AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide 802.11b/g ABDG-SE Series WLNG-SE Series 802.11b ABDB-SE Series WLNB-SE Series Document number 100-8006-152G Quatech, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be copied in any form, by photocopy, microfilm, retrieval system, or by any other means now known or hereafter invented without the prior written permission of Quatech, Inc. This document may not be used as the basis for manufacture or sale of any items without the prior written consent of Quatech, Inc. AirborneDirect™ is a trademark of Quatech, Inc. All other trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.
CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................1 FEATURES AND BENEFITS ............................................................................................................................ 2 SAMPLE APPLICATION .................................................................................................................................. 3 USING THIS DOCUMENT .............................
Contents VCOM Configuration Utility ................................................................................................................. 61 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................... 61 INSTALLING VCOM.................................................................................................................................... 61 STARTING THE VCOM CONFIGURATION UTILITY ....................
Contents LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Basic Application Involving a LAN Host and Serial Client Figure 2. Sample Application Involving a Customer Device Figure 3. AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge Hardware (standard package) Figure 4. Reset Switch and Interface Selector Shunts & Header on Bottom of Bridge Figure 5. Interface Selector Shunts Figure 6. Indicator LEDs on the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge Figure 7. Mounting Cradle Dimensions Figure 8.
Contents LIST OF TABLES Table 1. AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge Features and Benefits...................................................2 Table 2. AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge Indicator LEDs .............................................................15 Table 3. AirborneDirect™ Heavy-Duty Serial Bridge Indicator LEDs..........................................19 Table 4. Recording Information from Your Access Point’s Configuration Application ................24 Table 5.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION This guide describes the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge from Quatech, Inc. AirborneDirect™ is a fully integrated, 802.11 wireless Local Area Network (LAN) bridge designed to provide wireless LAN and Internet connectivity in industrial, scientific, medical, and transportation applications where an existing communications interface already exists. Examples of applications for which the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge is well-suited include: Point-of-sale devices. Medical equipment.
Introduction FEATURES AND BENEFITS Table 1 describes the key features and benefits of the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge. Table 1. AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge Features and Benefits Feature Benefit Industry-standard RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 interfaces Easily integrated into a wide range of embedded applications and serial-output system designs. Bridge can be the basis for an entire application.
Introduction SAMPLE APPLICATION Figure 1 shows a basic application where the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge is exchanging data wirelessly between a serial client and a LAN host. In this application: The serial client can be a notebook personal computer (PC), or other Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) whose serial port is directly connected to the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge. The LAN host can be a PC or PDA running a HyperTerminal or Telnet session, Web Browser, or LAN-based application.
Introduction Figure 2 shows a sample application that uses the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge and the VCOM driver from Quatech. In this application, a customer device (or “serial client”) is an instrument or data logger that is connected directly to the Bridge and exchanges data wirelessly with an Access Point. The Access Point is connected to the company LAN. Also connected to the company LAN is a remote PC (or “LAN host”).
Introduction USING THIS DOCUMENT In addition to this chapter, this guide contains the following chapters and appendixes: Chapter 2, Hardware Installation ⎯ describes the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge hardware and how to install it. Chapter 3, Initial Configuration ⎯ describes how to configure the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge on your network.
Introduction CONVENTIONS The following conventions are used in this guide: Terminology In the following chapters, these terms are used: “AirborneDirect™ Serial Server” is synonymous with “AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge” in this document. “AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge” is used the first time the Bridge is mentioned in a chapter. Thereafter, the term “Bridge” is used.
Introduction RELATED DOCUMENTATION In addition to this guide, the following documents are provided on the CD supplied with the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge: AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge Quick Start Guide. Command Line Interface (CLI) Reference Guide. Airborne™ VCOM User’s Guide. Airborne™ VCOM Utility Quick Start Guide. Product Briefs and Application Notes. These documents are provided as Portable Document Format (PDF) files. To read them, you need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® 4.0.
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CHAPTER 2 HARDWARE INSTALLATION This chapter describes the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge. It also provides an overview of the Bridge hardware. Topics in this chapter include: Package Contents. (below) Items Supplied by the User. (page 10) Hardware Description. (page 11) Selecting a Location. (page 17) Connecting the Bridge. (page 21) Verifying Your Connections.
Hardware Installation ITEMS SUPPLIED BY THE USER The following items, which are not included in the package contents, are also required: A serial client with at least one serial port. The serial client must be within the transmit and receive range of the Access Point to be used with the Bridge. A LAN host running Microsoft® Windows® XP or Windows 2000. An IEEE 802.11b/g-compliant Access Point with DHCP enabled. Mounting hardware for the AirborneDirect™ Bridge cradle.
Hardware Installation STANDARD PACKAGE HARDWARE DESCRIPTION Figure 3 identifies the components on the Bridge in its standard packaging. These components include: An external antenna. A DB9 male DTE connector and cable attached to the Bridge. A Reset switch and interface selector shunts on the bottom of the Bridge. Three indicator Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on the top of the Bridge. A mounting cradle. Figure 3.
Hardware Installation Shunts The bottom of the AirborneDirect™ Bridge provides access to a Reset button and interface selector shunts & header (see Figure 4). Figure 4. Reset Switch and Interface Selector Shunts & Header on Bottom of Bridge Page 12 AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Hardware Installation Interface Selector Shunts Figure 4 (see page 12) shows the interface selector shunts and header. These configure the Bridge’s serial interface for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, as follows: RS-232 Cable Sense 1 RS-232 Power Pin 9, Cable Sense 1 RS-422 w/ Termination 1 RS-485 w/ Termination 1 Figure 5. Interface Selector Shunts To allow reliable connection through an RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 interface, set these shunts appropriately before using the Bridge with your application.
Hardware Installation Indicator LEDs The Bridge has three indicator LEDs for viewing its current status and connections (see Figure 6). These indicators allow for monitoring and troubleshooting of the Bridge. They also indicate the Bridge’s power-up status, link, connection, and data-activity status. Table 2 (on page 15) describes the status of the indicator LEDs. Figure 6. Indicator LEDs on the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge Page 14 AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Hardware Installation Table 2. AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge Indicator LEDs LED Power Link Comm LED Color Off Function Bridge is not receiving power. Red Bridge failed its Power On Self Test (POST) and is not configured for wireless communication. Amber Bridge passed its POST but is not configured for wireless communication. Green Bridge passed its POST and is configured for wireless communication. Off Bridge is not receiving power. Blinking Red Bridge is searching for an Access Point.
Hardware Installation Mounting Cradle The Bridge comes with a mounting cradle (see Figure 7) that allows the Bridge to be installed on a vertical surface, such as a wall. Be careful not to tighten the mounting hardware (usersupplied) excessively to avoid damaging the cradle. When mounting the Bridge vertically, attach the cradle to the vertical surface, and then insert the Bridge into the cradle. Figure 7. Mounting Cradle Dimensions Page 16 AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Hardware Installation HEAVY-DUTY PACKAGE The heavy-duty version of the Bridge is supplied in a Deutsch EEC-325X4B enclosure and is available in both sealed and unsealed versions. The heavy-duty Bridge supports SAE J1455 power specifications (+4.5 to 36 VDC). Figure 8 identifies the components on the Bridge in its heavy-duty packaging. These components include: An external antenna. A Deutsch 12-pin DTM13-12PA-R008 receptacle for power and signal connections. A Reset switch.
Hardware Installation Figure 9. AirborneDirect™ Heavy-Duty Cable (Evaluation Kit Item) Page 18 AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Hardware Installation Indicator LEDs The Heavy-Duty Bridge has four indicator LEDs for viewing its current status and connections (see Figure 8). These indicators allow for monitoring and troubleshooting of the Bridge. They also indicate the Bridge’s power-up status, link, connection, and data-activity status. Table 3 describes the status of the indicator LEDs. Table 3.
Hardware Installation SELECTING A LOCATION You can mount the Bridge on a flat surface, such as a desk or table, or on a vertical surface, such as a wall. It can also be mounted on the ceiling. If you mount the Bridge vertically, use the supplied mounting cradle previously described. Choosing a good location for the Bridge is important because it affects the reliability of the wireless link. The most important considerations are distance from the Access Point and clearance from obstacles.
Hardware Installation CONNECTING THE BRIDGE Use the following procedure to connect the Bridge: • Place the Bridge in a dry, clean location near the device to which it will be connected. The location is required to have a power source and should be within 300 feet (100 meters) of a Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN Access Point. The location should be away from transformers, heavy-duty motors, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, refrigerators or other equipment that could cause radio-signal interference.
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CHAPTER 3 INITIAL CONFIGURATION This chapter describes configuring the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge. Topics in this chapter include: Wireless Configuration (below) Verifying Your Connections (page 25) WPA-LEAP Security (page 24) WIRELESS CONFIGURATION After you verify that the indicator LEDs have gone through their power-up sequence, start the configuration application for your Access Point (your Access Point manual should describe this procedure).
Initial Configuration If you do not see the Bridge as an attached device, refresh the configuration Note: screen (some Access Point programs provide a Refresh button for this purpose). If the Bridge still does not appear, refer to the troubleshooting chapter in this Guide and in the documentation for your Access Point. Note: You can also use the device discovery feature of the Airborne Control Center software (see page 29) to help determine the Bridge’s IP address.
Initial Configuration VERIFYING YOUR CONNECTIONS When the Bridge is powered-up, the indicator LEDs at the top of the Bridge will indicate the status of the Bridge. See Table 2 on page 15 for standard packaging, or Table 3 on page 19 for Heavy-Duty packaging. If the LEDs indicate a problem with a wired or wireless connection, remove the power source from the Bridge, wait a few seconds, and re-apply power. If the LEDs still do not behave appropriately, see the guidelines in Table 12 on page 73.
Initial Configuration WPA-LEAP SECURITY The WPA and LEAP software modules provide advanced security configuration and communication services required by today’s enterprise-class deployments. Please refer to IEEE standard 802.1x 2001 (section 4) and IEEE standard 802.11i 2004 (section 4) for additional information. System Requirements For the 802.11b Bridge, both WPA and LEAP require radio firmware version 1.1.1.111.8.4 or later. All versions of the 802.11b/g Bridge support WPA and LEAP.
Initial Configuration A bridge configured for DHCP will not obtain host configuration from the DHCP server; therefore, the IP address will remain 0.0.0.0. The Link LED turns green when 802.11 association completes. However, if the 802.1x authentication fails, the bridge becomes disassociated by the AP and the Link LED goes back to flashing red. The bridge will not respond to discovery requests.
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CHAPTER 4 AIRBORNE CONTROL CENTER This chapter describes how to use the Airborne Control Center (ACC) to configure the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge. The ACC is a user-friendly graphical-user interface (GUI) menu and data display. The interface is intuitive, allowing tasks to be performed simply by pointing and clicking your mouse. LAUNCHING THE ACC On the Windows XP Start menu, navigate to the Quatech submenu and click on Airborne Control Center.
Airborne Control Center Figure 12. Device login The IP address and telnet port number of the selected device are automatically transferred to the login page. Enter the user name and password (defaults “dpac” and “dpac”) and click on the OK button to login. To select a different device, click the Discover button to reinitiate the device detection scan. The Status page is displayed as shown in Figure 7. X X Figure 13. Status Page Page 30 AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center NAVIGATING AROUND THE ACC A navigation bar appears at the top-right side of every screen in the ACC interface (see Figure 8). This bar contains links that correspond to the pages you can access. To go to a page, click the appropriate link in the navigation bar. X X Figure 14. ACC Navigation Bar PERFORMING CONFIGURATION ACTIVITIES The ACC allows you to perform a variety of configuration activities. Basic configuration activities consist of the following steps.
Airborne Control Center Advanced configuration activities consist of the following: Changing the user name and administrator password Lets you change the user name and administrator password for accessing the configuration interface. See “Security Settings Page” on page 51. X X X X X X X Resetting the Bridge Lets you reset the Bridge to the factory-default settings. See “Reset Page” on page 56.
Airborne Control Center SAVING CONFIGURATION CHANGES Some pages have Save and Cancel buttons. If you change parameters on one of these pages, click Save to apply your changes or Cancel to discard them. Once the changes are saved, the ACC displays the screen shown in Figure 9. To continue, click Yes, or you can go to another page to make more changes then click Restart to apply all the changes at one time. X X The ACC will display Figure 10. Wait for the Restart to complete.
Airborne Control Center BASIC CONFIGURATION SETTINGS Status Page (Basic Configuration Settings) Figure 17. Status Page The Status Page is the first page that appears in the ACC. This read-only page shows information about the Bridge. You may need to click the Status button in the navigation bar to update the contents on this page. This page shows the Bridge’s version number, 802.11 status, network settings, and resources.
Airborne Control Center Serial Interface Configuration Page (Basic Configuration Settings) Figure 18. Serial Interface Configuration Page (scroll bars not shown) The Serial Interface Configuration page lets you change the Bridge’s serial port and network connection settings. 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center Table 5. Serial Interface Configuration Settings Parameter Description Serial Port Settings Interface Type Bridge serial interface type. • RS232 (default) • RS422 • RS485 This setting must match the setting of the Bridge’s Interface Selection Shunts (see page 13). Otherwise, this mismatch prevents data from being exchanged. Enable ASLIP When checked, enables the ASLIP Protocol. See page 95 for details. Default is unchecked. (Disabled) Bridge baud rate.
Airborne Control Center Network Connection Settings Primary LAN Server IP Address Specifies the Primary IP Address of the LAN device to which the Bridge will deliver incoming serial data, when a TCP tunnel is open. An IP address of 0.0.0.0 will disable this function. Default is 0.0.0.0. Secondary LAN Server IP Address Specifies the Secondary IP Address of the LAN device to which the Bridge will deliver incoming serial data, when a TCP tunnel is open. An IP address of 0.0.0.0 will disable this function.
Airborne Control Center UDP Connection Settings Configures the IP address to use when the Serial Host wishes to send UDP data UDP Target IP packets to a remote UDP listener/server. Address Default is: 0.0.0.0. UDP Target Port Configures the UDP port number to use when the Serial Host wishes to send UDP unicast data packets to a remote listener/server. Default is: 8023 (decimal). UDP Listen Port Configures the UDP port the Tunnel server will listen on for inbound UDP data.
Airborne Control Center Miscellaneous Settings Page (Basic Configuration Settings) Figure 19. Miscellaneous OEM Settings Page Clicking the Misc link in the navigation bar displays the Miscellaneous OEM Settings page. In this page, you can enter the Bridge’s OEM version string and discovery name. This page also lets you specify the OEM user name and password. 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center Table 6. Miscellaneous OEM Settings Parameter Description Miscellaneous OEM Settings OEM Version String Specifies the OEM version string to be associated with the Bridge. Default is oemverstr. OEM Discovery Name Specifies the OEM discovery name to be associated with the Bridge. Default is OEM-Cfg1. OEM Authentication Settings OEM User Name Specifies the name of the OEM, from 1 to 31 alphanumeric characters. Name is case-sensitive. Default is oem.
Airborne Control Center Network Settings Page (Basic Configuration Settings) The Network Settings Page allows you to modify the 802.11 wireless network settings, including network identification, security, data rate, and discovery name. You are also able to set Network IP settings for control of the wired LAN, including enabling DHCP, static IP address and associated network settings. This page actually displays more than one page of information.
Airborne Control Center X Figure 20. Wireless Network Configuration Page (continued) X Page 42 AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center Table 7. Wireless Network Configuration Settings Parameter Description Wireless Network Settings SSID Service Set Identifier that identifies the common service set for the Bridge and AP. To make this connection, the Bridge and AP must have the same SSID. Default setting is any (this field may not be blank). Wireless Network Type Specifies the type of network in which the Bridge will be used: • Infrastructure – connects to a WLAN using an AP.
Airborne Control Center Wireless Security Settings Enables or disables wireless security: Wireless Security Mode • Disable – Disable any security (default) • WEP64 – 64-bit key length (11 ASCII characters) • WEP128 – 128-bit key length (26 ASCII characters) • WPA-PSK - WPA with preshared key. Requires preshared key • WPA-LEAP - WPA with 802.1x (LEAP) • WPA-LEAP64 • WPA-LEAP128 - WPA with 802.
Airborne Control Center Defines the type of key authentication, if any, to be used: Authentication • Automatic • Open System – communicates the key across the network • Shared Key – automatically detects the authentication (default) – allows communication only with devices with identical WEP settings Default Key Default WEP Key from 1 – 4 if Shared Key or Both is selected for Authentication. Default is WEP Key 1. WEP Key 1 through 4 Up to four WEP key values.
Airborne Control Center Network IP Settings Enable DHCP When checked, enables the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). For this parameter to work, the AP or network must support DHCP. DHCP Client Name Bridge’s DHCP client name. Enable DHCP Fixed Interval Retransmission Enables the interval value below. DHCP Retransmit Interval Configures the DHCP request retransmission interval (in seconds) to use when the DHCP retransmission is set to fixed. This is an integer with a range of 1-64.
Airborne Control Center DHCP Fallback Gateway Configures the gateway address used by the DHCP fallback algorithm. Default is 0.0.0.0. Static IP Address If you use a static IP, each Bridge must have a unique IP address. The IP address must adhere to the network’s subnet mask and fall within the valid range of IP addresses for the network. The Bridge’s static IP address must contain up to four octets separated by a period. If Enable DHCP is checked, this parameter is ignored. Default is 0.0.0.0.
Airborne Control Center Table 8.
Airborne Control Center ADVANCED CONFIGURATION SETTINGS Services Page (Advanced Configuration Settings) The Services Page lets you configure the Bridge’s network services like Telnet and TCP Port settings. Figure 21. Network Services Page 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center Table 9. Network Services Configuration Settings Parameter Description Enable UDAP When checked, enables Universal Data Appliance Protocol (UDAP). This allows the Bridge to be discovered from a LAN-based device that supports the UDAP protocol. Default is checked. Telnet Port Port number of the Telnet server. Default is 23. Telnet Inactivity Timeout – seconds Number of seconds of inactivity that must occur for the Telnet session to timeout. Default is 60.
Airborne Control Center Security Settings Page (Advanced Configuration Settings) The Security Settings Page allows management of the authentication-based access services. You can change user names and passwords. Figure 22. Security Configuration Page 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center Table 10. Security Configuration Settings Parameter Description Configuration User Name Specifies the user name required to log into the Bridge’s configuration interface, from 1 to 31 alphanumeric characters. User name is case-sensitive. Default is cfg. If you change it, you are prompted for the user name and password at the next transaction (for example, when you move to another page or refresh the current page).
Airborne Control Center Update Firmware Page (Advanced Configuration Settings) The Update Firmware Page allows you to update the firmware running on the AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge. Updating firmware may cause the Bridge to stop operating if it is not Caution: performed properly. Only advanced users should update firmware. If you encounter problems, contact Quatech, Inc. Figure 23. Update Firmware Page 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center Obtain the updated firmware and make it accessible to a computer connected to the Bridge. The firmware must come from Quatech, Inc. as a .bin file and follow the file name format: DirectSerial_x.x.x.x.bin Note: Where xxxx is the version number of the firmware. For example: DirectSerial_4.2.0.12.bin Do not attempt to load firmware for an 802.11b/g bridge on an 802.11b Caution: bridge or vice-versa.
Airborne Control Center • The ACC will display the message shown in Figure 18. X X Figure 25. Update Complete Message • Upon restarting, the Status Page will be displayed. If this does not happen automatically, close the ACC and restart it. Caution: Updating firmware may cause loss of saved parameters. 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center Reset Page (Advanced Configuration Settings) The Reset Page allows you restart or reset the Bridge to the factory default values. Resetting the AirborneDirect™ unit to factory defaults will remove all Caution: customer changes. If the target AP has WEP or WPA enabled, the AirborneDirect™ unit will not be able to associate (WEP/WPA default is disabled). Figure 26. Reset Page Page 56 AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Airborne Control Center Restarting the Bridge When you click the Restart button, you will see the Warning displayed in Figure 20. Click Yes to complete the Bridge restart or No to stop the process and return to the Reset Page. X X Figure 27. Confirm Restart Figure 21 will be displayed after you have clicked Yes. Click OK to dismiss this informational dialog. Once the restart has been completed, the ACC will display the Status Page. X X Figure 28.
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CHAPTER 5 USING VCOM This chapter describes the DPAC Technologies Airborne™ VCOM (Virtual COM port) driver and its associated Configuration Utility. Topics in this chapter include: Overview. (below) Description of VCOM Components. (page 60) System Requirements. (page 61) Installing VCOM. (page 61) Starting the VCOM. Configuration Utility (page 66) Understanding the VCOM Configuration Utility Window. (page 67) Listing Virtual COM Ports. (page 68) Adding Virtual COM Ports.
Using VCOM DESCRIPTION OF VCOM COMPONENTS The VCOM components consist of the following: Network Management Service (NMS) VCOM Serial Device Driver VCOM Configuration Utility Network Management Service (NMS) The Network Management Service (NMS) is a Microsoft® Windows® service that performs the network-related operations for the VCOM serial device driver. The NMS has two operating modes, pass-through mode and communications mode.
Using VCOM VCOM Configuration Utility The VCOM configuration utility is a powerful tool that lets you configure and map physical COM ports to physical IP addresses. Most users will want to use the VCOM configuration utility in stand-alone form, as described in this guide. Other users, such as programmers, value-added resellers, or customers with complex requirements, may want to consider using the VCOM API to implement custom requirements.
Using VCOM • Click the Next button. The Welcome screen appears (see Figure 30). Figure 30. Welcome Screen • Click the Next button. The License Agreement appears (see Figure 31). • Read the License Agreement, and then click the top radio button to accept it (you must accept the license agreement to continue with the installation). Figure 31. License Agreement • Click the Next button. The Customer Information screen appears, with the user name and organization completed (see Figure 32).
Using VCOM Figure 32. Customer Information Screen • Change the user name and/or organization if necessary. At the bottom of the screen, select whether VCOM will be available to all users of this computer or just for the one whose user name is shown. • Click the Next button. The Destination Folder screen appears, showing the location where VCOM will be installed (see Figure 33). Figure 33. Destination Folder Screen 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Using VCOM • We recommend that you install VCOM in the default destination folder. If you want to select another location, click the Change button and select the location where you want VCOM installed. • Click the Next button. The Ready to Install the Program screen appears, showing the selections you made in the previous screens (see Figure 34). Figure 34. Ready to Install the Program Screen • Review your selections to make sure they are correct.
Using VCOM Figure 35. InstallShield Wizard Completed Screen • Click Finish. The screen in Figure 36 appears, prompting you to reboot the computer. Figure 36. Screen Prompting You to Reboot • Click Yes to reboot your computer. Note: You must reboot your computer to start using VCOM. This completes the VCOM installation procedure. 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Using VCOM STARTING THE VCOM CONFIGURATION UTILITY After you install VCOM, you can start the VCOM Configuration Utility. This Utility lets you add, remove, and configure virtual COM ports on the LAN host. • Click the Start button in the Windows taskbar. • Point to Programs. • Point to Quatech Airborne. • Click VCOM Configuration Utility. The VCOM Configuration Utility window appears (see Figure 37). Figure 37.
Using VCOM UNDERSTANDING THE VCOM CONFIGURATION UTILITY WINDOW All VCOM activities are performed from the VCOM Configuration Utility window. When you start VCOM, a list of virtual COM ports appears in the VCOM List pane at the left side of the window. When you click a virtual COM port in this pane, the settings associated with that COM port appear in the right side of the window.
Using VCOM LISTING VIRTUAL COM PORTS To view the available virtual COM ports, click the List button below the VCOM List pane. Clicking this button refreshes the virtual COM ports shown in the pane. ADDING VIRTUAL COM PORTS To add virtual COM ports, use the following procedure: • Under the VCOM List pane, click the Add button. The VCOM Configuration Utility window appears as in Figure 39. Figure 39.
Using VCOM Figure 40. Reboot Message • Click the OK button. • To add more virtual COM ports, repeat steps 1 through 4. • Reboot your computer to have your VCOM settings take effect. Table 11.
Using VCOM MODIFYING VIRTUAL COM PORT PARAMETERS To select virtual COM port parameters, use the following procedure: • In the VCOM List pane, click the virtual COM port whose parameters you want to change. The right side of the window displays the current parameters for the virtual COM Port you selected. Using the parameter controls on the right side of the window, select the desired settings for the selected virtual COM port (see Table 11 on page 69).
CHAPTER 6 TROUBLESHOOTING This chapter provides troubleshooting suggestions you can follow in the unlikely event you encounter a problem using the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge. TROUBLESHOOTING SUGGESTIONS The Bridge cannot find the Access Point. Verify that the Link LED is solid green. If it isn’t, refer to “LED Troubleshooting” on the next page. The Access Point cannot find the Bridge. Click the Refresh button in your Access Point’s configuration application.
Troubleshooting After changing the Bridge’s static IP address, the ACC stops responding. Once the static IP address is changed and you click Save, the Bridge switches to the new IP address and loses connection with the ACC. To resolve this problem, restart the ACC. You used the ACC to change the Bridge’s configuration settings, but the new settings did not take effect. You may not have clicked the Save button on the ACC page. Click this button after making your changes on the page.
Troubleshooting LED TROUBLESHOOTING The following table provides LED troubleshooting suggestions. Table 12. Indicator LED Troubleshooting If the… Perform These Tasks… Power LED does not turn On. Check power connector is properly inserted. Power LED turns Red. Remove power and re-apply. If the Power LED remains Red, contact Quatech, Inc. Power LED is Amber. Bridge has not established an IP address either through DHCP or Static methods.
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APPENDIX A UDP AND POWER MANAGEMENT UDP INTERACTION The Module includes UDP support. There are two configuration options to activate UDP. UDP transmit can be enabled either in a “UDP” only or “both” mode. The UDP Target IP Address, UDP Target IP Port, UDP Transmit Mode, and UDP Listen Port settings apply to UDP functions for the Bridge. UDP Only Mode The factory default UDP transmit and receive port number is 8023. You can change this default value using the settings UDP Target Port and UDP Listen Port.
UDP and Power Management Pass-Through Mode If the Module has been set to start up in pass-through mode, or is directed into pass-through mode using the CLI command pass, it will transmit to the UDP target last defined with the UDP Target IP Address and UDP Target Port settings. The UDP functions must be enabled via the CLI commands Outbound Transmit Mode and UDP Transmit Mode.
UDP and Power Management POWER MANAGEMENT MODES — UART MODEL ONLY The Bridge supports several power-management modes that can be used to reduce the average current consumption. Use the CLI command pm-mode to change the powermanagement settings. summarizes the different settings and their affect. Table 13.
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APPENDIX B CABLE REPLACEMENT The following tables outline the steps to set-up a wireless cable replacement connection between two serial ports, using the Airborne products. This connection relies upon a type of peer-to-peer wireless network call an Ad Hoc. This network type does not require an Access Point. The setup is written using Command Line Interface (CLI) commands but can just as easily be set up via the Bridge’s configuration pages.
Cable Replacement Table 15. Master Configuration and Set-up Description Setting Web or ACC page CLI Command 1 Set the SSID of the unit to the name of the AdHoc network AdHoc Network Name Network wl-ssid [AdHoc Network Name] 2 Set network type to AdHoc (Infrastructure is default) AdHoc Network wl-type p 3 Set AdHoc Channel 1 Network wl-chan 1 4 Disable DHCP Disable Network wl-dhcp 0 5 Assign a static IP (Slave address + 1) 192.168.10.151 Network wl-ip 192.168.10.
Cable Replacement INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK CONSIDERATIONS If you want to use Infrastructure mode, there are a couple of modifications: • The SSID must match the AP you want to you (step 1 in Table 14& Table 15) • Leave the network type as Infrastructure (step 2 in Table 14& Table 15). If you are using static IP addresses no further changes are required to the set-up. If not, you will need to do a couple of things: • • Enable DHCP (default).
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APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS This appendix lists the specifications of the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge. Table 16. Specifications Serial Interface – standard package Interface: Selectable RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 Connector: DB9 (Male DTE) Flexible stranded copper conductor cable Data Rates: RS-232: RS422/485: Characters: 7 or 8 bits Parity: Odd, Even or None Stop Bits: 1 or 2 Flow Control: None, Hardware (RTS/CTS), or Software (Xon/Xoff) Pin Assignments: 100-8006-152G DB9 Pin 300 to 230.
Specifications Serial Interface – Heavy-Duty package Interface: RS-232 Connector: Deutsch DTM-06-12SSA Data Rates: 300 to 230.4 Kbps Characters: 7 or 8 bits Parity: Odd, Even or None Stop Bits: 1 or 2 Flow Control: None, Hardware (RTS/CTS), or Software (Xon/Xoff) Pin Assignments on Deutsch connector: (See Figure 9 on page 18 for the pin assignments on the RS-232 connector of the evaluation kit cable.) Pin No.
Specifications Wireless Network Interface Interface (ABDB, WLNB): IEEE 802.11b DSSS, WiFi compliant (ABDG, WLNG): IEEE 802.11b/g, WiFi compliant (802.11i, 802.11e, 802.11d capable) Frequency: 2.4 ~ 2.4835 GHz (US, Europe, Canada, Japan) 2.471 ~ 2.497 GHz (Japan) Channels: 11 US/Canada 13 Europe 14 Japan 4 France Data Rates (ABDB, WLNB): 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps (ABDG, WLNG): 802.11b mode: 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps 802.
Specifications Indicators LEDs (standard): Power, Link, Comm LEDs (heavy-duty): Post, Cfg, Link, Conn Power (See Table 17 for Heavy-Duty) Input: 110/240 V, 50-60 Hz, external power supply wall wart Consumption: 2 W max (AC Adaptor) Power Supply Connector: 2.
Specifications Standard Packaging Enclosure: Nylon – Grey Dimensions: 2.58 in. W x 4.03 in. L x 1.90 in. D (65.5 mm x 102.3 mm x 48.2 mm) Heavy-Duty Packaging Enclosure: Plastic Dimensions: 4.63 in. W x 5.24 in. L x 1.43 in. D (117.6 mm x 133.0 mm x 36.2 mm) 100-8006-152G AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge User’s Guide Quatech, Inc.
Specifications Table 17 and Table 18 list power supply specifications for the Heavy-Duty Bridge. The standard package Bridge is powered by the included AC adapter. Table 17 Note: and Table 18 do not apply to the standard package. Table 17. Heavy-Duty Power Supply Specifications Parameter Min Max Normal Operating (J1455 – 12 V system) 9V 16V Normal Operating (J1455 – 24 V system) 18V 32V Cold Cranking (J1211) 4.
APPENDIX D FCC COMPLIANCE This appendix lists FCC compliance information for the AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge. FCC STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
FCC Compliance MANUFACTURER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Trade Name: AirborneDirect™ Serial Bridge AirborneDirect™ Ethernet Bridge Airborne Embedded Radio Module Model Number: ABDB-SE-DP101 ABDB-ET-DP101 WLRG-RA-DP101 Compliance Test Report Number: B31211D3 F4AWLNG1 Compliance Test Report Date: December 11, 2003 July 17, 2006 Responsible Party (in USA): Address: Quatech, Inc.
FCC Compliance AVIS DE CONFORMITE A LA REGLEMENTATION D’INDUSTRIE CANADA Pour empêcher toute interférence aux services faisant l’objet d’une licence, cet appareil doit être utilisé à l’intérieur seulement et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un écran de blindage maximal.
FCC Compliance Marking by the symbol: indicates that usage restrictions apply. To ensure compliance with local regulations, be sure to select the country in which the access point is installed.
FCC Compliance Countries Dutch French Danish German Swedish Greek Italian Spanish Portuguese 100-8006-152G Restrictions Hierbij verklaart DPAC Technologies Corp. dat het toestel AirborneDirect™ Serial/Ethernet Bridge in overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de andere relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 1999/5/EG. Bij deze verklaart DPAC Technologies Corp.
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APPENDIX E ASLIP PROTOCOL TRANSMISSION OF IP DATAGRAMS OVER SERIAL USING AIRBORNEDIRECT™ SERIAL Introduction ASLIP (Airborne Serial Line IP) is a simple packet framing protocol: ASLIP defines a sequence of characters that frame IP packets on a serial line, and nothing more. It provides no addressing, packet type identification, error detection/correction or compression mechanisms. Because the protocol does so little, though, it is usually very easy to implement.
ASLIP Protocol Packet Transfer Each datagram received across the serial line will be sent as a separate IP packet from the wireless interface. Each IP packet received on the wireless interface will be identified as a separate datagram, using the above protocol across the serial interface. Platform The above protocol will be implemented on the Airborne UART v4 WPA only firmware platform. It will be designed to be portable to the Airborne UART 802.11g product.
GLOSSARY This appendix provides a glossary of wireless terminology. 802.11 The wireless standards developed by the IEEE that specify an "over-the-air" interface for wireless Local Area Networks. 802.11 is composed of several standards operating in different radio frequencies. 802.11b 802.11b is the international standard for wireless networking that operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range (2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz) and provides a throughput of up to 11 Mbps. 802.11g 802.
Glossary Disassociation service An IEEE 802.11 term that defines the process a station or Access Point uses to notify that it is terminating an existing association. Distribution service An IEEE 802.11 station uses the distribution service to send MAC frames across a distribution system. GPIO General Purpose Input/Output refers to the digital I/O lines. Hot spot Same as an Access Point, usually found in public areas such as coffee shops and airports.
Glossary RS-485 An enhanced version of RS-422. It uses a 2-wire bus topology and is compatible with the RS-422 interface. RTOS An operating system implementing components and services that explicitly offer deterministic responses, and therefore allow the creation of real-time systems.
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INDEX A I Accessing the Web interface, 29 ADDING VIRTUAL COM PORTS, 68 AirborneDirect Ethernet Bridge reset switch, 11 AirborneDirect Serial Client Bridge features and benefits, 2 hardware description, 11 installation, 21 LEDs, 14, 19 package contents, 9 reset button, 12 sample application, 3 shunts, 12 Application, 3 Installing AirborneDirect Serial Client Bridge, 21 VCOM, 61 Interface Selector Shunts, 13 B Basic Configuration Settings, 34, 49 Benefits, 2 C CLI Commands Descriptions DHCP Acquire Limit
Index SPECIFICATIONS, 83 STARTING VCOM CONFIGURATION UTILITY, 66 Status page, 34 T Troubleshooting, 71 LEDs, 73 U UDP AND POWER MANAGEMENT, 75 Update Firmware Page, 53 serial device driver, 60 STARTING CONFIGURATION UTILITY, 66 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, 61 VCOM Components, 60 configuration utility, 61 Network Management Service, 60 serial device driver, 60 VERIFYING YOUR CONNECTIONS, 25 VIRTUAL COM PORTS ADDING, 68 DELETING, 70 LISTING, 68 MODIFYING, 70 W V VCOM ADDING VIRTUAL COM PORTS, 68 configuration uti
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