BB Electronics Switch 232XS5 User Manual

Five Port Expandable Smart Switch  
Model 232XS5  
Document No. 232XS53800  
This product designed and manufactured in Ottawa, Illinois USA  
of domestic and imported parts by  
International Headquarters  
B&B Electronics Mfg. Co. Inc.  
707 Dayton Road -- P.O. Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350 USA  
Phone 815-433-5100 -- General Fax 815-433-5105  
Home Page: www.bb-elec.com  
Orders e-mail: [email protected] -- Fax 815-433-5109  
Technical Support e-mail: [email protected] -- Fax 815-433-5104  
European Headquarters  
B&B Electronics Ltd.  
Westlink Commercial Park, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland  
Phone: +353 91-92444 -- Fax: +353 91-92445  
Internet:  
1997 B&B Electronics -- Revised October 2000  
232XS53800 Manual  
Cover Page  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................... 1  
Checklist ..................................................................................... 2  
Specifications.............................................................................. 2  
Chapter 2: SETUP.................................................................... 3  
Port Configuration....................................................................... 4  
Serial Data Configuration............................................................ 6  
RS-485 Support.......................................................................... 6  
Chapter 3: Smart Switch Operation........................................ 7  
Programming the Second Character.......................................... 8  
Binary File Transfer .................................................................... 8  
Smart Switch/Port Combiner Mode ............................................ 9  
Enhanced Timer Mode -- Timer Features ................................ 10  
Expansion Mode....................................................................... 13  
Chapter 4: SOFTWARE .......................................................... 15  
Introduction............................................................................... 15  
Installation................................................................................. 15  
Setup......................................................................................... 15  
Default Values .......................................................................... 16  
Selecting Ports.......................................................................... 16  
Parameters ............................................................................... 16  
Appendix A: ASCII Character Codes.................................. A-1  
Appendix B: Cable Charts .................................................. B-1  
Chart 1. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Master Port ..................B-1  
Chart 2. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Master Port ....................B-1  
Chart 3. Modem DB25 Connector to Master Port...................B-2  
Chart 4. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DTE).........B-2  
Chart 5. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE).........B-3  
Chart 6. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DTE)...........B-3  
Chart 7. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)...........B-4  
Chart 8. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE).........B-4  
Chart 9. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)...........B-5  
232XS53800 Manual  
Table of Contents  
i
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION  
The RS-232 Five Port Expandable Smart Switch, Model  
232XS5, allows one RS-232 host device to connect to as many as  
five RS-232 devices. The switch can be controlled in three different  
ways. The first way is referred to as smart switch mode or code  
activated switch mode. In this mode, the switch is controlled by  
sending a programmable preamble code to the "Master" port of the  
232XS5. The second way the switch can be controlled is referred to  
as port combiner mode. In port combiner mode, a slave port can  
gain access to the master port by asserting a handshake line. If  
none of the slave ports have their handshake line asserted, the  
switch can be controlled using the preamble code. The third way the  
switch can be controlled is the expander mode in which up to four  
switches can be cascaded together to form up to 17 slave ports.  
The master port can be configured as a DTE or DCE port by an  
internal switch setting. If the master port is configured as a DTE  
port, the five slave ports will become DCE ports. The 232XS5  
supports the following signals: TD, RD, RTS, CTS, DSR, DTR and  
DCD.  
The 232XS5 has an enhanced timer mode which offers special  
timer features. The timer features can be used to prevent slave  
devices from receiving preamble commands, inadvertently switching  
from binary/graphic file transfers, and inactive slave devices from  
holding control of the master port.  
The 232XS5 will work with baud rates from 1200 to 115.2K bps;  
7 or 8 data bits; even, odd or no parity; and 1 or 2 stop bits (7,N,1 is  
not allowed).  
NOTE: The data format and rates mentioned are used to switch  
the 232XS5. The communication between the devices can use  
any format or data rate.  
232XS2497 Manual  
1
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
There are five LED's on the 232XS5 to indicate which port is  
connected to the master port. The master port has a DB-9S female  
connector and the slave ports have DB-9P male connectors. The  
232XS5 requires 12Vdc at 100ma. which is provided through a  
2.5mm power jack.  
Checklist  
Examine the shipping carton and contents for physical damage.  
If damage is found, file a claim with the shipper immediately.  
The following equipment should be in the shipping carton:  
1. RS-232 Smart Switch  
2. Instruction Manual  
3. (1) 3.5" floppy disk  
If any of the items above are not in the shipping carton contact  
the shipper immediately.  
Specifications  
Model:  
Size:  
Power:  
232XS5  
3.0"w x 5.5"l x 1.0"h  
12Vdc to 16Vdc @ 100ma  
2
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Chapter 2: SETUP  
The 232XS5 is set up using an eight-position dipswitch and a  
three-position set of jumpers. This dipswitch is used to set the  
communication format, port configuration and expansion switch  
address. The jumpers are used to set the smart switch/port  
combiner mode, to enable/disable the enhanced features and to  
enable/disable Expander mode. To change the settings on the  
switch, remove the power from the unit, and remove the screws (4)  
from the bottom of the 232XS5. The dipswitch is located on the top  
of the PC board (side with LED’s) and is labeled “SW1.” The other  
dipswitch, labeled “SW2” is used to set the second character of the  
preamble. After the switches and jumpers have been set to match  
your requirements, you can put the unit back together. Table 1  
shows the settings for dipswitch “SW1” and Table 2 shows the mode  
settings for “JP6” jumpers.  
Table 1. Communication & Port Setup  
Dipswitch SW1  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Setting  
0
0
0
X
X
X
X
X
1200 Baud  
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
1
0
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
0
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
2400 Baud  
4800 Baud  
9600 Baud *  
19.2K Baud  
38.4K Baud  
57.6K Baud  
115.2K Baud  
8 Data Bits *  
1
7 Data Bits  
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Parity Disabled *  
Parity Enabled  
Expansion Address A *  
Expansion Address B  
Expansion Address C  
Expansion Address D  
DCE master port *  
DTE master port  
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
1
0 = OFF  
1 = ON  
X = DON'T CARE  
* = FACTORY DEFAULT  
232XS2497 Manual  
3
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Table 2. Mode Setup  
Jumper JP6  
A
ON  
OFF  
X
B
X
X
C
X
X
X
Setting  
Enhanced Disabled *  
Enhanced Enabled  
Smart Switch *  
ON  
X
OFF ON Expansion  
X
X
ON Combiner Disabled *  
X
ON OFF Combiner Enabled  
On = Jumper Installed Off = Jumper Removed X = DON'T CARE  
* = FACTORY DEFAULT  
Port Configuration  
In order to determine the proper port configuration of the 232XS5, it  
is necessary to have a basic understanding of the terms DCE and DTE.  
RS-232 was designed, using DB-25 connectors, for connecting a DTE  
(Data Terminal Equipment) device to a DCE (Data Communication  
Equipment) device. Each device will have inputs on pins that  
correspond to outputs on the same pins of the other device. For  
example, a DTE device will transmit data out on pin 2 (on a DB-25) and  
a DCE device will receive data in on pin 2 (on a DB-25). IBM PCs and  
serial printers are DTE devices, modems are DCE devices.  
Originally the RS-232 standard specified only a 25 pin D-sub  
connector. Since then, the use of a 9 pin D-Sub supporting only a  
portion of the original RS-232 signals has been used extensively,  
starting with the IBM PC and migrating into other peripherals. The  
pinouts for this 9 pin connector have since become the EIA/TIA 574  
standard. This standard specifies a DTE device that transmits on pin 3  
and receives on pin 2, with the DCE having the opposite configuration.  
If an IBM PC compatible (DTE device) is going to be connected to  
the 232XS5 master port, the master port should be configured as a  
DCE port. If a modem (DCE device) is going to be connected to the  
master port, it should be configured as a DTE port.  
The master port can be configured as a DCE port (data received on  
pin 3) or a DTE port (data received on pin 2) by setting dipswitch  
“SW1”, position 8. To configure the master port as a DCE port, move  
dipswitch “SW1”, position 8, to the "OFF" position. When the master  
port is configured as a DCE port, ports A, B, C, D & E will become DTE  
ports (Refer to Table 3). To configure the master port as a DTE port  
move dipswitch “SW1”, position 8, to the "ON" position. When the  
master port is configured as a DTE port, ports A, B, C, D & E will  
become DCE ports (Refer to Table 4). Always power down the smart  
switch when changing switch settings.  
4
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Table 3. DCE MASTER PORT CHART  
Master Port A,B,C,D & E Ports  
(DCE)  
Signal  
(DTE)  
Pin# Direction  
Description  
Pin# Direction  
3
2
7
8
4
6
1
5
Input  
Output  
Input  
Output  
Input  
Output  
Output  
<------->  
Transmit Data (TD)  
Receive Data (RD)  
3
2
7
8
4
6
1
5
Output  
Input  
Output  
Input  
Output  
Input  
Input  
Request to Send (RTS)  
Clear to Send (CTS)  
Data Terminal Ready (DTR)  
Data Set Ready (DSR)  
Data Carrier Detect (DCD)  
Signal Ground (SG)  
<----->  
Table 4. DTE MASTER PORT CHART  
Master Port  
(DTE)  
A,B,C,D & E Ports  
(DCE)  
Signal  
Pin# Direction  
Description  
Pin# Direction  
3
2
7
8
4
6
1
5
Output  
Input  
Output  
Input  
Output  
Input  
Input  
Transmit Data (TD)  
Receive Data (RD)  
3
2
7
8
4
6
1
5
Input  
Output  
Input  
Output  
Input  
Output  
Output  
<----->  
Request to Send (RTS)  
Clear to Send (CTS)  
Data Terminal Ready (DTR)  
Data Set Ready (DSR)  
Data Carrier Detect (DCD)  
Signal Ground (SG)  
<------->  
The 232XS5 supports the following RS-232 signals: TD, RD,  
SG, RTS, CTS, DCD, DSR and DTR.  
NOTE: All other lines are not connected.  
The Smart Switch selects port A as the default port at power up.  
232XS2497 Manual  
5
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Serial Data Configuration  
In order for the host device that is connected to the master port  
to select any of the five ports, the Smart Switch must be set to  
match the host's communication format. Dipswitch “SW1” is used to  
select the communication format of the Smart Switch. Switch  
positions 1 through 3 select the baud rate. Switch position 4 selects  
7 or 8 data bits. Switch position 5 determines if parity is enabled or  
disabled.  
NOTE: A data format of 7 data bits, no parity and one stop is  
not allowed.  
Switch position 8 selects the port configuration, see section titled  
"Port Configuration". Refer to Table 1. Always power down the  
smart switch when changing switch settings.  
RS-485 Support  
RS-485 support may be  
provided by adding a Model  
485SD9TB RS-232 to RS-485  
converter or other recommended  
device to the slave ports of the  
232XS5.  
Port power of about 30 mA may be applied through the DTR line  
(Pin 4) of the slave ports with jumper JP1-JP5. Normally, the  
jumpers are set to allow DTR to pass from the master port. To  
enable port power on a slave port, move the jumper from the“OFF”  
to “ON” position on the corresponding JP jumper. To allow DTR to  
pass from the master port to the slave port, move jumper from “ON”  
to “OFF” on the corresponding JP jumper. DTR can only pass  
through when the port is selected and the jumper is set to the “OFF”  
position on the corresponding slave port JP jumper.  
Table 5. Port Power Jumpers  
Jumper  
JP1-5  
“OFF”  
“ON”  
Setting  
DTR passed *  
Port Power  
* = FACTORY DEFAULT  
6
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Chapter 3: Smart Switch Operation  
Smart Switch mode is selected when jumper “JP6-B” is ON  
(installed). In Smart Switch mode, the 232XS5 is constantly looking  
for the three character preamble code by monitoring the data that is  
being received on the master port from the host device. The  
232XS5 requires a three character preamble code to turn on and off  
a port. The first character must be the ASCII escape character  
(decimal 27). The second character is user programmable by  
setting dipswitch “SW2”. “SW2” comes from the factory  
programmed to the ASCII character STX (decimal 2). The third  
character should be the ASCII upper case letters "A", "B", "C", "D" or  
“E” (decimal 65, 66, 67, 68 or 69 respectively) to select those ports.  
To turn off the selected port the third character should be the ASCII  
EOT character (decimal 4). The ASCII characters and their  
equivalent decimal values are listed in Appendix A.  
Example:  
To turn on port B you would send the three ASCII characters:  
ESC STX B  
If you were writing a program in BASIC to control the Smart  
Switch you would form a string like this:  
SWB$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + "B"  
You could then send SWB$ to select port B. Similar strings  
could be used for turning on the other ports. To turn off the ports the  
string might look like this:  
TOFF$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + CHR$(4)  
When you are done with a port you can either select a new one  
directly or turn off the selected port and then turn on the next one.  
We recommend that you turn off the selected port before selecting  
the next one. The turn off command consists of three characters  
that are nonprinting (ESC STX EOT). If port A is selected and you  
send the command to select port B, all three characters (ESC STX  
B) will pass through the A port since it is still selected and the letter  
B will show up on your port A device. For information on preventing  
command codes from being received by slave devices, refer to the  
Enhance Mode section.  
NOTE: There is no delay through the Smart Switch and the  
data is not buffered.  
232XS2497 Manual  
7
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Programming the Second Character  
The second character comes programmed as the ASCII STX  
character (decimal 2). You can change this to any 8-bit character  
you wish by reprogramming dipswitch “SW2”. “SW2” is an eight-  
position switch with each position equal to a certain weight. Refer to  
“Setup” for instructions on removing the cover to access “SW2”.  
Table 6 shows the weight chart for “SW2”.  
Table 6. Programmable Character Setting  
Dipswitch SW2* WEIGHT  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
4
8
16  
32  
64  
128  
*Factory Default -- ASCII “STX” character  
(decimal 2), SW2 position 2 is only one ON.  
If you wish to use the letter "U" as the second character, which  
has a decimal value of 85, you would turn on switches 1, 3, 5, and 7  
(1 + 4 + 16 + 64 = 85). Caution should be used when selecting the  
second character, so that by itself, or with the ESC character in front  
of it, it is not a valid command to any of the devices on the port. For  
instance, on some printers ESC @ is the reset command. If you  
tried to use the @ symbol (decimal 64) for the second character you  
could reset your printer every time the preamble code was sent.  
Note also that if your communication configuration is set for 7 data  
bits you cannot use the eighth bit of SW2. For a list of the ASCII  
character codes and their decimal values, refer to Appendix A.  
Binary File Transfer  
A simple method of using the Smart Switch to transfer binary  
files without the concern of it accidentally disconnecting, is to set the  
file transfer at a baud rate different from the baud rate of the Smart  
Switch. When transferring files at a different baud rate, the Smart  
Switch will stay connected from the last preamble code.  
8
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Smart Switch/Port Combiner Mode  
Handshake line of any slave  
port controls access to master por  
Preamble code controls access to slave  
ports if slave handshake line is not asserted  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
E
A
D
C
B
Master  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Port Combiner Mode  
With the 232XS5 set up with a DTE master port, this mode  
allows Slave Ports A-E to select the master port using the RTS input  
line. It also still allows selection from the master port via the  
preamble code described in the Smart Switch Only Mode section.  
Jumper “JP6-C” must be OFF (removed) to be in port combiner  
mode. Port combiner mode is not accessible when the unit is set up  
as a port expander, so JP6-B must be ON (installed). When RTS  
goes high on any of the five slave ports, it will establish a connection  
from that port to the master port. This works on first-come-first-  
served basis. If multiple ports have their RTS lines high, the port  
that has been waiting the longest will be next to be connected to the  
master port. For example (initial conditions -- no slave ports with  
RTS lines asserted.), in chronological order, Port C asserts its RTS  
line, Port A asserts its RTS line, Port D asserts its RTS line and then  
Port C disasserts its RTS line. When Port C asserts its RTS line, a  
connection will be made between the master port and Port C. When  
Port C disasserts its RTS line, Port C will be disconnected and Port  
A will be connected to the master port. When Port A disasserts its  
RTS, Port A will be disconnected and Port D will be connected to the  
master port.  
For example, port A is configured as a DTE port. In order to  
establish a connection to the master port, port A must set RTS high  
(assert). The 232XS5 would recognize this as a prompt for  
connection to the master port. The connection would be dropped as  
soon as RTS on port A is brought low. Ports B-E may raise RTS at  
any time to request a connection. However, if port A is connected to  
the master port, any data sent from the devices on ports B-E to the  
232XS5 will be lost. The 232XS5 does not have any buffering.  
232XS2497 Manual  
9
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
NOTE: When a port is selected via the Master Port, the RTS  
lines will be ignored until the Master Port sends the turn off code.  
When the Master Port is selected by RTS, all preamble codes  
will be ignored. The port combiner function is not available with  
the Master Port configured as a DCE or in expansion mode.  
A typical application would be to have RTS and CTS tied together  
on the master port. When RTS on port A is asserted, CTS on port A  
will be asserted when a connection is established. If a port is not  
connected to the master port, then CTS on that port will remain low.  
Therefore, a port can monitor the handshake line to determine if a  
connection has been established.  
Enhanced Timer Mode -- Timer Features  
The 232XS5 has an enhanced mode, which offers special timer  
features. The timer features can be used to prevent slave devices  
from receiving preamble commands, inadvertent switching from  
binary/graphic file transfers, and inactive slave devices from holding  
control of the master port. The timer has two different modes: an  
inactivity mode and an inadvertent switch mode. When in inactivity  
mode, the 232XS5 will monitor the data lines. If there is no activity  
for the specified time, the selected slave port will be disconnected  
from the master port. When in inadvertent switch mode, the  
232XS5 will ignore switching commands for the specified period of  
time. After this time has expired, the selected slave port will be  
disconnected from the master port.  
The timer functions are enabled via a jumper setting and  
through software commands. Jumper JP6-A must be OFF  
(removed) for the 232XS5 to be in enhanced mode. The  
software commands follow the same format as preamble codes  
used for switching. There are two commands that must be sent to  
the 232XS5 to set the timer functions: Set Timer Value and Set  
Timer Mode. These commands require an additional byte for data.  
The Set Timer Value command requires the third byte to be an  
ASCII “T” character. The data byte (fourth byte) must be a value  
between ASCII “0” and ASCII “9”. A value of “0” is used to disable  
the timer. The time set by the Set Timer Value command  
determines the length of time the 232XS5 wll wait before  
disconnecting an inactive port, or the length of time it will ignore  
switching commands from the master. Refer to Table 7 for timer  
values. For example, sending the following string to the 232XS5 will  
set the timer value to 5 seconds (assuming programmable character  
is the factory default of 2).  
10  
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
SetTV$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”T” + “6”  
The “T” tells the 232XS5 it is the set timer value command and the  
“6” indicates which timer value to use.  
Table 7 - Timer Values  
Data Byte  
Value  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
timer disabled  
10ms  
25ms  
100ms  
500ms  
1 s  
5 s  
30 s  
1 min.  
5 min.  
The Set Timer Mode command tells the 232XS5 whether the  
time set by the Set Timer Value command will be used to determine  
the time-out of an inactive port, or the length of time switching  
commands are ignored. The third byte of the Set Timer Mode  
command is an ASCII “M”. If the data byte (fourth byte) is an ASCII  
“0”, zero (default), the timer will be setup as an inactivity timer. For  
example, sending the following string to the 232XS5 will set up the  
timer as an inactivity timer (assuming programmable character is the  
factory default of 2).  
SetTM$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”M” + “0”  
The “M” tells the 232XS5 it is the set timer mode command and the  
“0” indicates to set up the timer as an inactivity timer. When the  
timer is configured as an inactivity timer, the 232XS5 will monitor the  
data lines (TD & RD) for data. If there is no activity for the specified  
timer value, the slave port that is connected to the master port will  
be disconnected. In smart switch mode, the inactivity timer can be  
used to prevent the preamble codes from being received by the  
slave devices. In port combiner mode, the inactivity timer can be  
used to prevent devices from tying up the master port. For example  
(port combiner mode), all the slave ports have their handshake lines  
asserted. The device on Port C has its handshake line asserted and  
is currently connected to the master port, but has not been  
transmitting or receiving data. When the inactivity timer expires,  
Port C will be disconnected and the next slave port will then be  
connected to the master port (following the first-come-first-served  
rule). Port C will then be placed at the “end of the line”.  
232XS2497 Manual  
11  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
If the data byte of the Set Timer Mode command is an ASCII “1”,  
the timer will be setup to ignore switching commands. Sending the  
following string to the 232XS5 will set up the timer to ignore  
switching commands. (Assuming programmable character is the  
factory default of 2).  
SetTM$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) +”M” + “1”  
The “M” tells the 232XS5 it is the set timer mode command and the  
“1” indicates to set up the timer to ignore switching commands.  
When the timer is configured in this mode, the 232XS5 will not  
accept any switching commands (“A”, ”B”, ”C”, ”D”, “E”, or “EOT”) for  
the specified timer value. After the timer has expired, the slave port  
that is connected to the master port will be disconnected. This  
feature is useful to prevent inadvertent switching during  
binary/graphic type file transfers. For example (smart switch mode),  
the timer is configured to ignore switching commands for 5 seconds.  
The select Port D command is sent to the 232XS5. Once Port D is  
connected a file of unknown data type (so file may or may not  
contain a switching command sequence) is to be transferred  
through the 232XS5. For a period of 5 seconds after Port D is  
connected, no switching commands will be accepted. As long as  
the file transfer takes less than 5 seconds, there is no chance the  
232XS5 will inadvertently switch ports.  
Table 8 - 232XS5 Smart Switch Mode Commands  
Command Characters  
Function  
1st  
2nd  
3rd  
4th  
Comments  
Select Port A  
Select Port B  
Select Port C  
Select Port D  
Select Port E  
Deselect Port  
Set Timer Value  
Set Timer Mode  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
“A”  
“B”  
“C”  
“D”  
“E”  
NU** Switching Command  
NU** Switching Command  
NU** Switching Command  
NU** Switching Command  
NU** Switching Command  
EOT NU** Switching Command  
“T” “0”-”9”  
“M” “0”,”1”  
Enhanced Mode  
Enhanced Mode  
*X represents the programmable character set by dipswitch SW2  
**NU = Not Used  
12  
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Expansion Mode  
Expansion  
Port  
Expansion  
Port  
Expansion  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
E
A
D
C
E
D
D
E
A
D
C
E
A
Master  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Address D  
Address C  
Address B  
Address A  
C
C
B
B
A
B
B
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
Slave  
Port  
17-Port Cascaded Expansion Mode  
The number of serial ports on the 232XS5 can easily be  
expanded to a maximum of seventeen ports. Up to four 232XS5  
units may be cascaded in expander mode. Each unit address adds  
four additional serial ports to the five on unit address “A”. Port C is  
used as the expansion port that connects to the follow-on master-  
port for switch units addressed “B” thru “D”. Expansion Switch unit  
address “A” is the last Switch in the chain.  
Expander mode is selected when jumper “JP6-B” is OFF  
(removed.) In Expander mode, the 232XS5 is constantly looking for  
a four character preamble code by monitoring the data that is being  
received on the master port from the host device. The 232XS5  
requires a four character preamble code to turn on and off a port.  
The first character must be the ASCII escape character (decimal  
27). The second character is user programmable by setting  
dipswitch “SW2”. “SW2” comes from the factory programmed to the  
ASCII character STX (decimal 2). The third character is the  
Expansion Switch Unit Address character “A” through “D”. The  
fourth character should be the ASCII upper case letters "A", "B", "C",  
"D" or “E” (decimal 65, 66, 67, 68 or 69 respectively) to select those  
ports. To turn off the selected port the third character should be the  
ASCII EOT character (decimal 4). For instance, to turn on port B of  
Expansion Switch unit address C, you would send:  
ESC STX C B  
If you were writing a program in BASIC to control the Smart  
Switch you would form a string like this:  
SWB$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + "C" + ”B”  
232XS2497 Manual  
13  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
You could then send SWB$ to select port B of Expansion switch  
unit address “C”. Similar strings could be used for turning on the  
other ports. To turn off the ports the string might look like this:  
TOFF$ = CHR$(27) + CHR$(2) + CHR$(4)  
When you are done with a port you can either select a new one  
directly or turn off the selected port and then turn on the next one.  
For information on preventing command codes from being received  
by slave devices, refer to the Enhanced Mode section.  
Table 9 - 232XS5 Expander Mode Commands  
Command Characters  
Function  
1st  
2nd  
3rd  
4th  
Comments  
Select Port A  
Select Port B  
Select Port C  
Select Port D  
Select Port E  
Select Port A  
Select Port B  
Select Port D  
Select Port E  
Select Port A  
Select Port B  
Select Port D  
Select Port E  
Select Port A  
Select Port B  
Select Port D  
Select Port E  
Deselect Port  
Set Timer Value  
Set Timer Mode  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
ESC  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
X*  
“A”  
“A”  
“A”  
“A”  
“A”  
“B”  
“B”  
“B”  
“B”  
“C”  
“C”  
“C”  
“C”  
“D”  
“D”  
“D”  
“D”  
“A”  
“B”  
“C”***  
“D”  
“E”  
“A”  
“B”  
“D”  
“E”  
“A”  
“B”  
“D”  
“E”  
“A”  
“B”  
“D”  
“E”  
Address A  
Address A  
Address A  
Address A  
Address A  
Address B  
Address B  
Address B  
Address B  
Address C  
Address C  
Address C  
Address C  
Address D  
Address D  
Address D  
Address D  
EOT NU** Switching Command  
“T” “0”-”9”  
“M” “0”,”1”  
Enhanced Mode  
Enhanced Mode  
* X represents the programmable character set by dipswitch SW2  
** NU = Not Used  
***Port C is used as the expansion port for unit addresses B thru D.  
14  
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Chapter 4: SOFTWARE  
Introduction  
The Smart Switch software allows the user to change Smart Switch  
ports on three different modules (232XSS, 232XS5, PortMUX). The Smart  
Switch software is designed as diagnostic software for the above modules.  
It will allow you a Module by Module connection to the individual port.  
Installation  
The software for the Smart Switch is designed to be run in any  
Windows environment. To install it on your hard drive follow these steps:  
Method One  
Place the disk in drive A.  
Select Settings from the Start Button and click on Control Panel.  
In the Control Panel Window, double click on the Add/Remove  
Programs.  
Click on the “Install” button.  
Follow the instructions of the setup program.  
Method Two  
Place the disk in drive A.  
Select Programs from the Start Button and click on Windows Explorer.  
Click on the drive containing the SS Setup Disk.  
Double click on the file “Setup.exe”.  
Follow the instructions of the setup program.  
The following file will be located on your hard drive:  
SS.EXE - The executable file for the Smart Switch.  
FILES.LST Contains a list and description of files installed on your  
hard drive.  
READ.ME Contains corrections and additions to the printed users  
manual.  
HISTORY.LST Contains a historic description of the product.  
Setup  
The Smart Switch program will prompt the user for the Module that is  
in use the first time that the software is run. After the proper Module (i.e.  
PortMUX, 232XS5,etc.) is selected then a window specific to that Module  
will appear and the user may personalize communication parameters as  
per their specific needs. Comport, Baud Rate, and Data Bits (Character  
Mode, and User Defined Character may also be set for 232XSS and  
232XS5 Modules).  
232XS2497 Manual  
15  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Should the user wish to change the Module choice to another there is a  
Module menu choice with the three support Module types (PortMUX,  
232XSS, and 232XS5). After changing the Module the user will be  
prompted to restart the Smart Switch software to reset the connection.  
Default Values  
When you start Smart Switch software, the default values will be used.  
The default values are:  
Description  
Port Address  
Baud Rate  
Default Value  
COM 1  
9600  
8 Data Bits  
2 = STX (CTRL B)  
Data Bits  
Second Character  
Selecting Ports  
To select a port the user need only pick from the Menu-> Comport the  
comport to which the device is attached. The Smart Switch program  
supports comports 1 through 6. If the port exists but does not have a smart  
switch device attached, SS will not detect it. The SS software will only  
detect invalid/undefined comports.  
Parameters  
The Port Address is the address where the serial communications port  
is located. If this is unknown you can use the program PORTFIND.EXE  
which is located on the disk. To use PORTFIND.EXE:  
If you installed the software on your hard drive see the Installation  
section:  
Type C: and press the ENTER key.  
Type CD\SS\UTIL and press the ENTER key.  
Type PORTFIND and press the ENTER key.  
The result will be similar to the following:  
PortFind V1.03 - © 1991 B&B Electronics - All Rights Reserved.  
Slave 8259 present can't use shared IRQ2  
COM1 at address 03F8h is set for IRQ4 and is a 8250A or 16450 type UART  
COM2 at address 02F8h is set for IRQ3 and is a 8250A or 16450 type UART  
LPT1 at address 0378h found  
Some of the typical port addresses are as follows:  
Port  
Address  
03F8h  
02F8h  
03E8h  
02E8h  
COM 1  
COM 2  
COM 3  
COM 4  
16  
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
The Baud Rate is the speed at which communication takes place  
between the PC and the Smart Switch. It must be specified so that it is  
equal to SW1 – positions 1 – 3 on the Smart Switch.  
The Number of Data Bits is the length of each character that gets sent  
from the PC to the Smart Switch. This value must be specified so that it is  
equal to SW1 – position 4 on the Smart Switch.  
The Module must be set so that it is equal to the Smart Switch Module  
which you are using (i.e. PortMUX if you are using a PortMUX).  
The User Defined Character must be set so that it is equal to SW2 on  
the Smart Switch.  
232XS2497 Manual  
17  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Appendix A: ASCII Character Codes  
DECIMAL to HEX to ASCII CONVERSION TABLE  
DEC HEX ASCII KEY DEC HEX ASCII DEC HEX ASCII DEC HEX ASCII  
0
0
1
NUL ctrl @  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
41  
42  
43  
44  
45  
46  
47  
48  
49  
50  
51  
52  
53  
54  
55  
56  
57  
58  
59  
60  
61  
62  
63  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
2A  
2B  
2C  
2D  
2E  
2F  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
3A  
3B  
3C  
3D  
3E  
3F  
SP  
!
64  
65  
66  
67  
68  
69  
70  
71  
72  
73  
74  
75  
76  
77  
78  
79  
80  
81  
82  
83  
84  
85  
86  
87  
88  
89  
90  
91  
92  
93  
94  
95  
40  
41  
42  
43  
44  
45  
46  
47  
48  
49  
4A  
4B  
4C  
4D  
4E  
4F  
50  
51  
52  
53  
54  
55  
56  
57  
58  
59  
5A  
5B  
5C  
5D  
5E  
5F  
@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
96  
60  
61  
62  
63  
64  
65  
66  
67  
68  
69  
6A  
6B  
6C  
6D  
6E  
6F  
70  
71  
72  
73  
74  
75  
76  
77  
78  
79  
7A  
7B  
7C  
7D  
7E  
7F  
`
a
b
c
d
e
f
1
SOH  
STX  
ETX  
EOT  
ENQ  
ACK  
BEL  
BS  
ctrl A  
ctrl B  
ctrl C  
ctrl D  
ctrl E  
ctrl F  
ctrl G  
ctrl H  
ctrl I  
97  
2
2
98  
3
3
#
$
%
&
'
99  
4
4
100  
101  
102  
103  
104  
105  
106  
107  
108  
109  
110  
111  
112  
113  
114  
115  
116  
117  
118  
119  
120  
121  
122  
123  
124  
125  
126  
127  
5
5
6
6
7
7
g
h
i
8
8
(
9
9
HT  
)
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
A
LF  
ctrl J  
ctrl K  
ctrl L  
ctrl M  
ctrl N  
ctrl O  
ctrl P  
ctrl Q  
ctrl R  
ctrl S  
ctrl T  
ctrl U  
ctrl V  
ctrl W  
ctrl X  
ctrl Y  
ctrl Z  
ctrl [  
*
J
j
B
VT  
+
,
K
L
k
l
C
FF  
D
CR  
-
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[
m
n
o
p
q
r
E
SO  
.
F
SI  
/
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
1A  
1B  
1C  
1D  
1E  
1F  
DLE  
DC1  
DC2  
DC3  
DC4  
NAK  
SYN  
ETB  
CAN  
EM  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
:
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
{
SUB  
ESC  
FS  
;
ctrl \  
<
=
>
?
\
|
GS  
ctrl ]  
]
}
RS  
ctrl ^  
ctrl _  
^
~
DEL  
US  
_
232XS2497 Manual  
A-1  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Appendix B: Cable Charts  
All charts will indicate if the Master Port of the 232XS5 should  
be configured as a DCE port or a DTE port. Refer to the Port  
Configuration section of the manual for information on Master Port  
configurations.  
Chart 1. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Master Port  
IBM PC  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Master Port (DCE)  
DB25 Connector  
Direction  
----------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<-----------  
<-----------  
<--------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
DB9 Connector  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20  
3
2
7
8
6
5
1
4*  
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not connected  
to ports A, B, C, D, or E.  
Chart 2. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Master Port  
IBM PC  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Master Port (DCE)  
DB9 Connector  
Direction  
<-----------  
<-----------  
----------->  
----------->  
<--------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<-----------  
DB9 Connector  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5*  
6
7
8
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not  
connected to ports A, B, C, D, or E.  
232XS53800 Manual  
Appendix B  
B-1  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Chart 3. Modem DB25 Connector to Master Port  
Async Modem  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Master Port (DTE)  
DB25 Connector  
Direction  
<-----------  
----------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<--------->  
----------->  
<-----------  
DB9 Connector  
2
3
4
5
7
3
2
6
4
5*  
8
8
20  
7
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not  
connected to ports A, B, C, D, or E.  
NOTE: When connecting a DTE device to ports A, B, C, D or E of  
the smart switch, refer to Charts 8 and 9.  
Chart 4. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DTE)  
Master port configured as a DCE port.  
IBM PC  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Ports A - E (DTE)  
DB25 Connector  
Direction  
----------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<----------  
<----------  
<--------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
DB9 Connector  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20  
2
3
8
7
6
5
4*  
4*  
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not connected  
to the master port.  
B-2  
Appendix B  
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Chart 5. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)  
Master port configured as a DTE port.  
IBM PC  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Ports A - E (DCE)  
DB25 Connector  
Direction  
----------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<-----------  
<-----------  
<--------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
DB9 Connector  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20  
3
2
7
8
6
5
4*  
4*  
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not connected  
to the master port.  
Chart 6. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DTE)  
Master port configured as a DCE port.  
IBM PC  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Ports A - E (DTE)  
DB9 Connector  
Direction  
<-----------  
<-----------  
----------->  
----------->  
<--------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<-----------  
DB9 Connector  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4*  
3
2
6
5
4*  
8
7
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not  
connected to the master port.  
232XS53800 Manual  
Appendix B  
B-3  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Chart 7. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)  
Master port configured as a DTE port.  
IBM PC  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Ports A - E (DCE)  
DB9 Connector  
Direction  
<-----------  
<-----------  
----------->  
----------->  
<--------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<-----------  
DB9 Connector  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4*  
2
3
4*  
5
6
7
8
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not connected to  
the master port.  
Chart 8. IBM PC DB25 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)  
Master port configured as a DTE port with a modem connected  
(see Chart 3).  
IBM PC  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Ports A - E (DCE)  
DB25 Connector  
Direction  
----------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<-----------  
<-----------  
<--------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
DB9 Connector  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20  
3
2
6
4*  
4*  
5
8
7
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not connected  
to the master port.  
B-4  
Appendix B  
232XS53800 Manual  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 
Chart 9. IBM PC DB9 Connector to Ports A - E (DCE)  
Master port configured as a DTE port with a modem  
connected (see Chart 3).  
IBM PC  
232XS5  
Serial Port  
Signal  
Ports A - E (DCE)  
DB9 Connector  
Direction  
----------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
<-----------  
<-----------  
<--------->  
<-----------  
----------->  
DB9 Connector  
3
2
7
8
6
5
1
4
3
2
6
4*  
4*  
5
8
7
* Pins are tied together inside the 232XS5, they are not  
connected to the master port.  
232XS53800 Manual  
Appendix B  
B-5  
B&B Electronics -- PO Box 1040 -- Ottawa, IL 61350  
PH (815) 433-5100 -- FAX (815) 433-5109  
 

Accusys Network Card ACS 61000 61010 User Manual
ACTiSYS Network Card ACT IR220Li User Manual
Adcom Stereo Amplifier GFA 555 User Manual
Adcom Stereo Amplifier GTP 760 User Manual
Air King Air Conditioner 2RA10 8566 User Manual
Alcatel Lucent Network Router 700 MHz User Manual
Alpine Car Stereo System TME S370 User Manual
Amana Microwave Oven AMC2206BA User Manual
Avocent Switch SwitchView User Manual
Axis Communications Security Camera P3343 VE User Manual