Black Box MiniStat-Four Manual
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Black Box MiniStat-Four Manual

Black Box MiniStat-Four Manual

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MARCH 2004
MX865A-R2
MiniStat-Four
CUSTOMER
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
SUPPORT
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746
INFORMATION
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com

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  • Page 1 Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500) SUPPORT FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746 INFORMATION Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com...
  • Page 2 FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is...
  • Page 3 MINISTAT-FOUR NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD 1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. 2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura.
  • Page 4 NOM STATEMENT 12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo no sea eliminada. 13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.

  • Page 5: Quick Setup Guide

    Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners. QUICK SETUP GUIDE If you are familiar with the operation of the MiniStat-Four and only need a quick reference to get the unit operational, refer to Appendix C.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Preliminary Checks ....... 50 5.3.2 Check MiniStat-Four Indications ....50 5.3.3...
  • Page 7 Calling Black Box ........

  • Page 8: Specifications

    Subchannels: 19,200, 14,400, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, 1200, 600, or 300 bps (user-selectable); Composite: Up to 19,200 bps (depends on external clock rate) Maximum Distance: 50 ft. (15.2 m) from the MiniStat-Four to any attached device User Controls: (3) Internal jumpers: Normal/initialization, Pin 21 enable/disable, and grounds connect/disconnect;...
  • Page 9 MINISTAT-FOUR Control Signals Supported: Subchannel: RTS, CTS, DSR, RLSD (DCD), DTR; Composite: RTS, CTS, RLSD (DCD), DTR, analog loopback (pin 18), remote digital loopback or signal quality (user-selectable, pin 21) Interface: TIA RS-232 (ITU-TSS V.24): Subchannels: DCE; Composite: DTE Connectors: (5) Top-mounted DB25 female: (4) subchannel, (1) composite;...

  • Page 10: Introduction

    DTE]). For compatibility with most applications, choose from several software flow-control characters. From any sub-channel port, the mux provides for full system configuration (including configuration downloading from the local MiniStat-Four to the remote MiniStat-Four, and vice-versa). Password protection prevents unauthorized configuration changes.

  • Page 11: Typical Applications

    MINISTAT-FOUR 2.2 Typical Applications Figure 2-1 shows a typical application. The MiniStat-Four concentrates data coming into its sub-channels at various rates from a host computer. It then statistically multiplexes sub-channel data to form a composite data stream with a rate much smaller than the arithmetical sum of the individual sub-channel rates.

  • Page 12: Installation

    If you encounter a problem, refer to Chapter 6 for test and diagnostic instructions. 3.2 Site and Power Requirements The MiniStat-Four is powered by an external power supply of 9 to 12 V/250 mA. Use a miniature wallmount power supply to provide the required power. The power supply connects to the mux by a cable ending in a miniature phone jack (tip positive, sleeve ground).

  • Page 13: Pin 21 On/Off Jumper

    MINISTAT-FOUR When you receive your MiniStat-Four, its “normal” configuration will be the same as the factory-default configuration. You might have to select the factory-default configuration (INIT) in the future if either of the following situations occurs: • An error is made during the configuration session, which either prevents communication between the control terminal and the MiniStat-Four or proves difficult to trace and correct.

  • Page 14: Gnd Jumper

    Avoid electric shock! Always disconnect the power cable from the utility (mains) outlet before opening the MiniStat-Four. To set the jumpers: 1. Disconnect all cables connected to the MiniStat-Four, including the power cable. 2. Find the four screws (located on the bottom of the mux) that secure the MiniStat-Four’s cover.

  • Page 15: Cable Connections

    SUB-1 SUB-4 PIN 21 Figure 3-1. Identification of internal jumpers. 3.4 Cable Connections The MiniStat-Four has five top-mounted standard DB25 connectors. Main-channel and sub-channel cables connect directly to these connectors. 3.4.1 S HANNEL ONNECTIONS MiniStat-Four sub-channel interfaces are configured as data communication equipment (DCE) interfaces, so they connect directly to data terminal equipment (DTE) via RS-232 port cables.

  • Page 16: Main (Composite) Channel Connection

    Power connects to a miniature jack (tip: positive; sleeve: negative and ground). 3.5 Power-On Procedure To power the MiniStat-Four on, connect the power cable to its power jack, then plug the power supply into the AC wall outlet. The SYNC indicator should light. If the link to the remote MiniStat-Four is still not operational, the SYNC indicator will flash.

  • Page 17: Configuration

    The parameter-configuration mode and the diagnostics mode are activated by you from the command terminal, using the MiniStat-Four’s configuration program. If you’re already acquainted with the MiniStat-Four, see the Quick Setup Guide in Appendix C. This chapter provides an outline of the configuration parameters. Section 4.4 provides step-by-step instructions for starting configuration and diagnostics sessions.
  • Page 18 2. Sub-channel parameters that affect only the operation of a single sub-channel. Sub-channel parameters are listed in Table 4-2. Set these parameters with the MiniStat-Four’s configuration program. Sections 4.2 through 4.5 tell you how to use this program; the organization tree for the program is shown in Figure 4-1.
  • Page 19 MINISTAT-FOUR Table 4-2. Sub-channel parameters and factory settings. Parameter Function Available Factory Selections Setting BAUD RATE Sub-channel 300, 600, 9600 data rate 1200, 1800, 2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 14400, and 19200 bps DATA BITS Number of data 5, 6, 7, 8...

  • Page 20: Using The Ministat-Four's Configuration Program

    After you provide a valid response, the local MiniStat-Four immediately executes it. (As you will see later, when you prepare the configuration for the remote MiniStat- Four, three different stages are used: preparing configuration, transfering to remote MiniStat-Four, and activating transferred configuration.)

  • Page 21: Preparation For Configuration Session

    MiniStat-Four. However, configuration can usually be done without connection to the remote mux. Select a PC or terminal connected to any of the MiniStat-Four’s sub-channels as a command (configuration) terminal, or connect a PC or CRT terminal to one of the MiniStat-Four’s sub-channel ports.
  • Page 22 • STEP 1. To start the configuration session, allow an idle period of at least one second, type @@@, then wait at least one second and type S. Typing any other character after the @@@ string returns the MiniStat-Four to the normal mode, and you will see the message MINISTAT-FOUR IN NORMAL MODE.
  • Page 23 MINISTAT-FOUR Figure 4-1. Organization tree of the configuration program.
  • Page 24 CHAPTER 4: Configuration...
  • Page 25 MSF COMMAND MODE REV 0.0 ENTER MSF PASSWORD Figure 4-2. MiniStat-Four opening screen. • STEP 3. Enter the password, carefully observing the correct use of upper- and lower-case characters. The password is not echoed to the screen. (The factory-default password is RD.) •...

  • Page 26: Configuration Procedure

    CHAPTER 4: Configuration • STEP 5. If the password is accepted, the MiniStat-Four sends the main menu (See Figure 4-4). • STEP 6. You can now start the actual configuration session. COMMAND MODE IS ACTIVATED VIA CH MAIN MENU 0) SYSTEM CONFIGURATION...
  • Page 27 MINISTAT-FOUR Table 4-3. MS-4 configuration program. Index No. Menu/Data Entry Screen MAIN Menu SYSTEM-CONFIGURATION Menu X-ON CONTROL CHARACTER Screen X-OFF CONTROL CHARACTER Screen MODIFY PASSWORD Screen SUB-CHANNEL 1/2/3/4 CONFIGURATION Screen BAUD RATE Screen DATA BITS Screen PARITY Screen STOP BITS Screen...
  • Page 28 Table 4-3 (continued). MS-4 configuration program. Index No. Menu/Data Entry Screen REMOTE LOOPS Screen MODEM LOOPS Screen Loop Control Screens REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION Menu TRANSFER CONFIGURATION FROM REMOTE TO LOCAL Screen REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION Screen EXAMINE REMOTE MS-4 CONFIGURATION Screen SAVE IN LOCAL MINSTAT-FOUR Screen...
  • Page 29 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION Used for selection of system-wide parameters: • Select X-ON and X-OFF flow-control characters. • Change password. • Prepare remote MiniStat-Four configuration. SUBCHANNEL 1 CONFIGURATION These four items are used to select local sub-channel SUBCHANNEL 2 CONFIGURATION parameters. Always change...
  • Page 30 Type Q to return to the main menu. EXIT COMMAND MODE MS-4 IN NORMAL MODE 2. SYSTEM-CONFIGURATION Menu Purpose: Select the parameters that affect the whole system: X-ON and X-OFF characters, change password, and prepare the remote MiniStat-Four configuration. Description: Code Item Description...
  • Page 31 MINISTAT-FOUR Procedure: To select a configuration task, type the corresponding code number; the MiniStat-Four will switch to the corresponding screen. Type Q to return to the main menu. 3. X-ON CONTROL CHARACTER Screen Purpose: View the character currently used to start data transfer when using software flow control, and select, if desired, another character.
  • Page 32 CHAPTER 4: Configuration Procedure: To change the current selection, type the code number corresponding to the desired character: always check that this character is different from the X-ON control character. To exit with or without change, type Q. You will return to the SYSTEM CONFIGURATION menu.
  • Page 33 MINISTAT-FOUR 6. SUB-CHANNEL 1/2/3/4 CONFIGURATION Screen Purpose: Select and view the current values of the parameters of the sub-channel whose number appears in the screen header, and enter the corresponding sub-channel parameter configuration screens when changes are needed. The various parameters that can be selected are explained in Table 4-2.
  • Page 34 After completing the required actions, type Q to return to the SUB-CHANNEL CONFIGURATION screen. NOTE If you made an error and lost communication with the MiniStat-Four being programmed, select the default configuration described in Section 3.3 and start again. 8. DATA BITS Screen Purpose: View the current number of data bits used on this sub-channel and select, if desired, a new value.
  • Page 35 MINISTAT-FOUR 9. PARITY Screen Purpose: View current parity used by the sub-channel and select, if desired, a new type. Description: Code numbers 1 through 3 list the available parity types: (1) odd, (2) even, or (3) none. Code Q is used to return to the SUB-CHANNEL CONFIGURATION screen.
  • Page 36 The MiniStat-Four must be able to command the DTE connected to it to interrupt the flow of data when the MiniStat-Four’s buffers fill, and restart the flow when the MiniStat-Four can accept new data for transmission. This function is mandatory whenever statistical multiplexors are used, in addition to the end-to-end flow- control function (see subsections 12 and 13).
  • Page 37 DTE to interrupt data flow, and then send a request to continue data flow. By selecting the ON option on this screen, the MiniStat-Four is configured to recognize the two special characters (selected by means of the screens presented in subsections 3 and 4): X-OFF, which conveys the local DTE’s “stop flow”...
  • Page 38 “end-to-end” DTR flow control by setting it ON at this screen. In this mode, the MiniStat-Four monitors the DTR line contained in the standard RS-232 interface, and transmits the status of this line to the remote MiniStat-Four.
  • Page 39 Type Q to return to the SUB-CHANNEL CONFIGURATION screen 14. DIAGNOSTICS Menu Purpose: Select the control screens for the various test loops that can be activated from the local MiniStat-Four for diagnostic purposes. See Chapter 6 for a description of the test loops. Description: Code numbers 1 through 3 are used to select the desired test loop type: (1) local loop, (2) remote loop, and (3) modem loop.
  • Page 40 15. NOTE Remote digital loopback is performed by toggling pin 21 to the modem connected to the local MiniStat-Four. This forces the modem to transmit a command to the remote modem. Before attempting to perform loopback, make sure that: 1.
  • Page 41 After completing the required actions, type Q to return to the loop-selection screen from which this screen was accessed. 19. REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION Menu Purpose: Select screens that provide system-management functions, including configuration tasks, related to the remote MiniStat-Four. Description: Code Item...
  • Page 42 1 on the REMOTE MiniStat-Four CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19). Description: This screen is displayed after selecting item 1 on the REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION menu, while the remote configuration information is transmitted to the local MiniStat-Four.
  • Page 43 CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19). 21. REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION Screen Purpose: Define the action to be performed on the information regarding remote MiniStat-Four configuration, just received after selecting item 1 on the REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19). Description:...
  • Page 44 Purpose: Notify the user that the required action has been performed; in this case, that action is saving (permanently storing) in the local MiniStat-Four a copy of the configuration of the remote MiniStat-Four, received by selecting item 1 on the REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19).
  • Page 45 CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19). Description: This screen is displayed after selecting item 2 on the REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19), while the configuration of the local MiniStat-Four is transmitted to the remote MiniStat-Four, for viewing it there, or for backup purposes.
  • Page 46 Description: Menu functions are similar to the corresponding functions of the main menu (see subsection 1). Typing Q on this screen will return you to the REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19). 26. REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR SYSTEM CONFIGURATION Menu Purpose: Select the X-ON and X-OFF characters and change the password used by the remote MiniStat-Four.
  • Page 47 4 on the REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19). Description: This screen is displayed after selecting item 4 on the REMOTE MINISTAT-FOUR CONFIGURATION menu (see subsection 19) after the remote configuration information is transmitted from the local MiniStat-Four to the remote MiniStat-...

  • Page 48: Operation

    CHAPTER 5: Operation 5. Operation 5.1 Front-Panel Indicators and Connectors Table 5-1 below and on the following pages lists the functions of the MiniStat-Four indicators and connectors. The numbers under the heading “Item” refer to the identification numbers in Figure 5-1.
  • Page 49 MINISTAT-FOUR Table 5-1 (continued). MiniStat-Four indicators and connectors. Item Indicator or Function Connector SYNC Indicator Sporadic MiniStat-Four retransmits (continued) flashing data frame upon request of remote MiniStat-Four (usually because a noisy line causes errors in the data received by the remote MiniStat-Four).
  • Page 50 CHAPTER 4: Operation Table 5-1 (continued). MiniStat-Four indicators and connectors. Item Indicator OR Function Connector ERR Indicator Flashing MiniStat-Four operates (continued) normally but buffers are full. In a properly designed system, this condition usually indicates that one of the DTE...
  • Page 51 MINISTAT-FOUR Table 5-1 (continued). MiniStat-Four indicators and connectors. Item Indicator OR Function Connector Sub-Channel 3 Connection to sub-channel 3 connector Connector Sub-Channel 1 Connection to sub-channel 1. Connector Main (Composite) Connection to main Channel Connector (composite) channel. Sub-Channel 4 Connection to sub-channel 4.

  • Page 52: Operating Instructions

    (mains) outlet. The SYNC indicator should light. If the link to the far MiniStat-Four is still not operational, the SYNC indicator will flash. Wait until the link becomes operational, and check that the SYNC indicator stops flashing and lights continuously.

  • Page 53: What To Do In Case Of Malfunction

    3. Check that the equipment connected to the MiniStat-Four is powered and operates normally. 5.3.2 C HECK NDICATIONS Refer to Table 5-2 as an aid in diagnosing problems with the MiniStat-Four. 5.3.3 C HECK ONFIGURATION Check the configurations of the local and remote MiniStat-Fours and make sure they correspond to the requirements of the equipment connected to the two muxes’...
  • Page 54 CHAPTER 5: Operation Table 5-2 (continued). MiniStat-Four indications. Indication Probable Cause Action TEST lit MiniStat-Four is in the Check whether the MiniStat- command mode Four is being configured, and wait until configuration is completed (at any time, only one sub-channel can be in the command mode).
  • Page 55 MINISTAT-FOUR Table 5-2 (continued). MiniStat-Four indications. Indication Probable Cause Action SYNC Remote Mini Stat-Four Check whether the remote flashes not operational MiniStat-Four is powered continuously on and operates normally. Problems in Check whether communication link to communication equipment is remote MiniStat-Four...

  • Page 56: Troubleshooting

    CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6. Troubleshooting 6.1 Overview The MiniStat-Four diagnostics functions use a full set of test loops and the front-panel indicators to rapidly identify faults that affect system operation. The test loops available for diagnostics and test purposes are: •...
  • Page 57 Composite Local Loop Remote Loop Figure 6-1. Identification of MiniStat-Four test loops. The recommended procedure for locating a problem in the system is to first power the MiniStat-Fours off and then on again. This obtains their self-test results (that is, to see whether the ERR indicator lights or stays dark).

  • Page 58: Description Of Test Loops

    Local composite-channel loop When the local composite-channel loop is connected, the composite-channel data transmitted by the local MiniStat-Four is applied to the receive line of the local MiniStat-Four, and the communication link is disconnected (this causes the remote MiniStat-Four to lose frame synchronization). All the data arriving from the remote MiniStat-Four while this loop is connected is lost.

  • Page 59: Modem Loops

    This loop tests the complete transmission path, including the local MiniStat-Four and the communication link. As long as the loop is connected, the SYNC indicator of the local MiniStat-Four must light continuously; failure to do so, after the local MiniStat-Four performed satisfactorily on the local composite channel loop, indicates a problem in the communication link.

  • Page 60: Calling Black Box

    As long as the loop is connected, the SYNC indicator of the local MiniStat-Four must light continuously. Failure to do so, after satisfactory performance in the analog modem loop, usually indicates a problem in the communication channel and/or in the remote modem.

  • Page 61: Shipping And Packaging

    If you need to transport or ship your MiniStat-Four: • Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container. • Before you ship the MS-4 for repair or return, contact Black Box to get a Return Authorization (RA) number.

  • Page 62: Appendix A: Interface Pinouts

    APPENDIX A: Interface Pinouts Appendix A: Interface Pinouts A.1 Main (Composite) Channel Interface The MiniStat-Four main (composite) channel interface is configured as a synchronous RS-232 interface, pinned as DTE, with a female DB25 connector. The pinout (“pin allocation”) is listed in Table A-1.
  • Page 63 Element Timing Receiver Receive clock from modem. Signal Element Timing — Loop 3 Test Control signal from Command MiniStat-Four. Positive level commands the modem into analog loopback. 108.2 Data Continuous positive level Terminal from MiniStat-Four. Ready — Loop 3 Control signal from MiniStat- Test Four to modem.

  • Page 64: Sub-Channel Interface

    What type of sub-channel connection cables you use depends on what type of devices you’re attaching: use a port (“straight-through”) cable to connect the MiniStat-Four to a DTE; use a modem (“crossover”) cable to connect the MiniStat- Four to a tail-end modem. See Figure A-1.
  • Page 65 Data Set The MiniStat-Four sends Ready positive level to DTE when it is powered. Data Positive level from the Carrier MiniStat-Four when the local Detect and remote MiniStat-Four are synchronized. 108.2 Data Used for end-to-end flow Terminal control.
  • Page 66 APPENDIX A: Interface Pinouts TYPICAL SUB-CHANNEL TYPICAL DB-25 CONNECTOR RJ-45 MODEM CONNECTOR PIN-OUT PIN-OUT CONNECTOR CHASSIS GND CONNECTED SIGNAL GND STRAIGHT-THRU CROSS-OVER (PORT) CABLE CABLE Figure A-1. Typical sub-channel cable wiring.

  • Page 67: Appendix B: Ministat-Four Configuration Record

    MINISTAT-FOUR Appendix B: MiniStat-Four Configuration Record This appendix presents a typical configuration record form (shown on the facing page). Copies of this form can be used as worksheets during system- configuration planning, and as permanent records of the actual configuration.
  • Page 68 APPENDIX B: MiniStat-Four Configuration Record MS-4 CONFIGURATION RECORD FORM Date:____________________ Prepared by:___________________________ Location:____________________ Remote Location:____________________ MS-4 Serial No:_______________________________________ LOCAL REMOTE System Password _________________ _________________ Setup X-ON Character _________________ _________________ X-OFF Character _________________ _________________ LOCAL CONFIGURATION Data Format Flow Control Sub-...

  • Page 69: Appendix C: Quick Setup Guide

    MINISTAT-FOUR Appendix C: Quick Setup Guide C.1 Scope This appendix provides concise instructions for preparing MS-4 configuration. It is intended for users already familiar with the MS-4, and for experienced users who have a basic understanding of data-communication principles, and applications and characteristics of statistical multiplexors.

  • Page 70: Configuration Instructions

    APPENDIX C: Quick Setup Guide C.3 Configuration Instructions NOTE The commands and passwords are case-sensitive. Pay attention to use of capital letters whenever required. 1. If necessary, power up the MS-4 and connect your terminal to one of the sub- channels.
  • Page 71 © Copyright 2004. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved. 1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746...

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