ATEN UC232A, UC232A1, UC232AF - Adapter Manual

Package Contents

Check to make sure that all the components are in working order. If you encounter any problem, please contact your dealer.
1 UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF USB to RS-232 Adapter
1 user instructions

Conventions

This manual uses the following conventions:

	Indicates text that you should key in.
[ ]	Indicates keys you should press. For example, [Enter] means to press the Enter key. If keys need to be chorded, they appear together in the same bracket with a plus sign between them: [Ctrl+Alt].
1.	Numbered lists represent procedures with sequential steps.
•	Bullet lists provide information, but do not involve sequential steps.
>	Indicates selecting the option (on a menu or dialog box, for example), that comes next. For example, Start > Run means to open the Start menu, and then select Run.
	Indicates critical information.

Introduction

Overview

Universal Serial Bus (USB) port technology has emerged in response to the proliferation of external peripheral devices (scanners, digital cameras, removable drives, etc.) that are increasingly being connected to the latest generation of computers. It is faster than traditional bus ports and, since it does not require any IRQs, the problem of IRQ conflict is eliminated, which means more peripheral devices can be attached to the system.
The UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF USB-to-Serial Adapter provides an external plug-and-play RS-232 serial connection for computers, netbooks, laptops, and handheld computing devices that support the USB specification. It comes with a standard DB-9 male connector for the peripherals to plug into, and an attached USB cable (35 CM for UC232A, 100 CM for UC232A1, and 120 CM for UC232AF) with a type A plug for connecting to the computer's USB port, or to a USB hub.
The UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF provides mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, modems and ISDN terminal adapters with high quality serial connections at a data transfer rate of up to 921.6 Kbps. It makes the USB interface transparent to the peripherals, allowing them to easily interface with the USB, eliminating the setup hassle found with traditional serial port connections. As a USB specification compliant device, the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF also supports energy-saving suspend and resume operations.
Note: The UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF does not support devices, such as serial mice, that require an IRQ number or IO Address.

Features

• Supports RS-232 serial interface
• Adopt FTDI chip for enhanced device compatibility (UC232AF only)
• Proven performance in anti-electromagnetic interference (anti-EMI) capability for stable transmission performance
• Full compliance with USB specifications
• Supports automatic handshake mode
• Up to 921.6 Kbps data transfer rates
• OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Supports remote wake up and power management
• Provides a 96 byte buffer for each upstream and downstream data transfer
• Works with cellular phones, PDAs, digital cameras, modems and ISDN terminal adapters
• A trustworthy connectivity solution recommended and adopted by leading enterprises worldwide
• Easy way to install an additional RS-232 port
• No IRQ required

System Requirements

• USB Host Controller installed on the system

Operating Systems

Supported operating systems are shown in the table below.

If your Linux kernel is between v2.6.15 ~ v5.4 and your device has a new chipset version, please update the Linux driver from our product web page. This driver works with 2021 or later chipset version device only.
Use the link below to identify which chipset version your device is.
http://eservice.aten.com/eServiceCx/Common/FAQ/view.do?id=18695

Hardware Overview

Hardware Setup

1. Please review the safety information regarding the placement of this device in Safety Instructions.
2. To prevent damage to your installation from power surges or static electricity. It is important that all connected devices are properly grounded.

Connecting the Unit

Follow the steps below to connect the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF unit.

1. Connect the USB connector to the computer and allow the driver to install.
   Note: If you are using an older computer that doesn't contain the drivers for this device, please go to our website to download the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF drivers and install them before setting up the hardware.
2. Plug the RS-232 connector to a serial device.
3. Power on the serial devices.

Windows 2000 Installation

Installing the Driver(s)

To install the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF drivers, do the following:
Note: The setup is for UC232A in the picture below. The UC232A1/UC232AF is the same as the UC232A, except that it has a 100 cm and 120 cm cable attached instead of 35 cm.

1. Please download the latest software installation package from the UC232A product page at www.aten.com/download (search for UC232A and go to the download tab).
2. Execute the file and follow the on-screen instructions to configure detailed software settings.
3. Double click UC-232ADriverInstaller.exe.
   After a few moments, the following dialog box appears:
   
4. Click Next to install the drivers.
5. Windows displays the following warning:
   
6. You can safely ignore this warning. Click Continue Anyway to continue installing the new software. When the installation is complete, the following dialog box appears:
   
7. Click Finish to close the wizard. You have successfully installed the driver(s).

Connecting the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF

1. Connect the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF USB to Serial Adapter to a USB port on your computer. The New Hardware Wizard appears:
   
2. Select No, not this time, and then click Next to continue. The following dialog box appears:
   
3. Leave the default choice (Install the software automatically). Click Next to continue.
4. Windows displays the following warning:
   
5. You can safely ignore this warning. Click Continue Anyway to continue installing the new hardware. When the installation is complete, the following dialog box appears:
   
6. Click Finish to close the wizard. You have successfully installed the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF.

Uninstalling the Driver(s)

1. Insert the installation disk into the CD-ROM drive. The following dialog box appears:
   
2. Select Uninstall the driver, and then click Next. The following dialog box appears:
   
3. Click Finish. You have successfully uninstalled the driver(s).

Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10 Installation

Installing the Driver(s)

To install the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF drivers, do the following:
Note: The setup is for UC232A in the picture below. The UC232A1/UC232AF is the same as the UC232A, except that it has a 100 cm and 120 cm cable attached instead of 35 cm.

1. Make sure that the Windows language for non-Unicode programs is set to English by checking Regional and Language Options, then Administrative.
2. Please download the latest software installation package from the UC232A product page at www.aten.com/download (search for UC232A and go to the download tab).
3. Execute the file and follow the on-screen instructions to configure detailed software settings.
4. Open the downloaded file and right click on the UC232A_Windows_Setup. Select Run as administrator as shown in the picture below.
   
5. After a few moments, the following dialog box appears. Choose your desired Language and click Next.
   
6. Click Next.
   
7. Click Install to install the drivers.
   
8. When the installation is complete, the following dialog box appears. Click Finish to close the wizard. You have successfully installed the driver(s).
   

Connecting the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF

1. Connect the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF USB-to-Serial Adapter to a USB port in your computer. The following dialog box appears on the bottom right of your PC screen to confirm that the driver has been installed and that your UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF is ready to use:
   

Mac Installation

Installing the Software

To install the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF software, do the following:
Note: The setup is for UC232A explained below. The UC232A1/UC232AF is the same as the UC232A, except that it has a 100 cm and 120 m cable attached instead of 35 cm.

1. Please download the latest software installation package from the UC232A product page at www.aten.com/download (search for UC232A and go to the download tab).
2. Execute the file and follow the on-screen instructions to configure detailed software settings.
3. Open the downloaded folder and copy the Mac OS file to your hard disk.
4. Double-click on the file icon to extract the compressed file(s).
5. Copy the extracted file(s) to the Hard Disk > System Folder > Extensions folder.

Note: If you are using a non-English language version, copy the files to the corresponding folder for your system.

Connecting the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF

Connect the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF to a USB port on your Mac.
Note: The UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF will not function properly unless the software was previously installed.

Linux Installation

Installing the Driver(s)

To install the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF drivers, do the following:
Note: The setup is for UC232A explained below. The UC232A1 is the same as the UC232A and UC232AF, except that it has a 100 cm cable attached instead of 35 cm and 120 cm.

1. Please download the latest software installation package from the UC232A product page at www.aten.com/download (search for UC232A and go to the download tab).
2. Execute the file and follow the on-screen instructions to configure detailed software settings.
3. Open a command line.
4. Move to the subdirectory that corresponds to the version of your operating system. (For example, if your operating system is Red Hat 7.3, then move to the Redhat73 subdirectory.)
5. Enter the following commands to copy the files in the subdirectory to a directory on your hard disk:
   cp pl2303.c /directory_name
   cp Makefile /directory_name/makefile
   where directory_name is the name of the directory on your hard disk that you are copying the files to.
   Note: Be sure to change the capital "M" in "Makefile" to a lowercase "m" when you copy the file to the new directory.
6. Move to the directory where you copied the files.
7. Enter the following command:
   make inst
8. Connect the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF to a USB port on your computer.
   Note: The UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF will not function properly unless the drivers have been previously installed.

Uninstalling the Driver(s)

1. Open a command line.
2. Move to the directory where you installed the driver(s).
3. Enter the following command:
   • To uninstall the driver:
     make uninst
   • To uninstall all drivers (including the base driver):
     make uninst_all

You have successfully uninstalled the driver(s).

Peripheral Installation

1. After you have finished the software installation procedures for your operating system and have connected the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF to your computer, connect the peripheral device to the UC232A/UC232A1/UC232AF, and then turn the peripheral on.
   
2. Follow the Installation Wizard's on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
   Note:
   1. This procedure only occurs the first time you connect the peripheral. If your peripheral was previously connected and configured for the RS-232 (COM) port, after you perform the Adapter Installation and click Finish, the driver will detect it and install it automatically.
      However, some peripheral devices, such as older PDAs, require that you re-install the software for the peripheral device before it will work properly.
   2. Under Windows 2000, if you connect a modem, you must specify it as a Standard Modem.

Safety Instructions

General

• This product is for indoor use only.
• Read all of these instructions. Save them for future reference.
• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the device.
• Do not place the device on any unstable surface (cart, stand, table, etc.). If the device falls, serious damage will result.
• Do not use the device near water.
• Do not place the device near, or over, radiators or heat registers.
• The device cabinet is provided with slots and openings to allow for adequate ventilation. To ensure reliable operation, and to protect against overheating, these openings must never be blocked or covered.
• The device should never be placed on a soft surface (bed, sofa, rug, etc.) as this will block its ventilation openings. Likewise, the device should not be placed in a built in enclosure unless adequate ventilation has been provided.
• Never spill liquid of any kind on the device.
• Unplug the device from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
• The device should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
• To prevent damage to your installation it is important that all devices are properly grounded.
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord or cables. Route the power cord and cables so that they cannot be stepped on or tripped over.
• Position system cables and power cables carefully; Be sure that nothing rests on any cables.
• Never push objects of any kind into or through cabinet slots. They may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts resulting in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
• Do not attempt to service the device yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• If the following conditions occur, unplug the device from the wall outlet and bring it to qualified service personnel for repair.
  • The power cord or plug has become damaged or frayed.
  • Liquid has been spilled into the device.
  • The device has been exposed to rain or water.
  • The device has been dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged.
  • The device exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.
  • The device does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed.
• Only adjust those controls that are covered in the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage that will require extensive work by a qualified technician to repair.
• Avoid circuit overloads. Before connecting equipment to a circuit, know the power supply's limit and never exceed it. Always review the electrical specifications of a circuit to ensure that you are not creating a dangerous condition or that one doesn't already exist. Circuit overloads can cause a fire and destroy equipment.

Technical Support

International

• For online technical support – including troubleshooting, documentation, and software updates: http://support.aten.com
• For telephone support, see Telephone Support

North America

When you contact us, please have the following information ready beforehand:

• Product model number, serial number, and date of purchase
• Your computer configuration, including operating system, revision level, expansion cards, and software
• Any error messages displayed at the time the error occurred
• The sequence of operations that led up to the error
• Any other information you feel may be of help

Specifications

DB-9 Pin Assignments

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• View details of all your registered ATEN products in one place
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ATEN warrants this product against flaws in the materials and workmanship during the warranty period which commence on the date of original purchase. The duration, terms, and conditions of the warranty period may vary from country to country. Please visit ATEN's website for more information or contact the ATEN office responsible for providing support in your country/ region. Contact details for all ATEN offices are listed below.

Corporate Headquarters
(Original Manufacturer)
ATEN International Co., Ltd.
Website: http://www.aten.com
Address: 3F., No.125, Sec. 2, Datong Rd., Sijhih District., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan

U.S.A Subsidiaries (Importer)
ATEN Technology Inc.
Website: http://www.aten-usa.com
Address: 19641 DaVinci Foothill Ranch, CA 92610, U.S.A ATEN New Jersey Inc.
Address: 155 Pierce Street, Somerset, NJ 08873, U.S.A

Belgium Subsidiary (Importer)
ATEN Infotech N.V.
Website: http://www.aten.be
Address: Mijnwerkerslaan 34 3550 Heusden-Zolder, Belgium

U.K. Subsidiary (Importer)
ATEN U.K. Limited
Website: http://www.aten.co.uk
Address: 229 Berwick Avenue Slough, SL1 4QT, U.K.

Japan Subsidiary (Importer)
ATEN Japan Co., Ltd.
Website: http://www.atenjapan.jp
Address: ATEN Bldg. 8-4, Minami-senjyu 3-chome, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0003 Japan

Korea Subsidiary (Importer)
ATEN Korea., Ltd.
Website: http://www.aten.co.kr
Address: B-303, Gabeul Great Valley, 60-5, Gasan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, Korea; 153-801

China Subsidiary (Importer)
ATEN China Co., Ltd.
Website: http://www.aten.com.cn
Address: 18/F, Tower A, Horizon International Tower, No.6,Zhichun Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China 100088

Taiwan Subsidiary (Importer)
Atech Peripherals, Inc.
Website: http://www.aten.com.tw
Address: 6F., No.133, Sec. 2, Datong Rd., Sijhih District., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan

User Information

Online Registration

Be sure to register your product at our online support center:
International
http://eservice.aten.com

Telephone Support

For telephone support, call this number:

Product Information

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