Mode: Passive Connection Accept Incoming Password Required Password Select Yes to accept incoming connections. The default is Yes. Determines whether a password is required for an incoming passive connection. This field is not available when a password is set for Telnet mode.
Device Installer Use Hostlist LED If this option is set to True, the device server scrolls through the host list until it connects to a device listed in the host list table. Once it connects, the unit stops trying to connect to any others. If this connection fails, the unit continues to scroll through the table until it connects to another IP in the host list. The host list is disabled for Manual Mode and for Modem Mode.
Device Installer 3.7.2 Connection Settings - UDP To configure a channel’s UDP settings: 1. On the main menu, click Connection. The Connection Settings window for the selected channel displays. 2. In the available fields, enter or modify the following information: Connect Protocol Protocol Select UDP from the drop-down menu. Datagram Mode Datagram Type Accept Incoming Local Port Remote Port Remote Host Device Address Table Configures the remote IP or network broadcast address and the remote port.
Device Installer 3.8 Email Settings An XPort can send an email to multiple recipients when a specific trigger event occurs. There are three separate triggers, based on any combination of the configurable pins selected as user I/O functions. Optionally, use a two-byte serial string to initiate a trigger. Each trigger is independent of the others. Each condition within an individual trigger must be met before the unit will send the email.
Device Installer 3.8.1 Trigger Configuration The configurable pins are disabled if they are all set to None. If both the serial sequence and the configurable pins are disabled, the trigger is disabled. To configure the XPort’s email trigger settings: 1. On the main menu, click Trigger 1, Trigger 2, or Trigger 3 to configure the desired trigger settings. The Email Trigger Settings page opens. 2.
Device Installer 3.9 Configurable Pin Settings There are three configurable hardware pins on the XPort device server inside the NET485. To configure the NET485, select Configurable Pin CP0. 1. On the main menu, click Configurable Pins. The Configurable Pins page opens. 2. Configure or modify the following fields for each pin: Function Direction Active Level From the drop-down menu, select the purpose of the specified pin. See Configurable Pin Functions for a description of each available function.
Device Installer 3.11 Apply Factory Defaults Click the Apply Factory Defaults button to set the device server back to the default settings. 3.12 Configuration Using Telnet You must configure the unit so that it can communicate on a network with your serial device. The unit’s configuration is stored in nonvolatile memory and is retained without power. You can change the configuration at any time. The unit performs a reset after the configuration has been changed and stored.
Device Installer 3.12.2 Telnet Messages 3. The window displays: MAC address 00204A82CCAA Software version V6.1.0.2 (060217) XPTEXE Press Enter for Setup Mode 4. To enter the Setup Mode, you must press Enter within 5 seconds. The configuration settings will appear. 5. Select an option on the menu by entering the number of the option in the Your choice ? field and pressing Enter. 6. To enter a value for a parameter, type the value and press Enter, or to confirm a current value, just press Enter. 7.
Device Installer ***************** E-mail ***************** Mail server: 0.0.0.0 Unit : Domain : Recipient 1: Recipient 2: *** Trigger 1 Serial trigger input: disabled Channel: 1 Match: 00,00 Trigger input1: x Trigger input2: x Trigger input3: x Message : Priority: L Min. notification interval: 1 s Re-notification interval : 0 s *** Trigger 2 Serial trigger input: disabled Channel: 1 Match: 00,00 Trigger input1: x Trigger input2: x Trigger input3: x Message : Priority: L Min.
Device Installer 3.13 Server Configuration (Option 0 Network Configuration) These are the unit’s basic network parameters. The following parameters are displayed when you select Server(Option 0). IP Address : (000) .(000) .(000) .(000) Set Gateway IP Address (N) Netmask: Number of Bits for Host Part (0=default) Change telnet config password (N) Change DHCP device name (not set) ? (N) ? (0) 3.13.1 IP Address DHCP is not used to assign IP addresses, enter the IP address manually.
Device Installer Table 5 - Netmask Examples Netmask Host Bits 255.255.255.252 NOT Recommended 255.255.255.248 3 255.255.255.240 4 255.255.255.224 5 255.255.255.192 6 255.255.255.128 7 255.255.255.0 8 255.255.254.0 9 255.255.252.0 10 255.255.248.0 11 255.255.240.0 12 255.255.224.0 13 255.255.192.0 14 255.255.128.0 15 255.255.0.0 16 255.254.0.0 17 255.252.0.0 18 255.248.0.0 19 255.240.0.0 20 255.224.0.0 21 255.192.0.0 22 255.128.0.0 23 255.0.0.0 24 3.13.
Device Installer 3.13.5 DHCP Naming If a DHCP server has automatically assigned the IP address and network settings, you can discover the unit by using the Device Installer network search feature. There are 3 methods for assigning DHCP names to these products. 1) Default DHCP name. If you do not change the DHCP name, and you are using an IP of 0.0.0.0, then the DHCP name will default to CXXXXXX (XXXXXX is the last 6 digits of the MAC address shown on the label on the bottom/side of the unit).
Device Installer 3.14.2 I/F (Interface) Mode The Interface (I/F) Mode is a bit-coded byte that you enter in hexadecimal notation. Table 6 - Interface Mode Options I/F Mode Option RS-232C (1) RS-422/485 RS-485 2-wire 7 Bit 8 Bit No Parity Even Parity Odd Parity 1 Stop bit 2 Stop bit (1) 7 6 5 4 3 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 (1) 2 stop bits are implemented by software. This might have influence on performance.
Device Installer 3.14.4 Port Number The setting represents the source port number in TCP connections. It is the number used to identify the channel for remotely initiating connections. Note: When using Comm Port Redirector software, use this port number. Default setting for Port 1 is 10001.
Device Installer 3.14.5 Connect Mode Connect Mode defines how the unit makes a connection, and how it reacts to incoming connections over the network. Enter Connect Mode options in hexadecimal notation. Note: If you do not want to convert the binary numbers to hexadecimals yourself, look up the values in the Tech Notes guide.
Device Installer INCOMING CONNECTION: Never Accept Incoming: Rejects all external connection attempts. Accept with DTR Active: Accept external connection requests only when the DTR input is asserted. Cannot be used with Modem Mode. Always Accept: Accept any incoming connection when a connection is not already established. This is the default setting.
Device Installer Table 11 - Manual Connection Address Example Command String Result if remote IP is 129.1.2.3 and remote port is 1234 C121.2.4.5/1 C5 C28.10/12 C0.0.0.0/0 Complete override; connection is started with host 121.2.4.5, port 1 Connect to 129.1.2.5, port 1234 Connect to 129.1.28.10, port 12 Enter Monitor Mode Autostart (Automatic Connection): If Autostart is enabled, the unit automatically connects to the remote IP address and remote port specified when the firmware starts.
Device Installer 2. To delete, modify, or add an entry, select Yes. If you enter an IP address of 0.0.0.0, that entry and all others after it are deleted. 3. After completing the hostlist, repeat the previous step if necessary to edit the hostlist again. 4. For Retrycounter, enter the number of times the unit should try to make a good network connection to a hostlist entry that it has successfully ARPed. The range is 1-15, with the default set to 3. 5.
Device Installer Without Echo: Data Echo & Modem Response Modem Responses Only In Modem Mode, echo refers to the echo of all of the characters entered in command mode; it does not mean to echo data that is transferred. Quiet Mode (without echo) refers to the modem not sending an answer to the commands received (or displaying what was typed). Full Verbose: The unit echoes modem commands and responds to a command with a message string shown in the table below.
Device Installer 3. No serial data is received for one second after the last + character. At this time the unit will respond affirmatively per the selected echo/response mode. 4. The character string ATH is received, terminated with a carriage return. The unit will respond affirmatively per the selected echo/response mode and drop the network connection. The serial interface will revert to accepting command strings. If the above sequence is not followed, the unit will remain in data transfer mode.
Device Installer 3.14.8 Remote IP Address This is the destination IP address used with an outgoing connection. Note: This option does not display when Hostlist is enabled from the ConnectMode prompt. 3.14.9 Remote Port The remote TCP port number must be set for the unit to make outgoing connections. This parameter defines the port number on the target host to which a connection is attempted.
Device Installer 3.14.11 Flush Mode (Buffer Flushing) Using this parameter, you can control line handling and network buffers with connection startup and disconnect. You can also select between two different packing algorithms.
Device Installer 3.14.12 Pack Control Two firmware-selectable packing algorithms define how and when packets are sent to the network. The standard algorithm is optimized for applications in which the unit is used in a local environment, allowing for very small delays for single characters while keeping the packet count low. The alternate packing algorithm minimizes the packet count on the network and is especially useful in applications in a routed Wide Area Network (WAN).
Device Installer 3.14.14 Send Characters You can enter up to two characters in hexadecimal representation in the parameters "sendchar." If a character received on the serial line matches one of these characters, it is sent immediately, along with any awaiting characters, to the TCP connection. This minimizes the response time for specific protocol characters on the serial line (for example, ETX, EOT, etc.). Setting the first sendchar to 00 disables the recognition of the characters.
Device Installer *** Trigger 2 Enable serial trigger input (N) ? Trigger input1 [A/I/X] (X) ? Trigger input2 [A/I/X] (X) ? Trigger input3 [A/I/X] (X) ? Message (): Priority (L): Min. notification interval (1 s): Re-notification interval (0 s): *** Trigger 3 Enable serial trigger input (N) ? Trigger input1 [A/I/X] (X) ? Trigger input2 [A/I/X] (X) ? Trigger input3 [A/I/X] (X) ? Message (): Priority (L): Min. notification interval (1 s): Re-notification interval (0 s): 3.15.
Device Installer 3.16 Expert Settings Note: You can change these settings via Telnet or serial connections only, not on the Web-Manager. These parameters should only be changed if you are an expert and definitely know the consequences the changes might have.
Device Installer 3.16.6 HTTP Port Number This option allows changing the HTTP port number. The valid range is from 1 - 65535. The default value is 80. 3.16.7 SMTP Port Number This option allows you to configure the SMTP (email) port number. Valid range is from 1 - 65535. The default value is 25. 3.16.8 MTU Size The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) is the largest physical packet size a network can transmit for TCP and UDP. Enter between 512 and 1400 bytes. The default is 1400 bytes. 3.16.
Device Installer 3.17 Security Settings Note: You can change these settings via Telnet or serial connections only, not on the Web-Manager. We recommend that you set security over the dedicated network or over the serial setup. If you set parameters over the network (Telnet 9999), someone else could capture these settings. Caution: Disabling both Telnet Setup and Port 77FE will prevent users from accessing the setup menu from the network.
Device Installer 3.17.5 Disable Port 77FE (Hex) Note: If you choose to disable this option, keep in mind that disabling both Telnet Setup and Port 77FE will prevent users from accessing the setup menu from the network. Port 77FE is a setting that allows Device Installer, Web-manager, and custom programs to configure the unit remotely. You may want to disable this capability for security purposes. The default setting is the N (No) option, which enables remote configuration.
Device Installer Generally, one of two situations applies: Encrypted NET485-to-NET485 communication. Be sure to configure both NET485 devices with the same encryption key. Third-party application to NET485-encrypted communication: NET485 uses standard AES encryption protocols. To communicate successfully, products and applications on the peer side must use the same protocols and the same encryption key as the NET485.
Monitor Mode 4. Monitoring the Network Monitor Mode is a command-line interface used for diagnostic purposes. 4.1.1 Entering Monitor Mode via the Network Port To enter Monitor Mode using a Telnet connection: 1. Establish a Telnet session to the configuration port (9999). The following message appears: MAC address 00204A0113A3 Software version 01.8 (040806) XPT485 Press Enter to go into Setup Mode 2. Type M (upper case). The following message appears: *** NodeSet 2.
Firmware 5. Updating Firmware 5.1 Obtaining Firmware You can obtain the most up-to-date firmware and release notes for the unit from Grid Connect. Do not upgrade firmware unless directed by Technical Support. 5.1.1 Reloading Firmware Reloading the firmware of a device will destroy all settings and configurations. Firmware files are not freely distributed since changing the firmware of a device will change is operational features. This should only be done under the direction of technical support. 5.1.
Troubleshooting 6. Troubleshooting This chapter discusses how you can diagnose and fix errors quickly without having to contact Grid Connect. When troubleshooting, always ensure that the physical connections (power cable, network cable, and serial cable) are secure. Note: Some unexplained errors might be caused by duplicate IP addresses on the network. Make sure that your unit's IP address is unique. 6.1.
Troubleshooting does not respond for a long time. The device server is not communicating with the serial device it is attached to. The device server may not have a network connection. Make sure that the Link LED is lit. If the Link LED is not lit, then the device server does not have a network connection. The most likely reason is the wrong serial settings were chosen. The serial settings for the serial device and the device server must match.
Tables 7. Binary to Hex Conversion Many of the unit’s configuration procedures require assembling a series of options (represented as bits) into a complete command (represented as a byte). Convert the resulting binary value to a hexadecimal representation. Following are two simple ways to convert binary numbers to hexadecimals. 7.1.1 Conversion Table Hexadecimal digits have values ranging from 0 to F, which are represented as 09, A (for 10), B (for 11), etc.
Tables Click Hex. The hexadecimal value displays.
