eBox
Ethernet to Serial & GPI Interface
Users Manual
eBox are trademarks of JLCooper Electronics. All other brand names are the
property of their respective owners.
eBox User’s Manual, First Edition (May 3, 2004)
Part Number 932nnn
2004 JLCooper Electronics, 142 Arena Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 USA
(310) 322-9990 ¬ (310) 335-0110 www.jlcooper.com
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Table of Contents
Introduction _________________________________________ 4
Setup _______________________________________________ 5
Unpacking ________________________________________ 5
Connections _______________________________________
Ethernet _________________________________________
Serial ___________________________________________
Serial Port Configuration _________________________
GPI ____________________________________________
5
5
6
6
7
Configuration _____________________________________
Operating Mode __________________________________
Mode Configuration _____________________________
Ebox Security ____________________________________
Security Configuration ___________________________
EBox IP Address__________________________________
IP Address Configuration _________________________
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
Technical Reference _________________________________ 10
Electrical Connections _____________________________ 10
Power _________________________________________ 10
Approved Power Supplies________________________ 10
Troubleshooting __________________________________ 10
Care and Service __________________________________ 11
3
Introduction
The eBox is a general purpose interface box that converts 4 serial
communication ports and 24 GPI (General Purpose Interface) inputs and outputs
to 100/10baseT Ethernet. The serial ports can be configured in the field to
appear as EIA/TIA RS-232E and CCITT V.28 or as EIA/TIA RS-422A, RS-423
and Federal Standards 1020 & 1030 ports. Additionally, the port direction can
be configured as DTE or DCE on each port independently.
The eBox communicates over standard TCP/IP which allows is be used with any
host computer running any operating system that uses TCP/IP protocol. The
eBox can also be connected to other eBoxes to allow longer runs than traditional
serial and GPI cables. Since the eBox uses TCP/IP, traffic can be routed over
internal LANs, wireless LANs, MANs, WANs and even over the public
Internet.
Most configuration can be accomplished through a web page server built into
the eBox. Items such as port speed, parity, IP address, remote IP address and
TCP port are set using a standard web browser. Settings are stored in
nonvolatile memory.
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Setup
Unpacking
The eBox package will contain the following items:
•
•
•
•
EBox
Power Supply
This Users Manual
Four rubber feet
Connections
The eBox connections are straightforward:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Plug the power supply into the eBox.
Plug a network cable into the Ethernet jack.
Connect serial cables into ports 1-4.
Connect GPI cables into GPI ports.
Ethernet
The eBox port is just like an Ethernet port on a computer, to
connect it to a hub, switch or router, use a straight through cable.
To connect it to another eBox or computer, use a crossover cable.
The eBox supports IEEE 802.3u clause 28 Auto-Negotiation which
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
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Serial
The four serial ports along the top of the rear panel are 9 pin D-Sub
connectors which can be configured for RS-232C or RS-422A
operation. In RS-422 mode, the eBox direction can be configured
to appear as a Controller or a Device. In RS-232 mode, the eBox
appears as a DCE or modem.
Mode
RS-232C
RS-422A
RS-422A
Direction
To Computer
To Deck
To Controller
SW1
On
Off
Off
SW2
X
On
Off
Pin 1
not used
not used
not used
Pin 2
Transmit
Receive A
Transmit A
Pin 3
Receive
Transmit B
Receive B
Pin 4
not used
Ground
Ground
Pin 5
Ground
Ground
Ground
Pin 6
not used
Ground
Ground
Pin 7
not used
Receive B
Transmit B
Pin 8
not used
Transmit A
Receive A
Pin 9
not used
not used
not used
X = Don’t Care
Serial Port Configuration
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GPI
The GPI ports on the rear of the eBox 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 eBoxes connected together in a client/server manner
establish a connection, both client and server eBoxes 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 eBox. After that, only changes to a GPI In
port will cause an eBox to send a GPI message to the remote eBox.
A packet is sent whenever a change to the GPI In is sensed. At
present, it is sampled about every 20 milliseconds. This can be
changed via the configuration web page.
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Configuration
Operating Mode
The eBox has 3 different modes of operation which are set by the
rear panel DIP switches. The DIP switches are read only at power
on so the eBox must be power cycled for the changes to take
effect.
SW8
SW7
On
X
Off
Off
Off
On
X = Don’t Care
Access web page at 192.168.254.102
eBox is server at address specified on next page
eBox is client at address specified on next page
Mode Configuration
Ebox Security
The eBox contains a simple security mechanism that prevents
unintended hosts or eBoxes from accessing a secured eBox. An
eBox can be protected with password that is set on the
configuration web page. The password is stored in nonvolatile
memory and, is read upon power up.
When password protection is enabled, the eBox embeds the
password in the transmitted IP packet. At the remote end, the
receiving eBox must have password protection enabled AND have
a matching password.
SW6
On
Off
Disable password protection
Enable password protection
Security Configuration
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EBox IP Address
The IP address of the eBox can be set by the rear panel DIP
switches or by the internal web page. As above, the DIP switches
are read only at power on so the eBox must be power cycled for
the changes to take effect.
SW1
SW2
SW3
SW4
Mode
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
On
On
On
On
On
On
On
On
Off
Off
Off
Off
On
On
On
On
Off
Off
Off
Off
On
On
On
On
Off
Off
On
On
Off
Off
On
On
Off
Off
On
On
Off
Off
On
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Server
Client
Server
Client
Server
Client
Server
Client
Server
Client
Server
Client
Server
Client
Server
Client
IP Address
192.168.254.102
23
192.168.254.103
23
192.168.254.104
23
192.168.254.105
23
192.168.254.106
23
192.168.254.107
23
10.0.0.128
23
10.0.0.129
23
10.0.0.130
23
10.0.0.131
23
10.0.0.132
23
10.0.0.133
23
172.16.0.128
23
172.16.0.129
23
Set on web page
Set on web page
IP Address Configuration
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Port
Technical Reference
Electrical Connections
Power
The MIDI version of the eBox requires a 9 volt DC 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
Europe
PSDC117
PSDC230
Approved Power Supplies
Warning: Using a power supply other than the units specified in the
above table can result in damage to the eBox and/or other equipment
which is not covered by the JLCooper Factory Warranty.
Troubleshooting
If for some reason the eBox does not give you the expected results,
take a moment to do some investigating. The most important
concept is that you have your eBox connected properly as outlined
in Installation and Use. Take a moment to double check your
setup.
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.
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If all else fails, you can contact the JLCooper Service Department
at: [email protected].
Care and Service
If properly cared for, your eBox should provide years of
troublefree performance. While the eBox is built in a rugged metal
enclosure, please avoid dropping the eBox.
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 eBox. Please refer to the
JLCooper Electronics Limited Factory Warranty on the following
page for detailed warranty and service information.
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JLCooper Electronics Limited Factory 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 this warranty, customers in the United States should contact the
JLCooper factory at (310) 322-9990 and talk to a service technician. If necessary, a
Return Authorization number may be issued. For our customers outside the United States,
it is recommended that you first contact your Dealer or Distributor, since they may offer
their own service or support policy. If local support is not obtainable, please send a FAX
to JLCooper's Service Department at +1 310 335 0110 with a detailed description of the
service required. 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. Shipping costs are not covered by this warranty. JLCooper's normal repair
turn around time at the factory is approximately 15 business days from receipt of product
to shipping. Your actual turn around time will include return shipping. Actual turn around
time will vary depending upon many factors including the repeatability of the customer's
reported complaint, the availability of parts required for repair, the availability of related
products needed to evaluate the product if necessary. 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, damage by accident/negligence, damage from using
incorrect power supply, modification, alteration, improper use, unauthorized servicing,
tampering, or failure to operate in accordance with the procedures outlined in the owner's
manual; nor for natural or man-made events such as, but not limited to flooding,
lightning, tornadoes, earthquake, fire, civil unrest, war, terrorism, 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 GOVERENED BY THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
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