Installation and User Guide
Trademarks and Notices Notice Comtrol Corporation. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS OF THIS PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Comtrol Corporation shall not be liable for any errors contained in this manual or for any damages resulting from loss of use, data, profits, or any incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of Comtrol Corporation products or services. The information contained in this documentation is subject to change without notice.
Table of Contents Product Overview .................................................................................................................5 DeviceMaster FreeWire Requirements .................................................................................................... 5 Installation Overview ................................................................................................................................... 5 Configuration Options..............................................
Table of Contents Verifying the Installation ...................................................................................................45 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................47 Troubleshooting Installation Problems ................................................................................................ 47 Troubleshooting Network Configuration Problems ..............................................
Product Overview The DeviceMaster FreeWire is a high-performance, standalone device designed to connect a wide range of serial devices (i.e., security devices, telecommunications equipment, modems, data display devices, industrial instrumentation, etc.) to an Ethernet network.
Configuration Options Configuration Options After the hardware installation has been successfully completed, the DeviceMaster FreeWire is ready for configuration. The easiest and fastest way to configure the DeviceMaster FreeWire is to use the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard, which also installs the FreeWire Manager, a configuration interface, and the port redirector. Note: Comtrol Technical Support recommends using the FreeWire Installation Wizard and FreeWire Manager for configuration.
Hardware Installation This section discusses the following hardware related topics in addition to the hardware installation procedure: • Device Descriptions (below) • LED Indicators on Page 9 • Reset Button Functions on Page 9 • Factory Default Settings on Page 10 • Port Parameters on Page 11 Device Descriptions The DeviceMaster FreeWire includes the components that are discussed in the following subsections: • Power connector – The power supply cable plugs into this connector.
Installing the DeviceMaster FreeWire Hardware • If the DeviceMaster FreeWire is operating properly, the LEDs will blink momentarily and then go out, the yellow (10) and green (100) LEDs will illuminate if the network is active, and the orange (Power) LED will illuminate, indicating the device is receiving power. • The unit powers up in the Normal mode, which provides for connection from the network to the device connected to the serial port of the DeviceMaster FreeWire.
LED Indicators LED Indicators The DeviceMaster FreeWire provides three multifunction LED indicators (yellow, green, and orange) for easy monitoring. The following table defines the function of each LED.
Factory Default Settings Factory Default Settings The DeviceMaster FreeWire is shipped with a default configuration that works with the most common serial-to-Ethernet and wireless connections. The default settings can be changed to suit specific installation requirements using the FreeWire Manager, embedded web server page, or a Telnet connection to the DeviceMaster FreeWire internal console.
Port Parameters Port Parameters Parameter Description CHARACTER bits per character Settings 7, 8 (default) FLOW flow control NONE (default), Xon/Xoff, CTS/RTS PARITY parity NONE (default), EVEN, ODD, MARK, or SPACE SPEED baud rate (bits per second) 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, 14400, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115200 (default), 230400, 460800 STOP stop bits per character 1 (default), 2 MODE line mode (serial port 232 (default), Disabled protocol) ECABLE E-Cable mode (f
Port Parameters This page was intentionally left blank. 12 - Hardware Installation DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Configuring the DeviceMaster FreeWire The easiest and fastest way to configure the DeviceMaster FreeWire is to use the FreeWire Installation Wizard for Windows, which supports: • Windows XP • Windows Server 2003 • Windows Vista • Windows Server 2008 • Windows 7 The FreeWire Installation Wizard also installs the FreeWire Manager and the port redirector after setting up basic configuration settings.
Installing the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard Installing the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard After the hardware installation has been successfully completed, you can configure the DeviceMaster FreeWire. 1. If you have not done so, locate the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard on the CD that shipped with the DeviceMaster FreeWire or use the ftp site. The DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard installs the FreeWire Manager and port redirector. 2.
Installing the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard 4. Click Install to continue the installation. Depending on the operating system, you may need to click Yes to allow the software installation. 5. Click Launch FreeWire Installation and Finish to complete the FreeWire Installation Setup. DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Installing the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard Depending on the operating system, click Install if prompted. Go to Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard on Page 17 to begin the DeviceMaster FreeWire configuration process. 16 - Configuring the DeviceMaster FreeWire DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard The DeviceMaster FreeWire default address is 192.168.250.250. It may be necessary to change the IP address on your host system temporarily to program the IP address into the DeviceMaster FreeWire. For example: The network segment must be 192.168.250.x to program the DeviceMaster FreeWire IP address for your network. Use this procedure to configure the DeviceMaster FreeWire. 1.
Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard 4. Configure the network settings for your environment. a. After entering the network settings, you can click Run Test to verify that DeviceMaster FreeWire has been programmed with valid network settings or optionally, click Next and go to Step 5. b. Click Continue. c.
Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard 5. Enter the SSID and channel for your wireless network and then click Next. 6. Select the appropriate Authentication (WPA-PSK, WEP, or Open) for your wireless network and complete the fields that appear for that selection. DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard a. To test the wireless network and security settings, click Run Test or optionally, click Next and go to Step 7. b. Click Continue. c. Click Continue. d. Disconnect the Ethernet cable and then click Continue. 20 - Configuring the DeviceMaster FreeWire DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard e. If the DeviceMaster FreeWire wireless settings are valid, a green check mark appears next to the Run Test button. f. Click Next to continue the configuration process. DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard 7. Select an available COM port number. a. To test the COM port, click Run Test or optionally, click Next and go to Step 8. b. Click Continue. c. Insert the loopback plug that was shipped with the into the serial port and click Continue. 22 - Configuring the DeviceMaster FreeWire DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Using the DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard d. If the COM selection is valid, a green check mark appears next to the Run Test button. e. Click Next. 8. If you have not do so, you may want to click Run Test to verify that valid configuration setting have been selected. If you have tested each configuration step, it is not necessary to retest the DeviceMaster FreeWire. 9. Click Finish to complete the first phase of the configuration process. 10.
Configuring Network and Wireless Settings Configuring Network and Wireless Settings After initial DeviceMaster FreeWire configuration using the Installation Wizard, you can use the Installation Wizard to change network or wireless settings. Optionally, you can use the FreeWire Manager to change your network or wireless settings.
Configuring Ad Hoc Mode Configuring Ad Hoc Mode Use the following procedure if you need to configure the DeviceMaster FreeWire for Ad hoc mode. 1. Start the FreeWire Manager (desktop shortcut or Start/Programs/Comtrol/ FreeWire/FreeWire Manager). 2. Highlight the DeviceMaster FreeWire that you want to configure and click the Wireless tab. 3. Click Ad hoc. 4. Click the appropriate Security settings for your environment. 5. Click Apply To Device. 6. If you have completed all settings changes, click Exit.
Configuring Ad Hoc Mode 26 - Configuring the DeviceMaster FreeWire DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Web Browser and Console Configuration After the hardware installation has been successfully completed, the DeviceMaster FreeWire is ready for configuration. Most installations can use the FreeWire Installation Wizard for Windows, which also installs the FreeWire Manager, a configuration interface. The FreeWire Installation Wizard and FreeWire Manager can be used for typical installations. If you do not have a Windows system, you can use the embedded web server page.
Using the Web Browser Interface To operate on an 802.11b/g network, you must set up the same configuration as the wireless network you want the DeviceMaster FreeWire to communicate on. All nodes of a wireless network need to have the same settings in order to communicate with each other. • Wireless mode (ad-hoc or infrastructure) • SSID channel • Data rate • Security settings (WEP keys, 802.1x settings, etc.) 3. Enter the DeviceMaster FreeWire IP address in your web browser.
Using the Web Browser Interface 6. Use the following web pages to configure the settings of the DeviceMaster FreeWire. The menu selections are displayed on the left side of the screen, and the individual settings are located at the top of the screen. At a minimum, you need to configure the following pages: • I/O Port - if you are using the serial port in socket mode. • TCP/IP- to configure the DeviceMaster FreeWire IP address for your network.
Using the Web Browser Interface • Wireless - to configure the wireless settings that match your network. • Admin - you may want to configure network access password and an update password, which prevents unauthorized configuration changes. 7. To confirm wireless operation: a. Close the web browser and disconnect the Ethernet cable. a. Re-open the web browser, enter the IP address, and verify that Server Info web page loads. Note: It takes approximately 7 seconds before the connection is operational.
Using the Command Console Using the Command Console You can use a telnet or serial connection to configure the DeviceMaster FreeWire using the Command Console. This subsection also discusses how to operate DeviceMaster FreeWire in Bridging Network Mode using the Command Console. Telnet Connection Use this procedure to access the Command Console through telnet. Note: To configure the DeviceMaster FreeWire, the IP address must also be valid for the network to which it is attached.
Operating in Bridged Network Mode 4. After opening a serial port with the appropriate settings, type the following characters: #!DM After typing those characters, the following prompt appears: Local> For a list of commands, type help at the command prompt. 5. After configuring the DeviceMaster FreeWire, confirm wireless operation: a. Close the Command Console, and disconnect the Ethernet cable. b.
Limitations of Bridging Network Mode Limitations of Bridging Network Mode Bridging Network Mode on the DeviceMaster FreeWire is designed so that it enables a single Ethernet device to become a wireless device. The DeviceMaster FreeWire is unable to act as a typical wireless access point, which allows multiple attached Ethernet devices to communicate with the wireless interface. The DeviceMaster FreeWire works in a one-to-one mode.
Behavior in Infrastructure Mode 34 - Web Browser and Console Configuration DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
DeviceMaster FreeWire Firmware After the hardware installation has been successfully completed, you should check to see if the DeviceMaster FreeWire is loaded the latest firmware. Checking the Firmware Version There are several ways to check the firmware version: DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard • DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation Wizard • FreeWire Manager • Web page Use the following procedure to check the firmware version on the DeviceMaster FreeWire after hardware installation. 1.
FreeWire Manager FreeWire Manager You can use the following procedure to check the firmware version using the FreeWire Manager. 1. Start the FreeWire Manager (desktop shortcut or Start/Programs/Comtrol/ FreeWire/FreeWire Manager). The firmware version is displayed in the center of the DeviceMaster FreeWire information. 2. Check the ftp site for a later version at ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/html/default.htm. 3. If necessary, go to Uploading the Latest Firmware on Page 38.
Web Page Web Page You can use the following procedure to check the firmware version using the web page. Note: To communicate with the DeviceMaster FreeWire, the IP address must also be valid for the network to which it is attached. The network segment must be 192.168.250.x to communicate to the DeviceMaster FreeWire default IP address of 192.168.250.250. 1. Enter the DeviceMaster FreeWire IP address in your web browser. The Server Info screen displays. Note: This example displays firmware version 1.35b.
Uploading the Latest Firmware Uploading the Latest Firmware Use the following procedure to upload the latest firmware into the DeviceMaster FreeWire using the FreeWire Manager. 1. Start the FreeWire Manager (desktop shortcut or Start/Programs/Comtrol/ FreeWire/FreeWire Manager). 2. Highlight the DeviceMaster FreeWire that requires a firmware update. 3. Click Upload Firmware. 4. Enter the password (default is access), and then click Submit.
Uploading the Latest Firmware Note: Use the Help system if you need information about any of the settings. 5. Click Continue. 6. Browse to the location you downloaded the firmware, and click Submit. DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Uploading the Latest Firmware 40 - DeviceMaster FreeWire Firmware DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Connecting the Serial Device Connect the DeviceMaster FreeWire to your serial device using a standard RS-232 DB9 serial cable. You can build your own null-modem or straight-through DB9 serial cables using the following subsections. Serial Port Signals The following table provide serial port pinouts for the DeviceMaster FreeWire.
DB9 Null-Modem Cables DB9 Null-Modem Cables Use the following figure if you need to build an RS-232 null-modem cable. A nullmodem cable is required for connecting DTE devices. Female DeviceMaster DB9 Signal Pins TxD 3 RxD 2 RTS 7 CTS 8 DSR 6 1 DCD DTR 4 GND 5 DB9 DB25 RJ45 Pins Pins Pins Signal RxD 2 3 5 TxD 3 2 4 CTS 8 5 8 RTS 7 4 1 DTR 4 20 2 DCD 1 8 6 DSR 6 6 7 GND 5 7 3 Note: You may want to purchase or build a straight-through cable and purchase a null-modem adapter.
TCP Port Connections TCP Port Connections The DeviceMaster FreeWire supports port connections over TCP/IP using raw TCP ports only. The TCP ports are allocated as follows. Port Destination Device 3001 RS-232 9100 RS-232 9200 RFC 2217 You should set the port to port forwarding in routers and firewalls. DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
TCP Port Connections This page was intentionally left blank. 44 - Connecting the Serial Device DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Verifying the Installation There are several ways to verify that the serial port is functioning. This section discusses how to test a serial device able to display ASCII characters. Refer to the DeviceMaster FreeWire Software and Documentation CD for procedures of how to use Test Terminal and the loopback plug to verify that the serial port is functioning. Use the following procedure to verify that the DeviceMaster FreeWire and the serial device are working correctly. 1.
This page was intentionally left blank. 46 - Verifying the Installation DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Troubleshooting This section describes procedures for troubleshooting problems you may encounter with the DeviceMaster FreeWire, and is divided into the following sections: • Troubleshooting Installation Problems • Troubleshooting Network Configuration Problems on Page 47 • Troubleshooting Windows Problems on Page 48 • Troubleshooting Wireless Configuration Problems on Page 48 If your problem is not resolved using the troubleshooting sections, you can use Where to Get Help on Page 49 for additional
Troubleshooting Windows Problems • Check to see if you have mismatched or duplicate IP addresses. Verify that the IP address is correctly loaded into the DeviceMaster FreeWire (via the displayed or printed configuration information or through the remote console), and make sure that no other nodes on the network have this address (duplicate addresses are the biggest cause of TCP/IP connectivity problems). If the IP address is not correct, then check whether the loading procedure was properly executed.
Where to Get Help Where to Get Help Comtrol Corporation offers several customer support options to assist you in the event you experience difficulties with the DeviceMaster FreeWire, including telephone support, repair services, and warranty. Your first point of contact for technical support is the Distributor or Dealer from whom you bought your product. They are familiar with your needs, and will generally be able to provide you with the fastest and most comprehensive support.
Where to Get Help This page was intentionally left blank. 50 - Troubleshooting DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.
Safety and Regulatory Notices This section provides the following: • Information for United States Users • Declaration of Conformity (FCC) on Page 52 • Information for Canadian Users (IC notice) on Page 52 • Information for European Users on Page 52 Information for United States Users This equipment has been tested and found to comply within the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Declaration of Conformity (FCC) Declaration of Conformity (FCC) According to 47CFR, Part 2 and 15 for Class B Personal Computers and Peripherals; and/or CPU Boards and Power Supplies used with Class B Personal Computers: Comtrol Corporation 6655 Wedgwood Road Maple Grove, MN 55311 Declare under sole responsibility that the product identified herein, complies with 47CFR Part 2 and 15 of the FCC rules as a Class B digital device FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE.
Information for European Users example, in airplanes, in hospitals or in any other environment where the risk of interference with other devices or services is perceived or identified as harmful. If you are uncertain of the policy that applies to the use in a specific organization or environment, you are encouraged to ask for authorization to use 802.11x wireless technology prior to switching it on. Consult your physician or the manufacturer of personal medical devices (pacemakers, hearing aids, etc.
Information for European Users This page was intentionally left blank. 54 - Safety and Regulatory Notices DeviceMaster FreeWire Installation and User Guide: 2000412 Rev.