RocketPort

®

ISA

Hardware Installation

Introduction

This Hardware Installation document discusses the following information:

• Product overview

• RocketPort terminology

• Before installing the hardware

• Installing the hardware

• Interface overview

• Interface connectors and building loopback plugs

DB9

DB25

-

RJ45 or RJ11

• Setting ISA DIP switches

• Hardware specifications

• FCC notices

• Troubleshooting and creating diagnostics

• Contacting Technical Support

Product Overview

The RocketPort ISA series multiport serial card fits into the ISA or EISA slot of a personal computer, and uses a 36

MHz processor specifically designed to process asynchronous serial communications.

The RocketPort ISA series uses Application Specific

Integrated Circuits (ASICs) technology to replace most hardware components, including:

• The processor

• Serial controller

• Bus interface logic and other miscellaneous logic

To eliminate memory mapping conflicts, the RocketPort

ISA series is I/O mapped.

This Hardware Installation document discusses the following RocketPort ISA-bus serial controllers:

4*

4J

8**

8J

Name

Quadcable*

Octacable

16**

32**

Ports

4

4

4

8

8

8

16

32

Interface Type

Requires one 4-port interface box.

This model has four male RJ45 jacks on the mounting bracket. Cables are not included.

Includes a fanout cable with standard DB25 or DB9 connectors.

Requires one 8-port interface box.

This model has eight male RJ11 jacks on the mounting bracket. The

8J does not support NT RAS, as it lacks the full set of modem control lines. Cables are not included.

Includes a fanout cable with standard DB25, DB9, or RJ45 connectors.

Requires one 16-port DB25 connector interface box, or one

RM16-RJ45 Rack Mount interface box.

Requires two 16-port DB25 interface boxes, or two 16-port RM16-RJ45

Rack Mount interface boxes, or one

RM32-RJ45 Rack Mount interface box.

* Some 4-port models have the capability to be 8-port cards with an 8-port interface. Some drivers view the

4-port as an 8-port card.

** For interface information, see the RocketPort Interface

Overview

discussion.

All RocketPort ISA series interfaces support RS-232. There are also models available that support RS-422. You can install up to four RocketPort ISA cards in one PC, for a total of 128 additional serial ports, and you can install a combination of PCI-bus and ISA-bus RocketPort cards.

For driver installation, see the software installation and configuration documentation or the driver readme file for your operating system.

Note: Red underlined text denotes URL jumps.

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 1 of 9

RocketPort Terminology

For the purposes of the following discussions, these products are referred to as “RocketPort ISA” cards:

• RocketPort ISA-bus boards (any interface type including 4J, 8J, Quadcable, and Octacable)

• RocketPort 485

These products are referred to as “RocketPort PCI” cards:

• RocketPort PCI-bus boards (any interface type including 4J, Quadcable, and Octacable)

• RocketPort Plus

• RocketPort PCI 422

Before Installing the Hardware

Read this subsection:

• If you already have one or more RocketPort ISA cards installed in your system.

• If you plan to install a combination of RocketPort ISA and RocketPort PCI cards at this time.

Installing Both RocketPort ISA and PCI Cards:

You must complete installation of all RocketPort PCI cards before beginning to install any RocketPort ISA cards.

Explanation:

I/O addressing for RocketPort PCI cards is handled automatically by the computer’s BIOS when you first power up the computer after installing the cards.

I/O addresses for RocketPort ISA cards are set manually using DIP switches on the card. If you install an ISA card

before installing a RocketPort PCI card, the ISA card addressing may interfere with the computer’s ability to recognize the RocketPort PCI card which may prevent the

PCI card from functioning properly.

Additional Considerations:

If you are mixing RocketPort ISA and PCI cards, set the

DIP switches on the ISA cards so that the first ISA card that you install is the “first” card for I/O addressing purposes, even if it is physically the second, third, or fourth card that you install. See the Setting the DIP Switches discussion for switch information.

Installing the RocketPort Hardware

Hardware installation consists of:

• Configuring I/O addresses

• Installing the card in the system.

• Connecting the peripherals.

Note: After installing the hardware, you must install the device driver for your operating system.

Use the following procedure to install the card.

1.

If required, change the DIP switches (default is 180 hexadecimal) on the card to the desired settings. See the Setting the DIP Switches discussion towards the end of this Hardware Installation document.

Note: If you are installing PCI and ISA RocketPort cards, install the PCI cards and driver before installing and configuring the ISA cards. See the software installation and configuration documentation or the driver readme file for information.

2.

Turn off your computer.

3.

Remove the system cover.

4.

Select an ISA or EISA expansion slot.

Note: RocketPort ISA can be installed in an ISA or EISA slot. They are available on the Comtrol Software and

Documentation CD or at the Comtrol Web site ftp:// ftp.comtrol.com/rport/eisa_cfg/ directory.

5.

Remove the slot cover.

Note: You may want to write down the model number and serial number of the card before installation.

6.

Insert the card into the slot, seating it securely.

7.

Reinstall the expansion slot retaining screw.

Note: You may want to leave the system unit cover off until the driver is installed and running, in case you need to experiment with DIP switch settings.

8.

Attach the interface that came with your card using the appropriate procedure:

If installing a Quad/Octacable: a.

Attach the male end of the Quadcable or Octacable to the card. b.

Tighten the retaining screws.

Note: Quad and Octacable models support RS-232 exclusively.

c.

Go to Step 9 to complete the installation.

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 2 of 9

If installing a standard interface box: a.

Attach the male end of the RocketPort cable to the card and the female end to the connector labeled

Host on the interface box.

Note: The male DB25 port labeled Host is reserved for

Comtrol use and no user accessible signals are present at this port.

b.

Tighten the retaining screws.

Note: If you have a RocketPort 32, the connector labeled J1 corresponds to Ports 0—15 and the connector labeled J2 (closest to the bus) corresponds to Ports 16—31.

c.

If applicable, use the slide switches on the interface box to set each port to either RS-232 or RS-422.

d.

Go to Step 9 to complete the installation.

If installing a rack mount interface box:

The RM16-RJ45 and RM32-RJ45 are sturdy enough to allow you to stack several units on a shelf, or you can mount it directly into a rack.

Make sure that you have installed the RocketPort card or cards before connecting a rack mount interface. a.

Optionally:

place the unit on a stable surface, or

attach the L brackets to the interface using the screws supplied with the unit, and attach the L bracket into your rack

Note: You can mount the unit facing in either direction.

10. Use the software installation and configuration documentation or device driver readme file to install the driver to complete your installation.

Note: If installing on an EISA machine, you may need the

EISACFG files.

RocketPort Interface Overview

The RocketPort series provides several interface options:

Note: The ISA-only RocketPort 8J does not support NT

RAS, as it lacks the full set of modem control lines.

• Quadcable and Octacable fanout cables, which are available with the following configurations:

Quadcable DB25 and DB9.

Octacable DB25, DB9, and RJ45.

Octacable

DB9

Quadcable

DB25

Note: The RJ45 cable is not displayed.

• Standard interface boxes are available in several configurations:

RS-232 mode-only or switch-selectable RS-232/422; both models have female DB25 connectors.

Surge interface box that is switch-selectable

RS-232/422 with male DB25 connectors

32-Port b.

Optionally, for the RM16-RJ45, attach the 10-foot cable to the RM16-RJ45 interface or 3-foot cable to the RocketPort card, or attach the 3-foot and 10foot cables together.

Note: The cables are interchangeable. You may connect either or both cables depending upon the distance between the card and the rack. The maximum distance permitted between the interface box and card is 15 feet.

c.

Optionally, for the RM32-RJ45, attach the two cables to the card and the interface. The connector labeled J1 corresponds to Host A (Ports 0 - 15), and the connector labeled J2 (closest to the bus) corresponds to Host B (Ports 16 - 32).

Caution

Do not connect 16-port adapters located in different machines to the RM32-RJ45. It is possible to damage the interface and adapter card if the interface is connected to two PCs using separate line power sources.

9.

Connect your peripheral devices.

16-Port

8-Port

4-Port

Note: RS-422 supports up to 10 multidrop devices.

• Rack Mount Models are available with RJ45 connectors (back panels shown).

16 Port RS-232

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 3 of 9

16 Port RS-422

32 Port RS-232 with status LEDs. The yellow

LEDs show receiving activity. The green LEDs show transmitting activity.

• RocketPort 4J (RJ45) or 8J (RJ11):

8J

Port

5

6

3

4

7

0

1

2

4J

Port

0

1

2

3

DB9 Interface Connectors

There are Quadcable and Octacable models available with

DB9 connectors on a fanout cable.

DB9 Pinouts

Use this table and figure for information about the DB9 connectors used on the Quadcable and Octacable.

Pin 1 Pin 5 Pin 5 Pin 1

DB9 Male DB9 Female

Pin 6 Pin 9 Pin 9 Pin 6

Pin

7

8

5

6

3

4

1

2

DB9M RS-232 Signal

CD

RxD

TxD

DTR

Signal GND

DSR

RTS

CTS

Building DB9 Female Loopback Plugs

Loopback plugs are used with the diagnostics to test serial ports.

This loopback is used with the

Quadcable and Octacable. Wire the following pins together:

• Pins 1 to 4 to 6

• Pins 2 to 3

• Pins 7 to 8 to 9

Pin 1 Pin 5

Pin 6 Pin 9

RS-232 (Back View)

DB25 Interfaces

Use the following subsections for DB25 interface connectors. Standard interface boxes use female DB25 connectors, while the Surge interface box, Quadcable, and

Octacable fanouts use male connectors.

DB25 Pinouts

The following figures and table illustrate connector information for DB25 connectors.

DB25 Female

Pin 13 Pin 1

DB25 Male

Pin 1 Pin 13

Pin 25 Pin 14

Pin 14 Pin 25

Pin

9 to 14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21 to 24

25

7

8

5

6

3

4

1

2

RS-232 Signal RS-422 Signal

Not used

TxD

RxD

RTS

Not used

Not used*

Not used*

Not used*

CTS

DSR

Not used*

Not used*

Signal ground Signal ground*

DCD Not used*

Not used

Not used

Not used

Not used

Not used

Not used

DTR

Not used

Not used

Not used

RxD+

Not used

RxD-

Not used

TxD+

Not used*

Not used

TxD-

* All RS-232 signals are present in RS-422 mode. The

Quad/Octacables do not support RS-422 mode.

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 4 of 9

Building DB25 Female Loopback Plugs

Loopback plugs are used with the diagnostics to test serial ports.

Pin 1 Pin 13

This loopback is used with

Quadcable, Octacable, and the

Pin 14 Pin 25

RS-232 Only (Back View)

Surge interface boxes. Wire the following pins together for an RS-232 plug.

• Pins 2 to 3

• Pins 4 to 5 to 22

• Pins 6 to 8 to 20

Wire the following pins together for an RS-422 loopback plug (Surge interface box).

Pin 1

Pin 14

• Pins 15 to 19

• Pins 17 to 25

Pin 13

Pin 25

RS-422 Only (Back View)

Building DB25 Male Loopback Plugs

Loopback plugs are used with the diagnostics to test serial ports.

This loopback plug is used with the standard 8- and 16port DB25 interface boxes.

• Pins 2 to 3

• Pins 4 to 5 to 22

• Pins 6 to 8 to 20

Wire the following pins together for an RS-422 loopback plug.

• Pins 15 to 19

• Pins 17 to 25

Pin 13

Pin 25 Pin 14

RS-232 Only (Back View)

Pin 13

Pin 1

Pin 1

Pin 25 Pin 14

RS-422 Only (Back View)

RJ

Interfaces

The RocketPort 4J, an Octacable model, and the Rack mount interface box use RJ45 connectors. The RocketPort

8J uses an RJ11 connector.

RJ Pinouts

Use the following table and figures for pinout information on the RJ connectors used on the 4J, 8J, Octacable, and

Rack Mount interface boxes.

RJ45

Pin 1

Pin 8

Pin 1

Receptacle

Pin

7

8

5

6

3

4

1

2

RJ45

RS-232

RTS

DTR

RJ45

RS-422

TxD+

Not Used

Signal Ground Not Used*

TxD TxD-

RxD

DCD

DSR

CTS

RxD-

Not Used

Not Used

RxD+

RJ11

DTR

Signal Ground

TxD

RxD

DCD

CTS

N/A

N/A

* Pin 3 is tied to ground on the card, but it is not used in the cable.

Note: RJ11 connectors are standard telephone cables.

They appear similar to RJ45, but only have 6 pins.

Building RJ45/RJ11 Loopback Plugs

Loopback plugs are used with the diagnostics to test serial ports.

This RJ45 loopback is used with the

4J, Octacable, and Rack Mount interfaces.

1

Plug

Top View

8

• Pins 4 to 5

• Pins 1 to 8

• Pins 2 to 6 to 7

Cable

The 8J uses an RJ11 loopback, which looks similar but has this pin wiring:

• Pins 3 to 4

• Pins 1 to 5 to 6

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 5 of 9

Setting the DIP Switches

The RocketPort ISA card uses a DIP switch to set the base

I/O address range. The default value is 180 (hex). If you are installing more than one RocketPort card, or if you experience an I/O address conflict with another device, use the DIP switches to change the I/O address.

For example, if you install two RocketPort cards and are using the default address range:

Sample DIP Switch Settings

1st RocketPort

180 (hex)

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1st Card

2nd RocketPort

(Software address can be any unused I/O address)

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

2nd Card

The following table lists possible DIP switch settings. We recommend starting with the default settings and making changes only if the default values produce conflicts.

ON

First ISA Card DIP Switch Settings (see Notes)

100 - 143 hex

ON

140 - 183 hex

ON

180 - 1C3 hex

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

200 - 243 hex

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

240 - 283 hex

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

280 - 2C3 hex

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

300 - 343 hex

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

340 - 383 hex

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

380 - 3C3 hex

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Notes:

1. If installing a single RocketPort ISA card, set the DIP switches as shown in the table.

2. If installing two ISA cards, set the DIP switches on the second card the same as the switches on the first card,

EXCEPT SWITCH 5 OFF.

3. If installing three ISA cards, follow Note 2 for the second card, then set the DIP switches on the third card the same as the switches on the first card, EXCEPT

SWITCH 6 OFF.

4. If installing four ISA cards, follow Notes 2 and 3 for the second and third cards, then set the DIP switches on the fourth card the same as on the first card, EXCEPT

SWITCHES 5 AND 6 OFF.

Specifications

The following tables illustrate RocketPort conditions and specifications.

Value Environmental Condition

Air temperature:

System on

System off

Humidity (non-condensing):

System on

System off

Altitude

0 to 40 o

-20 to 85

C o C

8% to 80%

20% to 80%

0 to 10,000 feet

Electromagnetic Compliance

Emission:

Canadian EMC requirements

CISPR-22/EN55022 Class A

FCC PART 15: Class A

Immunity:

EN50082: 801-2 ESD, 801-3 RF,

801-4 FT

UL Recognized

Status

Yes

Yes

Yes

RocketPort ISA Card

Baud rate:

RS-232 DTE (4J, Quad/

Octacable models)

Specification

50 to 460.8K baud

(without interface box)

RS-232/422 (models with interface box)

50 to 230.4K baud

(with interface box)

Note: Baud rate is dependent upon hardware and operating system configuration.

Bus interface ISA

Note: EISA files are on the FTP site or Comtrol CD.

Control by device driver:

Data bits

Parity

Stop bits

Current consumption:

RocketPort 4

4J/8J/Quad/Octacable

RocketPort 8

RocketPort 16

32-Port

Dimensions:

4J/8J/Quad/Octacable

4/8/16-Port

32-Port

Heat output:

4/8-Port

4J/8J/Quad/Octacable

16-Port

32-Port

7 or 8

Odd, Even, None

1 or 2

+5V +12V -12V

700 mA 65 mA 80 mA

350 mA 100 mA 160 mA

700 mA 105 mA 115 mA

950 mA 210 mA 330 mA

1.9 A 420 mA 660 mA

6.25” by 4.2”

8.1” by 4.2”

13” by 4.2”

17.9 BTU/Hr

16.6 BTU/Hr

26.6 BTU/Hr

53.3 BTU/Hr

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 6 of 9

RocketPort ISA Card Specification

Note: Interface heat output is approximately 25% of this total.

I/O ports/expansion slot From 4 to 32

Interfaces:

All models

RS-232

With optional switch- selectable interface box

Interrupt (software

selectable)

Mean time between failures (MTBF):

4-Port, 8-Port

4J

Quad/Octacable

8J

16-Port (Standard)

16-Port (Rack)

32-Port

RocketPort cards/system

Surge protection with standard and rack mount interface boxes

RS-422

None, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15

78.5 Years

85.3 Years

28.8 Years

84.4 Years

56.4 Years

42.8 Years

33.6 Years

4

Provides ESD surge protection exceeding 10 KV.

Surge protection with Surge interface box

Meets standard EIA-232-E and provides ESD surge protection exceeding 25 KV.

Surge Interface Box Operating Specifications

Description Limit

Maximum surge current (8x20uS) 100 amps (total)

Capacitance <350pf

Clamping voltage

Clamping response time

30 volts

<5 nanoseconds

Transient energy (10/1000 MS)

Inductance

300 mJ

<1.5 nh

ESD withstand (surge-protection) 25KV

Interface Box

Type

RS-232 only,

8-Port

RS-232 only,

16-Port

RS-232

16-Port

(Rack Mount)

RS-422

16-Port

(Rack Mount)

Mounting

Dimensions

3.2” x 6.48”

3.0” x 6.17”

19” x 1.74” x 8.0”

(with brackets)

19” x 1.74” x 8.0”

(with brackets)

Overall

Dimensions

5.8” x 5.35” x 0.65”

5.8” x 8.5” x 0.65”

16.75” x 1.74” x

8.0”

(without brackets)

17.25” x 1.74” x

8.0”

(without brackets)

Interface Box

Type

RS-232

32-Port

(Rack Mount)

RS-232/422,

4-Port

RS-232/422,

8-Port

(All models)

RS-232/422,

16-Port

(All Models)

Mounting

Dimensions

19” x 1.74” x 8.0”

(with brackets)

Overall

Dimensions

17.25” x 1.74” x

8.0”

(without brackets)

3.2” x 6.48”

3.2” x 6.48”

3.0” x 6.48”

5.8” x 5.35” x 0.65”

5.8” x 5.35” x 0.65”

5.8” x 8.5” x 0.65”

FCC Notices

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital devices pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC

Rules.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Labeling Requirements (FCC 15.19)

This equipment complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Modifications (FCC 15.21)

Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Comtrol Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Serial Cables (FCC 15.27)

This equipment is certified for Class A operation when used with shielded cables.

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 7 of 9

Troubleshooting and Running Diagnostics

The first step to troubleshooting a problem is to determine that your RocketPort is functioning properly. To do so, you can create a bootable diskette.

You need two files to create a bootable floppy diagnostic diskette:

• The Rawrite utility that creates a bootable diagnostics diskette

• The diskette image file (*.i).

You can find both files on the Comtrol Software and

Documentation CD or download them from the ftp site.

Note: If you have the Comtrol Software and

Documentation CD, you can use the Quick Start

Card for procedures for your operating system.

Creating a Bootable Diagnostics Diskette

This discussion outlines how to create a bootable diagnostics diskette. You can use our Web site ftp:// ftp.comtrol.com/bootdiag.htm

to:

• Download the necessary files.

• Easily find specific procedures for your operating system to create the bootable diskette.

Diagnostics Overview

After you create a bootable diagnostic diskette, you can use the diagnostic program to:

• Confirm that the hardware is functioning.

• Determine resolutions to conflicts during installation.

• Provide you with the ability to stress test the cards.

For example, you may want to run the diagnostics overnight to evaluate a possible problem. You will need loopback plugs for each port that you want to stress test. If you need additional loopback plugs, you can use the appropriate Building Loopback Plugs discussion in this document to build additional loopback plugs.

Running the Diagnostics

You can run the diagnostics using one of the following methods:

• Execute the rocket.exe file on the diskette in a native

DOS environment.

Note: The diagnostic occasionally fails when running in

Windows MS-DOS

® windows.

• Boot the system from diagnostics diskette you created.

Use the following procedure to run the diagnostics:

1.

Restart your machine in DOS mode or insert the diagnostics diskette.

2.

Execute rocket.exe or start the machine.

The diagnostic starts automatically,

3.

Enter the appropriate letter for the base I/O range and

IRQ used for the first card.

Note: Only the first card requires that the I/O address matches the physical DIP switch setting. For each subsequent card, select any unused I/O address available in your system.

4.

Follow the remainder of the on-line instructions.

If the diagnostics did not pass you may want to use the following discussion to diagnose your problem.

Resolving Failures

If the diagnostics could not find the card:

• Make sure that you have entered the correct I/O base address and IRQ.

• Select a different unused I/O address (also reset the

DIP switch to the new selection).

• Turn off the power and reseat the card into the slot.

• Check for proper cable connections.

• Check for proper installation of the loopback plug.

Try running the diagnostics again. If they fail again, you

may have a bad port. Contact Technical Support

.

Technical Support

Comtrol has a staff of support technicians available to help you. Before you call, please have the following information available:

Item

Model number

Serial number

Interface type

I/O address and IRQ

Operating system type and release

Device driver version

PC make, model, and speed

List other devices in the PC and their addresses

Your System Information

Comtrol

Phone

Headquarters

(763) 494-4100

Europe

+44 (0)1869 323220

FAX (763) 494-4199 +44 (0)1869 323211

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

Web support

Web site

FTP site

Searchable Solution Database and FAQs www.comtrol.com

www.comtrol.co.uk

ftp.comtrol.com

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 8 of 9

Fourth Edition, March 20, 2001

Copyright © 1999 - 2001 Comtrol Corporation

All Rights Reserved.

RocketPort is a registered trademark of the Comtrol

Corporation. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the contents of this reference card or to the suitability of any Comtrol product for any particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without notice. Some software or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller for current product information.

2000044 Rev. E

RocketPort® ISA Hardware Installation 9 of 9