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Vlinx Serial Servers Documentation Number: VESR4x4_R003_4313m This product designed and manufactured in Ottawa, Illinois USA using domestic and imported parts by International Headquarters: 707 Dayton Road - P.O. Box 1040 - Ottawa, IL 61350 USA Phone (815) 433-5100 - General Fax (815) 433-5105 Website: www.bb-elec.com European Headquarters: B&B Electronics...
Power Connector ....................15 Mounting Hardware................... 16 Installation and Initial Setup................19 Connecting the Power Supply ................19 Connecting VESR4x4 Serial Servers to Serial Devices ..........19 RS-232 ....................20 RS-422 ....................20 RS-485 ....................20 Connecting VESR4x4 Serial Servers to a Network ..........21 Ethernet Connection (10BaseT/100BaseTX) ..........
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Configuring via the network using a Browser ..........23 Configuring via a Serial Port using Vlinx Manager (Console Mode) ....24 VESR4x4 Serial Server Operational Connections ........... 24 Installing and Starting Vlinx Manager ..............26 Discovering Serial Servers ................. 27 Configuring the Serial Server ................
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Uploading the Firmware to the Serial Server ............50 Diagnostics ......................51 Testing a Serial Server Connection ..............51 Testing a Virtual COM Port ................. 52 Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings ............54 Appendix ......................63 Appendix A: Default Server Settings ..............63 Appendix B: Product Specifications ..............
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Section 1 - Introduction Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server ECTION Introduction Thank you for purchasing a VESR4x4 Serial Server product! This product has been manufactured to the highest standards of quality and performance to ensure your complete satisfaction. Figure 1. A VESR4x4 Serial Server...
Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server VESR4x4 Serial Server Model Numbering VESR4x4 Serial Servers are a growing family of products. All models incorporate four serial connections and, depending on the model, may have one or two Ethernet connections with an optional fiberoptic connection.
Section 1 - Introduction Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server VESR4x4 Features VESR424x-xx series models – two Ethernet connectors Ethernet Fiber port models available Ethernet pass through ports (on two Ethernet port models) Multi-interface serial ports (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485) ...
CD with User Manual, Quick Start Guide Panel mount and DIN rail mount adapters VESR4x4 Serial Server Enclosures and Mounting All VESR4x4 models are built into similar enclosures. Modules are DIN rail or panel mountable. Figure 2. Front View of the VESR4x4 Serial Server...
Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 3. Front Panel of the VESR424D Power LED The Power LED illuminates when 10 to 58 VDC power is applied to either power connector. Ready LED The Ready LED (green) illuminates continuously while the unit is initializing. It flashes once per second when the system is operating correctly.
Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Note: LEDs on the serial server are also used to indicate various Reset modes, as described in the following section. Reset Switch A recessed momentary Reset switch is located on the side of the enclosure.
Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Using the Reset Switch to Reload Factory Default Settings Hold the Reset switch for more than ten seconds. The P1 LED illuminates for the first two seconds; then the P2 LED illuminates. After 10 seconds the P1 and P2 LEDs will illuminate.
Note: Refer to Appendix D for connector pinouts. Power Connector VESR4x4 serial servers provide two power connectors. One is a three position removable terminal block with +, - and chassis ground connections. The other is a locking barrel jack connector.
See the specification tables for further information. Mounting Hardware VESR4x4 Serial Servers can be DIN rail or panel mounted. The necessary hardware is included in the accessory kit, which also includes the screws for attaching the mounting hardware.
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Section 2 - VESR4x4 Hardware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server The DIN rail mounting bracket attaches to the back of the serial server using three 4-40 flat head screws. Figure 12. VESR424 with DIN Rail Clip Mounted Page 17 of 70 www.bb-elec.com/...
Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server ECTION Installation and Initial Setup This section describes how to install the VESR4x4 Serial Server and configure the device. In this section devices to be connected to the serial server’s serial connections are simply referred Note: to as the “serial device”.
1 stop bit), and no flow control. Note: The VESR4x4 is configured as a DTE. If it is connected to a computer or other DTE device, use a null modem (cross-over) cable. If the serial device is configured as a DCE, use a straight-through cable.
The TX output of the serial server port must be connected to the RX input of the network interface and vice-versa. Refer to the list of VESR4x4 Serial Server Models (on page 8) for the supported fiber types, distances, and connectors.
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Section 3 - Installation and Initial Setup Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 15. Ethernet Pass-through Port Page 22 of 70 www.bb-elec.com/ www.bb-europe.com/...
Network Setup Configuring via the network using a Browser VESR4x4 Serial Servers can also be configured over the network using a standard internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox running on a networked PC. To do so you must know the IP address of the serial server.
Refer to Section 2 for information on how to use the Reset switch to enter Console Mode. VESR4x4 Serial Server Operational Connections VESR4x4 Serial Servers can operate in Direct IP, Virtual COM Port and Paired Modes. In Direct IP Mode applications can use TCP/IP socket connections or UDP/IP datagrams to communicate with the COM ports on the serial server.
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Section 3 - Installation and Initial Setup Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 18. Direct IP and Virtual COM Port Connection In Virtual COM Port Mode the serial ports on the serial server appear to applications running on the host PC as if the serial ports were physically located on the host PC.
Section 3 - Installation and Initial Setup Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 19. Paired Mode Setup Installing and Starting Vlinx Manager Vlinx Manager is a Windows-based application used to configure serial servers. Install it on your PC from the included CD. Installation should launch automatically when the CD is placed in the CD-ROM drive.
Section 3 - Installation and Initial Setup Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Progress Box Progress Bar Figure 20. Discovery Window Discovering Serial Servers If you are configuring the serial server via the network, select ; if you Network are configuring it via the serial port, select...
The screen shots shown in this manual refer to the VESR901. Your screen will display the model name/number and serial number of your VESR4x4 device. All menus, functions and options shown on the screen shots in this manual apply to your VESR4x4 device.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Icons Figure 22. Configuration Window Icons - Open a serial server configuration file. Open - Save the current serial server configuration to a file. Save - Initiate a search for serial servers.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server The status of whether the serial server is in use is updated periodically. When a serial server's IP address is configured for a network that is not within the local network's range, the serial server's information is displayed in a...
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Logging In You can log in to any serial server listed in the Server Information Table. To log in: 1. Select the row associated with the desired serial server. The...
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Setting up the Serial Server Name and Password On the General Configuration page you can do the following: Change the name of the serial server Initiate a login password change Figure 26.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server 3. Click Save Setting up IP Addressing Network Configuration On the page you can configure the serial server to use dynamic (DHCP) or static IP addressing on the network.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Setting up Serial Ports On the Serial Port Configuration page you can configure the communications parameters of the current serial port. Parameters include the port mode, baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits and type of flow control.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server TCP Configuration provides reliable connection-oriented TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) network communication with error checking. In TCP mode the serial server can be configured as a client or a server.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server 4. Type the TCP port number of the server into the on TCP port number: box. 5. Select: - if you want the serial server to always be connected at power up ...
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Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server You can also configure the serial server to receive from nodes on the network using a similar list of configuration options. Figure 33. UDP Configuration Setting the serial server to use UDP 1.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server If you selected: everyone on a specific UDP port (send broadcast) type the UDP port number into the This is the UDP port I want to send data to: ...
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 34. VCOM Configuration Note: Both the serial server and the computer must be configured for VCOM operation. To set up a virtual COM port on the computer, refer to the section on Adding Virtual COM Ports (see page 47).
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Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 35. Paired Mode Configuration Setting the serial server to operate in Paired Mode as a client 1. Select protocol. Paired 2. Select to initiate connections (client) 3. Type the IP address and TCP port numbers of the server in the appropriate text boxes.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server 3. Type the TCP port number to be used in the I want to wait for connections box. on TCP port number 4. Select the number of connections in the and limit the number of drop down box.
Data that is received by the serial port is normally buffered for a short period of time and then forwarded over the Ethernet to the remote device. The VESR4x4 automatically optimizes the data buffering to reduce the network overhead and minimize the data transmission latency. For most applications the VESR will transmit data back and forth seamlessly between the end devices.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 40. Advanced Configuration - Forcing Connections Closed To close a network connection if no data is received from the network for a period of time 1. Select the...
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Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 41. Advanced Configuration - Configuring when data packets are sent To wait until a specific amount of data is received on the serial port before sending it across the network 1.
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Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server 2. Type the desired time period (in milliseconds) into the text box. To force the serial server to send buffered data if another character is not received within a certain period of time 1.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Saving/Restoring the Configuration Settings Save Configuration When all configuration windows are complete the page appears. Figure 42. Save Configuration Page To save the configuration to the serial server, and re-boot it so that the configuration settings will take effect 1.
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Adding Virtual COM Ports Clicking the icon (located at the top of the Vlinx Manager Configuration Add Virtual COM Port window) opens the dialog box. Figure 43. Add Virtual COM Port Dialog Box...
Section 4 - Configuring the Serial Server Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Removing Virtual COM Ports Clicking the icon (located at the top of the Vlinx Manager Remove Remove Virtual COM Port Configuration window) opens the dialog box. Figure 44. Remove Virtual COM Port Dialog Box Using the drop down box you can select the virtual COM port on the local computer.
Section 5 - Upgrading the Serial Server Firmware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server ECTION Upgrading the Serial Server Firmware Occasionally, updated firmware may become available for your serial server. The firmware can be upgraded using the Vlinx Manager Software. The following procedure describes the firmware updating process: Firmware Upgrade 1.
Section 5 - Upgrading the Serial Server Firmware Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server To download the latest firmware files from an FTP site on the Internet 1. Click the button at the bottom of the window. Internet The Vlinx Manager connects to an FTP server on the Internet.
Section 6 - Diagnostics Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server ECTION Diagnostics Diagnostics Clicking the icon opens the dialog box and enables Diagnostics you to check the operation of connected serial servers and VCOM ports on the local computer. box displays information about the type of network Computer Information connections, the IP addresses, Subnet Masks and Default Gateways in use.
Section 6 - Diagnostics Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 47. Testing a Serial Server Connection Testing a Virtual COM Port 1. Click the icon. Diagnostics Diagnostics dialog box appears. 2. Select the option: a virtual communications port 3. In the drop down box select the specific COM port you want to check.
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Section 6 - Diagnostics Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Figure 48. Testing a VCOM Port Page 53 of 70 www.bb-elec.com/ www.bb-europe.com/...
Section 7 - Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server ECTION Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings The following serial server properties are ordered alphabetically to assist you in finding the information you need. Baud Rate is the communication speed of the link between the serial server and the device attached to its serial port.
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Section 7 - Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server sent across the network. Delimiters are ASCII characters specified by the user when configuring the serial server. The serial server takes action when it recognizes the specified character(s) on its serial port.
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Section 7 - Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server This product is factory defaulted to the DHCP mode. It is intended that your network’s DHCP Server Note 1: provide the IP address assignment. If there is not a DHCP server on your network, the device will default to IP address 169.254.102.39.
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Section 7 - Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server 1. Method One: Change your PC Network to Match the Serial Server Open the network connection on your PC Figure 49. Network IP Properties Click and then click .
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Section 7 - Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Enter Console Mode. Press and hold the serial server’s reset switch for 2 to 10 seconds. The LED indicators will respond as follows: Model Port 1 LED Port 2 LED...
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IP addresses or ranges of IP addresses that you specify. Password. When you first receive the VESR4x4 serial server from the factory the password is blank so that you can initially access the serial server without entering a value into this field.
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RS-485 4-wire - Similar speed and distance specifications as RS-422 but allows full-duplex connections. Typically uses two shielded twisted pairs and screw terminals but DB-9 connectors are also used on VESR4x4 serial servers.. Select the appropriate serial interface mode for the type of connection between the serial server's serial port and the device connected to it.
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Section 7 - Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server For a Class D network (IP addresses 224.0.0.0 through 239.255.255.255) and Class E Networks (IP addresses 240.0.0.0 through 255.255.255.255) the subnet mask is ignored. VESR4x4serial servers come from the factory with a default subnet mask value of: 255.255.255.0...
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Section 7 - Listing/Descriptions of Serial Server Settings Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Both the serial server and the computer must be configured for VCOM operation. Virtual COM ports can be set up on the PC using the Vlinx Manager software.
Section 8 - Appendix Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server ECTION Appendix Appendix A: Default Server Settings Setting Default Value Server Name MODEL NUMBER Serial Number printed on side of unit Password password field is blank from factory DHCP Enable BASED ON DHCP SERVER IP Address If a DHCP assignment is not available, the device will default to 169.254.102.39...
Section 8 - Appendix Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Appendix B: Product Specifications General Specifications Device Serial Server Hardware and CD with Vlinx Manager Software for included accessories Windows 2000, XP (32/64 bit), 2003 Server (32/64 bit), Vista (32/64 bit), 2008...
Section 8 - Appendix Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Controls, Indicators and Connector Specifications Switches Reset button Hold in for 0 to 2 seconds for hardware reset Hold in for 2 to 10 seconds for Console Mode (Do a hardware reset...
Section 8 - Appendix Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Network Specifications Memory Serial Memory 8 KB per port Network Memory 4 KB I/P Port Addresses 5300 Heartbeat & Configuration setting in TCP Mode (i.e. Pair Mode) 8888 VESR4x4 update Network 10/100 Mbps Auto-detecting 10BaseT or 100BaseTX...
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Section 8 - Appendix Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server 60000/tcp This port is open when serial port 1 is These ports are used to transfer handshake line state and break state in configured for paired-mode server. paired mode configuration. These ports are open only if you configure the port for paired-mode server.
Section 8 - Appendix Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Appendix C: Dimensional Diagrams Figure 51. Dimensional Diagram of a VESR424 Serial Server (dimensions in inches & millimeters) Page 68 of 70 www.bb-elec.com/ www.bb-europe.com/...
Section 8 - Appendix Vlinx VESR4x4 Serial Server Note 1: In the RS-422 mode, TX lines are outputs and RX lines are inputs. Connect the serial server TXB(+) line to the RXB(+) line of the serial device, and the serial server TXA(-) to the RXA(-) of the serial device.