JLCooper gBOX User Manual

PDF

Document

gBOX

E t h e r n e t t o G P I I n t e r f a c e

U s e r s M a n u a l

gBOX, eBOX and eBOX I/O are trademarks of JLCooper Electronics. All other brand names are the property of their respective owners.

gBOX User’s Manual, Second Edition

Part Number 932126

(

(310) 322-9990

(310) 335-0110

www.jlcooper.com

T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s

Introduction ................................................................................... 4

Setup ............................................................................................... 5

Unpacking .................................................................................... 5

Connections ................................................................................. 5

Configuration ................................................................................. 7

Operating Modes ......................................................................... 7

Ethernet .................................................................................... 7

Serial ........................................................................................ 7

Expander .................................................................................. 7

Ethernet Interface ........................................................................ 8

Mode Selection ........................................................................ 8

Server Mode ............................................................................ 9

Client Mode ........................................................................... 10

Serial Interface .......................................................................... 11

Expander .................................................................................... 11 gBOX Security ........................................................................... 12

Technical Reference .................................................................... 13

Electrical Connections .............................................................. 13

Ethernet .................................................................................. 13

Serial ...................................................................................... 14

GPI Port Pinouts .................................................................... 16

GPI Port Circuitry Details ..................................................... 17

Using with eBOX I/O ................................................................. 19

Power ............................................................................................ 20

Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 21

Care and Service ....................................................................... 22

JLCooper Electronics Limited Warranty ................................. 23

Introduction

The gBOX is a general purpose interface box that converts up to

48 GPI (General Purpose Interface) inputs and outputs to

100/10baseT Ethernet or a serial interface. Up to 8 gBOXes may be slaved off a master gBOX to convert up to a total of 432 GPI inputs and outputs.

The gBOX communicates over standard TCP/IP which allows it be used with any host computer running any operating system that uses TCP/IP protocol. The gBOX can also be connected to other gBOXes to allow longer runs than traditional GPI cables. Since the gBOX uses TCP/IP, traffic can be routed over internal LANs, wireless LANs, MANs, WANs and even over the public Internet.

Unit configuration is accomplished using the rear panel DIP switches.

When the gBOX is outfitted with an Ethernet Interface (JLCooper p/n 920394) the unit functions as either a server or client. When configured as a server, it passively waits for client devices to connect to it. The device can be a computer or another gBOX configured as a client. When the gBOX is configured as a client, it will actively attempt to connect to the server gBOX. Once this is accomplished, the either gBOX will pass data received in the serial or GPI ports to the remote gBOX. If there is no data received in the gBOX, the gBOX will not send any TCP packets.

Setup

Unpacking

The gBOX package will contain the following items:

• gBOX

• Power Supply

• This Users Manual

• Four rubber feet

Connections

The gBOX connections are straightforward:

1. Plug the power supply into the gBOX.

2. Install an Ethernet or serial interface into the interface slot.

3. Connect Ethernet cable or serial cable to unit.

4. Connect GPI cables into GPI ports.

Pin Function

1 Ground

2 GPI 1

GPI 2

GPI 3

GPI 4

GPI 5

GPI 6

GPI 7

GPI 8

GPI 9

11 GPI 10

12 GPI 11

13 GPI 12

14 GPI 13

15 GPI 14

16 GPI 15

17 GPI 16

18 GPI 17

19 GPI 18

20 GPI 19

21 GPI 20

Pin Function

3 GPI 26

4 GPI 27

5 GPI 28

6 GPI 29

Ground

GPI 25

GPI 30

GPI 31

9 GPI 32

10 GPI 33

GPI 34

GPI 35

13 GPI 36

14 GPI 37

15 GPI 38

16 GPI 39

17 GPI 40

18 GPI 41

19 GPI 42

20 GPI 43

21 GPI 44

22 GPI 21

23 GPI 22

24 GPI 23

GPI 45

GPI 46

GPI 47

25 GPI 24 25 GPI 48

gBOX Master GPI In/Out Pinout

Configuration

Operating Modes

Ethernet

When the gBOX has an Ethernet Interface installed, it has two distinct modes of operation that are set by the rear panel DIP switches. The modes are:

• Server

• Client

The DIP switches are read only at power on so the gBOX must be power cycled for the changes to take effect.

Serial

When the gBOX has a serial Interface installed, it has just one distinct mode of operation. This is GPI to serial conversion.

Expander

When the gBOX has an Ethernet or serial interface installed, it is a master unit, which communicates directly with another master unit or a host computer.

When the gBOX does not have an interface installed, it becomes an Expander gBOX. An Expander gBOX adds 48 additional GPI

Inputs and Outputs to a Master gBOX. An Expander gBOX connects to a Master gBOX using an Expander cable plugged into one of the Expander ports on the rear panel. Up to 8 Expander gBOXes can be added to a master gBOX.

Ethernet Interface

When MCS-Ethernet Interface is installed, the rear panel DIP switches on the left side set the IP Address and behavior of the gBOX.

The rear panel DIP switches on the right side are currently not used and are ignored.

CONFIGURATION

1 2 3 4 5 6

Figure 1

Mode Selection

When DIP switch 5 on the left side is in the Off position, the gBOX behaves as a server. That is, the gBOX waits for a device such as a host computer or client gBOX to establish a connection to it. Conversely, when DIP switch 5 is in the On position, the gBOX behaves as a client. That is, the gBOX attempts to connect to a server device such as a server gBOX to establish a connection to it.

SW5 Mode

Off

Server

Client

Mode Selection of gBOX

Server Mode

In the Server Mode of operation, DIP Switches 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the left side set the IP address of the gBOX. The units IP address is set according to the table below.

SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4

Off

Left DIP Switch Settings

Note: The gBOX listens on TCP port 23.

192.168.254.102

192.168.254.104

192.168.254.106

192.168.254.108

192.168.254.110

192.168.254.112

192.168.254.114

192.168.254.116

10.0.0.128

10.0.0.130

10.0.0.132

172.16.0.128

172.16.0.130

Not used

User Setting

Client Mode

In the Client Mode of operation, DIP Switches 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the left side set the IP address of the gBOX. The units IP address is set according to the table below.

SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4

Off

192.168.254.103

192.168.254.105

192.168.254.107

192.168.254.109

192.168.254.111

192.168.254.113

192.168.254.115

192.168.254.117

10.0.0.129

10.0.0.131

10.0.0.133

172.16.0.129

172.16.0.131

Not used

User Setting

Left DIP Switch Settings

Note: The gBOX attempts to connect to TCP port 23 on the server.

Serial Interface

When the 920465 Standard RS-422 Interface Card or 920466

Standard RS-232 Interface Card is installed, the rear panel DIP switches on the left side set the serial port parity. The bitrate of the gBOX is fixed at 38400 bits/sec.

SW1 SW2

Off x

Off

No Parity

Odd Parity

Off On Even Parity x = Don’t Care

Serial Port Parity Settings

Expander

The gBOX can be daisy chained to allow one Ethernet or Serial connection to accommodate up to 432 GPI Inputs and Outputs.

When the rear panel slot is vacant, the gBOX assumes it is an expander unit and uses the rear panel DIP switches 1, 2 and 3 on the left side to set the expander ID. The expander ID as defined in the table below.

SW1 SW2 SW3

Off

Expander #1 (GPI 49-96)

Expander #2 (GPI 97-144)

Expander #3 (GPI 145-192)

Expander #4 (GPI 193-240)

Expander #5 (GPI 241-288)

Expander #6 (GPI 289-336)

Expander #7 (GPI 337-384)

Expander #8 (GPI 385-432)

gBOX Expander Unit Definition

gBOX Security

The gBOX contains a basic security mechanism that prevents unintended hosts or gBOXes from passing data through a secured gBOX. A gBOX can be protected with password that is set with the configuration utility. The password is stored in nonvolatile memory and, is read upon power up.

When password protection is enabled, the sending gBOX embeds the password in the transmitted IP packet. At the remote end, the receiving gBOX must have password protection enabled AND have a matching password.

The DIP switches are read only at power on so the gBOX must be power cycled for any changes to take effect.

This security mechanism is only used in gBOX Server and gBOX

Client modes. SW6 should be set to the off position when used in the GPI to Serial and GPI to Ethernet modes.

SW6

On Disable password protection

Off Enable password protection

Security Configuration

The effect of SW6 takes place immediately.

Note: If a gBOX has password protection is disabled; it will ignore the password and act on any packets sent to it.

Technical Reference

Electrical Connections

Ethernet

This gBOX port is just like Ethernet ports on a computer, to connect it to a hub, switch or router, use a straight through cable.

To connect it to another gBOX or computer, use a crossover cable.

The gBOX supports IEEE 802.3u clause 28 Auto-Negotiation that automatically senses the Ethernet port speed & duplex operation and chooses the highest performance settings.

In addition, four LEDs on the front panel that indicate various operating conditions of the Ethernet port. These LEDs are:

• Link

• 100BaseT activity

• 10BaseT activity

• Collision

Serial

When the 920466 Standard RS-232 Interface Card or the 920465

Standard RS-422 Interface Card is installed the unit is a simple

GPI to serial converter. The pinout of the serial interface is detailed in the table below.

Interface

Pin 1

Pin 2

Pin 3

Pin 4

Pin 5

Pin 6

Pin 7

Pin 8

Pin 9

RS-232C

not used

Transmit

Receive not used

Ground not used not used

RS-422A

“Mach” not used

Receive A

Transmit B

Ground not used

Ground

Receive B

RS-422A

“Host” not used

Transmit A

Receive B

Ground not used

Ground

Transmit B not used not used

Transmit A not used

Serial Port Pinout

Receive A not used

Serial port communications occurs with the following parameters:

• Bit rate: 38400 bits/sec

• Start bits: 1

• Data bits: 8

• Stop bits: 1

The parity of the serial port can be set on the leftmost set of DIP switches on the rear panel. The parity is set using the following table.

Switch 1 Switch 2 Parity

Down

Odd

Even

Up x None

Serial Port Parity Selection

X= Don’t Care

GPI Port Pinouts

The GPI ports on the rear of the gBOX are 25 pin D-sub connectors. The GPI In connector has 24 TTL/CMOS compatible inputs with internal pull-ups to +5 volts. The GPI Out connector has 24 TTL/CMOS compatible outputs. On both connectors, pin 1 is the ground reference and pins 2-25 are the GPI signals.

When gBOXes connected together in a client/server manner establish a connection, both client and server gBOXes will send the state of its GPI In ports to each other so it can be shown on the

GPI Out port on the remote gBOX. After that, changes to a GPI In port will cause a gBOX to send a GPI message to the remote gBOX. Additionally, the gBOXes will send a GPI message every

5 seconds to keep the connection alive and to refresh the state of the GPI outputs.

A packet is sent whenever a change to the GPI In is sensed. At present, it is sampled about every 20 milliseconds.

Byte1

Byte2

MSB

Pin 9 Pin 8 Pin 7 Pin 6 Pin 5 Pin 4 Pin 3

LSB

Pin 2

Pin 17 Pin 16 Pin 15 Pin 14 Pin 13 Pin 12 Pin 11 Pin 10

Byte3 Pin 25 Pin 24 Pin 23 Pin 22 Pin 21 Pin 20 Pin 19 Pin 18

gBOX GPI 1-24 In/Out Pinouts

Byte4

Byte5

Byte6

MSB

Pin 9 Pin 8 Pin 7 Pin 6 Pin 5 Pin 4 Pin 3

LSB

Pin 2

Pin 17 Pin 16 Pin 15 Pin 14 Pin 13 Pin 12 Pin 11 Pin 10

Pin 25 Pin 24 Pin 23 Pin 22 Pin 21 Pin 20 Pin 19 Pin 18

gBOX GPI 25-48 In/Out Pinouts

Pin 1 is ground.

GPI Port Circuitry Details

The gBOX GPI input and output circuits are detailed in the following section.

The inputs of the gBOX GPI ports are CMOS inputs. The input circuitry has a 4700 ohm pullup resistor to +5 volts as referenced to pin 1 of the GPI Input Port.

Note: Because the inputs are CMOS, the input voltage MUST be limited to voltage levels between 0 and 5 volts. If this is not possible, consider using the gBOX I/O.

5 Volts

4700Ω

74HC244

Detail of GPI Input

The internal pullup resistor insures that the input pin is set to a known state. The default state of the GPI Inputs is +5 volts or a logic state of ‘1’ in the GPI message bitmap. The internal pullup resistor also allows a simple switch or ‘dry contact’ to be connected between a GPI Input pin and ground as shown in the example below.

5 Volts

4700Ω

2 74HC244

GPI Input Example with Pushbutton Switch

The outputs of the gBOX GPI ports are also CMOS. The output signal is referenced to pin 1 of the GPI Output Port. The GPI

Outputs are rated to +/- 6mA. If this is not sufficient for your application, consider using the eBOX I/O.

Note: Because the inputs are CMOS, the output voltage MUST be limited to voltage levels between 0 and 5 volts. This can occur if driving a circuit that is powered by a voltage higher than 5 volts. If this is not possible, consider using the gBOX I/O.

74HC374

Detail of GPI Output

The example circuits below shows a GPI Output driving an LED.

5 Volts

74HC374 2

GPI Output Example #1 with LED

74HC374

GPI Output Example #2 with LED

eBOX I/O

Expansion

Cable Kit

GPI#

1-8

GPI#

9-16

GPI#

17-24

Using with eBOX I/O

The gBOX GPI inputs and outputs are CMOS compatible circuits.

The CMOS GPI inputs require that the input signals be 0 to 5 volts and referenced to ground. The CMOS GPI outputs can deliver 0 to

5 volts at up to +/- 6mA and referenced to ground.

In many cases, this will be compatible with your equipment.

However, in some cases, there will be the end user equipment may not be compatible with 0 to 5 volt requirements of the gBOX GPI inputs and outputs. In this case, the eBOX I/O must be used. Each eBOX I/O buffers 8 inputs and 8 outputs. The inputs are buffered with an optoisolators while the outputs are buffered with a dry relay contact.

The eBOX I/O comes with a pair of cables that allow you to connect it to a single eBOX I/O to a gBOX. Up to six eBOX I/Os can be used with a single gBOX. To connect two or three eBOX

I/Os to a single gBOX, you will need to order the optional eBOX

I/O Expansion Cable Kit, JLCooper part number EBOX-I/O-

EXPCAB. To connect four, five or six eBOX I/Os to a gBOX, you will need to order two optional eBOX I/O Expansion Cable Kits,

JLCooper part number EBOX-I/O-EXPCAB. eBOX I/O Expansion Cable Kits

19 eBOX I/O

Expansion

Cable Kit

GPI#

25-32

GPI#

33-40

GPI#

41-48

Power

The gBOX requires a 9 volt DC, center positive power supply capable of delivering at least 500 milliamps. The unit comes with a power supply appropriate for the country in which the unit was sold. If you need a power supply specific to your location, please contact your local distributor or JLCooper Electronics.

Location JLCooper Part Number

North America 561026-4

Europe 561026-4

Approved Power Supplies

Warning: Using a power supply other than the units specified in the above table can result in damage to the gBOX and/or other equipment, which is not covered by the JLCooper Factory Warranty.

Troubleshooting

If for some reason the gBOX does not give you the expected results, take a moment to do some investigating. The most important concept is that you have your gBOX connected properly as outlined in Installation and Use. Take a moment to double check your setup.

• What is the state of the DIP switches?

• Do the 10 red LEDs flash alternately at power up?

• Do the Link and 100 (or 10) LEDs light up?

• In any mode, can you ping it

(ping 192.168.254.102)?

• If you are using the password protection feature, is it enabled in both gBOXes?

• In normal client or server mode, can you communicate with it using the gBOX Configuration Utility?

• The ARP Cache in the host application may have the incorrect entry for the gBOX's IP address. Try clearing the

ARP cache (arp -d in Windows).

• In normal server mode, if you telnet to the gBOX, do you see a short packet of unprintable characters every 5 seconds as shown in the screenshot below?

If you are using the gBOX Configuration Utility, be sure to reboot the gBOX for the settings to take effect

A common problem is forgetting to turn the power switch on or turning the unit on after the software application has launched.

In addition, the JLCooper website ( www.jlcooper.com

) will contain up to date information on drivers, applications and troubleshooting.

If all else fails, you can contact the JLCooper Service Department at: [email protected]

Care and Service

If properly cared for, your gBOX should provide years of trouble free performance. While the gBOX is built in a rugged metal enclosure, please avoid dropping the gBOX.

Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not allow liquids, dust or other foreign matter to get inside the unit.

There are no user-serviceable parts in the gBOX. Please refer to the JLCooper Electronics Limited Factory Warranty on the last page for detailed warranty and service information.

JLCooper Electronics Limited Warranty

JLCooper Electronics ("JLCooper") warrants this product to be free of defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. This warranty is non-transferable and the benefits apply only to the original owner. Proof of purchase in the form of an itemized sales receipt is required for warranty coverage. To receive service under warranty, it is recommended that customers first submit a support request at: http://jlcooper.com/_php/support_request.php

Customers can also email JLCooper factory service ([email protected]) or call 310-322-9990 to obtain service instructions. Details, including specific model, serial number, date and place of purchase and a complete description of the problem will be required. If it is determined that the product needs to be returned to the factory for service, a Return Form will need to be completed and an RMA number will be issued. Please do not return products without first receiving an RMA number.

Upon issuance of return authorization, the product should be packed in the original shipping materials and shipped prepaid and insured to: Service Department, JLCooper Electronics, 142 Arena

Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. Please include the following: copy of the sales receipt, your name and address (no P.O. Boxes, please), a brief description of the problem, and any other related items discussed with the service department and considered necessary to evaluate the product or effect a repair. The return authorization number must be clearly written on the outside of the package.

JLCooper will at its option, without charge for parts or labor, either repair or replace the defective part(s) or unit. Carriage, insurance, customs duties, impounds, tariffs, taxes, surcharges, brokerage fees and other shipping costs are not covered by this warranty. JLCooper's normal repair turn around time at the factory is approximately 7 business days from receipt of product to return shipping. Your actual turn around time will also include return transit time.

Actual turn around time will vary depending upon many factors including the repeatability of the reported complaint, the availability of parts required for repair, the availability of related products needed to evaluate the product, etc. Priority services are available at additional cost. These should be discussed with the service technician at the time the return authorization is issued.

This warranty provides only the benefits specified and does not cover defects or repairs needed as result of acts beyond the control of JLCooper including but not limited to; abuse, failure to operate in accordance with the procedures outlined in this owner's manual; nor does it cover damage from accident, negligence, using incorrect power supply, modification, alteration, improper use, unauthorized servicing, tampering, ingress of foreign matter; nor for damage from natural or manmade events such as, but not limited to flooding, lightning, electrostatic discharge, tornadoes, earthquake, fire, etc.

THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER IMPLIED OR EXPRESS,

INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY,

IS LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN. JLCOOPER

HEREBY EXCLUDES INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT

NOT LIMITED TO: LOSS OF TIME, INCONVENIENCE, DELAY IN PERFORMANCE OF THIS

WARRANTY, THE LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT OR COMMERCIAL LOSS, AND FOR

BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY

APPLICABLE TO THIS PRODUCT. JLCOOPER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OR

LOSS RESULTING FROM THE NEGLIGENT OR INTENTIONAL ACTS OF THE SHIPPER OR

HIS CONTRACT AFFILIATES. THE CUSTOMER SHOULD CONTACT THE SHIPPER FOR

PROPER CLAIMS PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING

FROM SHIPMENT. THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

Hello! I am an AI chatbot specifically trained to assist you with the JLCooper gBOX User manual. I have thoroughly reviewed the document and can help you locate the exact information you need or explain the content in clear and simple terms. Whether you’re looking for guidance on specific features, troubleshooting steps, or general usage, feel free to ask your questions. The more details you provide about your concerns or needs, the more accurately and effectively I can assist you!