WTI Part No. 13046 Rev. C APS Series Asynchronous Port Switches Firmware Version 2.05 and Higher Models APS-16, APS-8 and APS-4 User's Guide 5 Sterling · Irvine · California 92618 (949) 586-9950 · Toll Free: 1-800-854-7226 Fax: (949) 583-9514 · http://www.wti.
Warnings and Cautions: No Serviceable Parts Inside; Authorized Service Personnel Only Do not attempt to repair or service this device yourself. Internal components must be serviced by authorized personnel only. Shock Hazard - Do Not Enter Choc Hasard - N'entrent Schocke Hazard - Test Nicht Betrete Otro Hazard - Do Non Entrano Nameplate Power Warning This device should only be operated with the type of power source indicated on the instrument nameplate.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Warnings and Cautions Rack Mount Installation When installing this device in an instrument rack, the following factors must be accounted for: 1. Enclosed Racks: Enclosed racks must provide adequate ventilation. Make certain that the rack is not overly crowded and note that each unit in the rack generates its own heat. An enclosed rack should have louvered sides and a fan to circulate cooling air.
Table of Contents 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 2. Unit Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 2.1. Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 2.2. Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 3. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Table of Contents 7. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1. Any-to-Any Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1.1. Port Connection and Disconnection . . 7.1.1.1. Connecting Ports. . . . . . . . 7.1.1.2. Disconnecting Ports . . . . . . 7.1.2. Defining Hunt Groups . . . . . . . . . . 7.2. Passive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3. Buffer Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3.1.
1. Introduction WTI’s APS-16, APS-8, and APS-4 Asynchronous Port Switches allow reliable, high-speed connections between PCs, modems, and other devices using dissimilar baud rates, parity, and flow control. The APS supports communication at speeds up to 115.2 Kbps, and features full RTS/CTS hardware handshaking. Lightening-swift data throughput and full flow control make the APS the perfect data switch for today’s high speed communications applications.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Introduction APS-16, APS-8, and APS-4 Units This User’s Guide discusses the APS-16, APS-8 and APS-4 Asynchronous Port Switches. Throughout this User’s Guide, all three units are referred to as "the APS". The APS-16 includes sixteen RS232 ports, the APS-8 includes eight RS232 ports, and the APS-4 includes four RS232 ports. All other features function identically. Typographic Conventions ^ (e.g. ^X) Indicates a control character.
2. Unit Description 2.1. Front Panel Figure 2.1: Instrument Front Panel (Model APS-16 Shown) ¬ CLEAR: Restarts the APS operating program without changing user-selected parameter settings or breaking port connections. ON: Lights when AC Power is applied. ® SET: Used to Initialize the APS to defaults specified by the SetUp Switches. To initialize, press and hold both the SET and CLEAR buttons, release only the CLEAR button, and then release the SET button.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Unit Description 2.2. Back Panel Figure 2.2: Instrument Back Panel (Model APS-16) Figure 2.3: Instrument Back Panel (Model APS-8) Figure 2.4: Instrument Back Panel (Model APS-4) ¬ RS232 PORTS: For connection to RS232 console ports on user devices. For more information, please refer to Section 4.4 (connection instructions), Appendix A (interface description), and Section 5.2 (Setup Ports).
3. Getting Started This section provides a brief overview of basic APS capabilities, and describes simple tests that can be used to determine if the unit is operating properly. 3.1. Communication Parameters The SetUp Switches select default operating settings. Switch functions are summarized in Section 4.2, and on a label on the APS unit.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Getting Started 3.3. System SetUp Ports In order to ensure access to command functions, Ports 1 and 2 are designated as System SetUp Ports; the Supervisor Mode cannot be disabled at these ports. Ports 1 and 2 will always allow password protected access to all APS command functions, even when the unit has been reset to the default state.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Getting Started COMMAND MENU DISPLAY /S[P] /SD /W[P] [n] /J /H Port Status Port Diagnostics Port Parameters (Who) Site ID Command Menu (Help) CONTROL /X /C [n] /D /E
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide PORT STATUS: Version 2.
4. Hardware Installation 4.1. Connecting Power to the APS Unit The APS is available in both AC and DC powered versions. When connecting AC or DC power to the APS, proceed as follows: CAUTION: This device should only be operated with the type of power source indicated on the instrument nameplate. If you are not sure of the type of power service available, please contact your local power company. 4.1.1.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Hardware Installation 4.2. Configure SetUp Switches The SetUp Switches are used to select default settings for the APS RS232 ports. On model APS-16 , the SetUp Switches are located on the underside of the unit. On APS-8 and APS-4 models, the SetUp Switches are located on the instrument back panel.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Hardware Installation 4.2.2. Default Handshake (Sw4, Sw5) The default handshake format must match the format your control device will use when communicating with the APS. SetUp Switches 4 and 5 can select RTS/CTS (hardware), XON/XOFF, Both or None. Note that the /P command can also be used to select a different handshake format for each port.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Hardware Installation 4.3. Initialize Unit to Default Settings If SetUp Switch settings are changed, new parameters will not take effect until the APS is initialized. CAUTION: After initialization, the APS will revert to the parameters specified by the SetUp Switches. Any command-selected parameters will be lost. 1. Simultaneously press the SET and CLEAR buttons, located on the face of the APS. 2.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Hardware Installation Figure 4.2: APS Application Example (Model APS-16 Shown) 4.5. Application Example The example in Figure 4.2 shows one of many possible installation configurations for the APS. In this example, APS-16 ports have been configured as follows: · Port 1 (System SetUp Port): This port has been left open in order to permit on-site service personnel to access the Command Mode without disrupting other ports.
5. Configuration 5.1. Access to the APS Command Mode When the APS Command Mode is active, commands can be invoked to select parameters, and connect or disconnect ports. Note: Command Mode cannot be accessed from a Buffer Mode Port, Passive Mode Port, or any port that is currently connected to another APS port. 1. Start your communications program (e.g. ProComm ® ). Make certain the APS and ProComm are set for the same parameters (e.g. baud rate, parity, etc.). 2. Access the Command Mode.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration 5.3.1. The Supervisor Password The Supervisor Password allows access to higher level APS configuration commands, which administrators can employ to select communication parameters, assign port access rights, and perform other system management tasks. After the Supervisor Password has been defined (via the System Parameters menu), the APS will display a password prompt whenever you attempt to access the command mode.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration For example, if the Port Password “test” is assigned to ports 3, 4, and 5, then when “test” is entered at the Password Prompt, the user will only be able to connect to ports 3, 4, and 5, and will only be able to view parameters for ports 3, 4, and 5. If desired, all APS ports can function as both a Supervisor Port and a User Port, depending on which password is entered at the login prompt.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration 5.5. Port Configuration 5.5.1. Configuration Conventions When responding to prompts, invoking commands, and selecting items from the port configuration menus, note the following: · To select an item from a Port Configuration menu, key in the number for the item and press [Enter]. · To clear an item in a Port Configuration menu, enter the number for the desired item and press [Enter].
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration PORT PARAMETERS #02 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Port Name: Password: Baud Rate: Bits/Parity: Stop Bits: Handshake Mode: Port Mode: 74.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration The Port Configuration menu offers the following options: 1. Port Name: (Up to 16 characters) Assigns a name to the port. (Default = undefined). 2. Password: (Up to 16 chars.) Defines the Port Password for this port. Note that identical Port Passwords are generally assigned to several ports. When this password is entered at the login prompt, the user will then have access to all ports that share this password. (Default = undefined).
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration PORT PARAMETERS #02 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Port Name: Password: Baud Rate: Bits/Parity: Stop Bits: Handshake Mode: Port Mode: 71. Reset String: 72. Init String: 73.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration 9. Logoff Character: Defines the Logoff Character for this port. The Logoff Character determines the command(s) or character(s) that must be issued at this port in order to disconnect from a second port (Resident Disconnect). (Default = ^X ([Ctrl] plus [X])). Note: When redefining the Logoff Character, make certain to select a character that does not normally occur in your data.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration 13. Command Echo: Enables or Disables the command echo for this port. (Default = On). 14. Accept Break: Determines whether the port will accept breaks received from the attached device, and pass them along to a connected port. When enabled, breaks received at this port will be passed to any port that this port is connected to, and sent along to the device connected to the other port.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Configuration To select common parameters for all APS RS-232 ports, proceed as follows: 1. Access the APS command mode. If the password prompt is displayed, key in your Supervisor Level Password. 2. At the command prompt, type /CP and press [Enter], the menu shown in Figure 5.3 will be displayed. 3.
6. The Status Screens The APS Status Screens display the connection status and communication parameters for the APS RS-232 ports. There are three different types of status screens; The Port Status Screen (/S), the Port Diagnostics Screen (/SD), and the Port Parameters Screens (/W). 6.1. The Port Status Screen (/S) The Port Status Screen lists the general status of the APS’s RS-232 ports.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide The Status Screens As shown in Figure 6.1, The Port Status Screen lists the following items. Note that the APS-8 Port Status Screen will show only eight ports, and the APS-4 Port Status Screen will show only four ports · Name: The user-defined name for each port. · Password: The user-defined password for each port. Note that actual passwords are not displayed; this column will read either “undefined” or “defined”.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide The Status Screens In User Mode, the Port Diagnostics Screen will display only the status of those ports that share the same Port Password that was entered at login. Ports that are protected by other passwords will not be displayed. As shown in Figure 6.2, the Port Diagnostics Screen lists the following items: · Port: The Port Number.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide The Status Screens PORT PARAMETERS #03: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Port Name: Password: Baud Rate: Bits/Parity: Stop Bits: Handshake Mode: Port Mode: 74.
7. Operation 7.1. Any-to-Any Mode Any-to-Any Mode Ports can be connected to other Any-to-Any, Passive, Buffer, or Modem Mode Ports by accessing Command Mode and issuing the /C Command. All ports can be configured for the Any-to-Any Mode. 7.1.1. Port Connection and Disconnection The APS provides communication between devices without the requirement that both devices use the same communication parameters. This allows you to connect devices that use dissimilar baud rates, parity, handshake, and etc.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Operation b) Third Party Connect: (Supervisor Mode Only) To connect any two ports (other than your resident port), type /C xx XX [Enter]. Where xx and XX are two port names or numbers. The APS will display the numbers of the two connected ports. Example: To connect Port 5 to Port 6, invoke the following command at a port with Supervisor Level command capability: /C 5 6 [Enter].
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Operation c) The /D command can specify both connected ports, or either of the two ports. For example, if Port 1 is your resident port, any of the following commands can be used to disconnect Port 3 from Port 4: /D 3 4 [Enter] or /D 3 [Enter] or /D 4 [Enter] 3. No Activity Timeout: Providing the Timeout feature is enabled at either connected port, the No Activity Timeout can disconnect Resident Ports, or Third Party Ports.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Operation 7. It is only necessary to enter enough letters of the port name to differentiate the Hunt Group ports from other ports. Type an asterisk (*) to represent the remaining characters in the port name. For example, to connect your resident port to the first available port in a group of ports named "SALES1", "SALES2", and "SALES3", the connect command can be invoked as /C S* [Enter], providing no other port names begin with the letter "S".
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Operation 7.3.1. Reading Data from Buffer Mode Ports To retrieve data from Buffer Mode Ports, you must first determine which port buffers contain data. To check port buffers for stored data, access the Command Mode and type /S [Enter] to display the Port Status Screen.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Operation 7.4. Modem Mode In addition to allowing data transfer, the Modem Mode also provides additional functions specifically related to modem communication. A Modem Mode Port can perform all functions normally available in Any-to-Any Mode. The Modem Mode is available to all APS RS232 ports.
8. Saving and Restoring Configuration Parameters After the APS has been properly configured, parameters can be downloaded and saved as an ASCII text file. Later, if the configuration is accidentally altered, the file with the saved parameters can be uploaded to automatically reconfigure the unit without the need to manually assign each parameter. Saved parameters can also be uploaded to other APS units. This allows rapid set-up when several units will be configured with the same parameters.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Saving and Restoring Configuration Parameters 8.2. Restoring Saved Parameters This section describes the procedure for using ProComm to send stored parameters to the APS. 1. Start your terminal emulation program and access the APS Command Mode; if the password prompt is displayed, enter the Supervisor Password. 2. Configure your terminal emulation program to upload an ASCII text file. 3. Upload the ASCII text file with the saved APS parameters.
9. Command Reference Guide 9.1. Command Conventions The commands described in this section conform to the following conventions: · Slash Character: Most APS commands begin with the Slash Character (/). · Apply Command to All Ports: When the asterisk character is entered as the argument of the /D command (Disconnect Port), or the /E command (Erase Buffer) the command will be applied to all ports. For example, to erase all port buffers, type /E * [Enter].
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Command Reference Guide 9.2. Command Response When commands are sent to the APS, the unit can respond with either verbose (English Text) or terse messages (numeric / abbreviated). The default message type for all ports can be set to either terse or verbose using SetUp Switch Six. After the unit is installed and configured, the port configuration command (/P) can specify an individual response format for each port.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Command Reference Guide 9.3.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Command Reference Guide 9.4. Command Set This Section provides more detailed information on all APS commands, sorted alphabetically by name. [Enter] Enter Command Mode In order to set parameters or connect ports, you must first access the command mode as described in Section 5.1. When the Command Mode is inactive (port asleep), the port will only respond when the [Enter] key is pressed without any characters preceding it.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide /C Command Reference Guide Connect Establishes a bi-directional connection between two ports. For more information and command line examples, please refer to Section 7.1. There are two different types of port connections: · Resident Connect: If the /C command specifies one port name or number, your resident port will be connected to the specified port.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide /D Command Reference Guide Third Party Disconnect Invoke the /D command at your resident port to disconnect two other ports. The /D command cannot be used to disconnect your resident port. To disconnect your resident port, issue the Resident Disconnect Sequence or wait for the Timeout Period to elapse (if enabled). Availability: Supervisor Only Format: /D[/Y] [x] [Enter] Where: /Y (Optional) suppresses the "Sure?" prompt.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide /F Command Reference Guide Set System Parameters Displays a menu which is used to define the Site ID message and Supervisor Password. When the Supervisor Password is defined, the APS will display a password prompt before allowing access to command mode. For more information, refer to Section 5.4. Note: Make certain to record your Supervisor Password for future reference.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide /P Command Reference Guide Set RS232 Port Parameters Displays a menu which allows the user to select options and parameters for the selected port. Section 5.5.3 describes the procedure for defining port parameters. Availability: Supervisor Only Format: /P [x] [Enter] Where x is the number or name of the port to be configured. If the port number or name is not specified, the APS will display the configuration menu for your resident port.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide /W Command Reference Guide Display Port Parameters (Who) Displays configuration of an individual port, but does not allow the user to change parameters. Ports with User Level command capability cannot display parameters for other ports. Normally, the Port Parameters screen will not include the Port Password. Note however, that when the Supervisor Mode is active, the /WP option can be used to display the password for the target port.
A. RS232 Port Interface Figure A.1: RS232 Port Interface DCD and DTR hardware lines function as follows: 1. When connected: a) If either port is set for Modem Mode, the DTR output at either port reflects the DCD input at the other end. b) If neither port is set for Modem Mode, DTR output is held high (active). 2. When not connected: a) If the port is set for Modem Mode, upon disconnect DTR output is pulsed for 0.5 seconds and then held high.
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Appendices B. Specifications RS232 Port Interface: Model APS-16: Sixteen (16) RS232 serial inputs use DB9 connectors configured as DTE ports. Model APS-8: Eight (8) RS232 serial inputs use DB9 connectors configured as DTE ports. Model APS-4: Four (4) RS232 serial inputs use DB9 connectors configured as DTE ports. Coding: Asynchronous, 7/8 bits ASCII. Parity: Even, Odd, None Stop Bits: 1 or 2. Data Rate: 300 to 115.2K bps (standard rates).
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide C. Appendices Customer Service Customer Service hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, PST, Monday through Friday. When calling, please be prepared to give the name and make of the unit, its serial number and a description of its symptoms. If the unit should need to be returned for factory repair it must be accompanied by a Return Authorization number from Customer Service.
Index A D AC Powered Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 DC Power Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Accept Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 DCD Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apx-1 ACTIVITY Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 DCE Devices Any-to-Any Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4, 5-6, 7-1 to 7-4 Application Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Asterisk Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Index L Local Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 R RDY Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Logoff Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 Reset String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7 Logoff Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8, 7-2, 9-6 Resident Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 M Modem Resident Disconnect Default Hang-Up String . . . .
APS Series - Asynchronous Port Switches, User's Guide Index T V Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apx-3 Verbose Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3, 5-8, 9-2 Terminal Block Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Voltage Selector Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2, 4-1 Terse Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3, 5-8, 9-2 Third Party Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 to 7-2 W Third Party Disconnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .